Monday, February 9, 2009

LIFE CONTINUES TO BE BUSY IN THE RGV - Issue 6

TIPS AND PROMOS - from Feb 7th post.

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this weeks FULL Diary plus News
HERE...



TIPS THIS WEEK

DIGITAL TV TRANSITION DATE POSTPONED… The TV(s) in older RV’s will likely pick up signals until late this spring. The transition to digital TV has been officially postponed until June 12. The new switchover date delay is voluntary, meaning that broadcasters are only required to turn off their analog signals by June 12. If they choose to, they can do it anytime after Feb. 17 - the original planned cut-off. Once the analog spectrum is officially vacated it will be used by public safety services and other companies that purchased rights to the airwaves last year. This blurb came across my inbox several times so I am passing it on. Read MORE HERE...

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Bill shared this ABOUT PEANUT BUTTER RECALL… The list of products keep changing but this one was current 30th Jan 09. HERE...

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HOW TO CLEAN YOUR RV'S FRESH WATER TANK by Mark Polk of RV Education101.com… Mark relays the water system in your RV provides water to drink, wash dishes and take a shower. Don’t assume it will stay safe and fresh like the water system in your home… We RVers hook up to city water, well water, and eventually contaminated water. Possibly the most important step you can take is to keep the fresh water system sanitized. It's simple to do. Story HERE

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This report came from my daily Google RV Alert/motorhome magazine – CALIFORNIA BANS FORMALDEHYDE-BASED RV TOILET CHEMICALS - This popular toilet chemical has been used for years - I too have stressed that RVers don’t use it. Formaldehyde destroys the good ‘bugs’ in dump station holding tanks. Read full story HERE…

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One more Interesting Daily Google RV Alert worth passing on. HOW TO TAKE A NEARLY-FREE VACATION. The writer enjoyed a super vacation getaway in a rented luxury RV at a 90% savings – He was delivering an RV to another venue. He drove to the Grand Canyon and the Painted Desert in N. Arizona plus MORE…

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

In today’s Google RV Alert this story features a most INNOVATIVE RV – most interesting… When this type of Class A is set-up in a park, the front portion disconnects to become a tow car. Part that is left resembles a 5th wheel design. NEAT! - story HERE!

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I stress to everyone – ALWAYS be cautious of EVERY attachment you open. Donna & George shared this ‘new’ VIRUS that affects those using Internet mail such as Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL etc. Full story is explained HERE The Para below from Snopes verifies this threat - but it is apparently not a current one.

Report as of 30 Nov 08… “This latest version is difficult to classify as either "true" or "false": The virus it references (i.e., the Mail Server Report worm) was a real one, but it's neither new nor currently rampant (as claimed in the warning text), nor does it manifest itself in the fashion described (since the "symptoms" provided in the warning are merely a reworking of the text of an earlier virus hoax). All in all, that message doesn't really merit the dire warning to "SEND A COPY OF THIS TO ALL YOUR FRIENDS – and ask them to PASS IT ON IMMEDIATELY!"

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THE RV ORIENTATION IS A FREE RV DVD - HERE This DVD is 54 minutes long and packed with info on topics like campground setup, the LP gas system, water system, electrical system and much more. They added a bonus chapter on RV safety features and some bloopers to make it more entertaining. It retails for $24.95 plus $5.95 shipping and handling, but it’s yours for FREE for a limited time.

NOTE: RVLiving.net is an affiliate so if you wish to check out their fantastic selection please go HERE

Sunday, February 1, 2009

SPRING IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER (Issue #5 - 31 Jan)

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Diary on line
HERE...
All Picture Albums can be found HERE...

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TIPS THIS WEEK

TRAVELLING WITH PETS – KOA shared these tips in a Google RV Alert – edited by me for space.

  • Ask if the RV Park allows pets on the premises.
  • Ask about park's pet rules such as use of pet-pens; or size/breed restrictions; or if # of pets is limited.
  • Never lock pets inside an RV without the A/C running or proper ventilation. John and I prefer to use several fans working off our inverter rather than A/C – just in case park power goes out.
  • Provide pet with plenty of water. Ours are in their ‘house’ (a cage) when we are gone.
    Never tie a pet to an RV with a metal chain. A power surge or improperly grounded facilities can travel along the chain and injure or kill the pet.
  • Check type of metal steps on the RV. Small holes in steps may allow claws to become stuck and cause injury when pets try to free their foot. You may have to cover with carpet for protection.

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    I STRESS – ALWAYS READ ALL COMMUNICATION CONTRACTS THOROUGHLY ABOUT ANY SERVICE RESTRICTIONS – CALL SEVERAL TIMES TO ASK QUESTIONS TO VERIFY.

    ***Judy from Alberta shared she was using her ‘Sierra Wireless devices for Internet from Telus’ at $99. per month. Her contract stated she had unlimited usage anywhere in North America. She used it last winter in USA and in bigger cities in Northwestern Mexico with great success as far south as Puerto Vallarta. Worked great till 2-days before their recent journey home when service stopped. They called Telus from home in Alberta and discovered that over $18,600.00 (correct amount) in-data calls had accumulated. Apparently Telus no longer included Mexico in their NA plan, but their contract did not state this. Thankfully Telus did waive their charges. Of course the contract she had is no longer available and new ones are much more specific about coverage.

    Judy stresses that if you are using one of these devices and are in the Southern US, please make sure you are not bouncing off a Mexican tower, unless you have coverage. It may be wise to keep a record of proof where you used this device if you’re close to Mexico. Several years ago this type of policy change affected John and I with Rogers/AT&T cell phone. At that point Roger’s were charging $4. p/min roaming fee in a small percentage of USA areas – however many restricted areas were in locations where RVers visited such as the Rio Grande Valley. That is when we switched to Verizon.

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    ALWAYS WASH ALL POP CANS - regular CANS too. I can’t remember who shared this Serious Caution by email but it is a major concern. Even if the details may be a bit stretched, it is still sound advice that many of us do not follow. I’ve edited it for space. After drinking a can of pop – a lady became very ill – the next day she was in Intensive Care. Unfortunately she didn’t make it and she died two days later. The autopsy concluded she died of 'Leptospirosis' - it was traced to the can of coke she drank from. Tests showed that the can was infected by dried rat urine and hence the disease Leptospirosis. Apparently rat urine contains toxic and deathly substances. It’s highly recommended to thoroughly WASH THE UPPER PART OF ALL SODA CANS - before drinking from them. This applies to regular cans as well. Numerous diseases could be on any can stored in warehouses – none are cleaned before shipping. A study at NYCU showed that the tops of all cans - especially soda cans are more contaminated than public toilets (germs and bacteria). Always wash with water before putting them to the mouth

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    PROMOS THIS WEEK

    Mark and Don Polk of RVEducation101.com, have added a short weekly post to their informative sister site of RV UNIVERSITY. See #3 - Jan 25, HERE... ***This Week's Journal features... 'Helpful RV Financing FAQ's plus 2 - 'RV Tips - *** #1; Weight Distribution Hitch Tip *** #2; Tires & Load Range Designations on Tires. Plus a variety of more info is in this week’s Post

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    TWO INTERESTING FORUMS are on RV Travel– share your thoughts & experiences on RVing in a "CLASSROOM ON WHEELS" while camping with kids. "RVing VETERANS" exchanges information about affairs common to Veterans who also love to travel by RV. Great information, some may help Vets save cash on programs they may not know about.

NEVER A DULL MOMENT - Issue 4 - fm 24 Jan 09

Diary published weekly since 2001
Read this Full Diary on line HERE:


TIPS THE WEEK of 24th.

Casey passed on another beneficial FREE411 SERVICE at 1-800-FREE411! Just call that number and (unlike goog411) this one can to find business, residential and government listings all at no cost!

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Feb 17th 09 is fast approaching – the date when ANALOG TV STATIONS WILL NOT WORK OFF ANTENNAS. However it won’t be a problem if you have cable or a satellite dish. This excellent story explains Digital TV – High Definition & Blue Ray Technology – Definitely worth a read HERE.

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What’s best - HEATING WITH ELECTRICITY OR GAS??? – Read this complex discussion reference this age-old Question – “Which is the least expensive way???”… by Russ and Tina De Maris Story HERE

Here’s another post by Russ and Tina on “HOW TO STAY WARM IN WINTER”… It features an alternate option to a standard RV Furnace that wastes mega heat through an outide vent. One option may be to consider retiring your furnace and using a localized heat source – either a ‘Catalytic’ or 'Blue Flame' heater – Story HERE

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COMMON SYMPTOMS OF HEART ATTACK shared in an email by Donna ... Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to include PAIN IN A LEFT ARM. Also be aware of intense PAIN IN THE JAW LINE - plus you may never have the first CHEST PAIN during the course of a heart attack. NAUSEA AND INTENSE SWEATING are also common symptoms. 60% of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep never wake up. Pain in the JAW can wake you from a sound sleep. Be careful and be aware. The more we know, the better chance we could survive. ALWAYS call for immediate assistance.

Highlights of a recent second email reference a FEMALE HEART ATTACK include the following symptoms. This post was long so I am only highlighting possible symptoms here. Sensation of major INDIGESTION much like you had rapidly ate a sandwich that was never chewed properly – another sensation was like SQUEEZING MOTIONS racing up your SPINE gaining speed as they continued under the sternum (breast bone, where one presses rhythmically when ministering CPR). Next pain gravitated into the throat and branched out into the JAW. Call 911 IMMEDIATELY. Even if you are experiencing a false alarm, it’s better to report the symptoms. Sender unknown.

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PROMOS THIS WEEK

Mark and Don Polk of RVEducation101.com, also host an informative sister site of RV University. Their weekly newsletter features many short tips. This Week's Feature offers details on a neat RV WEATHER STATION modification - read Journal
HERE

Mark also offers 2 RV TIPS – plus how to test your knowledge regarding RV FIRE SAFETY
***#1: To assist in keeping your WIPER BLADES CLEAN and in top operating condition periodically clean them with some windshield washer fluid.

***#2: When putting your RV in storage add a FUEL STABILIZER to the gas tank. Run the engine and the generator (if applicable) long enough for it to get through the fuel system.

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Short INFO notes from various sources.…
*** See the latest RECALLS OF RVS for December and previous months –
www.RV-Recalls.com
*** Since I am very late in posting new show dates on rvliving.net – RV Travel.com lists the 2009 WINTER RV SHOW SCHEDULE for Cda & USA HERE
*** Does HARD WATER plague your plumbing? Russ and TiƱa recommend RVers annually treat all water lines & fittings in your rigs with vinegar. Full story HERE

*** A simple suggestion on how to clear a CLOGGED BLACK WATER TANK - HERE. Task takes a few minutes to perform and no tools are required.