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Articles by Alex Shoemaker
Why Do Construction Barricades Come in Different Colors?
Yellow caution tape is a pretty familiar sight, whether it's blocking off a wet floor or keeping people out of a construction area. Orange barriers along the highway and red warning signs at job sites are just as common. But barricade colors aren't random, and they don't all mean the same thing. In the U.S., OSHA has rules for certain workplace safety colors, while ANSI provides guidelines for signs and warning tape. Road construction follows a different set of standards.
Why You Should Pay Attention to Diamond-Shaped Signs on Trucks
Drivers have a lot to pay attention to on the road. They watch their speed, check their mirrors, and keep an eye out for sudden stops. But one detail most drivers probably haven't given much thought to is the diamond-shaped designs on the back of trucks, even after seeing them countless times. No, they aren't decorations. It's a small detail that serves an important safety purpose, especially if there's an accident involving dangerous cargo.
The Real Reason the Apple Logo Has a Bite Taken Out of It
The Real Reason the Apple Logo Has a Bite Taken Out of It Thu, 15 October 2026 at 6:09 pm UTC Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Ever looked at your iPhone, MacBook, or even an old iPod and wondered, "Why does the Apple logo have a bite taken out of it?" You're definitely not alone. It's one of the most recognizable logos in the world, yet that tiny missing piece has sparked questions and curiosity for decades.
If You See a Traffic Light With a Yellow Border, Here's What It Means
Traffic lights are something drivers encounter almost every day. And even though they've been looked at countless times, most drivers barely even notice some of the subtle details about them. One detail that stands out at some intersections is a bright yellow border around the traffic lights. It's a small change to a familiar piece of road equipment, and it can make a difference at busy intersections. Learn what the borders do and why they're not on every traffic light.
The 2027 Colors of the Year Are Here
Paint brands have revealed their 2027 Colors of the Year, from soft greens to deep browns. See which shades could work in your home. New year, new you, new paint color. Top paint brands around the world have announced their featured paints for 2027, giving homeowners new options to consider for their next project. This year's selections cover quite a range, including soft greens and blues, darker earth tones, and even a wood stain.
If You See a Traffic Light With a Yellow Border, Here’s What It Means
If You See a Traffic Light With a Yellow Border, Here’s What It Means Wed, 14 October 2026 at 5:01 pm GMT-4 Traffic lights are something drivers encounter almost every day. And even though they've been looked at countless times, most drivers barely even notice some of the subtle details about them. One detail that stands out at some intersections is a bright yellow border around the traffic lights.
Previous Homeowners May Still Have Access to Your Smart Home
Moving into a new property can be a scary and intimidating process. There are so many new things to learn, and the last thing a new homeowner wants to worry about is home security. And while you should absolutely change the locks after moving in, proper safety measures don't end there. It's possible for previous homeowners to still have access to smart home tech they left behind.
50 Historic Places
Spooky season is right around the corner, and what better way is there to celebrate than to learn a little history and some fun facts about some of the most haunted places across the country? Each state is home to unexplainable stories, whether that's at historic hotels, residences, prisons, and more. Many of the buildings still welcome visitors today, giving anyone interested in old architecture and local lore a chance to see them firsthand. Learn about famously haunted buildings from every state.
What Is House Blindness?
Hear no mess. See no mess. Speak no mess. If only that actually made the mess go away. Sometimes in the life of a DIYer, you get a little too comfortable with living in a half-finished house. For me, I often see straight through the small mountain of tools and materials stacked in the corner of the room where we're currently (...have been for a while...) renovating. And the spackle on the wall that needs to be sanded down and painted? Invisible to my eyes.
The Weed Killer Cheat Sheet You Need Before Going to the Hardware Store
Not all weed killers are the same, and picking the wrong one can cost more than a wasted purchase. A formula meant for driveways, for example, can kill the lawn or landscaping you were trying to protect. Bottles from Ortho, Roundup, Spectracide, BioAdvanced, and other brands can look similar from several feet away, even though the formulas may serve very different purposes. A hack social video pointed out a simple shortcut to cut through some of the confusion.
When Should You Actually Use Your Hazard Lights? You May Be Using Them Wrong
Drivers are notorious for forgetting common traffic rules, and that can be especially true during extreme weather. A perfect example is knowing when to use hazard lights while driving. Hazard lights are one of the simplest controls in a car, but drivers don't always agree on when they should be used. Seeing hazard lights while driving is especially common during heavy rain, fog, sudden traffic backups, and other situations where drivers want to make their vehicles more noticeable.
I Tried To Renovate Everything at Once. Here's What Went Wrong... Original
Home improvement isn't the classroom: there's no extra credit for taking on more work, and you're not going to make the honor roll for having the most unfinished projects. It can be easy to fall into the familiar cycle of jumping from one major renovation to another and finding your to-do list growing day after day without actually whittling it down. I know because I've done it.
Why Wind Is More Dangerous When the Leaves Are Still on Trees
Trees are vulnerable to powerful storms, even a single gust of wind. While tree damage can occur any time of the year, wind damage is more dangerous in certain seasons. Fall can be a key season for wind-related tree damage because deciduous trees may still hold their leaves when storms bring strong winds and heavy rain. That's why anyone who has dealt with mature trees knows how much more movement a leafy canopy creates during a storm.
Why Wind Is More Dangerous When the Leaves Are Still on Trees
Alex Shoemaker Tue, October 6, 2026 at 4:08 PM EDT 3 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Fall windstorms can cause more tree damage due to the combination of full canopies, strong winds, and wet soil. Leaves and branches create a windsail effect, making trees more vulnerable to wind pressure during storms. Saturated soil from heavy rain can weaken tree roots, increasing the risk of uprooting during windstorms.
The Painted Lumber Ends You've Always Overlooked Have a Very Specific Purpose Original
There are a few things you should always check when looking through a lumber pile at a hardware store or lumber yard. Are you getting a straight board? Is it free of major knots or defects? Is it the right size and grade for your project? But what about the paint color at the end of the wood? Anyone who has spent time sorting through 2x4s has probably noticed that some pieces have paint on the ends of them. But why? The confusing part is that there isn't one meaning that applies to every painted board.
You May Be Able to Get Your Lowe's Order Delivered By Drone Soon Original
Trips to the hardware store might soon look different. Or at least, less frequent. That is the expectation after Lowe's launched a new drone delivery option. The retailer has started a pilot at one of its stores, allowing eligible customers to order small project supplies through DoorDash and receive them via Wing drone. The service is still limited, but it offers a look at how a quick hardware store run could change.
Is Your Home Ready for the Fall Crawl?
The Fall Crawl is the seasonal migration of pests seeking shelter from the impending winter, leaving homeowners in need of pest control solutions. The timing of the Fall Crawl varies depending on the local climate, typically starting in late summer or early autumn and continuing through November or even into early winter months.
Car Dealers Probably Don't Want You to Know This Magnet Trick When Buying Used Original
It can be nearly impossible for an untrained eye to know if they're getting a safe and reliable car when shopping at a dealership or from a private seller. Bringing a magnet when buying a used car can give shoppers one quick way to spot signs of previous body repair. Cosmetic repairs can make a used car look better than its condition suggests. A fresh coat of paint can make an older vehicle look surprisingly clean.
The Weed Killer Cheat Sheet You Need Before Going to the Hardware Store
Not all weed killers are the same, and picking the wrong one can cost more than a wasted purchase. A formula meant for driveways, for example, can kill the lawn or landscaping you were trying to protect. Bottles from Ortho, Roundup, Spectracide, BioAdvanced, and other brands can look similar from several feet away, even though the formulas may serve very different purposes. A hack social video pointed out a simple shortcut to cut through some of the confusion.
These Cheat Codes to Identify Paint Went Viral Original
Whether you're a tradesman, a savvy DIYer, or beginner, finding exactly what you're looking for in a hardware store can be overwhelming. That's especially true in the paint aisle. A wall of paint cans can look nearly identical, but thankfully, one recent viral hardware-store paint cheat code revealed that some of those cans contain a much quicker visual cue. Shortcuts like this can make a crowded paint aisle easier to navigate, but they don't work in all cases.
Over-Decluttering Doesn’t Make Your Home Look Tidy— It Just Makes It Look Sterile
For the most part, I try not to judge anyone's personal home decor preferences. After all, at the end of the day, it's really just subjective. What might be more functional or preferred by my family and me isn't a one-size-fits-all all style that's perfect for everyone else. However, when it comes to design trends, I think the motivation behind following them may be misguided.
Why ACME Became Such a Popular Name for Businesses Original
Pretty much everyone has heard of a company called ACME. Whether it's helping Wile E. Coyote's attempts to capture an elusive Road Runner, or a much less sinister company in a small town, the name is familiar to many Americans. It appears on real U.S. businesses and has a history long before cartoons. Learn what ACME means, why businesses liked (and continue to use) the name, and how cartoons popularized it for almost any company. What Does ACME Mean? Cartoon writers didn't invent the word acme.
Why the Government Wants To Keep AM Radio in Every New Car
Driving and listening to something, like music or news, go back a long way. But the way people do it today doesn't look the same as it did decades ago. Today's digital age offers a wide range of ways to listen on the road. Drivers were once limited mostly to the radio built into their vehicle. Now, satellite radio and streaming services offer plenty of alternatives. That shift has also changed what automakers put in their dashboards.
Why I’m Adding a “95% Day” to Every DIY Project From Now On
"I'll get to that eventually." If I had a dollar for every time I said that, or "that won't take long to fix," or "I'll get to that tomorrow," I would have no issues figuring out how I'd fund my next renovation project. If you're anything like me, and every other DIYer I've talked to, you're probably guilty of procrastinating when it comes to actually completing a project. Not major things, but small things that would make a project truly finished. Well, enough is enough.
Why I'm Adding a "95% Day" to Every DIY Project From Now On
"I'll get to that eventually." If I had a dollar for every time I said that, or "that won't take long to fix," or "I'll get to that tomorrow," I would have no issues figuring out how I'd fund my next renovation project. If you're anything like me, and every other DIYer I've talked to, you're probably guilty of procrastinating when it comes to actually completing a project. Not major things, but small things that would make a project truly finished. Well, enough is enough.
Why Do Some Cars Skip the Grab Handle Above the Driver's Seat?
Most drivers are familiar with vehicle grab handles, also known as "assist grips." They're typically mounted on the vehicle's headliner or ceiling above the side seats. They don't get a lot of use in my car, which is why it took more than a year of owning the vehicle for me to notice that there isn't one located above the driver's seat. Every other seat has one, but the driver's has a divot where one would go but no handle. No, it's not a manufacturing oversight.
Why People Are Bringing Empty Milk Gallons to the Gas Station Original
It feels like no matter where you look, it's impossible to escape shrinkflation. In order to lessen the blow of rising prices, many companies have been accused of reducing the volume of the product they sell. Smaller food portions, fewer ounces in packaged goods, thinner paper products, and smaller household-product quantities. People already question whether gas stations are selling watered down gasoline, but are you really getting a gallon when the pump says you are?
Why People Are Bringing Empty Milk Gallons to the Gas Station
2 days ago Boiled down to its base silicon, the new M6 Mac mini is essentially flawless. We also said the same thing about the previous M4 Mac mini from 2024, except that one launched for $300 less than the new version with its bevy of minor upgrades. So what do we get now, in this year of price hikes, …
Everyone Said Black Kitchen Cabinets Were Too Bold. I'd Choose Them Again in a Heartbeat Original
This was maybe the boldest design choice I've ever made. I don't regret it for a second. My wife and I must have gone back and forth 100 times trying to narrow down every design element in our kitchen renovation. What countertop to go with, backsplash, flooring, hardware, lighting, appliances, and, of course... what color should the cabinets be? We eventually landed on black shaker cabinets that were not either of our first choices, but grew on us the more we looked at different options.
Does Aggressive Driving Really Drain Your EV Battery Faster? Original
The appeal of electric vehicles is pretty obvious: seemingly effortless acceleration, quiet operation, lower running costs, and zero tailpipe emissions. But an EV battery still wears down over time, and new research suggests aggressive driving may speed up that process. A new Scientific Reports study found that aggressive driving was associated with greater model-predicted battery capacity fade than eco-driving.
Those Lines on Your Car's Rear Window Aren't Just for Decoration
Cars are full of weird, quirky mysteries. There are small panels on the bumper, hairs on tires, and shark fins on the roof. Another detail many drivers have probably noticed without giving much thought to is the set of thin brown or orange lines running across some rear windows. Here's what those lines actually do, why they sometimes stop working, and what can damage them. What Are the Lines on a Rear Window and How Do They Work? Those lines are part of the rear defroster.
The Car Brands Most Likely to Hit 250,000 Miles Original
Buying a new car can be a stressful experience. Drivers want something that fits their daily transportation needs, feels roomy and not cramped, hopefully looks nice, and, of course, lasts a long time before starting the process over again with a new vehicle. That makes the car brands most likely to reach 250,000 miles especially relevant for drivers who plan to keep their vehicles for years. But determining which cars, or brands, will last the longest can be tricky.
That Quarter With Red Paint On It Has Some Interesting History Behind It Original
There are plenty of odd details hiding in United States currency, and red-painted quarters are one of them. At first glance, a quarter painted red across first president George Washington's face can look like a paint stain. In many cases, though, the paint was put there on purpose. Red-painted quarters, sometimes referred to as "house coins," were especially common during the mid-20th century.
Could More Green Lights Be the Key To Slowing Drivers Down?
Few things on the road are as infuriating as waiting at a red light. Especially when it happens after waiting at the previous traffic light, and the one before that, and the one before that, and so on. It turns out, some cities are actually turning that frustration into a reason to slow down. A traffic signal strategy called "rest in red" gives drivers who follow the speed limit a better chance of reaching green lights, while faster drivers are more likely to have to stop.
Bluey's Bandit was making me feel like a bad dad—until I realized this
If there's one thing I've realized after watching Bluey, it's that Bandit Heeler is dad goals . Not every parent will agree, and not every parent will want to hear it, but there's really no other way to put it. As much as my kids, 3 and 5, have grown up with Bluey , I've grown up as a parent alongside them. Bluey was the first show (with story lines and sustained dialogue) that my eldest showed interest in after the Ms. Rachel era ended—before she could even follow the plot.
Bluey’s Bandit Was Making Me Feel Like a Bad Dad—Until I Realized This
Alex Shoemaker Tue, September 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM EDT 5 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Add Yahoo on Google Bandit Heeler from the show Bluey is making real-life dads feel inadequate by setting impossibly high standards for parenting. The character of Bandit Heeler, while portrayed as a perfect dad on the show, only exists for 8 minutes per episode, leading to unrealistic expectations from children and parents alike.
Bluey’s Bandit Was Making Me Feel Like a Bad Dad—Until I Realized This
If there’s one thing I’ve realized after watching Bluey, it’s that Bandit Heeler is dad goals. Not every parent will agree, and not every parent will want to hear it, but there’s really no other way to put it. As much as my kids, 3 and 5, have grown up with Bluey, I’ve grown up as a parent alongside them. Bluey was the first show (with story lines and sustained dialogue) that my eldest showed interest in after the Ms. Rachel era ended—before she could even follow the plot.
Why Some Stop Signs Have Small Holes — And What Drivers Should Know
A road sign with holes can be alarming at first glance. You're not alone: it's a natural reaction to an unusual look for a common item you've likely seen intact thousands of times. But before you assume the worst, there may be a good reason why that stop sign looks the way it does: sometimes those holes are intentional. Engineers design some traffic signs with perforations to hold up in rough conditions to prevent wear or irreparable damage.
The Surprising Reason Shredded Paper Can't Always Go in the Recycling Bin
A stack of old bills, tax records, or other paperwork can turn into a full bag of shredded paper surprisingly fast. Since regular office paper usually belongs in the recycling bin, it seems logical that homeowners should also be able to recycle shredded paper. The problem isn't necessarily the paper itself. Shredding changes its size, making it much harder for some recycling facilities to sort and collect.
The Surprising Reason Shredded Paper Can’t Always Go in the Recycling Bin
Alex Shoemaker Mon, September 14, 2026 at 10:03 PM UTC 2 min read Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. Shredded paper can be difficult for recycling facilities to handle due to its small size and light weight, causing some programs to not accept it in the recycling bin. Rules for recycling shredded paper vary by location, with some programs accepting it in closed, labeled paper bags while others require it to be thrown away or taken to a drop-off site.
10 Things That Attract Mosquitoes to Your Home
A gray trash can overflows with various discarded items, including food wrappers, plastic bags, and coffee cups, indicating an untidy environment. Open Trash Cans Garbage itself, and the water that collects in your trash can when it's left open, can send mosquitoes your way. Garbage cans are breeding grounds for mosquitoes, so don't give them any opening. Keep the lid on tight to win the war against mosquitoes. Two potted green plants sit on a table, casting shadows.
The Surprising Reason Shredded Paper Can’t Always Go in the Recycling Bin
Waste Management 2 hours ago Mecklenburg County is now accepting more recyclables curbside wsoctv.com - Joe Bruno • 2h If you curbside recycle in Mecklenburg County, your items go to the Amble Drive MRF.
Walmart's Latest Price Tag Update Will Change the Way You Shop Original
Everyone knows the struggle. There's a particular item you're looking for on the grocery store shelf, you've looked up and down every aisle multiple times, and you just can't find it. Well, one major retailer has a solution to that problem. Walmart's latest price tag update aims to make that search easier by making the digital price tag for a specific product flash on the shelf.
Houzz Says Homeowners Are Done With Minimalism
Move over, white walls, gray floors, and matching furniture. Houzz says homeowners are increasingly favoring warmer, more personal spaces. Houzz asked nearly 50 home design and construction professionals what clients are requesting now and which ideas appear likely to stick around for its 2026 U.S. Houzz Fall Design Trends Report. The findings suggest homeowners are embracing warmer finishes, natural materials, and rooms that feel less polished and more personal.
NASA Is Building a Laundry Gun for Space Original
Everyone wants a way to make laundry easier. Apparently, so do astronauts. Unfortunately for them, that chore is even more difficult to figure out in space. Researchers at The University of Alabama in Huntsville are developing a plasma-powered "laundry gun." The name sounds like a household gadget, but the current prototype is designed to sanitize fabric without water or traditional cleaning chemicals, which could help space crews.
Houzz Says Homeowners Are Done With Minimalism — 5 Trends Taking Over
Move over, white walls, gray floors, and matching furniture. Houzz says homeowners are increasingly favoring warmer, more personal spaces. Houzz asked nearly 50 home design and construction professionals what clients are requesting now and which ideas appear likely to stick around for its 2026 U.S. Houzz Fall Design Trends Report. The findings suggest homeowners are embracing warmer finishes, natural materials, and rooms that feel less polished and more personal.
Can Solicitors Ignore a "No Soliciting" Sign on Your Home?
You see them on mailboxes, front doors, windows, on signs in front yards, and more: "No soliciting." Some might say "no solicitors," "no door-to-door sales," or something similar with the same general message that solicitation is not welcome at that residence. But does the message actually stop someone from knocking, or is it mostly a request? Is there any legal weight behind it?
Can Solicitors Ignore a “No Soliciting” Sign on Your Home?
You see them on mailboxes, front doors, windows, on signs in front yards, and more: "No soliciting." Some might say "no solicitors," "no door-to-door sales," or something similar with the same general message that solicitation is not welcome at that residence. But does the message actually stop someone from knocking, or is it mostly a request? Is there any legal weight behind it?
6 Things You NEED to Check Before Buying a House
When searching for a new house, you may be tempted to focus only on the big-ticket items, like the state of the roof, the size of the bedrooms, if the bathroom(s) or kitchen have been recently remodeled, the age of major systems, etc. And sometimes, all that due diligence can mean overlooking other things you’ll later regret. Home inspectors and interior designers have seen this firsthand with their clients.
6 Things You NEED to Check Before Buying a House
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." When searching for a new house, you may be tempted to focus only on the big-ticket items, like the state of the roof, the size of the bedrooms, if the bathroom(s) or kitchen have been recently remodeled, the age of major systems, etc. And sometimes, all that due diligence can mean overlooking other things you'll later regret.
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