Yak Shaving -- [MIT AI Lab, after 2000: orig. probably from a Ren & Stimpy episode.] Any seemingly pointless activity which is actually necessary to solve a problem which solves a problem which, several levels of recursion later, solves the real problem you're working on.
#380 Firefox Hack -- The Grocery List Generator is a helpful little tool to store your recipe-ingredients and other groceries you need regularly. It creates a well-organized grocery list to help make your grocery shopping as easy as possible.
#381 Online Utility -- You paid the electric bill, one of your roommates bought groceries, and a third needs to settle up with both of you. Keep track of these types of exchanges using the free expenses sharing calculator iOWEYOU. iOWEYOU works by allowing you to log all these purchases, even down to the smallest expenses. Whenever you want to pay someone back, you click 'View Amount Owed' and get told very quickly how much you owe. (HT: LifeHacker)
#384 Dollar Hack -- Need to make a rough measurement but don't have a ruler? Use a dollar bill, which is slightly more than 6" or fold it in half for a 3" measure. (HT: LifeHacker)
#386 Cell Phone Hack -- Wired magazine provides a detailed explanation for creating your own ring tones using free audio editor Audacity. If that's too much trouble, web service SmashTheTONES lets you send any MP3 music file to your phone to download and use as a ringtone for free. (HT: LifeHacker)
#387 SoYouWanna -- Give a massage.
#388 First Aid Hack -- Instead of using an ice pack, partially fill a strong zip lock bag with liquid dishwashing detergent and freeze it. The detergent stays cold much longer, molds to your body better than ice, and can be re-frozen for multiple applications. (HT: LifeHacker)
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re: #388
A bag of frozen peas makes a great ice pack. It is inexpensive, re-usable, and it molds to your body. It is also edible, in times of extreme hunger.
posted on 02.08.2006 9:05 AM