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Everything you need to know about Season 6 before watching the final episodes of ‘Mad Men’

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AMC will begin to air the final episodes of “Mad Men” on Sunday.

If you haven't had a chance to watch the first part of the final season 7, which aired last spring, don't worry, we have you covered.

Before saying goodbye for good to Don Draper and the rest of the gang, here's a refresher of what went down the first half of the final season.

If you haven't watched the first part of season 7 yet, warning: spoilers ahead.

Season 7 begins with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) still on “mandatory leave of absence” from Sterling Cooper & Partners after he divulged his shocking childhood at a pitch meeting with Hershey at the end of season 6.

 

 



But Don doesn't reveal his work situation to his actress-wife Megan (Jessica Paré), who he still visits in Los Angeles on the weekends.



Back at the advertising agency's office in New York, Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss) is at odds with Lou Avery (Allan Havey), Don’s fill-in.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Everything you need to know before watching the final episodes of 'Mad Men'

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intro Mad Men 7 1

AMC will begin to air the final episodes of “Mad Men” on Sunday.

If you haven't had a chance to watch the first part of the final season 7, which aired last spring, don't worry, we have you covered.

Before saying goodbye for good to Don Draper and the rest of the gang, here's a refresher of what went down the first half of the final season.

If you haven't watched the first part of season 7 yet, warning: spoilers ahead.

Season 7 begins with Don Draper (Jon Hamm) still on “mandatory leave of absence” from Sterling Cooper & Partners after he divulged his shocking childhood at a pitch meeting with Hershey at the end of season 6.

 

 



But Don doesn't reveal his work situation to his actress-wife Megan (Jessica Paré), who he still visits in Los Angeles on the weekends.



Back at the advertising agency's office in New York, Peggy Olsen (Elisabeth Moss) is at odds with Lou Avery (Allan Havey), Don’s fill-in.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 19 hottest property markets in the world (PKB, HOMX, XHB, FLM)

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colorful houses of costa nova

Europe's property markets are surging.

The Global Property Guide has compiled and analyzed the property price performance of the world's big economies.

We have put together a list of the top 19 markets based on year-over-year, inflation-adjusted price performance as of the fourth quarter of 2014.

The chart accompanying each slide shows the year-over-year percentage change in house prices, with markets ranked from the least to most quickly appreciating.

Netherlands

Home prices in the Netherlands rose 5.09% year-over-year, which was greater than 2013's decrease of 2.71%.

Prices fell 0.24% from the previous quarter.

Source: Global Property Guide



Mexico

Home prices in Mexico rose 5.11% year-over-year, which was greater than 2013's increase of 4.07%.

Prices rose 1.01% from the previous quarter.

Source: Global Property Guide



New Zealand

Home prices in New Zealand rose 5.39% year-over-year, which was less than 2013's increase of 9.77%.

Prices rose 7.14% from the previous quarter.

Source: Global Property Guide



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

7 ways super-wealthy people think about their money

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hamptons pool

In "The Thin Green Line: The Money Secrets of the Super-Wealthy," author Paul Sullivan makes a distinction between being rich and being wealthy.

Rich people, he says, have a lot of money. Wealthy people have the security that comes with knowing how to manage however much money they do have so that they'll still have money tomorrow.

Super wealthy people apply that know-how to an enormous bank account balance.

So, what's it like to be super-wealthy?

Sullivan, who is also the New York Times Wealth Matters columnist, explained to Business Insider seven of the money secrets he's unearthed in his research.

1. Super-wealthy people still want to identify as middle class.

As "The Thin Green Line" opens, Sullivan is sitting in an opulent Upper East Side drawing room in New York City, listening to "four men worth tens of millions of dollars argue over who had the poorest childhood."

"It's one of the good and bad things of being an American," Sullivan tells Business Insider. "When you get to the top of the wealth pyramid, people still want to think of themselves as middle class. Where we came from is very ingrained in us — much more so than where we ended up."



2. Many wealthy people aren't sure how to communicate their wealth to their kids.

"In an effort to keep children motivated, parents shelter children from their wealth, as best they can," Sullivan writes. "It is not unlike parents of middle-class children who don't talk about money and leave their kids to guess about how much they have when they might have far less."

This leads to what he calls "sheltered inheritors," or kids who have no concept of how to deal with the massive wealth they have received.

There's another approach, though: Sullivan writes of Doug Ideker, who started and owned a building-supply company in Colorado until he sold it for enough money to retire in his 40s. He always mandated that his two sons either find summer jobs on their own or work for his company ... on the loading dock at 6:30 a.m.

Ideker created two adult sons he calls "inspired inheritors," which Sullivan describes as "a class of kids who are driven in spite of their family's wealth."



3. They realize that it's important to work the tax system — legally.

The IRS can present a major threat to superrich people who are not smart about their taxes.

"The wealthiest people understand that with the proper guidance, they can pay exactly the amount they're supposed to pay in taxes — not a penny more," Sullivan says. "That's a lot less than what people think the bill will be. There's a way for them to work the system without breaking the law."



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

30 books everyone should read before turning 30

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girl reading

Your 20s are a time for figuring out who you are and what you want from life.

While the only way to learn is to survive the inevitable cycle of successes and failures, it is always useful to have some guidance along the way.

To help you out, we've selected some of our favorite books that likely never made your high school or college reading lists.

It's an eclectic selection that focuses on topics like identity, how you see the world, and laying the foundation for a fulfilling career.

Here's what we think you should read before you turn 30.

'Meditations' by Marcus Aurelius

As you become an adult, you realize that there will never be a time in your life where everything is just as you hoped it would be.

"Meditations" is a collection of personal writings on maintaining mental toughness from the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius, who ruled from 161 to 180 AD and became remembered as one of the great "philosopher kings."

As Gregory Hays notes in the introduction to his excellent translation, Marcus wrote his musings on resilience and leadership in a "dark and stressful period" in the last decade of his life.

The emperor's version of Stoic philosophy has remained relevant for 1,800 years because it offers timeless advice for gaining control of one's emotions and progressing past all obstacles in one's path.

Buy it here >>



'The Myth of Sisyphus: And Other Essays' by Albert Camus

We all have a reason to get out of bed in the morning, and we start to question that reason after entering the real world.

As "The Stranger" author Albert Camus sees it, all people find themselves in an irrational world struggling to find meaning for their lives where there is none.

His main message, however, is that just as the legend of Sisyphus tells of a god who was eternally punished by having to push a rock up a hill only to have it fall down each time he reached the peak, we should embrace the drive for meaning and lead happy, fulfilling lives with a clear-eyed view of the world.

Buy it here >>



'Crime and Punishment' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Regardless of your personal philosophy, there will be times when the world pushes against you and you wonder why it's worth trying to better yourself and help others.

Fyodor Dostoyevsky's novel is not only a gripping story, it's an argument against the nihilism that was popular among Russian intellectual circles in his time.

"Crime and Punishment" is the tale of a 23-year-old man named Raskolnikov who, acting on a nagging urge, murders two old women and then struggles with processing the act.

Dostoyevsky argues that rationalism taken to its extreme ignores the powerful bonds that connect humanity and give us responsibility over each other.

Buy it here >>



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 early roles of 'Mad Men' actors before they were stars

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Mad Men Cast Photo 2

When "Mad Men" first debuted in 2007, it featured a cast made up mostly of unknown actors.

Before the hit AMC show, many of the cast members had bit roles in TV shows and films, one was even a clown who performed at birthday parties.

But with the success of the Emmy-winning drama series, the actors' careers skyrocketed.

Today, Jon Hamm, January Jones, Christina Hendricks, John Slattery, and others, have all seen major career boosts thanks to "Mad Men."

Before Jon Hamm was suave ad executive Don Draper...



... he was a struggling actor landing minor roles in episodes of "Ally McBeal" and "Gilmore Girls."

Hamm's pre-"Mad Men" acting career has become something of a legend now. He had trouble finding roles due to his "older appearance," and he was eventually dropped by his agency. He also briefly taught an acting class at his old high school in St. Louis (where one of his students was "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" star Ellie Kemper).

His first credited TV appearance was "Gorgeous Guy at Bar" in an episode of "Ally McBeal." 



Today, we know John Slattery as the outspoken, scotch-drinking Roger Sterling.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Here's what people around the globe eat on Easter

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easter table

As trees begin to blossom with the start of spring, the thoughts of Christians around the globe turn to Easter. Easter is a time for those who celebrate it to be with family, friends, and loved ones.

And what better way to spend time with your favorite people than to stuff your face with delicious and traditional Easter meals? But what these time-honored treats are can differ dramatically depending on where you are in the world.

We decided to find out just what those typical dishes are. Now we're hungry.

Mexican families traditionally often spend Good Friday eating capirotada, a sweet bread pudding covered in sugary syrup, various fruits, berries, and nuts, and a layer of cheese.



Fanesca is a rich soup served in Ecuador during the week before Easter. It contains milk, gourds, pumpkins, beans, grains, peas, corn, eggs, and salted cod. It is usually served with empanadas or fried plantains.



In Jamaica, Christians eat buns and cheese on Easter. The buns, made with spices and raisins, are cut in two and eaten with slices of cheese, usually cheddar.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

RORY MCILROY: How Nike's $200 million man spends his money

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rory mcilroy nike

At age 26, Rory McIlroy has already won three of the four major championships and has a deal with Nike rumored to be worth as much as $200 million.

He only needs the 2015 Masters to complete the career Grand Slam.

He also has the makings of a pretty fantastic lifestyle off the course, with a lavish house in Florida, a $400,000 car, and much more.

He earned $24.3 million last year, making him the 35th-highest-paid athlete in the world.

Source: Forbes



He made $20 million in endorsements alone.

Source: Forbes



His biggest deal: a monster Nike contract rumored to be worth $200+ million.

Source: USA Today



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

Incredible photos of the military drill that's freaking out North Korea

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Foal Eagle 2015

Operation Foal Eagle 2015, which runs from March 2 to April 24, features US and South Korean Marines practicing amphibious beach assaults along with aerial and naval operations.

The operation involves 12,500 US troops, along with an astonishing 200,000 of their South Korean counterparts.

Because Foal Eagle takes place in South Korea, North Korea views it as a possible practice run for an invasion. Pyongyang has ratcheted up the rhetoric and has threatened that Foal Eagle 2015 would be greeted with a "merciless baptism by fire."

In response to the start of Foal Eagle, North Korea launched two SCUD missiles into the sea outside of South Korea on March 2. On March 12, North Korea fired an additional seven surface-to-air missiles to protest against the exercise.

Operation Foal Eagle is carried out in the spirit of the 1953 South Korea-US Mutual Defense Treaty, which obligates the US to intervene if the north ever invaded again.



The bilateral exercise is conducted by South Korea and the US. It allows the two nations to practice land, air, and naval operations.



The drill features the use of smoke screens during an amphibious invasion ...



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

10 free and incredibly useful Android apps that you can't get on the iPhone

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There are tons of apps out there for iPhone and Android that help to keep you organized.

But since Android lets app makers do certain things that Apple prohibits, there are a few exclusive options that stand out.

From launchers that make it easier to access important information straight from the home screen, to apps that help you find files buried in your phone, here are some of the best free options in Google Play. 

Buzz Launcher gives your Android phone a facelift.

Buzz Launcher is a home screen replacement for Android that is extremely simple to navigate, and it comes with a bunch of themes that give your home screen a whole new look. Swiping up from the bottom launches the app menu, and you can press and hold anywhere on the screen to access settings. 



The Google Now Launcher strips your home screen down to the basics.

If you're using a phone with a skinned version of Android, like one of Samsung's or HTC's phones, you can install the Google Now launcher to make your home screen look a little cleaner. The Google Now launcher also lets you access voice controls more quickly by simply saying "Ok Google" from the home screen. 



Link Bubble Browser makes it easier to view links on Twitter or Facebook.

People share links on Facebook and Twitter all the time, but each time you tap one you're taken away from your social feed and into a browser. Link Bubble Browser lets you continue browsing Facebook or Twitter while your link loads in the background.  



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

What's cool in tech has changed drastically from the 1980s to today

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delorean

From smart phones to laptops, technology is at the center of much of modern life and culture.

The 1980s were huge in terms of consumer electronics and innovation, as many early versions of important technologies were released then. 

Some of the early breakthroughs can spark a wave of nostalgia, while others are not missed; they can't compare to what we have today.

We're looking back on some of our favorites to witness the evolution and see just how far we've come.

Atari's Touch Tablet debuted in 1984. Retailing for around $89, the software would allow users to draw shapes and lines. Today, the iPad Air 2 starts around $500 and can be customized with hundreds of different apps.



The DeLorean DMC-12, which has gull-wing doors and an innovative fiberglass body, became a symbol for futuristic transportation after being turned into a time machine in "Back to the Future." Today's Tesla Model S is a fully electric luxury sedan and, for many, a symbol of the future of electric cars.



In the '80s, camcorders were huge and heavy, and you needed to store everything on tapes. Today's cameras are lightweight and versatile, and can fit in the palm of your hand. And they are digital — no wasted tape, much easier editing.

 



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

The 15 best 'Shark Tank' pitches of all time

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Robert Herjavec Lori Greiner Daymond John Kevin O'Leary shark tank hosts judges

Over the past five seasons of the hit ABC reality show "Shark Tank," countless entrepreneurs have pitched their products to some of the world's most influential investors.

Not only do contestants have a shot to convince billionaire investor Mark Cuban or real-estate mogul Barbara Corcoran to fork over a few hundred grand, but they do so in front of a national audience of about seven million viewers.

Some aspiring entrepreneurs have risen to the challenge and shown how to give a pitch that's so concise and effective that the investors feel like they'd be missing out on some major cash if they didn't gain a stake in the company.

In anticipation of the sixth season's two-hour premiere on Friday, Sept. 26, and with the help of Andrew Figgins, a Chicago-based entrepreneur and owner of the fan site InTheSharkTank.com, we look back at some of the greatest pitches we've seen so far on "Shark Tank."

Vivian Giang contributed to this article.

PITCH: Charles Michael Yim has a breathalyzer that plugs into your smartphone.

In the fifth season, Yim galvanizes all five Sharks around Breathometer, a startup that makes a breathalyzer that plugs into your smartphone. He already has $1 million in venture backing, $100,000 in sales the previous month, and readily answers the Sharks' questions. He initially asks the Sharks for $250,000 for a 10% equity stake in his business. 



RESULT: All five Sharks invest for a total of $1 million.

Yim ends up with all of the episode's investors — Mark Cuban, Kevin O'Leary, Daymond John, Lori Greiner, and Robert Herjavec — in his corner and a whopping $1 million investment for 30% of his company.



PITCH: Bruno François has an app that will let you take panoramic video without using your hands.

If you place your phone vertically on a solid surface and use the Cycloramic iPhone app, it will vibrate your phone in a circle as it records video.

François boldly tells the Sharks he expects to have one million users after one year and requests $90,000 for 5% of his company.



See the rest of the story at Business Insider

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

30 screenshots that prove old people are the best part of Facebook

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oldpeopleatcomputer tbi

It's a wonderful thing when senior citizens keep up with the times — there are so many great tools available to them online! From games that exercise the brain to the latest world news, the Internet is an awesome resource for people of all ages.

But social media is a brave new world, and it can lead to serious confusion for many of the elderly users who are bold enough to create accounts.

While there are tons of grandparents who are active on Facebook, there will always be a few who don't quite get it . . . and luckily, the results are often hilarious. 

Does Walmart carry those?



You've got to admire Mary's directness.



Judith won't have any of your excuses, Walmart!



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31 GIFs that show how the Apple Watch will work (AAPL)

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Apple watch

Apple will finally release its first-generation Watch this month, with preorders going on sale Friday at midnight PST.

If you want to know what's novel or unique about the Apple Watch, or you're still on the fence about smartwatches in general, look no further.

Thanks to Apple's new guided tours of the Apple Watch, we're able to give you a great idea of what you can expect if you buy an Apple Watch on April 24.

1. To turn on the display, you just need to raise your wrist. You turn off the display by lowering your wrist.



2. You customize the information that appears on your watch face, and you can tap on any one of these "complications" to visit the corresponding app.



3. Swipe up from the bottom of the screen to see "Glances," which are bite-size snippets of the apps you visit most often.



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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 tabletop 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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9 free — or very, very cheap — things to do when you visit Athens, Greece

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Athens, Greece

What’s the first thing you think about when you hear the word "Athens?"

Yes, definitely the Acropolis.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg: Greece's capital was recently named one of TripAdvisor's 2015 most popular travel destinations in the world.

Take some time before hopping off to an Aegean island to really meet this vibrant and multifaceted city.

Here are nine ways to do so on a budget:

Covering over 35 markets, Daily Secret's signature email newsletters and website reveal coveted bars, restaurants, shops and all round local 'secrets' while integrating brands around passion points.

1. Get a free tour of the city's many museums.

This is Athens: If you throw a rock in a random corner, you'll probably hit a museum. Or an open archaeological space waiting to be explored.

Enlist the help of the experts for free, by leveraging one of the complimentary weekend tours the municipality of Athens is offering.

You can see the list here— otherwise call them at +30 210 3313038 (Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.)

Price: Free



2. Weigh your fashion choices at Kilo Shop.

The pay-by-weight trend that first started in France is a novel concept for Athens, but one that caught on like wildfire.

In Kilo shop you get to pick any clothes and accessories you like and then weigh them in to see what you'll actually be paying.

What this means: You can snag vintage treasures for 2 or 3 euro. No joke.

Price: From 1€ (~$1.10)



3. Find your Muse with a free tour guide app.

A Greek startup has created a nifty application called Clio Muse, a tour guide app that will be your best friend while you make your way from exhibit to exhibit.

She narrates interesting, real-time stories that give you a much more thorough understanding of what you're seeing — without boring you to death.

She'll also let you voice your opinion and vote for your favorite exhibit. Because, democracy.

Price: Free



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