5/14/11

How to Cultivate Pods

Fruit, vegetable and herb plants will create seed pods that can be harvested and cultivated into next year's plants. Cultivating pods from home-grown plants requires time and patience. If seed pods are harvested too soon the seeds will be immature. Immature seeds will result in poor-growing plants or no plants at all. Seeds can be exchanged with friends and neighbors to create variety and save money.
    • 1

      Allow the flower to wilt and fall off. Examine the seed pod that's left behind, near the spot where the flower was located. The seed pod will continue to develop without the flower.

    • 2

      Deadhead any remaining flowers off of the plant so the plant will put all its growing energy into developing the seed pods.

    • 3

      Protect the plant from windy weather until the seed pod turns from green to brown and dries out. Excessive wind can cause the pod to fall off the plant prematurely.

    • 4

      Remove the dried pod from the plant. Break the pod open over a piece of wax paper and spread the seeds out on the paper. Position the wax paper in direct sunlight. Allow the seeds to finish drying out.

    • 5

      Place the dried seeds in plastic storage bags and store them in a cool, dry place. The temperature shouldn't be any higher than 40 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent the seeds from trying to sprout. They will be ready to plant the following spring.

  • How to Install Underground Electrical Cable

    Use underground electrical cable, or UF, for its intended purpose in direct burial applications. It allows you the convenience of running cable from a structure to other areas across your property without the necessity of installing electrical conduit. UF cable is both moisture- and sunlight-resistant, employing a polyvinyl chloride (PVC) insulation for protection. UF cable comes in both two- and three-conductor cable for both 120-volt and 240-volt applications.
    • 1

      Dig a trench 18 to 24 inches deep with a motorized trencher or a trenching shovel. Check the electrical code requirements with your city or municipality to determine the depth required in your area.

    • 2

      Install electrical conduit for your underground electrical cable only where it's exposed above ground, such as the exterior wall of the structure or into an above ground electrical junction box.

    • 3

      Lay your underground electric cable into the trench, threading the cable up through conduit into your structure or into an electrical fixture. UF cable ranges in size from 14-gauge to 6-gauge.

    • 4

      Bury the underground electrical cable with the dirt you removed from the trench.

  • How to Get a Copy of My Birth Certificate From Dixon, IL

    The city of Dixon, Illinois is in Lee County. The Lee County Clerk's Office keeps records of all birth certificates issued in Dixon dating back to 1856. To obtain a certified copy of your birth certificate, contact the Lee County Clerk's office in person or through the mail requesting a copy of your birth certificate. The only stipulation is that you must be the person listed on the certificate or an immediate family member of the person listed.
  • By Mail

    • 1

      Request a certified copy of your birth certificate by composing a letter of request. In the letter, include your name, your date of birth, your gender at birth, your mother's maiden name and your father's name.

    • 2

      Write a check for $20, which is the fee as of 2010 for one certified copy of your birth certificate. Additional copies are $3.

    • 3

      Include a self-addressed, stamped envelope with your check and your certificate request and mail it to

      Lee County Clerk's Office, Vital Statistics Records (see Resources).

    In Person

    • 1

      Visit the second floor of the Lee County Clerk's office, which is in the Old Lee County Courthouse.

    • 2

      Request a copy of your birth certificate, supplying the clerk with all of the information listed on the certificate.

    • 3

      Wait while your record is located and a certified copy is created for you. Pay for your copy using a check or money order.

  • How to Improve a Vertical Jump for Stylish Dunks

    If you want to make stylish, showy slam dunks when you are playing basketball, you'll need to increase your vertical jump. After all, the higher you can jump, the more impressive your jumps will be. What's more, you'll be able to dunk from farther away because higher jumps can also travel farther horizontally.



    The key to doing this is to reduce your body fat and increase your the size of your leg muscles. However, this isn't all you need to do -- you also need to put your legs through the motions they'll go through when you jump, in order to prepare them for the action.
    • 1

      Add squats to your workout program. Stand with a weight bar across your shoulders, grabbing it with both hands. Bend your knees and hips, keeping your knees over your ankles. Then straighten your legs again to a standing position. Do not use more weight than you are comfortable with. Squats work every muscle in your legs, which will improve your vertical jump. They also move your legs in the manner they need to move to jump, which will help prepare you for more stylish dunks.

    • 2

      Add isolation exercises such as leg curls to your workout program. Sit at a leg-curl machine at the gym and set the weight to an amount that you can do only five or so reps with (you don't want the weight to be too easy to lift). Tuck your shins behind the pad, and bring the pad up with your shins by straightening your legs. Keep your back flush against the seat.

    • 3

      Perform regular-interval cardiovascular training. For example, sprint or run for a minute or so and then reduce your exertion to a jog or a walk for two minutes, then repeat. This stresses your heart in the short term, which prepares it for the explosive power it needs during a jump.

    • 4

      Jump up and down as high as you can about 10 times after every workout (whether it's a weight training or cardio day). This will shock your muscles and make them build the way you want them to. Remember, large muscles alone aren't enough. If you want to jump higher, you need to prepare your muscles for that exact action.

    • 5

      Lose some body fat. Perform the previous exercises but also limit your intake of processed foods and simple carbohydrates such as sugar and alcohol. You need to lose body fat because that is weight that doesn't contribute to your jump; it just holds you back.

  • What Ingredients Is Chewing Gum Made Of?

  • Gum base

    • The main ingredient in chewing gum is the gum base. This ingredient gives gum it's chewiness. Originally, the gum base contained chicle, which is the sap of the sapodilla tree, but modern chewing gum is made of food-grade polymers and waxes. The gum base binds the other ingredients together and provides the soft texture.

    Softeners

    • Softeners are added to chewing gum to retain moisture. Most softeners are made from glycerin or vegetable oils. Softeners prevent the gum from becoming hard and dry during chewing.

    Sweeteners

    • As the name implies, sweeteners are added to chewing gum to sweeten the product. Sweeteners are usually made from sugar or corn syrup; beet juice is sometimes used. Sugar-free gum uses synthetic sweeteners like as xylitol, aspartame, maltitol and sorbitol. Maltitol and sorbitol may cause mild laxative effects when consumed in large quantities, but this laxative effect is not harmful to the body, according to the International Chewing Gum Association.

    Flavoring

    • Flavor ingredients are added last and give chewing gum an intense, long-lasting flavor. The most popular flavors for chewing gum are mint, fruit, spearmint and menthol.

  • Bialetti Espresso Maker Directions

    Bialetti stovetop espresso makers are a fast and cheap way to create authentic espresso at home. This espresso is not the same as coffee-shop espresso, however, and is less concentrated. Mixed with warm milk or on its own, the coffee from this small manual machine will provide a rich experience in your own kitchen.
  • Preparation

    • 1

      Grind your dark roast (French or Italian roast) coffee to a fine grain. Use the "Espresso" setting on automatic grinders or run it through your smaller grinder for longer than you would grind beans for a drip machine or a French roast machine. Freshly ground beans provide a fresher, richer-tasting brew.

    • 2

      Unscrew the Bialetti pieces by rotating the large top piece counterclockwise. Keep the bottom piece stable while rotating and set the large piece aside while filling the machine.

    • 3

      Lift up the straining cup that sits in the bottom piece of the espresso maker and set aside.

    • 4

      Fill the bottom piece with filtered water to the desired level, generally around 3/4 inch from the top. Too much water will result in a weak brew and too little water will not make sufficient espresso. There is a fill line in the machine, but as you brew more coffee the line becomes hidden by espresso remnants.

    • 5

      Replace the mesh cup and fill it with 2 to 3 tbsp. freshly ground espresso. Lightly pack the grounds if you desire a richer brew, but do not pack with heavy pressure as you would pack an espresso shot in a large machine.

    • 6

      Reposition the larger portion of the Bialetti by fitting it on top of the water-filled bottom piece and rotating it clockwise. Screw tightly as a loose fit will allow water to escape.

    Brewing

    • 1

      Place the Bialetti on your stovetop and turn the burner on. The burner flame should just encompass the bottom of the Bialetti machine---too large a flame boils the water too quickly and too small a flame muddles the clarity of the espresso.

    • 2

      Remove the Bialetti from the burner as soon as you hear gurgling. You will burn the espresso if you wait for the gurgling to stop---the steam brew process will finish on its own time if removed from the heat at this moment.

    • 3

      Pour the espresso into a coffee mug immediately and wait for it to cool sufficiently to drink.

    • 4

      Clean the Bialetti once it has cooled by running it through water and wiping off the grounds. Do not use soap or put the machine through the dishwasher---coffee coats the aluminum interior during the brewing process and it is necessary to maintain the coating as aluminum consumption can be dangerous.

  • How to Get Multiple Full Tilt Sessions

    Many online poker players play multiple sessions at once. This technique is also called "mulit-tabling" and it provides definite benefits. If you know how to win, playing multiple sessions can increase your hourly win rate. Also, when playing multiple sessions on Full Tilt, you will accumulate Full Tilt Points faster than you would if you only played one table at a time.
    • 1

      Sign in to your Full Tilt account and find the games you want to play in the lobby. To open a cash game table, double click on the table you want or click the "View Table" button. Once the table opens, click on a seat and choose a buy-in amount to start playing. To enter a tournament, click on a tournament and then click the "Register Now" button.

    • 2

      Repeat Step 1 to play multiple sessions. Full Tilt allows you to play a maximum of 16 games at once. The default setting allows a maximum of 12 sit n go or tournament tables and a maximum of 8 ring game tables at one time as long as the total number of tables does not exceed 16. However, you may email support to request the capability to play 16 tournaments or 16 ring games at the same time.

    • 3

      Organize your open sessions. Once you've opened a few tables, click the "Layout" button in the upper right hand corner of any table window. Once you click the button, a drop down menu gives you several options including "Tile tables," "Cascade tables" and "Stack tables." Additionally, you can create your own custom layouts. This will help you stay organized when playing multiple sessions.

  • How do I Install a Bathtub Faucet Stem?

    The faucet stem controls the flow of water through the faucet and out of the spout in your bathtub. These stems screw into a stem socket on the faucet body. A rubber washer located at the end of the stem seals the faucet watertight when in the closed position. This washer is raised and lowered by a handle connected to the end of the valve stem. Installing a bathtub faucet stem is necessary when replacing or repairing an old stem.
    • 1

      Turn off the water supply for the bathtub faucet where you are installing the stem, if it isn't already. The main water supply valve for your house, apartment or condo is installed next to your water meter. In a condo or apartment, this may be located on the side of the building or in a utility closet where your washing machine is set up. In a house, the main water valve and meter are installed in a concrete or plastic box in your yard. Turn off the main water supply valve by rotating it in the opposite direction.

    • 2

      Clear out the stem socket and surrounding area of silt and calcium buildup with a toothbrush.

    • 3

      Turn the faucet stem over so you can see the washer at the bottom. Apply a few dabs of silicone grease to the face of the washer.

    • 4

      Wrap the threads on the stem with nonstick-coated plumber's tape. Make at least two turns around the stem with the tape, pulling tightly as you turn.

    • 5

      Insert the stem into the stem socket. Secure by tightening clockwise with a wrench.

    • 6

      Insert the escutcheon, if present, in place around the stem. These may either screw into place on the stem socket, or be secured by a small screw on the underside.

    • 7

      Slip the handle over the end of the faucet stem. Slowly turn the handle until you feel it fall into place in the grooves on the stem. Insert the faucet handle screw through the hold in the middle of the handle and tighten. Press the faucet screw cap into place.

    • 8

      Restore the water supply for the faucet.

  • French Home Decor Ideas

  • French Wall Decor

    • French wall decor tends to display an eclectic mix of unexpected art pieces, vintage photo frames, old pictures, original French plates and paintings. A large combination of French styles can be paired together and be united by a neutral color palette. Bring together a paper collage, a few framed sepia toned photos on large matted prints, and a piece of driftwood or a wooden board displaying a unique ornament. Faïence plates can be hung above large mirrors, pictures and doorways. Look beyond paintings by mounting an individual old French stamp on a large mat or framing antique monograms.

    Bedroom Ideas

    • A French-style bedroom can be achieved with a few simple French touches. Any mattress can be transformed into French country by simply adding a fabric headboard made from old vintage fabrics or velvet. Further accessorize the wall by adding a small mirror or fun ornament above the headboard. Or, create a provincial French bedroom in an all-white color scheme. This style requires no headboard; use substantial, luscious and heavy fabrics in hues of milky white, ivory, or light cream. Steer away from bleached whites. Incorporate quilted, embroidered, crinkled and knitted fabrics to create texture. Accessorize the room with iconic images of France, such as the Eiffel tower or the Grand Canyon du Verdon, or frame French words or famous streets or shops. Add an extra French decorating element by hanging a chandelier or adding a quirky lamp.

    Living Room Ideas

    • Use slipcovers made from cotton or coarse linens in neutral colors for chairs and sofas. Bring in quilts and cushions in striped or solid colors. Toile de Jouy fabric is a French decor staple and can be incorporated into the mix with the occasional piece. Flea market finds often come together to create a French cottage feel. For example, an old bistro chair or an old birdcage mixed with soft yellow walls and splashes of blue from old French plates can truly envelop the French country style. Color sets the foundation for the design from French country to Mediterranean seaside. Cool greens and grays can be paired for a seaside color palette; add some warmth with wood tones. This color palette also looks great with brick floors or terracotta tiles. Blue, red and white make a classic French color palette as well. The blues can be aqua, blue-gray or midnight blue; reds can be cherry, tomato or pomegranate; and whites can be milky white, antique white or taupe.

  • How to Fasten Greenhouse Plastic

    It's important to put plastic over your greenhouse to insulate it from the heat. Plastic is resilient, but changes in temperature can cause it to expand or contract, requiring you to check it and re-install it every so often.
    • 1

      Check your greenhouse frame. If your frame is made out of wood, sand any splinters or non-smooth parts and remove any nails from the surface of the wood. If it is made out of metal, remove rust.

    • 2

      Place the loose end of the roll of plastic on the ground. Place a heavy object on top of it to keep it from moving. Pick up the roll of plastic and walk backwards to unroll it. It is best to work early in the morning, when the temperature is between 59 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit and there is little wind.

    • 3

      Attach ropes to all four corners of the plastic. Mount the plastic on the greenhouse by pulling the ropes up and over the greenhouse walls. Continue stretching the plastic with the ropes until the plastic evenly covers the greenhouse and you cannot see any wrinkles.

  • How to Calculate PSU Watts

    As the name suggests, your power supply unit, or PSU, supplies power to every component in your computer, including peripheral devices that draw power from USB connections. When purchasing a new power supply unit, you should first estimate the power requirements to ensure you do not fall short -- an error that could cause system instability. Several website offer online calculators for estimating PSU requirements. Estimations are performed by entering detailed information regarding the system configuration, so be sure to have your manual or component list handy. These calculators usually offer a minimum estimate, so purchasing a PSU slightly more powerful will give you a margin of error.
    • 1

      Check out the Asus site for an easy-to-use power supply calculator, which gives you an estimate in real-time as you add components. This gives you insight as to which components tend to draw the most power. Components requiring entry into the form are minimized, so this calculator is a good choice for those uncertain of their exact computer specifications.

    • 2

      Go to Outer Vision's extreme Power Supply Calculator. This calculator is very complete, but will also give you a more accurate estimation because it takes into account just about every component in your system, with very detailed specifications for each. It even has an option to input overclock settings, which are settings designed to increase the speed of your processor beyond its native performance. The weak of heart might find this resource a little intimidating, but if you're a serious geek, you will fall in love.

    • 3

      Try out Newegg's Power Supply Calculator. This is an especially simple calculator, which is good for the novice user who may be unfamiliar with many components. You need only know the basics: CPU, motherboard classification, Memory quantity and basic type, DVD and hard drives.

  • How to Get Pancake Syrup Out of Carpet

    The first week new carpet is installed in our homes, we ban children from eating on it, tell ourselves the wine stays in the kitchen and leave our shoes at the front door. Eventually, we stop being so careful and accidents happen. Carpet spills are always followed by an "Oh, no!" reaction, whether they happen in your own home, or worse, at a friend's house. Dirt can quickly be eliminated with the help of a vacuum, but when the mess is a sticky and sugary substance like syrup, the spill requires more specific attention. However, syrup can be lifted out of carpet rather quickly when the right cleaning method is used and prompt action is taken.
    • 1

      Scrape gently and lift as much syrup as possible onto a spoon until all the excess syrup is off the carpet.

    • 2

      Press down firmly until the remainder of the excess syrup appears on a dry paper towel or rag.

    • 3

      Wet a clean rag and gently blot the area once you have removed the sticky liquid and the spot looks more like a stain than a spill. Work from the edges toward the center of the spot. Using a clean area of the rag each time, continue until the spot is removed completely.

    • 4

      Lay a brick or other weight on a stack of towels, keeping the stack directly on the spot. This allows any stain coming through the backing to absorb into the towels.

    • 5

      Remove the brick and towels after the spot is dry. Gently brush up the rug piles using your fingers.

  • How to Apply for Emergency Public Assistance

    Tough economic times sometimes call for outside financial assistance. There are a variety of places that an individual can turn to for help, both local and federal. The public assistance might come in the form of needing emergency money or food, or help paying the utility bills. In the case of individuals who have been laid off, there is unemployment available to help offset living costs, and there are other services available to meet a variety of needs.
    • 1

      Apply for unemployment if you've lost your job. You can apply at either your local unemployment office or you can apply online. You will be required to fill out some paperwork and you will be given a confirmation tracking number so that you can check on the status of your unemployment payment. In order to continue to collect your unemployment benefits, you will have to reapply every two weeks and you will be required to verify that you have been seeking employment while you have been collecting unemployment. The amount of money you can receive depends on your income prior to being laid off and the length of time that you were employed.

    • 2

      Go to your local Public Assistance Office to find out for which programs you are eligible. The programs for which you might be eligible will vary from state to state, or even from city to city. Contact your Public Assistance Office to find out what the requirements are, as well as which documents you will need to furnish when you fill out your application for public assistance. In most cases, you'll be asked to bring a photo ID, proof of your income and your expenses, as well as any one-time expenses, such as a medical bill.

    • 3

      Apply for Social Security benefits. In some cases, you do not have to be of retirement age to get public assistance from the Social Security Office. Certain medical conditions, such as high-functioning autism or being visually or hearing impaired, will entitle you to either full disability or supplemental income. You can apply at either your local Social Security office or you can apply online. If you apply online, you will be notified of an interview time and date, and you will be asked to bring any medical documentation to support your request for assistance.

    • 4

      Apply for food stamp programs. Food stamp programs are available in every state and are based on income rather than employment or even if you are collecting welfare. Your local Public Assistance Office will be able to direct you to the local bureau which is in charge of handling supplemental nutrition assistance programs.

  • How to Install a Tevion Set Top Box

    A set top box, or TV tuner, is an electrical device used to receive and process TV signals. Tevion has put out many different models of set top boxes. No matter what model of Tevion set top box you're using, the connection formula is basically the same for all set top boxes. Whatever wire transmits the main TV signal goes into the set top box's RF input port. A separate cable is then used to connect the set top box output to the corresponding TV input.
  • Install Using Coaxial Cable

    • 1

      Cut power to the TV and set top box before doing any cable connections.

    • 2

      Screw the coaxial cable which is connected to the TV antenna into the Tevion set top box's RF In port. If the Tevion box you're connecting has two RF In ports, one for analog and one for digital, connect the cable to the "Digital Tuner" RF In port

    • 3

      Connect one end of the standalone coaxial cable to the Tevion set top box's RF Out port.

    • 4

      Attach the other end of the cable to the RF In port located on the back of the TV. Sometimes this port is also labeled "Antenna In" or "Ant. In."

    • 5

      Turn on the TV and tune it to channel 3.

    Install Using A/V Cables

    • 1

      Cut power to the TV and set top box before doing any cable connections.

    • 2

      Screw the coaxial cable which is connected to the TV antenna into the Tevion set top box's RF In port. If the Tevion box you're connecting has to RF In ports, one for analog and one for digital, connect the cable to the "Digital Tuner" RF In port.

    • 3

      Use the set of A/V plugs to connect the Tevion set top box's A/V output to the corresponding A/V input on the television set. Bear in mind that A/V plugs and jacks are color coded. Insert each A/V cable, there are three in a set, into the A/V jack which matches its color.

    • 4

      Turn on the TV and Tevion set top box.

    • 5

      Use the "Input" button on the TV remote control to change the TV's video input setting to the A/V source.

    Install Using the Scart Cable

    • 1

      Cut power to the TV and set top box before doing any cable connections.

    • 2

      Screw the coaxial cable which is connected to the TV antenna into the Tevion set top box's RF In port. If the Tevion box you're connecting has to RF In ports, one for analog and one for digital, connect the cable to the "Digital Tuner" RF In port

    • 3

      Plug one end of the scart cable (this cable should have come included with the Tevion set top box) in the "TV" scart port on the back of the box. Connect the other end of the scart cable to the scart socket on the scart to A/V adapter.

    • 4

      Use the set of A/V plugs to connect the A/V output jacks on the scart to A/V adapter to the corresponding A/V input on the television set. Bear in mind that A/V plugs and jacks are color coded. Insert each A/V cable, there are three in a set, into the A/V jack which matches its color.

    • 5

      Turn on the TV and Tevion set top box. Use the "Input" button on the TV remote control to change the TV's video input setting to the A/V source.

  • The System Requirements of a Canon Pixma MX308

  • Operating Systems

    • The Pixma MX308 can be used on either a Windows PC or a Mac, provided the computer meets the minimum system requirements. The printer was designed to work with PCs running Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista and newer versions of the Windows operating system that feature legacy support for older operating systems. On Apple computers, Mac OS X 10.2.8 or newer is required to operate the Pixma MX308.

    Hardware Requirements for Windows

    • For PCs running Windows operating systems, the Pixma MX308 will need a Pentium II or comparable processor with a minimum clock speed of 300 MHz. The Pixma's MX308's software requires 800 MB of hard drive space and must be installed from a CD-ROM drive. This software requires a minimum 128 MB of RAM. Internet Explorer 6.0 or newer is required for online support and registration, and an XGA video display capable of 1024 by 768 dots per inch is also required.

    Hardware Requirements for Mac OS

    • To use the Pixma MX308 with an Apple computer, you will need an Intel-based PowerPC G3 or newer workstation. A minimum of 256 MB of RAM is required, and at least 460 MB of hard drive space to store the bundled software that comes with the printer. The Safari Web browser will allow access to online support and product registration, and an XGA graphics display with a minimum 1024 by 768 dots per inch resolution will also be necessary.

  • How to Install a New Basket Strainer in a Kitchen Sink

    A kitchen basket strainer connects the sink to the drain pipe and is the piece the drain stopper fits down into. You may need a new basket strainer if you experience leaks and retightening the locknuts and slip nuts does not seem to stop the problem. When purchasing a new basket strainer, buy a better quality basket strainer and avoid thin metal or plastic strainers that won't last as long. Set aside at least two hours to complete the project.
    • 1

      Remove the tailpiece connected to the basket strainer from under the sink by unscrewing the tailpiece's top and bottom slip nuts with a spud wrench or groove-joint pliers. Inspect the tailpiece washers. If they are worn, buy replacements.

    • 2

      Detach the basket strainer's locknut by turning it counterclockwise with a spud wrench or groove-joint pliers. Remove and inspect the rubber and fiberglass washers. Purchase replacement washers if they are worn.

    • 3

      Remove the basket strainer from above the sink and set it aside. Strip away the putty from around the drain hole with a plastic putty knife. Wipe away any residue with a clean rag.

    • 4

      Roll plumber's putty into a snake and apply it to the underside rim of the new basket strainer. Set the new basket strainer into the drain hole and press into place.

    • 5

      Reassemble the basket strainer. Have someone hold the basket strainer in place from above the sink by inserting the handles of a set of pliers into the drain hole of the basket strainer. Insert a screwdriver between the pliers' handles to stop movement. Replace the rubber and fiberglass washers from under the sink and retighten the locknut by turning it clockwise with a spud wrench or groove-joint pliers.

    • 6

      Scrape off any excess plumber's putty from above the sink with a plastic putty knife. Wipe residue away with a clean rag.

    • 7

      Hold the tailpiece back in place and retighten the top and bottom slip nuts with a spud wrench or groove-joint pliers. Set the stopper into the basket strainer and fill the sink with water to check for leaks. Pull the stopper up to allow the water to drain and look for leaks.

  • 1988 Honda NX250 Specifications

    • The 1988 Honda NX250 is an off-road motorcycle that has high power, maneuverability and comfort. This bike remains a popular model of Honda off-road bikes.

    Engine

    • The 1988 Honda NX250 has a single cylinder, four-stroke engine with four valves. The engine displacement is 15.19 cubic inches, it has 2.8 by 2.6 bore and stroke and reaches a top speed of 79.5 mph. The compression ratio is 11:1. The engine reaches 26 hp at 8,500 rpm and can go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.2 seconds. Engine size is 249.00 ccm or 15,11 cubic inches. The bike uses a liquid cooling system to keep the engine temperature stable while the engine is running.

    Brakes, Wheels and Transmission

    • The bike uses a single disc break system in the front and an expanding drum brake in the rear. The front tire size is 100/90-19 and the rear is 120/90-16. The transmission is a 520 chain-drive train, with a 13 front sprocket and a 41 rear sprocket, with a six-gear box. The gear ratio is 3.15.

    Weight, Fuel Capacity and Electrical

    • The wet weight of this bike, the weight with full fluids, is 293.2 pounds and the fuel capacity is 2.38 gallons. The power to weight ratio is 0.2 Hp/Kg. The NX250 uses an electrical ignition system and a 12-volt, 7-amp/hour, 85-cca battery with box top and front mount terminal configuration. The battery dimensions are 4.5 inches long, 2.8 inches wide and 5.1 inches high.

  • How to Search for a Criminal History in Texas

    The ability to do a thorough background check on a possible future employee is a necessity for keeping your home or workplace safe. Gaining access to someone's criminal record can mean all the difference between hiring a reliable, trustworthy individual or hiring someone who might cost your company money--or worse. Searching for these records once was a long, painstaking process, but thanks in large part to the Internet, you'll find it's easier to access these records for background checks.
    • 1

      Visit the Texas Department of Public Safety website. You can find a link to this website in this article's resources section.

    • 2

      Sign up for an account with the TXDPS. You will need a valid e-mail address to sign up for an account. Once you have completed the sign-up process, you will receive a login name and password.

    • 3

      Go back to the TXDPS home page and click on the "Criminal History" link. Use your login name and password to access your account.

    • 4

      Click on the "Criminal History Conviction Search" link at the top of your account page. This will take you to a webpage that explains all about what each report contains, what the computerized criminal history procedure is, and what website contains this information.

    • 5

      Go to the CCH menu at the right of the screen and click on "Search Individuals." You will then be brought to a screen containing the TXDPS terms of agreement. Read them thoroughly and click the link stating that you read and agree to the terms.

    • 6

      Choose your method of payment. In order to be able to search the site you will need to purchase credits. You can pay with a credit card or you can send a check in the mail.

    • 7

      Enter the name and birth date of the individual you are searching for into the search box. You only need the first and last name, but having the birth date as well might help narrow your search and produce more accurate results. Click "Search."

    • 8

      Print out a copy of the criminal records you have accessed through the site. At the top of the page is a "Print" button. Click this to print the record you need.

  • How to Connect & Use a Remote Video Security Camera

    A network camera lets homeowners monitor areas inside and out of their homes and grounds, transmitting live images of the chosen site that they can watch from any computer that has Internet access. Installing a security camera is simple, as long you pay attention to your user manuals. Your security camera's instructions will guide you in setting up an IP address for your camera feed. According to Home Security Guru, a web resource for home security: "Understanding basic home security best practices could mean the difference between keeping your home safe and becoming the victim of a break-in."
    • 1

      Choose the optimal location for your camera and mount it. Place it close to a power outlet and your wireless Internet router. The camera's cable will need to reach both. Your camera's mounting equipment will include a rod to connect to the camera, which attaches to a base. Screw the base to the wall with the screws that come with the camera mount, and connect the camera to the rod. Some camera models do not mount to a wall at all, but do nestle in a cradle like a phone. Setting up your camera's view after you have it connected to the Internet may take some trial and error.

    • 2

      Plug the camera's supplied A/C power cord into the outlet. Connect the network cable that comes with the router to the designated port on its back side. Plug its other end into the camera.

    • 3

      Install the software that came in your camera equipment package onto whatever computer you have connected to your router. This is to establish a connection with the camera. The procedure will vary, depending on your manufacturer and model, but will involve getting the camera's IP address from your manual or the body of the camera and entering it on the computer. Create passwords and user information as the computer prompts you to.

    • 4

      Go to a computer somewhere outside your home to test your ability to access the camera's live feed remotely. Type your camera's IP address into the browser bar. This should bring up your camera's menu. Enter your user name and your password when prompted. You can now watch your site from any computer.

    • 5

      Practice using your camera from a remote location. Depending on your camera's capacities, see your user manual to practice watching in real time, recording and storing video of the site, zooming, moving around corners, etc.

  • How to Find a Loan Fast

    A quick loan can help meet your immediate financial need, wherein you'll have cash to pay for items such as a car repair, home improvement or school tuition. But unfortunately, getting a loan often proves challenging. You can't walk into a bank and request a loan without providing the institution with specific information. Knowing what to bring when applying for a loan can speed the process and result in a easy approval.
    • 1

      Get your credit score to assess your chances of getting a loan. People with low credit scores rarely qualify for bank loans. Order your score from MyFico.com, and take steps to bring up your score -- preferably higher than 700 to get a loan and a good interest rate. Pay bills on time and reduce high credit card balances.

    • 2

      Get your finances in order. Be prepared and make duplicate copies of tax returns and paycheck stubs to show potential lenders.

    • 3

      Check with your personal bank. The bank or credit union you choose to bank with may approve you for a low-rate personal loan based on your good history with the institution. Speak with a bank loan officer to discuss your options

    • 4

      Shop around for other loan deals. Contact one to three other banks for a loan quote, and then compare these quotes with your bank or credit union to determine the best loan deal.

    • 5

      Secure the personal loan with personal property. Collateral helps you acquire a loan with little hassle. Choose collateral that matches the value of the requested amount. Good collateral includes a car title or home equity.

    • 6

      Let someone co-sign the loan to help you get approved. When your credit score or income isn't enough to get a loan, use a co-signer to qualify. Lenders will use their credit score and combination of both incomes to determine loan eligibility.

  • Signet Marine Instruments

    • Many sailboats are equipped with Signet Marine devices. Adam Jones/Digital Vision/Getty Images

      Signet Marine became a subsidiary of Signet Scientific Corporation, formerly Transdynamics Company, in 1984. Founded by Victor Olson and Don Salsburg in Burbank, California, this company originally produced instruments for use in the aerospace industry, such as the Apollo missions. Signet Marine is now a leader in marine instrument development: it was the first company to produce a paddlewheel speed transducer, LCD marine instruments, and microprocessor-based integrated systems.

    MK24 Analog Windpoint

    • This instrument tracks the apparent wind angle relative to the direction of your boat, anywhere from 0 to 360 degrees, without any calculations on your part. The dial has a hard glass cover which completely seals it from corrosion, and a red illuminating light allows you to use it at night. The sensor must be mounted on the masthead; the indicator can be mounted on the bulkhead or the panel. It requires no power, but the lighting requires 12 volt direct current (VDC).

    SL267A Digital Knotlog

    • The DIgital Knotlog is meant for use in an offshore racer or weekend cruiser. It provides speed readings from 0 to 75 knots with two decimal point accuracy, so it can be used to trim your sails. With a large, high-contrast LCD screen and red night-lighting, it is easy to read during night or day. Other features include a resettable trip log, an adjustable speed averaging system, and a speed trend indicator. This device requires 12 VDC for both the instrument and the lighting. The sensor should be mounted via through-hulls, either flush or mushroom variety, and the indicator can be installed on either the bulkhead or the panel.

    SL172 Depthsounder

    • The Depthsounder uses a microprocessing integral firmware program and a low-power drain to determine the depth of the water around you. It was designed for sailboats or powerboats. The transducer for this device is available in flush, mushroom, extractable or brass configurations. This device also features an alarm which warns you up to 20 seconds before you reach a preset depth. It has a 3 to 200 foot range, and its red night-lighting permits use in the dark. Both the instrument and the lighting require 12 VDC.

    SL254 Wind Indicator

    • Designed for racers and cruisers, this instrument provides both the wind speed and the wind point information. It displays wind speed in one-knot increments on a scale from 0 to 99, and it shows wind direction with an analog pointer at a 360 degree range. Its masthead-mounted sensor is hydraulically dampened, and requires 12 VDC.

    SL11 Analog Knotmeter

    • This precision indicator and paddlewheel transducer offers precise indication of speed from 0 to 12 knots for either racing or cruising yachts. Because it is self-powered, it is perfect for smaller boats with limited supplies of power or for larger boats as a backup unit. It can be mounted in flush or mushroom configurations, and offers red night-lighting for reading in the dark.

    MK30 Analog Windspeed

    • This device offers precise wind speed measurements for either racing or cruising boats. It is self-powered so, like the SL11, it is ideal for smaller yachts or as a backup on larger boats. It has a 0 to 60 knot scale, red night-lighting, and a hydraulically dampened masthead sensor. The lighting requires 12 VDC, but the instrument requires no power.

  • Ohio Workers Compensation Questions

    • When Ohioans are injured on the job, the type of compensation they receive is determined by a highly-regulated process administered by the state's Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC). Ohio requires businesses with full- or part-time employees to carry workman's compensation insurance for job-related injuries. Otherwise, employers can be held responsible for the total cost of such claims. Except for 14 or fewer days, most employees will be compensated for their entire time away from work.

    Who Is Covered?

    • Under Ohio law, any business with employees must have an active workers' compensation policy that provides coverage for job-related injuries. This standard applies, even for short periods of employment, according to the bureau. There is an exception for people who own their own businesses, however. Sole proprietors -- and partners who form a partnership or limited liability company -- are not considered employees, leaving them the choice to buy coverage for themselves.

    How Is a Claim Filed?

    • Injured workers must fill out a First Report of Injury after the incident. This task can be done manually, or through the bureau's website. However, the bureau advises workers to see if the employer's managed care organization filed a claim on their behalf. A worker's authorized representatives or designates may do likewise. Once a claim is filed, the bureau begins investigating the claim. A ruling to approve or deny the claim follows in 28 days.

    When Should Claims Be Filed?

    • To protect their rights, workers are advised to notify employers immediately after an accident. Workers have the right to choose their own medical provider, but it must be a doctor who is bureau-certified and willing to take payment through the system. Delaying the claim may cause the bureau to question if a job-related accident caused the injury, and open the possibility of reduced compensation. Workers also need time to gather medical reports and witness testimony.

    What Types of Benefits Are Available?

    • Benefits depend on the worker's situation and disability. Temporary Total Compensation is the initial award paid out, and usually goes to workers disabled for short periods. Scheduled Loss awards are reserved for amputations and loss of hearing and vision, based on what happened to the worker prior to treatment. Workers are also eligible for partial or permanent disability awards, depending on the nature of their injury, according to the bureau.

    Are Workers Paid For Their Entire Time Off?

    • Workers are eligible for lost time benefits after seven or more days off the job. Those first seven days are not payable until the worker loses 14 straight days, however. Otherwise, most injured workers are paid for their whole time off. Compensation is based on minimum and maximum rates set down by the bureau. If the disability persists for 90 days or longer, the bureau may order an independent medical examination to determine if benefits should continue.

  • How to Make a Safe Baby Sling

    Babies all over the world have been worn in baby slings. African mothers use a cloth around the torso called a khanga. A rebozo is a Mexican sling worn on the back. In the early part of the 1900s, Americans and Europeans sought to train their children so they wouldn't be spoilt, and baby slings went out of fashion. Rayner Garner invented the ringed baby sling in 1981, and Dr. William Sears bought its rights in 1985. He coined the term "babywearing," and his books promote its use for attachment parenting.
    • 1

      Open up your fabric on a table. Fabric that is 2 1/4 yards is ideal for a medium-sized sling, and 2 1/2-yard fabric is for a taller wearer.

    • 2

      Hem one of the cut edges of your fabric, which will be the tail of your baby sling. You do not have to hem the other side.

    • 3

      Fold the unhemmed side like an accordion fan, with each fold 4 inches to 6 inches wide. Fold from the top of the fabric to about 10 inches to 12 inches. You do not need to fold the entire length of the fabric.

    • 4

      Pull the folded fabric through the rings and fold over, leaving the first pleated panel alone. Pin the folded section and sew. This area will take much of the weight of the baby, and you need to back sew a few times.

    • 5

      Hold the rings in one hand and gather the loose end of your fabric. Fold like an accordion fan, and push half of the fabric into the two rings. Push the fabric though the outer ring until it reaches the other end.

  • How to Fasten Wood Decking to Concrete

    When attaching wood decking to concrete, be sure to use concrete-type fasteners. Concrete fasteners are available in a number of shapes, widths and types. Concrete screws are easy to identify as they are typically a blue color. The screw also come in a number of lengths and feature either Phillips or hex heads. Concrete screws are ideal to use if you are securing lightweight material, such as 2x4 wood boards to concrete. When fastening larger pieces of lumber designed to hold a lot of weight use sturdy and durable concrete anchors.
    • 1

      Determine what type of fastener will be used depending on the thickness of the wood and how much weight will be distributed onto the fasteners. Read the specs listed on the fastener package labeling to find the one that fits your needs.

    • 2

      Set the wood decking in the desired spot next to the concrete. Make marks with a pencil to indicate where you will drill and place the fasteners.

    • 3

      Insert the correct bit into the drill motor chuck. Substitute the common electric drill for a hammer drill if you're making holes intended for larger fasteners such as anchor bolts.

    • 4

      Measure the length of the fastener you're using and minus the thickness of the wood material. Transfer this measurement to the drill bit by either setting the depth gauge if the drill is equipped with one, or by wrapping tape around the bit itself.

    • 5

      Set the tip of the drill bit on the mark penciled onto wood deck material, apply firm pressure to the back of the motor housing and begin drilling. Stop drilling once the tape wrapped around the bit reaches the wood material or the depth gauge stops you. Slide the moving drill bit in and out of the hole to remove any debris.

    • 6

      Insert the fastener into the drilled hole. Tighten the fastener using the correct tool, such as a Phillips or hex bit for a screw fastener or a wrench or socket wrench for a bolt-type anchor.

  • How to Repair Garmin Nuvi 350 Units

    Garmin Ltd.'s Nuvi 350 is a "personal travel assistant." It got this name by helping travelers navigate to where they need to go. This type of electronic device uses GPS technology, meaning it triangulates three satellite signals to pinpoint its location on the globe, and it superimposes a digital map of surrounding streets. When you type in an address you wish to travel to, the Nuvi 350 will tell you how to get there. If for some reason your unit stops working properly, you can troubleshoot it using Garmin's recommended techniques, or you can send it in for repairs.
    • 1

      Plug your Nuvi 350 into your vehicle's power source and turn your vehicle on. This will charge the unit. Fully charging the battery can help repair problems like inaccurate satellite locations and a frozen screen.

    • 2

      Look around to make sure there are no tall trees, buildings or other obstructions. If there are, they could be blocking your unit's satellite reception. Change locations to overcome this issue or eliminate it from your troubleshooting effort.

    • 3

      Let the battery inside your Garmin Nuvi 350 completely discharge if your battery icon does not seem to be accurate. Then charge the battery fully. This should repair the issue.

    • 4

      Touch "Display" from the main screen and touch the "Recalibrate" option to repair an unresponsive screen.

    • 5

      Figure out if your Nuvi 350 is still under warranty if your troubleshooting cannot repair it. If it is under warranty, Garmin Ltd. will repair the unit at no cost. Units are no longer under warranty a year after the purchase date or if the damage was caused by an accident or external cause.

    • 6

      Check to see the price of repair for your Nuvi 350 by visiting the "Out of Warranty" page of the Garmin website and choosing "Nuvi 350" from the menu. This step is necessary only if the repairs won't be covered by warranty.

    • 7

      Contact Garmin Ltd. at 1-800-800-1020 to arrange for repairs. You will need to send your device to Garmin International at 1200 E. 151st St., Olathe, KS, 66062. Send a copy of your receipt, too, if the repairs are covered by warranty. The Garmin representative you speak with on the telephone will help you arrange payment if the repairs aren't covered and will supply you with an RMA and Dock Door number, which you'll need to write on the outside of the box you send your Nuvi 350 in.

  • Inspiron 9400 Specifications

    • The Inspiron 9400--also referred to as the E1705--is a laptop manufactured by Dell in 2005 and 2006. This model was originally shipped with Windows Media Center and could be purchased with an optional external TV tuner and remote. It is compatible with Windows 7 when upgraded to at least 1 gigabyte (GB) of memory. Weighing in at 7.5 lbs, this 17-inch multimedia laptop is considered a "desktop replacement" model that is not meant for frequent trips on the road.

    Processors

    • Processors offered with the 9400 include early Core Duo and Core Solo mobile processors, which run at either 533 megahertz (MHz) or 667 MHz bus speeds. Clock speeds for these processors ranged from around 1.8 gigahertz (GHz) to 2.1 GHz. When it first came out, Dell advertised this model as one of the first dual-core laptops.

    Memory

    • The maximum memory upgrade a user can perform on this laptop is 2 GB. Originally, this model shipped with either 256 MB, 512 MB or 1 GB of memory on two memory slots. Both slots are accessible through a back plate, making it easy for users to upgrade the memory themselves. The memory type is Double Data Rate 2 (DDR2) laptop RAM.

    Drives

    • One hard drive up to 160 GB was included in the Inspiron 9400 when it shipped but users can upgrade the drive. The drive is removable by taking out two screws and sliding it out through one side of the laptop. Also included is a combo CD and DVD writer drive.

    Display

    • The Inspiron 9400 has a 17-inch widescreen display. The display types include WUXGA technology, for a 1920 by 1200 pixel native resolution, or WXGA+, for a 1440 by 900 pixel native resolution. Being a multimedia laptop, Dell offered a variety of graphic card options for this model, including the nVidia GeForce Go 7800, nVidia GeForce G 7900 GS or an ATI Mobility Radeon X1400 with HyperMemory. The budget option for this machine is built-in Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 950. No matter which option the original buyer chose, the 9400 has 256 MB of graphics memory.

    Networking

    • There is support for an internal PCI-E wireless LAN Mini-Card for connecting to Wi-Fi networks. Some Inspiron 9400 laptops also include Bluetooth support. The built-in wired network adapter supports 10/100 Ethernet. Also built-in is one 56k modem.

    Ports

    • Many ports are built into this model to make it usable as a multimedia laptop. There are two audio jacks for attaching stereo speakers, a microphone jack, one S-video port for outputing to a television and both VGA and DVI-D ports for attaching an external monitor. Other ports are six USB, one IEEE 1394a 4-pin FireWire, an RJ-11 phone modem jack and an RJ-45 Ethernet jack.

  • DIY Fix Bump in Bumper

    The bumper is meant to help protect your car from being damaged by minor scrapes and impacts. Unfortunately, that means that sometimes it's your bumper that takes the hit, and it can get dented. Fortunately, if it's a relatively small bump that you have left over from running into the mailbox, or something similar, then you should be able to fix it with nothing more than a heat gun and some patience if the bumper's plastic.
    • 1

      Plug in your heat gun and warm the area of the bumper where there's a bump. The plastic bumper cover has something of a memory, and minor bumps might just pop right out once the plastic is somewhat pliable. If the bump is too big, though, you'll need to take additional steps.

    • 2

      Remove the plastic cover from your bumper and place it on a single towel. Heat the bump until the plastic is pliable, and then press out from the backside of the bumper to massage out the bump. Don't overheat, as melted plastic or blistered paint isn't attractive either.

    • 3

      Slip the plastic cover back onto your bumper. Make sure that it's firmly in place and that it won't slide off. Once the cover's back on, your bump problem should be taken care of.

  • How to Use a Hidden Proxy

    Hidden proxies are websites that allow you to hide your identity on the Internet. They do this by letting you input a webpage, and then filtering that page through another server. From the perspective of the site to which you're connecting, a computer other than your own appears to be the connecting even though it is actually you. This strategy can also help you bypass firewalls that prevent you from getting to certain sites.
    • 1

      Navigate to a free list of proxy sites. (See Resources)

    • 2

      Click the link for a proxy site.

    • 3

      Enter a website address that you want to access through your hidden proxy. Press "Return." The website appears in the proxy site, with your computer's identity hidden.

  • How to Modify Toys for Special Needs Children

    Children learn through play, so it's important that special needs children have developmentally appropriate toys to play with. While this could mean buying toys designed particularly for special needs children, these can be expensive and difficult to find. The easiest solution may be to adapt toys you already own to meet your child's needs, interests and abilities.
  • Mount Toys to Stabilize Them

    • 1

      Apply Velcro to the bottoms of action figures, toy animals, furniture for doll houses or anything else your child might want to stand upright.

    • 2

      Apply another piece of Velcro to mounting surfaces like floors, table tops or dollhouse floors.

    • 3

      Show your child how to make the toy stand upright. Grasp the toy and place it firmly onto the Velcro-covered surface, then let your child try.

    Simplify Toys and Games

    • 1

      Remove pieces from multi-part toys. For example, if a toy uses stackable rings, remove every other ring to make the toy simpler.

    • 2

      Simplify games, modifying rules if necessary. Modify learning games so that only one concept is tested at a time, such as colors, numbers or letters of the alphabet.

    • 3

      Place toy cars on a baking sheet or serving tray so the toys don't roll out of reach.

    • 4

      Apply Velcro to blocks so they are easier to stack.

    Improve Focus

    • 1

      Place light-colored toys on a dark piece of fabric, and put dark-colored toys on a light piece of fabric. This will help your child focus on the toy.

    • 2

      Create a distraction-free play environment. Turn off TV sets and radios, and remove excess clutter.

    • 3

      Use masking tape to make a path on the floor for children to move pull-toys along.

  • Festus, Missouri Bus Tours

    Huskey Trailways operates out of Festus, Missouri. Its fleet includes four buses used to tour the country. Ranging in size from a 57-passenger bus to a 29-passenger mini-bus, each vehicle has a restroom, storage space for luggage and audio/video capabilities.
  • River City Casino

    • Huskey makes monthly trips to this St. Louis casino. Reservations are required for this eight-hour excursion. November 30 and December 28 dates are left in 2010. The cost is $17 per person for transportation, buffet meal and $10 in free play after spending an initial $10.

    Harrah's Casino

    • There are also daily trips to Harrah's Casino. Reservations are not required and the service is free. On the second Wednesday of every month, a trip that requires a reservation is taken to Harrah's. The cost is $8 per person and includes special coupons based on play, as of 2010.

    Tunica, Mississippi

    • Overnight trips are offered to the casinos in Tunica, Mississippi, several times a year. The prices vary for a trip that visits the Bally, Resort, Fitzgerald, and Sam Town casinos. The remaining 2010 dates leave on November 7 and December 5.

    Moovin' On Tours

    • In addition to the casino tours, Huskey also offers several larger tours. Its remaining 2010 bus tour travels to Galveston, Texas. A Huskey motorcoach provides the transportation to Galveston before the tour transfers to a Carnival Cruise ship visiting ports in Cozumel, Mexico, the Caymen Islands and Jamaica. The trip is from November 13 to November 22, 2010 and includes round trip motor coach transportation, two-night hotel stay, and the seven-night cruise. The cost is $1,239 for a cabin, $1,349 for a cabin with an ocean view, and $1,509 for a cabin with a balcony, as of 2010.

  • How Can I Play My Rhapsody to Go in a New Kia Sportage?

    Since 2009, many new Kia Sportages come with a user accessible auxiliary audio input. Labeled "AUX," this port allows drivers and passengers to play music from any device with an audio output. Rhapsody to Go devices, including many SanDisk and Philips audio players, can be used with the AUX port to play music through the Kia Sportage's audio speakers.
  • Using a Rhapsody to Go player with a Kia Sportage

  • How to Add Salt to Minnow Tanks

    Minnows are normally considered to be a species of freshwater fish. They make up a particularly large group of fishes that includes the carp family. Minnows are small fish that feed principally on aquatic vegetation. Although minnows are often used as a bait fish, they are also kept as aquarium fish. Ill minnows can be treated with therapeutic doses of salt. Once the fish are healed, a percentage of the treated aquarium water is replaced with fresh water, to dilute the salt content.
    • 1

      Measure the length, width and height of the rectangular aquarium. Multiply these three numbers together and then multiply that by 0.00433 to compute the volume of the aquarium.

    • 2

      Drain 5 gallons of old aquarium water into a bucket, using a piece of 3-foot long transparent plastic tubing.

    • 3

      Place one end of the pipe into the aquarium and hold it in place, just above the gravel. Place the opposite end in your mouth and suck powerfully until you see the water moving up the pipe. Quickly remove the pipe from your mouth and place the end into the bucket.

    • 4

      Fill the second 5-gallon bucket with tap water and add 1.5 fl. oz. of chlorine remover to the water.

    • 5

      Stir the water thoroughly and let it stand for half an hour.

    • 6

      Add two large cups of aquarium salt to the bucket and stir thoroughly to dissolve the salt.

    • 7

      Place a small submersible impeller pump into the bucket and plug it into a wall power source. Allow the impeller pump to mix the water for an hour.

    • 8

      Remove the impeller pump from the bucket and gently pour the 5 gallons of water into the aquarium.

    • 9

      Observe the minnows for any signs of discomfort. The salt has been added in therapeutic amounts to aid in healing of ill fish. The salt contains electrolytes, which reduce osmotic stress to the gills and assists the minnow with osmoregulation by increasing the mineral levels within its blood.

    • 10

      Switch off the aquarium light and leave the fish to acclimatize to the salt without additional disturbances.

    • 11

      Monitor the minnows until they have healed. Change 10 gallons of aquarium water to dilute the salt levels, once the minnows have completely healed.

    • 12

      Fill a 10-gallon bucket with tap water and add 3 fl. oz. of chlorine remover to the water. Stir well. Remove 10 gallons of aquarium water containing the salt, exactly as you did previously. Discard this water and replace with the 10 gallons of freshly treated water.

  • How to Cut a Round Hole in Exterior Stucco

    Drilling into stucco can void any warranties it may have, but sometimes it's necessary for different household applications. There are different types of stucco, but the process is similar for all of them. With the proper tools and a little patience, you can drill a perfectly round hole in a stucco surface in almost no time.
    • 1

      Measure the area on the wall to determine where the hole is going to be drilled. Mark the direct center of where the hole is going to be with a pencil. This will be the point where the center of the bit will drill.

    • 2

      Attach the bit to the hammer drill and secure it so it does not shoot off when in use. Line the bit up directly to the mark in the center. Turn on the drill and press down to begin drilling. Push hard and continue to put pressure on the stucco until the bit has gone completely through the hole.

    • 3

      Pull the drill slowly back out of the hole. Examine the hole to make sure it is the correct size. The size of the hole will vary depending on the size bit that was used.

    • 4

      Blow out any dust that is inside the hole with an air blower. Clean around the area with a rag and water to remove any other debris that may remain.

  • How to Act Like a Team Mascot

    Team mascots help to entertain the crowd during sporting events. Being a team mascot involves dressing up in a costume and parading around the playing field. Teams often choose an animal as their official mascot. Popular mascots for collegiate and professional sports teams include bears, hornets, panthers and jaguars. Performing as a team mascot requires practice and dedication. According to Varsity, the mascots in professional sports are expected to perform numeous choreographed skits and dances. Make sure to gain permission before walking out onto a playing field.
    • 1

      Assemble five amateur or professional dancers prior to your team mascot performance. Choreograph a synchronized dance routine that involves you as well as the five dancers. Instruct the dancers to dress in normal street clothes on the day of the performance. Place your dance partners throughout the audience of your team-mascot performance.

    • 2

      Make sure to cover your face with your mascot costume to ensure your identify remains a mystery. Play a popular song over the loudspeakers of your venue's sound system. Run out in front of the crowd and begin to perform your choreographed dance. Select your five dancers from the audience one by one and place them into the center of the playing field, rink or court.

    • 3

      Prior to the performance, inform your dancers to act embarrassed, as this will create the illusion that you picked out random audience members. Continue to perform the choreographed dance as your dancers act surprised and confused. Instruct your dancers to begin the routine at a specified moment in the song.

    • 4

      Follow your partners in the choreographed dance to wow the crowd. Stand near the sidelines closest to your team after you have completed your halftime performance. Hold up signs that display team chants or songs. Lead your team's fans in cheers of encouragement.

  • 1967 Chrysler Newport Custom Specifications

    • The 1967 Newport Custom was essentially the same car as the 1965 and 1966 models, although some minor sheetmetal changes were implemented for the 1967 production year. With the Newport, Chrysler sought to provide consumers with a more affordable option than higher priced vehicles like those manufactured by Cadillac and the Lincoln Continental. The Custom edition was a midway point between those vehicles and the standard Newport model.

    Body Styles and Model Numbers

    • The 1967 Newport was available as either a four-door sedan, a two-door convertible, a two-door hardtop or a four-door hardtop. The sedan was issued model number CC1-E-41. The convertible was assigned number CC1-E-27. The two-door hardtop was issued model number CC1-E-23. The four-door hardtop was issued model number CC1-E-43.

    Dimensions and Weight

    • All models shared the same dimension except for height. Their total length was 219.3 inches. The wheelbase was 124 inches long. All were 78.7 inches wide. Front tread width was 62 inches. Rear tread width was 60.7 inches. The sedan was 56.4 inches in height, while the convertible was 55.5 inches tall. The two-door hardtop was 54.6 inches in height. The four-door hardtop was 55.7 inches tall. The sedan weighed 3,955 pounds. The convertible weighed 3,970 pounds. The two-door hardtop weighed 3,920 pounds and the four-door hardtop weighed 3,980 pounds.

    Engines

    • All models of the '67 Newport were equipped with the 383 cubic inch big-block engine as standard equipment. The engine featured eight cylinders in a "V" configuration. The 383 featured a 9.2 to 1 compression ratio, a 4.250-inch bore and a 3.375-inch stroke. The 383 produced 270 horsepower at 4,400 rpm and 390 pound-feet of torque at 2,800 rpm. The 383 was available only with hydraulic lifters and a four-barrel carburetor. The 440 cubic-inch big-block was optional equipment. Like the 383, the 440 was an eight-cylinder engine arranged in a "V" configuration. The 440 featured a 10.10 to 1 compression ration, a 4.320-inch bore and a 3.750-inch stroke. The 440 produced 375 horsepower at 4,600 rpm and 480 pound-feet of torque at 3,200 rpm. The 440 was also only available with hydraulic lifters and a four-barrel carburetor.

    Base Prices and Numbers Produced

    • The base price of the convertible was $3,583. The base price of the sedan was $3,159. The base price of the two-door hardtop was $3,219. The four-door hardtop's base price was $3,296. A total of 2,891 convertibles were produced; 48,945 sedans, 25,563 two-door hardtops, and 14,247 four-door hardtops.

  • Parts Needed to Install LED Christmas Lights Outside

    • Use clips to install LED Christmas lights outside your home. Robert Shafer/Brand X Pictures/Getty Images

      Installing Christmas lights on and around your home can help get you and your family in the mood for the holidays, especially when you consider that LED Christmas lights tend to last longer than traditional bulb lights. The only part you need to use to install LED Christmas lights is the light clips that hold the wire in place and prevent you from having to staple, screw or nail the wire to the outside of your home. Nailing or stapling the wire will pierce it and could cause it to break or create an electrical hazard. There are three basic types of light clips: roof, tube or alligator clips.

    Roof Clips

    • Roof clips are designed for use on roofs and gutters. The clips are usually made of plastic or metal, and they have a hook as well as a clip to accommodate more than one strand of LED Christmas wire. The clips generally slide in between the roofing and the gutter. To install roof clips, force the thin end in between the roof and the gutter. Because of the tight fit, these clips do not generally require nails or screws to secure them. After you've positioned all of the clips, gently secure the wire to the clips.

    Tube Clips

    • Use tube clips to install LED Christmas lights anywhere outside. You can use them on your roofs, eaves, above your door or even on trees and shrubbery outside your home. Tube clips generally screw into a surface. They have a thin tube on the end that opens slightly to accommodate the Christmas light wire. Some tube clips have multiple tubes to accommodate thicker lights or more than one strand or lights.

    Alligator Clips

    • Alligator clips are another type of plastic clip you can use to install LED Christmas lights outside your home. Alligator clips have two jagged jaws that hold the wire in place. These clips are usually made of plastic because they apply pressure to the wire without splitting or tearing the plastic insulation. Some alligator clips are double-sided so they can accommodate two sets of wires.

  • How to Remove Deep Car Key Scratches

    A deep car key scratch does not necessarily mean an expensive new paint job. Cars have a thick layer of paint, which means removing the top layers does not diminish its appearance. Removing the scratch successfully involves using certain products and procedures to ensure no other damage is done to the car's paint.
    • 1

      Clean the scratched area with a soapy sponge. Mix 1 tsp. liquid dish soap into a bucket of warm water. Wash dirt and dust from the area. Rinse with cool water and wipe dry with a soft cloth.

    • 2

      Put 1/2 tsp. black shoe polish onto a rag. Rub the polish into the scratch mark. Use black polish for light-colored cars and white polish for dark colors. Remove any excess polish from around the scratch area with the rag.

    • 3

      Moisten a wet/dry 2,000- to 3000-grit ultra-fine sandpaper with cool water. Squeeze a drop of liquid dish soap onto the sandpaper.

    • 4

      Sand the scratches slowly using gentle pressure. Rub the sandpaper back and forth, wetting it after five or six strokes. Continue rubbing the scratch until you no longer see the shoe polish.

    • 5

      Place 1 tsp. rubbing compound on a soft cloth. Rub the compound into the affected area using circular motions. Remove the cloudy compound from the paint with a clean cloth, buffing it to a clean shine.