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	<title>I Howd - How to Articles</title>
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	<link>http://www.ihowd.com</link>
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	<pubDate>Mon, 29 Jun 2009 16:34:00 +0000</pubDate>
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		<title>How to Write a Business Letter</title>
		<link>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-write-a-business-letter</link>
		<comments>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-write-a-business-letter#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:39:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Business]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ihowd.com/?p=1382</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Sending a business letter is a formal way of communicating with professional people. To know how to write a business letter, it is important to have an ample understanding on the important parts of this letter. In addition, it is necessary to know the format used in making a formal letter.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>One of the most common, effective and formal ways of communicating with professional people is by sending them a business letter. This is also used to establish communication and good relationship from a formal organization to another. To have a background on how to write a business letter, below are the important parts and the format that people should follow when making and sending a business letter.</p>
<p><strong>Parts and Format</strong></p>
<p>To learn how to write a business letter, it is best to start with knowing the important parts and format followed when sending a formal letter. The parts of a business letter include the date of writing, return address, recipient’s address and greeting or salutation. Another important part is the body of the letter. Aside from these, it should contain a closing, signature over printed name as well as the position of the person who writes and sends the letter. When it comes to format, business letters should have a block style. Paragraphs must not be indented.</p>
<p><strong>Steps</strong></p>
<p>At the upper left portion of the paper, type the date of writing. Double space and type the name of sender. Below the name of the sender, type the job position and press enter. Type the address of company. For individuals who are unemployed, they can write their home address for future reference. Afterwards, double space and type the name of the receiver. Press enter and include the job position of the receiver as well as the company address.</p>
<p>Provide two spaces and type a salutation. This should be formal and should end with a colon. Press enter twice and start with the body of the letter. The first paragraph should include a reference for the letter. For instance, if there is a previous telephone conversation regarding a special matter, which happened between the sender and the receiver, then it should be mentioned in the letter. Additionally, the body must include the reason for sending the letter. Include contact information and requests if there are any. Do not forget to end the body with any form of gratitude.</p>
<p>Double space and end the letter with an enclosure like ‘sincerely yours’ or ‘respectfully yours’. Press enter four times and include the full name of the sender and job position. Sign on the space between the enclosure and the sender’s name.</p>
<p><strong>Tips and Warnings</strong></p>
<p>Business letters are usually brief and concise. Avoid using abbreviations and shortened verbs when writing these letters. In some instances, letters being sent to companies or enterprises have multiple recipients. When sending a formal letter to multiple recipients, make sure to include carbon copy recipients at the lower part of the letter after the job position of the sender.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Repair Damaged Tree Bark</title>
		<link>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-repair-damaged-tree-bark</link>
		<comments>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-repair-damaged-tree-bark#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:37:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Gardening]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ihowd.com/?p=1379</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Tree bark has different important functions like transporting nutrients to the various parts of the tree. Causing damages to the bark can put the life of a tree at risk. In this case, it is important that people learn how to repair damaged tree bark by learning the steps in strapping the removed portion as well as cutting the affected area of the bark.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Tree bark plays a very essential role to the survival of the tree. Aside from acting as the plant’s skin, it is also important to transport nutrients and minerals from the roots to various parts like leaves and branches. In addition to this, tree bark protects the phloem, which has functions that are similar to the functions of the circulatory system of human. Removing the bark as well as damaging the bark can risk the life of the tree because it will become susceptible to plant illnesses that are commonly caused by insects. In this regard, it is important that every one of us should have sufficient understanding on how to repair damaged tree bark.</p>
<p><strong>Causes and Methods</strong></p>
<p>Damaged tree barks have various causes. One of the most common causes is the irresponsible use of gardening tools and equipment such as trimmers as well as lawnmowers. To learn how to repair damaged tree bark, it is important to follow the steps in strapping damaged bark and shaping the affected part.</p>
<p><strong>Strapping</strong></p>
<p>Strapping the removed portion of the bark is important to avoid premature death of the tree. As soon as the damage has been made, repair the bark by looking for the part that was removed from the tree. Get a duct tape and use it to attach the damaged part to the bark. Be sure to cover the entire damaged area with the tape. Check the affected part of the tree every day. This will save the tree from infections caused by cold temperature and rains. Wait for 12 weeks and remove the tape.</p>
<p><strong>Shaping the Affected Area</strong></p>
<p>If the removed portion of the bark were not retrieved, the best thing to do is to clean cut the affected area because this can fasten the natural healing process of the tree. To do this, get a sharp knife and cut an oval shape around the affected portion. Make sure that the bottom and top points of the shape touches the bottom and top areas of the wound. Avoid using sealants or any tree healing items that are not recommended by professionals because these can slow down and affect the natural healing ability of the plant. Check the wound as often as possible. Inspect the affected area and eliminate insects that thrive or stay in the damaged part of the bark. If the recovery does not happen within two to three months, seek help from professionals to conduct other available sophisticated methods for repairing damaged bark such as the bark surgery.</p>
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		<title>How to Repair Cracked Engine Blocks</title>
		<link>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-repair-cracked-engine-blocks</link>
		<comments>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-repair-cracked-engine-blocks#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:35:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Miscellaneous]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ihowd.com/?p=1376</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Cracked engine blocks can be repaired if the right methods are used. Understand the ways to repair cracked engine blocks and get your engine working again. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Knowing how to repair cracked engine blocks will be useful information for motorists. Here are some of the most common ways used for fixing it. </p>
<p><strong>Stitching </strong></p>
<p>This is the most common method. Unlike other methods, this can remove the cracks without resorting to any welding. There are several ways you can do this. One of the most common is by using stitching pins or bolts. These come in many forms. Some are composed of dowels, copper plating or rods. </p>
<p>You only need basic equipment when using this method like a hammer, drill or wrench. Any of these can be used to fit in the crack. To make it easier to repair cracked engine blocks, buy the metal stitching packages. These come with shoulder stitches and other tools. These are available in hardware stores. </p>
<p><strong>Epoxy</strong></p>
<p>These are compounds used for a variety of purposes. They are applicable here as well. Aside from epoxy, there are other sealants available. Do a little research first. You’ll want to find out the best one for your machine. </p>
<p>The first step is to mix the substance. There are directions provided in the package. Follow it to the letter. Make sure that the mixes are in the appropriate amounts as specified. Too much or too little of one part and it won’t work. </p>
<p>When it’s finished, apply it to repair cracked engine blocks. You might want to use some sandpaper so the mix doesn’t protrude. Let it dry. The amount of time required may differ per product. </p>
<p><strong>Welding </strong></p>
<p>Assess the situation first before you weld it or take it to the shop to be welded. The important thing to remember is that the block needs to have holes. You need to distinguish between a crack and the hole. If you weld it with just a crack the problem could get much worse. You could damage it even more. </p>
<p><strong>Tips and Warnings </strong></p>
<p>Don’t start to repair cracked engine blocks when you see the crack. First you should clean it. Get some UV dye and use this to examine the fissures. This will allow you to see how many there are and how deep. </p>
<p>After repairing the crack, have it checked periodically. If it holds, you won’t have to do anything else. But if it returns, think about having it replaced. You can repair it again. But it can only go so far. It might end up costing you more. By getting a new component you won’t have to worry about more fissures appearing. </p>
<p>If you’re going to weld it yourself ensure you are doing it right. As stated, the process can cause further damage. Even if it’s the right solution, welding the wrong way can make it worse. If you’re not sure what to do, call a mechanic. </p>
<p>Learning to repair cracked engine blocks is important for drivers. You might decide not to do it yourself. But you’ll never know when you have to do it. If you know how to do it yourself, you won’t have to worry even if there’s no mechanic around. </p>
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		<title>How to Pour a Concrete Slab</title>
		<link>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab</link>
		<comments>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-pour-a-concrete-slab#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:32:14 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Building]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ihowd.com/?p=1373</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When simplified, there are just 6 steps on how to pour a concrete slab properly to produce a durable floor. Beginning with determining the type of slab, and then how to prepare cement, until the final step on how to pour a concrete slab evenly, the whole task can be simplified to be practical to all people. ]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Pouring concrete properly to make a well constructed slab is so easy to do with the right steps. Understand that there are two types of slabs. The ground and the upper slabs. Upper slabs need more attention to details than do upper slabs, though both need to be constructed well. Wrong pouring methods render slabs susceptible to cracks and tears sooner or later. This may mean re-doing them all over again. Make sure to be as meticulous as possible with construction and pouring details. This is vital in knowing how to prepare cement and how to pour a concrete slab. To avoid this unnecessary expense, here is how to pour a concrete slab. </p>
<p><strong>Required Materials:</strong></p>
<p>Concrete Aggregates (Mixed Portland cement, sand, and gravel)</p>
<p>Wooden forms</p>
<p>Required Tools:</p>
<p>Shovel or spade</p>
<p>Trowel</p>
<p>Smooth 2 by 3 by 10 lumber </p>
<p>Pail for concrete</p>
<p>Hand gloves</p>
<p>Rubber work boots</p>
<p><strong>Steps on How to Pour a Concrete Slab</strong></p>
<p>1. Determine whether to pour a ground floor or an upper floor slab. For ground floor slabs, make sure the concrete aggregates are proportioned 1:2:3. This means for every one part of cement, there should be 2 parts sand and 3 parts gravel. Simply put, for every sack of cement, use 2 sacks sand and 3 sacks gravel. Slabs used for upper floors should have a 1:1:2 ratio. This is a basic on how to pour a concrete slab. </p>
<p>2. Check the wooden forms. Wooden forms determine the final shape of the concrete when it hardens. For slabs, make sure the wooden forms are strong enough to withstand the pressure. There is great pressure when concrete is poured into them. Never pour concrete without forms when making a slab. If so, the desired thickness and shape will never be attained. Another important tip on how to pour a concrete slab is never pour into shakily constructed forms. It will compromise form quality sooner or later. </p>
<p>3. Check the steel reinforcement. Part of knowing how to prepare cement properly and how to pour a concrete slab is that concrete is useless without steel reinforcement. At least the steel bar size is 10mm. Check if the on-center spacing is even and if the tie wires are tight. </p>
<p>4. Make sure there are no debris on the areas where concrete is to be poured. Any kind of debris (pieces of wood, weeds, roots, or plastics) will affect the quality of concrete slab negatively. Remember this on how to pour a concrete slab. </p>
<p>5. Pour concrete slowly. If the mixture area and the pouring area are far apart, use the spade to put concrete on a pail. Then carry the mixture to the pouring area. If both areas are adjacent to each other, just use the spade for pouring. Make sure to spread the mixture evenly on all parts. Do this by piercing all sides and corners with the trowel. This action ensures that all nooks and crannies are filled in. It is important that no air pockets are produced. </p>
<p>6. Finally, even the top surface with a smooth 2X3X10 lumber. Simply slide it across the surface to produce a plain.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>How to Pick a Lock with a Hairpin</title>
		<link>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-pick-a-lock-with-a-hairpin</link>
		<comments>http://www.ihowd.com/how-to-pick-a-lock-with-a-hairpin#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 03 Jun 2009 11:30:43 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
		
		<category><![CDATA[Miscellaneous]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.ihowd.com/?p=1371</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There are different materials that locksmiths use to pick a lock. One of the useful materials in lock picking is a hairpin. To learn how to pick a lock with a hairpin, just follow the simple steps carefully and prepare all the materials beforehand.]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Lock picking is a very useful skill to individuals who frequently lose the keys to their houses and offices. Learning this skill is beneficial and rewarding. In addition, homeowners can save money that they allot for hiring locksmiths if they have ample understanding on lock picking. There are different methods that people can use to pick a lock. One of the methods that they can easily learn is the use of a hairpin. Below are the instructions that individuals should follow if they want to know how to pick a lock with a hairpin.</p>
<p><strong>Instruction</strong></p>
<p>Many people who are knowledgeable with lock picking agree that a hairpin is helpful because it is very flexible. Most amateur locksmith do not experience problems fitting the pin inside the hole of a lock device since it is thin. In addition, a hairpin can easily be bent into various shapes. </p>
<p>Straighten the pin carefully and avoid breaking it. Insert it inside the hole of the lock device. Make sure that the ridged side of the pin is aligned with the ridged side of the key. Depending on the lock’s structure, move the hairpin towards the direction where the key should be turned. Apply a steady but gentle pressure when turning the pin. Continue doing this until the device opens. Avoid applying too much pressure on the pin because this can cause the device to be locked again. When this happens, remove the hairpin carefully and repeat all the steps.</p>
<p>Another thing to remember when picking a lock with a hairpin is to remove the pin as soon as the lock has been opened. This can avoid the pin from being stuck in the keyhole. As soon as the right key for the device was seen, use the key to open the lock and to check if there are no damages in the lock.</p>
<p><strong>Additional Tips</strong></p>
<p>Aside from hairpins, some materials and tools can also be used to pick a lock easily such as a small screwdriver. A good alternative or substitute for a hairpin is a paper clip. Other materials that are useful in learning how to pick a lock with a hairpin are Swiss knife and scissors, which are helpful in shaping the pin to fit the keyhole. Learning how to pick a lock with a hairpin is easy but it is important that before doing this you check the laws regarding lock picking to avoid facing legal charges.</p>
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