D Ruplinger's Articles

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What Is A Mangosteen?
A mangosteen is an edible fruit but many people have never seen or tasted a mangosteen. The mangosteen should not be confused with the mango you’ve probably seen in your grocery store and may even enjoy regularly. They are completely different fruits and are in no way related.

The mangosteen fruit currently only grows in Southeast Asia although attempts are being made to cultivate and grow it in other tropical climates. It’s a small fruit, about the same size as a tangeri...
Don't Use That Kitchen Knife Until You Know How To Care For It
When using a kitchen knife, or any sharp object, remember to put safety first. Although it sounds obvious don’t run around with a sharp knife in your hand, don’t point a knife at anyone and always cut away from yourself not towards yourself. Also, don’t use your finger to see how sharp the blade is. Yes, I know some of you reading this article have been guilty of this at least once and have found out that the edge of the knife was indeed very sharp because you cut yourself on...
17 Tips And Remedies For The Flu
The “best” flu remedy seems to vary by who you talk to. Some people think that certain over-the-counter medications are the best way to get relief. Others feel homeopathic remedies work the best. Still others feel that only their doctor can help make them make the appropriate choice.

If you talked to my husband he would tell you the best flu remedy is to not get the flu (he’s not always the most helpful person). He talks smart because he hardly ever gets sick. I’m very je...
What Is Hypertension?
Hypertension is another word for high blood pressure. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, hypertension is “abnormally high blood pressure and especially arterial blood pressure.”

High blood pressure occurs when the arteriole arteries narrow, making it difficult for blood to pass through them. This forces the heart to pump harder to get the blood through. As the pressure increases above normal and is sustained, the result is high blood pressure.

High blood pres...
What Can Happen If High Blood Pressure Is Left Untreated?
Because people with high blood pressure do not usually have any symptoms until the disease has reached an advanced stage, high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer.” That is why having blood pressure checked regularly is important.

The lack of symptoms is why some people who are aware they have high blood pressure do not take any steps to control and treat it. Because they feel okay they think everything is okay. But if high blood pressure is left untreated, ...
Don't Purchase A Fireplace Until You Read This
Have you decided the allure of a warm, toasty fire is something you can no longer resist? Is the purchase of a fireplace in your future? There are many options depending on your needs, where you plan on installing the fireplace, and your budget. Below are some things to think about and consider.

1) Is your fireplace going to be in a new home you’re constructing or are you adding one to an existing home? As you probably expect, it’s much easier to put in a fireplace if you...
Don't Move A Piano Until You Read This
How do you move a piano? Very carefully.

Okay, I’m being a little sarcastic, but moving a piano is a serious endeavor.

I’m a big advocate of hiring a professional mover to move a piano. Pianos are heavy and it’s easy to damage a piano while moving it. I’m speaking from experience. I own a Kimball piano my parents bought brand new for me when I was a child. That piano was a big deal to me after having played on an old “clunker” of a piano for several years. I played th...
Be Kind To Your Piano When You Put It In Storage
You own a piano you love. But, you find that you need to put it in storage for a while. How should you go about doing it?

Many experts will tell you to avoid storing a piano if at all possible. It’s suggested to do everything you can to find a relative or friend who can keep the piano in their home or apartment until you’re ready for it again.

But what if that’s not possible?

A climate controlled storage facility is the best storage choice. Then the piano won’t be...
Don't Buy A Gift Card Until You Read This
I enjoy giving gift cards, especially to those hard to shop for people on my list. I, like nearly everyone else, have at least one person on my shopping list that I either don’t know what to buy or I can’t find what I think they would like. When that happens I consider their likes and then purchase a gift card I think they will enjoy using.

For example, I give my restaurant loving friends gift cards to their favorite restaurants; gas station gift cards to my teenage niece...
Don't Buy A Down Comforter Until You Read This
If you are thinking of purchasing a down comforter to keep you toasty warm this winter, there are a few things you need to know before you make your purchase.

First of all, if you’re confused about what a down comforter is, let me explain. The “down” filling in a down comforter is the feathers from geese or ducks. Down is a highly desirable stuffing for a comforter because it is very light, holds in body heat while also allowing moisture to escape, and is very soft.

I...
Which Wireless Plan And Phone Should I Buy
“Which cell phone should I buy” is a question a lot of people ask, but it is one that doesn’t have an easy or simple answer. That’s because there are so many cell phone choices and plans available today, and different people have different needs and different reasons for wanting to get a cell phone.

If someone is looking for a cell phone to carry just for emergencies or if their vehicle breaks down, a basic phone with a low cost plan is all that is needed. A prepaid phone...
Can Cell Phones Harm Your Health?
It seems like everywhere a person goes there is at least one person in view with a cell phone to their ear whether it is on the road, in a store, in a parking lot, walking down the street, etc. Even in places where cell phone usage is banned such as concert halls or movie theaters there is the occasional offender, or more likely, at least a few people using the text messaging feature on their phone.

Cell phone usage has exploded over the past decade and continues to rise....
Don't Rent A Vehicle Until Your Read This
If you are renting a car or other vehicle, the process will be the easiest and smoothest if you have a credit card to use for the transaction. Some car rental companies won’t even rent you a vehicle if you don’t have a credit card for payment. If the car rental company does allow you to rent without a credit card, you may have to pay a large cash deposit to cover any potential damage to the vehicle you are renting. If you are using a travel agent and do not have a credit card...

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