Q: Some air conditioners have filters that can be cleaned. But other types of air conditioners have filters that are meant to be disposed of after a given amount of time. Consult your air conditioner's instruction manual to determine whether cleaning your air conditioner's filter is an option. You should never clean your air conditioner's filter with the air conditioner on. This will cause a rush of unfiltered air into your residence and cause your air conditioner's evaporator coils and other internal parts to collect dirt and particulate matter. Do not use your air conditioner until you've replaced the filter. On large central air conditioning units, you should be able to locate your filter by looking along the return duct's length. You might need to unscrew a few screws to access it. In small window-mounted air conditioning units, you'll have to pop the front face of air conditioner off with a putty knife. In wall-mounted air conditioners, you might have to slide the front panel off in order to access the filter. Consult manufacturer directions for more information on how to access your air conditioner's filter.
A: Determine if you can clean your filter. Turn the air conditioner off. Access your filter.

Q: Get pH testing strips at your local pool store, big-box store, or order them online. Follow the product's instructions, which are typically dipping the strip into the water and checking its color against the range listed on the product. Some pH test kits require you to fill a small tube with pool water and add drops which change color based on the pH. Record the pH level in a small notebook to track the change over time. The pH of your pool changes frequently due to many causes. This is why it's important to check often. Write the pH down in a notebook to track it as it changes over time. . Test strips change color when exposed to water. The color corresponds to the pH level. Match the color to the package and you'll find the current pH level. The ideal pH level for a pool is between 7.4 and 7.8. Determine how many points you need to raise the pH. For example, the color of your test strip might show the yellow of a banana. According to your product, this means the pH level is 7.2. You'd want to raise the pH by a minimum of .2 and a maximum of .6.
A: Test the pool water's pH level with test strips. Check the chemical levels one to two times per week. Aim for a pH level of 7.4 to 7.8.

Q: As a single man, you must realize the difficulties involved because of both your gender and your marital status. Recent trends make adopting children by single men more acceptable, but men are likely the most prejudiced against demographic among people looking to adopt. Research which countries will allow a single man to adopt a child. Not all countries are open-minded to the possibility of having one parent let alone it being a man. Consider your age, career, and capacity to raise an infant. It may be more suitable to prefer a teenager or a child with a disability who would love to have a father. Be prepared to adopt an older child or a child with disabilities. A severe shortage of adoptive parents for these children makes single men an attractive option to fill this role. There are several different ways to proceed when considering adoption. Adoption is handled by public and private agencies, adoption attorneys, facilitators, or some combinations of this list. There are few solid rules about age, marital status, or sources of income to become a candidate to adopt. Age requirements are flexible, but successful prospective applicants are usually in the 25-50 age range. The type of child you are adopting will have some influence on age requirements, but no actual rule exists to determine this. As an adoptive parent, this can be your first child, one of many children, or you can even already have adult children by the time you decide to adopt. Most agencies, some more reluctant than others, accept single, gay and lesbian, and disabled parent applicants. There are no predetermined income levels and home ownership is not a requirement either. Your income can originate from a variety of sources: employment, pension, or disability payments. The cost of adoption is expensive, but is varied depending on which agency you choose. Adopting an international, special needs teenager, through a public or government agency is more affordable than adopting a domestic, Caucasian baby, through a private agency. From the moment you begin to seriously consider adoption, start saving money in a special savings account dedicated to the process and add to it whenever possible. Consider the following: domestic private agency ($4,000-30,000+); domestic independent adoptions ($8,000-30,000+); and Inter-country private agency ($7,000-25,000+). The Fees include most, but not all, costs associated with adoption. For international adoptions, you will also have to consider traveling and lodging costs, visas, passports, and country fees. Gender, race, and age of children will also dramatically influence cost. Healthy Caucasian infants are most expensive since they are the most requested and are the least available. Teenagers, because of age, and children with disabilities, because of additional care costs, are less expensive to pursue, but more available to single men. The recent trend for children of color, and in particular indigenous children, is to match them with parents who are of similar ethnicity. Make sure to research all the adoption agencies under consideration. Selecting an agency that is educated and experienced can relieve a lot of stress and anxiety with more positive results. Also consider their reputation, if they provide credible references, or a detailed history of their adoptions. Verify the agency's license by calling your state adoption agency licensing specialist to check if they are current and have no complaints lodged against them. Conduct a background check for either criminal behavior or lawsuits or call the Better Business Bureau for more information. Inquire about their services: do they offer pre- and post-adoption services? Find out their perspective on single-father adoption candidates. Request an itemized list of fees, expenses, and hidden costs. There are several legal requirements included in the adoption process, even more for international adoptions. Working with an attorney is expensive, therefore, be prepared to meet an extensive array of legal criteria. Adoption and family law is a specialization. Make sure you contact a lawyer who specializes in this field and has previous experience with legal adoptions. Always request references from professional people. Contact the Academy of Adoption Attorneys to find an appropriate attorney. Once you select an attorney, take their advice. Part of the process is providing a significant amount of personal and family history, social security cards, employment history, and financial records. If you have a preference, make sure your attorney knows the characteristics of the child you prefer to adopt.
A: Make an informed decision. Meet the qualifications. Consider the cost. Select an agency. Meet the legal criteria.

Q: Place a martini glass in the freezer for 2 to 3 hours. You'll know that it's cold enough when the glass develops some frost. To mix the martini, you'll a cocktail shaker. Add enough ice to fill it almost completely. If you don't have a cocktail shaker, a mason jar is a good substitute. When the shaker is filled with ice, pour 1 ounce (30 ml) of whipped cream flavored vodka, ounce (15 ml) of creme de cocoa, ounce (15 ml) of creme de menthe, and 2 ounces (60 ml) of half and half. Cover the shaker, and shake the mixture for about 15 seconds or until all of the ingredients are combined. You can substitute your favorite type of milk for the half and half if you prefer. Take the lid off the shaker, and place a cocktail strainer over the chilled glass. Pour the martini through to strain the ice out of it. Place a dollop of whipped cream on top of the martini. Sprinkle some chocolate shavings over the cream, and stick a mint leave in to garnish. Serve the cocktail while it's still cold. The garnish is optional; you can omit if you prefer.
A:
Chill a martini glass. Fill a cocktail shaker with ice. Add the vodka, creme de cocoa, creme de menthe, and half and half and shake well. Strain and pour the mixture into the glass. Garnish the martini with the whipped cream, chocolate shavings, and a mint leaf.