Category: technology

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These 12 Kitchen Products Are Worth Splurging On

Everyone likes a cool, new gadget, but how do you know whether or not something is actually useful or just a shiny piece of junk?

These 12 kitchen products have been tested and loved, though, and people really think they’re worth the money. In the end, you’ll still have to decide, so check them out and start thinking!

#12. A Brita water pitcher

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you don’t have a fridge that offers filtered water, this pitcher is awesome and your water is always chilled.

#11. An electric can opener

Photo Credit: Amazon

Have you ever cursed out your regular can opener? Just me? You need one.

#10. A KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Photo Credit: Amazon

Yes, they’re pricey. But yes, if you’re someone who bakes regularly, you’ll also use it on a weekly basis and it makes your life so much easier.

#9. A soda maker

Photo Credit: Walmart

If you love La Croix but are going broke feeding your habit, this might be the investment for you.

#8. Stainless steel cookware

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you’ve never tried it, here’s why you should – and you’ll never go back to any other kind of cookware, either. It’s an investment, but if you spend time in the kitchen, it’s worth it!

#7. The Instant Pot

Photo Credit: Walmart

You’ve seen your friends talking about these, no doubt, and trying their best to grab one on sale. The reason? You can cook your entire dinner in one pot, from frozen, in like 30 minutes. A must for busy parents who still want to cook healthy at home.

#6. Electric kettle.

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you’re over your Keurig and have gone to a French press or Aeropress (love both), or if you just prefer tea to coffee, why haven’t you already bought an electric kettle? They make pretty ones these days, too.

#5. Professional Blender

Photo Credit: Amazon

Make your daily smoothie from the comfort of your own home!

#4. Frozen Yogurt + Ice Cream Maker

Photo Credit: Amazon

Because we all have both kinds of people in our lives, and everyone needs a treat now and then. If you’re a family who eats ice cream on a weekly basis, this beauty will make it fresh and delicious in less than 20 minutes.

#3. A vacuum sealer

Photo Credit: Amazon

If you’re someone who sees a good deal and buys in bulk, you’ll need to invest in one of these to make sure your food tastes as good coming out of the freezer as it did going in. Trust me.

#2. These amazing mixing bowls

Photo Credit: Walmart

They’re stainless steel, are different sizes, have lids, and have built in graters. I mean. What?

#1. A good food processor.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Once again, if you’re not someone who cooks regularly, then this would just take up counter and/or storage space but if you do, it’s an investment that’s going to make your life a whole lot easier.

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Dad of 4 Girls Tweets the Things They Say

Parents tend to record the memories of their children via photographs and videos, however, James Breakwell has been documenting his time with his four daughters on social media in a different way. The comedy writer and family man from Indianapolis has been using Twitter to share his daily conversations with his daughters – and it’s earned him over a million followers since he started in April 2016. Here are some of the best posts he’s shared.

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Photo Credit: James Breakwell

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This Country Is Now Taxing Social Media Use and People Are Very Angry

Imagine having to pay a daily tax to use social media apps like Facebook, Twitter, and WhatsApp. Well, that’s exactly what is happening now in the country of Uganda because it’s the law.

Photo Credit: Global Voices

In May 2018, the government of Uganda passed the new tax law that forces citizens to pay roughly the equivalent of 5 cents U.S. to use social media.

Photo Credit: Twitter

People were shocked that the law was real and expressed their displeasure on, you guessed it, Twitter.

Photo Credit: Facebook

Photo Credit: Twitter

Many in Uganda believe the tax is meant to control young people and to stop the spread of ideas through social media. And Ugandans are worried about how it will affect the economy.

Photo Credit: Twitter

But the people are fighting back.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Amnesty International’s director for East Africa said, “It is not the place of the Ugandan authorities to determine what discussions taking place on social media platforms are useful. Rather, it is their responsibility to uphold and nurture unfettered enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, both online and offline. Social media platforms like Facebook and WhatsApp have opened up cheaper avenues of communication and information sharing in Uganda. By making people pay for using these platforms, this tax will render these avenues of communication inaccessible for low-income earners, robbing many people of their right to freedom of expression, with a chilling effect on other human rights.”

“This is a clear attempt to silence dissent, in the guise of raising government revenues.”

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The 15 Most Popular YouTubers in the World Are Making Millions

YouTube is the new TV. In fact, they’ve even launched their own version of the standard cable TV subscription that lets you watch live TV via YouTube. And with billions of views across all its videos YouTubers are cashing in.

All this is to say that there’s no doubt that YouTube has become a major launchpad for tomorrow’s celebrities (Justin Bieber was famously discovered on YouTube). If you’re at the top of your game, there are major bucks to be made in the form of YouTube partnerships, endorsements, and exposure to new opportunities.

The list below features 15 of YouTube’s most popular independent stars (as opposed to mainstream music artists, etc.), as compiled by SocialBlade. These stars aren’t just reaching millions of people worldwide – some are also making millions of dollars in the process.

15. Fernanfloo: 26.2 million subscribers

Photo Credit: YouTube

Fernanfloo (Luis Fernando Flores) is a gaming YouTuber from El Salvador who is known for his wacky video style and occasional appearances by his dog.

14. Felipe Neto: 18.7 million subscribers

Brazilian vlogger and comedian Felipe Neto has the distinction of being the first Brazilian YouTube channel to hit 1 million subscribers. He also released a Netflix special in 2017.

13. Yuya – 20.5 million subscribers

Yuya is a beauty vlogger who posts all kinds of beauty tutorials on her main channel. Her popularity has earned her features in Vogue and on TV in her native Mexico.

12. NigaHiga: 20.4 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Ryan Higa

NigaHiga (Ryan Higa) was one of the earliest breakout stars of YouTube, producing a variety of content from comedy sketches and music videos to musings on pop culture.

11. Markiplier: 19.5 million subscribers

Photo Credit: TDKR Chicago 101

Markiplier (Mark Fischbach) is a gaming YouTuber who has aspirations of branching out into music and acting. His 2017 net worth is estimated to be ~$9 million.

10. Vegetta777: 20.8 million subscribers

Photo Credit: YouTube

Vegeta777 (Samuel de Luque) is a popular Spanish gaming YouTuber who is best known for using video games to create elaborate narratives of his design, including dubbing his own voiceovers.

9. VanossGaming: 22.3 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Vanoss Gaming

VanossGaming (Evan Fong) is a gaming YouTuber from Canada. His signature style features the masterful use of editing to compress hours of footage into a single engaging moment.

8. Smosh — 22.6 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore

Comedy duo Smosh (comprised of Ian Hecox and Anthony Padilla) was another one of YouTube’s earlier stars. Recently, Padilla left Smosh to start a solo account.

7. Jacksepticeye: 17.89 million subscribers

Jacksepticeye (Seán William McLoughlin) is an Irish gamer and YouTuber who found fame after getting mentioned by PewDiePie (featured later in this list). I particularly like his videos due to his energetic narration and charming Irish accent.

6. Dude Perfect: 26.5 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Dude Perfect

Dude Perfect was started by a group of friends and former athletes who all knew each other from college at Texas A&M. Their videos often revolve around sports and trick shots, with a fun, casual style.

5. Canal KondZilla: 26.6 million subscribers

Photo Credit: KondZilla.com

KondZilla (Konrad Dantas) is a Brazilian music video director with one of the fastest growing pages on YouTube.

4. Whinderssonnunes: 26.7 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

Whinderssonnunes (Whindersson Nunes) is a Brazilian  YouTuber whose comedy videos and song parodies have been entertaining people for nearly a decade.

3. ElRubiusOMG: 27.3 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

ElRubiusOMG (Rubén Doblas Gundersen) is a Spanish YouTube sensation. As with many of the other entries on this list, his main focus is video game reviews, walkthroughs, and commentaries.

2. HolaSoyGerman: 33.1 million subscribers

Photo Credit: Wikimedia

HolaSoyGerman (Germán Garmendia) is arguably the biggest YouTube star in Latin America. The Chilean comedian and musician can boast having not one, but two YouTube channels in the top 20 list – the main one listed here and another, gaming-focused channel called JuegaGerman.

1. PewDiePie: 60.4 million subscribers

Photo Credit: YouTube

You know you’ve made it when South Park is spoofing you. PewDiePie (Felix Arvid Ulf Kjellberg) is a Swedish YouTuber whose boisterous video game commentary and playthroughs have earned him widespread fame and a sizeable fortune.

If you enjoyed this, you should read this next:

The “Cash Me Ousside” Girl Signed A Multi-Million Dollar Record Deal… How Bow Dat?

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What People Miss Most About the 2000s, According to Reddit

Can you believe we’re almost a decade removed from the 2000s? I guess that’s just how fast things move.

What do you miss about the 2000s? The same things as these folks?

1. Gamer

“Nintendo Gamecube – I know it was the third place console, but it had so many games that I played constantly. I still think Rogue Leader is the best Star Wars game ever made – and that was sixteen years ago!”

2. Old-fashioned

“The old-fashioned PC, Windows XP and the pre-Facebook Internet.

I get such nostalgia pangs when I remember sitting on my Dad’s old PC, playing computer games and watching old, non-professional videos.”

3. Me too

“Borders bookstores.”

4. Good times with this one

“MSN Messenger.”

5. Harry mania

“Harry Potter being in its heyday and theorizing about what would happen in the next books.”

6. ‘Toons

“Cartoon Network. It used to be awesome back then.”

7. Top 8

“Myspace. The site was flawed, but it was so much fun. The crazy layouts, the “top 8″ friends, the surveys, the music.”

8. Nothing more

“Buying a game at the store, reading the manual on the car ride home, then popping the disc in the console and immediately playing it, the entire game and what it had to offer, nothing more.”

9. Flip phones

“I miss the flip phone era from like 2006-2010, for me at least.

I was just better at communication back then. I was on 7th grade to mid high school back then and if I wanted to talk to a girl I’d call her. Texting wasn’t unlimited for a lot of people.”

10. Discman

“I graduated high school in 2001. I’ll always remember my yellow Sony Discman connected to the tape deck in my ’94 Saturn SL2. It was a stick shift too! The anti-skip didn’t work great, but I loved my collection of CDs I had going in the visor.”

11. The old days

“Checking my translucent blue VTECH answering machine when I got home from work.”

12. Just enough

“Just enough features on phones where we can make plans and figure out where we’re going. But not SO much functionality that we stare at our phones when we hang out with people.”

13. The aesthetic

“Overall I just miss the overall aesthetic of the 2000s. Everything was all gritty because it was barely a new millenia and nobody knew how the future would look like. Companies back then had over complicated logos to help them stand out from the rest of the crowd. Everything felt more real than the over-simplicity of today, and I truly miss that.”

14. Vh1

“The old Vh1 with all of the stupid reality shows and the “I Love the XX’s” decade shows.”

15. Amen

“I miss the messy culture of the 2000s. People wore ugly accessories, too many layers, messy makeup. Now, everything has to be so perfect, so “instagrammable”.”

 

The post What People Miss Most About the 2000s, According to Reddit appeared first on UberFacts.

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A Study Suggests That We Might Be Alone in the Universe After All

Hollywood has loved to imagine what it will be like to discover intelligent alien life one day, as have books and comics, and most other creative mediums for as long as we can remember. Sadly, science is starting to wonder whether or not the chances are actually good that we’re not alone.

According to a new study out of Oxford University’s Future of Humanity Institute, researchers applied existing knowledge of biology, chemistry, and cosmology to the Drake equation, created by astronomer Frank Drake in 1961 in an attempt to calculate the number of intelligent civilizations in our galaxy.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

The equation takes into consideration things like the average rate of star formation and the average lifespan of intelligent civilizations, among other things. Using Drake’s model combined with modern astronomy, the researchers at Oxford estimate there’s a 53%-99.6% change we’re alone in the galaxy and a 39%-85% chance we’re the only intelligent life to be found in the entire universe.

They’re also relying on the class Fermi Paradox, which asserts that intelligent extraterrestrial beings exist and that they should have visited earth by now. Since they have not, the conclusion is that they are “probably extremely far away and quite possibly beyond the cosmological horizon and forever unreachable.”

Others, like Seth Shostak of the SETI Institute, are dismissive of the recent claims, mainly because there remains too much unknown about the universe to make any such claims.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

“I could walk outside here in Mountain View, California, and not see too many hippos strolling the streets,” he told Mental Floss, “but it would be incorrect for me to say on that rather limited basis that there’s probably no hippos anywhere. It’s a big conclusion to make on the basis of a local observation.”

Not only is so much of the universe still shrouded in mystery, there’s also the idea that scientists and astronomers here on earth aren’t even looking for the right type of communication. So far, we examine potential radio and light signals, but there’s a chance that alien beings are trying to contact us in ways we haven’t designed yet.

The bottom line is that the truth may still be out there, just waiting for our feeble human science to catch up enough to find it.

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These Sneakers Aim to Reduce Ocean Pollution While Looking Cool in the Process

You might not be someone who is super into sneakers, but after you see what Adidas and Parley for the Oceans have teamed up to create, you just might change your tune. The new, innovative line of shoes is made using upcycled waste from beaches and coastal communities – which prevents the plastic from entering the oceans.

The shoes, called Ultraboosts, not only look cool but each pair prevents 11 plastic bottles from littering the oceans. They’re made with Adidas’ custom “boost” cushioning, too, so no worries about losing performance in your quest to better the environment through your choice of kicks.

Photo Credit: Adidas

If you’re convinced (and why wouldn’t you be?) you can grab a pair of these shoes on their website today – and while you’re there, make sure to sign up for the Adidas x Parley Run for the Oceans. Adidas will donate $1 to Parley School for the Oceans for every kilometer run!

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12 Purchases That Could Save You Money in the Long Run

Sometimes we’re so intent on saving money in the now that we don’t think about how purchases could help us out down the road – a return on investment, so to speak. It’s important to think about how long a product will be useful or how often you’ll be able to utilize it when you’re deciding what and how to shell out the big bucks now.

And as always, we live to serve.

#12. DIY carpet shampoo.

Photo Credit: Amazon

You can shell out the big bucks a couple of times a year for a professional cleaning or you can take a few hours of your own time and do it yourself just as well.

#11. Reusable straws (and brushes).

Photo Credit: Amazon

Sure, they’re $15 but they last forever (in theory) and with more and more places banning plastic waste, are sure to come in handy.

#10. A five-ingredient cookbook.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It was made for poor college student, but seeing as many of us are living poor for years and years after college, it can definitely be a good investment for decades to come – all for less than $15.

#9. Reusable mesh produce bag.

Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters

Save yourself time and the hassle of pulling those dumb plastic bags at the grocery store AND help out the planet in the process with these reusable produce bags from Urban Outfitters.

#8. Handy-dandy grocery list.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It’s bound to save you time on return trips to the store, and time is money, after all!

#7. A good curling iron.

Photo Credit: Amazon

This beauty is guaranteed to save you countless trips to the salon or the dry bar, and give you loose, beachy waves for years to come. A no-brainer.

#6. Snack holders for kids.

Photo Credit: Amazon

You’ll save on baggies AND keep your floors and car (marginally) cleaner.

#5. Bug repellent that actually works.

Photo Credit: Amazon

No promises on whether it will or will not make you grow an extra spleen, but it will keep the mosquitoes away.

#4. This sponge stand.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It sounds weird and like a specialty item you don’t really need in your life, but consider this: your sponges will last so much longer if they’re allowed to air out and really dry between uses.

#3. Multi-use clear plastic tote bag.

Photo Credit: Amazon

This is great for people who spend time going to football, baseball, or soccer games where only clear bags are allowed – but it also works great for trips to the pool or beach.

#2. A disposable flask.

Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters

You can sneak in some booze and save yourself like half a million dollars at any given event, and if you get busted, you’re only out a few bucks.

#1. Nice gardening gloves.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Would you rather pay more for quality gloves once or replace them every season and watch your bill tally up? I know the right answer!

The post 12 Purchases That Could Save You Money in the Long Run appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

12 Purchases That Could Save You Money in the Long Run

Sometimes we’re so intent on saving money in the now that we don’t think about how purchases could help us out down the road – a return on investment, so to speak. It’s important to think about how long a product will be useful or how often you’ll be able to utilize it when you’re deciding what and how to shell out the big bucks now.

And as always, we live to serve.

#12. DIY carpet shampoo.

Photo Credit: Amazon

You can shell out the big bucks a couple of times a year for a professional cleaning or you can take a few hours of your own time and do it yourself just as well.

#11. Reusable straws (and brushes).

Photo Credit: Amazon

Sure, they’re $15 but they last forever (in theory) and with more and more places banning plastic waste, are sure to come in handy.

#10. A five-ingredient cookbook.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It was made for poor college student, but seeing as many of us are living poor for years and years after college, it can definitely be a good investment for decades to come – all for less than $15.

#9. Reusable mesh produce bag.

Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters

Save yourself time and the hassle of pulling those dumb plastic bags at the grocery store AND help out the planet in the process with these reusable produce bags from Urban Outfitters.

#8. Handy-dandy grocery list.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It’s bound to save you time on return trips to the store, and time is money, after all!

#7. A good curling iron.

Photo Credit: Amazon

This beauty is guaranteed to save you countless trips to the salon or the dry bar, and give you loose, beachy waves for years to come. A no-brainer.

#6. Snack holders for kids.

Photo Credit: Amazon

You’ll save on baggies AND keep your floors and car (marginally) cleaner.

#5. Bug repellent that actually works.

Photo Credit: Amazon

No promises on whether it will or will not make you grow an extra spleen, but it will keep the mosquitoes away.

#4. This sponge stand.

Photo Credit: Amazon

It sounds weird and like a specialty item you don’t really need in your life, but consider this: your sponges will last so much longer if they’re allowed to air out and really dry between uses.

#3. Multi-use clear plastic tote bag.

Photo Credit: Amazon

This is great for people who spend time going to football, baseball, or soccer games where only clear bags are allowed – but it also works great for trips to the pool or beach.

#2. A disposable flask.

Photo Credit: Urban Outfitters

You can sneak in some booze and save yourself like half a million dollars at any given event, and if you get busted, you’re only out a few bucks.

#1. Nice gardening gloves.

Photo Credit: Amazon

Would you rather pay more for quality gloves once or replace them every season and watch your bill tally up? I know the right answer!

The post 12 Purchases That Could Save You Money in the Long Run appeared first on UberFacts.

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6 Tips on How to Have a Productive Conversation About Money with Your Significant Other

Talking about money can be hard, even for people in relationships without communication issues. That said, it has to be done – disagreeing or not being on the same page about finances is listed as one of the main sources of contention for most couples, and no one wants that.

So, in the spirit of healthy relationships, here are 6 tips on having “the talk” with your significant other and getting something great out of it in the process.

#6. Insurance should be part of the talk, too.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

It might sound boring, but life insurance, health insurance, car insurance, etc are other things that should be discussed (and combined if it makes financial sense). It can provide peace of mind and go a long way toward making you feel better about financial security.

#5. Timing is everything.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Don’t wait too long into your relationship to chat about money – the sooner you do it, the easier it will be to focus on what you want to accomplish together as you grow as a couple. Whenever you do it, though, make sure you have enough time. It’s not something you want to rush.

#4. Debt can’t be a secret.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

If you’re the one who has large student loans or credit card debt, talking about it can be embarrassing. That said, your partner deserves to know what they’re getting into, especially if you plan on joining bank accounts or on tax returns. You can bring a financial advisor into the discussion if you think it might be easier to have a third party’s ideas on the best way for you to resolve debt and move forward as a couple.

#3. Make sure you’ve got the meat covered before you move on to dessert.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

You’ll want to talk about income, expenses, and lifestyle expectations (including children, if that topic applies) in order to understand how much your significant other makes, spends, and saves. Once you’ve got that down, it will be easier to talk about joining budgets or when you’re okay with splurging.

#2. The pros and cons of combining finances.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether to keep things separate or to combine them, but if you are considering the latter, you’ll want to think through what that means. You’ll need to be open and honest about expenditures – especially large ones – before they happen. On the plus side, it can be good for communication and understanding what your partner considers an acceptable “splurge.”

#1. Keep an eye on the future.

Photo Credit: Pixabay

Remember that the end game of all of these tough conversations is to build a foundation for the two of you going forward. Decide whether to combine finances, whether one or both of you are going to handle the day-to-day spending and bill paying, etc.

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