Lifehacker

Hosting a big Thanksgiving celebration for your friends and family is fun and it’s one of those things you should do at least once. The upside is obvious: You’re in charge of the menu and you get to spend the holiday in the comfort of your own home (kitchen). The downside is also obvious: You have to do a ton of work…Read more...

Buying a house is essentially paying an enormous amount of money for a never-ending list of chores. Every part of your house is rotting, warping, rusting, and eroding on a constant basis, and keeping it all from collapsing around your ears is a full-time job. This means you really should consider any addition or…Read more...

My love for plastic soup containers is well-documented. I think they are the perfect vessel for sending guests home with leftovers, Thanksgiving or otherwise. They’re clear, which means you’re more likely to eat what’s inside of them, but they’re also stackable, dishwasher-safe, and cheap enough that you don’t mind…Read more...

When it comes to personal finances, your parents’ advice—solicited or, more often, not—probably reflects wisdom from a simpler a time. The money mantras that helped your parents don’t necessarily hold up in the modern inflation-and-debt-ridden landscape. Even if you don’t actively turn to your parents for financial…Read more...

Your phone’s lock screen is supposed to be a safeguard against the world (and accidental unlocks in your pocket). When it’s locked, your phone can’t be opened without either the passcode, a face scan, or a fingerprint. If you lose your phone or someone snatches it from you, you can rest assured they won’t be able to…Read more...

Getting a flat tire is a bummer—but usually, your car can detect the loss of pressure and warn you. However, Volkswagen is recalling 224,704 vehicles for a possible failure in the tire-pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which is responsible for warning the driver when tire pressure is below a certain threshold via…Read more...

Do you have a picture in your mind of “healthy” eating? Does it include fruits and vegetables? You’re doing great.Read more...

Getting everyone together for holiday parties is a comforting practice as the weather gets chilly: Sharing meals and company can be the best part of the holiday rush, but finding a place for everyone to sit can be a challenge. Whether you’re fitting people around a table, or adding seats for evening cocktails, there…Read more...

While we’re waiting on NASA’s Artemis I moon rocket to (maybe) finally launch this week, there’s another space event worth tuning in for: Two American astronauts currently aboard the International Space Station are taking their first spacewalk on Tuesday, Nov. 15.Read more...

When you’re downloading torrents on your computer, consider using a VPN. Your ISP and advertising companies don’t need to know you’re downloading the latest Linux distros or other totally legal content, and a good VPN can help you improve your privacy.

Given how we use the words “sadness” and “depression” in everyday life and in pop culture, it can be hard to differentiate one from the other. Even though they might seem similar, they’re not. Experts say it’s like comparing a single star to a constellation. Understanding what separates sadness from depression is…Read more...

The middle slice of lasagna is always the gooiest representation of the dish—more photogenic and more highly prized, since it’s protected on all sides and often has the best balance of fillings. But we all know where the real action is: the crispy edges, where the cheese has a satisfying crunch. For those edge-loving…Read more...

The primary role of the Thanksgiving guest is to enjoy the food and hold an interesting conversation. I never expect a gift, but they are always nice to receive.Read more...

Bleach has a ton of uses outside of lifting stains from white clothes, but there are some dos and don’ts we should all remember. You already know to never mix bleach with any other cleaners or disinfectants, as it can release dangerous vapors, but there’s more that you should avoid.

The most-watched sport event on the planet, the FIFA World Cup, takes place in Qatar this year and starts this Sunday, Nov. 20 and will go until Dec. 18. There are several ways to watch, including cable, satellite, antenna, free streaming, and paid subscriptions. Here’s how you can watch every goal, tackle, and…Read more...

Last week we took a deep dive into the worst things you can do while preparing a Thanksgiving meal, but the food is only half of the equation—the other half is the hosting. No one will care if your bird is perfectly succulent and the stuffing is on point if you don’t offer a friendly, warm experience as a whole. Avoid…Read more...

Getting a good meal of carbs and protein after your workout is a great way to fuel yourself and support your goals, whether you’re training for strength, endurance, or both. But what if you don’t have the perfect post-workout meal lined up? Is your workout wasted?

Most people with dogs understand that feeding their pup some people food off their plate—whether from their spot on the couch or the dinner table—isn’t a great idea. They also know that the more they do this, the more they enable their dog’s begging behavior.Read more...

With energy costs continuing to rise, ceiling fans are becoming an increasingly popular way to make homes more energy efficient. As we’ve written about in the past, not only can ceiling fans keep your home cooler in the summer—with or without air conditioning—but they can also help your home stay warm and toasty in…Read more...

Pillows are soft and simple, and help us get more comfortable. They can also get really gross. Think about it: Night after night, your pillow is subjected to whatever combination of sweat, drool, hair oil, dead skin, makeup, and any other dirt and schmutz coming out of your head, face, and mouth.Read more...

Ideally, you would have cleaned your fireplace thoroughly in the spring, after you used it for the final time of the season. But if that didn’t happen—or if you want to tidy it up before using it this fall and winter—now’s the time to do it.

Whether you’re sending holiday cards or gifts, or just mailing your monthly rent check, you may want to avoid using those large, blue collection boxes—at least for the next few months, United States Postal Service (USPS) officials have advised.Read more...

When you’re on the hunt for the perfect house (or at least one that’s available in your price range), there are plenty of things to consider, from the walkability of the neighborhood, to the school district, to the condition of the house itself.Read more...

The holidays bring up all sorts of different feelings for singles, which explains why some engage in cuffing season (aka when you “cuff” yourself to someone—metaphorically of course—to get through the winter months together). But now, according to Cosmo, there’s a different dating trend that couples need to look out…Read more...

Who remembers the games that shipped with classic iPods? You could have a pixel war in Parachute, smash blocks in Brick, play cards in Solitaire, and test your knowledge of your own iPod’s library with Music Quiz. Of course, Apple has since discontinued the iPod, but they seem to have trouble letting go of the past. …Read more...

Knowing when the turkey is “done” is the most anxiety-inducing part of cooking a turkey. You don’t want to food poison anyone, but you don’t want to serve dry, stringy meat (and shame) to you friends and family. A thermometer is imperative, but the little plastic “turkey timer” that comes stuck in your bird should be…Read more...

The dangers of distracted driving are hardly news. Even a second of looking away from the road can be potentially devastating when driving at high speeds. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that on average, 30,000 crashes are caused by distracted drivers each year; 400 of those…Read more...

Nintendo isn’t the only company out there with joystick drift issues. JoyCons might be the highest profile controller to suffer from drift, but Sony’s PS5 controllers can experience a similar plight. If your PS5 characters are moving on their own, there are some steps you can take to fix the drift.

Keep your phone out of your bedroom: That’s standard advice for good sleep hygiene, and I’ve never been able to do it. For one thing, it seems silly to go buy a standalone alarm clock when I’ve got a perfectly good one on my phone—and it’s more customizable, anyway. For another, where the heck else am I going to put…Read more...

Some people are pristine packers who dutifully Ziplock their toiletries, fold outfits together, and arrive at their destination with everything they need organized conveniently. Others are more haphazard, to say the least. If you’re in that second category, you’re surely familiar with the experience of getting…Read more...

Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, the latest dual entry in developer Game Freak’s iconic series, aren’t set to hit retail and digital retail outlets until Nov. 18. But even with a week to go (as of this article), the game won’t ship finished. When you buy the game, you’ll need to update it immediately if you want…Read more...

Some Mac users have a single administrator account on their machines. There’s nothing wrong with that if you’re the only person who uses the computer. If others have access your Mac, though, you should create a second account for added security. Here’s why.

This week, I’m taking a look at some of the darker, uglier, grotesque goings-on in young people culture, from toxic masculinity, to scary stalkers, and artistic grotesquery. But there’s also a robot pizza maker and some cool bugs to balance the scales.

A great (and sometimes terrible) thing about podcasts is their low barrier to entry. Experts and enthusiasts of all kinds can pick up a mic and start recording a show about the weird and niche things that fascinate them most—no matter how weird, or how niche, podcasters can make the kind of content they’re obsessed…Read more...

Driving at night can be challenging, even under normal circumstances. There are the lights from oncoming traffic, the reduced ability to see important landmarks, and the risk of impaired drivers. However, although driving at night is harder, if your nighttime vision is especially bad—or if it has gotten worse in…Read more...

Imagine you get this random text from an unknown number out of the blue: “My dog needs to be seen by a vet right away. Can you help me?” Do you respond to let the person know they have the wrong number? Do you ignore it? What do you think most people would do?

For many of us, it’s midterm season; soon will come finals season; and then we’ll do it all over again. Whether you’re trying to maximize your studying ability for a test or a big project at work, you need a good place to sit down and read, cram, write—whatever.

There are too many Christmas movies and too few Thanksgiving movies. The first that comes to most people’s minds is Planes, Trains, and Automobiles, then maybe Adams Family Values or the horrible Alice’s Restaurant. But after that, there aren’t too many to speak of. Unless you dig deep.

The season is upon us: Mailboxes are filling up with letters from children to a jolly bearded toymaker/reindeer breeder while we frantically shop for the things our children think will make them happy. But are these items really going to spark joy for them in the months—or even weeks—ahead. If we get them everything…Read more...

Wouldn’t it be great if there were something you could take before a dentist’s appointment, something that would help you to stay calm and possibly alleviate a bit of pain? If you think cannabis fits the bill, you’re not alone—a recent survey from the American Dental Association found that more than half of dentists…Read more...

Yams and sweet potatoes are sweet. No one can dispute this. There’s a reason they’re just as at home in a pie as they are as a side dish. Even so, a lot of people insist on adding brown sugar, candied nuts, and marshmallows to the orange tubers, because sugar tastes good.Read more...

The best part of hosting Thanksgiving is serving an impressive meal. The worst part is finding a way to store everything in the fridge and freezer beforehand. Between pies, casseroles, five pounds of cooked potatoes, and, oh, that massive 15-pound bird dry-brining on the entire bottom shelf, how do you find space,…Read more...

Updating your iPhone is annoying. Yes, the updates are often full of new features and changes that make upgrading worthwhile, but it can be hard to find the time to install a brand new update on your iPhone. Taking your phone out of commission during the day isn’t always an option. Wouldn’t it be nice if Apple let you…Read more...

There’s something to be said about pre-portioned appetizers. They’re easy for your guests to chow down on, low on mess, and really rather attractive. With a little extra preparation from the host (or any helpers milling about), this meat and cheese wreath can be a winning party nosh before the big meal that doesn’t…Read more...

Protein is great. Our bodies are largely made of protein, and if you lift weights, I bet you already know that eating enough protein is important for building muscle. But what if you just want to be healthy in general? What if you don’t even care that much about being healthy, but want to avoid overeating? Protein is…Read more...

If you drive a sedan or anything smaller, you’re probably familiar with the feeling of being hit by the glaring, bright lights from oncoming SUVs at night. It can often feel like they’re driving with their high beams on, leaving you unable to see clearly until the SUV passes you. That can obviously be dangerous, and…Read more...

While Safari doesn’t have anywhere near as many extensions as Firefox or Chrome, there are some wonderful add-ons you will soon wonder how you ever lived without. We’ve compiled a list of the best Safari extensions for Mac so you can add much-needed features to Apple’s default browser, from YouTube enhancements to…Read more...

By the time your child gets home from school, there’s a good chance they are ready for a class after-school meltdown. Also known as after-school restraint collapse, these meltdowns often happen because a child has been exerting an extraordinary amount of effort to behave during the school day, only to lose their…Read more...

While power tools maybe be the most exciting components in your tool collection, basic hand tools can be every bit as enticing, and perhaps even more essential. There isn’t always a powered solution for every problem you’ll run into over every job that needs doing in the shop, and keeping the low-tech essentials on…Read more...

Pegboards are often relegated to the garage or the basement for keeping tools organized. They’re great for that, but there are many other organizational tasks that peg boards can help you tackle, from craft supplies to kitchen pantries—and a few fun ways to use them that are more pretty than practical. Dressing up a…Read more...