See my reply to winkydink...

That's exactly what I do. And trust me, I know funk... I do Bikram yoga on a regular basis! Instead of bleach, I fill up with white vinegar and started using fabric softener (only for my workout clothes). This brand is incredible: Downy Simple Pleasures Orchid Allure! No more funk!

Thanks, v! Very helpful!

I know this isn't Lifehacker, but pix would be great!

Thanks, you just gave me a couple of really good ideas instead of buying the $799 desk someone linked to below! There this high dining room set at Christmas Tree Shop that's going for $99.99 with a granite top and four stools. I'll now Google "entertainment stand." Not sure I can tell what it is (not a table, right?)

@Xylo: I just read that you live in Canada by reading the thread again. I'm originally from outside Montreal (and somewhere else prior to that!)

@kontempt: Why? This woman is lovely.

@raincoaster: A dear friend was diagnosed with throat cancer about a year and a half ago. Around the same age as Douglas too. Stage 4. We all thought he was lost but never talked about it and all took turn driving him to Beth Israel.

@Vesta: Oh, poor Vesta! I didn't realize that I would unleash the hounds...

@Vesta: That sentence, I don't think it means what you think it does.

Clamshell plastic package opener: try the [Zibra] if you like gadget (my friend swears by it) or try a simple kitchen shears like the ones made by [Trudeau] a well-known really reliable brand where I'm from.

@Iron59: You need the professional version of Acrobat to do so.

@ThatGirlCrystal: Oh that's a fantastic idea! I have had my bathroom redone and the old cabinet does not have a purpose right now, but you just gave me an idea!

OK, to those who think that this list is a bit too much, etc. Let me tell you, some of us are constantly hosting for any length of time and, to us, this is a great idea.

Again, great post. Many, many thanks. Sometimes you explain things so much better than I can. Will link for my students' benefits.

This is a *fantastic* post, which (with your permission) I will reproduce on BlackBoard for my students. I'll place the link on your Facebook Group and Twitter feed though.

@trekie86: Actually, there's no need for a lawsuit, unless they changed the law which allowed the consumer a small payment *every time* the caller called. I can't remember where I read this, but I'll take a look and post it here if I can find it.

@Annalee Newitz: Neat! Now I can't think of anything! This thread was fun... I want to do it again!

@colormist: I'm glad you managed it! Do you think that in due time you'll appreciate it more? It's a little bit like a slow payback for me.

@verziehenone: Wouldn't it feel like "How did you get back, Starbuck?"