100-Year-Old Life Hacks That Are Surprisingly Useful Today

People don't often look back on the early 1900's for advice, but what if we could actually learn something from the Lost Generation? The New York Public Library has digitized 100 "how to do it" cards found in cigarette boxes over 100 years ago, and the tips they give are so practical that millennials reading this might want to take notes.


Back in the day, cigarette cards were popular collectibles included in every pack, and displayed photos of celebrities, advertisements, and more. Gallaher cigarettes, a UK-founded tobacco company that was once the largest in the world, decided to print a series of helpful how-to's on their cards, which ranged from mundane tasks (boiling potatoes) to unlikely scenarios (stopping a runaway horse). Most of them are insanely clever, though, like how to make a fire extinguisher at home. Who even knew you could do that?

The entire set of life hacks is now part of the NYPL's George Arents Collection. Check out some of the cleverest ones we could find below. You never know when you'll have to clean real lace!
More info: The New York Public Library

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SOURCE: http://www.boredpanda.com/vintage-100-year-old-life-hacks

Genius Ways To Use LEGO You Probably Never Thought About

Most of us think of LEGO as toys, but there are actually a lot of practical ways you can use these plastic bricks in your everyday life.

LEGO produced their first plastic brick in 1947, but their limitless construction capabilities inspire people to come up with new projects to this day. For example, one clever teacher even uses LEGO to teach math. Bored Panda has selected some of the most functional ones and compiled this list to give you some ideas on how to improve your surroundings with LEGOs. From photo frames to key keepers, these projects can be done by everyone, even those who don't have an engineering degree. Scroll down to view the designs and don't forget to vote for your favorite ones. (h/t)

#1 Lego Fish Tank

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#2 Lego Cable Organizer

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#3 Use LEGOs To Explain Math To Schoolchildren

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#4 Lego Quidditch Aquarium

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#5 Lego Gift Box

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#6 Lego Chess

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#7 Lego Train Bookends

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#8 Lego Heart Necklace Set

#9 Lego Bird Feeder

#10 Lego Lampshade

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SOURCE: http://www.boredpanda.com/alternative-creative-ways-to-use-lego/

This Simple Trick Will Make Your Reheated Microwave Dinners Taste a Lot Better

Everyone can use a microwave, right? What can possibly go wrong?

Being able to quickly reheat last night's tea for another meal is a lifesaver for the tired, lazy and the simply organised and well prepared.

But apparently there is a simple trick to make it even easier - and quicker.
And it also fixes the annoying problem of having half your plate overcooked and the other lukewarm, so it can be a lot tastier.

Excellent news.

All you have to do is make a small hole in the middle of your meal.

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Yes, it's really that simple. And it means you don't have to keep stopping and stirring.

It makes a big difference because radiation in microwaves doesn't travel very far, so struggle to get to the densest part of your meal which is normally right in the middle.

SOURCE: http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/weird-news/simple-trick-make-your-reheated-10086406