Snapchat’s first foray into AI wasn’t exactly a success. It started with “My AI,” an AI chatbot that lives at the top of your Snapchat chats, back in April, and people weren’t happy. For one, you couldn’t get rid of it, so you had to deal with the chatbot in your app whether you were interested in it or not. Plus, there was a concern that the bot was lying about having access to your location. That wasn’t exactly the case, but the damage was done.

Eight months later, and My AI lives on. Not only that, Snapchat is doubling down on its AI efforts. The company announced on Tuesday that it would be rolling out a dedicated AI image generator for Snapchat+ subscribers. If you’ve used one of these before, such as Meta’s recently released generator, you know the drill: When you tap the new AI button on Snapchat, you can prompt the bot to generate whatever image comes to mind. Give it a simple prompt, or something complex, and the bot will try its best to replicate it. You can send these AI images like regular snaps, too: Your friends might open your snap assuming to see your face, only to be met by an AI abomination. Snapchat+ users previously had the option to generate AI images for their My AI chat wallpaper, but this is a full-fledge image generator.

But it isn’t just image generation that’s getting an AI boost in Snapchat+. When you take a snap, you’ll now see a new “Extend” option. Use this button when you think you’ve taken a photo too close to your subject, and Snapchat will use AI to “zoom” out, filling in the space with generative images. Dreams, Snapchat’s AI selfie feature, is now collaborative. You can add your friends to your AI selfies, and you’ll receive an eight-pack for free once a month.

These features are all exclusive to Snapchat+, Snap’s paid tier. You can subscribe for $3.99 per month, or $29.99 per year. But will these features be enough to convince you to actually pay for Snapchat? Personally, I’m about this close to deleting the app because their notifications are so spammy lately; thank goodness for notification settings.

Source: LifeHacker – Even Snapchat Has an AI Image Generator Now

It might seem contrary to gift-giving norms to present someone with tools meant for housework, but there are simply some neat freaks out there who love cleaning and would be thrilled to get a vacuum or something. Whether or not you understand them, you can get them what they want this year. TikTok is full of recommendations for awesome cleaning supplies, so let’s look at some of the trending tools to make their floors sparkle and their hearts sing. 

Best cleaning tools for the kitchen and bathroom

These tools are getting hyped on TikTok for their ability to clean the dirtiest spots in a home. They’re time- and energy-saving, too, so they make relatively relaxing and considerate gifts.

• Electric scrub brushes are very trendy among influencers and CleanTokkers. Your best option is one that does a lot of different things, like this one from Voweek ($42.29). It has four different heads, plus it’s extendable, so they can clean near and far without ever having to bend over. 

• The O-Cedar EasyWring Mop ($24.49) is the reigning cleaning gadget of TikTok and is also the #1 best selling mop on Amazon. If your gift recipient doesn’t have one yet, you’re about to become the hero of the holidays. 

• Another solid mop option is the Scratch self-cleaning mop, but it’s sold out on Amazon, probably because it’s super popular on social media. Don’t worry! There are dupes, like the Joymoop mop and bucket ($37.90), which comes with a wringer set and three washable pads. 

• The Broombi silicone broom is kind of like a squeegee that you can use on both hard flooring and carpet to easily corral dirt, pet hair, crumbs, or whatever else. Plus, it’s satisfying to watch, which is why there are so many videos of people using it.

Cleaning tools for the living room

The kitchen and bathroom always get the most press when it comes to cleaning since they’re dirty in the unhygienic, germ-y way. But you know what? Cleaning a living room is still important, and any true neat freak cares very deeply about how their common spaces look. 

• If your giftee has a pet, try this bone-shaped sponge from Casabella ($11.25), which removes pet hair from surfaces, looks way cuter than those scary hair rakes, and is—you guessed it—big on TikTok.

• The Bissell SteamShot ($36.04) is a standard steam cleaner, which is great, but also has a jet nozzle that can coax dirt out of hard-to-reach spots like windowsills, as seen here. 

• Splurge on your giftee with a Shark StainStriker ($109), which does wonders for upholstery and can occupy them for hours on end. Here’s the little beast in action.

Random cleaning tools

Some cleaning tools don’t fit neatly into categories but are very useful for specific things. Neat freaks can be particular, so if you’re worried about getting the wrong big cleaning tool, why not try a small, fun one? 

• SneakErasers ($11.99) remove scuffs and dirt from shoes, plus they come in a 10-pack and are trending right now. Bonus: The cylinder shape of the packaging makes them easy to wrap or stuff in a stocking. 

• Duster sponges ($6.99 for eight) are also really popular for their ability to clean crumbs and dirt off of basically anything. People love sharing videos of themselves using the ridges to trap crumbs that, frankly, never stood a chance.

• Multifunction tech cleaning tools are big online because they help tidy up the devices we use every day. This one from Crysfiy ($9.99) has everything you need to clean under your keyboard keys, inside the crevices of your phone, and the exterior of all your tech. Best of all, it’s not likely your intended gift recipient will already have one. Watch a demonstration here. 

Source: LifeHacker – The Best Gifts for Neat Freaks, According to TikTok

Robot vacuums are great, and whoever tells you otherwise doesn’t own one (or just doesn’t have the right one for their situation). Right now, you’re in the position of potentially gifting someone the power of never needing to vacuum up those day-to-day messes ever again.

If you’re looking for the most basic option on a budget

The iHome AutoVac Juno Robot Vacuum is the most basic robot vacuum of the bunch for the lowest price. Despite its low price, it still has helpful mapping features and allows for scheduled cleaning times via an app. It also has a drop sensor that helps it from falling down stairs. You’ll also get Google and Alexa support to command it with your voice. The battery boasts 100 minutes of runtime and it’ll automatically go back to the base to charge itself when it needs to. You can get it from Walmart for $85 (originally $199.99). This is the lowest price it’s been over the past four months, according to Honey’s price history.

If you’re not sure what they want their robot vacuum to do

If you know someone who would love a robot vacuum but you’re not sure exactly what type to go for, the Yeedi Vac is a great overall choice because it has a lot of upgradable features, like mopping and a self-cleaning station. This particular Yeedi has 3,000 Pa suction power, 110 minutes of run time, smart mapping, and cleans in neat rows. You can get it for $110 (originally $299.99) when clicking the $40 coupon on the Amazon page before adding it to your cart. This is the lowest price it’s ever been, according to Camelcamelcamel’s price history.

The Eufy LR20 Robot Vacuum is also a great choice for most people. This Eufy robot vacuum has multi-floor mapping and you can get it for $149 (originally $399). This is the lowest price it’s been over the past four months, according to Honey’s price history.

If they want it to vacuum and mop

Getting home from doing the groceries and finding your floors vacuumed and mopped is a great feeling you can gift to a loved one. The iRobot Roomba Combo j5 Robot can do just that, and it also avoids obstacles, like pet waste, cables, or anything dangerous, so it doesn’t make a mess. (If it vacuums poop, iRobot will replace it for free.) If you want to splurge on an upgrade and get them a self-cleaning base, too, go for it. You can get this model from Amazon for $299 (originally $599.99), which is the lowest price it’s ever been, according to Camelcamelcamel’s price history.

If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option that can also vacuum and mop, consider the Yeedi Vac 2 Robot for $99 (originally $199.99).

If they want a self-emptying vacuum

A self-emptying robot vacuum makes an automated process even more hands-off. Once it’s full of debris, it will go to its home base and get cleaned out. Eventually, you’ll also have to empty out the home base, but it will happen way less often than emptying the robot vacuum. The Shark AI Ultra claims it can hold 60 days’ worth of debris in its base, meaning you’ll only be emptying the base about every two months. This Shark robot vacuum also has all the basic features like home mapping, vacuuming in neat rows, a self-cleaning brush (great for pet owners or for people with long hair), Alexa and Google Assistant compatibility, etc. You can get it for $298 (originally $599), which matches the lowest price it’s ever been, according to Camelcamelcamel’s price history.

Source: LifeHacker – These Robot Vacuums Are Over 50% Off for Christmas

The holiday season is in full swing, and while it might be a time of good cheer, there’s also a lot to worry about when it comes to spending your time online. The holiday season is primetime for scammers and bad actors, so it’s important to be especially vigilant when you’re shopping for gifts, trying to keep up with family, or just browsing social media.

Be prepared

One of the most important steps you can take in staying safe online is to avoid and prevent scams before they ever occur. This means getting yourself set up with information safety tools like a password manager, which can help you protect your passwords thanks to encrypted storage and other security measures.

Preparing yourself with a password manager can also be a great way to check how secure your accounts are by determining if your passwords are actually strong, if you’re using duplicates on multiple websites, or if your account info was included in any recent data leaks. Password managers also make it really easy to update passwords with randomly generated options, which can make them even tougher for bad actors to crack.

There are a lot of great password managers on the market, including some free ones like Google’s built-in password manager, Apple’s iCloud Keychain, and other paid options like 1Password and LastPass. For a full list of the best of the bunch, check out PCMag’s picks.

Another great way to protect yourself online is to set up text or push notifications from your bank and credit cards. This helps you keep up with all your purchases as they happen which will make you immediately aware of any unknown purchases, rather than waiting until the end of the month when your statement comes. Most banks and credit cards should offer this functionality within their apps or through your online account settings.

Watch out for scams

Scams are everywhere. Because many of us spend our lives perpetually online and connected, it’s easy for scammers to connect with us, too. Whether you’re getting scams through your email or text, it’s important to keep a few things in mind whenever you get a text or email about a good deal.

First, don’t click any unsolicited links that come your way via email or text. If you get an email about a deal going on at a website or store, go directly to that website through your browser’s navigation bar instead of clicking on the link. Scammers have become really good at hiding their email address and making it look legit, so always double check before you trust anything that wants you to click a link.

Be careful with online gift exchanges

This holiday season is going to be ripe for gift-giving scams. These scams often appear on social media like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), asking users to sign up for a gift exchange wherein they’ll send a gift out and then receive one from someone else. While this might seem fun and innocent, they’re a great way for scammers to get your personal information, including your name and address, as well as your money. In fact, the Better Business Bureau classifies these scams as pyramid schemes, as they rely on recruiters to send money and data in the hopes of receiving something in return (which never comes, of course).

Avoid these kinds of gift exchanges and only participate in gift exchanges with people you know and trust. If you’re not sure whether a gift exchange invite is legit, get in contact with the person who sent it to you via text message or a phone call to ensure their accounts haven’t been compromised.

Package scams

It’s the holiday season, which means you’re going to have a lot of packages arriving in the mail. However, this also opens the door for scammers: These scams come in the form of emails or text messages, often claiming that the USPS, UPS, or any other package handler has lost your package, and that you need to contact the shipping company to complete the delivery.

These scams often include a URL that takes you to a phishing site or a phone number that, when called, will route you to a sham call center designed to steal your information. If you get a text or email about a package, even if it’s one you’re expecting, always reach out directly to the package handler using their online website and contact number. Never call the number in the text or email.

These kinds of scams are already happening in full force. I’ve received three similar texts saying that I’ve lost a package and need to contact USPS to resolve it in the past week alone.

Don’t trust Google ads

Despite being at the top of search results and easily visible on Google searches, Google ads and sponsored websites shouldn’t be trusted. That’s because scammers can easily purchase and place ads through Google ads that look like the real thing but are actually malicious in nature. Many times, the phony websites look convincing, but charge more for the product, or worse, download malicious files and malware to your computer or device.

Because of how prevalent these malicious ads have become, it’s best to always make sure you’re clicking on the website itself and to never click on Google’s ads or sponsored posts. While not all Google ads are dangerous, bad actors have found ways to get around Google’s screening processes. It’s just not worth the risk.

Source: LifeHacker – The Biggest Scams to Avoid This Holiday Season

The SimpleSafe wireless home security system is different from most mainstream home security cameras. You can build your security system by buying exactly what you need; you’re not forced into paying for a monthly subscription to be able to use the most basic features of your security system; and everything is a simple installation that you can do yourself. Right now, you can get their basic starter kit bundle for $99.99 (originally $199.99) and get it in time for Christmas after a 50% discount on Amazon. This is the cheapest this bundle has been, according to Camelcamelcamel’s price history, and a great opportunity to get started.

What you get with this SimpliSafe bundle

This starter kit is a five-piece bundle that includes:

• Base station: The base station is the hub that most security systems use, but it can also send alarm signals to the monitoring center if you get a subscription plan. It can have a built-in cellular connection so it’s not dependent on wifi, has a 24-hour battery backup, and has a 95-decibel siren to scare intruders (about as loud as a motorcycle engine running).

• Motion sensor: The motion sensor is designed for human detection, and it ignores pets under 65 pounds. It has a 35-foot radius of detection with a 90-degree field of view, so it is best placed in the corner of a room.

• Keypad: This smash-safe keypad disarms and arms your system wirelessly, is easy to use during the day and night, and requires no plug, so you can place it anywhere.

• Entry sensor: The entry sensor protects your doors, windows, and cabinets when they are open by alerting you and is designed to blend into the background (if your doors are white).

• Key fob: The key fob works like a car remote; it lets you arm and disarm your system with the press of a button.

The nice thing about SimpliSafe is that you can pay for what you think you will use. If you’re interested in flooding, you can get their leaks and flood sensor for $20. The security system is also compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple Watch and other systems. Their subscription plans are affordable and simple as well, with no contracts. If you don’t want a subscription plan, you still get a live video feed of your cameras from the SimpliSafe App and the ability to remotely disarm and arm the system with the app. If you want the 24/7 emergency response team that calls police or first responders as well as other perks, you can pay for one of the plans. You always get a free month to try out the plan and see if it’s worth it for you. Read more about SimpliSafe’s security system from PCMag’s review.

Source: LifeHacker – You Can Get SimpliSafe’s Home Security System for 50% Off Right Now

You know your home needs at least one fire extinguisher, but did you know there are different kinds? I didn’t until two nights ago, but it’s not the kind of thing you want to learn in the moment when you actually need one. Different fire extinguishers actually have different purposes and are designed to fight specific types of fires, so it’s important to prepare accordingly.

Fire extinguisher label codes

Generally, you’re going to find fire extinguishers in one of five classifications: A, B, C, D, or K. Each of these puts out a certain kind of fire. Here’s the breakdown:

• Class A puts out ordinary combustible fires, like those on paper, cloth wood, plastic, etc. 

• Class B puts out flammable liquid fires, like oil, paint, petroleum, gas, etc. 

• Class C is for electrical fires

• Class D puts out combustible metal fires (think titanium, aluminum, sodium, magnesium, etc.)

• Class K puts out cooking fires from flammable grease or oil

Class K is easy to remember, as it’s like K for “kitchen,” but the rest you’ll just have to commit to memory. There are ABC fire extinguishers that are designed to put out regular combustible, flammable liquid, and electrical fires, and that would be a great one to have in your home. 

Fire extinguisher tips

If the fire you’re dealing with involves flammable gas, don’t try to extinguish it with your Class B unless you know you can shut off the gas. If the only fuel burning is the leaking gas, your best option is just to shut off the fuel supply. If you extinguish a flammable gas fire without shutting off the fuel source, unburned gas can escape and an explosion can happen if it’s exposed to an ignition source. 

If you have a lot of combustible metals around—the kind you need Class D for—contact your fire department or another expert about exactly what kind of extinguisher you need and how much you need. Some extinguishing agents can react with a combustible metal fire, making it worse, so you want to make sure your fire is covered with a dry powder. Sand works, but within a Class D extinguisher is a blend of powdered graphite, granular sodium chloride, and some copper, which work well. 

Fire extinguishers for you

Which fire extinguishers you get depends on what kind of flammable materials you deal with at home, but here are good options for any:

• A First Alert HOME1 ABC rechargeable fire extinguisher ($24.99) tackles fires of A, B, and C origins, plus you can recharge it (which you should do annually)

• A Kidde kitchen fire extinguisher ($25.94) designed to put out fires without damaging your stove

• Grab a six-pack of Kidde ABC extinguishers for every room of your house ($140, also comes in two- and four-packs)

• A BC fire extinguisher for your car or boat, like the First Alert Car and Marine Fire Extinguisher ($24.28)

Check the labels on your packaging, but expect to replace all your fire extinguishers once every 10 years. Some sources say 12 years is fine, but it’s better to be safe than sorry on this one. 

Source: LifeHacker – Get the Right Fire Extinguisher by Knowing Its Class

With homeownership comes with a lot of unavoidable bills, whether it’s for renovations and repairs or basic necessities like homeowners insurance—which is surprisingly expensive stuff. On average, homeowners pay about $1,428 annually for every $250,000 of coverage, which works out to about $120 per month. When you buy a house and take out a policy to protect it, everything is based on an appraisal of your home’s rebuilding costs: that is, how much it would cost to replace it, more or less, as is. This means that every time you make a significant change to your home, you need to tell your insurer about it because you probably need to adjust your coverage, which can raise or lower your rates.

Even if you don’t want to see your insurance premiums go up, you should still inform your insurer.

Why homeowner’s insurance rates go up

Some repairs or renovations you make to your home will raise the cost of your insurance—but that’s because they increase your home’s value, so you need more coverage. If your home will now require $50,000 more dollars to replace after a disaster, you need that extra coverage or you won’t get enough money in the settlement to fully replace what you had. A few examples of changes that can (and should!) raise your rates are:

• Additions. If you add living space and increase the square footage of your home, you need to let your insurer know so the policy can be adjusted to accommodate for the extra cost of rebuilding those additions. This includes non-living spaces, like garages or sheds, that add value in other ways.

• Finished spaces. If you bought an unfinished basement with a dirt floor and concrete walls and transformed it into a gaming paradise, you’ll want any insurance payout to cover it.

• New pool. Pools are considered huge liabilities by insurance companies, so adding a pool to your home will definitely raise your insurance costs. Additionally, you should probably consider adding insurance if you install a pool—the Insurance Information Institute recommends an additional $300,000 to $500,000 of coverage.

• Home business. If working from home means sitting at the kitchen table with a laptop, you probably don’t need to adjust your insurance. But if you start a home business that requires the installation of any sort of equipment, you should let your insurer know so they can determine if you need additional coverage—and higher rates.

Why homeowner’s insurance rates go down

All is not doom and gloom when it comes to insurance rates and improving or repairing your home. If you make any of these repairs or renovations, definitely tell your insurer, because there is a good chance your costs will actually go down:

• New roof. Replacing a roof will usually lower your rates because it protects everything under the roof more effectively. In fact, putting a new roof on the house can lower your premium by as much as 35%. And if your new roof includes safety and storm-resistant features, you might get additional discounts. It’s definitely worth looking into.

• New windows. If you replaced your inefficient old windows that didn’t open all the way with shiny modern windows, you may very well get a break on your insurance costs due to the lower chances of storm damage and improved security.

• Modernized infrastructure. If you have all the electrical and/or plumbing in your house replaced and upgraded, you might see a significant drop in your insurance costs. The older the original equipment, the more dramatic this can be. Upgrading your heating, cooling, and water heater systems can also result in lower premiums, so alert your insurer to these changes pronto.

• Security. Added an alarm system? A camera doorbell? Your insurer will be delighted to hear it, and will probably give you a discount as a result.

• Fire and flood systems. Installing modern smoke detectors, leak detectors, and flood mitigation technologies like a sump pump or automatic water shutoff lowers the chances that your home will be damaged or destroyed, so may result in lower premiums.

Your homeowners insurance will never be free, but you can definitely shave a few bucks off of it just by keeping your insurer in the loop. This way you get a better, safer house and a lower monthly bill.

Source: LifeHacker – Nine Things You Need to Tell Your Home Insurer About

There are a lot of apps on Apple’s App Store. By some reports, there are over 1.8 million options to choose from. So if your app is among the most popular programs of any given year, you should definitely pat yourself on the back.

As it happens, Apple just announced which iPhone and iPad apps were among the most downloaded in 2023. The company broke these metrics into four categories per device: The top free apps, top paid apps, top free games, and top paid games. Plus, there’s a list of the top Apple Arcade games of the year.

What are the top iPhone apps of 2023?

Topping the most downloaded free iPhone apps of the year is Temu, the discounted marketplace that has blown up in the past year. Whether you believe that’s due to its low prices on cheap goods, or its aggressive advertising campaigns, Temu remains an insanely popular app in 2023. Most of the other apps on this list aren’t surprising: You have options like Max, Instagram, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Gmail, but I think it’s interesting that Threads was more popular than TikTok this year. That’s almost certainly because Threads is a brand new app, and TikTok’s massive user base already has the app, but it’s still a testament to the Threads hype, at least back at launch. (Hey, there’s no X on here.)

The top paid iPhone app of the year was Shadowrocket, a rules-based proxy utility that lets you configure your iPhone or iPad’s internet traffic through proxy servers. It’s like a VPN, but with a lot more control, and can help secure your internet connection. Also topping this list is HotSchedules, an employee scheduling app; Procreate Pocket, which brings Procreate tools to your iPhone; and The Wonder Weeks, an app that helps you track why your baby might be crying. I’ve heard about fewer of these apps, likely because free apps just steal the show these days, but it’s interesting to dive into which apps have convinced people to spend money.

MONOPOLY GO! was the top free iPhone game of the year, with many other familiar titles on the list, such as Roblox, Subway Surfers, and Call of Duty: Mobile. Perhaps unsurprisingly, people were willing to spend the most money on Minecraft this year, with Heads Up! in second place.

You can check out the full list below for both iPhone and iPad:

Top free iPhone apps

1. Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire

2. CapCut – Video Editor

3. Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

4. Threads, an Instagram app

5. TikTok

6. Instagram

7. Google

8. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream

9. WhatsApp Messenger

10. Gmail – Email by Google

Top paid iPhone apps

1. Shadowrocket

2. HotSchedules

3. Procreate Pocket

4. The Wonder Weeks

5. 75 Hard

6. AutoSleep Track Sleep on Watch

7. Goblin Tools

8. TonalEnergy Tuner & Metronome

9. SkyView

10. AnkiMobile Flashcards

Top free iPhone games 

1. MONOPOLY GO!

2. Roblox

3. Royal Match

4. Subway Surfers

5. Gardenscapes

6. Call of Duty: Mobile

7. Block Blast!

8. Makeover Studio: Makeup Games

9. Parking Jam 3D

10. Survivor!.io

Top paid iPhone games

1. Minecraft

2. Heads Up!

3. Geometry Dash

4. Bloons TD 6

5. MONOPOLY

6. Papa’s Freezeria To Go!

7. Plague Inc.

8. Red’s First Flight

9. Five Nights at Freddy’s

10. Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas

Top free iPad apps

1. Max: Stream HBO, TV, & Movies

2. YouTube: Watch, Listen, Stream

3. Netflix

4. Google Chrome

5. Disney+

6. Goodnotes 6

7. TikTok

8. Amazon Prime Video

9. Temu: Shop Like a Billionaire

10. Peacock TV: Stream TV & Movies

Top paid iPad apps

1. Procreate

2. Shadowrocket

3. Nomad Sculpt

4. forScore

5. Toca Life: Hospital

6. Bluebeam Revu for iPad

7. Teach Your Monster to Read

8. AnkiMobile Flashcards

9. Endless Paper

10. ToonSquid

Top free iPad games

1. Roblox

2. Magic Tiles 3: Piano Game

3. Subway Surfers

4. Royal Match

5. Among Us!

6. Duet Cats: Cute Cat Games

7. Stumble Guys

8. MONOPOLY GO!

9. Bridge Race

10. Gardenscapes

Top paid iPad games

1. Minecraft

2. Geometry Dash

3. Bloons TD 6

4. Stardew Valley

5. MONOPOLY

6. Five Nights at Freddy’s

7. Red’s First Flight

8. Poppy Playtime Chapter 1

9. Plague Inc.

10. Garten of Banban 2

Top Apple arcade games

1. NBA 2K23 Arcade Edition

2. Cooking Mama: Cuisine!

3. Bloons TD 6+

4. Angry Birds Reloaded

5. Sneaky Sasquatch

6. Warped Kart Racers

7. Hello Kitty Island Adventure

8. Snake.io+

9. Fruit Ninja Classic+

10. Solitaire by MobilityWare+

Source: LifeHacker – These Are the Most Popular iPhone Apps of 2023

There are over 400 national park sites—including historic sites, monuments, and recreation areas—in the United States, most of which are free to visit. But many of the most popular 60-plus national parks, such as Grand Canyon National Park, Yosemite National Park, and Yellowstone National Park, charge an entrance fee. Visiting one of these will generally set you back $10–$20 per person or $35 per vehicle (and allow you to come and go for seven days from purchase). Depending on how many people are in your family and how many parks you visit, this can add up.

In 2024, take a strategic approach: Head to one of the sites participating in the National Park Service’s six fee-free days.

What days are national parks free in 2024?

Entry to all national park sites will be free on the following days:

• Jan. 15 (Monday): Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• April 20 (Saturday): First day of National Park Week

• June 19 (Wednesday): Juneteenth

• Aug. 4 (Sunday): Great American Outdoors Day

• Sep. 28 (Saturday): National Public Lands Day

• Nov. 11 (Monday): Veterans Day

Note that fee-free days may still require timed entry or vehicle reservations as well as payment for services like camping, special tours, transportation, and boat rides. If you’re planning your trip on or around one of these days, be sure to check ticket requirements and make necessary reservations well in advance, as some parks could also be more crowded.

If you can’t get to a national park on one of these six holidays, you may still qualify for free or reduced-fee entry. Veterans, active-duty military (and their dependents), people with disabilities, and fourth-grade students get free America the Beautiful annual passes, which allow access to every national park. Adults 62 and older can purchase an annual America the Beautiful pass for $20 or a lifetime pass for $80.

Source: LifeHacker – All the Days You Can Visit National Parks for Free in 2024

You already know that solar panels turn sunlight into electricity. But how? It almost seems like magic. Well, it’s magical, but while it’s not an illusion, the science behind it—the photovoltaic effect—is fascinating. Considering the rising costs of heating as well as the effects of climate change, it’s a good time to invest in solar panels for your house. Not only are you helping by creating clean energy for decades to come, you’ll also shave off a good chunk of your monthly bills. 

What is the solar panel system made of?

First, let’s look at the solar panel itself. There are the solar cells, which are made out of silicon—they’re the main element that turns sunlight into electricity. Then, around it, you’ll find an insulating shell, made out of glass or polymer. A metal frame holds everything together, protecting the tech from outside elements. There’s also a junction box that protects the diodes, the wiring, and the electrical components. Lastly, the panels use MC5 connectors, which connect all the solar panels together to create a singular array.

The solar power system is made up of many different components other than the panel itself. These components do the job of converting, storing, or sharing the electricity that is generated by the solar panel. Here are some of the major components you’ll find:

• Inverter: The inverter is the most critical part of any solar energy system. By default, the solar cells generate direct current, or DC electricity, but most household appliances operate on alternating current, AC. The inverter coverts the DC electricity to AC power so it can be used to run your lights, fans, or your refrigerator. 

• DC optimizers and string inverters: An optimizer helps each panel run at maximum power point tracking, independently. MPPT, as it’s called, is then fed into the AD inverter process.

• Microinverters: These devices track maximum power point, and invert DC to AC directly on the panel. They can help remove the need for a central inverter. 

• Rapid shutdown device: This is a safety mechanism that ensures a safe shutdown of the entire solar power system.

• Telemetry hub: This is the part that monitors the entire system and shows the data to users, usually through a digital panel.

• Battery: This is not required if you’re building a grid-based solar panel system, where the generated energy directly feeds into your local area grid, and you earn credits for the energy you supply. But if you’re building an off-the-grid system, or if your setup is in a remote area, you’ll need a battery to save and use the generated electricity. 

How the photovoltaic effect in solar charging works

As we mentioned above, solar chargers work based on the photovoltaic effect. Before we talk about that, however, you should first understand the photoelectric effect. 

The photoelectric effect is the phenomenon where electrons are ejected from the surface of a material when light shines on it. This happens because the light photons’ energy is absorbed by the electrons, giving them enough energy to overcome the binding energy that holds them to the material. The ejected electrons are called photoelectrons. As the free electrons move, they generate current and voltage.

The photovoltaic effect is similar, but here, photons from the sunlight are absorbed by the solar cell instead. The photons then energize the electrons that are inside the solar cell material. This removes them from their atomic bonds, and they become free. The solar cells have a PN junction composed of semiconductor materials that direct the flow of the free electrons, and that’s how the electricity is generated. 

Should you go off-grid?

Simply getting a solar-powered system does not mean your house is off-grid, and you’ll be happy to know it doesn’t have to be, either. You can continue to stay in the grid, connected to the local electricity provider as a backup, while running your own solar-powered station. 

Without a battery, the electricity that’s not used by your house will automatically end up in the grid. How this works might depend on local laws, but usually, there’s a monitoring device to calculate the units of electricity generated, and you get credits for selling your share to the grid. This route is cheaper, because you don’t need to buy an expensive battery to add to your system. 

Should you choose to, it will be connected directly to the solar power system, where the electricity will be transferred and stored. Then, when you need to run an appliance, the inverter will convert the energy stored in the battery to AC power. 

Source: LifeHacker – This Is How Solar Panels Actually Work

A few years ago, Bethesda and Arkane Studios had the genius idea to mix a first-person shooter with Groundhog Day-style time loops. The result was Deathloop, one of the best games of 2021. And now, Amazon Prime Members can get the PC version completely free (originally $59.99) as long as they claim it by Jan. 10, 2024.

Deathloop defies time, literally

Not a lot of games get a perfect 10 score from IGN and are considered a “masterpiece” even a year after its release date. Yet somehow, Deathloop manages to transcend time and still be a kick-ass game today.

Gift giving is hard work: You not only want to find something that the recipient might not think to get themselves, but something they’ll genuinely appreciate and use. If you know someone who has really taken to cooking over the last year, I’ve got ideas for creative gifts that will let them know you’ve noticed their new hobby and want to support it. 

A great apron goes a long way

An apron can be a deeply personal possession for someone who likes cooking, and as a gift, they’re perfect because they run the gamut on pricing. If you don’t have a ton of money to spend, you can still get a great apron that will last them a long time; and if you’re feeling spend-y, you can find some spiffy high-end ones, too. Keep in mind that not every apron is made for every body type. While bib aprons are popular for men, crossback aprons are good for larger people and smock aprons can be better for women. Additionally, while funny aprons are popular gifts, they’re often not made very well and thus, aren’t all that usable. When it comes to aprons, washability and durability are paramount—but that doesn’t mean you have to get them something boring.

• Williams Sonoma Personalized Adult & Kid Classic Apron $ 24.95 – $ 29.95

• Williams Sonoma Crossback Chambray Apron $ 34.95

• Carhartt Men’s Duck Canvas Apron $39.99

• Hedley and Bennet Crossback Apron  $95

• Bella Pinafore (smock) Apron $97

Don’t be intimidated to gift knives

For years, I worked at Williams Sonoma in gift registry, and people would constantly say they didn’t think knives were “giftable.” I disagreed then and I disagree now. One of the best gifts I ever got was a Japanese serrated bread knife. Good knives are expensive and something cooks are often slow to buy for themselves, but they’re one of the best kitchen investments a person can make. Consider a single, amazing knife or a whole set, depending on what you’re looking to spend. Remember, gifts aren’t about what you think, they’re about what the recipient thinks.  

• WÜSTHOF Classic IKON 8″ Chef’s Knife $200

• MAC Knife Professional series 8″ Chef’s knife w/dimples $144.95

• WÜSTHOF Gourmet 10-Piece Knife Block Set $223.20

• Shun Classic 8” Chef’s Knife $99.95

Silicone utensils and a set of mixing bowls

A fantastic set of mixing bowls is useful for a hundred different tasks beyond mixing. They can be used for storage, serving, and—if they’re particularly nice—a bit of eye candy for the countertop. And silicone utensils like spatulas and “spoonulas” have become a must-have item that are typically built well enough to last the test of time. (Mine are over 20 years old.) The silicone clings to the side of bowls, allowing you to scrape out every last bit. They are also heat-proof, save your non-stick pans from damage, and can sail through a dishwasher. A great set of these utensils and some bowls is a stellar gift that will last ages.

• All-Clad 5-Piece Silicone Spatulas  $ 59.95

• Open Kitchen by Williams Sonoma Silicone Wood Spatulas, Set of 5 $ 29.95

• Silicone Spatula Set, 5 Piece, $6.99

• Lareina Ceramic Mixing Bowls for Kitchen $39.99

• Tabletops Gallery Hobnail Style 4 Piece Blue Storm Stoneware Nesting Mixing Bowl $42.49

Their first food processor or mixer

Yes, people survived before Cuisinart and KitchenAid machines, but these handy countertop appliances open up a world of culinary possibilities. KitchenAid mixers, for example, have tons of attachments to make pasta, process tomatoes, spiralize fruit, and more. And a food processor speeds up menial chopping tasks, often doing so much more skillfully than someone can do by hand. (I use mine to grind hard bread into gourmet breadcrumbs.) Whether going with a smaller sized herb processor or indulging in a colorful mixer, these appliances take places of pride on a cook’s counter. 

• Cuisinart Food Processor 14-Cup $198

• KitchenAid  3.5 Cup Food Chopper, Ice Blue $44.95

• Ninja NF701 Professional XL Food Processor 12-Cup $133.94

• KitchenAid Artisan Series 5 Quart Tilt Head Stand Mixer, White $349.95

• KitchenAid Classic Series 4.5 Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer White $239.99

• GE Tilt-Head Electric Stand Mixer, 5.3 Quart $149.00

Cooking classes

If your friend or loved one has expressed an interest in a particular style of cooking, find a local class or series of classes in that style they might enjoy. Check your local community college and nearby retailers like Sur La Table and Williams Sonoma for availability. You can also consider something like Masterclass, an online option. As a nice touch, wrap a related cookbook for under the tree. 

• MasterClass Starts at $120/year

• Sur la Table Cooking Classes Prices vary per location

• Williams Sonoma Cooking Classes Prices vary per location

• America’s Test Kitchen Online Cooking School $179/yr

Lastly, don’t overlook the value of gift cards, which may feel impersonal, but aren’t. They tell your recipient, explicitly, that they know best what they’d like. For a burgeoning chef, a shopping spree at their local kitchen supply store might be exactly what they wanted.

Source: LifeHacker – 25 Delicious Gift Ideas for New Cooks

If you’re looking for the Wordle answer for December 12, 2023 read on. We’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solution. Today’s puzzle is on the easier side; I got it in 3. Wordlebot scores the average as 3.4. Beware, there are spoilers below for December 12, Wordle #906! Keep scrolling if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s Wordle game.

How to play Wordle

Wordle lives here on the New York Times website. A new puzzle goes live every day at midnight, your local time.

Start by guessing a five-letter word. The letters of the word will turn green if they’re correct, yellow if you have the right letter in the wrong place, or gray if the letter isn’t in the day’s secret word at all. For more, check out our guide to playing Wordle here, and my strategy guide here for more advanced tips. (We also have more information at the bottom of this post, after the hints and answers.)

Ready for the hints? Let’s go!

Does today’s Wordle have any unusual letters?

We’ll define common letters as those that appear in the old typesetters’ phrase ETAOIN SHRDLU. (Memorize this! Pronounce it “Edwin Shirdloo,” like a name, and pretend he’s a friend of yours.)

We have 100% common letters in today’s word!

Can you give me a hint for today’s Wordle?

It’s a demonstrative pronoun, that is, a word we use to indicate a specific thing or group of things without naming them. 

Does today’s Wordle have any double or repeated letters?

Yes, there is a letter that’s in there twice.

How many vowels are in today’s Wordle?

Just one, but it’s used in two different places.

What letter does today’s Wordle start with?

Today’s word starts with T.

What letter does today’s Wordle end with?

Today’s word ends with E.

What is the solution to today’s Wordle?

Ready? Today’s word is THESE.

How I solved today’s Wordle

ARISE got me the S and the E; TOUCH got me the T and told me to find a place for an H. THESE and THOSE would both fit, but I already knew there was no O–so a second E would have to be the middle letter.

Wordle 906 3/6

⬜⬜⬜🟩🟩
🟩⬜⬜⬜🟨
🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩

A primer on Wordle basics

The idea of Wordle is to guess the day’s secret word. When you first open the Wordle game, you’ll see an empty grid of letters. It’s up to you to make the first move: type in any five-letter word. 

Now, you can use the colors that are revealed to get clues about the word: 

• Green means you correctly guessed a letter, and it’s in the correct position. (For example, if you guess PARTY, and the word is actually PURSE, the P and R will be green.)

• Yellow means the letter is somewhere in the word, but not in the position you guessed it. (For example, if you guessed PARTY, but the word is actually ROAST, the R, A and T will all be yellow.)

• Gray means the letter is not in the solution word at all. (If you guessed PARTY and everything is gray, then the solution cannot be PURSE or ROAST.)

With all that in mind, guess another word, and then another, trying to land on the correct word before you run out of chances. You get six guesses, and then it’s game over.

The best starter words for Wordle

What should you play for that first guess? The best starters tend to contain common letters, to increase the chances of getting yellow and green squares to guide your guessing. (And if you get all grays when guessing common letters, that’s still excellent information to help you rule out possibilities.) There isn’t a single “best” starting word, but the New York Times’s Wordle analysis bot has suggested starting with one of these:

• CRANE

• TRACE

• SLANT

• CRATE

• CARTE

Meanwhile, an MIT analysis found that you’ll eliminate the most possibilities in the first round by starting with one of these:

• SALET

• REAST

• TRACE

• CRATE

• SLATE

Other good picks might be ARISE or ROUND. Words like ADIEU and AUDIO get more vowels in play, but you could argue that it’s better to start with an emphasis on consonants, using a starter like RENTS or CLAMP. Choose your strategy, and see how it plays out.

How to win at Wordle

We have a few guides to Wordle strategy, which you might like to read over if you’re a serious student of the game. This one covers how to use consonants to your advantage, while this one focuses on a strategy that uses the most common letters. In this advanced guide, we detail a three-pronged approach for fishing for hints while maximizing your chances of winning quickly.

The biggest thing that separates Wordle winners from Wordle losers is that winners use their guesses to gather information about what letters are in the word. If you know that the word must end in -OUND, don’t waste four guesses on MOUND, ROUND, SOUND, and HOUND; combine those consonants and guess MARSH. If the H lights up in yellow, you know the solution.

One more note on strategy: the original Wordle used a list of about 2,300 solution words, but after the game was bought by the NYT, the game now has an editor who hand-picks the solutions. Sometimes they are slightly tricky words that wouldn’t have made the original list, and sometimes they are topical. For example, FEAST was the solution one Thanksgiving. So keep in mind that there may be a theme.

Wordle alternatives

If you can’t get enough of five-letter guessing games and their kin, the best Wordle alternatives, ranked by difficulty, include:

• Wheeldle, which lets you play one puzzle after another

• Dordle and Quordle, which ask you to play two (Dordle) or four (Quordle) puzzles at the same time, with the same guesses. There is also Octordle, with eight puzzles, and Sedecordle, with 16.

• Waffle, which shows you several five-letter words, scrambled in a grid; you play by swapping the letters around until you solve.

• Absurdle, which changes the solution after each guess, but needs to stay consistent with its previous feedback. You have to strategically back it into a corner until there is only one possible word left; then you guess it, and win.

• Squabble, in which you play Wordle against other people with a timer running. You take damage if you spend too much time between guesses; winner is the last one standing.

• Antiwordle, in which you are trying not to guess the day’s solution. You’re required to reuse any letters that you (oops) guessed correctly, so the longer it takes you, the better you are at the game.

Source: LifeHacker – Today’s Wordle Hints (and Answer) for Tuesday, December 12, 2023

There is plenty of discussion about the risks of kids participating in league sports, but if parents handle things thoughtfully, these leagues can be a great way to keep kids physically active. League sports can also help kids develop social skills by working cooperatively with their peers. 

“You might be able to spark some interest in something they really enjoy,” says Catherine Butz, Ph.D., the Senior Associate Chief for Pediatric Psychology at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, who often works with student athletes.

Of course, the flip-side is that pressuring kids into activities at a young age might backfire. Pushing our children to participate in sports can have negative impacts, such as decreased self-esteem, increased stress, and potential burnout, so it’s important to recognize the signs that they may not be enjoying their sport of choice as much as you might hope.

Let them feel things out

When my boys started becoming interested in playing sports, I was concerned about the financial investment. The cost of gloves, bats, skates, cleats, rackets, and other items can add up fast, and if they become disinterested in a couple of weeks, that’s a lot of money collecting dust in the garage. 

Instead of blindly investing in a bunch of sports equipment, try to find somewhere that will let your kids try things out first. City parks and recreation departments offer low-cost practice sessions that help kids learn the basics of a sport, allowing them to find something they like instead of having us find one for them. For my boys, it’s a fun, low-pressure situation that gives them the basics without worrying about wins and losses. However, I have one rule: They must finish all the practices for the season.

“Parents are there to mold their child and to provide opportunity, but to also give feedback that is often long-lasting,” says Butz. “If you’re letting them stop sports prematurely, then that’s messaging they might take on.”

Let your kids know what they’re getting into

There are some inherent risks to playing contact sports. If your child wants to play tackle football, there’s a higher chance that they could get a concussion than if they were playing volleyball, for example. If they’re concerned about some hazards of playing a sport, it’s important to be transparent, but don’t get carried away.

“I wouldn’t want to scare them because, for some kids, that might never happen, especially given the position they play,” says Butz.

Play with them, even if you’re bad

I’m a horrendous soccer player, but if my son wants to play it outside, I’ll drop everything and join him. He doesn’t care that I’m bad at it; he just likes being outside and doing something he loves. 

“We kept playing tennis as a family even though we’re horrible, and [my son is] obsessed with tennis now,” says Butz. “I think you can really encourage kids by participating with them.”

Stay on the sidelines

Despite what the movies Varsity Blues and Friday Night Lights would have you believe, parents likely won’t force their kids to play sports solely to revisit their glory days or vicariously live through their children’s accomplishments. However, according to Butz, while parental involvement and feedback might come from a good place, they can create an unintended expectation and pressure for kids. It’s a fine line to walk, so try choosing a moment when they’ll be most receptive to what you have to say.

“Allowing the coaches to coach and asking your child if they want feedback from you is key,” says Butz.

Look for the signals

Butz is typically called to intervene when parents see some resistance from student athletes attending practices or games. But those are just some of the signs a child might exhibit that indicate they are uninterested in playing a sport. 

“I think any kind of behavioral disregulation, acting out, changes in their behavior that you don’t typically see, their sleep is disrupted, or they’re not eating as much can be signs that something’s up,” she says.

It might not even have to do with a lack of interest in what they’re playing. Academics and sports are often tied together, and a child could be stressed about their workload. Butz says you know your kids best, so if something seems off, it’s time to open up a line of communication with them and get to the bottom of things.

Make sure they’re having fun

Sports are supposed to be fun, but sometimes the league aspect can get very intense, even in elementary and middle school leagues, leading kids to get burnt out early. Check-in regularly with your child to make sure they’re not overwhelmed. 

“It’s pretty pivotal [to check in regularly], not only to ensure their longevity in the sport but just to see how they’re doing mental health-wise,” says Butz.

Find an alternative

If it seems like your kid is striking out (pun intended) trying to find a sport they like, don’t stress. There are other non-league activities that kids can try to give them the physical activity and social skills they’ll need to carry them into adulthood, such as the sports skills practices mentioned previously. If the team-based aspect is what’s causing your kid difficulty, there are plenty of sports that kids can do solo, like running, or finding a skill or talent that engages them. 

“I think the key is to encourage kids to explore a lot of different interests and see you where they land,” says Butz.

Source: LifeHacker – Why You Shouldn’t Force Kids Into Sports (and What You Should Do Instead)