ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

z It was English theologian Edwin Abbott Abbott who made the following sage observation: “Men are divided in opinion as to the facts. And even granting the facts, they explain them in different ways.”

z You may be surprised to learn that hot and cold running water has been around for thousands of years. Members of the upper class in ancient Egypt used copper tubing to pipe it into their homes.

z The American state of New Hampshire’s Bill of Rights still gives “the right of revolution” to its residents.

z GPS is a powerful tool that has changed the way we navigate the world. Of course, it’s not without its problems. Take, for instance, the case of the 23-year-old Canadian woman driving through the Ontario town of Tobermory. She was a stranger there, so – as most of us would – she was using her GPS. Evidently, she was so intent on following the directions provided to her that she wasn’t paying attention to where those directions were taking her – that is, until she ended up in Georgian Bay. She made it to shore safely, but her car didn’t. z It seems that artist Leonardo da Vinci pioneered the paint-by-numbers style of art. He would sketch a piece, then number certain sections for his assistants to paint. z Before the middle of the 18th century, it was not unusual for members of a play’s audience to be seated onstage, just a few feet from the performance. If viewers thought an actor’s performance was particularly bad, they might even try to bump the performer off the stage.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z “Where do I keep my makeup wipes? On my nightstand, or better yet on my bed so that I don’t come home and not take off my makeup.” – contributed by Y.E.

z “When making biscuits that are dropped by the spoonful, dip your spoon in milk first, then scoop. The dough drops perfectly, and the milk does not affect the finished biscuit at all.” – F.D.

z “If you’re having trouble opening a jar, try slipping on a pair of latex dishwashing gloves for extra traction. Also try banging a little around the edge of the metal lid to disturb the vacuum seal. This has worked for me many times. Just be careful not to bang it so hard that you break the glass jar!” – A.L.

z “Place a section of newspaper in the bottom of your fridge to catch spills and to absorb odours. Line your vegetable crisper drawer with a paper towel, especially if you keep your potatoes in the refrigerator. Finally, do not store your milk on the door, because items there are subject to increased temperature fluctuation, every time you open the door to decide what to snack on!” – M.R. z “If you want to ripen avocados fast, put them in a brown bag and add a slice of lemon.” – Pat z No need to purchase pricey seed-starting kits, use a toilet paper roll instead! Just cut the roll in half, set upright in a tray, fill with dirt and seeds, water, and away you go. When you start a tray inside, you should be ready for planting after any danger of frost is over. z Send your tips to now-heresa-tip@dubbophotonews.com.au