Several people have gotten me thinking about all the "nickel knowledge" I've picked up over the years. Everything from quick-and-dirty ways of fixing things around the home to some really great recipes I've collected. This will evolve over time as I add elements. I plan to take my electronic recipe catalog and organize it into several categories, each having its own post.
In addition, I'll have posts on fixing stuff, where and how to get great bargains on stuff, and a suggested home toolkit. I'll keep this post at the top and add links to the sidebar to keep things organized.
02 December 2018
05 June 2009
Pest Eradication
If you're like me, you believe that the best pest "control" is total annihilation. With that in mind, I had a rather interesting conversation the other day with a guy from an exterminator company (which shall remain nameless, for what should be obvious reasons). Here are some notes:
Probably the biggest problem the average homeowner -- or even renter -- faces is roaches (by whatever euphemism they might be known locally). Here's how to get rid of the little blighters (as well as how not to get rid of them.
First off, most over-the-counter pesticides contain two main ingredients -- pheromones to attract the little beasts, and some form of poison to kill 'em. The problem is, the pheromones outlast the poison. OK, so you've sprayed, and it's killed some. Maybe even a lot. But, as Obi-Wan said, they'll be back, and in greater numbers. Why? The pheromones are still active. So, if you must spray, use a spray that either doesn't have pheromones, or has pheromones for a different bug that won't come where you're spraying. Example: if you're spraying for wasps outside, use roach spray. If you're spraying for roaches inside, use wasp spray.
Better yet...
Here's a potent little recipe that's sure to wipe out the little devils:
Mix 1 Tbsp boric acid powder, 1 tsp apply jelly*, 5 Tbsp of peanut butter, and 1 tsp of insecticide (powder or liquid; just make sure it contains no pheromones). Take a plain soda straw and slice it end-to-end. Load the mixture into it and cut it into strips approximately 3 - 4" long. Put the cut strips in out-of-the-way places where the roaches will find it. The best place to put them would be somewhere outside (if you live in apartment, try to hide them in a common area or a storage area. The peanut butter and jelly will attract the little buggers and the poison will kill them. (*Hey, he said apple jelly and that's what I'm going with.)
Another treatment that will keep the bug population down (particularly fleas and ticks, but I have to get back to him about the particulars on this one) is to spray shaving cream (even the cheapest stuff you can find) all over your carpet, but especially at the base of the walls, and work it in with a broom. Then spray your normal carpet cleaner over it and vacuum up immediately per the instructions on the carpet cleaner.
Probably the biggest problem the average homeowner -- or even renter -- faces is roaches (by whatever euphemism they might be known locally). Here's how to get rid of the little blighters (as well as how not to get rid of them.
First off, most over-the-counter pesticides contain two main ingredients -- pheromones to attract the little beasts, and some form of poison to kill 'em. The problem is, the pheromones outlast the poison. OK, so you've sprayed, and it's killed some. Maybe even a lot. But, as Obi-Wan said, they'll be back, and in greater numbers. Why? The pheromones are still active. So, if you must spray, use a spray that either doesn't have pheromones, or has pheromones for a different bug that won't come where you're spraying. Example: if you're spraying for wasps outside, use roach spray. If you're spraying for roaches inside, use wasp spray.
Better yet...
Here's a potent little recipe that's sure to wipe out the little devils:
Mix 1 Tbsp boric acid powder, 1 tsp apply jelly*, 5 Tbsp of peanut butter, and 1 tsp of insecticide (powder or liquid; just make sure it contains no pheromones). Take a plain soda straw and slice it end-to-end. Load the mixture into it and cut it into strips approximately 3 - 4" long. Put the cut strips in out-of-the-way places where the roaches will find it. The best place to put them would be somewhere outside (if you live in apartment, try to hide them in a common area or a storage area. The peanut butter and jelly will attract the little buggers and the poison will kill them. (*Hey, he said apple jelly and that's what I'm going with.)
Another treatment that will keep the bug population down (particularly fleas and ticks, but I have to get back to him about the particulars on this one) is to spray shaving cream (even the cheapest stuff you can find) all over your carpet, but especially at the base of the walls, and work it in with a broom. Then spray your normal carpet cleaner over it and vacuum up immediately per the instructions on the carpet cleaner.
04 June 2009
How To Fix A Computer
Follow these steps in sequence, and it should clear up most problems that most people have with their computers.
0. Print this out for reference.
1. Go into Control Panel and make sure that your firewall is active.
2. Open Internet Explorer and clear out the cache, cookies, temp files, etc.
3. If you're using Mozilla Firefox, do the same thing.
4. Go to Wise Cleaner and download the *FREE* versions of Wise Disk Cleaner and Wise Registry Cleaner.
5. Go to AusLogics and download the *FREE* version of Disk Defrag. [1]
6. Go to QuickSys and download the *FREE* Registry Defragger.
7. Install all four of the programs you just downloaded. Now empty your Recycle Bin and re-boot your computer.
8. Run Wise Disk Cleaner and Wise Registry Cleaner.
9. Empty your Recycle Bin again.
10. Run AusLogics Disk Defrag.
11. Run QuickSys Reg Defrag (this will necessitate re-booting your computer; let it do that).
12. Things should run a lot better now. You should see a significant improvement in performance.
13. Another really useful program to have is SpyBot Search & Destroy (it gets rid of adware). It's available from SpyBot. [NB: You have to be on-line in order to install SpyBot S&D.]
Let me know how it turns out.
[1] An alternative is MyDefrag, which is available from their Web site.
DISCLAIMER:
Whirled rites preserved; copycats persecuted. Wait 6 years for delivery. Offer void where not prohibited. Your mileage may vary very, very much. Cash value 1/100000¢. Offer ends 29 February 1995. Price does not include taxes, title, and dealer prep. Ohne Gewähr. No waxy build-up. Patent pending. Most minor credit cards accepted. No parking between signs. Batteries not included. Some assembly required. No warranty expressed or implied or even available. Price subject to change without notice. Occupancy by more than 30,000 people unlawful. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear; unless they are farther away. Do not use after bedtime. Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate. Contains no salt, sugar, cholesterol, caffeine or flavor. Some shrinkage will occur with wear. Access denied. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely intentional. Don't try this at home. Unauthorized personnel only. Bill no posts. Mix with three gallons of water and drink immediately. Do not read this sign. Children over 18 require parental consent. No user-serviceable parts. Contains all unnatural ingredients. The usual ridiculous restrictions apply. For temporary use only. Towed cars will be parked. Listed in the Guinness World of Book Records. The names have been changed to protect the guilty. Some settling of contents might occur during shipping. Not responsible for fire, theft, or anything else. Passengers must stand behind the white line while vehicle is in motion. Press any key to continue; any other key to quit. Do not feed the animals. What are you reading this stuff for, anyway? Get a life. No purchase necessary to lose. You owe me big-time. Post no bills. Trespassers will be violated. Stop talking while I'm interrupting. Unavailable in stores everywhere. Parents under 18 require children's consent. Offer prohibited where void. Do not feed the animals. Sold by volume, not by weight. In case of accidental ingestion, consult a mortician.
0. Print this out for reference.
1. Go into Control Panel and make sure that your firewall is active.
2. Open Internet Explorer and clear out the cache, cookies, temp files, etc.
3. If you're using Mozilla Firefox, do the same thing.
4. Go to Wise Cleaner and download the *FREE* versions of Wise Disk Cleaner and Wise Registry Cleaner.
5. Go to AusLogics and download the *FREE* version of Disk Defrag. [1]
6. Go to QuickSys and download the *FREE* Registry Defragger.
7. Install all four of the programs you just downloaded. Now empty your Recycle Bin and re-boot your computer.
8. Run Wise Disk Cleaner and Wise Registry Cleaner.
9. Empty your Recycle Bin again.
10. Run AusLogics Disk Defrag.
11. Run QuickSys Reg Defrag (this will necessitate re-booting your computer; let it do that).
12. Things should run a lot better now. You should see a significant improvement in performance.
13. Another really useful program to have is SpyBot Search & Destroy (it gets rid of adware). It's available from SpyBot. [NB: You have to be on-line in order to install SpyBot S&D.]
Let me know how it turns out.
[1] An alternative is MyDefrag, which is available from their Web site.
DISCLAIMER:
Whirled rites preserved; copycats persecuted. Wait 6 years for delivery. Offer void where not prohibited. Your mileage may vary very, very much. Cash value 1/100000¢. Offer ends 29 February 1995. Price does not include taxes, title, and dealer prep. Ohne Gewähr. No waxy build-up. Patent pending. Most minor credit cards accepted. No parking between signs. Batteries not included. Some assembly required. No warranty expressed or implied or even available. Price subject to change without notice. Occupancy by more than 30,000 people unlawful. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear; unless they are farther away. Do not use after bedtime. Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate. Contains no salt, sugar, cholesterol, caffeine or flavor. Some shrinkage will occur with wear. Access denied. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely intentional. Don't try this at home. Unauthorized personnel only. Bill no posts. Mix with three gallons of water and drink immediately. Do not read this sign. Children over 18 require parental consent. No user-serviceable parts. Contains all unnatural ingredients. The usual ridiculous restrictions apply. For temporary use only. Towed cars will be parked. Listed in the Guinness World of Book Records. The names have been changed to protect the guilty. Some settling of contents might occur during shipping. Not responsible for fire, theft, or anything else. Passengers must stand behind the white line while vehicle is in motion. Press any key to continue; any other key to quit. Do not feed the animals. What are you reading this stuff for, anyway? Get a life. No purchase necessary to lose. You owe me big-time. Post no bills. Trespassers will be violated. Stop talking while I'm interrupting. Unavailable in stores everywhere. Parents under 18 require children's consent. Offer prohibited where void. Do not feed the animals. Sold by volume, not by weight. In case of accidental ingestion, consult a mortician.
10 January 2009
Paying It Sideways
One of the more ridiculous suggestions I've heard over the years was to "pay yourself first".
Yeah. Right.
Your landlord (or the mortgage company), the power company, the phone company, the cable company, etc., etc., etc. are all going to wait patiently in line for you to come up with their money because you paid yourself first. Uh-huh.
There is, however, a rather ingenious way of stashing some money away. Remember all those little things you do for yourself, like haircuts and oil changes? Remember how you used to take your clothes to the laundromat before you got your own washer and dryer? What happened to all that money you saved? Slipped right thru your fingers, didn't it?
What I've done (and should have started years ago) is set up three jars: one for laundry, one for haircuts, and one for odd jobs (e.g. oil changes). Since it would cost me $1.25 to do a load of laundry in the laundry room, and would cost me $0.25 to dry*, I simply pay myself $1.50 every time I do a load of laundry. (*I don't dry the load from scratch. I hang everything up in the bathroom and wait until it's almost dry and then put it in the dryer for about 10 minutes.)
Since I got a buzz cut, I don't go to the barber once a month anymore, but I do cut my hair every other week. I calculate that each haircut saves me $4, so I put $4 in the kitty every time I cut my hair.
I haven't costed out (yet!) what I save by doing my own oil changes, but I'm betting it's close to $10. Next time I do an oil change, $10 goes in the jar. Ka-ching!
Sometime in the next little while, I need to sew a new zipper into my lightweight parka. I'll have to ask around to find out how much a seamstress would charge me, and you know where the cash goes. Ka-ching!
Now, what about those times when one is un(der)employed or when money is a bit tight and one has to dip into the fund? That's what IOUs are for. When the money situation improves, simply start redeeming the IOUs.
(Of course, I screwed up by not doing the haircut thing 10 years ago when I first stopped going to the barber. And I could have started paying myself for oil changes back in 1976. And I could have started paying myself for laundry three years ago when I moved into that house and we had a washer and dryer. Oh well, that's tuition in the School of Hard Knocks.)
Yeah. Right.
Your landlord (or the mortgage company), the power company, the phone company, the cable company, etc., etc., etc. are all going to wait patiently in line for you to come up with their money because you paid yourself first. Uh-huh.
There is, however, a rather ingenious way of stashing some money away. Remember all those little things you do for yourself, like haircuts and oil changes? Remember how you used to take your clothes to the laundromat before you got your own washer and dryer? What happened to all that money you saved? Slipped right thru your fingers, didn't it?
What I've done (and should have started years ago) is set up three jars: one for laundry, one for haircuts, and one for odd jobs (e.g. oil changes). Since it would cost me $1.25 to do a load of laundry in the laundry room, and would cost me $0.25 to dry*, I simply pay myself $1.50 every time I do a load of laundry. (*I don't dry the load from scratch. I hang everything up in the bathroom and wait until it's almost dry and then put it in the dryer for about 10 minutes.)
Since I got a buzz cut, I don't go to the barber once a month anymore, but I do cut my hair every other week. I calculate that each haircut saves me $4, so I put $4 in the kitty every time I cut my hair.
I haven't costed out (yet!) what I save by doing my own oil changes, but I'm betting it's close to $10. Next time I do an oil change, $10 goes in the jar. Ka-ching!
Sometime in the next little while, I need to sew a new zipper into my lightweight parka. I'll have to ask around to find out how much a seamstress would charge me, and you know where the cash goes. Ka-ching!
Now, what about those times when one is un(der)employed or when money is a bit tight and one has to dip into the fund? That's what IOUs are for. When the money situation improves, simply start redeeming the IOUs.
(Of course, I screwed up by not doing the haircut thing 10 years ago when I first stopped going to the barber. And I could have started paying myself for oil changes back in 1976. And I could have started paying myself for laundry three years ago when I moved into that house and we had a washer and dryer. Oh well, that's tuition in the School of Hard Knocks.)
20 December 2008
Expedient Methods
The whole purpose of this section is to list all those little "quick and dirty" ways of doing things.
F'rinstance....
You've got your 72-hour Emergency Kit all set up, right? (Right?) In that kit, you've probably got a few things that use batteries, as well as some spare batteries. If so, you probably have those batteries stored separately in a water-tight container.
But what about that flashlight or radio that you rarely use, but still need fresh batteries in? I've got a compact fluorescent light that a friend gave me that I keep stored in the Jahnmobile. Once, when I went to use it, I noticed that the batteries were dead. Bummer.
After getting fresh batteries (I believe it takes 4 AAs), an idea struck me. I took an old plastic milk carton, cut out a piece that just fit the top of the opening to the battery compartment, and put it in on top of the batteries. No connection, no battery drain. Last I knew, the batteries were still fresh.
Did you know that if you sew something together with dental floss, it'll probably never come undone?
Speaking of batteries, if you coat your car battery's posts and the cable terminals with petroleum, it will not only provide an excellent moisture barrier and prevent corrosion, but it will also give you a better connection.
F'rinstance....
You've got your 72-hour Emergency Kit all set up, right? (Right?) In that kit, you've probably got a few things that use batteries, as well as some spare batteries. If so, you probably have those batteries stored separately in a water-tight container.
But what about that flashlight or radio that you rarely use, but still need fresh batteries in? I've got a compact fluorescent light that a friend gave me that I keep stored in the Jahnmobile. Once, when I went to use it, I noticed that the batteries were dead. Bummer.
After getting fresh batteries (I believe it takes 4 AAs), an idea struck me. I took an old plastic milk carton, cut out a piece that just fit the top of the opening to the battery compartment, and put it in on top of the batteries. No connection, no battery drain. Last I knew, the batteries were still fresh.
Did you know that if you sew something together with dental floss, it'll probably never come undone?
Speaking of batteries, if you coat your car battery's posts and the cable terminals with petroleum, it will not only provide an excellent moisture barrier and prevent corrosion, but it will also give you a better connection.
15 December 2008
72-Hour Emergency Kit
Everyone should be prepared for whatever emergency is likely to happen in the local area. Here in the Scenic City, we're really not all that concerned about blizzards, but tornadoes are another matter altogether. Hence, my kit is biased in that direction.
When an emergency hits, the first 72 hours are critical. If you can come thru that unscathed, you're probably ahead of the power curve. Following is a list (to be updated as needed) of what I see as the essentials to get me thru just about any local emergency. I highly recommend using a backpack to carry everything in.
And just for practice, you might try putting that backpack on and carrying around for a little while every so often.
My list:
P-38 can opener*
Leatherman
Pistol w/ ammo
Orange Whistle
Mess kit
50-mile map**
Water filter bottle
TN Map
Film cans w/ coins***
Small clipboard?
Roll-up hat
Pup tent
Hall’s lozenges
Poncho
Metal cup
Mini light(s)
Small binoculars
Sony radio
Bandana
Mylar blanket
Sunglasses w/ hard case
ZipLoc bags (quart & gallon)
TP in ZipLoc bag
Wet Wipes
Matches, strike anywhere, in film can
Lint fire-starter, in film can
MP3 player
Batteries (AA, AAA)
Padlock (w/ encrypted combo)
Eye Patch
Anti-biotic ointment (blue)****
Hankies (in ZipLoc)
Multi-vitamins (double)
Work gloves
Jerky
Sewing kit
Dental floss
Small magnifying glass*****
Shaving mirror, metal
Medications
*This is a military item, available at most surplus or outdoor places. Very small, very reliable
**I found this in Books-A-Million. It shows Chattanooga and a 50-mile radius around the city. Nice if you have to leave town.
***One film can holds $7 in quarters.
****I get it from Dollar Tree. It comes in a blue box, brand name "Natureplex". Good stuff.
*****Great not only for reading maps, but also starting fires in bright sunlight. (Doesn't work so well at night, though. YMMV)
When an emergency hits, the first 72 hours are critical. If you can come thru that unscathed, you're probably ahead of the power curve. Following is a list (to be updated as needed) of what I see as the essentials to get me thru just about any local emergency. I highly recommend using a backpack to carry everything in.
And just for practice, you might try putting that backpack on and carrying around for a little while every so often.
My list:
P-38 can opener*
Leatherman
Pistol w/ ammo
Orange Whistle
Mess kit
50-mile map**
Water filter bottle
TN Map
Film cans w/ coins***
Small clipboard?
Roll-up hat
Pup tent
Hall’s lozenges
Poncho
Metal cup
Mini light(s)
Small binoculars
Sony radio
Bandana
Mylar blanket
Sunglasses w/ hard case
ZipLoc bags (quart & gallon)
TP in ZipLoc bag
Wet Wipes
Matches, strike anywhere, in film can
Lint fire-starter, in film can
MP3 player
Batteries (AA, AAA)
Padlock (w/ encrypted combo)
Eye Patch
Anti-biotic ointment (blue)****
Hankies (in ZipLoc)
Multi-vitamins (double)
Work gloves
Jerky
Sewing kit
Dental floss
Small magnifying glass*****
Shaving mirror, metal
Medications
*This is a military item, available at most surplus or outdoor places. Very small, very reliable
**I found this in Books-A-Million. It shows Chattanooga and a 50-mile radius around the city. Nice if you have to leave town.
***One film can holds $7 in quarters.
****I get it from Dollar Tree. It comes in a blue box, brand name "Natureplex". Good stuff.
*****Great not only for reading maps, but also starting fires in bright sunlight. (Doesn't work so well at night, though. YMMV)
10 December 2008
Recommended Home Toolkit
I've come up with a list of really basic tools that no home should do without. I might amend this in the future to include other things, but this is a great starter. Just about any job that the average person could expect to be doing can be done with these tools:
16oz hammer*
tack hammer
WD-40
8" Vise grips
Hack saw
Caulk gun
Vaseline
1' level
Nails, screws, washers
9.6v cordless drill
Tape (Teflon/electrical)
Plumber's helper
12' or 16' tape measure
Emergency flashlight (w/ 3-posn. switch)
Wood glue
Combination square
8" adj. crescent wrench
6-part screwdriver
8" slipjoint pliers
duct tape**
picture wire
needlenose pliers
small & large putty knives
long-nose butane lighter
safety goggles
*Get a 20-oz hammer if you can handle it, but never anything less than 16.
**Remember: duct tape is like the Force -- it has a light side and a dark side and it binds everything in the universe together.
16oz hammer*
tack hammer
WD-40
8" Vise grips
Hack saw
Caulk gun
Vaseline
1' level
Nails, screws, washers
9.6v cordless drill
Tape (Teflon/electrical)
Plumber's helper
12' or 16' tape measure
Emergency flashlight (w/ 3-posn. switch)
Wood glue
Combination square
8" adj. crescent wrench
6-part screwdriver
8" slipjoint pliers
duct tape**
picture wire
needlenose pliers
small & large putty knives
long-nose butane lighter
safety goggles
*Get a 20-oz hammer if you can handle it, but never anything less than 16.
**Remember: duct tape is like the Force -- it has a light side and a dark side and it binds everything in the universe together.
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