ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

z It was influential American theoretical physicist Richard Feynman who made the following sage observation: “It doesn’t matter how beautiful your theory is, it doesn’t matter how smart you are. If it doesn’t agree with experiment, it’s wrong.”

z Those who study such things say that an eagle’s feathers weigh twice as much as its bones.

z You’ve probably read about the unprecedented casualties suffered on all sides in World War I. You probably didn’t know, though, that 60,000 of those casualties were due to avalanches caused by gunfire in the Alps.

z In 1962, a group of oceanographers sailed off to watch an undersea volcano off the coast of Japan whose eruption seemed imminent. It seems that they got the timing right, but not the location; or, rather, they got the location too right. The eruption occurred directly beneath their vessel, destroying it.

z If you ever visit the Alpine village of Saint Veran, take a good look at the construction of the early buildings – none of the walls meet at a 90-degree angle. Why aren’t they square? According to the beliefs of early townsfolk, the devil lurks in square corners.

z Studies show a correlation between tight shoes and larger appetites.

z Do you find it attractive when you see a person with a point of skin attached to the underlying muscle? You might not realise it, but many people have this condition; that’s what a dimple is.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z What’s on sale in November? Try for good deals on shoes, boys clothing, blankets and pre-christmas sales. They start earlier and earlier each year. Also, look for deals on cooking and serving pieces closer to the big day, and just after it.

z Clean your coffee carafe regularly by scrubbing with soap and water. Run a descaler or a mix of vinegar and water through the brewer to clean out the reserve tank. Follow with a plain water rinse.

z Need an egg substitute in a pinch? Mix a teaspoon of vinegar with a teaspoon of cornstarch. Making a recipe with rise? You could also use baking soda in place of the cornstarch.

z “Great gravy is only a plastic bag away! This is my great tip for separating the fat from pan drippings to make gravy. I take a plastic bag (approx 4 cups size) and set it in a glass measuring cup. Pour the pan drippings through a strainer, right into the bag. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes, and the fat will separate to the top. Seal the bag, and snip a small hole in a bottom corner, drain the liquid into a saucepan to make gravy. It’s that easy.” – T.C. z Give your loose tea a boost of flavour by adding a dried orange or lemon peel to the tea tin. It will impart a delightful citrus flavour the longer it’s in the tin. z Here’s a sewing machine tip from C.K.: “After you oil your machine, use a folded over paper towel to put a few stitches through. It will absorb any excess oil that is on the machine’s surface or needle.” z Send your tips to now-heres-atip@dubbophotonews.com.au