On another note, is anyone starting to cringe at the amount of waste that non-standard chargers create? Even if you recycle your old phone, cell phone recyclers don't want the chargers, so many of them must be getting tossed.

My LG (not-smart) phone uses the mini USB. I like it, but maybe if they standardize chargers, it will stop telling me to "check out if the cable is plugged in correctly or recommended for this phone." It's the correct cable, and charges just fine, so why is it arguing with me??

@mados123: Picnik FTW. Teeth whitening and red-eye removal are free features, too. However, the premium features are totally worth the $25 per year.

@RedundantSnark: I have sold gift cards on eBay. I think they still do it.

@Buddha916: I entertain family a lot, and used to have labels on each cabinet so they could help themselves.

@sleepmanager: No, you can set GV to pick up calls made to your regular number. I actually prefer its voicemail, because you don't have to call v/m to get your message. You can set GV to transcribe the message and send it to your phone as a text. The transcription isn't perfect, but it's usually good enough.

I read some time ago that putting your underwear and socks into a clear zip bag will keep them from getting scattered when the TSA goes through your bag. I find it also makes it easier to find things when you're digging through your bag.

@Vesta: I realize the person who sent the email should use a subject, but if they won't, Outlook allows you to edit the subject. I do it daily, because I keep a lot of email as a paper trail.

@quesoesbueno59: Wasn't that supposed to be one of the benefits of being a grownup?

@Dancing Milkcarton: Actually, I can remember when Listerine promoted itself as a cold remedy. The FDA made them stop saying that years ago, but I agree with you, Listerine works for me. I also find that Listerine breath strips will clear my sinuses and stop the post-nasal drip that keeps me clearing my throat every…

@Kathleen Kasper: Maybe 1&1 is ok unless, God forbid, you need to cancel. Then they send you to the 9th circle of hell.

@Kathleen Kasper: My son bought a domain registration on 1&1 and cancelling it was horrific. Finally the credit card expired and then, instead of attempting to contact me, the cardholder, they turned it over to a COLLECTION AGENCY... Over charges under $20. [www.complaintsboard.com]

I love this! Years ago, when I was a stay-at-home mom, I served as an election judge. It was quite an eye-opener. So many people don't know where they are supposed to vote. So many people don't know that you can't just walk into any old polling place and vote. And then they get frustrated and go home.

@freelunch: freezing will often make a pumpkin break down faster.

After carving, I always stuff the pumpkin loosely with newspapers, take it outside, set them on fire, and put the lid back on. Let it burn until the newspapers are all burned away. After burning, store overnight outside to be sure it's out. The smoke will cure the pumpkin and it should last 3-4 weeks.

@dedarose: Yummm, especially when they used to offer it as a wrap.

"While it's certainly not the best pizza in the world, there's something emotionally satisfying about jamming cheese and/or meat where it doesn't necessarily belong."

Hmmm, I could use this at home. My nosy kids are always walking by and if my browser screen looks interesting, they will stop and gawk. I like to do my Christmas shopping from the comfort of the recliner, so this will make it easier.

@farcedude:

@MeOhMy: ROFL! "Harrass the meat".... I just got this mental picture of the burgers cowering on the grill.