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Karen Youso

Columnist/Reporter | Fixit

Phone: 612-673-4407

Karen Youso writes Fixit, a column that answers readers questions on any subject; and also writes feature stories on consumer issues, especially about the house and yard.

Recent content from Karen Youso

Fixit: How much does hybrid save on gas?
Q Will gas savings pay for the cost of a hybrid car?
Jul 21, 2008
Fix it: 'Possession' is 100 percent up to the law

Jul 20, 2008
Fixit: As gas prices rise, so will budget plans
Q I'm on a budget plan for CenterPoint Energy, which just called to say it is increasing our monthly rates because the price of natural gas is climbing. Can it do this? It's the first time I can remember this happening.
Jul 18, 2008
Some readers very uneasy
Bad news about banks is in the news, and it's making some readers very uneasy
Jul 18, 2008
Fixit: How are RNC dollar figures calculated?
Q When calculating how much money the Republican National Convention will bring to the state, how is it done?
Jul 16, 2008
Fixit: What to do when basement's cool and rest of the house is hot
Q We have a two-story house, and in the summer the basement is cold. Is there a way to get this cold air into the rest of the house and minimize use of the air conditioning? We have run the furnace fan by itself, which brings some of the cold air up to the warmer upstairs floors, but there is a lot more potential. Can we cut a hole in the cold air duct so it can draw air directly from the basement? It could be sealed off in winter with a cover and tape. If so, where is the best location to do this?
Jul 15, 2008
'Major' lack of bees could mean less fruit

Jul 13, 2008
Fixit: New box spring required or not?
Q When buying a new mattress, why is it so urgent that the box spring be replaced? I can't see why it's necessary. What are some suggestions when looking for a new mattress?
Jul 11, 2008
Fixit: Cranberries or juice to fend off infection?
Q I have been drinking cranberry juice to help ward off a urinary tract infection. It has been suggested to me that cranberries themselves may be more effective. Do you know how many cranberries would provide the equivalent acidic protection of 5 to 6 ounces of cranberry juice? Also, cranberry juice may be an acquired taste but it certainly is palatable and even enjoyable. Is the same true for the berries?
Jul 9, 2008
Fixit: Mosquito killers safe for humans
Q Are the chemicals used in parks to control mosquitoes harmful to residents who live nearby?
Jul 8, 2008

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