On average, people will spend roughly 11 hours a day in front of a screen. While most of that time is spent on cell phones, there’s a good chance that you’re spending a decent portion of your day in front of a computer as well. During this time, you may have noticed the small bumps on both the “f” and “j” keys. If you have no idea what purpose they serve, you’re not alone!
Most people have no idea that the bumps on these keys are there to help you position your hands when typing. If you use the two-finger typing technique, then these bumps are basically useless to you. However, those who are properly trained to use a keyboard know that the “f” and “j” keys are located in the “home row.” The bumps allow you to navigate the keyboard with ease. You can find the home row with your pointer fingers, and ultimately put your hands in the optimal typing position.
Tiny Jean Pockets
There is little that can be squeezed into those unusually tiny pockets that can be found on every pair of jeans. Aside from some Chapstick and maybe a few neatly folded twenties, the space is practically useless. It wasn’t always useless, though. Back in the 1800s, pocket watches were all the rage. They would usually be kept in a man’s waistcoat pocket and attached to a button by a small chain. This design, however, wasn’t practical for the blue-collar workers of the nineteenth century.
Originally called waist overalls, Levis started producing their jeans with this tiny pocket, creating the perfect spot for the working man to put their pocket watch. Not only were jeans more practical than a waistcoat, but they offered more protection for the watch. While it was first called a watch pocket, it has had several names over the decades, including the frontier pocket, coin pocket, match pocket, and ticket pocket.
Hole in the Elevator Doors
Ever notice the tiny hole in elevator doors? While it looks like a peephole that you’d find on most front doors, it actually serves an entirely different purpose. It’s actually a keyhole that can only be opened by those in possession of a special kind of key. This includes elevator technicians, inspectors, and emergency response teams.
The key is able to open the doors, even if the actual elevator is sitting on another floor. This comes in handy when repairs need to be made or when people get stuck inside. For safety reasons, it’s often illegal for unauthorized individuals to own this kind of key.
Ketchup Cups
It turns out we’ve all been using ketchup cups all wrong. These paper condiment holders are found at practically every fast-food restaurant in the world, yet someone failed to get the word out on how to use them. The cups are designed to unravel, significantly widening the opening so even the biggest nugget can fit inside.
Expanding the cups creates a saucer-like container that also allows you to fit more of your favorite dipping sauce inside. No more running out of honey mustard after downing just a handful of fries or having to juggle a dozen paper cups filled to the brim. Now, if only we could get them to stop being so stingy with the dipping sauces they’re willing to give us for to-go orders!
Pasta Spoons
Ever notice the large hole in most pasta spoons? While it’s great for draining the pasta, that’s not actually its intended purpose. The hole is a measuring tool and fits roughly one serving (two ounces) of spaghetti, fettuccine, or angel hair pasta. Some pasta spoons even have multiple holes that can be used to measure different portions.
The pasta spoon is easy to use. Simply slide some dry pasta into the hole until no more can fit, and repeat based on how many people you’re cooking for. It’s the tool you never knew you needed! We have a feeling the Italians invented this because if we are going to eat their food, we better eat ti properly.