How to Set an Alarm on the Apple Watch

Two ways are available, but using Siri is the easiest and fastest way.

1. Press and hold the watch crown
2. Say "Hey Siri, set an alarm for 10:00 am -or- Remind me to 'xxx xxx' at 10:00 am"

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sjPFWsfYmSE 

Low Power Mode saves battery power. Some users keep it on the vast majority of the time. I do. However, whenever they go to charge their phone, eventually it’s charged enough for Low Power Mode to turn itself off. You can easily re-enable Low Power Mode from your Lock screen. 

• Manually Enable Low Power Mode
• Keep Low Power Mode On All the Time
• Turn Permanent Low Power Mode Off

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How to Super Clean a Car's Windshield

I love having a clean windshield. Little did I realize, much of the 'film' on the inside of the windshield is from the vapors of plastics, leather and vinyl 'baking' in the sun. I found the answer ... some simple steps that leave the windshield sparkling.

Tools needed: Standard window cleaner, Mr. Clean Eraser, microfiber cloths

Here's how:
1. wash the exterior glass so you can see what is dirty on the inside
2. wipe down the glass interior with microfiber cloth #1 to remove the film - use circular motion followed by simple up and down wiping
3. take the Mr. Clean Eraser and moisten in warm water - again use circular
4. while still moist/wet, wipe the windshield dry using a circular motion
5. grab your favorite window cleaner and spray cleaner on a clean microfiber and clean in a circular motion (then flip cloth) and wipe in an up and down motion
6. use the same procedure on all interior windows

Video: Super Clean the Inside of Your Windshield

Apple's Recommended 'Maintenance' for Mac

In the 'good old days' of Windows, I maintained our computers with several 3rd party applications: CCleaner; Malwarebytes; Avast Free Antivirus; Spybot Search and Destroy; Hiren's Boot Disk and more. On the Mac, Apple doesn't recommend maintenance apps. So for you Mac folk, here are three tasks they recommend should you find the need to maintain.

1. Clear Cache and Cookies (Finder > Option + Go > Library > drag Cache and Cookies folders individually to Trash)
2. Reset the System Management Controller (SMC)
3. Reset RAM (NVRAM or PRAM)

How to Fix a Water-Damaged MacBook

Water can destroy electronics quickly, but if you act fast, your Mac laptop, be it a MacBook, MacBook Air, or MacBook Pro, may be salvageable. Whatever you do, don’t open it, don’t plug it back in, and don’t boot it up. It’s electronic, so it’s the last thing you want to do when it’s wet.
Read ... What to Do FAST!

Top Tier Gas - What is it?

We brought our Hyundai to the dealer for an 'early' oil change. 'Early' ... since the auto manufacturers no longer recommend the first oil change within 1,000 to 1,500 miles. That was the recommendation "in my day" in order to remove initial engine filings from the oil and I still believe it makes sense.

When signing in, I learned, Hyundai recommends using Top Tier Gasoline to minimize carbon and sludge buildup in the fuel system. In addition, they suggested two options 1) using a fuel system cleaner between oil changes or 2) performing an annual fuel system cleaning. I learned also that Top Tier Gasoline is gasoline that has additional additives included above the EPA standards for gasoline to keep your fuel system clean(er).

Read: Top Tier Gasoline and Why In the article it includes a link to all the Brands that support this gasoline. (PS: from the same website - "do not top off gasoline when you fill up"). Here is the List of Licensed Top Tier Brand Stations.

iPhone Intermittent Charging with Lightning Connection

Over time, debris, fuzz, dust and unknowns can find their way into the small charging port of your iPhone causing some minor charging problems. You notice this when your phone doesn't charge and when you grab and apply additional force to reset connector - it works. 

.. Solution: Remove the lint, fuzz and dust from the Port
.. My approach: Use a wooden or plastic toothpick and remove the debris
.. Result: So-so
.. Next: Visit the Apple Store and have them check the port
.. Genius Tech Solution: 1) blow out port, 2) using a thin metal 'paper clip' she carefully removes the stuck debris, 3) place a moist (not wet) toilette over the port and swab the port interior again using the metal paper clip being careful NOT to damage the small connectors
.. Result: Perfect!

Some options to consider:
1) place a 1" piece of electrical tape over the base of the phone 
2) purchase lightning port plugs for $7.00 https://amzn.to/2R6whnz
3) monthly (or periodically) check the port and blow out the debris
4) buy a new phone monthly and give the used phone to Bob

Looking Back on 2018 - Things I Learned

Here are the top things I learned in 2018 that either I didn't know, I knew and forgot, or I want to remember for 2019 (with supporting references).

1. Duct Tape can be an effective water intrusion barrier for windows, doors, garage doors (with or without sandbags) per County Flood Mgmt Director
2. The 5/2 Fasting Diet is doable and fasting has multiple health benefits
3. Hulu is a cost-effective alternative to Spectrum Cable TV (save ~$40/mo)
4. The best way to protect your Credit/Identity is to place a Credit Freeze at all three credit reporting agencies (first thing LifeLock employs)
5. My new favorite meal is lentil-vegetable-ham soup
6. Do not hesitate to pack extra clothing for uncertain weather on road trips 
7. When using a 'real' camera, bring your mobile phone as a backup camera. Remember, the best camera is the one you have with you.
8. Check iPhone Accessibility feature - awesome, little-known tips
9. Sitting for long periods can be as unhealthy as smoking - get up and walk!
10. 2019 New Year’s Resolution - don’t make any New Year’s Resolutions
11. If you manage things by lists and Apple's Reminders seems too much, check out Googles Tasks (it's simple and syncs across devices and Gmail).
12. Do not brush your teeth within 30 mins. after eating - allow saliva to neutralize mouth acids, allowing the enamel to reharden ... more dental tips
13. Reduce the lengths of email & text messages by challenging yourself to simplify
14. The Food Pyramid has changed - emphasis on fruits and vegetables
15. Never, ever buy outdoor Christmas lights that allow one bad bulb to take out an entire section or string of remaining lights
16. Want to lose weight? Understand serving sizes. Portions and more Detail
17. To get your email or text messages answered - limit them to one subject each (recipients often stop and respond after reading the first 'action')
18. The last place you look for something lost is where you will find it!
19. The stock market is emotional and one cannot consistently time when to buy or sell - hence the advent of Robo-Advisors and Portfolio Diversification
20. In a personal debate ask "what is the ONE overriding reason, above all others, why that is your position?" ... then either debunk it or agree
21. We cannot control or influence our Washington 'leaders' 
22. Every month, reorganize something - workshop, cabinets, drawers and you will find things you had forgotten and things you and things you can use
23. When all else fails with technology simply 'restart' the device or system  
24. Keep it Simple ... Keep it to the Point ... Just Answer the Question 
25. Stay Upbeat, Enjoy little things and keep a Positive Attitude 

How To Find a Water Meter 'Buried' in Landscaping

To locate the cause of water pooling on the garage floor, one option considered was to check if the main water supply pipe leaks near the home. But, I cannot locate the meter/shutoff. So 1) excavate corner of the garage, 2) try a metal detector, 3) probe the area - no luck but fully aware mulch and landscaping have concealed the meter box. Last option - technology. Where is the box?.  Click here then click/open the image for the solution.

iPhone /iPad Secret - a Mouse (more like a touchpad)

How would you like to place your iPhone or iPad cursor just where you need it (between words, within a word to make a correction or add a space) as if you had a mouse? Simple. With the content open, just long press on your keyboard's space bar or any keyboard letter. Then while holding, place your cursor anywhere you want ... and release. Cool!

How to Clean an iPad Screen

The critical point to remember is 
.. Never use a cleaner or solvents
.. Only use water and a micro-fiber cloth

For all those that prefer a step by step procedure:
1. Unplug your iPad.
2. If you keep your iPad in a protective case, carefully remove the case.
3. Lightly dampen the cloth with water. Do not use cleaners or solvents. Make sure the cloth is free of lint.
4. Use the cloth to wipe the screen. Start at the top and use gentle, side-to-side movements to clean the entire screen. Do not get moisture in any openings, including the camera or the headphone jack.
5. Allow the iPad to air dry.
6. Replace the protective case.

Also, see 'Clean Your iPhone'

Screen Protector Winner

I am putting this in my 'Buy Again' list. This glass (tempered) screen protector for smartphones was a snap to install and produced no bubbles. They provide a clear and concise 1- minute video that details how to clean, prep and place the protector on the smartphone. I particularly liked the 'handles' to align the protector. amFilm

STOP - "Verification Required" on iPhone

Have you been bothered by being asked to verify payment menthods (credit card) on the App Store even when you try to download free apps? I think I foun the solution. Check out the link below (orange text).

Link ... Stop Verification Required.

Didn't Know This ... Quick Delete Gmail emails

Here is a quick tip to simplify and speed up deletion of emails (if you use the iPhone email app and Gmail)
1. Open the Mail app on your phone
2. Tap on the Gmail Inbox
3. Tap Edit at the top of the screen
4. Tap each blank circle to the left of the email you want to delete (to check it)
5. Touch Trash at the screen bottom
6. Finish by confirming delete (Trash)
Source: Delete Instead of Archive Your Emails on the iPhone

WARNING! Back Up Your Christmas Memories NOW!

Besides keeping your precious photo memories on your phone or camera, be sure you save them forever by backing them up on your computer and/or Google Photos. Google offers free unlimited storage on their servers. Using their Backup and Sync application with your Google account (set up one if you don't have one - make your ID for example "your initials"photos - without quotes - or whatever).

I set it up the Backup and Sync on my desktop and the mobile phone to automatically backup all photos to Google. Here are the links you need to get started:

Set up the Backup and Sync on your Desktop - click here
Set up Backup and Sync on your iPad or iPhone - click here
Set up Backup and Sync on your Android device - click here

Once configured (simply walk through slowly step by step) you're good to go!
Tip: by setting this up you can free up your mobile device storage space!

Once photos are uploaded automatically or manually, you can create an album and share a link with anyone you like. Here is an example - Christmas Boat Parade

Best Tip for Hanging a Picture!

Ever struggle to hang a picture when you just can't match the hanger wire and that one nail? Well, grab a fork (or as some say "put a fork in it" and watch the video (source: Dan from Pa.) Use Your Fork!

Mac: View Folders and Files in Finder like Windows

By default, MacOS displays files and folders in one big alphabetical list. This setting makes it so folders are at the top followed by files. In Finder, click Finder > Preferences, then check the box next to “Keep folders on top when sorting by name.” Check it out: Mac File/Folder Sort

MacTip: Create Larger Font in Apple Notes App

Most Mac users who use the native Notes app ask "can the default font size for the Apple native Notes app be changed?" Well, the short answer is 'No'. HOWEVER, there is a small work around to give you a larger font size using the infamous 'Control +' keys shortcut when writing a Note:
  1. Open a new Note, and before starting your Note ...
  2. Hit the Control key and the + key simultaneously - at least 3 times 
  3. Now, write your Note
  4. Important: you MUST increase the font size BEFORE writing Note - Done!

Send Faxes for Free - FaxZero

FaxZero allows you to send faxes completely free from your computer. You can attach up to three documents, with a total fax limit of three pages, including the cover page. There will be an ad on the cover page. So, if you need to send a fax and have a computer, here is a way to accomplish it from home. Check out FaxZero.

Mac: Preview Files in Trash Using 'Quick Look'

Have you ever noticed that once a file is in the Trash, you can’t open it or view it? If you try to open or use an item that is within the Trash in Mac OS X, you’ll get a dialog warning that says “The document ‘name’ can’t be opened because it’s in the Trash. To use this item, first drag it out of the Trash.” Check out Quick Look.