Month: January 2020

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Affordable, Government-Subsidized Phone Comes with Pre-Installed Malware

Yikes…

Smartphones and their related phone plans can be expensive. That’s why many low-income Americans depend on the FCC’s Lifeline Assistance Program so they can access quality service at an affordable price.

According to WIRED, the program currently provides UMX U686CL Android phones tied to the Virgin Mobile Assurance Program.

Unfortunately, Malwarebytes reports that the phones contain a malware called HiddenAds, and removing the bad programs could make the phone unusable.

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons

The surprising thing to security and malware experts is that the malware comes pre-installed in the phone, meaning that customers are getting a defective product right off the bat – and the government is paying to provide it.

WIRED says the malware is capable of installing apps and adware without the user’s permission beforehand. This can subject the phone’s owner to a lot of unwanted ads and unseen data-collection.

One of the apps the device has been shown to download is called AdUps. In 2016, this app reportedly collected data from users without prior consent or warning. Malwarebytes comments that the app itself isn’t of much concern, but it’s still unacceptable that smartphone users are being subjected to data collection, downloads, and adware without their consent or knowledge.

Photo Credit: < ahref=”https://www.istockphoto.com/photo/red-pirate-skull-on-smart-phone-screen-gm1067920116-285623129″target=”_blank”>iStock

This isn’t the first time phones for low-income users have been found to carry malware. And the devices are such an important lifeline to low-income people in the digital age that it’s frankly shameful for the government to be providing a pre-infected product.

Share your thoughts (or outrage) in the comments section.

The post Affordable, Government-Subsidized Phone Comes with Pre-Installed Malware appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Billion Dollar Solar Power Plant Flamed out, Costing Taxpayers Millions of Dollars

This billion-dollar solar plant has flamed out worse than a Kardashian relationship.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Crescent Dunes plant located outside of Las Vegas has generated far more controversy than power since it opened in 2015. Built with technology that was outdated even during its construction, the solar power plant has become a giant sore spot in the solar power industry.

Instead of providing a more efficient and environmentally safe fuel source, the plant has become a financial albatross. And SolarReserves Inc. and ACS Cobra, the two companies involved in the highly expensive Crescent Dunes project, received more than $700 million in government loan guarantees.

Unfortunately, the results simply didn’t measure up in comparison to modern solar power plants. The Bloomberg report pointed out that the plant cost about $135 per megawatt-hour compared to less than $30 per MWh at a new Nevada photovoltaic solar farm.

The $1 billion, 1,500-acre Crescent Dunes farm was supposed to provide 110 megawatts of power. However, that pales in comparison to other renewable power projects, including a plant recently approved by the Trump administration that will span 7,000 acres and provide 690 megawatts of solar energy.

There is certainly no shortage of interest or funding involved in solar technology. The Department of Energy’s portfolio includes $38 billion in projects similar to the Crescent Dunes project. Other entities such as the Department of Defense, NASA and the U.S. Air Force continue to fund university research in similar areas.

Of course, there is always risk involved in backing any new technology or large-scale infrastructure projects. Though Solyndra got a lot of heat for crashing and burning, a number of other non-renewable energy plants have had similar stories, or worse, like a $9 billion failed nuclear power plant in South Carolina. Plus, the United States spends hundreds of billions of dollars of unrecoverable money on baked-in subsidies for oil and gas companies, so this question of where the public invests is really is a matter of social priority.

Yet, taxpayers do shoulder the burden when failed projects are partially backed by public funding. For example, Crescent Dunes relied on $737 million in taxpayer money – funds that will likely not be repaid.

The plant, which as we’ve mentioned was technologically out-of-date before it even opened, only ever operated at 20 percent efficiency – a far cry from its target of 50 percent. Moreover, the plant killed local wildlife due to its heat-focused mirrors before it was shut down in April 2019.

Ultimately, Crescent Dunes proved to be a billion-dollar mistake that, unfortunately, leaves a black cloud hanging over the solar power industry right at a critical time in the world’s fight against climate change.

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Thrift Store Finds That Might Turn You Green With Envy

I didn’t grow up in a family where thrift stores were much of a thing, although we did love a good garage sale on a summer morning. It wasn’t until recently that I became aware of what truly amazing (and creepy and weird) stuff people find secondhand.

These people are clearly no strangers to the hunt, though, and they’ve come up with some pretty intriguing treasures.

16. Definitely seems like the best place to find cosplay pieces.

Finally gave this gem a night out it deserved. This was perfect for Harry Potter Yule Ball event that hosted at my favourite little geek themed bar.

Posted by Kirbie Humber on Sunday, December 15, 2019

15. A hare on a Victorian chair.

I see your tiny pets with mini furniture- I give you “my giant hare on a Victorian chair!” I found this Victorian…

Posted by Ali Ann on Sunday, December 22, 2019

14. We will hear no more arguments on the matter.

Found at an antique shop. The prototype for toilet paper showing that it clearly is supposed to be OVER ?

Posted by Loren Lockmiller on Thursday, January 9, 2020

13. Shared for the adorable granny.

Update: because everyone loves her so much we’ve set up an Instagram for you all to follow her crazy little ass a round and give you all some much needed Joy and granny spam ? Her username is nanny.maureen and we’ll be using it to log and post how much of a joy she is so make sure to follow ? Everyone is sharing their mini finds, here’s my 89 year old grandmother and her “camera” she is also a mini find as she is she is 4ft 5 inches in height ??? Edit wow I can’t believe how everyone fell in love with her she is the most amazing women alive and too many comments to reply to lol, Her name is Maureen, my nanny and to her great grandchildren they call her big granny ? she’s 89 lives here in little old Dublin Ireland with my grandfather Thomas married over 60 years and she loves life and everyone in it Also she will adopt everyone asking ❤

Posted by Orla Mahony on Monday, December 23, 2019

12. I really want to know why such a thing exists.

Posted by Michayla Hanson on Friday, December 20, 2019

11. Because you just never know when the apocalypse is coming.

Pardon my ridiculous "I just paid $20 for full chainmail" face.Edit to add: woah this blew up! Just in case anyone is…

Posted by Maddox Marcus on Wednesday, December 18, 2019

10. She should wear this whenever possible.

My grandmother passed this year and my aunt was kind enough to give me her school uniform from the 1940s. It fits! I…

Posted by Johanna Willis on Thursday, January 2, 2020

9. Taking the ugly Christmas wear to a whole other level.

Merry Christmas.. Found my dress for the Christmas Party..?

Posted by Keeli Dollar Russell on Saturday, December 14, 2019

8. Wow, those are really something!

The other day i saw someone post some really cool Limited Edition Doc Martens, so I would like to raise you these…

Posted by Nicole Beckett on Thursday, January 2, 2020

7. These hedgehogs are fancier than I am, even though the teacup is second hand.

Update: omg, you are all so wonderful! Thank you so much for your kindness!? I am completely amazed and overwhelmed that…

Posted by Shana Couillard on Wednesday, December 11, 2019

6. Make sure to read the whole story.

Not a great photo but a good story! 2015, I found this lovely and large portrait in a local 2nd hand story.The card on…

Posted by Susan Frazee-Kurner on Sunday, December 22, 2019

5. Well that is awkward and funny.

Was looking through the ugly sweater section at goodwill, and found the sweater, I was wearing !! I definitely got a good laugh out of it, and so did the people around me !!! ??

Posted by Jena Wolkens on Monday, December 16, 2019

4. Steampunk winner.

Found at the Goodwill Dunn Ave. Jacksonville, FL

Posted by Kelly Kaler on Friday, December 13, 2019

3. I still don’t know what it is, but the connection is cool.

Posted by Jason Smith on Monday, January 13, 2020

2. You are now ready for any costume party ever.

Posted by Jackie Kristine on Tuesday, December 10, 2019

1. Pets lounging on tiny furniture is my new favorite niche of internet pics.

Since we're doing tiny couches, I found this beautiful chaise for 6 dollars at a church thrift store.It was my cat's favorite and when she passed we retired it to a shelf in our library in her honor. ?

Posted by Rich Kiska on Monday, December 9, 2019

I’m going to have to make more time for thrifting – this history buff is salivating!

What’s the coolest thing you’ve found secondhand? Share it with us in the comments!

The post Thrift Store Finds That Might Turn You Green With Envy appeared first on UberFacts.

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These Funny Cat Memes Should Brighten Your Day

I’ve had some cats in my life and each one had their own hilarious personality and their own weird little quirks.

Our first cat Mr. Whiskers was a stray that we took in and he liked to crawl in and out of the neighborhood sewers. I’d be walking home from school and he’d come and greet me by literally crawling out of the sewer. Esmeralda was definitely an indoor cat and she liked to hang out on the back porch and take in as much sun as possible…oh, and she relished in tormenting our dogs.

I love cats. You love cats. We all love cats!

Enjoy these cat memes!

1. Take that into consideration…

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

2. What are you up to now?

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

3. Protect the leader at all costs.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

4. They always help with that.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

5. Time to make some tea.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

6. I like this guy’s style.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

7. You talking to me?

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

8. One-in-a-million shot.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

9. For me?!?!

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

10. Let me see the child.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

11. That is awesome.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

12. Not a beer fan.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

13. Slimming down.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

14. All warm and toasty.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

15. Best friends forever.

Photo Credit: Cheezburger

Are those memes adorable, or what?

Do you have some mischievous kitties running around your house?

Share some pics with us and tell us all about them!

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Which Direction Is This Swinging Person Facing?

That memorable dress that was different colors for different people. The shoes that were pink or teal, depending on who was looking at them. The voice that was saying Laurel…or was it Yanny?

The internet has had its fair share of viral illusions that whipped people into a frenzy of side-taking.

And here’s the latest: which direction is this person on a swing facing?

The perception puzzle comes to us from Ana, aka Twitter user @esnycuddles, who posted a video of a kid swinging against a snowy landscape – but is he swinging toward the camera, or toward the building?

People on both sides are just absolutely freaking out, as you can see.

There are even diagrams involved.

Me? I say he’s definitely swinging toward the camera, because of the angle of the swingset. I do see both ways, though.

Boom.

But the people who say he/she is swinging away are wrong.

Sorry not sorry.

What do you think? Do you want to argue with me? Sound off in the comments!

The post Which Direction Is This Swinging Person Facing? appeared first on UberFacts.

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Very Strange Things People Found at Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

You never know what you’ll find when you venture into a thrift store, flea market, or a garage sale. That goes double when you’re out in the middle of nowhere and you go into places that haven’t been picked over repeatedly. That’s when things get WEIRD.

And these folks all hit the weirdness jackpot, if you know what I mean…

Let’s take a look at the very…unique…treasures they uncovered.

1. Tittay frog is in the house.

All hail titty frog from WTFgaragesale

2. Poop diary.

So my sister found this nugget at the thrift shop recently from WTFgaragesale

3. If this room is a-rockin’…

Are those……children..? from WTFgaragesale

4. Frame urine test. Score!

So exited to hang this up in my bathroom ? (it was half price) from WTFgaragesale

5. I would buy this.

Bought this at a thrift store a while back from WTFgaragesale

6. All hail Satan? Maybe not so much.

Just what I needed to complete my bathroom aesthetic from WTFgaragesale

7. Your cat needs one of these.

Found at goodwill for 59 cents. Finally, Kitty is safe! Now we need one for the dog. from WTFgaragesale

8. Creepy stuff.

Every single one. WTF! from WTFgaragesale

9. Only five bucks!

The craftsmanship was impeccable, but I didn’t have the $5 cash to get it ? from WTFgaragesale

10. For your Super Bowl party.

Chips Man! from WTFgaragesale

11. Doesn’t really fit, does it?

1974 Wtf Psychology Book Cover from WTFgaragesale

12. Killer birds!

Today on FB Market Place from WTFgaragesale

13. That’s kinky.

Kinky teddy ready for a night on the town

Posted by Kris Hilty on Sunday, April 21, 2019

My, my, those sure are strange.

Are you a junker? A thrifter? A garage-saler?

If you are, I’ve bet you’ve seen some pretty weird things in your day. Tell us all about it in the comments. Let’s get as weird as possible!

The post Very Strange Things People Found at Thrift Stores and Garage Sales appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Clever Guy Turns His CPAP Mask into an ‘Alien’ Facehugger

There’s not much that’s funny about having to wear a CPAP mask in order to be able to breathe through a good night’s sleep.

That said, any time you can use your necessary medical equipment to turn your face into an attacking alien facehugger…I mean, you’ve gotta do it. I honestly can’t believe it hasn’t been done before now.

Jared Grey, the genius in question, is an author and self-described Tinker Gnome. He’s also a science fiction fanatic, so when he was thinking about ways to make the inconvenience of sleep apnea more bearable, he came up with the idea of turning the machine into a life-size foam Alien Facehugger replica.

Grey describes the process step-by-step on his social media, and honestly, I think he could also get work on science fiction sets if he’s ever hard up for cash.

A twisted idea who's time has finally come.

Posted by Jared Gray on Friday, April 27, 2018

What’s even funnier is that he’d joked about what he would do if he ever had to have a CPAP, even before being diagnosed with sleep apnea.

Image Credit: Jared Gray

“I’ve been joking for years that if I ever ended up needing a CPAP mask, I’d incorporate it into a facehugger. Because obviously…I was recently diagnosed with sleep apnea, and now have my own CPAP torture machine. Seriously, these things are awful and create as much discomfort as they prevent. So I may as well have some fun with this thing while it’s intruding on my life.”

Image Credit: Jared Gray

I say that’s a pretty healthy outlook to go along with some pretty amazing creativity.

This is the worst ConCrud I've had in a long time. I can't breathe, I can't see. I've got this lump in my throat and a…

Posted by Jared Gray on Monday, May 28, 2018

Would you ever imagine something like this? Would you be able to pull it off? Tell us what you think in the comments!

The post A Clever Guy Turns His CPAP Mask into an ‘Alien’ Facehugger appeared first on UberFacts.

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These 10 Pampering Products Won’t Break Your Bank Account

When you need a little pick-me-up, there’s nothing like getting pampered.

But if you’re thinking you need a day at the spa and a bank loan…well, that kind of thinking only adds to your stress, requiring more pampering, which means more money. It’s a vicious cycle.

Plus, you could not be more wrong.

So, let’s break the chain, put up our feet, stick spacers between our toes and scroll through this list of products that will pamper you without pauperizing you. Prices may vary.

1. OPI Matte Top Coat, $10

The following for this nail polish top coat is absolutely cultish.

Photo Credit: Amazon

2. Aritaum Ginger Sugar Overnight Lip Mask, $8.99

Full of emollients, plus it apparently helps your eyelashes grow. Bonus!

Photo Credit: Amazon

3. Hydrating Argan Oil Hair Mask and Deep Conditioner by Arvazallia for Dry or Damaged Hair, $12.95

Have frizzy and hard-to-control hair? You need this.

Photo Credit: Amazon

4. O’Keeffe’s Working Hands Hand Cream, $7.29

Unassuming, but hard-working, this miracle cream will tame your cuticles without blowing your budget at a nail salon.

Photo Credit: Amazon

4. O’Keeffe’s Healthy Feet Foot Cream, $7.29

They make a foot cream, too, for a decadent pedicure without the dollars. Kick off those sling-backs and slather this on for baby-soft heels.

Photo Credit: Amazon

5. Schick Silk Touch-Up Multipurpose Exfoliating Dermaplaning Tools, $4.99 for 3-pack

If your enthusiasm for paying for facial waxing is waning, then try these dermaplaning tools from Schick for smooth, silky skin. Your make-up will look flawless.

Photo Credit: Amazon

6. Radha Beauty Rosehip Oil, Organic, $14.95

For all skin-types, this oil reduces the look of acne scars and wrinkles, hydrates and leaves a youthful glow.

Photo Credit: Amazon

7. Coty Airspun Loose Face Power, $5.97

A bargain and a classic, it outperforms its department store counterparts. A perfect Laura Mercier swap.

Photo Credit: Amazon

8. Acure Brilliantly Brightening Facial Scrub, $7.64

It’s green, mean and vegan, and it will exfoliate your skin into a baby-soft, clearer zone. It’s a facial in a tube.

Photo Credit: Amazon

9. Cetaphil Pro Dermacontrol Purifying Clay Mask, $14.37

Oily, sensitive skin needs love too. This trusted brand provides.

Photo Credit: Amazon

10. No Pore Blem Primer, $14.99

Minimizes pores for a flawless, glowing look.

Photo Credit: Amazon

While beauty is only skin deep, so is your bank account. But with this list of, ahem, money-conscious products, you can pamper yourself like you’re on a champagne budget, even if you have only beer while doing it.

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People Talk About Whether They’d Return to the Past Knowing What They Know Now

Everyone has thought about this question at some point in their life – if you could drop your life, go back in time (in this case 8 years) and redo the last decade with all of your current knowledge, would you?

For me, that would be no, since the last decade brought me my husband and my boys, but it gets trickier for me to answer if you offer to let me go further back and just, you know. Tweak a few things.

These 15 Redditors all stood up and answered, and some of their responses just might surprise you.

15. Just to have a bit more time.

Oh yeah. My mom passed away in 2013.

14. There’s gotta be one.

I’m the bitcoin investment comment.

13. Any time spent on worrying what other people think has been wasted.

Yes, those were the skinny years I wasted thinking I was fat.

12. So many of these sad posts. Go to the doctor, people!

I would tell my dad to get regular scans so that they catch his cancer before its too late. I miss you dad.

11. 8 years experience really is a big selling point.

Absolutely.

I’d never give the poor excuse of a boyfriend I had a chance that year.

I’d save more money use it wisely and I’d be a hell of a lot more confident mostly because I’d keep the extra 8 years experience.

10. Never put off until tomorrow what you could do today.

In a fucking heartbeat.

My entire life crashed because of one decision I made in 2012. I don’t care about the money, I just want the chance to fix myself and be ok.

9. Sounds like he might have a good reason.

That was 6 months before i got seriously injured for the fist time… I think i’d take it.

8. A travel buddy is always nice to have.

No.

I would have 8 years of memories with my husband that he wouldn’t have.

Plus I’d have to live through him losing has dad again, and that was brutal.

But if we could both go back, then yes, absolutely.

7. Definitely a temptation.

Yes. With everything I know now, I could easily go back and be a millionaire.

6. To live on your own terms.

Definitely.

Ten years ago I was grumpily dragging my feet up the stairs when my mom woke me up in the middle of the night.

Now I’m sitting here thinking about how, for almost all of the past ten years, I’ve been trying so hard to be who everyone else wanted me to be that I don’t even know who I am or what I want to do with my life.

If I could go redo it, I’d live my life for myself instead of those around me.

5. I mean…you still have some youth left though.

I turned 21 in 2011.

You’re saying I could redo my 20s, with a 29-year old brain and experiences?

Hell yes I would.

4. High school can be rough.

11th grade?

Fucking absolutely, with the confidence and personal peace I have now? Oh my lord.

I found my old phones from high school a few months ago while visiting my mother, and it was pretty bittersweet looking through the old texts and photos. I was such an angry kid, I thought everyone hated me, and I missed every signal any girl would put out. Hindsight would’ve been such a great fucking cushion to hold onto.

Breathe, drink a little water, rice instead of fries, and look them in the eyes, and I would’ve completely skirted past the mental health issues.

Great question by the way OP. It’s something I think about often.

3. I mean…maybe you just think you will.

Yes because I would be able to have a fresh start

2. Money is a big motivator!

Yes, because:

  • Bitcoin
  • Stop myself from making certain stupid financial decisions (that cost thousands and gave my phone number to scam agencies from whom I still get calls on occasion) in 2012.
  • Take my twenties more seriously in general.
  • Bet on the Cubs winning in 2016, even though I don’t really need the money from that because bitcoin.

1. You can always use more parenting time under your belt.

My kids are teenagers now, so I’d get to have another 8 years of them being little kids, and I’d have the chance to be a better parent to them. They’re doing fine, really, but having an extra 8 years of parenting under my belt would probably help me do a little better.

And those were great years. I loved it.

Also I’d have my dog back—he passed away last summer and I’d love to have a few more years with that colossal dumbass.

Also purchasing lots of Bitcoin.

They make some decent arguments, don’t you think?

What would your answer be? Why?

Tell us in the comments!

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Woman Edits People’s Toxic Exes out of Photos for a Cheap Price

Now this is a brilliant business idea!

A Twitter user who goes by the handle @hexappeal has become quite popular lately because she will perform a very important service for you for an incredibly reasonable price.

She’ll use her impressive photo editing skills to remove your terrible ex from old photos. For only $15 a pop, you never have to look at awful person ever again! She originally started out with a $10 fee, but as demand grows, you gotta do what you gotta do.

Here’s a little message about the price increase.

 

Here’s another great example of her work.

Boyfriend? What boyfriend? I don’t remember that guy. It’s like in Back to the Future when Marty McFly’s family is slowly disappearing from that snapshot. Except this time it can be permanent!

I’m sure a lot of us could do a halfway-decent Photoshop edit to try to remove those toxic folks from our memories forever, but this woman has some serious skills, so why not throw a little cash her way and she’ll do a bang-up job? Don’t be a cheapskate, okay? You’ll thank me later.

Sometimes, social media can really be used for good.

Is this a million-dollar idea, or what? Heck, it might even be a billion-dollar idea…

The post Woman Edits People’s Toxic Exes out of Photos for a Cheap Price appeared first on UberFacts.