Sometimes I forget that I'm also a fiction writer, so I thought it might be a nice change of pace to share one of my stories with you. I wrote this piece awhile ago for an anthology that never came together and I'm tired of just sitting on it.
Cut cardboard into 8" long x 3" wide strips. With cardboard down on a cutting board, place 1 AA battery on one end.
Apple has revolutionized how we write with the introduction of its new Writing Tools, powered by Apple Intelligence. In beta on iPhone, iPad, and Mac, these tools allow you to select text and use intelligent features to summarize, proofread, or rewrite it until the tone and wording are just right. In a future beta, Writing Tools can even write original content for you.
Apple's latest iPhone software update — iOS 17.5 — is finally ready for prime time. Released on May 13, it includes at least 32 new features and changes you need to know about, from a new game and offline news access to new wallpapers and anti-stalking capabilities.
Your iPhone's Messages app has some impressive new features and changes with iOS 17, and you've probably already noticed some of them just by using the updated app. But there are less apparent features, even hidden ones, that have likely eluded you that you're going to want to know about. There are even some new Messages features yet to be officially released.
Compared to Apple's iOS, the Android operating system has earned a reputation for giving smartphone users more customization options up front — but there are even more Android features to customize hidden from plain view behind secret menus like the developer options. Despite its name, Android's developer options can benefit everyone, but you have to unlock them first.
There are many things Apple doesn't tell you about its products, and that's definitely the case when it comes to its Messages app. Hidden features lurk in your SMS and iMessage conversations just waiting to be found, and we've unearthed some of the most secret ones.
The latest iPhone update introduces big features like Live Activities and Clean Energy Charging, but those aren't the only things you'll notice different on iOS 16.1. If you build your own shortcuts in the Shortcuts app, there are a few things you'll definitely want to know about the new software. It's not a massive feature drop as with iOS 16.0, but they are important changes.
You may prefer reading news stories, web articles, and books on your iPhone over listening to them in spoken form. Still, sometimes it's necessary when driving, walking, cycling, cleaning, working, or performing other activities requiring a little multitasking. To help you out, Apple has a text-to-speech service on your iPhone — you just need to know how to find and set it up.
Apple's just ushered in a new era for widgets on your iPhone. With the iOS 16 update, each of your lock screens can have up to five widgets. While Apple's apps were the first to get lock screen widgets, third-party developers can code their own ones into their apps — and here's a list of every app we know so far that does.
Beta software can be exciting because you get to experience cool new features before most other people. But it can have unwanted consequences such as bugs, UI glitches, and horrible battery life that'll make you wish you never installed it. If that sounds like you with iOS 16 beta or iPadOS 16 beta, you can downgrade to iOS 15.5 or iPadOS 15.5 for a more stable user experience.
Rumors about the 2022 iPhone series stirred well before the iPhone 13 models were even released. While Apple remains quiet on the next big iPhone, as it always does, we're seeing more and more leaks and reveals for the iPhone 14 series as we lead up to a likely fall release.
Apple's iOS 15 update has some great camera features that can benefit professional photographers and casual users alike. And while many are exclusive to newer iPhone models, there are still some Camera app upgrades and additions that apply to all iPhones running iOS 15.
Apple's latest big update to iOS 14 has a lot to be excited about. While iOS 14.2 had some fun new features, such as new emoji and wallpapers, People Detection in Magnifier, and a Shazam control, iOS 14.3 brings on the heat. There are new Apple services and products that are supported, ApplePro RAW is ready to go, the TV app makes searching better, and custom home screen app icons work even better now.
There are plenty of reasons to upgrade to the iPhone 12 mini. Maybe you want to take advantage of the improved camera system, or you're intrigued by the return to a smaller form factor. But one of its coolest features might be MagSafe, a completely different way to charge and accessorize your iPhone.
Apple's iOS 14.0 update has come and gone, and now we're sitting on iOS 14.2, the latest version of the iPhone's operating system. While it may be too late for you to revert to the last iOS 13 version, if the iOS 14.2 firmware is giving you problems or you're not just digging it, you can downgrade to iOS 14.1.
Android 11 is here. Prior to Google dropping the naming scheme, this would have been a dessert with an R name (maybe Rice Krispies Treat or Red Velvet Cake) — but nope, just plain ol' Android 11. And after months of betas and a global pandemic, it finally debuted a little over a year after Android 10.
Smartphones are vital travel companions. While you're on the go, they connect you with loved ones back home, help you find tickets and passes for tourist attractions, and make it easy to find your way through foreign roads — but even the most powerful smartphone could use help from travel accessories.
Apple's already gone through iOS 13.0, 13.1, 13.2, 13.3, 13.4, and 13.5 betas, and now it's time for iOS 13.6. If you want to try out new features on your iPhone before the masses, install either the developer or public beta.
Don't toss out those cardboard tubes just yet. Whenever you have one leftover from a roll of paper towels, toilet paper, or wrapping paper, hang on to it, because it's got some great DIY potential.
Summertime is a sad time for your beloved snowboard, languishing in the closet waiting for snow. Did you know that your base can become dried out from all that downtime? Watch this video to learn how to store your snowboard safely. Store your snowboard in summer & prevent base damage.
For all of your corn snake owners out there, this video is made for you. Learn how to care for your beloved reptile with this easy to follow tutorial. Unusual topic aside, we trust its creators at Videojug. Care for your pet corn snake.
Is your beloved silver bracelet looking a little worn? Stick it in a bowl of tomato ketchup to remove the tarnish. The acid in the tomatoes oxidizes with tarnished silver, which helps make your silver items look newer than ever before.
Our pals Matt and Matt of the beloved MAMO podcast chime in on Paul, a movie brought to you by Simon, Nick and Greg. And they liked it!
Performance by WonderHowTo's beloved hand manualist, Gerry Phillips, in honor of Star Wars Day. (Compare Gerry's song with the original scene, second video in the gallery below). Previously, Happy Star Wars Day! Naked Stormtrooper Life Drawing (NSFW).
What's the best way to clean an iron? It is inevitable that it will eventually need a good cleaning. Your dress shirts look crisp, but over time your iron might look the worse for wear. This simple technique gets rid of mineral spots on the iron's plate and cleans out caked steam vents. Learn how to clean an iron with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE.
Other than keeping your popsicles and frozen veggies frosty, who would have thought that your everyday freezer had so many uses? Just like your dishwasher can be used for many non-cookware items, the freezer can be used in a variety of useful ways that don't involve perishable food.
Star Trek legend William Shatner is apparently a man of many talents. Actor, recording artist, author, and baker!
Pressure washing alone is enough to clean most surfaces, but for stubborn stains or mold and mildew, the use of cleaning detergents can help make cleaning easier and more effective. Watch this how-to video to learn how easy it is to use cleaning detergents with your pressure washer. Learn to use the soap storage to load pressure washer detergents. Use cleaning detergents with a pressure washer.
The guys at Poor Man Mods show you how to clean an air filter with a can of brake parts cleaner. Instead of buying cleaning kits that cost $15 and can damage your mass airflow sensor with the oil they contain, a can of brake parts cleaner does the job awesome and brakes down all the grease, grime and oil, leaving the filter media squeaky clean!
Cleaning your spinning reel after every major fishing trip can prolong the life of your spinning reel. Clean those spinning reels "too" and have fewer problems with any spinning reel from very cheap models all the way up to the Shimano Stella! Cleaning your spinning reel can be done quite easy but some people like to have professionals do the work for them especially if they aren't comfortable working with these high tech reels. Watch this video fishing tutorial and learn how to clean a spinn...
You know something is a real pain to clean if people would rather throw it away and buy new ones. Cleaning mini-blinds can be a tedious task when you have to other things to do around the house. This How-to video will show you how to use a pressure washer to clean mini-blinds. Clean mini-blinds with a pressure washer.
Cleaning your lens will help your lens performing at its best, and this tutorial shows us how to do it properly. You will need: lens cleaning fluid, soft cloth, blower ball, and pencil. Start off by blowing air onto the lens and then dropping the cleaning solution onto the cloth. Rub the cloth into circles and start rubbing the lens gently. Now, take your pencil eraser and rub the contacts to remove any grease, then use the blower ball to remove any particles you see around the lens. Do this ...
Did you spill red wine on a dry clean only item? Spilling red wine on a dry-clean-only item of clothing doesn't have to mean the end of your favorite dress or jacket. Here's how to get a head start on dissolving the stain, before dropping the item at the dry cleaner. Learn how to remove a red wine stain with the folks from Martha Stewart's REAL SIMPLE.
Pressure washing is the easiest, most effective way to remove grease, oil, dirt and salt that’s been ground into concrete driveways, walkways, and patios. Most of the time, a high-pressure wash is enough to clean concrete. Learn how to clean concrete areas with the use of a pressure washer by watching this how-to video. Clean concrete with a pressure washer.
Outdoor furniture is made of a lot of different things: Wood, iron, aluminum, even plastic. Dust, dirt, mold, mildew and moss on your outdoor furniture can be cleaned off almost immediately with a pressure washer. Watch this how-to video and learn to use a pressure washer to clean your outdoor garden furniture. Use a pressure washer to clean outdoor furniture.
There isn’t an easier, faster way to clean garbage cans than pressure washing. With the help of this home and garden how-to video cleaning your garbage cans will be a cinch. Watch this video and put your pressure washer to good use. Clean garbage cans with a pressure washer.
Everybody loves a pool or spa, at least until it's time to clean them. But it doesn't have to be a tough, dirty job, if you have a pressure washer. This how to video will show an easy way to use a pressure washer to clean almost any pool or spa. Clean pools and spas with a pressure washer.
Chef Palladin demonstrates his technique for cleaning lobes of foie gras. Foie gras is the duck liver and a delicacy. Clean the green spots to prevent bitterness. Clean foie gras.
Dogs can get build up in their ears just like we can. Sometimes, they need help keeping them clean. Dr. Lauren teaches you a safe way to clean your dog's ears at home. Clean your dog's ears safely.
