The name of the software is Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition.

Pilots often play with this software, but you don’t have to be a pilot to use it. For around $30 you can get the feel of flying a real aircraft. You don’t need an airplane.

The Microsoft Flight Simulator X: Gold Edition is not a Flight simulator, in the sense of a true Full flight simulator. You’re not going to get a job flying jets after you use this software.

That being said, this is probably the best flight simulator that’s out there, for the price.

You’ll more than likely need a certified geek to get the software up and running, because there are small glitches with this type of software. But don’t let that stop you from having fun.

Product Features

Now you’re asking if you need a joystick to go along with the software. The Logitech Extreme 3D Pro Joystick (Silver/Black) is what you need if you’re dropping bombs at a distance or firing guns in a dog fight.

Warning: Ladies, you may lose your men (for hours, at least) if you get this software for them. Maybe this is just what you need!

Now, back to flying…

This could be the best TV remote control extender on the market — Next Generation Remote Control Extender. A TV remote extender that works fantastic! Here’s a perfect solution when you have a television in another room, yet your remote control won’t reach the main box. This gizmo is perfect for the bedroom or the basement.

Technical Information

The NextGen Remote Control Extender is like gold if you need a device that lets you go from room-to-room and control your components from up to 100 + feet away, with no direct line-of-sight needed. It works through closet doors and closed entertainment system cabinets.

The NextGen turns any IR remote into RF by simply installing the battery transmitter. This means it will work with such items: TiVo, DVD player, TV remote, universal remotes, cable box, DVR player, Blu-Ray player, and more!

The package includes AAA battery transmitter with AA sleeve and receiver with built-in recharger.

This device will work with most Dish TV and Direct TV models. Just make sure you have it hooked up right.

In five or ten minutes you could be watching TV in your favorite room of entertainment. So get ready for the game, singing show, movie, or whatever it is you like to watch. Grab the popcorn!

Our modern cars cost more these days to buy, but the mileage can be fantastic. It is common to get 200,000 miles or more, if we change oil regularly and keep up with the auto maintenance. Our reliable cars do go down occasionally. This time it was the oil sending unit gone bad.

I started noticing puddles of fluid on the pavement. Upon further observation, the fluid turned out to be motor oil. This could be serious. The opinions from local mechanics equipped me with what I was dealing with here. I narrowed it down to three items that was causing my oil leak: oil sending unit, valve cover gasket,  or the oil pan gasket — Fel-Pro OS34308R Oil Pan Gasket Set.

When the car was idling, I saw smoke and smelled it. The smell was inside and outside of the car. I was leaving a trail of smoke behind me as I motored down the highway. I was using too much oil, as previously I wasn’t.

I immediately chose to get an oil change, along with the replacement of the valve cover gasket. This is the gasket on top of the engine, next to where the oil is poured in at. The valve cover gasket was inexpensive, and so was the labor to get it replaced. Even if this wasn’t the main leak giving me the trouble, it needed replaced anyhow.

Replacing the valve cover gasket seemed to help, and the first day I thought my oil leak problem was solved. The next day would prove me to be wrong. I was still getting puddles of oil on the pavement after stopping in town. My oil leak wasn’t cured just yet. At least my engine looked clean after replacing my valve cover gasket.

I thought it must be the oil pan gasket, which is located at the bottom of the motor. I was told that it could take a few hours to replace this item, and the labor would be somewhat expensive. The price of the oil pan gasket was cheap. The oil pan gasket turned out not to be the source of my leak. I felt lucky.

The problem turned out to be the oil sending unit.

This is a very small part that would fit in the palm of one’s hand. The price of the oil sending unit is cheap and the labor charge wasn’t bad at all. It took only a few minutes to replace the part.

The mechanic was asked if he needed a flashlight to see the part; he replied that this one is a reach and feel type of mission. Nevertheless, he found it and replaced it in a jiffy.

We lowered the car on the ground and started the engine. The oil leak was solved. The problem was the oil sending unit. Relief at last!

It’s time for an appliance — ThermaCELL MR-G Olive Cordless Portable Mosquito Repellent Appliance.

Or you might want a lantern — ThermaCELL MR-9W Cordless Mosquito Repellent Patio Lantern.

Or maybe this one — ThermaCELL MR-9C Mini Cordless Portable Mosquito Repellent Lantern.

HOW IT WORKS

The repellent is allethrin, a copy of a repellent that naturally occurs in chrysanthemum flowers. It repels up to 98 percent of mosquitoes, black flies, and no-see-ums.

Within minutes after turning on the Lantern or Appliance, the repellent creates a 15 by 15-foot (225 square-foot) mosquito-free zone, the size of an average deck, patio, or campsite. All ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent products use the same refills, which contain both repellent mats and butane cartridges.

The heat generated by the butane cartridge is directed to a metal grill that is part of the design of the Lantern or Appliance. A small mat, saturated with repellent, sits on top of the metal grill. Heat vaporizes the repellent, allowing it to rise into the air.

Here’s the refill — ThermaCELL R-4 Mosquito Repellent Refill – Value Pack.

ThermaCELL IS SAFE AND VERY EFFECTIVE

This product is great for hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Again, it’s environmentally friendly. This means that it’s safe for pets, humans, and around lakes.

Have fun. Be safe. Don’t get caught outdoors without ThermaCELL.

First, as a hand sanitizer, rubbing alcohol is extremely practical and effective. It is widely used for cleansing surgeons’ hands and instruments and for the disinfection of skin prior to penetration by a hypodermic needle. As an antiseptic, it is good against vegetative bacteria and fair against fungi and viruses.

So, if it is used by surgeons then it must undoubtedly work for ordinary folks at home.

Secondly, rubbing alcohol works great as an eyeglass cleaner. Here’s what I did to make it work for me. I bought a small, glass bottle of eyeglass spray — something like Purosol All Natural Lens Cleaner 2oz.

By the way, the Purosol cleaner works well on photography equipment as well. Those that have expensive eyeglasses may consider using this cleaner. Many swear by it.

I used the commercial spray on my eyeglasses. After I used all of the commercial spray, I then started to fill up the tiny bottle with rubbing alcohol. This worked well for me, because rubbing alcohol is cheap and is quite convenient.

Top Rated (Learn More)

1. Panda Small Mini Portable Compact Washer Washing Machine 5.5lbs Capacity

2. Haier HLP21N Pulsator 1-Cubic-Foot Portable Washer

3. Haier HLP23E Electronic 1-1/2-Cubic-Foot Touch Pulsator Top-Loading Portable Washing Machine

4. Amana 3.5 -Cubic Foot Front Load Washer, NFW7300WW, White

5. Avanti Portable Small Washing Machine, Steel

6. Top Load Washer With 3.3 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Wash Tub (Speed Queen)

7. Haier HLP21E 6.6-Pound Pulsator Wash with Stainless Steel Tub

8. Amana 3.4-Cubic Foot Traditional Top-Load Washer, NTW4501XQ, White

9. Eco-egg Automatic Mini Washing Machine

10. Electrolux : EIFLW55HIW 27 Washer Island White

Best Sellers in Clothes Washing Machines

Best Sellers in Clothes Washing Machines (Learn More)

Top Load Washing Machine (Learn More)

Front Load Washing Machine (Learn More)

Top Load Washing Machine

I am partial to the Whirlpool clothes washing machine, and I prefer the top loading one myself. I can tell you from previous experience, the older ones were built like tanks. Many have lasted 20 years and longer! This kind of service is getting hard to find these days.

Despite the bad reviews and lack of reviews, I would strongly consider the Whirlpool WTW4800XQ 27 Top-Load Washer 3.4 cu. ft. Capacity Quiet Spin Technology. This washer is in the $400 range and is considered a budget buy. This is my first choice. The one complaint on this washer and many of the new ones — the lid locks. Not really a big deal since you can get it to open by stopping the machine and restarting. Still considered a pain by some users.

Here’s a washer made in America! The Top Load Washer With 3.3 cu. ft. Stainless Steel Wash Tub is made by Speed Queen. The reviews give this one high marks. It looks promising, but the price is a bit higher than the Whirlpool — $789.00.

Another alternative one might consider is the GE GTWN3000MWS 27 Top-Load Washer, 3.6 cu. ft. Capacity. Some have had very good luck with GE washers.

Front Load Washing Machine

For those that are fans of the front loaders, the Samsung WF210ANW 3.5 cu. Ft. High Efficiency Front-Load Washer – White seems to be at the top of the list. Many have given high marks for this washing machine. Very popular.

An alternative — the Samsung WF330ANW 3.7 cu. ft. High Efficiency Front-Load Washer – White. Go figure, another Samsung.

* Great deals on appliances can be found at BestBuy.com.

Nothing like a crisp tomato to add flavor to any meal. The downfall is, if you fail to finish said tomato at once, you have to store it in the refrigerator. The tomato will turn mushy if not used quickly enough, hence you are often left with a soggy tomato of no value (aside from tossing at your pesky neighbors while they’re unaware, but don’t get any ideas). How, then, does one go about keeping a tomato fresh?

Here’s a great place to start. The Tomato Saver by Gourmac looks cute, saves on the plastic bill, and also makes it easier to spot the tomato in the immeasurable void that is known as a refrigerator.

Hey — the Tomato Saver may not change your life, but it looks nice, it works, it makes you look cool (it’s quite chic), and it would make a good gift for someone. Tomatoes sure cost a fortune at the supermarket these days! True?

Other savers to consider: Hutzler Garlic Saver, Hutzler Onion Saver, Yellow, Hutzler 58 Lemon / Lime Saver, Harold Import Company Avo Saver, and Hutzler Pepper Saver, Green.

Here’s more in the Kitchen And Dining section.

Just twist the lid on the top of this gadget and you’re in business.

Here’s a quick question to stir the neighborhood. Is the tomato a vegetable or a fruit?

On May 10, 1893, in the Supreme Court case Nix v. Hedden, the court unanimously decided in favor of the defense and found that the tomato was classified as a vegetable, based on the ways in which it is used, and the popular perception to this end. So, in a legal sense, the tomato is a vegetable.

Botanically, a tomato is a fruit.

It’s official. The temperatures are warming in the U.S. and spring has arrived. The birds are singing, the flowering trees and shrubs are protruding with color, and exuberance is abundant. The lawns are green and there are weeds everywhere. Here’s how to choose the right weed eater, or a top rated string trimmer.

If you’ve had any exposure in the lawn and garden business, then you’re probably familiar with commercial brand names.

Best Sellers in String Trimmers (Learn More)

1.  Greenworks 21212 13-Inch 4 Amp Electric String Trimmer/Edger With Telescoping Handle

2.  Black & Decker LST220 12-Inch 20-Volt Lithium-Ion Cordless GrassHog Trimmer/Edger

3.  Black & Decker NST2018 Grass Hog 12-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer with 2 Batteries

4.  Hitachi CG22EASSLP 21.1cc 2 Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer (CARB Compliant)

5.  Black & Decker NST2118 12-Inch 18-Volt Ni-Cd Cordless Electric GrassHog String Trimmer/Edger

6.  Greenworks 22112 22-Inch 4.0 Amp Electric Dual Action Hedge Trimmer

7.  Black & Decker ST1000 9-Inch 1.8 amp Electric Grass Trimmer

8.  WORX GT WG150.1 10-Inch 18-Volt 2-In-1 Cordless Electric Grass Trimmer/Edger

9.  Greenworks 21052 15-Inch 5.5 Amp Electric String Trimmer/Edger With Pivoting Head & Telescoping Handle

10.  Husqvarna 128DJx 17-Inch 28cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft String Trimmer/Brush Cutter with Detachable Shaft (CARB Compliant)

If I were going to buy a gas powered weed eater, I would strongly consider the Tanaka TCG22EASSLP 21.1cc 2-Stroke Gas Powered Straight Shaft Grass Trimmer Brush Cutter (CARB Compliant), or even a higher priced Tanaka with more power.

Whatever you purchase, it is advisable to go with the straight shaft and not the bent shaft. It’s much easier on the back and makes for better reaching. You’ll thank me if you follow this rule. The bent shaft is okay, however, I prefer the straight.

Oh, and here’s an accessory well worth checking into.  It’s called the  Tanaka 32308 No Brainer Quick Load Cutting Head for Straight Shaft String Trimmers. This might make for easier trimming without getting your line stuck or tangled. We all know what that feels like! Lack of progress. Frustration. Unhappiness. (Here’s another brand — Maxpower 1101PT PivoTrim Trimmer Head Uses .095-Inch Pre-Cut Trimmer Line.)

It may be a good idea to get some Tanaka string line also.

For those that don’t like the noise and smell of gas trimmers, don’t want to deal with electric cord, and are familiar with battery operated tools, the Black & Decker NST2018 Grass Hog 12-Inch 18-Volt Cordless Electric String Trimmer with 2 Batteries might be an excellent alternative. This particular model is very popular and the price is right. Lithium batteries are recommended.

For those that want easy, fast, and lightweight, you may consider the Greenworks 21212 13-Inch 4 Amp Electric String Trimmer/Edger With Telescoping Handle. It’s electric, it trims, it edges, and is light. Great for the ladies.

While you’re at it, plant some flowers this year!

With all the violent tornadoes that have recently ripped through entire towns, more people than ever are taking weather patterns more seriously. Weather radios that use NWR SAME are becoming very popular gadgets. But what is SAME and how to program a SAME weather radio? Where does one get the SAME codes for a particular state, with county by county coverage? For more information visit the National Weather Service website.

From NOAA Weather
After buying an NWR SAME receiver, you must program your county, parish or independent city or marine area into the radio. Do NOT program your radio for louder or clearer station not designated as a SAME channel. You will not receive alert. Your NWR will then alert you only of weather and other emergencies for the county(s)/ area(s) programmed. NWR receivers without the SAME capability alert for emergencies anywhere within the coverage area of the NWR transmitter, typically several counties, even though the emergency could be well away from the listener.

Programming Your Receiver
To program NWR SAME receivers with the proper county(s) and marine area(s) of choice, you need to know the 6-digit SAME code number(s) for that county(s). Once you have the number, follow the directions supplied the manufacturer of your NWR SAME receiver for programming. The number is available two ways:

1. Online at the United States and Territories Table.
2. By telephone at 1-888-NWR-SAME (1-888-697-7263) for a voice menu.

Other Options
There are other options in addition to a weather radio of course. Many of today’s police scanners do have NOAA weather radio automatically programmed within the unit. The added advantage here is to install an outside antenna that will give better quality reception. And today’s police scanners are readily usable in vehicles as well, since they use a cigarette lighter.

Here’s a quick link to Weather Underground, which gives you access to active NOAA Weather Radio stations for many locations.

LED lights will work for emergency lighting. If you have a vehicle and the dome light is blowed, or your console lights aren’t working properly, the Flexible Light Strip 300 SMD Bright White LED Ribbon 5 Meter or 16 Feet By Ledwholesalers, 2026wh is what you need.

LED Flex Strip Lighting is a fairly new concept and could become very popular in no time. The uses could be many.

LED strips could be used for: cabinet lighting, bathroom lighting, closet lighting, bicycle lighting, scooter lighting, travel trailer lighting, vehicle illumination, tool shed lighting, porch lighting, TV backlighting, DJ lighting, night club lighting, studio lighting, office lighting, costume lighting, sign lighting, architectural lighting, and more.

Flexible LED Ribbon Lights come in different colors and are very safe to use. Flexstrip lighting uses 12 volts for power. This is plug and play with easy installation.

The applications for the light-emitting diode seem to be endless, as well as the advantages.