Thompson - Life hacks: the King of Randoms tips and tricks to make everyday tasks fun and easy

Copyright 2014 by Grant Thompson

Introduction 2014 by Instructables.com

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data is available on file.

Cover design by Owen Corrigan

Cover photos by Grant Thompson

Print ISBN: 978-1-62914-588-4

Ebook ISBN: 978-1-63220-025-9

Printed in China

Disclaimer:

This book is intended to offer general guidance. It is sold with the understanding that every effort was made to provide the most current and accurate information. However, errors and omissions are still possible. Any use or misuse of the information contained herein is solely the responsibility of the user, and the author and publisher make no warrantees or claims as to the truth or validity of the information. The author and publisher shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused, or alleged to have been caused, directly or indirectly, by the information contained in this book. Furthermore, this book is not intended to give professional dietary, technical, or medical advice. Please refer to and follow any local laws when using any of the information contained herein, and act responsibly and safely at all times.

Introduction

Grant Thompson, the King of Random, knows what his subjects want to see. He earned his crown with seemingly random projects and videos that led to an audience of millions across Youtube, Instructables, Facebook, and anywhere else that fascinating and fun content can be shared. A mad scientist with an eye toward making the world an amusing, interesting, and participatory experience, theres nothing random about the King.

Grants projects work so well because they expose unfamiliar but awesome facets of everyday things that most people just consume or ignore. His projects are simple, clear, and easy to try at home. Some are frivolous, but most are clever responses to common problems. You may not need to make soap from drain cleaner and bacon or rig a stick welder from microwave components. But the King of Random will show you how anyway.

In this book, youll find novel ways to enjoy summer, prepare and consume food, celebrate the holidays, save money, play with ice, save energy, work with metal, and discover other tweaks and adjustments that make life easier or more fun.

And who doesnt want their life to be easier and more fun?

What is Instructables?

Instructables.com is a bona fide Internet sensation, a web-based community of motivated do-it-yourselfers who contribute invaluable how-to guides to the site on a wide range of topics, from gardening and home repair to recipes to gadgets that defy categorization. The site hosts more than 100,000 projects. More than fifteen million people visit the site each month, leaving comments and suggestions on the ever-growing list of do-it-yourself projects.

* Special thanks to Instructables Interactive Designer Gary Lu for the Instructables Robot illustrations!

Section 1

Summer Hacks

Ten Life Hacks You Need to Know for a Better Summer!

Here are ten amazing tips and tricks you can use to impress your friends and make your summer a little easier.

I wrote this in hopes that all of you would enjoy this compilation of ten life hacks that has helped and inspired me.

I found many of them on sites such as LifeHacker.com, Pinterest.com, and Google.com. The mango and fruit fly projects were inspired by my wife from a trick she learned while visiting Argentina.

WARNING:

These projects and results are depictions of my own personal experiences. Your results may vary depending on your location and modifications to project ideas. There may be risks associated with some of these projects that require adult supervision.

Icy Drinks Every Time

When you need a drink to cool down, hot water can taste disgusting. Try filling your water bottles a quarter of the way, so that when theyre on their sides, the water settles just below the bottle neck. Now stick your bottles in the freezer and go on with your day. When the water is frozen it will make an ice block on the side of the bottle, but doesnt block the opening. Now when you need to cool off, just take a bottle from the freezer, fill it up with your favorite drink, and youve got an instant icy cold beverage ready to go.

Mango Hack

Grab yourself a mango and try this little trick. Carefully cut off the two sides of the fruit and hold one piece in your hand. You can gently cut a few lines vertically and a few more horizontally until the pattern resembles a checkerboard. Now take it with both hands and gently push from the back. Youll see bite-sized pieces pop right up and theyre ready to eat. You can use a spoon to scrape them into a bowl or just eat them right off the peel. Its fast, easy, and they wont get stuck in your teeth.

Eat Your Hamburger Upside-Down

The next time you eat a giant hamburger, try turning your sandwich upside down. The tops are nearly twice as thick as the bottoms and a lot more durable, so be smart and eat your hamburgers upside-down.

Anti-Ant Hack