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The Quietest Place On Earth
In Orfield Laboratories, Minneapolis, Minnesota, lies a room that holds the Guinness World Record for being the quietest place on earth.
The room, called an ‘anechoic chamber’, absorbs over 99% of sound—with 3-feet thick fiberglass wedges and insulated walls—except that of people and objects brought into the chamber.
According to the Daily Mail, the longest time anyone has been able to stay inside, and in the dark, is 45 minutes.
Because it’s so silent, it becomes unbearable—your senses will become heightened, and you’ll be able to hear your heart pumping and ears pulsating.
“You’ll hear your heart beating, sometimes you can hear your lungs, hear your stomach gurgling loudly,” founder of Orfield Laboratories, Steven Orfield, told the Daily Mail. “In the anechoic chamber, you become sound.”
H also notes that because there is no external sound, it becomes difficult to move around: “If you’re in there for half an hour, you have to be in a chair.”
Ever Tried Peanuts in Coke?
First take a few swigs of the soda and when there seems to be enough room in the bottle, pour in a package of salted peanuts. Many dieheards insist that you’ve got to do this in a glass bottle, not plastic or a can, for the full effect. And sticklers will tell you definitely no Diet Coke, Coke Zero, or other brand substitutions allowed.
Nobody knows who exactly came up with this inspired idea of putting peanuts in Coke, but the pairing is guessed to go as far back as the 1920s. I’ve heard stories of busy Southern farmers who didn’t have time to break for lunch and would eat this on their tractors while in the field. References to salted peanuts in Coke pop up in historical fiction includingThe Secret Life of Bees, and other stories about the American south during the 50s and 60s.
This flavor combination is so beloved that you can even find some unique recipes that riff off the combination, like Coca-Cola Cake with Broiled Peanut Icing.
But drinking Coca-Cola with salted peanuts isn’t only about the genius pairing of sweet and salty flavors; it’s about the experience, and knowing that your taking part in a tradition that has gone on for generations.
5 NEW USES FOR EGGSHELLS
Fertilizer
Did you know that eggshells are predominately made of calcium carbonate — the active ingredient in lime — as well as other nutrients for plants? Eggshells make a great natural fertilizer of sorts. Whether you break the shells up and sprinkle them on top of a plant, or mix a few into potting soil, your plant will thank you.
Coffee Or Tea Stain Remover
Do you have a cup or travel mug that has been stained by your favorite warm beverage? Grind up some eggshells and drop them in the drinkware filled with warm water. Let it sit over night, and the egg shell will absorb the stain.
Seed Starter
Remember how we said that egg shells make great fertilizer? Use egg shells to start seeds. Fill the egg shell half with soil and the seed, then plant directly into the ground (or into the pot). As the plant develops and the shell breaks down, it provides the seedling with plenty of nutrients.
Sidewalk Chalk
For whatever reason, everyone loves drawing on the sidewalk (or driveway) with chalk. Did you know that you can use egg shells as part of the recipe for an easy-to-make sidewalk chalk? Suite 101 has a really simple recipe that you can make with your kids.
Slug Repellant
Summertime is slug time. If you don’t want them around your garden (and who does?) simply sprinkle crushed eggshells around gardens and pathways. Slugs won’t cross the crunchy barrier.
5 NEW USES FOR LEMONS
Chrome Restoration
Whether it’s a bathroom fixture or a decorative accessory, you can restore the beauty of chrome just by rubbing the item in question with half of a lemon. Just glide, let sit for ten minutes and then wipe away for a good-as-new finish.
Grout “Bleach”
Got gray grout? Simply reach for lemon. Cut a lemon into quarters and then use the pieces to scrub into the grout in between tiles. (If it’s a really set-in stain, call upon an old toothbrush to help you rub the lemon into the grout.) The juice helps break down mildew, mold and other mysterious stains. Afterwards, rinse with plenty of water.
Garbage Disposal Cleaner
Let’s face it: A garbage disposal can get pretty stinky if you’re not careful. But a few slices of lemon will deodorize and clean away any funky stuff. Just slice a lemon and throw into the disposal and run as usual. Then, flush with plenty of hot water. Hint: Lemon rinds can work on minor odor situations.
Microwave Deodorizer
To eliminate odors from a microwave, simply fill a small bowl with water, add a few lemon slices and then zap for 45 seconds. Let sit; then wipe out the inside of the microwave.
Cat Deterrent
Don’t want Cookie or Fluffy in a certain spot in your home? (Say, the kitchen counter.) Lemons to the rescue! Just spritz the surface with a 50/50 solution of lemon juice and water. Our feline friends, while cute, seem to disagree with citrus scents. They’ll shoo away from the counter and go back to being sweet…in the living room, where they belong.
Oliver Kerbage 