Life Hacks – Spoken Edition show

Life Hacks – Spoken Edition

Summary: Daily weblog on software and personal productivity recommends downloads, web sites and shortcuts that help you work smarter and save time. A SpokenEdition transforms written content into human-read audio you can listen to anywhere. It's perfect for times when you can't read - while driving, at the gym, doing chores, etc. Find more at www.spokenedition.com

Podcasts:

 Keep Squirrels Out of Your Bird Feeder With Cayenne | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 156

Are squirrels hogging all of that seed you so considerately put out for the neighborhood birds? Are you tired of watching them steal—so brazenly!—what is not rightfully theirs while the local blue jays and red-winged blackbirds watch from a safe distance? Rude. To alleviate this problem, all you have to do is spice that bird food up a bit. Reddit user u/kaganey explains: Anyone who has a bird feeder has had to deal with the squirrels stealing the seeds.

 How to Trade in Your MacBook at an Apple Store | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 152

Apple has accepted MacBook trade-ins for years, but only by mail. The company has finally lifted this restriction, and customers in the U.S. and Canada can hand over their old MacBooks at their local Apple Stores in exchange for credit that can be used immediately towards a new purchase (or applied to an Apple Store gift card). And if your MacBook is too old to be worth anything, Apple will safely and responsibly recycle it for you.

 What to Do If Your Samsung Blu-Ray Player Stopped Working | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 201

If your Samsung Blu-ray player isn’t booting up properly, you’re not alone. According to numerous bug reports from users around the world, Samsung Blu-ray players are stuck in a boot loop and cannot be used.

 Put Your Mask Over Your Damn Nose | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 99

We know that you should be wearing some form of face covering to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. You just should. Don’t argue with me on this. Even if you are wearing a face mask, however, you could be making a mistake that will compromise the effectiveness of containing your germs and droplets. The most obvious error (which I can’t even believe we need to call out) is leaving your nose exposed. The mask should cover your nose, mouth, and chin. If your nose is sticking out, you’re exhaling droplets all around you. If you happen to forget, use this very informative educational illustration as a reminder. You also may be tempted to use a mask with a fancy-looking valve. The problem with these valves is they filter the air you breathe in but not out. Since the main point of the mask is to contain your own droplets when you breathe out, the valve actually defeats the purpose. Some valve masks have a switch to open or close the valve. If you have one, keep it set on closed so your exhales stay closer to you. And then of course be sure to keep your mask clean. Don’t wear it if it’s visibly dirty or damp. Clean it at least once a day. Store it in a clean resealable bag, not on a dirty surface. But most importantly: Cover your nose! Wear the mask and cover your nose and mouth. This has been my TED Talk. Thank you for listening.

 Get Apple's iOS 14 and macOS Big Sur Wallpapers Right Now | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 146

If you don’t want to try out iOS 14 or macOS Big Sur just yet, that’s fine. Developer betas aren’t for everyone. However, that doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy at least one update both operating systems are bringing to the table: shiny new wallpapers. Yes, your device’s looks are just as important as its features.

 How to Get an Ill-Advised Number of Free Burgers This Month | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 177

If you’re a fan of free food and other deals, Burger King has set a trap for you and is leaving it up for the entire month of June. A quick look at the “offers” section of their website yields specials galore—including a few giving away free burgers. Intrigued? Here’s what you need to know if you want to feed your feelings with free fast food all month long. Free Whoppers and cheeseburgers Let’s start with Burger King’s signature burger, the Whopper.

 Block YouTube Ads With a Single Keystroke | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 174

One of the more frustrating things to deal with on the web are the small (to not-so-small) video ads that pop up before YouTube videos you’re trying to binge. Even though most of them let you skip to your video after a few seconds, this advertising-filled interlude can feel like an eternity. We have a hack to fix that, and it’s ingenious.

 How to Get Free Chicken Tenders at Popeyes All Month | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 162

Still riding the wave of their unbelievably popular chicken sandwich released last year, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has managed to hold onto our attention.

 Stop Your Glasses From Fogging With This Kind of Mask | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 121

Wearing a protective face mask is a crappy but necessary part of life right now—and that annoyance is perhaps strongest for wearers of glasses. We recently tried out a few methods for preventing mask-induced lens fog, but found most of the common methods to be, well, not so good.

 Learn to Code With This PC Role-Playing Game | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 126

I’ve tried to learn programming languages on my own using a bunch of different apps and online classes, but TwilioQuest might be the most fun I’ve had while trying to learn code.

 How to Quickly Remove Windows 10's New Cortana App | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 146

The new Windows 10 Version 2004 update is slowly rolling out to compatabile devices, though some users will be waiting for it a little longer. The update brings several new features to the OS, including an all-new version of Microsoft’s digital assistant, Cortana, whether you like it or not. Cortana now comes as a separate app, and it’s no longer voice-controlled.

 Protesting Is a Hack | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 194

Protests get shit done. If you celebrate Independence Day, Pride or Martin Luther King Day, you know that public demonstrations, even riots, have forced change where other means could not. Earlier this week we shared with you five demonstrations that changed history; today let’s talk about what’s happening now. Protests urging justice have occurred nationwide, and especially in the week and a half since George Floyd was killed in police custody on May 25.

 How to Keep Your WhatsApp Number Out of Google Search Results | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 117

If you use WhatsApp’s Click to Chat feature, your phone number may be showing up in Google search results.

 How to Permanently Delete Books From Your Kindle | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 143

Removing books you’ve finished from your Kindle has always been possible, but with one catch. Whatever you remove from your device persists in your account. It’s not gone forever, it’s simply gone from the specific Kindle device you’re using. You likely caught on to that caveat the first time you pressed-and-held your finger on a book on your Kindle and tapped the “Remove From Device” option.

 How to Investigate Your Local Police Department | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: 188

Protests against racism and police violence are occurring in pretty much every city across America, but you don’t have to be in a big city for the issue to affect you. Wherever you are, you have a local police department, and as a resident you can start pushing for the change you want to see.

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