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The classic puzzle game Minesweeper is now on Netflix. This colorful, reimagined version features an ocean-like setting where you find underwater mines in locations around the world. No in-game ads, no in-app purchases and no extra cost to play.
Search smarter, not harder [List]
Think of Google as a Swiss Army Knife. If you know how to use the hidden tools, you can get just about anything done. Here are a dozen not-so-conventional ways to use Google way beyond regular searches.
“Oh, Kim Komando, I hate Google!”
Hey, relax. Most of the great tips below work on whatever search site you use.
- Currency conversions: Next time you’re eyeing a European something-or-other online, type “[price] euros to dollars” to get a quick conversion, like “55 euros to dollars.” The exchange rate updates in real time.
- Quick definitions: Type “define [word]” to get its definition. So handy.
- Set a timer or alarm: Commands like “set timer for 20 minutes” or “set an alarm for 9 a.m.” give you an instant kitchen timer or alarm reminder to, say, give your cat its medicine. Just don’t close your laptop.
- Translate text: Stumble upon a tasty-looking French recipe? Type or paste the text into Google Translate. It’s a lifesaver when traveling, too.
- See numbers written as words: Uncertain about big numbers? Happens to the best of us. Type “953,116,070=english” and Google instantly tells you it’s “nine hundred fifty-three million one hundred sixteen thousand and seventy.”
- Tilt your world: Type in “askew” and watch your search results take a quirky tilt a la pinball. OK, it’s not making you more productive, but it’s sure a fun prank.
- Know sunrise or sunset times: Search “sunrise in [location]” or “sunset in [location]” to see when the sun rises or sets for that date.
- Explore the universe: Simply type in a planet’s name followed by “Google Sky.” For example, “Mars Google Sky” lets you explore the Martian surface.
- Movie times and locations: Want to catch the latest blockbuster? Search “movies near me” for theaters, showtimes and reviews.
- Move to the beat: This one’s great for musicians, dancers and even fitness buffs. Punch in “metronome” and Google provides an adjustable, visual beat-keeper.
- Relax: Feeling stressed or need a short break? Type “breathing exercise” into Google for a calming, interactive guide instructing you when to inhale and exhale.
- Find flights fast: Need to get away or planning that long-overdue family visit? Type “flights from [your location] to [destination]” and Google serves up a platter of options. Bonus: Clicking “Flights” lets you compare prices directly.
Cellphone and tech clues that your partner is cheating on you
People underestimate intuition. If your gut tells you something is off, don’t ignore it.
Stalkerware is surprisingly easy to plant on someone’s phone, and trackers follow you online and offline. Tap or click for signs whether you’re being watched or just paranoid.
Stud muffin
Mike wrote in to ask me for stud finder recommendations. I told him to look in the mirror. Then, I asked around and found three I can confidently recommend.
- Old reliable: The price is steep (29% off, $52.95), but this one’s 13 sensors track stud locations and 13 LED lights show you the center and edges of your studs. It reads depths up to 1.6 inches and runs on two AA batteries.
- Cheap: Find the edges of wood and metal studs with this no-frills model from Craftsman. It scans up to a 0.75-inch depth and requires a 9V battery (not included). It’s 9% off ($10.97).
- Magnetic: Run this little guy ($11.95) along the wall, hit the metal stud, and pop! goes the super magnet. This is the one for me. Maybe for you, too?
We may receive a commission when you buy through our links, but our reporting and recommendations are always independent and objective.
🍟 Want fries with that? Different McDonald’s locations set their own prices. McCheapest maps the U.S. so you can see how expensive your local Mickey D’s is.
🍔 I’m not lovin’ it: McDonald’s new self-serve kiosks accept cash and won’t complain if your order is annoying. They say no jobs will be cut and cashiers will move to roles like delivering food. For now, the kiosks are optional and in less than 2% of locations, but expect more soon.
442 locations closing
After LL Flooring (formerly Lumber Liquidators) filed for bankruptcy. About 100 stores were shuttered over the summer to save money, but now they’re pulling the plug. Existing orders will be filled, and all remaining stock is going for cheap, so they’re not out of the woods yet.
Stores and restaurants open on Christmas Day and Christmas Eve
Season’s Greetings! The countdown to Christmas is speeding up, and hopefully, you have most of your holiday and grocery shopping finished. Tap or click here for some shipping deadlines to consider.
Most retail outlets are closed on major holidays, and Christmas might be considered the biggest holiday of the year. Even so, there are still some stores and restaurants that will remain open for guests and patrons to shop and eat.
Catch a movie this summer at one of Walmart's new drive-in theaters
(Updated Aug. 7 – Scroll to the bottom of this article for a list of upcoming movies and locations.)
An unfortunate side-effect of the COVID-19 pandemic has been the untimely demise of movie theaters as we know them. For months, theaters have shuttered their doors, and the much-needed distractions we depend on from Hollywood have been out of our lives — with some upcoming features delayed indefinitely.
87% variation
In Chipotle bowl portions, depending on location. Finally, proof cranky Chipotle workers might be shorting you on barbacoa! Analysts weighed 75 identical bowls from eight Chipotle locations in NYC. The heaviest weighed almost twice as much as the lightest one. Oh, and all burritos are burrito-ful!
The “E” stands for entertainment: Chuck E. Cheese is saying goodbye to its iconic animatronic robot band at over 400 locations nationwide. You’ll have until the end of 2024 to catch their cute-slash-terrifying musical performances. Get ready for more screens, digital dance floors and trampoline gyms.
Libraries make “shhh” happen: You know those little libraries where neighbors give a book or borrow a book? “Free Blockbuster” neighborhood boxes work the same way, except you can give or borrow VHS tapes and DVDs for free, no strings attached. With over 200 locations, I love this idea!
Try this on your Kindle: If you ever find yourself wondering, “Who’s that character again?” use the X-Ray tool. It provides a quick overview of characters, terms and even locations mentioned in the book so you’re never lost within a complex plot. Just hold down on the word(s) you want to know about.
Shoot happens: Fujifilm and Skylum are teaming up to offer 50 free photo walks (think guided tours trying out Fujifilm gear) across the U.S. The program kicks off in March in Las Vegas, Dallas and Salt Lake City, with more locations to follow. Check Eventbrite for the full schedule. Sounds like fun!
How well do you know your US geography? Test yourself
You may live in America, but do you happen to be a master of U.S. geography? For example, do you know what the capital of Iowa is, off the top of your head? Don’t feel bad if you have to look it up — what you learned in school might not have lasted as long as hoped.
10 tricks you didn't know your Android phone could do
Many Android fans are extremely passionate about their devices. They can tell you every little trick or setting you can get to, from interesting things to do with the voice assistant, to turning on interesting setting or modes. But, there are some things that those experts might not even know. Here are 10 interesting Android tricks you probably did not know.