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Digital nomads who work while traveling need to keep their tech devices updated and in good shape if they want to succeed. Without them, their productivity could suffer and could cost them their jobs. Here are some tech must-haves for the remote worker:Portable Wi-Fi RouterInternet connections at hotels, coffee shops, libraries and other public places can be unreliable. Having your own portable Wi-Fi router that allows you to wirelessly connect multiple devices at the same time can be a lifesaver.You can buy a Wi-Fi hotspot, such as a Karma Go, for immediate online access. The easiest way may be through your smartphone, which allows you to create your own private Wi-Fi network wherever theres cellular coverage. Check with your phone carrier for what type of Wi-Fi router service is offered on your phone.Wi-Fi Range ExtenderIf youre in a hotel where the internet speed is slow, it could be because youre far from the router. A Wi-Fi range extender can help by increasing the coverage areas and boost the strength of slow connections in areas farther from the router.Youll need the networks password and to at least be on the edge of the signal. You can use your hotels free internet network and password to connect the extender. A range extender can either plug into a wall socket to pick up the signal, or have a mini antenna that plugs into the USB port of your laptop.Portable ChargerWho hasnt seen their phone or other electronic device die on the road due to lack of power? A portable charger is a must-have while working remotely, and will charge your phone and other devices on the go without you having to be near an electrical outlet.Portable chargers come in all shapes and sizes, holding varying amounts of power. Find one that will fit in your pocket for easy charging, then upgrade to a larger one if you need it.Electric ConverterIf youre traveling outside of the United States, you may need an electric converter to plug your phone or other electronic devices into.Electric plugs differ in some countries, and you wont be able to plug your U.S. device into an outlet in Japan, for example, without a converter plug. Its a simple thing to have, and one you dont want to forget on a trip abroad.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Is your homes medicine cabinet full of expired drugs or medications you no longer use? It might be time to clean out the clutter. However, because a drug that was safe for you might be harmful for someone else, its important to dispose of your expired, unwanted or unused medicines in the safest way possible.According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), there are two ways to dispose of medicine at home, depending on the drug.Some prescription drugs"such as powerful narcotic pain medicines and other controlled substances"could be especially harmful to others and have specific directions to immediately flush them down the sink or toilet when theyre no longer needed. This reduces the danger of overdose from unintentional or illegal use.To see if your medication should be flushed, check the label or the patient information leaflet with your medicine, or consult the FDAs list of medicines recommended for disposal by flushing. Notably, the FDA says theres been no sign of environmental effects caused by flushing recommended drugs.Meanwhile, almost all other medicines can be thrown into your household trash. These include prescription and over-the-counter drugs in pills, liquids, drops, patches and creams.To safely throw drugs out, remove them from their original containers and mix them with something undesirable, such as used coffee grounds, dirt or cat litter. This makes the medicine less appealing to children and pets and unrecognizable to someone who might intentionally go through the trash looking for drugs.Put the mixture in something you can close, such as a resealable zipper storage bag, empty can or other container, to prevent the drug from leaking or spilling out, and throw the container in the garbage. To protect your identity and privacy, scratch out all your personal information on the empty medicine packaging before throwing it away, as well.Outside the house, drug take-back programs are also a great option to properly dispose your expired or unused medication. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) sponsors National Prescription Drug Take Back Day nationwide, and many communities also have their own take-back programs. Check with your local law enforcement officials to find a location near you or with the DEA to find an agency-authorized collector in your area. You can also check with your pharmacist, as some pharmacies have mail-back programs and disposal kiosks for unused medicines.Using these methods to clean out your cluttered medicine cabinet will not only help free up some space, but also help ensure you do it in a way that keeps your family safe.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Published with permission from RISMedia.
If you’ve recently moved into a new home, you might decide to change out the carpets in the house either to expose the wood flooring underneath or to add in a newer rug or carpet design.The challenge is, once you start ripping out the carpet, you’ll notice glue marks that are stuck due to years of working to keep the carpet in place. These problematic remnants are often more challenging to get rid of than the actual carpet itself.Thankfully, some elbow grease combined with the following basic DIY instructions will help.Are you an expert on glue? Probably not, which is why you need to figure out the type of glue you are dealing with before you begin. You see, there’s a bunch of different carpet glues and removing the various kinds requires different solutions and steps.In the simplest terms, tar-based adhesives are dark brown or tan, while yellow-looking adhesives signify a carpet was glued down with a more general adhesive. Knowing the difference will make your job much simpler.With that in mind, go to your local Home Depot or hardware store and buy the best materials to get the job done. For tar-based glues, mineral spirits are required, while general adhesives are best removed with some basic adhesive remover. Both will require some hard scrubbing.However, the process itself is easy. Simply begin by scraping off any spots you can, but don’t dig in too deep as you can damage the floor. Next, add the adhesive remover, spreading it out evenly. Read the instructions carefully to ensure you keep it on the correct amount of time. Also, since many of these can be toxic, be sure to wear gloves and keep the windows open to allow ventilation inside the room.Next, take a plastic putty knife to scrape any glue away as this won’t scratch or scuff thefloor like a metal tool will. If the glue isn’t completely wiped away, follow the instructions again and add more remover to the spot. This time use an old towel to wipe away the remaining glue.Once all the glue is gone and the floor has dried, vacuum the area so no glue particles remain. Buy some floor cleaner and polish up the wood floor and you’ll have a floor to remember and make new memories on.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Follow these dos and donts when creating a monochromatic room.Do start with a base colorPick out the primary tone and how itll be applied.Dont feel like you have to stick to neutral tonesBe bold. The look pops with ambitious shades.Do use a variety of shadesUse different shades that complement each other to add depth.Dont overdecorateKeep the decor uncluttered so that the room doesnt feel overwhelming.Do focus on layersIntroducing different textures and patterns will provide layers that allow the room to flow.Dont be afraid to break the color schemeYou can still have a surprising accent piece that creates a bit of contrast.Published with permission from RISMedia.
Published with permission from RISMedia.
Nowadays, it seems like just about everyone has a smartphone. Even young kids want them, and parents receive conflicting advice on whether phones are appropriate for children. Smartphones have advantages for kids, but there are potential pitfalls that parents need to take seriously.Benefits of Smartphones Having a smartphone is an easy way for families to stay connected. If there’s an emergency or a last-minute change of plans, relatives can quickly reach each other, no matter where they are.A smartphone can help if a child gets lost or is in a dangerous situation. He or she can call, text or use a navigation app to figure out how to get home. Additionally, a parent or law enforcement can track the phone’s location to find a missing child.Smartphones can also be useful academically. A calculator can help kids with math, and access to the internet can help them find answers to questions and stay on top of current events. Kids can also download educational apps and games.Children will need to be familiar with technology to succeed in school and at future jobs. People adapt to new technology much more easily when they are young than they do as adults. Kids who use smartphones on a regular basis will grow up feeling comfortable with technology and will be able to easily adjust to changes in the future.Possible Problems With SmartphonesWhen kids have smartphones, it can be difficult for parents to monitor what they’re seeing and hearing online. Children can come across all sorts of material that can be confusing, psychologically harmful or not age appropriate. Parents might be able to limit their kids’ access to some websites, but it can be hard to protect children from all potentially harmful online content.Cyberbullying is a serious problem. With so many young people active on social media and struggling to fit in, some may say or do things that are hurtful to others in order to win the approval of their peers. Kids may feel rejected or ostracized, and negative comments, pictures and videos can go viral and cause widespread and long-term harm.Some people spend so much time focused on technology that they have trouble participating in everyday life. Kids may be distracted by their phones and have difficulty concentrating in class. They may be so fascinated by video games or so focused on social media that they’re reluctant to participate in face-to-face conversations with people in the same room. This can lead to feelings of isolation and can undermine family relationships.Weigh the Pros and Cons of SmartphonesSmartphones can help kids learn, communicate and prepare for a technology-focused future, but, like anything else, they can also lead to problems if they’re not used correctly. If your child wants a smartphone, discuss the potential dangers of online content and social media. Limit the amount of time your child can use the phone each day, and make sure he or she stays engaged with others.Published with permission from RISMedia.
If you need money for home improvements, tuition or another purpose, you might be able to secure funds through a second mortgage.How Does a Second Mortgage Work?A second mortgage is a loan that allows a homeowner to borrow against the value of their house by using it as collateral.One option is to receive a lump sum of money to be repaid over a period of time. Another is to open a home equity line of credit.Before getting a second mortgage, be sure to weigh the decision carefully.Falling behind on your payments could put you at risk of foreclosure.A second mortgage should only be used for a legitimate purpose that will benefit you in the long run.Published with permission from RISMedia.
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