Stains

Without a doubt, ballpoint ink is the most difficult stain to remove from leather because it is oil-based while other types of ink such as a fountain pen or roller ball are easier due to being water-based. Although difficult, you can get ink out of leather in most cases.

Remember that ink, regardless of what type, is dye. Therefore, when a mark is left, it is absorbed very fast. For small areas, wait for a couple of hours to see if the leather naturally absorbs the ink. In some cases, leather can absorb ink naturally so you want to be careful using certain solutions that are designed to dissolve ink marks, as they could change the color of the leather.

Whether using a home remedy or professional solution, try a small hidden spot before working on the noticeable mark. For home remedies, regardless of ink type, try using a white, non-abrasive, pencil eraser. Be sure the stain is dry and then rub gently until the ink begins to fade, which may need to be done several times.

When the mark is gone, use a clean cloth to wipe the debris away. Apply a small amount of uncolored leather polish to the spot and once dry, buff with a clean cloth to shine the leather. People have found this particular method to be very successful for a number of leather types.

Another good home remedy for ink is to dampen a small corner of a clean cloth with mineral spirits and then rub the ink spot gently. If you see the ink trying to spread, stop! However, if the ink mark begins to fade, continue and then allow the spot to dry before you apply a little conditioning to the area.

Other home remedies include dampening a soft, clean cloth with hairspray, wood alcohol, a mild multi-purpose automotive interior cleaner, or a mild dish detergent and warm water, and then gently rubbing the ink mark. For each option, when dry, apply a small amount of leather polish on the spot.

For remaining spots, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and treat just the ink area by dabbing with the alcohol and cotton swab. Dab with the dry end of the swab to blot up the ink. Try not to spread the alcohol any more than necessary because it is drying to leather. Once the mark is removed, wash the area with Dove soap.

For professional cleaning, many products are available such as Premium Leather Care “Ink and Stain remover”, a product distributed by Stainsafe Companies is supposed to do the job well. Another professional solution sold by Stainsafe is Quick ‘N Brite, which can be applied full strength to a sponge or piece of terrycloth and then gently rubbed over the ink mark in a circular motion. In addition to cleaning, this product is also a good conditioner, helping to soften the leather.

Grease and Oil

If the stain is from cheesy pizza, body oils, or other grease stains on the leather, you should use a degreaser as the first step, then clean and finally, condition. CM Products , an American based company makes a leather degreaser as well as an interesting line of products.

For suede or nubuck, the protocol is much the same except that because you are dealing with an all-together different type of surface, you will use a cloth especially made for suede and nubuck leather.

The best approach to dealing with stains on leather, especially leather furniture is a preventative one. The very best thing is not to eat or drink on your leather furniture, and if you are wearing a leather garment while eating, protect it! However if the inevitable occurs, there are cleaning methods you can use depending on the type of leather you are dealing with.

If the leather is pigmented, you can use leather cleaner to try to remove the stain. Spot cleaning leather is always a difficult proposition because water and all other chemicals do react with it. The area may be stain free but look a little different in color from the surrounding surface. This can make you crazy knowing the spot is there and being able to see it. If the leather is aniline, you have no choice but to call in a specialist.

Gum

Another annoying item to clean out of leather is gum. If the leather item is small enough, put it in an airtight zip-lock type of bag and stick it in the freezer long enough to freeze the gum. The chewing gum should just flick off without too much effort. If you are dealing with a larger item, you can use an ice cube but be sure you do not get the leather soaked. Stick to the gum as much as possible and try to avoid dripping water on the leather itself. When the gum is no longer “gummy”, remove it.

Another option for gum is to purchase an aerosol can of computer cleaner. The cans use compressed gas that when sprayed emit a freezing cold spray. You can spray directly onto the gum, which should freeze and remove easily. If the gum has been on the leather awhile, especially if it has become warm, chances are it has soaked into the leather pores. The freezing technique may still work, just be sure to follow this technique with a penetrating cleaning.

Another method of gum removal is to use canola or any other vegetable oil. You eliminate the risk of water spots, but you are going to need to work the oil in after you remove the gum to maintain the even color and grain of the leather.

Paint

Most folks know not to wear their nice leather garments if they are painting or around someone who is. Accidentally leaning up against a freshly painted wall is definitely leather 911. Getting paint out of leather is a tough one. Not much can be done since just about everything used to remove the paint will also take the pigment of the leather. If the paint is water based, try using water and mild soap. If not, you need to talk to a professional.

Water

Water spots are another common complaint of leather owners. I will send you back to the kitchen for this one. Roll up a piece of white bread into a tight ball and use the dough ball to blot the spots by rubbing.

Odors

Dealing with smells in leather is not that difficult, even with something notoriously nasty such as cat urine. You need to look for a non-toxic enzyme-based cleaner that is designed to use on leather, which can often be found at a pet store. The bacteria that live on organic, protein-based substances like urine as well as fecal matter are the culprits primarily responsible for the smell. Simply follow the directions and your leather will come out smelling like leather again.

Changing Size

Because leather is so pliable, especially wet leather, you can change its shape and size. The basic principal is to make the leather moist (not soaked) and to apply heat or cold. For example, leather specialists will use extreme heat followed by extreme cold to coax the torn leather back to its original shape and position before they apply adhesive when repairing tears. A commercial stripping gun and a decent size of metal that has been in the refrigerator are recommended, no kidding! You may not wish to subject your leather piece to these extremes. Nevertheless, the principals are the same.

Stretching

If you have new shoes, or even vintage shoes, for example that are a bit small, you have a couple of different options for stretching them. You can take them to a cobbler and have them stretched with an industrial strength shoe stretcher or if you have patience and a few common items around your kitchen, you can stretch your shoes on your own.

There are even stories that some boot salespeople recommend wetting the shoes with rubbing alcohol and while still wet, putting the shoes back on, as almost any wet leather will stretch. The alcohol is volatile and it evaporates easily so there should not be any spotting.

Another thing I have heard is that some people have successfully filled a quart bag with water and placed it in the shoe. Put the whole deal in the freezer and as the water freezes, it will expand right along with the shoe. If home remedy solutions make you feel nervous, you can buy a shoe stretching solution that works on the same principal as rubbing alcohol.

If you have a leather hat that feels too snug, moisten the headband on the inside of the hat and warm it up a bit. You might also consider buying a hat form or wig stand that is the right size and then placing the hat on it so the hat can dry to the right size. You could also wear the hat after getting it nice and pliable. One of the problems is that because of natural moisture on your brow, it is not going to dry while on your head.

If the hat is big enough to fit even though it might be tight, see if regular wear creates new memory. You can always take the hat to a cobbler since they have the equipment and should be able to stretch it out for you. If you are not sure where to look, start with your local yellow pages to see if you have a hat maker locally.

Breaking-In

Okay, the other issue with new leather is breaking it in. If you are lucky enough to have a pair of cowboy boots, here is some information that will be useful. While cowboy boots are definitely made for riding and not walking, or dancing contrary to popular belief, a good fitting pair of western cowboy boots feels like a million bucks.

One of the best ways to start breaking them in is to wear them around the house on a lazy Saturday. Just remember that since the leather is stiff, if you walk around too long, you will develop blisters on your feet. However, the natural moisture produced from your feet helps to soften and break the boots or shoes in without using stretchers.

One option that should fall as a last resort before heading to the cobbler or returning your vintage boots is to lightly wet them with a damp sponge inside and out, taking care not to soak them. After all, leather and water are not the best of pals.

Just keep in mind that wearing new leather boots or shoes on a regular basis will keep the leather supple and help them conform to your feet. If you do not use them for a long period, you should put them on and wear them around for a couple of hours to keep the leather soft and pliable.

As your boots begin to break in, you will see two creases – one right behind the toe of the boot and the second higher up on the foot, but below your ankle. If the boots dry out from disuse, you may have to take it easy for a couple of days when you put them on again.

You can also hand break boots, which appears to be an art form almost of itself. Lastly, you can buy boots that do not require a long break-in or painful break-in period. Having to break-in a boot is compensation for the boot being hard.

These days, high quality boots are made in leathers that are strong without being crippling. Therefore, your best option is to choose high quality leather that is already perfect. You can purchase a pair of great, sturdy boots that will not cause pain every time you wear them. Ask the retailer about the break in period and the quality of boot in their line.

One major problem with diets is they are too specific, limiting us on what we can and cannot eat. They don’t take into account individual differences in body composition, activity level and food preferences.

There are the fad diets such as the “Cabbage Diet” or the “Hollywood Diet” that use semi-starvation methods. Yes, you can lose a lot of weight quickly on these diets but you also risk your body’s health in the process.

Not all diets are unhealthy but some of the most popular ones, such as the low carb / high protein diet, neglect the proper balance of macronutrients, the balance between carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

The Bodybugg program can help you to design your own weekly menu to keep you on track with your calorie count. You enter the foods you eat into the program and download the calories you have burned to see if you have a calorie deficit, which means you are on the right path for weight loss. With the coaching from our trained staff you will receive the information you need for a healthy, nutrition-ally balanced meal plan.

Not only is the Bodybugg great for weight loss, it is a fantastic wellness tool. By logging your food, you can learn a great deal about the choices you make and see your daily intake of protein, fat, carbohydrate, sodium, calcium, fiber and other nutrients. You will develop a keen awareness about how your daily activity and food choices impact how your body works.

Blizzard has just recently banned 100,000 World of Warcraft game accounts linked to gold farming, gold buying, and powerleveling. Many gold farming companies in China were forced to downsize and raise prices even higher than they are now. But what does that mean for us regular gamers and (sometimes) gold buying and powerleveling end-users?

Being banned after powerleveling is becoming more and more frequent. So frequent, in fact, that almost all accounts that powerlevel, end up being banned within 1-3 months. How does Blizzard so easily find and ban powerlevelers? Since almost all (if not all) powerleveling companies are in China, Blizzard easily tracks and “red-flags” any accounts used by a computer in China. There are have been many widespread reports of banned accounts from powerleveling, although the companies will take no responsibility for it.

Powerleveling companies have been offering lower and lower prices for their services – prices reaching as low as $150 from 1-60. The problem is, they know your account will get banned, and will take no responsibility for it. So the problem arises, how does the average hard-working person with little time on his hands get a powerful avatar that won’t get banned?

The only way secure way to escape detection is to acquire an account from a US player who no longer wants his account. And with the ability to transfer your character to any server, honestly there is almost no difference than power leveling.

But with EBay shutting down virtually almost every auction, how does one do that? You could buy accounts at IGE.com, but the problem is their prices are astronomically high, and they do not go through any through processes of making sure the account you buy won’t be taken back by the original owner. One website that solely buys and sells accounts and maintains good security procedures is Warcraft Loot. They enable you to change the email on your account so you aren’t at risk of having your account taken back.

So now you know – powerleveling services will soon be history once people realize that accounts get banned. The only safe alternative is to buy accounts.

Prepare for the Burning Crusade and don’t powerlevel before you check out Warcraft Loot – buy WoW accounts.

There are a lot of WoW Mining Locations in World of Warcraft. The reason there are so many is the fact that there is a lot of ore that can be mined in a lot of different zones.

Knowing the exact mining locations of the games most popular or desired ore can help you in several ways.

1) You won’t waste time mining.
2) You’ll be able to mine ore more quickly.
3) You’ll be able to make a lot of gold very fast.

If the above three things sound like a huge advantage, that’s because it is.

Since Wrath of the Lich King was released, the new ores have been the most popular and that’s what I want to reveal to you today in this World of Warcraft Mining Guide. So here we go!

WoW Mining Location #1 – Titanium Ore

The best spot to farm Titanium Ore is in Icecrown, hands down. The next best spot to mine Titanium Ore is in Sholazar Basin.

WoW Mining Location #2 – Saronite Ore

Saronite Ore is a place holder for Titanium Ore which means that every spot you see Saronite, there is a chance that a Titanium Vein can spawn there as well.

With the above being true, this means the best spot to mine Saronite Ore is also in Icecrown and then Sholazar Basin.

WoW Mining Location #3 – Cobalt Ore

The best spot to mine Cobalt Ore is in Zul’Drak. For lower level players the best mining location for Cobalt Ore is in the Wrath of the Lich King starting areas, The Borean Tundra and The Howling Fjord.

Summary

I hope you enjoyed these WoW Mining Locations for the new ore that came with Wrath of the Lich King.

If you’re looking for more information on WoW Mining check out WoW Mining Maps or for information on Leveling your Mining see my WoW Mining Guide.

For more information on WoW Professions and WoW Profession Guides please visit WoW Professions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_A._Anderson

On November 9, 2009 myRete announced the debut of its WhosHere 2.0, which allows 750,000 users to call any other user for free, as long as both parties have a Wi-Fi connection. Neither of the callers ever have to be in the application to take or receive a WhosHere call.

WhosHere Voice is unique in that it allows the user to control who can call them.  Also, users do not give out any personal information in order to be a part of the service. The service completely avoids all phone networks, keeping the user from any additional phone charges. In addition, the people at myRete have created something that did not previously exist in the iPhone world: “a social network that goes beyond texts and images” and instead allows for real, person-to-person conversations.

Social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace have changed the way people interact along with how they do business. This application is a social networking application that runs on Apple’s iPhone, iPhone3G, iPhone 3GS and the iPod touch.  As the iPhone becomes more and more popular, the application can be used not only to network for business, but also to meet new friends or even potential dates.

Like some online dating sites, WhosHere will use your location and your interests to let you know which people you may want to get to know. However, unlike those sites, WhosHere has the added benefit of helping you to connect in the most unobtrusive way. Once you’ve decided on some interesting people, you can send free, unlimited texts and image messages, and send and receive free calls.

Visit Apple’s iTunes Application Store for a free download of the application.

Thinking of what to get the person who has everything? The new CP Docks line of personal cell phone charging stations are perfect for everyone, from the busy business person to the family full of kids and all of their cell phones, iPhones, and Blackberrys.. In fact, CP Docks includes free shipping with every order at www.cpdocks.com.

How often have you lost or broken your cell phone charger? Cords get tangled, trampled, lost amongst the flurry of other cords for our computers, DVD players, microwaves, etc. Now, The CP Docks line of personal charging stations has invented a solution to this all too common problem. While cell phone docking stations have been around for a while, they were often expensive, intrusive and unattractive, and every phone had to be charged on the same docking station. The new CP Docks line allows the phone to charge at the electrical outlet while storing the cord and charger on the station, but no household guest will know this, because one of the charging stations doubles as an outlet cover. In addition, these units are inexpensive and offer single stations, so each phone can be charged in a space of the owner’s convenience.

The Plug-in-shelf model organizes the usual tangle of cords with a non-skid shelf for the phone and a cord holder to disguise the cords. In addition, this model has a plug adapter to plug into your existing charger and is totally portable.

The EZ Mount Cell Phone Charger Model stores charger cords and phones all on an electrical outlet cover. In addition to the non-skid shelf for the phone, this model includes a hook to be used for hanging car keys, or other necessities one may need to grab on the way out of the house.

All docking stations fit all cell phones, iPhones and Blackberrys, as well as use existing cell phone chargers. With this docking station, your home will remain free of messy cords and your phone will always be charged and ready to use. In addition, the non-skid shelf protects the phone from spills, falls, or any other household damage.

Angel.com, one of the premier providers of on-demand call centers and Interactive Voice Response solutions, has announced the debut of its new SugarCRM Connector. This new technology will allow users to manage accounts and contacts through the phone, using only voice commands. Users will be able to use speech-to-text technology to send emails, record details from meetings, or set up the next day’s tasks. The user can perform a host of functions using the Connector. The Connector allows its users to open or check the status of a case, transfer to a live agency, retrieve data in real time and generally provide instance access to information and analysis.

Michael Zirngible, President of Angel.com says, “By converging Web, voice and data into a single, on-demand solution, Angel.com’s SugarCRM Connector provides users with….information and analysis needed to make intelligent sales, customer support and marketing decisions.” The user does not need to write any code to use this tool; all directions are provided through the web-based tool kit provided by Angel.com. This allows users to build custom designed tools, with only an internet connection, in a quick and efficient manner. In addition to the ease of setting up the program, the Connector allows users to combine voice and data into a simple application, making it easier to improve and nurture customer relations.

For more information regarding pricing please visit http://www.sugarcrm.com or http://www.angel.com.

Several years ago, faxing was very popular. Almost every business on earth had a fax machine, and most households had one as well. At the time, they were useful, but they definitely had more than their fair share of issues. First of all, fax machines were, and are still, very expensive. Not only are they expensive initially, but they cost you a lot over the years because they use so much ink and paper. Plus, using all that paper isn’t exactly “green”. Thankfully, with advancements in technology, we can now ditch the old fax machine and move on to greener pastures, no pun intended. Can you imagine that?

Now you don’t have to! The service is called RapidFax, and it’s revolutionizing the way people send faxes. I have used it for months now and I’ll I can say is that it is great. What this service basically does is allow you to send and receive faxes through your computer. More specifically, faxes are sent through email. It’s truly the easiest way to fax, period. I have taken the time to review specific things about RapidFax, which you can find below.

Price

RapidFax is priced very reasonably, at least in my opinion. It generally costs $9.95/month, but it can be higher if you process a large volume of faxes. What I liked was the fact that there is no set-up fee or any sort of hidden fees. Many services I have tried offered great monthly rates, but they either charged insane set-up fees, or they constantly nailed you with hidden charges. I’ve never had any problems with RapidFax’s billing system, and to be honest I’m happy to pay the reasonable monthly fee.

One thing that they don’t mention clearly that you should know is that the normal rates apply only to faxes sent within the United States. They have extra charges for any international faxes. There is no set rate for international faxes, and it is suggested that you contact them for a quote. I have heard that the rates are higher than the normal US rate, but they are still pretty reasonable.

Free Trial

Another great thing is that RapidFax is available for FREE for 30 days. You just sign up, and you will be able to immediately send and receive faxes through your email. I was hesitant to join, but the free trial really pushed me over the ledge. Most comparable products offer some sort of free number of faxes, like 20 free faxes, or 50 free incoming faxes, etc. RapidFax, on the other hand, offers 30 days free!

Features

RapidFax is, simply put, pretty awesome. One nice thing about RapidFax as opposed to its competitors is that you can run it using any email account, no matter what provider it is. It is recommended that you use Hotmail, but anything will work – even mail clients like Outlook. When you receive a fax, you can simply open it up in Adobe reader, and from there, it is easy to look over it, print it out, show it to others, etc. Alternatively, you can actually see your fax online through your web browser, just by logging into your account.

Customer Service

If you’re like me, you value customer service above all. Well, from what I have heard, RapidFax has a great support system. To be perfectly honest I have never had a need to contact support, as the program has always run smoothly. However, I did some research and asked around, and it seems that their support agents are responsive and ready to help. You can currently contact RapidFax through email or phone. It is recommended that you call them up, as I have heard that they take a while to respond to emails.

The BodyBugg is a great product that can help you with your weight loss goals, though it can be a bit rough on the wallet. Prices for the BodyBugg run around $250, which is quite a chunk of money, especially in today’s economy. That’s not including the month-to-month recurring subscription of $14.95, which is needed to log your meals in order to see how many calories you’ve eaten every day. Note: Though it can be as cheap as $8.33/month if you purchase an annual subscription in advance.

People often ask if there are any other products that are similar to the BodyBugg, which could be used as an alternative. Thus, I’ve researched various competitive products and found a few that had relative benefits to the BodyBugg, even if they come at a trade-off.

Below is a list of comparable products I’ve compiled for those most concerned with the cost of the BodyBugg. Though please realize there is a trade-off in features and potential accuracy in exchange for the price break.

FitBit Tracker

The FitBit Tracker does essentially the same thing as the BodyBugg. It tracks and analyzes calorie burn, and other key statistics. What makes this device unique is that it can also track sleep patterns, and the quality of your sleep. It tells you not only the sleep quality you are achieving, but also whether or not you are getting enough sleep. The FitBit Tracker tracks exercise, calories burned, distance moved, steps taken, as well as sleep length and quality.

One nice thing about the FitBit tracker is that it can be placed almost anywhere. You can clip it to your sleeve, your belt, your underwear – or just throw it in your pocket. This product is smaller and more flexible than the BodyBugg, but it doesn’t include the calorie intake feature.

FitBit Tracker runs for around $99.

MioPINK Motiva Heart Rate Monitor Watch

The MioPINK Motiva Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a very accurate heart rate monitor in the form of a wrist watch. The fact that it is a wrist watch is certainly a selling feature within itself. The monitor fits nicely on your wrist, and looks very similar to a normal watch, so it doesn’t stand out too much.

The MioPINK monitors your heart rate and records statistics. This device is not necessarily for weight loss, though it can help with your weight loss goals. The Mio is more for fitness/stamina training. Any good health instructor will tell you that there is an optimum heart rate that you should maintain while exercising, and the Mio tells you your exact heart rate. Some gym machines give you your heart rate as well, but they are very inaccurate, plus, the Mio can be used anywhere.

The MioPINK also monitors and reports the amount of calories burned, which is helpful for anyone trying to lose weight.

MioPINK sells for around $100. As well, 10% of all sale revenue will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

iPod Nike Sport Kit

This product is slightly different than the others, and requires the use of an iPod Touch or Nano, as well as a pair of Nike+ shoes. You can purchase a Nike Sport kit for only $29, but again, you have to own an iPod and a pair of Nike shoes in order for this to work.

The Nike + IPOD Sport Kit works similarly to a normal calorie monitors, except it has two pieces. One piece is the actual sensor, and it goes inside your left shoe. The other is a small wireless receptor that is clipped on to your iPod. As you run, your iPod will tell you your statistics, such as time, distance, pace, and calories burnt.

One of the best things about the Nike + IPOD Sport Kit system is that you can listen to your favorite music while working out, and still get audio notifications of your statistics. You can set up a playlist to play in the background, and when it is time to hear a stat update, the iPod + Nike software will simply override the music. Plus, when the report is finished, the music will begin playing again. This is perfect for many people (including me), as I find it much easier to work out when listening to music. If the audio notifications annoy you, your iPod will display visual statistics as well, so you can always just check that.

Nike + IPOD Sport Kit costs $29.

The BodyBugg by Apex Fitness is a fantastic little device, but very few people, even out of those who use it, truly know how it works. The device seems so small and insignificant, but if you were to take a look inside, you would see that there is quite a bit going on in there.

The BodyBugg works by recording several different things about your body throughout the day. The first thing that is tracked is motion. The BodyBugg comes equipped with an accelerometer, which essentially measures motion. The device is designed to gather information from multiple perspectives in order to fully understand your movement.

The BodyBugg also records and analyzes your step count. This is an easy thing to do compared to recording motion, but a step count is still very helpful in determining your calorie burn. Using your body weight, height, age, mass index, and a number of other characteristics, the device can actually work an accurate estimation of calories burned per step.

The BodyBugg armband also records Galvanic skin response. If you have no idea what that means, don’t worry – most people don’t. To put it in simple terms, the device measures the change in electrical conductivity in your skin. Your skin becomes more electrically conductive as it sweats, so this is just another way of measuring activity.

The device also records and analyzes the temperature of your skin. This is a very basic way to determine your recent activity, but it helps the BodyBugg analyze your fitness level. It also measures something called “heat flux”, which basically measures the heat coming from your muscles producing energy.

And finally, the BodyBugg automatically combines the results from all the aforementioned sensors, and analyzes them. The actual process is copyrighted, and therefore I cannot tell you exactly how it works, but it is proven to be extremely accurate.