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May 19

Four Ways for Graduates Moving Back Home to Stay Sane

Posted on May 19, 2012 by joepetchonka

Maybe it feels like the struggling economy and poor job market are victimizing you personally. Maybe you need to take care of a family member. Or maybe so much time apart from your family made you really miss them.

Whatever reason sent you back to mom and dad’s house after graduating from college, follow these four tips to maintain your sanity:

1. Expect change

It may feel as if everything about your hometown has frozen in time, waiting for you to return to resume activity. At the surface, this can appear to be true with the exception of the sandwich shop on the corner closing or your best friend’s new haircut. You’ll soon discover that nothing ever truly remains the same, and you need to adjust accordingly.

Remember that while you were away experiencing new things, your friends’ and family’s lives changed, too. If your close friends who didn’t move away don’t call you every other night like old times, it’s not because they love you any less. They adapted when you left, and they need time to get used to having you around again. Still, pursue new friendships and hobbies because you shouldn’t feel like you’re living in a time capsule just because you’re back home.

2. Be considerate

Your college living situation could have bordered on anarchy, but living with mom and dad is a different story. Gone are the days of impromptu parties and dishes stacked so high they defy gravity. In addition to respecting their lifestyle and rules, you need to be considerate.

Contribute what you can toward utilities and groceries if you’re not already paying rent, and helping around the house is a given. They’re getting you back on your feet during a challenging time, and the least you can do is give them the respect and help they deserve.

3. Communicate

Sorry for sounding like a marriage counselor, but good communication is the number one way to keep everyone under one roof happy. Bottling up your frustration when parents barge into your room will do nothing except harbor resentment and tension. Say your piece calmly and politely, and remember that your parents are giving up some privacy, too.

4. Go out

You may have needed time apart from your roommates to prevent fighting, but factor in some extra time when you’re living with family. It’s nice to acquiesce when Mom asks you to watch Wheel of Fortune, but it’s healthy to have time apart. Occupy your time by working, volunteering, learning a new language—whatever. You love them, but leaving the house means regaining a lot of independence.

Giving up a little privacy is a small tradeoff for saving a ton of money on rent and living expenses. Don’t revert to your teenage ways of slamming the door and holing yourself up in your locked room. You’ve done a lot of growing up, and sleeping in your childhood twin-sized bed can mess with your head. Save your sighs and be thankful that you have this option because it’s a privilege many recent grads struggling on their own wish they had.

–

Diana Dwyer is a recent Salisbury University graduate who lives near all her favorite NJ Toyota dealers now that she has returned to her hometown on Long Island, New York.

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May 17

5 Things You Can Do to Enhance Your Backyard Landscape

Posted on May 17, 2012 by guest

One of the greatest parts of owning a home is the task of customizing that home to suit your individual lifestyle and taste. Optimizing the outside of your home can be just as enjoyable, and the more you do to your yard, the more you will love spending time in the outdoors. Summer time is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to consider all of the ways in which you can add to your backyard to make it a great place to spend time. Need some inspiration? Here are five things you can do to enhance your backyard landscape:

Patio. A backyard patio is the perfect place to set up a table to eat at, some chairs to rock in, a grill to cook on, and some loungers to sunbathe in. When it comes to entertaining guests outdoors, you really can’t go wrong with a patio. It can be simple, like a plain deck right off the back door, or it can be as fancy as a wrap around deck with a Jacuzzi tub.

Garden. You may choose to plant some of your favorite flowers, or even vegetables that you can harvest and serve at the dinner table. Either way, a garden can be a beautiful sight to behold in the backyard, especially if you adorn it with whimsical garden décor.

Gazebo. If your home sits on a beautiful piece of property, you can really take advantage of the scenery by placing a gazebo further from the home and closer to nature. Gazebos are a great way to feature certain aspects of nature that you treasure most – perfect for next to a pond, in the midst of a flower garden, or under some stately trees, for example.

Bird baths, houses, and feeders. There is perhaps nothing that adds more charm to a backyard landscape than the sound of chirping birds and the sight of little feathered friends nibbling on some treats. Bird baths, houses, and feeders come in a wide array of decorative styles, and can compliment any home and yard.

Fire pit. These days, it is easy to find a wide array of fire pits – both large and small – that you can use to enhance your backyard landscape. Not only can fire pits be decorative, but they are also functional. Think of nights spent around a fire, roasting hot dogs and s’mores on a stick.

As you can see, there are a number of ways you can add to your backyard landscape. Draw from this list, and don’t forget that you can use one – or all – of these great ideas.

About the Author: Tammera Kroese is thrilled with the way her backyard landscaping project is turning out. She just hired a paver to add a new concrete patio at the back of her house and she’s having a professional gardener plant new bushes and small trees!

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May 17

5 Things You Can Do to Protect Your Vision

Posted on May 17, 2012 by guest

It goes without saying that your eyesight is an invaluable tool for navigating through life. However, many people take eyesight for granted, and fail to do those little everyday things that can mean the difference between maintaining good vision and damaging their eyes. Fortunately, there are some very simple steps you can take to see to it that those peepers of yours are up to their optimal health. Here are five things you can do to protect your vision:

Wear sunglasses. We’ve all heard about how damaging the sun’s UV rays are to the skin. Well, most of us also know that those same UV rays can really wreak havoc on our eyes, too. For that reason, many people regularly don sunglasses every time they step out into the bright outdoors. It is important that you keep in mind that not all sunglasses are created equal. Some make better fashion statements than they do vision protection. Therefore, any time you purchase new shades, make sure they have that all-important UV coating.

Wash your hands. The mucous membrane around your eyes is the perfect spot for dangerous invaders to enter and cause infections. Make sure you wash your hands before you touch anywhere near your eyes.

Care for your contact lenses appropriately. If your contact lenses are not made to be slept in, then avoid sleeping in them. If they must be washed and disinfected regularly, then do so according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper contact lens care can lead to serious infections, which can lead to irreparable vision damage. Take the time to take care of your contacts (and your eyes).

Safety goggles. Any time you are in a situation in which objects of any type are likely to fly into your eyes, you need to be wearing safety goggles. Circumstances that require the use of safety goggles include mowing the lawn, working in a wood shop, working in a dusty area, and playing racket ball, among others.

Proper nutrients. There are certain nutrients that are scientifically proven to support your eye health. These include beta-carotene, zinc, vitamin K, vitamin C, pro-vitamin A, vitamin E, and lutein. Most of these nutrients can be found in a basic daily vitamin, but if you are specifically concerned with your eye health, then you can also look for vitamin blends and herbal supplements, like bilberry, that are formulated especially for vision health.

Your eye health is very important. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can protect your vision, and these are all relatively simple and easy to do.

About the Author: Marlin Kadar has been wearing prescription glasses since he was 6 years old and knows how important it is to take care of your eyes. He now alternates between contacts and glasses and wears special sports goggles when he plays soccer or practices martial arts!

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May 17

5 of the Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Italy

Posted on May 17, 2012 by guest

Anyone planning a European vacation absolutely must spend some time in Italy. Many would argue that Italy is one of the most romantic places in the world . . . not to mention the amazing food! If you find yourself daydreaming over an Italian vacation, then it’s time you put your dreams into action and get to planning. Being as how Italy is home to more UNESCO World Heritage Sites than any other place in the entire world, you can imagine that there is so much to see and do in Italy that it will take some careful scheduling to fit all of the most important things into your itinerary. Need some guidance? Here are five of the most popular tourist attractions in Italy:

The Pantheon. Back in its glory days, the Pantheon served as a temple to the Gods. Today, those Gods still inhabit the Pantheon, in statue form. From its central dome to the perfectly sized and spaced coffers, is hard to say how the Romans pulled off such a feat of geometry in architecture; the only thing for certain is that the Pantheon is a sight you won’t want to miss when you visit Italy.

San Gimignano. Although this Tuscan village was ravaged and destroyed by the plague in 1438, its distinctive skyline of medieval towers remains to fascinate and intrigue modern tourists. Nicknamed the “Medieval Manhattan,” San Gimignano is home to some of the most famous towers in the world, and an absolute must-see.

Pompeii. Want to take a haunting trip back through time? Visit this ancient town that was destroyed by a volcano long before the Romans ever thought to conquer the known world. Over 2,500,000 people visit Pompeii every year to explore the remnants left – as discovered by archeologists – of a town that was once bustling with greatness and advancement.

The Coliseum. While you are in Rome, you cannot exactly do everything the ancient Romans did . . . but you can set your imagination running when you take in the view of the Roman Coliseum. The Coliseum is the stuff of modern legend – where gladiators fought exotic animals for entertainment – and its history is nearly as fascinating as the massive architecture, itself.

Venice’s Grand Canal. How often do you get the chance to meander through a charming waterfront town on a gondola? Take advantage of the opportunity while you can.

Italy is full of awe-inspiring and unforgettable sights. Be sure to check this list of must see attractions in Italy when you are planning your next trip to this land like no other.

About the Author: Loralee Aydt has been to Venice twice and is planning another trip to Italy soon. The best Italy tours are often run by locals, so make sure you ask your hotel concierge to point you in the right direction while you’re there!

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May 16

How to Install an Electric Fence For Cattle

Posted on May 16, 2012 by rctm10

If you are planning to keep cattle, you will need to erect some form of fencing to contain them safely in their pasture. While most types of fencing are suitable for cattle, electric cattle fencing is the simplest, quickest, and most economical type of fencing to install. An electric fence for cattle  is also very practical as a portable temporary fence, which can be used for rotational strip grazing, to prevent overgrazing in certain areas. You can install an electric fence for cattle very quickly by following the 10 simple steps below.

Recommended Fence Heights

When erecting a temporary electric fence for cattle for the purpose of strip grazing, a single wire fence set at a height of 3ft above the ground is commonly used. A two strand fence may be adequate to contain cows with calves, but it is recommended that the wire strands are positioned at nose height of each. While a three-strand fence will contain most cattle, it is recommended that the wire strands be set at knee height, lower chest height, and upper chest height. For less docile cattle, such as beef cattle, a four strand fence may be more appropriate, but for more feisty bulls, a five or six strand fence may be better still.

Materials Needed:

  • Fence posts (Wooden posts or metal T-posts for permanent fence; plastic tread-in posts for a temporary fence)
  • Insulators suitable for the posts you choose (plastic tread-in posts often have these built in)
  • Electric conductor wire or tape (high tensile wire is recommended for permanent fencing while polytape or polywire on a wind-up reel is more suited to temporary fences)
  • Spring loaded gate-breaker kit
  • Energizer (charger) – a portable (solar/battery operated) energizer is required for temporary fencing used for strip grazing.
  • Metal clamps or tape connectors
  • Grounding rods
  • Warning signs
  • Fence tester

Step by Step Guide for Installing an Electric Horse Fence for Cattle

1.  When installing an electric fence for cattle, proper planning is key. Take the following points into account during the initial planning phase, to determine the quantity of materials needed to construct an electric fence to contain your cattle effectively:

  • Determine where you are going to place your electric cattle fencing.
  • How many cattle do you need to contain.
  • What type of cattle do you need to contain – dairy cows are easier to contain than beef cattle or bulls.
  • How large an area do you wish to fence.
  • Accessibility to water.
  • Is your electric cattle fencing going to be temporary or permanent.
  1. Mark out the boundaries for your fence using stakes and string. Clear excess vegetation and debris away from the perimeter boundary –  if vegetation touches your electrical fence it will short circuit your electric cattle fence and reduce its effectiveness.
  2. If you are installing a permanent electric cattle fence, install the posts, starting with the corner posts and end posts first. Use 8 inch diameter wooden posts for the corner posts as these need to be sturdy. Run string between the corner posts to get a straight line, then begin installing the inline posts. The inline posts can consist of 3.5 inch diameter wooden posts or metal T-posts. Use a hand held pole digger (auger), or a spade, to dig holes for wooden posts. Metal posts can be installed using a post driver of they can be driven into the ground using a sledgehammer.  For temporary portable fencing, plastic tread-ins can be easily installed where needed.
  3. Attach insulators to the posts at the desired height. The number of wire stands required will depend on the size and strength of the cattle being contained within the fence; whether or not there is a sturdy perimeter fence beyond your electric cattle fencing, to contain your cattle should they break free; and whether it is serving as a temporary fence used for strip grazing. Plastic tread-in posts have clips attached to the post for this purpose.
  4. Starting at the end post, run the conductor wire along the fence, attaching to the intermediate insulators on the posts at each level, keeping the wire taut. Repeat for the number of strands required.
  5. Install the spring-loaded gate handles to allow easy access to your pen.
  6. Next, connect the strands of conductor wire, using high tensile wire, connector wire, or polytape/polywire, attached with a metal clamp or tape connector, to ensure that current passes to each of the conductor wire strands.
  7. Install warning signs at intervals along your electric cattle fence, particularly if it accessible to the public, or borders a public road or foot path.
  8. Install the grounding rods – three grounding rods are recommended for dry soils, but moist soils may be able to get by with only one or two – connect each rod to the next with wire, and connect the last one to the earth terminal on the charger.
  9. Finally, connect the live terminal of the charger to the conductor wire of your electric cattle fence. Switch the energizer on, and test your electric cattle fence using a fence tester.

If everything is working fine, pat yourself on the back, and go and pour yourself an ice cold beer to celebrate a job well done. If not, check the grounding system, as this is the most common cause of problems when installing an electric fence for cattle.

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May 16

How to Choose a Handheld Vacuum?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by mike9001

Most people have some form of vacuum cleaner in their home to give their property a spruce up, remove dust and make sure that generally, the carpets and floors are well maintained. These large vacuum cleaners can however become cumbersome and unwieldy, particularly if you want to carry out a bit of spot cleaning or need to clean hard to reach areas.

Handheld vacuums are extremely versatile, can be easily stored and for their size provide astounding cleaning power. The result is you can get into all of those small spaces that need cleaning that a regular vacuum cleaner can miss such as the skirting boards, stairs or even the sofas.

Choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner however requires a set of specific considerations.

Cord or no Cord? That is the question

The first consideration is whether to opt for a corded or cordless cleaner. In the past corded varieties have been more powerful that their battery powered cousins, although this is changing with developments in battery and charging technology. Also, the cordless variety can be seen as more convenient, allowing you to reach anywhere, even out in the car when you are cleaning that.

Allergies and Suction Power

Many people will evaluate the worth of a handheld vacuum cleaner on the power of its suction and why not? But if you are not wholly obsessed with power, which can be overrated, then it is possible to find a great deal. You may also want to consider additional options such as in built filters, which are particularly useful at removing pet hairs or extracting allergens from the dust. A floor sweeper could be another option!

 Costs

Features and benefits are of course a big part of choosing a handheld vacuum cleaner although as with many purchases it ultimately boils down to the price. What you need to do is work out how much you are willing to spend and then find the best cleaner you can afford. Take time to research your options and you should be able to have handheld cleaning power at the right price.

 

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May 16

What is the Purpose of an IEP?

Posted on May 16, 2012 by guest

An Individual Education Plan or IEP is a very important part of some children’s educations. While most students never have much need for an IEP, for some students it can be the difference between falling through the cracks and being able to succeed academically. When a student needs to have an IEP, it can make the difference between going on to have a successful career and facing a serious uphill struggle in life.

What is an IEP?

An IEP is an Individual Education Plan. That means a particular student has a group designed plan to make their schooling more successful for their individual needs. While most students do not have particularly individualized needs, some students require special alterations to be made so that they can be more successful and learn to a level on par with their classmates.

Who Can Use an IEP?

The Individuals with Disabilities Act specifies that any child with a documented disability of some sort may have an IEP designed for him or her. While there are as many specific disabilities as there are individuals who have them, theoretically any student who has an emotional, intellectual or physical challenge above the norm can make use of such a plan.

The ultimate purpose of putting such a plan into practice is to allow the student to succeed as much as possible. So any student who has a disability that makes their schoolwork more difficult than it would be for a student who faces no such challenge is thus qualified to have an IEP designed and put into practice. For many students, such a plan is simply a series of small changes for accessibility.

Are IEPs Complicated?

In most cases, no. An IEP is only as complicated as it needs to be in order to fulfill its core function. For a student who has only a mild challenge, a IEP may only include a few extra tutoring sessions per week to assist them in reading or comprehending the subject matter of their classes. For other students, physical changes to their lesson plans might include providing the student with increased physical access to alternative classroom space. The student’s needs inform the plan.

How Effective are IEPs?

An IEP is roughly as effective as the combination of how committed the student is and how helpful the plan’s designer is. A poorly designed plan with an indifferent student will make no difference at all, while a well designed plan with a student who is committed to success will tend to be resoundingly successful.

IEPs or Individual Education Plans are ways a student can overcome a disability or other challenge. With help from educators, IEPs can be extremely successful. A student’s ability to learn is not necessarily dependent on his or her ability to do other things.

About the Author: Loralee Sniezek works with a group of Boston tutors and regularly attends IEP meetings for her clients. She works closely with families and schools to ensure students with special needs get help both inside and outside of the classroom.

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