![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
badly_knittedbadly_knittedtoomanyghosts’s prompt ‘doctor who ; 14th doctor +/ martha jones ; hello again,’ at ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
threesentenceficathon.
badly_knittedbadly_knittedenamoured’s prompt ‘Any, any, showing a little leg’, at threesentenceficathon. iamrman posting in scans_dailyWriter: Tom DeFalco
Co-plotter and pencils: Paul Ryan
Inks: Danny Bulanadi
The Watcher pops in to say hello, but something isn’t quite right.
( Read more... )
dolorosa_12yuletide. My approach this year was to nominate things I'd be both happy to write and receive: a mixture of perennial unfilled requests, old favourites to which I love to return, and fandoms I'm looking to request with a slightly changed batch of characters from those I've requested and received in the past. ![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
lifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source.
It's not often I find sales on the Kindle Paperwhite, especially the latest version—but right now, the 12th Gen, 2024 "like-New" 16GB Kindle Paperwhite is $106.99 (originally $143.99 and $159.99 for a "new" one). The Signature Edition, with an automatically adjusting front light, double the storage, and wireless charging, is available for $126.99 (originally $179.99) and the Kindle Scribe, with note-taking capabilities, starts at $269.99. That's the lowest price for all of these devices, according to price-tracking tools. These deals on used Kindles usually sell out fast, so get one sooner rather than later if you're interested.
conulybrithistorianI was reading the current issue of American Historical Review this morning and in the reviews, I came across a very clever book title. In a play on the phrase "locus of power," Samuel Dolbee named a book Locusts of Power: Borders, Empire, and Environment in the Modern Middle East.
lifehacker_feedDid you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.
Memory is a tricky thing. Scientists have figured out how many units of information you can store in your short-term memory (around seven, though there are great workarounds for remembering more than that), but if you really want to remember something, you have to go over it a bunch of times until it lodges deeper in your brain.
There are quite a few ways to do that if you have some time to devote to the practice of repetition, but if you’re getting ready for a test at school or a presentation at work, you might not have too long to go over the content again and again and again—but you do, if you make a personal podcast. This technique requires you to make an effort only once, then calls on you to relax and absorb the information more passively, making it ideal for studying or reviewing when you are short on time or heavy on other tasks.
Next time you want to retain the details of something you’re studying, open up the voice notes feature on your phone, because you’re going to make yourself a little study podcast. You could simply read your notes out loud into the mic; it’s the simplest option, and a good one. (If you’re memorizing a speech, just perform the whole thing. That's what I did in high school, when I was a forensics nerd and felt that using even a single notecard during a speech meet delegitimized my entire presentation. For what it's worth, I won a lot, which I partially attribute to being off-book while everyone else used aids.)
You do have other, more intensive, options though. You can record separate “episodes” for each mini-topic you’re studying, which will help you organize your thinking and provide an easy way to focus if you need brushing up in a particular area. Use your preferred note-taking method or a reading-and-retaining technique like SQ3R to create outlines that are concise but make sense and hit on the points you most need to study, then write your scripts according to those notes. That part will take a while, but all of it, combined, will help you start to remember what you're supposed to be remembering.
You don’t have to worry about the thing actually being pleasant for others to listen to, so make it useful for your own study style. A few approaches you could take include asking yourself review questions out loud, pausing, and stating the right answer or reading entire passages from your textbook into the mic. You could even try out different characters and turn it into a role-playing scenario. Don't get too involved with it, though, unless that sort of creativity helps you focus; it's better to stick with facts and straightforward audio.
The most important part comes after you’ve recorded your personal podcast: You have to listen to it. You have to listen to it a lot. Play it through the speakers of your car or through your headphones on the train to make your commute productive. Play it at the grocery store, when you’re doing errands around the house, and when you are relaxing at night. Fall asleep listening to it. The first few times, you'll listen pretty actively, but even having it running as background noise will shove that information into your brain.
If you're going to do this, a major component of what makes it valuable is the part where you have to review the material, outline the script, and say it all out loud into your microphone. That's a big chunk of the studying right there. Still, if you don't have time for that or you are worried you won't highlight the most important parts if left to your own devices, there's another option that works well.
Google's NotebookLM is an AI tool that pulls only from the material you give it. That means that unlike competitors such as ChatGPT, it doesn't answer your questions by searching the entire internet. Rather, it searches through PDFs, YouTube videos, links, and other resources you provide—and that's it. One of its coolest features is that it can create "podcasts" for you based on those materials, in addition to its ability to create flashcards and quizzes. These podcasts sound like real ones you might listen to in your everyday life: They have different voices and characters who speak conversationally but factually about the content of whatever you uploaded to the software. I love NotebookLM and use it all the time to organize my work. It's free to use and generates podcasts quickly, so it's worth considering here, too.
Picking things up from your personal podcast is an example of rote learning, the process by which we memorize things based on repetition. But it has other advantages, too.
For instance, even when you’re compiling the notes and deciding what to include in the mini podcast, you’re studying—you’re making decisions about which concepts are most important, how they flow together, and how you can present your mastery of them to others. Even if you choose to let NotebookLM do it, you're still making decisions about which materials from your class or project to upload to the software and how to organize it, which is also studying.
Reading is all well and good, but you remember things better when you process them in a variety of ways. From organizing your notes to speaking them aloud and listening to them read back to you, every part of this process will help you more thoroughly process and recall the content. Each of those is commonly used on its own as a standalone study technique, so imagine how effective they’ll be together.
fail_feedPeople are getting awfully comfortable using AI all the time, but there are still limits to when and where it should be utilized.
We see this all the time in schools, where kids can't help but try to use AI to write their papers for them. They talk to AI on their phones for simple questions, advice, or just for company. And apparently a lot of adults have gotten quite used to AI as well. Some use it to write their grocery lists for the week or write out the emails that they can't be bothered to write themselves.
And now, AI has infiltrated the workplace. There aren't hard and fast rules for this kind of thing yet. Like, if you want to use AI to brainstorm, that's okay, right? Or if you want to use it to summarize emails, that should be acceptable, correct? It totally depends on your industry, your bosses, and your workplace culture.
But I hope we can all agree that using AI doesn't exactly showcase your abilities. So why would you use it in a job interview? This employee realized a potential hire had used AI, and quickly told them off for this indiscretion. Some people thought that the employee could've doled out a second chance, but others were shaking their heads at the idea that any job interviewee would have a chance if they used AI in front of a hiring manager. You can check out the full email below and see for yourself what you would do if you were in that employee's shoes.
Next up, read about the secrets that people are hiding from their spouses for good reasons, like one person who can't tell their S.O. they "you're turning into your mother."
sovayphilomythasmbc_comics_feed
Hovertext:
I believe we've been breeding each other for aww, but so far it hasn't been very successful.
lifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page.
Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding my work at Lifehacker as a preferred source.
The right headphones or earbuds can make or break a run. Whether you're grinding through mile 20 of a marathon or just trying to make it through a Tuesday morning one-miler, your earbuds need to be up to the task.
My all-time favorite running earbuds were the Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100. Comfortable, secure, sweat-resistant, and with just the right amount of ambient sound awareness. Tragically, they've been discontinued, leaving runners like me searching for worthy successors.
Of course, the best running earbuds depend on your specific needs, running style, and preferences. After extensive testing (and more than a few mid-run equipment failures), here's my breakdown of the top options across different categories.
When I'm running around Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, I rely on bone conduction technology to keep my ears completely open to traffic, other runners, and deranged cyclists. As my colleague Daniel Oropeza reviews in-depth here, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are best for anyone who wants to still hear their surroundings without sacrificing too much on audio quality.
I've experienced little-to-no ear fatigue, even during 18+ mile runs. Their IP55 rating has proven true for me, having worn these headphones during humid summer runs, not to mention unexpected downpours. Most important for me, their battery life holds up, lasting even my longest training runs. Plus, even if I forget to charge the night before a run, a quick five-minute charge gives you around 1.5 hours of listening time.
While they'll never match the bass response of traditional in-ear monitors, they provide clear, detailed audio that's perfect for podcasts, audiobooks, and music during my training runs.
For a budget alternative, consider Shokz OpenMove for just $79.95. They're great for runners new to bone conduction who want to test the waters. And speaking of waters—might I recommend this pair of bone conduction headphones that actually work underwater?
I usually prefer the secure fit of headphones over disconnected earbuds. Similarly, Lifehacker's senior health editor Beth Skwarecki prefers ear hooks (even if she knows an earbud is secure, she will worry), and Shokz is her go-to choice as well. She recommends using this measuring guide from Shokz to find the perfect fit for you.
If you prefer earbuds, or you're in a pinch, you can't go wrong with Apple AirPods Pro 2. AirPods are ubiquitous for a reason, and if you like the pair you have, there's no reason you need to buy a new set of earbuds just for running. They've got excellent active noise cancellation, with transparency mode for safety.
For the best fit all-around, the Powerbeats Pro 2 are pretty unbeatable. I'm talking active noise cancellation, earhooks with flexible grip, and even heart rate monitoring.
Another set of wireless earbuds I used to love: the Bose QuietComfort. The only reason I say "used to" is because I tragically left my pair on a plane years ago. They're small but mighty, not mention surprisingly secure given just how little they are. I especially appreciate a pair of earbuds with customizable tap control buttons, so you can easily skip a song that isn't matching the vibe of your run.
Audiophiles may spring for fancier options, but my philosophy here is if you know you're going to sweat in a pair of soundproof headphones, you should use a budget pair for the task.
My under-the-radar budget recommendation for you is the BlueAnt Pump X Headphones. They deliver on the two things I need during an intense workout: sweat resistance and impressive sound quality. If I'm on a treadmill, I need true over-the-ear bass pumping through my skull. The Pump X headphones have an "X-mode" bass boost that feels like it was designed specifically for the moment when you're struggling through that final mile.
My honorable mention in this category is the Soundcore Life Q30 by Anker. They're comfortable, have a solid battery life, and since they cost less than $100, I never feel guilty for sweating profusely in them. Their noise cancellation and sound quality have never disappointed me in the gym.
While I'm not huge on wired headphones myself, they're worth considering. Think about it: no battery anxiety. No Bluetooth glitches. Perfect for races where you want zero tech failures. If you're looking for a backup pair that you know you won't lose, the JBL Endurance Run 2 are just $19.95.
Through years of trial and error, I've identified these non-negotiables in running earbuds and headphones.
Security is everything: If they fall out during mile 15, they're useless. Look for multiple ear tip sizes, ear hooks, or bone conduction designs.
Sweat resistance matters: IPX4 minimum, but IPX7 or IP55+ ratings provide peace of mind during intense training.
Battery life should exceed your longest run: Nothing kills motivation like dead earbuds halfway through a long run.
Sound awareness equals safety: Whether through bone conduction, transparency modes, or single-ear wearing, you need to hear your environment.
Comfort for hours: What feels fine for 30 minutes might become torture after two hours.
While I mourn the loss of my beloved Plantronics BackBeat Fit 2100, the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 are treating me well. Their combination of safety, comfort, and performance makes them ideal for serious runners—especially those wanting to stay safe in city streets, like me.
That said, the best running earbuds are the ones that match your specific needs. Trail runners might prioritize different features than track athletes. Marathon trainers have different requirements than casual joggers (cough cough, battery life). The key is finding the pair that disappears during your run—earbuds that let you focus on your pace, your breathing, and the rhythm of your feet on the pavement.
fail_feedEverybody is familiar with family drama. Even if you don't have a family, that is your family drama. It is inescapable. And now, with technology, there are new ways to amplify the drama. For instance, group text chats. Communication can be lost when it is via text, and yet, family still insist on arguing. Like this family. They are already dealing with all kinds of drama, but the estranged father was trying to perhaps patch things up. He had reconnected with his eldest daughter from a previous marriage after working in the same office. It was awkward at first, but he started introducing her to her half-sister, step-mom, etc. Unfortunately, through a group chat about planning a birthday party for her step-mom got out of hand, she left the chat. This made her dad throw a tantrum that had his ears closed off to anything she had to say about it. So she decided to close him off too, and told him she wouldn't be attending the birthday party at all. He tried to apologize later, but the damage was done. Now she's wondering if she's being too harsh and commenters seem to be unsure on what she should do next.
fail_feedDon't mess with Italian food! Any normal human knows to check the ingredients before ordering a meal at a restaurant, especially if you are allergic to certain foods. If you don't know what something is on the menu, you can ask the server or even Google it. If the server or Google doesn't know, the server would be more than happy to go ask the chef! If you order something you don't like or are allergic too and didn't even know what you were ordering, well, that's in you. And that is exactly what this one customer did. However, instead of owning up to his blunder, he decided to pull a Karen-level tantrum at the restaurant.
Unfortunately for him, that was his last straw. You see, it would appear this wasn't his first tantrum, but it definitely was his last. The establishment was so annoyed, that they turned the dish he was complaining about (it was just a special at the time) into a staple dish on the menu. It's safe to say, the Karen customer stopped going to that restaurant.
lifehacker_feedIn recent years, iOS has started to catch up to Android when it comes to customization, but Android is still well in the lead. That's partly because it supports alternative launchers, which replace of the default software interface to completely revamp the look of home screens, menus, icons, and dialogs.
Using a launcher, you can take pixel-by-pixel control over the visuals of the Android OS. If that sounds like too much time and effort, you can take advantage of one of many preset templates instead. This article will tell you what you need to know about launchers, and suggest a few of the best that you can currently install.
When you go "home" on Android—with a swipe up on the gesture bar or a tap on the actual home button—that's when a third-party launcher springs into action. Rather than seeing the default look determined by the Google Pixel or the Samsung Galaxy software, you see whatever the launcher has put in place.
Typically, these launchers give you more customization controls than Google, Samsung, and the other Android phone makers do. Depending on the launcher, you might be able to cram more shortcuts on to the home screen, or apply the same color scheme to all the home screen icons, or hide elements (like the Google search bar) from view.
Each launcher will come with a host of different configuration settings that determine how elements appear on screen—not just the home screen, lock screen, and the app shortcuts on them, but also notifications, quick settings panels, media players, and menus. They give you the opportunity to fully revamp the look of the software.
Launchers can be managed on Pixel phones by heading to Settings then choosing Apps > Default apps > Home app. On Samsung devices, it's Settings then Apps > Choose default apps > Home app. You're able to switch between different launchers, or cancel all of your changes and go back to the normal look, in seconds.
The capabilities of these apps vary by launcher, but just about every kind of customization option is offered somewhere. If you want to give your Android software a light and airy touch, a dark and foreboding theme, or anything in between, you can. You're able to go all-in with your sports team's colors, or switch to a minimal monochrome look instead.
Speaking of minimalism, many launchers give you the opportunity to declutter the look of your smartphone. Launchers can get access to notifications and on-screen messages as well as everything else, if you give them the necessary permissions, and that means alerts can be pushed to the background. You can control what actually appears on screen, as well as how everything looks.
Some launchers go even further, letting you customize the gestures and swipes that are used to get around Android. You can change the way apps are launched and switched between, for example, as well as tweak how Android search works—giving you easier access to the apps and files you need the most.
Nothing is affected in your actual apps by installing third-party launchers—these will still look and operate the same as they always have. What you might see are some differences in how home screen widgets for your apps are rendered, but as far as the apps themselves are concerned, nothing changes.
There are a lot of options for Android launchers on the Google Play store, and I've collected five of my favorites below. Sadly, one of the most beloved Android launchers, Nova Launcher, has recently been shut down. I'm waiting to see if the launcher might be opened sourced, but in the meantime, I've had to replace it on my list.
Niagara Launcher is one of those launchers that can totally transform the layout of the home screen, putting your apps, notifications, and media controls in an ordered, customized list on screen—so it can be as minimal or as busy as you want it to be.
The launcher can hide apps, remind you to take breaks at certain times, put apps into folders, suggest apps based on your usage, and tweak all kinds of colors and layout options. More customizations are available with a Pro subscription ($14 per year).
Smart Launcher is another choice you'll often see atop best launcher lists, as it brings with it lots of intelligent features: auto app sorting based on usage, a useful one-handed mode, responsive widgets, a comprehensive search tool, and lots of customizations.
Those customizations run the full gamut from adaptive icon shapes, to gestures you can use to get around Android, to hidden apps. As usual, there's a premium-level option you can subscribe to—from $2.50 a month—which adds on even more customization tweaks.
Square Home is a great example of a launcher that can change the whole look of Android—in this case, into something that's more like the old Windows Phone look, with your apps and widgets sorted into rectangular tiles that fill up your home screens.
While the layout may look fixed, there are many ways to tweak the look, from photo slideshows to notification badges. The quick start tutorial is a welcome way in, and while several features are available for free, you can unlock all of them for $2 per year.
AIO Launcher goes in the opposite direction to the minimal launchers out there, choosing instead to cram in as much information on the home screen as possible—though you still get full control over what's shown, including shortcuts, widgets, and real time information.
The app developer promises everything you need on one screen, and they certainly deliver, with over 30 excellent widgets to pick from (weather, stocks, messages, tasks, and so on). Various extra features can be picked up at various prices as in-app purchases.
Hyperion Launcher transforms the look and feel of your phone right away, bringing with it options for changing colors, iconography, fonts, the appearance and behavior of the app drawer, home screen widgets, and animations—and those are just some of the settings.
It's a launcher suitable for those that want to invest some time in getting everything looking exactly how they want it, though the minimal interface that pops up by default works great too. A Pro subscription unlocks all features, a one-off cost of $1.99.
Microsoft Launcher is another excellent launcher choice, if you don't mind the Microsoft of it all. You get rapid performance, lots of ways to tweak the look and feel, and of course tight integration with all of Microsoft's own apps (perfect if you're using Outlook a lot).
As soon as you install the launcher you can choose the apps you use the most so they're front and center on the home screen, and there are handy features here like customizable gesture support, rotating wallpaper picks, and a personalized home screen dock.
Kvaesitso is slightly different to the other launchers in this list in that it's not available on the Google Play Store, so you need to sideload it via F-Droid (instructions here). It's worth that slight inconvenience though, offering tons of features and customizations for free.
There's a strong focus on search, enabling you to quickly find anything, and a useful shortcuts system for jumping straight to Gmail labels, Dropbox folders, and much more. Some gorgeous widgets are included too, really improving the aesthetics of your device.
iamrman posting in scans_dailyWriter: Dan Vado
Pencils: Mozart Couto
Inks: Ken Branch
The Justice League must stop a rampaging Ronnie Raymond.
( Read more... )
lifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.
If you’re on the hunt for a high-quality home theater projector with solid image quality, you can currently get an open-box XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector on Woot for 55% off. With impressive visuals and sound (according to PCMag), this is one of the top projectors on the market. It’s a big step up from entry-level, pocket-sized projectors, making it a better choice for videophiles looking to replace a physical screen.
Weighing around 6.4 lbs, the XGIMI is powerful but lightweight. It delivers sharp 4k resolution with XPR pixel shifting, full HD 3D support, and 1500 ISO Lumens. According to PCMag, the colors are reasonably accurate and well-saturated, with strong contrast in brightly lit scenes. However, darker scenes and shadowed parts of a bright scene may lose some shadow detail.
The projector lacks optical zoom (only digital, which can reduce brightness), so you’ll need to manually adjust the position to fit your screen. Otherwise, it’s a quick and easy setup with auto-adjust features like auto keystone (vertical and horizontal), intelligent obstacle avoidance, screen alignment, auto-focus, and more. Its LED light source is designed to last throughout the projector’s lifetime, and the integrated Android TV with Chromecast makes streaming easy on any Apple or Android device. However, you’ll have to use an external streaming device to access Netflix.
There are several predefined picture modes to fine-tune colors; PCMag testers found that Office mode had the best balance of color accuracy, contrast, and shadow detail. Switching to Game mode (enabled by HDMI input) allows for lower input lag at 60Hz, making it ideal for casual gameplay. The built-in audio with two eight-watt Harman Kardon speakers also earns praise from testers and reviewers for sufficiently filling a large family room despite the projector’s small size. You can also connect an external audio system, if desired.
If you’re a home entertainment buff who wants a compact projector with outstanding bright scenes and can live with a bit of lost shadow detail, this open-box XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K Projector is a great buy at 55% off its list price.
cimorene
lifehacker_feedWe may earn a commission from links on this page. Deal pricing and availability subject to change after time of publication.
Did you know you can customize Google to filter out garbage? Take these steps for better search results, including adding Lifehacker as a preferred source for tech news.
If you’ve been looking for a security camera that works where wifi doesn’t reach, the Eufy Security 4G LTE Cam S330 might be the one to consider. Currently, it’s selling for $161.49, down from its usual price of $249.99 on Amazon.
Like the rest of Eufy’s Solocam line, it avoids the subscription fees that many competitors lock you into. Instead, you can save clips locally on the included microSD card, or if you’re using it on wifi, you can connect it to the Eufy HomeBase S380 for local storage. That makes the S330 a good fit if you want full functionality without committing to another monthly bill. Eufy ships the camera with an EIOT SIM and 100GB of data to test the 4G features.
The S330 builds on the wireless S340 with the same dual-lens setup—a wide-angle macro lens paired with a close-up micro lens. The combination lets you cover a wide space while still zooming in on fine details. Eufy claims its 4K resolution can capture a license plate from 30 feet away, and in practice, the micro lens does deliver striking detail. That means you can catch more than just the shape of a car or a blurry face; you’ll have a clear, usable image. The solar panel keeps the 9,400mAh battery topped up and can be mounted directly on the camera or up to 10 feet away, giving you flexibility for placement. Even in cloudy weather, users have reported the panel keeping the camera running without interruption. The unit is weather-resistant enough for year-round outdoor use, and the swiveling base supports 360-degree viewing with AI tracking to follow people or vehicles across the frame.
There are trade-offs, though. LTE mode offers true off-the-grid freedom, but live viewing is, reportedly, noticeably laggier than on wifi, and the included 100GB data allotment burns up fast. Switching the camera from LTE back to wifi can also take more effort than expected. Still, the flexibility is the real selling point: You can mount it at the edge of your property, along a long driveway, or anywhere a power outlet and router can’t reach.
marcicatfail_feedWhen money comes in between family members, all decorum often goes out the door. While it's easy to claim that no force in the world is stronger than that of a familial bond, the truth of the matter is that the tensions formed as a result of money can be an even stronger force. We tend to see this conflict play out after a family member is gone, and everyone fights over inheritance drama. However, in this instance, not only was everyone very much alive, but the age dynamics were more surprising compared to what we're used to seeing play out when we come across these stories.
For this author, she was a successful tech employee who managed to make more money than her father by the age of 28. Of course, this is not to disparage the efforts that her father made, but his daughter's success most certainly upended the typical dynamics you see within a family. The author made it known to her younger siblings, who were teenagers just beginning the college application process, that she would be paying for their higher education. She had been saving for years and was proud to be able to make the lives of her younger sister and brother considerably easier.
Here's where things start to get messy. Within the past year, the author's father remarried to a woman who has two kids of her own. Now, the father wants his daughter to split the amount of money she saved four ways so that his stepkids can benefit from that college money as well. The problem is that the author barely knows her step-siblings and has no desire to take money away from her actual siblings, especially since she already promised those funds to them personally. We do not predict this ending well for anyone involved!
timeasmymeasure
