Radon - Lung Cancer: It’s Not Just from Smoking!

What Is radon? You can't smell or see radon. It's an odorless, colorless gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. If you’re unsure whether your home has a high level of radon, it's time to find out if your house is among the estimated 1 in 15 with a dangerous level of the cancer-causing radioactive gas, which is estimated to claim 21,000 lives a year in this country. See the article at here for information about radon detection, prevention and remediation.

Sparking Switch or Electrical Outlet - Is the Short in the Wiring or Something You Turn on?

A fuse has blown or a breaker has popped several times. How do you determine if the short circuit is in your wiring or in something that's turned on or plugged in on the circuit? According to About.com, here's how to find out:
* Turn off all the lights on the circuit.
* Unplug everything from the outlets.
* Reset the breaker in the electrical service panel.
* If the short is in the house wiring (i.e., outlets or switches), the breaker will trip again immediately.
* If the breaker does not trip, proceed back to the area and turn on each light fixture not plugged into the wall (i.e., fixed lighting).
* If the breaker still has not tripped, the short circuit lies in something you are plugging into the outlet.
* Systematically plug each item into the outlet until you find the faulty appliance or lamp and then have it repaired.

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Microwaving Water and Other Liquids

Microwaved water and other liquids do not always bubble when they reach the boiling point. They can actually get superheated and not bubble at all. The superheated liquid will bubble up out of the cup when it is moved or when something like a spoon or tea bag is put into it. Generally, to prevent this from happening and causing injury, do not heat any liquid for more than two minutes per cup (depending on the power of your microwave). After heating, let the container stand in the microwave for about 30 seconds before moving it or adding anything into it.

Keep Your Car Keys Near at Night

Tip: If you have an electronic car alarm, keep your car keys nearby at night. If an outside noise or possible intruder alarms you, press the panic button. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until you turn it off or the car battery dies. Your car alarm is a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it... it will go off from most everywhere inside your house. Usually, it works if you park in your driveway or garage. If the car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in, odds are they won't stick around attracting attention. Also, carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm will work the same way there.

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NEWS

Pending home sales rose with many first-time buyers taking advantage of historically good housing affordability conditions, according to the National Association of Realtors® (NAR). The Pending Home Sales Index increased 3.2 percent. “Compared to a year ago, the typical family can pay much less in mortgage costs for the same home, or buy a better home without necessarily increasing their monthly payment,” NAR President Charles McMillan said. Another economic boost is that Construction spending rose unexpectedly in March after five straight declines. The Commerce Department said construction spending rose 0.3 percent, the best showing since a similar rise last September. Economists had expected spending to drop 1.5 percent.

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Fast Facts

• You burn more calories sleeping than you do watching television.

• Reno, Nevada, is west of Los Angeles, California.

• The body of muscle on your palm just beneath the thumb is called the thenar eminence.

• Venus is the only planet that rotates clockwise.

• It's possible to lead a cow upstairs... but not downstairs.

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