Internet Error Codes: What Do They Mean?

ByMichael McCarty-February 28, 2006It happens to all of us. We’re just surfing along and up comes an error. What do all of those error codes mean? Here’s a quick rundown of the most common.400 – Bad Request – You probably typed in a URL wrong and the server has no clue what you’re looking for, or you aren’t allowed to have access. Usually, it’s a matter of the URL being typed in wrong. Maybe you mixed upper and lowercase letters or something like that.401 – Unauthorized Request – You tried to get to something on the Web server you’re not allowed to play with. In other words, you ain’t on the party list.403 – Forbidden – You can’t access the page. You may not have access (it may require a password), or it may be blocked from your domain.404 – Not Found – The page you were trying to look at was not found on the server. This is probably the most common error you’ll come across. What has probably happened is that the Web page you were going to has been removed or renamed.500 – …Post a Comment Read More »

F4: So Many Uses

ByMichael McCarty-February 28, 2006There are several uses for the F4 function key located on your keyboard. First of all, you can use it to close any open application. Just make sure the program you want to close is selected, press Alt+F4 and that window will automatically close. Now, if you’re using a single application that has many different documents within it, press Ctrl+F4 and just that one window will close instead of the whole program.You can also use F4 to shut down your computer. Make sure all of your programs are closed and press Alt+F4. That will bring up the “Turn off computer” box and you can proceed with the normal shut down. Pressing Alt + F4 is the same as Start, Turn off computer.Who knew one little key could have so many important functions?!Post a Comment Read More »

Tips for Selecting Spatula’s

ByMichael McCarty-February 27, 2006Setting up a first time kitchen can be quite a task. You don’t know exactly what you need and when you do look, there are a billion choices. For a bare bones kitchen here is an item that you will want to have on hand. Please remember when you are making your purchases, don’t skimp on the quality. If you spend a little bit more now, you will save a lot of money down the road.A good silicone spatula is a cook’s friend.Find one that is firm enough that you could use to turn food in a skillet, yet soft enough to use as a scraper for removing food from bowls and dishes.For super easy clean up, just toss in the dishwasher.Post a Comment Read More »

How to Clean Candles

ByMichael McCarty-February 27, 2006You are having a special dinner tonight and have the table set with your best china and silver.You go into the closet to find your candles, and when you do find them, they are covered in dust and who knows what else? How are you going to clean them up?A quick and easy way to clean your candles is to grab some rubbing alcohol and a cotton ball.Soak the ball with the rubbing alcohol and gently wipe off your candle sticks.The rubbing alcohol should remove most of the debris to make your candles presentable again.1 comment Read More »

Tips On Writing Successfully for the Web

ByMichael McCarty-February 27, 2006Online readers love free information. They scour the Internet daily looking for specific information to solve their problems, help them be successful, live longer or get healthy. You should join the information revolution too! Publish your free, helpful solution-oriented articles to Fred’s Head or the Fred’s Head Companion.

Make your article scan ready. Your impatient web readers will want importantinformation to jump out at them. Some practical ways to make your text scannable include:

headings
sub-headings
bulleted lists
numbered lists
easy steps
typeface variationFor example, compelling headlines are considered an art. Are you drawn to the author’s article as “How to Write Web Articles” or “5 Tips to Write Winning Web Articles?”

Keep it short. Get and keep the attention of web readers by delivering short messages. You put effort into gaining your web reader’s attention; now make their click worthwhile with brief compelling copy in bite sizes. Start wit…Post a Comment Read More »

Spices vs. Herbs: What’s the Difference?

ByMichael McCarty-February 27, 2006By Sam HerbertSpices and herbs are common in most foods around the world today. Both are used to flavor foods and some for medicinal purposes. Herbs and spices have both been prominent throughout human history. In earlier times, herbs and spices were considered luxuries and only available for the use of the wealthy. Herbs and spices were also traded frequently between nations in medieval times. Many people do not know the difference between an herb and a spice. There are many similarities between the two, and some of the differences are very subtle, but they are still valid.The essential difference between an herb and a spice is where it is obtained from on a plant. Herbs usually come from the leafy part of a plant, and are usually dried. However, some herbs can be used fresh. Spices can be obtained from seeds, fruits, roots, bark, or some other vegetative substance. Spices are not necessarily as fresh as some herbs can be. Herbs can be found many places around the world, while sp…Post a Comment Read More »

Pruning-tips CD a gardening soundtrack

ByMichael McCarty-February 27, 2006It’s always helpful to keep a good pruning book by your side when you trim your trees and shrubs in February and early March. There’s a new way to get the pruning guidance you need — and you can get it while you rake your yard, commute to work, take your daily walk or pick up kids at school.A new 60-minute CD audio book on pruning covers most of the basics, and is broken down into 19 tracks, each one a minute to five minutes long. Those short but useful segments make it easy for you to pick up where you left off or to again pick up information you found most useful.Each track is accompanied by relaxing music and the soft-spoken voice of Nick Federoff, a master gardener and host of the syndicated radio talk show “Things Green Garden Minutes.” The gardener is also author of “Basic Elements of Pruning,” a 56-page pocket guide. It was one of his listeners who gave him the idea to put the same information on CD.The CD segments teach you about the importanc…Post a Comment Read More »

Adjust-A-Spoon Measuring Spoon System

ByMichael McCarty-February 15, 2006Do you ever tire of fumbling around with a ring of measuring spoons? Well, this Adjust-A-Spoonwas designed for you! Made of stainless steel and dishwasher safe, you can slide your way to your desired measurement with what appears to be a minimum amount of hassle. I could definitely see myself replacing my set of spoons with one of these when they finally wear out.No more weeding through your gadget drawer in search of the correct measuring spoon. This measuring spoon system replaces those spoons with one adjustable spoon. Constructed of brushed stainless steel, they have santoprene inserts for a nonslip grip. Dishwasher safe (top rack).

Click this link to order the Adjust-A-Spoon Measuring Spoon System from Bed Bath & Beyond.Post a Comment Read More »

Say “I Love You” In Braille

ByMichael McCarty-February 14, 2006It’s that one day of the year when everyone’s talking about love… and AFB has a cute, creative way to celebrate. If you visit AFB’s Braille Bug web site, you can e-mail braille love notes (like “I love you”) to your friends and loved ones. The recipient of your note will be taken to a page where they can easily decode your message. We think it’s a fun, different way to say I love you. Rumor has it Cupid likes it too.

Contributor: Carl Augusto
American Foundation for the Blind’s Blog: http://www.afb.org/blog 1 comment Read More »

Left-Handed Mouse Clickers

ByMichael McCarty-February 14, 2006Since Windows 98, a feature has been included for changing the buttons on your mouse to help you lefties out there. This feature allows you to replicate the feel of the right-handed mouse (like having the primary mouse click be your pointer finger).To switch buttons on your mouse to a left-handed configuration in Windows 98 and ME, go to Start, Settings, Control Panel and double click the Mouse icon. On the Buttons tab, choose the left-handed setting under Button Configuration.For Windows XP users, go to Start, Control Panel, select “Printers and Other Hardware” (if in category view), then Mouse. Go to “Button Actions” and change the Left button action to “Right Click” and the right button action to “Left Click.” (Don’t be surprised if your user interface looks different. Just check things out, the feature should be there.Post a Comment Read More »

How to Chop Onions without Tears

ByMichael McCarty-February 13, 2006Do you hate cutting onions because they make you “cry”? Here’s some ways to prevent that.

Put the unpeeled onion in the freezer.
Leave the onion in the freezer for about ten minutes.
Remove the onion from the freezer and peel it. The onion can now be sliced, chopped, or minced without tears.Simply keep your onions in the fridge along with other veggies and you will never cry when chopping them – it’s that simple!You can freeze an onion, just prepare like you were going to use it. Pan fry it before cooling and putting into an airtight container and freeze. This stops the onion going mushy when defrosted. Use as you would any other onion.If you use a sharp knife, there shouldn’t be any tears. An onion makes you cry because acid is being released from the onion. Using a dull knife crushes the onion rather than cutting it, releasing far more of this acid into the air.Onions that have been frozen raw may tend to be slightly mushy after thawing.Post a Comment Read More »

Tips On Ladder Safety

ByMichael McCarty-February 13, 2006Ladders: Type and UseThere are two types of ladders: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung from the top. The steps of a ladder are called rungs, and the vertical members are called stiles. With a bit of agility, one can slide down the stiles without climbing down each rung. Rigid ladders are usually portable.Rigid ladders are available in many forms, such as:

fixed ladder (two stiles joined by several rungs; no moving parts)
extension ladder (fixed ladder divided into two or more lengths for more convenient storage; the lengths can be slid together for storage or slid apart to maximize the length of the ladder)
step ladder (hinged in the middle to form an upside down V)
roof ladder (rigid ladder with large hook at the top to grip the ridge of a roof)
hook ladder (rigid ladder with a hook at the top to grip a windowsill. This is the type used by firefighters)Rigid ladders were originally made of wood, but in the 20th ce…Post a Comment Read More »

Guided Walking Tour of Historic Clifton Neighborhood

ByMichael McCarty-February 13, 2006Join a local historian Joanne Weeter as we walk the streets of historic Clifton, exploring the historic transportation routes that defined its growth. The Louisville and Shelbyville Turnpike and the Louisville and Frankfort Railroad are part of the historic architecture that make the area so special. Starting at the Printing House property (1883), we’ll explore landmarks like the Three Mile Tollhouse (circa 1830), Widman’s Saloon and Grocery (1858), the Stoll Firehouse, and the St. Francis of Rome Catholic School (1930). The tour date is Saturday, March 18, at 11:00 AM. To make reservations for this two-hour tour, contact Mike Hudson, 502-895-2405.Post a Comment Read More »

Call Forwarding: A cure for cell phone static

ByMichael McCarty-February 10, 2006Have you ever noticed that your cell phone works great everywhere in the world except from within your own home? A friend recommended call forwarding from my cell phone to my land line. It may seem high maintenance, but if you miss calls because of poor cell phone reception, it’s a simple solution that saves you the aggravation of shouting through static.If you contact your wireless phone service provider, you can ask them if they provide call forwarding and how to set it up. Call Forwarding is actually included on allCingular and former AT&T Wireless rate plans. Chances are pretty good that you may be payingfor this service already and you just aren’t using it!If call forwarding doesn’t work for you, you may want to consider changing your wireless service provider. cellreception.com can tell you which wireless service providers are best for your area through a list compiled of actual user comments and reviews.Post a Comment Read More »

How to Keep Lettuce Fresh and Crisp

ByMichael McCarty-February 10, 2006Here are a few simple ways you can have crisp, fresh lettuce on hand for delicious salads.

Buy the freshest lettuce you can from a farmer’s market or a grocery store you know typically has good produce.

Set your produce drawer temperature and humidity controls correctly. For me, this is about the middle level. You don’t want your produce drawer temperature set too low or your lettuce will “sweat” and get soggy. If you have it set to high, the lettuce will frost which is equally as tragic.

If you buy iceberg lettuce, wrap it in a paper towel as soon as youget home from the store and place it back in the plastic bag before storing it in the drawer. The really absorbent kind of paper towel works best. With leafy greens, you can follow the same process. I have found though that it is better to remove leafy greens from their plastic bag and wash them before storing them. Use a salad spinner or rinse the leaves and dry them with a paper towel, then place them in a bowl.…Post a Comment Read More »

How To Fold a Fitted Sheet

ByMichael McCarty-February 10, 2006There is a foolproof technique for folding a fitted sheet. These instructions are for a right-handed person; just reverse them if you’re left-handed. Now, let’s Uncover one of Life’s Greatest Mysteries.

Stand holding the sheet by the two adjacent corners of one of the shorter edges. With the sheet inside out, place one hand in each of these two corners.

Bring your right hand to your left, and fold the corner in your right hand over the one in your left, enveloping it. Next, reach down and pick up the corner that is hanging in front; bring it up, and fold it over the two corners in your left hand; the corner that’s showing will be inside out.

Bring the last corner up, and fold it over the others; with its right side showing, it should envelop the other three corners.

Lay the folded sheet on a flat surface, and straighten it.

Fold the two edges in so all the elastic is hidden.

Fold the sheet into a rectangle.

Continue folding until the rectangle is the size you want it to be.Post a Comment Read More »

Oversink Organizer

ByMichael McCarty-February 10, 2006I don’t like doing the dishes. I really hate when you have to do the dishes and things keep falling off the top of the sink into the dishwater. You know, you reach for a rag and knock the bottle of soap in the water and get splashed? Now you get to change your shirt. There must be a way to get things organized at the sink. There is, and simplehuman has the answer.The oversink organizer is designed to help keep your cleaning tools organized with various compartments for brushes, a bar of soap or a sponge, and even rings and other small items. A vase-shaped channel can also hold a decorative flower. Fits most double bowl sinks.

rust-proof stainless steel & durable ABS plastic
unique curved shape designed to fit around a single faucet5 year warranty
depth: 15.2cm x 6″ width: 91.4cm x 36″height: 15.8cm x 6.25″

Click this link to purchase the Oversink Organizer: http://www.simplehuman.com/products/organizer/index.html.Post a Comment Read More »

Bed Light Scares Monsters Away

ByMichael McCarty-February 09, 2006It’s a known fact that monsters, who like to hide under kids’ beds, don’t like lights. This is why children have a built-in defense mechanism to turn on lights when they suspect a monster has taken residence beneath their place of slumber.The Blue Moon Night Light manages this for them by preventing monsters from moving in, and allowing boys and girls to sleep in comfort.Powered by 14 super bright LEDs, with a life span of up to ten years, it will last long enough until kids grow up to such an age where monsters take no interest.Now, if your child is not bothered by the little nightly visitors, you can still use this device as one of the coolest night lights to keep you from tripping or stubbing your toes on the bed frame.

Click this link to scare monsters away with the Blue Moon Night Light.Post a Comment Read More »

Deliver Your Contacts Via RSS

ByMichael McCarty-February 09, 2006A challenge faced by us all today is that we are a more transient society both in that we tend to change our jobs more frequently while as consumers wealso are changing our preferences more easily. This double effect makes it more difficult for us to stay connected with people in our personal circle of acquaintances even with the advances made by the use of technology. Through no fault of ourselves or our contacts we simply lose some of the information which connects us – a phone number, email or regular mailing address – and then we lose contact. How often have we said “I wonder where John Smith is today?”RSSContact has been developed as an easy-to-use service to overcome this problem of lost connections to whom you desire to stay connected. Now simply and securely you can stay connected with these individuals or businesses as you choose, sharing that contact information you wish to share. The RSSContactsolution is designed to be both system and operating system indepen…Post a Comment Read More »

Follow Your Favorite Comics with RSS

ByMichael McCarty-February 09, 2006 Tapestry Comics: http://www.tapestrycomics.com is a directory of feeds for online comics. They help you to keep up to date from within your favourite news aggregator, especially if you happen to miss a few days. Feeds include Dilbert and Peanuts just to name a few. Note: this site and available feeds are not compatible with screen reading software like JAWS for Windows and Window Eyes. The feeds contain graphic files of each comic.RSS (Real Simple Syndication) is technology that allows certain programs called RSS readers to download new content from an RSS feed to your computer. RSS feeds are often found on blogs or forums and contain the latest posts to that blog or forum. An RSS feed can also be found on news sites and contains the latest articles found on that site. Just like an email program such as Microsoft Outlook saves you time by checking for new mail for you and downloading it so that you can view it, the RSS reader checks for updates for you and as soon as it sees an u…Post a Comment Read More »

RSS TV Listings

ByMichael McCarty-February 09, 2006ktyp’s RSS TV Listings is a neat way of using RSS. Here you will find a collection of television channel listings for a large selection of channels sorted by timezone. All these feeds are valid RSS 2.0 that you can stick into your favorite RSS reader or aggregator.RSS (Real Simple Syndication) is technology that allows certain programs called RSS readers to download new content from an RSS feed to your computer. RSS feeds are often found on blogs or forums and contain the latest posts to that blog or forum. An RSS feed can also be found on news sites and contains the latest articles found on that site. In the case of this site, the RSS feed contains each channel’s individual programming schedule. Just like an email program such as Microsoft Outlook saves you time by checking for new mail for you and downloading it so that you can view it, the RSS reader checks for updates for you and as soon as it sees an update, it will download it to your computer and can notify you by a p…Post a Comment Read More »

Create a Calendar to Share with RSS

ByMichael McCarty-February 09, 2006 RSSCalendar.com is an exciting new way for individuals and organizations to share their calendars with family, friends, and co-workers – utilizing the latest in “Really Simple Syndication” (RSS) technology, including RSS channel creation and aggregation. Not only is RSSCalendar easy to use but it is also easy to administer, and setup is a snap. RSSCalendar is well-suited for a variety of uses, including:

Individual calendars
Family calendars
Company calendars
School calendars
Organization calendars
Team calendars
City calendarsThe first step is to create a free account. Then add events to your calendar. Finally share your RSS feed link with family, friends or coworkers. Talk about accessability!

Click this link to visit RSSCalendar.com.Post a Comment Read More »

The EaseOut Bulb Remover

ByMichael McCarty-February 08, 2006It happens to all of us. We go to remove a lightbulb, and the darn socket stays there. You got the glass bulb in your hand, you’re standing on a stool, and you’re wondering if you’ll be electricuted if you try to remove the bulb’s leftovers. Well, there’s a good chance that you will get more than you wanted if you try, so why not get some help.The EaseOut bulb remover safely extracts broken bulbs, from light sockets. These plastic pliers don’t conduct electricity, and their long, sure-grip handle has a built-in safety shield to protect your eyes and hands from glass shards. What a bright idea! Measures 8 1/2 x 5 1/2″.

Click this link to purchase the EASEOUT BULB REMOVER from Taylor Gifts.Post a Comment Read More »

Professional Adjust-A-Cup with Satin Finish

ByMichael McCarty-February 08, 2006This seems like a great idea, an adjustable measuring cup. Now we can finally get rid of all those small measuring cups we have lying around.The Adjustable Measuring Cup Pro in a beautiful satin finish replaces 6 conventional measuring cups. Its sleeve easily slides and seals for liquid and dry ingredients. It is great for sticky ingredients like shortening, honey, or peanut butter.It is made from durable metal and polymer for a long life and it is dishwasher safe.

Click this link to purchase the Professional Adjust-A-Cup from Kitchen Kapers: http://www.kitchenkapers.com/16211.html.Post a Comment Read More »

Tips for Easy Lawn Bagging

ByMichael McCarty-February 08, 2006You picked up some of those great big bags from your local home improvement store, but you are having problems getting your leaves and debris into the bag.You can make a quick and easy “funnel” for using with your bag. Locate an old plastic laundry basket or tall trash can.Open up your bag and place the basket/can inside the bag to make sure that it fits.Once you have confirmed this, simply cut off the bottom of the basket/can. Now place back in the bag and start filling.Once your bag is full, remove your basket/can and place in the next bag for use.Post a Comment Read More »

6.75 oz. Stainless Steel Vinegar Sprayer

ByMichael McCarty-February 08, 2006I had no idea such a thing existed, but I was sure glad I found it. How many times have you tried to put vinegar on a salad and either didn’t get enough, or worse yet got too much? What about fish and chips? It can be difficult, and embarrassing at a crowded table.This gadget will allow you to spray on just the right amount of vinegar, no more messes, no more embarrassing moments.

Click this link to purchase the 6.75 oz. Stainless Steel Vinegar Sprayer from amazon.com Post a Comment Read More »

Drying Seeds for Gardens

ByMichael McCarty-February 08, 2006My father has a farm with a rather large garden and I receive several loads of vegetables throughout the year. This is one of the ways we keep the good stuff growing.

Start by wiping them off gently with a soft towel, and place them on a brownpaper bag, leaving them in a warm dry area.

Walk by and stir them up by hand 3 or 4 times a day–just move them around a little.

Drying time is normally around 8 hours to prevent molding & rotting when placed in a container for storage until planting time. I usually leave them on the bag for about three days to make sure they are really dry.

Put the seeds in a ziplock sandwich bag, be sure to LABEL EACH BAG with DATE and WHAT TYPE of seed. If it was a SPECIAL apple that made a really great pie, instead of just listing the name such as Red Delicious, you could add a note to remind yourself that this was a special seed for something you may wish to make again.

Keep all the seeds, which can turn into a very large amount after some time.

Plant all th…Post a Comment Read More »

Answer the Door with Your Phone

ByMichael McCarty-February 07, 2006For those of us who love technology and who have just a little geek in us the DoorBell Fon is right up our alley.When a visitor presses the button on the door intercom, the DoorBell Fon rings the phones in your home with a distinctive ring. Pick up the phone to converse with the person at the door. If you are on the phone when a visitor arrives a call waiting tone will sound to alert you. In fact, the DoorBell Fon system will even work without phone service. The system provides the necessary voltage to operate on its own.Up to 2 intercom stations can be attached. Add the optional lock controller and an electric door strike and you can unlock the door from the phone by pressing “*”. Easy 2 wire connection to door intercoms. Works with answering machines, most home PBX phone systems, and phone-company provided services like voice mail. Includes one door intercom station, which measures 3 7/8″ X 5 1/8″ X 1″, and a power supply. A Brass Outdoor Intercom Statio…Post a Comment Read More »

How to Use A Cell Phone As A Baby Monitor

ByMichael McCarty-February 07, 2006Parents may occasionally find themselves in situations where conventional baby monitors won’t work, such as in a large hotel. While you should not use theseinstructions to leave your baby unattended while you are a significant distance away from the baby, you can use a cell phone as a baby monitor in certain situations where you remain physically close to the baby and are able to offer assistance if necessary. Remember, never leave your baby unattended.

Obtain a cell phone with the “mute” feature and preferably the “speaker phone” feature. Top end cell phones such as the Treo 600 / 650 now have these features.

Place one standard land line phone or cell phone near the crib. The parent should carry the cell phone with the mute feature.

Connect a call between the two phones. Activate the mute feature on the parent’s mobile phone.

Test the connection to ensure any noise the baby makes is audible on the mobile speaker phone. If you have established the connection c…Post a Comment Read More »

Simple Ideas to Organize Your Kitchen

ByMichael McCarty-February 07, 2006The kitchen is often known as the heart of the home. It is the place where we gather to eat, cook, entertain, and spend time with friends and family. As a result, the kitchen can become one of the most difficult rooms to organize and keep clean. Try some of these tips and time savers to organize your kitchen and simplify your life.

CountertopsClean your countertops and remove any item or appliance you do not use at least once a week.
Keep cookbooks to a minimum and store away the ones you don’t use on a regular basis.

Pots/Pans/ContainersStore pots and pans in a cabinet beneath or next to the stove for easy access.
Place baking sheets, cake pans, pizza pans, etc. in a cabinet beneath or next to the oven. You can use a rack to help arrange baking sheets by size and those used most often.
Consider suspending pots and pans on a wall or from a ceiling mounted rack to maximize cabinet and storage space.
Store microwave safe containers in a cabinet near the microwave. Arrange containers by s…Post a Comment Read More »

How to Treat Mixed-Wash Accidents

ByMichael McCarty-February 06, 2006Who hasn’t accidentally tossed a soon-to-be bleeding garment into a load of laundry? When clothing dye runs and your garments pick up the wrong colors in the wash, there’s good news: It’s often possible to get the stains out.

Act quickly before the stain sets. It’s much easier to remove a new stain than an old one.
Rinse the stained clothing immediately with cold water. Then wash the garment in cold water using liquid detergent.
If step 2 doesn’t do the trick, soak the garment in a diluted solution of all-fabric bleach. Chlorine bleach isn’t advisable unless you’re certain it’s safe for the fabric.
Wash the garment in detergent, and use bleach that you’ve tested on the fabric. To test your fabric, mix a small spoonful of bleach in 1/4 cup (2 fl oz/60 ml) water. Place a couple of drops of the solution on a part of the fabric that doesn’t show. If you don’t see any color change or bleeding after a minute, the bleach is OK to use. You may need a si…Post a Comment Read More »

How to Fix a Sweater That Has Stretched

ByMichael McCarty-February 06, 2006If the arms of your sweater are long enough for a monkey, or maybe the whole thing is a size too large, you might be able to get it back down to size. The following techniques work best with wool sweaters.

Fill the sink with warm water. Soak the sweater in the water for 10 to 15 minutes.
Take the sweater out of the water and roll it in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
Spread the sweater on a towel placed on a flat surface, scrunching the sweater into the size and shape you want.
Return to the sweater every few hours, rescrunching it as necessary, until the sweater is dry.
If the above steps haven’t fixed the problem, you can try tumbling the sweater in the dryer on low heat, checking it every few minutes to see if it’s the right size. If you’re not careful, however, you can ruin the sweater. Drying it can weaken the fibers.To avoid stretching your sweaters, store them flat rather than on hangers.Post a Comment Read More »

How to Fix a Sweater That Has Shrunk

ByMichael McCarty-February 06, 2006When your sweater has shrunk more than a size or two, you might as well cut off the arms and use it to keep Fluffy warm next winter. But if your sweater has become just a bit too snug, try these steps to return it to its original size.

Mix 2 tablespoons baby shampoo into a sink full of warm water. The shampoo will relax natural fibers like wool.
Soak the sweater in the shampoo-and-water mixture for 15 minutes.
Without rinsing the sweater, take it out of the soapy water and roll it in a towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
Spread the sweater onto a large corkboard, pulling it into the size and shape you want.
Fasten the sweater to the corkboard using pins, being careful not to snag the sweater.
Return to the sweater every several hours, restretching and repinning it as necessary, until the sweater is dry.To avoid shrinkage in the first place, don’t machine-wash your sweater unless the label specifically says you can. Even if you use cold water, the agitation may cause the sweat…Post a Comment Read More »

How to Peel an Egg Quickly

ByMichael McCarty-February 06, 2006Removing the shell from a hard boiled egg can be a pain, but with this simple process it will take you less than three seconds every time.

Prepare a hard boiled egg and let it cool.
Crack the shell at each end by firmly tapping the egg onto a hard surface such as a counter. Do one end, and then the other.
Place the side of the egg on a counter and roll forward for one revolution with your palm firmly down on the top of the egg.
Submerge the egg in a bowl of warm water and slip the entire shell off in less than a second.

Alternate MethodsSlide a spoon in between the egg and the shell, and pop it out. This works rather fast, but it is tricky. Be careful not to damage the egg during the process, and the egg has a tendency to fly all over the place.
Put salt in the water before boiling. The salt stops the egg from leaking out if the egg cracks while boiling and adds flavor.
Boil the egg; when done, quickly dump the boiling water. Refill the pot with very cold water from the tap; the egg will co…Post a Comment Read More »

Movie Sounds from The Daily .WAV

ByMichael McCarty-February 06, 2006Are you one of those folks who love sound effects? I do too! I like finding cool movie quotes or sounds to liven up my rather boring Windows sound schemes.Well, you’re really going to enjoy this website. At The Daily .WAV: http://www.dailywav.com you can get a free movie or TV audio file everyday for free.When the page first loads you’ll hear the wav of the day, or you can check out their archive of great audio files. What makes this so cool is that the files are in .wav format, making it easy to replace your default sound schemes with something a little more unique.Post a Comment Read More »

Accessible Textbook Initiative and Collaboration (ATIC)

ByMichael McCarty-February 03, 2006The strategic vision of the ATIC Department, a textbook division of APH, is to effectively respond to the textbook needs of blind and visually impaired students by delivering custom-produced accessible textbooks in a variety of media in a timely manner. In addition to “hard copy” textbooks, this commitment provides textbooks through on-demand braille transcription or large print, as well as in electronic media that can be downloaded from a file repository on our web site.

ATIC Small-Size Large Print Books: A Revolution in Textbook Design!The new ATIC Large Print Process is now fully available. This process uses proprietary software to create large print textbooks at standard textbook size! Inclusive classroom students appreciate carrying textbooks that look just like those of their peers. This standard-size ATIC textbook is full-color with a minimum 18-point font size.Did you know there is a new form for ordering large print textbooks? (To find the form, see the web info …Post a Comment Read More »More posts Powered by Blogger

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