Cleaning Fruit from Toxins and Pesticides

To clean apples, pears, etc to be sure pesticides are removed: make a solution of 50/50 vinegar and baking soda.  Throughly soak and wash the fruit and then rinse well with clean water. Source Mary's Nest, one of our top YouTube channels.

Security tip: The right way to clean out your phone apps

The process is simple. Go through each of your apps and ask yourself “Do I really need this?” But it’s not as simple as just uninstalling the apps you don’t use anymore. 

You need to take a few vital steps to delete apps the right way and protect your privacy.Here are some tips, however open the link to get the non-tech details. iPhone shown but detials are provided in the link for Android.

1. Check which you use the most, how much data and which are battery hogs
2. Log into each account and deactivate or delete (check out JustDelete.me)
3. Check and remove app permissions

Source: Kim Komando https://bit.ly/3l5QLhw

30 Tips to Save iPhone Battery

Here they are ...

01 Stop background app refresh
02 Buy an Extended Life Battery
03 Don't Auto Update Apps
04 Don't Take App Suggestions
... continue 26 more tips here
... but the big win was Turn On Low Power Mode in Control Center

 

The Richest Man in Babylon - 9-part Summary

Here are the lessons we’ve learned throughout the review of this book:

• Pay yourself first. Begin savings plan with a portion of all you earn.
• Take advice only from those experienced in the matter of your questions.
• Take advantage of compounding of returns. Reinvest your dividends.
• Control your expenses.
• Understand the investments that you make, and make certain that the reward is worthy of the risk.
• Own your own home.
• Invest with an eye to the long-term.
• Always improve your ability to earn, by improving your skill set or increasing investment knowledge.
• Recognize situations you can take advantage of . Don’t procrastinate.
• Know when to be cautious (loaning money to family and friends).
• Plan in advance for harmful events – insure against disaster in all its forms.
• Seek good advisor(s) to understand and maintain your discipline.
• Attitude can make all the difference in your outlook on life – and results.
• When in a debt situation, put a systematic plan in place to eliminate the debt, but not at the expense of your saving plans. 
  

Summary and Link to Series

How to Type Faster on Your Phone

 Four ways to be more efficient whan typing on your phone (any phone)

1. Use two thumbs - research shows shorter movements allow you to type faster
2. Keep your gaze mainly on the keyboard - note how often you change attention
3. Fix errors as fast and as you can - backspace one letter is faster than many
4. Pay attention to finger movements
4a. Be aware of letters or word errors and paractice them

What I Learned This Month

Things I learned, searched or looked up that I want to recall or share ...
.. An open bottle of apple cider vinegar does not have to be refrigerated
.. Routinely lubricating garage door rollers improves rolling and reduces noise
.. Marbaka GPS is a good option for auto GPS at 1/2 the cost of a Garmin
.. A Kindle (10") Tablet may be an option to an iPad for 1/3 the cost 
.. A 'fast food' meal at Popeye's ain't bad (chicken, red beans, rice, biscuits)
.. Consider adding the Amazon Prime app to mobile devices for music access
.. An ATM recently became a Taco food stand in Dunedin 
.. BJ's has public access to their liquor store - no membership required
.. A single image 'may' be appropriate for HDR versus 3 merged images 
.. Miami (photo road trip) has the WORST drivers in the world (esp. Little Havana)
.. Gasoline called 'top tier' has improved fuel system detergents 
.. and 'top tier' providers include named brands by Shell, BP, Exxon, etc.
.. Amazon is NOT always the least cost source for everything
.. Tip: to remove hard water spots on glass windows use 50/50 (water and CLR)
.. An email inbox is NOT for to-do's - it's a decision point: Do-Move/File-Delete
.. I.e. means 'in essence' (you're clarifying); while E.g., means 'for example' 
.. etc. mean 'and so on' usually at the end of a sentence
.. Spreadsheet shortcut Ctrl + Alt + Plus inserts a row ... may work for Excel too
.. Seach Wikipedia (movie + episodes) results show movie episode summaries 
.. Our grandkids have newer iPhones than we do
.. Vacuuming a refrigerator's rear compartment is needed every 3 months
.. Amazon Prime offers free tons of tutorials via 'search' (for members)
.. Microsoft ToDo a simple, easy Reminder app (and Desktop and Web)
.. I have had 20 personal data breaches - so I am installing Jumbo
.. There is something called a key-lime pie shake - delicious 
.. It's great to stay in touch with friends - local and distant and digital

What I Learned Using an iPad

 My four-year-old MacBook Pro has reach the end of its charge count and the battery is weakening. It is currently in the Apple Mac hospital for a replacement battery. In order that I can maintain mental (technical) sanity I dusted off an older iPad until the MacBook returns. Below are things I have learned.
.. using a finger as my mouse is less than efficient and slow
.. using dictation versus a finger-tapping words has been effective ‘typing’ option
.. I will expand dictation use on the laptop and phone
.. navigation and editing on the iPad is very different then on the MacBook laptop
.. the iPad would be more efficient with a mouse (now available with the new iPad OS)
.. it seems my head/neck is bent over quite a bit to view the screen
.. using Lightroom Mobile for editing photos is limited and slow
.. having non-critical documents in Google Drive, Zoho and Dropbox was useful
.. a USB with a lightning dongle may offer added file access (to confirm)
.. leveraging cloud-connected apps (Zoho, Pocket, Evernote, Apple apps, etc.) a plus
.. Bottom Line - for me and my use, an iPad still is not a laptop replacement

Texting Rules of Etiquette

Our grandchildren keep in touch with us daily through texting, whether it is messaging or Snapchat. I have shared with them the following rules for texting etiquette rules (from Emily Post, Lifehack and other sites). Take a look.

1. If you don’t get a reply ... chill out, they may be busy
2. Always respond ... in kind
3. Keep other person’s schedule in mind
4. Don’t text a novel (if it takes more than 30 secs - use the phone)
5. Don’t call in response to text without asking
6. Avoid sarcasm
7. Double check autocorrect
8. Triple check who your sending to
9. If you are running late - text the person
10. Respond proportionately- do not respond with just ‘k’
11. If you wouldn’t talk about an issue directly - don’t text it
12. Don’t overuse ‘chat-speak’ (abbreviations) 
13. DO NOT TYPE IN ALL CAPS

iOS 13 Features I Found (and like)

iOS 13.1 is available for updating. It includes patches for bugs found in the first release - 13.0. I am currently exploring it's features and summarizing the most useful features (IMO). If you like something, search using keywords.

• Dark Mode is now universal and can be time set
• Notes app: much improved (ordering, headings, checklists and more)
• Notes app: contains 'swipe type' just like the SwiftKey app (like a mouse)
• Notes app: now allows drag & drop organizing of folders (and sub-folders)
• Notes app: checklist also has drag & drop organizing
• Privacy: Location Services can be disabled until you 'Allow' once
• Privacy: Bluetooth Request allows the user to decide to allow or not
• Photos App: with Dark Mode - cool; Days selects 'best' pics 
• Maps: Use 'Collections' in Maps to create a list of places you want to go

GrandPa's Pizza Dough Tips

Pizza Dough Tips - what I do
* Use a few cups of warm water … warm not hot in a bowl
* Add 1-2 Tablespoons of Yeast in the bowl, allow it to sit for 3 mins before mixing
* Then add a Tablespoon of sugar and 2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil and stir
* Add High gluten or Bread Flour - 1/2 cup at a time and blend or mix
* Keep mixing new flour, folding moist dough into dry dough you added
* Do not over-flour - only as needed. Hard to add water after you start
* Add flour slowly, watch for the dough to separate from the sides of the bowl
* When flour ball can separate from bowl - place onto floured counter
* Sprinkle a pinch of flour on the dough to knead without sticking to your hands
* Start kneading - add a little dough as needed it does not stick to you
* When smooth … I add a little olive oil and knead some more until it is almost elastic
* Let rest for 2 hours with plastic wrap laid over it and place a towel on top of that
* After 2 hours knead again … cut into size needed and place in fridge
* Always allow a few hours to ‘rise again’ in the fridge before using (or freeze)
* Before preparing pizza - allow defrosted dough one hour warm up before use

A good article for anyone interested in creating or checking their financial plan.

From the Humble Dollar "Thanks to the proliferation of online calculators, it’s now possible for individuals to piece together their own lifetime financial plan. Here is a roadmap to guide anyone through the years ahead. Check out the 18 steps below. Depending on your situation and how much financial progress you have already made, some steps may be unnecessary".

Read... The Humble Dollar Money Guide - Your Financial Plan

Lessons and Ideas from Rhode Island Trip

A trip down memory lane for my friend Don. Taking the reins of his F150 pickup and always keeping my eye on what can I do better we travelled to Newport RI and New Jersey (and back to Florida in a week. Here are ideas, tips, ideas and more that may have a place in my world. 

Travel: 1) Carry and use in-car plastic bags for travel debris; 2) Use GPS and paper maps (Atlas), 3) Take a chance and book a room online on the same day for 'last minute deals'; 4) Use 2 packed bags/luggage - one for night of stay and other for full inventory; 5) first aid kit; 6) Hairbrush and comb (for my thick locks of hair)

Visit Observations: 1) Add a fireplace insert - gas or electric; 2) Wood mantel for insert; 3) Learn Pandora; 4) Spry at Amazon (contains Xylitol); 5) Roledex for passwords; 6) revise my critical passwords for ID protection; 7) Replace Facebook PW - 50 million hacked; 8) Check A1C < 5.0; 8) Critical to have waist in inches < 50% of height in inches; 9) Avoid offering 'suggestions' unless asked; 10) Seek simplification in all we do; 11) Allow others to share stories - make others most important; 12) Terazosin for prostate health; 

Vehicle EDC: "What's in Your Car?"

Vehicle EDC gear are supplies that can easily be stored in your vehicle that can give you advantages in situations where convenience (situation recovery) requires. You might not use any vehicle EDC gear on a day-to-day basis or even weekly or monthly, but it is there if its need it. I reached out to friends to see what they 'carry' or recommend one carries to handle travel situations. Here are several of the most often vehicle 'carries' noted from the survey and some of my must-haves (besides standard mobile phone we all 'carry').

Basic First Aid Kit

Flashlight

Automobile Club Card
Hammer
Rag, Paper Towel Roll, Plastic Bags
Pen/Pencil Paper and/or Notepad
Wipes and Hand Sanitizer
Jumper Cables
Can of Tire Sealer/Inflator
Safety Reflectors

Phillips and Flathead Screwdrivers (or multi-bit screwdriver)
Tape (Duct, Electrical and/or Silicone 'Rescue')
Work Gloves

Adjustable Wrench and a Set of Pliers
Knife or Multi-tool 
... more (see the link to Survey Results below)

See all the Survey Results here ... and then consider your experiences to assemble your Vehicle EDC. 

Quick Tip - "Where's a Gas Station?"

Open/Start Apple Maps on your iPhone and begin directions. Once in route, simply swipe up from bottom of screen to view other options including Gas Stations, Fast Food and Coffee (and more). Great for road trips.

Best Time(s) to Replace Everything

Expiration dates come on almost everything — from butter and eggs, to your lipstick and pillows. Some grocery items are not always entirely accurate, and certain household items should be recycled earlier than expected. The truth? The lifespan of the things we buy isn’t always as straightforward as you may think.
Please note that some products have their own expiration dates that differ from the average. Make sure you check the labels, especially on safety-related items like child car seats.

See Quid Corner Full Graphic

30 Tips for Better iPhone Battery Life

The biggest complaint about the iPhone is the battery. In fairness to the iPhone, it's likely that folks are just using the iPhone far longer than they realize. If that's you, here's how to get just a little more from that battery. Read iPhone Battery.

Contractor Tips

Helping a contractor friend from Massachusetts constructing cabinets and doors for a kitchen remodel. Here are great tips for anyone's how-to notebook:
.. have a plan
.. with multiple wood pieces - label, label, label all related or like pieces i.e. 1, 2, 3, etc
.. use multiple electric cords (to avoid plug-unplug-plug every time)
.. establish a tool bench (so you're not always looking for tools, pencils, whatever)
.. pre-check all electric and pneumatic tools in advance
.. always keep orbital sander flush or flat on wood surfaces
.. do not move to next step unless that stage of work is level/square/correct
.. use a tool or work belt with pockets
.. set all brads, nails or staples completely and fill with non-shrink filler
.. use a utility knife blade after filling set nails to minimize excess filler (and removal)
.. if doing electrical work - always test and/or shutoff power
.. do not place wood on ground (will absorb moisture)
.. prep wood for painting: prime and after dry sand surfaces to remove raised grain
.. use utility knife for 'specific' mark for cuts
.. use the Phillips Head tip on the electric drill drive set as your counter sink tool
.. mark a 'V' to identify where a cut should be made (not one pencil scratch)
.. buy excess material (and return if unused) to avoid travel disruptions
.. use the right tool for the job - avoid 'making do' like pliers for a hammer
.. if extra material is available - make extra piece(s)
.. use a 'push' stick when ripping on a saw
.. consider surrounding design or features when adding new structure/elements
.. use a speed square to confirm corners are perfect i.e. 90 degrees
.. try to achieve uniformity of design or layout 
.. insure uncluttered space is set before using electric tools
.. measure, measure, measure - confirm, confirm, confirm
.. consider Romex plastic cable connectors vs. metal connectors
.. only use a dimensional template AFTER you verify accuracy 2 times

Free up Hard Drive Space a Mac

Most Mac's have limited hard drive space. Over time with downloaded app and storage of photos (and duplicates) the available space becomes small. Here are 10 tips to free up space, including:
1. Clear out your downloads folder
2. Clear out apps you don't need or use
3. Check for duplicate Photos
4. read Cult of Mac Tips

Tip: Clean Outdoor BBQ Grills

Put away that wire brush and banish those caustic oven cleaners! Simply slide your dirty grill rack into your self-cleaning oven, turn it on high (approximately 500 degrees F), and leave for 45 minutes. This effortless, non-toxic process will scorch away any greasy remnants from the rack. Have time? Here are more Tips Pro's Don't Want You to Know.

Sanitize Your Kitchen Sponge

Sponges are some of the dirtiest things in a kitchen. Even though we use them to clean our dishes, get food stains off of counters, wipe up messes, etc. they can get pretty dirty, and it's important to clean them between uses. Imagine wiping the spot where you just cut up raw chicken and then wiping a dish with the same sponge - gross! Read Sanitize Your Sponge