Quick Steps to a Long-Lasting Paint Job: DIY Guide

House PaintingThey say the grass is always greener on the other side, but is your neighbor’s paint job better than yours too? If it’s time to repaint the house, save yourself some time and money and do it right this time. Follow these steps from Popular Mechanics and you won’t have to paint again for a few years to come.

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Induction Cooktops: Cool to the Touch

Induction cooktopsInduction cooktops have been standard fixtures in many European kitchens but are fresh faces to the North American market. The cooktops heat magnetized pots and pans but won’t burn your fingers. They utilize the same technology as generators, only it is optimized to cook your eggs to perfection. Are induction cooktops worth the hype?

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Surviving the Fall Allergy Season

allergy seasonGlobal warming is making this season even worse…

Recent research indicates that as global warming worsens, gets longer and harder for sufferers. A study published in the September issue of the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology states that “the problem is that climate change affects air quality — boosting both air pollution and pollen counts.” The biggest offenders are ragweed and mold. Here are a few ways to banish itchy eyes, scratchy throats, coughing and sneezing this fall.

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Kitchen Safety Tips

Kitchen SafetyWhen it comes to the safety of your family and the preservation of your home, prevention is preferable to an accident. Rather than spending a few hours in the emergency room or risking a house fire or worse, spend a few minutes in the kitchen tidying up and evaluating the safety of your kitchen. See how it stacks up with these safety tips.

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Xeriscaping: The Eco-Friendly Gardening Solution

XeriscapeXeriscaping is eco-friendly, but not necessarily green as in the color green. It refers to region-specific landscaping and is particularly popular in dry climates where rock yards and cactus plants are the most common choices. Don’t disregard this type of landscaping as ugly; it can still be beautiful while requiring little maintenance and cutting your water bill.

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How to Tidy Up Your Yard, Siding, and Outdoor Furniture

Tidy YardHopefully by now your yard has seen plenty of summer activities: barbecues, family gatherings, sports, gardening, and relaxation. With all that use, some maintenance is surely in order. A few minutes scrubbing down and tidying up makes your yard look better and saves you money by preventing furniture from deteriorating and needing replacement.

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Mirroring your Hard Drive

Hard DriveIf your hard drive has ever crashed, then you know how important it is to back up your files. A proper backup system can save all the documents you’ve worked on, the pages you’ve viewed, and even your wallpaper settings. Don’t lose your work…

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The Future of Cars: Hybrid or Electric?

Tesla MotorsAt a time when gas prices are regularly above $4 a gallon and global warming is becoming even more inconvenient of a truth, the traditional gas-guzzling automobile is looking very unpopular. While the Prius is a hybrid vehicle synonymous with eco-friendly living, the all-electric Tesla Roadster is eco-friendlier and sexier too.

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When to Shut Down the Computer

Power ButtonThe typical PC consumes about 300 watts of energy daily and many users leave their computers on at all hours of the day. You can save more than $200 a year simply by shutting down the computer when it isn’t in use. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, following a few guidelines can save you money and save the planet too.

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Top 5 Emerging Wireless Breakthroughs

Wireless BreakthroughsYou may never have to plug in your cell phone again. Perhaps we as a society are getting lazier, `but there must be some over-achievers working in the wireless technology industries. In some places, waving your wallet is just as good as sliding your credit card and mobile phones can pay parking meters and play television shows. Expect to see these five upcoming technologies, selected by LaptopMag.com.

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