Author: Cameron

NASA InSight Mars Probe Has Landed: Here’s What It’s Looking For

Is there anything more exciting than deep-space probes looking for new scientific discoveries among the stars? Yesterday, November 25^th, the InSight Mars probe landed on the Red Planet. After a 301 million mile journey, the InSight probe is home. Here’s what the deep-space probe is looking for.

InSight Mars Probe: What’s it Looking For?

Space.com

Deep Readings

The InSight probe is looking to make some deep readings under the surface of Mars. We know previous little regarding Mars’ interior and InSight aims to change that. The main job of the InSight probe is going to be getting a feel for the interior workings of the Red Planet.

Firstly, Insight is looking into whether Mars wobbles in its orbit. The presence of such a wobble as the Sun and Mars’ moons pull on it could reveal the composition of Mars’ core. Such knowledge has eluded scientists up to this point.

Seismology

The next test being undertaken by InSight is a seismographic one. The probe is going to try to ascertain more about the nature of Marsquakes and what the planet’s seismology means. There is also ample heat coming from inside the planet, which the probe will be investigating further.

Finally, radio arrays will be used to further study the interior of Mars. The presence of various minerals, metals and the like in Mars’ core will be of interest to scientists.

The Mission

The InSight probe was launched back in May of 2018 by NASA. The mission’s purpose, as we described, is to learn more about the interior of Mars. NASA has stated that the mission is in preparation of future missions to the Moon and Mars by human explorers.

The complications of Mars missions are numerous. Only about 40% of Mars missions by any agency have been successful. Mars has only one percent of the atmosphere that Earth has, making it very difficult for spacecraft to slow in time to not be destroyed on entry.

Entry

InSight, for its part, made its initial entry with mostly robotic assistance. The final 7 minutes of entry were largely human-aided by mission control on Earth. The craft slowed from 12,300 MPH to 5 MPH in time to stop safely before impact.

That kind of speed is hard to believe, but it just goes to show how impressive NASA’s scientists are! We look forward to seeing the discoveries this new probe will make on the surface of Mars.

November 26, 2018
Rivian R1T: A Luxury Electric Pickup Truck You Have to See

The futuristic design and electric engine would make you almost think you were looking at a Tesla truck. However, the Rivian R1T is not from Elon Musk’s controversial company, but is its own beast altogether. RJ Scaringe, the CEO of Rivian, describes the R1T as a vehicle designed to “enable adventures.”

Rivian R1T: Luxury Electric Pickup

Jalopnik

Design

A glance at this futuristic truck tells you a lot about it. It’s sleek, it’s aerodynamic and it looks like something from the future. The front face has no grille, and the headlights are an odd oval shape. It’s impossible to mistake this vehicle for anything other than a high-tech new vehicle.

That design works in Rivian’s favor. We love the slick lines and Tesla-esque design ethos. It screams “luxury” while also underscoring how durable and usable this vehicle is.

The hood of the R1T pops open to reveal a front trunk that you can store things in. That’s because there’s no engine in the front! Much like Tesla before it, the Rivian R1T takes full advantage of its unique electric power source.

Battery Options

The star of the show is the top-billed massive “400+ hour” 180-kWh battery. The next model down has a 135-kWh battery rated for above 300 miles. Finally, the smallest battery is a 105-kWh model rated for 230 miles. In any event, the truck is a rugged beast that looks well-suited for a variety of terrains and adventures.

All battery types will also support DC fast charging. That’s important for batteries with a capacity this high. The fastest charge supported can add 200 miles of range to the vehicle in only half and hour. However, how many stations offer that kind of power is unclear.

Bottom Line

Expect to see the revolutionary Rivian R1T hit the road in November 2020. When it does, you can expect to see the base model with the smallest battery for $69,000. After a rebate of $7,500 that brings the base price down to $61,500, which is around the price of a normal luxury truck.

All of that with an all-electric motor and sleek design? Sign us up! Is it 2020 yet?

November 26, 2018
Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer — How to Get in the Beta

The Red Dead Redemption 2 multiplayer beta is live now! How can you get in on the Wild-West action? Today we’ll tell you how you can join in the fun and what to expect. It’s time to get back on the horse and ride off into the sunset for an awesome adventure.

Red Dead Redemption 2 Multiplayer Beta

YouTube

How to Join

The RDR2 multiplayer beta is live today, November 26^th. If you bought the Ultimate Edition of the game you’re able to jump in to the wild multiplayer now. If you don’t have the Ultimate Edition, don’t stress! Those who played the game on launch day can jump into the action starting tomorrow.

If you played the game before October 29^th you’ll be allowed into the beta starting on November 29^th. For everyone else, you can join the beta starting on November 30^th. That means everyone will be able to gunsling and gamble in the Wild West by the end of November.

Why the Slow Roll-Out?

Rockstar had some serious issues with GTA V’s online servers. The launch of that multiplayer was a bit of a mess, with servers overtaxed and failing in a big way. Thankfully they learned from that experience and are planning to keep history from repeating itself.

The slow roll-out of the beta allows Rockstar to keep an eye on the servers as traffic increases naturally. That way there’s less likelihood that the servers simply crash under the weight of the traffic. Considering that RDR2 sold more than 17 million copies there will certainly be some serious traffic to those servers.

What to Expect

Once you’re able to hop into the beta you can expect some excellent action to keep you entertained for ages. Exploring the huge open world with your friends is sure to be the largest draw. Hunting, fishing, gambling and getting up to no good will be favorite pastimes of players in the open world.

Bank robberies, knocking over trains and holding up rival posses will certainly be popular activities as well. Aside from free-roaming, we expect to see dedicated lobbies for proper modes like deathmatch and team-based game modes.

Not to mention poker, blackjack and other gambling side-games that are sure to make an appearance. We look forward to seeing you there!

November 26, 2018
Tips for Plus Sized Fashion: Find the Best Looks

A little over two-thirds of the women in the US wear size 14 or larger in clothing. In spite of this, there are hardly any option out there for plus sized fashion. Not everyone can fit into the size 2 designer jeans! Just because you’re plus sized doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have great fashion options. Here are some tips for finding some of the best looks.

Tips for Plus Sized Fashion

The Print Matters

The Ebbinghaus effect states that a circle surrounded by smaller circles looks larger than it actually is. The inverse is true, too: surrounded by large circles, the original circle looks smaller. You can leverage this in your fashion, too.

Try wearing clothes with large print patterns on them. By doing this you’ll be doing yourself a service: smaller prints and patterns can make you look bigger than you actually are. Keep this in mind when you’re buying dresses and T-shirts with print designs. Similarly, carrying a large purse or wearing huge jewelry can accomplish much the same effect of making you look smaller.

So Does the Fit

Finding clothes that fit your body properly is important. A lot of designers don’t actually model their clothes for people above size 6 or so. They opt instead to take the dimensions of a size six and mathematically scale them up. That means you end up with weird oddities like small busts, huge shoulders and ill-fitting clothes.

This makes you look weird, which you aren’t. Instead of shopping at these stores, shop at places where the clothing fits your body properly. Not only will you feel better, you’ll look better. Your body looks totally fine as long as your clothes are the right fit.

Remember You Look Great

Remember, “fat” is not synonymous with “ugly,” despite what fashion magazines tell you. There are really awesome clothes out there for you to wear. Just keep in mind that you need to find what works for you, not someone who is size six.

There’s nothing wrong with any body type, but there’s plenty wrong with improperly fit clothes! We hope this helps you find fashion that looks great on you for your particular body type.

November 21, 2018
Have You Heard of CoolSculpting? The Coolest New Way to Fight Fat

CoolSculpting is a new, noninvasive procedure that uses cold to help eliminate fat from the body. It’s not quite like liposuction, as it’s not a surgery and is much less invasive. Today we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about the coolest new way to fight fat: CoolSculpting.

Facts You Should Know about CoolSculpting

Why CoolSculpting?

Many people like CoolSculpting because it helps them target specific areas they may feel insecure about. It’s not invasive like liposuction and people feel more confident in this FDA approved procedure. After all, you can’t help how you body stores fat, and exercise can’t isolate areas where you want to lose weight. That’s where this new procedure, utilizing cold temperatures, comes in!

How Does it Work

The procedure utilizes a process called cryolipolysis to freeze fat cells. The clinician applying the procedure uses a device to apply cold to the skin above the targeted fat cells. This causes the fat cells to die due to the low temperature.

Your body then undergoes a process to eliminate the dead fat cells naturally over the course of weeks or months. The process takes about an hour in the clinic and then you’re good to go! People often see 20 to 25 percent reduction in fat content in a given area. This allows for targeted weight loss in problem areas that you can’t seem to get!

Is it Safe?

The CoolSculpting procedure doesn’t require anesthetic, takes only about an hour and has been approved by the FDA since 2012. There are a few side effects, like bruising, swelling, cramping, pinching sensations and itchiness that could occur. However, the process is otherwise considered quite safe.

Reminders

This process isn’t for weight loss: it targets specific areas of fat to help those near their weight goals burn down the last little bit of fat. You’ll have to keep up a healthy diet and exercise regiment to stay at your target weight.

People who have CoolSculpting done have to put in the maintenance to keep the fat off. That said, if you’re struggling to shed the last little pocked of fat somewhere, consider this procedure to help get rid of it.

November 21, 2018
Facts You Need to Know about Adult Asthma

There are people who erroneously think of asthma as the sort of thing you grow out of. The fact of the matter is, there are many adults with asthma. In fact, some even develop new or worsening asthma symptoms as they get older. Here are some important facts you need to know about adult asthma.

Facts You Need to Know about Adult Asthma

Symptoms

Asthma is caused by a constriction of the bronchi while breathing. This often manifests as shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain and/or tightness in the chest. For many adults, they notice these symptoms most strongly when they are exerting themselves, whether they are working out or simply have a physically demanding job.

Many adults don’t even know that they have asthma, especially those who aren’t active often. They get short of breath and simply brush it off. If you feel like something is wrong with your breathing, don’t be ashamed to see your doctor.

Risks

Those who had asthma as children are at a naturally higher risk of developing adult asthma. People with severe seasonal allergies are also more susceptible to asthma symptoms than those without. Women who are pregnant or going through menopause may be at higher likelihood of developing asthma as well. The hormones released during these experiences can inflame the lungs.

Those with GERD, or acid reflux, could be at a higher risk for asthma as well. The presence of acid can trigger a bronchial spasm and cause irritation that leads to asthma. Some people are at higher risk due to their jobs. Those who work around fumes or dust that they can inhale may find their lungs inflamed and develop adult-onset asthma.

Treatment

If you think you have asthma, see your doctor. People who are diagnosed with asthma carry inhalers that are full of medicine to help your lungs relax when experiencing bronchial spasms. This can be life-saving, as asthma attacks could cause you to fall unconscious.

Asthma is a serious thing. If you feel like you are constantly short of breath and can’t ever catch up, you may be living with asthma. There’s nothing wrong with seeing a doctor.

November 21, 2018
Coolest AI-Enabled Tech You Have to See to Believe

Artificial intelligence is going to redefine the ways we interact with technology. Today we’re going to take a look at the coolest AI-enabled tech you have to see to believe. From learning algorithms in graphics cards to autonomous cars, today is all about AI.

AI-Enabled Tech You Have to See to Believe

Graphics Cards

The newest graphics cards from companies like Nvidia are pushing the envelope when it comes to photorealism. With the addition of learning AI to the most powerful graphics cards, advanced techniques like ray tracing and dynamic lighting become more feasible. That’s because of the way learning AI can implement these features.

Rather than having to render every single one of these features, learning programs can just render the things you need to see. This makes them incredibly efficient, allowing the system to conserve memory and run even more smoothly while putting out incredible images.

Robots

The most prominent sci-fi tropes involving AI also involve robots. And why not? They’re a classic sci-fi mainstay. Well, they might cease to be fiction soon, are they may have already. Companies like LG have pushed forward with learning robotic helpers that are able to predict your schedule and your needs.

An example of this learning robot style is the Airbot. Airbot was created to help visitors in airports by scanning ticket, showing people around and even guiding them when they are lost. It uses speech learning patterns and facial recognition to help people.

Autonomous Cars

A huge number of companies, from Tesla to Ford, are pouring money into creating self-driving cars. The auto industry is convinced that this will be the future of transportation. Well, with all the emphasis they’re putting on it, it would be surprising if it didn’t!

Jokes aside, learning programs seem poised to make this a reality. Programs that can map and understand their immediate surroundings and make decisions on the fly are required for self-driving cars. Learning behavior from other cars on the road, making efficient maneuvers and keeping passengers safe are all possible with the right AI.

In many ways, the future is already here. Artificial intelligence is on the verge of being commonplace all around the world. What a brave new world, huh?

November 21, 2018
Mobvoi Ticpods Free: True AirPod Killers?

Apple’s AirPod wireless earbuds have a lot of catching up to do. While they were some of the first truly wireless earbuds on the market, they’ve been largely outdone by some of their competitors. One such competitor is Mobvoi. Do the Mobvoi Ticpods Free have what it takes to dethrone the AirPods as best wireless earbuds? Let’s get into it.

Mobvoi Ticpods Free Review

Design

There’s nothing crazy going on with the design of these earbuds. The Mobvoi Ticpods Free have the same standard “earbud with a long tail” look that the AirPods started. The tail is flat, unlike the AirPods, and allows you to use the touch controls. The left earbud controls volume with swipes up or down on the tail. The right earbud can be double tapped to skip songs or long-pressed to bring up the voice assistant.

Largely, these are sleek-looking earbuds that seem to be designed to look almost just like their chief competitors. If you like the way AirPods look then you’ll like the Ticpods. If you don’t, well, maybe these aren’t for you.

Features

Unlike the AirPods, the Ticpods have a comfortable silicone tip that feels great in the ear. The seal these tips make with your ear make the sound quality that much better. Although the AirPods may have better drivers, they sit so loosely in the air that the sound quality is degraded. The Ticpods, on the other hand, suffer no such problem

The only thing these earbuds don’t have on the AirPods is battery life. While the AirPods last an average of five hours on a single charge, the Ticpods only go for four hours. That said, most people will keep the charging case on hand, which offers an additional 14 hours of battery. You just need to remember to put them back in the case when you’re not using them!

Bottom Line

With the exception of battery life, these are tighter earbuds than the AirPods. The best part is that they cost a lot less, coming in at $130. We can recommend these Mobvoi TicPods Free to all but the most die-hard of Apple fans.

November 21, 2018
How to Save Major Cash on a Wedding Ring: Don’t Overpay!

There’s no piece of jewelry that’s going to mean more than your wedding ring. It’s a symbol of love and devotion that will signal to everyone the dedication you have to your spouse. That doesn’t mean you should overpay for your wedding ring, though. Here are the best ways to save on your wedding ring!

How to Save on Your Wedding Ring

Forget Tradition

You know that old rule of thumb that your wedding ring should cost two months of your salary? Yeah, throw that out the window. This isn’t the 1800’s and that whole thing was cooked up by an ad agency. Here’s what you should know about wedding rings: they’re not supposed to be as expensive as you think they are. We’re going to show you how to get a beautiful ring without spending thousands of dollars.

Rethink “Precious”

There’s no such thing as precious metals when you get down to it. Gold and platinum are valued because they are considered valuable, and no other reason. If you dig a bit, you’ll find that there are plenty of beautiful wedding bands that are made from metal alloys. These alloys are durable, don’t tarnish and will last a lifetime. Not to mention they cost a couple of bucks.

The same thing goes for stones. Diamonds cost way, way more than they have any business costing. There are numerous synthetic alternatives to diamonds that are not only beautiful and affordable but just as durable. This goes for a lot of synthetic stones: many of them cost thousands of dollars less than “natural” alternatives and are just as beautiful.

Get Out of the Mall

Jewelry stores have gorgeous glass cases, velvety carpeting and well-dressed attendants. They make you feel like royalty when you walk in. You should also expect to pay royal prices if you shop in them. If you get the heck out of them you might find some amazing deals online. After all, online retailers aren’t charging you for “atmosphere.”

When you shop online, you can comparison shop, research and order all in one place. Not to mention you don’t have to worry about pushy salespeople trying to get you to buy an overpriced ring. Remember: there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your wedding ring. Buy the ring that looks right at the right price and don’t sweat tradition.

November 20, 2018
Looking for a New Smartphone? Here are the Best Deals

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone you may have found that they are rather expensive. Upgrading without breaking the bank can be tricky. Don’t fret, though, because today we’re going to help you find the best deals on a new smartphone.

Best New Smartphone Deals

Sell Your Old Phone

Your old phone is probably still worth some money. Modern cell phones are incredibly advanced and can last for a very long time. There are plenty of people out there who will pay good money for even a several-year-old smartphone. Rather than just tucking it away in a drawer, consider selling your old phone to make a bit of money and put that towards a new phone.

Of course, certain brands command more resale value than others. iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, for instance, tend to hold better resale value than some brands. In any event, nearly all recent smartphones will fetch at least a few hundred dollars in resale.

Trade-in Credit

Similarly, many cellphone carriers will allow you to trade in your old phone towards a new one. These trade-in programs usually offer payment plans or upgrade plans, as well. Pretty much every major cell carrier has some type of upgrade program that allows you to keep up with the newest smartphone releases.

Often it can be much easier to simply trade-in an old phone than find a buyer for a secondhand cellphone on your own. However, it is worth noting that this added convenience does come at a price. You can usually resell your old phone for more than you can get in trade-in credit. Just keep that in mind.

Consider New Plan Incentives

You don’t owe your cell carrier anything. Pretty much every carrier has great service these days, so there’s no reason to stick with them if they’re charging you too much. If you want a new smartphone at a great price, consider a sign-on bonus with a new company.

Cell carriers are always offering insane discounts on new smartphones for people who open new lines. Some of these don’t even require you sign a contract. This is one of the best ways to save money on a new phone, and it works great when you pair this with selling your old phone.

You might even end up spending nothing on your new phone after all is said and done!

November 20, 2018