ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

z It was American author and futurist Alvin Toffler who made the following sage observation: “Profits, like sausages, are esteemed most by those who know least about what goes into them.” z A leech can consume 10 times its own weight in its victims’ blood. z King James VI of Scotland also was, after the crowns of England and Scotland were united in 1603, King James I of England. He may have been doubly noble, but those who study such things say his personal habits would not have been out of place in a commoner of the time. He reportedly never bathed, claiming that baths were an unhealthy practice, and he would wear the same clothes for months on end. z A newly married couple sued the upscale resort in Chile where they spent their honeymoon after a swim in the pool turned the bride’s waist-length blond hair green. z If you’re ever visiting the US state of Minnesota, you might want to keep in mind that in that state it’s against the law to sleep with no clothes on. z Those of you who need your daily caffeine fix probably won’t be surprised to learn that coffee is one of the most popular drinks worldwide and is one of the most traded agricultural commodities. z Thought for the Day: “Half of the harm that is done in this world is due to people who want to feel important. They don’t mean to do harm, but the harm does not interest them.” – T.S. Eliot

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z Stretch shoes with a zippertop baggie! Insert a plastic bag into the shoe, where your feet go. Then add water just to fill. Put them in the freezer until solid. The ice expands as it freezes, which stretches the shoe. z If you’re replacing a hinge to re-hang a door and you need to use the same holes, add grip by placing a matchstick or toothpick in the hole before re-screwing the attachments. Just break it off flush with the door jamb. It will add some security to the hole so it won’t be so loose. z “Got kids? Take a tip from a furniture salesman: Get a lounge that has a patterned fabric. Patterns hide stains and discoloration. The smaller the pattern, the more forgiving.” – contributed by W.S.

z “Stick a dryer sheet in the bottom of your garbage bin. It will give off a bit of fresh smell whenever something lands in the bag.” – R.

z Sometimes old tricks are the best tricks: Use a cut half of a lemon liberally sprinkled with salt to scrub a wood cutting board clean. The salt acts as an abrasive while the acids in the lemon neutralise odours and bacteria. Rinse and dry.

z When defrosting meats in the fridge (never on the counter, right?), make sure they are sitting in a tray or plate with a lip. If the plastic leaks, you don’t want meat dripping on your other groceries. Defrost meats on the bottom shelf, just in case. z Send your tips to now-heresa-tip@dubbophotonews.com.au