ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

z It was English novelist Eric Arthur Blair – better known by his pen name, George Orwell – who made the following sage observation: “During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act.” z Are you a cacographer? You may not be, but if you spend any time at all online you’ve certainly run across a few. A cacographer is someone who can’t quite grasp the rules of spelling. z This might be a good time for a reminder of an obscure New Orleans law: In that US city, it is illegal to curse at a firefighter while he or she is engaged in official duties. z It was in 1943 that Thomas Watson, who was then the chairman of International Business Machines (better known now as IBM), made the following public statement: “I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.” z The English word “velvet” comes from a Latin term that means “shaggy hair”. z Actor Mel Gibson (pictured) grew up in Australia, but you might not know how he ended up here. He was actually born in New York, where he lived with his parents. The Vietnam War was going on, though, and his parents were afraid Mel would be drafted. After winning on “Jeopardy”, they used the money to move to Australia.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z “Frozen peas make the best quickie ice pack ever. They stay cold without being bulky and conform to just about any shape. You also can make a holder by doubling over a kitchen towel and stitching it up on the ends, leaving one end open. Stick your ice pack inside and apply directly to the skin. We have a bag of frozen peas that we drew a big “X” on, so we know that’s the ‘ice pack’ peas!” – contributed by R.M. z You may have heard that wax paper can make your kitchen and bathroom taps shine, but did you know it can help your shower curtain slide back and forth smoothly too? Just wipe a sheet across the bar. This also can work in the wardrobe for your rods there. Wax paper to the rescue! z Include reminders in your planner or calendar for mundane chores like changing the air filter or treating pets for pests. As a reward, pair it with something fun, like a family game night or girls’ night out!

z “If you’re changing over a door, save the old hollow-core door. If you balance it on two sawhorses, it’s a perfect work surface, and the door is light enough to tote around.” – T.F.

z Rub a magnet along the shaft of your screwdriver to magnetise it and keep screws from dropping, which can be a real pain if you’re working in a tight spot or up high on a ladder.

z “Here’s a nifty trick for spots where you need a nail but there’s no room for a hammer. If you can wedge a C-clamp in, hold it steady on the nail head and tighten to drive the nail into the board.” – L.W. z Send your tips to now-heres-atip@dubbophotonews.com.au