Hands are almost always the first thing to touch the ground in a fall. They are also your connection to the throttle, brake and clutch. Good gloves have to protect without making the controls harder to feel. Short or gauntlet? Short gloves end at the wrist. They are comfortable and easy to put on, popular … Read more
Most people who regret a car purchase did not pick a bad car. They picked a car for the life they imagined instead of the one they actually live: the big SUV for two camping trips a year, the coupe that now carries a child seat every morning. The fix is to start from a … Read more
The right family car depends less on brand than on a few numbers: how many seats you need every day, how many car seats have to fit side by side, and how much you carry. Get those right and almost any well-rated model will do the job. One or two children: a compact car can … Read more
Basketball IQ is knowing what to do, when to do it, and why. Players with a high IQ seem to be in the right place at the right time and rarely make the same mistake twice. Unlike height, it can be learned. Watch games like a coach Watching basketball helps only if you watch actively. … Read more
“Golf cart” can mean two quite different things: the motorized vehicle you ride in, and the push cart (or trolley) that carries your bag while you walk. Both come in several types. Electric golf carts Most course fleets are electric. They are quiet, produce no exhaust and are cheap to run. Older models use lead-acid … Read more
Why do we make irrational decisions, follow the crowd or deceive ourselves? Behavioral science offers answers, and several researchers have written accessible books for general readers. Here are some of the most influential. Decisions and biases Influence and social behavior Human nature Habits and change Atomic Habits by James Clear and The Power of Habit … Read more
Pasta is simple, which is exactly why small details make a big difference. Most of them happen in the last two minutes of cooking. Cooking dried pasta The secret: pasta water and finishing in the pan Before draining, scoop out a cup of the cooking water. Then transfer the pasta, slightly underdone, directly into the … Read more
A small room cannot get bigger, but it can feel bigger. The goal is to let the eye travel: fewer interruptions, more light, more visible floor and wall, and furniture that works hard. Light and color Mirrors A large mirror reflects light and the view of the room, giving an impression of depth. Placing it … Read more
Flooring takes more abuse than any other surface in a home, and it is costly to replace. The right choice depends on the room, your budget, how much moisture it sees, and who lives there: kids, pets, people who work from home. Solid hardwood Pros: beautiful, warm, long-lasting and can be sanded and refinished several … Read more
No breed guarantees an easy dog: individual temperament, upbringing and training matter as much as genes. Still, some breeds are generally more forgiving for people learning the ropes: friendly, eager to please, adaptable and not extreme in energy or grooming needs. Breeds often recommended for beginners Labrador Retriever Friendly, trainable and good with families. Needs … Read more
