kill those bastards!

damn that pesky west nile. if you're anything like me, then bugs are simply attracted to you (my dad said it's my pH level). here're some bug repelents that work, and some that don't (from the july 2004 reader's digest). what works: stuff wit deet (off!), the higher the % the better. oil of eucalyptus (repel lemon eucalyptus insect repellent). and soybean oil (bite blocker for kids). things that don't work: skin so soft. (well, technically, this does work, but only for a lousy 23 mintues.) repellent wristbands and citronella candles don't work at all. and "high tech" devices don't work much either. and my personal tip: drain all stagnent water sources - they're a breeding ground for mosquitos. so don't leave around buckets of water. check all plant ...plates... to make sure there isn't too much excess water down there. and if you've got a pool, be sure to turn on that churning water thing (damnit, i dunno wat it's called, i dont' have a pool!). also, if your pool is already a weird green color, drain it immediatly. first off, the alge and stuff isn't healthy for you. second, it looks gross. and third, it's a good breeding place for mosquitos. one last thing! mosquitos are most attracted to the color blue (light, dark? i dunno) blahblahblah. keep safe this summer!

deflating gas price

gas prices are going down, yes, but maybe not for long. here're (coutesy of reader's digest aug '04) some tips on how to save: don't drive aggressivly - meaning: don't accelerate rapidly, brake suddenly, or change lanes excessively; it can cost you as much at 10% in gas mileage. btw, feul efficency peaks at around 60mph. after that, add in about 10cents a gallon for each additional 5mph. also make sure that you've got proper tire pressure. if you're under, you might be losing 6cents per gallon. replace a clogged air filter and save another 20cents per gallon. and if you fix that malfunctioning oxygen sensor, you could save as much as 60cents per gallon. one more thing, check your gas cap. "nearly 150 million gallos of gasoline evaportate into the atmosphere every year because of all the damaged, loose and missing caps." so really, if you just fixed all the broken things in your car, you'll save a hell of a lot more money than pinching those pennies by driving "safely."