Mental Floss #69

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Mental Floss #69

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Mental Floss #69

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Listen to Radio Stations From Around the World With Radio Garden

filed under: music, radio
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Radio Garden

Radio has the power to let listeners eavesdrop on pop culture and news in far-flung locales or even subcultures close to home (see: Wicca Radio International in New Orleans). A new site aims to connect people across the world to radio signals that span the globe, allowing people to listen to radio stations in other countries, as The Verge reports.

Radio Garden is set up as a globe visualization, with green dots representing different stations you can tune into. Spin the globe and find stations playing Russian pop, Christmas music in Chicago, Spanish news, or metal in Québec.

The app also lets you explore historic radio clips and jingles—the kind that signal what the station is about. The “Stories” tab includes a smattering of interviews and educational programming. Some are about transnational radio, and others more generally talk about international exchange, like an Arabic lesson broadcast in Montreal and a storytelling program about borders from Milan.

These clips come from the past few years, dating back to 2014. There aren’t as many stories as there are live radio stations, so if you’re looking to get a taste of Buenos Aires or Nairobi, you’re better off searching the live stations. Happy listening!

[h/t The Verge]


December 16, 2016 – 11:00am

Wisdom the Elderly Albatross Is Expecting Another Baby

filed under: Animals, birds
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

If wisdom comes with age, then this bird is going to be one smart mama. The 66-year-old Laysan albatross has returned to her ancestral nesting grounds in the North Pacific and is once again sitting on a new egg.

Biologist Chandler Robbins first slipped a band onto Wisdom’s leg in 1956, when the bird would have been around 5 or 6 years old. Six decades later, both Robbins (now 98) and Wisdom (no spring chicken herself) are going strong. Wisdom has logged more than three million miles in her annual trips across the ocean and back again, first for food, and then to add to her family.

Wisdom and her mate Akeakamai (Hawaiian for “scholar” or “lover of wisdom,” and if that’s not adorable then we don’t know what is) last visited the Midway Atoll National Wildlife Refuge and Battle of Midway National Memorial earlier in 2016, when they welcomed their newest chick Kūkini (“messenger”).

Wisdom and Kūkini earlier this year. Image Credit: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Albatross moms often take a year off between babies, so refuge staff had not expected to see Wisdom again this year.

But on December 3, there she was. Volunteer Kristina McOmber spotted Wisdom’s bright red leg band and discovered the old bird patiently sitting on a freshly laid egg.

Wisdom and Akeakamai will babysit in shifts, allowing one partner to go off and feed while the other sits and keeps their egg warm. While they may be the refuge’s most famous residents, the two birds are hardly alone; each year, hundreds of thousands of albatross [PDF] descend on the atoll and settle in new nests.

Charlie Pelizza of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is acting project leader for the refuge and memorial. When he arrived at lunch that day, he said in a statement, he could tell something exciting had happened. “The staff was abuzz with the news that Wisdom was back and incubating. It’s amazing what a bit of good news can do to brighten the day.”


December 16, 2016 – 10:30am

9 Homemade Food Gifts to Give This Holiday Season

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What do you give a person who has everything? Something good to eat, of course! A homemade treat is always appreciated by friends and family—and chances are you’ll have a good time making them, too.

1. MILK CHOCOLATE BARK CANDY

Once upon a time, you had to use a double boiler to make chocolate bark, but this recipe melts your ingredients in the microwave. The result is Milk Chocolate Bark Candy from Organized Island that looks a lot more complicated than it is. You can vary the toppings according to your tastes and how you want it to look in a gift box.

2. FLAVORED MARSHMALLOWS

It’s very possible that some people on your gift list have no idea that you can actually make your own marshmallows, so they’ll certainly be impressed to receive a box of homemade flavored marshmallows this holiday season. Dannyelle at Life Is a Party has the recipes for Coffee Marshmallows and Bailey’s Chocolate and Vanilla Marshmallows.

3. BRIGADIEROS

Brigadieros are festive Brazilian candies that look perfect in a gift box. Darcie Hunter’s Brigadieros at Gourmet Creative are made of a base of soft caramel. Then you can separate the batch and add different flavors to the portions, like chocolate, coconut, or pumpkin spice, and use several decorating options. Then you’ll have an assortment of attractive candies to pack for each gift.

4. CURRIED LENTIL SOUP MIX

When you give the gift of a homemade soup mix, your friend or loved one can have a meal, partially prepared by you, whenever they please. A jar of Curried Lentil Soup Mix is a matter of layering the ingredients nicely in a jar, and attaching the cooking instructions with a ribbon. You’ll also want to share the full recipe, because they may want to make more.

5. PEPPERMINT HOT CHOCOLATE MIX

Hot cocoa mix is a gift that keeps on giving, and the recipient will think about you every time they make a cup. Just layer up four ingredients nice and pretty, and the recipient can shake it all together themselves. The recipe for Peppermint Hot Chocolate Mix from The Bathonian makes enough for six jars.

6. COOKIE BUTTER

Anyone would love to receive a gift of their favorite cookies in spreadable form. You can use any kind of cookie by following instructions for Homemade Cookie Butter at A Beautiful Mess. Pack it in decorated reusable jars for a personalized and delicious gift.

7. MINT CHOCOLATE PUDDING FUDGE

It’s chocolate fudge, revved up for Christmas! The pudding makes them extra silky, and the peppermints and marshmallows on top make them extra festive. You’ll find the recipe for Mint Chocolate Pudding Fudge at Kraft.

8. CANDIED MAPLE VANILLA PECANS

Pecans by themselves are a wonderful treat. Add sugar and the flavors of maple and vanilla, and they’re worth showing off as a gift to friends and family. The recipe for Candied Maple Vanilla Pecans at Hudson Valley Handy Works is surprisingly quick and easy.

9. PEPPERMINT MERINGUE

Believe it or not, these Peppermint Meringues are only about 15 calories each! Yes, they are made of real sugar, but the largest ingredient is air. The sweet and fluffy treats have even fewer calories when you give them away as gifts. The recipe by Sonja and Alex at A Couple Cooks makes around 45 of them, which should fit in several nice holiday tins.

BONUS: VANILLA EXTRACT

Homemade vanilla extract is possibly the easiest homemade gift you’ll ever make, with only two ingredients needed: vanilla beans and vodka. It takes a couple of months to do it right, so you can file this one away for next year. Lindsay Garza explains how to make Homemade Vanilla Extract at Honest Cooking. Luckily, you’ve got almost a year to find some pretty bottles to put it all in.


December 16, 2016 – 8:00am

Ugly Christmas Sweater

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Ugly Christmas Sweater

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Thursday, December 15, 2016 – 11:03

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Your Kitchen Needs This Dinosaur Bottle Opener

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Firebox

The next time you offer a guest a drink, open it for them in the most dramatic way possible: In the jaws of a Tyrannosaurus rex. Unlike flimsy bottle openers that hang from key-rings or hide in drawers, this fierce dinosaur doubles as a statement piece. The cast-iron dinosaur is an impressive 24 centimeters long and stands all by itself. The imposing figure is the perfect addition to any kitchen that needs an edge. 

To crack open a bottle, just wedge the cap into the T. rex‘s threatening jaws and pop it off. The bartending dino works for more than just opening drinks—it can also function as a door stopper, book end, paper weight, or tool to scare children. The possibilities are endless! Pick up your own fearsome bottle opener on Firebox for $32


December 16, 2016 – 6:30am

11 Brilliant Gifts for the Wine Enthusiast in Your Life

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Drink in these options, from classy to quirky, for the wine enthusiast in your life.

1. DECANTER; $30 – $50

The topsy turvy twists in this glass wine decanter aren’t just for decoration. The design creates a double aerating effect—once when you pour the wine into the decanter, and once when you pour from the decanter into your glass. The twists and turns allow for extra aeration, so it makes for a great bar accessory as well as a simple, useful centerpiece.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

2. WINE TASTING FLIGHT; $59

For the aspiring sommelier on your list, this stylish wine flight is ideal for hosting a DIY wine-tasting. The flight comes equipped with four miniature carafes that can hold 4 ounces of wine displayed on an elegant wooden platform made from repurposed French oak wine barrel stave. It’s a gift that’s both elegant and eco-friendly.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

3. BUT FIRST, CHAMPAGNE: A MODERN GUIDE TO THE WORLD’S FAVORITE WINE; $22

Packed with facts about champagne’s history and present-day production trends, But First, Champagne will give the wine-lover in your life a new appreciation for the drink usually—and unfairly—relegated to celebratory sips. Food and Wine called it “a comprehensive, smartly-written guide” and your grateful friends will likely call it “an excuse to drink champagne after New Year’s Eve.”

Find It: Amazon

4. MAJOR SCALE MUSICAL WINE GLASSES; $65 FOR 2

Upgrade their dinner parties with these wine glasses that double as a musical instrument. To create music, fill each glass to the desired note (marked on each glass to make a full A scale), before slightly wetting your finger and running it along the glass’s rim.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

5. CORAVIN MODEL TWO PLUS PACK; $350

Ideal for those who enjoy sampling and collecting different wines, this top-of-the-line wine “system” is a must-have for the serious wine enthusiasts on your list. With its specially engineered argon gas capsules and airtight trigger system, the Coravin system allows you to enjoy a glass of wine without committing to finishing the whole bottle before it goes bad.

Find It: Amazon

6. GOVERRE PORTABLE WINE GLASS; $24

The Goverre, available in a variety of colors, features a stemless design, non-stick silicone sleeve and spill-proof lid that can hold up to 17 ounces, allow your giftee’s wine to go whereever they go.

Find It: Goverre

7. THE WINE DECK; $16

For those wishing to study up on their wine knowledge, look no further than the Wine Deck. This grown-up flashcards can be used to test knowledge of wine variations, regions, pairings, and more.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

8. WINE PRESERVER BOTTLE; $50

If you know someone who likes to savor their wine, get them the gift of quality time—that is, quality time with their favorite bottle. This BPA-free glass vessel provides a spill-proof, airtight environment that extends the life of a bottle up to a week after uncorking.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

9. BEANIE WINE STOPPER; $13

These quirky, cute wine stoppers come in a pack of two contrasting colors to provide a wintry accessory for your loved one’s favorite bottle, while the stopper’s airtight silicone design keeps the wine fresh after opening.

Find It: Amazon

10. QUOTABLE WINE TOWELS; $45

Did you know that Benjamin Franklin once said, “There can not be good living where there is not good drinking”? Give your friends the gift of good living and drinking with this set of four cotton wine towels, emblazoned with witty quotes about wine from some of history’s greatest minds, including Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, Ernest Hemingway, and Winston Churchill.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

11. WINC MEMBERSHIP; $50 PER MONTH

Whether that tricky person on your list is obsessed with wine or a novice looking to discover more about it, they’ll be pleased with a Membership from Winc. Subscribers share their unique flavor preferences by answering questions like, “How do you take your coffee?” or “Do you like salt?”, then Winc takes it from there, shipping the personalized recommendations in each box.

Find It: Winc


December 16, 2016 – 6:00am

Morning Cup of Links: ‘Rogue One: A Star Wars Story’

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Why Rogue One Is Better Than The Force Awakens. It’s an entire story instead of an episode of the saga.
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5 Awesome Behind-the-scenes Facts About Rogue One. Darth Vader really floored the actors, who grew up as Star Wars fans.
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This Is What “American Parties” Look Like Around The World. They nailed it: hot dogs, baseball, and red Solo cups.
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The 10 Best Documentaries of 2016. Look for them on a streaming service near you.
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How a Dire Cook Shortage is Wrecking American Restaurants. A fair shake for workers means more expensive meals to come.  
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The Secret To Harvesting 1 Million Christmas Trees In 6 Weeks. Modern machinery is the answer.
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Becoming Father Christmas. Actor John Field takes his Christmas role very seriously.
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8 Legendary Monsters of Christmas. Old holiday tales can be pretty grim, or even Grimm.


December 16, 2016 – 5:00am

11 Brilliant Gifts for the Audiophile in Your Life

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No two music lovers’ tastes are exactly alike, but these holiday gift ideas for audiophiles are sure to please everyone from Beethoven fans to Bowie addicts.

1. SONY SRSXB3 PORTABLE WIRELESS SPEAKER WITH BLUETOOTH; $98

The Sony SRS-XB3 is a portable Bluetooth speaker with long battery life (up to 24 hours) and a water-resistant exterior, but its real selling point is its sound quality: Last spring, PC Magazine named it “one of the best-sounding portable Bluetooth speakers we’ve heard for less than $200.”

Find It: Amazon

2. MIXTAPE GLASSES—SET OF SIX; $50

The audio cassette design on this six-piece glassware set pays homage to retro mixtapes, and also offers a practical use for party hosts: Guests can write their names on the cups on the tapes’ blank labels with a wax pencil, allowing them to keep track of their beverage. Once they leave, the host can wipe the pencil markings off the cup with a dry towel.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

3.1MORE TRIPLE DRIVER IN-EAR HEADPHONES; $85

1MORE’s Triple Driver In-Ear Headphones are proof that high quality often comes in small packages. Tuned by Luca Bignardi, a Latin Grammy Award-winning sound engineer, they boast two balanced armatures and a separate dynamic driver for a sharp, crystal-clear listening experience. For comfort and convenience, the headphones also come with nine sets of different-sized ear tips and a sleek carrying case.

Find It: Amazon

4. RECORD CLOCK; $38

Philadelphia-based artist Jeff Davis gives old records a new life by converting them into wall clocks. Select a music type—rock, jazz, soul, or ‘80s—and he’ll use vintage vinyl from that genre to craft a timepiece.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

5. VINYLMNKY—SUBSCRIPTION; $30 PER MONTH


Vinyl records can be difficult to track down, so subscription service Vinylmnky does the hard work for your favorite music lover by sending them a monthly, pre-selected LP debut recorded by an emerging artist. They’ll also receive info about the album, along with an assortment of artist-curated goodies. Gift membership options include one-month, six-month, and 12-month subscriptions.

Find It: Vinylmnky

6. SEEDLING DESIGN YOUR HEADPHONES, STREET ART KIT; $30

Audophiles with an artistic bent can decorate these plain white headphones with graffiti-inspired designs using stencils, paints, and markers.

Find It: Amazon

7. GOOGLE CHROMECAST AUDIO; $25


Chromecast Audio is a tiny, Wi-Fi-enabled gadget that plugs into a speaker, allowing listeners to stream tunes from a smartphone, tablet, or laptop from anywhere in the house. It’s compatible with most major music services, including Pandora, Google Play Music, Spotify, and iHeartRadio.

Find It: Google

8. UE ROLL; $90

Perfect for their next poolside getaway: This small, wireless Bluetooth speaker has a waterproof shell that allows it to get wet for 30 minutes, or to be submerged in up to three feet of water. Adding to its versatility, it comes with an integrated bungee cord and an inflatable life preserver.

Find It: Amazon

9. MASON JAR SPEAKER & AMPLIFIER; $65

Mason jars aren’t just used for canning anymore. The trendy glass containers are endlessly versatile; here, they’re converted into mini-speakers/amplifiers that connect to a music player (including a smartphone), or an electronic instrument. The re-purposed jars are small enough to toss into a purse or bag, but loud enough to fill a room with sound.

Find It: Uncommon Goods

10. SATECHI ALUMINUM USB HEADPHONE STAND HOLDER; $35

Did you favorite audiophile recently splurge on a great set of headphones? Help them show off their gear (and store it neatly) with this sleek aluminum headphone stand holder. A rubberized grip holds the headset firmly in place, and a cable organizer tucked behind the stand’s arm keeps unruly cords at bay. And at the stand’s base, you’ll find three USB ports for data transfer, along with a 3.5mm port for plugging in headphones. The stand shown here is gray, but for a touch of glitz, you can also order it in gold, silver, or rose gold.

Find It: Amazon

11. CROSLEY C200 TURNTABLE; $197

A sound investment: Music lovers continue to prize vinyl albums for their superior sound quality. This retro-inspired turntable by Crosley Radio looks a lot like your dad’s old record player, but it packs a modern punch. The Crosley C200 can play classic 33 1/3 and 45 RPM records, and it also has a built-in switchable phono preamp, allowing your giftee to connect it directly to a computer or home stereo.

Find It: Amazon


December 16, 2016 – 4:00am