The ‘Penguin Post Office,’ nestled in Antarctica’s Port Lockroy, is more than a mail hub—it’s a historic gem and wildlife haven on Goudier Island. Owned by Britain and the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, this near-80-year-old outpost pulls double duty as a museum.

Home to hundreds of penguins, it’s staffed by four postmasters from November to March yearly. Serving around 18,000 tourists each season, this spot is not just for mail but also a prime destination for visitors eager to immerse themselves in history and see penguins in their natural habitat. Base A, established in 1944, now uses profits from its gift shop to restore other Antarctic heritage sites.

The challenging living and working conditions at Port Lockroy were highlighted by Camilla Nichol, the trust’s Chief Executive, noting that 12-hour workdays with little downtime were typical. Reportedly, 2,500 applicants vied for the sought-after roles. Nichol emphasized the diversity of applicants and sought individuals passionate about meeting people, emphasizing fitness and resilience. Applications for this year have closed, but future opportunities can be found on the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust’s website.

Available positions include base leader, shop manager, and two general assistants, requiring eligibility to work in the United Kingdom. Lucy Dorman, a former base leader, emphasized the physical demands, including moving items through snow or over slippery rocks and cleaning penguin droppings. Nichol stressed the importance of team compatibility, underscoring the challenge of close-quarters living. Despite the challenges, Dorman praised the unique experience, highlighting how it offers a different perspective on life and the planet.

Duct tape, celebrated as the ultimate quick fix, often leaves behind a sticky residue. Angela Brown, a seasoned house cleaning professional with 32 years of experience, generously shared her invaluable insights on getting that annoying sticky residue off of all kinds of surfaces.

Duct tape is renowned for its versatility, acting as a one-stop shop for fixing just about any problem. Yet its pressure-sensitive adhesive, designed to withstand extreme conditions, can leave behind persistent residue.

Unlike Scotch tape, duct tape often leaves behind not only stickiness but threads as well, and it can be annoying to get off. Here are the tricks to remove that residue from various surfaces.

When dealing with duct tape residue on glass, Brown recommends white vinegar. Dilute it with water, apply it directly to the residue, and allow the acids to work their magic.

After a few minutes, gently scrape off the softened residue using a plastic scraper or razor blade. Just be careful, as leaving vinegar on glass for extended periods can potentially etch the surface.

For wooden surfaces marred by duct tape residue, mineral oil offers a gentle yet effective remedy. Apply a small amount to a damp sponge, rub it over the adhesive, and let it soak into the wood.

This softens the residue, allowing for gentle removal with a plastic scraper. Follow up with a pH-neutral wood cleaner for a pristine finish.

Duct tape is often used to fix issues with cars for anything from covering up a crack in a steering wheel to holding on a broken bumper (hey, we don’t judge).

For painted surfaces or fabric seats, Brown suggests a commercial adhesive cleaner like 3M General Purpose Adhesive Cleaner. Adhere strictly to the manufacturer’s recommendations and conduct a test in an inconspicuous area before using it anywhere else.

Surprisingly, when faced with stubborn duct tape residue on plastic, tile, granite, or drywall, the solution lies in more duct tape! Place a fresh piece over the existing residue, apply pressure, wait a minute, and peel it straight off.

This process can be repeated until the residue is successfully removed. For persistent cases, employ mineral oil and a plastic razor, followed by a thorough wipe-down with a clean, damp cloth.

While navigating the sticky aftermath of duct tape, caution is always a good idea. Avoid sharp or abrasive tools that could cause damage or scratches to surfaces. Steer clear of excessive force during the cleaning process.

Always adhere to manufacturer guidelines, especially for delicate surfaces like granite, and conduct preliminary tests in other areas to prevent unintentional damage. If you’re careful and use these tips, that residue will be gone in no time!