INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you don't see the Go menu, click your desktop background or open a Finder window. Return. Type or paste the following command and run it: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES Return. Type or paste the following command and run it to restart Finder. Any open Finder windows will close and reopen: killall Finder Any hidden files and folders will now be visible in their locations in Finder. Hidden files and folders are grayed-out compared to regular files. Once you're done, you can hide the files again using Terminal so that they don't appear. Enter the following two commands: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO killall Finder

SUMMARY: Click the Go menu from your desktop. Click Utilities. Double-click Terminal. Type the following command and press . Type the following command and press . Find your hidden files and folders. Hide the files again.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: You should always ask before you put an employer's name down as a reference. If they are contacted without knowing that you are applying for a job, they might be caught off guard and give a less than great reference. This will not make a good impression. It's courteous and smart to ask ahead of time. If at all possible, let your employer(s) know when you start looking for jobs that you may ask for a letter soon. Your employer will appreciate having plenty of time to write the letter. Giving them plenty of notice also means that they will have more time to polish the letter and make it very strong. This will improve your prospects! For instance, if it's Monday and you are asked to submit letters by the end of the week, don't procrastinate and ask only on Wednesday. Ask your employer right away on Monday. Asking someone for a letter of reference in-person can make them feel pressured. They might find it harder to say no if they have to. Instead, write an email that asks for a letter of reference or use some other indirect method. This avoids putting your potential referee on the spot and allows them the opportunity to politely decline. Even if you know the employer well they'll appreciate some comments on why you are asking them for a letter. Tell them how much you value their opinion on your job performance. You could also say that no one else is as qualified to comment specifically on your skills and qualities. Try writing something like: "John, in our two years working together, you've had the chance to see the successes I've had on several marketing projects. Your years of experience and mentorship along the way have been invaluable. I think you are uniquely qualified to discuss my performance, and I'd deeply appreciate your comments." Make sure to tell you prospective letter writer that it's ok if they are unable to write the letter for you. This makes it easier for them to say no if they don't have time or don't feel like they are the best person for the task. For instance, instead of asking "John, will you write me a letter of reference?" try something like "John, I would really appreciate you writing a letter of reference on my behalf if you are willing and able to." Make sure to also include something like "I completely understand if you are unable to write a letter for me at this time." Keep in mind that a letter of reference is a favor to you, and that employers aren't usually required to write them. If your employer responds to your request by saying they are unable to write a letter for you, thank them for their time and consideration anyway. You can also think of it this way: if someone is rushed, or not enthusiastic about you, then they won't write a good letter for you. If they say no, they're actually doing you a favor by giving you the opportunity to ask someone else who will be more supportive.

SUMMARY: Give your employers a heads-up. Don't wait until the last minute to ask. Make your request by an indirect method. Butter them up. Give them an out. Respond appropriately if they decline.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you didn't have any luck with just soap and water, you may need to use more powerful cleaning ingredients. Take a large bowl or pot, and pour in a cup of white vinegar. Then add cup of baking soda. Stir the baking soda into the vinegar until they are mixed. Drop the plastic containers into the bowl with the vinegar and baking soda, remembering to also add the lids. Then add enough water so that the containers are fully submerged. Stir the mixture in the bowl with a large spoon. Keep the plastic container in the mixture for 24-48 hours. This will allow the vinegar and the baking soda to thoroughly work to deodorize the container. The baking soda and vinegar should have deodorized the container. However, vinegar can leave behind a strong scent itself. This is why you should put the container in the dishwasher directly after the container is done soaking in the mixture. If you don't have a dishwasher, scrub thoroughly using water and dishwashing detergent.

SUMMARY: Make a vinegar and baking soda mixture. Add the plastic containers and some water. Let the plastic container soak. Put the plastic container in the dishwasher.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The gel can harbor bacteria when you're trying to save tomato seeds. Therefore, it's best remove the seeds from the gel before saving the seeds. The easiest way is to pick the seed out of the gel with the tip of a butter knife before moving on to drying. Another option is allowing the seeds to ferment. Basically, you just let the seeds sit on the counter somewhere in their own juices for a day or so. Place them in a strainer, and the gel should wash off. You may need to rinse them more than once. Don't save any seeds that float. The fermentation method will generally allow you to keep seeds longer, up to 5 years, but you can use the knife method to keep seeds for a year or two. Leave the seeds on a paper plate, part of a paper towel, or a coffee filter. They need to be spaced an inch or two apart. In fact, you can even plant the paper towels or coffee filters next spring, as they are biodegradable. It's best to only use the paper plate for the fermentation method, as then the seeds don't need as much help drying. The seeds can take up to a week or two to dry. They should be crackly when the are dry. That is, if you try to fold one, it should crack not bend. Make sure they aren't in the sun. Just keep them in a corner of your house at room temperature. If your area is particularly humid, it may take them longer to dry. Once the seeds are dry, you can place them in an airtight container or even an envelope. If you used coffee filters or paper towels, just fold them up with the seeds, and put them in the container. With the paper plates, you can dump the seeds into the container. Make sure to label it with the tomato variety and the date of when you saved them seeds. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place.

SUMMARY:
Remove the seeds from the gel. Spread the seeds out to dry. Let them dry. Save them for later.