Tips brought to you by
Cause and effect
All tips for user "kellyjones00"
Tip: Main > Health > Diet & Nutrition > Allergies : East asians and lactose intolerance: If you have asian ancestry and have stomach pains with milk, then you may have insufficient lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose. This is very likely if […]Tip: Main > Living > Food & drink > Food and cooking : Stirfrying vegies: lightly microwave hard vegies like broccoli, pak choi stems, carrots, and green beans, before adding them to the allium / spice mix if you want a faster stirfry.
Tip: Main > Health > Sleep : Blue light interferes with melatonin production. This affects sleepiness. See: […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Electrical > Extra-low voltage : Safety precautions: 1. Working with solar panel arrays: - First cover modules with tied-on blankets, to prevent an electrical current from being produced. A nominally 72V dc system can produce a […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Electrical > Extra-low voltage : Within Australia and New Zealand, extra-low voltage is <120V dc ripple-free and <50V ac. Anyone who knows how can install and/or work on extra-low voltage wiring. Anything above that voltage r […]
Tip: Main > Automotive > Mechanics : How to avoid getting ripped off by a car mechanic:
Tip: Main > Health > Health care : Blood sample extraction tip: To find veins more easily, especially for a fasting blood test, have a couple of hot cups of herbal tea half an hour beforehand.
Tip: Main > Technology > Small engines : How to easily measure when to change the oil in the generator: Time how many hours the generator takes to empty a full petrol tank, then calculate how many times you can refill the tank before an oi […]
Tip: Main > Household > Maintenance & repair > Painting > Brushes : Miscellaneous tips:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Wet areas > Tiling : General tips for tiling: 1. Tiling is about an orderly repeated pattern. To aid in keeping tiles aligned neatly, draw a grid on the wall, based on the tile size plus grout gap. For floor tiling, la […]
Tip: Main > Health > Environment > Dire situations > Extreme weather > Bushfires : Fire fighting equipment list:— A minimum of 10,000L water (e.g. rain tanks, dams). — Do not rely on mains water, because town pressure can drop in emergencies — Drinking water (3 […]
Tip: Main > Health > Environment > Dire situations > Extreme weather > Bushfires : Emergency kit: For surviving the day/s of fire, and up to four days afterwards. - AM/FM radio with spare batteries. - Waterproof torch and spare batteries. - Phone and recharger and/or portable cha […]
Tip: Main > Health > Environment > Dire situations > Extreme weather > Bushfires : Bushfire readiness:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Ceiling : A tip for nailing tongue-and-groove pine lining planks to ceiling rafters: Use diagonal butt joints, the ends cut on a 45 degree angle. Stagger the joints regularly. It looks interesting and neat, […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Flooring : Installing hardwood timber floor boards (General tips):
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Flooring : Built-in floors: The roof needs to be finished, walls clad, and doors and windows installed, before installing floor-boards, or else they need to be very well protected from rain to maintain a moistur […]
Tip: Main > Health > Exercise & fitness > Running > Hills : 1. "The key to running a hill is leg turnover – your stride should be slightly shorter and faster than if you were running on the flats," Damon Bray of RunLab advises. "We have a natural tenden […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Doors : General tips for Hanging a Door:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry > Using timber : Wet vs. dry: wet timber can split more easily yet also bend more easily.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Metal > Roofing : Fasteners for corrugated metal sheet:
Tip: Main > Gardening > Pests > Organic pest / disease control : A - Z of products:
Tip: Main > Household > Pests : Dealing with spiders: - A spider inside a gumboot toe can often not be shaken out, because it clings to the gumboot wall. Instead of killing it, keep gumboots indoors and inside a well-sealed cupboar […]
Tip: Main > Health > Mental health > Anger > Chronic anger : Dealing with chronic anger: Chronic, violent anger is often more commonly associated with men than women, but this may be because men are typically physically more powerful than women, and therefor […]
Tip: Main > Household > Pests : Wasps: Attracted to simple sugars and proteins, they are also carnivorous and treat freshly dead kin as food rather than as a matter for a vendetta. Better to find the nest (usually a hole in the gro […]
Tip: Main > Household > Pests : Mouse trap tips: Peanut butter is better than cheese, as it cannot be removed easily. But it will need to be cleaned off and renewed after a week. A trap with a large flat trigger pad is better […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : A solution for a ridge beam treated as a ridge board: If a ridge member called a ridge beam, with some coupled and some uncoupled rafters, has been given smaller dimensions by a structural engineer th […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : Coupled vs. uncoupled rafters: Coupled rafters are securely fastened to ceiling joists and the wall plates, meaning the weight of the roof does not push the wall plates outwards. Uncoupled rafters, a […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : - A ridge board is a smaller timber like 190 x 35mm, which does not carry the weight of the rafters but provides a connection for them. The weight of the roof pushes out at the bottom of the rafters, […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : Ridge beam vs. ridge board: These are very different treatments to the apex of the A-frame, and should not be confused. - A ridge beam is a hefty structural member, like 300 x 100mm, that supports t […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : Erecting the ridge beam on gable roof: Temporarily fix two vertical timber studs, longer than the roof height, at either end of the ridge beam position, with a short stud placed placed nearer the top […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof : Rafters: Getting the angles right is important for structural strength and lack of movement. Create a template rafter with the angles of the plumb cut against the ridge board, of the birdsmouth agains […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Fixing > Pest management : Wasps: Protect timber structural members from wasps, chewing off the surface for nest material, by coating with linseed oil or painting.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Hammers : Multiple uses for a claw hammer: - Push and remove nails - Tighten wing-nut screws (e.g. tensioners on strap bracing) - Measure distances roughly - Loosen a rusted screw or bolt - More gently per […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Clamps : General tips for clamps: - The strongest grip is provided by metal screwing clamps, while fast adjustment is provided by plastic sliding clamps but less grip strength. - Cheap plastic clamps break u […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Saws : Blades for power saws: - The blade with more teeth (e.g. >24T) cuts hardwood, or creates a smoother finish, or cuts across the grain. Less teeth are used for ripping and softwood. - Choose a bla […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Body-care : If the angle of a nail is hard to get to, try switching the hammer to your other, weaker hand, with support at the heel of the hammer by your stronger hand.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Body-care : If using a hammer frequently, don't forget to stretch the hands and fingers, as well as other major muscles.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Saws : Choosing a power saw for house building: A 185mm diameter blade on a portable circular saw with adjustable cutting depth and mitre angles up to 45° is fine for a small gable-roofed building with […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry : Using a nail punch: Place a little finger against the tip of the nail punch, as a guide when hitting the nail punch with a hammer.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry > Safety & Hygiene : Avoid collecting sawdust throughout one's clothing by wearing a dust jacket. A lab coat works well.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Storage : Unseasoned timber (greenwood) hardens as it dries, but if stored wrapped or under a tarp before the moisture content reduces through ventilation, fungi and mould will grow through the timber and it wi […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Cleaning > Saw blades : By cutting greenwood, resin or "pitch" will quickly build up on the teeth of a saw. The disc will heat up faster, not cut well, and be prone to warping. Take the blade off and clean the resin off w […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry > Oils, stains, varnishes : Linseed oil as a timber coating: - To reduce the long drying time, coat timber when it is dry, in a dry atmosphere, where rain is not expected for a week, and add mineral turpentine at 1:1. - Raw vs […]
Tip: Main > Health > Diet & Nutrition > Fasting : General tips: - Fasting aims to use stored energy to repair cells instead of creating cells. - Intermittent fasting alternates days with normal and low calorie intake. 5:2 means five normal days fol […]
Tip: Main > Health > Diet & Nutrition > Fats : - Nuts and seeds have minerals and fibre as well as healthy fats. - Fish like mackerel, herring, salmon and sardines have long-chain omega 3 oils (better than omega 6). - Coconut oil is a healthy fo […]
Tip: Main > Health > Diet & Nutrition > Herbs and spices : Reduce inflammation: Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger.
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Wisdom : About the wisdom realm: There is no self image, or rather, all self images with no attachment to any. The mind is simple, calm and effortless. One is free from suffering, because thoughts are tru […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Genius : About the genius realm: One's self-image is seemingly infinite, and effortlessly confident. Imagination and ability to realise ideas is extraordinary. One tends not to suffer. There is an atypic […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Animal : About the animal realm: One's self-image is very small but secure as one of a herd. The mind is dominated by emotional wants for food, comfort, shelter, company, and sex. With desires satisfied, […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Conflict : About the conflict realm: One's self-image is active against the world, which appears passive by comparison. Thoughts are driven by goals, rewards and punishments. Those in the conflict realm inc […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Longing : About the longing realm: One's self-image is virtually a minus, like a sucking black hole. The world appears bleak, dark and flattened of sensation. Emotions rule: dissatisfaction, depression, an […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms > Hell : About the hell realm: One's self-image is very fragile. The world is one giant monstrous horror. One feels beset on all sides by demons and an unbearable pain that seems like it will never end. To […]
Tip: Main > Psychology > Mental realms : Mental realms are states of mind, separated for convenience according to typical thoughts and behaviour.
Tip: Main > Living > Socialising : How to end an uninteresting conversation with a person who talks overmuch, but who is psychologically fragile and cannot cope with a straight answer:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Bracing : Fastening plywood structural bracing: 50mm spacing along top and bottom wall plates, and on horizontal butt joints; 100mm spacing along vertical edges; 150mm spacing along intermediate studs. Leave […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Bracing : If plywood sheets are too short: If the walls are higher than plywood sheets, and a small piece is required to clad the entire frame, then put the full piece below and the small piece at the very top […]
Tip: Main > Philosophy : The Middle Way is not meant as balance. It is not meant as avoiding or combining extremes like being happy / sympathetic with being cranky, afraid, or depressed. It is not meant as avoiding logical […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Carpentry > Bending wood : There are several methods to bend wood: (i) using heat, (ii) laminating, (iii) cutting notches, (iv) chemicals. (i) Heat: Dry heat may burn timber; to avoid this, use a steaming box, or more cheapl […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing : Delivery delays are highly likely to happen, for a range of unavoidable reasons. Instead of getting frustrated, have a backup plan so other jobs can be completed in the waiting period.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Verandah : A verandah also acts as wall buttresses, assisting in resisting rafter force, and, if the roof slope is flattish, as scaffolding while building the main roof.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Storage : Declutter the workbench and floor area nearby for safety and ease of use. A first aid kit and fire blanket should be immediately handy. Frequently-used hand tools, safety gear, and fasteners should […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Storage : Store electronic tools in sealed plastic tubs, or covered in plastic sheet, to prevent water damage.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Tools > Storage : When storing metal tools in metal toolboxes, spray a thin film of water-repellent lubricant over the metal tools to prevent rusting by condensation. Alternatively, wrap them in oil-soaked rags, or in […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Travel : - Romany Life, by Frank Cuttriss ( […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof > Safety : Using a roofing harness: - Where it is possible to fall 2m from a roof, use a full body harness (a personal fall arrest system) and not a waist belt. - First create a slide guard near the edge of t […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof > Safety : Taking roofing equipment up: Don't carry equipment when climbing a ladder, but keep hands free for holding to rungs and rails. General tips: - Use a tool pouch on a belt for carrying a hammer, ta […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Roof > Safety : General roofing safety tips: - Choose calm, clear, cool weather for roofing. - Never work on a slippery, wet roof. - Use rubber shoes with dry, clean soles. - Keep the roofing area clean of dirt, […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Plays : - Guildenstern and Rosencrantz are Dead, by Tom Stoppard. ( […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Economics : In Praise of Idleness, by Bertrand Russell ( […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Psychology : The Three Christs of Ypsilanti by Milton Rokeach: ( […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Science Fiction : The Martian, by Andy Weir: […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Science Fiction : We by Yevgeny Zamyatin: ( […]
Tip: Main > Psychology : Psychology should not rely on empirical evidence to define sanity, such that sanity is how a human acts and speaks when at peak biological health. Rather, sanity is how a human thinks, when said thou […]
Tip: Main > Psychology : Psychology (the study of the psyche/soul, or mind) relies on a fundamental idea of sanity. Sanity means health. So the first goal of psychology is to define a healthy mind. Without this, there can […]
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > LETS : LETS can alleviate poverty, by using an alternative currency to pay for local items like food and accommodation, thereby increasing the proportion of your federal currency available for bills.
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > LETS : Local Exchange Trading Systems (LETS) tips:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : Notches: Notches are shallow cuts or checks into wall studs, to embed window head trimmers and bottom trimmers more securely. They extend a maximum of 10mm or a quarter the breadth of the stud, which […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : Joining wall plates: Never join top plates over an opening like a window or door. 1. Top plates are butt-jointed either: (a) over a wall stud, with a connector plate across the joint, over two skew […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : Raising walls:
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : Wall junctions: There are two parts to securing a wall junction: (a) One wall ends with two studs which are one stud-depth apart, sandwiching a couple of packers at 1200mm spacing. So, if studs are 9 […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : Image of floor joist rim block: Bottom plates are butt-joined over solid support, like a rim joist or rim block, which is firmly secured to the joists.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Walls : General Tips for Joining Wall Plates: - It is better to avoid joining wall plates on long stretches with no intermediate wall partitions or external buttressing. Even short lengths of wall (<1m) […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Insulation : Install floor insulation batts before floor boards. Batts can be suspended on parallel lines of durable plastic cord, or plastic straps, that are wound or stapled along the bottom edge of floor joists […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Insulation : If plywood bracing is required, then batts are installed before the sheet bracing is completed.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Bracing : Wall insulation batts are fitted before sheet bracing is complete.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Windows : For evenness of appearance, the tops of windows are placed at the same distance as the tops of doors, from the floor. This point is very slightly below the eaves lining, which rests on the window and […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Ceiling : Use ceiling joists to help stabilise top plate movement on either side of wall joins.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Ceiling : Use ceiling joists to tie the top wall plates together, against the outward force of the rafters.
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Ceiling : Nailing ceiling joists: - First secure the ladder well. - Use strong metal clamps to hold the joist in place when nailing. - Hammer towards the body, with one foot against the joist and the other o […]
Tip: Main > Building & fixing > Building > Timber > Bracing : Installing plywood sheet bracing: In smaller wall areas, especially where plumbing and electrical lines will be installed, it is better to erect and plumb walls first. Then mark on the walls where p […]
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Cheap meals : Choose organ meats (kidney, heart, liver). There is huge supply and very low demand for these high-nutrient foods. People dislike the strong odours and slightly bitter flavours, so: 1. To reduce s […]
Tip: Main > Health > Weight management > Food aids : If you don't like ice-cream, steak and chips, then switch to a gluten-free diet, because: 1. Foods labelled "gluten-free" are 2-3 times more expensive. 2. Legumes and beans, rice, quinoa, vegetable […]
Tip: Main > Health > Lifestyle : Handy Emergency / Travel Box: A survival kit stored in the car, for bushfire, flood, or other emergencies, can double as a travel box. Recommended contents: - First aid kit, spare medications (ke […]
Tip: Main > Health > Weight management > Food aids : Apple cider vinegar: A couple of teaspoons in a cup of hot water before a meal can block the digestion of carbohydrates in the stomach, levelling out blood sugar.
Tip: Main > Health > Weight management > Food swaps : Instead of lollies and chips, some healthy snack options include: - fresh fruit - plain low-fat yoghurt with fresh fruit and seeds - low-salt crackers and a bean dip - baked beans or sardines on t […]
Tip: Main > Literature > Travel : - Alone, by Norman Douglas ( […]
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Running a vehicle > Fuel : Increase fuel efficiency in these ways: - Not driving at >90kph (saves 10% on fuel). - Inflating tyres to the correct pressure. - Accelerating gently. - Avoid idling. - Choose a small, light, […]
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Holidays : What to bring to a backpacker hostel:
Tip: Main > Living > Living on a budget > Health : No refrigerator, but need to refrigerate medication? Check the advice slip in the packet. Some medications that normally need to be stored at 2 - 6°C can be held at somewhat higher temperatures f […]
Tip: Main > Living > Survival > Food : Edible insects: ants, crickets, meal worms, bees, cicadas, dragon flies, earthworms, termites, midges, widjuti grubs and many kinds of larvae are edible. It is best to cook them first, to kill parasi […]