WHY CATS KNOCK EVERYTHING OVER _ Cats are both feared and loved by their humans and the entire internet, mostly because of their bizarre behaviors. One of their favorite activities is knocking over every object in their field of view. A feline researcher says that while the behavior is definitely mysterious, scientists have some ideas about why cats love to shove our stuff off tables and shelves. A cat researcher (School of Veterinary Medicine at UC Davis) explained: “A lot of cats knock things over because they have learned it is a quick and easy way to get their human’s attention.” But it’s also possible that cats’ impulse to knock things over is just part of their hardwiring as hunters. Your cat’s instincts tell her that paperweight or knickknack could turn out to be a mouse. Her poking paw would send it scurrying, giving her a good game and possibly a good lunch.
WHAT MADE YOU REALIZE YOUR MAN WAS ‘HUSBAND MATERIAL’?
• I’ve been married to him 20 years but he did something last night that fits. We were on a plane that was delayed departing for 45 minutes. Three rows in front of us was an intellectually disabled man traveling alone who was upset by the delay. Flight attendants explained it to him but he was getting a tad agitated. It was seeming to make people uncomfortable. My husband got up and sat down next to him and kept him occupied for the delay. I’m so proud my kids got to see their dad be kind.
• He would go out and clear off the ice on my car in the morning before he did his own car. Without being asked. Every single time without fail ever since we met.
• Consistency and a sense of security. Not just being there in good times, but also showing up in hard times and taking responsibility makes the biggest difference.
• When he made my life feel calmer, not more confusing.
• When I got sick, he didn’t say “get well soon” and go about his business. He just quietly brought me some soup, tucked me in with a blanket, and sat by my side while I slept. That’s when I realized it.
• On our first or second date, I offhand mentioned about my health issues and how walking/standing too long makes my back and hips hurt terribly, so I feel limited. The next date he planned, he had booked a wheelchair accommodation in advance so he could push me around. Every single vacation, every single date, every apartment we’ve moved into, he has always painstakingly planned and orchestrated EVERYTHING around whether or not it will be accessible or comfortable for me. Other exes told me “I’m not Superman, I can’t do everything for you.” Doing it all will never be enough for him.
HOW MUCH LAUNDRY SOAP? _ Chances are you’re using way, way too much detergent in your laundry machine. The New York Times once ran a story that quoted appliance expert Vernon Schmidt, who shared, “Most people use 10 to 15 times the amount of soap they need, and they’re pouring money down the drain.” Modern machines are designed to use less water and don’t need nearly as much soap as they used to. And with detergents getting increasingly concentrated, it’s important to remember a little goes a long way. Overdosing on laundry detergent can lead to stiff clothes, or a buildup of mold and mildew inside your machine. Schmidt says that using half to one eighth the recommended amount of detergent is adequate, depending on how hard or soft your water is. And though it’s a bit counter-intuitive, if you see suds, don’t think you’re cleaning — you’re just using too much detergent.
