INPUT ARTICLE: Article: If you're not getting a signal, navigate to your computer's sound settings and make sure that the correct device is selected, and the levels are appropriate. On a mac there are no drivers to get in the way, so the only other thing you need to do is to go into System Settings and click on "Sound," then select "Input." Make sure that the microphone is checked, rather than the built-in microphone. On a PC, go into the Control Panel and clicking on "Hardware and Sound," then click on "Sound" and it should pop up another windows. At the top, click on recording, and you should see your microphone there. If it doesn't have a green check mark next to it, it isn't selected. Click on it and click properties. You can then change the settings at the bottom to "Use this Device" and it will automatically use it next time it is plugged into your computer. On most computers, you'll be able to control the level of the input volume. With lower quality mics, it'll usually need to be set somewhat high to get a half-way decent signal, but you don't want to blow out the levels, either. It's usually best to set it somewhere in the default range, about 50%. On a Mac, you can do this in the System Settings, under "Sound." On a PC, you can do this in "Hardware and Sound," under "Sound." If you have external speakers, or have headphones plugged in, you need to double-check and make sure that the volume levels are adjusted properly, as well as the settings on your desktop, or you may not be hearing anything. Obviously, you need to make sure the microphone is switched on, the cable is plugged in flush, and that you've got any other settings adjusted correctly, depending on the microphone. Some condenser mics, and speaking microphones will have a variety of toggle settings, some of which might be louder, or feature a wider range of sound than others. Switch between them to get a sense for what sounds best for your purposes. Different audio processing programs will have a variety of input settings as well, that you need to check. Some recording software may still be set to pick up internal mics, or audio from other sources, even if you changed it in your system settings. For example if you are using Skype, go to: Tools>Options>Audio settings, and select your microphone. If your microphone isn't listed or still doesn't work then check whether it requires software or drivers to run. Sometimes, you'll need to close the program you're trying to use at least, or even restart to get some computers to recognize a new piece of hardware you've plugged in. If the microphone still doesn't work then try using another microphone or try using the microphone on another computer. This should help you figure out whether it is the computer or the microphone which is at fault.

SUMMARY: Check your sound input settings. Set the input level. Check your speaker and computer volume. Check the settings on the microphone. Check the setting in the specific program that you're using. Try restarting your computer.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Just like it eliminates odors on your hands, you can use baking soda to reduce odors in the air as well. Take a few tablespoons of baking soda and combine it with a generous amount of water in a slow cooker. Turn the slow cooker to low heat and leave the top off. The heated baking soda will help pull the odors from the air. Instead of just eliminating odors, you can turn this method into an air freshener as well. With the baking soda, try adding a few drops of vanilla, a few teaspoons of your favorite spices such as cinnamon or clove, some essential oils, or a few slices of lemon. The baking soda will still eliminate the smell and the extra ingredients will replace the smell of onion with a fabulous new fragrance. A good way to chase out the scents left behind by onions is to bake something to replace the smell. Try baking cookies or a cake. Anything that has a naturally pleasing aroma will help cover up the odor of the onions and exchange it for the smell of baked goods. The added bonus is that you will have a yummy dessert after you're through. Burning candles can make a room smell great, but you can also use them to help reduce the scents left behind from cooking. Burn a candle in your kitchen to help reduce the odors left behind from chopping and cooking onions. Try scents that have citrus or vanilla in them. The extracts used to make these scents will help reduce the odors that remain in the air in your kitchen and around your house.

SUMMARY: Slow cook baking soda. Bake a dessert. Burn candles.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: Add a rich flavor to your turkey or chicken by using a no-salt poultry seasoning. Drizzle the meat with some olive oil and one or two teaspoons of your seasoning. Cook the meat according to your recipe. To make the no-salt poultry seasoning, measure out and combine: 1 tablespoon of dried ground sage 1 tablespoon of dried ground thyme 1 tablespoon of dried ground marjoram 1 teaspoon of dried ground rosemary 1 teaspoon of crushed celery seed 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper If you're used to simply seasoning your steaks or roasts with salt and pepper, it's probably time to change up the flavors. Swap out salt and pepper for a no-salt beef seasoning that enhances the flavors of most cuts of beef. Sprinkle about 1/4 of a teaspoon of the seasoning for each pound of meat you're preparing. For the seasoning, you'll need to mix: 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried basil 1 1/2 teaspoons of dried parsley 1 1/4 teaspoons of ground thyme 1 teaspoon of ground mace or nutmeg 1 teaspoon of onion powder 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper 1 teaspoon of dried sage 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper If you'd like to give any type of fish or shrimp a zesty flavor with a little heat, create a salt-free version of seafood creole seasoning. Sprinkle the seafood with a little of the mixture and saute or blacken the seafood for additional flavor. You'll need to mix together: 1/8 of a cup of powdered garlic 1/8 of a cup of ground black pepper 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon of dried thyme 1 tablespoon of dried basil 1 tablespoon of dried oregano 2 1/2 tablespoons of paprika 1 1/2 tablespoons of powdered onion If you're someone who regularly reaches for the salt on the table, mix up an all-purpose seasoning that can replace your table salt. This way, you can reach for an instant flavor fix for your meals. Mix up this all purpose seasoning and store it in a spice jar. You'll need to combine: 2 tablespoons of black pepper 1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper 1 tablespoon of paprika 1 tablespoon of onion powder 1 tablespoon of garlic powder 1 ground bay leaf

SUMMARY:
Mix a no-salt poultry seasoning. Create a no-salt seasoning for beef. Make a salt-free seasoning for fish. Create an all-purpose seasoning without salt.