The Sundry Buzz blog’s Linda doesn’t like to jump onto stiff, scratchy sheets after bringing them home from the shop. After a little net research, she found a seemingly sure-fire way of making them feel like favourites after a first wash. The trick is to use the hottest water, no detergent, lots of fabric softener, and a cup of baking soda during the wash cycle. When they emerged, the sheets were fresh-smelling and “a thousand times softer.” There’s a few other ideas on there to maximise softness, but let’s hear it from you. When you arrive home with brand-new garments or linens that just don’t feel right, what’s the best way to make them feel like old favourites? Share your old-fashioned or new-fangled secrets in the comments. Photo by bovinity. How to soften new sheets [Sundry Buzz]
Is your gadget addiction getting in the way of your exercise routine? If so, Smart Money magazine put together a slideshow of seven gadgets designed to get you in shape. Although the latest gadget likely won’t make you the next Iron Man or Woman, it may help to motivate you to get started with a new workout plan. Their list includes Wii Fit, and one of our favourites, the Nike + iPod Sport kit. Do you have a special gadget that helps you get off the couch and into the gym or onto the track? If so, post it in the comments.
Slideshow: 7 Gadgets to Help You Get in Shape [Smart Money]If you’re faced with a recipe that requires you separate some eggs, either for the yolks or the whites, there are several different ways to approach it. Tutorial site WikiHow demonstrates how to use the hand, shell transfer, funnel, and separator methods so no matter how few or many culinary tools you have on hand you can get the job done. Hit the play button above to see how to use the hand method. How To Separate An Egg [WikiHow]
Windows only: Free application CircleDock automatically puts files, folders, and shortcuts within a few pixels of your mouse when you invoke it for quick action. CircleDock is completely customisable, from the skin and hotkey to the items you place in the dock. You can rotate the items in the circular dock with your scrollwheel, which is cool despite its questionable usefulness. The app is portable, so you can toss it on your thumb drive and take it with you. CircleDock is free and open source, requires .NET 3.5. A more attractive and improved update is expected within the month. If you give it a try, let’s hear what you think in the comments.
CircleDock [via CyberNet]After years of tap water, I’d finally had enough of drinking water that tasted like it had been skimmed from the pool of the local YMCA. Between the chemical taste and concerns over lead and other contaminants, installing an under-sink filter became the most economical option to ensure my family was drinking pure water. It wasn’t until I installed the filter system that I realised just how much stuff was in my local water supply. The photos speak for themselves!
Ryan Adams is one of the most prolific musicians in modern music. In the last eight years he averaged a release of one full studio album per year. In one year alone, he released three albums! Since 2000, he has contributed to dozens of other albums and movie soundtracks. One night I stumbled on one of his televised performances, which involved a question and answer session with the audience afterwards. One fan asked how he could write and release so many songs. His answer summed up his work philosophy, one we should all adopt if we want to be successful with our personal goals.
Mac OS X only: Free application DVD Hunter organizes and categorizes your DVDs on your virtual shelves to help you keep track of your budding collection. DVD Hunter’s iTunes-like interface automatically grabs cover art, and it even integrates with Address Book and iCal to help keep track of movies you’ve lent out. If you’re a Mac user looking to organize your DVD collection and you don’t feel like shelling out $40 to do it, the free, Mac OS X-only DVD Hunter looks like a winner.
