Scam alert

March 23, 2025

Scam alert: Google’s new call-scanning feature tells you in real time if you’re getting swindled on the phone. AI analyzes conversations, and if something sketchy happens, you get an audio, vibration and visual warning. It’s for Pixel 9 or later only. Go to the Phone app > Settings > Scan Detection. PSA: Google says they’re not saving your calls. Yea, right.

Tags: Feature, Google, scanning, settings, warning

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5 cool tricks for your router

ID 315177870 © Justlight | Dreamstime.com

You never hear anyone say, “This router is amazing. It changed my life!” It’s sad because that little guy controls your entire home’s internet. If yours has a USB port (check the back!), you can unlock some surprisingly useful features. You’re gonna love this.

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Do this to see if you got hacked

ID 114223678 | Account © Pixinoo | Dreamstime.com

I wish that I could wave my magic wand and automatically reinstate all the accounts for anyone who asks me for help because their Facebook account got hacked, their ex knows everywhere they go or they’ve lost access to everything and even money for some reason.

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$5.7 million

The world’s most expensive and rarest dog. He’s the first wolf and Caucasian shepherd mix called a “wolfdog.” At 8 months old, he already weighs 165 pounds. Speaking of … I can’t take my dog to the park as all the ducks keep trying to bite her. My fault for getting one that’s pure bread.

Over $45,000

Round-trip tickets for two from Chicago to Munich. That’s if you book Lufthansa’s new “Allegris” first-class double suites. You get to enjoy a 27-inch video screen and a shared bed so you can easily … relax together and join the mile high club.

1 in 4

Computer programming jobs have vanished in the past two years. There are now fewer than at any point since 1980. The reason? Yep, AI. Time to level up your skills.

$1 million

Jerry Hall’s dress that inspired Princess Diana’s wedding gown is listed on eBay. Diana was in awe when she saw Jerry wear it at a royal birthday party. When Diana got engaged, she hit up its then-unknown designers, David and Elizabeth Emanuel, to create her now iconic gown with a 25-foot train and 10,000 pearls. It was stunning!

Over 60% of the time

AI search engines get their sources wrong (paywall link). In a study, chatbots were asked to match news to the correct headline, publisher, date and URL. They almost never admit they’re unsure and just blurt out wrong answers like they’re completely right.

14% decrease

That’s how much less money the “Tooth Fairy” is giving out these days. A survey of 1,000 parents shows payouts dropped from an average of $5.84 to $5.01. Brace yourselves, I was lucky if I got a quarter! What do tooth fairies have on their phones? Bluetooth! (Share this one with the kiddos!)

$65 a night

What it’ll cost you to skip the hotel and stay in a convent run by sisters in Rome. Rooms come with the basics like a single bed, drawers and a sink (paywall link). Plus, there’s a simple buffet-style breakfast waiting for you every morning at 7 a.m. Blessings included, obviously. Remember to leave some Rome in your suitcase for souvenirs. (Oh, it’s a good one!)

117 years old

The remarkable age Maria Branyas Morera reached before passing away last August. Scientists discovered her secret: genes that kept her cells acting 17 years younger and gut bacteria as healthy as an infant’s. Longevity goals, anyone?