ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

z The Benguet of northwestern Philippines blindfold their dead and place them next to the main entrance of the house.

z Following the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, thousands of hairstylists and alpaca farmers donated over 19 warehouses worth of cut hair to help absorb the spilled oil.

z Los Angeles’ full name is “El Pueblo Nuestra Senora la Reina de los Angeles de Porciuncula”, or “Town of Our Lady the Queen of Angels of the River Porciuncula”. Now you know why people usually just call it “L.A.”

z Looking for the perfect gift for the object of your affection? How about a toilet seat? Don’t laugh – that’s what Ben Affleck gave Jennifer Lopez when the two were a hot item. Of course, this particular “throne” cost $105,000 and was covered in diamonds, rubies and sapphires!

z Astronaut Neil Armstrong threatened legal action against his barber for selling his hair to a collector for $3000.

z Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim Anne Frank was posthumously baptised “by proxy” into Mormonism at least nine times.

z American sex expert Dr. Ruth was trained as a sniper by the Israeli military.

z Boxer Mike Tyson once bribed a zoo worker to open the attraction for just him and his wife. During the visit, he also tried to bribe an attendant to let him fight a gorilla. The employee said no. (One wonders who would have won.) z “It’s easy to get the stains out of coffee mugs without using a harsh cleaner. Try a little bit of baking soda on a sponge for scrubbing, then rinse with a little bit of vinegar to foam out the smell. I have been able to bring back mugs that looked terrible!” – Y.S. z Use a lint roller to remove dust from a lampshade with fabric that is flat but textured. If your lampshade has pleats, your best bet is a clean soft paintbrush. z “I have perfectly timed the fabric softener cycle on my washing machine. I set a timer for 23 minutes, and it’s just the right time to add liquid softener. Just saying that this has greatly enhanced the quality of my life, because my clothes feel softer and smell nice.” – L.B. z Here’s another laundry tip: If you want to get grass stains out of the kids’ white or light sports uniforms, try a bar of laundry soap, such as Sard Wonder Soap or Sunlight Pure Soap. You just rub it into the stained spots, and put it in your normal wash. It takes out grass and clay, according to contributor “M.A.” z A work from home, or work anywhere tip: If you are having trouble focusing, it might be because you are avoiding a difficult task. If there’s a dreaded task on your to-do list, tackle it first thing. Even if you can’t get it completed, you’ll make progress and it will make everything else in your work day seem easy by comparison. z “Lemons and limes last longer in the cooler”. Say that three times fast, and stick your citrus in the fridge!