Wednesday, July 31, 2019

How to Prevent Your Car Battery From Draining



No driver wants to get into his or her car and find that it will not start. People may not think about their vehicle’s battery until this happens, but it is a crucial part of the car, as it sends power to numerous systems such as the sparks plugs, radio, air conditioning and lights.

Even the best car batteries can drain over the long run, and signs of this include flickering lights, a weakened alarm system and slow starting. However, there are certain circumstances that drain a battery quite quickly, and there are ways to prevent this.

Extreme Temperature

Many people understand that really cold temperatures can drain the battery quickly, which is why drivers who live in cold states plug their vehicles in if they are kept outside. However, temperatures that reach higher than 100 degrees F also drain the battery. This is because extreme temperatures cause the build up of sulfate crystals, and this can damage the life of the battery.

Prevention: Do your best to keep your car inside during hot or cold weather, and when you do start it, keep it running for awhile as the battery takes longer to charge. It is always a good idea to keep your battery in top-running condition so it can better handle severe temperature swings. It is also smart to carry the best car jump starter in the event your battery does die.

Human Error

Whether you are in a hurry, distracted or tired, there may be times you forget to turn the headlights off or completely close the trunk. As a result, the battery drains while you are away and, if left long enough, there will not be enough juice left in the battery to start the next time you get in.

Prevention: Take the time to ensure all interior and exterior lights are off and that everything is closed securely. Some newer vehicles also alert the driver when lights are left on, so listen for this warning signal.

Corroded Battery Cables

Another reason a battery may be drained of power is because the car battery cables and/or connections are corroded. When this occurs, the charging system cannot charge the battery when running. Loose battery cables also drain the battery because they cannot transfer the charge efficiently.

Prevention: Check your battery’s cables for signs of dirt or powdery blue or white corrosion. Use a toothbrush or cloth to clean off the connections and cables. If the connections are loose, tighten them.

Old Battery

Batteries age, just as people do, and this causes weakness over time. If you have not changed the battery in awhile and the car is having difficulty starting on a regular basis, it may be time for a new battery.

Prevention: Keep the battery properly maintained to extend the life of the battery. However, replacement is inevitable, and most experts recommend replacing the battery every three to four years.

Keep Your Car Battery Running at Top Performance

There are a number of things you can do to prevent gradual drainage of your vehicle’s battery. Make sure you have it inspected regularly so any potential issues can be fixed. 



3 Adverse Childhood Experiences That Linger Long Into Adulthood

 

Adversity hits everyone at various points in adult life, whether it comes in the form of physical injury, sickness, loss of a loved one, loss of a job, a broken romance, financial problems, or a series of disappointments that don’t seem fair.

Many adults learn to adjust to adversity and become stronger from it. But how much harder is it for those who suffered severe events during their childhood? Medical professionals say Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) — a term associated with a long study of traumatic experiences that occur to people under the age of 18 — have lasting negative impacts well into adulthood.

ACEs are estimated to afflict over 34 million U.S. children, and a comprehensive study published in JAMA Pediatrics found a quarter of adults had at least three adverse experiences in childhood, increasing their risk for heart disease, cancer, depression and substance abuse. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that ACEs have been linked to chronic health conditions, risky behaviors, low life potential and early death.

“The long-term damage of childhood adversity is real and tragic, sometimes affecting people for the rest of their lives,” says Jennifer Lynch, an educator, child advocate and author of the children’s book Livi and Grace(www.jenniferlynchbooks.com). “It can hurt them in every aspect of their adult life, cause them to be far less than they could have been otherwise, and make them view themselves negatively and the world the same way.

“We need to create hope for children who have been through these awful experiences, and further, we need to realize that millions of adults are still carrying these traumatic memories and feelings with them. They, too, need hope and support to overcome.”

Lynch goes over three of the most traumatic childhood experiences that can affect adults long into their lives:

Abuse. Numerous studies detail how child abuse and neglect can affect individual development — psychological, behavioral, and physical. “Emotion processing, which enables social competence, can be severely affected into adulthood and make one feel like an outcast or misunderstood,” Lynch says. “Being mistreated as a child, it’s a long road to feeling accepted and even to knowing how to treat others.”

Bullying. Some young adults who were bullied as a child could have a greater risk of ongoing depression due to a mix of genetic and environmental factors,  according to a study from the University of Bristol. “As a result of bullying, depression, lack of confidence, and isolation can strike hard in the teen years, but certainly it can get worse over the long haul if the bullying experiences are buried,” Lynch says. “And then there’s evidence that those who were bullied as youths become bullies themselves as adults.”

Separation from parents. This has become a big topic due to migrant detentions on the U.S.-Mexico border. “It’s been shown time and again, and especially now — separating kids from their parents is detrimental to their health, mentally and physically,” Lynch says. “A parent who’s routinely there for a child buffers them, but separate the parent and child for a prolonged period and the child’s brain is in danger of not developing properly. They’re vulnerable to depression, substance abuse, and anxiety.”

“These unfortunate things that happen to so many children can cause them to live in shame and to do so for the rest of their adult lives,” Lynch says. “But the past does not define who they are or who they can become.”

About Jennifer Lynch
Jennifer Lynch, author of the children’s book Livi and Grace (www.jenniferlynchbooks.com), is an educator and child advocate who serves as a guardian ad litem, a person appointed to represent a child’s interests in a court case. She has worked as a special education teacher for an elementary school and as a preschool teacher. In addition, Lynch created the You Are Good brand of T-shirts and other products for sale and for donations. Thousands of the shirts have been donated to children and teenagers in the system. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas A&M University. 


Tuesday, July 30, 2019

Bookbinding Made Easy + A Giveaway

ATGLEN, PA - Schiffer Publishing, Ltd. would like to introduce Introduction to Bookbinding & Custom Cases: A Project Approach for Learning Traditional Methods
 by
Tom Hollander
Cindy Hollander

The high quality of traditional bookbinding is renowned, and while apprenticeships are difficult to come by today, this step-by-step guide by expert hand-binders is the next best thing. Teaching you valuable beginning- and intermediate-level skills, using their trademark hands-on approach, the Hollanders explain the basics of the craft, then guide you through five projects. Detailed instructions and photos help you to success. You’ll master the pamphlet book style, the flat-back book, the round-back book, and the construction of slipcases and clam shell boxes for decorative book protection. Along with formulas to help you navigate making your own custom-size books, an extensive glossary of bookbinding terms and a list of resources offer ongoing support. A gallery of the authors’ handmade books and boxes provides inspiration.



I have wanted to do bookbinding for at least two years now and watch so many You Tube videos on how to get started. Slowly but surely I have started getting some of the supplies necessary and collecting books so I can use the covers. I am also organizing my signatures so I know how large of  book I need for each project. I still need a few more items but this book makes me feel like I shouldn't be afraid anymore. Just go for it.


The book is full of step-by-step instructions from covering your books, to stitching your signatures and the best way to size your pieces. I love that every section has a colorful photo. I learn by watching so this really is helpful to me and probably why I feel like I got this! I cannot wait to post my first book. I am full of ideas and motivated to get started.



I hope to do at least one Junk Journal, and a Book of Cards for my husband and children featuring cards they received for their birthday's.


If you are interested in learning more visit Schiffer Publishing

Supplies I have to get:



Enter to win by 8/20
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.

Will An Apple A Day – Along With Checkups – Help Keep Tooth Decay Away?



Eating may be a necessity, but when it comes to your teeth and gums, all that munching also can lead to quite a battle raging in your mouth. 


Some of those foods – especially the sugary and starchy ones – act like invading forces, feeding the bacteria that cause tooth decay and gum disease, even as the saliva in your mouth fights back as best it can, trying to ward off the detrimental effects of the acids and enzymes.

“Tooth decay can be a problem for people of all ages – children, teenagers and adults  –  and yet it’s completely avoidable,” says Dr. Seth Newman (www.asktheorthos.com), an orthodontist and co-author with Dr. Steve Giannoutsos of Giving It To You Straight: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Orthodontics But Were Afraid To Ask.

Newman and Giannoutsos say that there are plenty of ways that what’s in your diet affects not just your weight, but also your teeth and gums. 

“Most people know that sugar and processed snacks can lead to tooth decay, even if they don’t always avoid those foods,” Giannoutsos says. “But there are other foods that also can be troublesome, and many people may not realize that.”

He and Newman provide a few tips for making sure your diet isn’t harmful to your oral health:
  • Watch out for bread – and chips. Chomp down on a candy bar and you might think to yourself that you better brush soon, lest the sugar go to work on your teeth before you can head it off. But the same thought might not occur to you when you’re eating breadsticks. Yet, foods that are high in carbohydrates and starches – such as bread, chips, pasta and crackers – contribute to the plaque acid that attacks tooth enamel. 
  • Braces come with extra concerns. Beyond the usual dental care, there are additional dietary worries to consider when you have braces. People wearing braces should avoid foods that are too hard, sticky or chewy, Newman says, such as gum, nuts, corn chips, hard taco shells, hard candy and popcorn, just to name a few. 
  • my son uses a cordless water flosser since getting braces which helps so much.
  • Develop good food-choice habits. When you’re grocery shopping, always check the nutrition labels. “Selecting snacks that are low in sugar can help combat tooth decay,” Giannoutsos says. “If poor nutrition continues, your oral health will decline, potentially resulting in gum disease and tooth loss.” Fruits and vegetables that are rich in fiber are a good choice for improving your oral health. Examples are apples, carrots and celery. In addition, milk, cheese and other dairy products are excellent options because of the calcium, phosphate and vitamin D they contain. Finally, drink fluoridated water as much as possible. If your tap water doesn’t include fluoride, check with your dentist for a fluoride supplement.
Ultimately, more is at stake than your teeth and gums. Left untreated, Giannoutsos and Newman say, oral-health problems can have a detrimental effect on your overall health, contributing to such conditions as heart disease and diabetes. That’s an additional reason why regular checkups – along with brushing and flossing – are so critical.

“It’s hard to resist your inner sweet tooth, so I wouldn’t say that you should never indulge in treats,” Newman says. “But when you do, brushing your teeth as quickly as possible afterwards will help decrease the risk of decay.”

About Seth Newman, DDS
Dr. Seth Newman (www.asktheorthos.com) is an orthodontist and co-author, with Dr. Steve Giannoutsos, of Giving It To You Straight: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Orthodontics But Were Afraid To Ask. He owns orthodontic practices in the New York City area. Dr. Newman completed his dental training at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine, where he was a member of the National Dental Honor Society. He was a clinical instructor of the Invisalign system at the NYU School of Dentistry.

About  Dr. Efstathios “Steve” Giannoutsos 
Dr. Efstathios Giannoutsos, or “Dr. G.” as he is commonly called, was born in Astoria, Queens, just outside of New York City. He graduated from St. John’s University in Jamaica, Queens, with high honors and a BS in Biology.  He is also the co-author with  Dr. Seth Newman of Giving It To You Straight: Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Orthodontics But Were Afraid to Ask (www.asktheorthos.com). He completed his dental training at NYU, where he graduated with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. He was also accepted into NYU’s highly competitive orthodontic residency program. During that time, he also discovered a passion for treating children and adults with facial deformities. Coinciding his passion, his research thesis to attain specialty certification involved children with cleft deformities. 

5 Tips To Help Your Children Prepare To Head Back To School.


Summer is flying by and pretty soon school will be back in session. Is your child ready to get back into the daily scholastic routine?

The folks at Brainly — the world's largest peer-to-peer learning community of students, parents, and teachers— asked 600 American parents whether they feel their children are ready to jump back into the daily grind of school. Nationwide 56% of parents say they think they're children are prepared to go back to school.

Missouri parents led the pack with 85% saying that they thought their kids were ready to head back to school. Virginia followed with 80% saying the same and the top three was rounded out by Arizona at 69%.

Brainly has put together a list of 5 tips for parents to help their children prepare to head back to school.


1. DEVELOP A SLEEP ROUTINE NOW
Getting up early for school can be jarring for middle and high school students who have been used to sleeping in all summer. 62% of parents said they are worried their kids will have a hard time adjusting their snooze schedules during their first week back to school.

Brainly’s tip? Start a routine a few weeks before term begins so that your kids can get used to their new schedule.

2. ESTABLISH SCHOOL ROUTINES
In a similar vein, students should get used to the hours of work (and homework) they will be expected to do during the school year. 92% of parents said homework is the biggest school-related stressor for their families.

Brainly recommends developing a routine to help them manage their time and setting up a dedicated homework space so they aren't caught flat footed in September.

3. AVOID THE SUMMER SLUMP
School-aged kids can revert by nearly a month's worth of instruction over the summer. In fact, 82% of American parents believe their kiddos experienced at least a mild to moderate amount of summer learning loss.

The best way to circumvent this issue is to keep their skillsets fresh and mind's sharp over the summer. Consider doing this through platforms like Brainly where a community of students can help other students and users earn points for answering questions.

4. GET YOUR SCHOOL SUPPLIES
This may seem obvious but students gonna need pens, pencils, and a handy dandy new Trapper Keeper (kids still use those right?) if they’re going to succeed this semester.

Pro tip: get those things early while they are on sale.

5. GET YOUR KIDS (AND YOURSELF) ORGANIZED
Nothing adds heaps of unneeded stress to and an already stressful time than not being organized. Only 22% of U.S. parents said they currently feel organized for the start of the new school year, and a mere 10% of parents said they remain organized throughout the entire school year.

Brainly advises creating a plan for before and after school for your kids and yourself and sticking to it. Routines are important for everyone.

Organization For Back To School:




Helping Your Teen Practice Sensible Internet Use This Summer

The summer break is a good opportunity for teens to unwind and relax after a tough year of school,
and a welcome break from all the high school angst that they deal with. But it’s easy enough for you
teen to spend too much time relaxing and choosing to spend all day online instead of going outside
or making other plans. Finding a balance is important, and it could be time for you to step in and make
sure they remember to live in the real world.


If you want to help your teen practice sensible internet use this summer, take a look at the following
tips.

Image Credit: Unsplash under Creative Commons

Give them some chores to do

While the summer break is a time for teens to relax, they shouldn’t be allowed to let all of their
responsibilities slide over the next couple of months. Giving your teen some chores to do each
day can help make sure they take a break from the screen while also being helpful in the house.
You could even withhold the wifi password until you know they’ve done everything they need to
do - it might seem harsh, but it’s a good way to teach them some responsibility.

Help them get out of the house

If your teen is out of the house, they’re less likely to be spending all of their time online. The summer
is a good time to take a break from education, but they might want to still think about their future.
Helping your kids find volunteering opportunities can be a great way of getting them some useful
work experience that could benefit them in the future. It can also help to teach them some
responsibility and show them that there’s more to life than Instagram or Netflix.

Put parental controls in place

Sometimes your teen will need a helping hand to use the internet safely. Having parental controls
in place is a good idea to help your teen avoid any dangerous content online. You can also
safeguard your kids with Family Orbit, a tracking app that can help you monitor their online activities.
Some teens find it difficult to open up to their parents about what’s going on in their lives, so having
this added protection can alert you to any issues they might not have told you about.

Set a good example yourself

Are you guilty of using your phone or laptop too much in the evenings? Perhaps it’s time that you set
a better example. If your kids see you using your phone constantly, they’ll grow up thinking this
behavior is normal. Try avoiding your phone between certain times of the day, and if you’re all
having dinner or watching a movie - agree that everyone puts their phones away. It can be fun for
you all to have a digital detox together, and focus on spending better quality time together as a family.

The internet is a great thing, but it can easily become addictive for teens. Put solid rules in place
and help your teen practice sensible internet use so that you know that they’re safe when they
go online.

Looking To Binge Watch Something? Manifest: The Complete 1st Season On DVD


Brace Yourself. The DVD is Landing July 23rd  

BURBANK, CA (April 16, 2019) – This is your calling. You are on the verge of discovering something new! From Oscar-winning filmmaker Robert Zemeckis (Forrest Gump, Cast Away) and executive producers Jeff Rake (The Mysteries of Laura), Jack Rapke (Flight, Cast Away), Jackie Levine (Allied, The Walk) and Len Goldstein (Hart of Dixie, Roadies), Warner Bros. Home Entertainment brings you NBC’s #1 hit series Manifest: The Complete First Season on DVD July 23, 2019. Fans can uncover the mystery from all 16 exhilarating episodes from season one for the suggested low retail price of $29.98 for the DVD ($34.99 in Canada). Manifest: The Complete First Season is also available to own on Digital via purchase from digital retailers.

A plane inexplicably disappears on a trans-oceanic flight and returns five years later after being presumed lost at sea. While no time has passed for those on the flight, years have gone by for their loved ones who have learned to live with their loss. In addition to the outward mystery of what happened on that flight, there’s also an inward mystery of what has happened to the passengers…and why. Nothing will ever be the same as you follow the unexpected journey full of hope, heart and destiny!

“With 16.4 million fans tuning-in weekly, Manifest is one of the most talked about series on television,” said Rosemary Markson, WBHE Senior Vice President, Television Marketing. "We are delighted to release the first installment of the series on DVD so fans can binge on each episode and relive their favorite moments again and again.”

Manifest stars Melissa Roxburgh (“Valor,” “Supernatural”), Josh Dallas (“Once Upon a Time”), Athena Karkanis (“House of Cards,” “Zoo”), J.R. Ramirez (“Power”), Luna Blaise (“Fresh Off the Boat”), Jack Messina (“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”) and Parveen Kaur (“The Strain,” “Saving Hope”). The series is produced by Jeff Rake Productions and Compari Entertainment in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television.


16 ONE-HOUR EPISODES
1.  Pilot
2.  Reentry
3.  Turbulence
4.  Unclaimed Baggage
5.  Connecting Flights
6.  Off Radar
7.  S.N.A.F.U.
8.  Point of No Return
9.  Dead Reckoning
10.   Crosswinds
11.   Contrails
12.   Vanishing Point
13.   Cleared for Approach
14.   Upgrade
15.   Hard Landing
16.   Estimated Time of Departure

The NBC series deals with a plane that inexplicably disappears on a trans-oceanic flight and returns five years later with no time having passed for the passengers. The first season comprises 16 episodes.
“Manifest” stars Melissa Roxburgh, Josh Dallas, Athena Karkanis, J.R. Ramirez, Luna Blaise, Jack Messina and Parveen Kaur.

The 411:
I was so excited to sit and watch this. It starred Josh Dallas from my beloved Once Upon A Time and I love time travel premises. 

The pilot aired September 24th 2018 and I did watch it when it was on. I loved the mystery surrounding it but my life doesn't allow me to sit with a series. I cannot schedule my TV time and feel lucky when I get to watch so I never got a chance to finish the Season until now.
Basically the story is about the passengers and crew of flight 828 who left the airport on April 7, 2013. They hit some turbulence and are diverted to Stewart Airport. OK...sounds basic right?! These things happen. NOOOOO my friend 5 1/2 years have passed. Life went on as if they were all lost.  While the confusion mounts the plane explodes on the tarmac.  

NSA asks the passengers and crew not to talk to the media and when one does they are murdered.  Some of the passengers start hearing voices one even is able to save a child. 
I enjoyed the back and forth which kept the story moving and allows us to catch up on what happened before the passengers board and while they were all gone. 
I am so excited to see that Season 2 has been green lighted and can't wait to hear more. 
If you enjoy drama/supernatural shows you will enjoy this show.
The DVD is available now and at Amazon.





DIGITAL
The first season of Manifest is also currently available to own on Digital. Digital purchase allows consumers to instantly stream and download all episodes to watch anywhere and anytime on their favorite devices. Digital movies and TV shows are available from various digital retailers including Amazon Video, iTunes, Google Play, Vudu and others.

BASICS
Street Date: July 23, 2019
Order Due Date: June 18, 2019
DVD Presented in 16x9 widescreen format
Running Time: Feature: Approx. 704 min

US
Price: $29.98 SRP
4 DVD-9s
Audio – English (5.1)

CANADA
Price: $34.99 SRP
4 DVD-9s
Audio – English (5.1)

About Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc.:
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment (WBHE) brings together Warner Bros. Entertainment's home video, digital distribution and interactive entertainment businesses in order to maximize current and next-generation distribution scenarios. An industry leader since its inception, WBHE oversees the global distribution of content through packaged goods (Blu-ray Disc™ and DVD) and digital media in the form of electronic sell-through and video-on-demand via cable, satellite, online and mobile channels, and is a significant developer and publisher for console and online video game titles worldwide. WBHE distributes its product through third party retail partners and licensees.

Disclaimer: I received a complimentary product for my honest opinion. No monetary compensation was offered.