| How to Keep a Record Collection Safe Posted: 24 Jul 2018 05:00 PM PDT Many vinyl enthusiasts claim that you can't get a great sound from any other means of playing music. Maybe your passion is collecting old, rare vinyl, or maybe you love the new releases that are now available on vinyl due to the recent spike in popularity of vinyl records.[1] Storing your record collection is important for maintaining the quality of the sound, and you should consider location, temperature, and condition of the records in order to keep them safe. EditStoring Your Collection - Check for warped records. Especially when dealing with a collection of older records, it's important to check for warps in the record. This happens when the vinyl is overheated or exposed to too much humidity. It can lead to bumps or irregularities in the shape of the disc.
- If you have a warped record, remove it from the cardboard cover (but keep it in the protective sleeve), and place it between two thick plates of glass. Stack a few heavy books on top of the glass and leave them for 7-10 days.[2]
- This might not be effective for every record, but if it doesn't work, there are always other ways to use your record. You could even try making a Salvador Dali clock out of it!
- Buy extra protective sleeves for your records. If you have an expansive collection, chances are that you have a few records that are missing their protective sleeve. It's important to keep your record covered before storing it, especially for vintage records.[3]
- Most record sleeves for sale are anti-static, acid free, and generally offer more protection for your record than the sleeves that come in the original packaging. If you do a lot of listening to your collection, consider getting aftermarket sleeves.
- Protect your records from dust. Storing your records in both an inner and outer sleeve will protect them from dust. Also be sure to regularly dust and vacuum the area where you store your records, to keep dust from settling onto the packaging and storage shelves and potentially harming your records.[4]
- Protect your records from heat. Heat will ruin records by warping them. Keep your records in an area that is room temperature, and away from windows, vents, radiators, and other sources of heat.[5]
- Sunlight is also damaging to records, and can lead to warping. It is important to make sure your records are not stored or played for long periods of time in direct sunlight.
- Store records vertically. Since records are heavier in the middle than the sides, storing horizontally over long periods of time will lead to warping.[6]
- Try to make sure your records are as vertical as possible. It might be helpful to use a bookend to hold your records upright like you would books on a shelf.
EditHandling Your Records - Handle records with care. Records are fragile and will break when dropped. Additionally, the oils from your fingers can transfer onto the material and build up over time. It's important to hold records by the sides or the center label only.[7]
- Never move the arm on your record player by hand, as the drop of the needle can harm your record. Use the cueing lever on your record player and aim for the area, letting the arm drop slowly to prevent gouging the vinyl.
- Clean your vinyl records regularly. Keeping your records clean will minimize the potential for damage from dust, dirt, and other particles which could result in scratching. There are a few steps for cleaning:[8]
 - Gently wipe records with a carbon fibre brush before and after each play, and before you begin a deep clean.
- Wrap your index finger in a lint-free cloth, and lightly dip it into a bowl of warm, distilled water.
- Gently rub your finger over the record in a circular motion following the grooves of the record, moving clockwise from the center of the record out.
- Once at the edge of the record, wipe counter-clockwise back into the center of the record.
- If your record is still not clean, mix a drop of dish soap into the distilled water and repeat. All soap will leave a residue, so try not to use any soap to clean your records.
- Rinse once more by wiping with distilled water to remove residue from soap.
- Records should be dry immediately due to small amount of water used.
- Avoid getting the label wet. If you do, pat dry with a clean, lint-free towel.
- If your record is still not clean, consider using a record vacuum system. Although expensive, they are engineered to do the best job of cleaning your records while keeping them safe.
- Take special care of shellac records. Any records made from shellac, such as some 78rpm records, should be cleaned either professionally, or using professional cleaning solutions specifically made for this purpose. Early shellac records are very porous and will absorb any residue, leading to damage.[9]
- For a shellac record that is older and more resilient, you can try the method for cleaning using distilled water and a small amount of dish soap.
- Place cleaned records in a new, clean sleeve. Having extra sleeves on hand will be helpful for when you clean your records. If you have a problem with dust or dirt in your collection, cleaning your record will help, but placing them in new sleeves after cleaning will ensure that they aren't getting dirty again.[10]
- Ensure that your record player is in good condition. A poorly maintained record player can harm your records by gouging the surface and allowing dust onto your record. Keep the needle sharp and the turntable clean to ensure the safety of your collection.[11]
- If you have a large number of records to clean, use a vacuum record cleaning machine. They are sometimes available for use at museums and large libraries that have collections of records.
- If the labels on your records are coming off, look for acid-free glue to reaffix them. A local craft or book repair store may be able to advise on a suitable glue.
- Transfer your collection to digital recordings if you want to make sure that the music is never lost. That way, should the unthinkable happen (scratches or dropping and breaking), you still have a copy of the music.
- Keep a database of your record collection using a computer program such as Access or Microsoft Excel. This is helpful when you want to know if you have certain albums or songs.
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| How to Build a Stylish Wardrobe (Guys) Posted: 24 Jul 2018 09:00 AM PDT With all of the various options for fashion that are available these days, everyone should have a wardrobe that makes them look their best. Looking good means feeling good! Though it can be difficult to dress stylishly as a guy, with the internet, a host of options in men's clothing stores, and a little bit of time searching for the right clothes, you can create the wardrobe of your dreams. EditIdentifying Your Style - Do a quick search of men's style. Searching on male fashion websites such as GQ, Esquire, AskMen, or other e-magazines will give you a good idea of what men's fashion looks like today. Identify a few looks, celebrities, or garments that you find interesting and would want to try out for yourself. Keep these in mind throughout the process of selecting pieces of clothing to put in your wardrobe.[1]
- Identify what style you're looking to achieve. Think about whether you would like to be perceived as sporty, edgy, classic, hipster, or something entirely different.[2]
- A sporty style incorporates items such as sneakers, athletic wear, baseball hats, sweatshirts and sports-themed t-shirts.
- An edgy style can incorporate pieces with dark colors, leather jackets, boots, and scarves.
- Classic style is more business-y and involves button-down shirts, slim dress pants, dress shoes, and suit jackets or blazers.
- Hipster style is defined by flannel shirts, graphic t-shirts, slim-fitting pants, retro-style canvas sneakers, and beanie-style hats.
- However, you don't have to define yourself by just one style! There are many articles of clothing that fit into many different styles that can create a core wardrobe for you to choose from.
- Sort through the garments you already have. Take a look in your closet, and keep the clothing that reflects current fashion and suits your physique. Basics such as a good t-shirt or dress shirt may do wonders for your look, and provide an excellent base from which to start your new style.[3]
- Try on any piece of clothing you want to keep. Make sure it fits properly in all of the right places. If it doesn't fit properly and you aren't able to get it tailored to fit, put it in a pile to donate to charity. If it needs to be tailored to fit properly, place it aside and take it to be fitted as soon as possible so you don't forget about it.[4]
- It may be helpful to have a second opinion while trying on clothes, so reach out to an honest friend and ask them if they'll assist you with the process of narrowing down your wardrobe.
EditBuilding a Core Wardrobe - Make a budget. It will be helpful to have an idea of what you are looking to spend in relation to how many articles of clothing you will need to buy. This will determine what stores you should be shopping in.[5]
- There are options for any budget, with fast fashion such as Express and H&M, mid-priced options like Macy's or other large retailers, and high-end options such as Saks or Nordstrom.
- Keep an eye out for sales, especially online! You never know when you might find a great deal.
- Purchase five well-fitting button-down shirts. These items are staples in any man's wardrobe, and you never know when you will need to use them. White and pale blue are universally flattering colors for button-down shirts, as well as small prints involving light colors. They're versatile and will match any color of pants.[6]
- Purchase five solid-colored t-shirts. Colors like white, black, navy blue, olive green, and gray will match with most of the other articles of clothing in your wardrobe. They'll help you create a casual look.
- Purchase one or two pairs of solid-colored jeans. Dark wash jeans will match many other garments. Make sure the fit is the correct one for your body type. There are a few different styles of pants, including skinny, slim, regular, relaxed, and loose.[7]
- Most men prefer a close, but not tight, fit. Try on a few pairs to see how they look on you and what you feel most comfortable in.
- Purchase one or two solid colored-sweaters. Navy, olive, grey, or black will work best. You can use this to layer up for warmth during the colder months or just to wear by itself for a more casual look. Make sure that it is well-fitting and lightweight.[8]
- Purchase at least two pairs of dress pants. Colors such as grey, black, khaki, or tan will work best with your other garments and make matching easy. Again, ensure that the pants are well-fitting and flattering on your body. If necessary, get measured so that you can make sure you're purchasing the right size![9]
- There are also options such as chinos and cords, which are less professional but can still work well with any wardrobe.[10]
- Purchase one or two pairs of casual shoes. Pick your favorite style, but make sure they are comfortable and in a color that will match most of your wardrobe. Black and brown are the most popular options.[11]
- Casual shoes include canvas sneakers, boots, loafers, leather sneakers and oxfords.
- Purchase a coat or jacket. Depending on the weather where you live, you might need a heavier jacket. Select one that can transition from heavy to lighter depending on the weather. If you live in an area with a lot of rain, it might be helpful to purchase a rain jacket.
- Purchase a suit. Every adult man needs a well-fitting suit. You never know what opportunity might arise for you to wear it. Go to a store that specializes in fitting for men's suits. Select a color such as black, navy, or gray.[12]
- Purchase at least one pair of dress shoes. These will go with your suit as well as your dress pants and button-down shirts. Select a color such as black or brown that will complement your wardrobe.[13]
- Ensure that the shoes are comfortable and fit properly. You may want to walk around the store a bit while trying them on.
- Try every selected article of clothing on while in the store. Again, make sure you have an honest friend accompanying you. Check the clothing for the quality of the fabric and stitching, any tears or stains, and your ability to move in the piece. Inspect the seams closely and make sure the stitches are tight and close together. Have your friend check the fit of the garment on you as well.[14]
- Ensure that the buttons aren't loose and there are no loose strings.
- A good quality fabric will feel soft in your hand and have no tears, stains, or marks.
EditFinding Unique Pieces - Purchase a watch. Besides being functional, a watch can pull your look together and show your style through accessorizing. Pick one that isn't too large or too small, that fits well on your wrist, and that you can clearly read.[15]
- Purchase a pair of sunglasses. If you live in an area with a lot of sun or with intense summers, sunglasses will definitely be useful. They can help communicate a mysterious vibe and complete your look when you're dressing casually. Choose a pair that complement your face shape and aren't too large or small for your face.[16]
- Purchase other accessories. These will help to create an endless amount of different looks from a small number of outfits. Accessorizing with a tie, hat, belt, or even jewelry can take your outfit to the next level and make you stand out in a way that is unique to you.[17]
- Invest in one or two pieces of clothing that will define your style. If you're into the edgy look, this may be a real leather jacket. For someone interested in looking sporty, it might be a great pair of sneakers. These pieces will make you stand out and really pull together any look that you make with the basics that you purchased.
- Update yourself on the latest trends. Consider subscribing to magazines such as GQ or Esquire that specialize in men's fashion. This will keep you updated and on-trend and thinking about new ways that you can style the pieces that you already have.
- Rotate clothes seasonally. It might be a good option for you to have a few garments that you rotate through seasonally, such as a lighter coat for spring, a few bulky sweaters for autumn and winter, and tank tops for summer. This will keep your wardrobe constantly feeling refreshed and new, and it will prevent you from repeating outfits over a short period of time.[18]
- Always wear clothing that fits. Too small, and it will make you look strange as a hem is too short, or as every detail of your body shows through your shirt. By the same token, clothing that is far too big drowns the body and makes you look shorter and larger than you are.
- Try to have a variety of colors and styles to mix and match, and always focus on neutrals like black, brown and white.
- Be sure to have seasonal garments. Also, have garments for casual events and those for professional and dressy occasions.
- Ask a female friend for her opinion and advice. Almost all women have a great and individual sense of style, and they tend to have an eye for color and form, particularly when it comes to clothing. Find one that likes the style you are searching for, and your wardrobe will be a surefire success.
- Don't be afraid to be an individual. If you like a garment and it fits, wear it!
- Try everything on before you buy it.
- When trying out the clothes at home, do not remove tags, you never know how you're going to feel about the clothes in a week. Only remove the tags when you are sure you're going to wear the clothes.
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| How to Stop Snoring Posted: 24 Jul 2018 01:00 AM PDT Snoring can frustrate the people who share your home, and it likely leaves you feeling tired in the morning. If you want to stop snoring, you can make easy lifestyle changes to reduce your snoring risk, and you can take steps to keep your airways open. It's also a good idea to talk to your doctor about your snoring, as medical treatments may be necessary. EditMaking Lifestyle Changes - Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight can worsen snoring. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and exercising can help you relieve your snoring symptoms.[1]
- Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program.
- People who are a healthy weight can still have a snoring problem, especially if there are underlying health risks like sleep apnea.
- Don't drink alcohol right before you go to bed. Alcohol relaxes your body, which actually increases your risk of snoring. This is because your throat muscles will also relax, making them collapse a little. This will cause you to snore more. If snoring is a concern, you should not drink close to bedtime.[2]
- If you enjoy a drink, limit how much your drink to 2 servings or less, and allow enough time before bed for the effects of the alcohol to wear off.
- Sleep on your side. Sleeping on your back causes the tissues in the back of your throat to droop down, making your airways narrow. Turning onto either side alleviates this problem, reducing your risk of snoring.
- Prop yourself up by at least 4 inches if you must sleep on your back. You can use an inclining pillow or lift the head of the bed to raise your sleeping position. This reduces constriction in the back of your throat, making you less likely to snore.[3]
- Use a special pillow meant to stop snoring. Some patients report sleeping better with an anti-snoring pillow.[4] There are several designs to choose from, such as wedges, cervical support pillows, contour pillows, memory foam pillows, and pillows made for use with sleep apnea. Look for pillows labeled to reduce snoring.[5]
- Anti-snoring pillows may not work for everyone.
- Quit smoking. Smoking increases your risk of snoring. It also makes snoring worse. Overall, giving up cigarettes can help you breathe better, so give it a try.[6]
- If you're struggling to quit, talk to your doctor about quitting aides, like gum, patches, and prescription medication.
- Limit your use of sedatives. Sedatives relax your central nervous system, which includes your throat muscles. This can increase the risk of snoring. Avoiding them can help reduce your snoring risk.[7]
- If you have trouble sleeping, it might help to get on a sleep schedule.
- Talk to your doctor before quitting any prescription medications.
- Sing for 20 minutes a day to help tighten your throat muscles. Since slack throat muscles can be the cause of snoring, tightening them can help eliminate your symptoms. When performed daily for at least 20 minutes, singing can help tighten your muscles.[8]
- Alternatively, you could play a wind instrument, such as the oboe or french horn.[9]
EditKeeping Your Airways Open While Sleeping - Apply nasal strips or a nasal dilator to keep your airways open. Over-the-counter nasal strips are an easy, inexpensive way to keep your airways open. They work by attaching to the outside of your nostrils and pulling open your nose. Similarly, a nasal dilator is a re-usuble nasal strip that you wear over your nose to help keep your airways open.[10]
- You can find both nasal strips and nasal dilators at local drugstores or online.
- These items do not work for everyone, especially if you have an underlying condition like sleep apnea.
- Take decongestants or rinse your nasal passages if you have sinus congestion. Sinus congestion blocks your airways and can cause snoring. Over-the-counter decongestants can help relieve sinus congestion. Another great option is to rinse your sinuses with saline solution before bed.[11]
- Only rinse your sinuses with a sterile saline solution, which you can buy over-the-counter or make at home. When making your own, use distilled or bottled water.
- It's also a good idea to take antihistamines if you have allergies, which can lead to sinus congestion.
- Use a humidifier to keep your airways moist. Dryness in your airways sometimes causes snoring, but keeping the airways moist can alleviate this problem. A humidifier is an easy way to avoid dryness. Place the humidifier in your bedroom while you're sleeping.[12]
EditSeeking Medical Treatment - Talk to your doctor to rule out underlying medical conditions. It's best to talk to your doctor if you suspect you're snoring. Some underlying health conditions can cause snoring, such as sleep apnea, which is a serious condition linked to other health complications such as high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and depression. If you notice the following symptoms, make an appointment to discuss them with your doctor.[13]
- Excessive sleepiness.
- Headaches after waking.
- Difficulty concentrating during the day.
- Sore throat in the morning.
- Restlessness.
- Waking up at night due to gasping or choking.
- High blood pressure readings.
- Chest pain at night.
- Being told you snore.
- Allow your doctor to conduct an imaging test. An X-ray, CT-scan, or MRI will let your doctor check your sinus passages and airways for issues, such as narrowness or a deviated septum. This allows the doctor to eliminate possible causes so that they can recommend the right treatment options.[14]
- These tests are noninvasive and painless. However, you may experience some discomfort from staying still for a period of time.
- Undergo a sleep study if your symptoms continue after other treatments. Most patients will get better after making lifestyle changes and visiting their doctor. However, sometimes the underlying issue is more complicated. For example, you may have sleep apnea a condition where you stop breathing for a short period of time before naturally recovering. Your doctor may recommend a sleep study to find out what is causing your snoring.[15]
- A sleep study is very easy for the patient. Your doctor will schedule an appointment at a sleep study clinic, where you'll sleep normally in an office that resembles a hotel room. You'll be hooked up to a machine that causes no pain and minimal discomfort. An expert in another room will then monitor your sleeping to produce a report for your doctor.[16]
- You may be able to do an at-home sleep study. Your doctor will give you a device to wear while you sleep, which will record your sleep information for later analysis.
- Use a CPAP machine if you have sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a serious condition that requires medical treatment for a good outcome. This not only disrupts sleep, it's also associated with other life-threatening conditions. Your doctor will likely prescribe a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine to help you breathe better at night.[17]
- It's important to use your CPAP machine every night and to follow all of your doctor's instructions.
- Clean your CPAP machine properly. Clean your mask daily, and your tubing and water chamber once a week.[18]
- Using your CPAP machine can help you breathe easier, snore less, and sleep better as you work on controlling and ultimately eliminating your sleep apnea. In many cases, you will not need a CPAP for life. Talk to a respiratory therapist for more information regarding starting and stopping CPAP use.
- Get fitted for a dental mouthpiece to relieve snoring. A dentist can fit you for a mouthpiece that pulls your jaw and tongue forward slightly so that your airways remain open. While they can be effective, they are also costly. They can carry a price tag as high as $1,000 USD.[19]
- You can find inexpensive over-the-counter mouthpieces that may work, though they won't be as well-fitted as one shaped by a dentist.
- Consider surgery if no other treatment options work. In rare cases, surgery is necessary to treat the causes of snoring. Your doctor will discuss this option if they think it's best for you.
- The doctor may perform a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy to remove the obstruction causing your snoring, such as inflamed tonsils or adenoids.
- If you have sleep apnea, the doctor might tighten or reduce your soft palate or uvula.
- A doctor may also tighten the fremen of your tongue or reduce the size of it to help your air flow more freely through your airways if they find that your tongue contributes to airflow obstruction.[20]
- While lifestyle changes can be very helpful, it's best to talk to your doctor if you are snoring.
- Remember that snoring is a physical problem. Don't feel bad if you have a snoring problem, as it's not your fault.
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