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May 16, 2012

Jackson Holahan: The Aleppo Codex
Jonathan Tobin : Iran Declares Victory in Nuclear Talks
Anne Kates Smith: 7 Stocks That Let You Sleep Tight
Carmen Terzic, M.D., Ph.D. : Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: A variety of exercises can help improve balance
Melissa Healy: National strategy on Alzheimer's disease aims to halt it by 2025
The Kosher Gourmet by Joyce White : GOODNESS GRACIOUS: GREENS! 4 winning recipes that are no longer just for down-home folks (Includes expert tips & techniques)
May 15, 2012
Dennis Prager: God and Man at (and for) Liberty
Kristen Chick: Obama administration resumes arms sales to Bahrain despite serious unresolved human rights issues. Activists feel abandoned
Pat Mertz Esswein: Homes are now affordable again and mortgage rates are low. What you need to know before you buy
Kathy Kristof: Our Practical Investor Fights Inflation with These 6 Investments
Sue Hubbard, M.D.: The Kid's Doctor: Lactose intolerant young child? Check again
Environmental Nutrition Editors: Get the facts on palm sugar sweetening
The Kosher Gourmet by Kathy Hunt: Spread a Little Excitement with EXOTIC CONDIMENTS (4 RECIPES)
May 14, 2012
Richard Simon: Purple Hearts for domestic terror victims?
Nando Pelusi, Ph.D.: The privacy paradox: Surrounded by strangers, we risk isolation, anxiety
Chris Farrell: Investing Lessons from the Great Recession
Lisa Gerstner: How to Protect Your Identity, Finances If You Lose Your Phone
Harvard Health Letters: Heart disease and dementia
Tiffany O'Callaghan: New hormone mimics effects of exercise without the sweat
The Kosher Gourmet by Megan Gordon: MANGO COCONUT OAT MORNING MUFFINS are a bright but hearty delight
May 11, 2012
Rabbi B. Shafier: Why happiness will always be elusive
Charles Krauthammer: Echoes of '67: Israel unites
Howard LaFranchi: With G8 snub, US-Putin 'reset' off to stumbling start
Jeremy J. Siegel: Investors, Relax About Rising Interest Rates
Jessica L. Anderson: Get the Best Deal on a Used Car
Jett Stone: Forget face-lifts and fake knees. Scientists have seen the fountain of youth --- and it's broccoli
The Kosher Gourmet by Chef Mario Batali: The famed chef's vegetable dish that tastes true to the season: FAVAS AND SUGAR SNAP PEAS WITH POTATOES AND TARRAGON
May 10, 2012
Clifford D. May: The Real Palestinian Refugee Problem
Sergei L. Loiko: Putin sends warning to U.S., NATO in Victory Day speech at Red Square
Mary Rourke: How being a 'mentch' got Vidal Sasoon his start and fighting in Israel's War of Independence provided him with confidence and a strong sense of his own identity
Harvard Health Letters: Palliative care: Underused therapy yields surprising benefits
Jeff Bertolucci: Get Home Phone Service for Less Than $10 a Month
Rachel L. Sheedy and Susan B. Garland : Make the Right Moves to Boost Benefits
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Gleaming with its golden, crimson, and snowy white hues, this silken smooth and creamy STRAWBERRY ORANGE TRIFLE looks impressive, but is easy to prepare
May 9, 2012
John Rosemond: Parents, stop destroying the American male
Valerie J. Nelson: Maurice Sendak, author of 'Where the Wild Things Are,' dies at 83
Bob Frick: Angst Over Annuities
Sharon Palmer, R.D. How you can reduce your risk -- or delay -- chronic diseases associated with aging
Howard LeWine, M.D.: Ask the Harvard Experts: Why did my blood pressure suddenly shoot up?
Lisa Gerstner: Lower the Rate on All Your Loans
The Kosher Gourmet by Emily Ho : Springtime soba with miso sauce offers a coloful mix of fresh textures and flavors
May 8, 2012
Edmund Sanders: Netanyahu suddenly cancels new elections, forms unity government
Frank J. Gaffney Jr.: Farewell to European superstate
Anne Kates Smith: 4 Stocks That Mimic Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway
Gaia Vince and Clare Wilson The Rise of Miniature Medical Robots: Fantasy Fast Becoming Reality
Paul Takahashi, M.D.: Mayo Clinic Medical Edge: Never suffer night leg cramps
Jessica L. Anderson: Extended-Warranty Warning
The Kosher Gourmet by Diane Rossen Worthington: Celebrate National Chocolate Chip Day with the Best Cookie Ever (Includes techniques)
May 7, 2012
Mark Clayton: Homeland Security warns major cyber attack aimed at gas pipeline industry underway
Angus Roxburgh: Putin Decoded: World view of a Russian feeling dissed
Kimberly Lankford: Navigate a Course for Long-Term Care
Kevin McCormally How to Adjust Your Tax Withholding
Celeste Robb-Nicholson, M.D.: Harvard Health Letters: How do you treat a Baker's cyst?
Joanne Capano: Healthy Snacks for Children: The Choices May Surprise You
The Kosher Gourmet by Penelope Wall: Classic Creamy Spinach Dip with a Fraction of the Calories and Fat
May 4, 2012
Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo: Holy 'trivialities'
Jonathan Tobin: Bibi v. Barak will be no contest this time around
Steven Goldberg: Blue Chip Stocks On Sale Worldwide
Art Pine Slow Productivity Growth a Blessing --- For Now
Sue Hubbard, M.D. : The Kid's Doctor: Are Kids Too Wired?
Kerri-Ann Jennings, M.S., R.D: Foods that are good for your smile
Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.: Eating Well: Foods that are good for your smile
The Kosher Gourmet by Betty Rosbottom: Strawberry rhubarb parfaits are elegant yet simple to assemble
May 3, 2012
Michael Freund: Who's Afraid of the Messiah?
Clifford D. May: The Foggiest War
Susan B. Garland: Insurance to Cover Old Old Age
Steven Goldberg 6 Reasons to Bet on a Big Bull Market
Harvard Health Letters: Treating prostate cancer --- no rush to judgment
Larry Gordon: Harvard, MIT partner to offer free online courses
Naomi Nix : Man gets free trip to Chicago after postcard sent by mother in 1957 finally reaches him
The Kosher Gourmet by Diane Rossen Worthington: Intensely Italian vegetable frittata is a seriously simple standby
May 2, 2012
Daniel Pipes and Steve Emerson : Chris Christie's Islam Problem
Richard Z. Chesnoff: A Nazi collaborator at the Met
Thomas M. Anderson: The Best 529 College-Savings Plans
Harvard Special Report: Fatigue is a symptom of numerous illnesses
Amy Paturel, M.S., M.P.H.: What to eat for a healthy heart and mind


Jewish World Review

Fixit: Carpet stains above garage

By Karen Youso


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http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | (MCT) Q: We have a modified two-story home. The carpet in the upstairs bedrooms has a dark 1-inch stain on the edge above our garage. Our carpet is 18 years old, and we will probably replace it in the next couple of years, but first I want to find a solution to this problem.


A: It sounds like a case of carbon soot stains. Sometimes called sooting or ghosting, it can be found along edges and under doors of carpeted rooms. But take a closer look. It also accumulates on flat surfaces, electronic devices such as TVs, computers, VCRs, etc. In some cases, ghostly stripes show up on walls as it collects over vertical wall studs.


Surprisingly, the source of the soot most often is simple candle-burning. Burning candles can be extremely dirty, especially scented ones. Although they appear to burn cleanly, they produce tiny particles of soot that become airborne. The microscopic particles tend to accumulate on cooler surfaces over time, creating a noticeable stain. If you burn candles in these rooms, stop.


Soot also can come, as you suspect, from the garage. Just starting or parking a car can create soot, especially if you back in a vehicle or it's out of tune and burning dirty. Attached and tuck-under garages can look as if they are separated from the house, but they often aren't, not to small particles like soot. Air typically is pulled from the garage into the house, bringing the soot with it.


You may be concerned about the soot, but vehicles are big sources of carbon monoxide, or CO, as well, and that's more dangerous. You can see soot, but not CO, which at low doses can make people feel unwell. And if it comes and goes, as it would from a garage source, it might never be connected to vague symptoms such as headaches or tiredness. It is critical that you install a digital electronic carbon monoxide alarm in your home, especially in bedrooms adjoining a garage.


Soot and CO also can come from a malfunctioning furnace, water heater or fireplace. In those cases, however, you'd tend to find soot stains throughout the house. Have a technician check appliances to make sure they are burning cleanly and venting properly.


To prevent soot stains in a house, occupants should:


  • Avoid or restrict the use of candles in houses (the National Candle Association Web site, www.candles.org, gives specific information on how to choose and burn candles so as to avoid soot problems).

  • Have combustion appliances in the home checked regularly for proper operation and venting effectiveness.

  • Never idle vehicles in an attached garage; ensure that the garage is properly air-sealed from the house.


Builders should:


  • Build tighter houses and specifically ensure that air leakage pathways at floor-header assemblies are well sealed.

  • Use insulation techniques and wall details that minimize thermal bridging and cold spots.

  • Ensure that garages are air-sealed from the home and any ductwork running through the garage is tightly sealed.

  • Ensure all combustion appliances are properly installed and vented. Use direct-vent, sealed combustion appliances.


Includes information from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp.

Every weekday JewishWorldReview.com publishes what many in the media and Washington consider "must-reading". Sign up for the daily JWR update. It's free. Just click here.

Karen Youso is a columnist for the Star Tribune in Minneapolis. Send a note by clicking here.



Previously:


Eisenhower dollars; foggy mirror
Where to put CO monitor; absorbent towels
Removing bumper sticker without damaging car; rechargeable-battery tools over in unheated garage
Mouseproof 101; cleaning sticky tools
Pass on the crapstastic cheapsakes
Give your guests the right to shoes
Forced Family Fun serves its purpose
Expert advice helps take worry out of choosing exterior paint color
Take guesswork out of being a good guest
Natural lawn, garden worth the labor
You can rely on these landscape plants
Selling stuff on eBay can test patience
All set for things yet to come
Laminate flooring can be a good value
A whiff of vinyl
Storing, handling old photos

© 2007, Star Tribune. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.

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