Word definition gets better in Google Now and in Google search

I check definitions of words constantly to make sure it conveys the right meaning, Google has been of great help. A word search of "define: impeccable" in Google Now in smartphones or in Google search gives a succinct summary of the word and it just got better with Google’s updates as shown in the picture above. The new definition page shows, synonyms, antonyms, pronunciation, usage, adjectives, word origin, a graph showing the usage of that particular word over the years. 

Here’s another example: "define: right".

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How to remove scratches in a LCD Monitor with Chapstick?

My friend had a big scratch on her iMac screen and was worried about costs associated with changing the screen, so I tried to find a simple and cost-effective method to do it ourselves. Thanks to YouTube search, I found this video and applied chapstick across the scratches and wiped them off with a paper tissue, a few minutes later they were gone for good. I used Nivea chapstick but I'm sure other brands might work also.

You can see the results below, there is some scratch left on the screen, but I think with two or more applications it might go way. My friend was happy with just this application.

Before with Scratches

After without scratches

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How to locate a lost item using Switch Words?

I used the below Switch-words technique to retrieve lost items more than half-a-dozen times, such as a library book, important bill and headphones. I just chanted these words for about 10 times and thinking about the lost item at the same time and was able to locate the items soon after. 

This solution is from the book, Bach Flower Remedies by Naran S. Balakumar. Though the book suggests us to take Bach Flower Remedies, even saying those words alone worked out for me.

To locate a Lost item say the following three Switch Words: 

"CERATO, ROCK WATER, CHESTNUT BUD" and the Lost item name.

Via Naran's blog.

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How to access Google Play wishlist in your Android phones

The "Wishlist" option in Google Play has been around for a while, where you can add the apps you want to install on your device later on. But there's no way to access them in your desktop or laptop browsers, this option is only available in your Android Smartphones or Tablets (Update: There is a link, which is kind of hidden as browse the apps but nevertheless you can access them via this link: https://play.google.com/wishlist). 

Open any app in Google Play and click the button "Add to Wishlist" and go to Google play settings menu in your Smartphone or Tablet as shown below and click "My wishlist":

You will see a list of apps you added previously in "My wishlist" as shown.

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How to embed Google+ posts in websites, blogs

Click the arrow link to the right top of your post and choose the "Embed post" option to get the HTML embed codes.

Example below:

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How to sharpen a knife with a coffee mug?

We just need a good ceramic coffee mug to do this job. I'm using a knife sharpener at the moment but for quick sharpening of knives, the above method will be a good one.

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How to fix 'Your Profile Cannot Be Opened" Google Chrome Error in Windows OS

I had this error for the past few days, found out the Chrome folder was corrupted. I deleted the profiles,uninstalled and re-installed the Chrome, and tried few other techniques, none of them worked except for the following method worked.

• Go to Start menu C:\Users\(Username)\AppData\Local\Google\  (for Windows) (replace the above username with yours without the brackets) 
• Delete the "Chrome" folder or move the "Chrome" folder to another place.
• Uninstall the Chrome app and reinstall Chrome browser again.

Your new Chrome browser will start without an error, you've to re-login and create new profiles. This seems to be the only way for now. I tried different methods, finally this worked. 

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How to fix internet error code '12007'?

When I tried to print via Zebra LP2844 printer via Endicia software, it showed the following error "12007" and unable to connect to the internet, despite having sound internet connection. I checked the internet, everyone is giving different solution and none of them are easy like the one below.

I used the following "Flush DNS" method:

1. Go to "Command Prompt"window in PC.
2. Go to the main drive, in this case, it is "C:\" 
3. Type "ipconfig /flushdns"
4. Restart the program you're having problem with, it should work fine.

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How to open an .acsm file?

If you download an .acsm file (usually provided by libraries for ebook downloads) refers to a "Adobe Content Server Message" file. It can (only?) be opened by a special software, Adobe Digital Editions. It is a free download available for both PC and Mac OS.


Via Microsoft Community.

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How to detect fake dollar currency bill?

My friend recently received a counterfeit note during his yard sale, so I was looking for a currency detector pen used by cashiers in restaurants. But it seems like there is an easier way to find whether the US dollar bill is fake or not.

Look for the following two things:

(a) If you look at the currency bill under bright lights you will see a trademark (duplicate image) of the former President (Ben Franklin, other bills have different Presidents) on the right side of the bill as shown.



(b) There is a line with words which says the amount of the bill on the left side of the bill.

If you see both of the above, then it is real currency otherwise return the currency bill back.

Also, check the video below for a demo of this:

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How to enable new Gmail Tabbed Inbox view?

This new Gmail Tabbed inbox is being released slowly, I just received mine. This is how you get the tabbed view in Gmail:

Log-on to your Gmail account, click the gear icon as shown below and choose "Configure inbox":

Once you enable the "Configure inbox", you will see a tabbed view as shown below:

If you want to revert to "Priority Inbox" or "Starred first" or "Important first" views, click the arrow button next to Inbox as shown below:

A demo of how to enable this feature is shown below:

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How to block or stop unwanted calls from Google+ Hangouts

I was getting a lot of calls this morning trying to push one product after another. I found it was coming from Google+ Hangouts feature, which has a new feature making phone calls and video calls easier. To block unwanted calls do the following:

Go to "Accounts" --> and go to "Who can Hangout with you" --> Click "Customize" and  Select the circles and change the option to "Send a request" 

Initially, the setting is default to "Hangout with you", so we need change it to either "Hangout with you" or "Send request". 



To change to either setting, just hover over the grey button at the end of the circles as shown.

Otherwise it seems any one can reach you. The guys were trying to sell Payday loan, auto insurance etc., even though I have this number in Donotcall.gov. Luckily, I have block feature in Google Voice, can block these calls but if you get more than 100 calls it will become cumbersome, the above settings can prevent us to block each caller.

Update: Also, do the same in the hangout apps you download for your PC or Mac. 

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How to send feedback in Google+ with a shortcut

It's simple, just press the "@" sign without the quotes anywhere in Google+, you will see a pop-up window like this below:

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Google Play now has Lyrics and option to edit

Google Play has "Lyrics" option now, for every song you play you can see it in the side tab as shown above by clicking the "Lyrics" tab. It also has an option to edit if you find any mistakes in the lyrics. Now there is no need to navigate to another tab to search for lyrics.

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Google Glass How-to: Getting Started

Google releases a video how to use Google Glass.

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How to fix Feedly "Synchronizing feedly v.14.0.468. Please wait..." error?

I received this error today when I visited Feedly Reader, I found the following solution after going through several websites and comments.

First, download the Feedly extension from Softpedia (use "Save as" option), Chrome doesn't allow installation from other sites. After you download the Feedly .crx extension (Feedly_14_0_484.crx), drag and drop the extension directly to your Chrome extensions page chrome://extensions/ 

Then, Feedly should work fine. 

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How to get USPS redeliver missed packages via online?

If you're in a rush (or want to call USPS during non-business working hours) calling the 1-800 number for USPS (1-800-ASK-USPS), visit online and enter the package information details here:

https://redelivery.usps.com/redelivery/ 

and enter the details from the peach-colored slip that was left in your door or mail box, in all the four sections:

1.) What's your delivery address?
2.) What is the article number?
3.) When did we try delivering it?
4.) When do you want to get your items?

After you fill the second section, it will give a false message and ask you to go to https://redelivery.usps.com/redelivery/, when you're already there. Just ignore the message and fill the rest of the sections. 

However, USPS may not be able to redeliver all the missed packages, in those cases you need to go the nearest shipping center (not the nearest post office). To find the nearest shipping center, either call 1-800-ASK-USPS or go to link and choose "Pickup Services" option: https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction.action

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How to add fonts in Google Drive Presentation?

One reader asked me how we can add fonts in Presentation, here is a short article about it. Adding fonts in Google Drive Documents is easy, if you know how to add fonts in Google Drive Documents then it is the same process in Google Drive Presentations also.

Click the font menu as shown and click "Add Fonts" to add the new font or fonts.

Once you click "Add Fonts' you will see more than 400 different fonts to choose from, select those you need.

If you want to make these presentation available online, choose a font that everyone can see it, not all fonts are available in their computers.

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New Pandora Music update has lock screen access to fast forward or pause songs

If your phone is locked, then to access music player controls, one has to log-in to do it, with this new Pandora update, there is no need to log-in. As seen in the picture above we can either pause the song or go to the next song.

Google Music Android App has this feature for a long time, good to see this feature is also available in Pandora Radio Android App.

One thing is missing in this Pandora update, the bookmark feature, hopefully they will add it in the near future.

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How to avoid PayPal fees for payment receipts?

PayPal has modified the "Send Money" option as shown as above, before there were several options to choose from, now it has been simplified. To avoid fees for the receiver, use the second option, "I'm sending money to family or friends". I use this option to transfer money from one PayPal account to another. 

Please note you need to have enough balance when you send money from your account.

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