Scent Worries November 20, 2009

Hi Katie,

I was wondering if using scented tampons is safe.  My mom always said not to buy them, but I accidentally picked them up.  Is there really a difference?

Chelly, 18

Dear Chelly,

Well, the difference is that there is fragrance.

If you have sensitive skin or have been allergic to fragrances before, you should probably return them.  If not, you can give them a try.

Tampax claims that their scented tampons are perfectly safe, and the fragrance has probably been tested to determine safety.

WebMD says that scented/deodorant tampons can be a cause of yeast infections because they effect the normal body organisms.

If you are really concerned, don’t use them.  Either try to return them, or donate them to a food shelf or give them to a friend.

Check out these sites.

Being Girl

WebMD

VJSM.com

Apparently, Special Features Take Six Months November 19, 2009

Hi Katie,

When does “Angels and Demons” come out on DVD?  I loved the movie, and it seems like it should be out by now.
Taylor, 18

Dear Taylor,

Considering the fact that it came out in May of this year, it does seem like it should be out on DVD by now.  But keep in mind, the Christmas shopping season is nearly upon us.

According to the Internet Movie Database, it will be released on DVD and 2 disc special DVD on the 24th of November.  That does seem like a really long time to wait for a DVD, but special features take a long time.

Luckily, you won’t have to wait much longer.  Here are a few links to check out.

The Internet Movie Database

Amazon.com

Examiner

Junk Belongs in the Trunk November 18, 2009

Dear Katie,

Why do I get so much junk email?  I’m not signing up for anything, and I’m not registering for anything, how are these people getting my email address?  I’m not interested in herbal Viagra and I sure don’t need a new boat.

Josh, 20

Dear Josh,

You aren’t alone.  Not a day goes by that I don’t get an email about a penis enlarger or some sort of magic pill to make me happy.  They are quite rediculous, and totally a scam.

I did some checking on how they get your email address.  One way is scavenger bots.  These look for email addresses posted on the web and “harvest” them.  If you have your email address posted on your blog, Facebook account, or even on a work website, you are probably going to fall victim to the dreaded junk email.

According to Junkbusters, a website devoted to stopping junk mail, the more unique your email address is, the less likely you are to get junk.  If your email address is, for example, baseball99@email.com, you are going to get more junk than someone whose email address is something like XyVeeHotDog987654@email.com.  This is because of something called “dictionary spamming,” where they just type letters in at random.  A way to foil this is to start your email address with a letter late in the alphabet, so that it will be one of the last to get the junk.

If you receive a spam email that seems especially ripe with fraud, you can report them to the Federal Trade Commission by forwarding it to uce@ftc.gov.

Here are a few sites to investigate.

Junkbusters

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse

Microsoft Online Safety

Can’t Talk, Battery’s Dying November 13, 2009

Hi Katie,

Lately I’ve been noticing that my cell phone battery doesn’t last as long as it used to.  My phone is 2.5 years old, and the battery used to last at least 4 days.  Now I’m lucky if I can get 2 days.  Do I have to make a trip to get a new phone, or is there a way to remedy this problem?

Andrew, 26

Dear Andrew,

Good news, you probably won’t have to get a new phone.  Bad news, you will most likely have to purchase a new battery.

As batteries age, they lose the ability to hold as much energy.  Since yours is quite old (in cell phone years), I would recommend heading to your cell provider’s store and seeing if you can get a replacement battery.  If they don’t have any or no longer carry the type you need, you can also buy them online.

Batteries are usually pretty easy to swap out, and they might be nice enough to do it for you in the store.

Here are a few sites for you to check out.

Batteries 4 Less

Wireless Emporium

CNet Reviews

Airing Our Dirty Laundry November 11, 2009

Dear Katie,

I recently broke up with my live-in girlfriend, and she did my laundry.  I’ve never had to do laundry before.  I don’t know what detergent to use.  I think I can figure out how to run the machine, but I just don’t know what soap I have to buy.  I’m starting to smell…

Tom, 19

Dear Tom,

Kudos for realizing that you have to actually wash your clothes.  You are a step ahead of some people.

Call your mother or whoever did your laundry when you were a child.  Ask them what detergent they use.  Buy it.  A lot of us have allergies to certain brands, so it’s probably best that you stick to something that you’ve used before.  If you can’t call your mom, ask your ex politely.  Maybe she’ll be willing to share with you.

If you can’t get in touch with anyone, purchase a detergent that is free of dyes and fragrance for now.  Then you won’t risk an allergic reaction.

Below are a few sites dedicated to all things laundry.

Project Laundry List

Ask Men

Life 123

Don’t Be In A Rush To Date November 9, 2009

Hi Katie,

I’m 20 years old, and I’ve never had a boyfriend.  I’ve never even been on a date!  Is there something wrong with me?

Ali, 20

Dear Ali,

First of all, get it out of your head that something is wrong with you.  There isn’t.

You are only 20, don’t be in a rush to get out and date.  Just because other people your age are dating doesn’t mean you should.  Everyone is special, and everyone is different.  Don’t compare yourself to other people; you will never be happy with what you see.

If you have someone in mind that you would like to date, are you waiting for them to make the first move?  Why don’t you make it yourself?  Even if they say no, you at least have an answer and don’t have to wonder anymore.

You might also be interested in signing up for an internet dating program.  You don’t have to actually go out on dates with people, but you can talk to them and see if sparks fly.  Just consider it practice.

Here are a few sites to check out for internet dating.

Plenty of Fish

Someone New

Love.org

Match.com

A Clothespin Also Works Nicely November 6, 2009

Dear Katie,

My boyfriend hates the smell of my candles and incense.  We live near a lot of restaurants, and the neighbors all smoke, so I’m am constantly battling odors.  I burn candles and incense to make the place smell better, but he says they’re just too much.  Can we find a happy medium without our house smelling like burning Thai food all the time?

Amber, 24

Dear Amber,

Unfortunately, unless you move or lose your sense of smell, you’re stuck with the odors.

Instead of trying to cover up all those smells with more smells, consider just getting rid of them.  There are air fresheners on the market that remove odors, not mask them, and they are perfect for your situation.

Baking soda absorbs odors, you could sprinkle some onto your carpet/sofa/drapes, then vacuum out.  That should freshen things up a little bit.

Your boyfriend might enjoy some of these candles.

Original Man Candle

Very Funny Gifts

MenScents

The Truth, The Whole Truth, And Nothing But The Truth November 4, 2009

Dear Katie,

I had a big test last week that I studied my butt off for.  It was our first test of the semester, and I really had to do well.  I don’t know the guy who sits next to me, but he has asked me for notes quite a bit, and I noticed during the test that he was trying to cheat off of my exam.  I’ve been worried sick about this.  I know I should talk to my professor, but I don’t quite know what to say.

Anonymous

Dear Anonymous,

You need to talk to your professor ASAP.  If both of you have the same answers, both of you can get in trouble.  You need to be the first to speak up and tell the truth.

The truth is what counts.  Don’t exaggerate, don’t tell any white lies, just the truth.  The sooner you talk to your professor, the better.  Perhaps shoot them an email first and let them know that you need to talk to them about something important.  Try to talk to him before he grades papers.

It’s good that you were worried, it means you have a conscience.

Going (Grocery Shopping) For Broke November 3, 2009

Hi Katie,

I need groceries badly, and I don’t get paid until Friday.  I have roughly five bucks to spend to feed me for three days.  Help!
JT, 21

Dear JT,

Don’t worry, you aren’t alone in being broke.  Many of us know the pain of having to wait until payday.  You don’t have to worry about starving, though.

First things first, get yourself a loaf of bread.  Store brand bread is usually the cheapest, or look for something on sale.  Bread can be used for a bunch of things, and there should be enough to last you a few days.  If you have a jar of peanut butter or some jam, you have yourself a sandwich.

Even though people tend to think it’s gross, Ramen noodles aren’t that bad.  If you buy the kind in the cup, all you have to add is hot water, they’re done in three minutes, and they cost under $0.30.  They make a ton of flavors, and they’re warm and filling.

If this seems to happen to you every time payday comes around, maybe it’s time to look at your current job.  Is it paying enough for you to pay your bills and still be able to eat?  If you just aren’t making enough, it might be time to ask for a raise or to look for a new or second job.  As long as you have time for it and can handle the additional stress, it is worth pursuing.  You might also want to see if you qualify to shop at a food bank.  There is no need for you to go hungry.

Here are some links to help you out.

Associated Content

Coupon Mom

Ceres Secrets

A Clean Laptop is a Happy Laptop October 30, 2009

Dear Katie,

I’ve been using my laptop for about two years, and it’s looking pretty rough.  I carry it in my backpack, so there is dirt and dust from that, and the oils and other stuff from my hands has accumulated on the keys and near the touch pad.  Can I clean it myself, or do I have to take it in?

Rob, 22

Dear Rob,

No need to take your laptop in to be cleaned or buy any fancy kits.  You might want to check your user manual that came with your laptop before trying to clean it.  It may void a warranty.

First of all, make sure your laptop is turned off and nothing is plugged into it.  You being electrocuted doesn’t get your computer clean.

We’ll start with the screen.  You will need 2 soft cloths, such as an pair of old socks, and cleaning solution.  Mix one part isopropyl alcohol and one part water.

Don’t know what that means?  Isopropyl alcohol is sold in drug stores, and measuring things in parts is quite simple.  Anything can be used to measure.  The cap from lip balm can be a unit of measurement.

For cleaning your computer, try using a small bowl and add 1/4 cup of isopropyl alcohol and 1/4 of water.  Dip the sock lightly in the mixture, so that it is slightly moist, not wet.  Keep the other cloth dry.  Wring out any excess moisture, then start wiping the screen.  When you have done the entire screen, use the dry cloth to remove any excess.

You can use this same mixture on the rest of the laptop.  Cotton swabs may be easier to use on the keyboard.  Remember, don’t use too much cleaning solution.  The idea is to remove gunk, not to give it a shower.

To clean the keyboard, either brush away crumbs and other loose debris with an old toothbrush, or you can get a can of compressed air.  You can get it at a hardware store or any big box mart.  You do need to be 18 to purchase compressed air because it contains a toxic chemical, so be careful when you are using it.

Hold your laptop at an angle, and use the compressed air to blow all of the debris out from the keys.  You might want to try it a few times at a few different angles.

Compressed air can also be used to clean out ports and vents.  Just be sure that none of the liquid from the can gets into them.

I hope this helps answer your question.  Here are a few sites to learn more about cleaning laptop computers.

Mobile Office

How to Clean Stuff

Computer Hope