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These are hands-on notes and guides built around real projects, technology, devices, home maintenance, and those everyday challenges that are easier when somebody shows you how.

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21HowTos
GUIDE 01 smortler.com

Listen To Smart TV With Sony WH 1000XM5

Set Up Your Sony WH-1000XM5 with Samsung Smart TV. Follow these steps to ensure all Smart TV audio is routed through your Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Listen_to_SmartTV_with_Sony_WH-1000XM5.html
GUIDE 02 smortler.com

Listen To Smart TV With Air Pods Pro

Set up your SAMSUNG SmartTV to use your AirPods Pro. Here’s how you can set up your Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) to listen to audio from your Samsung Smart TV and your iPhone 13 Pro Max, ensuring smooth transitions and no audio leakage from the TV.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Listen_to_SmartTV_with_AirPods_Pro.html
GUIDE 04 smortler.com

Lets Encrypt DNS 01 Validation With Go Daddy

Set up Let's Encrypt with HTTPS for a private Ubuntu 24 server with a private GoDaddy DNS entry! For this, we'll use the DNS-01 challenge for validation, which works in private network setups where the server does not have a public IP address.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Lets_Encrypt_DNS-01_Validation_with_GoDaddy.html
GUIDE 05 smortler.com

Lets Encrypt DNS 01 Validation With Manual DNS

This guide explains how to install Let’s Encrypt on private-server-1.pri.smortler.com, an Ubuntu 24 VM in a private network without a public IP address and with no API access to the DNS server. The process uses the DNS-01 challenge method.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Lets_Encrypt_DNS-01_Validation_with_manual_DNS.html
GUIDE 06 crothers.info

Indoor Antenna

If you have digital TV in your home and would like to switch from Cable TV to Air TV, buy and install an RCA AMPLIFIED indoor HDTV antenna. You'll save money, increase your home value, add Air service to your TV(s), and will enjoy the install! We have several…

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If you have digital TV in your home and would like to switch from Cable TV to Air TV, buy and install an RCA AMPLIFIED indoor HDTV antenna. You'll save money, increase your home value, add Air service to your TV(s), and will enjoy the install! We have several Internet-based services that allow us to watch free movies and pay-per-view/on-demand watching, such as NetFlix, XBOX One Movies, AMAZON Prime, etc., but when Internet and/or cable is not working, having HDTV Air TV is a big plus!

Open this HowTo https://crothers.info/kevins_stuff/indoor_antenna.php
GUIDE 07 crothers.info

Phonetics

Learn the Phonetic Alphabet! Phonetics is used to spell letters in place of just saying the letter, number, special character, itself. By using a word for each one of these characters, there is less chance that the person listening will confuse letters, number…

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Learn the Phonetic Alphabet! Phonetics is used to spell letters in place of just saying the letter, number, special character, itself. By using a word for each one of these characters, there is less chance that the person listening will confuse letters, numbers, and/or special characters. For instance, some letters that can easily be confused are "b" and "e" and as for numbers, "9" and "5" sometimes get confused. The phonetic alphabet is used in radio communications around the world by maritime units, aircraft, amateur radio operators, the military, and certainly by Kevin Crothers :).

Open this HowTo https://crothers.info/kevins_stuff/phonetics.php
GUIDE 08 smortler.com

WM Autobody Shop

Top quality autobody work at a great price! Call WM Autobody Shop and talk with Wilson at 601-334-4208 if you are looking for body work and let him give you a quote.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/WM_Autobody_Shop.html
GUIDE 09 smortler.com

Condensate Drain P Trap Cleaning Guide

Over time, your attic's condensate drain P-trap can collect moisture, dust, and organic debris - the perfect breeding ground for algae and mold. If left unmaintained, this buildup clogs the trap, causing condensate water to back up and overflow. When that happ…

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Over time, your attic's condensate drain P-trap can collect moisture, dust, and organic debris - the perfect breeding ground for algae and mold. If left unmaintained, this buildup clogs the trap, causing condensate water to back up and overflow. When that happens, water can seep through your ceiling, down studs, and into your walls, leading to costly structural damage, soaked insulation, and even hidden mold growth. A few minutes of routine maintenance every 3 months can save you thousands of dollars in repairs - and protect your home from avoidable water disasters. Consider this simple Condensate Drain P-Trap Maintenance Routine (Quarterly) - Do this once every 3 months, or more often if the trap gets heavy use (like Mississippi summer AC condensate drain(s)).

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Condensate_Drain_P-trap_cleaning_guide.html
GUIDE 10 smortler.com

Convert Your Shallow Water Crossing To A Vented Ford

For streams with low to moderate flow, converting your shallow water crossing to a vented ford with a minimum 12-inch culvert pipe embedded under the concrete surface can be an effective solution to allow water to flow underneath, preventing stagnation upstrea…

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For streams with low to moderate flow, converting your shallow water crossing to a vented ford with a minimum 12-inch culvert pipe embedded under the concrete surface can be an effective solution to allow water to flow underneath, preventing stagnation upstream while maintaining a usable crossing. For high-flow streams, like those exceeding 1000 CFS, solid crossings without underflow may be necessary to prevent washout, as professionally engineered designs often prioritize stability. Where applicable, the culvert reduces the time water trickles over the top, which can lead to algae, moss, and mold growth, making the surface slippery and dangerous. A textured concrete surface further minimizes standing water, enhancing safety. This "vented ford" design is best for streams with manageable flows, with overflow handled by the low-profile surface.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Convert_Your_Shallow_Water_Crossing_to_a_Vented_Ford.html
GUIDE 11 acidicfrenchtoast.com

acidicfrenchtoast.com

Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying energy of Quest Crothers and his Acidic French Toast VEX V5 Robotics team, the rockstars of Madison Middle School, as they gear up to dominate the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX, from May 6–14, 2025…

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Get ready to be blown away by the electrifying energy of Quest Crothers and his Acidic French Toast VEX V5 Robotics team, the rockstars of Madison Middle School, as they gear up to dominate the VEX Robotics World Championship in Dallas, TX, from May 6–14, 2025! Dive into their jaw-dropping videos on acidicfrenchtoast.com and witness the sheer genius of their robot designs, precision teamwork, and unstoppable spirit in the High Stakes game. From their epic hype video - crafted by the super talented Quinn Crothers (Quest's older brother) - to heart-pounding footage of their January 20, 2024, tournament win, you’ll be glued to the screen, cheering as they stack rings, conquer stakes, and climb the ladder to victory. These young innovators have poured their hearts into preparing for Worlds, fine-tuning their V5 robots and strategizing for global competition-watching their journey is like catching a front-row seat to the future of STEM! So, grab some popcorn, hit play, and let Acidic French Toast’s infectious passion and talent light up your day.

Open this HowTo https://acidicfrenchtoast.com/
GUIDE 12 smortler.com

Remove Large Tree Stump Using DEWALT Power And Bonide

Take down that stump like a champ! This guide shows you how to obliterate a massive, stubborn tree stump using the raw torque of a DEWALT XR 20V hammer drill, Bosch BlueXtreme bits, and a sprinkle of Bonide Stump-Out magic. No heavy machinery, no contractors -…

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Take down that stump like a champ! This guide shows you how to obliterate a massive, stubborn tree stump using the raw torque of a DEWALT XR 20V hammer drill, Bosch BlueXtreme bits, and a sprinkle of Bonide Stump-Out magic. No heavy machinery, no contractors - just pure DIY satisfaction. With step-by-step instructions, real photos, clever tips, and even a bit of burn-it-down flair, you'll turn that old stump into mulch with style (and a side of sawdust).

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Remove_Large_Tree_Stump_Using_DEWALT_Power_and_Bonide.html
GUIDE 14 smortler.com

Keep Refrigerator Cold When Temp Sensors Go Bad

How‑To: Keep a Refrigerator Cold When Its Temp Sensors Go Bad - Build a YoLink‑powered safety net that watches door status & internal temperature, and-if needed-automatically power‑cycles the fridge to restore cooling.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Keep_Refrigerator_Cold_When_Temp_Sensors_Go_Bad.html
GUIDE 15 smortler.com

Get All 7 Cookie Clicker Halloween Gifts

Quest and Kevin Crothers step-by-step guide to Getting all 7 Cookie Clicker Halloween Gifts - Have fun and get all 7 Halloween cookie upgrades fast, then return to peace under Elder Covenant! You'll only have to deal with the wrinklers <img src="./Cookie_Click…

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Quest and Kevin Crothers step-by-step guide to Getting all 7 Cookie Clicker Halloween Gifts - Have fun and get all 7 Halloween cookie upgrades fast, then return to peace under Elder Covenant! You'll only have to deal with the wrinklers <img src="./Cookie_Clicker/Wrinkler.png"> for a little while. :)

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Get_all_7_Cookie_Clicker_Halloween_Gifts.php
GUIDE 16 smortler.com

Speed Bumps Increase Property Value

“Speed Bumps & Property Values” Think of this as the pro-speed-bump love letter your neighborhood didn’t know it needed. It explains, in plain language (and some humor), why: Calm, predictable traffic makes your streets feel safer and more valuable, Buyers don…

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“Speed Bumps & Property Values” Think of this as the pro-speed-bump love letter your neighborhood didn’t know it needed. It explains, in plain language (and some humor), why: Calm, predictable traffic makes your streets feel safer and more valuable, Buyers don’t just look at square footage - they look at how it feels to live there. City-installed speed bumps between stop signs can actually protect what you’ve invested in your home. And yes, it includes the now - legendary mental image of a DoorDash driver hitting a low-profile bump at 50+ mph with four drinks and four dinners in Styrofoam… and learning every single lesson at once. Click if you like: Safe kids, safe pets, safe walkers; Neighborhoods that feel intentional, not accidental; Watching bad driving choices get gently corrected by physics

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Speed_Bumps_Increase_Property_Value.php
GUIDE 17 smortler.com

When Speed Bumps Might Not Increase Property Value

“When Speed Bumps Might Not Help Property Values” This one is the reset button for myths and “I heard that…” stories. It walks through the small handful of neighborhoods where speed bumps can feel like a downgrade: No kids outside, No walkers, no pets, no deli…

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“When Speed Bumps Might Not Help Property Values” This one is the reset button for myths and “I heard that…” stories. It walks through the small handful of neighborhoods where speed bumps can feel like a downgrade: No kids outside, No walkers, no pets, no deliveries, No cut-through traffic, no school buses, Streets so empty they’re basically private driveways. Then it asks the big question: “Does this sound anything like your neighborhood?” If your answer is “absolutely not,” these pages will help you explain why bumps make sense where you live - and why those scary “speed bumps ruined our values!” stories probably came from places nothing like yours.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/When_Speed_Bumps_might_not_Increase_Property_Value.php
GUIDE 18 smortler.com

Always Ring For Certain Contacts I Phone Samsung

Never miss the call that matters. This Smortler HowTo shows you how to make specific people always ring through - even when your phone is on Silent or Do Not Disturb. Whether you’re on an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, you’ll learn the simple, built-in settings t…

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Never miss the call that matters. This Smortler HowTo shows you how to make specific people always ring through - even when your phone is on Silent or Do Not Disturb. Whether you’re on an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy, you’ll learn the simple, built-in settings that let parents, kids, or emergency contacts break through the noise (and the silence). No apps. No hacks. Just smart phone setup.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Always_Ring_for_Certain_Contacts_iPhone_Samsung.php
GUIDE 19 smortler.com

Freezing Cold Winter Preparation Guide

Brrr-illiant Prep for the Big Chill: Don't Freeze Up!Hey, frost fans! Winter's throwing some sub-zero parties this year, with temps nosediving towards 0°F. But don't turn into an icicle - grab your hot cocoa and dive into this super-fun survival guide! We've g…

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Brrr-illiant Prep for the Big Chill: Don't Freeze Up!Hey, frost fans! Winter's throwing some sub-zero parties this year, with temps nosediving towards 0°F. But don't turn into an icicle - grab your hot cocoa and dive into this super-fun survival guide! We've got a Chill-Proof Checklist that's snappier than a snowball fight: Fortify your home fortress (drip faucets, insulate pipes, stock up on board games for epic freeze-ins), pamper your pets (no popsicle pups - bring 'em inside for extra snuggles), rev up your ride (antifreeze check? Battery boost? Emergency snacks? Check!), and tackle plumbing, attics, and what-ifs like a pro. Watch those slippery hills - they'll trap you faster than a bad magic trick - and beware icy trees tumbling like timber dominoes! Stay warm, stay witty, and conquer the cold—because together, we're totally unfreeze-able! Check the full guide for all the de-icing deets!

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Freezing_Cold_Winter_Preparation_Guide.php
GUIDE 20 vioscans.com

vioscans.com

Meet Violet, the Special Character Finder. She's your text’s tiny detective and secret weapon for clean, bug-free code - paste in anything (CSV exports, Excel dumps, vendor lists, copy-pasted emails, database content, you name it) and it instantly scans for ch…

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Meet Violet, the Special Character Finder. She's your text’s tiny detective and secret weapon for clean, bug-free code - paste in anything (CSV exports, Excel dumps, vendor lists, copy-pasted emails, database content, you name it) and it instantly scans for characters that aren’t on a normal US keyboard, then shows you exactly which sneaky troublemakers are hiding, how many times they appear, which lines contain them, and highlights each one in violet so they’re impossible to miss; this helps developers quickly track down the invisible gremlins that cause PHP pages to break, SQL imports to fail, data to turn into question marks, or layouts to look weird (think smart quotes, encoding leftovers, mystery Unicode symbols, or copy/paste artifacts), turning hours of frustrating “why is this broken?!” debugging into a simple paste-scan-fix workflow - basically a lint tool for text and a metal detector for hidden Unicode junk so you can clean your strings, trust your data, and ship with confidence.

Open this HowTo https://vioscans.com/
GUIDE 21 smortler.com

Know Your Door Left Right In And Out

Ordering a door gets confusing fast when words like left, right, inswing, and outswing start flying around. This quick visual guide makes it simple - see exactly what each door type looks like before you order, so you'll order the right one.

Open this HowTo https://smortler.com/HowTos/Know_Your_Door_-_Left_Right_In_and_Out.php
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