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The How-To Wiki is collaborative site filled with all kinds of projects, hacks, tricks and tips for the tech-savvy Do-It-Yourselfer. Want to learn how to hack your iPod? Take better digital photos? Get off a government watch list? Hundreds of How-Tos are hosted on the site, all of them edited by our readers, and the library is growing daily.
Updated: 13 years 4 weeks ago

Make Jello Shots

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 05:04

Summary:

===Materials Needed===

1 box flavored Jello

1 Cup Vodka or your choice alcohol

small cups

===Directions===

'''Step 1:''' Boil 1 cup water, disolve jello mix

'''Step 2:''' Add 1 cup vodka

'''Step 3:''' Pour in cups, chill to set

===For additional fun===
Add gummy bears, whipped cream, fruit, fresh mint or any other fun and creative accents.

It is also possible to layer the jello by filling cups half way and chill. After first layer is set, add a second layer of a different color/flavor and let it chill and set.


Survive Long Distance Relatioships

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 04:41

Summary: /* Can You Do It? Think So */

== Can You Do It? Think So ==

http://i52.tinypic.com/2hdz88z.jpg

Most people think there is no chance for a long distance relationship to work. But there's so many things that you can do in order to survive and potentially enhance the quality of your distant love. The first thing you're gonna have to do is want it to work.

===Make the most of technology===

http://i52.tinypic.com/2ymvt4n.jpg

Most people think because their lover is moving across the world or because they're going away for a couple of months that is it the end of the world. Just because they're gone and you can't see to them as much or at all, it's not going to fail. We live in a world where technology is right at our fingertips. Skype. Your lover is just a video call away at no cost. You get the opportunity to not only talk to them but see them. And don't be shy, skyping can be used for more than just looking at each other's face.

===But don't be afraid to use older means of contact===

http://i56.tinypic.com/167tvg5.jpg

A skype call is nice and cheap, but a nice postcard or a gift package carefully put together for that special someone gives them something to hold. A birthday gift, a valentine card or just a random nice gesture can mean a lot.

===Be jealous without voicing it===
It's hard to think that being jealous may be a good thing. Many partners like when they know their mate cares so much. So instead of always of pretending like you're okay with everything, make it be known. Express your emotions. If you're afraid to lose them say, "Hey, I love you and I don't want to lose you." A little truth and emotion goes a long way.

===Be honest===

http://i51.tinypic.com/292pq0z.jpg

Don't hide things from each other just because you think you can get away with things. If you really love that person the way you say and think you do (why else would you be in a long distance relationship?) then don't start hiding things.

===Live your life===
You may want to sit around and wait until they come back but that's not going to help you at all. Get out there. Experience things. Don't think just because you not with your sweetheart that you both can't go off and have fun. Live a little and have stories to share with your partner.

It's hard, and you ARE going to fight but if you think you can handle it and if you think they're worth it, there's no reason it should fail.




--[[User:chkori|chkori]] 04:41, 14 February 2011 (UTC)Ch'kori Brown


Get a valentine

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 03:59

Summary:

'''you could have this'''[[Image:WillYouBeMyValentine.jpg]]......For some people Valentine’s Day is the loneliest day of the year. They hate it; they look down on it because they their selves have no one to spend the joyful day with. They talk about the people who look forward to and celebrate this day. Why? You may ask, not because it is some horrible day that just should not be celebrated, but usually because they themselves don’t have valentines and they want to make the people who do have them feel as though the day is not worth celebrating. If everyone had a special somebody or at least someone at all to spend their Valentine’s Day with, the world would be remotely a better place, but that’s just my opinion. For one, you cannot be bitter; it more or so pushes people away, and what you want is for someone to want to spend time with you. Also depending on how you want your Valentine to be, makes how early you should start working on your Valentines. For example, if you want to go to some fancy little place in the city, with boat rides and fireworks etc. DO NOT get a Valentine a week before the day and expect that. There are really many ways to get Valentines, such as be yourself, unless you’re a grouch, in that case be a sweetie pie. These are just some helpful hints, because anyone could be your Valentine, I could be your Valentine.


How to make smores

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 02:29

Summary:

'''How to make Smores'''

'''Ingredients:'''
-
-
-
-


'''Steps:'''
-
-
-
-
-

'''Finished Product:'''
(pictures here)


Becoming a Guitar Player

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 01:03

Summary:


http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d56/rsjrocks109/z38952908.gif

When it comes to playing guitar and improving your skills, nothing takes the place of practice. It's like anything else, you can not get better at it unless you practice. Also, preference is another key contribution to improvement, meaning you need to try out different guitars and find out which is best for you. The type of music you are interested in will help determine this as well .If you like rock music, you might use th electric guitar and amplifier. If you like blues or softer music, you might prefer an acoustic guitar. Practice the same tunes over and over before you improvise.


Take Time Out For You

Mon, 02/14/2011 - 00:04

Summary:

To many of us have such busy schedules that when we finally get home or have a weekend off, we don't know how to take time out for ourselves and do something just for us. I learned how to create my own spa environment. I don't do it as often as I probably should. We should all make it a point to have a day or a time slot planned, at least once a week, that's just for us. I got the idea to create my own spa environment when I walked into Bath and Body Works. I had been in that store before, but on this occassion, I guess I had had a really hard week and I finally said to myself that I was going to by all kinds of products and set up my bathroom like a spa. Then I did some research on Google and found this web link, http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/How_to_Make_Your_Own_Spa_at_Home_28952.html


Tap GRE by CreativeBugs

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 10:45

Summary:

'''Tap GRE – learning just a tap away'''

'''Preparing for a standardized test such as the GRE or SAT?''' Version 1.0 Carries the list of 1500+ words with its type and meanings wherever you go. The use of each word is illustrated with a sentence.

Tap GRE can help you ace the verbal section by allowing you to review and memorize the meanings of commonly tested words. Tap GRE is a paid application for the Apple iPad device that offer an easier way to access and memorize GRE words. Tap GRE is a canny and mere way to memorize and review GRE words using flashcards. You can learn words by difficulty level, or even shuffle the attire toquiz your memory.

'''Features'''

• Set the difficulty level of each word and reuse later

• Quick search for any word and mark its difficulty. This feature is handy when you encounter a word you
don’t understand.

• Quiz mode allows the user to test his/her memory on each word.

• Review test results and adjust the difficulty of those words accordingly.

'''Category:'''
• Category Educational Software
• Subcategory Reference Software

'''System requirements:'''
• Operating systems iPhone OS 2.x, iPhone
• Compatible with iPhone and iPad.
• Requires iPhone 2.0 Software update.

'''Pricing:'''
• License model Purchase
• Limitations Not available
• Price $1.99
• Special discount for educational institutes




'''Developer:''' Ahmad Iftikhar

'''Developer's web:''' www.creativebugs.net

'''Purchase link:''' http://itunes.apple.com/app/tap-gre/id417616661?mt=8


2011 Upcoming Movies Guide

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 09:49

Summary: New page: Do you know the biggest and best movies of 2011? If you are movie fans, you would know them ahead of others. We are hoping there are lots of classical and blockbuster films coming out this...

Do you know the biggest and best movies of 2011? If you are movie fans, you would know them ahead of others. We are hoping there are lots of classical and blockbuster films coming out this 2011, as these are the titles that have us most excited. Below are good movies coming in 2011.

20. The Green Hornet
19. Fright Night
18. Cowboys And Aliens
17. Thor
16. Don’t Be Afraid Of The Dark
15. The Adventures Of Tintin: The Secret Of The Unicorn
14. The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn – Part 1
13. The Muppets
12. Contagion
11. Paul
10. Sucker Punch
9. X-Men: First Class
8. Sherlock Holmes 2
7. Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows: Part 2
6. Green Lantern
5. Scream 4
4. The Cabin In The Woods
3. Super 8
2. Hugo Cabret
1. The Thing

If you want to convert these blockbuster films and backtup them on your Mac, '''Tune4mac Video Converter Ultimate Mac''' version can do it for you. With this professional multimedia software, you can edit these movies based on your own requirements. Recently, Tune4mac Inc. has upgraded this wonderful program, adding several features, which make this tool more convenient and useful.

'''Crop'''
With this feature, users can cut the original video as you like. In addition, in the Position of Crop Area, you can modify the left or bottom margin for your original video according to your requirement.

'''Effect'''
This feature allows you to change effect of source movie, such as Brightness, Contrast and Saturation as well. Besides, you can choose other video effects from the drop download list, which includes Mirror, Flip, Noise and Smartblur.

'''Watermark''' -- In this section, you can add both text watermark or picture as watermark on your original video, in addition, you can modify the watermark size, position and opacity as you need.

'''Clips''' -- With this feature, you can trim the video as you like.

'''Merge''' -- If you import more than one video into the program, and wants to merge them into one video for your requirement, this feature is the best choice for you.

Go to http://www.tune4mac.com/mac-video-converter/2011-movies-guide.html to download this excellent multimedia software


Stay In a Relationship

Fri, 02/11/2011 - 04:34

Summary:

Having a successful relationship can be both time consuming and difficult. You have to be able to not think of yourself and think of someone else and their feelings. The key to a successful relationship is Trust, Love, and Communication or what I like to call TLC. Love may come easy, whether we admit it or not, but trust and communication are the hardest areas to tackle. Trusting your mate is very important, without it you might as well call it quits. The stress it puts on you when you don't trust your other half is enormous and can rip relationships apart. Communication goes hand and hand with trust, communicating to your mate at all times will allow the doors of trust to become wider and wider. Keeping TLC in mind when working on a relationship will really help strengthen the relationship and keep you to love birds together.


Build a Grill

Thu, 02/10/2011 - 23:20

Summary: New page: There are certain materials needed in order to create a grill. You will need to get a 50-55 Gallon Drum, 2-six-inch metal gate handles with bolts and nuts,2-1/2 by 34 inch lengths of stee...

There are certain materials needed in order to create a grill. You will need to get a 50-55 Gallon Drum, 2-six-inch metal gate handles with bolts and nuts,2-1/2 by 34 inch lengths of steel rod, 2-1 1/2 by 8 inch metal straps,4-1/8 by 1 1/2 inch stove bolts with nuts, 24-1/8 inch washers, 21 to 22 inch diameter barbeque gril cut just smaller than the inside dimension of the barrel, 2-round end cuts from a 1 pound food can, 2-bricks, and a container such as a non-galvanized oil pan of base of an inexpensive round portable barbeque.

This is the picture of the oil drum perfect for making the grill.
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://i.ehow.com/images/a06/cl/2s/building-barbecue-grill-barrel-200X200.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.ehow.com/how_6706268_building-barbecue-grill-barrel.html&usg=__5OLKL1tk7xfqWrZysSveRQE0qBQ=&h=200&w=200&sz=36&hl=en&start=21&zoom=0&tbnid=gmnOO4iPVMKRHM:&tbnh=104&tbnw=104&ei=wXBUTeWzGMKclgeT1t2KCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgrill%2Bbarrel%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26biw%3D1362%26bih%3D553%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:10%2C249&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=152&vpy=338&dur=2309&hovh=104&hovw=104&tx=93&ty=63&oei=7WRUTZSbOtCRgQf7wLT-CA&esq=2&page=2&ndsp=24&ved=1t:429,r:0,s:21&biw=1362&bih=553


The first thing you do is build a large fire inside the drum to the point where flames are coming out of the top of the drum, which free's the drum of any particles. Then you let it cool, and empty out the ashes, hose it down and do not clean it with any cleaning substances. While wearing earplugs, cut out the bottom of the drum within the edge with a hammer and cold chisel. Use the hammer to pound down any pointy edges. Take your handles and bolt the handles to the opposite sides of the lid through pedrilled holes. Now you need to drill a ring of small pilot holes 2 inches from the rim and then punch out the circle with the hammer and chisel. Also, use the same method to make a second air vent in the side of the barrel about 4 inches above the bottom. To make the covers for the vent you have to use the round can ends. Bend the metal straps and drill new holes through them and the barrel. Use the stove bolts through the holes to fasten the straps to each vent cover and to the drum side and lid. Use the washers to make sure it fits. To install the support bars, you need to drill two pairs of 3/4 inch holes on the opposite sides of the barrel 12 inches apart and 9 inches down from the top rim. You need to run the metal holes through the rods that set the grill on support bars. It is almost finished. Finally, punch holes for ventilation in a pan or barbeque sides about 2 inches apart just above the base. If you follow these instructions correctly, you will have yourself a grill and should look similar to this. http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/gutcheck/BARREL%2520GRILL.jpg&imgrefurl=http://blogs.riverfronttimes.com/gutcheck/2010/04/25_global_grills_from_trailer_size_texans_to_boar_sizzling_japanese_grills.php%3Fpage%3D2&usg=__ZFm0aJFK2WMU-Log-F1yNKp_4vE=&h=421&w=565&sz=51&hl=en&start=0&zoom=1&tbnid=v9QRuRporlAbVM:&tbnh=131&tbnw=172&ei=IXFUTe-8G8T7lwey1OCiCg&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dgrill%2Bbarrel%26hl%3Den%26safe%3Doff%26biw%3D1362%26bih%3D553%26gbv%3D2%26tbs%3Disch:1&itbs=1&iact=hc&vpx=1059&vpy=216&dur=1904&hovh=194&hovw=260&tx=180&ty=122&oei=7WRUTZSbOtCRgQf7wLT-CA&esq=4&page=1&ndsp=21&ved=1t:429,r:13,s:0

This is a video that will visually show you how to make a grill. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_O77-c8CwU&feature=player_embedded


http://www.howtobuildagrilloutofa55gallondrum.com/


Future-Proof Your Tech

Thu, 02/10/2011 - 21:21

Summary: /* Returns, warranties and buy backs */

[[Image:FutureProof.jpg|630px|thumb|left|When it comes to tech, not everything is timeless. Photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/x-ray_delta_one/ x-ray delta one]/[http://www.flickr.com/photos/x-ray_delta_one/4734206433/ Flickr]/CC]]

{{#shtml:Template:BestBuy}}
Buying gadgets has become an arms race — you buy the latest and greatest only to have it become obsolete two months later. We're all for sticking with [http://www.lastyearsmodel.org/ last year's model], but when it comes to buying new tech gear you want to make sure you don't buy this year's model two days before it becomes last year's model.

To help make sure your purchases aren't old new before you get home from the store, here's our guide to future-proofing your tech purchases.

''This article is part of '''a wiki anyone can edit.''' If you and your gadgets could exist as-is in 2021 and still be relevant, please log in and contribute.''

==Know the release cycle==

New gadgets don't appear at random. For example, Apple products are so predictable there are website dedicated to tracking the release cycles. Thinking of buying an iPad or iPhone? Check out [http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/ MacRumors' product cycle buying guide] before you do.

Not every company puts out new products with the Metamucil-like regularity of Apple, but here are some basic guidelines:

===PCs/laptops/tablets===
The [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Consumer_Electronics_Show Consumer Electronics Show] each January brings not only new laptops, tablets and PCs, but also new chips. That means the Christmas season, and the time leading up to CES is the worst time to buy new PCs. There's a reason gift cards are popular.

===Cameras===
Like laptops, new cameras often show up at CES; avoid buying a new camera in the last few weeks of the year. By the same token, come February, last year's models are available at deep discounts to pave the way for the new lineup.

===HDTVs===
Wait until fall. Typically new models show up at CES and then again in August. Football season in the U.S. means deep discounts even on those models that are only a month or two old. By the same token just before the Super Bowl (but after CES) at the end of January is another good time to upgrade.

==Returns, warranties and buy backs==

Wherever you end up purchasing your gadget, make sure the return policy allows you to easily exchange your purchase should something go wrong. Lemons happen, make sure you're covered.

The usefulness of warranties, particularly "extended warranties," depends on how long you plan to keep your gadgets. If you upgrade frequently, you'll probably want the new version long before the old breaks, making the warranty a waste of money.

What might be more useful is something like Best Buy's "[http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Misc/Buy-Back-Program/pcmcat230000050010.c?id=pcmcat230000050010 Buy Back]" program. Buy back programs allow you to bring in your hardware and exchange it for a gift card worth a percentage of the gadget's original value. You won't come out ahead, but it will save you the trouble of putting your old gadgets on Ebay.

(It should be noted that Best Buy's program a) costs money upfront and b) has been universally panned (Consumer Reports) as a bad deal.)

==Don't buy the hype==

Finally, exercise a little restraint. Sometimes, despite how advertising may portray it there isn't a huge difference between last year's gadgets and this year's gadgets. When you're considering upgrading, make sure you're upgrading for features you'll actually use, not just buying into the hype-induced frenzy.

''Based on an original contribution by Scott Gilbertson.''


Make Whipped Shea Butter for Hair/ Body

Thu, 02/10/2011 - 15:34

Summary:

http://i56.tinypic.com/15361rq.jpg



Making whipped shea butter for your hair and body is not only easy, it's fun!

'''See below for the ingredients list, tools need and steps to prepare this creamy treat. ''(FYI: This product is not edible,even though it looks good enough to eat.'')

'''

'''Ingredients:'''
4-6oz of shea butter

3oz of coconut oil

1.5 oz of jojoba oil

1tsp of cornstarch (optional)

Fragrant or Essential oil of your choice

Hand mixer or electric mixer (I prefer the electric mixer.)

'''Instructions:
'''

1. Soften the shea butter in the microwave until the consistency resembles a butter stick at room temp. Be careful NOT TO MELT the shea butter down. 30 seconds should be enough time to get it soft. Add the soft shea butter to the mixing bowl. Whip on medium speed until it starts to look like cake batter.

2. Slowly add the coconut oil to the mix. The coconut oil should be in a soft but solid form, NOT melted. The coconut oil will start to make the shea butter
very creamy and fluffy.

3.Add jojoba oil and cornstarch, continue to mix on medium speed.

4.At this point the mixture should look like fluffy frosting. Feel free to add in your fragrant or essential oils at this point.

5.Once everything is well blended turn the mixer off and scoop your whipped shea butter into an empty cosmetic jar of your liking.

http://i52.tinypic.com/vqtth1.jpg

'''Store in a cool and dark place until you are ready to use.
'''

Enjoy!

**Photos courtesy of buffalosisters.blogspot.com.


Auslogics Disk Defrag Review

Thu, 02/10/2011 - 09:10

Summary: auslogics disk defrag

[Image:http://www.auslogics-disk-defrag.org/upload_images/Auslogics-Disk-Defrag-218x300.jpg]
Auslogics Disk Defrag is a compact and fast defragmenter that supports both FAT 16/32, and NTFS file systems. It is supplied with an advanced optimization engine that will help you to improve system performance and prevent errors caused by file fragmentation.Support windows 64 bit operating system!

[http://www.auslogics-disk-defrag.org auslogics disk defrag] product images

Optimizes file system
'''Disk Defrag''' will speed up your computer by moving system files to the fastest part of the disk. It will also move data files from the MFT Reserved Zone to prevent MFT fragmentation.

Consolidates free space
In addition Edit defragmenting your files, Disk Defrag can defragment free disk space. The free space is merged into a large contiguous block, which is an effective way of preventing file fragmentation.

Can defrag automatically
This feature ensures that file fragmentation is eliminated as soon as it occurs. You can set Disk Defrag to run automatically when your system goes idle. The program will analyze the disks and defragment them in the background if required.

Provides flexible scheduler
Defragmentation yields better results when it is performed on a regular basis. Disk Defrag is supplied with a flexible scheduler that will help you to schedule defragmentation according to your needs.

Can defrag a single file or folder
Have no time for defragmenting the entire hard drive? With Disk Defrag you can defragment a single file, several files or a folder.

Supports multi-terabyte volumes
Disk Defrag is supplied with a powerful engine that can easily defragment large multi-terabyte volumes. It can also defragment several drives at once, which makes the defragmentation process a lot faster.

Compact & Fast

Smart defragmentation algorithms allow Disk Defrag to run much faster than similar defragmenters and consume less system resources.


How to tie a tie

Wed, 02/09/2011 - 16:52

Summary: New page: I learned to tie a tie as a female even before my brother learned because of my work as a waitress. I had to teach my brother how to tie a tie, I had to teach people at work, and now I am ...

I learned to tie a tie as a female even before my brother learned because of my work as a waitress. I had to teach my brother how to tie a tie, I had to teach people at work, and now I am going to teach you!

1. At the beginning, the wide end of the tie should be on your right side and the other end should be on your left side.
2. Cross the wide end over the other end. Now there are three areas (Left, Right and Center).
3. Bring the wide end underneath the narrow end from Left to Right.
4. Bring the wide end over from Right to Left.
5. Bring the wide end under the knot to the Center region.
6. Bring the wide end down and pass the loop in front. Ensure that the knot is tightened.
7. Use one hand to pull the narrow end down gently and use the other hand to move the knot up until it reaches the center of the collar.

this is the only tie i know how to tie. if you have any others, or other directions, feel free to contribute!


Control Computer Rack Noise

Wed, 02/09/2011 - 16:04

Summary: Soundporofing Computer Rack Noise in a Loud Computer Room

Computer racks are famous for emitting unwelcome levels of noise, having adverse effects on the surrounding work environment. For employees that share a common wall to a computer room, or share the room itself, work becomes less productive as the noise keeps churning. Long term impacts if left untreated can resolve in absenteeism, poor productivity, employee turnover, and more. The goal with any computer rack noise is to lower the level of decibel level exposure while still maintaining proper ventilation for the computer.


== Sound Barrier Blankets ==

The soundproofing treatment best suited for a computer rack environment depends on the starting point. If the employees share the room with the computer, there is a two step procedure. The first is to line '''sound panels''' behind the computer flat to the back wall. The purpose here is to capture back slap echoes reflecting off the back wall and propelling out into the room. The second of the two steps involves taking '''sound barrier curtains''' and outlining the perimeter area in front of the computers. Sound barrier blankets are great to serve as isolators, holding the noise to a contained area, while still allowing the computers to breathe.

If the starting point is that the computers are in room A and the people being affected share a common wall in room B, the best and most simple treatment is to hang the same set of sound barrier blankets in the computer room against the common wall. Blankets can block up to 90% of the noise. You do not need sound panels here, as we care less about the echoes inside the computer room.


How to write easy to understand poetry

Tue, 02/08/2011 - 19:22

Summary:

'''First think of a theme that is easy to understand.'''

'''Then pick a title related to the theme of the poem.'''

'''Next think of your first line''' this is the most important step because your whole poem will revolve around it.

'''Next try to rhyme at the end of each line''' this will be important becasuse it will make the poem make sense.

'''Also Try to make each line short and to the point''' this will keep the readers attention.

'''The last step is to just have fun with the topics you choose,''' no one likes a boring poem. Just for example here is one of my poems so that you may have an idea.'''
'''

'''Happy'''

Being happy is a word I have used all the time

To describe an emotion I experienced in my mind

But how can one truly feel this way

When being happy is just a word to say


'''Below is a link to my website'''
'''And next to that is a pic of me'''

[http://lifeisntalwayseasy.tumblr.com/post/1301773852/happy]
[http://i56.tinypic.com/2j3m8p5.jpg]


First-Aid

Tue, 02/08/2011 - 13:07

Summary: New page: If you find yourself with a much dreaded cranker sore inside your mouth,take 1 cup of water & mix in 1 table spoon of baking soda,stir and swish lightly in mouth for a minute or two till t...

If you find yourself with a much dreaded cranker sore inside your mouth,take 1 cup of water & mix in 1 table spoon of baking soda,stir and swish lightly in mouth for a minute or two till the whole cup is gone. Repeat every 3 hrs. for 24hrs. & you can {KISS} that cranker sore goodbye.


Buy a Next Gen TV

Mon, 02/07/2011 - 03:11

Summary: /* LED */

[[Image:BigScreenTVs.jpg|630px|thumb|left|Borna Sammak installation at Best Buy. Photo by [http://www.flickr.com/photos/bensisto/3995663980/in/photostream/ Ben Sisto]/CC]]

{{#shtml:Template:BestBuy}}
Buying a cutting-edge TV used to be a simple process: Go large and then go home. Now there’s a bevy of sweet, new-fangled features to fill out that middle space. Here’s a quick look at how to pick out a next-gen TV.

''This article is part of '''a wiki anyone can edit.''' If you think you could be a personal shopper at an electronics store, please log in and contribute.''

==Answer the Big Question: LCD Vs. Plasma Vs. LED==
Before diving into the fun stuff, it’s prudent to explore the basic display types currently dominating the market. Each has its own quirks:

===LCD===
Typically back-lit by fancy [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cold_cathode Cold Cathode] Fluorescent Lamps, [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Liquid_crystal_display LCD]s make up a sizable chunk of today’s big screen market. Though older sets fumbled fast motion, most next-gen LCDs compete with newer tech thanks to baked-in motion processors.

===Plasma===
A multitude of [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plasma_display plasma] cells working in concert lend these displays their rich colors and deep blacks. Weight and power consumption issues are common drawbacks, but the newest class of plasma displays come with a wide variety of power-saving features to combat this.

===LED===
This off-shoot of LCD boasts increased power efficiency and better contrast levels. Increased viewing angles and thinner panels are also advantages, while high pricing is the marked disadvantage. OLED displays -- an even more efficient take on LED -- is slated to hit the market in the near future as well.

‘’Pro TIP: Always make the LCD vs. Plasma vs. LED decision in a demo-rich setting like an electronics store. You’ll likely spend the next 5-10 years staring at this device, so comparing, contrasting, and developing a keen eye is crucial.’’

==Find the Right Motion for Your Ocean==
With your foundation laid, it’s time to dabble in motion processing. In layman’s terms, this image stabilizing tech minimizes the judder, blurring, and unwanted artifacts that result from displaying fast motion.

On top of the added expense, each manufacturer brands their tech differently (TruMotion, MotionFlow, AquoMotion, and ClearScan are just a few). While a little processing can go a long way, too much can hit the pocketbook hard.

Find a middle ground and carefully consider your viewing habits when weighing this feature. While one method of motion processing may improve the look of live sports, it might also add an eerie camcorder quality to movies and games.

==To 3D or Not to 3D==
The future of television is the Z-axis. But remember that there are two types of 3D offered on today’s sets -- active, and passive. Active displays employ pricey, powered glasses, while passive relies on cheaper polarized lenses akin to sunglasses.

Spring for 3D -- a passive setup if you can -- but only if the price is right. At best, it’ll add an exciting new element that further immerses you into your content. At worst, it’ll be an innocuous feature collecting dust.

==Explore The Web==
Web-connected TVs are quickly becoming common, making on-screen widgets the norm. Even social media apps for Twitter and Facebook are popping up on TV screens everywhere.

The goal is to add, but not overwhelm. Most next-gen sets now allow you to tailor on-screen widgets to personal taste, so toeing the line between a discreet ticker and a full-screen info-splosion has never been easier. We like a weather widget in the morning and a little news ticker after work, but feel free to experiment with this burgeoning feature.

‘’PRO TIP: Not every connected TV is created equal. Figure out whether you’re committing to WiFi/Ethernet connectivity, and test to make sure your connected experience remains speedy before piling on the widgets.’’

==Stream Away==
Your next eye-popping, web-enabled TV shouldn’t be a blank slate in terms of entertainment. Try to nab a unit that comes ready with streaming video and music services like Netflix, Amazon VOD, Vudu, and even Pandora.

The goal is to beef up your existing entertainment options. Do you want to sift through your streaming Netflix queue without cracking open a notebook? Rent new releases or old episodes of your favorite shows? All of this (and more) is possible with the right selection of baked in resources.

And always remember, today’s televisions aren’t just dumb screens--they’re dynamic entertainment platforms. If you buy with that strategy in mind, future proofing might prove to be less of an issue than you think.

''Modified from an entry originally by Terrence Russell.''


Know The Jones Act and Quality of Life

Sat, 02/05/2011 - 00:18

Summary: New page: Many maritime workers do not know that the laws governing maritime work injuries are not covered under “ordinary” workers compensation procedures and legislation. The Jones Act is fede...

Many maritime workers do not know that the laws governing maritime work injuries are not covered under “ordinary” workers compensation procedures and legislation. The Jones Act is federal law that covers various aspects of an employer operating at sea. Anyone looking for Jones Act information should know that offshore oil rigs, boats, and other seafaring vessels are covered under the Jones Act.

A [http://www.1800jonesact.com/ Jones Act Lawyer] understands the ins and outs of the Jones Act, and know what portion of it covers injured workers. Jones Act information includes a potential far greater amount of compensation for a work-related injury than you might typically find under workers compensation law.

Maritime attorneys specialize in cases that involve accident or injury of a worker on a seafaring vessel. Jones Act information is readily available online, but when an injured worker talks to maritime attorneys, he or she will discover that a settlement quite higher than previously thought may be available.

Jones Act information shows that a worker injured aboard a maritime vessel may be eligible not just for lost wages and medical expenses, but for quality of life deductions as well. If an injury on a maritime vessel has caused significant loss of quality of life for the injured worker, maritime attorneys will tell the worker that he or she may expect compensation above and beyond loss of work wages and medical expenses.

Because there are many ins and outs to making a [http://www.1800jonesact.com/ Jones Act claim] that a “regular” workers compensation attorney may not know, maritime attorneys are a reliable and trusted place for injured maritime workers to look for information. Maritime attorneys will help an injured worker get the kind of compensatory settlement that he or she deserves, based on the employer, the nature of the injury, loss of quality of life, and other circumstances that go along with an injury incurred on a seafaring vessel.

Jones Act information is important to understand for any worker who is injured while working a maritime job. Maritime attorneys will spare no details in helping an injured worker obtain the settlement that they deserve after dealing with a painful, even life-changing injury. Workers looking for Jones Act information after a work injury can rely on maritime attorneys to provide the chances for a good settlement in a fair way, based on years of experience and understanding of Jones Act information.

Maritime attorneys know the complexities of Jones Act information, and are willing to help injured maritime workers best benefit from the information.


Understand Texas Workers Compensation

Fri, 02/04/2011 - 23:54

Summary: New page: In the state of Texas, workers compensation law is enacted by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Department of Insurance. The U.S. Constitution and federal government have...

In the state of Texas, workers compensation law is enacted by the Texas Legislature and administered by the Texas Department of Insurance. The U.S. Constitution and federal government have left it to the jurisdiction of the states to determine their own workers compensation laws.

That said, the United States federal government created the Federal Employment Compensation Act to provide federal employees (non-military) with compensation from injuries, disabilities, or death occurring from government work. The act is managed by the Office of Workers Compensation Programs and much of the language provided in the federal act is present in state statutes concerning workers compensation.

There are also a number of specific acts enabled to protect certain industrial workers. The Merchant Marine Act (or Jones Act), which protects seamen from employee negligence on the water, was adopted in 1920. The Federal Employment Liability Act (FELA) which protects interstate railroad workers from injury on the job. The Longshore and Harbor Workers Compensation Act (LHWCA) that helps protect private maritime employees. And also a Black Lung Benefits Act which was set up for miners suffering from pneumoconiosis (black lung) and helps with disability payments to miners.

Most states are able to draw from the federal acts in place to create their own comprehensive state compensation plan. Texas workers compensation law is located in Texas Labor Code under Title 5, Workers Compensation.

[http://www.complawyers.net/ Texas workers compensation lawyers] are they to make sure employees who are injured on the job or suffer some sort of disablement will be compensated with financial stability in relative proportion to their loss. They also makes sure that the injured workers family is taken care of if such an incident occurs. Texas workers compensation statues establish the framework for these laws.

If you are an employee awarded [http://www.complawyers.net/ Texas workers compensation] benefits, there are four types of workers compensation benefits awarded including income, medical, burial, or death benefits and four corresponding income benefits called temporary income benefits, impairment income benefits, supplemental income benefits, and lifetime income benefits. There is a maximum amount of weekly benefits an employee may receive and it cannot exceed the SAWW or state average weekly wage.

Your income benefit is established by calculating an average of wages over the thirteen weeks prior to your injury. In this calculation you can include overtime wages and any non-monetary wages that the employer has stopped since your injury such as health insurance. An employee becomes eligible for Texas insurance benefits after missing eight days from work and benefits end when you have healed or are physically able to earn you weekly wage again, or when at the end of 104 weeks (whichever is sooner).

For more information on Texas workers compensation benefits visit their website, www.tdi.state.tx.us.