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I went to 'preschool for adults' and it was like Brooklyn's Burning Man (minus the drugs and sandstorms)


This minimalist professional laptop case is 63% off right now

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Screen Shot 2015 04 03 at 10.26.35 AMThis super on-sale laptop case is perfect for professionals.

Studies show that everything (including accessories like your smartphone or laptop case) are an extension of your image.

Consequently, you'll want something that's serious and minimalist so that it won't attract negative attention.

And this Case Logical Display case is the ideal pick.

This laptop case is also a great option for people who travel often for work. The case is slim enough to stick into bags and suitcases, but is thick enough to keep your laptop protected.

"Great case with thick padding to protect your laptop," one reviewer wrote.

Case Logic Display Sleeve LAPS 113, 13.3 Inch:$29.99$10.99[63% off]


 

SEE ALSO: 6 shampoos to use if you're worried about hair loss

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SEE ALSO: Turn any surface into a beer opener with the 'BROpener'

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NOW WATCH: This is what happens to your brain and body when you check your phone before bed








The 25 business schools that offer the best education

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A strong network, affordable tuition, and campus location are all important factors to consider when choosing a business school. But these aspects don't matter much if you're not getting a solid education.

Online grad school guide GraduatePrograms.com surveyed over 10,000 current and former business school students about their programs to find which places offer the best quality of education — schools where students have access to relevant, interesting, and challenging courses taught by qualified professors.

Students ranked their schools on a scale from 1 to 10, with 10 being a perfect score. The scores for each school were averaged together and then ranked accordingly.

These business schools earned top marks for quality of education:

Business Schools with the best Education Quality

SEE ALSO: The 10 best business schools in the US

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RANKED: The 50 most affordable small towns in America

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Booker Texas

We recently determined the most affordable small town in every state. But we wanted to know which towns are the most affordable in the whole country — period — so we took another look at the data.

To find the most affordable small towns in the US, we looked at towns with populations between 1,000 and 10,000 whose households spend no more than 30% of their annual income on housing costs. We looked at the average cost of three types of housing — owned houses with a mortgage, owned houses without a mortgage, and rentals — and took a weighted average of these by the proportion of each type of home in the town. Then we ranked the towns.

With eight affordable towns, Louisiana made the list more than any other state. Texas came in second with seven towns. 

Click here to read more about our methodology.

50. Owyhee, Nevada

90.3% of homes are affordable

As part of the Duck Valley Indian Reservation — which covers parts of Nevada, Idaho, and Oregon — Owyhee is home to the Shoshone and Paiute tribes. In keeping with their history, farming and ranching remain important industries for those who live on the reservation.



49. Daleville, Virginia

90.4% of homes are affordable

In Daleville, sustainability is a priority. The town features Energy Star- and Earthcraft-certified homes, encourages walking in place of driving to get around town, and offers plenty of green space for residents. Daleville also hosts several community events, including concerts, a farmer's market, and The Virginia Beer & Wine Festival.



48. Beaver Dam, Arizona

90.4% of homes are affordable

Though isolated from the rest of Arizona, Beaver Dam lies close to the Grand Canyon National Park and is only an hour's drive from Las Vegas. One hundred percent of mortgages are affordable for residents, who earn a median household income of $40,982.



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18 things every modern gentleman should have in his closet

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guy blue suit

You've accumulated clothes over the years. You may have some favorite pieces, as well as some you'd never let go.

But do you have the right pieces? The essentials? The pieces no wardrobe should be without?

It's probably time to take stock of your wardrobe to make sure.

Don't get caught in the rain without a raincoat (literally).

If you wear a suit every day, you should have at least two suits.

A navy and a charcoal suit will take you everywhere you need to go. 

The two pictured here are from one of our favorite suit suppliers, SuitSupply and go for around $500. For the savvy shopper that already knows his sizing, online suit makers like Indochino, Alton Lane, and others make it super easy.

Of course, two is not a limit – just a good base to built a full suit wardrobe.



A white dress shirt for the most formal occasions.

A white shirt is absolutely essential for when you need to look clean and pressed.

The pictured brand is Thomas Pink, but you should find a shirt and fit that works for you. Online services like StanttShirtcycle, and Combatant Gentleman makes it super easy to do.



A pale blue dress shirt for your less formal occasions.

Similar to the white one, this shirt will likely be the workhorse of your weekday wardrobe.



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17 reasons Wegmans is the best grocery store in America

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A Consumer Reports survey just named Wegmans the best grocery store in America. 

It's easy to see why the mid-Atlantic chain earned high marks with consumers. 

From great service to reasonable prices, here are a few reasons why shoppers are crazy about Wegmans.

1. Unparalleled selection.

Wegmans customers rave about the grocery chain's variety of items, which include foreign groceries and organic selections. The international groceries are even divided by region. wegmans grocery store2. Fine dining.

Many of the grocery chain's locations have cafés, pizzerias, and buffets. There are also seating areas where you can enjoy the food. wegmans bento box3. Beer section.

Wegmans is beloved for its large selection of craft brews. Some of its 83 stores even have walk-in beer lockers. Don't forget your winter coat.wegmans beer locker4. Newsstand.

The grocery store's magazine section is as good as the ones in many bookstores. wegmans newsstand 5. Friendly workers. 

Wegmans customers consistently rave about the excellent customer service and knowledgeable staff. The chain is consistently named among the best companies for customer service, and Wegmans' media relations manager recently explained to Forbes: “We empower our people to make decisions that improve their work and benefit our customers and our company.”wegmans worker6. Subs.

The hot and cold subs at Wegmans are delicious and affordable. A 7-inch sub costs $5.99 at most locations.wegmans sub7. Immaculate stores.

Wegmans is renowned for its wide aisles, perfect displays, and clean floors. It got top marks for cleanliness in the Consumer Reports ranking.wegmans store8. Ready-to-cook meals. 

Forget running around the store. Wegmans has ingredients packaged together so your dinner is a no-brainer.wegmans prepared meals9. Candy section. 

Wegmans has a huge candy selection that includes classics, nostalgic favorites, and quirky finds. wegmans candy section10. Superior employer. 

Wegmans is one of the few grocers to offer healthcare coverage to workers. It also offers college scholarships to enrolled employees, paying around $4.5 million in tuition assistance to employees each year. A Wegmans store in Philadelphia recently had 10,000 people apply for 500 positions, and Fortune ranked it the fifth-best company in the U.S. to work for in 2013, noting that one in five employees are related.wegmans workers11. Salad bar.

The salad bar is always clean and fresh, with the best selection we've ever seen. Some of its stores also have a Wings of Life salad bar, where an employee makes salads to order using fresh ingredients and homemade dressings.wegmans salad bar12. One-stop shop. 

Many Wegmans stores offer day cares, dry cleaning, recycling stations and pharmacies, making it possible to knock out several errands at once. wegmans flowers13. Bakery.

Wegmans receives high marks for its custom-made sheet cakes and selection of decorated cookies. wegmans sugar cookie14. Prices.

Wegmans offers reasonable prices on both brand-name and private label products. wegmans 15. Gift shopping. 

Forget about trekking to the mall for your last-minute gift. Wegmans has your gift needs covered, offering everything from yoga gear to coffee accessories. wegmans yoga gear16. Wegmans superfans. 

Wegmans is so awesome it famously inspired a musical. Alec Baldwin's mother reportedly refused to move to Los Angeles because she didn't want to abandon her favorite store.  

17. Things you can only buy at Wegmans. 

From a Wegmans Pez dispenser to the brand's fabled honey mustard, Wegmans is worth going to just for the unique products. 

wegmans honey mustard

SEE ALSO:  35 companies changing the way we shop

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The 2 best-selling books on Amazon right now are 'adult coloring books'

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johanna basford, secret garden

"Adult coloring books" are having a moment.

The Guardian reported Sunday that the best-selling book on Amazon right now is, in fact, a coloring book targeted toward adults.

Scottish illustrator Johanna Basford's titles, "Secret Garden" and "Enchanted Forest," claimed the top two spots, ahead of Harper Lee's much anticipated second novel "Go Set a Watchmen" and George RR Martin's red-hot "Game of Thrones" books.

Here's what Amazon's Best Sellers list looks like today:

amazon best sellers books adult coloring books

Basford's debut book, "Secret Garden," has sold 1.4 million copies worldwide to date, according to The Guardian. It features intricate black-and-white drawings of the flora and fauna that surrounds the illustrator's home in rural Scotland.

Here's a page from the book. The illustrations appear more detailed and challenging than those in a children's coloring book.

secret garden, adult coloring books, johanna basford

While complicated, the drawings hardly sacrifice cuteness. Check out these adorable lawn sculptures.

secret garden, adult coloring books, johanna basford

The popularity of the adult coloring book seems to be riding a wave of nostalgia. Last year, we reported on the resurgence of summer camps aimed at adults, which include arts and crafts, color wars, and outdoor sports. Now, "preschool for adults" is a thing that exists. Brooklynite Michelle Joni Lapidos holds classes in her two-bedroom apartment, for grown-ups seeking to "release their inner child."

Basford says the books provide a connection to the past, as well as an outlet for stress.

"I think it is really relaxing, to do something analogue, to unplug," Basford told The Guardian. "And it's creative. ... So many people have said to me that they used to do secret colouring-in when their kids were in bed. Now it is socially acceptable, it's a category of its own."

Here's the author at work in her studio.

Behind the scenes sneak peek of when @sambrill came to visit the studio last week... Photo @sambrill

A photo posted by Johanna Basford (@johannabasford) on Jan 26, 2015 at 8:30am PST

Basford belongs to a quirky club of adult-coloring-book illustrators, who have been at it for years now. In the UK, artists Richard Merritt and Millie Marotta nailed down top-10 spots on Amazon UK's best-sellers list. Perhaps most famous is UK-based artist Mel Elliott, who graduated college in 2007 and began self-publishing grown-up "fun books."

Elliott's book, "Colour Me Good Ryan Gosling," went viral at the height of the actor's "Hey Girl" meme-phase. She has since published pop culture-inspired coloring books dedicated to James Franco, Taylor Swift, iconic album covers, redheaded male celebrities, and "girl crushes."

Click the image below to watch Elliott color-in Swift.

This trend shows no sign of slowing down. Both of Basford's titles are currently out of stock on Amazon.

"The appetite [for the books] is simply enormous," Basford told The Guardian. "I reckon people are taking their kids' pictures off the fridge and replacing them with their own."

SEE ALSO: I went to 'preschool for adults' and it was kind of like Burning Man (minus all the drugs and sand)

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A guy who just got into all 8 Ivy League schools tells us his key to success

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Screen Shot 2015 04 06 at 11.22.12 AM

Long Island high-school student Harold Ekeh was pretty confident last week that he'd get into a lot of Ivy League schools.

He'd already received "likely letters" from six of the Ivies, which indicated they were probably going to let him in.

So last Tuesday, Ekeh said he rushed home to his computer and started with the only two Ivy League schools that didn't send him likely letters: Harvard and Princeton.

When he finally found out that he had gotten into all the Ivy League schools, he was stunned. His mother was "screaming her head off," Ekeh said.

"I'm just a regular kid who has a really strong support system," Ekeh told Business Insider.

If all this sounds familiar, it's because last year another Long Island high-school student, Kwasi Enin, accomplished the same feat — he too was accepted to all eight Ivies.

Ekeh may have had a strong support system, but he also has a 100.5% GPA, scored a 2270 on the SAT, and says he takes advantage of as many extracurriculars as he can.

He is the vice president of the Model UN team and the editor in chief of the school newspaper, and he belongs to the drama club. Outside of school, he is the senior drummer at his church and the director of the youth choir that he founded.

Ekeh didn't always excel at school. His parents moved their family to the US from Nigeria when he was 8 years old. The oldest of five boys, he remembers asking his parents, "Why did you move us all across the Atlantic to America?"

He struggled at first with his heavy accent, trying to adjust to the new culture while holding on to his identity and his culture. He learned to persevere and become successful through the example of his parents, who he says never let obstacles get in their way.

It's that attitude that Ekeh credits with his successes in college acceptances.

He's leaning toward Yale but has a few more schools to visit before he decides. He is interested in neurobiology but isn't making any promises.

"I'm definitely interested in science, but I feel like I'm going to be the kid that wants to be a neurosurgeon when he grows up and then goes to college and finds out that he wants to be a senator," he said.

Ekeh has until May 1 to decide between eight Ivy League schools, plus his other acceptances at MIT, Johns Hopkins, Vanderbilt, New York University, and SUNY Stony Brook.

Join the conversation about this story »

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Here are the 11 smartest boarding schools in America

23 books to keep on the shelf of your doomsday bunker

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mushroom cloud apocalypse

If the apocalypse happened tomorrow, what mementos would you try and protect? 

Would you save any books that could help survivors remember the past, or rebuild a future society?

We posed this question to librarians at the New York Public Library.

Their answers range from practical survival guides to books that inspire post-apocalyptic utopias.

Pick up a copy and stick these in your doomsday bunker — or on your bookshelf for rainy day reading.

"All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten" by Robert Fulghum

"I would offer 'All I Really Need To Know I Learned in Kindergarten' by Robert Fulghum," said Maura Muller of the New York Public Library (NYPL) Volunteers Office.

"Perhaps if we rebuilt with some simple basics like 'share, don't hit others, play fair, take a nap each day, and go out into the world with a sense of wonder' we would get off to a better start in our rebuilding efforts." 

By evaluating and finding meaning in small, everyday occurrences, Fulghum offers insights that continue to resonate with readers.

Buy it here



"The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind" by William Kamkwamba

"I would carefully choose books that (as the poet Dickinson relates) 'dwell in possibility' — titles that inspire readers to imagine, explore, create and commit to leading a life with purpose including, Kamkwamba's 'The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind," said Miriam Tuliao of the NYPL Selection Team.

Kamkwamba — without a classic education and with only an out-of-date school textbook — built a working windmill in rural Malawi. It's an inspiring story about perseverance and how alternative forms of electricity can change the world.

Buy it here



"Collected Fictions" by Jorge Luis Borges

"Just one of Borges' ultra-short stories can open up a mind and keep it busy for hours and days and weeks after reading it — and this volume contains all of his best," says Nancy Aravecz of the Mid-Manhattan NYPL branch.

"His weird and imaginative labyrinths, libraries, mysteries, and encyclopedias have the potential to inspire new ideas and create a wealth of new possibilities for a new and creative civilization."

A volume of his short stories is an experience in and of itself.

Buy it here



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






59 amazing things you can do with baking soda

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We write a lot about miracle products, from coconut oil to Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps. 

But baking soda is the original when it comes to miracle products, dating all the way back to the ancient Egyptians who used a similar sodium carbonate mixture as soap. 

It’s one of the cheapest things you can buy with almost limitless uses for cleaning and beauty. Plus, it has magical odor-eliminating properties, too.

Here are 59 things you can do with baking soda:

HOME

baking soda cleaningMake laundry even more effective: Add half a cup to your liquid laundry detergent for the best deodorization, whiter whites, and brighter brights. You can also add 1/2 cup for the rinse cycle, too.

Get rid of stains pre-laundry: Make a stain solution with 6 tablespoons of baking soda and 1/3 cup of warm water. Stir together to make a paste and rub it onto the stained area before throwing your clothes into the wash.

Deodorize wastebaskets: Add some baking soda to wastebaskets in the bathrooms, kitchen, or diaper bins regularly as you fill the container. Wash container with a cup of baking soda and a gallon of water regularly after taking out the trash.

Fill nail holes: Mix baking soda with white toothpaste and rub into nail holes to fill. Allow to dry fully.

Get rid of water rings: Make a paste with water and baking soda (sometimes a little toothpaste helps, too). Dip a cloth in the paste and rub away any water rings and spots from wood.

Clean and deodorize drains: Pour a cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with a cup of white vinegar. Let it sit (covered, if possible) and then pour down a gallon of boiling water.

Clean all bathroom surfaces: Make a paste of baking soda and water and use a wet sponge to scrub the walls, sink, tile, and shower surfaces with the mixture. Rinse with warm water and wipe dry with a rag.

Deodorize your fridge: Keep your fridge smelling like, well, nothing by keeping an open box of baking soda in there. You can also do this in your freezer, too.

Clean your dirty dishwasher: Run a cleaning cycle on your dishwasher with a sprinkle of baking soda to remove any old odors. If there are some places that just aren't getting clean (like around the dishwasher door), dip an old toothbrush in hot water and some baking soda and scrub away before rinsing. Wipe dry.

Cut through grease on dishes and pans: Two tablespoons of baking soda with detergent in the dishwasher will zap grease. Or, if you're hand washing, let pans and dishes soak for 15 minutes with the solution and then clean as you normally would. It can even help with dirty, burned pots, too.

Clean your blender (fast): Instead of taking out the blades and having to scrub, fill your blender halfway with water and add a spoonful of baking soda and a drop of dish-washing liquid. Run it for a few seconds and swirl before rinsing. Those blades are clean! 

Clean your microwave: After awhile, microwaves can start to smell. Deodorize yours in a few seconds with two tablespoons of baking powder in a bowl of water, and microwave on high for three minutes. Remove the bowl and wipe the inside of the microwave with a cloth or sponge — all the food will come right off.

Clean your coffee maker: Add warm water to your coffee pot and 1/4 cup of baking soda. Swirl to dissolve and then pour into the water reserve tank. Allow the machine to run on a full cycle and repeat the process until the water is clean and clear.

Polish tarnished silver: Clean silver by adding baking soda, sea salt, and vinegar to a baking dish (one of those disposable aluminum ones is fine). Pour in boiling water slowly to mix with the dry ingredients in the dish and use tongs to add the tarnished silverware. Let sit for 30 seconds to a minute and then use tongs to remove and buff with a rag.

Clean the floor: Add a 1/2 cup of baking soda to a bucket of water and mop the floors with the mixture. Rinse clean. For any scuff marks or stains, put some baking soda on the stains and then scrub. Rinse with warm water and dry.

Clean suede: Blot any excess liquid from suede and sprinkle baking soda on the spot. Let it sit and then brush off with a suede brush.

Remove shoe odorWhether it’s gym shoes or your heels, sprinkle baking soda in your shoes between wearing to neutralize odor and absorb moisture. If you don’t want to clean up the mess in the morning, add sachets filled with baking soda to your shoes after wearing.

Eliminate pet odorsSprinkle baking soda on carpets and furniture evenly and wait 15 minutes before vacuuming up.

Deodorize plastic containers: Cleaning Tupperware can be the worst because it holds onto food smells for a long time. Soak plastic containers with four tablespoons of baking soda and then wash as usual. Smells will disappear like magic.

Clean kitchen surfaces: Just like in the bathroom, sprinkle baking soda on a clean damp sponge and wipe down surfaces. Rinse thoroughly and wipe dry. This works well for counter tops, stove tops, fridges, and more.

Clean your oven: Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the inside of the oven with a wet sponge. Let it sit for 2-3 hours and then wipe off and rinse. 

Remove grime from shower curtains: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp sponge and scrub the shower curtain before rinsing clean. If that doesn’t do the trick, add the curtain with two bath towels to the washing machine on gentle with a 1/2 cup of baking soda and detergent. Add vinegar for the rinse cycle, and let drip-dry. 

Grout cleaner: Add three tablespoons of baking soda to a tablespoon of warm water and apply to old grout with an old toothbrush you no longer use. Dirt and grime will rub away effortlessly.

Remove crayon from walls: A paste of baking soda and warm water will remove those crayon stains without damaging your paint. Just dip a washcloth in soapy water, wring out and then dip in baking powder and gently scrub. 

BEAUTY

man looking in the mirrorExfoliate skin: Create a paste of baking soda with warm water (or add with your favorite face cleanser) and gently scrub your skin before rinsing with warm water. You can also mix with coconut oil for a similar result.

Face mask: Create a soft paste with equal parts baking soda and water and apply to your face. Keep on for roughly 10 minutes before rubbing off with warm water in circular motions which will slough off dead skin and help unclog pores.

Clean and whiten teeth: Add a small amount of baking soda to a small dish and dip your wet toothbrush in the powder. Brush thoroughly and then rinse with water.

Wash hair: Sprinkle a small amount of baking soda into palm along with the recommended amount of your normal shampoo. The baking soda will help remove build up from hair care styling products and leave hair even cleaner and — because it has less oil and excess product — bouncier with more volume.

Fight dandruff: Use baking soda instead of shampoo for a few weeks to exfoliate your scalp and reduce overactive fungi that can cause dandruff. Bonus points if you add tea tree oil.

Getting smells off hands: After touching onions or garlic, clean hands with either three parts baking soda to one part water or add three parts baking soda to a liquid hand soap. This will also make your hands extremely soft since it exfoliates as well as removes odors.

Make deodorant: Instead of buying your standard supermarket deodorant, you can make your own cheaper version with one part baking soda and one part cornstarch. Pat it beneath your arm pits and you’re good to go. 

If you prefer your deodorant in stick form, there's a solution. Add coconut oil, one part baking soda, and one part cornstarch to a small sauce pan over low heat. Pour the liquid into a jar or empty deodorant stick — just make sure to keep it somewhere cool otherwise the coconut oil will melt and create a mess.

Detox bath: This is something Liv Tyler reportedly swears by — taking a bath with Epsom salts and baking soda. Pour in a half cup of baking soda into a warm bath and let your body de-stress. 

Dry shampoo: Mix baking soda with baby powder and add it to the roots of your hair (where it’s oiliest). Tousle and brush out — voila! Fresh hair.

Cleaning nails: When your nails start to look yellow from wearing too much nail polish, mix baking soda with some peroxide and scrub your nails. They’ll look much brighter and whiter.

HEALTH

baking sodaRelieve itchy bug bites: Add one part baking soda to three parts water and apply to the infected area. Leave the mixture on for a few minutes and then rinse off. Because baking soda relieves irritation, you’ll stop scratching almost immediately.

Soothe sunburn: Dissolve a spoonful of baking soda into cold water and soak a washcloth in it before applying to the sunburned areas. You can also add a 1/2 cup to a tepid bath if your entire body is affected.

Calm razor burn: Mix one or two spoons of baking soda with a cup of water and apply to skin with a cotton ball. Repeat 2-3 times a day until the razor burn is gone.

Wash produce: Sprinkle some baking soda on a brush or damp sponge and scrub fruits and vegetables. Rinse.

Relieve heartburn: Mix a teaspoon of baking soda in a 1/2 cup of water and drink to neutralize stomach acids that can cause acid reflux or heartburn.

Remove splinters: Instead of digging around with a tweezer, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply to the skin and cover with a band aid. After a day, the skin should swell a bit and the splinter will be drawn to the surface and stick out from its entry point enough for you to remove with tweezers.

Soothe diaper rash: Diaper rash can be calmed with two spoonfuls of baking soda in a warm bath. Stir in the baking soda and bath your baby in the solution. Pat dry and repeat two to three times a day until the rash is gone. 

DISINFECTING

sponge cleaning disinfecting soap counterClean brushes and combs: Add a teaspoon of baking soda to warm water and soak combs and brushes to remove product residue and grime build up. Rinse and allow to dry — this is a great video on how it’s done.

Clean toothbrushes: Soak the toothbrush in a 1/4 cup of baking soda and some water. Let sit for a few hours (or overnight) and then rinse.

Wash sponges: Yes, if your sponges start to get grimy, you can clean them. Soak them in four tablespoons of baking soda and a quart of warm water for better, cleaner sponges.

Clean pet toys: Keep your pets’ toys clean by adding four tablespoons of baking soda to a quart of warm water. With a sponge or rag, scrub the toys with the mixture and then rinse off and let dry.

Furry toys can be sprinkled with baking soda and then brushed off thoroughly after 15 minutes.

Clean baby equipment and toys: From the play pen to bottles, a safe and easy way to clean and deodorize everything your child touches is with baking soda and water. Dip a clean wet sponge into baking soda and scrub the item. Rinse thoroughly.

Clean and deodorize sports gear: All of your sports gear can smell brand new with baking soda. Clean equipment with a solution of baking soda and warm water, throw a little in gym bags or golf bags to eliminated odors, or make a paste to clean golf irons (then simply wipe clean and dry). 

OUTDOORS

weeds driveway cracksClean your grill: Sprinkle baking soda on a damp brush and scrub until the stains are gone. Then rinse. You can also make a paste with baking soda and scrub with a wire brush.

Clean your pool: Clean your pool’s liner with a thick paste with baking soda and a small amount of hot water. Apply to your pool liner with a sponge and then rinse with water. Pouring in some baking soda will also reduce the acidity of your pool — do a simple pH test to find out just how much you need to add.

Clean your car: Sprinkle baking soda on car fabric, wait 15 minutes or longer if the odors are really strong, and then vacuum it up. You can also clean the chrome, batteries, floor mats, and ash trays, too.

Keep weeds at bay: Sprinkle a little baking soda in your driveway cracks to keep weeds from growing. If weeds are already there, mist with a hose and then put baking soda on top of the entire weed. Repeat as needed.

Get rid of oil and grease stains: Whether in the garage or your driveway, put baking soda on the oil or grease spot and scrub with a wet brush. Let sit and then rinse clean. Repeat as needed.

MISCELLANEOUS 

Play dough kidsMake flowers last longer: Add a teaspoon of sugar with a pinch of baking soda. The baking soda will make the water less acidic or basic and your flowers will eat up the sugar. You'll get an added day or two of freshness.

Brush your pets’ teeth: Sprinkle some baking soda on a toothbrush and brush their teeth with a clean, soft toothbrush.

Keep cat litter odor free: Before adding litter, sprinkle in a layer of baking soda to the bottom of the litter box. Then add litter with another layer of baking soda on top. Add baking soda as needed.

Make play dough: If you have kids with gluten allergies, you can make your own play dough with two cups baking soda, a cup of cornstarch, 1 1/2 cups of water, and a tablespoon of oil. Heat in a pan until it starts to thicken, and then let cool before adding coloring. 

Jewelry cleaner: Mix one part baking soda with one part water to create a paste. Dip a toothbrush that you don’t use into the paste and rub into jewelry delicately, making sure not to scratch the metal and to get into any grooves. Rinse and and buff with a cloth.

Stop grease fires or electrical fires: If a grease or electrical fire breaks out and you don’t have a fire extinguisher, throw baking soda on it. It gives off carbon dioxide when it’s heated which smothers the flame.

Make a volcano: A true classic. With vinegar, baking soda, a soda bottle, water, and dish soap, you can create a fun science project. Get complete instructions here.

Did we miss your favorite thing to do with baking soda? Let us know in the comments!

SEE ALSO: 11 wonderful things you can do with coconut oil

DON'T MISS: 14 things you can do with Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps

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NOW WATCH: You've been doing lunges all wrong








These supportive running sneakers will be perfect this spring [up to 50% off]

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running sneakers asicsIf you're looking for excellent running sneakers, you've come to the right place.

The ASICS Men's GT 2000 2 running shoe is designed to provide proper support and stability.

The sneakers have FluidRide technology, which provides a combination of bounce back and cushioning properties with reduced weight and exceptional durability.

"I've run about 100 miles in these including a 10 miles run over the weekend and they feel great," one reviewer wrote.

"I'm a mild pronator, and these shoes do a great job of providing the support I need for long runs," wrote another.

ASICS Men's GT 2000 2 Running shoe:$120.00$59.83-$89.99 (depending on size and color)

The shoes come in 5 different colors.

Screen Shot 2015 04 03 at 9.05.28 AM


 

SEE ALSO: This fitness storage belt is a runner's dream

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SEE ALSO: Compression shorts are the #1 workout essential this spring

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The 40 best college bars in America

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Cambridge Queen's Head Pub, Harvard

Campus bars are a fundamental component of the college experience.

Every school has its favorite bar — the one that is as synonymous with a four-year college career as the freshman dorm, quad, or library.

Listed alphabetically by city, we found the best and most beloved college bars in the country.

Mickey's Irish Pub — Ames, Iowa

109 Welch Ave.

Popular with: Iowa State University

Sitting along Ames' stretch of Welch Avenue nightlife, Mickey's is a favorite among Iowa State students. Many stop over on Tuesdays for a boisterous round of karaoke, accompanied by $2.50 Long Island iced teas, $3.50 Bud tallboys, and, on occasion, free pizza.

The bar itself is even a proponent of ISU sports, frequently tweeting and posting on its Facebook page about the school's victories.



Rick's American Cafe — Ann Arbor, Michigan

611 Church St.

Popular with: University of Michigan

In the heart of Ann Arbor, with a second location in East Lansing, Rick's is among U of M students' favorite places to party. Tuesday night is college night, with $1 well drinks all night and no cover when you show your student ID.

The atmosphere is more club-like than cafe-like, so students who arrive at Rick's should be ready for a good time.



Bourbon Street — Athens, Georgia

333 E. Broad St.

Popular with: University of Georgia

In downtown Athens, students point to Bourbon Street as the place to be after sundown. Known for its popularity among UGA freshmen, Bourbon Street's best deals are during its power hours, which tend to inspire some table-top dancing.

Those who desire a less rowdy crowd can always head to the upstairs area where pool tables and cheap beer await.



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27 things every New Yorker should do this spring

Business Insider is hiring a full-time personal finance reporter for its Your Money section

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Do you love talking — and writing — about money?

Are you excited to explore the psychology of wealth, the challenges of saving, and the way successful people look at money?

Are you fascinated by people who pay off crushing debt and budget their money to retire early?

Business Insider is hiring a full-time reporter for its Your Money vertical, one of the fastest-growing sections of the world's No. 1 digital business publication.

Candidates should be comfortable writing quick, aggregated stories that highlight the most interesting angles of the day's news, while simultaneously working on reported medium-length and long-form features.

Ideal candidates will have:

  • Insatiable curiosity
  • A strong voice and the ability to write with authority
  • Interest in digital media and how readers consume news on the web
  • Previous writing experience, preferably business
  • At least a Bachelor's degree
  • Journalism degree and/or background preferred
  • Copy-editing skills, light HTML and Photoshop experience, and knowledge of social media are also useful

APPLY HERE with a resume and cover letter if interested, and specify why you're interested in working on Your Money.

Please note that this position requires that you work in our Manhattan office. Business Insider offers competitive compensation packages complete with benefits.

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The 20 happiest metro areas in America

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Researchers have found that where you live is a significant indicator of how satisfied you will be with your life.

And after interviewing 177,000 Americans from the 100 most populous communities in the US, researchers at Gallup concluded that residents living in Florida's Sarasota metropolitan area were the most physically, financially, and socially well-off in 2014.

Also in the top five were Honolulu; Raleigh, North Carolina; and El Paso, Texas.

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The ranking reflects residents' responses to survey questions asking how well their communities fulfilled their financial, emotional, social, safety, and physical needs. Residents were also asked to describe how their community had strengthened or diminished their sense of purpose.

Residents of high well-being communities are 12% more likely to learn new and interesting things, 6% more likely to get positive energy from family and friends, 16% less likely to worry about money, and 25% less likely to suffer from depression over their lifetime, according to the report.

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Residents of the communities with the lowest well-being, on the other hand — many of which are in Ohio — are 68% more likely to smoke and 58% more likely not to feel pride in their community.

Since measurements began in 2008, the large communities of Urban Honolulu, Provo-Orem, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward, and Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington have consistently ranked high in well-being.

SEE ALSO: RANKED: The 50 most affordable small towns in America

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Here's the college essay from a high-school senior who got into 4 Ivy League schools

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A high-school senior in Oklahoma named Gloria Tso got the shock, and delight, of her life last week. She got into four Ivy League schools: Princeton, Columbia, UPenn, and Dartmouth.

So what does the admission essay of a superstar who landed four Ivy League acceptances look like? Below is the essay Tso submitted to Princeton University that landed her the nod.

Here was the prompt from Princeton:

Using this theme as a starting point, write about a person, event, or experience that helped you define one of your values or in some way changed how you approach the world. Please do not repeat, in full or in part, the essay you wrote for the Common Application. 

“Princeton in the Nation’s Service” was the title of a speech given by Woodrow Wilson on the 150th anniversary of the University. It became the unofficial Princeton motto and was expanded for the University’s 250th anniversary to “Princeton in the nation’s service and in the service of all nations.” Woodrow Wilson, Princeton Class of 1879, served on the faculty and was Princeton’s president from 1902–1910.

Here is the response from Tso:As Woodrow Wilson noted in Princeton's 150th anniversary address, the university's history is a story that is still being written today through education and political service. I resonate with this on a personal level as my own story to date begins and ends with the act of public service. 

There is a Quaker saying that states, "Let your life speak." If my life could speak for itself, it would speak in vehement tones and a passionate voice. It would speak about the story of a girl who was born into a dream, a dream which she took and turned into a reality through the act of service that Woodrow Wilson spoke so fondly of.

On November 15, I was sitting in the Oklahoma State Department of Education awaiting my turn to interview for the United States Senate Youth Program. Four short months later, I found myself sitting in the White House as one of the two selected delegates from Oklahoma, awaiting the arrival of President Obama. There I was, sitting in the historic home of the presidents who had worked to define the American Dream. Interestingly enough, the American Dream is the means by which I have made my own dreams come true. It's the magnetic pull that compels me to pursue public service as a career. It's the testimony that my life speaks of in abundance.

Without a doubt, being raised by immigrant parents taught me about the importance of public service. Both my parents were born into poverty, and were only given the bare necessity to make a living: an education. My grandparents told my parents not to pay them back, but to pay it forward by using their education to change the world for the goodwill of others. That's how my parents' American Dream began, and how it continues to exist through me. Despite having much more than my parents had at my age, my parents continue to instill in me this same mindset. The American Dream is about working hard to ensure not only your own prosperity, but the affluence of society as a whole. They taught me that community service - the act of making the world a better place - is the best way to utilize the skills and education that I've been given. As a result, my life now speaks to the success story of public service and says plenty about the dedicated and compassionate leader I am.

Through the dreams of my parents, I managed to find my own. Because of them, I have learned to approach the world selflessly. Largely due in part to their never-ending support, my early interest in service blossomed into a passion, that has now transformed into a calling - a calling to protect the American Dream, the one that makes individual dreams possible, for everyone. Surely this is the dream that Woodrow Wilson spoke of in Princeton's famed 150th anniversary address.

If my life could speak for itself, it would attest to the durability, longevity and reliability of hard work, the importance of service and how they all add up as a sum of my character. I share Princeton's sentiments, as I too have lived out my life story in this great nation's service, and in the service of all nations. My life has truly been an American Dream, built from the ground up, fortified through aspiration, diligence and toil. Woodrow Wilson believed that the pathway to a better world could only be found through service and I could not agree more; I can only hope that I am already well on my way down that path.

SEE ALSO: A guy who just got into all 8 Ivy League schools tells us his key to success

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This SwissGear ScanSmart backpack is perfect for anyone who carries a work laptop [47% off]

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backpackIf you constantly lug your laptop around for work, we recommend you check out this SwissGear ScanSmart backpack.

It's specifically designed for laptop users and comes with a special laptop compartment that'll fit 17" laptops.

If your laptop is smaller than 17", no worries. The compartment has an adjustable padded strap to fit different computer sizes.

Another cool thing about this backpack is that the laptop compartment unzips into a flat position. If you're someone who frequently travels for work, you'll know how annoying it is to take out and then re-pack your laptop in airport security.

The backpack also comes with a mobile phone pocket, an expandable water bottle pocket, and an organizer pocket, which provides divider pockets for pens, pencils, and your phone.

SwissGear ScanSmart laptop computer backpack (fits up to 17" laptops):$120.00$64.10[47% off] 

You can also check out the smaller version of this backpack (which will fit up to 15" laptops): $120.00 $65.00 [46% off] 


 

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All the 'Star Wars' films are available for pre-order on Amazon right now

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Darth VaderHere's the best news of the day: you can now pre-order all 6 Star Wars episodes on Amazon

Each episode can be purchased individually for $19.99

Or you can save $29.95 by pre-ordering  "Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection" in HDfor$89.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode I The Phantom Menace

star warsConversations: Doug Chiang Looks Back
Discoveries From Inside: Models & Miniatures
Legacy content includes "The Beginning"; The Podrace: Theatrical Edit; plus eight deleted scenes.

Available in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones

star warsConversations: Sounds In Space
Discoveries From Inside: Costumes Revealed
Legacy content includes "From Puppets To Pixels: Digital Characters In Episode II"; State Of The Art: The Previsualization Of Episode II; and "Films Are Not Released, They Escape"; plus Episode II Visual Effects Breakdown Montage and six deleted scenes.

Availavle in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith

star warsConversations: The Star Wars That Almost Was
Discoveries From Inside: Hologram & Bloopers
Legacy content includes documentaries "Within A Minute: The Making Of Episode III"; The Journey Part 1; and The Journey Part 2; plus six deleted scenes.

Availavle in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope (20th Century Fox)

star warsConversations: Creating A Universe
Discoveries From Inside: Weapons & The First Lightsaber
Legacy content includes "Anatomy Of A Dewback"; Star Wars Launch Trailer; plus eight deleted scenes.

Availavle in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode V The Empire Strikes Back

star warsConversations: The Lost Interviews
Discoveries From Inside: Matte Paintings Unveiled
Legacy content includes "A Conversation With The Masters" (2010); "Dennis Muren: How Walkers Walk"; "George Lucas On Editing The Empire Strikes Back 1979"; and "George Lucas On The Force: 2010"; plus six deleted scenes.

Availavle in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


 

Star Wars: Episode VI Return of the Jedi

star warsConversations: The Effects
Discoveries From Inside: The Sounds Of Ben Burtt
Legacy content includes "Classic Creatures: Return Of The Jedi"; "Revenge Of The Jedi Teaser Trailer"; Return Of The Jedi Launch Trailer; "It Began TV Spot"; "Climactic Chapter TV Spot"; plus five deleted scenes.

Availavle in HD for $19.99 and SD for $19.99.


Pre-Order "Star Wars: The Digital Movie Collection" for $89.99 today.


 

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A hedge funder is selling his massive Brooklyn condo for $32 million because it's 'just a little bit too spread out'

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One brooklyn bridge parkA hedge funder and his wife are selling their massive penthouse apartment in Brooklyn Heights for $32 million because it's "just a little bit too spread out," they told the Wall Street Journal.

The penthouse at One Brooklyn Bridge Park is the most expensive condo on the market in Brooklyn.

The sellers are Stuart Leaf, founder of fund-of-funds Cadogan Management, and his wife, Claire Silberman Leaf, a philanthropist and former lawyer.

Stuart Leaf told to the Journal that one time he received a phone call from his wife asking when he would be home. He was already home, though. It turned out that they had both been in the apartment for three hours and neither one knew it.

The apartment was originally three separate units, but the Leafs renovated and turned the 10th, 11th, and 12th floors into one large home. The penthouse features 14 rooms, including six bedrooms and six full baths, with many of them offering spectacular views of Brooklyn Bridge Park, the Statue of Liberty, and downtown Manhattan.

The home is listed by Karen and Alan Heyman of Sotheby's International Realty

Alyson Penn contributed to this report.

Welcome to the penthouse at One Brooklyn Bridge Park.



It has spacious foyers.



And the landscaped terrace is right off the oversized living room, making it perfect for parties.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider






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