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.

#750 Home Hack -- Corn meal can be used to absorb grease stains on light-colored fabric or upholstery. Pour on enough to cover the soiled area and let sit for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum to remove the grains and the stain should disappear. (HT: Real Simple)

#751 Home Hack -- Have wooden floors that squeak? Sprinkle some baby powder over your wood floors and sweep it back and forth working it into the cracks. Sweep away any excess and the squeaks will be silenced. (HT: Mrs. FIXIT'S How-To Library)

#752 Gmail Hack -- If you have both Gmail and Google Calendar, GCalQuickTab makes it easy to switch between the two webapps in your browser by overriding the default behavior of the new Gmail/Google Calendar links that appear in the upper-left-hand corner of those sites. If the linked webapp is already open, then it brings that tab into focus instead of opening the webapp in a new window. You can also switch apps by using keyboard shortcuts: 'g' for Gmail and 'l' for Calendar. (HT: MakeUseOf.com)

#753 HowTo -- How to Make Video Panoramas from Your Digital Camera’s Video Clips

#754 Download of the Week -- Update Checker is a handy freeware program that scans your computer's installed apps and then reports which ones could use an update. Update Checker downloads as a light .exe that you don't need to install (which means it's portable), and scans default application locations. (HT: Lifehacker)

See also: The Yak Shaving Razor Archives

Have a useful recommendation for making life more pleasant? Send them to me at jpcarter[at]evangelicaloutpost.com.