ODDS, ENDS & INSPIRATION

STRANGE BUT TRUE

z The average person will grow 950km of hair (including nose hair) in their lifetime.

z Speaking of hair, prior to L’oreal’s launch of the first mass market hairspray in 1960, women had to choose between slicking their hair down with a greasy brilliantine or using a mechanical sprayer to coat it with shellac dissolved in a solution of water and alcohol. Thank you, L’oreal.

z When it comes to landing an effective punch, boxers have nothing on the mantis shrimp, the strike of which has been clocked at about 80km/h and described by “Science” magazine as accelerating faster than a 0.22-caliber bullet. Take that, Mike Tyson!

z Forks were once considered a sacrilegious tool by the church.

Brazilian doctor Heron Werner uses 3D printing to help blind parents feel their baby’s ultrasound results.

z David Wayne Oliver was dubbed “the Santa Claus Bank Robber” after he walked into a bank claiming to be armed, stole an undisclosed amount of money, and took the bag out to the street, tossing cash into the air while shouting “Merry Christmas”. He then proceeded to a Starbucks to watch the resulting commotion while waiting for his arrest.

z In an effort to limit the Dalai Lama’s power, China has banned Tibetan Buddhist monks from reincarnating without government permission.

z In 1898, nearly 75 per cent of the US state of Alabama’s entire annual revenue came from convict leasing to private railways, mines and large plantations.

NOW HERE’S A TIP

z A Tip From Joann: I like bottled water, but it’s expensive and creates a lot of waste. I have plenty of reusable bottles, but bottled water always seemed more convenient and, frankly, better. I found that what I really like is to take a bottle of very cold water out of the fridge and drink it, so instead of storing those reusable bottles in the cabinet, I fill them straight after getting them from the dishwasher and put them in the fridge. Now I have the convenience of bottled water without spending the money, and I happily am not creating waste. z To remove stubborn contact paper from kitchen shelves, use a hair dryer set on low to loosen the adhesive. Peel away slowly. z Here’s a trick for removing hardwater stains on windows or glass doors: Apply full-strength fabric softener to surface. Let dry, then use a wet cloth to remove, rinsing the cloth frequently.

z “Hang a bag of clothes pegs near the laundry basket. Then if something has a stain that needs to be addressed, put a clip on it before adding it to the basket. This way, you’ll know what to pre-treat on wash day.” – D.W.

z “To keep pants on a hanger from creasing, I slit a paper towel cardboard roll and slip it over the hanger. I tape it together and then put the pants over it. This has worked for me for many years.” – I.R.

z Got a grease stain on your shirt? Cover it with baking soda right away. The baking soda will absorb oil. Repeat several times and launder as quickly as you can. z Send your tips to now-heres-atip@dubbophotonews.com.au