Life Hacks – Spoken Edition

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How to Quickly Remove Windows 10's New Cortana App Jun 19, 2020

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The new Windows 10 Version 2004 update is slowly rolling out to compatabile devices, though some users will be waiting for it a little longer. The update brings several new features to the OS, including an all-new version of Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana, whether you like it or not. Cortana now comes as a separate app, and it’s no longer voice-controlled.

Protesting Is a Hack Jun 18, 2020

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Protests get shit done. If you celebrate Independence Day, Pride or Martin Luther King Day, you know that public demonstrations, even riots, have forced change where other means could not. Earlier this week we shared with you five demonstrations that changed history; today let’s talk about what’s happening now. Protests urging justice have occurred nationwide, and especially in the week and a half since George Floyd was killed in police custody on May 25.

How to Keep Your WhatsApp Number Out of Google Search Results Jun 17, 2020

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If you use WhatsApp’s Click to Chat feature, your phone number may be showing up in Google search results.

How to Permanently Delete Books From Your Kindle Jun 16, 2020

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Removing books you’ve finished from your Kindle has always been possible, but with one catch. Whatever you remove from your device persists in your account. It’s not gone forever, it’s simply gone from the specific Kindle device you’re using. You likely caught on to that caveat the first time you pressed-and-held your finger on a book on your Kindle and tapped the “Remove From Device” option.

How to Investigate Your Local Police Department Jun 15, 2020

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Protests against racism and police violence are occurring in pretty much every city across America, but you don’t have to be in a big city for the issue to affect you. Wherever you are, you have a local police department, and as a resident you can start pushing for the change you want to see.

How to Share Your Location With Google Plus Codes Jun 12, 2020

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When you need something delivered or need to call for help you probably give the person on the other end of the line your street address. What do you do if you’re somewhere you don’t know the address, or a place that doesn’t have one? Google is currently rolling out a new Google Maps feature called “Plus Codes” that makes it easier to share your location data with anyone on the planet—even if you location happens to be a cabin in the woods. The tool essentially creates an “address” for you based on the latitude and longitude coordinates of where you are. You can use these coordinates to mark the location of a house, but also something like a tent or a boat. To create one, you’ll tap the blue dot on Google Maps that represents where you are right now. When you do, a new page will launch with your Plus Code at the top. For instance, you might see “FWM8+V9, Ibadan, Nigeria.” It’s a lot like an address except instead of a street name and number you have “FWM8+V9.” Plus Codes can be acquired through the blue location dot as well as tapping and holding the Map to drop a pin somewhere. Once you have one, Plus Codes are searchable both in Google Maps and Google Search. They also stay the same for individual locations forever, so you could print them on a poster or sign or pass them out to an invited guest, and if they search them in Google Maps, they’ll always be able to find you—even without a street address.

What to Know About the New TSA Rules Jun 11, 2020

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As travel begins to slowly reopen, many of us are wondering what changes will be made to the check-in and boarding experience going forward. Last week, the Transportation Security Administration announced that there would be new rules and guidelines for all passengers traveling through airports in order to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus. In the event that you may need to travel in the coming weeks, here’s what you need to know.

Open Zip Ties With a Broken Bobby Pin Jun 10, 2020

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If you’ve got something that’s zip-tied together that shouldn’t be zip-tied together—whatever it is, for whatever reason—a broken bobby pin can be an excellent release tool. Yes, I know that in most cases (if you’re opening a package, for example) you’re going to want to use a pair of scissors to cut the zip tie off.

How to Pandemic-Proof Your Relationship, With Divorce Lawyer James J. Sexton Jun 09, 2020

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Being trapped with your significant other 24/7 is not a recipe for relationship success. That’s why this week we’re talking with divorce attorney James J. Sexton about how to save our marriage and avoid becoming a statistic in the post-pandemic “divorce boom.” Hear James talk about the ways couples can remind themselves of when they were first falling in love and the best strategies for finding distance without losing connection.

NASA Wants to Pay You to Isolate on Fake Mars for 8 Months Jun 05, 2020

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If, more than two months into the coronavirus pandemic, you’ve thought to yourself, “hmmm, living in isolation kinda works for me,” NASA may have just the job for you. The space agency is seeking applicants for a social isolation study to develop methods and technologies for future spaceflight missions to Mars and the moon. Here’s what you need to know about the job we’re now all suddenly much more qualified for than we were a few months ago.