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.
We’ll explain how to properly take care of your smartphone to avoid these common mistakes.
Stop using cheap chargers
Some inexpensive charging cables from no-name brands are pretty terrible. The concept of having a wire draw power from the wall isn’t that difficult, but it isn’t enough to keep your smartphone safe.
Name-brand chargers have circuits inside of them that switch off when there’s too much power draw. This protects your phone battery from overcharging, breaking, or overheating your phone and damaging it further.
The chargers below are certified by Samsung and Apple, respectively. These chargers (and many other name-brand chargers) are the only ones you should use to keep your smartphone safe from overheating.
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Be careful with power banks
You don’t have to avoid them altogether, but remember that power banks from inferior manufacturers don’t have overcharge protection. It’s a similar problem with inexpensive chargers.
Avoid power banks with quick charge options unless they’re from a brand you trust. Rapid charging can send too much electricity to your phone and cause battery damage. This high voltage could, at the very least, shorten your battery lifespan.
Quick charging cables and power banks mention that they charge the first 80% quickly because their onboard chip slows down charging when it reaches higher levels where overcharging is a more significant issue.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Home security tip: How to monitor gun safes, medicine cabinets, workshops and more
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Smart home products aren’t new to the market, but they are becoming more affordable to make your daily life safer and easier.
If you’re new to the smart home game, start with a must for keeping your home protected 24/7. Our sponsor, SimpliSafe. Those old-school security companies that send a pushy salesperson to your door with a three-year contract and installers are so 20 years ago.
A Thanksgiving letter from Kim
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Hello friends,
I hope you’re having a great Thanksgiving Day spending time with the people you love and eating delicious food. Along with watching the parade, having good conversations and slipping into a turkey coma, don’t forget to take a moment to reflect on your own life. I’m sure that there are many wonderful things you are thankful for.
Scientists explain exactly what a T-Rex would taste like
Dinosaurs have been extinct for millions of years. Recent scientific advancements suggest we’re getting close to bringing some of them back. So that begs the question, what would they taste like? Well, the answer might not be what you think.
Why fire smoke constantly follows you
If you’ve ever gathered around a campfire, you might have noticed the smoke seems to follow you no matter where you are. No, it’s not your bad luck — there’s actually a scientific reason behind it.
Buying guide: How to choose an Amazon Echo for your home
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The holidays are just around the bend. Are you ready? Finding the best gifts takes time, energy, and research, which is why we’re here to remind you to get the ball rolling early.
You’re not alone if you’re considering an Amazon Echo device for yourself or a loved one. When it comes to your next smart speaker, you’ve got plenty of models to consider. Amazon’s line of Echo smart speakers tends to rise to the top above all else. Tap or click for clever ways to use your Echo and Alexa.
How do oysters make pearls?
Pearls are iridescent spheres made of the same materials as an oyster’s shell. So, why are they so much more beautiful than the shell itself? It all comes down to the life cycle of an oyster.
How humans solved the greatest riddle of navigation
When you look at a globe, you see horizontal and vertical lines crisscrossing the entire sphere. Those are latitude and longitude lines and they have helped us explore the Earth over the last 500 years. In this video, you’ll learn how to find your own latitude and longitude at home without using Google. Cool!
Why is the Vatican's giant telescope located in Arizona?
Here’s a fun fact for your next holiday get together: The Catholic church is a leading force in space exploration. How? The church funds a massive space telescope in the middle of the Arizona desert. Researchers have used it to make countless discoveries and better understand the universe. But why is it in Arizona?
Historic weapons that were complete failures
War has been a constant throughout human history. In some cases, war led to ingenious innovation — and other times, it led to abject failure. In this video, go back in time to see weapons once lauded as the next game-changers. In reality, they were never used in combat or failed once deployed.
Why the US Army's camouflage was a big mistake
Camouflage has been part of military strategy for millennia. It allows soldiers to hide in plain sight and attack without being seen. But a little over 20 years ago, the U.S. changed its military camouflage and everyone realized pretty quickly that it was a big mistake.
Spider eyes are more powerful than you think
Spiders are some of the smallest invertebrates on Earth, but these tiny creatures have a remarkable skill. They can see better than most animals 10 times their size. The trick is that their eyes are tiny little telescopes that allow them to focus on things in extraordinary detail. Some scientists even claim spiders can see the details of the moon. The real question is, why do they need to be able to do this?