2013 How-To by Fairbanks Daily News-Miner

20 13

HOW-TO

GUIDE

Discover the secret behind services, products and getting things done

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

INDEX Inside this guide find tips on how to ... ... choose a delivery service Page 2 ... choose an auto repair shop Page 5 ... choose an eye doctor Page 6 ... choose a tax professional Page 8 ... save on heating costs Page 11 ... choose a used car dealer Page 12 ... choose a tire shop Page 14 ... choose a decking company Page 16 ... select the right caterer Page 19 ... choose kitchen and bath design Page 20 ... start a small business Page 22 ... choose the best cuts of meat Page 23 ... understand the opera Page 25 ... successfully implement a smoke-free workplace Page 26 ... choose a veterinarian Page 29 ... know when it’s time for a new car Page 31

How to choose a delivery service Read reviews of the service on the Internet. Call the Better Business Bureau to ask about any complaints against the company.

As the pioneers settled the United States, they found it necessary to move packages from one location to the next. That’s why in 1775, the Second Continental Congress created the United States Postal Service. Today, the United States Postal Service employs more than 574,000 workers who drive 218,000 vehicles delivering packages to homes and businesses. The second largest delivery service is UPS, which delivers more than 15 million packages per day. The company serves more than 220 countries each day. The company was started in 1907 by James E. Casey as the American Messenger Company. The third largest delivery service is FedEx with its 42,000 delivery vans and trucks. In the United States, they drive more than 2 million miles each day. Frederick Smith conceived the idea for the company as a student at Yale University. Whether you want to deal with one of these three big providers or a smaller company, there are key steps you should consider.

Convenience Since business happens all the time — even after hours and on weekends — you need to consider whether a delivery company is able to work around your schedule. Delivery services ought to make your job easy. The best companies will go out of their way to make sure you have a good, trouble-free experience. It’s a good idea to look for a delivery company that offers after-hours service for those times when you might need it. This typically will cost more, but convenience and speed will make it necessary for your most critical deliveries.

Pricing

Delivery options The first question that a person hiring a delivery company should ask is about delivery options. Most companies offer a wide range of delivery options, including same day delivery and overnight delivery. When hiring a company it is important to know when the company will deliver your package and the consequences if they fail to do so.

Reputation The second question a person will want to consider is the reputation of the com-

pany. It is important that you give your package to a company you can trust. Any delivery service should be willing to furnish you a list of satisfied customers in your area. You also should ask about what type of insurance is included with the shipment or if it can be purchased separately. Many shipments have great value. Know how to insure the package and how to collect on the insurance if necessary.

Finally, you should ask whether the company is bonded. Bonding assures the customer in the unlikely event that an employee tries to steal your package.

Reliability Look for a delivery service with a long track record and lots of happy clients. It helps to have some inside information from friends or co-workers about what services they use, so ask around.

Prices matter, of course, but for a delivery service, it ought to be fairly low on your priority list. As long as their prices aren’t extremely out of line, it’s worth it to pay a few extra pennies or dollars for a company that meets your needs. Delivery services typically are too mission-critical to pinch pennies. If you end up going with a cheaper service that leaves a bad impression with your customers or can’t deliver a critical package on time, you’re ultimately going to lose money. It’s not worth the risk. All delivery services are not created equal. The lowest price is often not your best deal. Make sure you study your options before shipping that next package.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

University Chevron is your AAA Approved “one-stop” auto repair, auto maintenance and refueling facility in Fairbanks, Alaska. Family owned and operated since 1977, we are here to provide you with TOP Quality Auto Repair, Service and Maintenance for your personal car or truck. Our ASE Master Technicians are experts on brakes, frontend alignments, electrical systems, engine diagnostics, tire service, winterizing, and everything in between for auto repairs and auto maintenance.

Good Old-Fashioned Customer Service UNIVERSITY CHEVRON is a modern auto repair shop with good old-fashioned customer service. We use the latest computer hardware and software to diagnose your vehicle. Training is a priority with us so that we can stay abreast of the industry’s fast-occurring technical changes. Our highly trained service advisors are committed to listening to you and are ready to answer all your questions and plan your auto repair service.

One-Stop Automotive Maintenance and Repair We make your auto repair & service experience hassle-free. We are happy to offer early bird and night-owl drop-box service and local shuttle services to your home or office At University Chevron, we know how busy you are and want to help keep your vehicle in top condition. We offer free auto repair and maintenance service reminders--when it’s time for service or maintenance, we remember for you! University Chevron performs the following auto repair and maintenance services on most makes and models of cars and light trucks: • Alignments & Alignment checks • All Fluid flushes • Brakes • Clutches • Engine diagnostics and drive-ability • Exhaust & mufflers • Major engine repairs • Manufacturer’s Recommended Services • Vehicle Inspections • No-starts and Electrical problems • Pre-purchase inspections • Routine Maintenance Services • Shocks & Struts • Steering, Suspension and Front End Work • Tire service & sales • Tune-ups • Winterize / Summerize

We are proud to be a NAPA AutoCare Center and auto repair facility. You’ll be glad you trusted your automotive maintenance and vehicle repair needs to UNIVERSITY CHEVRON in beautiful Fairbanks, Alaska

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Call Us Today! Give us a call and you’ll see why our customers refer us to their friends and keep coming back for quality, profession and friendly auto repair and auto maintenance. Would you like to know more about your vehicle and it’s operation? How about why we are recommending the parts and services we do? At the following link, you will get detailed information that can help you with making informed decisions on your repairs and maintenance needs: info.universitychevron.com. We’ll treat you right at UNIVERSITY CHEVRON!

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose an auto repair shop No one likes to think about needing an auto repair shop, but selecting a good one is like having health insurance: You hope you never need it, but you have it “just in case.” When it comes to cars, all vehicles eventually will require repairs or service. You could even say three things in life are certain: death, taxes and car repairs. Having an existing relationship with an auto repair shop will save time and hassle when your car needs an immediate repair. If you’re not sure how to build a good working relationship with a shop, try taking your car in for regular tuneups and maintenance; a wellcared-for car will run longer and more smoothly, as well as incur lower operating and service costs. Some things to keep in mind when searching for an auto repair shop: • Less than 40 percent of new auto shop customers are walk-ins. Most people are referred by friends, relatives, or co-workers. If you haven’t received any recommendations, make sure you ask your prospective auto shop for references. • The Better Business Bureau can help you determine whether the repair shop’s performance and reliability measure up to the industry standards for expertise and professionalism. • If you travel often, look for an auto repair shop that offers a national warranty. For instance, a warranty of 12,000 miles or 12 months is handy for repetitive issues. • Check the shop’s range of services and whether the shop has the latest technologies to properly diagnose problems with newer cars. For example, can your prospective shop handle brake systems, electrical components, and warranty repairs? Do they provide a loaner, rental car, or

shuttle service while your car is being repaired? • Look for a good customer satisfaction policy, good condition equipment and lighting, and cleanliness and organization. These factors all contribute to the level of professionalism, to gaining customers’ trust and to optimal service. • Look for brand names and proper certification. Does the auto repair shop use brand-name parts? These parts are engineered to meet the manufacturer’s specifications and likely will come with a warranty. Are the auto technicians certified by a specific car manufacturer, the National Institute for Automotive Services, or Automotive Science Excellence? Is the shop

approved by the American Automobile Association? If so, this indicates a customer approval rating of 90 percent or better and the ability to

compare the usual services and fees of each shop to familiarize yourself with average price ranges. Don’t select a shop based purely on lower prices; shoddy service or poor quality parts can mean more repairs and higher costs in the long run. After you’ve chosen a facility, try to establish a good working relationship with the mechanic. Since your car needs preventive maintenance anyway, take it to your new mechanic for a trial run such as an oil change or air conditioning check. adequately perform the serSome services might be vices they advertise. offered free of charge; these • Whether you are considcan provide you with a good ering a big name franchise or idea of the service you will an independently owned shop, receive.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose an eye doctor Are street signs or the newspaper looking a little fuzzy these days? It’s probably time to see an eye doctor. If you’ve never been before, choosing an eye doctor can be a bit daunting. There are several kinds of eye care experts with a lot of different specialties. To help guide you, here are some things to consider when selecting an eye doctor.

With the advent of social media and online access to professional licensure, it is important to note the doctor’s reputation within the community and what other people think about the provider in question.

Finding an eye doctor If you’ve never seen an eye doctor before, how do you find one? Start with: • Ask for recommendations from your family doctor (or pediatrician). Your doctor will have the names of eye doctors in the area. He or she may have a sense of who would be a good fit for you or your young children.

• Do you take my insurance? This is really important, though you should ask before making your appointment. • What are your credentials? With the advent of social media and online access to professional licensure, it is important to note the doctor’s reputation within the community and what other people think about the provider in question.

• Talk to your family, friends and co-workers. Think of everyone you know who wears glasses and/or contact lenses; they all have eye doctors. • Seek information from different medical organizations. The websites of the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology both offer ways to find local eye doctors.

Assessing an eye doctor After your appointment, ask yourself some questions. • Did you have to wait a long time to be seen? If you did, you might want to ask the office staff about the average waiting time before appointments.

Questions to ask an eye doctor • What type of eye doctor are you? There are two types of eye doctors, optometrists and ophthalmologists. There is a lot of overlap in the services they offer. What is the difference? Optometrists, also known as ODs, are doctors of optometry. They have medical training and are specialists in the diagnosis and treatment of eye related diseases. They offer comprehensive medical care for the eye, but do not perform surgery. Ophthalmologists, also known as MDs, are doctors of ophthalmology. They also have medical training but specialize primarily in the surgical

• Did the exam feel thorough? If you feel like the doctor was rushing you, that’s not a good sign.

aspect of eye care. • Is one better than the other? No. It just depends on your eye care needs. • How long have you been in practice? Experience does matter

to some extent. An eye doctor may be better at diagnosing your problem simply because he or she has seen more patients. Make sure your eye doctor has experience treating the condition for which you are being seen.

• Did the doctor take the time to listen to your questions and answer them clearly? This is really important. If you don’t like your eye doctor, you’ll be less likely to get yearly check up’s and that’s not good for your health. If the doctor didn’t meet your expectations, don’t be afraid to try someone else. Your eye health is an important key for a long and healthy life. It is worth the effort to take the time to find and eye doctor you trust.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

WEST VALLEY VISION CENTER, INC. Do your eyes water outside in the cold air? Does your vision fluctuate while you’re on your computer? Do your eyes feel gritty, itchy, and dry? You could have dry eyes. Tear production naturally decreases with age. The volume of tears can be as much as 60% less at 65 than at 18. Medications like decongestants, antihistamines, diuretics, heart disease and ulcer medications, antidepressants, and drugs containing beta blockers can also cause dry eyes. Environmental factors like sun, wind, dry or cold air can also have an effect. West Valley Vision Center can help, in the Ridgeview Business Park off Chena Pump.

Now an Accredited Dry Eye Center than 5% of the DED patient population has been diagnosed and is being treated, according to Healthcare Maintenance Organizations data. In its mild to moderate forms, it can impact vision West Valley Vision Center, Inc. has installed a TearLab® Osmolarity System and its staff has been fully trained on the use of this breakthrough technology. The center is one of the first in the Fairbanks area to be able to provide TearLab testing for Dry Eye Disease (“DED”). DED is a common condition in which the eye does not produce enough tears to keep the surface of the eye sufficiently lubricated. It affects approximately 40 million people in the U.S. and 100 million people worldwide. In the U.S., less

The TearLab Osmolarity System uses a novel lab-on-a-chip approach to measure tear osmolarity and can produce a sample-to-answer result in less than 30 seconds. TearLab eliminates the challenges that previously prevented accurate pointof-care testing for osmolarity.

and the ability to go about daily activities. In its more severe forms, DED can lead to permanent loss of vision.

West Valley Vision Center, Inc. 570 Riverstone Way, Suite 3 www.akwestvalleyvision.com

12406549-1-30-13HTG

479-4700

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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3ĚŽƵďƚ͕3ĐŽŶƚĂĐƚ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƐƚĂƚĞ͛Ɛ3ďŽĂƌĚ3ŽĨ3 Ă3 ĐĐŽƵŶƚĂŶĐǇ3Žƌ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƐƚĂƚĞ3ďĂƌ3 3ĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƚŝŽŶ͛Ɛ3ƚĂǆ3ůĂǁǇĞƌƐ3ƚŽ3ŝŶƋƵŝƌĞ3ŝŶƚŽ3 3ƚŚĞ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ͛Ɛ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ƌĞĐŽƌĚ͘ 343ůĞŐŝƚŝŵĂƚĞ3ĂŶĚ3ƌĞƉƵƚĂďůĞ3 3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ3ƐŚŽƵůĚ3ŚĂǀĞ͗ 3ͻ34Ŷ3ĂĨĨŝůŝĂƚŝŽŶ3ǁŝƚŚ3ĂŶ3ŽƌŐĂŶŝǌĂƚŝŽŶ3 3ƌĞƋƵŝƌŝŶŐ3ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵŝŶŐ3ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ 3ͻ343ĨĞĞ3ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞ3ďĂƐĞĚ3ŽŶ3ƚŚĞ3 3ĐŽŵƉůĞǆŝƚǇ3ŽĨ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ 3ͻ343ǁŝůůŝŶŐŶĞƐƐ3ƚŽ3ĂŶƐǁĞƌ3Ăůů3ŽĨ3ǇŽƵƌ3 3ƋƵĞƐƚŝŽŶƐ 3ͻ34ǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚǇ3ĞǆƚĞŶĚŝŶŐ3ďĞǇŽŶĚ3ƚŚĞ3 3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ3ĂŶĚ3ĨŝůŝŶŐ3ŽĨ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3 3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ 3ͻ3&ĂŵŝůŝĂƌŝƚǇ3ǁŝƚŚ3ƚŚĞ3ƚĂǆ3ůĂǁƐ3ŽĨ3 3ĞĂĐŚ3ƐƚĂƚĞ3ŝŶ3ǁŚŝĐŚ3ǇŽƵ3ĨŝůĞ3Ă3 3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ 3ͻ33&ĂŵŝůŝĂƌŝƚǇ3ǁŝƚŚ3ĂŶǇ3ƐƉĞĐŝĂů3 3ĐŝƌĐƵŵƐƚĂŶĐĞƐ3ƚŚĂƚ3ŵĂǇ3ĂƉƉůǇ3ƚŽ3ǇŽƵ 3ͻ343ǁŝůůŝŶŐŶĞƐƐ3ƚŽ3ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ3ĂŶ3 3ŝƚĞŵŝǌĞĚ3ůŝƐƚ3ŽĨ3ĂŶǇ3ũƵĚŐŵĞŶƚ3ĐĂůůƐ3ŝƚ3 3ŚĂƐ3ŵĂĚĞ3ĂŶĚ3ĂƚƚĂĐŚ3ŝƚ3ƚŽ3ǇŽƵƌ3ĐŽƉǇ3 3ŽĨ3ƚŚĞ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ 3ͻ343ǁŝůůŝŶŐŶĞƐƐ3ƚŽ3ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞ3ĂŶ3ŝŶͲƉĞƌƐŽŶ3 3ƌĞǀŝĞǁ3ŽĨ3ĂŶǇ3ĞǆƉĞĐƚĞĚ3ƌĞĨƵŶĚƐ3 3ǁŝƚŚ3ƚŚĞ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ͘ 3tĂƌŶŝŶŐ3ƐŝŐŶƐ3ŽĨ3Ă3ĚŝƐƌĞƉƵƚĂďůĞ3ƚĂǆ3 Ɖ 3 ƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ3ŵĂǇ3ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ ͻ3 3 ůĂŝŵƐ3ƚŚĂƚ3ƚŚĞǇ3ĐĂŶ3ŽďƚĂŝŶ3ůĂƌŐĞƌ3 3ƌĞĨƵŶĚƐ3ƚŚĂŶ3ƚŚĞŝƌ3ĐŽŵƉĞƚŝƚŽƌƐ 3ͻ3'ƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞƐ3ŽĨ3Ă3ƌĞĨƵŶĚ3ƵƉ3ĨƌŽŶƚ ͻ3 343ƌĞƋƵĞƐƚ3ĨŽƌ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƐŝŐŶĂƚƵƌĞ3ŽŶ3Ă3 3ďůĂŶŬ3ƚĂǆ3ĨŽƌŵ ͻ3 34Ŷ3ƵŶǁŝůůŝŶŐŶĞƐƐ3ƚŽ3ƐŝŐŶ3Ă3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ͕3 Ŭ3 ŶŽǁŶ3ĂƐ3͞ŐŚŽƐƚ͟3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ͘ z3 ŽƵ3ŶĞĞĚ3ƚŽ3ĚŝƐĐƵƐƐ3ǇŽƵƌ3ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů3 3ƐŝƚƵĂƚŝŽŶ3ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚůǇ3ǁŝƚŚ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3 3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ3ǇŽƵƌ3 3ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů3ĂŶĚ3ůĞŐĂů3ƐƚĂƚƵƐ3ŝƐ3Ăƚ3ƐƚĂŬĞ͘3,ŝƌĞ3 3ŽŶůǇ3ƚŚĞ3ŽŶĞ3ǁŚŽ3ďĞƐƚ3ŵĞĞƚƐ3ǇŽƵƌ3ŶĞĞĚƐ3 3ĂŶĚ3ǁŚŽ3ŚĂƐ3Ă3ƉƌŽǀĞŶ3ƚƌĂĐŬ3ƌĞĐŽƌĚ3ŽĨ3 3ĐŽŵƉĞƚĞŶĐĞ͕3Ă3ƐƚĞƌůŝŶŐ3ƌĞƉƵƚĂƚŝŽŶ͕3ĂŶĚ3 3ĂŶ3ĂƚƚŝƚƵĚĞ3ŽĨ3ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ3ƚŽǁĂƌĚ3ŚŝƐ3ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͘3 3dŚĞ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ3ƐŚŽƵůĚ3ďĞ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞĚ3ƚŽ3 3ƐƚĂŶĚ3ďĞŚŝŶĚ3ŚŝƐ3ǁŽƌŬ3ĂŶĚ3ďĞƐŝĚĞ3ǇŽƵ3ŝĨ3 3ǇŽƵ3ĞǀĞƌ3ŶĞĞĚ3ƚŽ3ĂƉƉĞĂƌ3ĨŽƌ3ĂŶ3/Z^3ĂƵĚŝƚ͘

11407732A-1-30-13HTG

3dĂǆ3ĐŽĚĞƐ3ĂƌĞ3ďĞĐŽŵŝŶŐ3ŵŽƌĞ3 Đ3 ŽŵƉůĞǆ3ĞǀĞƌǇ3ǇĞĂƌ͘34Ɛ3Ă3ƌĞƐƵůƚ͕3 3ŵŽƌĞ3ƉĞŽƉůĞ3ĂƌĞ3ƚƵƌŶŝŶŐ3ƚŽ3 3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ3 3ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ3ǁŚĞŶ3ĨŝůŝŶŐ3ƚŚĞŝƌ3ƋƵĂƌƚĞƌůǇ3 3Žƌ3ǇĞĂƌůǇ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶƐ͘3zŽƵ3ŵĂǇ3ďĞ3 3ĐŽŶƐŝĚĞƌŝŶŐ3ũŽŝŶŝŶŐ3ƚŚĞŝƌ3ƌĂŶŬƐ͘ 3 ŚŽŽƐĞ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ3ǁŝƐĞůǇ͘3 3 ŵƉůŽǇŝŶŐ3ŽŶĞ3ĐĂŶ3ƐĂǀĞ3ǇŽƵ3Ă3ůŽƚ3ŽĨ3 3ƚŝŵĞ3ďƵƚ3ƐĞůĞĐƚŝŶŐ3Ă3ŐŽŽĚ3ŽŶĞ3 3ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞƐ3ƐŽŵĞ3ƐůĞƵƚŚŝŶŐ3ŽŶ3ǇŽƵƌ3 3ƉĂƌƚ͘3zŽƵƌ3ŵŽŶĞǇ3ĂŶĚ3ƌĞƉƵƚĂƚŝŽŶ3 3ĂƌĞ3ŽŶ3ƚŚĞ3ůŝŶĞ͘ 3tĞ͛ƌĞ3ƵƐĞĚ3ƚŽ3ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ3Ăƚ3ƚŚĞ3/Z^3 3ĂƐ3ďĞŝŶŐ3ƚŚĞ3ĂĚǀĞƌƐĂƌǇ͘3,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕3 3ƚŚĞǇ3ĂƌĞ3ƚŚĞ3ĨŝƌƐƚ3ŽŶĞƐ3ƚŽ3ƵƌŐĞ3ƚŚĞ3 3ƵƐĞ3ŽĨ3ĐĂƌĞ3ĂŶĚ3ĐĂƵƚŝŽŶ3ǁŚĞŶ3 3ĐŚŽŽƐŝŶŐ3Ă3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů͘3hƐŝŶŐ3Ă3 3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ3ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ3ĚŽĞƐ3ŶŽƚ3 3ĂďƐŽůǀĞ3ǇŽƵ3ŽĨ3ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚǇ3ĨŽƌ3 3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ͘ 3dŚĞ3ŵĂũŽƌŝƚǇ3ŽĨ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ƚĂǆ3 3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌƐ3ĂƌĞ3ŚŽŶĞƐƚ3ĂŶĚ3ƌĞůŝĂďůĞ͕3 3ƉƌŽǀŝĚŝŶŐ3ĞǆĐĞůůĞŶƚ3ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ3ƚŽ3ƚŚĞŝƌ3 3ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ͘3hŶĨŽƌƚƵŶĂƚĞůǇ͕3ƚŚĞƌĞ3ĂƌĞ3ƚŚŽƐĞ3 3ǁŚŽ3ĂƌĞ3ůĞƐƐ3ƚŚĂŶ3ƐĐƌƵƉƵůŽƵƐ͕3ĐĂƵƐŝŶŐ3 3ƚŚĞŝƌ3ĐůŝĞŶƚƐ3ƵŶŝŵĂŐŝŶĂďůĞ3ůĞŐĂů3ĂŶĚ3 3ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů3ĚŝĨĨŝĐƵůƚŝĞƐ͘ 3dŚĞ3ŽŶĞ3ŬĞǇ3ĐŽŶĐĞƉƚ3ǇŽƵ3ŶĞĞĚ3ƚŽ3ŬĞĞƉ3 3ŝŶ3ŵŝŶĚ3ŝƐ3ƚŚĂƚ3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌƐ3ĂƌĞ3ŶŽƚ3 3ĐĞƌƚŝĨŝĞĚ3ďǇ3ƚŚĞ3/Z^͘3dŚĞ3ĨĞĚĞƌĂů3 3ŐŽǀĞƌŶŵĞŶƚ3ĚŽĞƐ3ŶŽƚ3ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞ3ƚĂǆ3 3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůƐ3ƚŽ3ŚĂǀĞ3ĂŶǇ3ĨŽƌŵ3ŽĨ3 3ĐĞƌƚŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ3ŽĨ3ƉƌŽŽĨ3ŽĨ3ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ͘ 3^ŽŵĞ3ƐƚĂƚĞ3ƚĂǆ3ĞŶƚŝƚŝĞƐ3ĚŽ3ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞ3ƚĂǆ3 3ƉƌĞƉĂƌĞƌ3ůŝĐĞŶƐŝŶŐ͕3ďƵƚ3ƚŚĞ3ŝŶĚƵƐƚƌǇ3ŝƐ3 3ŐĞŶĞƌĂůůǇ3ƵŶƌĞŐƵůĂƚĞĚ͘3tŝƚŚŽƵƚ3ĨŽƌŵĂů3 3ƐƚĂƚƵƚĞƐ͕3ǇŽƵ3ŚĂǀĞ3ůŝƚƚůĞ3ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞ3ƚŚĂƚ3 3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů3ŝƐ3ĐŽŵƉĞƚĞŶƚ3ĂŶĚ3 3ƚƌƵƐƚǁŽƌƚŚǇ͘ 3dŚĞ3/Z^3ĚŽĞƐ3ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ3ŝƚƐ3ŽǁŶ3 ŶƌŽůůĞĚ3 34ŐĞŶƚƐ3ǁŚŽ3ĂƌĞ3ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ3ƚŽ3ƉĂƐƐ3ĂŶ3 3ĞǆĂŵŝŶĂƚŝŽŶ3ĂŶĚ3ƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬĞ3ĐŽŶƚŝŶƵŝŶŐ3 3ĞĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ3ƚŽ3ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ3ƚŚĞŝƌ3ůŝĐĞŶƐĞƐ͘3dŚĞ3 3dƌĞĂƐƵƌǇ3 ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ3ĂƵƚŚŽƌŝǌĞƐ3ƚŚĞƐĞ3 3 ŶƌŽůůĞĚ34ŐĞŶƚƐ3ƚŽ3ƌĞƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ3ƚĂǆƉĂǇĞƌƐ3Ăƚ3 3Ăůů3ůĞǀĞůƐ3ŽĨ3ĂŶ3ĂƵĚŝƚ͘3,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕3ƚŚŝƐ3ŝƐ3ĐŽůĚ3

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

34Ɛ3Ă3ǀĂůƵĞĚ3ĐůŝĞŶƚ3ĞǀĞƌǇ3ƚĂǆ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ3ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ͗ 3&Z 3 ͲĨŝůĞ3ʹ333&ĂƐƚĞƌ3ƌĞĨƵŶĚ͕3ŐƌĞĂƚĞƌ3ĂĐĐƵƌĂĐǇ͕3ŶŽ3ƉĂƉĞƌ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶƐ3ƚŽ3ĨŝůĞ͘ 3DĂǆŝŵƵŵ3ZĞĨƵŶĚ3'ƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞ3ϭ33ʹ33'Ğƚ3ĞǀĞƌǇ3ƉĞŶŶǇ3ǇŽƵ3ĚĞƐĞƌǀĞ͘3tĞ3ŐƵĂƌĂŶƚĞĞ3ƚŚĞ3ůĂƌŐĞƐƚ3 3ƌĞĨƵŶĚ3ǇŽƵ3ĂƌĞ3ĞŶƚŝƚůĞĚ3ƚŽ3ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ͘3

34ůǁĂǇƐ333ŵĂŬŝŶŐ3ǇŽƵ3ĨĞĞů3ǁĞůĐŽŵĞ͘ 34ĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů3^ĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ3ʹ33t 3 Ğ3ǁŝůů3ƐŚĂƌĞ3ŽƚŚĞƌ3ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐ3ƚŚĂƚ3ŵĂǇ3ŚĞůƉ3ǁŝƚŚ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ĂŶĚ3ĨŝŶĂŶĐŝĂů3

3ŶĞĞĚƐ͘

3zĞĂƌͲƌŽƵŶĚ34ĐĐĞƐƐ ͻ3 3dŽ3ĂŶ3ĞǆƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞĚ3ƚĂǆ3ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂů͘3 3ͻ 33dŽ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů3ŽŶůŝŶĞ3DǇ3,ΘZ3 ůŽĐŬ34ĐĐŽƵŶƚ͘ΎΎ3WƌŽǀŝĚĞƐ3ĂĐĐĞƐƐ3ƚŽ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ĚŽĐƵŵĞŶƚƐ͕3 3ĂĐƚŝŽŶ3ƉůĂŶƐ3ĂŶĚ3ƚŽŽůƐ3ƚŽ3ƐƚĂǇ3ĐŽŶŶĞĐƚĞĚ3ǁŝƚŚ3,ΘZ3 ůŽĐŬ͘

3dĂǆ34ƵĚŝƚ34ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶĐĞ3ʹ333/Ĩ3ǇŽƵ͛ƌĞ3ĂƵĚŝƚĞĚ3Žƌ3ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ3Ă3ůĞƚƚĞƌ͕3ǁĞ͛ůů3ŚĞůƉ3ǇŽƵ3ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚ3ƚŚĞ3 3ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ3ƚĂŬĞŶ3ďǇ3ƚŚĞ3/Z^3Žƌ3ŽƚŚĞƌ3ƚĂǆŝŶŐ3ĂƵƚŚŽƌŝƚǇ3ĂŶĚ3ĂƐƐŝƐƚ3ǇŽƵ3ŝŶ3ƉƌĞƉĂƌŝŶŐ3Ă3ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐĞ͘

34ůǁĂǇƐ333ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ3ŽƵƌ3ƚĂǆ3ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ3ǁŝƚŚ3ǇŽƵ͕3ƐŽ3ǇŽƵ3ĂƌĞ3ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶƚ3ƚŚĂƚ3ǇŽƵ3ƌĞĐĞŝǀĞ3ĞǀĞƌǇ3ƉĞŶŶǇ3

3ǇŽƵ3ĚĞƐĞƌǀĞ͘

3/Ĩ3ǇŽƵ3ĚŝƐĐŽǀĞƌ3ĂŶ3,ΘZ3 ůŽĐŬ3ĞƌƌŽƌ3ŽŶ3ǇŽƵƌ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ3ƚŚĂƚ3ĞŶƚŝƚůĞƐ3ǇŽƵ3ƚŽ3Ă3ůĂƌŐĞƌ3ƚĂǆ3ƌĞĨƵŶĚ3;Žƌ3 Ɛ3 ŵĂůůĞƌ3 ƚĂǆ3 ůŝĂďŝůŝƚǇͿ͕3 ǁĞ͛ůů3 ƌĞĨƵŶĚ3 ƚŚĞ3 ƚĂǆ3 ƉƌĞƉ3 ĨĞĞ3 ĨŽƌ3 ƚŚĂƚ3 ƌĞƚƵƌŶ͘3 ZĞĨƵŶĚ3 ĐůĂŝŵƐ3 ŵƵƐƚ3 ďĞ3 3ŵĂĚĞ3ĚƵƌŝŶŐ3ƚŚĞ3ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌ3ǇĞĂƌ3ŝŶ3ǁŚŝĐŚ3ƚŚĞ3ƌĞƚƵƌŶ3ǁĂƐ3ĨŝůĞĚ͘

3ϭ

3ΎΎ

3KŶůǇ3ĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞ3ŝŶ3 ŶŐůŝƐŚ͘

3^ĞĂƐŽŶĂů3KĨĨŝĐĞ3ϭϲ3:ĂŶ3ƚŽ3Ϯϴ3&Ğď 3 ĞŶƚůĞǇ3DĂůů &3 ĂŝƌďĂŶŬƐ͕34<3ϵϵϳϬϵ 3WŚŽŶĞ͗3ϵϬϳͲϯϳϰͲϭϯϬϬ 3DŽŶͲ&ƌŝ3ϭϬ͗ϬϬ3Ăŵ3ƚŽ3ϴ͗ϬϬ3Ɖŵ 3^Ăƚ3Θ3^ƵŶ3ϭϭ͗ϬϬ3Ăŵ3ƚŽ3ϲ͗ϬϬ3Ɖŵ

11407732B-1-30-13HTG

z3 ĞĂƌ3ZŽƵŶĚ3KĨĨŝĐĞ ϯ 3 ϱϱϬ34ŝƌƉŽƌƚ3tĂǇ &3 ĂŝƌďĂŶŬƐ͕34<3ϵϵϳϬϵ 3WŚŽŶĞ͗3ϵϬϳͲϰϳϵͲϯϭϵϲ 3DŽŶͲ&ƌŝ3ϵ͗ϬϬ3Ăŵ3ƚŽ3ϳ͗ϬϬ3Ɖŵ 3^Ăƚ3ϵ͗ϬϬ3Ăŵ3ƚŽ3ϱ͗ϬϬ3Ɖŵ 3^ƵŶ3ϭϬ͗ϬϬ3Ăŵ3ƚŽ3ϰ͗ϬϬ3Ɖŵ

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to save heating costs for your home

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose a used car dealer When you have worked hard and saved up everything that you have, finding the best used car dealer is important. You do not want to end up with a lemon that you cannot return. You also do not want to pay more than you should. Of course, the dealer will need to make a profit — which is perfectly reasonable — but you still should have an idea of the price you should pay for the vehicle you want the most. When it comes to spending money, there is always an intelligent process you must go through to avoid making mistakes that you can take back. Here are some tips on how to choose a used car dealer.

If they buy used cars like most people do, they will be perfect sources of information on how their dealer treats its customers. If you come across more than one positive family review of a specific dealership, take that as a sign to check that dealer out. Your family will never steer you into giving your money to a bad dealer.

Search locally and online Next, you want to gather a list of local dealerships. You can find this information in your telephone book and online. Write down the addresses of the top used car dealerships. Call them up and make an appointment to come look at their inventory. You can even ask them what kind of financing they have and if they offer extended warranties on their vehicles. Try to make appointments with all the establishments on the list. You are going to research many dealerships before you choose. Picking a place to buy a car from should not be decided on quickly and in haste.

Choose your vehicle One of the worst mistakes that you can make is attempting to shop for a car without knowing what you One of the want. The first worst misstep in the process is deciding what takes that you kind of car you want. If can make is you do not attempting to know the exact make and model of shop for a car the vehicle without knowyou desire, you should at least narrow ing what you it down to the want. automobile type. Decide whether you would like a sports car, an SUV, a pickup truck or a van. That way you will not waste your time looking around at shops that do not have what you need.

Search the NADA or ‘book value’ The next thing you want to do before you choose a dealership is get an idea of the amount you want to spend with the dealership.

Visit the dealerships

You can search the NADA at nada.com for the make and model of the car you desire. That way you have a general idea of the price range you want to stay in. It will keep you in perspective so you know roughly what to pay for a particular car. In addition, search newspapers and online sites to see the asking

prices for cars that you’re interested in buying.

Talk to friends and family The first thing you can do to find a reputable dealer is speak to your closest friends and family members.

Stop by each dealership that you have on your list. Look around for cars that you want. Have in-depth conversations with the sales clerk to find out if he is someone you are comfortable doing business with. Ask about the financing options, the warranty programs, the maintenance, past owner reports and anything else you can think of that makes you feel more secure. Do not make a purchase on the first visit. You have more shops to look at. Grab a business card and move on to the next location. After you have stopped by all locations on your list, you can research customer reviews of those you thought were the best establishment. This is how you will narrow it down to the No. 1 dealership. The dealer with the car you want for the lowest price with the best customer review will win your business.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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THIS 4 DOOR SUB-COMPACT SEDAN COMES EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, 4 CYCLE ENGINE, POWER WINDOWS, AND LOCKS, AIR CONDITIONING, CRUISE CONTROL, SEVEN AIRBAGS, STABILITY CONTROL, ONLY HAS 22,000 MILES SO STILL UNDER FACTORY WARRANTY.

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose a tire shop Tires are an important element of an automobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s operation. They are responsible for making sure a car stays in contact with the road and provides the safest possible riding experience. Tires also can affect an automobileâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s steering efficiency and balance. For that reason, you must make sure you take the proper steps when you choose a tire shop. You want to make sure you pick an organization that will deliver you high quality tires that will protect you and your family members. The following are steps in the process of how to choose a tire shop:

Choose your budget Money is one part of the decision making process. You definitely want to take a dive into your finances and figure out how much you have to spend on tires. Look for shops with financing or lay-a-way if you need a payment plan. Also look for shops that carry a variety of original equipment tires as well as aftermarket brands. Most likely they will have something for your budget.

Choose type of tires There are so many different tires available for you to choose from. Knowing what you want requires an analysis of your area and your driving patterns. If you live in an area that is mostly dry and warm, a standard tire will be fine. However, when you live in a climate where there is a lot of snow, ice and extreme weather, you will want to choose snow tires, or tires that can be driven on snow and dry land. Talk to the sales staff at the tire shop about your driving patterns. They can help you choose

You definitely want to take a dive into your finances and figure out how much you have to spend on tires. Look for shops with financing or lay-a-way if you need a payment plan.

the tires that will service your needs best. Most likely, an independent tire shop will be your best bet because they focus on understanding their products.

Choose an outlet Next, you must choose where you want to purchase your tires. You have several options. You could walk into a national chain store and purchase them. You also could stop by local auto shops and see what they have available for you. There are pros and cons to each way of purchasing tires. Purchasing tires from a national chain store might be more expensive than any other method mentioned. Getting tires from a local shop might be slightly less expensive than a national chain store and the warranty is usually much easier and faster. You have to weigh advantages and disadvantages and come up with a solution that is best for you.

New or used You also must decide whether you are willing to purchase used tires or if you want to only buy brand new tires. The disadvantages of buying used tires are huge, but they would be of great benefit to a person who is working with a small budget.

If you choose to go the used route, please inspect the tires thoroughly for signs of extreme wear and tear. Any bubbles, holes or cuts are a cue not to purchase the tires. If there is any metal showing, you definitely will not want to purchase the product. The local tire dealer usually inspects their used tires before selling the product. Typically there is no warranty with

used tires.

Check out shops The last thing you will want to do in this process is check out local shops. No matter where you decide to purchase from, you must visit the establishment and take a good look at their line of products and their personnel. You most likely will be purchasing your tires from this same person for years, especially if you are shopping with a local tire dealer. Staff tends to stay employed longer with local businesses than at national chain stores. It is important that you and he can develop a strong business bond. Ask the tire stores a few questions before you purchase. Ask if they have trained and certified sales staff; ask if their tire

people have been nationally certified. This can make a huge difference in the quality of work you receive. Find out how many years they have been in business and what types of warranties they carry. Local shops usually are helpful. National chains offer warranty, but it could take a while. Finally, check out the waiting areas; is this a place you would like to wait while your services are performed? Last but not least, buying good tires for your vehicle can greatly help driving performance, but you are behind the wheel.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose a decking company Adding a deck onto your house is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while staying close to home. Done right, a deck will add value to your home and make it more enjoyable for many years to come. If you’re thinking about building a deck, a good place to start is by getting a quote from a quality local installer with a good reputation. Here are some things to look for:

Local knowledge The requirements for building a deck will vary dramatically depending on where you live. Particularly in northern climates, where seasonal temperature changes and heavy winter icing will determine how deep the deck’s footings need to be, it’s important to find a contractor who not only knows your local area but also will work with your city or borough’s building department to make sure all the local regulations are met. The type of footings, height of rails, distance between railings and types of materials are all things that can — and usually are — specified by local rules. Make sure your contractor knows all these rules and, just as importantly, gets all the required permits.

Solid reputation You also should look for a contractor that has been in business for a long time in your area. Because they’re exposed to Mother Nature all year long, one of the unique things about decks is that they can deteriorate quickly if they’re not built well and maintained properly. Try to get references so you can see the contractor’s work around your area. Ideally, you’ll be able to see work done by the contractor several years ago so you can gauge how well their work holds up throughout time. A good contractor will carry their own insurance policy because your homeowner’s policy usually won’t cover accidents that workers have on your property. They’ll also have plenty of satis-

fied customers in your area, so ask around. One of the best ways to find a good decking company is through word of mouth.

The project Finally, you need to make sure the decking company has the skills and background to match your job. Decks are a lot like cars. You can get a run-of-the-mill Chevy deck, or you can opt for the fancy Cadillac deck. Not all decking companies will be qualified to do both jobs. You’ll want to talk in detail about exactly how your deck will be designed and built. Ask about options for the materials, stains and finishes, and try to visualize how the finished deck will fit with your home’s architecture. Pay close attention to the maintenance requirements they recommend, too. There are some new, synthetic materials that hold up much

better than natural wood throughout time. While they’re typically more expensive, their lower maintenance needs and longer lifespan could make them a good value. In the end, you should choose a

decking company that makes you feel comfortable. With the right combination of knowledge, skill and background, you can find a company that will be a pleasure to do business with.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to select the right caterer As you begin to plan any special event or festive occasion, it is critical that you find the best caterer available in your area so you are sure to host a party that is successful and enjoyed by each and every one of your guests. It is not enough for a caterer simply to create impressive, tasty dishes. He or she also needs to exhibit a sense of professionalism and commitment when it comes to his or her work. Anyone planning to host a party ought to take a specific set of steps to make sure they have selected a high quality caterer. • An initial guideline is to avoid trying to hire a caterer at the 11th hour. It is recommended that you speak with multiple catering companies before making a selection so you find the one best suited to your needs. To do this, you will need to set aside a good amount of time. • The interview process is critical if you are to succeed in choosing the right catering company for your party. Several criteria should be used to assess each of the catering firms you decide to interview. As an example, each caterer should have a positive record with the local health department, demonstrating their commitment to clean kitchen and food handling practices. This serves as a great indicator of a caterer’s overall quality. Certainly, a catering firm should never be engaged unless you have sampled their food. It is common for caterers to bring selections from their menu to an initial interview. Should this not be the case, it is wise to request samples before paying any deposits or advancing funds. • Once you have selected a caterer you believe is a

It can be risky to hire caterers who have packed schedules. Rather, it is wise to use companies able to spend a great deal of time and effort on your party.

good fit, it is important to communicate about scheduling. It can be risky to hire caterers who have packed schedules. Rather, it is wise to use companies able to spend a great deal of time and effort on your party. If it seems the caterer might have difficulty dedicating enough time to your event, you probably should hire someone else. • Experienced caterers can be of tremendous assistance as you plan a large event or festive celebration. Those who typically do not use caterers can benefit greatly from the help of a knowledgeable, cooperative professional. Such caterers are great resources regarding what types of food would work well at a given event and the quantities that would be needed. There are companies that specialize in catering elaborately themed parties, and such firms can help you

select the specific types of foods that would perfectly

complement your celebration. There also are caterers

with expertise in helping you craft a menu that is customized to your guest list. • Finding a caterer who is willing to help you with the entire planning process of your meal from hors d’ouevres to dessert is something you likely will find extremely worthwhile. • Finally, it is always wise to check a company’s reputation before making any substantial financial commitments to them. Ask the caterer’s representatives for client references that you can call to discuss the company’s work. In addition, online resources exist through which you can often find valuable caterer reviews from previous customers. • You also should be ready with information such as the number of visitors you are expecting and the general type of fare you wish to provide before formally hiring any company. Once they have been hired, the caterer will expertly guide you through the party-planning process. So long as you have chosen your caterer with care, your event is certain to be a rousing success.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose kitchen and bath design When it is time to remodel your kitchen or bath, you will want to consider three key factors. The design should be functional, should look great and should be within your budget. You may be able to do some of the work yourself, but for some work, it will be important to hire a certified kitchen and bath design professional (CKD, CBD).

Function The first task you will need to decide when remodeling a kitchen or bath is the function of the room. Some people love to eat in their kitchens, while others have a separate dining area. Some people love to get dressed in their bathroom, while others choose to do this in their bedrooms. Make a list of all the things that you do in the kitchen or bath. Number this list from most important to least important. Sometimes choices might be tough to make, but taking your time and making wise decisions now will pay rich dividends in the end. Now make a list of the items you need in your bathroom or kitchen. Do you need the washing machine and dryer near your kitchen? How about a closet in your bathroom? Knowing the answer to these questions will bring about your remodeling success. Finally, make a floor plan. Consider where everything should go to let you take the fewest steps. After a hard day at work, you will be glad that you have designed your kitchen or bath so that you take the fewest steps. Also consider if you enjoy entertaining in your kitchen. If you do, then make sure to include this in your floor plan. Consider adding a bar or a table for entertaining. Almost all homeowners wish that they had more storage space, so make on what you like the best about each sure and incorporate as much storage design. When it is time to remodel your space as possible. kitchen or bath then you should have a great idea of what you love. If you are selling your home soon, it is important to consider what the future homeowners will enjoy. In the Look through home design magakitchen, consider using stainless steel zines to see what designs you like appliances. They look great in any the best. Cut out those designs that décor and are very easy to clean. particularly appeal to you. Make notes

Décor

If you are selling your home soon, it is important to consider what the future homeowners will enjoy. In the kitchen, consider using stainless steel appliances. They look great in any décor and are very easy to clean.

your home, it also will allow potential buyers to visualize themselves creating a room of their own in that space. You will want both your kitchen and bathroom design to coincide with the design of the other rooms in your home. If your house is designed in a contemporary, modern, traditional or Asian style design, you will want the kitchen and bath to blend with that decor. Many experts suggest that you spend the majority of your money when remodeling a kitchen or bath on the countertops. A new countertop helps to set the décor for a room. A great way to incorporate colors into a room is with small accent pieces. By incorporating them with small pieces it is easier to change décor, if you change your mind.

Budget Remodeling can be expensive. Experts recommend you spend up to 20 percent of your home’s value on remodeling the kitchen, and less than that on remodeling the bath. Homeowners can save a lot of Also consider using neutral flooring. money by having their current cabiNeutral floor coverings are a sustainnets redone, adding a fresh coat of able, low-maintenance material that paint, and installing energy efficient generally makes a good choice for a appliances. Make sure and leave room kitchen or bathroom. When painting, choose a neutral col- in your budget to hire professionals to or. This will open up opportunities for a do the electrical and plumbing work, variety of decorating options making it along with any other tasks you’re not comfortable doing yourself — includeasier for you to change your decor as ing creating a design from scratch. time goes by. If the time comes to sell

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to start a small business Small business is the backbone of the American economy. Small businesses also are the largest creator of new jobs. It has been estimated by the Small Business Administration that 60 percent to 80 percent of all new jobs in the United States are created by small businesses. The dream of starting a successful small business is one that is shared by millions of individuals and is one of the major reasons so many foreigners emigrate to the U.S. So, what does it take to run a small business and how does one go about starting one? The first thing to consider is whether you are the type of individual who is ready, willing and able to run a small business. Not everyone is able to start and run their own business. A small business owner wears many hats. He or she may need to do everything from answering the phones to making service calls. Incredible energy is required, and a business owner likely will have to work 12-hour days with little time off to make up for limited resources. If you wish to be a successful entrepreneur, having a great idea and lots of passion is not enough. You will need a skill set and expertise that you may or may not have acquired as an employee. It is possible to learn these skills, and there is help available through you local Chamber of Commerce, Small Business Administration and other not-for-profit agencies. The key is to seek out the knowledge you lack before it becomes an issue. For those with the desire to succeed, there are a few things to consider:

you wish to succeed. 3. Understand that you will need to create a mission statement and a detailed business plan. A typical business plan should, among other things, include your vision, a description of the organizational structure, how the business will be financed and how capital will be utilized. It also should include projections of growth and profit goals. Businesses with a good, solid business plan are much more likely to succeed as their founders have focused on all the elements of building a solid foundation. 4. Determine where you will find the capital to start your small business. Lack of adequate funding is a common reason for business failure. If you have a good business plan, funding your small business will be easier. You will know what you need and have more credibility in asking for capital regardless of whether you are requesting a loan from a bank or a relative.

5. Explore the requirements for doing business in your area. Do you need a license or permit? Do you need to incorporate? At this point it may be wise to consult the volunteers at the Small Business Administration. They can provide valuable advice about the benefits of particular business structures: a sole proprietorship, a limited liability corporation (LLC), an S corporation, a C corporation or partnership. 1. Identify your business opporThe type of business you choose tunity. Think about your existing also will affect how you pay your knowledge, skills and expertise and taxes, so itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s important to consult what you are realistically ready, willing professionals about setting up your and able to learn. Think about your accounting. passions, hobbies and interests. If you get involved providing a ser6. Part of the fun of owning vice or product you are genuinely pas- your own business is naming it. sionate about, your long days and hard Put some serious thought into this. work will be more fun than it you are Remember you may be small and in a involved in something you dislike or particular niche market now, but will know little about. the name fit if you expand into new products, services or markets? Is the 2. Determine if there is a need name already being used? in the community for your prodIt is important to choose a name uct or service and research the that is unique so you are not forced to competition. Knowing the market abandon the name because of tradeand your competition is a necessity if mark or copyright infringement.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose the best cuts of meat For an inexperienced cook, choosing the right cuts of meat for a meal can be quite intimidating. There are dozens of cuts of meat, and to further confuse the issue, there are different grades of those cuts. In addition to the cut, one needs to choose from USDA prime, choice and select grades. The options can seem so confusing that a novice cook will sometimes give up in frustration. Cooking a great meal with the perfect meat as centerpiece does not have to be daunting. All one needs to do is takes it a step at a time and learn a few basics. To begin with, it is a good idea to talk to someone who is really knowledgeable. Whether you’re looking for beef, pork, poultry, lamb or more exotic meats, it helps to find a store with a friendly, knowledgeable specialist. Many supermarket meat departments or butcher shops have staff from whom you get advice about different cuts or meat, how each cut should be prepared and which one would be best for the meal you wish to prepare. At the better butcher shops, you can have meats custom cut for your needs. These custom cuts often will deliver better results than off-the-shelf cuts. Creating a tender, delicious piece of meat with just the right texture is more than having a good recipe. Here are a few tips which,

also are important. Big veins of fat don’t cook down very quickly, so that piece of meat would need to be slow-cooked to release the flavor. Small, thin ribbons of fat running consistently through the meat are better for a traditional steak cooked over high heat.

together with the help of a good butcher’s advice, can help you create that perfect main dish. 1. Choose the right cut of meat for your recipe. Traditional barbecue, for example, has its roots in taking cheap, tough cuts of meat and cooking them slowly enough so that they become fall-off-the-bone tender. A bar-

becue brisket is one of the toughest, chewiest cuts of meat if cooked quickly over high heat. However, it’s one of the most delicious, melt-inyour-mouth meats if you smoke it slowly over low heat for hours. Other cuts, such as the Porterhouse or T-bone, are best cooked over high, direct heat for short periods of time. They become tough and lose their flavor and juiciness if grilled too slowly. 2. Each cut of meat has two variations you need to

If you are an inexperienced cook, you might wish to start with a cheaper cut of meat, such as a sirloin steak for grilling. Once you’ve become an expert at grilling it to perfection, try the more expensive cuts such as New York strips, T-bones, filet mignon, and Porterhouse.

consider: the density or toughness of the meat itself, and how much fat is contained within it. Density isn’t easy to see, so most cooks rely on cut to indicate density or toughness. Meat cut from different parts of an animal tend to be more or less tender or tough. With regard to fat content, many people look for “marbling” in the meat — small streaks of fat running throughout the cut — as indicating the best flavor. However, the thickness and consistency of the marbling

3. Examine the color of the meat and ask whether carbon monoxide is used to keep it looking red. Meat naturally browns fairly quickly when exposed to air. So if you find bright-red meat without any additives used to preserve color, you know it’s an ultra-fresh cut. If you are an inexperienced cook, you might wish to start with a cheaper cut of meat, such as a sirloin steak for grilling. Once you’ve become an expert at grilling it to perfection, try the more expensive cuts such as New York strips, T-bones, filet mignon and Porterhouse. Ultimately, it is your expertise along with the meat you select that combine to make a great meal. There’s nothing like savoring the taste of a tender, juicy steak or roast. With a little planning and knowing the right cuts, you can create a heavenly dining experience.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to understand the opera Opera, to some, might sound intimidating, especially for the novice who thinks it’s just one big song belted out in Italian. But as one famous soprano noted, everything you need to understand an opera is in the music. Whether you are seeing your first or 50th opera, there are some basic things you can do to help your enjoyment of the performance: • Read the plot synopsis in the program so you will have an understanding of the story that you will see onstage. • Use your eyes as well as your ears. The music, choreography, lights, costumes and sets are all integral to the performance and heighten the opera experience. Most likely, there will be English translations called “supertitles” projected above or beside the stage; however, you don’t want to get so absorbed in the supertitles that you miss the action. • If you can, listen to part or all of the opera before attending the performance. You might recognize portions of the music from popular movies, television or even commercials. For the beginner, many opera experts recommend starting with Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro.” It’s light and comic with upbeat music the non-opera expert can enjoy. Other popular “first” operas are Puccini’s classic “La Boheme,” Verdi’s “La Traviata,” Bizet’s “Carmen” and Strauss’ “Die Fledermaus.” To help ease into the opera consciousness, here’s a quick primer on what one needs to know before taking in the big show:

BARITONE: The male singing voice that is higher than bass but lower than tenor. BASS: The lowest male singing voice. BRAVO: Literally, a form of applause when shouted by members of the audience at the end of an especially pleasing performance. Strictly speaking, “bravo” is for a single man, “brava” for a woman, and “bravi” for a group of performers. CADENZA: A passage of singing, often at the end of an aria, which shows off the singer’s vocal ability. CHORUS: A group of singers, singing together, who sometimes portray servants, party guests or other unnamed characters; also the music written for them. COMPOSER: A person who writes music. CONDUCTOR: The leader of the orchestra, sometimes called maestro. CONTRALTO: The lowest female singing voice. CRESCENDO: A gradual increase in volume. Orchestral crescendos were one of Rossini’s trademarks. CURTAIN CALL: At the end of a performance, all of the members of the cast and the conductor take bows. Sometimes this is done in front of the main curtain, hence the name curtain call. Often, however, the bows are taken on the full stage with the curtain open. DIRECTOR: A person who instructs the singeractors on their on-stage movements and in the interpretation of their roles. DIVA: Literally “goddess,” it refers to an important female opera star. The masculine form is divo. ENCORE: Literally ARIA: A solo piece written means “again.” It used to for a main character, which be the custom for a singer focuses on the character’s to repeat a popular aria if emotion. the audience called “encore”

loudly enough. This still is done in the middle of an opera in countries such as Italy, but it is rare elsewhere. Soloists frequently give encores at the end of a concert but not an opera. ENSEMBLE: Two or more people singing at the same time, or the music written for such a group. FALSETTO: A method of singing above the natural range of the male voice. Often used in opera for comic effects such as a man imitating a woman. FINALE: The last musical number of an opera or the last number of an act. GRAND OPERA: Strictly speaking, opera without spoken dialogue. It is usually used to refer to opera which uses a large orchestra and chorus and grand themes. Puccini and Verdi are commonly referenced as composers of grand opera. INTERLUDE: A short piece of instrumental music played between scenes or

acts. LIBRETTO: The text or words of an opera. MAESTRO: Literally “master”; used as a courtesy title for the conductor. The masculine ending is used for both men and women. MEZZO-SOPRANO: The middle female singing voice, lower than soprano, but higher than contralto. OVERTURE: An orchestral introduction to an opera. (French: ouverture; German: ouverture; Italian: sinfonia). PIT: A sunken area in front of the stage where the members of the orchestra play. PRELUDE: Usually a short introduction that leads into an act without a break, as opposed to an overture which is longer and can be played as a separate piece. Wagner called his introductions preludes even though some are quite long. PRIMA DONNA: Literally “first lady”; the leading woman singer in an opera.

Because of the way some have behaved in the past, it often refers to someone who acts in a superior and demanding fashion. The term for the leading man is primo uomo. PRINCIPAL: A major singing role, or the singer who performs such a role. RÉPERTOIRE: Stock pieces that a singer or company has ready to present. Often refers to a company’s current season. SCORE: The written music of an opera or other musical work. SOPRANO: The highest female singing voice. TENOR: The highest common adult male singing voice. (Countertenors are uncommon.) TROUSER ROLE (also known as a pants role): A role depicting a young man or boy but sung by a woman, usually a mezzo-soprano. VIBRATO: A natural wavering of frequency (pitch) while singing a note.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

EVERYONE DESERVES TO BREATHE SMOKEFREE AIR! Participate a lot or a little. There is a lot you can do to reduce secondhand smoke exposure: • Encourage your favorite restaurant or business to go smokefree. • Promote businesses that are already smokefree. • Promote smokefree housing • Participate in activities and events to create awareness. • Do something meaningful for the community, help save lives, and connect with other people fighting for the same cause.

I ACT FREE Vision: “To have a tobacco free Interior Alaska”

For more information, contact:

Tanana Chiefs Conference Prevention 122 First Avenue, Suite 400, Fairbanks, AK 99701 907-452-8251 x 3167 or 1-800-478-6682 x 3167 Email: prevention@tananachiefs.org

Tanana Chiefs Conference

Mission: “To reduce tobacco use and exposure in Interior Alaska by effecting a change in the individual views and behaviors towards tobacco through advocacy, education and cessation.”

MEMBERSHIP/SUPPORT FORM Name:____________________________________________________________________________________ Address:__________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ Daytime Phone:_________________________________ Evening Phone:______________________________ Email:____________________________________________________________________________________ Please check all that apply:

I support the work of Interior Alaska Coalition of Tobacco Free Advocates and its efforts to reduce tobacco use and exposure in interior Alaska. I would like to become a member of Interior Alaska Coalition of Tobacco Free Advocates. If asked, I would be willing to:

Attend Coalition meetings Write or add my name to a letter-to-the-editor Represent coalition at local events (health fairs, chamber of commerce meetings, events, etc.) Donate time

11407505B-1-30-13HTG

Please mail to the TCC address above Vision: “To have a tobacco free interior Alaska by choice” Mission: “To reduce tobacco use and exposure in interior Alaska by effecting a change in individual views and behaviors towards tobacco through advocacy, education and cessation.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

North Pole Veterinary Hospital

We Do Wellness Best! Denali Lovely, DVM • Margaret Eastman, DVM • Melissa Rouge, DVM Monday – Friday 9am-6pm (open Wednesdays until 8pm) and Saturdays 9am-5pm Many pet owners look upon their pets as members of their family. We feel the same way! Our mission at North Pole Veterinary Hospital is to act as advocates of the Human Animal Bond by dedicating ourselves to practicing quality medicine, providing comfort and compassion for our patients, providing education and support for our clients, and by treating them both as family. Voted 2012 Fairbanks Daily News-Miner Reader’s Choice #1 Veterinarian Hospital Recognized with the Small Business Family Friendly Workplace Award in 2012

SERVICES INCLUDE: Indoor Canine Play Area, K-9 Obedience Classes, Senior Wellness Packages, Kitten/Puppy Packages, Dentistry, Dermatology, Surgery, Reproduction

North Pole Veterinary Hospital

Hurst Road

North Pole Veterinary Hospital 2942 Hurst Road • North Pole, AK

907-488-2335 We accept Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Care Credit, Pet Insurance

16406085-1-30-13HTG

www.northpolevet.com • npvhcontact@gmail.com

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to choose a veterinarian For many people, animals are considered members of the family. Finding a veterinarian to care for your pets is an incredibly important first step to ensuring your pets’ long-term health. In today’s economy, pet care is one of the first things that owners forgo. Providing a seemingly healthy pet with routine care (also referred to as wellness or annual care) is often looked upon as unnecessary. After all, how many humans actually go to the doctor once per year if you’re in good shape? What many fail to think about is that pets age much more quickly than humans. Pets’ bodies and internal workings can change rapidly in a matter of months. By taking your pet to the veterinarian annually, you can often have an illness diagnosed in its beginning stages, saving you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in the long run. Routine veterinary care will prolong the life of your pet and ensure they enjoy that life to the fullest. Finding a veterinarian that suits both you and your pet can seem intimidating. Follow these guidelines to easily find a team of animal health care professionals that will provide for your pet with the best care possible.

Ask around Seek out references from friends and family. Speaking with current and past clients often can give you great insight into a veterinarian and their hospital team. Note things that are important to you and be sure to ask specific questions of these references to get good quality information.

see if any complaints have been lodged and how they were resolved. If there are additional services that are important to you like obedience training, extended weekday hours or canine playtime centers (Alaska’s winters are long, cold and dark ... canines get cabin fever, too), be sure to find a veterinary hospital that provides such options.

Make a visit

What is the hospital’s mission statement? Does it align with your core values and how you feel about your pet? When bringing your pet to see the veterinarian, your interactions will involve every part of the hospital. The front office team, the technician team and the doctor. It is OK to expect the “full meal deal” when you take your pet to their appointment. You want to find a veterinarian that is professional and compassionate and who is supported by a staff that

provides warmth and attentiveness to you and your pet at every stage of the visit. The hospital team should strive to educate you in all areas. There should be no surprises regarding the medical care your animal receives, nor the financial costs that it will involve. You don’t want to leave a vet’s office feeling emotionally overwhelmed and financially drained. Scour the Internet for reviews from clients and check with the Better Business Bureau in your state to

Once you’ve narrowed your list of choices, visit the veterinary hospital. Look for a hospital that is clean and well maintained. The staff should be friendly and welcoming. Pay close attention to how they interact with clients and pets. It is reasonable to expect that the employees within the hospital are exhibiting behaviors that demonstrate their love for animals. Look around the waiting room area. What is hanging on the walls? Are there any special awards or recognition for specific hospital achievements? If there are clients in the waiting area, be sure to introduce yourself and see if you can ask them some questions. Find out if they are happy with the veterinarian, the practice and the services offered. Any veterinary hospital should welcome guests and potential new clients. If you feel uncomfortable at any point in your visit, chances are you should look elsewhere.

Cost comparison The reality is, as much as we love our animals, cost of services often drive what care we provide our pets.

Finances often are a factor in whether we can provide the gold standard of care throughout our pets’ lives and whether we can comply with certain recommendations made by your pets’ doctor. Get a feel for hospital prices and make sure they are within your budget. When price shopping, be sure you are comparing apples to apples. For example, when asking the cost of a routine procedure such as a spay or neuter, does the cost include pain medication or not? Find out what sort of payment options, if any, are available. What credit cards are accepted? Does the hospital have specific financial protocol in place? Will your patronage or account history provide you any benefits if an unforeseen emergency arises and your pet needs immediate care that you cannot afford? Does the hospital have information or recommendations regarding pet insurance? Will they work alongside you in billing the pet insurance companies or insist you take care of it on your own? At the end of the day, your pets’ health should be a cooperative undertaking between you and your veterinarian. A visit to the veterinary hospital should be an experience that is warm, welcoming and educational. You don’t want to leave feeling as though your concerns were of little value, feeling confused about a diagnosis or that your time was essentially wasted. Finding the perfect vet for you and your pet will help ensure that the life you share together is a healthy and happy one.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

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Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013

How to know when it’s time for a new car If you are over the age of 16 and drive a car older than 4 years old that you don’t love, whether you know it or not, you are among the millions of American consumers who are “in the market.” And being “in the market,” there’s a 60 percent chance you will buy a new or pre-owned car, truck or SUV in the next 90 days, and a 90 percent chance you will make a purchase within the next 12 months. Why? Because Americans love their cars. And when they stop loving them, well, “you know honey, you just don’t excite me anymore.” Luckily, your minivan doesn’t know of it’s lack of looks, charm and performance, so you should bear no guilt in flirting with other cars, even going so far as to openly ogling your neighbor’s new SUV. Check out those curves. Nice storage. Um, um, um. Are those wheels stock? You could even take a test drives with “no strings attached” and never see any of those cars again. And, there are lots of legitimate reasons to do it: people work hard and get promoted. They graduate, they move, they marry and have kids. Their transmissions falter, their brakes are squeaky, the heater blows cold, the back seat smells funky or they get a dog. They want and deserve a new ride.

Why upgrade But also among the motivators are the developments of new technologies to keep us safer, more comfortable, and more efficient as we commute from home to job to store, to practice, to errands and to all of life’s natural daily events. Cars do more, better. They do it longer and with more efficiency

than at any time in the history of transportation. And the best news for consumers is that you now have more information and more control than ever before. Online resources like Autotrader.com, Cars.com or your local dealers website, give you the ability to shop much larger inventories, compare makes and models, get trade-in values, apply for financing, and enhance your purchase comfort level without ever leaving your home or office.

Use a dealership So with all these resourc-

es, do you really need a dealership? The answer is a resounding “Yes.” Why? Because 70 percent of consumers intending to buy a particular make and model actually end up buying a different make and model. Dealership sales staff are expert in helping match cars with new owner’s lifestyle, needs, wants and budget. Dealership pre-owned inventory changes daily and a good salesperson will keep you in the loop as possible matches occur. High demand pre-owned cars, trucks and SUV’s are often sold before they ever hit online inventory so hav-

ing a relationship at the dealership level can help when you have identified your top choices. For new car shoppers, dealership sales staff are expert in their product, manufacturer rebate programs, and have relationships with finance options. This combination can significantly ease the process of engaging all the moving pieces of your transaction.

The trade-in Another major factor for both new and used car buyers is what to do with your current fading flame. Deal-

erships can take your trade in and work it into the deal or consign it for you so you can be in your new relationship within a few hours of finding car love. No posting ads, answering calls, inconvenient and uncomfortable negotiations with strangers. And with KBB and other resources, you can maximize the value you receive. So good luck with your pending nuptials, promotion, move and children. May your transmission, brakes, heater and interesting smell serve you well. And when another hot car drives by, ogle on, my friends, olgle on.

Fairbanks Daily News-Miner, Wednesday, January 30, 2013