http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/ Information on tools and gadgets for your computer or for browsing en-us Copyright 2009 Jocelyn Shaw Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:02:44 GMT http://backend.userland.com/rss Radio UserLand v8.2.1 jshaw@hackleylibrary.org jshaw@hackleylibrary.org rssUpdates 23 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 60 http://hackleypubliclibrary.blogspot.com/ <h3>Moving Day</h3> <p>Just a reminder...this blog is moving tomorrow! Update your bookmarks to <a href="http://hackleypubliclibrary.blogspot.com/">Hackley's Blog</a>.</p> http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/09/15.html#a1125 Tue, 15 Sep 2009 18:02:35 GMT http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/08/17.html#a1077 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/S6IxVIKpMoY/make-an-inexpensive-and-simple-fruit-and-vegetable-wash"> Make an Inexpensive and Simple Fruit and Vegetable Wash [Food Hacks] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/17/2009/08/thumb160x_2009-08-17_145625.jpg" class="left image158" width="158" />The washing sprays stashed around the vegetable and fruit stands in the supermarket are a rip-off. Use this simple recipe instead to make a concoction that keeps your produce looking clean and crisp.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/trekkyandy/861931772/in/photostream/">trekkyandry</a>.</em></p> <p>At the home-centric blog Re-Nest, they've shared a recipe to make your own produce wash. Why would you want to use a wash instead of just running water over your produce? Most chemicals used on produce won't be washed off with a simple application of water&mdash;if they were, they wouldn't be very effective in the face of growing season rainfall.</p> <p>A produce wash, however, has just enough kick to it to more effectively cleanse the surface of the fruit and wash away contamination. The recipe below relies on some basic staples like vinegar and baking soda to get your fruit and veggies extra clean.</p> <blockquote> <ul> <li>1 cup water</li> <li>1 cup distilled white vinegar</li> <li>1 tablespoon baking soda</li> <li>20 drops grapefruit seed extract (available at Whole Foods or your local health food store or you can substitute lemon juice in a pinch)</li> <li style="list-style: none; display: inline"> <p>Combine all ingredients in a large container. Then, transfer to a spray bottle with a pump. Spray mixture on produce (avoid using on mushrooms), let sit 5 to 10 minutes and rinse.</p> </li> </ul> </blockquote> <p>When it is time to rinse, you can rinse the entire pile of produce all at once in a large bowl or colander to cut down on water use. Have a handy kitchen trick or two? Share them in the comments.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/how-to/how-to-make-your-own-fruit-and-vegetable-wash-092738">How-To Make Your Own Fruit and Vegetable Wash</a> [Re-Nest]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=bacad78589189d7a05ecf6be3fc796fe&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=bacad78589189d7a05ecf6be3fc796fe&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=S6IxVIKpMoY:ygFX3CkQ7zI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/S6IxVIKpMoY" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/08/17.html#a1077 Mon, 17 Aug 2009 21:01:35 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/30.html#a1062 <a href="http://www.pheedcontent.com/click.phdo?i=f2dae2706ef49b7833c4e424da48d1a7">Using Hotmail as a secondary address? Be very careful</a>. <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/internet/" rel="tag">Internet</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/security/" rel="tag">Security</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/e-mail/" rel="tag">E-mail</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/microsoft/" rel="tag">Microsoft</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://smarterware.org/2557/never-use-hotmail-as-your-secondary-email-account"><img hspace="4" height="250" border="0" width="500" vspace="4" alt="Windows Live Hotmail" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.downloadsquad.com/media/2009/07/windows-live-hotmail.jpg" /></a><br /></div> <br />If you're like me, you have at least two email addresses. One of these email addresses is for important business; you hand it out to co-workers, friends, and family, whose emails you actually want to pay regular attention to. The second email address is for other stuff, like signing up for newsletters, shopping online, or creating accounts for services on the web. Also, if you're like me, you might tend to forget to pay attention to that second email address for days, weeks, or months at a time. As it turns out, forgetting to check a free Windows Live Hotmail account <a href="http://smarterware.org/2557/never-use-hotmail-as-your-secondary-email-account">might have some dire consequences</a>.<br /><br />According to the Windows Live help files:<br /><blockquote>Free Windows Live Hotmail accounts become inactive<span style="font-weight: bold;"> if you don't sign in for more than 270 days</span> or within the first 10 days after signing up for an account. After an account becomes inactive, all messages, folders, and contacts are deleted. Incoming messages will be sent back to the sender as undeliverable. Your account name is still reserved. However,<span style="font-weight: bold;"> if the account stays inactive for an additional 90 days</span>, the account name may be permanently deleted. <span style="font-weight: bold;">If you don't use your Windows Live ID for 365 days</span>, your Windows Live ID may be permanently deleted.<br /></blockquote><span class="GLOSSARY_TEXT" style="display: none;" id="gl456794"> ( The user name and password that you use to sign in to any Windows Live, MSN, or Office Live sites and services. If you have a Passport Network, Hotmail, or Messenger account, you can use it as your Windows Live ID. ) </span>What does this mean to someone who is using a Hotmail address to sign up for things on the web? It means that, once your year of inactivity has passed, <span style="font-weight: bold;">anyone can sign up for a Windows Live account with your expired username</span>. The unintentional side effect of this is that if your Windows Live account expires, one could potentially create an account with the same name and use the password reset function on almost any online service attached to that email address, receive the email with the password (or further instructions) and take over your account entirely without your knowledge. This very technique is how the <a href="http://www.techcrunch.com/2009/07/19/the-anatomy-of-the-twitter-attack/">personal accounts of Twitter employees were taken over</a> by malicious users.<p><a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/07/29/using-hotmail-as-a-secondary-address-be-very-careful/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>Using Hotmail as a secondary address? Be very careful</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/07/29/using-hotmail-as-a-secondary-address-be-very-careful/">Using Hotmail as a secondary address? Be very careful</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com">Download Squad</a> on Wed, 29 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href=http://smarterware.org/2557/never-use-hotmail-as-your-secondary-email-account>Read</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/07/29/using-hotmail-as-a-secondary-address-be-very-careful/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/forward/19113512/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/07/29/using-hotmail-as-a-secondary-address-be-very-careful/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:6d7f4aebb925b1213aaf4dd6c4b311f2:pdL%2F5Qf1SUxhVGy%2FLBmwvRQAXELhhfKCfyudF0hdT8o3l0swjQ34EqMjHGyafBjUmQMgTbTWjg23'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:36833336596333948267c86586e1fcf1:bpU6GIZecLzQPzVSCDEFrAulvZwFN3gmF%2BI45pVcbnJ5N0Tzw0uXWQqkdop48GUW9mvzoknJGu2p'><img border='0' title='Add to del.icio.us' alt='Add to del.icio.us' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/delicious.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:d08cd085afa98ee9b6550d01aaae0569:jtavVXdg1CzTIa23M4jOLIs%2BUGM5ZVz0Ibnxbw9iE5k6qSe0DsyPY0GqSl%2BCWVPXUhj7NvpdBNfb'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:ec4894f477af176590c8c33b945e9ffd:vl8r7aP4BEPy1GYIspVLeWWOFhBK7jvg1MwEDeuHyn4hBAuG5Rf9q4X0Bffa3qW7u%2Bg7jp1rpnxjKQ%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to StumbleUpon' alt='Add to StumbleUpon' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/stumbleit.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:c2df6847e5b89144f2044f1efe2e6638:l%2F2u0%2BaI9rnYY9uYdYtgXEGWGQGOiBV354M97IGlX1kDOT9i9XMt8VJN6jsVEnM1JlHZU8BBPS%2F0Dw%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:822148b9eb7516104fde242f9d814965:WPB8T1OOEgQO127O3%2BtMuc0cpCB8i413IA2J%2FSVqJ4TnFCfV9jQY4VDhVFlvRYhG%2F392WnE9RVp2'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:5d7ad62cbdd0f98b8c6b021b330124c9:zrzp%2FpBAZ%2FuTz1HUbA89FvOrxMLmmvbZbyZH%2BVHUMv8C%2FRhgtqPTqtGmheyJhJ5oynVxEOlIkjZ65g%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Technorati' alt='Add to Technorati' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/technorati.png'/></a> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=f2dae2706ef49b7833c4e424da48d1a7&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=f2dae2706ef49b7833c4e424da48d1a7&p=1"/></a> [<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com">Download Squad</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/30.html#a1062 Thu, 30 Jul 2009 13:31:19 GMT Download Squad http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/22.html#a1046 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/U0sYrj1KDAg/travel-etiquette-site-explains-how-to-behave-in-different-countries"> Travel Etiquette Site Explains How to Behave in Different Countries [Travel Tip] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/images.jpg" class="left image160" width="160" />Every culture has its distinct customs and traditions. Web site Travel Etiquette breaks them down by country to help teach you how to behave before you head off on your trip so that you can represent yourself and your home country well.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yourdon/3074128353">Ed Yourdon</a>.</em></p> <p>So far the site has over 60 articles including tips on how to behave when in any place from Morocco and Japan to South Africa and Portugal; new locations (including U.S. destinations) are added regularly. To find tips, you can type in the country name using the search box or just scroll through the continents and countries listed in the sidebar. The site also lists featured articles on its homepage.</p> <p>Sample tips include how to dress appropriately, dine properly, and meet-and-greet people. For example, Travel Etiquette says not to be surprised by social situations in Argentina that involve swearing.</p> <blockquote> <p>...Don't be alarmed or surprised to hear what you might consider to be name-calling or swearing amongst friends. In this instance, political correctness certainly does not rule supreme, and Argentines might readily use phrases such as 'fat' or 'big balls' when talking to friends. No harm is meant, it's simply the culture and friendly banter!</p> </blockquote> <p>The site also provides more general tips like how to behave in <a href="http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/etiquette-tips-for-staying-hotels.html">hotels</a> and <a href="http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/airport-etiquette.html">airports</a>, and also offers tips for <a href="http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk/how-blend-with-locals.html">blending in with the locals</a>.</p> <p>Have you traveled to a foreign country and learned some local customs in the process? Save your fellow readers from possible embarrassment by sharing below. And since odds are you'll be carrying a map, learn <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5306551/fold-a-map-like-a-pro-for-easy-access">how to fold</a> one like a pro before you go.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.traveletiquette.co.uk">Travel Etiquette</a> [via <a href="http://www.appscout.com/2009/07/travel_etiquette_makes_sure_yo.php">AppScout</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=6773173398a6de0daedbe6fbaf5b0ea0&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=6773173398a6de0daedbe6fbaf5b0ea0&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=U0sYrj1KDAg:GvvpodVSG-U:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/U0sYrj1KDAg" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/22.html#a1046 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:27:23 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/22.html#a1045 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/UScwxBodVGg/the-big-book-of-everything-organizes-important-personal-information"> The Big Book of Everything Organizes Important Personal Information [Organization] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/2009-07-21_194801.jpg" class="left image340" width="340" />There is a whole host of information in our lives that is important&mdash;bank accounts, tax records, credit card information&mdash;but not usually easily organized together. The Big Book of Everything helps keep important information organized and in one place.</p> <p>The Big Book of Everything is a workbook created as a free and compact alternative to the massive and expensive <a href="http://www.affairsorganizer.com/learn_more.html">It's <em>All</em> Right Here</a>, a life organizer created by Mark Gavagan.</p> <p>While The Big Book of Everything weighs in at nearly a tenth the size of It's <em>All</em> Right Here, it covers the basics quite nicely. Printed off and stored in a folder or binder it makes it easy to organize important <a class="autolink" title="Click here to read more posts tagged PERSONAL INFORMATION" href="http://lifehacker.com/tag/personal-information/">personal information</a> for your own use or the use of your next of kin in the event of your death. There are pages for passwords, bank accounts, insurance policy information, tax records, and more. If you fill out a few pages a night you'll have the entire thing filled out before the end of the month.</p> <p>The Big Book of Everything is available as a PDF and an Excel spreadsheet.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.erikdewey.com/bigbook.htm">The Big Book of Everything</a> [via <a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/07/21/free-life-affairs-organizer/">Get Rich Slowly</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=3e8e358ba812763be3e0d9435af28a9f&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=3e8e358ba812763be3e0d9435af28a9f&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=UScwxBodVGg:TS1ASwH_oKg:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/UScwxBodVGg" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/22.html#a1045 Wed, 22 Jul 2009 16:26:00 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/20.html#a1041 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/zZAXTiFrXCI/manualsonline-keeps-your-manuals-organized"> ManualsOnline Keeps Your Manuals Organized [Manuals] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/17/2009/07/504x_manualsonline.jpg" class="left image500" width="500">If you're looking for an easy way to store the manuals you've collected over the years or just want all the online information in one spot, then web site ManualsOnline is for you.</p> <p>Once you've created your free account, you're ready to set up and compile your manuals. Choose the room, category, brand, product type, and model, and ManualsOnline adds it to your profile. After you're done, you'll have an organized collection of all your household manuals in one easily accessible spot.</p> <p>Next time you're consulting your manual but still aren't able to stop that VCR from blinking (hey, I've still got one), the site also provides a forum where you can ask for product help from the ManualsOnline community.</p> <p>But before you go ditching those paper manuals, upload and share any unlisted manuals if you can. Someone, somewhere will be grateful you did. If you like the idea but aren't keen on the site, check out <a href="http://lifehacker.com/395624/safemanuals-online-user-guide-library">previously mentioned SafeManuals</a> for another take on the same idea.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.theusermanualsite.com/">ManualsOnline</a> [via <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/cool-websites-and-tools-july-16/">MakeUseOf</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=1226de6e7c80fb79735a820f6d2c6f58&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=1226de6e7c80fb79735a820f6d2c6f58&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=zZAXTiFrXCI:I8ZxCPd8UGQ:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/zZAXTiFrXCI" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/20.html#a1041 Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:59:50 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/13.html#a1027 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/-iFRX7O6T0c/know-what-questions-to-ask-during-a-job-interview"> Know What Questions to Ask During a Job Interview [Job Search] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/brys.jpg" class="left image340" width="340" />It's nerve-wracking enough worrying about <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5283569/know-the-answers-to-these-questions-before-your-job-interview">how best to answer interview questions</a>. Unfortunately, it's also important to ask questions during the exchange. Weblog Lifehack.org details how best to turn the tables with a list of seven noteworthy questions to raise.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/brymo/1898522139/">brymo</a>.</em></p> <p>Apart from inquiring about your day-to-day responsibilities and opportunities for career advancement, Lifehack suggests you ask the following: "How do you feel that I measure up to your requirements for this position?"</p> <p>The author argues that far too many candidates take a passive role during job interviews, and though it may come across as pushy, it's better to know upfront if there's any reason you might not be offered the job. By extension, if it turns out that you really want the job, you can then use the opportunity to counter any holes in your resume by detailing relevant experience or other skills you have. Taking a more proactive role during interviews is also important because it allows you to steer some of the conversation, and therefore leave more of the impression you want.</p> <p>Hit up the post for their full list of questions to ask prospective employers, then let's hear any other questions you'd suggest posing in the comments.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.lifehack.org/articles/communication/seven-great-questions-to-ask-at-a-job-interview.html">Seven Great Questions to Ask At a Job Interview</a> [Lifehack]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=c46934caf87e6298c94870e7e1fce9df&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=c46934caf87e6298c94870e7e1fce9df&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-iFRX7O6T0c:qpiaXN_JoRM:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/-iFRX7O6T0c" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/13.html#a1027 Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:47:59 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/07.html#a1019 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/-kn9iQ2d8yw/hohm-details-the-dollars-and-cents-of-home-energy-costs"> Hohm Details The Dollars and Cents of Home Energy Costs [Energy Conservation] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/hohm.jpg" width="333" height="212" align="left" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2">Want to know the straight dollars and cents of your home's energy costs? Microsoft's Hohm site gets really, really detailed on your property and tells you the costs and break even times on money-saving projects.</p> <p>If you just want a quick, easy quiz on whether you've bought insulated windows or not, Hohm isn't the site for you. This webapp asks you detailed questions about all your appliances, the doors and windows on every side of your house, whether you're using compact fluorescent or incandescent bulbs in each room&mdash;it gets to the point of asking whether your roof is "dark" or "medium-dark."</p> <p>The payoff, though, comes in a full report at the end, detailing what your estimated annual energy costs are, where the biggest savings could be found, and, most helpful of all, a project-by-project listing for your specific home with dollar figures on annual savings, the cost of doing it yourself or hiring a professional to do it, and when your project cost pays itself off (listed in that order in the screenshot below):</p> <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/07/savings_chart.jpg" width="659" height="204" style="display:block;float:none;" /></p> <p>You can generate all kinds of reports to inspire your energy efficiency jones, including reports that show all the projects in your home that total less than, say, $500. Depending on where you live, Hohm can also detail your electricity or gas usage over time with a supported provider, sparing you the effort of breaking out the month-by-month bills and a new spreadsheet.</p> <p>Hohm is free to use, requires a Windows Live sign-in.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.microsoft-hohm.com">Microsoft Hohm</a></div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=38b1a82aa67fc9722d60ed510059dbf0&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=38b1a82aa67fc9722d60ed510059dbf0&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-kn9iQ2d8yw:mL-Hc-x2Ulw:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/-kn9iQ2d8yw" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/07/07.html#a1019 Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:36:14 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/29.html#a1006 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/10nf5hXpxCk/warrantyelephant-organizes-and-tracks-your-warranties"> WarrantyElephant Organizes and Tracks Your Warranties [Organization] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-27_003132.jpg" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" width="535" height="269" style="display:block;" />Warranties aren't fun or Bluetooth-capable, but they are crucial when you need them. Keep proper track of your product warranties with the WarrantyElephant web site.</p> <p>After signing up for an account, you can plug in warranty information for the products you own, including company name, model number, serial number, warranty contact information, and even upload scans of the invoice and warranty registration card.</p> <p>WarrantyElephant, in addition to acting as a repository for your warranty info, will also email notifications to you as the end of your warranty draws near, starting at six months, again at one month, and, finally, when you have one week left. While not something you usually jump out of your chair with excitement over, saving the full cost of a replacement makes a warranty something you'll pump your fist in victory over when your organization pays off.</p> <div class="related"><a href="https://www.warrantyelephant.com/">WarrantyElephant</a> [via <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/warrantyelephant-warranty-information/">MakeUseOf</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=c0087f35064c62d26d8d12dd616fb7bb&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=c0087f35064c62d26d8d12dd616fb7bb&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=10nf5hXpxCk:TJ8HQVt8b6g:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/10nf5hXpxCk" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/29.html#a1006 Mon, 29 Jun 2009 14:20:43 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/25.html#a1002 <a href="http://www.pheedcontent.com/click.phdo?i=f9e1163cf129ed38320833e63c13469c">6 free Windows programs to fix and prevent PC problems on your own</a>. <p>Filed under: <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/security/" rel="tag">Security</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/utilities/" rel="tag">Utilities</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/windows/" rel="tag">Windows</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/productivity/" rel="tag">Productivity</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/freeware/" rel="tag">Freeware</a>, <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/category/lists/" rel="tag">Lists</a></p><div align="center"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/36521976696@N01/399971752/"><img width="497" vspace="4" hspace="4" height="283" border="0" src="http://www.blogcdn.com/www.downloadsquad.com/media/2009/06/sdag-hjk674iujrshttjyktu.jpg" alt="" /></a></div> Yesterday I wrote up a little list of <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/06/23/5-things-i-wish-some-people-wouldnt-install-on-their-pcs/">things I wished people would quit installing</a> on their PCs. Today, I've put together a selection of handy programs those same people can use to take care of some of the annoyances I mentioned - and more.<br /><br />Here are six (seventeen, really, but some are grouped) simple applications that will help - and they're all free for personal use! <br /><br />1.<strong> <a href="http://pcdecrapifier.com/">PC Decrapifier</a></strong> - A lot of people that drop their systems off for repair say "take out any programs that don't need to be there." Well, that's exactly the kind of crud Decrapifier is designed to get rid of. It compares the programs on your system to a list of known bloatware (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software_bloat">Wikipedia definition</a>) and simplifies the removal process.<br /><br />2. <strong><a href="http://www.malwarebytes.org/">Malware Bytes</a></strong> - Those annoying popups you're getting? The weird pages you see when you try to search for something in your browser? Malware Bytes does a great job at removing the pests that cause those problems. It's usually the first program I run on horribly bogged-down computers. After a scan, clean, and reboot, they're usually much more cooperative.<br /><br />3.<strong> <a href="http://www.glaryutilities.com/builds.html">Glary Utilities</a></strong> - The one-click maintenance mode in Glary is a wonderfully simple way for even non-technical users to keep their systems tuned. It tackles all kinds of tasks, from removing temporary file garbage and broken shortcuts to tuning up your registry.<br /><br />One note: download the <strong>slim version</strong> to avoid the Ask Toolbar. You can opt out of it during the regular install, but slim removes it altogether.<p><a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/06/24/free-windows-problems-fix-errors-viruses/" rel="bookmark">Continue reading <em>6 free Windows programs to fix and prevent PC problems on your own</em></a></p><p style="padding:5px;background:#ddd;border:1px solid #ccc;clear:both;"><a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/06/24/free-windows-problems-fix-errors-viruses/">6 free Windows programs to fix and prevent PC problems on your own</a> originally appeared on <a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com">Download Squad</a> on Wed, 24 Jun 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our <a href="http://www.weblogsinc.com/feed-terms/">terms for use of feeds</a>.</p><h6 style="clear: both; padding: 8px 0 0 0; height: 2px; font-size: 1px; border: 0; margin: 0; padding: 0;"></h6><a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/06/24/free-windows-problems-fix-errors-viruses/" rel="bookmark" title="Permanent link to this entry">Permalink</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/forward/19076620/" title="Send this entry to a friend via email">Email this</a>&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com/2009/06/24/free-windows-problems-fix-errors-viruses/#comments" title="View reader comments on this entry">Comments</a><br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:6af7163a70afb0446d6cdde2e0321ed9:JK8RwhXfkQY4NJSjvUNmr9LOyd1RaJcDQkXkE5SfgSqYdNTcaVP6bmkbunGtRoHqivvhNDK9StMK'><img border='0' title='Add to digg' alt='Add to digg' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/digg.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:1e4a99153ad0b575ec2b4f07fe3a9bea:kflu6OlgFTNWAAKngOpFmWodcSpnum7CDBBi7XC1PLyP1xjBOH7bizv4n%2F6BS8CqNUUfRp55NjT3'><img border='0' title='Add to del.icio.us' alt='Add to del.icio.us' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/delicious.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:371aa2c4ad6e3841bd30a164678cbcd2:RXierPOZ7RSGa7M0QmOFBpIEGMEfR0oj%2B1KFVEmjkNSymB0KPBAq1vcqGThYRENqcyXWDBHCptCH'><img border='0' title='Add to Google' alt='Add to Google' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/google.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:d984c668f0c6957f7de5ccf3c6d8fbc8:a5DuSWAbqDGGz%2FnVq4jW7S%2FkhcKU%2BDzkN4oobG2gO%2FWsN7qIRPcYhwJ3TItDo5QYAADHiiz5LYLMyA%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to StumbleUpon' alt='Add to StumbleUpon' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/stumbleit.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:e82e8daee9eececfdf736bfcee27a903:fVfV%2Fc2L1cKx%2BoRNsD7ZLerfPjKYwe%2B8UQCd7ikJfGRbt5%2B4%2B%2FpMYJVg1eGSlxZy7aJabg5UBX4Kpg%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Facebook' alt='Add to Facebook' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/facebook.gif'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:41b25c81a075e3bb53f5faf403fa01c5:JrhDu%2Fw2bt9DRh%2BoXjNhafAPUtePqmzrV2O%2F7eAfzp1iAsDRqjSnEvQulh%2BIsWo7S83upljV2Qn2'><img border='0' title='Add to Reddit' alt='Add to Reddit' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/reddit.png'/></a> <a style='font-size: 10px; color: maroon;' href='http://www.pheedcontent.com/hostedMorselClick.php?hfmm=v3:88cf9817f5b5443e89a59dd301fa96aa:nSGmNE7aoO0dtRhWhKzSNft%2BhHcYMbnYtBRia%2Bgr93HgzIggFf%2FtdxaPZ0lwAESvOPK%2Bk7XnkAyLLA%3D%3D'><img border='0' title='Add to Technorati' alt='Add to Technorati' src='http://images.pheedo.com/images/mm/technorati.png'/></a> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=f9e1163cf129ed38320833e63c13469c&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=f9e1163cf129ed38320833e63c13469c&p=1"/></a> [<a href="http://www.downloadsquad.com">Download Squad</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/25.html#a1002 Thu, 25 Jun 2009 15:48:49 GMT Download Squad http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/24.html#a998 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/kRgaVkvHros/the-credit-scores-you-dont-get-to-see"> The Credit Scores You Don't Get to See [Credit Report] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/credit_score.jpg" width="201" height="191" />You have a right to <a href="https://www.annualcreditreport.com/cra/index.jsp">see your credit score once a year</a>, but that's not the only credit knowledge lenders and sellers base their decisions on. MSN Money runs down eight "secret scores" that the credit world keeps on you.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/39013618@N05/3590519162/">TrinityCreditServices</a>.</em></p> <p>These non-FICO scores don't factor into that seemingly all-important trio of credit bureau numbers, but they do affect how credit issuers and contracts will be negotiated. Besides looking at credit histories to determine if a borrower is likely to be late or go bankrupt, credit histories allow companies to fine-tune their marketing to you, even if you've been strong-willed in the past:<br /> <blockquote><strong>Attrition-risk score:</strong> Attrition risk refers to the likelihood a user will stop using a card, and attrition-risk scores are typically used in combination with other scores to determine what to do next if you look ready to bolt. If your account generates a lot of revenue and is deemed at low risk for default or bankruptcy, for example, the issuer might aggressively try to keep your business by jacking up your credit limit, lowering your rate and pelting you with convenience checks. If your account isn't that profitable or is deemed risky, on the other hand, the issuer might just let you go.</p></blockquote> <p>Hit the link to see seven other "secret" scores the junk mailers and lenders of the world are looking at. <div class="related"><a href="http://articles.moneycentral.msn.com/Banking/YourCreditRating/8SecretCreditScoresThatLendersKeep.aspx?page=all">8 secret scores that lenders keep</a> [MSN Money via <a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/06/23/your-secret-credit-scores/">Get Rich Slowly</a>]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=0ceba225a9fd01acf921075b84f5b6da&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=0ceba225a9fd01acf921075b84f5b6da&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=kRgaVkvHros:qCLxcvLngeA:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/kRgaVkvHros" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/24.html#a998 Wed, 24 Jun 2009 14:14:24 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/22.html#a994 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/lYZg60gLsac/make-natural-insect-repellent-with-essential-oils"> Make Natural Insect Repellent with Essential Oils [Outdoors] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-19_232315.jpg" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" width="495" height="281" style="display:block;" />If you live in a climate without many summer pests, well, lucky you. For the rest of us, these essential oil repellents will make patio life less insect-filled. <em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/mccun934/3559657403/">mccun934</a>.</em></p> <p>How-to-guide repository wikiHow explains the crafting of simple pest-banishing pots for your home and garden. You take a small rag or sponge, soak it with a diluted concentration of essential oils, then leave it in a small container like a glass jar. When you want to drive away mosquitoes, horse flies, and other annoying summer pests, you simply open the jar and place it near you to keep them away.</p> <p>If you don't have any small jars on hand, this is also a great project for the versatile Altoids tin. For details on the project, including which oils to use&mdash;mosquitoes hate peppermint apparently&mdash;check out the guide at the link below. If you find that a dose of peppermint isn't driving away the mosquitoes as quickly as you'd like, lure them away from you with a <a href="http://lifehacker.com/software/diy/macgyver-tip-diy-mosquito-trap-176030.php">DIY mosquito trap</a>.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Make-Natural-Outdoor-Fly-Repellent-with-Essential-Oils">How to Make Natural Outdoor Fly Repellent with Essential Oils</a></div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=81173c957a8c5f5979517141e8fef110&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=81173c957a8c5f5979517141e8fef110&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=lYZg60gLsac:4yzvelvvV3I:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/lYZg60gLsac" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/22.html#a994 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:44:31 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/22.html#a991 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/dnFqAs50AWM/bookseer-tells-you-which-book-to-read-next"> BookSeer Tells You Which Book to Read Next [Recommendations] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-22_090202.jpg" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" width="500" height="273" style="display:block;" />BookSeer is a simple web-based application that answers the question "What should I read next?" based on what you just finished, and presumably enjoyed, reading.</p> <p>Joining the ranks of other <a class="autolink" title="Click here to read more posts tagged BOOK RECOMMENDATION" href="http://lifehacker.com/tag/book-recommendation/">book recommendation</a> tools like previously reviewed <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5233568/bookarmy-suggests-new-books-readers-with-similar-tastes">BookArmy</a>, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5111262/whichbook-will-help-fill-your-reading-list">WhichBook</a>, <a href="http://lifehacker.com/369212/find-books-youll-love-at-booklamp">BookLamp</a>, and <a href="http://lifehacker.com/software/books/what-should-i-read-next-like-lastfm-for-books-318931.php">What Should I Read Next?</a>, BookSeer offers a simple interface and answer system.</p> <p>If you want to do some complex digging into your literary tastes with a variety of metrics you'll want a site like BookArmy. On the other hand with BookSeer you can plug in a book you enjoyed reading and it will return the top recommendations from book sources like Amazon.com and LibraryThing to suggest a list of books you might enjoy. Each book in the recommendation list is linked back to information from the source so you can dig down and read more about the books BookSeer is recommending. Have a favorite tool or technique for finding new books? Let's hear about it in the comments below.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://bookseer.com/">BookSeer</a> [via <a href="http://www.makeuseof.com/dir/bookseer-what-book-to-read-next/">MakeUseOf</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=2348cd11acdb510d4408b37e6cbc8130&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=2348cd11acdb510d4408b37e6cbc8130&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=dnFqAs50AWM:8ZSO1s0-xpI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/dnFqAs50AWM" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/22.html#a991 Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:42:13 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a987 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/q1ifzbQDI8M/stick-to-fresh-food-to-avoid-grocery-ad-tricks"> Stick to Fresh Food to Avoid Grocery Ad Tricks [Groceries] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/old_flyer.jpg" width="311" height="327" />Every weekend, grocery stores push out their sales, deals, and volume bargains to customers in colorful flyers&mdash;but sometimes, as sharp-eyed frugalists may notice, they're not actually deals. One blogger suggests sticking to perishables to avoid non-sales.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/jbcurio/3302305097/">jbcurio</a>.</em></p> <p>Author Trent of The Simple Dollar blog kept track of his local grocery chains' flyers for a few weeks, and noted a few areas where advertised sales aren't really sales&mdash;namely, name-brand items and odd quantity offerings. His suggestion is to stick to things like meats and produce for actual sales:<br /> <blockquote>The items that are <em>fresh</em> - fresh produce and fresh meats - are rarely branded at all. These items tend to be the real sales in the flyer (but not always - you should always have a good grasp on what the real prices are).</p></blockquote> <p>Hit up Trent's post for his full lowdown on flyer tactics, and share a few of your own in the comments. <div class="related"><a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/06/17/the-truth-about-grocery-store-flyers/">The Truth About Grocery Store Flyers</a> [The Simple Dollar]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=a2599942814ac0a3cf09c160089b74fd&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=a2599942814ac0a3cf09c160089b74fd&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=q1ifzbQDI8M:LhKau-4nyOI:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/q1ifzbQDI8M" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a987 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 18:04:20 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a986 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/Y3RD1URrXRw/how-to-strategically-cut-your-healthcare-bill"> How to Strategically Cut Your Healthcare Bill [Saving Money] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/sk.jpg" width="306" height="365" />Millions of Americans go without healthcare because of the associated expenses. But the dismal economic climate has also made it increasingly difficult for even the insured to pay up. Fortunately, you may be able to reduce your bill without sacrificing quality.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ghindo/2029151729">ghindo</a>.</em></p> <p>Rather than paying for an all-inclusive healthcare plan, CNN Money says that now might be a good time to ditch the vision and dental options. The article suggests running a quick calculation to determine if this method would benefit your situation.</p> <blockquote><p>Add up the amount you spend on contacts, glasses, and optometrist visits each year. Then calculate how much you'd save with the plan's benefits. Some people find that the coverage costs about the same, or sometimes more, than they save.</p></blockquote> <p>Concerning your dental plan, third-party sites tend to offer between 20-30 percent off discounts on visits and cost about $150 a year. Depending on your current coverage costs&mdash;and especially if you'll probably only need your basic twice yearly check-ups&mdash;this option may be more economical. (Granted, you're not really insured against a dental or optometric emergency, so it's still a bit of a gamble.)</p> <p>As another alternative, the article says you can look to FSAs and HSAs to help cover your visual and dental costs (read the full article or our <a href="http://lifehacker.com/software/health/the-flexible-spending-account-calculator-216360.php">FSA calculator post</a> for explanations of each).</p> <p>If and when you do visit your doctor, remember to get the most out of the check-up by <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5287093/get-better-information-from-your-doctor-by-setting-the-agenda">setting the agenda</a> and <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5270397/get-better-advice-by-taking-notes">taking notes</a>. Hit up the full post for other tips for cutting down on your healthcare bill&mdash;including maxing out the aforementioned HSA&mdash;then let us know about your own healthcare plan. Are you fully covered? Not at all? Share your situation in the comments.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://money.cnn.com/magazines/moneymag/moneymag_archive/2009/07/01/105825492/?postversion=2009061509">Beat The Rising Cost of Healthcare</a> [CNN Money]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=5a082e3e7ba8a62ed7b824b530a6c741&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=5a082e3e7ba8a62ed7b824b530a6c741&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=Y3RD1URrXRw:--vGGoPYfD4:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/Y3RD1URrXRw" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a986 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:46:42 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a985 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/RTF-uvGjRzQ/cook-carrots-whole-for-more-nutrients-and-flavor"> Cook Carrots Whole for More Nutrients and Flavor [Food] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/carrots_cropped.jpg" width="280" height="266" align="left" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" />You don't have to eat carrots raw to absorb their healthier aspects, but a British study finds that keeping your orange tubes whole while cooking locks in up to 25 percent more nutrients and cancer-fighting compounds&mdash;and taste.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tracy_olson/1317109526/">Tracy O</a>.</em></p> <p>The part of the carrot that your long-term health might consider, falcarinol, has been shown to raise cancer resistance in rats, and it's more concentrated in carrots kept whole while cooking (presumably in a bigger pot than you'd normally use). The part of your carrot that your mouth wants to actually eat, however, benefits from the same reduction of surface area:<br /> <blockquote>Eight of ten people favoured the whole vegetables over those that were pre-chopped.</p> <p>This is because the naturally occurring sugars which are responsible for giving the carrot its distinctively sweet flavour were also found in higher concentrations in the carrot that had been cooked whole.</p></blockquote> <p>Good to know, and worth keeping in mind when you're planning your mandatory vegetables for next week's dinner. <div class="related"><a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8101403.stm">Cancer boost from whole carrots</a> [BBC News via <a href="http://www.lifehacker.com.au/2009/06/cook-carrots-whole-for-better-taste-and-health/">Lifehacker Australia</a>]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=101c0a43d9ec33466d68c5a412f2baa5&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=101c0a43d9ec33466d68c5a412f2baa5&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=RTF-uvGjRzQ:I0i4wExgPqY:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/RTF-uvGjRzQ" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/18.html#a985 Thu, 18 Jun 2009 13:46:01 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/17.html#a982 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/kByaKyqGvic/dry+clean+only-clothes-you-can-wash-at-home"> Dry-Clean-Only Clothes You Can Wash at Home [Clothes] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/dry_cleaning.jpg" width="270" height="203" />Your finer clothing's tags may tell you otherwise, but you could be <a class="autolink" title="Click here to read more posts tagged SAVING MONEY" title="Click here to read more posts tagged SAVING MONEY" href="http://lifehacker.com/tag/saving-money/">saving money</a> by cleaning certain items at home. A veteran dry cleaner helpfully explain what does and doesn't need the plastic bag treatment.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/25103209@N06/2735903645/">robinsonsmay</a>.</em></p> <p>Karl Hule runs Eco Dry Cleaners in San Francisco, and uses environmentally friendly "wet cleaning" on items that don't need the full chemical bath. He tells the EcoSalon blog that certain items that claim to be dry clean only can be taken care of at home:<br /> <blockquote>"I think polyester and nylon are probably the safest, including recycled polyester from PET bottles, because the plastic in it will hold everything together. Bamboo is an organic product that cleans very nicely and is easily accessible if handled correctly, but you have to be careful not to put too much agitation to the rayon because that will cause it to break or get fuzzy."</p></blockquote> <p>Surprisingly, Hule recommends against handling fine cotton items because of the importance of maintaining texture and feel. His shop's <a href="http://yourgreendrycleaner.com/category/cleaning-tips/">Cleaning Tips section</a> offers some tips for those looking to handle their own delicate cleaning at home. <div class="related"><a href="http://www.ecosalon.com/dry-clean-only-rules/">Dry Clean Only? An Eco Expert Tells Us When It's Safe to Ignore Labels</a> [EcoSalon via <a href="http://consumerist.com/5291805/when-can-you-ignore-the-dry-clean-only-label">Consumerist</a>]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=66729e8901d9fe396dca63e845d79f40&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=66729e8901d9fe396dca63e845d79f40&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=kByaKyqGvic:KL7Y_ZAq0-o:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/kByaKyqGvic" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/17.html#a982 Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:23:55 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/15.html#a978 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/-1ElYTn_ZrE/eating-ethically-on-a-food-stamp-budget"> Eating Ethically on a Food Stamp Budget [Eat To Live] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/organic_apple.jpg" width="200" height="202" align="left" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" />Siobhan Phillips wanted to eat and cook sustainably, but on a realistic, even minimalist, food budget. She details the real costs, in time and money, of her month-long experiment.</p> <p>Phillips' piece doesn't just dwell on the sticker shock of switching your staples over to organic or local sourcing, but details the creativity and planning her small family went through in trying to make the most of all their purchases. After a month of eating on just $248 for two people (the food stamp minimum for New Haven, Conn.), using international inspiration and using time to their advantage, Phillips reports:<br /> <blockquote>When the month finished &mdash; with a magisterial $1.20 left in the cache &mdash; we decided to stick with most of our experimental changes. We now eat slightly larger quantities of meat, fruit and cheese, and pepperoni pizza is back in the menu rotation. But apart from that pepperoni (and I'm still looking for an ethical source), I've yet to purchase any recurring items that aren't SOLE-justified, and our grocery bills have stayed lean.</p></blockquote> <p>The big caveat of the experiment is that Phillips has a more flexible schedule than the average nine-to-five office career, which turned out very helpful in being able to make long-simmering meals and buy fresh ingredients more often.</p> <p>How have you made the time, or set aside the money, to eat healthier and buy, as the article puts it, sustainable, organic, local or ethical alternative (SOLE)? Share your stories, success or otherwise, in the comments. <div class="related"><a href="http://www.salon.com/mwt/feature/2009/04/25/pinched_ethically/index.html">Can we afford to eat ethically?</a> [Salon via <a href="http://www.getrichslowly.org/blog/2009/06/10/eating-organic-on-a-frugal-budget/">Get Rich Slowly</a>]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=e2e5e5b97218c001c5501a87d3f0ed3d&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=e2e5e5b97218c001c5501a87d3f0ed3d&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=-1ElYTn_ZrE:lfTT5BB80So:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/-1ElYTn_ZrE" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/15.html#a978 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:29:15 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/15.html#a977 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/LIFWG7Q0aow/say-goodbye-to-analog-broadcasts-your-last-minute-guide"> Say Goodbye to Analog Broadcasts: Your Last Minute Guide [Digital TV] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-12_091441.jpg" width="300" height="216" />Feet have been dragged and <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5139938/senate-approves-delaying-digital-tv-switch-to-june-12">dates have been changed</a>, but the death knell is finally ringing for analog television. If you've dragged your feet too, check out the crash course inside. <em>Photo by <a href="http://futureatlas.com/blog/">FutureAtlas</a>.</em></p> <p>Many stations will be cutting their analog broadcasts in the early morning, right around the time you're reading this. By the end of the day every station will be require to cease broadcasting in analog. Lifehacker readers are a technologically literate bunch and hopefully you've spread a little love and know how around by <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5131134/help-a-friend-with-the-digital-tv-conversion">helping your friends and family</a>. If you've been asleep at the wheel, don't panic. If you get your television fix from cable, satellite, or less conventionally via <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5055337/five-best-sites-to-stream-tv">streaming video</a>, then you have nothing to worry about. </p> <p>If you, a friend, or relative are still getting television by a set or rooftop antenna however on an older television set they'll need to converter box to convert the digital signal to a analog one. The following list will help you decide if you need to take action: </p> <p><ul><li>You receive your television via the cable company - Do nothing.</li> <li>You receive your television via a satellite provider - Do nothing.</li> <li>You receive your television over the airwaves - <ol><li>Check the documentation that came with your television or the manufacturer's website to see if your television has an ATSC tuner built in. All televisions manufactured after March 1, 2007 are required to have one.</li> <li> If you do not have a television with a built in ATSC tuner, you will need to purchase a converter box.</li></ol> <li>You don't own a television - You're going to need to find something to arrange all your living room furniture around in its place.</li></ul></p> <p>There is one specific circumstance where you'll want to shop carefully for a converter box. If your television is one of the manufactured between roughly 2002 and 2006 that were marketed as "HDTV Ready" you'll want to take special care in buying a converter box. The HDTV ready televisions are capable of displaying HD signals but have no ASTC tuner built in. If you buy a regular converter box you'll end up with a regular 480 signal on your HD capable television. You need to buy an actual ASTC tuner box if you want to see 720 and 1080 signals on your HDTV ready set. It isn't the most common situation but if you're in it, there is no sense paying $40 for a converter box when you could get an actual ASTC tuner for a little more money and enjoy higher quality television. </p> <p>If you find that the antenna you've been using for your analog television isn't cutting it-although most people find it works just fine, my parents pick up great signals with their old-school attic antenna-make sure to check out <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5123432/antennaweb-finds-the-best-outdoor-antenna-for-your-house">AntennaWeb</a> to learn more about antennas and how to get the most from your existing one. Alternately you could <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5138746/build-your-own-dtv-antenna">build your own antenna</a> based on the excellent Gray-Hoverman Antenna. Even if you're not going to build your own you can't go wrong looking for a commercial one similar to the antenna they build in the aforementioned DIY tutorial. </p> <p>Finally, you can still <a href="https://www.dtv2009.gov/">apply for a converter box coupon</a> but you definitely won't have it in time for the rollover today. </p> <p>Ready for the rollover? Been ready since 1983 when you first got cable? Don't even own a television? Sound off in the comments below.</p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=738a7abe6fc7979a100673f5d151628b&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=738a7abe6fc7979a100673f5d151628b&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=LIFWG7Q0aow:uYh6KgazOPk:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/LIFWG7Q0aow" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/15.html#a977 Mon, 15 Jun 2009 13:28:40 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a974 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/stnNgRXtbTU/save-money-with-no+equipment-exercises"> Save Money with No-Equipment Exercises [Habits] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-08_120748.jpg" width="300" height="225" />The basements of American home are veritable graveyards for exercise equipment. Avoid post-purchase elliptical machine guilt with more minimalist exercise routines. <em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/_lulu/3325186785/">Lulu</a>.</em></p> <p>Many people use expensive fitness purchases as motivators. If you buy a $1,500 elliptical machine, you'll feel so guilty not using it and wasting the money that you'll dedicate yourself to a new fitness routine&mdash;or so the theory goes. Unfortunately the reality is often different, and a quick search at Craigslist for used exercise, sports, and hobby related equipment reinforces that. At The Simple Dollar finance blog, they suggest starting small:<br /> <blockquote>Don't go buy a treadmill or new running shoes. Instead, go outside and walk every day for fifteen minutes - go around the block three times or so. Don't go buy a netbook - instead, try checking your email on the equipment you already have. Don't go buy $1,000 worth of pans - instead, buy one low-end pot and one low-end skillet and try making some very simple dishes every day. Don't go spend $3,000 on an electric guitar - get an old acoustic one to practice on and see if it sticks.</p></blockquote> <p>It all seems like a simple enough proposition, but it's all too easy to get sucked into thinking you need the best of the best to really tackle a new habit or routine.</p> <p>For more tips on economically establishing a new routine, check out the full article link below. If you've started a routine with minimal equipment by choice or chance, let's hear about it in the comments below. <div class="related"><a href="http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2009/06/06/buying-something-to-force-yourself-into-a-new-behavior-doesnt-work-new-rules-for-a-new-routine/">Buying Something to Force Yourself Into a New Behavior Doesn't Work: New Rules for a New Routine</a> [The Simple Dollar]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=825f089a6ff92709f54e2d6b28d1a109&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=825f089a6ff92709f54e2d6b28d1a109&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=stnNgRXtbTU:w8LwIzH0Ft4:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/stnNgRXtbTU" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a974 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:37:44 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a973 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/xyldAk4TkxQ/store-brand-vs-name-brandwhen-to-go-cheap"> Store Brand vs. Name Brand&mdash;When to Go Cheap [Eat To Live] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/oreo_store_brand.jpg" width="300" height="248" />From cookies to Parmesan cheese, a wealth of store-brand alternatives are available at your grocery store. How can you tell when reaching down one shelf might be worth it? Check the ingredients and know the manufacturers.</p> <p><em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/torbenh/">Torben H.</a></em></p> <p>TheStreet.com's MainStreet blog points out that many national manufacturers also produce "private label" or store brand products for major grocery chains. When it comes to aluminum foil, spices, and frozen vegetables, for instance, it might surprise you to know that Reynolds, McCormick, and Birds Eye, respectively, are churning out goods for the same stores they sell their name brand lines to. The post also points out that some store brands have passed or exceeded national brand ratings in Consumer Reports tests, so keep on munching with confidence, fans of Kroger Mini-Wheats and Winn-Dixie Prestige Premium chocolate ice cream.</p> <p>When should one shy away from store brands? When the product is more esoteric and noted to have a distinct flavor and recipe use. In general, that means thinking twice if you're looking for something marketed as "The Original X" or the "distinct flavor of X."<br /> <blockquote>If you're particular about the tartness of A1 Steak Sauce or the exact flavor of Miracle Whip, generic options may not be right for you. Store brands that emphasize value may contain cheaper ingredients, and even when national brands manufacture a different type of product to be sold as a store brand, they make it to the store's own specifications, which could mean a change in ingredients, Consumer Reports says.</p></blockquote> <p>In other words, reading the ingredients list, sorted by concentrations, on both store and national brands can't hurt if you're thinking about switching. You'll be tripped up occasionally by "natural flavors," but one purchase should give you an idea of what can and can't be replicated at a local level.</p> <p>What is your experience with switching to store brand food versions? Which name brand foods were you able to substitute with store brand? Which store brand foods just didn't cut it? Let us know in the comments! <div class="related"><a href="http://www.mainstreet.com/article/smart-spending/bargains/deals/store-v-name-brands-should-you-go-generic">Store v. Name Brands: Should You Go Generic?</a> [MainStreet]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=209f50a464fc84e9a4c972c7ab2398f1&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=209f50a464fc84e9a4c972c7ab2398f1&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=xyldAk4TkxQ:SgTudgOnOLE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/xyldAk4TkxQ" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a973 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:37:11 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a972 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/MH1djA9jh4c/know-the-answers-to-these-questions-before-your-job-interview"> Know the Answers to These Questions Before Your Job Interview [Job Search] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/handshake.jpg" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" width="363" height="247" style="display:block;" />If you've gone on more than one job interview, you know you can count on hearing many of the same questions at each. Make sure you've got these 10 answers down pat before you head out the door to your next interview.</p> <p><i>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/aidan_jones/3575000735/">Aidan Jones</a></i>.</p> <p>Weblog Dumb Little Man rounds up the 10 interview questions you should be ready for, including:<br></p> <blockquote><strong>Tell me about yourself.</strong><br> Chances are the employer doesn't want to know how much you weighed when you were born, when you learned to tie your shoes, or how much you had to drink last night. He or she wants to know how you would fit into the company and what your relevant job experience is. You might answer by asking the interviewer what he'd like to know. Or you might talk about your education, the fact that you're a team player, or whatever you think might be important to this particular company. <p><strong>Why did you leave your last job?</strong><br> Never put your former employer or your co-workers in a negative light. Don't blame them for your departure. Give a positive reason, such as you left to take advantage of another opportunity that was better suited to your skills.</p> </blockquote> <p>If none of these sound terribly new, that's because they aren't. The post aims to narrow down the 10 most common questions, so you can refresh yourself on how you're going to answer each clich&eacute; without tripping up. In fact, the idea is that you can take the opportunity to wow the interviewer with your well prepared response.</p> <p>If you want to go really in depth, check out <a href="http://lifehacker.com/195990/">50 more common questions</a> or try <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5255798/glassdoor-searches-and-tags-job-interview-questions">previously mentioned GlassDoor</a> let's you view common questions for specific job types.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://www.dumblittleman.com/2009/06/10-answers-you-should-know-before-your.html">10 Answers You Should Know Before Your Job Interview</a> [Dumb Little Man]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=7e4d799e552037e3606e19a0aba72e95&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=7e4d799e552037e3606e19a0aba72e95&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=MH1djA9jh4c:z-pNr5ITLIU:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/MH1djA9jh4c" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a972 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:36:34 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a971 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/6n8Vw0w-EOU/use-a-slash-to-find-work-while-unemployed"> Use a "Slash" to Find Work While Unemployed [Career] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/business_cards.jpg" width="220" height="173" align="left" align="left" hspace="4" vspace="2" />Career writer Marci Alboher added a "slash" title (as in "writer/speaker/writing coach") to business cards and email signature, and saw new coaching work gradually roll in. She suggests other ways anyone looking for work can add their own "slash."</p> <p>For well-connected freelancers and consultants, that kind of viral business title approach might work. For those unemployed and looking to circulate their availability, though, Alboher suggests offering new services for free, to get feedback and references, writing articles or blogging, and straight-up volunteering:<br /> <blockquote>... Offering to work part-time for free can be a way to break into a new field, get experience, or even get a job. Adult internships are becoming increasingly common; the key is to structure one that allows you to network and get experience with a reasonable commitment of time (perhaps one day or several hours week), so that you can use your other time for income-producing work.</p></blockquote> <p>How have you broken into new side gigs or transitioned into a new, related field? Spread the good ideas in the comments. <div class="related"><a href="http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/life/how-to-look-like-youre-working-when-youre-unemployed-473074/">How to look like you're working when you're unemployed</a> [Working the New Economy]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=db1bdd1f503e2440da6120334f4d351b&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=db1bdd1f503e2440da6120334f4d351b&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=6n8Vw0w-EOU:GjQf_ME99RE:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/6n8Vw0w-EOU" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/09.html#a971 Tue, 09 Jun 2009 15:35:44 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/08.html#a969 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/a5vIgwD8T7M/kid-and-pet+friendly-pest-control"> Kid and Pet-Friendly Pest Control [DIY] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-07_010512.jpg" height="252" width="300" />There are a myriad of off-the-shelf <a class="autolink" title="Click here to read more posts tagged PEST CONTROL" title="Click here to read more posts tagged PEST CONTROL" href="http://lifehacker.com/tag/pest-control/">pest control</a> solutions you can use to get rid of everything from ants to wasps, but very few are kid and pet friendly. This homemade solution is. <em>Photo by <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laserstars/640499324/">jpcatlbot</a>.</em></p> <p>You wouldn't want your dog to eat, or your kid to play with, most ant traps, fly strips, and other commercial pest control tools. You don't have to sacrifice effectiveness for safety, thanks to a handy list of DIY solutions put together by the Make-Stuff site. Take fly strips, for instance. Commercial fly strips are usually a mixture of glue and insecticides, but the DIY version contains only paper and sugar. Save for the yuck factor, your dog could eat the whole thing with no ill effect. From their pest control guide: </p> <blockquote><p>1/4 cup maple syrup<br /> 1 tablespoon brown sugar<br /> 1 tablespoon granulated sugar</p> <p>Mix ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour over strips of brown paper and let soak overnight. To hang, poke a hole in one end of a strip and tie a string to it.</p></blockquote> <p> For more traps and repellents, check out the full list at the link below. If you have your own pest banishing trick, share it in the comments. <div class="related"><a href="http://www.make-stuff.com/formulas/insects.html">Insect Repellent Formulas</a> [via <a href="http://www.curbly.com/DIY-Maven/posts/6730-how-to-make-your-own-fly-paper">Curbly</a>]</div> </p> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=dd86a4bd40b4356100a73bb8e90dbef4&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=dd86a4bd40b4356100a73bb8e90dbef4&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=a5vIgwD8T7M:LQH8yuKyLps:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/a5vIgwD8T7M" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/08.html#a969 Mon, 08 Jun 2009 15:38:42 GMT Lifehacker http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/02.html#a964 <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~3/aRbY21tksPA/prey-phones-home-to-help-you-recover-your-stolen-laptop"> Prey Phones Home to Help You Recover Your Stolen Laptop [Downloads] </a>. <p><img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/lifehacker/2009/06/2009-06-01_122524.jpg" width="430" height="299" style="display:block;" />Your laptop is missing. You're completely out of luck, right? Not if your laptop can phone home. Prey is a cross-platform security application that sends home pictures and location data when your laptop goes missing.</p> <p>When your laptop goes missing Prey scans for open WiFi connections. When it can connect, either via WiFi or a hard line it will send you a report including the status of the computer, which programs are running, the active connections, a run down of the network location, a screenshot of the desktop, and if your laptop has an integrated webcam you'll even get a picture of the person sitting in front of it.</p> <p>Prey can be set to trigger in two different ways. You can specify a URL for it to check, if the URL exists then it sends out a report. You could, for example, tell it to check <code><a href="http://www.yourwebsite.com/stolen.htm">http://www.yourwebsite.com/stolen.htm</a></code> and if that URL is valid then a report is sent. Alternately you can set Prey to fire off a report to your email every time it runs. You'll need an email address and the SMTP information for your email server to set up Prey. The Linux and Mac versions have already been translated into English but the Windows version is still awaiting translation. It was easy enough to set up despite the non-English interface. Prey is <a class="autolink" title="Click here to read more posts tagged OPEN SOURCE" href="http://lifehacker.com/tag/open-source/">open source</a> and available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.</p> <div class="related"><a href="http://bootlog.org/prey/">Prey</a> [via <a href="http://www.ghacks.net/2009/05/31/laptop-theft-recovery-software-prey/">gHacks</a>]</div> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <br clear="both" style="clear: both;"/> <a href="http://ads.pheedo.com/click.phdo?s=753dd7e3843d4f75010e7bb18d324e0f&p=1"><img alt="" style="border: 0;" border="0" src="http://ads.pheedo.com/img.phdo?s=753dd7e3843d4f75010e7bb18d324e0f&p=1"/></a><div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:H0mrP-F8Qgo"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=H0mrP-F8Qgo" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:D7DqB2pKExk"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:D7DqB2pKExk" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.gawker.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?a=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:V_sGLiPBpWU"><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~ff/lifehacker/full?i=aRbY21tksPA:Bq5DDYEo6Ao:V_sGLiPBpWU" border="0"></img></a> </div><img src="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/~r/lifehacker/full/~4/aRbY21tksPA" height="1" width="1"/> [<a href="http://lifehacker.com">Lifehacker</a>] http://radio.weblogs.com/0145905/categories/toolsAndGadgets/2009/06/02.html#a964 Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:42:10 GMT Lifehacker