Its demise would be very bad news -- because CO2 levels would go up even more without the algae around to soak them up.

CNN: All About: Coral Reefs

Soak them in a sink full of cold water, swish them around to loosen any dirt, remove with a slotted spoon, and drain well in a colander.

CNN: Keftes de Prasa (Leek Fritters)

Both men have used them as patronage and to soak up unemployment, letting them swell to around 85, 000-strong, far beyond the 30, 000 limit envisaged in the Oslo peace accords of the 1990s.

ECONOMIST: The Palestinian territories

Swish the clams around again and let soak briefly, then transfer them to the clean pot.

NPR: Recipes: 'The Summer Shack Cookbook'

Pedicure to keep them smooth with an oatmeal bath soak and hot mask.

WSJ: Maintaining the Gloss

Swish the clams gently in the water and let soak for a few minutes, then lift them out with a wire-mesh skimmer and place them in the other pot of cold water.

NPR: Recipes: 'The Summer Shack Cookbook'

He says that morels work particularly well because of their spongy texture: They soak up and amplify the flavors of whatever goes in them.

WSJ: Stuffed Morels | Consider This

Soak bamboo skewers in water for 15-30 minutes to keep them from burning when grilled.

NPR: Grilling Your Dessert