Circuit City, the once-dominant electronics retailer, really struggled to keep up with the rapid changes in the industry. From its humble beginnings in the 1950s to its eventual bankruptcy in the late 2000s, this is the story of Circuit City’s decline and fall.
Package theft up 47% in December - Protect your gifts!
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If you’ve ever ordered a package from an online store, there’s a chance someone snatched your goodies. Last month, porch pirates stole 47% more packages than they did in November 2021, RetailDive reports. You’re especially at risk if you order clothes, books, toys, games, groceries or health products.
Porch pirates poach those orders the most — and theft has worsened over the past year. According to Security.com’s package theft report, thieves stole from 49 million Americans over the past year.
This holiday season, you’ll have to protect last-minute gift arrivals and any presents others send you. Luckily, there are a few easy ways to protect yourself from thieves who want to steal your important stuff. Thanks to our sponsor, SimpliSafe, here are a few package protection strategies.
1. Use a doorbell camera
Once you buy a smart doorbell camera, you’ll find they add a ton of value to your life. Firstly, they make you feel more secure when you’re away from home since you can check in anytime.
But they can also deter criminals. Nothing says “Back off!” like a shining camera that makes it clear you’re monitoring your property. There’s a good chance a porch pirate — or even would-be burglar — might walk away once they see you’re protected.
Not only that, but a doorbell can also help you keep track of who comes and goes. For example, potential burglars often cruise neighborhoods, looking to get an idea of people’s schedules so they can pinpoint the best target. With a smart doorbell camera, you can keep track of suspicious activity in your neighborhood.
Bottom line: If a bad guy knows you’re watching him, he may be too spooked to carry out his plan. But, of course, that’s not always the case, which is why we recommend taking this next step.
2. Get a lockbox for your front porch if you have room
With so many people ordering online, delivery thefts are worsening. One clever way around this is to get a lockbox, a sturdy container that keeps prying hands away.
They’re pretty easy to use: Just install the box onto your porch through screws or bolts so they can’t be carried off. Next, you’ll place a lock on the hatch — it has to be unlocked for delivery people to drop in your boxes.
How NOT to sound dumb online: Common mistakes and grammar fixes
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The early days of social media were a place to keep in touch with classmates, friends and family. It’s devolved into a frenzy of privacy invasion, targeted advertising, trolls and fake news. Surprisingly, these are still the most popular digital platforms worldwide.
Need help setting up your home security system? SimpliSafe is just a call away
By now, it’s crystal clear that a home security system is a literal lifesaver. Depending on your choice, your cameras can catch burglars and even call for emergency help. Despite the many benefits, a few key concerns stop people from buying one.
9 simple ways to protect your home from burglars
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You might not have a criminal mind, but think how a crook finds the perfect houses to target. An empty home in a neighborhood where people keep to themselves, no cameras or alarms, and dark or dimly lit structures, right?
How Switzerland became a giant bunker
Switzerland has long been known as a neutral country. They stayed out of World War II and the Cold War. But how did they remain protected, especially when Axis powers surrounded them? It turns out they just kept digging.
Science video: How machines learn
Artificial intelligence seems to be all around us nowadays. AI can help you pick a movie to watch, make companies more money and even write a college essay. But how does AI learn? It’s all about teaching bots to teach other bots.
Why the US stores millions of oil barrels in caves
Seventy miles outside of Houston, there is a giant concrete facility. Deep beneath this facility lies a network of caverns filled with oil. This is part of our Strategic Petroleum Reserve. So, how did this plan come to be and how does it play a role in global economics?
Will we live on Mars someday?
Humans have long looked up in space and thought about how we could live among the stars one day. Right now, life on Mars would require a ton of equipment and shelter to protect us from the harsh environment. But what if we could make Mars more like Earth? How would we even do that? The answer is lasers!
In search of the darkest thing on Earth
What does it mean for something to be the color black? Simply put, it’s when light cannot be reflected by an object. You might be surprised to learn that scientists have been searching for ways to create the blackest black in the world. It turns out super black paints can change the science world.
Why the Ringling Brothers operated a secret spy agency
When you think of the Ringling Brothers, you probably think of trapeze artists, fire breathers and tigers jumping through hoops. Spies probably don’t come to mind. But in fact, there was a time when the company synonymous with the circus ran its own spy agency. The reason they did it is truly shocking.
The strange way airports get their call signs
Every airport has its own specific three-letter code. Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport is PHX, for example, and Denver International Airport is DEN. It turns out that the way these codes are assigned is much more complicated than just abbreviating the city or state. If you fly to Montreal, Canada the call sign is YUL. Why is this and how does the system work?
Smartphone charging mistakes you're making and how to fix them
Sometimes we take our phones for granted. They’re powerful, incredible devices that we tend to misuse without meaning to. Some common mistakes you’re making with your smartphone now could damage its battery and reduce its lifespan.
What would happen if a supernova hit Earth?
Supernovas are the largest explosions in the universe. They happen when a dying star sheds its outer layer in a moment of extreme energy. If they’re so powerful, what would happen if one were to happen close to us? Would we be able to survive?
Does the Earth have other moons?
The Earth may seem lonely in the vastness of space, but it has had one constant companion over the last 4.5 billion years: The moon. But it turns out that the moon we see each night might not be Earth’s only moon. It all depends on your perspective.
Shopping for an outdoor security camera? 5 things to look for
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In today’s world, you can never be too safe. There are many ways to secure your property, from locking your doors to keeping hackers out with antivirus software.
Take outdoor security cameras, for example. This popular technology helps you protect your home and loved ones from whatever may go bump in the night.
The world's tallest egg drop
Many of us did the classic egg drop science experiment in school. This is where you build a contraption to protect an egg from a steep drop. But what if you took that to the next level and created something to protect the egg if it fell from space? That’s precisely what one engineer tried. Did he succeed?
Free app to quickly remove your pics and posts on Facebook, Twitter and more
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Kim couldn’t tell you how many messages and emails she has gotten over the years asking the same question: “How can I delete myself from the internet?” Sadly, you can’t. Not really. There’s just too much out there.
How Amazon’s complicated shipping system really works
Amazon receives about 13 million orders every single day. Just a few days later, those packages arrive on the customer’s doorstep. So how is this shipping process so efficient? It turns out Amazon has an incredibly complex system that may be even more convoluted than you think.
8 smart ways to use Bluetooth trackers like the AirTag and Tile
You’ve probably heard all the buzz about Bluetooth trackers, from Apple AirTags to Tile trackers. Tap or click here to find out the difference between these two beloved gadgets.
Whichever one you choose, you’re buying a popular piece of lost and found software that can save your hide in times of crisis. Bluetooth trackers are most famous for helping people track down lost or stolen items. But there are a few different uses you might not have known about.