Travel
Mississippians, Watch Out—17 So-Called Life Hacks That Always Backfire

Life hacks are supposed to make Mississippi living easier, and sometimes they really do. Binder clips really can extend the life of your toothpaste, and a lemon with salt can truly clean a wooden cutting board.
However, the internet is rife with hacks that aren’t actually effective. Sometimes, they even make your life more difficult.
So, before you spend an hour making toilet paper roll speakers for your phone or attempt to whip up your own chemical-free sunscreen, read this first. We found many popular hacks are more trouble than they’re worth.
Table of Contents
1: Toaster Grilled Cheese


If you don’t think too hard about toaster-grilled cheese, it seems like a great idea. Why dirty a pan if you can simply stuff bread and cheese together into your countertop toaster?
This hack has you turn the toaster on its side and add one piece of bread with a slice of cheese to each slot.
Unfortunately, when the bread pops, you’re almost sure to get the cheese all over the inside of your toaster, creating a huge mess to clean up. Plus, using your toaster this way is a fire hazard.
2: Cheap DIY Speakers


There are a couple of supposed hacks for creating speakers out of trash. One says you can use toilet paper rolls to amplify your phone’s sound. Another involves using a split plastic cup to create “speakers” for your laptop.
Neither hack works in real life.
Rather than waste time making arts and crafts from household trash, just invest in a real speaker. It will last longer and be much more effective at amplifying sound.
3: Wooden Spoons on Boiling Pots


If you’re heating water on a stove, you might have heard that a wooden spoon will keep it from boiling over. In theory, this hack is great because you can walk away from a boiling pot and tend to other things.
However, if your pot is really boiling, it will overtake your spoon and spill onto the stove, leaving you with the mess you aimed to avoid.
So, you’re better off just keeping an eye on the pot and turning the heat down when appropriate.
4: Lemon for Cleaning Your Countertops


If you have marble countertops, you might have seen a hack that advised you to use lemons to keep them clean. The hack claims lemons will make your countertops sparkle.
Here’s the problem: marble countertops are made up of calcium carbonate, which wears down in the presence of an acid, including citric acid.
If you use a lemon to clean your marble counters, it will start to eat away at the surface, creating dull spots. Instead of using the lemon hack, save yourself time (and the cost of replacing your counters) by using a cleaner made for marble.
5: Cold Battery Storage


A lot of people believe storing batteries in the fridge will extend their life or even make them perform better.
You can save yourself the fridge space, though, because this life hack is entirely false.
Storing batteries in the cold could actually lower their lifespan, and the condensation that accumulates can harm them. Both Energizer and Duracell have warned against the practice.
6: Vicks on Feet


If you have a cold, Vicks rub can be helpful and comforting. However, you should stick to rubbing it on your throat or chest.
Many people claim putting Vicks on your feet is also helpful, but this isn’t true. Not only is it messy, but it doesn’t do anything.
Vicks works because menthol and camphor trick your brain into believing you’re not so congested and help to soothe coughs. Putting it on your feet when you have a cold just moves the medication further away from your nose and throat, making it less effective.
7: Empty Ketchup Bottles for Pancake Batter


If you want perfectly round pancakes like they make at diners, you should invest in a restaurant-style dispenser. Alternatively, just use a ladle and deal with a few misshaped pancakes.
Both options are cleaner and easier than attempting to use an old ketchup bottle for pancake batter.
For one thing, getting every last trace of ketchup out of a plastic bottle is difficult. Filling it with batter isn’t that easy either.
Worse still, when you try to squirt the batter out, it almost never leaves in a smooth stream, so you’re left with oddly shaped pancakes anyway.
8: Cutting Cherry Tomatoes with Tupperware Lids


There’s more than one video online in which someone puts cherry tomatoes between two Tupperware lids. Then, they take a knife and run it horizontally between the lids, cutting a bunch of tiny tomatoes into perfect ellipses.
Unfortunately, this hack isn’t as easy as it looks. If you press too hard on the Tupperware lid, you get smashed tomatoes, and if your knife isn’t perfectly sharp, you’re going to have a tough time.
If you want nicely cut tomatoes, it’s best to cut them individually.
9: Nails in a Stuck Cork


Unless the only thing you have is a toolbox full of nails, there are better ways to open a bottle of wine.
This hack suggests sticking a nail into a wine bottle’s cork, then using a hammer to pull the nail and cork out together.
However, in most cases, a single nail won’t pull a cork out. You’d need several nails and, honestly, it’s easier to go find a bottle opener. They sell them at most stores.
10: Christmas Ornaments in Egg Cartons


At the end of every holiday season, people start sharing seemingly creative and “easy” ways to store their decorations. One of these hacks suggests storing Christmas tree ornaments in egg cartons to keep them safe.
If your ornaments happen to be the exact size of large eggs, this hack could work for you. For most of us, though, trying to fit our ornaments into egg cartons is unnecessarily tiresome.
They sell ornament storage boxes for a reason.
11: Plastic Bag Cardio


Perhaps you’ve seen pictures of athletes or Tom Holland running in a trash bag to lose weight fast. While we wish this were effective, it really just makes working out more uncomfortable.
Wearing a plastic bag could make you sweat more. That’s why wrestlers run in them right before a weigh-in.
However, the only weight you’re losing is water weight, which can be dangerous, and your body will replace it the second you grab a drink.
12: Jeans Around the Neck Fit Test


Some people claim you can tell if a pair of jeans will fit by wrapping them around your neck. Supposedly, if the waistband of your jeans fits around your throat, they will fit your waist.
This hack comes from the fact that in non-obese people, one’s waist is about double the circumference of their neck.
However, the hack can’t tell you the stretch of the jeans or if they’ll fit your thighs. So, unless you want to waste time returning them later, you’re better off just trying the pants on.
13: Rubber Band Paint Can


No one likes dealing with drips and spills while they’re painting, which is why the rubber band paint can hack is so enticing. The idea is that you can place a large rubber band around a paint can to wipe your brush on while painting.
Unfortunately, if your rubber band isn’t perfectly sized, pressure from your brush could send it flying, throwing specks of paint across the room.
Plus, when you’re done, you’ll have to carefully remove the rubber band, which is sure to create a mess.
14: Charcoal Teeth Whitening


Lots of foods and drinks cause staining on our teeth, and many of us are constantly looking for ways to counteract that. Charcoal is often touted as a great way to remove dental stains, while also providing supposed health benefits.
In truth, the only thing activated charcoal is sure to do is bind to poisons. So, if you accidentally ingest a poisonous substance, consuming activated charcoal could help.
However, when it comes to whitening teeth, there’s nothing that suggests charcoal is a good idea.
Instead, you’re probably just paying for less-effective, ultra-expensive toothpaste.
15: Hang Wet Laundry to Fix Dry Air


Many people experience dry skin in the winter months and are open to just about any hack that will remedy it. One supposed life hack says you should hang your wet laundry in your house to increase the humidity.
In truth, hanging your wet laundry inside will have a non-measurable effect on the humidity in your home.
It will also take a lot longer for your clothes to dry. If you struggle with dry skin, there are better ways to combat it.
16: Anti-Aging Facial Exercises


The internet is full of anti-aging and fitness hacks, and in this particular piece of advice, the two combine. Many people online claim you can stop the signs of aging by exercising the muscles of your face.
While there’s nothing wrong with doing this, there are faster and more effective ways to keep your skin looking younger.
Things like retinol have been shown to work and are likely more potent than any sort of exercise you could implement.
17: DIY Sunscreen


Many people want to protect their skin from the sun but worry about potentially harmful ingredients in sunscreen. Life hackers often suggest a DIY approach for this particular problem.
They claim you can use readily available ingredients, like avocado oil, to protect your skin from the sun.
Unfortunately, DIY sunscreens typically don’t have any ingredients that actually work. Instead of falling for this life hack, you might want to invest in a hat.
Weirdest Laws in Each State


Most Americans are clear on treating thy neighbor as they’d want to be treated to reduce the chance of fines and jail time. But did you know you could be breaking the law by carrying an ice cream cone in your pocket? These are the weirdest laws in each state, most of which courts (thankfully!) no longer enforce.
Weirdest Laws in Each State That’ll Make You Chuckle
14 Real-Life Sin Cities in the U.S.


We all have our vices, but not every city is notorious for its transgression. From the dazzling lights of Las Vegas to the vibrant streets of Miami, these are the most mischievous urban hubs in America.
Mississippians, Watch Out—17 So-Called Life Hacks That Always Backfire

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
Travel
Wave Goodbye: 20 Beach Cities Sinking Fast, One in Florida

Regardless of where you stand on what’s causing global sea levels to rise, it’s undeniable that our coastlines are getting smaller.
A study using data from the European Commission suggests that by 2100, we could lose nearly half of the world’s sandy beaches to rising sea levels.
That said, not all coastlines are shrinking at the same rate.
Unfortunately for Americans, two beloved U.S. beach spots are among the top 20 beachside cities in the world that will likely shrink the most by 2100, one of which is in Florida.
Table of Contents
Measuring Shrinking Coasts


Hawaiian Islands determined the world’s tourist beaches that will lose the most sandy area by using the European Commission’s data, which estimates global shoreline changes that will happen by 2100.
To narrow down their data to tourist beaches, Hawaiian Islands selected the top ten beaches in each country with the most reviews. They then calculated the average decrease or increase of all the beaches, arriving at the following rankings.
Although Hawaiian Islands calculated their data using the number of meters of shoreline shrinkage by 2100, we converted them to the nearest feet (ft).
Flip through the slideshow below to see which Florida beach city is on this list.
Rising Tides


According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, global sea levels have been increasing over the past 100 years.
What troubles many scientists is the fact that the rate of rising sea levels has increased in recent years.
As of right now, sea levels are rising at a rate of approximately one-eighth of an inch each year.
A warmer environment is the leading cause of increased sea levels. Researchers state that the two primary causes of this include the water that’s already in the ocean expanding (since water expands as it gets warmer) and the melting of land-based ice.
Threat of Higher Sea Levels


Numerous issues are already stemming from higher sea levels, and experts worry about the future of coastal towns and cities. Rising sea levels threaten coastal infrastructure, subways, oil and gas wells, and landfills, to name a few.
Furthermore, “nuisance flooding” is common in areas that are already feeling the negative effects of increased sea levels. This type of flooding occurs during high tide.
While nuisance flooding isn’t typically dangerous for people living along the coast, it can be incredibly disruptive and expensive to maintain, repair, or move infrastructure that ultra-high tides reach.
Another way that higher sea levels can negatively impact coastal areas is by making an area ripe for more damaging storm surges.
In this case, storm surge water reaches further inland than it did in the past.
Expedited Rising


In some cases, populations along the coast have inadvertently sped up the process of the sea level rising faster than average in their local area.
Some of the human-driven things that can cause sea levels to increase at an expedited rate include:
- Groundwater pumping
- Oil extraction
- Heavy buildings
Such practices cause soil compaction and erosion, literally sinking cities into the earth.
What Decade Are You REALLY From?
Once upon a time, global warming wasn’t a word Americans uttered… and perhaps you should’ve been born then.
From big bands to big hair, this playful quiz reveals which classic American era fits you best. It’s fast, fun, and full of vintage flair.
Meet Your Match. Discover Your Decade DNA. (Your Vintage Roots Are Showing)
6 Hidden Florida Beaches Locals Don’t Want You to Know About


What if you could enjoy a Florida beach vacation without the roar of thousands of tourists? These secret spots exist. Here are some of Florida’s hidden beaches that will make you want to pack your bags and head south today.
6 Hidden Florida Beaches Locals Don’t Want You to Know About
4 Florida Conspiracy Theories That Are Just That—Conspiracies


Florida is known for its sunshine and beaches, but, like any state, it’s also a hotspot for some seriously wild conspiracy theories. These are some of the wildest tall tales and why they’re not true.
4 Florida Conspiracy Theories That Are Just That—Conspiracies

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
Travel
10 Surefire Clues Someone Grew Up in Virginia

Whether you’re strolling down the cobblestone streets of Alexandria or hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains, there’s no denying that Virginians have their own unique way of doing things.
If you’ve ever wondered how to spot someone from the Old Dominion State, here are ten telltale signs to look for.
Table of Contents
They Have Strong Opinions About Barbecue
Virginians take their barbecue seriously, and they’re not afraid to let you know it.
While they might not engage in heated debates like their neighbors in North Carolina or Tennessee, they’ll still proudly defend the slow-smoked pork and tangy vinegar-based sauces found in their state.
The “Virginia style” might not be as famous, but locals swear it’s worth trying.
You’re also likely to hear them talk about local barbecue joints with reverence. They’ll mention places like Pierce’s Pitt Bar-B-Que in Williamsburg or County Grill & Smokehouse in Hampton as if they’re sacred.
For a Virginian, barbecue isn’t just food—it’s a way of life.
They’re Passionate About College Sports—Especially UVA and Virginia Tech
College sports are a big deal in Virginia, and the rivalry between the University of Virginia (UVA) and Virginia Tech is legendary.
UVA fans proudly wear their orange and blue, while Hokies sport maroon and orange with equal fervor.
On game days, you’ll find Virginians glued to their TVs or tailgating outside the stadiums. They’ll talk passionately about past games, star players, and memorable plays.
Just don’t bring up any losses unless you’re ready for a lengthy discussion.
They Call It “The Commonwealth”
While most states refer to themselves as just that, states, Virginians often call their home “The Commonwealth.”
This historical term is a source of pride, emphasizing the state’s commitment to the common good of its citizens.
If you’re in a conversation and someone refers to “the Commonwealth” without further explanation, you’re probably talking to a Virginian.
It’s one of those subtle but unmistakable signs that they’re from the Old Dominion.
They’re Loyal to Virginia Peanuts
Virginia peanuts aren’t your average snack. Known for their extra-large size and crunchy texture, these nuts are a point of pride for the state.
If someone offers you a tin of Virginia peanuts as a gift, you can bet they’re from the Commonwealth.
Virginians also love to remind people that their peanuts are grown in the sandy soils of southeastern Virginia, particularly around Suffolk.
They’ll tell you that their peanuts are the best for roasting and snacking, and they’re not wrong—Virginia peanuts have earned their reputation as some of the finest in the world.
They Love Saying “Bless Your Heart”
Virginians have mastered the art of Southern politeness, and “Bless your heart” is a phrase you’ll hear often.
Depending on the context, it can be a genuine expression of sympathy or a not-so-subtle way of calling someone out.
You’ll know you’ve met a true Virginian if they say it with just the right tone and timing.
It’s a versatile phrase that’s as much a part of their vocabulary as “y’all.”
They’re Obsessed With History
Virginia is steeped in history, and its residents are proud of it.
From Colonial Williamsburg to Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, the state is home to some of the most important historical sites in the country.
Virginians love to talk about their state’s role in the founding of America. They’ll eagerly share stories about Jamestown, the Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.
If someone can’t stop talking about historical landmarks, they’re likely a Virginian.
They Have a Love-Hate Relationship With I-95
Ask any Virginian about I-95, and you’ll get an earful.
This major interstate runs through the heart of the state and is notorious for its traffic jams, especially near Richmond and Northern Virginia.
Virginians have a lot to say about the best times to travel, the worst bottlenecks, and the endless construction projects.
It’s a shared experience that unites residents in their frustration and serves as a conversation starter for anyone familiar with the region.
They Swear by Old Bay Seasoning
Old Bay isn’t just a seasoning in Virginia; it’s practically a religion.
Whether it’s sprinkled on seafood, French fries, or even popcorn, this blend of spices is a staple in many Virginian kitchens.
If someone’s eyes light up at the mention of Old Bay, chances are they’re from Virginia.
They’ll probably tell you it’s the secret ingredient to making any dish better.
They’re Wine Enthusiasts
Virginia’s wine scene has been gaining recognition in recent years, and locals are justifiably proud of their vineyards. With over 300 wineries across the state, there’s no shortage of options for wine lovers.
Virginians will eagerly recommend their favorite wineries, like Barboursville Vineyards or King Family Vineyards.
They’re especially fond of Virginia’s signature grape, Viognier, and they’ll encourage you to give it a try.
They Brag About All Four Seasons
One thing Virginians love to mention is how their state experiences all four seasons.
From colorful fall foliage in the Shenandoah Valley to sunny summers at Virginia Beach, they’ll tell you their state has it all.
They might even claim that Virginia’s seasons are “just right”—not too hot, not too cold.
While that might be up for debate, there’s no denying that Virginians take pride in their state’s natural beauty year-round.
9 Hilarious Virginia Town Names That’ll Make You LOL


PSA: Read this where you won’t embarrass yourself laughing. Whether you’re a Virginia local or just passing through, these town names are sure to make you chuckle when you see them.
9 Hilarious Virginia Town Names That’ll Make You LOL
15 Ways You Can Totally Tell Someone Is a Virginia Transplant


If you’ve ever wondered what gives away a Virginia transplant (or want your transplant self to fit in more), these are some telltale signs you’re interacting with a Virginia transplant.
15 Ways You Can Totally Tell Someone Is a Virginia Transplant

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Travel
6 Simple Tricks to Pick a Ripe Avocado in Colorado Grocery Stores

Did you know that Americans eat over 3 billion pounds of avocados each year? That represents a more than seven-pound increase in avocado consumption per person between 2001 and 2022.
Whether you’re making guacamole, adding them to toast, or just eating them plain, one thing is for sure: Avocados are in style. But picking a perfect avocado at the grocery store isn’t always easy.
Here are six simple ways to know when the avocado you want to buy at your Colorado grocery store is ready to eat.
Table of Contents
1. Look at the Color
A ripe avocado often changes color. When you walk down the grocery store aisle, you might notice that many avocados have a darker, almost black skin when they’re ready to eat.
This color change is a great first sign that the fruit is ripe. A lighter, greener color usually means the avocado is still too hard and needs a few more days to soften up.
Another tip is to compare several avocados at once. When you see one that is much darker than the rest, it’s likely riper.
Keep in mind that some avocado varieties naturally have a darker color, so it helps to be familiar with the type you usually buy.
2. Squeeze Gently
When you hold an avocado in your hand, give it a gentle squeeze. A ripe avocado will yield a bit under pressure without feeling mushy. This gentle squeeze test is a simple trick that many avocado pros use.
If the avocado you squeeze feels rock hard, you’ll need to wait at least a few days for it to ripen at home.
It’s important to use just a little pressure with your fingers; you don’t want to bruise the avocado by squeezing too hard.
A soft, slightly yielding feel is a good sign that the avocado is ready to be downed.
3. Check the Stem
Peeking under the little stem at the top of an avocado can tell you a lot. If the stem comes off easily and you see a green color underneath, the avocado is usually ripe.
This method is a handy trick that you can do right at the store. It’s like a secret signal that your avocado is good to go!
If the stem is hard to remove or if you see brown underneath, the avocado might be too green or starting to spoil, respectively.
You can thank us later for saving you from a brown, mushy mess.
4. Feel the Texture
A good avocado should feel firm yet a bit soft. When you run your fingers along the skin, you might notice a slightly bumpy texture on some varieties. This texture can help you judge whether the fruit is ripe.
Ripe avocados often have a consistent texture that’s not too rough or too soft.
Don’t be shy—the next time you’re at the grocery store, take a moment to feel the surfaces of several avocados and see what you discover.
5. Avoid Bruises
Inspect your avocado carefully for any bruises or dark spots on the skin.
Bruises can indicate that the avocado was handled roughly, which might mean the fruit inside is damaged or overripe.
Even if the color seems right and the fruit feels like a good amount of soft, a few bad spots might spoil your experience.
Looking for smooth, unblemished skin can lead you to a better avocado. Many grocery stores take good care of their fruit, but it never hurts to give your avocados a quick once-over.
A tiny bruise might not mean the whole avocado is bad, but choosing one without them can give you a fresher, tastier experience.
6. Consider the Weight
Weight can be another clue to picking a perfect avocado. When you hold a ripe avocado, it should feel a little heavier than it looks.
The extra weight is often a sign that the fruit is full of healthy, creamy flesh.
Comparing a couple of avocados by their weight can be a neat trick. If one feels lighter, it might have less fruit inside or may be drying out.
So, next time you’re shopping, pick up a few avocados and start practicing this little-known piece of advice.
Ask a Store Expert
Sometimes, the best advice comes from the people who work at the grocery store. If you’re not sure which avocado to pick, don’t be shy about asking an employee.
They often have lots of experience and can point you to the ripest options available.
Store experts might also let you know when a fresh shipment comes in, so you can plan your purchases around the best selections.
The next time you’re in the produce section, remember that a friendly question might lead you to the perfect avocado.
The World’s 21 Priciest Food Items


Items such as caviar and truffles are commonly associated with opulence, but we bet you weren’t expecting some of the items on this list. From rare delicacies like moose milk cheese to unconventional treasures like black watermelon, the culinary world’s priciest offerings never fail to astonish.
The World’s 21 Priciest Food Items
25 Discontinued Foods That Americans Miss Seeing on the Shelf


Every once in a while, big-name brands pull products with huge followings off the shelf, saddening Americans across the country. These are the foods Americans want back the most.
25 Discontinued Foods That Americans Miss Seeing on the Shelf
6 Simple Tricks to Pick a Ripe Avocado in Colorado Grocery Stores

A blog which focuses on business, Networth, Technology, Entrepreneurship, Self Improvement, Celebrities, Top Lists, Travelling, Health, and lifestyle. A source that provides you with each and every top piece of information about the world. We cover various different topics.
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