To be able to read, write or carry on a conversation in another language is a feat few Americans attempt, let alone achieve. Just 7% of our university students study a language other than English, and less than 1% of American adults are proficient in a foreign language they studied in school. Of her college German, Shoener says, “I remembered very little.”

Yet the rewards for those who do learn a second (or third, or fourth) language are profound: increased travel opportunities, of course, but also improved memory, focus and ability to multitask. Bilingual brains are better shielded against cognitive disorders such as Alzheimers disease. And according to a poll conducted by the language app Babbel, knowing multiple languages can make you more attractive.

Why aren’t more people multilingual?

So, why arent more of us multilingualor trying to be? There are dozens of decent answers to that question, but one common retort doesnt have much merit at all: the idea that adults, especially older ones, just cant learn languages as easily as children can.

Linguists have long debated how old is too old to acquire a language, but newer research is refuting the idea wholesale. “There is no magical point at which it becomes impossible to learn a new language,” says Alison Gabriele, PhD, of the University of Kansas, who led a study published last year showing that adult learnerseven as beginnerscould process sentence structures in new languages much like native speakers. Separate research at Cambridge University recently found that language instruction affects adults and children the same way.

While its true that children tend to pick up new languages quickly and easily, this has more to do with how they learn than how old they are when they do. Kids absorb and infer lots of information about language simply by listening to family, friends, teachers and the media around them. It happens without much thought or effort on their part, and when they do put in effort, its because they want to understand the story, joke or game thats going on.

By contrast, adults tend to learn in rigid academic settings where they have little say in what they study and where the stakes are also higher. What Shoener can recall from her German classes is the pressure to maintain her grade point average. “I was horrified of making mistakes,” she says. “Now Im not afraid, and I know Im doing better than I did in college.”

How to learn a new language

If you dream of being bilingual, your age does not disqualify you. Make the process more funand, by extension, more successfulwith these tips:

Find your motivation to learn a new language

Wish you had paid more attention in high school Spanish? Consider why you didnt. Perhaps all you wanted out of the class was a good grade, or to fulfill a graduation requirement. Linguists call these incentives “extrinsic motivators,” but the most successful language students are “intrinsically” motivated, sincerely invested in their own learning. So pick a language you are excited to use, whether on a grand vacation or on your couch watching foreign-language soap operas.

Pick your tools (like a language learning app)

It might take some trial and error, but youll figure out which resources work best for you. Mobile apps such as Duolingo and Babbel gamify your learning, so if you could easily spend hours playing on your phone, youll likely find these similarly addictive. Others such as Rosetta Stone and Pimsleur are less gimmicky but more rigorously researched.

Consider a conversation-based class on Italki or Idlewild. And dont neglect books. McGraw Hill and Barrons offer excellent textbooks, grammar guides and workbooks with answer keys to let you see how youre doing. But you may enjoy childrens stories more, with their simple vocabulary and easy-to-understand narratives.

Dive into learning a new language

Immerse yourself in your chosen language as much as you can. Watch movies or listen to songs, even if they are just on in the background. Periodically look around you and see how many things you can name in the language youre studying. Or, better yet, label items around your home with those words. Youll have no choice but to see them and, in very little time, learn them.

Get social while learning your new language

Practicing with other people helps solidify what youve already learned and makes you more aware of which ideas youre able to express. These need not be native speakers you chat with, though various websites and apps such as languageexchange.com, HelloTalk and TalkAbroad can connect you with some, either free or for a small fee.

Dont sweat your language learning mistakes

Kids get it wrong all the time. Theyll say, for instance, that they “goed” to school and played with other “childs.” But inherent in these errors is an understanding of the general rules: We use “-ed” as a suffix to put an action in the past, we add “-s” to make things plural and so on. Although kids often misapply these rules, they pick up on the patterns and use them in novel situations. This is what successful learners do when figuring out how to learn a new language.

Sometimes youll miss the mark as you unknowingly stumble on an irregular verb or an exception to the rule. But more often youll be right. And even when you do falter, those who are fluent should still be able to understand what you mean.

Try less when learning a new language

It seems counterintuitive, but youre more receptive to pick up on language patterns when you arent hyperfocused on learning them. So rather than stare intently at a vocabulary list when learning, glance over the words while you listen to instrumental music. Or enjoy a glass of wine ahead of conversation practiceresearch at the University of Liverpool has shown that our ability to speak a second language improves after a bit of alcohol. Or turn on subtitles in the language youre learning even as you watch TV in English.

Dont devote your full attention to themjust enjoy the show and absorb what you can. The less you stress, the more youll be able to learn.

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There’s a sandwich out there for everyone: panini, sub, grilled cheese, BLTyou name it! As a crowd favorite, this lunch staple has been perfected to an art form.

When it comes to food across the country, each state has its own specialties. We have evaluated them all, from the best coffee shops and the best pizzerias to the most popular foods, and now we’re serving you the best sandwich in every state. Make sure to file this away before your next road trip.

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There is something so peaceful about disconnecting from the world and exploring one of our nation’s national parks. After all, the stunning mountains, rivers, and terrains are what make this planet so beautiful. Whether you’re hiking through Yosemite, taking a road trip through Zion, or trying to spot alligators in the Everglades, there are so many parks to check off your bucket list. But there are a few things you may not know about our national parks. Before you head out on your next nature excursion, these national park facts will give you a little more knowledge about the beautiful places our country has to offer.

The post 13 Things You Need to Know About National Parks appeared first on Reader's Digest.

1. Put down your phone

Animals want our attention, and sometimes theyre quite overt about asking for it. Antics are often our pets way of telling us to stop what were doing and play with them. Its why Fido constantly chases his tail and why Kitty keeps rolling around. A desperately bored dog or catmay resort to bad behaviors to elicit a reactioneven a negative one!

2. Feed me

Sure, your dog loves you, but thats not why its licking your face. A puppy learns to lick its mothers mouth to snag a little leftover food, so Spot isnt kissing you in our sense of the word; he just wants a snack.

3. Im stressed

Cat owners also misinterpret their furry friends kisses. While a cat might lick you to show affection, sometimes itll lick you to soothe itself. One way to tell if the licking is stress-related is to see if it goes on for an extended period of time. Birds also overgroom when they feel anxious. Some will even pluck out their own feathers.

4. My tail tells all

Dogs wag their tails to the right when they see something (or someone) they want to approach and to the left when they see something they want to avoid. When frightened, dogs tuck their tails in, while cats wrap theirs around themselves. And if a cats tail looks like a question mark, its itching to playespecially if the tip twitches.

5. Dont dismiss my accidents

A house-trained dog that suddenly goes to the bathroom on the carpet could simply be dehydrated, but it could also have kidney failure, liver disease, or diabetes. And a cat that sprays outside its litter box might have kidney stones or a urinary tract infection, so mention your pets accidents to the vet, especially if they keep happening. Once you rule out a medical issue, try getting another litter box for your cat. If it keeps missing, it probably dislikes the box or wants another. (Cats generally need more than one.)

6. I cant even look at you

At some point, youve probably uttered these words to someone who made you angry. Dogs think similarly, avoiding eye contact with anyone who spoils their mood. Another sign of ire: yawning. A yawning pup may not be tired but agitated, not bored but stressed. Similarly, lip-lickingwhen there isnt food around to trigger itis another sign of duress.

7. Lets stay in

You might think your pooch is running around the backyard, having the time of its life while youre away. But the reality is that its most likely just sitting in one spot for hours, anxiously waiting for you to return. Dogs actually prefer to be inside, ideally with their owners.

8. I need alone time

If your dog seems scared (because its hiding, say, or excessively panting) but is showing no obvious signs of distress, try giving it a break from peopleyourself included. Even the most attention-hungry hound can benefit from having a calm space of its own to relax in, even if its just a crate.

9. Take my rear end in your face as a compliment

When a cat presents you with its behind, it means your pet sees you as a maternal figure; it used to do that as a kitten to get its mother to groom it. Another sure sign youve won its heart is if it blinks slowly while looking at you. It isnt tired: Its showing that its comfortable letting its guard down around you. Likewise, a dog that shows you its belly isnt just inviting a rub. Rolling over is a sign of submission, which is how dogs convey trust.

10. My tummy hurts

If your dog arches its back while tucking its belly up, its in painlikely gastrointestinal discomfort, but the pain could also be its back. A crouching cat could also be hurting, usually in the chest or abdomen. But if a tabby tilts its head to one side, it might mean the animal has pain there. If any of these postures persist, have your vet help you pin down the issue.

11. A storm is coming

When your dog bugs out, pay attentionespecially if you live near a fault line. Even if you see clear skies, your pup might be sensing barometric pressure changes or even smelling the impending rain. The Max Planck Institute of Animal Behavior found that dogs can detect earthquakes up to 20 hours ahead of time.

12. I might be depressed

Pets have mental health needs too. Disinterest in food or favorite activities is a telltale sign of depression. A dog that pulls its ears back is likely experiencing anxiety (though your pet could also be suffering from an ear infection). Mention these behaviors to your vet, and dont be afraid to ask about pet antidepressants.

13. You make me so happy

When they wiggle and wag their whole bodies, your dancing dogs and bouncing bunnies are literally jumping for joy. Birds that bob up and down and cats that come when you call them are showing their appreciation for you. And when your pets put their paws on you, seemingly for no reason, theyre gently showing you their gratitude.

Next, find out what your dog’s facial expressions really mean.

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Why Do Cats Purr?

Why Do Dogs Bark?

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Born in Brooklyn, Ginsburg earned her law degree from Columbia (after transferring from Harvard) with only nine women in her graduating class. She then became the first female tenured professor at Columbia Law School, became the founder of the Women’s Rights Project, and brought cases to the Supreme Court where she eventually would become the second female Justice in history in 1993.

These Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes speak to her optimism and hard work to her very end. Her words reflection, advice, feminist ideas, quotes about change, and leadership quotesreveal what will now be her legacy: a call to action for future generations to continue her life’s work.

RBG quotes about being a leader

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks. That means don’t do it just for yourself. You will want to leave the world a little better for your having lived.”

“Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” Harvard University, 2015

“I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.”

When contemplated in its extreme, almost any power looks dangerous.

You cant have it all, all at once. The New York Times

If you want to be a true professional, do something outside yourself.

It bothers me when people say to make it to the top of the tree you have to give up a family. The New Yorker,2013

Check out some more empowering quotes from women in politics for timeless advice.

RBG quotes about women and equality

I dont say womens rightsI say the constitutional principle of the equal citizenship stature of men and women.

My mother told me two things constantly. One was to be a lady, and the other was to be independent. The study of law was unusual for women of my generation. For most girls growing up in the 40s, the most important degree was not your B.A., but your M.R.S. via the ACLU

“Women will have achieved true equality when men share with them the responsibility of bringing up the next generation.” ABC News, 2001

“Im sometimes asked, ‘When will there be enough?’ and my answer is, When there are nine. People are shocked. But thered been nine men, and nobodys ever raised a question about that.” Georgetown Law School, 2015, on how many female Supreme Court Justices is enough

If youre a boy and you like teaching, you like nursing, you would like to have a doll, thats OK. We should each be free to develop our own talents, whatever they may be, and not be held back by artificial barriers. My Own Words

I always thought that there was nothing an antifeminist would want more than to have women only in womens organizations, in their own little corner empathizing with each other and not touching a mans world. If youre going to change things, you have to be with the people who hold the levers. The New York Times,2009

In recent years, people have said, This is the way I am. And others looked around, and we discovered its our next-door neighborwere very fond of them, or its our childsbest friend, or even our child. I think that as more and more people came out and said that this is who I am, the rest of us recognized that they are one of us. Bloomberg, 2015

Its an unconscious bias. Its the expectation. You have a lowered expectation when you hear a woman speaking; I think that still goes on. That instinctively when a man speaks, he will be listened to, where people will not expect the woman to say anything of value. But all of the women in my generation have had, time and again, that experience where you say something at a meeting, and nobody makes anything of it. And maybe half an hour later, a man makes the identical point, and people react to it and say, Good idea. That, I think, is a problem that persists. Slate, 2020

I didnt change the Constitution; the equality principle was there from the start. I just was an advocate for seeing its full realization.

Women belong in all places where decisions are being made. It shouldnt be that women are the exception. U.S. News,2009

FeminismI think the simplest explanation, and one that captures the idea, is a song that Marlo Thomas sang, Free to Be You and Me. Free to be, if you were a girldoctor, lawyer, Indian chief. Anything you want to be. My Own Words

The enormous difference between fighting gender discrimination as opposed to race discrimination is good people immediately perceive race discrimination as evil and intolerable. But when I talked about sex-based discrimination, I got the response, What are you talking about? Women are treated ever so much better than men!

The decision whether or not to bear a child is central to a womans life, to her wellbeing and dignity. Its a decision she must make for herself.

RBG quotes about dissent and the Supreme Court

“My hope is that we will get back to the way it once was, that kind of collegiality, good relations, people who liked and respected each other even though they disagreed on some important questions.”

“Dissents speak to a future age. The greatest dissents become court opinions and gradually become the dominant view. So that’s the dissenter’s hope: that they are writing not for today, but for tomorrow.”

“I am ever hopeful that if the court has a blind spot today, its eyes will be open tomorrow.” Washington Post, 2014

My dissenting opinions, like my briefs, are meant to persuade. And sometimes one must be forceful about saying how wrong the Court is. The New Republic, 2014

Some of my favorite opinions are dissenting opinions. I will not live to see what becomes of them, but I remain hopeful. NPR, 2013

You can disagree without being disagreeable.

RBG quotes about change

“You go on to the next challenge and you give it your all. These important issues are not going to go away.”

“Reacting in anger or annoyance will not advance one’s ability to persuade.” The New York Times, 2015

“I’m a very strong believer in listening and learning from others.” via Slate, 2012

Real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time. RBG,2018

Now that you’ve been inspired by these Ruth Bader Ginsburg quotes, read up on more quotes from strong women that will make you feel all the girl power. And soon, you’ll be able to catch the justice on one of the new 2023 stamps.

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The post 30 Iconic Ruth Bader Ginsburg Quotes on Women, Equality, and Justice appeared first on Reader's Digest.

YKK is a Japanese company with an enviable reputation. They produce roughly half of all the zippers made each year, which equates to about seven billion of them. The YKK stands for “Yoshida Kogyo Kabushikikaisha,” Japanese for “Yoshida Company Limited.” While this is simply a foreign acronym to us, other companies have names with secret meanings.

Why do zippers have YKK on them?

Not only do these initials appear on zippers across brands, but they also appear on all different types of gear. You’re just as likely to find a YKK zipper on a Hermes bag as you are on a scuba-diving suit, bagpipe, or backpack. By the way, did you know those diamond patches on your backpacks have a purpose?

Why are YKK zippers so prevalent? To put it simply, designers trust the brand to make dependable zippers. There have been quality problems in the past when weve used cheaper zippers, designer Trina Turk told Slate. Now we just stick with YKK. When the customer is buying $200 pants, they better have a good zipper. Because the customer will blame the maker of the whole garment, even if the zipper was the part that failed.”

History of YKK zippers

And yet, YKK didn’t invent the zipper. That accolade goes to American Whitcomb L. Judson, who created the “chain lock fastener” in the 1890s. His company still exists today as Talon, Inc. And it still produces zippers that Brooks Brothers, Uniqlo, and other popular brandsincluding some with secret messages in their company logosuse.

YKK zippers stepped onto the scene when the company’s founder, Tadao Yoshida, decided he wasn’t satisfied with existing zipper production methods. At the company’s factory, every aspect of the manufacturing process takes place in-house, from smelting the metal to packaging the finished product. And with that level of control and dependability, it’s no wonder why YKK zippers have taken over.

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The post If Your Zipper Says YKK, This Is What It Means appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Like some of the hardest math puzzles and math riddles, these puzzles can get very complex. If you look for them online, you’ll find lots of examples of logic puzzles that come with grids to help you keep track of your thinking as you make your way through the various clues.

RELATED: Printable Sudoku Puzzles

What is a logic puzzle?

These puzzles come in various forms and can have a nearly limitless number of different themes. But, at their core, logic puzzles present a series of clues and constraints. Solvers then must process each in turn to identify contradictions and eliminate possibilities until they arrive at the solution.

RELATED: Printable Crossword Puzzles

How to solve a logic puzzle

No matter the format, the key to solving any of these puzzles is to use a process of deduction. In harder logic puzzles for adults, it might not seem like there’s enough information at first. But by reading through the clues several times, you’ll have fewer and fewer possibilities to analyze with each pass.

Now that you know how to solve them, let’s try out a few. We’ll start you off with some easier ones (which are also great logic puzzles for kids) before we give you the tougher ones.

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Easy puzzles

These logic puzzles are ideal for beginners or anyone who wants to warm up to something more challenging. Looking for good logic puzzles for kids? Then the ones below are your best bet.

1. Summer Camp

Abigail, Oliver, Rosa, and Blake all attend the same summer camp, where they can cook, kayak, rock climb, and zip-line. Each child has a different favorite activity.

• Abigail’s favorite activity isn’t rock climbing.
• Oliver is afraid of heights.
• Rosa can’t do her favorite activity without a harness.
• Blake likes to keep his feet on the ground at all times.

Can you figure out who likes what?

Answer: Abigail likes to zip-line, Oliver likes to kayak, Rosa likes to rock climb, and Blake likes to cook.

2. The Good Life

Each of five neighborhood dogs (Saber, Ginger, Nutmeg, Pepper, and Bear) is enjoying one of the following activities: getting its ears scratched, playing catch, taking a nap, burying a chew toy, and going for a walk.

• Pepper is either playing catch or burying a chew toy.
• Neither Ginger nor Saber nor Bear is on a walk.
• One of the dogs named after a spice is getting its ears scratched.
• A dog not named for a spice is playing catch.
• Bear is getting some exercise.

Can you figure out what each pooch is doing?

Answer: Saber is taking a nap, Ginger is getting her ears scratched, Nutmeg is going for a walk, Pepper is burying a chew toy, and Bear is playing catch. Check out these brain games that’ll really sharpen your mind.

3. President’s Day

George, William, John, Abe, and Millard have their birthdays on consecutive days, all between Monday and Friday.

• George’s birthday is as many days before Millard’s and William’s is after Abe’s.
• John is two days older than Abe.
• Millard’s birthday is on Thursday.

Can you figure out whose birthday is on each day?

Answer: John’s is on Monday, George’s on Tuesday, Abe’s on Wednesday, Millard’s on Thursday, and William’s on Friday. By the way, can you find the hidden objects in these pictures?

4. The Long and the Short of It

Here’s a great logic puzzle for kids: Six neighborhood children (Leisha, Benito, Delia, Charlotte, Weldon, and Zina) were measured yesterday.

• Weldon is taller than Delia but shorter than Zina.
• Leisha is taller than Benito but shorter than Delia and Weldon.
• Benito is not the shortest.

Can you put them in order of height from tallest to shortest?

Answer: Zina, Weldon, Delia, Leisha, Benito, Charlotte. If you really want to bust your brain, try to solve these tricky lateral thinking puzzles.

Medium puzzles

These are a bit trickier, so we recommend these logic puzzles for adults. They are still good logic puzzles for kids, but younger solvers might not be able to solve them on their own.

5. Dads and Grads

A joint Father’s Day and graduation party is being thrown for Michael, Ken, James, Alberto, Elias, and Stephanie. Three of them are newly minted high school graduates. The other three are their dads.

• Stephanie went to the senior prom with Michael’s son.
• Elias and James played on the school’s baseball team. One of them is Alberto’s son.
• Michael and Elias are not related.

Can you match the high school graduates to their fathers at this joint celebration?

Answer: Alberto is Elias’ dad, Ken is Stephanie’s dad, and Michael is James’ dad.

6. Allergy Season

Five friends (Allegra, Ben, Clara, Flora, and Zach) are each allergic to something different: pollen, shellfish, bee stings, cats, or nuts.

• Allegra has a food allergy
• Ben can play with his kitten for hours without issue (or medicine).
• Clara’s allergy is not related to animals.
• Flora has seasonal allergies.

Can you figure out who is allergic to what?

Answer: Allegra is allergic to shellfish, Ben to bee stings, Clara to nuts, Flora to pollen, and Zach to cats.

7. Here’s the Deal

This one could be a good logic puzzle for kids because it also involves some math. Four playing cards, one of each suit, lie face down on a table. They are a three, a four, a five, and a six.

• The cards on either side of the four are black.
• The club is to the right of the three but not next to it.
• The spade is to the left of the heart.
• The middle two cards add up to an even number. Neither of them is a club.

Can you determine the cards suits and their order?

Answer: From left to right: Three of diamonds, six of spades, four of hearts, five of clubs. How many of these visual brain teasers can you solve?

8. Party at Charlie’s

And this one is a good logic puzzle for adults. You’ve been invited to a party at Charlie’s house, but you’ve never been there. He has seven friends who live nearby. They’ve given you a map showing all of their houses and Charlie’s house, along with the following information:

• Daniel: I can’t see Benita’s house, because Greta’s house is in the way.
• Adam: I live directly (not diagonally) across the street from Daniel.
• Benita: Elena lives due west of me.
• Elena: I have to cross three streets to walk to Franco’s house.
• Hal: I live east of Benita.

Can you figure out which house is Charlie’s?

Answer: House E.

Hard puzzles

These more advanced challenges are definitely logic puzzles for adults. But while they are intricate, don’t feel bad taking as much time as you need to work out your logic.

9. Pass the Salt, Please

A perfect logic puzzle for adults who have kids: Try to outsmart your mischievous teenager!

On April Fools Day, your teenaged son replaces the salt in three of your four salt shakers with sugar. But he also leaves messages on each.

If only one of these inscriptions is true, which shaker still contains salt?

Answer: Shaker C.

10. True Blue

This logic puzzle for adults will stump even the most astute solvers! Daniel, Emily, Marciano, and Christina are all wearing solid-colored shirts. Their shirts are red, yellow, green, and blue. Only the person wearing blue tells the truth, while the other three lie. They make the following statements:

• Daniel: “Marciano is wearing red.”
• Emily: “Daniel is not wearing yellow.”
• Marciano: “Emily is wearing blue.”
• Christina: “I will wear blue tomorrow.”

Can you determine each persons shirt color, and whether we can expect to see Christina in blue tomorrow?

Answer: Daniel is wearing yellow, Emily is in red, Marciano is in green, and Christina is in blue. Christina will wear a blue shirt again tomorrow.

11. Three Cheers for the New Parents

In this printable logic puzzle, you’ll discover what these expectant parents will name their triplets.

Ruby and Lewis are expecting…triplets! They already know what they will name their three children, but they aren’t sharing the names until the babies are born. For now, this is all they’ll say:

• All three babies are boys.
• Their names are six letters long and anagrams of one another.
• Their names include both of their parents’ initials, but none of the other letters in their parents’ first names.

What will Ruby and Lewis name their triplets?

Answer: Arnold, Roland, and Ronald. Now, we need to get your answer: how many ducks do you see in this picture?

12. Win or Lose

And one last logic puzzle for adults: Can you figure out who won the game?

The Reds, the Grays, the Blues, and the Blacks have a round-robin tournament. Each team plays each other team once, for a total of six games.

• The Blacks won more games than the Blues.
• The Grays lost more games than the Blues.
• The Reds tied the Blacks. (This was the only tie in the tournament.)

Who won the game between the Reds and the Blues?

Answer: The Reds.

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The post 12 Logic Puzzles That Will Test Your Smarts appeared first on Reader's Digest.

In fact, it has stumped so many on social media that the riddle has now gone viral. People on platforms such as Instagram and Facebook are often amazed at just how wrong their initial guesses arewhich is why they’re so eager to learn how to arrive at the right answer.

So, just how many ducks are there? Read on to find out.

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How many ducks do you see?

The riddle relies on this picture:

At first, the image appears to contain little cartoon ducks arranged in a 3×3 grid. As with most riddles, this setup is purposely misleading. Those who scan the image quickly arrive at the (incorrect) answer of 9.Only the most eagle-eyed of puzzlers will spot how many ducks are there.

The “How many ducks do you see?” answer explained

In fact, there are nearly twice as many ducks as those that first meet the eye. Let’s examine each of the seeming nine, moving across left to right and top to bottom to find just how many ducks are there.

The first duck is just that: one duck. But look at the next one, especially around its head and beak. How many ducks do you see now? There’s a second one, staggered just behind the first. So, in the first two icons, we’re up to three ducks.

RELATED: Mr. Smith Had 4 Daughters: Solve the Viral Riddle

The third duck is similarly tricky. There’s a smaller duck hidden near its wing and feet. In the next row, the fourth duck contains a second, staggered duck. And the fifth has another small duck hidden near its feet. Now we’re up to nine ducksand we’re barely halfway through!

The sixth duck icon is up for debate. Some see only one duck. Others notice a marking on its wing that doesn’t appear on any of the other icons and interpret this as an additional duck. We’ll call it two since this leads to the most accepted answer.

In the final row, we have three ducks in the seventh icon. (The extra two are pretty easy to spot.) And each of the last two icons contains just one duck. So, we’re now up to 16 (or 15, if you don’t count the supposed second one in the sixth icon).

And there you have it: 16 ducks. Did you enjoy this visual riddle? Then make sure to check out our other visual brain teasers and puzzles, including “which one doesn’t belong?” puzzles that’ll leave you stumped.

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The post How Many Ducks Do You See? Try to Solve the Viral Riddle appeared first on Reader's Digest.

If you live in a hurricane-prone area, this might not be your top priority question. After all, knowing how to prepare for a hurricane, how to prepare for a tornado,what a wildfire is or even how dangerous the strongest hurricanes ever have been can keep you and your family protected, from disasters of anykindcyclones and hurricanes alike. But with preparedness checked off the list, you can worry about less pressing questions, like naming. So how do they actually name hurricanes?

How are hurricanes named?

Originally, hurricanes were named after the saints day when the storm hit. For instance, there have been two Hurricane San Felipes in Puerto Ricoone on Sept. 13, 1876, and another on that same date in 1928.

But by the 1900s, an Australian meteorologist started a new system. Instead of creating hurricane names based on saints, he used womens names. The United States followed suit in 1953. And by 1979, mens hurricane names were added to the mix.

Who names hurricanes?

Unsurprisingly, meteorologists name hurricanes. The World Meteorological Organization has six different listseach with 21 names, one for every letter except Q, U, X, Y and Zthat they cycle through for hurricanes in the Atlantic.

So how are hurricanes named on the West Coast? Their names come from another set of six listswhich include every letter except Q and U. Once six years go by, the naming starts again with the first list.

The lists of hurricane names change only if theres a particularly bad storm. So you won’t be seeing another Hurricane Katrina or Sandy in the future. The World Meteorological Organization decides which names to take off the lists during its annual meeting. Recently retired names include Florence and Michael.

What are hurricane names for 2022?

This year has already brought us hurricanes Danielle, Earl, Fiona, Ian and Julia. If you notice names missing in the alphabetical orderlike G and Hthat’s because those storms were named but didn’t rise to hurricane level. Gaston and Hermine, for example, were both tropical storms, which are less severe than a hurricane. Learn about the differences between atyphoon vs. a hurricane.

These are the Atlantic storms you can expect to see next in 2022:

• Lisa
• Martin
• Nicole
• Owen
• Paula
• Richard
• Shary
• Tobias
• Virginie
• Walter

But how are hurricanes named if there are more than 21 storms (or 24 in the Pacific)? After all, NOAA anticipates above-average hurricane activity this year. If this happens, then the rest of the names will come from the Greek alphabet, starting with Alpha and ending with Omega.

Next, read on to find out what happens to birds during a hurricaneand what to do when the power goes out.

Additional reporting by Marissa Laliberte.

Sources:

• National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center: “Tropical Cyclone Naming History and Retired Names“
• National Hurricane Center and Central Pacific Hurricane Center: “Tropical Cyclone Names“

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The post How Exactly Are Hurricane Names Chosen? appeared first on Reader's Digest.

“It is with great joy that Prince Harry and Meghan, The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, welcome their daughter, Lilibet Lili Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, to the world. Lili was born on Friday, June 4 at 11:40 a.m. in the trusted care of the doctors and staff at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital in Santa Barbara, CA.”

The name is a two-part tribute: Lilibet is a family nickname for Queen Elizabeth II, the baby’s great grandmother, and, of course, Diana is to honor the late Princess of Wales.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle made two bombshell announcements recently. The first: that they’re expecting baby #2. And the second: that it’s a girl!

The world wasted no time guessing (and betting on) what the new baby’s name will be. But, unlike when the couple was expecting Archie, this time we at least know the gender. So, with that to help (slightly) narrow it down, here are the names that are top contenders for Meghan and Harry’s little girl:

Diana

This name appears to be the most popular pick. Gambling.com gives it odds of 4-1. However, it’s more likely that the couple will honor Harry’s mother by using her name as a middle name for their daughter. William and Kate did this with Princess Charlotte, whose full name is Charlotte Elizabeth Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Find out the royal pregnancy rules Meghan Markle doesn’t have to follow this time around.

Artemis

Of course, the couple could honor the late princess a different way, by choosing another version of her name. Artemis, for instance, is the Greek version of the Roman goddess Diana. But the huntress goes by other names as well, including Cynthia, Selene, and Phoebe.

Allegra

This was a favorite name of Princess Diana’s. Reportedly, it’s what she would have named her own daughter, had she had one. Now that her son is expecting a baby girl, the name is on many people’s shortlists. It has odds of 11-1.

A different “A” name

Since they already have Archie, the couple may decide to stick with the same letter for their second child. Of the many “A” names, popular contenders include Alexandra (which has odds of 18-1), Alice, and Abigail (both with odds of 14-1).

Spencer

This was Diana’s maiden name, providing yet another way for the couple to honor her. Sure, it’s an uncommon name, especially for a girl. But that may actually appeal to the couple. Read about times when Meghan and Harry broke with tradition.

Doria

While it’s less likely (with odds of 25-1), the couple may decide to honor Meghan’s mother by choosing her name. They could also pick a variation of it, such as Dorothy or Isadora.

Victoria

Names that have been used in the royal family before are always safe bets. Lots of times, names chosen for royal childrenhonoring royal legaciesend up becoming some of the most popular vintage baby names that stand the test of time. Queen Victoria (yes, that Queen Victoriafor whom the era is named) was Harrys great-great-great-great-grandmother. It has odds of 20-1.

Of course, the couple could also choose Elizabeth. (Queen Elizabeth II will be this baby’s great-grandmother.) But considering the couple’s bombshell interview with Oprah last month, it doesn’t look likely.

Source:

• Gambling.com

Clues You Missed That Meghan Was Pregnant

Things Kate and Meghan Inherited from Diana

Why Meghan Didn't Take Photos After Archie's Birth

The post This Is the Most Likely Name for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s Baby Girl appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Read on for a detailed explanation of how to arrive at that answer.

RELATED: Mr. Smith Had 4 Daughters: Try to Solve the Viral Riddle

The “Someone’s mother riddle”

The entire riddle goes like this: Someone’s mother has four sons: North, West, and South. What is the name of the fourth son?

If your instinct is to blurt out, “EAST!“ you aren’t alone. This is the mistake most people make, because we’re so conditioned to associate the four cardinal directions with each other. And, of course, the riddle is purposely set up to deceive us this way.

But to answer the someone’s mother riddle correctly, we have to forgo that pattern of thinking. It helps to read the question again, more slowly. Let’s start with the very first word:Someone. Someone could be anyone, really. So, let’s pick someone to stand in for Someone. I’ll call him Theodore.

RELATED: If Teresa’s Mother Is My Daughter: Answer to the Viral Riddle

Now, instead of “Someone’s mother,” we have, “Theodore’s mother has four sons: North, West, and South.” And who is that fourth son? Why, it’s Theodore, of course!

So, looking back at the original question, it’s now clear that the correct answer is: Someone!

Did you enjoy the “Someone’s mother has four sons” riddle? If so, you’ll love these other viral riddles.

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50 Long Riddles to Give Your Brain a Workout

The post Someone’s Mother Has Four Sons: Try to Solve the Viral Riddle appeared first on Reader's Digest.

If thats the case for you, we can help you get started. And if you’re looking for even more recommendations, check out the best podcasts on Spotify in every category.

How to listen to podcasts on an Apple product

If you have an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, your device should already be equipped with the Apple Podcast app. (If youre looking for it, the icon is purple with two white circles surrounding a figure.) Free to use, the app allows you to browse, sample, and subscribe to podcasts. When you subscribe, new episodes will download automatically.

If, for whatever reason, the app isnt on your Apple device, you can find it in the App Store and download it for free.

RELATED: The Best History Podcasts to Listen To

How to listen to podcasts on an Android phone

Many Android devices come pre-installed with the Google Podcast app, which functions much the way the Apple Podcast app does. The Google Podcast app icon features a multi-colored diamond against a white background.

But there are plenty of podcast apps you can use. Popular options include Spotify, SoundCloud, Pocket Casts, and Stitcher. Many of these apps work on both Apple and Android devices, and most of them are free. (Some offer different tiers of service with the most basic one being free.)

There are also podcast platforms devoted to particular genres. Laughable, for instance, features comedic content. If you’re in the mood for something more hair-raising than knee-slapping, these 13 scary podcasts will keep you up at night.

How to listen to podcasts online

Dont have a smartphone or a tablet? You can still enjoy podcasts because all you really need is an Internet connection.

Many of the apps we mentioned earlier also have their own websites where you can download and listen to podcasts for free. But many organizations, including virtually every major news outlet, offer podcasts as well. If theres a publication or a public figure you like, just visit their websites. More often than not, youll find they have podcasts that are right up your alley.

RELATED: True Crime Podcasts You Should Be Listening To

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12 Podcasts About Race You Need to Hear

15 Places You Can Read Free Books Online

Next, learn about the difference between Amazon Music and Spotify.

The post How to Listen to Podcasts for Free appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Abrasive brushes can scratch your car’s paint

While some newer car washes have swapped out those old abrasive brushes for softer ones, the slapping against the side of your car can still cause trouble. Not only are the brushes covered with grit from all the cars before yours, but “having bristles rub against your car can scratch your clear coat,” says Lauren Fix, Editor-in-Chief of Car Coach Reports and a nationally recognized automotive expert. When it comes to the inside of your car,here’s how often you should really be cleaning your car’s interior.

The post 7 Reasons You Should Avoid Going to the Car Wash appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Wednesday is a great day to take off, no matter how you spend it. If you choose to go out, you dont have to worry about places being closedor crowded. You can get those pesky errands out of the way and free up your weekend. Or you can do something fun with fewer people around. Even if you just stay in and recharge, youll return to the office on Thursday ready to finish out the week strong.

Go grocery shopping

True, the stores are less crowded on Wednesdays. But they also tend to roll out their weekly discounts on that day. Some stores will still accept coupons from the previous week on Wednesdays, so thats double the savings! And since grocery stores usually receive shipments early in the week, youll get the first pick of the fresher stuff. Find out the cheapest days of the week to do anything.

Do laundry

Along with Tuesdays and Thursdays, Wednesdays are the least busy days at the laundromat. Another bonus of getting your loads done mid-week: youll have your pick of outfits for the weekend!

Weigh yourself

Our weight naturally fluctuates throughout the day, and even more so throughout the week. For those of us working a typical 9-5, we usually weigh the least on Friday morning (after a week of routine), and the most on Sunday night (after a weekend of abandoning that routine). If you like to keep track of your weight, weighing yourself in the middle of the week will give you a more precise and consistent reading. Psst: This is the best day to start a diet, according to science.

Take a flight

Depending on your circumstances, Wednesday might not be the most convenient day to fly. But travel experts generally agree that Wednesday (and Tuesday) are the cheapest days to fly. The reduced airfare has to do with the fact that fewer people choose to fly on those days. So, having the entire row to yourself is another potential plus. Here’s the best time of year to buy absolutely everything.

Go on a date

There are many advantages to a Wednesday date night. By mid-week, youve recovered from the whirl of the previous weekend. But youre probably also craving some kind of reward for getting through the first three days of the work week. Many bars and restaurants offer price incentives on Wednesday to get people through their doors, like half-priced bottles of wine or appetizers. So, youll also get more bang for your buck. Which of these great outdoor date ideas will you use this summer?

Get married

If enough of those Wednesday dates go well, you might want to consider getting married on a Wednesday. The main draw here is the price (although its also supposedly good luck). Wedding vendors relish the opportunity to earn extra cash with a mid-week gig. Some venues offer as much as a 40 percent discount on off-peak days. But beyond the bill, getting married on a Wednesday also means you wont be competing with other couples for your preferred photographer, DJ, etc.

Wear pink

Just kiddingunless youre one of the Plastics from Mean Girls. (On Wednesdays, we wear pink.)

Next, read 9 things you should always do on a Monday.

Sources:

• Consumer Affairs: Why Wednesday Is the Best Day to Take Off
• Smartcarting.com: When Is the Best Time to Go Grocery Shopping?
• Savingmoney.com: The Best Day of the Week to Do Everything
• Today.com: Weigh Yourself on This Day of the Week for the Most Accurate Reading
• Smartertravel.com: The Best and Worst Days to Fly
• Medium: According to Research, Wednesday Is the Most Popular Day of the Week to Go on a First Date
• Weddingphotographyandfilms.com: Getting Married on a Wednesday Is the Best Day

The post 8 Things You Should Do on a Wednesday appeared first on Reader's Digest.

One early January day in 1999, 51-year-old Georgene Martin, ne Huber, received a delivery of red roses. Her husband had recently passed away, so the flowers didnt seem completely out of the blue. But the name on the note that came with them did. The last place she had seen that name, Jerry Zimmermann, was in her high school yearbookfrom 1965.

Dear Georgene, Jerrys card read, I was a classmate of yours, though I dont believe you knew who I was. I was painfully shy, and you were the prettiest girl I had ever seen.

It was true that Georgene hardly remembered Jerry. Nearly four decades had passed since their paths first crossed in the hallways of Farnsworth Junior High School in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, where she still lived.

Though I now live in DC, I keep close ties to Sheboygan, Jerry continued. I return several times a year. And now to the crux of this letterI will be visiting the weekend of May 15th, and Im wondering if we could meet for a coffee? I am, however, sensitive to the recent loss of your husband. If this approach comes too soon, I will understandand wait another 40 years.

Why not? Georgene thought to herself as she put down the letter. She was certainly curious to see what Jerry looked like after so many years. If nothing else, it would be nice just to chat with him. She wrote back and agreed to meet with him that spring.

In Washington, DC, Jerry anxiously checked his mailbox each day. When Georgenes reply came, he was elated. She finally said yes! Georgene didnt know it, but she had broken Jerrys heart all those years ago.

Jerrys interest in Georgene Huber began when he noticed her in the ninth grade. Her sparkling eyes gave him a euphoric jolt whenever they glanced, albeit fleetingly, at him. Jerrys shyness prevented him from saying a single word to her until their junior year in high school.

A newly minted driver, Jerry was on his way to school one morning when he spotted Georgene walking with a friend. Before he could talk himself out of it, he pulled over and asked the girls whether they wanted a ride. They did.

The friends climbed into the front seat, with Georgene sitting next to Jerry. The beautiful girl he had been pining for was sitting just inches away, and it petrified him. Unable to think of anything to say to break the ice, Jerry didnt even introduce himself. Once at school, his passengers thanked him and went on their way.

Jerry spent all day mulling over his next move. His plan was simple: After school, he would drive around until he saw Georgene walking home. Then, just as he had done that morning, he would offer her a ride. She would accept, sit next to him again, and that would be that, he thought. Happily ever after.

When the last bell rang, Jerry raced to the parking lot and started driving around the school. He soon found Georgene walking with the same girl from that morning. Jerry pulled over and rolled the window down.

Fancy another ride? he asked.

Georgene looked at him. No, were going to walk.

No? Jerry couldnt believe it. In his mind, the three of them were already good friends. He slowly rolled the window back up and drove away, devastated.

It only got worse. The following yeartheir senior yearhe learned that Georgene was engaged. Jerry didnt dare approach her again.

After high school, Jerry found work making deliveries for an electrical and plumbing wholesaler. He enjoyed the job until he was sidelined by a back injury in 1983. Jerry, then 36, was forced to do desk work, which he hated. A divorce and the death of his father added to his misery.

Then one evening, Jerry opened up the Sheboygan Press and saw an ad for the University of Wisconsin. Do you want to improve your life? it asked. Intrigued, he read on. The ad advised a meeting with one of the colleges counselors at the local library. By the end of his meeting, Jerry was signed up for two classes. He wasnt totally convinced more school would help redirect his path, but he really enjoyed his coursework, and he eventually earned a degree in physical geography.

Jerry soon left Wisconsin for Spokane, Washington, where he worked as a cartographer in the mapping department of the U.S. Geological Survey. He was later promoted to the U.S. Department of Defenses mapping agency in Washington, DC.

Moving to the nations capital was a big adjustment. Jerry, who had been raised on a farm, was accustomed to seeing grazing animals and wide-open spaces. In DC, he found himself surrounded by politics and traffic. He missed Wisconsin. He called home every week, and he returned at least twice a year, for his birthday in July and again at Christmas.

Usually one of those times, he says, Id drive by Georgenes house, just to get a look. When he would see her out and about, he still couldnt work up the nerve to talk to her. Jerry would look in the local phone book for her name. It was always therebeside her husbands.

Jerry marriedand divorceda second time. Neither of his ex-wives ever knew of his everlasting affection for Georgene, though his friends back home did. On one of his semiannual visits, in December of 1998, Jerry caught up with his friend Frank Cooper.

Have you seen Georgene lately? Frank asked.

No, not at all, Jerry replied.

Her husband died.

Georgenes husband had succumbed to a brain tumor after being ill with it for nearly a year. All that time, Georgene had been his caretaker.

Jerry had to go back to Washington, but before leaving town, he stopped at a local florist. While he didnt want to seem insensitive to Georgenes husbands death, he didnt want to waste any more time. Leaving his shyness behind, he wrote a note to send with the roses. Composing the letter was easy. The difficult part, on that cold winter day, was squeezing all his warm feelings for her onto one little card.

When he got back to DC, Jerry was already looking forward to his next trip home in May. Once he learned that Georgene was interested in getting together, he couldnt wait. He called her that night, and the two spoke for more than an hour. He came home as scheduled that spring of 1999 for a brief weekend visit. At 51, he was finally going on his first date with the woman hed been infatuated with for more than 35 years.

Georgenes beauty hadnt faded a bit. Her hair was different, Jerry says, though she was still petite. He was slender himself. The first thing Georgene said to Jerry when she saw him was, Wow, are you skinny!

Its perhaps not how Hollywood would have scripted their reunion, but for both Jerry and Georgene, the connection was powerful. While Jerry had longed for Georgene for decades, Georgene had been praying for companionship ever since her husband died. If you found someone for me, she used to confide in God, I would love that. The two of them had such a great time on their coffee date that they made plans to see each other again when Jerry came back to Wisconsin for a longer visit in July.

Jerry was home for ten days that summer. He spent every one of them with Georgene. The pair took daily walks, usually in a park not far from Lake Michigan. On their third or fourth outing, they decided to stroll along the western banks of the lake instead. The waters were blue, the sounds were gold, Jerry says, and my heart was thereor our hearts, I should say.

It was the perfect setting for Jerry to confess the full extent of his feelings. Im in love with you, he told Georgene. Then he asked her to marry him. It was totally unexpected, Georgene says, but I just knew he was the one. She said yes, and Jerry felt triumphant. He now had two yeses to overcome that no from so long ago.

His next trip to Washington was his last. Jerry quit his job with the government and moved back to Wisconsin. Decades earlier, the most beautiful girl in the world married someone else. That winter, the most beautiful girl in the world married him.

Their two dozen wedding guests received a version of Georgene and Jerrys love story, 40 years in the making, that Jerry had written. Last year, he shared that story with Readers Digest with this postscript: For several years, things were great. Then I developed a limp.

“Georgene knew what it was, but I needed to hear it from a neurologist: Parkinsons disease. Its now in its advanced stages, but Georgene and I continue to love each other while I battle debilitating symptoms. Moreover, we love the Lord and were grateful for what we have together because its perfect for us. Happily ever after indeed.

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Teresa’s daughter riddle

First, if you haven’t heard it, here is the Teresa’s daughter riddle:

“If Teresa’s daughter…” riddle answer

Let’s start by examining the second part of the Teresa riddle setup: “my daughter’s mother.” Hey ladies, imagine you have a daughter. (Perhaps you do.) Who is your daughter’s mother? You, of course!

Now, let’s substitute yourself in for that part of the question. So, it becomes, “If Teresa’s daughter is me, what am I to Teresa?” And now the answer is quite simple to parse outyou’re Teresa’s daughter.

Another way to think about it

What about for all the fellas out there? Let’s go through the same process. Who is your daughter’s mother? It’s likely your wife (although it could also be your ex, your girlfriend, or your partner).

For now, let’s use “wife” and make the same substitution as we did before. The question now becomes, “If Teresa’s daughter is my wife, what am I to Teresa.” And now the answer is that you’re Teresa’s son-in-law. (Although ex-son-in-law, daughter’s boyfriend, daughter’s ex-boyfriend, etc. work as well.)

It’s worth mentioning that these (albeit valid) answers are usually not included in the answer choices the way “Teresa’s daughter” is. So, that is the most popular and widely accepted answer.

Did you enjoy this riddle? If so, you’ll love our other viral riddles and brain teasers. And if you really want to give your brain a workout, try solving these math riddles.

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