|
Helpful Links
|
BACK TO TOP
|
|
Join Our List
|
|
Southwestern Lasagna
|
|
Submitted By: WileyP
"Here's a wonderful, meaty lasagna with a true southwestern flavor. "Chorizo, green chiles, jalapenos, cilantro, and cumin give this meaty
lasagna a true spicy southwestern flavor. You won't find this recipe in
any Italian cookbook! "
1 Hour Cook Time: 1 Hour 45 Minutes Ready In: 2 Hours 45 Minutes Servings: 12 Ingrediants:4 cups canned crushed tomatoes 1 (7 ounce) can diced green chiles 1 (4 ounce) can diced jalapeno peppers 1 onion, diced 3 cloves garlic, minced 10 sprigs fresh cilantro, chopped 2 tablespoons ground cumin 2 pounds chorizo sausage 1 (32 ounce) container ricotta cheese 4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 (16 ounce) package Mexican style shredded four cheese blend 1 (16 ounce) package no-cook lasagna noodles Directions:Place the tomatoes, green chiles, jalapenos, onion, garlic, cilantro, and cumin in a large saucepan. Cook over medium heat until the mixture comes to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer until the onion is soft, about 45 to 60 minutes. Meanwhile, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and stir in the chorizo. Cook and stir until the chorizo is crumbly, and evenly browned. Drain and discard any excess grease. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Stir together the ricotta cheese and eggs. Set aside. To assemble, spread 1/3 of the tomato sauce in the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Spread the sausage over the tomato sauce. Pour 1/2 of the remaining sauce over the sausage and sprinkle 1/2 of the shredded cheese over the top of the sauce. Arrange a layer of noodles lengthwise over the cheese. Spread the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles and place another layer of noodles over the ricotta. Top with the remaining tomato sauce and shredded cheese. Cover with foil: to prevent sticking, either spray foil with cooking spray, or make sure the foil does not touch the cheese. Bake in a preheated oven for 30 minutes. Remove foil, and bake until the top is browned, about 15 to 30 minutes. Note: For those who don't like tit too hot, hold the Jalapenos'. Special thanks to, |
Plumbing
Fun Facts
|
|
Plumbing isn't always serious - in fact, there's a whole bunch of fun things to learn about plumbing if you do a little digging. It is, after all, the occupation of Mario and Luigi (Nintendo's Mario Brothers).
Here are some plumbing facts we found interesting:
Famous and often controversial rockstar Ozzy Osbourne was a plumber's apprentice before getting into the music industry.
The word "plumber" dates all the way back to the Roman Empire. In Rome, pipes were originally made from lead, which is "plumbum" in Latin. People who worked with lead were called Plumbarius, which was eventually shortened to the word we use today.
At 140 degrees, it takes five seconds for water to burn skin. At 160 degrees, it takes only half of a second.
Home hot water systems should be set to no hotter than 120 degrees per plumbing code.
In Japan, some urinals have voice-activated flushing mechanisms. The urinals respond to several commands, including "fire."
The term "plumbers" was a popular name given to the covert White House Special Investigations Unit established during the presidency of Richard Nixon in response to the leaked "Pentagon Papers" documents. Their job was to plug intelligence leaks in the U.S. Government relating to the Vietnam War; hence the term "plumbers".
Sir John Harington is credited with inventing the flushable toilet in 1596, hence the American nickname for it, "the john."
|
Electrical
Fun facts
|
| Ben Franklin didn't discover electricity but he did prove that lightning is a form of electrical energy.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, electricity consumption will increase by 51 percent from 2002 to 2025.
The first power plant owned by Thomas Edison opened in New York City in 1882.
The first central power plant ? Pearl Street Station in lower Manhattan, built by Thomas Edison began generating electricity on September 4, 1882. Pearl Street had one generator and it produced power for 800 electric light bulbs. Within 14 months, Pearl Street Station had 508 subscribers and 12,732 bulbs. Since the first power plant lit up 800 light bulbs in 1882, the electric utility industry has grown to generate over 2.5 million gigawatt-hours annually, the equivalent of lighting 4.8 billion 60-watt light bulbs for a year.
The size of a typical American home has increased from 1100 to 1800 square feet over the past ten years.
If you scuffed your feet long enough without touching anything, you would build up so many electrons that your finger would explode! But this is nothing to worry about, unless you have carpeting.
The electrons travel through your bloodstream and collect in your finger, where they form a spark that leaps to your friend's filling, then travels down to his feet and back into the carpet, thus completing the circuit.
In the past decade scientists developed the laser, an electronic appliance that emits a beam of light so powerful that it can vaporize a bulldozer 2,000 yards away, yet so precise that doctors can use it to perform delicate operations on the human eyeball, provided they remember too change the power setting from "VAPORIZE BULLDOZER" to "DELICATE."
Electricity travels at the speed of light - more than 186,000 miles per second!
A spark of static electricity can measure up to three thousand (3,000) volts.
A bolt of lightning can measure up to three million (3,000,000) volts - and it lasts less than one second!
Electricity always tries to find the easiest path to the ground.
Electricity can be made from wind, water, the sun and even animal manure.
Burning coal is the most common way electricity is made in the United States.
One power plant can produce enough electricity for 180,000 homes.
Thomas Edison didn't invent the first light bulb - but he did invent one that stayed lit for more than a few seconds.
Thomas Edison invented more than 2,000 new products, including almost everything needed for us to use electricity in our homes: switches, fuses, sockets and meters.
|
|
|
|
August 2010
|
|
Dear ,
Well, it's official - summer has arrived! I don't know about you but seven plus days of 90 degree heat is more than I need. Although I must say, the beautiful sunny days are wonderful to observe from the inside of my comfortable air conditioned office, of course.
Thanks to all who participated in our recent Newsletter survey. The results were nearly unanimous and rather flattering. Our do-it-yourself tips, industry stories and even the recipes and holiday history information is being well received and will continue.
Last month to get us through a slow month, we announced a 30 day $100 special via a phone call campaign. If you missed it, just mention that you saw it in our Newsletter and you can also enjoy a $100 savings off any work performed over $500.
Until next month, STAY COOL! And thank you for your continued patronage.
Brenda Casey / Owner
Casey's Plumbing Inc
Rooter n Drains
Metro's Best Electric
|
But Honey, They Were So Much Cheaper!
|
|
Quality service will always cost more than so, so ordinary - average service. And so it is with our service. We know that there are cheaper options out there. But Mr. customer, let me ask you...
Would you really be comfortable with this guy servicing your plumbing system while you're at work and only your wife is at home?
Alright, this guy is a little over the the top but believe me, this is an actual representation of one of my competitor's service plumbers.
And what about warranties and longevity? Does it stand to reason that a "cheap" fix is going to last as long as a long term permanent solution performed correctly?
Because we only offer permanent long term solutions, there will always be someone concerned about our prices. But again, is it just price or cost that should be of concern? Many have learned the hard way that their "quick cheap fix" actually ended up costing more in the long run as it had to be redone one or more times.
And as for plumbers, this is Thom Riggs. Licensed, background checked and drug tested to assure you have a safe technician in your home.
 So Mr. and Ms. homeowner - which plumber would you prefer having in your home?
Final thought; we know that many simply can't afford top notch, quality service; maybe they are out of work or just have too many bills. I hope it's not your situation but if it is, remember, we do offer financing. And, if it's not an emergency, save up for the work through our Diamond Club Plus membership. It will be worth the wait to get have the peace of mind that this repair won't need to be dealt with again for a very long time!
 503-620-9111
|
Changing Light Bulbs Can Save $$$
|
|
According to the U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR, if each household in the US swapped
out just one single incandescent bulb with an energy-saving bulb, we could
reduce greenhouse gases equal to the emissions in excess of 800,000
automobiles. Picture what we might achieve by changing out far more?
Fluorescent vs. Incandescent 
To generate light from a standard incandescent light bulb, energy moves via a
slender filament, that heats as well as illuminates it. This particular
technological innovation is incredibly inefficient, using simply 10% of the
energy created to produce the light. The additional 90% is actually burned as
heat.
Fluorescent light bulbs, conversely, generate light by electrically
stimulating a vapor within the tube, triggering it to fluoresce. This method
utilizes 75% to 80% less energy, generates much less heat, but yet provides the
light an individual may need.
Why Should You Switch?
Two significant reasons consumers ought to change to compact fluorescent light
bulbs (CFLs) include the substantial environmental advantages and also the
impressive savings in energy.
The ecological and economical advantages of CFLs help to make deciding to
exchange conventional incandescent bulbs a no-brainer. Furthermore the light
bulbs use one fourth of the energy and they work ten times longer. That results
in a 30-dollar decrease in electricity costs within the lifetime of every
single bulb.
As outlined by Environmental Defense, when a household replaces ten 60-watt
incandescent light bulbs with energy-saving options, they could save nearly
$300 in electricity expenses within the lifetime of the light bulbs as well as
preventing the creation of 3,400 pounds of carbon dioxide.
But Aren't Fluorescent Bulbs Noisy, Dim and Unsightly?
Most people have had negative memories using fluorescent light bulbs. Not so
long before, many bulbs in the marketplace needed quite a while to warm up and
switch on. When they ultimately did, the lighting they created was
unflattering, cool and frequently sporadic. Saddest of all, they buzzed and
hummed as if they were loaded with swarming insects.
Clearly, those times are over. Current technologies have remedied the
majority of problems related to compact fluorescent bulbs, which makes them not
just a good choice, but a simple one too. The current styles light rapidly and
offer peaceful, steady, bright-white lighting. An array of shapes and sizes
make them right for all standard fixtures, outdoors and indoors. Costs have
fallen, as well.
Where Should I Begin?
The U.S. EPA's ENERGY STAR suggests putting in energy-saving bulbs in places
that lighting is employed often and left on for an extended time. This would include
your kitchen, family area, dining area, living room and entrance porch.
Shopping for Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs
CFLs are available now in numerous hues of light, and color temperatures,
calculated in Kelvin. Should you favor a cozy, gentle glow, search for bulbs
with reduced Kelvin numbers in the 2700 to 3000K range. For lighter, natural
light, look for bulbs with increased ratings, within the 4000 to 6000K range.
The same applies to CFL's as does to regular bulbs. Purchase a special CFL for a dimmer
switch light and a three-way lamp.
They're both available.
Individuals may discover that a specific CFL is simply too large to fit
inside a table lamp's harp, the shade support in a lamp. Harp extenders have
been created and only cost about 65 cents each. You may also come across bulbs
which are too thick to twist into certain light sockets. An easy socket
extender has been invented as well, so look for them online.
A Note Regarding Mercury
Every compact fluorescent contains a tiny quantity of mercury, a dangerous material.
Although the bulbs hold far less mercury compared to other household stuff, take
heed to avoid breakage. When CFLs are spent follow-up your care for the earth
and recycle them. To find the nearest recycling drop off near your home, take a
look at the website: www.lamprecycle.org.
Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs) 
LEDs may last as much as two decades. At 90 % efficiency, the lights use little
electrical energy. However, this does not imply LEDs will be ready to replace all
your other bulbs at this time. For starters, they offer solely directional
lighting, not diffused lighting, which makes them well suited for under-counter
task lighting, however, not common space lighting. To conquer this, innovative
designs include a big bundling of LEDs grouped together. However with prices
five to six times greater than CFLs, these bulbs aren't for everyone. Need Help With Your Bulb Upgrades?
Call The Best!
503-643-8833
|
Opening A Clogged Drain
|
|
When one considers the number and type of substances and household items that go down the drain, it becomes evident why the system experiences an overload and clogs. A host of items ranging from soap scum, toothpaste, and shaving cream to foreign objects, shower gels, body oils, and hair contribute to clogged drains. To avoid paying an arm and a leg for plumbing repairs, homeowners can follow simple, self-help measures to fix a clogged drain. All that is needed is a little know-how and a few basic tools. While plumbing and piping can be complex undertakings, fixing as opposed to installing the former can often be done by lay persons.
There are numerous natural, ecologically-beneficial approaches to clear the majority of drains of commonly-encountered clogs, and they include the following:
Utilization of a plunger 
Local hardware stores carry small plungers that are specifically designed for sinks ('sink plungers'). For the overflow inlet on a lavatory, individuals can seal it with a wet cloth, fill the sink, and plunge. Where there is no standing water in the bowl, they can add a small quantity of tap water, which will enable the plunger to produce suction and function more efficaciously by opening the clog. The plunger is then placed directly over the opening of the sink and pushed up and down a few times in order to clear the clog. In the rare cases that plunging does not clear a clogged sink drain, homeowners may remove the trip lever, or the object attached to the rod that they pull to make the stopper work, as well as the p-trap and stopper to ensure that they are free of obstructions. To collect the water, they can place a bowl underneath the p-trap.
Sometimes the culprit is hairs on the stopper; in this case, individuals can simply remove and clean the stopper.
Removal of the U-bend from the p-trap. 
Another technique to clear a clogged sink drain is by taking out the U-shaped drain pipe found beneath the bathroom sink or faucet. Homeowners should first turn the water off by turning the knob to the right and place a bucket under the pipe. Using a pipe or plumber's wrench, they can then loosen, remove, and clean the pipe fitting as well as check if there are any clogs. The pipe can be cleaned with a bottle brush.
If there are no clogs on this portion of the plumbing, then homeowners should utilize an auger, which is a thick pipe with a handle on the side for winding and unwinding as it is moved down the drain pipe. They can also purchase a snake at a hardware store or online for a small price and run it down the drain prior to removing the pipe. After clearing the drain pipe, the trap is replaced and fastened securely. To ensure that it is fully opened, hot water should be flushed down the drain. Finally, the homeowner should look under the sink to verify that there are no leaks in the pipe.
Zip Sticks - hair removal 
For clogs caused by hair, the Zip-It- a cheap thin tool featuring teeth- can be introduced into the drain. The instrument's teeth traps the soap residue and hair, enabling individuals to clear the drain.
Snaking a tub drain 
To tackle a clogged tub drain, homeowners can begin by removing the screen from the drain to clear it of any soap residue and hair. For tubs with pop-up drains, they can raise the level and pull the stopper from the hole and extract soap and hair that is on it. If the tub drain is still clogged, they can place a wet towel underneath the holes of the plate and plunge. In cases of stubborn clogs, a cable auger may need to be used.
Homeowners must first remove the overflow plate and push the cable forward and into the tube by using the hand crank. They should continue cranking until the cable enters the P-trap. The cable is then removed, and the drain is flushed with several gallons of boiling water. The homeowner then replaces the screen and overflow plate.
If you would like more information or need to schedule a plumber to come out, just call...
503-643-4433
|
Money Saving Coupons
|
|
COUPONS NOT GOOD WITH OTHER OFFERS
OR WORK PREVIOUSLY PERFORMED
|
A Word From The General Manager
|
|
It's
getting to be a real problem in our world today. Innocent homeowners
call contractors looking to have work performed on their home.
A
service person shows up, and the homeowner doesn't think twice about
letting that person into their home. They presume that person is
honest and coming to help them with their problem. All too often these
seemingly innocent calls turn tragic.
Not
long ago, I read about a Florida woman who was killed by a registered
sex offender who was performing work in her home. In another instance,
a service technician in the Minneapolis area was convicted on several
counts for stealing from customers' homes. In yet another story, an
unsuspecting housewife in Missouri hired a contractor only to have him
call back two weeks later and make lewd remarks over the telephone.
What if this guy had done more than just make telephone calls? You
don't think about this possibly happening until it's too late.
You
and your family deserve to feel comfortable and safe in your own home;
to live life without fear. Women home alone with small children, the
elderly, or the disabled
shouldn't have to be wary of their security when calling a
contractor. As a person who's been in this industry for years, it
sickens me that
this has become an issue... but it has.
Knowing this, we have
made a commitment to you and all of our loyal customers. You will
never have to worry about a person from our company that enters your
home or be concerned about their true intentions. As a service to you,
every single one of our employees is background checked and drug
tested. No criminal or drug addict will ever wear one of our
uniforms. We have one of the most difficult hiring processes around,
and only people of high moral character are given the opportunity to be
employed by us. We then take these hard working people and provide
them with the best technical and communication training offered in the
country. So, you'll know that when one of our people shows up, they're
upstanding citizens who are eager and able to help you with any and all
of your home's needs.
Many
contractors in the home services
business do not bother to practice such stringent policies... But
that's what distinguishes us from the rest. Indeed, recently when
screening applicants to fill an opening we had for a journeyman
plumber, only a very small percentage passed the drug screening. And these people are now
working for someone!?
When
you call Casey's Plumbing, Rooter n Drains or Metro's Best Electric,
you know you're dealing with professionals who care about your personal
safety, the safety of your family, and the well-being and security of
your home. We feel that's the least we can do for you.
Thanks
your continued patronage.
Sincerely,
 |
|
|
|
|
