Rebecca OConnell – Page 25

filed under: shopping

Image credit:

amazon / istock

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, October 14.

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!

October 14, 2016 – 11:52am

October 14, 2016

What’s the Kennection?

Kennection Questions:

In The Sixth Sense, Bruce Willis's character catches on to the twist ending when he sees his wife Anna drop what item on the floor?

What position does I Don't Know play in the classic Abbott and Costello sketch "Who's on First"?

What kind of sweet red wine can be called "tawny" if it's been aged to a golden-brown color?

Who was the first Jewish American ever to win a U.S. presidential primary?

In 1959, Hertz ran its first commercials offering to "put you" where?

What's the "Kennection"?

Schedule Publish:

Content not scheduled for publishing.

Friday, October 14, 2016 – 10:29

Quiz Number:

100

October 14, 2016

7 Easy Ways You Can Help Bees Right Now

Rebecca OConnell

filed under: Animals

Image credit:

iStock

At this point, most people are well aware that the bees are in trouble. Last week, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service officially placed seven species of Hawaiian yellow-faced bees on the endangered species list. They believe their decline in population is the result of a long list of threats to the species, including predation, habitat loss, and human involvement.

Bees are pollinators and crucial to our ecosystem; we depend on them for much of our produce. Around 30 percent of the world’s crops rely on cross-pollination [PDF]. If you want to help the tiny buzzing insects from dying out completely, here are some small things you can do.

1. PLANT THE RIGHT THINGS

Bees are steadily losing ground in our modern culture. Flowers and gardens are dwindling, meaning less and less food for the hungry bees. You can help protect the species right in your own backyard by starting a bee-centric garden. Plant flowering plants native to your area with a preference toward single flower tops like marigolds, tulips, and daisies. Double flower tops and hybridized plants don’t yield the same level of nectar as single flowers tops, so it’s harder for bees to reach the pollen. You should also try to have something flowering all year, so make a calendar for your garden that includes flowers in spring, summer, and fall.

Once your bees have something to eat, you can build a potential home for the visitors. Leave a place in your garden open for bees to burrow, and add some branches or bamboo for wood-nesting bees. And always remember to only use natural pesticides and fertilizers that won’t harm the bees who stop by.

2. LET SOME WEEDS GROW

Controlling gardeners are going to have to loosen their iron grip for the sake of the bees; a healthy collection of dandelions and clovers can actually do a world of good. The leafy intruders—along with various wildflowers—offer substantial and much-needed nutrients. Dandelions in particular are extremely beneficial to bees, as well as other pollinators like butterflies, beetles, and hoverflies. Because these yellow weeds flower between March and May, they’re ready to be pollinated just as the bugs are waking up from hibernation. Each flowering dandelion can have up to 100 florets, meaning plenty of food for your buzzing buddies. Laying off the pesticides will also keep the air poison-free and more accessible to bugs who would like to visit.

3. BUY LOCAL RAW HONEY AND BEESWAX

Buying honey and other bee products from a local beekeeper is a great way to support local pollination. As long as the beekeeper knows what they’re doing, they won’t harm or disturb the bees in any meaningful way. Often bees make a surplus of honey, so they won’t notice if we take some for ourselves. Beeswax is used to coat the honeycombs and is either sliced off by the beekeeper to get to the honey or burrowed through by the bees in the winter—either way it’s discarded, so it would be a waste not to use it.

4. LEAVE OUT WATER FOR THIRSTY BEES

It turns out bird baths aren’t just great for birds. Bees need water just like all animals, so they seek out shallow puddles and bird baths to quench their thirst. You can get a bird bath or leave out a small saucer to help hydrate the bees in your neighborhood. Bees like to share information, so if you keep your water source consistent, the local pollinators will get wise and come visit. Just make sure to include a small rock or other object for them to perch on while they drink—bees are unfortunately not equipped with tiny floaties.

5. GO SHOPPING

There are plenty of products on the market that will help you help bees. If planting a full garden is too much work, you can opt for seed bombs. The little clusters of seeds can be tossed in areas like your backyard or an empty lot where they’ll eventually turn into a colorful patch of wildflowers. You can also try seed money or pencils that can be planted in the ground to grow flowering and edible plants.

Another option is to look into getting a Flow Hive. After an extremely successful Indiegogo campaign, the simplified beehive is available for purchase. The honey comes from a tap, making the extraction process easier for humans and bees alike.

6. VOLUNTEER

Feeling committed? There are plenty of ways you can give your time to helping the bees. You can host a bee hive and agree to have a bee block situated in your backyard. The New York Beekeepers Association offers a program where people can offer up available yards or rooftops to keep hives for urban beekeepers. The program matches people up to help encourage more hives in the city. You can also volunteer to join the Back Yard Beekeepers Association. The Connecticut-based group provides information for fledgling beekeepers and organizes educational programs for the community.

7. GET POLITICAL

Sign a petition and let your government know that you care about the declining bee population. This petition is a call for the EPA to suspend use of pesticides and this petition asks your representative to support the Saving America’s Pollinators Act. If enough people come together to fight this problem, real change can happen.

October 14, 2016 – 6:00am

October 13, 2016

Thursday’s Amazon Deals You Can’t Miss

Smart Shopping Team

filed under: shopping

Image credit:

amazon / istock

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, October 13.

GADGETS

Planet of the Apes 8-Film Bundle [Blu-ray] for $39.99 (list price $99.99)

Etekcity Wireless Remote Control Electrical Outlet Switch for Household Appliances, White (Learning Code, 5Rx-2Tx) for $25.48 (list price $39.98)

Anker [5-Pack] PowerLine Micro USB – Durable Charging Cable [Assorted Lengths] for Samsung, Nexus, LG, Android Smartphones and More (Black) for $10.99 (list price $39.99)

Wireless Earbuds Photive PH-BTE70 Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone 7. Sweatproof Secure Fit Wireless Headphones Designed to Stay in your Ears. for $79.95 (list price $129.95)

GreatShield LCD Touch Screen Cleaning Kit with Microfiber Cloth, Brush, Cleaner Wipes Spray Solution for Laptops, PC monitors, Smartphones, Tablets, iPhone, iPad, LED, TVs, DSLR Cameras, Camcorders for $5.99 (list price $9.99)

ASUS ZenWatch 2 WI501Q-SL-CM-Q 1.63-inch AMOLED Smart Watch with Quick Charge – CAMEL LEATHER for $129.00 (list price $149.00)

(Certified Refurbished) Amazon Fire TV (Previous Generation – 1st) for $79.99 (list price $94.00)

Projector Ogima Home Cinema Theater LED1080P HD 2600Lumens 3D Video Projector Support HDMI VGA AV USB Games for $288.99 (list price $288.99)

Aonsen 4Pack 6FT 10FT Nylon Braided Lightning Charging Cable Sync Cord for iPhone 7/SE/5/5s6/6s/6 Plus,iPad Air/Mini,iPod,Compatible with iOS10 for $14.85 (list price $29.99)

Panasonic Over-the-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HF300M-K (Black) Integrated Mic and Controller, Travel-Fold Design, Metallic Finish for $22.49 (list price $29.99)

Koss Multimedia Stereo Headphone with USB Plug (SB45 USB-178203) for $27.47 (list price $49.99)

Outdoor Tech OT1800 Turtle Shell 2.0 – Rugged Water-Resistant Wireless Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speaker (Black) for $47.99 (list price $99.95)

Besiva In-Ear Earbuds Earphones with microphone Noise isolation Headphones, Compatible with Apple/Android(Gold) for $12.99 (list price $49.99)

Dell i3169-0011RED 11.6″ HD 2-in-1 Laptop (Intel Core m3 6Y30 0.9GHz Processor, 4 GB DDR3L SDRAM, 500 GB HDD, Windows 10) Tango Red for $349.99 (list price $449.99)

Panasonic drops360° Premium In-Ear Stereo Headphones with Mic + Controller RP-HJX6M-S (Metallic Silver) with Travel Pouch, Powerful Bass for $28.74 (list price $49.99)

Lifeproof NUUD Series Waterproof Case for iPad mini 4 – Retail Packaging – Black for $79.99 (list price $119.99)

CyberPower CPU3RTAKT 2.5′ Apple Certified Retractable Cable Kit, Black for $7.97 (list price $14.95)

Etekcity Digital Voice Recorder & MP3 Music Player 8GB Pocket Rechargeable Dictaphone for $38.95 (list price $99.99 )

PNY L3000 3000mAh 1 Amp PowerPack – Portable Rechargeable Battery Charger with built-In Lightning connector for Apple iPhone for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

TotalMount Roku Mounting Shelf (Compatible with Roku 3, Roku 2, Roku 1, and Roku LT) for $17.95 (list price $29.99)

Sabrent GoPro Head Strap Camera Mount [Compatible with all GoPro cameras] (GP-HDST) for $7.99 (list price $16.99)

Ultra Portable Wireless Bluetooth Speaker V4.0 with 10W+ Dual-Driver for Superior Sound, Subwoofer for Rich Bass, Built-in Microphone and Water Resistant by Meidong QQ chocolate for $28.89 (list price $89.99)

Merope Handheld USB Mini Misting Fan with Personal Cooling Humidifier (Pink) for $12.79 (list price $49.99)

Portable Bluetooth Speaker by Gaosa, Superb Stereo Sound Quality, Enhanced Bass, Long Range Wireless Speaker, Lightweight, Wide Compatibility, Colorful LED Light Design, Micro SD Card Slot for $19.90

Magnetic Car Mount Holder, IMAGE Universal Air Vent, for Cell Phones and Mini Tablets with Fast Swift-SnapTM Technology, iPhone 6 6 Plus 5 5s, Samsung S6 S5 S4, Android Phones, GPS Devices for $7.99 (list price $23.99)

Screen Magnifier,Dizaul Cell Phone 3D HD Movie Video Amplifier with Foldable Holder Stand for iPhone 7/7 Plus/6/6s/6 Plus/6s Plus, Samsung Galaxy S7/ S7 Edge/ Note 7&All other Smart Phones (Black) for $26.99 (list price $59.99)

iPhone 6s 4.7 inch Case, LUOLNH Impact Resistant Protective Shell Wallet Cover Shockproof Rubber Bumper Case Anti-scratches Hard Cover Skin with Card Slot Holder for iPhone 6 4.7 inch (Mint Green) for $7.90 (list price $21.00)

iSmartAlarm Spot HD Video Camera, White for $89.99 (list price $99.99)

Projector (Warranty Included) Xinda LCD 1200 Lumens Mini Multi-media Portable Video Projector Game Home Cinema Theater Movie Projector White 001BW for $119.99 (list price $599.99)

Apexel 200X Optical Zoom No Vignetting Microscope with Led Lamp + Universal Clip for iPhone6/6plus 6/6s Plus SE Samsung Galaxy S7/S7 Edge S6/S6 Edge Note5/4 etc for $22.98 (list price $28.98)

Ogima 3D VR Glasses VR Virtual Reality Headset 3D Glasses VR BOX for 3.5~6.0″ ios Android Smartphones iPhone6 6s Plus/SamsungGalaxy for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Keten Wireless Bluetooth Headphones with Mic Noise Cancelling, Neckband in Ear Sweatproof Stereo Earbud Earphone for Sport, Running, Biking, Jogging, Workout and Gym (Green) for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

1byone Belt Driven Bluetooth Turntable with Built-in Stereo Speaker, Vintage Style Record Player, Vinyl-To-MP3 Recording, Black for $149.99 (list price $169.99)

iKross Professional Camera Protector Rain Cover Rainproof for DSLR SLR Cameras for $11.99 (list price $29.99)

HooToo Ultra Slim 4-port USB 3.0 Hub for $11.19 (list price $19.99)

Asus F555LA-AB31 15.6-Inch Laptop (2.1 GHz Core i3-5010U Processor,4 GB RAM,500 GB Hard Drive, Windows 10), Black for $339.99 (list price $499.99)

Bluetooth 4.1 Transmitter / Receiver, TaoTronics 2-In-1 Wireless 3.5mm Audio Adapter (aptX Low Latency, Pair 2 At Once, For Home / Car Sound System) for $34.99 (list price $79.99)

Fenix – Set of 20 Universal Stylus Pack for iPhone, iPad, Samsung Galaxy Note, Samsung Galaxy S4/S5/S6, LG, Kindle and Much More for $12.99 (list price $26.99)

Panasonic Over-the-Ear Stereo Headphones RP-HF300M-W (White) Integrated Mic and Controller, Travel-Fold Design, Metallic Finish for $22.49 (list price $29.99)

iPad 2 Case, SUPCASE [Heavy Duty] Apple iPad Case [Unicorn Beetle PRO Series] Full-body Rugged Hybrid Protective Case Cover with Built-in Screen Protector for the New iPad 2 (2nd Generation), Dual Layer Design + Impact Resistant Bumper (Blue/Black) for $21.49

ExpertPower CLICK+ 4K / 1080p Action Camera With Sports Kit & Accessories [16MP Sony Sensor With Wifi] for $80.82 (list price $129.99)

KITCHEN

California Home Goods 3 Compartment Reusable Food Storage Containers with Lids, Microwave and Dishwasher Safe, Bento Lunch Box, Stackable, Set of 10 for $14.36 (list price $26.95)

Etekcity Digital Food Kitchen Scale with Timer Clock,Temperature Sensor, Stainless Steel, 11lb (5kg) ,Silver for $39.99 (list price $51.00)

Scotch-Brite Quick Clean Griddle Cleaning System Starter Kit 710 for $47.99 (list price $97.27)

California Basics Home Brewing 16 oz Glass Bottles with EZ Caps for Beer, Kombucha, Vinegar & Oils, Amber Colored, Reusable (Set of 12) for $23.16 (list price $45.95)

Cuisinart GR-4NR 5-in-1 Griddler, Silver, Red Dials for $70.70 (list price $185.00)

Danby DAR017A2BDD Compact All Refrigerator, 1.7 Cubic Feet, Black for $99.00 (list price $129.00)

Sistema To Go Collection Salt and Pepper Shakers, Assorted Colors, Set of 2 for (list price $5.99)

Good Cooking Chocolate Melting Pots Parent for (list price )

Houdini Expandable Wine Rack for $10.99 (list price $13.00)

Meat Tenderizer Mallet Tool – DISHWASHER SAFE & – Manual Hammer Pounder For Tenderizing Chicken Steak Pork & Veal in Kitchen – Professional Non Slip Silicone Handle for Pounding for $15.99 (list price $29.99)

Cook N Home 2482 High Stockpot with Lid, 13 quart, Stainless Steel for $49.99 (list price $39.99)

Light My Fire 8-Piece BPA-Free Meal Kit 2.0 with Plate, Bowl, Cup, Cutting Board, Spork and More (Orange) for $13.49 (list price $29.99)

Universal Knife Block- Kapoosh Bamboo Knife Block with Dishwasher Safe Bristles- All Natural Knife Stand Holder for $22.99 (list price $29.95)

Jaxx FitPak with Portion Control Container Set, Reusable Ice Pack, and Shaker Cup (Black/Pink) for $32.04 (list price $39.99)

Simple Chef SC-FVSPLZR Vegetable Spiralizer for $24.95 (list price $69.99)

Crock-Pot 6-Quart 5-in-1 Multi-Cooker with Non-Stick Inner Pot, Stainless Steel, SCCPMC600-S for $110.60 (list price $149.99)

Personal Blender With Travel Lid – 21oz Portable Sports Bottle – Single Serve – by Keyton for $39.99 (list price $69.99)

Yibu Handle for YETI 30 Oz Rambler Tumbler, RTIC and Other 30 Oz Tumblers – Black for $5.94 (list price $16.99)

Bon Chef 5050SS Stainless Steel Induction Fondue Pot with Induction Bottom, 2-1/8 quart Capacity, 6″ Diameter x 4″ Height for $47.78 (list price $93.78)

Watermelon Slicer with Bonus Quick Fruit Chiller Bowl for $10.05 (list price $13.40)

11.5″ Round Scalloped Rim Ceramic Cake & Dessert Pedestal Display Stand – MyGift® for (list price $79.99)

Simple Chef Stainless Steel Garlic Press & Silicone Peeler Set – Easy to Use & Easy to Clean – Perfect for Mincing, Crushing, Pressing & Peeling for $15.99 (list price $49.99)

Cybrtrayd M089 Keys Chocolate Candy Mold with Exclusive Cybrtrayd Copyrighted Chocolate Molding Instructions for $4.53

Elite Platinum EKT-7050 Maxi-Matic 10 Cup Cordless Water Kettle, Stainless Steel for $21.10 (list price $39.99)

Instant Pot IP-LUX60 6-in-1 Programmable Pressure Cooker, 6-Quart 1000-Watt for $89.91 (list price $219.00)

Brita Advanced Replacement Water Filter for Pitchers, 3 Count for $13.78 (list price $29.89)

Chef Vinny Classic King Size 6 Ice Cube Tray for $5.99 (list price $7.99)

Simple Chef STAINLESS STEEL Julienne Peeler with Ultra Sharp Blade Technology – Perfect for Peeling and Shredding Delicious Fruits & Vegetables for $7.99 (list price $10.99)

Whynter BWR-33SD 33 Bottle Built-In Wine Refrigerator for $420.99 (list price $1,032.00)

Cook N Home 15-Piece Cutlery Set with Storage Block for $21.89 (list price $24.89)

MOOBOM 110lb/50kg Hanging Fish Scale Portable Backlit LCD Display Digital Electronic Balance for $14.99 (list price $19.99)

IMUSA USA A120-22181T 8-Piece Espresso Coffee Cup Set, Yellow for $13.93

Cook N Home 02434 26cm Nonstick Heavy Gauge Crepe Pan, Griddle, 10.25″, Black for $14.17 (list price $24.99)

Eparé Battery Electric Cyan Milk Frother Whisk for Cappuccino Latte Coffee Foam and Matcha for $11.95 (list price $14.95)

Oster TSSTTR6330-NP 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster, Stainless Steel for $37.99 (list price $59.99)

Meal Prep Haven 7 Piece Portion Control Container Kit with Guide, Black, Comparable to 21 Day Fix for $8.93 (list price $34.99)

iArtker BBQ Meat Claws Pulled Pork Shredder Bear Paw, Meat Handler Carving Safe , Green for $6.99 (list price $15.99)

Rubbermaid Commercial FGTHP220C Stainless Steel Pocket Thermometer, 5-Inch for $4.24 (list price $6.20)

HOME

SUNYIK Rainbow Flame Aura Titanium Quartz Crystal Cluster Drusy Geode Gemstone Specimen Decoration(1.2″-2.4″) for $13.99 (list price $59.99 )

SUNYIK Natural Purple Amethyst Crystal Quartz Cluster Decor Geode Druzy Gemstone Specimens(XL) for $31.99 (list price $99.99)

Personalized American Oak Aging Barrel – Design 063: Barrel Aged Whiskey (2 Liter) for $79.95 (list price $105.95)

Household Essentials Hanging Travel Bag for Toiletries, Cosmetics or Jewelry, Clear Compartments, Black for $12.10 (list price $23.99)

Dyson Home Cleaning Kit for $50.99 (list price $64.00)

Black+Decker HNV220BCZ03FF Compact Lithium Hand Vac 2Ah Kit – deep Aqua – Cordless for $25.99 (list price $29.99)

White Contemporary Glass Mosaic Tiled Design Facial Tissue Holder / Decorative Napkin Box Cover – MyGift® for $20.99 (list price $38.50)

Pennzoil 550042833-6PK Platinum Euro L Full Synthetic Silver 5W-30 Motor Oil Lubricant – 1 quart (Pack of 6) for $49.65 (list price $50.22)

Hoover WindTunnel 2 Rewind Pet Bagless Upright Vacuum, UH70831PC – Corded for $98.73 (list price $139.99)

Soft Heat Luxury Micro-Fleece Low-Voltage Electric Heated King Size Blanket, Natural for $110.59 (list price $269.99)

Microfiber Travel Towel Set (3 Towels) with Large 30 X 60″ Body Towel | Ultra-absorbent, Antibacterial, Quick Dry Towel Fast Drying Towels, Also Excellent Camping Towel. (Blue) for $21.97 (list price $32.97)

Sub-Zero 4204490 Refrigerator Water Filter Replacement for $64.17 (list price $69.58)

Kinwell Sunflowers Silk Artificial Flowers Floral Decor Bouquet 10 Bunches for $20.99 (list price $25.99)

Country Rustic Old Fashion Faucet Wall Mounted Iron & Wood 3 Coat Hooks Garment, Towels, Hat Hanger Rack for $21.50 (list price $49.99)

First Alert AF400 Tundra Fire Extinguisher Aerosol Spray for $12.99 (list price $19.99)

Kidde FA110 Multi Purpose Fire Extinguisher 1A10BC, 1 Pack for $19.98 (list price $42.99)

SUNART: WHITE & PINK RABBIT PAIR CUP for $31.21

Fire Gone 2NBFG2704 White/Red Fire Extinguisher – 16 oz., (Pack of 2) for $16.65 (list price $19.99)

Welldone® Creative Stylish Desktop Droplet Storm Glass Crafts Weather Storm Forecast Predictor Bottle Barometer (large) for $41.99 (list price $59.99)

Kitty Shack – 2 in 1 Tube Cat Mat and Bed, Pet Accessories for $13.80 (list price $24.99)

Rubie’s Pet Costume, Small, Hot Dog for $15.54 (list price $19.99)

GREENIES Dental Dog Treats, Teenie, Original Flavor, 130 Treats, 36 oz. for $29.10 (list price $31.99)

Milk-Bone MaroSnacks Dog Treats for All Sizes Dogs, 40-Ounce for $8.59 (list price $11.11)

SmartyKat Skitter Critters Cat Toy Catnip Mice, 3 Pack for $2.03 (list price $3.99)

Fashion’s Talk Cat toys Variety Pack for Kitty 20 pieces for $12.88 (list price $25.86)

Lasko 754200 Ceramic Heater with Adjustable Thermostat for $24.71 (list price $35.99)

Advion Syngenta Cockroach Gel Bait 1 Box(4 Tubes) for $22.55 (list price $31.49)

KRUPS F203 Electric Spice and Coffee Grinder with Stainless Steel Blades, 3-Ounce, Black for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Brita 10 Cup Everyday BPA Free Water Pitcher with 1 Filter, White for $25.99 (list price $52.99)

OXO Good Grips Bottle Brush for $4.99

Snap-E Mouse Trap-6 Pack for $11.78

Sterilite 19889804 70 Quart/ 66 Liter Ultra Latch Box, White Lid & Clear Base w/ Latches, 4-Pack for $35.99 (list price $90.00)

Pumpkin Carving Tools- Halloween Sculpting Kit with 11 Double Sided Pieces (21 Tool Set) for Jack-O-Lanterns and More for $10.99 (list price $14.99)

Kids Colorful 5 Piece Folding Table and Chair Set for $53.19 (list price $115.00)

Nantucket Table with Bench and chairs for $101.91 (list price $151.22)

Swiffer Sweeper Wet Mopping Cloth Refill – Open Window Fresh – 24 ct for $12.65

AmazonBasics Microfiber Sheet Set – Twin Extra-Long, Gingham Plaid for $4.05 (list price $13.99)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Drive Medical Aluminum Rollator Walker Fold Up and Removable Back Support, Padded Seat, 6″ Wheels, Blue for $65.22 (list price $194.97)

Rogaine Men’s Extra Strength Solution, 2 Oz. (Pack of 3) for $39.99 (list price $52.99)

Etekcity Digital Multifunction Food Kitchen Scale, Stainless Steel,11lb 5kg, Silver (Batteries Included) for $39.99 (list price $60.00)

Advanced 4 in 1 Hair Regrowth Treatment, Easy-to-use Treatment for Hair Loss, 4oz (Biotin, Saw Palmetto, Ketoconazole 0.01% and More) for $79.99 (list price $99.99)

Hairgenics Pronexa Hair Growth Supplement, 90 Tablets for $39.99 (list price $67.99)

Premium Skin Care Vitamin C Serum for Face 25% Enhanced with Hyaluronic Acid, 1 Oz – Best , Anti-Aging and Anti-Wrinkle Product with Super Strength Perfected Organic Ingredients by Viniro Naturals for $13.95 (list price $30.00)

Fogless Shower Mirror with Razor Hook for A Perfect No Fog Shaving, 360 Degree Rotating for Easy Mirrors Viewing, Strong Power Lock Suction Cup Will Not Fall, Ideal for Home and Traveling! for $29.99 (list price $35.99)

#1 Hair Growth System – Formula 500 Hair Regeneration System – Shampoo and Conditioner 8 oz each (Great for preventing hair loss) for $59.99 (list price $99.95)

Essential Oil Diffuser,Stone Grain Ultrasonic Cool Mist Aromatherapy Diffuser,Quiet Humidifier Diffuser,Auto Shut-Off Aroma Diffuser,6 Hours Use for Living / Bedroom, Nursery or Desk for $35.99 (list price $65.99)

BS-MALL(TM) Makeup Brush Set Premium Synthetic Kabuki Makeup Brush Set Cosmetics Foundation Blending Blush Eyeliner Face Powder Lip Brush Makeup Brush Kit(10pcs, Silver Black) for $25.99 (list price $45.99)

Professional Eyelash Curler – Our Soft Silicone Pad Applies The Perfect Pressure to Curl Big & Bold Lashes – Anti-Slippage Grip Handles – Does Not Pinch or Pull – Extra Refill Pad Included for $24.99 (list price $24.99)

āVō Fractionated Coconut Oil 16 Oz – 100% Pure Carrier and Base Oil for Aromatherapy, Massage, and Natural Moisturizer of Hair, Nails and Skin – Free Pump Included for $12.97 (list price $49.99)

Vidazen Organic Face Wash for Acne; Clarifying, Gentle Anti Aging Cleanser to Reduce Blemishes and Restore Balanced Complexion for $12.95 (list price $25.00)

Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask for $9.46 (list price $9.80)

120 Retainer Cleaning Tablets -(4 Months Supply)- Removes Stain, Plaque & Bad Odor from Dentures, Nightguard, Mouth Guard & Removable Dental Appliances. Made in USA. for $9.99 (list price $29.95)

Aveeno Baby Daily Bathtime Solutions Gift Set for $15.79 (list price $15.99)

Detangling Brush with Mirro – Soft Bristle- Straightening Detangler- For All Hair Types (Purple) for $14.79 (list price $21.70)

Argan Oil Shampoo from Majestic Pure Offers Vitamin Enriched Gentle Hair Restoration Formula for Daily Use, Sulfate Free, Moroccan Oil & Potent Natural Ingredients, for Men and Women 16 fl. oz for $12.95 (list price $18.50)

Anti Aging Skin Care Serum for Men & Women From Uptown Cosmeceuticals Offers Spin Trap® Intelligent Antioxidant, Advanced Scientific Formula Promotes Younger Looking Face, 30mL for $47.95 (list price $95.95)

Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Body Wash, 18 Fl. Oz for $12.49 (list price $8.00)

Detangling Hair Brush Set of 2, Best Detangler Comb, No Pain, Black & Pink by Premium Nature for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Cellulite Cream & Muscle Relaxation Pain Relief Cream Huge 8.8oz, 100% Natural 87% Organic – Cellulite Cream Treatment Hot Gel, Firms Skin – Muscle Rub Cream, Muscle Massager, Hot Cream for $14.95 (list price $29.95)

Colgate Extra Clean Toothbrush, Full Head, Medium, 6 Count for $4.95 (list price $7.00)

E.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer, 0.47 Fluid Ounce for $5.40 (list price $6.00)

Revlon RV544 Perfect Heat Fast Dry Speed Hair Dryer for $21.99 (list price $24.99)

Dial Antibacterial Deodorant Bar Soap, White, 4 ounce, 10 bar (Pack of 3) for $13.17 (list price $18.93)

Neutrogena Healthy Skin Anti-Wrinkle Cream Night, 1.4 Oz for $12.47 (list price $19.47)

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, Coconut Milk 4 Ounce, 6 Bar for $6.88 (list price $10.59)

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND ART

Chalkboard Contact Paper + BONUS Chalk Marker – 18″ W x 96″ L (8 FEET) – 33% more than other brands! for $14.99 (list price $24.99)

uni-ball Pink Ribbon 207 Retractable Gel Pen, Medium Point, Black Ink, 12-Count for $11.99 (list price $27.49)

HP 131A (CF210A) Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge for Too low to display (list price $66.99)

Epson Perfection V39 photo Scanner for $69.99 (list price $99.99)

Fellowes Powershred 99Ms 14-Sheet Micro-Cut Heavy Duty Paper Shredder with Auto Reverse (4609001) for $276.60 (list price $387.99)

HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 Graphing Calculator for $135.99 (list price $149.99)

ALEX Toys Artist Studio Artist Drawing Set for $13.30 (list price $18.99)

Zodaca [Dot Pattern] Soft Touch Stapler, 15 Sheets Capacity, Black with White Dot for $8.99 (list price $32.99)

AT-A-GLANCE Weekly Planner / Appointment Book 2017, 3-1/4 x 5-3/4″, Color Selected For You May Vary (70-403-00) for $12.00 (list price $18.49)

uni-ball Jetstream RT BLX Retractable Ball Point Pens, Bold Point, Purple/Black Ink, Pack of 12 for $26.99 (list price $45.72)

Westcott LetterCraft Repositionable Vinyl Letters, Number and Symbols, 6-Inch, Franklin Gothic Font, Black (RPF6-CN BLK/15860) for $11.26 (list price $18.00)

Sharpie 1794224 Pro Chisel Tip Industrial Strength Permanent Marker, Black, 12-Pack for $17.36 (list price $27.36)

Pyramid 5000 Auto Totaling Time Clock – Made in the Usa for $289.88 (list price $599.00)

Silhouette Cameo — Starter Bundle for $203.99 (list price $344.95)

Cricut 2001974 Adhesive Cutting Mat, Standard Grip, 12 x 12-Inch, Pack of 2 for $5.99 (list price $12.99)

Artlicious – 50 Premium Distinct Colored Pencils for Adult Coloring Books – Bonus Sharpener – Color Names on Pencils for $9.59 (list price $19.99)

Sakura 30062 6-Piece Pigma Micron Ink Pen Set, Black for $8.85

Heartybay 10Pieces Round Pointed Tip Nylon Hair Brush Set, Blue for $6.89 (list price $16.99)

CCbetter Mini Hot Melt Glue Gun with 25pcs Glue Sticks High Temperature Melting Glue Gun Kit Flexible Trigger for DIY Small Craft Projects&Sealing and Quick Repairs(20-watt, Blue) for $10.99 (list price $19.99)

Pro Art 18-Piece Sketch/Draw Pencil Set for $6.62 (list price $9.95)

Perler Beads 6,000 Count Bucket-Multi Mix for $6.84 (list price $10.69)

Apple Barrel Acrylic Paint Set, 18 Piece (2-Ounce), PROMOABI Best Selling Colors I for (list price $18.07)

LolliZ Gel Pens 48 Gel Pen Tray Set for $9.99

Mod Podge Waterbase Sealer, Glue and Finish (16-Ounce), CS11302 Matte Finish for $8.99 (list price $9.52)

Glass Bottle Cutter, Genround Bottle Cutter Machine Wine Bottle Glass Cutter Cutting Tool for $22.99 (list price $99.99)

Cricut Tools Craft Basic Set for $15.79 (list price $24.99)

Value Acme 1000pcs (500 Pair Sets) 20mm Diameter Sticky Back Coins Hook & Loop Self Adhesive Dots Tapes White-Delivery By FBA for $13.99 (list price $19.99)

Artist’s Choice 120-Pack Colored Pencils for $19.99 (list price $49.99)

SEWING KIT, 38 Spools of Thread – FREE Extra 20 Most Useful Colors of Threads – Mini Travel sewing kit, Beginners Sewing Kit, Emergency sewing kit, Campers and home,over 80 Premium Sewing Supplies for $12.55 (list price $24.99)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

BlizeTec Survival Knife: Best 5-in-1 Tactical Pocket Folding Knife with LED Light, Seatbelt Cutter, Glass Breaker & Magnesium Fire Starter for $89.99 (list price $98.99)

Tippmann Cronus Tactical Paintball Gun 3Skull Mega Set – Olive for $174.00 (list price $179.99)

Black and Decker LHT2436B 40-Volt Bare Lithium Ion Hedge Trimmer, 24-Inch,Without Battery” for $46.90 (list price $122.50)

BLACK+DECKER LST540B Brushless String Trimmer Bare Tool, 40-volt for $69.58 (list price $129.99)

BLACK+DECKER LSW36B 40V MAX Lithium Sweeper for $46.90 (list price $84.99)

Sun Joe iON8PS 40-volt Cordless Chain Saw, 8-Inch, 4-Amp for $159.99 (list price $249.99)

Etekcity 4 Pack Portable Outdoor LED Camping Lantern with 12 AA Batteries (Black, Collapsible) for $59.99 (list price $150.00)

Pogo BPA-Free Plastic Water Bottle with Chug Lid, 32 oz. for (list price $5.84)

LE 500lm Outdoor LED Lantern, 3 Modes, Portable, Battery Powered, IPX4, Shockproof/Skid proof, Home/Garden Lanterns for Hiking/Camping/Emergencies/Hurricanes/Outages for $12.79 (list price $15.99)

The Step Original Health Club Step Platform with 4 Risers, 40-Inch, Teal/Black/Purple for (list price )

Coolest Cooler in Classic Orange for $199.95 (list price $399.99)

iPower GLROPE Pair of 1/8 Inch Heavy Duty Adjustable Grow Light Rope Clip Hanger w/Improved Metal Internal Gears,8-Feet Long(LONGEST EVER),150lb Capacity,Fully Locking;Tear&Rust Resistant. for $5.69 (list price $9.99)

GMC Denali Road Bike, 700c, Black/Green, Large/63.5cm Frame for $224.79 (list price $287.49)

Wahoo ANT+ Bike Case for iPhone 3G, 3GS, 4, 4S for $15.74 (list price $119.99)

Pewi Ybike Ride On Toy and Walking Buddy (Red) for $43.99 (list price $64.99)

ProdecoTech Mariner v5F 36V300W 1 Speed Electric Bicycle 10Ah Samsung Li Ion, Brushed Aluminum, 17″ / One Size for $689.22 (list price $1,399.00)

Scotts S20510 20-volt SYNC Lithium-Ion Cordless Chainsaw, 10-Inch for $107.15 (list price $139.00)

(Single) Solid Cast Iron Kettlebell (5 Lb) for $15.00

Suisse Sport Adventurer Sleeping Bag – Left Zip for $36.95 (list price $99.99)

Ecourban Automatic Compact Travel Umbrella, Waterproof&Windproof, Unbreakable, Lifetime Guarantee for $17.99 (list price $49.99)

LE 55W LED High Bay Lighting, Super Bright Commercial Lighting, 150W HPS or MH Bulbs Equivalent, 4800lm, Waterproof, Daylight White, LED High Bay Lights for $111.99 (list price $139.99)

Furby Connect (Pink) for $86.96 (list price $99.99)

Furby Boom Plush Toy (Holiday Sweater Edition) for $63.90 (list price $64.99)

ELECTRONICS

Cooler Master HAF 912 – Mid Tower Computer Case with High Airflow Design (RC-912-KKN1-GP) for $53.50 (list price $107.36)

Sabrent Aluminum USB External 3D Stereo Sound Adapter for Windows and Mac. Plug and play No drivers Needed. [Black] (AU-DDAB) for $9.99 (list price $22.99 )

BitFenix Case Fan Cooling BFF-SXTR-12025K-RP for $17.16

BitFenix Micro ATX, Mini-ITX Motherboard Cases BFC-PRM-300-GGWKK-RP Green for $94.50 (list price $105.00)

CKITZE BA-4 Grounded European German Schuko Power Plug Adapter Adaptor – American USA to German, France, Russia & more – Excellent Quality – 2 Pack for $5.99 (list price $9.99)

Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station with Stand for Tablets and Laptops supports Windows & Mac (DS-RICA) for $149.99 (list price $189.99)

Thermaltake CORE V1 Snow Edition Extreme Mini ITX Cube Chassis CA-1B8-00S6WN-01 for $47.99 (list price $54.99)

iSmartAlarm iSA5 Deluxe Package, White for $195.34 (list price $249.95)

SHARKK Aluminum Power Strip 4 Port USB Surge Protector Outlet Extender for Home Office Power Strips with 4 USB Smart Rapid Charger Charge Ports and 5 Foot Power Cord Outlet Extender USB Hub for $22.99 (list price $49.99)

CyberPower GT600L 6 Outlet Grounded Wall Tap with LED Guide Light for $4.45 (list price $5.95)

Kanex HDMI to VGA Adapter for Apple TV (2nd-3rd gen)- HDCP Compliant (ATVPROX) for $35.50 (list price $59.95)

Dual (Lightning / Micro) USB Cable by Tech Armor to Sync / Charge Apple and Android – 6FT Space Grey – Tough-Braided Strong Jacket for $10.17 (list price $34.99)

PNY Elite Type-C USB 3.1 Flash Drive – Read Speeds Up to 115MB/sec – P-FD64GTBAT4TC30-GE,64GB for $22.99 (list price $28.49)

HooToo Wireless Router AC1200, 4 Antennas USB 3.0 Port, WiFi Dual Band 2.4GHz / 5GHz for $59.99 (list price $89.99)

iXCC Aluminum 4 Port Compact Portable High Speed USB 3.0 Data Hub for Windows, Mac OS, Linux – Silver for $21.99 (list price $29.99)

Silicon Power 64GB USB 3.0 J06 Jewel Flash Drive, Deep Blue (SP064GBUF3J06V1DNE) for $19.66 (list price $23.13)

Verbatim 25GB 6x Blu-ray Single-Layer Recordable Disc BD-R LTH Low to High, 40 Disc Spindle FFP 97707 for $22.52 (list price $34.49)

C2G 54170 USB 3.0 A Male to A Male Cable, Black (1 Meter/3.2 Feet) for $3.99 (list price $9.99)

CyberPower GT600P 6 Outlet Swivel Grounded Wall Tap for $8.45 (list price $9.95)

Cooler Master GM Series G650M – Compact 650W 80 PLUS Bronze Modular PSU (6th Generation Skylake Support) for $69.50 (list price $89.99)

BitFenix Tower Case BFC-COM-100-KKWS1-RP Black for $52.76 (list price $75.10)

FosPower FUSE B3 WorldWide Universal Converter All-In-One AC International Wall Adapter Travel Plug Charger with Dual [3.1A] USB Charging Ports (US UK EU AU) – Black for $17.99 (list price $34.99)

iHome Classic Corded Quiet Touch Slim Full Size USB Desktop Keyboard for $8.97 (list price $12.99)

TOOLS

Oria 58 in 1 Magnetic Screwdriver Kit with 54 Bits for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

Qualihome Drywall and Hollow-wall Anchor Assortment Kit, Anchors, Screws, Wall Anchor Hooks, and Hollow-door Toggle, 112 Pieces for $9.89 (list price $12.99)

Xentyx – Survival Gear, Carabiner Multitool Clip In Outdoor Camping, Hunting, Tactical Military Equipment – Multi Tool Locking Knife – Black Heavy Duty Pocket Blade for $11.87 (list price $14.99)

Black & Decker WP900 6-Inch Random Orbit Waxer/Polisher for $29.97 (list price $68.84)

Amprobe BAT-250 Battery Tester for $6.53 (list price $7.26)

Nest Protect smoke & carbon monoxide alarm, Battery (2nd gen) for $99.00

Mr Beams MB390 300-Lumen Weatherproof Wireless Battery Powered LED Ultra Bright Spotlight with Motion Sensor, Brown for $29.88 (list price $39.99)

DEWALT DCD710S2 12-Volt Max 3/8-Inch Drill Driver Kit for $119.00 (list price $168.00)

HotelSpa High-Fashion Extra-Large 7-Setting Luxury Hand Held Shower Head with Angle Adjustable Bracket and Stainless Steel Hose. Soft-Grip Rubber Dial Rim and Handle, 4.25 Inch Chrome Face! for $29.99 (list price $59.99)

Starrett 505P-7 Miter Saw Protractor for $24.50 (list price $55.73)

Forearm Forklift Lifting and Moving Straps, to easily carry furniture, appliances, mattresses, or any heavy object. Rated for items up to 800 lbs. 2 person moving system that encourages proper lifting techniques for $24.50 (list price $29.95)

Kamisafe Waterproof Tactical LED Flashlight,Torch Light,Cree,XML,Q5,Outdoor,5 Modes,18650 Battery,For Hiking, Camping, Emergency for $13.99 (list price $27.99)

Stanley 68-010 Multibit Ratcheting Screwdriver with 10 Assorted Bits for $8.38 (list price $20.12)

Workpro Quick Change Folding Utility Knife for $8.99 (list price $16.00)

Philips 461129 60 Watt Equivalent Soft White A19 LED Light Bulb, 16-Pack for $31.77 (list price $35.99)

IRWIN VISE-GRIP Adjustable Wrench Set, 4 Piece, 2078706 for $53.75 (list price $78.21)

DEWALT DWHT62513 10 Piece Screwdriver Set for $20.75 (list price $24.99)

DEWALT DW1587 6 Bit 3/8-Inch to 1-Inch Spade Drill Bit Assortment for $10.94 (list price $19.28)

DEWALT DW2153 IMPACT READY Accessory Set, 34-Piece for $14.99 (list price $32.10)

Craftsman 100 Piece drilling and driving kit for $22.40 (list price $29.99)

Gorilla Epoxy, .85 oz., Clear for $5.47 (list price $6.25)

Chamberlain PD612EV 1/2 HP MyQ Enabled Chain Drive Garage Door Opener, Off White for $138.99 (list price $154.99)

STANLEY STMT73795 Mixed Tool Set, 210-Piece for $99.00 (list price $132.01)

BDF S05 Window Film One Way Mirror Silver 5 (36in X 12ft) for $24.90 (list price $32.90)

LIGHT IT by Fulcrum 30010-301 3 LED Wireless Stick-On Tap Light,3 Pack, Silver for $5.52 (list price $16.99)

Stanley 94-248 65-Piece Homeowner’s Tool Kit for $37.99 (list price $73.26)

Shop-Vac 5986000 5-Gallon 4.5 Peak HP Stainless Steel Wet Dry Vacuum for $62.99 (list price $107.95)

WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft for $29.99 (list price $69.99)

BLACK+DECKER LDX120PK 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill and Project Kit for $72.79 (list price $169.99)

October 13, 2016 – 2:37pm

Amazon Product Id:

B008EOZX8I

October 13, 2016

The Government Is Buying Up $20 Million Worth of Excess Cheese

Rebecca OConnell

filed under: farms, Food, government, money

Image credit:

iStock

This year, our country is in the midst of a record-breaking cheese surplus. And while extra cheese is usually cause for celebration, in this case, it means that hard-working dairy farmers are having a hard time moving their product. U.S. agricultural officials decided to do what any cheese-loving American would, and volunteered to buy the extra cheese—$20 million worth of it.

The decision came on Tuesday after an event in La Crosse, Wisconsin, The Wall Street Journal reports. In August of this year, the USDA agreed to buy $20 million of cheese (or about 11 million pounds) to help with the surplus, but only about $7 million was used before the end of the fiscal year in September. Now USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack says the government plans to buy an additional $20 million of cheddar cheese in order to keep prices from plummeting. All that dairy goodness will be given to food banks and other food assistance programs.

“While our analysis predicts the market will improve for these hardworking men and women, reducing the surplus can give them extra reassurance while also filling demand at food banks and other organizations that help our nation’s families in need,” Vilsack said in a statement.

According to Cheese Reporter, cheddar barrels were about $1.60 per pound as of September 20, so that means the government is buying up (very) roughly 12.5 million pounds of cheese—or as USA Today puts it, enough to make 5,900,000 grilled cheese sandwiches.

[h/t USA Today]

Know of something you think we should cover? Email us at tips@mentalfloss.com.

October 13, 2016 – 6:00am

October 13, 2016

8 Common Moving Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Image credit:

istock

Moving isn’t most people’s idea of fun. Relocating from one residence to another takes time, effort, and money, and the process can be highly stressful. To make your next move easier and less emotionally charged, consider these eight common moving mistakes and how to avoid them.

1. YOU’RE A PROUD PACKRAT.

Over the years, you’ve collected an impressive treasure trove of clothing, books, magazines, kitchen tools, and knick-knacks. You’re not quite in hoarding territory, but no one would ever call you a minimalist. And it took time to amass all your possessions, so why wouldn’t you move them to your next house?

How to avoid it: Before you pack, spend a few days going through your home, identifying items that you haven’t used in the last year or two. Getting rid of unnecessary items is not only mentally liberating, but it can also save you money and time (since you’ll pay to move less stuff and spend less time packing and unpacking). Take photos of sentimental items that you no longer need, and donate or sell anything that you no longer want.

2. PROCRASTINATION IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME.

You know that moving requires tons of planning, but you figure that things will come together quickly once you get started. After all, how long could it take to throw your stuff in some boxes and tape it all up?

How to avoid it: Get started early. Relocating requires multiple steps, from choosing a moving company to preparing your possessions for moving day. Use a checklist, like Allstate’s Moving Guide, to ensure you don’t forget anything in the chaos and excitement. And if you’re moving during a busy time of year, such as spring or summer, you’ll probably need to book your moving company even further in advance.

3. YOU EQUATE DOING EVERYTHING YOURSELF WITH SAVING MONEY.

You might think that renting a truck and convincing your friends to carry your stuff will save you a ton of cash. DIY-ing some moves can make sense financially, depending on the distance you’re moving and how much stuff you’re hauling, but most moves require the services of a professional moving company.

How to avoid it: Consider what a reputable moving company offers that you can’t provide if you’re doing all the work yourself. Depending on your contract with the moving company, you may receive valuation protection, liability coverage, or some form of insurance, so you’ll be covered (at least partially) if your items get damaged or lost in transit. Moving companies may also provide packing services for delicate items or disassembly of large furniture. Moving across state lines also means that gas and parking costs will add up, and imagine the aches, muscle strains, and injuries that you can prevent by leaving the heavy lifting to the professionals.

4. YOU’RE TOO TRUSTING.

If you plan to sit back, relax, and write a check after you’ve picked the cheapest moving company, you’re being too trusting. Some moving companies may steal your possessions, be unreliable, or refuse to reimburse you for damage caused by the move.

How to avoid it: Do your research. Read online reviews, consider advice from friends, and talk to different moving companies on the phone before deciding which company is right for you. Ask the moving company if they’re licensed and insured, and listen closely when they give you a nonbinding estimate. Read your contract carefully before you sign it, paying attention to extra fees, how much insurance the company has, and if the company has workers’ comp insurance.

5. YOU SKIMP ON THE BUBBLE WRAP.

By the time you finally get around to boxing up fragile items such as plates and vases, you might be sick and tired of packing. Putting delicate glassware or china in some bubble wrap is better than nothing, but letting your laziness win is a big mistake.

How to avoid it: Get plenty of bubble wrap, cushioning rolls, and tape to adequately cover your fragile items. It’s better to go slightly overboard with the padding so you don’t open your boxes in your new home and find shattered pieces of glass or ceramic.

6. YOU FORGET TO TAKE INVENTORY.

You’ve packed all your stuff in boxes, taking care to bubble wrap delicate items and not make any one box too heavy. You think you’re good to go, until you realize that you have no idea what’s inside any of the boxes.

How to avoid it: As you pack, make a list of what you’re putting in each box. Number the boxes and label their contents, as well as what room of your new house they should go, so you’ll have a grasp on where your stuff is. Making an inventory will save time when you unpack and help you ensure that the movers didn’t leave anything behind. Use an app like Allstate’s Digital Locker before your move, and you’ll have a list of your possessions on hand should you ever need to file a claim with your home insurance company.

7. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHERE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS.

So your boxes are properly labeled, and you’re feeling supremely organized and on top of things. But how will you get through your first few nights in your new residence, especially if you have to wait for utilities to be turned on?

How to avoid it: Pack a suitcase that contains everything you’ll need for the first few days in your new home. Your toothbrush, toothpaste, cosmetics, toilet paper, soap, medicine, water bottles, snacks, pajamas, linens, laptop, and pet food are a few necessary items that you might forget you’ll need immediately. And don’t forget a pair of scissors—you’ll need them to actually open your boxes!

8. THE MAIL SLIPS YOUR MIND.

You’ve notified your landlord and utility companies about your move-out date, but don’t forget about your mail.

How to avoid it: Head to the post office’s website to fill out a change of address form. Select whether your move is permanent or temporary, choose your start date (when you want the post office to begin forwarding your mail), and enter your new address. Luckily, it only costs $1.05 for this service, and you can pay with a credit card.

Don’t make the mistake of failing to get renters or homeowners insurance for your new digs. Head to Allstate.com for all the tools and resources you need to get settled.

October 13, 2016 – 12:00am

October 13, 2016

101 Masterpieces: John Cage’s 4’33”

Lucas Reilly, the mag

filed under:

Image credit:

istock

In a world plagued by Muzak, John Cage needed to find a quiet way to make a powerful statement.

On August 29, 1952, at a rustic outdoor chamber music hall tucked on a wooded dirt road in Woodstock, New York, the piano virtuoso David Tudor prepared to perform the most jarring piece of music ever written. Or not written, depending how you look at it.

Tudor sat at the piano, propped up six pages of blank sheet music, and closed the keyboard lid. He then clicked a stopwatch and rested his hands on his lap. The audience waited for something to happen as a breeze stirred the nearby trees. After 30 seconds of stillness, Tudor opened the lid, paused, closed it again, and went back to doing nothing. He turned one of the blank pages. Raindrops began to patter. After two minutes and 23 seconds, Tudor again opened and closed the lid. At this point, exasperated people in the crowd walked out. Their footsteps echoed down the aisles. After another minute and 40 seconds, Tudor opened the piano lid one last time, stood up, and bowed. What was left of the audience politely applauded.

It was nearly two decades before the infamous summer of ’69, but what had transpired was arguably the wildest, most controversial musical event ever to rock Woodstock. The piece was called 4’33”—for the three silent movements totaling four minutes and 33 seconds—and it was composed by John Cage. It seemed like a joke. In fact, it would redefine music.

TALL AND SOFT-SPOKEN, John Cage had once been described as “pleasantly reminiscent of Frankenstein.” The resemblance wasn’t just physical. His compositions were of a similar mold: experimental, a bit ugly, and misunderstood. Cage was an irreverent experimenter. In his 60-year career, he composed nearly 300 pieces for everything imaginable, from conventional piano and orchestra to bathtubs and amplified cacti.

Born in Los Angeles to a journalist and an inventor, Cage learned early how powerful new ideas could be. After dropping out of college, he jetted to Europe, where he fell in love with abstract art. At 19, he returned home and started giving lectures on modern art to housewives in his living room. One week, when Cage wanted to teach the ladies about the music of Arnold Schoenberg—the father of a dissonant music called serialism—he audaciously rang one of the country’s best pianists, Richard Buhlig, and asked him to play for them. Buhlig declined, but he did agree to give Cage composing lessons. It was the start of a storied career.

Cage cut his teeth making music for UCLA’s synchronized swimming squad and established himself writing percussion music for dance companies. In 1940, when he was tasked with writing primitive African music for a dance concert in Seattle, Cage tinkered with the piano, wedging screws, coins, bolts, and rubber erasers between the piano strings, turning the keyboard into a one-person percussion orchestra. The sounds were otherworldly, and the innovation, called the prepared piano, catapulted Cage to the forefront of the avant-garde.

Discovering uncharted sounds became Cage’s trademark. Where other composers heard noise, he heard potential. Pots. Drum brakes. Rubber duckies. It wasn’t provocation: It was necessity. The world was brimming with sounds musicians had never used before—it was as if all the world’s painters had agreed to restrict themselves to only a few colors. Cage heard every squeak and honk as a possible ingredient for music.

In 1942, the renowned curator Peggy Guggenheim invited Cage to New York City to put on a concert at her new gallery. Cage agreed but naively arranged a second concert at the Museum of Modern Art behind her back. When Guggenheim found out, she canceled her event. Cage took the news with tears: A career-making opportunity had slipped away. But at that moment, a stranger puffing a cigar walked up and asked whether he was all right. The stranger was Marcel Duchamp.

The encounter was life-altering. Duchamp was America’s most unapologetically cerebral artist. The undisputed king of Dada, he derided traditional paintings as superficial eye candy and opted to make art that pleased—and befuddled—the mind. His 1917 sculpture “Fountain,” an overturned porcelain urinal, was scandalous, but it made a point: Art is subjective. The two became friends, and Duchamp’s philosophy would plant the first seeds of 4’33”.

A few years later, Cage made another life-changing friend: Gita Sarabhai, an Indian heiress who was worried about Western music’s effect on her homeland. She had come to New York to study it, and Cage gave her informal lessons in music theory. Sarabhai repaid him by teaching him Indian music and philosophy. The lessons would turn Cage into a lifelong follower of Zen Buddhism.

Cage had found Dada and Zen at the right time—he was in the midst of a spiritual crisis. In 1945, he divorced his wife of 10 years. Their marriage had been unraveling for a while, causing Cage to pen such works as Root of an Unfocus, The Perilous Night, and Daughters of the Lonesome Isle. He was clearly distressed. But the more he composed, the more he realized that music failed to communicate his feelings. It made him feel worse.

Cage, like many artists, had taken it as a given that the point of music was to share emotions. But in one of his lessons with Sarabhai, she mentioned that, in India, music had a different purpose. “To sober and quiet the mind,” she said, “thus rendering it susceptible to divine influences.” Cage was taken aback. She didn’t mention feelings at all. The more he thought about it, the more it seemed she had a point. Sounds don’t have emotions. They’re meaningless. He wondered whether Western music had it all wrong.

Cage was onto something. The idea that music should express feelings is relatively new. Before the Enlightenment, European music was functional—it didn’t gush from a brooding composer’s soul. Instead, it was a conduit for dance, song, or praise. Even in Mozart’s day, it was heavily improvised—the composer’s control was limited. But in the early 19th century, the Romantic movement—a celebration of ego and emotion—erupted, and suddenly, the artist’s feelings meant everything. Composers asserted more power over how their music was played, and improvisation practically vanished. By Cage’s time, classical composers—serialists especially—were micromanaging every detail.

Cage was convinced this rift was a mistake. Music wasn’t about the composer: It was about the sounds. So he removed himself from his work. Just as Jackson Pollock embraced the uncertainty of splattered paint, Cage started to flip coins and let heads or tails dictate which notes or rhythms came next. His “chance music” gave performers more liberty to play whatever they liked.

The technique was a perfect stew of Zen and Dada. Both, after all, teach that everything is one and the same, that labels are arbitrary. Art, non-art. Music, noise. Sound, silence. There’s no difference. It’s just perception. The croak of a frog can be just as musical as the purr of a cello if you choose to hear it that way. This wasn’t a new concept. Sitting around Walden Pond, Henry David Thoreau outlined the same thought, writing: “The commonest and cheapest sounds, as the barking of a dog, produce the same effect on fresh and healthy ears as the rarest music does. It depends on your appetite for sound.” By the late 1940s, Cage was hell-bent on changing our appetite for sound. He just needed a spark.

Enter Muzak.

JOHN CAGE (1990) THE FESTIVAL DES HORENS, ERLANGEN PHOTOGRAPHER: ERICH MALTER COURTESY OF THE JOHN CAGE TRUST

BY 1949, A CULTURAL PLAGUE was being piped into offices, train stations, and bus terminals: canned, generic background music. The brainchild of an Army general, the idea was pure packaged capitalism. The Muzak Corporation sold hundreds of businesses and cities on the promise that a wash of faint background music would increase productivity, quell boredom, and prevent people from skipping work.

Cage hated it. It was just more proof that silence was going extinct. America’s soundscape had changed drastically after World War II. Traffic drowned out birdsong. Construction clanged through the night. Before the phonograph, if you wanted music, you often had to make it yourself. Now it was like wallpaper—just another part of your surroundings. For musicians, that alone made Muzak public enemy No. 1. But nonmusicians complained that it was annoying. Commuters in Washington, D.C., despised Muzak so much that they eventually fought it at the Supreme Court, arguing that it infringed on their right to be left alone. They lost.

The revolt was the trigger Cage needed to create a silent piece. At the time, Cage wrote, “I want to … compose a piece of uninterrupted silence and sell it to the Muzak Co. It will be three or four minutes long—these being the standard lengths of canned music.” Tongue-in-cheek as it sounded, Cage wasn’t kidding. He may have schemed 4’33” to “provide listeners with a blessed four-and-a-half-minute respite from forced listening,” writes Kyle Gann in No Such Thing as Silence. Cage was the captive audience’s savior.

By 1950, Cage was serious about writing a silent piece of music. It wouldn’t just be a Zen experiment. It would also be a political statement: an attempt to restore, for a brief moment, the silence industrial America had lost, a plea asking people to listen closely again. Still, the idea seemed radical. Cage had a reputation to uphold, and he didn’t want people to think it was a shtick. “I have a horror of appearing an idiot,” he confessed. So he approached the project as he would any new work—by experimenting. In 1951, Cage visited an anechoic chamber at Harvard, a foam-padded room designed to absorb every ripple of sound, to hear what silence was really like. But there, in one of the quietest rooms in the world, Cage sat and listened—and heard something: the whooshing of his own blood. It was an epiphany. For as long as he lived, there would be no such thing as true silence.

That same year, Cage walked through an art gallery and saw a series of flat white canvases by Robert Rauschenberg. The paintings were blasphemy, a big middle finger to the art establishment. There was no narrative, no gesture, no representation—just white streaked with thin black vertical lines. Cage, however, saw Zen: The paintings highlighted shadows, light, and dust falling onto the canvases. Depending on when and where you stood, they always looked different. The painter had no control—the surroundings did. “Oh yes, I must,” Cage thought. “Otherwise … music is lagging.”

LESS THAN A YEAR LATER, 4’33” made its debut in Woodstock. It was greeted as heresy. During a post- concert Q&A session, a peeved audience member yelled, “Good people of Woodstock, let’s run these people out of town!” Two years later, popular reaction hadn’t changed. When the piece made its New York City debut, The New York Times called it “hollow, sham, pretentious Greenwich Village exhibitionism.” Even Cage’s mother thought it went too far. But more sympathetic listeners saw it as a perplexing thought experiment, an IV drip of instant Zen. Musicians from John Lennon to Frank Zappa to John Adams would go on to hail it as genius.

The value people see in 4’33” is best explained by bread crumbs. One day, Cage was at a restaurant with the abstract painter Willem de Kooning, arguing about art. At one point, De Kooning made a rectangle with his fingers and dropped them over some crumbs on the table. “If I put a frame around these bread crumbs, that isn’t art,” De Kooning piped. Cage shook his head. The frame, he argued, meant everything.

Dump a virtuoso violinist on the street corner, and nearly everyone will walk past without a second look. Put the same violinist in a concert hall and 1,500 people will hang onto every note. The concert hall is a frame—a palace for listening—and when you frame silence there, incidental sounds may froth to the foreground. The hum of the lighting. The ticking of your wristwatch. The mad ringing in your ear. If you stop and contemplate the world buzzing around you, you may realize how rich and interesting it can be.

Cage’s point has largely fallen on deaf ears. A University of Virginia study published in July 2014 put hundreds of people in an empty, quiet room alone for 15 minutes. Most participants found it insufferable—25 percent of women and 67 percent of men opted to endure painful electric shocks rather than pass the time without any stimulation.

4’33” is a gentle reminder to embrace your surroundings, to be present. If art seems severed from life—isolated in concert halls and art galleries— that’s a matter of your perception. But, as Gann says, if you pay the same attention to the hum of traffic or the rustling of wind as you would your favorite album, you just might realize that the line dividing art and life, music and noise, doesn’t actually exist. If you treat every sound as you would music, you just might hear something unexpected, something beautiful. At its core, 4’33” isn’t about listening to nothing. It’s about listening to everything.

October 12, 2016 – 8:00pm

October 13, 2016

Get Wednesday’s Top Amazon Deals While They Last

Smart Shopping Team

filed under: shopping

Image credit:

amazon / istock

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, October 12.

GADGETS

Asus F555LA-AB31 15.6-Inch Laptop (2.1 GHz Core i3-5010U Processor,4 GB RAM,500 GB Hard Drive, Windows 10), Black for $339.99 (list price $499.99)

HooToo Ultra Slim 4-port USB 3.0 Hub for $11.19 (list price $19.99)

Wireless Earbuds Photive PH-BTE70 Bluetooth Headphones for iPhone 7. Sweatproof Secure Fit Wireless Headphones Designed to Stay in your Ears. for $79.95 (list price $129.95)

Chamberlain Wireless Motion Alert Security System (CWA2000) for $35.11 (list price $89.99)

Insteon 2466SW ToggleLinc Relay INSTEON Remote Control On/Off Switch Non-Dimming, White for $30.20 (list price $45.99)

iKross Black Dual LED Clip-On Reading Light for Nook, eBook Readers, Tablet, Book, Textbook and more for $25.99 (list price $29.99)

Samsung Gear Fit2 Smartwatch Large, Black for $149.00 (list price $179.99)

Anker [5-Pack] PowerLine Micro USB – Durable Charging Cable [Assorted Lengths] for Samsung, Nexus, LG, Android Smartphones and More (Black) for $10.99 (list price $39.99)

BRG Apple Watch Band, Fully Magnetic Closure Clasp Mesh Loop Milanese Stainless Steel iWatch Band Replacement Bracelet Strap for Apple Watch Series 1 Series 2 Sport & Edition – 42mm Black for $10.99 (list price $39.99)

ORICO Tool Free 2.5-inch Type C USB 3.1 Gen 1 to SATA External HDD Hard Drive Enclosure Case for 12.5mm/9.5mm HDD and SSD [ Aluminum- Optimized For SSD, Support UASP & SATA III ] – Black for $21.99 (list price $49.99)

iXCC ElementII Series 8pin Lightning to USB Charge and Sync Cable for iPhone 5/6/6s/Plus/iPad Mini/Air/Pro – Black and White (Apple MFi Certified) for $29.99 (list price $29.99)

Bluetooth 4.1 Transmitter / Receiver, TaoTronics 2-In-1 Wireless 3.5mm Audio Adapter (aptX Low Latency, Pair 2 At Once, For Home / Car Sound System) for $34.99 (list price $79.99)

ONSON iPhone Cable,2Pack 6FT 10FT Extra Long Nylon Braided Lightning to USB Charging Cable Charger Cord for iPhone 7/7 Plus,6/6S/6 Plus/6S Plus,5/5S/5C/SE,iPad,iPod Nano 7(Gray+White) for $10.99 (list price $17.99)

TechMatte Apple Pencil Charging Cable for iPad Pro 12.9, 9.7 inch Male to Female Cord (3 Feet) for $29.99 (list price $39.99)

Photive Rain WaterProof Portable Bluetooth Shower speaker. Rugged Wireless Outdoor/Shower Speaker with Built in Microphone – Black for $24.95 (list price $49.95)

iSmartAlarm Spot HD Video Camera, White for $89.99 (list price $99.99)

Q-See QTH7211B-2 720p BNC HD Bullet Camera 2 Pack with 100′ Night Vision (Grey) for $91.49 (list price $129.99)

ExpertPower CLICK+ 4K / 1080p Action Camera With Sports Kit & Accessories [16MP Sony Sensor With Wifi] for $80.82 (list price $129.99)

FosPower 24K Gold Plated Toslink to Mini Toslink Digital Optical S/PDIF Audio Cable with Metal Connectors & Strain-Relief PVC Jacket for $7.99

iSmartAlarm iSA5 Deluxe Package, White for $195.34 (list price $249.95)

Outdoor Tech OT1800 Turtle Shell 2.0 – Rugged Water-Resistant Wireless Bluetooth Hi-Fi Speaker (Black) for $47.99 (list price $99.95)

Cat 6 Ethernet Cable Black 10ft (At a Cat5e Price but Higher Bandwidth) Flat Internet Network Cable – Cat6 Ethernet Patch Cable Short – Cat6 Computer Cable With Snagless RJ45 Connectors ( 2 PACK ) for $8.95 (list price $38.99)

Sharkk Claro Bluetooth Headphones, Active Noise Cancelling Over Ear Headphones with Advanced Apt-X Technology, 14 Hour Play Time Battery Life, Built-In Mic and Protein Soft Ear Cushions for $199.99 (list price $299.99)

Projector Ogima Home Cinema Theater LED1080P HD 2600Lumens 3D Video Projector Support HDMI VGA AV USB Games for $118.99 (list price $288.99)

Thermaltake CORE V1 Snow Edition Extreme Mini ITX Cube Chassis CA-1B8-00S6WN-01 for $47.99 (list price $54.99)

iHome Classic Corded Quiet Touch Slim Full Size USB Desktop Keyboard for $8.99 (list price $12.99 )

Intova Duo Waterproof HD POV Sports Video Camera, Aqua for $34.45 (list price $49.99)

Kinivo BTX450 Premium Bluetooth Boombox with Powerful 10W dual drivers and passive subwoofer for $27.99 (list price $79.99)

DOBERMAN SECURITY Ultra-Slim Window Alarm with Loud 100dB Alarm and Vibration Sensors – Modern & Ultra-Thin Design Compatible with Virtually Any Window – Perfect for Home, Office, Dorm Room or Even RVs – Model SE-0106 for $7.98

Tenergy Advanced Universal Charger TN190 (4 Channel AA/AAA/C/D/9V Ni-MH Charger with LCD Display and USB Power Outlet) for $27.99 (list price $69.95)

Zkomori 3Pack 10FT iPhone Lightning Charging Cable Nylon Braided USB Sync Cord for iPhone 7/SE/5/5s6/6s/6 Plus,iPad Air/Mini,iPod,Compatible with iOS10 for $11.99 (list price $25.99)

Keten KB16 V4.0 Sport Bluetooth Headphones Stereo Wireless Sweatproof Earbuds for Running, Biking, Jogging, Workout and Gym Green for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Vomercy Wired Earbuds Samsung Earphones iPhone Headphones with Microphone Wired Headphones In Ear Earbud for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

Koolulu Universal Zoom Lens, Black for $19.99 (list price $39.95)

Jarv Mach 1 Wireless Earbuds – Sweatproof and Water Resistant, Over the Ear Sport Design – Bluetooth Headphones for $24.99 (list price $79.99)

Etekcity Digital Voice Recorder & MP3 Music Player 8GB Pocket Rechargeable Dictaphone for $38.95 (list price $99.99 )

ONSON Universal Car Phone Mount, 360° Rotation Car Mount Cradle(Black+Red) for $10.99 (list price $15.99)

Silicon Power 64GB USB 3.0 J06 Jewel Flash Drive, Deep Blue (SP064GBUF3J06V1DNE) for $19.66 (list price $23.13)

Silicon Power 64GB Blaze B30 USB 3.0 Swivel Flash Drive, Black (SP064GBUF3B30V1KNE) for (list price $16.99)

JLab Audio OMNI Premium Folding Bluetooth Wireless Over-Ear Headphone with Mic & Carrying Case – Black Pearl for (list price $199.99)

Apexel Mini Foldable Wired Built-in Remote Shutter Selfie Stick Monopod + 3 in 1 Fisheye, Wide Angle, Macro Phone Lens Kit for iPhone Samsung Black for $12.15 (list price $16.98)

MOTA FanFan – Portable and adaptable pocket fan (USB and Lightning) – Retail Packaging – White for $8.41 (list price $10.99)

Caravelle New York Men’s 43A121 Analog Display Japanese Quartz Blue Watch for $18.00 (list price $100.00)

Timex Men’s T5K588 “Ironman Sleek” Fitness Watch for $94.95 (list price $94.95)

Bulova Men’s 96B175 Precisionist Stainless Steel Watch for $382.95 (list price $825.00)

Invicta Men’s 20187SYB Pro Diver Analog Display Quartz Gold-Tone Watch for $199.45 (list price $595.00)

KITCHEN

Umbra Buddy Paper Towel Holder, Mint for $21.98 (list price $25.00)

LG LCS1112ST Countertop Microwave Oven, 1000-watt, Stainless Steel for $98.00 (list price $149.99)

Chef Buddy Sink Cutting Board for $16.98 (list price $29.98)

Zojirushi BB-PAC20 Home Bakery Virtuoso Breadmaker with Gluten Free Menu setting for $235.51 (list price $325.00)

Oster TSSTTR6330-NP 4 Slice Long Slot Toaster, Stainless Steel for $39.99 (list price $59.99)

Cook N Home 02447 Manual Lemon/Citrus Hand Juicer Squeezer, with Silicone removable handle, Stainless Steel for $12.99 (list price $24.99)

Famili FM206OB Digital Kitchen Food Scale 11lb/5kg Electronic Cooking Scale, Orange for $19.99 (list price $25.99)

Cook N Home Nonstick Sauce Pan with Lid, 3 quart, Black for $12.82 (list price $29.99)

Cook N Home Micro Perforated Colander with Handle and Solid Base, 5 quart, Stainless Steel for $7.95 (list price $19.99)

Siliconezone My Animals Collection 6.9″ Non-Stick Silicone Rhinoceros Chocolate Mold, Gray for $6.29 (list price $8.99)

Waiters Corkscrew By iXCC, Handle Wine Corkscrew Made of Rosewood and Stainless Steel – All in One Wine Bottle Opener and Foil Cutter for $16.99 (list price $24.99)

Serving Bowls – Serve and Stack in Style – Colorful – Oatmeal – Breakfast – Dessert – Ice Cream Bowls – Set of 4 – Free Rack and Spoons – Stackable for $49.99 (list price $34.99)

Besiva Knife Sharpener, 2 Stage Coarse & Extra-Fine Sharpening System for Knives ,Red & Black for $10.99 (list price $29.99)

Siliconezone 4.3″ Silicone Polar Bear Cake Mold, White for $4.39 (list price $5.99)

Barbuzzo Zombie Head Glass Decanter for $13.24 (list price $19.95)

Plemo French Press Coffee Maker Teapot 1Liter 34 oz for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Nordic Ware Seasonal Collection Autumn Cakelette Pan for $23.16 (list price $42.50)

Shun VB0701 Sora Utility Knife, 6-Inch for $42.75 (list price $75.00)

PLEMO Vegetable Spiralizer, Bundle 4-Blade Spiral Slicer Zucchini Pasta Noodle Spaghetti Maker for $11.99 (list price $32.99)

Barclay Butera Fez Cut-Glass Decanter with Gold Leaf for $41.99 (list price $57.00)

Crock-Pot 6-Quart 5-in-1 Multi-Cooker with Non-Stick Inner Pot, Stainless Steel, SCCPMC600-S for $110.60 (list price $149.99)

Nordic Ware Chiffon Bundt Pan, Metallic for $24.95 (list price $36.00)

Cook N Home 5.5″ Nonstick Mini Size Fry Pan and Sauce Pan with Lid Set, Green for $11.00 (list price $19.99)

Kuprum Hand Hammered Natural Solid Copper Sauce Pot, Caramel, Soup, Boil, Saucepan 1.2 quart for $59.74 (list price $89.00)

Stoneware Divided Server Bowl – With 2 Bowls in 1 Serving Dish – Double Dish Appetizer Plates – Great for Chips, Dip, Salsa & Other Snack Foods for $19.99 (list price $19.95)

Knork 18/10 Stainless Steel 20 Piece Flatware Set, Matte Silver for $83.33 (list price $129.99)

Creative Co-Op Ceramic Measuring Cup Set for $15.19 (list price $22.31)

American Kitchen 10″ Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Non-Stick Casserole Pan w/ Cover for $89.99 (list price $119.99)

Mrs. Fields Bakeware Bake N Stuff Cupcake Pan Makes 6 Candy Filled Cupcakes, Black for $14.54 (list price $19.99)

Watermelon Slicer with Bonus Quick Fruit Chiller Bowl for $10.05 (list price $13.40)

HOME

Full Sheet Set Woodland Print for Kids Bedding – Double Brushed Ultra Microfiber Luxury Bedding Sheet Set By Where the Polka Dots Roam for $34.99 (list price $44.99)

Hoover FH50150 Carpet Basics Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner for $119.99 (list price $219.99)

Dirt Devil SD20000RED Simpli-Stik Lightweight Bagless Stick Vacuum – Corded for $16.88 (list price $39.99)

BISSELL 2X Pet Stain & Odor Portable Machine Formula, 32 ounces, 74R7 for $10.29 (list price $24.99)

Black+Decker BDH2000PL MAX Lithium Pivot Vacuum, 20-volt for $67.99 (list price $119.99)

Dirt Devil SD20005RED Scorpion Quick Flip Corded Bagless Handheld Vacuum for $25.20 (list price $39.99)

Oreck Commercial XL2100RHS 8 Pound Commercial Upright Vacuum, Blue for $137.81 (list price $299.00)

Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Pet Stain and Odor Carpet Shampoo 64oz (1/2 Gallon) for $11.97 (list price $20.76)

Bissell 28806 Perfect Sweep Turbo, Grey for $34.99 (list price $39.99)

AmazonBasics Velvet Suit Hangers – (Pack of 50) for $20.00 (list price $23.99)

Command Utility Hooks Value Pack, Medium, White, 6-Hooks (17001-6ES) for $5.96 (list price $8.76)

Sterilite 19889804 70 Quart/ 66 Liter Ultra Latch Box, White Lid & Clear Base w/ Latches, 4-Pack for $35.99 (list price $90.00)

THERMOS FOOGO Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel 10-Ounce Food Jar, Charcoal/Teal for $18.22

Seville Classics Resin-Wood Composite Utility Shoe Rack (Single Pack) for $29.99 (list price $39.99)

InterDesign Gia Kitchen Sink Suction Holder for Sponges, Scrubbers, Soap – Stainless Steel for $6.99

Household Essentials Pop-Up Mesh Laundry Hamper, Black for $9.69 (list price $10.99)

IPOW 2 Pack 360 Degree Rotating Twirl Tie Rack Adjustable Tie Belt Scarf Hanger Holder Hook Ties Scarf for Closet Organizer Storage (4.4″black) for $6.99 (list price $18.98)

Sterilite 01986P01 3 Weave Drawer Unit, Espresso with Driftwood Handles and Legs, 1-Pack for $39.97 (list price $49.99)

Zenna Home 2130NN, Tension Corner Pole Caddy, Satin Nickel for $20.99 (list price $46.00)

Nine Stars DZT-50-9 Infrared Touchless Stainless Steel Trash Can, 13.2-Gallon for $54.59 (list price $82.00)

Bentgo Ice Lunch Chillers – Ultra-thin Ice Packs (4 Pack – Blue) for $7.99 (list price $14.99)

Mind Reader ‘Anchor’ Triple Drawer single serve coffee pod holder, Black for $16.43 (list price $19.95)

FreeKey System for $7.03 (list price $8.28)

Department 56 Village Tombstones St/6 for $10.00 (list price $14.99)

Eccolo World Traveler Hammered Silver Plated Frame, Holds a 5 x 7-Inch Photo for $14.99 (list price $25.00)

Safavieh Adirondack Collection ADR101A Silver and Black Area Rug, 4 feet by 6 feet (4′ x 6′) for $37.78 (list price $126.00)

Fringe Studio Rose Bouquet Mattie Vase, White for $35.00 (list price $65.00)

Mybestfurn Pack Of 2 100% Cotton Canvas Embroidery Elegant Leaf Home Decorative Floor Cushion Throw Pillow Covers 18*18 Inches – Green Leaf for $39.99 (list price $54.99)

Legacy Commercial Swivel Barstool in Bicast Leather with 30-Inch Seat Height, Black for $144.79 (list price $173.00)

Armen Living Cleo 30 in. Barstool for $149.52 (list price $173.00)

NEWLAKE Lightweight White Down Alternative Quilted Comforter Medium Warmth Duvet,Full/Queen Size for $31.44 (list price $81.99)

Fantasy Fields – Lil’ Sports Fan Thematic Kids Wooden Bookcase with Storage | Imagination Inspiring Hand Crafted & Hand Painted Details | Non-Toxic, Lead Free Water-based Paint for $107.99 (list price $169.00)

Pokemon Cotton face Towel for $12.74 (list price $19.91)

Carley Set of 5 Mirrored Pillar Candle Holder for $99.95 (list price $149.99 )

Handy Living Plush Twin Mattress for $137.69 (list price $334.00)

InterDesign Mildew-Free PEVA 3 Gauge Shower Liner, 72 x 72 – Inch, Clear for $4.44 (list price $6.49)

Poo-Pourri Before-You-Go Toilet Spray 4-Ounce Bottle, Original Scent for $10.69 (list price $14.99)

AquaBliss High Output Universal Shower Filter with Replaceable 3-Stage Filter Cartridge – Chrome for $39.95 (list price $49.95)

Danco 9D00010306 Microban Hair Catcher for $4.97 (list price $29.44)

Chemical Guys MIC_292_08 Premium Grade Microfiber Applicators, Blue (Pack of 8) for $9.99 (list price $18.95)

Wash Cloth Towels by Royal, 24-Pack, 100% Natural Cotton, 12 x 12, Commercial Grade, Appropriate for use in Bathroom, Kitchen, Nursery and for Cleaning, Soft and Absorbent, Machine Washable, White for $19.99 (list price $29.99)

Munchkin Dandy Dots Bath Mat for $8.14 (list price $13.99)

Santin Art- Modern Abstract Painting the Cloud Tree High Q. Wall Decor Landscape Paintings on Canvas 12x16inch 3pcs Stretched and Framed Ready to Hang for $14.90 (list price $99.99)

MOHOO 50x50cm Elephant Oil Painting Canvas Wall Art for $12.99 (list price $26.56)

Whitmor 6023-3982 Stacking Utility Shelf for $13.49 (list price $17.75)

SereneLife Drop Box Safe Front Load Cash Vault Drop lock and Safe For Jewlery Cash documents with Mechanical Override, Includes Keys 13.8 x 9.8 x 9.8 inches (SLSFE342) for $48.96 (list price $69.99)

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

Remington CI9538 T|Studio Salon Collection Pearl Digital Ceramic Curling Wand, 1-1 ½ Inch, Pink for $22.06 (list price $24.99)

Remington MB-200 Titanium Mustache and Beard Trimmer, Black for $20.48 (list price $29.99)

Remington H9100S T-Studio Thermaluxe Ceramic Hair Setter, Hair Rollers, 1-1 ¼ Inch, Purple for $33.47 (list price $42.99)

Remington S7330 Wet 2 Straight Hair Straightener, 2 Inch, Black Hair Straighter for $19.99 (list price $27.99)

Remington EP7010 Women’s Total Coverage, Epilation, Tweezing Hair Removal System for $22.50 (list price $34.99)

Remington HC5855 Virtually Indestructible Haircut & Beard Trimmer, Hair Clippers, Beard Trimmer, Clippers for $29.99 (list price $44.99)

The Body Shop Tea Tree Oil, 0.34 Fluid Ounce (Packaging May Vary) for $8.00 (list price $9.50)

The Body Shop Shea Treats for $3.07 (list price $11.00)

The Body Shop Camomile Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, 8.4 fl. oz. (Packaging May Vary) for $15.50 (list price $15.50)

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Body Scrub, 7.3 ounces for $12.69 (list price $20.00)

Aromatherapy Top 6 Essential Oils 100% Pure & Therapeutic grade – Basic Sampler Gift Set & Premium Kit – 6/10 Ml (Lavender, Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lemongrass, Orange, Peppermint) for $14.95 (list price $79.99)

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue By Dolce & Gabbana For Women. Eau De Toilette Spray 3.3 Oz (Packaging May Vary) for $52.69 (list price $87.00)

Versace Bright Crystal By Gianni Versace For Women. Eau De Toilette .17-Ounce Mini for $9.93 (list price $20.00)

Victoria’s Secret Pure Seduction Body Mist for Women, 8.4 Ounce for $10.08 (list price $18.00)

STELLA McCARTNEY Eau de Parfum Spray for Women, 3.3 Fluid Ounce for $59.99 (list price $92.00)

BESTOPE Blackhead Remover Pimple Comedone Extractor Tool Best Acne Removal Kit – Treatment for Blemish, Whitehead Popping, Zit Removing for Risk Free Nose Face Skin with Metal Case for $9.99 (list price $39.99)

8 Bath Bombs Gift Set – USA Made – Bath Bombs Kit – Ultra Lush Spa Fizzies – Best Gift Ideas – Enjoyable than Bath Beads & other Bath Body Products – Add to bath bubbles – Relaxation Kit Bath Basket for $20.99 (list price $48.99)

Dr. Teal’s Salt, Detox, 3 Pound for $4.49 (list price $5.99)

Aquasentials Mesh Pouf Bath Sponge (8 Pack) for $8.49 (list price $12.99)

Neutrogena Body Oil, Light Sesame Formula, 16 Fl. Oz for $12.97 (list price $22.55)

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash, Shea Butter 22 oz, Twin Pack for $9.99 (list price $15.09)

Olay Fresh Outlast Cooling White Strawberry and Mint Beauty Bar, 4 Count for $2.64 (list price $4.82)

EFINNY Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask Whitening Oxygen Mud Moisturizing Deep Clean for $6.99 (list price $19.99)

Bath Bombs Gift Set of 6, Beach Scents, Paraben Free, Phthalates Free, lush All Natural Essential Oils, Cocoa Butter, Fizzies, Melts for $29.99 (list price $29.95)

Digital Glass Bathroom Scale Ultra Slim Tempered Glass – Clear – by Utopia Home for $14.99 (list price $29.99)

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND CRAFTS

Avalon Top Loading Water Cooler Dispenser for $125.00 (list price $495.00)

Paper Mate Profile Retractable Ballpoint Pens, Bold Point, Assorted Colors, 12-Count for $6.64 (list price $17.09)

Sharpie Permanent Markers, Brush Tip, Assorted, 12 Pack for $11.87 (list price $27.57)

Perler Beads 22,000 Count Bead Jar Multi-Mix Colors for $14.59 (list price $25.79)

Expo Original Dry Erase Set, Chisel Tip, Assorted Colors, 7-Piece with Organizer for $7.92 (list price $14.99)

ALEX Toys Art Paintbrush Set 50 Brushes for $13.80 (list price $19.99)

MyGift Metal Mesh Office Supplies Storage Rack, Mail Organizer, Post It Note Memo Pad Holder, Black for $14.99 (list price $24.99)

Chenille Kraft Glitter Glue Pens, Assorted 10cc Tube, 72 per Pack (CKC338000) for $19.98 (list price $38.99)

SINGER One Easy-to-Use Computerized Sewing Machine for $168.27 (list price $499.99)

Singer Beginner’s Sewing Kit, Pink/Black for $7.30 (list price $12.99)

Sharpie 1760445 Flip Chart Marker, Black, 8-Pack for $6.29 (list price $10.54)

Avery Textured White Scallop Round Tags, 2.5-Inch Diameter, Pack of 27 (80503) for $4.86 (list price $8.13)

Post-it Tabs Value Pack, Assorted Primary Colors, 1 and 2-Inch Sizes, 114-Tabs/Pack (686-VAD2) for $8.46 (list price $11.07)

HP G8X92AA LA Prime v2 Graphing Calculator for $135.99 (list price $149.99)

Sharp Electronics EL-334TB Twin Power 10-Digit Calculator with Kick Stand for $12.93 (list price $14.99)

Serta 43809 Air Health and Wellness Executive Office Chair, Big and Tall, Roasted Chestnut for $177.09 (list price $399.99)

Sizzix 660950 Texture Boutique Embossing Machine, White and Gray for $26.66 (list price $39.99)

Office+Style 6 Colored Rubber Band Balls with Close-Lid Storage Cases, 270 Pieces for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Sharpie 1792910 Brush Tip Fabric Marker, Assorted Colors, 5-Pack for $7.99 (list price $13.61)

Little B 100465 Designer Cutting Dies, Halloween for $18.99 (list price $14.99)

SilverHooks Crystal Bejewled Desk Tape Dispenser for $12.74

BIC Kids Pencil – Pink Barrel, (1.3 mm), 1-Count for (list price $5.98)

Sharpie Color Burst Permanent Markers, Fine Point, Assorted Colors, 24-Count for $12.10 (list price $35.38)

Suck UK Cork Cactus Desk Clutter (SK CORKCACTUS1) for $12.31 (list price $15.00)

uni-ball Vision Stick Needle Rollerball Pens, Fine Point , Assorted Ink Colors, 8-Count for $9.82 (list price $16.49)

Post-it Cat Figure Pop-up Note Dispenser, 3 inch x 3 inch, (CAT-330) for $5.52 (list price $14.93)

Rolodex Mesh Collection Jumbo Pencil Cup, Black (62557) for $4.88 (list price $9.39)

The Pencil Grip Neon Crossover Grip Ergonomic Writing Aid for Righties and Lefties, 6 Grippers Assorted Colors (TPG-18006) for $9.27

Firesara 10 Pcs Silicon Ergonomic Pencil Grips Holders Writing Aid Fish Style For Children And Adults Righties And Lefties Better Hand Writing And Control for $8.98 (list price $12.98)

Cut Canvas Pencil Pen Bag Case Box Cosmetic Pouch Pocket Brush Holder Makeup Bags, Pokemon Pikachu for $6.00 (list price $40.99)

Officemate Deluxe Rotary Organizer, 16 Compartments, Recycled, Black (26255) for $11.21 (list price $22.15)

Safco Products 3263BL Onyx Mesh Desktop Organizer with 3 Vertical Sections/2 Baskets, Black for $25.99 (list price $38.49)

SUCK UK Dead Fred Pen Holder for $8.45 (list price $12.00)

HULISEN Cute Wood Sleeping Cat & Smiling Cat Pencil Pen Holders Desktop Organizers Containers (2 Designs Optional) (Design 1) for $8.99 (list price $13.99)

42pcs 6 x 6 inches (15cm*15cm) Felt Fabric Sheet Assorted Color Felt Pack DIY Craft Squares Nonwoven for $8.98 (list price $19.98)

KINGSO 42PCS Assorted Color Felt Fabric Sheets Patchwork Sewing DIY Craft 2030cm for $29.98 (list price $38.99)

Basic Yarn Bonbons Pack – 40 Acrylic Yarn Skeins – Assorted Colors – Perfect for Any Crochet and Knitting Project – 2 FREE E-Books for $30.00 (list price $50.00)

Caron Jumbo Prints Yarn, 12 Ounce, Baby Rainbow for $6.88 (list price $8.99)

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

GreenWorks STBA24B210 24V Cordless String Trimmer and Blower Combo Pack for $85.00 (list price $99.99)

LE 16.5ft LED Solar Rope Lights, Waterproof, 50 LEDs, Outdoor Rope Lights, Warm White, String Light, Portable, with Light Sensor, Multi-color Decorative light, Ideal for Christmas, Wedding, Party, Decorations, Gardens, Lawn, Patio for $9.99 (list price $25.50)

Adorable Set of 9 Brown Eggs Design Ceramic Succulent Planters / Mini Decorative Pots w/ Tray – MyGift® for $13.50 (list price $29.99)

CobraCo Bird Motif Copper Finish Hose Holder with Lid HHEBR for $80.27 (list price $119.99)

ZOMEI Meat Claws&Shredder Claws,Silicone Gloves,Silicone Basting Brush for Indoor & Outdoor Cooking,Grilling,Baking,Barbecue for $14.99 (list price $45.99)

MyGift® Vintage Style Green Transparent Glass Water Spray Bottle / Decorative Plant Mister with Top Pump for $13.99 (list price $24.99)

V Shaped Smoker Box Small – 25% THICKER STAINLESS STEEL WON’T WARP – Wood Chips for Smoking Meat on Gas & Propane BBQ Grills – Fits Between Flavorizer Bars & Hinged Lid for Easy Access – Cave Tools for $14.99 (list price $19.99)

Barbecue Spatula With Bottle Opener – HEAVY DUTY 20% THICKER STAINLESS STEEL – Wide Metal Grilling Turner for Burgers Steak & Fish – Large BBQ Grill Handle – Best Cooking Utensils & Accessories for $11.99 (list price $19.99)

SmartSign Two-Sided Aluminum Sign, Legend “Slow Down – Speed Limit 5 MPH”, 18″ high x 12″ wide, Black on Yellow for $20.88 (list price $24.61)

DEWALT DCBL720P1 20V MAX 5.0 Ah Lithium Ion XR Brushless Blower for $179.00 (list price $279.99)

Black & Decker BDH100WW Powered Squeegee Vac – Cordless for $35.66 (list price $69.99)

Blackstone 28 Inch Grill and Griddle Cover (Fits Similar Sized Grills) for $30.29 (list price $39.99)

Apex REM 15 15-Foot Connector Hose Remnants, Colors May Vary for $7.04 (list price $14.99)

Camco 40043 TastePURE Water Filter with Flexible Hose Protector for $15.48 (list price $27.44)

Suncast CPLSSM200B Swivel Hose Hideaway with Smart Trak Hose Guide for $50.66 (list price $89.00)

Union 63182 Elephant Watering Can, 2 quart, Gray for $6.48 (list price $6.99)

Liberty Garden Products 870-M1-2 Industrial 300 – 4 Wheel Garden Hose Reel Cart – Tan for $110.66 (list price $169.99)

Masterbuilt 20070115 Bluetooth Smart Digital Electric Smoker, 40-Inch for $373.74 (list price $499.95)

Masterbuilt TKBSK Aluminum Turkey Basket for Fryers for $24.99 (list price $34.99)

ELECTRONICS

Eton NGWTIIIB Traveler III AM/FM/LW/SW and Radio with ATS, Black for $47.99 (list price $69.99)

Office + Style 6 Outlet Surge Protector with Dual USB Ports and 6 Ft Cord, Black for $19.99 (list price $39.99)

Lexar Professional 633x 64GB SDXC UHS-I Card w/Image Rescue 5 Software – LSD64GCB1NL633 for $19.99 (list price $21.99)

Silicon Power AA 40PK Alkaline Batteries Performance, SPAL02ABAT40PV1K for $10.03 (list price $15.99)

FosPower [10ft] 3.5mm Male to 2-Male RCA [Left / Right] Stereo Audio Cable – Step Down Design Adapter Cable for iPhone, iPod, Android Smartphones, Tablets, MP3 Players and More (10 Feet) for $12.99 (list price $22.99)

Sabrent USB 3.0 Universal Docking Station with Stand for Tablets and Laptops supports Windows & Mac (DS-RICA) for $149.99 (list price $189.99)

Monoprice Select Series High-Speed HDMI Cable 6 Feet Supports Ethernet, 3D, 4K and Audio Return – Black for $5.69 (list price $10.51)

Sharkk Vertical Ergonomic High Precision Optical Mouse Adjustable DPI 800 / 1200 / 1600 Wired Computer Mouse for $49.99 (list price $79.99)

Denon AVR-S720W 7.2 Channel Full 4K Ultra HD AV Receiver with Built-In Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for $429.00 (list price $479.00)

Fintie iPad 2/3/4 Case [Corner Protection] – [Multi-Angle Viewing, Headrest Mount] Stand Cover W / Elastic Hand Strap, Auto Sleep / Wake for Apple iPad 4 with Retina Display / iPad 3 / iPad 2, Black for $17.99 (list price $32.99)

Uniden PRO401HH Professional 40 Channel Handheld CB Radio for $40.59 (list price $49.99)

BlueTech 6 Outlet 2 USB Port Wall Adapter with Safety Indicator Lights – White for $17.99 (list price $39.99)

Centon DSP8GB10PK 10 x 8GB Multi-pack Pro USB Flash Drive (Grey) for $28.49 (list price $41.99)

Gigastone PhotoFast 128GB U3 Memory Cable (PF-MCU3128GB-R) for $79.99 (list price $129.99)

AUKEY USB C Hub with 3 USB 3.0 Ports, 1 Ethernet Port, Silver Aluminum Body for MacBook 2016, ChromeBook Pixel, Other Type C Supported Devices for $14.99 (list price $34.99)

InnoGear Solar Gutter Lights with Mounting Pole Outdoor Motion Sensor Detector Light Wall Sconces for $21.99 (list price $40.99)

Pro Track Satin Nickel 5-Light Spiral Ceiling Light for $99.99 (list price $149.99)

Opal Glass Plug-In Swag Style 12″ High Pendant Light for $39.95 (list price $59.99)

TOOLS

Yost 750-E Rotating Bench Vise for $86.00 (list price $150.00)

TCP New 65 Watt Equivalent, 6-Pack BR30 LED Flood Light Bulbs, Non-Dimmable, Soft White, RLVBR306527ND6 for $23.13 (list price $25.70)

Woods 50007 Indoor 24-Hour Digital Timer, Daily Settings, 2-Pack for $14.81 (list price $22.99)

Black & Decker BDCD120VA 20V Lithium Drill/Driver Project Kit for $52.99 (list price $118.79)

Gateway Safety 3699 Colorful StarLite Gumballs Safety Glasses, Small, All Colors Included (Pack of 10) for (list price $14.03)

Kershaw 1620NB Scallion Folding Knife (Navy Blue) with SpeedSafe for $27.98 (list price $74.95)

Black & Decker BDCDMT1206KITC Matrix 6 Tool Combo Kit with Case for $149.99 (list price $359.08)

Syntus Upgraded Solar Lights Landscape Lighting LED Spotlight Waterproof Wall Sconces Security Night Light for Yard Garden Driveway Path, Pack of 2 for $24.99 (list price $50.99)

Amprobe ACDC-100 TRMS 1000A AC/DC Digital Clamp Meter for $141.08 (list price $179.95)

BLACK+DECKER BDC120VA100 20-Volt MAX Lithium-Ion Drill Kit with 100 Accessories for $69.00 (list price $129.00)

Fluke 1587 Insulation Multimeter, LCD Display, 2 Gigaohms Insulation Resistance, Up to 1000V Insulation Test Voltage for $649.00 (list price $749.99)

WishWorld Outdoor Solar Fairy String Lights, Waterproof Globe String Lights, 20ft 30 LEDs Christmas Lights Decorative Lighting for Indoor, Gardens, Party, Patio and Holiday Decorations(Multi-Color) for $9.99 (list price $19.99)

Sharkk Basics Stud Finder LCD Display Multi Scanning Multi Function Smart Stud Finders with Ergonomic Design for $19.49 (list price $99.99)

Dramm 13001 Premium Garden Gard Hose Spike – Green for $7.79 (list price $13.99)

Jackson Safety 370 Replacement Headgear (20696), Adjustable Jackson Welding Helmet Parts, Black and Gray for $15.96 (list price $20.00)

Ampco Safety Tools M-41M Combination Wrench Kit, Non-Sparking, Non-Magnetic, Corrosion Resistant for $346.95 (list price $403.69)

Ampco Safety Tools W-260 Socket Set, Non-Sparking, Non-Magnetic, Corrosion Resistant, 1/2″ Drive, SAE (Pack of 21) for $1,042.76 (list price $1,263.82)

October 12, 2016 – 2:54pm

Amazon Product Id:

B016MW43NO

October 12, 2016

Show Off Your Country Pride With These Foodie Maps

Alvin Ward

filed under: design, Food, travel

Image credit:

Jodi Ettenberg

From Italy’s cannolis to Mexico’s guacamole, each country’s most renowned cuisine is delightfully unique. Now, you can celebrate international flavors with special map designs that come printed on shirts, totes, and posters. Former lawyer and current writer and designer Jodi Ettenberg created a number of different food maps that pay tribute to the foods found around the world.

“I designed these maps as a loving ode to cuisine, travel and art,” Ettenberg told mental_floss in an email.

Each design is hand-drawn by Ella F. Sanders. So far, the duo has designed maps for Mexico, Italy, Vietnam, Thailand, and Portugal—each in black or white. Ettenberg says she plans to expand to other countries soon. You can check out the whole collection here.

October 12, 2016 – 6:30am

October 12, 2016

Semi-, Hemi-, Demi-: What’s the Difference?

Arika Okrent

filed under: language

Image credit:

Rebecca O’Connell / iStock

English has a number of prefixes that come from the concept of “half.” Why do we have so many? And what’s the difference between them?

1. SEMI

Semi-, from the Latin for “half,” is the most common and the earliest to show up in English. It was first used, with the straight sense of “half,” in the word semicircular, but soon attached to concepts that were harder to quantify. It’s easy to see what a half circle looks like, but what amount of “abstract” is “semi-abstract”? How permanent is “semi-permanent”? Through these less concrete uses, which proliferated wildly in the 1800s, semi- came to mean “virtually” or “somewhat.”

2. HEMI

Hemi- is from the Greek for “half.” It is less common than semi-, and it is associated more strongly with technical language in fields like chemistry, biology, and anatomy. Its sense of “half,” more than semi-, implies a lengthwise axis of symmetry. This is not obvious for the most common hemi- word, hemisphere (since a sphere is symmetrical all the way around), but a hemicylinder, is not just half a cylinder, it’s the half cut lengthwise, and hemiplegic doesn’t just mean half the body is paralyzed, but the right or left half (paraplegic is the term for when only the lower half is paralyzed).

3. DEMI

Demi is from the French for “half.” It was first used in English in heraldry, where things like demi-angels, demi-lions, demi-horses show up. It also held sway in other specific domains, such as military (demi-brigade) and fashion (demi-cap, demi-lustre, demi-worsted). It also picked up the sense of “virtual” or even “lesser.” A demigod, after all, is not quite the real thing.

It might seem ridiculous that English had to borrow a “half” prefix from three different places, but if it didn’t we wouldn’t get to have a word like hemidemisemiquaver—that’s a 64th note, in other words, a half of a half of a half of an eighth note, which is so much less fun to say than hemidemisemiquaver.

October 11, 2016 – 9:30pm

GADGETS

KITCHEN

HOME

HEALTHY AND BEAUTY

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND ART

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORT

ELECTRONICS

TOOLS

1. PLANT THE RIGHT THINGS

2. LET SOME WEEDS GROW

3. BUY LOCAL RAW HONEY AND BEESWAX

4. LEAVE OUT WATER FOR THIRSTY BEES

5. GO SHOPPING

6. VOLUNTEER

7. GET POLITICAL

GADGETS

KITCHEN

HOME

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND ART

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

ELECTRONICS

TOOLS

1. YOU’RE A PROUD PACKRAT.

2. PROCRASTINATION IS YOUR MIDDLE NAME.

3. YOU EQUATE DOING EVERYTHING YOURSELF WITH SAVING MONEY.

4. YOU’RE TOO TRUSTING.

5. YOU SKIMP ON THE BUBBLE WRAP.

6. YOU FORGET TO TAKE INVENTORY.

7. YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHERE YOUR TOOTHBRUSH IS.

8. THE MAIL SLIPS YOUR MIND.

GADGETS

KITCHEN

HOME

HEALTH AND BEAUTY

OFFICE, SCHOOL, AND CRAFTS

OUTDOORS, GARDEN, AND SPORTS

ELECTRONICS

TOOLS

1. SEMI

2. HEMI

3. DEMI