Take some of the wax you just melted, and place a drop into the bottom of your container. Alternatively, you can use a drop of hot glue or super glue instead. Be prepared to work quickly, as the hot wax or hot glue will set up fast. If you don't have spare candles or a hot glue gun on hand, place a piece of double-sided tape against the bottom of your tabbed wick. You can buy tabbed candle wicks in the candle aisle of a craft store and online. They look like long candle wicks with small, metal disks on the bottom. Tuck the wick into the container, then use your finger or a stick to press the tab against the hot wax or hot glue. Don't worry if the wick is too long for the container. You will cut it at the very end. If you cut it now, it won't stick up straight in the wax. Hot glue will need about 2 to 3 minutes to harden. If you used super glue or double-sided tape, then you don't need to wait at all. If you don't wait for the wax or hot glue to set, the wick may move as you are pouring the wax.

Summary: Place a drop of hot wax into the bottom of your container. Press a tabbed wick into the wax. Wait about 5 minutes for the wick to set.

In order to write satire about current events, you will need to understand the major issues of the day. Read newspapers, blogs and websites that chronicle the news of the day and offer commentary. Watch television as well, especially news stations such as CNN, MSNBC, Fox News and CNBC. Developments in current events change and evolve quickly, and with the instant online access, your audience will know the news as it happens. The more knowledge you have about current events, the easier it will be to identify topics to write about. Your topic should stem from something that you have a personal interest in. As you read or watch current events, notice anything that you do not like, that makes you angry, that you believe is wrong, or that you would like to change. These are the topics that you should write about. Also look for inconsistencies, hypocrisy, cover-ups, or inappropriate words or actions as a potential topic. For example, a candidate may claim that security is their top priority, but fail to securely protect their own data. That inconsistency could be a topic for a satirical writing. Your interest is necessary because you will be researching, thinking and writing about the current event. If you do not have strong feelings about your topic, it will be very difficult for you to write about it. Choose a current event that is visible and well known. This will make it easier for you to connect with your audience. If you use a current event that people are unaware of, they will have a hard time understanding the satire because they will have no idea what you are talking about. However, keep in mind that if the current event is too well known, then other people might have already satirized it. In order for you to write about a current event, you must have a thorough understanding of the event. Have a critical approach as you do your research. You want to understand all aspects of an issue and the different viewpoints of the event. For example, if you plan to write about a case that is up before the Supreme Court, you would research the history of the case, the defendant and the plaintiff's point of view, similar cases and precedents, the general public's perception of the case, etc. Never take the current event at face value. Always dig deeper. In literature, art, film, and other mediums, there are different techniques that people use to create a satirical effect. Some of the most frequently used satirical techniques include: Exaggeration. Representing something or someone to a degree that is so far beyond reality that it is ridiculous. Parody. Imitating the style or techniques of a person, place, or thing to make fun of it. Incongruity. Presenting something or someone that is absurd in relation to its surroundings. Reversal. Presenting things in the reverse order of how they normally happen. Satire is only funny if your audience thinks that it is funny. Find out the intended audience of your work before you begin to write. What resonates with college students will not resonate with elderly retirees. If you are planning to submit your work to a particular publication, ask the editor about the target audience of the publication. You should also read some back issues to familiarize yourself with the publication. If you are not sure who the audience is, try to write in a more general tone. However, keep in mind that someone is always likely to be alienated by a piece of satirical writing. This is because writing satire requires you to take a side.

Summary: Stay up to date on current events. Identify what you care about. Research the current event. Learn about different satirical techniques. Know your audience.

These "solar blankets" minimize water evaporation, just like a regular pool cover. As it insulates the surface of the pool, solar blankets also allow some of the sun's energy to go through the cover and into the water, where it turns into heat. This makes your pool water warmer, which means the swimming pool heater is required to run far less often and for shorter periods of time. Solar pool covers are one of the most effective and energy efficient ways to heat your pool. Solar pool covers can extend your swimming season and reduce the amount of water that needs to be added by 30 to 50 percent. They can also reduce the amount of chemicals a pool needs by 35 to 60 percent, and help keep dirt and debris out of the pool, which reduces cleaning time. Solar pool heating panels collect heat from the sun to warm pool water. Once installed, they have no operating cost, are very easy for a home owner to install and are typically very durable in all climates. The only drawback is that if the sun doesn't shine, your pool isn't heated. Solar pool heating panels are an excellent solution for those who live in warmer climates and have a lot of sunny days throughout the year. These systems are in the same general price range as gas and heat pump heaters. Solar heating systems have minimal operating costs and they are the most cost-efficient choice for people who live in warm, sunny climates. These systems include 4 main features a solar collector, a filter, a pump and a flow control valve. The pump sends water through the filter and then through the solar collector, which heats the water and returns it back to the pool. If you live in a hot climate, the solar collector can help you cool your pool water down during the summer months. It does this by running the water through the solar collector during the night.
Summary: Use a solar pool cover. Install solar pool heating panels. Invest in a solar heating system.