After fighting in the winter war against the USSR…

After fighting in the winter war against the USSR, Lauri Törni, a Finnish soldier, joined the SS and kept fighting until the end WW2. After WW2, he migrated to the US and joined the US Army, and died in combat in Vietnam in 1965 by which time he had earned high ranking U.S. awards. 00

Check Out Friday’s Awesome Amazon Deals

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Amazon

As a recurring feature, our team combs the Web and shares some amazing Amazon deals we’ve turned up. Here’s what caught our eye today, April 28.

Mental Floss has affiliate relationships with certain retailers, including Amazon, and may receive a small percentage of any sale. But we only get commission on items you buy and don’t return, so we’re only happy if you’re happy. Good luck deal hunting!

GADGETS, TOYS, MEDIA, AND ELECTRONICS

SleepCompanion, the #1 sleep enhancing and monitoring light for $94.64 (list price $99.99)

SkylinkHome TD-318 Home Control Wireless LCD Deluxe Remote Transmitter with Scene & Timer setting feature for $19.65 (list price $24.99)

Wemo Mini Smart Plug, Wi-Fi Enabled, Works with Amazon Alexa for $29.99 (list price $34.99)

Wink Hub 2 for $90.00 (list price $99.00)

Smart Color Light Strip USB LED LTB010 with Bluetooth, 2 meters (6.5ft) LED Strip, Water Resistant, 16 Million Colors, Proximity Control, Schedule On/Off, Dimmable, Apple Watch Compatable for $34.99 (list price $49.99)

JAM Plus Portable Speaker (Grey) HX-P240GY for $19.99 (list price $28.11)

Tacklife SLM01 Classic Decibel Meter Portable Sound Level Meter Tester Measuring 30dBA~130dBA Accuracy within +/-1.5dBA Max/Min & Hold Function with Large LCD Screen Display 9V Battery Included for $16.97 (list price $79.99)

Kootek Portable Clip On Music Light Stand 9 LED Orchestra Lamp Adjustable Neck Reading Light Rechargeable USB Book Lights for $19.99 (list price $25.99)

Panasonic BK-3HCCA4BA Eneloop Pro AA High Capacity Ni-MH Pre-Charged Rechargeable Batteries (Pack of 4) for $16.99 (list price $24.99)

Doberman Security Ultra-Slim Design Security Alarm, White (SE-0106W-2PK) for $23.00 (list price $27.10)

Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker II (Carbon) for $179.00 (list price $199.00)

Masterbuilt 20072115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker, 30-Inch for $276.00 (list price $326.81)

Ecobee3 Thermostat with Sensor, Wi-Fi, 2nd Generation, Works with Amazon Alexa for $198.25 (list price $249.00)

Hunter Fan Company 99107 SimpleConnect Programmable Control, Small, White for $40.00 (list price $99.00)

Scientific Explorer Magic Science Kit for Wizards Only for $10.84 (list price $23.99)

Backyard Safari Lazer Light Bug Vac for $11.02 (list price $17.00)

WakaWaka Power+ Solar-Powered Flashlight + Charger, Black for $59.99 (list price $79.00)

Energizer Max AA Premium Alkaline Batteries (24-Pack), No Leaks – Guaranteed or we will replace your device for $13.89 (list price $28.61)

Bluetooth Headphones, Hussar Magicbuds Best Wireless Sports Earphones with Mic, IPX7 Waterproof, HD Sound with Bass, Noise Cancelling, Secure Fit, Up to 9 Hours of Play for iPhone Android (Upgraded) for $28.99 (list price $169.99)

SoundFit Plus Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker – Durable Portable Outdoor Wireless Sound System – Features Powerful Bass and Clear Treble – Hands-Free with Built-In Microphone – Dust and Shock Resistant for $32.95 (list price $79.95)

Anker Quick Charge 3.0 39W Dual USB Car Charger, PowerDrive Speed 2 for Galaxy S7 / S6 / Edge / Plus, Note 5 / 4 and PowerIQ for iPhone 7 / 6s / Plus, iPad Pro / Air 2 / mini, LG, Nexus, HTC and More for $21.99 (list price $59.99)

AmazonBasics Mini DisplayPort (Thunderbolt) to HDMI Adapter for $8.99 (list price $9.99)

Wireless Presenter, Doosl Wireless Presenter, RF 2.4GHz Powerpoint Clicker Presentation Remote Control Pen. for $14.99 (list price $27.90)

Bamboo Solar Calculator, Natural Handmade Crafted Environmentally Friendly Calculator 12 digits dual power Bamboo Wooden mini Calculator for $19.99 (list price $26.99)

FosPower All-In-One International Power Adapter, High Speed [3.1A] Dual USB Ports Travel Plug Charger (US UK EU AU) for iPhone, iPad, Smartphones, Tablets, Laptop – Black for $9.99 (list price $12.97)

Amprobe BAT-200 Battery Tester for $6.26 (list price $7.95)

Bose SoundTrue around-ear headphones II – Apple devices, Charcoal for $99.95 (list price $179.95)

Anker PowerCore+ mini, 3350mAh Lipstick-Sized Portable Charger (3rd Generation, Premium Aluminum Power Bank), One of the Most Compact External Batteries for $12.99 (list price $39.99)

Bloodborne: The Card Game for $19.99 (list price $34.99)

Blood Rage for $46.69 (list price $79.99)

The Grizzled Cooperative Card Game for $22.61 (list price $24.99)

100 Assorted Pokemon Trading Cards with Bonus 6 Free Holo Foils for $13.94

Pandemic Board Game for $26.89 (list price $39.99)

Zombicide Black Plague Board Game for $69.75 (list price $99.99)

Play Doh Fun Factory Set for $7.85 (list price $9.99)

Play-Doh Plus Color Set, NET WT 8OZ, 8-Pack for $5.99 (list price $8.99)

Play-Doh Max The Cement Mixer for $15.59 (list price $51.99)

KITCHEN

Denby Azure Cascade Mug, Aqua for $21.88 (list price $34.00)

JoyJolt Savor Double Wall Insulated glasses Espresso Mugs Set of 2, 5.4-Ounces for $14.99 (list price $29.95)

Old & Urban Moscow Mule Mug – 100% Pure Solid Copper Mugs, 16 oz Unlined, No Nickel Interior, Handcrafted Hammered Copper Cups for $15.95 (list price $49.95)

Disney Mickey Mouse Mug Warmer, Black/Red for $9.19 (list price $11.98)

Greens Steel 10oz Stainless Steel Cups (4 Pack) Great for Kids – 10 oz/ 300ml for $24.95 (list price $49.99)

JavaPresse Manual Coffee Grinder | Conical Burr Mill for Precision Brewing | Brushed Stainless Steel for $23.99 (list price $59.99)

Monster Brew Home Brewing Supp Amber Beer Bottles (24 Pack), 12 oz for $21.86 (list price $23.37)

Chef’s Star CASE OF 6 – 16 oz. EASY CAP Beer Bottles – CLEAR for $16.79 (list price $29.99)

“Magic” Reusable Labels – 12 Vinyl Static Cling Stickers for Glass, Ceramic, Metal, Plastic – Re-Write with Wet Erase Markers – Tag Spices, Preserves, Bottles, Pitchers, Canisters and Mason Jars for $11.85 (list price $27.99)

Native Spring Chalkboard Labels, Premium Waterproof Peel and Stick for Jars, Pantries, Craft Rooms Black for $10.97 (list price $19.97)

Rachael Ray 10-Piece Cucina Nonstick Bakeware Set, Latte Brown with Cranberry Red Handle for $49.14 (list price $52.05)

Farberware Nonstick Bakeware 4-Piece Toaster Oven Set, Gray for $18.91 (list price $40.00)

Ozera 2 Pack Silicone Ice Cube Tray Molds Candy Mold Cake Mold Chocolate Mold, 15 Cavity, Blue for $10.99 (list price $19.99)

Mirenlife 8-Cavity Egg Shape Non Stick Silicone Mold for Chocolate, Pastry, Cake, Muffin, Bread, Big Ice Cube, Soap, and More for $8.98 (list price $19.99)

Contigo SnapSeal Byron Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 24oz, Matte Black for $12.51 (list price $14.99)

Contigo Snapseal(TM) Byron Stainless Steel Travel Mug, 24 oz., Stormy Weather for $11.12 (list price $14.72)

Blendtec TB-621-25 Total Blender Classic with WildSide+ Jar, Black (Certified Refurbished) for $199.99 (list price $279.95)

Oster CKSTWFBF10MR-ECO DuraCeramic Flip Waffle Maker, Candy Apple Red for $28.79 (list price $39.99)

Proctor-Silex 59738A Hand Blender for $14.44 (list price $19.01)

BLACK+DECKER GD2011B Family Sized Electric Griddle, 20 x 11-Inch, Black for $26.99 (list price $39.99)

HOME

Swiffer WetJet Hardwood and Floor Spray Mop Cleaner Starter Kit, Includes: 1 Power Mop, 5 Pads, Cleaner Solution, Batteries for $22.97 (list price $51.98)

Zober Flexible Zippered Underbed Storage Bag (Pack of 2) Breathable Polypropylene Storage Bags for Blankets Clothes, Shoes, and Linens 18 x 42 x 6 inches – Java for $14.95 (list price $24.99)

AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set, Cal King, Navy Blue for $21.24 (list price $24.99)

Holmes Portable Desktop Heater with Comfort Control Thermostat and Cool-Touch Housing, HFH111T-NU for $26.99 (list price $31.85)

Kiera Grace Cubbi Contemporary Floating Wall Shelves, 5 by 5-Inch, 7 by 7-Inch, 9 by 9-Inch, White, Set of 3 for $17.00 (list price $24.99)

CYLEN HOME – Memory Foam Bamboo Charcoal Infused Ventilated Orthopedic Seat Cushion for Coccyx Back Support – Blue Washable & Breathable Cover for $22.89 (list price $69.99)

GORILLA GRIP Rectangle (35-Inch-by-16-Inch) Non-Slip Machine Washable Bath Mat, Clear for $10.99 (list price $29.99)

Natures Miracle Laundry Boost Stain and Odor Additive – 32 FL Oz for $5.59 (list price $6.99)

Essence of Bamboo Pillows – The Original Premium Hypoallergenic Down Alternative Fiber Pillow with Bamboo Derived Rayon / Poly Cover- Designed and Filled in USA (Queen 2-Pack) Best Sleep Ever for $39.99 (list price $149.99)

Mellanni Bed Sheet Set – Brushed Microfiber 1800 Bedding – Wrinkle, Fade, Stain Resistant – Hypoallergenic – 4 Piece (Queen, White) for $19.70 (list price $59.99)

Lysol No Mess Automatic Toilet Bowl Cleaner, Citrus, 2 Count for $2.97 (list price $6.33)

Lysol Disinfecting Wipes Value Pack, Lemon & Lime Blossom, 240 Wipes (3 Packs of 80 Wipes) for $8.99 (list price $13.99)

Black Sonoma 6 Drawer Dresser for $196.69 (list price $278.90)

Furinno 11159EX/BR Multipurpose Storage Cabinet w/4 Bin Drawers, Espresso/Brown for $34.45 (list price $40.66)

URPOWER 500ml Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Humidifier with 4 Timer Settings, 7 LED Color Changing Lamps and Waterless Auto Shut-off for $21.99 (list price $59.99)

Powilling 300ml Essential Oil Diffuser, Wood Grain Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser with 4 Timer Settings, 7 LED Color Changing Lamps and Waterless Auto Switch-off for $21.99 (list price $57.99)

InterDesign Raphael Bathroom Shower Caddy, Regular – Satin for $14.06 (list price $19.99)

AmazonBasics Fade-Resistant Cotton 6-Piece Towel Set, Acorn for $14.69 (list price $17.99)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Vitafusion Vitamin D3 Gummy Vitamins, Assorted Flavors, 150 Count for $8.49 (list price $10.49)

Vitamin K2 (MK7) with D3 Supplement – Vitamin D & K Complex for Strong Bones and a Healthy Heart – 5000 IU of Vitamin D3 & 90 mcg of Vitamin K2 MK-7 – 60 Small & Easy to Swallow Vegetable Capsules for $19.99 (list price $24.99)

NOW Vitamin D-3 & K-2,120 Veg Capsules for $4.99 (list price $7.31)

BIOTIN PRO WITH CALCIUM. Potent Formula, 10,000 mcg. Best Product for Hair, Skin and Nails. Non GMO, Made in USA. Metabolic support supplement, Vitamin H for hair growth, healthy skin and strong nails for $16.70 (list price $19.70)

John Allan’s Pomade Blu, 2.4 oz. for $18.00 (list price $24.00)

ZENSATION Collagen Rose Facial Toner Colourless, 4.2 Oz for $22.75 (list price $35.00)

ZENSATION Forever Young Advanced Micro Vibration Spa Treatment for $42.25 (list price $65.00)

Germ-X 1000042964 Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer Lotion 12 oz. (Pack of 6) for $27.32 (list price $50.87)

Deva Curl Ultra Creamy Daily Conditioner, One Condition, 32-Ounces for $31.81 (list price $39.96)

OGX Nourishing Conditioner, Coconut Milk, Salon Size, 25.4 Ounce for $11.31 (list price $12.99)

Organic Argan Oil Conditioner – 11oz – Get Shiny, Silky Hair, Moisturizes Damaged Hair, Dry Scalp, Hypoallergenic, Sulfate Free – Lavender – Tree to Tub for $17.99 (list price $28.00)

Nexxus Humectress Moisture Conditioner, for Dry Hair 33.8 oz for $24.49 (list price $28.59)

Organic Castor Oil – 100% USDA Certified Pure Cold Pressed Hexane free – Boost Growth For Eyelashes, Hair, Eyebrows, Face and Skin – with Treatment Applicator Kit – Satisfaction Guarantee, 1oz (30ml) for $15.77 (list price $29.95)

Argan Oil Shampoo, Sulfate Free, 8 oz. – With Argan, Jojoba, Avocado, Almond, Peach Kernel, Camellia Seed, and Keratin – 100% Safe for Color Treated Hair – For Men, Women, and Teens – All Hair Types – Most Beneficial Haircare Product Available for $10.95 (list price $25.00)

Anjou Ionic Hair Straightener Brush Electric Ceramic Heating Straightening Brush Anti-Burn & Anti-Static for Frizzy Hair (Max 450℉, Adjustable Temperature, Auto Lock, 120-min Timer) for $24.99 (list price $89.99)

ElleSye 8-Piece Soft Synthetic Makeup Brush Set with Sponge and Braided Bag, Silver for $8.99 (list price $25.99)

Dove Men+Care Body Wash, Extra Fresh 23.5 oz for $6.97 (list price $9.19)

Q-tips Cotton Swabs, 2000 count for $8.88 (list price $14.89)

Gillette Fusion Manual Men’s Razor Blade Refills, 12 Count for $33.97 (list price $47.99)

Oral-B Sensitive Gum Care Electric Toothbrush Replacement Brush Heads Refill, 3 Count for $14.49 (list price $19.99)

Nicorette Nicotine Gum, Stop Smoking Aid, 4mg, White Ice Mint Flavor, 160 count for $58.04 (list price $79.99)

Dove Men+Care Body and Face Bar, Extra Fresh 4 oz, 10 Bar for $11.47 (list price $14.99)

Eye Gel for Wrinkles, Fine Lines, Dark Circles, Puffiness & Bags – 100% Natural, 75% ORGANIC, With Hyaluronic Acid, Jojoba Oil, MSM, Peptides & More for $15.48 (list price $29.99)

Neutrogena T/Gel Therapeutic Shampoo Original Formula, 4.4 Fl. Oz for $3.37 (list price $7.59)

Anti-Aging Daily Facial Moisturizer for Men 4oz – All natural & organic anti-wrinkle face lotion – For all skin types for $23.96 (list price $45.00)

Daily Power Scrub Facial Cleanser For Men – 8 OZ – Face Wash + Energizing Toner + Exfoliating Scrub All-In-One – Natural & Certified Organic Ingredients for $24.95 (list price $39.00)

OFFICE, ART, AND SCHOOL SUPPLIES

Post-it Notes, 1 3/8 in x 1 7/8 in, Cape Town Collection, 18 Pads/Pack, 100 Sheets/Pad (653-18AU) for $7.98 (list price $15.88)

Post-it Notes, Recycled Pop-Up Refill, 3 x 3 Inches, Canary Yellow, 12 Pads per Pack (R330RP-12YW) for $9.37 (list price $24.25)

Aimeio Creative Self-Stick Notes Post it Notes Sticky Note Memo Notes (20 Sheets/Pad,8 Pad/Pack) for $19.99 (list price $19.99)

Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 2 in x 2 in, Marrakesh Collection, 8 Pads/Pack (622-8SSAN) for $6.08 (list price $10.45)

Post-it Pop-Up Notes, 18-Pads Cabinet Pack, 100 Sheets-Pad (R330-18CTCP) for $28.36 (list price $42.08)

Tombow Mono Hybrid Correction Tape, 10-Pack for $10.84 (list price $14.69)

Pentel EnerGel RTX Retractable Liquid Gel Pen, Medium Line, Metal Tip, Assorted Ink, 8-Pack (BL77BP8M) for $15.54 (list price $24.00)

Pentel Color Shades Writing Pack – Black (BLBKALZBPA) for $4.48 (list price $6.44)

Courise – 108 Unique Colors Gel Pen Set for $16.99 (list price $79.99)

Leather Writing Journal Notebook, MALEDEN Classic Spiral Bound Notebook Refillable Diary Sketchbook Gifts with Unlined Travel Journals to Write in for Girls and Boys (Sky Blue) for $8.99 (list price $16.99)

Custom Self Inking Rubber Stamp – 3 Lines (42A1539) for $8.70 (list price $19.99)

BIC Pencil Xtra Sparkle (colorful barrels), Medium Point (0.7 mm), 24-Count for $4.08 (list price $5.19)

Paper Mate Flair Felt Tip Pens, Medium Point, Limited Edition Tropical & Assorted Colors, 24 Pack for $17.01 (list price $20.02)

Epson XP-640 Expression Premium Wireless Color Photo Printer with Scanner & Copier for $69.99 (list price $149.99)

Paper Mate InkJoy 300RT Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Medium Point, Black, 24 Count for $8.92 (list price $14.31)

EXPO Low-Odor Dry Erase Set, Ultra Fine Tip, Assorted Colors, 7-Piece for $11.99 (list price $14.11)

Avery Index Maker Clear Pocket Clear Label Dividers, 8-Tab Set (75501) for $5.28 (list price $9.29)

Post-it Super Sticky Notes, 6 in x 4 in, Rio de Janeiro Collection, 8 Pads/Pack (6445-SSP) for $11.21 (list price $13.78)

Duck Brand Bubble Wrap Original Cushioning, 12-Inches x 150-Feet, Single Roll (284054) for $18.35 (list price $20.99)

Epson WorkForce ES-500W Wireless Color Duplex Document Scanner for PC and Mac, Auto Document Feeder (ADF) for $319.99 (list price $399.99)

Tombow Blending Kit, Palette, Mister, & Colorless Blender, 1-Pack for $5.47 (list price $7.99)

Sakura 30067 8-Piece Pigma Micron, Graphic & Brush Pen Set, Black for $10.81 (list price $23.19)

Scratch Map  USA Edition Personalised Map by Luckies for $17.85 (list price $27.57)

Columbian CO171 (#10) 4-1/8×9-1/2-Inch Poly-Klear Left Window Security Tinted White Envelopes, 500 Count for $18.49 (list price $24.04)

Adams 3303-50-0569 People Shaped Magnet Clip, Assorted Colors for $9.17 (list price $11.31)

Highland Pop-up Notes, 3 x 3 Inches, Assorted Pastel Colors, 12 Pack for $9.00 (list price $11.17)

BIC Xtra Fun Stripes #2 HB Black Lead Pencil with Latex Free Eraser, 18-Count for $5.36 (list price $7.36)

Epson FastFoto FF-640 High-Speed Photo Scanning System with Auto Photo Feeder for $549.99 (list price $649.99)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

Quik Shade Expedition EX100 10’x10′ Instant Canopy for $70.67 (list price $149.99)

Coleman 48 Quart Performance Cooler Holds 63 Cans, Red for $19.99 (list price $30.23)

Camelbak Products Chute Water Bottle, Charcoal, 1-Liter for $12.99 (list price $14.00)

Coghlan’s Kids Magnifier for $6.17 (list price $7.95)

CamelBak Forge Travel Mug, Blaze, 16-Ounce for $25.27 (list price $30.00)

Coleman 10-In. Steel Tent Stakes for $5.00 (list price $9.28)

True Temper Forged Round Point Digging Shovel – 2585600 for $14.98 (list price $19.99)

SKLZ Pro Mini Basketball Hoop W/ Ball. 18″x12″ Shatterproof Backboard. for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

INTEY Multitool Knife pocket, Portable Stainless Steel 14 in 1 Folding Blade Mi Pliers (Black) for $11.99 (list price $38.99)

Pictek Electric Bug Zapper, Handheld Mosquito Swatter Racket Bug Zapper Racket for Both Indoor and Outdoor Use, Powered by 2 AA batteries included for $12.99 (list price $24.99)

ThermoPro Electric Wireless Digital Food Cooking Meat BBQ Grill Oven Smoker Thermometer with Timer, Black for $15.99 (list price $39.99)

Culinary Herb Seed Collection – 100% NON-GMO, Easy-to Grow Heirloom Seeds – from a REAL Seed Company! for $12.99 (list price $19.99)

InStep Sync Single Trailer, Blue for $87.42 (list price $119.99)

INTEY Folding Picnic Table, Portable Ultralight Roll Up Camping Table with Storage Bag for Outdoors for $26.99 (list price $42.99)

Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw-Gel for Cats, Chicken Flavor, 3-Ounce for $4.43 (list price $9.99)

Weber 7447 Compact Rapidfire Chimney Starter for $11.05 (list price $13.99)

SharpSurvival Survival Tin Emergency Preparedness Survival Kit (10 Items) for $14.99 (list price $39.99)

Portland Design Works Bar-Ista Coffee Cup Holder for $16.99 (list price $22.00)

Baden Champions Bocce Ball Set, 90mm and 107mm, Durable Case and Measuring Tape for $71.65 (list price $109.99)

Lightning Nuggets N100SEB Firestarters Super Economy Box of Fire-Starting Nuggets, 100 Count for $20.76 (list price $31.99)

TOOLS

Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker for $141.80 (list price $159.97)

Gerber EVO Tanto Knife, Serrated Edge, Large [31-001755] for $25.84 (list price $39.00)

Tacklife EST01-2 Advanced Outlet Testers Socket Wall Plug Detector for Correct Wiring Neutral Live Earth US Sockets Testing 90-120V (2 Packs) for $27.97 (list price $39.99)

SentrySafe X055 Security Safe, 0.5 Cubic Feet, Black for $46.98 (list price $58.98)

SIMBR Extension Cord Power Cord UL Listed SJTW Red (50FT) for $27.99 (list price $49.99)

Makita XT273R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (2.0Ah) for $174.00 (list price $259.00)

Etekcity MSR-R500 Digital Multimeter , Electronic Volt Amp Ohm Meter with Diode and Continuity Test, Backlight LCD Display, Red for $12.98 (list price $39.99)

Keter 17182239 Folding Compact Workbench Work Table, 21.7 x 33.5 x 29.75-Inches, Black for $69.99 (list price $109.99)

INTEY OBD II Car Vehicle Code Reader Auto Diagnostic Scan Tool for $27.09 (list price $59.99)

Gorilla Super Glue, 6 g for $2.53 (list price $4.49)

Bosch JS470EB 7-Amp Barrel-Grip Jigsaw for $147.99 (list price $301.00)

3M Rugged Comfort Quick Latch Half Facepiece Reusable Respirator for $15.16 (list price $19.99)

Hitachi C10FCH2 15-Amp 10-inch Single Bevel Compound Miter Saw with Laser Marker for $141.80 (list price $159.97)

Gerber EVO Tanto Knife, Serrated Edge, Large [31-001755] for $25.84 (list price $39.00)

Tacklife EST01-2 Advanced Outlet Testers Socket Wall Plug Detector for Correct Wiring Neutral Live Earth US Sockets Testing 90-120V (2 Packs) for $27.97 (list price $39.99)

SentrySafe X055 Security Safe, 0.5 Cubic Feet, Black for $46.98 (list price $58.98)

SIMBR Extension Cord Power Cord UL Listed SJTW Red (50FT) for $27.99 (list price $49.99)

Makita XT273R 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Compact Cordless 2-Pc. Combo Kit (2.0Ah) for $174.00 (list price $259.00)

General Tools 836 Angle-izer Template Tool for $2.11 (list price $22.64)

LifeHammer The Original Emergency Hammer with Seatbelt Cutter, Made in The Netherlands, Orange for $16.95 (list price $19.99)


April 28, 2017 – 11:00am

World Capitals

Questions: 5
Available: Always
Pass rate: 75 %
Backwards navigation: Forbidden

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Kara Kovalchik

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Rich Title: 

World Capitals

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Thursday, April 27, 2017 – 09:53

Schedule Publish: 

How to Transform an IKEA Lamp Into a Personal Death Star

Image credit: 

MariaK64 via Instructables // CC BY-NC-SA

Most people might view this IKEA pendant lamp as a unique piece of home decor. Instructables user MariaK64 instead saw it as a delightfully geeky crafting opportunity. According to Geekologie, all it took was a quick paint job to transform the light into a miniature exploding Death Star.

The original lamp already lends itself to the epic design—when the cord is pulled, sections of the globe expand out in all directions. In order to achieve the intended effect, Maria first spray-painted the tiles light gray then covered the lamp in a Death Star pattern with masking tape. After spraying over the exterior with darker gray paint, the lighter gray lines beneath the tape remained. It requires a little more effort than buying a pre-made Death Star fire pit or Bluetooth speaker, but being able to blow it up without using the Force is well worth it. You can find Maria’s detailed instructions on Instructables and watch a video of the final product below.

[h/t Geekologie]


April 27, 2017 – 9:00pm

10 Easy-to-Grow Plants for First-Time Gardeners

Image credit: 
iStock

Gardening is more than a hobby. The act of cultivating veggies for your dinner table and flowers for your lawn has numerous health benefits. Research has indicated that regular gardeners are less likely to suffer from heart attacks or come down with Alzheimer’s disease. Plus, spending time with your backyard crops is an excellent way to relieve stress. Now that spring has sprung, why not get your hands dirty? If you’re new to the game, here are 10 tough plants that you won’t need a green thumb to take care of.

1. PANSIES

These hardy flowers are tough to kill—in most areas of the United States, pansies are resilient enough to survive winter temperatures. More than 300 varieties of pansies exist, including several that have been specifically bred for really hot or really cold environments.

The ideal time to plant pansies is when the soil temperature is around 50 to 60 degrees (August for the northern parts of the country to October in the southern), but you can also set yours out in the early spring. Fully-grown plants can be purchased at most gardening stores and deposited directly into the ground. If you plan on growing some from seeds, deposit each one in moist soil spaced 7 to 12 inches apart. In colder states, pansies do best in direct sunlight, but if you live in a warm state like Georgia or Texas, give the flowers some shade and strategically plant them so that they can spend three to four hours in the shadows per day and see that they get an inch of water each week.

2. TOMATOES

iStock

According to the National Gardening Association, nearly nine out of 10 American household vegetable gardens have at least one tomato plant. Germinating tomato plants need a constant soil temperature of 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, and seeds should be planted six to eight weeks before your area’s projected last frost date. Given these requirements, you’ll most likely have to start indoors (or buy tomato plants from your local garden center).

First, you’ll need one container for every two seeds. (While it’s possible to raise all of the seeds in the same pot, this makes the young plants harder to remove when the time comes to transplant them.) Plastic or Styrofoam cups work well; make a couple small holes in the bottom of each one for drainage and fill it with a good potting mix. Then, place the seeds about a quarter of an inch beneath the surface. Mist the dirt with water (make it moist, but not soggy) and maintain a constant 70 to 80-degree room temperature, and within 10 days, the little plants will sprout. They’ll need plenty of sunlight; if possible, put the plants by a south-facing window or, in windowless homes, use artificial grow lights.

As soon as the plants sprout four leaves apiece, move them into bigger containers; pots with a height of 4 to 6 inches will be perfect. Meanwhile, find a nice, sunny section of your garden outside. One week before the last frost date, till the soil until it’s nice and loose. Then, dig a trench about 6 or 8 inches deep. After the last frost date finally arrives and the dirt has warmed, throw in 3 inches of compost. Cover that with some extra soil and then transplant your seedlings there.

Like pansies, tomatoes come in many varieties which offer fruits of every shape and size. Depending on what kind you’re growing, you’ll want to arrange the young plants anywhere from 12 to 48 inches apart. Consult the seed package or a neighborhood gardening store for an exact number. By the way, novice gardeners may want to choose varieties that yield smaller fruits (like cherry tomatoes). If left to their own devices, medium or large fruits may rot prematurely. Preventing this will require tethering your plants to stakes or cages for support. That’s not too difficult, but it is an extra step.

3. BASIL

Tomatoes and basil make for a great combination in spaghetti sauces, and in your garden, the two plants may help each other grow. According to many amateur and professional gardeners, basil serves as a natural bug repellent that drives off unwanted insects that might otherwise eat the herb—or munch on your tomato fruits; some speculate is that planting the two near each other somehow gives the tomatoes a much better flavor. Garden-raised basil needs plenty of sunlight and should be arranged accordingly. Plant the seeds at least 12 inches apart six weeks before the last frost comes along. Water them lightly whenever the soil feels dry and you’ll have a healthy plant that will keep giving you delicious leaves all summer long. Mangia!

4. MINT

Another hardy herb, mint is ridiculously easy to grow. In fact, mint does so well outdoors that the biggest challenge associated with it is keeping the plant from taking over your whole garden. But before we get into that, let’s talk logistics. Mint needs damp soil with good drainage, and it tends to do best when kept in an area that receives a moderate amount of shade during the day.

Under favorable conditions, the herb’s specialized stems—known as “runners”—shoot out in all directions. Left unchecked, the runners will devour every inch of available real estate, sometimes conquering entire lawns in the process. For this reason, many people grow their outdoor mints in clay pots from which the roots can’t escape. But if you want to put yours in a multi-species garden, plant it on the inside of a long, tubular container with an open bottom and thick walls. An 18-inch metal stove pipe buried vertically with its uppermost inch poking out above the surface would be perfect. Patio edges and driveways can also be effective root barriers.

5. SUNFLOWERS

Whether you’re hungry for their seeds or just like to look at them, sunflowers are a terrific choice for first-time gardeners. They don’t need much in the way of fertilizing, they can thrive in all but the soggiest soils, and they’re extremely adept at weathering droughts. As the common name implies, these flowers do require direct, unimpeded sunlight. Plant yours out in the open, and be sure to keep them a fair distance away from any other plants you might be cultivating, as a row of tall sunflowers can throw unwanted shade onto neighboring veggies. To get started, wait until the last frost date has passed in the spring and then plant your seeds in 1-inch holes. For best results, space these at least 6 inches apart—or, if you’re dealing with a larger species, up that figure to 24 inches. Water well after planting.

6. RADISHES

An ideal cool-weather crop, radishes develop spicy bulbs during the chillier months of spring and autumn. Arrange the seeds at least an inch apart in half an inch of loose, moist, and well-lit dirt. They’ll grow fast: Certain radishes may be ready for harvest just 22 days after planting, although other varieties may need up to 70. Once yours begin sprouting leaves, thin out the rows by plucking every other radish. A new row may be planted in early spring or late summer, depending on when you plan to dig yours up and eat them.

7. POTATOES

The average American eats roughly 114 pounds of them per year [PDF]. With spud cultivation, you don’t have to worry about planting seeds. Instead, the objective here is to find a potato tuber that’s grown a few buds that are around one quarter to one third of an inch in length. Cut the potato into chunks, leaving at least one bud on each segment. Before you move on from there, store these wedges indoors at room temperature for 48 to 72 hours.

If you’ve got a lot of space to work with, potatoes can be grown in vast rows across your backyard. (For instructions on how to do that, go here.) But if space is limited, potato plants can be cultivated in bottomless half-bushel baskets. Alternatively, as Janice Stillman of the Old Farmer’s Almanac explains in the above video, a trash can with some holes drilled into the base also make for effective containers. In any event, you’ll need to start out shortly after the last spring frost. Take your barrel or basket and place it in a sunny locale. Fill it with loamy potting soil and bury the chunks 2 to 4 inches beneath the surface. Give them an inch of water every week and they’ll be ready to harvest by midsummer. Home-made French fries, here we come!

8. SPINACH

Popeye’s favorite food is one of the best cold-weather crops a gardener could ask for. Four to six weeks before the last frost date in your area, you’ll need to kick things off by following a process called priming: Soak some seeds in water for 24 hours. Take them out and let them dry off on a paper towel for a day or two, then seal up the seeds in an airtight zip-lock bag and keep them in a cool room for up to one week. When their week-long stint in a cool room is up, sow the seeds in an inch of tilled soil that has a temperature below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You can start harvesting your spinach leaves whenever they reach the desired size.

9. MARIGOLDS

As far as flower-growing is concerned, marigolds definitely fall into the idiot-proof category. Wait to plant their seeds until after the spring frosts have come to an end. Just about any bedding type will suit them, although moist, well-drained soils are preferable. Marigold enthusiasts usually get their seeds by purchasing them in packets, which come with specific instructions about spacing and other topics. Cover the seeds with a small amount of dirt, don’t let the soil get too dry, and uproot some of the seedlings as needed. In exchange for this minimal effort, you’ll get vibrant flowers that will stick around until football season.

10. ZUCCHINIS

Not only are zucchinis super easy to grow, they’re also amazingly prolific. Within a few short weeks, your garden will be churning out enough to feed a small army. To get going, dig a row of inch-deep holes in the earth at some point between early spring and midsummer (although in practice, one or two plants will probably be enough). The depressions should be spaced about 3 feet apart, with each crater housing two or three seeds. Make sure the dirt is warm and keep it moist at all times (regular mulching will help you with that). Six to eight weeks later, you can start harvesting. And because new zucchinis sprout to replace the squashes that’ve been plucked, you’ll soon have quite a yield on your hands. Within a single season, a solitary plant can generate 10 pounds’ worth of zucchinis.

All images courtesy of iStock


April 27, 2017 – 6:00pm