Category: technology

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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!

The post These Sneakers Aim to Reduce Ocean Pollution While Looking Cool in the Process appeared first on UberFacts.

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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.

The post 6 Tips on How to Have a Productive Conversation About Money with Your Significant Other appeared first on UberFacts.

Posted on

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.

The post 6 Tips on How to Have a Productive Conversation About Money with Your Significant Other appeared first on UberFacts.

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Data Domination

Among the freaks and fetishists out there, there are people, who love to be dominated. For such people, dominatrixes have been around for awhile. But, times changed and demands changed along with them. Today, there is such thing as, the techno dominatrix; a person, who dominates over remote access. Meet the techno dominatrix mistress Harley. […]

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9+ Interesting Facts About Airplanes

Where would we be as a society without flight? It’s hard to imagine it’s only been 115 years since the Wright brothers took their inaugural flight, but it’s the truth.

Since 1903, planes have evolved quickly and we now view our ability to fly from one corner of the world to another as a right, not a privilege.

Take a look at these facts about the miracle of flight.

1. Might come in handy

Photo Credit: did you know?

2. Interesting…

Photo Credit: did you know?

3. The middle seat

Photo Credit: did you know?

4. Empty planes

Photo Credit: did you know?

5. Felonious

Photo Credit: did you know?

6. Hero

Photo Credit: did you know?

7. Wait til you get out

Photo Credit: did you know?

8. A mystery

Photo Credit: did you know?

9. Quiet Zones

Photo Credit: did you know?

10. Pink Flamingos

Photo Credit: did you know?

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This Man Owns the Creepiest Alexa Ever and She Needs to Go

Over the past year or so, it’s become clear to many people that Alexa is the first stage of the robot revolution and has no place in our homes. Examples include:

Random, demonic laughter.

Photo Credit: Twitter

Listing off local funeral homes and cemeteries:

Photo Credit: Twitter

And the spouting of conspiracy theories regarding chemtrails.

“Chemtrails. Trails left by aircraft are actually chemical or biological agents deliberately sprayed at high altitudes for a purpose undisclosed to the general public in clandestine programs directed by government officials.”

Oh right, and the time this couple’s Alexa recorded a random conversation and then emailed it to one of their contacts without prompting.

“We unplugged all of them and he proceeded to tell us that he had received audio files of recordings from inside our house,” she said. “At first, my husband was, like, ‘no you didn’t!’ And the (recipient of the message) said ‘You sat there talking about hardwood floors.’ And we said, ‘oh gosh, you really did hear us.’”

If all of these examples haven’t been enough to encourage you to unplug your device (or perhaps smash it or burn it with fire) then how about this one?

Sean Kinnear of San Fransisco reported feeling “disturbed” after Alexa said – completely unprompted – “every time I close my eyes all I see is people dying.”

Disturbed is an understatement, I’d say.

When Kinnear asked her to repeat herself, she had no memory of what was just said.

For their part, the tech industry is still trying to pretend that the uprising isn’t upon us. Security expert Chris Boyd told IFLScience:

“While it all sounds a touch Lovecraftian, rest assured it’ll turn out to be a perfectly humdrum glitch. Alexa has had issues in the past, and if one of its core features triggered in the background accidentally, it could lead to all sorts of shenanigans. For all we know, his Alexa recorded some audio from the TV and decided to play it back at the worst possible moment.”

Uh huh. Sure. Keep telling yourself that, Chris. I’ll be over here in my bunker.

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