Clear Answers for Common Questions

When it comes to guitar strings, electric guitars have the widest array of choices available. While alloys center around stainless steel and nickel, gauge and winding figure prominently. Gauge refers to the diameter of the string and winding to the way the string’s surface is finished. All of these ...

Acoustic guitars are hollow-bodied guitars that come with six or 12 steel strings and optional on-board electronic pickups. They should not be confused with their acoustic cousin, the classical guitar. Classical guitars require nylon strings and, lacking a supportive truss rod in the neck, cannot use the high ...

While legitimate Internet dating services and chatrooms often provide a safe and anonymous means for singles to connect socially, there are still some concerns over Internet dating safety. Participants in some singles chatrooms and social websites have been stalked, kidnapped, sexually assaulted or even murdered by people they've originally ...

What you should know about BPA depends upon whom you ask. Clearly, those industries that use it to make their products do not want concerns to lead to widespread panic. However, some governments, consumer groups, health providers, and environmentalists are not happy with developing information regarding BPA. In laymen’s ...

When steam room safety is properly observed, steam baths can be extremely relaxing, and provide a myriad of health benefits. Spending time in a steam room can reduce stress, help with breathing problems, relieve the pain of sore muscles, and help you sleep. Whether you use a steam room at ...

Saunas provide a variety of health benefits when they are used correctly. Whether you are using a sauna at a gym or health club or in a private residence, there are some safety considerations that are important for users of saunas. Saunas should always be wired by licensed electricians to ...

Fondue etiquette is important to know if you plan to attend a fondue party, which since the early 2000s have become pretty popular again. Hosts can help their guests by providing them with a few things that will have their guests politely eating fondue, instead of offending each other with ...

The País wine grape, also known as Mission wine grape, is thought to be the original varietal brought to Chile by Spanish Catholic Missionaries in the mid 1500’s. Although the wine grape, Vitis vinifera, is not native to the Americas, it has flourished in Chile since it was first ...

Pride and Prejudice, published in 28 January 1813, is one of the first romantic comedies in the modern novel's history. Written by Jane Austen, it follows the story of the Bennet Family, which is comprised of Mr. and Mrs. Bennet and their five daughters: Jane, Elizabeth, Mary, Kitty, and ...

The issue of over the counter, or OTC, medications and pregnancy is a challenging one. According to research by the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) one of the problems with determining safety and effectiveness of medications during pregnancy or when women breastfeed their children, is that these groups are ...

Though backcountry hiking and backpacking can be wonderful experiences, the issue of hiking and waste disposal becomes an important one. By waste, here, we would mean not only garbage, but also human waste. Since many areas do not offer toilets of any type, you do have to consider how to ...

The first thing to remember when sending Christmas cards via the U.S. Postal Service is that it is best to get an early start. Mail delivery tends to slow down during the holiday season because there is higher demand. It is better for your cards to arrive a little ...

Edible Christmas decorations are a wonderful way to liven up your home during the holidays. The tradition of decking trees or halls with edible things predates Christian adoption of the Christmas tree. Early Germanic groups would often decorate winter trees with dead animals, perhaps not the most attractive decorating choice ...

Chestnuts roasting by fireplaces, ten electrical cords plugged into one socket via a couple extension cords, Christmas trees decked out with beautiful, but easily breakable, decorations. The holidays are a wonderful time of the year. They can also be one of the most dangerous. The chances for accidents seem to ...

Around the world, people engage in different celebrations to commemorate various holidays. Christmas is no exception. While many Christmas traditions began long ago, some have been adapted to suit different cultures or have evolved to become more modern. In some cases, changes likely had to do with safety or convenience ...

While trampolines can be a great source of entertainment and exercise, they can also pose dangers when those who use them do not follow basic trampoline safety rules. Serious injuries can occur, including debilitating injuries and paralysis. In rare cases, injuries may result in death, so it is important to ...

Is your home a little empty? Are you looking for some excitement? Entertainment? Have you ever thought about adopting a cat? Felines are generally quiet animals, but provide a great deal of laughter and love in their homes. Adopting a cat is one of the best ways to bring one ...

Caring for a pregnant cat shouldn’t require too many adjustments. If your cat is pregnant, you may not always know this at first, but during the second month of pregnancy you may notice the cat’s belly is distended slightly, and the cat may seem more tired. If your ...

Rent to own computers may seem like attractive deals, especially if you have poor credit and can’t buy a computer on credit at the moment. Most rent to own locations will work with people with bad credit, but you can expect that you’ll pay for this additional feature ...

Job searching may not seem like a seasonal thing. Job seekers are usually looking for immediate work, although some may begin their searches in advance, perhaps because they will be graduating in the near future. When possible, having a job lined up for the future is an excellent idea. In ...

If you’ve ever owned a car or truck, there is a good chance you have sustained a small crack in the windshield at some point. Windshield cracks can occur when any airborne object of some substance collides with the windshield. This can happen while the vehicle is in use ...

There are several things a person must know if they plan on making returns after Christmas. First off, it’s important to recognize that some of the biggest retail days of the year occur directly after Christmas. This is because many products undergo significant discounting. If you’re not a ...

After you’ve had a job interview it is considered excellent manners, and also a possible way to secure a job, to send a thank you letter. Though the thank you letter is customary after an interview, many people still don’t observe this custom. In competitive job markets, it ...

Tomatoes are a juicy, delicious fruit -- though most people think of them as vegetables -- that are packed with nutrients. They are used in a wide variety of recipes and can be eaten by themselves, both reasons why they are among the most popular crops to grow. If you're interested ...

Home canning is a time-honored process of preserving fruits and vegetables for later consumption. When performed properly, it can make it possible to store the food for months or even a couple of years without the need to refrigerate anything. While canning food was a matter of practicality in ...

The country of Argentina is reputed the world over for producing exciting and high quality wines. In general, Argentinean wines are known to be big, fruit-forward, and well balanced with bright fruity aromas. Most Argentinean wines are enjoyed young, meaning they don’t need to be aged for extended ...

Brain injury refers to any sort of injury to the brain, but there are two distinct categories of brain injury that are often used. One is brain injury from acquired causes. This type of brain injury can result from a tumor, a stroke, poison, an infection, and may occur prior ...

If a doctor orders a bone marrow test for you, it means that he or she wants more information about your capacity for blood cell production, or that the doctor wants to look into anemia or a cancer like lymphoma. Bone marrow tests are relatively rare, and many people never ...

During an election, caucuses are often used as a measurement of each candidate’s popularity. Voters get together to decide which candidates should receive the most delegates. This can be a convoluted process. While many claim that contests such as the famous Iowa caucuses are the epitome of democracy, others ...

Opinion polls are generally based on knowledge developed through asking a number of people a question or a group of questions. The way that such surveys are conducted frames the results. The chosen methodology can have a major impact on the outcome, especially if a person or group hopes to ...

There are two aspects to tattoo care: caring for a new tattoo, and caring for a tattoo over its lifetime. Both are critical, to ensure that a tattoo stays clear, crisp, and beautiful. A tattoo which has been well cared-for will look good well into old age, while neglected ...

HGH, human growth hormone or somatropin, is naturally produced by the pituitary gland and is responsible for growth and cell reproduction in humans and animals. As we age, HGH production in the body slows down and is responsible for things such as thinning hair, wrinkles, loss of muscle mass and ...

One of the most difficult tasks associated with the dissolution of a relationship between two adults is how to take care of any children belonging to the couple. For this reason, there are many different strategies that may be employed to ensure the custody rights of children. However, there is ...

Mold comes from tiny fungi. While it thrives on nearly any surface and can be found just about anywhere, mold generally prefers moist, humid conditions. Mold varies in color and appearance. It may be gray, white, green or black and may consist of a cotton-like or fuzzy appearance. The ...

International travel can be a fantastic way to explore the world, learn about new cultures or simply relax in a setting different from your home. There are things you should know before you decide to the see the world. Even if you want your journeys to be marked with the ...

Most school testing can be categorized as one of four types. Classroom testing is the most ordinary and familiar. Teachers characteristically use some kind of assessment as a follow-up to presentation of new material. The types of school testing that take place within the classroom are limited only by ...

Private schools and institutions of higher education use school applications as one way to get to know prospective students as they consider them for admission. Taken together with interviews, grade reports, test scores, and recommendations, school applications help round out the school’s picture of the applicant with the applicant ...

Much like when you send Christmas cards, you should get an early start when sending Christmas gifts or other holiday packages. Holiday shipping demands are high, which means everything will be slower. Not only are families nationwide sending Christmas gifts to loved ones, but companies are also shipping products to ...

Home Improvement Centers swept across America in the throes of the do-it-yourself movement. As people began working in earnest on their own home repairs, renovation, and redecorating projects, these stores began dotting the landscape. They are located everywhere from big cities to small towns. While there aren’t ...

Bipolar disorder, sometimes referred to as manic-depressive disorder, is characterized by wild emotional changes. These changes, from up to down, can happen instantaneously, without apparent reason. Bipolar disorder affects about 1% of the United States population, although that number does not include undiagnosed cases. Bipolar disorder is defined as ...

Swaddling is an ancient practice of wrapping young babies in blankets or swaddling cloths. It helps to comfort an infant, and usually allows them to sleep longer. Being wrapped securely makes a baby feel safer. This form of wrapping has always been common in European and Asian cultures. It has ...

For children, traveling can be a long and boring experience. That boredom is often only heightened for children who face the experience of solo traveling. Safety also becomes a larger concern for children traveling alone. While we may not want to send our kids off alone, it is sometimes unavoidable ...

Baby bottle tooth decay (BBTD) is tooth decay in young children caused by bottle-feeding anything besides water. It can be caused by milk, juice, formula, or any sweetened liquid. The most common cause of baby bottle tooth decay is letting a child go to sleep while drinking from a ...

Adding solid food to your child's diet is a big step in their development. This transition usually takes place when a child is around six months of age and breast milk or formula isn't satisfying his hunger. This step is often taken apprehensively, due to the possibility that ...

Every parent knows that doctors recommend breastfeeding your children for the first year of life. Breast milk provides all the necessary nutrients for proper brain development and a strong immune system. Because twins are often born prematurely and with low birth weight, breastfeeding is especially important. Unfortunately, breastfeeding twins can ...

Trying to comfort a gassy baby can be stressful and nerve-wracking. Many babies, especially those under six months of age, struggle with gas issues. Gas can make a baby uncomfortable and irritable, and result in prolonged crying. This is tough on both the baby and his caregiver. A newborn ...

A one way car rental is an interesting travel option to consider that may suit the needs of many travelers. In this type of rental, you rent the car at one location and drop it off at your destination location. Since these rentals are of short duration, they may be ...

Participating in a clinical trial is a great way to directly contribute to medical research and potentially to access new and innovative medical treatments, but there are some things to consider before signing up for a clinical trial. One of the most important things to realize about clinical trials is ...

The first thing every woman should know about giving birth, is that every labor and delivery is different just like every pregnancy is different. Before giving birth, it is a good idea to complete pre-natal or birthing classes to better prepare you for what is to come. Perhaps the ...

A miscarriage can represent a devastating loss — you should give your mind and body time to heal before attempting to get pregnant again. You can expect to continue to have some bleeding for two to three weeks after a miscarriage occurs and most doctors recommend waiting at least three ...

The first thing to know about cleaning leather is that there are several different types of leather, and what works on one type may not work on another. Finished leather such as that used in furniture, for example, can be cleaned with a mild soap and water, while unfinished leathers ...

The process of transferring the total amount owing on a credit card to another revolving debt instrument are known as balance transfers. This process allows cardholders to take advantage of a competitor's offering of a lower interest rate. Balance transfers are available from all credit card issuers and are ...

The process of installing tile can be impacted by a number of different factors. One of the most important factors that will make a difference in the installation of tile has to do with where the tile is placed. Along with this consideration, the type of tile also dictates some ...

Cooking fish is relatively easy, and there are lots of different ways to prepare it, so fish certainly does not have to be boring. There are some general rules of thumb which you can use when cooking fish which will make the task easier and more enjoyable. Before you cook ...

Plasma donation may not be as common as blood donation though the two procedures are fairly similar. Plasma makes up part of your blood, and the main difference in the procedure is that your red blood cells are separated from plasma by a process called plasmapheresis. When you donate plasma ...

One of the earliest vaccines that doctors recommend for infants is the one for rotavirus. Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and children, and nearly all children will be infected by the age of five. The dehydration and electrolyte imbalance caused by rotavirus can be ...

Trying to get pregnant with PCOS or polycystic ovarian syndrome can be frustrating. While it is possible to get pregnant with PCOS, there are risks for both baby and mom. Those risks include a higher rate of miscarriages, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, and larger babies just to name a few ...

A loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) is often used to treat cervical dysplasia. Less often, it is used as a treatment for the early stages of cervical cancer as well as for diagnosis of the disease. Though the technique can be helpful in these situations, women may have some concerns ...

You may have heard the expression, "the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree." While this axiom is intended to refer to certain traits and characteristics being passed from one generation to the next, it can also hold true for the child of a parent with attention-deficit hyperactivity ...

For many, swimming pool maintenance is as simple as finding a good, quality pool service and paying them to come by several times a month to make sure the pool is in great working condition. For others, swimming pool maintenance is a daily activity that requires a great deal of ...

Cleaning upholstery is a common household task that helps to keep your furniture looking new. Fortunately, there are a number of products on the market that work for cleaning couches, chairs and other upholstered items. The trick is to know what product to use with which type of upholstery. Here ...

Dating a twin may be similar or not so similar to dating a person who was a single birth child. Sometimes, especially with identical twins, the amount of closeness between twins can interfere with romantic relationships. This is not always the case, however, and certainly some people of single birth ...

Car accident liability can refer to your personal responsibility if you cause an accident. It is also a type of insurance you can buy in many states in the US and in many countries that will help make payments to other people involved in an accident that you caused. In ...

Menopause and pregnancy, at least the early stages before true menopause occurs (perimenopause), are not mutually exclusive. Menopause is defined as having had no period or menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Prior to that, women may miss a period from time to time, or may even miss a couple. True ...

Set in Paris in the wake of World War I, Ernest Hemingway’s first novel, The Sun Also Rises, is a book that captures the mood and mentality of what the famous literary figure, Gertrude Stein, dubbed, “The Lost Generation.” Born at the end of the nineteenth century, when society ...

Removal of an Intrauterine Device (IUD) is a routine procedure, and for those who are currently using IUDs, it may help to know that removal is usually faster and less painful than insertion. Some people develop anxiety about IUD removal because the insertion process was unpleasant or because they have ...

Vision correction surgery is a broad term used to describe a number of different techniques for fixing the eyes through surgical procedures. The most well-known form of vision correction surgery these days is Lasik eye surgery, but there are many others, including refractive surgery, vitreo-retinal surgery, oculoplastic surgery ...

In this age of information and identity theft, many businesses want to know more about employees and prospective hires. Private citizens may want to check out a neighbor, or even a love interest. One way to do this is through free criminal background checks. Free criminal background checks are usually ...

Polished wooden furniture, such as tables and entertainment centers, add a lot of beauty and elegance to a home. Unfortunately, the same isn't true when it's dirty. Wooden furniture collects a lot of dust that can dull the appearance and make it look unkempt, but cleaning wood can ...

Buying a foreclosure may seem like a good idea. It is a way to get a good property at a great price. While it may be impossible to build a relationship with the previous owner, the benefits to buying a foreclosure often outweigh this minor inconvenience. However, buying a foreclosure ...

Nuclear fallout is the term used when, after a nuclear explosion occurs, dust particles and other debris receive a dangerous dose of nuclear radiation. Although not immediately deadly in most circumstances, and not nearly as dangerous as being within a nuclear blast radius, nuclear fallout can be fatal. In the ...

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) is the name for three different types of program. Vocational rehabilitation is, on the one hand, a set of services aimed at helping people with disabilities to become or stay employed. Such programs are mandated by the Federal legislation called the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which authorizes ...

Pruning trees is an important part of garden maintenance. Regular pruning encourages healthy, even development, attractive arrangements of branches and foliage, and stronger plants. Pruning is especially critical for fruit trees, assuming that the goal is production of fruit, but it also benefits ornamentals when performed on a regular basis ...

The most important thing to know about moldy bread is that you should not eat it. If mold begins to appear on bread, or most other foods, the food should be discarded and replaced. Much of the structure of mold consists of a mycelium, a delicate network of rootlike structures ...

Oil paint is a mixture of color (pigment) and oil (medium). Paints are usually mixed by the artist for each specific project. The mixing of pigment with a medium is the basis of successful oil painting. Oil painting involves the application of the oil paint in layers on a canvas ...

Halloween is a holiday packed with interesting costumes, scary decorations, tricks and treats. While all of these things can make for a great Halloween, they also can create some extra hazards in and around your home. Before the holiday approaches, you should consider keeping in mind some Halloween home safety ...

Growing strawberries is a relatively easy gardening activity, and when well cared-for, strawberry plants can bear crops for five years and sometimes even longer, making the establishment of a nice strawberry bed a worthy gardening endeavor. Assuming that you live between USDA zones three and nine, you should be ...

Bed bugs are tiny insects that live off the blood of human beings. Properly identified as cimex lectularius, bed bugs are wingless creatures with a body that is somewhat flat and oval in shape. Adult bed bugs are normally a reddish-brown hue and are small enough to appear to ...

Acrylic painting is a rewarding pastime for artists who enjoy using a paint that is both versatile and challenging. Artists are able to change the properties of acrylic paints to achieve the look they are trying to create. The challenges involved in acrylic painting can be overcome by knowing about ...

Basement waterproofing is one of the primary concerns among people who own a basement. This makes it one of the most important aspects of home-planning, architecture and design. Basement waterproofing is quite different from waterproofing other parts of your house because your basement is, in all probability, surrounded by ...

Ironic as life is, those with curly or wavy hair often want the straight hair they don’t have. To get it, you can go with a temporary fix, something that will last until the next hair washing, or something more permanent, at least until the new hair comes in ...

Driving a horse trailer is a learned skill that should always be taken seriously. As when towing any vehicle, you need to learn to maneuver around corners and tight places. Parking and backing up are also different when driving a horse trailer. Acceleration and braking with a heavy load needs ...

The key to effective crabgrass control is to stop it before it becomes a problem. For those who have already noticed it in their yards, there may be very little that can be done until the following spring. Fortunately for those who wish to control crabgrass, the winter does a ...

Taking proper care of the family dog is important if your pet is to lead a long and happy life. Along with providing shelter and adequate food for your pet, there is the need to be directly concerned about canine health issues. If you want to enjoy your pet for ...

Puppy potty training may be considered one of the main responsibilities when you first get a young dog. It’s valuable to realize that it will take some work and a ton of consistency to train your puppy. It also takes time. You cannot expect most puppies to be fully ...

Even the best trained dogs and cats will occasionally have accidents in the house. Urine leaves a very unpleasant smell in the house that lingers when not properly cleaned. Cleaning urine is easier than one might think. Animal urine is composed of three types of chemicals; urea, urochrome and uric ...

Breast lift surgery is an elective procedure also known as mastopexy. It is performed by a plastic surgeon under general anesthesia, usually for cosmetic purposes. As with most elective surgeries, the procedure is generally not covered by medical insurance plans. This type of surgery seeks to restore a youthful appearance ...

Mountain bike tires come in an array of shapes and sizes, and choosing the right ones for your purposes can be difficult. The first thing you should do when choosing tires for your bike is to decide what kind of riding you will be doing and in what terrain you ...

Starting on a triathlon training program is a wonderful way to jump-start any level of fitness. The word "triathlete" can be intimidating to anyone, but never fear. No matter the fitness level, becoming a triathlete is possible with the appropriate triathlon training plan. The first step to any triathlon ...

There are important things to keep in mind about car safety ratings. While it is true that a car receiving a higher rating is, generally speaking, safer to be in during a collision, there are still significant risks involved in any type of vehicle accident. Also, understanding the agencies that ...

There is a great deal of money to be made selling used tires. Older tires can be used for a number of different purposes, including the creation of retread or recap tires that are affordable for people with limited income. The tires can also be used in other recycling projects ...

A deck is quite a practical addition to any home. It provides extra room for gathering with family and friends, a play area for children, or an alternative location for eating a meal on a warm day. If your house does not already have one, building a deck can provide ...