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Simple, cheap remedies you’ll wish you knew sooner

<p><strong>Pull nails out gently</strong></p> <p>If you’re planning to pull a nail out of wood but worry that the hammerhead will hurt the grain, protect the wood before using the hammer. How? Slip a plastic spatula under the head of the hammer before you start the job.</p> <p><strong>Replace the oil in baking </strong></p> <p>Fat makes baked goods moist and tender. It’s also incredibly kilojoule-dense, and if you’re cutting kilojoules, it’s an easy place to start. But say you don’t like your cakes and muffins dry and tough? Then applesauce is the answer. Replace up to 2/3 of the oil called for in a cake or muffin recipe with applesauce, and you’ll add moisture and flavour while ditching the fat.</p> <p><strong>Sweeten the house </strong></p> <p>People who are allergic to air fresheners and sprays can still enjoy the benefits of a sweet-smelling house. Wet a cotton ball with vanilla and dab it very lightly on the outside of a regular light bulb (not a halogen bulb) in your lamps. When you turn on the lamp, the bulb heats up and a faint but alluring scent of vanilla drifts out.</p> <p><strong>Soften beans </strong></p> <p>Afraid those dry beans have been on the shelf too long? Help soften them by adding a pinch of baking soda to the soaking water. Add a fresh pinch to the cooking water, too, and you can significantly reduce the aftereffects of bean consumption.</p> <p><strong>Neutralise mouth ulcers</strong></p> <p>Place an antacid tablet directly on the ulcer, giving it time to dissolve, or simply chew one. The medicine will stop the acids and enzymes in your mouth from attacking the tissue in the sore, and more importantly, it will stop the pain. (Be sure to check the product’s label for correct dosage instructions.)</p> <p><strong>Rip it off the right way </strong></p> <p>Pulling an adhesive bandage off your child’s skin can be tough on both of you. Make it easier by rubbing the bandage with a cotton ball soaked in baby oil. Rub until you can easily pull the bandage off. This trick works well for adults with sensitive skin, too.</p> <p><strong>Clean your carpet overnight </strong></p> <p>Whether your carpet smells dank and musty because of a pet, a smoker, or a season of rain, take the odour out with baby powder. Using a flour sifter, spread the powder generously over the carpet. Let it sit overnight – a few hours will suffice, but overnight is better – and vacuum up the powder and the smells in the morning.</p> <p><strong>Hold a nail</strong></p> <p>Stop hitting your fingers every time you hammer a nail in place. Use the teeth of an ordinary comb to hold the nail while you hammer.</p> <p><strong>Get rid of fishy odours</strong></p> <p>Been chopping something pungent? The smell of garlic or fish can linger on your fingers long after the food is gone. Avoid that by scrubbing your wet hands with baking soda, just as if it were soap, then rinse in warm water. Your hands will smell sweet – and feel softer, too.</p> <p><strong>Remove splinters</strong></p> <p>Make a paste of Epsom salt and water and apply it to the area harbouring a splinter. The paste will pull the splinter to the surface of the skin in about 10 minutes. It will pull insect stingers out of your skin, too.</p> <p><strong>Skip the shaving cream </strong></p> <p>Use hair conditioner for a smooth, clean shave – on your legs, under your arms, and (for men) even on your face. The conditioner will pamper your skin as well as your hair! You can also use hair conditioner as a soothing agent for legs irritated by shaving.</p> <p><strong>Preserve your bouquet </strong></p> <p>Spray the undersides of your cut flowers – leaves and petals – with hair spray to prolong their life. Be sure to stand about 30 cm away when you spray them for best results.</p> <p><strong>Numb your eyebrows </strong></p> <p>Make plucking your eyebrows much less painful by putting an ice pack on them until they’re uncomfortably cold. At that point your skin will be numb enough to begin plucking. You won’t even feel the tug!</p> <p><strong>Train a dog </strong></p> <p>Most dogs hate the sound of dried beans rattling in a can. Use that to your advantage when training a dog by putting a handful of beans in the bottom of an empty aluminium soda can. Seal the top with a strip of tape. When your dog misbehaves, shake the can a couple of times.</p> <p><strong>Refresh tired feet </strong></p> <p>Take this tip from marathon runners, who know that a ten-minute soak in a sugarless mouthwash will take your tootsies from tired to terrific. Alcohol invigorates and mint will make them smell sweet again.</p> <p><strong>Remove crayon from walls </strong></p> <p>If you find crayon markings on your wall, don’t get mad – get shaving cream. Spray the shaving cream directly onto the offending artwork, and scrub it off with a toothbrush or scrub brush.</p> <p><strong>Make a close-fitting hot pad</strong></p> <p>Soothe aching muscles with a custom-made hot pad. Fill a long sock, such as a tube or athletic sock, with dried beans, and tie the top tightly closed with ribbon or string. Heat in a microwave on high for 30 seconds. Place it right on your painful spot. You can drape it around a stiff neck or wrap it around a sore wrist, and it will mould to you, providing faster relief.</p> <p><strong>Keep cookies fresh </strong></p> <p>Homemade chocolate chip cookies can go from tasting deliciously soft and cakey to feeling hard and crunchy in a matter of days. To keep your freshly baked cookies tasting freshly baked, put a couple of slices of bread into the tin or jar where you store the cookies, laying the bread right on top of the cookies. The bread will keep that just-out-of-the-oven flavour and texture intact for up to a week.</p> <p><strong>Wax your windows </strong></p> <p>Do your double-hung windows have a bumpy ride every time you open or close them? If your windows don’t slide up and down with ease, let a candle help them. Clean the insides of the window frame where the sashes travel, then rub the same area with a candle. The windows will have a much smoother journey.</p> <p><strong>Make your garage floor sparkle </strong></p> <p>If you find a puddle of oil on your concrete garage floor, pour paint thinner over it, and then cover the area with kitty litter. (Make sure that the garage is well ventilated by keeping the garage door open, and don’t let anyone smoke or strike matches anywhere near the affected area – and keep the cats away.) The kitty litter will absorb the oil. Just sweep up the mess and you’re done.</p> <p><strong>Clean smudges off suede </strong></p> <p>Suede jackets, shoes and handbags look great, but they’re prone to picking up dirty marks. Clean fresh smudges off quickly and easily before they set into stains by rubbing the suede gently with a piece of fresh white bread. Use a small, circular motion. You may need a second piece of bread to get the spot clean.</p> <p><strong>Keep down items from clumping </strong></p> <p>Throw one or two tennis balls into the dryer the next time you dry down-filled items like pillows, comforters and jackets. They’ll ditch the flat look they get from the washing machine and puff up again with pride.</p> <p><strong>Repel mosquitos </strong></p> <p>You may love the mild apple-like flavour of chamomile tea but mosquitoes absolutely hate it. Brew a very strong batch of chamomile tea and keep it in a spray bottle in the fridge. Before you relax in the back yard or run through the tall grass, spray exposed skin liberally. It’s fragrant, potent and totally safe for children.</p> <p><strong>Fill a stripped screw-hole </strong></p> <p>If the screw keeps turning and turning in a piece of wood, push a bit of foil loosely in the hole and try again. It will grab tight.</p> <p><strong>Freshen a fridge </strong></p> <p>If something soured in your fridge or the freezer failed, clean it out, then fill a wide, shallow bowl with fresh coffee grounds and leave it in the fridge or freezer overnight. The strong scent of coffee will permeate the space, eradicating any hint of what went wrong.</p> <p><strong>Banish burned-on food </strong></p> <p>Liquid fabric softener is your best friend when it comes time to scrub pots and pans soiled by your worst enemy, baked-on grime. Soak the offending vessel in water and a squirt of fabric softener. Let it sit for an hour. Wash and rinse it all away.</p> <p><strong>Feed your plants </strong></p> <p>Used coffee grounds are full of nitrogen, so it’s a shame to throw them away each day. Coffee is especially good for acid-loving plants, like camellias, evergreens, rhododendrons, azaleas and rose bushes, so be sure they don’t miss out on the occasional cup of coffee – grounds, that is.</p> <p><strong>Oil squeaky hinges </strong></p> <p>Spray a little oil-based furniture polish on a squeaky door hinge, then open and shut the door several times to work the lubricant into the hinge. The furniture polish is a lot cleaner than the oil you’d usually use for a noisy hinge, and it works just as well to silence the squeak.</p> <p><strong>Untangle a shoelace </strong></p> <p>Junior got a knot in his sneaker and pulled and pulled until it became an impenetrable mass. Sprinkle the knot generously with cornflour, and then work the knot again. The laces will start to slip and slide, and you’ll be able to get the kinks out.</p> <p><strong>Breathe better with a paper bag </strong></p> <p>Got a case of the hiccups? Stop them before you start to hurt. Breathe in and out of a paper bag for a few minutes. You’ll create a build-up of carbon dioxide in your lungs, which helps relax your diaphragm – whose involuntary tightening causes the hiccups in the first place. This trick works if you’re hyperventilating, too.</p> <p><strong>Give the jar a hand </strong></p> <p>No more banging a jar on the floor to loosen a tight lid. No more running it under hot water. And no more fancy tools designed to do the trick – that somehow don’t work. Just put on a pair of rubber gloves, and open the jar with ease. (Psst – sandpaper also works wonders!)</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/1-solutions-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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7 things you never knew about M*A*S*H

<p>Did you know <em>M*A*S*H</em> ran more than three times longer than the actual Korean War? It may have graced our screens for 11 years, but you might not know all there is to know about the classic TV series, <em>M*A*S*H</em>.</p> <ol> <li><strong>No one wanted a laugh track</strong> – Despite pleas from the show’s producers, the network (CBS) went ahead and added in canned laughter. You might have noticed the laugh track growing quieter and quieter as the years progressed, and in the UK, the laugh track was removed entirely.</li> <li><strong>CBS banned an “unpatriotic” episode</strong> – An idea for an episode was shot down by the network for being “unpatriotic”. It involved soldiers standing outside in the freezing cold to make themselves sick enough to be sent home – a tactic actually used during the war.</li> <li><strong>The writers got back at complaining cast members</strong> – If ever an actor complained about their script (or asked for changes), the writing team would change the script to make it “parka weather”, making the cast swelter in jackets through days in excess of 32°C on their Florida film set.</li> <li><strong>Patients were named after sports teams</strong> – After running out of names for patients visiting the hospital, the writers turned to baseball teams. In season six, four Marines are named after California Angels infielders, while in season seven, they named patients after the 1978 Los Angeles Dodgers.</li> <li><strong><em>M*A*S*H</em> hosted some big-name stars</strong> – Guest appearances on the show include Ron Howard, Leslie Nielsen, Patrick Swayze, Laurence Fishburne and Rita Wilson.</li> <li><strong>The series finale broke records</strong> – The two-and-a-half-hour 1983 series finale, “Goodbye, Farewell and Amen,” was watched by a staggering 121.6 million people in the US alone – back then, that was 77 per cent of households with TV sets. It remains the most-watched episode of a TV show in US history.</li> <li><strong>The time capsule didn’t stay buried long</strong> – In the series’ second-last episode, the <em>M*A*S*H</em> gang bury a time capsule. When the show wrapped up, the land used as the show’s set was sold, and a construction worker found the capsule just months later. After getting in contact with Alan Alda to return it, Alda told the worker he could keep it.</li> </ol> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p>

TV

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Try these 12 clever pillowcase hacks you’ll wish you knew sooner

<p><strong>Use a pillowcase as a laundry bag while travelling </strong></p> <p>When you travel, you always want to keep your dirty laundry separate from your clean clothes. Stick a pillowcase in your suitcase and toss in the dirty laundry as it accumulates. When you get home, just empty the pillowcase into the washer and throw in the pillowcase as well.</p> <p><strong>Use a pillowcase to dust ceiling fan blades</strong></p> <p>Have you ever seen dust bunnies careening off your ceiling fan when you turn it on for the first time in weeks? Grab an old pillowcase and place it over one of the ceiling fan blades. Slowly pull off the pillowcase. The blades get dusted and the dust bunnies stay in the pillowcase, instead of parachuting to the floor.</p> <p><strong>Turn a pillowcase into napkins </strong></p> <p>Who needs formal linen napkins that need to be pressed every time you use them? Pillowcases are available in a wide array of colours and designs. Pick a colour or design you like, and start cutting. Prevent fraying by sewing a hem on each side, or simply finish with iron-on hemming tape. You’ll have a new set of colourful napkins for a fraction of the cost of regular cloth napkins.</p> <p><strong>Use a pillowcase to keep matching bedding together </strong></p> <p>Your recently arrived overnight guests want to go to bed, but it’s not made. You run to the linen closet, but you can’t find a matched set of sheets. Next time, file away your linens. Place newly laundered and folded sheets in their matching pillowcase before putting them in the closet.</p> <p><strong>Prepare travel pillows</strong></p> <p>Family road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also get a little grimy too. Your youngsters may want to bring their own pillows along for the ride, but after several days in the car, they’re likely to get dirty with candy, food and markers. Take their favourite pillows and layer several pillowcases on each. When the outside one gets dirty, remove it for a fresh start!</p> <p><strong>Use a pillowcase to wrap a present </strong></p> <p>Trying to wrap a basketball or an odd-shaped piece of art? Is your wrapping paper not doing the trick? Place the gift in a pillowcase and tie closed with a ribbon.</p> <p><strong>Use a pillowcase to store your jumpers</strong></p> <p>Stored in plastic, winter jumpers can get musty. But stored in a wardrobe, they’re prey to moths. The solution can be found among your linens. Put the sweaters in a pillowcase for seasonal storage. They will stay free from dust but the pillowcase fabric will allow them to breathe.</p> <p><strong>Use old pillowcases as garment bags </strong></p> <p>You’ve just laundered a favourite dress shirt or skirt and you know you won’t be wearing it again for a while. To protect the garment, cut a hole in the top of an old pillowcase and slip it over the hanger and clothing. Psst – you can also use this trick when you’re packing for a holiday.</p> <p><strong>Use pillowcases as dust bags </strong></p> <p>You reach up to pull a leather purse or suede shoes down from a shelf. Of course, the item is dusty and now you have to clean it. Save yourself the time and hassle next time by storing infrequently used items in a pillowcase. They’ll be clean and ready to use when the occasion arises.</p> <p><strong>Wash your delicates in a pillowcase </strong></p> <p>Jumpers and pantyhose can get pulled out of shape when they twist around in the washer. To protect these garments during washing, toss them into a pillowcase and close with string or rubber band. Set the machine on the delicate setting, add the soap, and worry not about knots.</p> <p><strong>Machine-wash stuffed animals in pillowcases</strong></p> <p>Your child’s favourite stuffed animal is cute, but mighty dusty. Time for a bath! Place it in a pillowcase and put it in the washer. The pillowcase will ensure it gets a gentle but thorough wash. If any parts fall off the stuffed animal, it’ll be caught in the pillowcase so you can reattach them after the washing machine bath.</p> <p><strong>Use a pillowcase to clear out cobwebs </strong></p> <p>There’s a cobweb way up high in the corner of your dining room. Before you take a broom to it, cover the broom with an old pillowcase. Now you can wipe away the cobweb without scratching the wall paint. It’s also easier to remove the cobweb from the pillow than to pull it out of the broom bristles.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/12-clever-uses-for-pillowcases-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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4 caravan facts you never knew

<p dir="ltr">Caravans have come a long way since their humble beginnings in the 13th century, with the 20th century seeing them finally used for holidays!</p> <p dir="ltr">They’re increasing in popularity as more people want the caravan experience. </p> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation"><strong>1. Internet connection</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Some would simply turn away at the thought of no WI-FI, but with the rapid evolution of technology comes the evolution of caravan modernity.</p> <p dir="ltr">You won’t be cut off from the world on your caravanning holiday as plenty of parks offer 4G connection. </p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>2. Pet-friendly</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">A lot of people will refrain from holidaying if they can’t bring their beloved furry friend but a lot of them are now dog-friendly, so you don’t have to leave your best bud behind.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>3. Custom-built</strong></p> <p dir="ltr">Caravans can be tailored to suit your taste! If you own your own, of course, run rampant with the decorations! But a lot of caravan parks will allow you to personalise your home away from home.</p> <p dir="ltr"><strong>4. The future </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">With technology only further developing, it is certainly going to continue impacting the caravanning world. </p> <p dir="ltr">Some believe there might be fingerprint entry one day, and there are possibilities of an aquatic caravan, where it will be liveable on water and land!</p> <p dir="ltr">See the sites from the comfort of your very own caravan. It’s a unique experience, is often less costly, and very accommodating. </p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Domestic Travel

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21 more organising tips you'll wish you knew all along

<p><strong>Give in to the piles</strong></p> <p>“For people who chronically pile papers instead of filing them, ditch your filing cabinet. Instead, keep your piles but make them a little more structured by putting them into clear bins and then labelling them by category. It’s best if bins are transparent—either wire or acrylic—because if you’re a piler then you also probably have a visual memory. Labelling helps other people interact with your piling system.” —Kelly McMenamin and Katie McMenamin, co-authors of Organise Your Way: Simple Strategies for Every Personality</p> <p><strong>Hang everything</strong></p> <p>“Consider hanging almost all of your clothes. (You can use a double hanger to increase hanging space.) This helps you see everything you have so you know exactly what’s there and what you need. Drawers should be reserved for socks and underwear only.” —Kelly McMenamin and Katie McMenamin</p> <p><strong>Don’t underestimate how draining clutter can be</strong></p> <p>“Being surrounded by a lot of stuff can wear you down, physically and emotionally. Your home should be a reflection of items that truly hold meaning for you – either because you really like them or because there’s a special memory attached to them. Don’t hang onto unused picture frames, knick-knacks, plates, bowls, vases and other items you don’t have out on display or use. And remember, just because it’s hidden in a closet doesn’t mean it won’t add to that overwhelmed feeling you have as you still have to take care of it.” —Jeffrey Welder</p> <p><strong>Note how your taste changes</strong></p> <p>“Just because you loved something once doesn’t mean you still have to love it ten years later. Times change, people change, and trends change, and there’s nothing wrong with letting things go that no longer make you happy.” —Jeffrey Welder</p> <p><strong>Over-the-door shoe organisers aren’t just for shoes</strong></p> <p>“Hanging shoe organisers are a handy tool to keep clutter off floors and shelves, with uses for every room of your house. Try hanging one in your laundry room to organise all of your cleaning supplies. Or put one on your pantry door as the pouches are the perfect size to organise small boxes and gravy packets. Hang one in your bathroom to organise makeup and other toiletries. Use one in the playroom to keep Legos, matchbox cars, stuffed animals, and other small toys off the floor and in plain sight. Or try one in your workroom to keep all of your craft and wrapping supplies together.” —Jeffrey Welder</p> <p><strong>Use the empty spaces above too</strong></p> <p>“Under cabinets often end up packed to the gills (and hard to use) or half full of dead space. A simple solution is to use half shelves or stackable containers to use as much of the vertical area as you can.” —Schae Lewis and Bahar Partow</p> <p><strong>Make it a game</strong></p> <p>“Our clients love the ‘12-12-12 challenge.’ Each week, set a time to find 12 items to throw away, 12 items to donate, and 12 items to be returned to their proper home. It takes just a few minutes and is a fun, easy way to quickly organise 36 things in your house.” —Alison Bradley of the London Cleaning Team</p> <p><strong>Throw a swap party</strong></p> <p>“If you want to declutter without being wasteful, throw a party and invite friends to bring unused or unwanted items to swap. Everyone gets to go home with something new, and if you end up with leftovers, donate them to a local charity.” —Alison Bradley</p> <p><strong>Shop your wardrobe</strong></p> <p>“An easy way to declutter your wardrobe is to hold up each item and ask yourself, ‘Would I buy this again right now?’ If the answer is no, no matter what the reason is, out it goes.” —Hazel Thornton, professional organiser and author of Go with the Flow! The Clutter-Clearing Tool Kit for an Organised Life</p> <p><strong>Question your stuff</strong></p> <p>“For each item you consider bringing into the house, ask yourself three questions: Where is this going to live? Who will take care of it? Can I afford the money, time and energy it will require? If you don’t have a ready answer for any of these, then put it back.” —Hazel Thornton</p> <p><strong>Start at the bottom of the pile and work up</strong></p> <p>“For overwhelming paper piles, take a sheet from the bottom of the pile. The paper at the bottom is likely to be outdated, unneeded, even forgotten about, and no longer useful. That makes it easy to get rid of.” —Claire Tompkins, clutter coach and author of Five Minutes to a Relaxing Bedroom</p> <p><strong>Can you handle the truth?</strong></p> <p>"It’s hard to figure out what’s clutter in your own space because you’re so used to it. You take it for granted. Sometimes you can’t even see it. So pretend you’re showing a nosy visitor around. When she picks up that decorative box and asks you why you have it and if you like it, you may find yourself answering that it was left over from a white elephant sale and actually, no, you don’t even want it. The results can be surprising and liberating.” —Claire Tompkins</p> <p><strong>Keep things where you actually need them</strong></p> <p>“Put garbage or recycling bins where they’ll be used. If rubbish or recycling collect in the bedroom or living room, save yourself a trip and put the bins there, so you don’t have to go searching for them when you need them. Keep your shredder and recycling bin near where you process incoming mail. This allows you to take care of the paper right away rather than letting it pile up.” —Sarah Krivel, owner of Simpler Surroundings, a professional organising and productivity consulting company</p> <p><strong>Cherish the memory with a photo</strong></p> <p>“If you’re keeping something purely for sentimental reasons, take a picture and then give the item away. Recognise it’s the memory you cherish, not the actual item.” —Sarah Krivel</p> <p><strong>Set a limit for decluttering</strong></p> <p>“To avoid getting overwhelmed, I suggest to my clients to set the timer on their phones for a half hour. When the buzzer goes off they can stop! This can also be done by saying you’ll fill one bag to give away and then take a break. Often, just seeing their progress is motivation enough to keep going.” —Felice Cohen, professional organiser</p> <p><strong>Get creative with repurposing old items</strong></p> <p>“Sometimes something doesn’t need to be thrown out; sometimes it just needs to be used in a different way. For instance, use an empty tissue box to hold extra plastic grocery bags inside a kitchen pantry, cabinet, or closet. Or repurpose a bathroom towel rod by placing it on a garage wall to hold skateboards or longboards.” —Nancy Haworth, professional organiser, On Task Organising</p> <p><strong>If you don’t love it or use it, lose it</strong></p> <p>“This seems like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing what we can talk ourselves into keeping. For instance, gifts that we received and now feel obligated to keep forever, clothing that collects dust in our wardrobe but was too expensive to just get rid of, or childhood mementos that are taking over your storage space even though you’ve never taken the time to actually look back on them. If there is something that you are holding on to, be honest with yourself. Do you love it? Do you use it? Your home is a representation of yourself, and it should only be filled with items that you enjoy and use.” —Rachel Rosenthal, professional organiser and owner of Rachel and Company</p> <p><strong>Don’t forget why libraries exist</strong></p> <p>“If you have a large book collection, gather all your books from around the house so you can sort through them all together. Keep the ones you will still read, still reference, or have a particular love of. The rest can be donated. Remember, you can download many books now, and libraries still exist. Once you’ve whittled down your collection, decide how you would like to display your books: by topic, by author, by size, or by colour. Shelve the keepers accordingly. Create sections like a library or bookstore would have (thriller, reference, biography, comedy) or alphabetical by author.” —Amy Trager, certified professional organiser.</p> <p><strong>Organise spices alphabetically</strong></p> <p>“This allows you to quickly find what your recipe calls for, as well as figure out which spices your cabinet is missing. Whether in a drawer, laying flat, or in a cabinet on tiered shelves, alphabetizing will make grabbing spices quick and putting them away just as fast. If you enjoy cooking a lot and a variety of cuisines, you can also organise spices by cuisine type: Indian, Asian, Mediterranean, baking, etc.” —Amy Trager</p> <p><strong>The bye-bye box</strong></p> <p>“Take all supplies off of the top of your desk – pens, sticky notes, paper clips, etc – and put them in a box to the side. As you work, take out only the things you need to use. After two weeks, you’ll know what you actually use, and whatever hasn’t been taken out of the box can be discarded or donated.” —Sara Skillen</p> <p><strong>Save the instructions</strong></p> <p>“It makes sense that the manual for something like a printer, television, or computer should be kept next to or under the item it goes with. Sure, you could file them away, but chances are when you need the manual you will be standing next to the malfunctioning item. So simply slip the instructions underneath, taped to the back, or next to the equipment.” —Lee Silber, author of Organising from the Right Side of the Brain</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/42-organising-tips-youll-wish-you-knew-all-along" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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21 organising tips you’ll wish you knew all along

<p><strong>The best organising ideas</strong></p> <p>For many, organising is something that gets put off for months, but if you stay organised from the start and follow these tips, home organisation might not be such a daunting task. Learning how to organise from the start might be a lifestyle change, but in the end, it’s worth it. Read on to learn the best organising tips from the pros. </p> <p><strong>Before you can get clutter out, you have stop it from coming in</strong></p> <p>“The first step to winning the battle against clutter is to control what comes into your home. Unsubscribe from junk mail and catalogues you do not read. Stop shopping in bulk and buying non-necessities. Once the incoming flow of stuff and papers slows down or stops, you can focus on decluttering and organising what you have.” —Joanna Monahan, chief of external communications for Major Organisers.</p> <p><strong>Channel Alice in Wonderland with an “Eat Me First!” fridge bin</strong></p> <p>“Most households generate a lot of food waste, but you can cut it down just by having a dedicated – and labelled! – place in the fridge for leftovers and food that needs to be eaten quickly. This way the food actually gets eaten and you will be aware of what you have to buy soon.” —Lauren Haynes, expert in home organising and maintenance at Star Domestic Cleaners.</p> <p><strong>Keep your “ice” on ice</strong></p> <p>“Ice cube trays placed inside a drawer can really help you store and organise all kinds of little things that can easily get lost. They’re perfect for small pieces of jewellery, paper clips, or craft supplies.” —Lauren Haynes</p> <p><strong>Kid’s clock and schedule, all in one</strong></p> <p>“To structure your kid’s daily routine, get a simple white-faced clock and use different markers to colour the time segments for each activity like sleeping, bath time, or doing homework. Attach an activity list under the clock and you can keep your kid on schedule and on time.” —Lauren Haynes</p> <p><strong>See shapes, not things</strong></p> <p>“If you have groups of items that are shaped similarly (ie shoes in the bedroom or martini glasses in the kitchen), look at how to fit the shapes together instead of fitting the items. For example, if you are using shoe cubbies, put the shoes toe to heel instead of side by side. This way you can fit a pair of high heels in one cubby instead of two. You’ll be surprised how much more you can fit in a space when you look at shapes.” —Schae Lewis and Bahar Partow, co-founders of Mission 2 Organise LLC</p> <p><strong>Forget the Pinterest projects</strong></p> <p>“Being organised doesn’t have to be about being super creative or crafty like you often see online. For instance, you have probably seen the ‘trick’ to get 20 mason jars and glue the tops to the underside of a shelf, making cute storage for small items. But that’s a lot of work! And for what? Is that really making your life easier? I always tell my clients to look for the easiest solution to your organising problems, not the most creative.” —Alissa Dorfman, personal organiser and owner of Alissa Dorfman Home Organising</p> <p><strong>Hook a kid up</strong></p> <p>"When you have kids, always use hooks for their daily use items like coats and backpacks, rather than using hangers. Many kids lack the motor skills to get a coat on a hanger. Make sure the hooks are low to the ground so that the kids can reach them.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards, professional organiser with Home Key Organisation</p> <p><strong>Ditch dressers</strong></p> <p>“Instead of a traditional dresser, try a shelf with bins on it instead. This way, clothes don’t always have to be perfectly folded to close a drawer. Bonus: It will be easier for kids to put away their own clothes.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards</p> <p><strong>Skip the shoe rack</strong></p> <p>“Shoe racks are flimsy and rarely have enough space for all the shoes in a home, so use a bookcase instead.” —Stacy Erickson Edwards</p> <p><strong>Don’t forget to clear out digital clutter</strong></p> <p>“Digital clutter can be just as burdensome as physical clutter. To cut down on this, shut off automatic download of messages and start fetching emails only when you’re ready to deal with them. Also, set up a secondary email account for things like newsletters and promotional mail. Use an e-mail sorting system. Take five minutes every so often to clear out your pictures, text messages, music and other electronic files on a regular basis. Set up a recurring appointment on your phone calendar to remind you.” —Maura Thomas, founder of regainyourtime.com and author of Personal Productivity Secrets</p> <p><strong>Have an electronics hub in every room</strong></p> <p>"Have a place for all your mobile electronics, like iPads and phones, in every room you spend time in, not just in the kitchen or office. Since electronic items tend to move from room to room, having just one place in the home to store them doesn’t really work. Make the storage method fit each room. For instance, round baskets or an ottoman with storage can sit on the floor next to couches; decorative bowls or boxes function well on table tops; and magazine holders work in a tight space. Keep each station stocked with the necessities like different chargers, remotes and earphones.” —Jeffrey Welder of Vänt Wall Panels"</p> <p><strong>Play the matching game</strong></p> <p>“Start small, with one room or even just one drawer. Then empty everything out of the space and sort it into categories, grouping like items together. Once you see how much of each type of thing that you have, it will be easier to get rid of duplicates.” —Joanna Monahan</p> <p><strong>Use a zone defence against clutter</strong></p> <p>“Designate one place in your home, called a zone, for each category of items. For instance, have only one place for office supplies, one place for sports equipment, one place for shoes, and so forth. Clearly label each zone to help you and your family know where to look for [items] and to return items to their proper homes.” —Joanna Monahan</p> <p><strong>Pick one of four destinations</strong></p> <p>“It isn’t enough to pull out all the stuff you just don’t need. Purge it from your home by either trashing it, recycling it, thrifting it, or consigning it. This will help you become more mindful about what you really need.” —Evan Zislis, professional organiser and author of ClutterFree Revolution: Simplify Your Stuff, Organise Your Life & Save the World</p> <p><strong>Your stuff should support your life goals, not the other way around</strong></p> <p>“You need to clarify what is really important to you. Then organise the stuff that supports who you want to be and what you want to do before you’re dead and gone.” —Evan Zislis</p> <p><strong>Freebies aren’t free</strong></p> <p>“Just say no to free pads of paper, branded items, and other things you pick up at conferences, schools, or store events. Those items usually result in unused clutter around your house. Also say no to buy-one-get-one-free deals and bargains at the store too. Really, when are you ever going to use up six boxes of staples? And storing them isn’t free.” —Sara Skillen, Certified Professional Organiser</p> <p><strong>Your refrigerator is your biggest cupboard</strong></p> <p>“The refrigerator is one of the most frequently used ‘cupboards’ in the home, yet it is often forgotten when it comes to getting organised. Eliminate ‘lost’ food in the back by placing a lazy Susan at the rear of shelves to make rear spaces more functional and the items stored there, such as condiments, more accessible and usable. In addition, store food in clear glass standardised storage containers. When you can see the food, you are more likely to eat it.” —Debra Baida, owner of Liberated Spaces</p> <p><strong>Make storage fun</strong></p> <p>“For long-term results, design spaces with style and vibrancy, flexibility and function. This will give you the inspiration you’ll need to maintain your newly organised systems. In other words, make it fun and pretty!” —Evan Zislis</p> <p><strong>Start organising your kitchen with the pantry</strong></p> <p>“How many times have you gone to the store and wondered if you had pasta at home in your pantry? You’re not sure, so you buy another box, only to get home and find you have 20 already. To avoid this dilemma, pull everything out of your pantry and trash it if it’s expired. Donate unopened items you don’t like to a food bank. Then put your stuff back in but label your shelves with a name under each item. Only put foods on their designated shelf and you will never have to wonder how much pasta you really have.” —Alissa Dorfman</p> <p><strong>Start organising your bedroom with the dresser</strong></p> <p>“If you have an overflowing drawer, consider expanding it to two drawers, until every drawer can close. Next, narrow down how many types of things are in the same drawer. Only bras and underwear should have to share space. Lastly, move out-of-season or excess items into under-bed storage. —Alissa Dorfman</p> <p><strong>Organise toys by age</strong></p> <p>“How old are your kids? Do their toys reflect that? As kids grow, their toys change shape. In the beginning, everything is big and chunky with fewer pieces. A few years down the road, everything is teeny and collectible and kills if you step on it. Your playroom should reflect the ages of your kids and have different ways of organising the distinctly different toys. Use bins and Ziplock bags for all the little pieces, labelled so kids know which is for which. Communal areas, like dress-up and kitchen, should have big bins so clean-up is easier. Puzzles and board games should have a shelf, but make sure they too are separated by age, so each kid knows which area has their age-appropriate toys. Encourage taking out one thing at a time and remind them ten minutes before a playtime ends to clean up. You may have to help at first, but once your children know where every toy belongs, they are more than capable of cleaning up on their own.” —Alissa Dorfman</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/42-organising-tips-youll-wish-you-knew-all-along" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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Kitchen organisation ideas you’ll wish you knew sooner

<h2>The benefits of keeping your kitchen neat</h2> <p>They say everything has its place and this was never more true than in the kitchen. An organised kitchen can save time, prevent food waste, and let’s face it, it’s a lot more attractive and cheaper than renovating. With the help of a few experts, we put together kitchen organisation ideas and helpful tips to organise your kitchen cupboards, clean up your kitchen counters, pantry organisation ideas, and more. The best part? Most of these kitchen organisation tips are fast, easy, and free or inexpensive, to implement.</p> <h2>Purge your drawers and cabinets</h2> <p>Maybe you loved the idea of a juicer but only ever eat toast for breakfast. Or you used to be into baking but now you’ve put your focus into healthy meals. The top kitchen organisation idea is to stop thinking about the stuff, and start thinking about your life and how you want to live, says Laura Cattano, professional organiser and founder of Organisational Design. “If it’s not adding to your life, it’s directly taking away from it because it’s taking space away from something else.”</p> <h2>Group by need, not by item</h2> <p>You might keep your masher and microplane grater by the stove with other long-handled items like cooking spatulas, but that’s not the most convenient setup. “There are three things that happen in the kitchen: prep, cook, and serve,” says Cattano. “The best thing is to zone out your kitchen by those categories.” You might keep your spatulas by the stove, but your potato masher belongs near your countertop and big bowls. Take it a step further by asking exactly when you use each item. For instance, there’s no reason your mugs need to be by your water glasses, but putting them next to the coffee maker will save you from running all over your kitchen in the morning, says Cattano.</p> <h2>Set up a drop zone by the door</h2> <p>“The kitchen is still one of the first places we go when we enter a home,” says Maeve Richmond, founder and coach of organising company Maeve’s Method. “All the stuff of life that comes in the door accumulates in the kitchen.” To keep your meal space from becoming a catchall for your handbag, wallet, and gym bag, Richmond recommends setting up a “drop zone” by your door to set those things as you’re walking in. You might make it a permanent home for your wallet and keys, and a temporary place to drop your workout gear while you’re putting away groceries.</p> <h2>Make a place for mail</h2> <p>Taking just five minutes to go through your mail daily or every other day will keep that pile of papers under control so you don’t lose documents in the shuffle when you actually do need them. “The mail just keeps coming,” says Jodie Watson, founder and president of Supreme Organisation. “Keep trimming it down so you’re not losing items in the mix.” Instead of leaving it by your eating space, designate an area that has a basket for papers, and hang a bulletin board to write messages and reminders, she says.</p> <h2>Adjust the height of your shelves</h2> <p>Don’t let your shelf height define how you use your space. People tend to put cereal on a top shelf because that’s the one with the most space, but it’d be easier to reach on a lower shelf, says Watson. On the other hand, too much space for canned goods and you’ll probably start stacking items into an ugly, unstable pile. If your shelves aren’t already adjustable, buy shelf dividers to split one shelf into two, says Richmond. “Re-spacing the shelves takes away the messiness because things aren’t stacked,” says Richmond.</p> <h2>Store small appliances you don’t use on a daily basis</h2> <p>Feel free to leave appliances you use daily, like a coffee maker or toaster, on the counter. But anything you aren’t using every day should be stored in a cabinet to make more room on the counter. “Nobody likes to have to put the appliance away, but balance that against the precious countertop space,” says Richmond. “There’s the convenience of having it out, but it’s more convenient to be able to chop more vegetables or have a cleaner space.”</p> <h2>Keep your cooking utensils within reach</h2> <p>Store your spatulas, servings spoons, etc next to the stove in an attractive ceramic container or jar. But don’t overstuff it, cautions Cattano. “Not every single cooking utensil needs to be right by the stove,” says Cattano.  Leave out the ones you use most often, but hide the rest in a drawer.</p> <h2>Buy only what you need</h2> <p>If you find yourself leaving food out simply because you don’t have room in a cupboard, it might be time to start cutting down. “We want to save money, and it’s good to buy in bulk, but if you don’t have space for it, changing the way you shop might be more helpful,” says Watson. She recommends first going through your pantry to take stock of what you already have. Then head to the supermarket less often so you have a chance to use up what you have before refilling your cabinet.</p> <h2>Organise your oils</h2> <p>Exposure to light can make cooking oils go rancid. If you like having them on the counter, put them in opaque containers and stylise them so they don’t just look like clutter. “Put a tray under them so it looks intentional,” says Cattano.</p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/kitchen-organisation-ideas-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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13 things psychologists wish you knew about happiness

<h2>Listen to melancholy music</h2> <p>You heard that right! You officially have another excuse to listen to Adele on repeat (as if you even needed one anyway). Studies suggest that blasting some depressing and sappy tunes can actually help boost positive and peaceful feelings, which can be therapeutic, cathartic, and calming.</p> <h2>Actually speak to the person next to you on the train or bus</h2> <p>People are happier during their commutes when they chat up their seat neighbour, even if they think it will make the trip less positive and productive, according to a study in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General. Try to get over your fear of speaking to strangers or worrying that you’re bothering them – you could bring some joy to both of you! “The biggest source of misery in the workplace is actually getting there and back,” says Dr Art Markman, PhD, author of Brain Briefs. “People are generally unhappy when forces outside their control are affecting their lives.” Obviously, you can’t control other drivers or the schedule of public transportation, so it helps to find aspects of your commute that you can control. “Get in conversations with random strangers on the train or bus,” says Dr Markman. “The more you take control of the situation, the happier you’ll be.”</p> <h2>Know that money sometimes can buy happiness</h2> <p>“They say money can’t buy happiness,” says Dr Nancy Etcoff, PhD, an assistant clinical professor at Harvard Medical School. “But it can if what you buy is extra time, or pay to delegate tasks.” So don’t feel guilty ordering in Chinese food or hiring a house cleaner. A study found that people who spend money to save time tend to be happier than those who don’t. Yes, it might be overkill to order takeout for breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, or to have someone clean your home more than once a week. But consider sending out your dry cleaning this week to save you the time of ironing yet another shirt.</p> <h2>Call your mum </h2> <p>When was the last time you picked up your smartphone to actually make a call? Research has found that hearing your mum’s voice can help reduce stress, which means a happier you. Talking on the phone was found to reduce a key stress hormone and release the feel-good brain chemical oxytocin that is thought to play a key role in forming bonds. It goes without saying that you’ll also make Mum’s day.</p> <h2>Hang out with happy people</h2> <p>Yawns aren’t the only things that are contagious. Research has found that the more you surround yourself with positive people, the happier you’ll feel. Go ahead and enjoy a round of drinks with your girl squad, grab coffee with that woman at school pickup who’s always smiling, or schedule a visit with your cheery hairdresser.</p> <h2>Daydream about your upcoming holiday</h2> <p>Do you yearn to be lying on the beach, exploring the mountains, trekking in the jungle, or touring a museum – right this minute? Believe it or not, getting out of town won’t necessarily make you happier, a study found. But thinking about going out of town is another story. The fact is that we get an extra boost of joy if we delay pleasure. We build positive expectations, imagining how amazing the experience will be. That warm sun or the frozen strawberry daiquiri by the pool? It’s just an added bonus.</p> <h2>Speak to the person behind you in the supermarket</h2> <p>Research has found that making friends – not just online – boosts our spirits. “Face-to-face, human interactions are the elixir for nearly everything that ails us,” says Dr Kit Yarrow, PhD, a consumer psychologist, professor, author, consultant, and speaker. “Though every interaction may not create happiness, in the long run, [it’s] the sense of community that’s created will.” Say hello to the mum next to you on the sideline at the soccer game. Chat up your new co-worker in the lunchroom. You never know who you’ll meet and what kind of connections you’ll make.</p> <h2>Dust off your yearbook</h2> <p>It’s time to reminisce about fond memories from the past, so dig up your wedding album or high school yearbook, and then call or email your high school or childhood besties. Research published in the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin has found that feeling nostalgic about the past will increase optimism about the future and make you happier.</p> <h2>Hang out with man’s best friend</h2> <p>Power to the pets! Studies show that playing fetch with your dog or cuddling up with your cat does the body good. Interacting with pets has been found to release oxytocin, and you’ll be left with a joyous feeling.</p> <h2>Be a little selfish</h2> <p>“Being selfish is sometimes the best thing for yourself and others,” says Antonia Hall, MA, a psychologist, relationship expert, and author of The Ultimate Guide to a Multi-Orgasmic Life. Self-care may cause disappointment to others, like when you decline an invitation or cancel plans, Hall says. “But your wellbeing is more important.” If you’re unhappy, it won’t be a positive experience for either of you anyway, she says.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.com.au/healthsmart/conditions/mental-health/13-things-psychologists-wish-you-knew-about-happiness" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Mind

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“I knew she was gone”: Melissa Caddick’s husband opens up

<p dir="ltr">Anthony Koletti, the husband of missing scam artist Melissa Caddick, has opened up about life since she vanished in 2021, including how he knew she was dead.</p> <p dir="ltr">In an interview with <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11459481/Anthony-Koletti-interview-Melissa-Caddicks-husband-reveals-really-thinks-happened-her.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>Daily Mail Australia</em></a>, Koletti said he knew his wife of ten years was dead when police told him they had found her severed foot in March 2021.</p> <p dir="ltr">“In your heart, you know if someone is no longer on the Earth,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“When I spoke with police that day, I knew she was gone. I felt it inside my heart.</p> <p dir="ltr">“And as sad as it is, maybe not knowing what happened to her is more of a blessing in disguise. Do I feel like I'll ever get answers? No, I don't.”</p> <p dir="ltr">While the past two years had been difficult, Koletti said the realisation that he would never see his wife again was probably his darkest moment.</p> <p dir="ltr">Now, Koletti said he wants to restart his life but doesn’t believe he will find love again.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I still love Melissa, and I always will,” he said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I highly doubt I'll find someone else, but that's OK.”</p> <p dir="ltr">Koletti told the outlet that he had struggled to find work in the two years since Caddick’s disappearance, with the constant scrutiny deterring employers from hiring him to avoid bad press.</p> <p dir="ltr">Despite the difficulties, including being described as a “failed DJ” and Caddick’s “boytoy”, the 40-year-old has returned to hairdressing and now looks after his wife’s teenage son.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s an honour to raise her son,” he said, adding that they hadn’t talked about Caddick’s $23 million theft from clients or her disappearance because “we don’t need to”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We both had a terrible time, that's for sure, but we understand it because we lived it so there are no questions we have to ask each other,” Koletti said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It takes a lot more care to look after a child who's been through that - a lot more care than is otherwise required.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Maybe that's the reason he's chosen to stay with me full time, he knows I can cater to that.”</p> <p dir="ltr">As for reports that claimed he relied on Caddick’s money to fund his lifestyle, Koletti said they were incorrect and that he had been working as a hairdresser four days a week throughout their marriage.</p> <p dir="ltr">But, Koletti stopped working when their life became the subject of headlines, instead taking on freelance clients and cutting their hair in their homes.</p> <p dir="ltr">While most of the claims were “water off a duck’s back”, he said he struggled with the “impact it’s had on my life in general”.</p> <p dir="ltr">His new boss, Deborah Bradshaw of The Hair Angel in Balmain, said she was warned against hiring Koletti but made her decision based on what she felt was right.</p> <p dir="ltr">“He's done nothing wrong. He deserves to get a job and earn money,” Ms Bradshaw said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Of course I've read the news and I know the situation, but he's a good hairdresser and, when he came in, I realised he was really talented and really lovely and my clients love him.</p> <p dir="ltr">“His work is excellent, and that's what I'm judging him on.”</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-5dacd74f-7fff-7432-ff10-7ec21ebc6672"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image: 7News</em></p>

Legal

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News addiction, particularly on social media, can affect our mental health – but you knew that anyway, right?

<p><strong>Researchers suggest we question how much commercial media contributes to social media problems.</strong></p> <p>Put it down. Don’t open it. Leave it alone. Walk away and no-one will get hurt. These are the likely thoughts of increasing numbers of social media users involved in the almost obsessive behaviour referred to colloquially as “Doomscrolling”.</p> <p>In an era of pandemic, climate crisis, failure of democracy, school shootings, war and family violence it seems our social media habits can lead some people to mental and physical health issues.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10410236.2022.2106086" target="_blank" rel="noopener">new paper in <em>Health Communication</em> </a> looked at what the researchers termed “problematic news consumption”.</p> <p>The researchers surveyed 1,100 adults about their connection to the 24-hour news world and followed up with questions about their mental and physical health.</p> <p>They found that 16.5% of respondents showed signs of “severely problematic” news consumption, where news stories dominate their waking thoughts, disrupt family time, distract them from work or school, and add to restlessness or an inability to sleep.</p> <p>“Witnessing these events unfold in the news can bring about a constant state of high alert in some people, kicking their surveillance motives into overdrive and making the world seem like a dark and dangerous place,” says Bryan McLaughlin, Associate Professor of Advertising at the College of Media and Communication at Texas Tech University in the US.</p> <div class="newsletter-box"> <div id="wpcf7-f6-p203687-o1" class="wpcf7" dir="ltr" lang="en-US" role="form"> <form class="wpcf7-form mailchimp-ext-0.5.62 spai-bg-prepared init" action="/health/news-on-social-media-affects-health/#wpcf7-f6-p203687-o1" method="post" novalidate="novalidate" data-status="init"> <p style="display: none !important;"><span class="wpcf7-form-control-wrap referer-page"><input class="wpcf7-form-control wpcf7-text referer-page" name="referer-page" type="hidden" value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" data-value="https://cosmosmagazine.com/technology/" aria-invalid="false" /></span></p> <p><!-- Chimpmail extension by Renzo Johnson --></form> </div> </div> <p>“For these individuals a vicious cycle can develop in which – rather than tuning out – they become drawn further in, obsessing over the news and checking for updates around the clock to alleviate their emotional distress. But it doesn’t help, and the more they check the news, the more it begins to interfere with other aspects of their lives.”</p> <p>McLaughlin and his colleagues, Dr Melissa Gotlieb and Dr Devin Mills, analysed data from an online survey of 1,100 US adults. People were asked about the extent to which they agreed with statements like: “I become so absorbed in the news that I forget the world around me”, “…my mind is frequently occupied with thoughts about the news”, “I find it difficult to stop reading or watching the news,” and “I often do not pay attention at school or work because I am reading or watching the news.”</p> <p>According to McLaughlin, the findings show a need for focused media literacy campaigns to help people develop a “healthier relationship” with the news.</p> <p>“We want people to remain engaged in the news,” he says.</p> <p>“Tuning out comes at the expense of an individual’s access to important information for their health and safety, and undermines the existence of an informed citizenry, which has implications for maintaining a healthy democracy.”</p> <p>In addition, the study also questions whether the news industry may be fuelling the problem.</p> <p>“The economic pressures facing outlets, coupled with technological advances and the 24- hour news cycle have encouraged journalists to focus on selecting ‘newsworthy’ stories that will grab news consumers’ attention,” says McLaughlin.</p> <p>“The results of our study emphasise that commercial pressures news media face are not just harmful to the goal of maintaining a healthy democracy, they also may be harmful to individuals’ health.”</p> <p>Limitations of this study include reliance on a data collected at one point in time, where the authors could not establish the exact relationship between problematic news consumption and mental and physical ill-being.</p> <p><!-- Start of tracking content syndication. Please do not remove this section as it allows us to keep track of republished articles --></p> <p><img id="cosmos-post-tracker" style="opacity: 0; height: 1px!important; width: 1px!important; border: 0!important; position: absolute!important; z-index: -1!important;" src="https://syndication.cosmosmagazine.com/?id=203687&amp;title=News+addiction%2C+particularly+on+social+media%2C+can+affect+our+mental+health+%E2%80%93+but+you+knew+that+anyway%2C+right%3F" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><!-- End of tracking content syndication --></p> <div id="contributors"> <p><em><a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/health/news-on-social-media-affects-health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">This article</a> was originally published on <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Cosmos Magazine</a> and was written by <a href="https://cosmosmagazine.com/contributor/ian-mannix" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ian Mannix</a>. Ian Mannix is the assistant news editor at Cosmos.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p> </div>

Technology

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8 things dermatologists wish women knew about cellulite

<p><strong>What is cellulite?</strong></p> <p>Cellulite is the term for lumpy, dimpled flesh on the thighs, hips, buttocks and abdomen. It can also appear on the arms and breasts. “Cellulite is enlarged packets of body fat deep beneath the skin pushed against the vertical connective tissue that surrounds fat cells,” says dermatologist, Dr Dendy Engelman. </p> <p>“When the fat cells expand, it limits the space under the skin and puts pressure on the connective tissue. The pressure forces the fat against the top layers and creates the dimpled look.” So, before you try the latest and sometimes unfounded cellulite treatment, our skin experts explain what you need to know.</p> <p><strong>Almost every woman has cellulite</strong></p> <p>“Cellulite is very common – 93 per cent of women have it,” says Dr Engelman. “The first thing women with cellulite need to know is that they aren’t alone,” echoes dermatologist, Dr Bruce Katz. “The vast majority of women have at least some of these dreaded pockets of fat.”</p> <p><strong>Cellulite is harmless and not a disease</strong></p> <p>Although we may not like how it looks, cellulite is a completely normal and benign condition. “Cellulite is not the disease the media would have us think,” says dermatologist, Dr Tanya Kormeili. Cellulite doesn’t hurt, and it also doesn’t affect overall physical health.</p> <p><strong>Exercise can help reduce cellulite</strong></p> <p>“Since cellulite is fat, excess fat can contribute to the appearance of cellulite. Increasing muscle tone and exercising can minimise cellulite,” says Dr Engelman. Dr Katz agrees: “Generally, the key to alleviating cellulite is weight loss combined with building muscle. Muscle lies below the pockets of fat that strain against the skin and create cellulite. Smoothing the muscle should lead to smoother skin. Most women carry cellulite in their thighs and buttocks, so workouts emphasising leg lifts, squats and lunges tend to be most effective.” </p> <p>Dr Katz says that in his experience, lifestyle changes alone aren’t enough to reduce cellulite to most women’s satisfaction. Some cellulite treatments are nonsurgical and require very little downtime.</p> <p><strong>Diet can also affect cellulite appearance</strong></p> <p>Having a healthy diet is a positive for your body in general but may also reduce the appearance of cellulite. “Antioxidants and omega-3s can be a woman’s best friend in fighting cellulite because they help break fat cells down and strengthen the skin and connective tissue, respectively,” says Dr Katz. </p> <p>“I recommend foods like flaxseed, dark berries and salmon. Many women patients are also overjoyed to learn that they don’t have to cut out chocolate. Natural cocoa is loaded with antioxidants, so dark chocolate is a welcome part of any anti-cellulite diet.”</p> <p><strong>Cellulite has a genetic component (woman of any size can have cellulite)</strong></p> <p>Women who have cellulite tend to have mums, sisters and aunts with cellulite no matter what their body size or shape. Dr Katz says, “One of the biggest misconceptions about cellulite is that losing body fat alone will reduce its appearance. I have treated cellulite in women who are marathon runners and triathletes who still have cellulite. I treated one woman who did the Ironman triathlon in Hawaii four times and still came in to have her cellulite treated.” </p> <p>Dr Engelman echoes this by saying, “Cellulite is genetic, so while weight can influence the presence of cellulite, even the thinnest women can have it.”</p> <p><strong>Men rarely get cellulite because of their skin structure</strong></p> <p>Men, on the other hand, are unlikely to have cellulite; according to the Cleveland Clinic, less than 10 per cent of men are affected by it.</p> <p>That’s because the support tissue in a woman’s body is softer, likely because women’s bodies have to stretch so much to accommodate a growing baby. Visualise fishnet pantyhose – this is what women’s covering of skin looks like versus men’s covering, which is more like a thick, uniform pantihose holding all the fat in place and not allowing as much herniation. </p> <p>“This is an anatomical issue with our bodies as women. Not our fault! Biology! As we get older or under the effects of hormones, the fishnet ‘holes’ can get even more permeable with more herniation, and hence cellulite forms,” says Dr Kormeili. “Therefore, creams and fads can’t really correct cellulite unless they could go deep in the skin and repair the fishnet into a thick pair of pantyhose,” she says.</p> <p><strong>Be wary about expensive "miracle" cellulite treatments</strong></p> <p>We’ve all seen the super expensive creams and potions that claim to erase cellulite – but are they worth it? “While many treatments claim to be able to improve the appearance of cellulite, the long-term effectiveness of these treatments or their true efficacy is still being investigated. </p> <p>So, please, don’t waste your hard-earned money on claims that won’t really yield the results you want,” says Dr Kormeili. If cellulite is a true concern, it’s best to contact a board-certified dermatologist to discuss your options as there are several treatments that can help but they require a physician’s intervention.</p> <p><strong>Caffeine may improve skin's texture</strong></p> <p>“Most cellulite-fighting creams contain caffeine as their active ingredient, which can be more helpful than you’d imagine when applied religiously,” says Dr Engelman. “This is because of the temporary effects caffeine has on the body, which are actually prolonged to daily effects. It shrinks fat cells by dehydrating them.” </p> <p>Dr Engelman suggests applying these creams with an aggressive massage or a rolling motion to help aid in the penetration and see better results.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/beauty/8-things-dermatologists-wish-women-knew-about-cellulite" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Beauty & Style

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18 hidden voice memos features you never knew about

<p><strong>Make the most of your voice memo app</strong></p> <p>Your iPhone is packed with productivity tools, but you don’t have to download a dozen apps for your device to become a true time-saver. Apple’s voice memo app alone can add to your productivity, help you keep track of your appointments and reminders, and act as your personal assistant. Use Voice Memos to record conversations, meetings, lectures, and the great idea you had while driving or walking the dog. You can even record a phone call on your iPhone by using the Voice Memos app.</p> <p>The app is easy to locate – you’ll find it in your Utilities folder, though you can move it wherever you’d like, or ask Siri to open it for you. It’s easy to use. It’s available on iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Apple computers. And best of all, it’s free. There’s no time limit for recordings (it’s dependent on the internal storage capacity of your device), so you can likely record that entire lecture without worry.</p> <p>Scroll down for tips that take you beyond voice memo recording and to all of the truly cool things you can do with a voice memo app.</p> <p><strong>Record a voice memo</strong></p> <p>There are a whole host of reasons you might make good use of a voice memo app. Maybe your boss loves to have walking meetings, but you’re not quite skilled at walking, note-taking… and not running into a tree. Maybe you’re meeting colleagues for a brainstorming dinner and want to keep track of everyone’s ideas. Or maybe you need a quick way to take down a brilliant idea – for a business, a birthday gift, you name it – during your commute.</p> <p>It’s incredibly easy to use your iPhone’s Voice Memos app. (Just be sure to ask the other person’s permission first!) Here’s how:</p> <p>Open the Voice Memos app.</p> <p>To start recording, tap the red record button.</p> <p>Boom! You’re recording your conversation.</p> <p><strong>Pause a recording</strong></p> <p>While you may often record straight through without breaks, there are times when you may want to pause a recording. For instance, during an important lunch meeting with colleagues, you really don’t need to keep track of your coworkers ordering coffee at the care. This iPhone trick will also be helpful during conversations with long pauses or when you’re put on hold. Here’s how to do it:</p> <p>While recording, tap or swipe up on the recording field at the bottom of your screen to bring it into full-screen view.</p> <p>Tap the pause symbol to temporarily stop recording.</p> <p>Tap Resume to continue.</p> <p><strong>Stop a recording</strong></p> <p>When you’re done recording your conversation, remember to actually stop the recording or you’ll be stuck with a really long voice memo that eats into your storage space. Here’s how to do it:</p> <ul> <li><strong>In partial-screen view</strong>: Hit the red square.</li> <li><strong>In full-screen view</strong>: Tap the pause button, then hit the word Done.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Delete a recording</strong></p> <p>Not every recording is worth saving. If you decide you don’t need yours, it’s easy to delete. Here’s how to do that:</p> <p>In your All Recordings list, find the voice memo you’d like to delete.</p> <p>Select the recording to expand the field.</p> <p>Tap the trash can.</p> <p><strong>Recover a recently deleted recording</strong></p> <p>If you delete the wrong file, don’t panic. Just as you can recover deleted photos, you can recover recently deleted recordings. Just follow the steps below.</p> <p>Navigate to the main Voice Memos screen.</p> <p>Tap Recently Deleted.</p> <p>Tap the recording you’d like to restore.</p> <p>Select Recover to restore your recording.</p> <p>To recover multiple deleted voice memos, select Edit in the upper-right corner. Tap all of the recordings you’d like to restore, then select Recover All from the lower left-hand corner.</p> <p>One thing to bear in mind: you only have about 30 days to recover deleted files.</p> <p><strong>Save a recording in the Voice Memos app</strong></p> <p>If you’re satisfied with your recording, you’ll want to save it. Thankfully, a voice memo on iPhone saves automatically. As soon as you stop a recording, it’ll save in the Voice Memos app and appear in your All Recordings list. Yep, it’s actually as simple as that.</p> <p><strong>Rename your recording</strong></p> <p>Be sure to give your file a new name so you’ll be able to find it easily in the future. Here’s how to do that:</p> <p>Tap the recording.</p> <p>Tap on the name.</p> <p>Type your new file name.</p> <p><strong>Save a recording to an iCloud folder</strong></p> <p>While Voice Memos automatically saves a recording, you may want to save it to iCloud for extra security – or so you can access it from any device. By following the steps below, you’ll ensure your voice memo remains in the app and in your chosen folder.</p> <p>Tap the recording you want to move.</p> <p>Look for a circle with three dots in it. Tap it.</p> <p>Select Save to Files from the list below.</p> <p>Tap the folder you’d like to add it to.</p> <p>To create a new iCloud folder, tap the folder icon in the top right corner.</p> <p><strong>Organise recordings in Voice Memos folders</strong></p> <p>If you use the voice memo app often, you may want to organise your recordings to make them easier to find, just as you would organise your apps for easier access. You can group them in folders, which you’ll find on the main Voice Memos screen.</p> <p>Here’s how to move a voice memo to a folder:</p> <p>Tap the recording you want to move.</p> <p>Tap the circle with three dots in it (to the right of the recording’s name).</p> <p>Select Move to Folder from the list below.</p> <p>Tap on the folder you want your recording to appear in.</p> <p>To create a new folder, tap the folder icon in the lower right-hand corner. Give the folder a name, then select Save. Select that folder to save your recording there.</p> <p><strong>Crop a recording</strong></p> <p>There are many reasons why you might want to crop your new file. Musicians often use the Voice Memos app and then crop out the bits they don’t want to share. One thing to keep in mind: While the crop icon looks the same as in Voice Memos as it does in other apps, the function is actually called Trim.</p> <p>Navigate to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the voice memo you want to crop.</p> <p>Tap the button to the right of your recording that looks like three small dots in a circle.</p> <p>Select the Edit Recording option.</p> <p>Tap the crop tool at the top right of the file.</p> <p>Drag the yellow trim handles until the section you want to keep is highlighted in yellow and the section you want to crop is in white.</p> <p>Be sure to check that you’re keeping the part you want. Tap the play button to listen.</p> <p>Click the Trim button to crop everything except the section highlighted in yellow.</p> <p>Tap save and then Done, and you’re good to go.</p> <p>You can also delete an entire portion of your recording. With the section selected (it’ll be yellow), tap the Delete button. Remember, Trim removes everything except the yellow segment, while Delete removes the yellow segment.</p> <p><strong>Replace sections of a recording</strong></p> <p>If you mumbled or coughed in the middle of an important voice memo, fear not! It’s really easy to record over the bits you don’t like.</p> <p>Go to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the recording you want to fix.</p> <p>Tap the button to the right of your recording that looks like three small dots in a circle.</p> <p>Select Edit Recording.</p> <p>Move your finger over the waveform (the lines that visually represent your recording) until you’re in the section of your recording you want to replace.</p> <p>Tap the red Replace button to start recording. The waveform will turn red while you record.</p> <p>Tap the pause button when you’re done.</p> <p>Check your recording by hitting the play button. If you’re satisfied, tap Done to save your changes.</p> <p>The great news: You can do this in as many places as you like to make sure you’re happy with the entire recording.</p> <p><strong>Speed up or slow down a recording</strong></p> <p>If a fast or slow talker is making your voice memo sound weird, or if you need to speed up or slow down a section of music, you can do that easily with the voice memo app.</p> <p>Navigate to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the audio file you want to speed up or slow down.</p> <p>You’ll see an icon in the bottom left corner that looks like a synthesizer, or three lines with buttons. Tap the icon.</p> <p>Under Playback Speed, move the horizontal slider to the left (toward the tortoise icon) to slow down the playback speed of your recording. Move it to the right (toward the hare) to speed up your recording.</p> <p>Tap the X at the top right of the box to close the screen.</p> <p>Press play on your recording to test the new speed.</p> <p>If you’re not happy with the way it sounds, return to the Playback Speed function and select the blue Reset option.</p> <p>When you’re happy with the recording, tap the X to close the screen again.</p> <p><strong>Automatically skip silences in a recording</strong></p> <p>Unlike in real life, it’s really easy to remove awkward silences from recordings in your Voice Memos app.</p> <p>Tap the audio file you want to edit.</p> <p>Tap the icon in the lower-left corner that looks like a synthesiser (three stacked lines, each with a knob).</p> <p>Toggle on the Skip Silence button.</p> <p>Tap the X icon.</p> <p>Tap the play button to listen to the recording and see if you like the way it sounds.</p> <p><strong>Enhance a recording</strong></p> <p>While writing this article, I was typing in the background. I also coughed quite a few times, which didn’t sound amazing on my recording. If you have street noises or other background sounds on your voice memo or just want to create a more professional recording, you can easily enhance it, just as I did.</p> <p>Tap the audio file you want to edit.</p> <p>Tap the icon in the lower-left corner that looks like a synthesiser (three stacked lines, each with a knob).</p> <p>Toggle on the Enhance Recording button.</p> <p>Tap the X icon.</p> <p>Tap the play button to listen to the recording and see if you like the way it sounds.</p> <p><strong>Duplicate a recording</strong></p> <p>Before you edit any recording, you probably should make a backup. That way, if you end up hating your edits, you always have a fresh copy of the original. It’s also helpful if you want to compare the original with the edits.</p> <p>Go to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the recording you want to duplicate.</p> <p>Tap the button to the right of your recording that looks like three small dots inside a circle.</p> <p>Select Duplicate from the list.</p> <p>The copy of your recording will appear directly below the original with the word “copy” added to the file name. Tap the file to change the file name.</p> <p><strong>Copy a recording</strong></p> <p>I like to keep copies of all my important files in several places. If a file becomes corrupted, I can head to my backup and work from there. Here’s how to copy a recording in your iPhone Voice Memos app.</p> <p>Go to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the recording you want to copy.</p> <p>Tap the button to the right of your recording that looks like three small dots in a circle.</p> <p>Select Copy from the list.</p> <p>From there, you can paste the voice memo into an email or text to send to yourself (or someone else) as a backup.</p> <p><strong>Share a recording</strong></p> <p>There are many reasons why you might want to share your recording. Maybe your colleagues want a copy of that daylong meeting you recorded or you’re sending your audio notes to someone for transcription. The Voice Memos app makes sharing your file super simple; just follow the steps below.</p> <p>Navigate to your All Recordings list.</p> <p>Tap the file you want to share.</p> <p>Tap the button to the right of your recording that looks like three small dots in a circle.</p> <p>Select Share from the options below.</p> <p>Select how you’d like to share this file, such as via email, text, or AirDrop.</p> <p><strong>Record a phone call</strong></p> <p>Maybe you’re speaking with a lawyer and want to catch every last detail. Or maybe you’re interviewing someone. Whatever your reason, it’s helpful to know how to record a phone conversation. Apple doesn’t make that easy – you can’t record a call in Voice Memos while you’re on your phone. But there’s a workaround: Use two devices.</p> <p>Open the Voice Memos app on your iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, or Mac computer.</p> <p>Start recording by tapping the red record button.</p> <p>Make your phone call from a different phone. Be sure to place the call on speaker so Voice Memos captures both sides of the conversation.</p> <p>When your call is over, hang up the phone and stop recording.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-cf7fa5ea-7fff-554b-232e-079b0ae53d8c">Written by Rachel Weingarten. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/true-stories-lifestyle/science-technology/18-hidden-voice-memos-features-you-never-knew-about" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Technology

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18 things your electrician wishes you knew

<p><strong>I'm not unskilled labour</strong></p><p>I’ve spent four to eight years in apprentice school learning how to plan, install, inspect and repair electrical products. Don’t insult my intelligence by implying otherwise.</p><p><strong>Please don't try to do it on your own</strong></p><p>Electricity is complicated and dangerous. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you could start a fire or get electrocuted – sometimes fatally. </p><p>Pretty much anything beyond plugging something into the wall should be left to a professional. The cost of my visit is nothing compared to the price of your safety.</p><p><strong>Call as early as possible</strong></p><p>Don’t call at the end of the day if you want same-day service. After 4:30 or 5:30pm, I need to pay my workers overtime, so I’ll charge you more to make up for it. </p><p>Calling first thing in the morning lets me fit your job into my day – and you’ll see a lower bill.</p><p><strong>Look at reviews, not just price</strong></p><p>Online reviews are useful when you’re on the hunt for a trustworthy electrician. If the person with the lowest quote also has the worst ratings, it’s worth shelling out a bit more. </p><p>If that cheaper electrician messes up, you’ll just need to call me (and my higher price) and pay more overall.</p><p><strong>I can't fix everything </strong></p><p>I don’t specialise in installing dishwashers or washing machines, so please don’t call me about them. You’re better off finding a plumber.</p><p><strong>Get as local as you can </strong></p><p>The farther I need to travel to get to you, the more time is taken out of my day – and I’ll factor that into your bill. </p><p>Finding someone closer to your neighbourhood might be able to charge you less.</p><p><strong>If the job gets bigger, don't argue if the bill gets higher</strong></p><p>My original quote is based on the project you called me in for. If I find out there’s actually a larger issue at hand, I’ll need to increase my price to match the scope of the project. </p><p>I’m not ripping you off, I’m just making sure I get compensated for the extra work.</p><p><strong>Give me the pay I deserve</strong></p><p>Some customers get sticker shock, but I’m not trying to rip you off. You only see the half-hour of work I did in your home, but that’s not the whole story. </p><p>I spent years training, and now I need to pay my crew (who went out of their way to get to your home), plus deal with marketing and other costs of running a business – and my prices reflect that.</p><p><strong>Prepare the work area in advance</strong></p><p>Clearing the work space and moving any furniture before I arrive means I can get in and out faster, so I can charge you for less of my time.</p><p><strong>We're happy to help with seemingly simple tasks</strong></p><p>Installing a ceiling fan might not sound complicated, but it’s nothing like putting together a barbecue yourself. </p><p>You’re trying to figure out the motor while hoisting a 30kg fan three metres above the floor. Call me up – I can finish the job faster and safer than you could.</p><p><strong>Pick your own parts</strong></p><p>Don’t describe the kind of ceiling fan or light fixture you’re looking for and expect me to find one that fits your vision perfectly. </p><p>Go to the hardware store and pick up your own items so you can guarantee they’re what you want. Just get in touch with me before you buy it in case it won’t fit correctly.</p><p><strong>If you're happy, tell your friends</strong></p><p>One of the best ways to show your appreciation is telling your family and friends about me. My business thrives on word-of-mouth recommendations.</p><p><strong>Please be careful with space heaters</strong></p><p>I get called in all the time for problems with space heaters. If you leave the house while the heater is running, the connection could get loose and burn up the plug, which could start a fire. </p><p>Give your space heater the space it needs, and turn it off when you aren’t using it.</p><p><strong>Don't blame me for your future problems</strong></p><p>If I was working on your bedroom lighting and an outlet in your garage stops working a few days later, that’s just a coincidence. </p><p>I’ll come back for the second project, but don’t expect me to do it for free because I “broke” it the last time. </p><p>If I wasn’t working with that circuit, this new problem is unrelated.</p><p><strong>Your air conditioner uses a ton of power</strong></p><p>Window AC units blast for hours at time and use massive amounts of energy. An extension cord – and usually even sharing the circuit powering your AC with something else – overloads the wires. </p><p>If they get too hot, the wires could short out and start a fire. Make sure the unit gets its own circuit, meaning a switch on your electrical panel dedicated to your AC and nothing else.</p><p><strong>Your light bulbs might not fit the fixture</strong></p><p>Older light fixtures won’t necessarily work with energy-efficient CFL and LED bulbs. If you want to stay away from incandescent light bulbs, you might need to replace the whole fixture.</p><p><strong>Have your circuits labelled</strong></p><p>Labelling the switches on your circuit board will save me guesswork (and time). </p><p>Hiring either me or another electrician will make the job easier in the future, so we don’t need to turn every single one off before getting to work.</p><p><strong>I'm not an evil corportation</strong></p><p>Most of us come from family-owned companies who are just trying to do right by the customer.</p><p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p><p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/food-home-garden/home-tips/18-things-your-electrician-wishes-you-knew?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home Hints & Tips

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"Nobody knew": How Ash Barty's huge surprise was pulled off

<p dir="ltr">The planning behind Ash Barty’s huge surprise following her Australian Open win has been revealed, with master of ceremonies Todd Woodbridge sharing how he was sworn to secrecy.</p><p dir="ltr">The world No. 1 received the Daphne Akhurst Memorial Cup from dear friend and tennis legend Evonne Goolagong Cawley, who emerged from the Champions’ Walk during the celebration ceremony.</p><p dir="ltr">“We have a special guest to present the finalist’s trophy,” Woodbridge announced at the time.</p><p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c4a56fa0-7fff-aa0d-9630-c4d3054f0f80"></span></p><p dir="ltr">“Would you please welcome a 13-time grand slam champion, four-time winner here at the Australian Open. She is a champion of our game. Put your hands together for Evonne Goolagong Cawley!”</p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p dir="ltr" lang="en">🖤💛❤️<br /><br />The moment Evonne Goolagong Cawley crowned <a href="https://twitter.com/ashbarty?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ashbarty</a> the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AusOpen?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AusOpen</a> women's singles champion 🏆<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AO2022?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AO2022</a> <a href="https://t.co/ASBtI8xHjg">pic.twitter.com/ASBtI8xHjg</a></p>— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1487375136005058560?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2022</a></blockquote><p dir="ltr">The surreal moment was greeted by an eruption of applause from the crowd, while a beaming Barty bowed her head in disbelief. </p><p dir="ltr">“Obviously I was sworn to secrecy because I did the presentation and I had to announce that (Goolagong Cawley) was about to walk onto the court,” Woodbridge <a href="https://wwos.nine.com.au/tennis/australian-open-2022-ash-barty-evonne-goolagong-todd-woodbridge/1dd16936-560b-4e02-a129-4792fbfab7a9" target="_blank" rel="noopener">said</a> while appearing on 2GB’s Wide World of Sports radio.</p><p dir="ltr">“The card that had that line in my notecards that I held … wasn’t handed to me until I had just about walked up on the stage, even though I knew it was coming, in case someone saw my notes.</p><p dir="ltr">“Nobody knew. It was absolutely brilliant.</p><p dir="ltr">“I was staring down the camera from the MC position and I had the stand right behind it and as soon as I said her name everybody stood up.</p><p dir="ltr">“It was really quite an incredible moment.”</p><p dir="ltr">Barty previously paid tribute to Goolagong Cawley while playing at Wimbledon last year, wearing a white skirt with a scalloped hem in a nod to the outfit Goolagong wore when she won the singles grand slam at the All England Club in 1971.</p><p dir="ltr">The then-19-year-old would go on to win four Australian Open singles titles between 1974 and 1977.</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-21acefe4-7fff-d6e4-a487-8ea530e18ea2"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Barty’s maiden Australian Open title win saw her defeat American Danielle Collins 6-3, 7-6, (7-2) to become a three-time singles major champion.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF;border: 0;border-radius: 3px;margin: 1px;max-width: 540px;min-width: 326px;padding: 0;width: calc(100% - 2px)" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVBsLKBoy4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"><div style="padding: 16px"><div style="flex-direction: row;align-items: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 40px;margin-right: 14px;width: 40px"> </div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 100px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 60px"> </div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0"> </div><div style="height: 50px;margin: 0 auto 12px;width: 50px"> </div><div style="padding-top: 8px"><div style="color: #3897f0;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: 550;line-height: 18px">View this post on Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0"> </div><div style="flex-direction: row;margin-bottom: 14px;align-items: center"><div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px;flex-grow: 0;margin-right: 14px;margin-left: 2px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;height: 12.5px;width: 12.5px"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 50%;flex-grow: 0;height: 20px;width: 20px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 2px solid transparent;border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4;border-bottom: 2px solid transparent"> </div></div><div style="margin-left: auto"><div style="width: 0px;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-right: 8px solid transparent"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;flex-grow: 0;height: 12px;width: 16px"> </div><div style="width: 0;height: 0;border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4;border-left: 8px solid transparent"> </div></div></div><div style="flex-direction: column;flex-grow: 1;justify-content: center;margin-bottom: 24px"><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;margin-bottom: 6px;width: 224px"> </div><div style="background-color: #f4f4f4;border-radius: 4px;flex-grow: 0;height: 14px;width: 144px"> </div></div><p style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;line-height: 17px;margin-bottom: 0;margin-top: 8px;overflow: hidden;padding: 8px 0 7px;text-align: center"><a style="color: #c9c8cd;font-family: Arial,sans-serif;font-size: 14px;font-style: normal;font-weight: normal;line-height: 17px;text-decoration: none" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CZVBsLKBoy4/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Ash Barty (@ashbarty)</a></p></div></blockquote><p dir="ltr">Woodbridge had nothing but praise for her Melbourne Park campaign, noting that even her “wobble” was followed by some hard-hitting play.</p><p dir="ltr">“Goes through the tournament without losing a set, and then in the final has a bit of a wobble where her opponent came at her, lost her forehand for a little while and then at 5-1 down says, ‘OK, enough’s enough. I’m going to start taking this back on’,” Woodbridge said.</p><p dir="ltr">“And then whacks forehand winners for the next six games, gets back in and wins it.</p><p dir="ltr">“Just one of the best Opens I have been at because of the fact that we had that Aussie winner.”</p><p dir="ltr"><span id="docs-internal-guid-76ad1503-7fff-fa2a-7326-d609e4f7c005"></span></p><p dir="ltr">Image: Getty Images</p>

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21 hidden health benefits music lovers wish you knew

<p><strong>Favourite tunes keep you calm</strong></p> <p><span>Listening to their favourite music lowered anxiety among ICU patients by about one third, according to an Ohio State University study. </span></p> <p><span>Not just any tunes – it had to be familiar and comforting pieces, according to researchers.</span></p> <p><strong>Mood music makes you eat less</strong></p> <p><span>When a US fast food chain gave one of its restaurants a fine-dining makeover – including soft lighting and jazz – diners ate about 18 per cent less and reported enjoying their food more, according to a Cornell study in the journal <em>Psychological Reports</em>.</span></p> <p><strong>Inspiring instrumentals improve your mental focus </strong></p> <p><span>Uplifting concertos from Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons can boost mental alertness, according to research from Northumbria University in the United Kingdom. </span></p> <p><span>When young adults were given a task that required intense concentration, they did better while listening to the bright “Spring” concerto versus the slower and more sombre “Autumn” one.</span></p> <p><strong>Group singing makes you happy</strong><span></span></p> <p><span>British researchers recently surveyed 375 people who sang in a choir, sang alone, or played on a sports team. </span></p> <p><span>All the activities contributed to greater emotional well-being, but people in choirs reported feeling happier than those who belted out tunes solo. </span></p> <p><span>Chorus members also rated their groups as more meaningful social experiences than athletes did with their sports teams. </span></p> <p><span>The physical act of synchrony – acting in time with others – or choral singing could promote feelings of unity.</span></p> <p><strong>Playing an instrument may protect brain sharpness later in life</strong></p> <p><span>The more years middle-aged and older adults spent playing musical instruments as children, the faster their brains responded to speech sounds during an experiment, according to a study in the <em>Journal of Neuroscience</em>. </span></p> <p><span>A slower response could be indicative of how ably adults interpret speech. </span></p> <p><span>“Being a millisecond faster may not seem like much, but the brain is very sensitive to timing. A millisecond compounded over millions of neurons can make a real difference in the lives of older adults,” Michael Kilgard, a brain researcher who was not involved in the study, commented in a press release.</span></p> <p><strong>Good music soothes and relaxes your blood vessels</strong></p> <p>Listening to music that brings you joy causes blood vessels to expand, increasing blood flow and improving cardio­vascular health, a University of Maryland study found.</p> <p>The average upper-arm blood vessel diameter of people in the study increased 26 per cent after listening to joyful music.</p> <p>A separate review of 26 studies covering almost 1400 heart disease patients found that music reduced heart rate, blood pressure and anxiety.</p> <p><strong>Music classes make kids more cooperative</strong></p> <p><span>Preschoolers who sang and played instruments as a group were a whopping 30 times more likely to help others in subsequent tasks that measured their helpfulness and problem-solving abilities, compared with a control group of kids who listened to a story, British researchers reported in 2013.</span></p> <p><strong>A mellow playlist may ease road rage</strong></p> <p><span>Feel an angry outburst coming on after a driver cuts you off, or as traffic starts to build? </span></p> <p><span>A quick switch to mellow music helped drivers calm down and make fewer mistakes during an experiment in a simulator, according to research published in 2013 in the journal <em>Ergonomics</em>.</span></p> <p><strong>Music therapy may help teens cope with cancer</strong></p> <p><span>Teenagers undergoing cancer treatment who joined a music therapy program in the hospital showed improved coping skills and more resilience when compared to a control group of patients who received audio books. </span></p> <p><span>The patients, who were undergoing stem cell transplants, worked with music therapists to write song lyrics and produce videos.</span></p> <p><span> “Making music videos allows these patients to project their feelings through another outlet,” Shawna Grissom, director of child life at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, told <em>HealthDay</em>. </span></p> <p><span>“It gives them a sense of control, a medium in which they can express themselves.”</span></p> <p><strong>Your work will get done faster</strong></p> <p><span>Listening to happy music at work can help you complete tasks more quickly, especially if you’re doing something repetitive such as checking e-mail or filing documents. </span></p> <p><span>One study showed that the accuracy and efficiency of surgeons improved when they worked with the music of their choice in the background. </span></p> <p><span>Cornell University researchers also found that upbeat tunes help workers cooperate and make group decisions that contribute to the good of the team.</span></p> <p><strong>Stress levels will go down</strong></p> <p>Music decreases levels of the stress hormone cortisol just as well as massage therapy does, according to a small 2010 study.</p> <p>Scientists randomly assigned anxious patients to listen to music either during massage therapy or while lying in a dim room.</p> <p>After three months, those who just listened to music experienced the same drop in anxiety as those who also got massages.</p> <p><strong>Music can help during surgery</strong></p> <p><span>Listening to music before surgery has been shown to ease anxiety and limit the need for sedatives. </span></p> <p><span>After surgery, it helps reduce pain. An analysis of 73 studies published in the Lancet in 2015 confirmed that listening to music before, during, or after surgery improves anxiety and pain levels, which in turn means less pain medication.</span></p> <p><strong>Music makes you more creative</strong></p> <p><span>People come up with more creative solutions when they listen to happy, upbeat music than when they sit in silence, according to researchers from the Netherlands and Australia. </span></p> <p><span>It may be because music improves your brain’s flexibility or because it relaxes you enough for the creative juices to flow. </span></p> <p><span>But don’t play the music too loudly; research also has found that moderate volume provides the creativity sweet spot.</span></p> <p><strong>It gets dopamine flowing </strong></p> <p><span>When you listen to music, your brain releases dopamine, the same neuro­transmitter that’s released when you eat chocolate, have sex, or use cocaine. </span></p> <p><span>It’s also associated with being in love. One small study found that just the anticipation of knowing the best part of a song is coming can get the dopamine flowing.</span></p> <p><strong>It makes you more comfortable </strong></p> <p><span>Feel like quitting a workout? Whether you’re running, biking or walking, you’ll go farther if you pump up the jams, studies have found. </span></p> <p><span>Music distracts you from your discomfort and motivates you to stay with the beat. The effect is so profound that the author of a 2012 review examining the psychological effects of music on exercise called music “a type of legal performance-enhancing drug.”</span></p> <p><strong>Music gives you power</strong></p> <p><span>That rush of energy you feel when you put on your best power song is real. </span></p> <p><span>College-age men who were studied doing squats while listening to a favourite song took off more explosively and performed reps at greater speeds than those doing them in silence, one study found. </span></p> <p><span>People also sprint faster and hold heavy weights longer when listening to music.</span></p> <p><strong>It aids sleep</strong></p> <p>Lullabies aren’t just for babies. Listening to music before bed can help you fall asleep faster, wake up less often during the night, and feel more rested in the morning, according to the National Sleep Foundation.</p> <p>In one study conducted in Taiwan, seniors with sleep problems who listened to 45 minutes of soft, slow music before bed reported a 35 per cent improvement in the duration of their shut-eye and less dysfunction throughout the day.</p> <p><strong>Music heals</strong></p> <p><span>Music has been used to heal for centuries, and now we’re learning why it works. </span></p> <p><span>The latest meta-analysis of 400 studies finds that listening to music promotes the body’s production of an antibody (called immunoglobulin A) that attacks viruses and bacteria, as well as natural “killer cells,” which kill invading viruses and cancerous cells.</span></p> <p><strong>It makes time fly by</strong></p> <p><span>Time does fly when you’re listening to music: Scientists have shown repeatedly that people judge a period of waiting as shorter when music is playing. </span></p> <p><span>Retailers use that to their advantage, playing music so you stay longer and spend more. For instance, more drinks and food are sold in bars and restaurants when music (especially slow music) is played. </span></p> <p><span>And grocery sales increase by 38 per cent when the background music is slow.</span></p> <p><strong>A nice melody helps reduce pain</strong></p> <p><span>In one study, adults who focused on childhood melodies while receiving safe electric shocks decreased their pain by 17 per cent overall. </span></p> <p><span>Other studies show that music may reduce pain for fibromyalgia and cancer patients. </span></p> <p><span>It works on kids, too: Children who listened to soothing and/or upbeat music while having an IV inserted reported less pain and distress compared with those who had the procedure in silence, according to a study in <em>JAMA Pediatrics</em>.</span></p> <p><strong>It helps Alzheimer's patients remember</strong></p> <p>Maybe you’ve heard about Alzheimer’s patients coming alive when they hear a song from their past. Studies show that music helps them retrieve memories, communicate more effectively, and remember who they are.</p> <p>Singing is particularly powerful; George Mason University researchers demonstrated that Alzheimer’s patients who regularly belt out their favourites may boost their cognitive function over time.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/21-hidden-health-benefits-music-lovers-wish-you-knew?pages=1">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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Unseen texts claim Meghan Markle knew controversial letter would leak

<p>As Meghan Markle's court battle with a British publisher continues, a major bombshell has been dropped about the authenticity of the Duchess' claims. </p> <p>In the lengthy legal battle, Meghan Markle claims that Associated Newspapers misused Meghan's private information when they published a letter she sent to her father before her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. </p> <p>But now, Meghan's former private secretary Jason Knauf claims she was "happy for the public to read" the letter, and altered her language in the correspondence to "pull at the heartstrings" of the public. </p> <p><span>The court heard that the duchess had written, “Given I’ve only ever called him ‘daddy’ it may make sense to open as such, despite him being less than paternal, and in the unfortunate event that it leaked it would pull at the heartstrings.”</span></p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Obviously everything I have drafted is with the understanding that it could be leaked, so I have been meticulous in my word choice.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">The duchess later texted Knauf again, saying: “Honestly Jason, I feel fantastic."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“Cathartic and real and honest and factual. And if he leaks it then that’s on his conscience."</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">“And at least the world will know the truth, words I could never voice.”</p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">As these revelations came to light, lawyers for Associated Newspapers are hoping to overturn the original decision of the high court by arguing the letter was crafted with the "possibility of public consumption" in mind. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020">The letter was sent to Meghan's father Thomas after he refused to walk her down the aisle at the high-profile royal wedding, and the letter was subsequently sold by Thomas to the UK newspaper. </p> <p class="css-1316j2p-StyledParagraph e4e0a020"><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

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12 things you never knew about the ‘Happy Birthday’ song

<p><strong>The Happy Birthday song's original lyrics were different</strong></p> <p>“Happy Birthday to You” was originally composed in 1893 as “Good Morning to All” by Patty Smith Hill, a kindergarten teacher and principal in Louisville, Kentucky, and her oldest sister, Mildred Jane Hill, a pianist and composer. Its lyrics went like this:</p> <p>Good morning to you,</p> <p>Good morning to you,</p> <p>Good morning, dear children,</p> <p>Good morning to all.</p> <p><strong>The Happy Birthday song had a deeper meaning</strong></p> <p><span>The song was part of a larger project of the sisters to create simple music that catered to children’s limited abilities. </span></p> <p><span>They workshopped songs on Patty’s class so that “even the youngest children could learn with perfect ease,” with Patty writing the words and Mildred setting them to melodies. </span></p> <p><span>They published “Good Morning to All” (GMTA) in their 1893 book, </span><em>Song Stories for the Kindergarten</em><span>. </span></p> <p><span>Just like us, the sisters loved simple, shareable sentiments.</span></p> <p><strong>The origins of the song's birthday lyrics are unclear </strong></p> <p><span>It’s unclear where the birthday lyrics originated, but they appeared with the GMTA tune (unbeknownst to the Hill sisters) first in a piano manufacturer’s 1912 songbook, then in the Hall &amp; McCreary Company’s <em>The Golden Book of Favorite Songs</em> in 1915 and in Robert H. Coleman’s Harvest Hymns in 1924, eight years after Mildred’s death. </span></p> <p><span>After The Birthday Song cropped up in the 1931 Broadway musical <em>The Band Wagon</em> and, two years later, the musical <em>As Thousands Cheer</em>, Patty and Mildred’s sister Jessica took legal action. </span></p> <p><span>In 1934 and 1935, with the Hill family’s blessing, the Clayton F. Summy Co. published and copyrighted all six versions of “Happy Birthday to You” (HBTY), crediting Mildred and Patty as the authors.</span></p> <p><strong>According to some scholars, the Happy Birthday song's tune may be derivative of other 19th-century works</strong></p> <p><span>Scholars have drawn comparisons between GMTA and piano company founder Horace Waters’ “Happy Greetings to All” (1858), as well as “Good Night to All” (1858), “A Happy New Year to All” (1875), and others.</span></p> <p><strong>Legal battles raged over the Happy Birthday song's ownership</strong></p> <p><span>For years, legal battles raged over the Hill sisters’ ownership of the Birthday Song and whether or not it should be in the public domain. </span></p> <p><span>A 2013 class-action lawsuit initiated by a New York filmmaker challenged the song’s copyright and demanded that the current copyright owner return all previous royalties it had collected for HBTY. </span></p> <p><span>In May 2015, US District Judge George King was still hearing arguments for Good Morning to You Productions Corp vs Warner/Cahppell Music.  </span></p> <p><span>In February 2016, Warner Music finally ended the long-fought battle when it paid US$14 million to put “Happy Birthday” into the public domain. </span></p> <p><span>In June of the same year, judge approved it.</span></p> <p><strong>Before Warner's 2016 settlement, you couldn't sing HBTY in a movie without paying a royalty</strong></p> <p>The Clayton Summy Co eventually became Birchtree Ltd, which Warner/Chappell Music (Warner Music Group’s music publishing division) acquired in 1988 for US$25 million.</p> <p>Before 2016, the company pulled in about US$2 million in licensing fees every year just from that song.</p> <p>Movies and television shows typically avoided using the song, but have sprung for it in special cases: while directing <em>Hoop Dreams</em> (1994), documentarian Steve James shelled out US$5000 to include a poignant 18th birthday party scene, using the Happy Birthday song.</p> <p><strong>The Happy Birthday song was the first-ever singing telegram</strong></p> <p><span>The Happy Birthday song was used in the first-ever singing telegram when George P. Oslin, the Western Union executive who pioneered the festive greeting, sent one (sung by operator Lucille Lipps) to cherished entertainer Rudy Vallée on his birthday in July 1933. </span></p> <p><span>Western Union discontinued its singing telegrams in 2006, but relaunched them in 2011 as an e-mail service through which you could have musicians like Snoop Dogg and Timbaland serenade your loved ones.</span></p> <p><strong>Singing the Happy Birthday song may actually make birthday cake taste better</strong></p> <p><span>According to a study by researchers from Harvard University and the University of Minnesota, indulging in a ritual before eating heightens our enjoyment of the food and helps us savour it.</span></p> <p><strong>It's probably the most-sung English song in the world</strong></p> <p><span>The Happy Birthday song is arguably the most frequently-sung English song in the world, giving “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” and “Auld Lang Syne” a run for their money.</span></p> <p><strong>There are a few other songs that sound a bit similar</strong></p> <p><span>Igor Stravinsky’s “Greeting Prelude”, a 45-second orchestral piece that he composed for conductor Pierre Monteux’s 80th birthday in 1955, might sound a bit familiar: though it deconstructs the song’s notes and leapfrogs across octaves, the spirit and melody of the Happy Birthday song ring through loud and clear. </span></p> <p><span>Aaron Copland’s “Happy Anniversary” is also based on the tune, and was played when President Nixon presented the Medal of Freedom to Philadelphia Orchestra conductor Eugene Ormandy.</span></p> <p><strong>June 27th is the 'birthday' of the Happy Birthday song</strong></p> <p><span>The anniversary of GMTA’s composition is widely celebrated as June 27, Mildred Hill’s birthday. </span></p> <p><span>Mildred, who would be 158 this year, shares her special day with Helen Keller, Ross Perot and Vera Wang.</span></p> <p><strong>The song's writers were inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame</strong></p> <p><span>Mildred and Patty Smith were honoured posthumously at the 1996 Songwriters Hall of Fame award and induction ceremony with the Towering Song Award, which celebrates songs with lasting cultural impact.</span></p> <p><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article first appeared in <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/culture/12-things-you-never-knew-about-the-happy-birthday-song?pages=1" target="_blank">Reader's Digest</a>.</em></p>

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New evidence Prince Charles KNEW about Simon Dorante-Day

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Simon Dorante-Day, the Queensland man claiming to be the secret son of Prince Charles and Duchess Camilla, has shared new explosive evidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Dorante-Day has made global headlines after going public with his case and continues to share new evidence.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“My grandmother, who had worked for the Queen, told me outright that I was Camilla and Charles’ son many times,” he told </span><span style="font-weight: 400;">7NEWS.com.au</span><span style="font-weight: 400;">.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The 55-year-old revealed his latest evidence, an email from Detective Inspector Dave Smith of the UK Metropolitan Police’s Royalty and Specialist Protection unit which could be crucial in assisting in his case.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Detective Inspector Smith sent an email to Mr Dorante-Day on July 7, 2015, confirming that he had hand-delivered a letter from Mr Dorante-Day to Prince Charles’ aides.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 212.3236822568671px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844437/241520460_259289839535029_7314315210199105916_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/2220738e6df44f6c9f0e516a4c49e386" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Simon Dorante-Day / Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In the letter, the Queensland engineer outlined his belief that Prince Charles and Camilla are his parents.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Just to confirm that I received the letter you sent by airmail addressed to me,” Detective Inspector Smith wrote.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I opened the outer packaging containing my details. The inner letter addressed to the Prince I took by hand, unopened to the Princes’ correspondence team.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I hope this is suitable.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mr Dorante-Day believes the email confirms that Prince Charles and Camilla are aware of his claims, despite refusing to publicly comment.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Making “No Comment” doesn’t make the issue go away, nor does it negate their responsibility for what we are enduring,” Mr Dorante-Day said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">He said he released the email to show the effort he made to solve the matter privately before going public with his claims.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“The depth to which I had already acted before this issue broke the media, or was even on Facebook or the TV, is just not clearly understood,” he said.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“This evidence is from July 2015 when my letter was handed to Prince Charles’ private secretary by D.I. David Smith of SO14 and the Metropolitan Police Professional Standards Unit.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“I authored the letter, but it was reviewed and approved by a leading Australian Family Law Firm before it was despatched.”</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The email evidence comes a week after Mr Dorante-Day shared a suite of images comparing himself to Prince William and Francois Graftieaux, the alleged love-child of Prince Edward, the Duke of Windsor.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 500px; height: 281.25px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844435/dorante-day2.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3b5ff8d71dbe4d24afb1c2242968d5f3" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Simon Dorante-Day / Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“You resemble [Graftieaux] more than you do William. The familial likeness is undeniable,” one Facebook user wrote.</span></p> <p><img style="width: 357px; height: 280px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844438/242419439_255726669891346_6744475498948158942_n.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/6be80be326c441e985a6c26d32c90b26" /></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Simon Dorante-Day / Facebook</span></em></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“Wow! The resemblance is quite incredible,” another wrote of the comparison between Mr Dorante-Day and Prince William.</span></p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">“There is no doubt that he is your brother,” another said.</span></p> <p><em><span style="font-weight: 400;">Image: Simon Dorante-Day / Facebook</span></em></p>

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Nicole Kidman shares the moment she knew Keith was 'the one'

<p>Nicole Kidman has revealed the sweet moment she knew she was "a goner" for her husband Keith Urban, when he turned up at the door of her New York apartment at 5 am with flowers.</p> <p>The Aussie actress told Jimmy Fallon about the special moment during an appearance on <em>The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon</em>.</p> <p>"He sat on the stoop of my New York apartment,” she said. “I came out, it was 5 am in the morning and it was my birthday, and he had flowers," Kidman recalled of the day back in June 20, 2005.</p> <p>"And that was it. I was a goner. I'm like, 'Yes I'll marry you'," she added.</p> <p>Kidman didn’t elaborate if that was the moment Urban proposed to her or just the moment she realised she wanted to marry the country singer.</p> <p><iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/uk9wV_Cm7qE" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></p> <p><strong>Celebrating 15 years of marriage</strong></p> <p>The couple, who first met at G'Day LA in 2005, married on June 25, 2006 in Sydney.</p> <p>In the interview on <em>The Tonight Show</em>, Fallon congratulated the pair on their recent 15th wedding anniversary in June of this year.</p> <p>"For a second there, I thought you said 50 years," Kidman laughed, before adding: "Hopefully one day, but 15 years, which is pretty amazing, right?"</p> <p>Fallon tried to get the actress to divulge how the couple celebrated their relationship milestone but Kidman kept details of the celebration private.</p> <p><strong><img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ca21f771ab00460e9382cb079b8d38f0" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 359.70636215334423px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7844350/nicole-kidman-1-um.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/ca21f771ab00460e9382cb079b8d38f0" /></strong></p> <p><strong>No joint albums coming out soon</strong></p> <p>It's certain the happy couple won't be marking the milestone by creating an album of duets together because the actress was horrified when Fallon asked if that will ever be on the agenda.</p> <p>While Kidman has sung in musicals like <em>Moulin Rouge</em><br />and <em>Nine</em> as well as a duet with Robbie Williams, she says she's not confident as a performer and would rather "stay in my lane" and leave the music to her hubby.</p> <p>Kidman previously told <em>People </em>magazine in a 2019 interview it was her 38th birthday when she knew Urban was the one for her.</p> <p>"I believed by that point he was the love of my life," she said.</p> <p>"Maybe that's because I am deeply romantic, or I'm an actress, or I have strong faith as well, but I just believed, 'Oh, okay, here he is,'" she added.</p> <p>And speaking of their relationship in 2007 with <em>Vanity Fair</em>, the actress described it as the right timing.</p> <p>"I would probably say that two very lonely people managed to meet at a time when they could open themselves to each other. We were a mixture of frightened and brave," Kidman said.</p> <p>The couple share two daughters together Sunday Rose, 13, and Faith, 10.</p> <p><em>Image: The Tonight Show and Instagram</em></p>

Beauty & Style

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Expert laundry tips you’ll wish you knew sooner

<p>Keep your clothes cleaner, your home greener and your electricity bill low with these expert laundry tips.</p> <p>By Anna-Kaisa Walker, <em>Reader’s Digest Canada</em></p> <p><strong>Go scent free</strong></p> <p>A 2011 study found that fragranced products cause dryer vents to emit seven compounds that contain hazardous air pollutants and two that are carcinogenic.</p> <p><strong>Choose products wisely</strong></p> <p>Even “unscented” brands may not be what they purport to be. “Unscented detergents can still contain fragrances to mask chemical smells,” says Lindsay Coulter, the David Suzuki Foundation’s green-living expert.</p> <p><strong>Try your hand at DIY</strong></p> <p>If you want to avoid mystery ingredients, make your own detergent. The David Suzuki Foundation recommends using ½ cup per load of a mixture of two teaspoons of salt, two tablespoons of baking soda, two tablespoons of liquid Castile soap and one litre of hot water.</p> <p><strong>Nix the essential oils</strong></p> <p>Don’t scent homemade detergent with essential oils. Some dryers heat up to about 57˚C, which is above the flashpoint for some essential oils.</p> <p><strong>A little vinegar goes a long way</strong></p> <p>If your towels are musty, add a cup of white vinegar or a cup of baking soda to your wash load (but not both at once).</p> <p><strong>Watch out for microfibres</strong></p> <p>Your fleece jacket made from recycled bottles likely contains microfibres – pollutants that account for 35 per cent of microplastics in the world’s oceans. “With every wash, your garments are shedding microfibres that end up in waterways and eventually in the food chain,” says Coulter. Special fibre-trapping bags can help keep them out of the drain.</p> <p><strong>You don’t always need chlorine</strong></p> <p>Instead of using chlorine bleach, disinfect your clothes by line drying. Sunlight’s ultraviolet rays are effective at killing bacteria in fabrics. Bonus: they’re free.</p> <p><strong>Don’t overuse detergent</strong></p> <p>Using more detergent won’t make clothes cleaner. Over time, excess detergent can build up and cause smelly residue inside your machine. Use the least amount of detergent possible – start with half the recommended amount, and if your clothes still come out clean, you can try reducing even further.</p> <p><strong>Clean your lint tray</strong></p> <p>Lint buildup in the filter and vents is a primary cause of the dozens of fires started by dryers every year in Toronto, says Papeo. “Empty your lint tray before every load and vacuum the filter and inside the trap from time to time.”</p> <p><strong>Your socks really are going missing</strong></p> <p>The real “sock monster” responsible for your missing hosiery? Your washing machine. Small items can slip past the rubber gasket on a front-loading washer, and get trapped underneath the drum. If you’re suspicious, get a pro to investigate, and wash all your socks in a mesh bag to prevent disappearances.</p> <p><em>Photos: Reader’s Digest</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="mailto:https://www.readersdigest.com.au/culture/expert-laundry-tips-youll-wish-you-knew-sooner">Reader’s Digest</a></em></p> <p><em> </em></p> <p><em> </em></p>

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