ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

STRANGE BUT TRUE

z There are more people in Monaco’s orchestra than in its army.

z While tanning remains popular despite the documented health risks (there could be a reason it’s called ‘sun-baking’), American health authorities have estimated that if folks under the age of 18 stopped using tanning beds, over 60,000 melanomas and melanoma-related deaths could be prevented.

z In 1987, a man convinced 2.8 million people to send him a onecent-piece (a US penny) each for his college education.

z People who play videogames are less likely to have nightmares.

z Switzerland is the only country in the world that could fit more than its entire population into bunkers in case of an emergency. z Dubai is the most air-conditioned city in the world.

z A 1924 Arizona law made it illegal for donkeys to sleep in bathtubs.

z Crakow shoes, a pointy footwear popular in the 14th century, could get so long that the toe of the shoe had to be attached to the leg with a string so that it wouldn’t drag.

z Ever noticed that all ads for the iphone display a time of 9:41? That’s because Apple co-founder Steve Jobs first announced the device’s launch in 2007 at 9.41am.

z A toilet paper company once hosted a contest for toilet paper wedding dresses. The winner received a cash prize of $2000.

z New employees at Google are called Nooglers, and on their first Friday of employment, have to wear a special hat bearing the Google colours and that distinctive moniker. z The opposite sides of dice always add up to seven. z In 1994, a man was arrested for dressing as the Grim Reaper and standing and staring into the windows of a home for the elderly.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z Necklace chains that have turned dark due to oils in your skin can be washed in warm water with a dab of shampoo mixed in. Also, keep your old earring backs – they might fit a different pair if one gets lost! – M.F. z To freshen the colour of carpets (and destroy moth larvae or flea eggs), liberally sprinkle salt on them before vacuuming. I use a cleaned out Parmesan cheese container for this. It works very well. – J.K. z To clean the glass inside your oven door, use the stovetop cleaner for your glass stovetop. – V.P.

z Use cold, salted water to defrost a chicken for roasting. You will have very flavourful and moist meat. – E.D.

z Save plastic lidded containers from the kitchen. Cover with colourful duct tape, and they can be used as storage or even as gift wrapping.

z Disposable razors can be used to remove burrs from sweaters or wool slacks. Just be sure to keep it out of the reach of children. – O.D.

z A large lidded cereal container makes a great water-tight garbage bin for the car. Line it with a bag and snap on the lid. When the pour spout is closed, even runny messes are contained. z Send your tips to now-heres-atip@dubbophotonews.com.au