My Buttons Don't Work!

How to – Enabling macros in Excel 2003

We come across the question now and again about the error message regarding disabled macros in excel. This error message can be incredibly frustrating as it disables the use of all buttons on the spreadsheet, like “Hide unused lines” – which is my personal favorite!

 A macro is a set of instructions that is represented in an abbreviated format. For example, to “Hide unused lines” without the grey macro button, you would select all lines you no longer wanted shown and then right click and select “hide”.  Having a macro button takes out the middle steps and allows for an easier and more efficient workflow, which of course is what ReSource is all about!

So, here are some error messages you may have seen (this how-to uses Excel 2003 but we are familiar with other versions as well):

  

And here is a step by step solution for you!

1. Click Ok to the initial warning – we have to change the settings
2. On the top toolbar select Tools > Macro > Security

  

3. A pop up box will appear that gives you varying levels of security along with descriptions of each. We recommend that you set this to Medium which will give you the option to enable or disable macros right when you open the spreadsheet.

Close out of the spreadsheet and reopen it (this has to be done in order for the settings to take effect). The first thing you will see is a security warning which asks if you would like to Enable or Disable macros. Chose to Enable.

You are now all set and the buttons on the evaluation should work! Of course most of us have probably grown into more of a love/hate relationship with our computers because there are always more problems and questions that come up. If you have any questions about macros or any other issues with the finished evaluation, please don’t hesitate to ask!

Contact Info:

Amanda Brown

abrown@replacementsource.com

Direct: (214) 644-1309

Main: (800) 275-7672

Fax: (800) 275-5957

Golf - Getting in the Swing of Things

The reason the pro tells you to keep your head down is so you can't see him laughing.
            ~ Phyllis Diller

Over the last 10 years the game of golf has evolved from a favorite pastime to a highly competitive and recognized sport. In the past fans may have watched rounds of golf on Sunday afternoons or seen amazing shots on ESPN’s top 10, but golf tournaments are now shown on prime time TV!

For avid golfers, one of the focal points of these tournaments is the new equipment being used by the pros. Golf equipment, like technology, is constantly changing and improving. With all of the advancements in materials and technology, a golf store can seem more like a science lab than anything else! With a few simple measurements you can have the perfect arsenal in your bag. Graphite shafts, hybrid irons, Scotty Cameron putters, drivers that weigh just over 10 ounces, this is not the same old golf equipment from the days when Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus walked the fairways!

 This new and improved equipment can work wonders to improve your game, but what kind of equipment is right for you? There are 3 approaches to consider as a starting point when you are “choosing your weapon.” These range from standard to advanced, from basic to custom and from cheap to expensive; the task lies in finding the perfect balance for you!

Box Sets

Box sets are the most inexpensive pre-manufactured set of clubs you can purchase. They consist of the most commonly used clubs that are found in most complete golf sets. Since there isn’t as much concern for having the most up to date technology, cost on these sets is priced very reasonably, making it a great starting point for beginners or casual golfers. With box sets you literally get a box with just about everything you need to start playing golf, all of your basic clubs (generally all the same brand) and usually a bag as well.

Custom Selections

A custom/hand-built set is unique in the fact that all components of the clubs are selected by the golfer and then assembled in the shop. You choose the preferred heads, shafts and grips for your clubs, leaving you with a set consisting of only the components of your liking. There does not have to be any consistency to the clubs or manufacturers used since the golfer selects everything by hand. Although more expensive than a standard box set, custom selections save on cost by allowing the freedom to choose which components to save or splurge on and also by having a shop assemble the clubs as opposed to the manufacturer. These clubs give you the potential to step up your game but not at the expense of the premier brands. Of course, we use the word “potential” very loosely J

 

Premier brands/clubs

Premier brands come directly from top manufacturers who utilize the most advanced technology available to create the most cutting edge, high end clubs on the market. With these clubs you will find industry leading materials such as graphite, titanium, and tungsten. They will be faster, lighter, and more expensive than any other clubs on the market but they also provide the most game enhancing potential. Technology from premier brands, such as Taylormade, Ping or Callaway, will eventually trickle down and make its way into most of the other brands. Premier brands will come fully assembled but can be customized by the golf store or manufacturer to fit your needs.

Whether you are in the trees or in the middle of the fairway, we know there is never a dull moment in your golf game. With the correct equipment you can stop leaving clubs unused in your bag, and start hitting the shots you see on prime time. If your game is gone, we can help get it back by finding the right clubs for you. Our product experts know what it takes to get the correct clubs selected to put you back on the course!  

The Best Gifts of 2011...

"A baby will make love stronger, days shorter, nights longer, bankroll smaller, home happier, clothes shabbier, the past forgotten, and the future worth living for."
-Author Unknown

As we approach the end of 2011, it’s fun to reflect on the events of the passing year. We like to consider ourselves family here and are closely connected with many of the events in each other’s lives. We’ve had an amazing year and added 3 new members to the ReSource family, the best gifts under our Christmas tree!

Easton Wayne Bynum

The first born in our line-up is Easton, born to Bryan and Tiffany Bynum on 5/29/11. He weighed in at 9 lbs. 3 oz. and was 19 inches long! He’s the second baby to join their family and big brother Cody (4) has taken on his protective duties with pride. The normal crying routine most babies go through hasn’t been an issue with him since he is happy all the time, always smiling and laughing! Bryan reports that Easton sometimes wakes them up in the middle of the night because he is laughing in his sleep… wouldn’t that be nice! 

  

 

Easton Joe Cremeans

The second baby born this year was Easton (yes we’ve got two of ‘em!), born to Racheal and David on 6/16/11. He was 3 months premature and weighed in at only 1 lb. 12 oz. and was 13 inches long! After a long 94 day stay in NICU, where he fought hard and grew like a weed, mom and dad finally got to bring him home to start their lives together. Everything was well worth it in the end, nothing lights up Rach’s face like talking about Easton. She brings him up to work to show him off sometimes and he is happily passed around to all the cooing women. 

 

Clara Gail Champagne

The most recent addition this year is Clara, born to Stephen and Monica on 12/1/11. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 1 oz. and was 20.5 inches long. She is the third addition to their family with older brothers Carson (15) and Cameron (12) standing by to fend off the boys! A fun tradition developing is for the boys to run in from school exclaiming “Clara!” for dibs on who gets to hold her first (in the “shotgun” style of calling for the front seat of the car). Grandma is also in on the excitement, having lots of fun playing dress up with the first girl grandbaby!  Vote for them on the Million Moms Challenge!

What is a diamond?

Before we delve too deep into all the various aspects of diamonds (the four C’s, how they are measured, how we chose replacements, etc.), I thought we should start out with a little bit of history. What exactly is a diamond? 

Physically:

A diamond is a precious stone formed from an essentially colorless crystalline form of pure carbon. Interestingly, diamond and graphite are both pure forms of carbon. They are allotropes, or pure forms of the same element that differ in structure. Graphite is very soft, opaque and metallic black in color while diamond is transparent and the hardest substance known today. It’s interesting how the crystal structure of a mineral can change the properties so drastically!

Example of a Mine Entrance

Diamonds are originally formed at depths of 140 to 190 kilometers in the Earth’s mantle. These depths provide the high-pressure and high-temperature conditions needed to maintain the growth of the carbon minerals, which will take over 1 billion years. They are brought to the surface in a type of igneous rock known as kimberlite which is found in former spheres of volcanic activity. The most common place to find kimberlite is near mountain ranges, in vertical shafts that extend deep into the earth. This is why you find so many mines near mountains! If you’ve ever visited the Rocky Mountains in Colorado you will have seen plenty!

Mohs Scale of Mineral Hardness

Diamonds are thought to have been originally discovered in riverbeds in India over 6000 years ago and were traded across countries during the medieval times. The Chinese were the first to recognize the amazing strength of the diamond and began using it to cut other stones.

The Mohs scale is a hardness rating system developed in 1822 by Austrian Friedreich Mohs as a standard for mineral identification. It compares different minerals ability to resist scratches. On this scale, harder minerals with a higher number can scratch those with a lower number. Based on this, diamond is 4 times stronger than corundum, the next strongest mineral listed!  

Symbolically:

Well now we know a little more about the history of a diamond, but what about its presence in society? The word ‘diamond’ stems from the Greek word adámas, which has translations of ‘unbreakable’, ‘invincible’ or ‘unconquerable’ and is a variant of Latin adamans, from the base of the English word ‘adamant’.

The diamond has long been a fascinating presence in the world and when first discovered was thought to be magical. Because they were so rare, it became common superstition that the diamond lent its wearer special powers. Diamonds would be worn to battle to ensure victory, used as medical antidotes, placed in mouths to bring on loss of teeth and ground into powder to use as a poison. 

 

The diamond has historically been used as the gem of choice for engagement rings though. In medieval times the Italians called it the Pietra della Reconciliazone or ‘stone of reconciliation’ because it symbolized the upheld agreement between husband and wife.

Today we approach diamonds with a little less superstition but no less reverence! There are many uses for diamonds in current society. Although normally of a lower grade than the traditional gemstone market, diamonds can be found in many industries today. Diamond tools last much longer than those made from other sources and offer a nearly unmatched precision in cutting other substances. Automobile and aircraft manufacturers have long used diamond-based tools as well as the mirror and optical fields. Oil and gas drilling, textile and construction industries and the medical field are also all in on the durability of the diamond as a tool. They were also used to make needles for record players!

As you can see, diamonds have a much more versatile history than we generally take into consideration as we admire them.  They’ve been a fascination to society for centuries and continue to be a symbol of love and commitment throughout the world. 

You can find out more about diamonds or buy some of your own by
browsing our jewelry website
www.replaceonline.com

Television Measurements and Aspect Ratios

Determining the correct replacement television on a claim can be an adventure in itself. There are many aspects to consider when speaking to an insured about their television. One of the hurdles ReSource faces with determining like kind and quality product is explaining the difference between older cathode-ray tube (CRT) or “tube” television’s and newer widescreen versions. Here are the basics to get us started!

Television Measurements (diagonal dimensions)

Most television’s are sized in terms of the diagonal measurement of the screen. A “60 inch Television” would have a measurement of 60 inches from one corner to its opposite diagonal corner. Measuring in this format allows for consistent comparison of screen area regardless of the screen shape.

On new widescreen televisions (such as LCD, Plasma, and LED models) the measurement is taken from the corners of the screen’s display area. This gives the size of what you are actually able to see, the viewable part of the screen. 

Older CRT televisions or “tube” televisions are generally measured diagonally from the corners of the tube. This can be misleading due to the fact that the tube is usually larger than the actual viewable area of the screen. So your 40” tube television may only have a 36” viewable screen.

Aspect Ratio

Aspect ratio of an image is the ratio of the width of the image to its height. This is expressed as two numbers separated by a colon (for example x:y) and pronounced "x-to-y” or “x-by-y.”

Traditional CRT televisions have an aspect ratio of 4:3 which has been around since the inception of television. The image is 3/4ths as tall as it is wide. This denotes a “standard” screen and it is almost square in shape.

LCD, Plasma, and LED televisions are considered “widescreen.” Widescreens usually have an aspect ratio of 16:9; they are much wider than they are tall.  

4:3 Aspect Ratio (old broadcast format)

16:9 Aspect Ratio (new broadcast format)

When viewing wide-screen HDTV content (the broadcasting standard as of 9/9/2009) on a 4:3 television the material will often be “letterboxed.” You might recognize this format from buying “widescreen” movies which show the mattes (black bars) above and below the image while viewing. Letterboxing reduces larger ratio images to fit smaller ratio screens; the visual height of the content is reduced to show the entire image on screen.

 

Example of Letterboxing

These are a couple of the aspects considered when looking at moving someone from a CRT television to a newer model. In essence, when viewing the new HDTV broadcast signal on your television, a 29.37” widescreen television would give you the same viewing height as a 32” CRT television, but with 1.04” more viewing width!

The correct replacement screen size can also be determined by using a Screen Size Comparison Calculator found online.

 

What exactly do y’all do at ReSource?

What is the million dollar question that makes each ReSource employee pause? “What do you do?” In hindsight, once you understand what we do, it doesn’t seem that it should be difficult to explain. But when faced with those 4 little words, we each find ourselves reflecting for a moment.

So, here it is: ReSource is a service that handles insurance claim content evaluations and replacements. Did you get that?

The simplest way to describe it is that we replace items which have been lost, stolen or damaged on insurance claims. Say a house burns down; imagine just how many items are in a house! Instead of getting a depreciated check from the insurance company, we send out new product from the distributor or manufacturer directly to the insured. Insureds get to skip the hassle of paying out of pocket, receipt management and waiting for reimbursement. Adjusters get to close their claims faster. Everybody wins!

Of course we can’t (and don’t want to) replace ALL of the items on a claim. There are some things that are just better off in your own hands. I may wear a size 8 pants… but if anyone asks lets go with a 4 ;-) You can see the problem right away! It wouldn’t be worthwhile for us or for an insured to replace items like clothing, toiletries, furniture, food, etc. These items are too personal and taste oriented.

Our Online Jewelry Catalog - www.replaceonline.com

Items that we can replace include: jewelry, diamonds, silver, china, electronics (such as computers, TV’s, gaming units, DVD’s, CD’s, etc), sporting goods, tools, firearms, heavy machinery, lawn equipment and much more!

  

Entire content lists are evaluated for like kind and quality (LKQ) replacements in today’s market. This guarantees that the insured is getting an accurate allocation to replace the items either on their own or through ReSource. A 5 year old TV is not worth what it was when it was originally purchased. Our job is to compare the old TV with new models to determine LKQ today.  

So you can see why “what do you do” may cause some hesitation on our end! The answer of “content evaluation and replacement” is short but in general, not very informative.

In the end, we are here to help, in whatever way we can. Making jobs and lives easier is what we’ve done for the past 21 years, and that’s just the way we like it! 

Houston...We DON'T have a problem!

We enjoy each opportunity to make an insured feel whole again. The best part about it is that we match the contents of each claim to the appropriate product specialist, so at the end of the day it’s really just two people sharing their favorite hobbies. For instance, if you walk by Bryan Bynum's desk when he has a firearm claim you would think he is just talking to one of his old hunting buddies.

Stephen Champagne recently handled a claim where the insured had all of their high-end camera equipment stolen. I know this sounds like something that we handle all of the time, but this claim needed extra special attention. The insured had been invited by NASA to attend the final launch of the Space Shuttle Atlantis in Cape Canaveral, FL. The insured, a lifelong photographer, couldn’t imagine attending the event and not being able to capture the moment. Stephen, a photography enthusiast himself, understood just how important this was to his insured.

Stephen worked closely with the insured and delivered his replacement equipment within a matter of days. Everyone at ReSource was excited to have this opportunity to do what we do best! We were thrilled when the insured was generous enough to share some of the pictures he captured at the launch.

With the pictures, he also included these kind words:

Hi Steve:

Here's a few we looked at real quickly to send out as e-mails..........along with some critters we got at Merritt Island National Wildlife Reserve. You guys along with our adjuster got us up and running again and we're very grateful to not miss the chance to shoot the launch as a NASA guest.

JK

 To see all of the phenomenal pictures, visit our Facebook page.