Are you struggling with not sounding like a dumb-dumb? There's probably a gooder word for that, but I'm too lazy to Google it.

Reader's Digest is tired of 'Mericans talking like we have a limited vocabulary...because, according to Reader's Digest, despite the English language having over 170,000 published words, we only use between 20,000 and 35,000 of them.

Efficiency's good, but personal growth is gooder.

PRO TIP: check your watch (Photo by Malte Helmhold on Unsplash)
PRO TIP: randomly check your watch (Photo by Malte Helmhold on Unsplash)
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How To Sound Smarter

Basically, learn and use more words. Aim for more than two syllables once in a while.

Tip #1: Read Out Loud

Read to your kids, your nieces, your nephews...volunteer to read to kids at the library. You'll be practicing public speaking while using words that are (usually) not difficult to pronounce.

Tip #2: Listen to the Radio

This is a real tip from Reader's Digest, not a shameless plug for my job.

Tip #3: Don't Skip the Hard Words

If a word looks like gibberish, look it up. If you're reading on a tablet, there's probably a feature in the app that lets you highlight a word to get a definition.

Tip #4: Become an Expert

Don't just become an expert in anything; become an expert on something you're interested in. Having an interest in something certainly helps hold your interest in learning about it.

BONUS PRO TIP: wear glasses (Photo by Foto Sushi on Unsplash)
BONUS PRO TIP: wear glasses and never look directly at someone (Photo by Foto Sushi on Unsplash)
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Tip #5: Read the Articles, Playboy

Pictures are nice; some pictures are nicer. However, try reading the article, too.

Tip #6: Go on an Adventure!

Get out of the house and go to a museum, or just somewhere you've never been to.

Ya know, if I lived here I'd be a hermit hobbit, too (Photo by Adrien Aletti on Unsplash)
Ya know, if I lived here I'd be a hermit hobbit, too (Photo by Adrien Aletti on Unsplash)
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H/T: Reader's Digest

Minnesota's Top-Priced Listing Is A Gorgeous $12.495 Million Lakefront English Manor

They say if you're going to dream, dream big! So, if you're looking for a new home in 2024 why not at least look at the top-priced listing in Minnesota?

Woodland Glen, a country estate built in 1988 on Lake Minnetonka, went on the market towards the end of December 2023 and it is amazing both inside and out. This 19,893 square-foot home features 6 bedrooms and 12 baths.

Those basic stats don't come close to painting the entire picture as inside this English Manor you'll find amazing amenities which include:

  • A limestone staircase through the reception foyer
  • A grand foyer with beautiful polished marble floors
  • Twin-curved staircases
  • Coffered ceilings
  • A rebuilt hearth room and remodeled kitchen
  • 12 fireplaces
  • An official length lap pool

The property sits on 3.49 wooded acres where you'll discover 7 garage stalls, a lakeside tennis court, and a pristine riprapped shoreline on Wayzata Bay.

Look now through this captivating property, which hit the market for $12,495,000.

Gallery Credit: David Drew

20 Best Public Schools in Minnesota

Niche.com has rankings of the best schools around the country. You can see rankings based on school districts, public and private schools. This list breaks down the 20 best public schools in Minnesota.

Gallery Credit: Carly Ross