It’s happening more and more. I keep several extra cases of water on hand, just to be safe.
Side gig: How to get paid for online jury duty
We could all use extra cash occasionally to pay for stuff like family vacations or a gas tank. Fortunately, there are plenty of side gigs, from Uber to Instacart to taking surveys online. Tap or click here for 15 new ways to make extra cash.
The best side hustles allow you to earn a fair amount of money for a limited amount of time and, ideally, can be done from the comfort of home. A new option has emerged that allows you to get paid for something surprising: jury duty.
You read that right. There’s an online company that will compensate you for jury duty. These aren’t actual trials, of course, but rather mock ones. Interested? Here’s how to get paid for online jury duty.
The Company
OnlineVerdict is a mock-trial website that runs online cases to predict how jurors may or may not vote based on different demographics and factors.
According to the site, “OnlineVerdict conducts online and live focus groups or mock trials to provide feedback to attorneys.” Cases vary and take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to review.
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The review process is simple, look at the facts, review the information, and make a ruling. There are no right and wrong answers, and no matter what you pick, you’ll still be paid for your time.
How do I sign up and get paid?
Signing up is an easy process. Head to the website and fill out a form that identifies different traits and demographics that will be considered when picking a mock jury. This information is how you’ll be selected for a case, so be honest.
Once you’ve signed up, you’ll be emailed when a case is available. Online reviews say there aren’t many cases to go around, so you shouldn’t expect more than a couple per month. Cases pay, on average, $1 per minute for your time, so between $20 and $60 per case.
Ever broken a phone? These are the 5 clumsiest cities in the US
Smartphones are expensive, no matter which brand or operating system you have. While cases and protective layers are available, some users still manage to drop and break their devices.
Since smartphones are crucial in everyday life, you don’t want to be without yours for too long. When it breaks, or the screen shatters, it could mean a few days or a week in the repair shop.
Phone case wallets
If your favorite purse is a jacket, the transition to summer is bittersweet. Where to put your stuff? Enter the phone case wallet. Oh, and I always keep a $20 bill behind my phone case for emergencies. Do this and thank me later!
- Best for iPhones: Smartish makes iPhone wallet cases that hold and hide three cards and cash with a spring-loaded door. Their iPhone 15 case costs $24.99.
- Best for Samsung Galaxy phones: This handsome faux leather case ($18.99 for the S22) hides its built-in wallet, which has two vertical card slots behind a magnetic flap and an additional card pocket. Pick the right size for your Galaxy model!
- Best universal phone case wallet: If you have a hard plastic case or prefer a caseless phone (brave!), go for an adhesive phone wallet. This clever model attaches with super-strong 3M adhesive and expands to hold five cards. Right now, it’s 25% off ($14.99).
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Plus, we have a special guest: cybersecurity guru Ricoh Danielson, who will tell us about his latest cases. Also, how a one-star Google review solved the mystery of a fatal hit-and-run. Tricks to speed up your PC, and reasons why you should start using your tablet.
What could go wrong? A lot: Soon, Nevada will use Google AI to rule on unemployment benefit cases. The tech will analyze appeal hearing transcripts to clear the backlog of claims human workers can’t keep up with. A human will make the final decision. Here’s hoping AI doesn’t “hallucinate” facts.
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The COVID omicron variant is still spreading. California and Texas are hardest hit, accounting for 11.4 million of the total 74 million cases. Looking for free COVID tests? Avoid these fraudulent sites.
The number of vaccines administered is also rising, but that doesn’t mean you can’t catch COVID. Being vaccinated only lowers the severity of the infection if you do happen to catch it.
This forecast map shows where COVID may spread 2 weeks from now
As temperatures cool, there are concerns that we can see an uptick in COVID-19 cases. Though most cities and states relaxed their policies as vaccinations increased, some tightened things up again as new variants spread.
50% of U.S. cancer deaths
Are avoidable. A new study shows at least half of cancer cases are linked to avoidable risk factors, like smoking, alcohol consumption, poor diet, physical inactivity and UV radiation. That means the other 50% can be attributed to other factors. I hate cancer.
H2-Oh-no: The White House asked governors to draw up plans to tackle cybersecurity threats to our state water systems. Here’s the problem: Many facilities are underfunded and short-staffed, making a sudden coordinated attack a real possibility. I always have a few cases of water in storage, just in case.
Drop your phone in water? Skip the bag of rice. Instead, turn off your phone and gently dab it dry with a microfiber cloth, then remove any cases and SIM cards. Set it aside and let it dry for at least 24 hours. Finally, see if it turns on again.
A swing and … a miss: From the someone-is-getting-fired files, Apple’s FineWoven cases have attracted so many complaints that they’ve been slapped with a “frequently returned item” badge on Amazon. If you’re after a new case for your iPhone, I like this one (50% off!) and this one.
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
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One hot summer day when I was about 10, I sat on my aunt’s couch in Queens, New York, after a swim and couldn’t get up. The hard plastic protective covering on the couch took hold of my legs like an octopus devouring its prey. Fortunately, protecting your phone is easier than a velvet couch.
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The coronavirus outbreak continues to make its way across the globe and health officials are urging Americans to be vigilant and prepare for the possibility of more cases. Currently, the numbers of infected in the U.S. are few, but the situation is fluid. Calm, proactive behavior is the key to staying healthy.