Mothers of High School Boys Are Stocking Up On “Decoy Hoodies”

Baby boomers are probably familiar with high school girls securing a boy’s high school ring as a symbol of “going steady.” Today, it seems that high school girls are all about securing a boy’s hoodie as the symbol of a serious relationship. For the parents of the boys lending out their hoodies, costs can add up fast. One mom has a solution: a decoy hoodie. A woman identified only as “Az Mama,” says her plan will save moms a lot of money. The lighthearted, humorous video sparked a variety of responses. Many moms thanked the woman for her advice, with one pointing out that her son had already lost a $95 hoodie after a breakup. 

 

 

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Phone Fatigue: Those Looking to Unplug Find Creative a Alternative to Smartphones

If you’re one of the many people reconsidering your relationship with technology, you’re not alone. Many people are now choosing flip phones, which are usually limited to calling and texting. There's a growing community of “dumb” phone users, who are offering advice to others about which phone to buy and how to make the transition. Used flip phones are listed for sale on Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist for those looking for a “digital cleanse.” While a lot of people are feeling like technology is running their lives, they also don’t want to be completely without a phone. Most flip phones run in the neighborhood of $80 today. Considering that the top-rated smartphones will set you back between $1,500 and $2,000, an $80 flip phone is cheap by comparison. In exchange, you’ll be getting reduced screen time and distractions, a superior battery life, simplicity and ease of use, and better sleep. If you aren’t sure you’re ready to commit and want a risk-free way to test drive a “dumb” phone, check out the TCL Flip 2, which will only cost you $56 at Walmart.

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This Freight Train Claims to be the Longest Ever

Transnet Freight Rail, government-run company in South Africa, says it has sent the longest freight train ever on a test run. The train was 4.7 miles long and consisted of 696 freight cars. It required electric and diesel locomotives to be positioned throughout the train to power it. The train completed an 534-mile journey from Saldanha Bay on South Africa’s west coast to an iron ore mine in the country’s interior on Oct. 18. The freight cars were empty for the 2-day journey. Transnet CEO Russell Baatjies said the operation was a learning experience that was designed to help improve South Africa’s capability to transport minerals and other goods over long distances. Freight trains are typically between half a mile and 1½ miles long depending on the country, but South Africa and Australia operate some of the longest trains in the world over extensive distances. Transnet claims it took the record from a 4½-mile-long train that went from an iron ore mine to a port in Western Australia in 2001.

 

 

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King Ranch Chicken Casserole

Synonymous with comfort food, King Ranch chicken casseroles are frequently found gracing the tables of Southerners looking for a hearty dish for their busy weeknight family dinners, potlucks, and covered-dish suppers. The recipe can be easily doubled or tripled for large parties.

Servings: 6-8

Ingredients:

• • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
• • 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• • 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• • 2 cups chopped cooked chicken
• • 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of chicken soup
• • 1 (10.5-oz.) can cream of mushroom soup
• • 1 (10-oz.) can diced tomato and green chilies (such as Rotel)
• • 1 tsp. chili powder
• • ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• • 2 pinches garlic powder
• • 2 pinches ground black pepper
• • 12 corn tortillas, torn into 1-inch pieces
• • 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
• • 1 Tbsp. scallions

Directions:

• • In a large skilled over medium-high heat, sauté bell pepper and onion 5 minutes or until tender.
• • Stir in chicken and next 7 ingredients; remove from heat.
• • Layer one-third of torn tortillas in bottom of a lightly greased 13x9 baking dish.
• • Top with ⅓ of chicken mixture and ⅔ cup cheese. Repeat layers twice.
• • Bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes. Top with scallions, if desired.

 

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