How can you save time when doing the laundry? How can you remove a stuck tape from your VCR (without destroying both)? How much should you tip a skycap at an airport? The Internet offers a wide assortment of helpful hints that will make your life much easier.

At the Stain Detective area of The Clothesline, you can choose the type of stain, then answer a series of questions to learn how to remove it.

Another excellent resource for learning how to remove stains is the Stain Removal Guide.

The summer is always a good time to tackle home improvements, and Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse will point you in the right direction. It offers over 150 "how-to" projects, a plant guide, a paint problem solver, and even a library of home safety tips. In the How-To Library, you’ll learn how to install ceramic tile, how to replace windows, how to install a motion detector, and much more.

During the hot summer months with the kids plopped in front of the TV, you certainly can’t tolerate problems with the VCR. At the VCR Repair Instruction website, you can access the Online Service Manual and learn how to repair cassette carriage problems, dirty heads, and mode switch problems.

To renew and freshen the kitchen sponge, did you know you can soak it overnight in salt and baking soda, or wash it with the dishes in the dishwasher? Did you know that if you submerge a lemon in hot water for 15 minutes before squeezing it, it will yield twice the amount of juice? At Household Hints, you’ll discover an assortment of kitchen, garden, and general hints that are sure to help you. Did you know that you can make your houseplant glow by feeding it a tablespoon of castor oil followed by water?

At The Original Tipping Page, you’ll learn what are considered adequate tips for skycaps, barbers, casino workers, and delivery people. The site also offers a Tip Rate Calculator that will figure out your 10%, 15%, or 20% tip.

If you ship a lot of packages, visit the InterShipper to learn where you’ll receive the best rate. You can get shipping rates from several major shippers by entering your origin and destination along with your package weight and dimensions.

We’ll close with Active First Aid Online, an online first aid manual that covers topics like head injuries, venomous bites and stings, poisoning, near drowning, and more.

Robin Nobles is a freelance writer who can be reached at robinnobles@robinsnest.com.

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