Ford Recalls Mustang Mach-E for Windshield and Glass Roof Dangers

Ford

Ford continues to face struggles with its first mass-produced electric vehicle, the Mustang Mach-E. After Ford recalled dozens of the first Mach-Es earlier this year for loose subframe bolts, now it’s saying the windshield and glass panoramic roof may become loose, leak, or even fly off while you’re driving. And that’s not good.

Unfortunately, nearly all 18,000 models of the Mustang Mach-E are at risk and are being recalled in the US. Ford also states that only around 13,000 of them run the increased risk of the windshield or roof becoming completely detached. According to Electrek, last week, the company issued a similar recall on the SUV for 5,000 models in Canada.

To make matters worse, Ford confirmed the problem to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) earlier this month but has yet to pinpoint the problem in production.

That said, even though they don’t know the cause of the problem, Ford will start providing owners with recall instructions in late October. That should give them enough time to sort through the issue, find a fix, and replace defective windshields and glass sunroofs across the entire Mustang Mach-E line.

Most likely, owners will be able to take vehicles in for an inspection, and if necessary, have the items reinstalled with more automotive-grade adhesive or new glass panels. We’ll keep an eye on the situation and report back if we learn more.

via The Verge

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/98966/ford-recalls-mustang-mach-e-for-windshield-and-glass-roof-dangers/
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The Article Was Written/Published By: Cory Gunther

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Scientists Get $15 Million to Try and Resurrect the Woolly Mammoth, but Why?

 

10,000 BC

The majestic woolly mammoth disappeared over 4,000 years ago, but if a set of scientists get their way, they’re going to bring it back. Geneticists, led by Harvard Medical School’s George Church, aim to bring the woolly mammoth back to life similar to something out of a Jurassic Park movie.

The plan received a significant boost this week, too, as the scientists received nearly $15 million in funding for the project. However, that news and this idea also generated a fierce ethical debate. And for all the Jeff Goldblum fans out there, this quote comes to mind, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think about if they should.”

To be clear, the company doesn’t plan on doing some DNA-clone experiment and instead wants to create a “cold-resistant elephant with all of the core biological traits of the woolly mammoth.” Basically, an African Elephant and Wooly Mammoth hybrid that looks identical to the creatures that roamed the Earth 4,000 years ago. Giant tusks and all.

The scientists believe their work could help reverse the effects of climate change and global warming, not to mention help advance studies in genetic engineering.

A lab-grown wooly mammoth calf could end up walking the Earth in the next six years if this startup gets its way and manages to succeed. This is big news, and we’ll have to wait and see what happens. In closing, the project hopes to “de-extinct” other species and eventually create an inventory of genetic material from endangered species.

via CNN

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/98064/scientists-get-15-million-to-try-and-resurrect-the-woolly-mammoth-but-why/
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Astronomers Find a New Type of Planet That Could Be Habitable

ESO/M. Kornmesser

Scientists say aliens could be looking at us as we search for them, and now, astronomers have identified a new type of planet that could potentially be habitable to aliens or some form of life. However, these “Hycean” planets look nothing like Earth.

Research recently published in The Astrophysical Journal talks about a completely new class of planets found far outside our reach. And while we don’t have any in our solar system, they’re actually all over the Galaxy. One of the researchers named these planets “Hycean Worlds” due to being large, warm, having atmospheres full of hydrogen, and they’re covered in giant ocean bodies of water.

Similar to how NASA found evidence of water on a Jupiter moon, which sparked a lot of debate, these Hycean planets could be habitable due to the vast amounts of water on the surface. In addition, the research paper has a theory that these Hycean planets likely have microbial life or potentially more sophisticated alien forms, again thanks to the vast oceans on each planet.

The researchers, led by Nikku Madhusudhan from Cambridge’s Institute of Astronomy, focused on finding Hycean worlds roughly 1.6-times larger than Earth. In the paper, Madhusudhan went as far as to suggest a set of biosignatures that scientists and astronomers can look for if they choose to study any of these planets.

Special telescopes with spectroscopic capabilities could potentially investigate these Hycean planets and look for the biosignatures laid out in the study. If they find anything noteworthy, it’ll be fascinating.

via Gizmodo

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/96245/astronomers-find-a-new-type-of-planet-that-could-be-habitable/
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Ford Made a Nasty Perfume That Smells Like a Gas Station

Ford

In a survey paid for by Ford, the motor company found that 70% of drivers upgrading to an electric vehicle will miss the smell of gasoline. Ford also discovered that gasoline is a more popular scent than wine or cheese. So screw it, here’s Mach-Eau GT, a perfume that smells like the co-worker who came in after spilling gas on their pants.

Ford showed off the fragrance at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, a yearly gathering of “petrolheads” (Ford’s word, not mine) from across the world. Everybody’s favorite American motor company commissioned this … “fragrance” to get people excited for its Mustang Mach-E GT, an all-electric vehicle that doesn’t smell like gasoline and looks less like a Mustang than you might expect (although it does look nice).

Anyways, Mach-Eau GT came to life at the hands of Pia Long, an Associate Perfumer in the British Society of Perfumers (Ford got ahold of Long through the Olfiction company). She mixed chemicals that are emitted from car interiors, engines, and gasoline with more traditional fragrances, like sandalwood and geranium, to give off a dreamy gas station vibe. An unnamed “animal element” was also added to the mix to give the impression of wild horses—perfume is freaky, man.

Here’s the good news for all you level-headed people out there; Ford will never sell Mach-Eau GT. Those who want to smell like a spilled gas can will have to do it the old fashioned way, or wait for Bath and Body Works to go completely off the rails with its smell-alike products.

Source: Ford

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/92334/ford-made-a-nasty-perfume-that-smells-like-a-gas-station/
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Australian Paleontologists Discover Giant New Dinosaur and Name It Cooper

Vlad Konstantinov and Scott Hocknull/Eromanga Natural History Museum

Finding dinosaur bones in the flat plaints of Australia is a difficult task. But paleontologists have just confirmed the existence of a previously unknown dinosaur called the Australotitan cooperensis. Nicknamed Cooper, it is the largest known species to have lived on the Australian continent.

Australotitan, which is Latin for “southern titan” (not “Australian titan”) is a sauropod spanning nearly 100 feet in legnth and 20 feet in height. It’s effectively the size of an indoor basketball court, and according to the Eromanga Natural History Museum, it weighs “the equivalent of 1,400 red kangaroos.”

Paleontologists discovered the titan near Cooper Creek, hence its species name “cooperensis.” It’s one of four sauropods known to have lived in Australia, though there’s no evidence that these species coexisted. Research suggests that Cooper and his relatives lived 92–96 million years ago, a time when Australia and Antarctica were connected.

But why did it take so long to verify that Cooper is a new dinosaur? Well, Cooper was excavated from what scientists call a “trample zone,” a muddy area that’s densely compressed by the weight of large animals (like elephants, rhinos, or giant dinosaurs). Cooper’s bones were encased in rock, which required removal for identification. Comparing Cooper’s bones to those of other dinosaurs was also a challenge, though it was a required step in verifying Cooper’s uniqueness.

Paleontologists could discover several new dinosaurs in the Australian plains as new technology helps to speed up excavation efforts. But digging in Australia is still a pain. Finding dinosaurs in other continents is a comparatively easy task, especially in places where large rock formations and mountains are eroded to help reveal ancient history.

Source: Eromanga Natural History Museum 

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/87696/australian-paleontologists-discover-giant-new-dinosaur-and-name-it-cooper/
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Archeologists Found 110 Ancient Egyptian Tombs Spanning 3 Historic Eras

Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Egypt has gone archeology-crazy in the last year, uncovering lost cities and parading dozens of pharaohs in the street to encourage tourism. And now, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities is publishing a stunning finding from the Koum el-Khulgan archaeological site—110 graves that span 3 eras of ancient Egyptian history.

The graves contain the bodies of adults and children, often buried in a manner appropriate for their era. According to the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, 68 of the bodies date from the Predynastic Period (around 3,000 B.C.), a time before the unification of upper and lower Egypt. Only 5 of the burials date from the Early Dynastic period (directly after 3,000 B.C.), and the other 37 span the Hyksos dynasty (between 1,782 and 1,570 B.C.), a short but significant period between the Middle and New Kingdoms.

Scarab amulets found at the burial site. Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

The burial site, which is around 100 miles northeast of Cairo, provides significant insight into burial rituals, ancient Egyptian art, and of course, the culture of everyday people. It appears that the 68 Predynastic graves come from the Buto, a Lower Egypt civilization. Their bodies are set in a squatting position, and their heads face west toward the sunset. An infant from the Predynastic period was also found at the site buried in an jar, a gesture that we still don’t understand.

Several artifacts were discovered at the site, including ovens, bowls, furniture, and scarab amulets. Hieroglyphic seals made of clay were also discovered at the site. These seals were often used to stamp official documents, similar to how a business or public department might stamp documents today.

We should expect to see more ancient Egyptian discoveries over the next year. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi began expanding archeological and tourism projects in early 2020, and has doubled down to try and recover Egypt’s damaged tourism business. Before COVID-19, Egypt could expect over 13 million tourists a year, but the country only saw 3.5 million tourists in 2020.

Source: Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities via Smithsonian

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/80735/archeologists-found-110-ancient-egyptian-tombs-spanning-3-historic-eras/
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This New Ultra-White Paint is Like Sunblock For Your Home

Purdue University

Scientists have taken another step towards tackling the climate crisis, this time by creating incredibly white paint that reflects sunlight and radiating infrared heat through Earth’s atmosphere into space. Researchers say the paint could become available within a couple years.

The paint is the whitest to ever be created, and was designed to help keep buildings cool—thus eventually eliminating the need for air conditioning and carbon emissions caused by the conditioners. In tests, the paint reflected 98% of sunlight and cooled surfaces by 4.5 degrees Celsius below the ambient temperature even on super sunny days. Eventually, this paint would be applied to the roofs of homes and businesses.

“Our paint can help fight against global warming by helping to cool the Earth—that’s the cool point,” stated Professor Xiulin Ruan at Purdue University. “Producing the whitest white means the paint can reflect the maximum amount of sunlight back to space.”

Purdue University

Painting roofs white isn’t a new thing—cities and cultures around the world have been using that technique to keep buildings comfortably cool for centuries. However, no comparably white paints that are currently available do as good of a job reflecting; they typically average around 80-90% of sunlight reflected and UV light absorption. What that means is that, unlike this new white paint, those paints are unable to cool below the ambient temperature. Ruan shared that applying the new paint to a 93-square-meter roof (1,000 square feet) would create a cooling power of 10 kilowatts, which is “more powerful than the central air conditioners used by most houses.”

The paint was first revealed in a report from the ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces journal, and stated that three factors are responsible for the paint’s ability to cool. First, the pigment is made up of barium sulphate, which does not absorb UV light. Second, the paint uses a high concentration of the pigment: 60%. Third, the pigment particles included are of various sizes. What’s impressive about that is that the quantity of light that can be scattered by a particle depends on its size, so using a range of sizes (rather than a uniform size) scatters more.

With its barium sulphate composition, the paint is able to radiate infrared heat at a wavelength that is not absorbed by air. Ruan said that “The radiation can go through the atmosphere, being directly lost to deep space, which is extremely cold.” He also stated that the paint reflects light diffusely, so it doesn’t appear much brighter than snow and won’t hurt our eyes.

A patent is now being filed for the paint, and is currently working towards large-scale commercialization. If everything goes smoothly, it could become available in as little as one or two years. Though there are logistical issues with acquiring and producing such high levels of barium, the technology would go a long way towards positively impacting global warming.

via The Guardian

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/78602/this-new-ultra-white-paint-is-like-sunblock-for-your-home/
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Google and Samsung Are Teaming Up To Simply Your Smart Home Setup

Samsung

The problem with owning smart home devices from multiple companies is all the apps you have to manage. Soon you’ll find yourself struggling to remember which app controls which device. Google and Samsung want to help and announced a new integration that will let you control Nest products from the SmartThings app. Or watch your Nest camera feed on your smart fridge.

Prior to the upcoming integration, if you owned both SmartThings and Nest devices, you had to jump back and forth between SmartThings and Google Home to control them. While voice commands helped, setting up scenes or viewing camera streams was still difficult.

Now Google says can soon control your Nest devices in the SmartThings apps, allowing you to hope back and forth less. That includes Nest cameras, thermostats, and doorbells. And if you own SmartThings appliances, like a smart refrigerator or TVs, you can soon view your Nest Camera feeds through the SmartThings appliance. That can be handy if you don’t have a Nest Display in your living room, but you do have a Samsung SmartThings TV.

The companies also promise that more Samsung SmartThings devices will come with Google Assistant built-in, which will be a nice change from Bixby. If you have a SmartThings oven, you can call out, “Hey Google, preheat the oven to 350 degrees,” and the oven will do the rest.

Google and Samsung are taking integration a step further, too. The SmartThings app will get an update to allow it to set up Google Assistant devices. With more work like this, you may not need to open the Google app anymore if you’re in the SmartThings ecosystem.

Google didn’t give an arrival date for the new features, but it promises you should see the updates “soon.”

Source: Google

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/63618/google-and-samsung-are-teaming-up-to-simply-your-smart-home-setup/
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The Article Was Written/Published By: Josh Hendrickson

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The 9 Best Tech Gadgets to Beef Up Your Cooking Game

Suzanne Humphries

Every room in your house could benefit from having some fancy-shmancy technology in it, especially your kitchen. There are so many amazing gadgets out there that can make your baking and cooking adventures run smoother and more efficiently, so we figured we’d round up a few of our favorites and share them with everyone. It’s time to turn that tired-old kitchen into a smart kitchen.

From smart Wi-Fi air fryers and instant pots to smart displays that show us helpful recipe tutorial videos, we’re sure these are the best kitchen tech gadgets. After all, we’re huge fans of anything that takes care of the heavy lifting when it comes to cooking, especially when we get to reap the tasty benefits! So, grab a few things off our list and pull a seat up to the dinner table because your meals are about to get even better.

Cook Dinner on the Go: Instant Pot Smart WiFi

Instant Pot

Instant pots are one of the most popular kitchen appliances out there, and with good reason. They can cook all sorts of things, from an impressive Sunday roast to tasty yogurt and birthday cakes. You can even use an Instant Pot as a saute pan, vegetable steamer, or rice cooker. The Instant Pot Smart WiFi combines eight appliances into one—including a slow cooker, steamer, and more—and is a particularly great appliance for home chefs of all skill levels.

The Instant Pot is compatible with Alexa over Wi-Fi, allowing you to control it with simple voice commands. You can also manage what you’re cooking with the Instant Pot mobile apps for iOS and Android, which is packed with over 1,000 recipes and enables you to verify cooking progress and receive alerts while you’re away from home (or, okay, just chilling on the couch).

In addition to the cooker, you’ll also receive accessories like the rice paddle, stainless-steel steam rack, measuring cup, and condensation collector. The Instant Pot itself also has built-in programs for cooking specific types of food, including ribs, soups, desserts, rice, poultry, and more. The inner pot is also dishwasher safe, which we love, making for easy cleanup.

Cook Dinner on the Go

Instant Pot Smart WiFi 8-in-1 Electric Pressure Cooker, Sterilizer, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Saute, Yogurt Maker, Cake Maker, and Warmer, 6 Quart, 13 One-Touch Programs

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$89.99
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Let Alexa Make You Some Coffee: Hamilton Beach Smart 12-Cup Coffee Maker

Hamilton Beach

Enjoying a nice cup of coffee whenever you want just got even easier. With the Hamilton Beach Smart 12-Cup Coffee Maker, you can tell Alexa to start brewing your coffee even before you’re out of bed. You can also program it to run at the same time every day, which is great for mornings and afternoon pick-me-ups alike; all you need is the Alexa app for iOS or Android, or an Alexa-enabled smart speaker to kick things off.

The coffee maker can brew up to 12 cups of coffee at a time and has five clearly labeled buttons for power, brew strength, scheduling, starting a brew, and Wi-Fi connection. The glass carafe is designed with a drip-free pour spout so you won’t have to worry about messes. The coffee maker will even remind you when it’s time to clean it.

Let Alexa Make You Some Coffee

Hamilton Beach Works with Alexa Smart Coffee Maker, Programmable, 12 Cup Capacity, Black and Stainless Steel (49350) – A Certified for Humans Device

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$89.99
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Cook Meat Like a Pro: MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer

MEATER

Nothing is more disappointing than biting into a tough dry piece of meat. The MEATER Smart Meat Thermometer aims to prevent such tragedies from ever happening again with its dual temperature sensors and advanced cook estimator algorithm. The single wireless probe is a cinch to set up and use, and it works in ovens, smokers, and grills with all types of meat. It can monitor internal meat temperatures up to 212 degrees Fahrenheit, and ambient or external temperatures up to 527 degrees Fahrenheit.

The MEATER accompanying app (for iOS or Android) has a guided cook system that will walk you through every step of the cooking process, while simultaneously guaranteeing a perfect and consistent cook. It also lets you set up custom notifications based on desired temperature or duration. The app even has an advanced algorithm that estimates how long to cook the rest of your meal (like veggies and rice) based on the progress of your meat.

Plus, the Bluetooth probe has a range of 165 feet, meaning you can monitor how things are going on your smartphone or tablet from the comfort of your couch. The MEATER smart wireless meat thermometer is also dishwasher safe, so you can throw it in there after a grill session and forget about it.

Cook Meat Like a Pro

MEATER Plus | 165ft Long Range Smart Wireless Meat Thermometer for The Oven Grill Kitchen BBQ Smoker Rotisserie with Bluetooth and WiFi Digital Connectivity

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$99.00
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Enjoy Fried Foods, Skip the Oil: COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer

COSORI

Few foods are more delightful than those of the fried variety. And with the COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer, you can enjoy all the benefits of fried foods without any of the extra calories or messy oil. What’s more, you can even control the fryer with voice commands via Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, or with its companion mobile app for iOS and Android. Plus, the app features over 100 pre-programmed recipes that you can directly connect to the air fryer, ensuring the perfect cook.

Air fryers typically cook faster than conventional ovens and produce crispier and tastier results. You can use this fryer’s series of one-touch presets to automatically cook things like steak, french fries, bacon, bread, and desserts. Or, you can opt to manually program in recipes. The fryer’s updated ergonomic angle makes it easier to view what you’re cooking without straining your neck, and its slim footprint won’t take up much space on your countertop.

Enjoy Fried Foods, Skip the Oil

COSORI Smart WiFi Air Fryer 5.8QT(100 Recipes), Digital Touchscreen with 11 Cooking Presets for Air Frying, Roasting & Keep Warm ,Preheat & Shake Remind, Works with Alexa & Google Assistant,1700W

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$91.18
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Smart Displays

Though it might not seem obvious at first, having a smart display in your kitchen is actually a great idea. You can use a smart display to search for and view your favorite recipes or view a cooking tutorial video if you’re trying something new.

For Google Lovers: Google Nest Hub

Google

For those with Google Pixels or other Android phones, the Google Nest Hub offers a familiar interface and your favorite voice assistant. The Nest Hub makes it easy to search for a recipe or video hands-free, so you can stay focused on whatever you’re cooking. But the Nest Hub isn’t limited to just recipes—you can also use it to control your connected smart-home devices, view your live camera feeds, set timers and reminders, and even catch up on the latest news stories.

And when you’re not using it for cooking, you can watch your favorite videos on YouTube, listen to music on Spotify, look at the weather forecast, or even scroll through your digital photo albums. It also enables you to do things like create routines and reminders, view your upcoming calendar events, and dim your smart bulbs to create a cozy dinner setting.

For Google Lovers

Shop Now

Google Nest Hub

Available now from Google for $89.99.

For Alexa Fans: Amazon Echo Show 8

Amazon

For those who prefer Alexa to other smart voice assistants, check out Amazon’s new Echo Show 8 smart display. With its 8-inch high-definition display, you can easily use it for reading recipes, taking video calls, watching cooking videos, listening to podcasts or the news, and so much more. The simple device is the perfect addition to your kitchen, and it’s great for keeping you (or your kids) entertained while you cook dinner.

You can also use the Echo Show 8 to control your connected smart devices—like your lights, cameras, or thermostat—or to set up routines for them to run on. Of course, the petite display can also show you your photos, to-do lists, upcoming calendar events, and more. You can even use it to take photos of the meal you just cooked!

For Alexa Fans

Echo Show 8 — HD smart display with Alexa – stay connected with video calling – Charcoal

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$79.99
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Let an All-in-One Oven Help You Cook: Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven

Tovala

The next best thing after hiring a personal chef is to get a kitchen appliance that’ll make cooking dinner easier. The Tovala Countertop WiFi Oven has five cooking modes—bake, broil, steam, reheat, and toast—enabling it to cook any type of food properly. It also comes with nine kitchen accessories including a sheet tray, measuring cup, hot pad, drain tray, crumb tray, steamer cover, oven rack, quick-start guide, and a set of recipe cards.

You can control how the oven cooks from your smartphone thanks to Tovala’s companion mobile app for iOS and Android. The app also plays host to a library of chef’s recipes you can peruse, and it can perfectly cook groceries simply by scanning their barcodes, which is perfect for those who love frozen foods.

Let an All-in-One Oven Help You Cook

Tovala Gen 2 Smart Steam Oven | Countertop WiFi Oven | 5 Mode Programmable Oven | Toast, Steam, Bake, Broil and Reheat | Black & Stainless Steel Convection Oven

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$299.00
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Keep Your Tea Warm All Day: Ember Temperature Control Mug

Ember

The Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug keeps your tea or coffee warm while you relax, so you won’t have to worry about it getting cold while you’re scrolling Twitter or doing work. The convenient and stylish mug has a battery that’ll last for 1.5 hours, or you can keep things warm all day by using the included charging coaster.

You have control over the precise temperature the mug stays at with the companion app for iOS and Android. The app pairs with the mug to show you notifications and let you set custom presets. The mug also has an auto-sleep feature that intelligently knows when to enter sleep mode and turn it back on automatically when it senses liquid or movement. The mug has an IPX7 rating and is submersible, but it must be washed by hand.

Keep Your Tea Warm All Day

NEW Ember Temperature Control Smart Mug 2, 10 oz, White, 1.5-hr Battery Life – App Controlled Heated Coffee Mug – Improved Design

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$194.19
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Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/64050/the-9-best-tech-gadgets-to-beef-up-your-cooking-game/
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The Article Was Written/Published By: Suzanne Humphries

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The Best Portable Coffee Mugs to Take Your Brew on the Go

carlprescott_photo/Shutterstock.com

Coffee is one of the most popular drinks in the world, second only to water and, possibly tea. So, what you drink your daily coffee out of is a surprisingly important question. Single-use coffee cups are an environmental issue. Even paper cups have a plastic barrier on the inside to stop hot coffee from leaking, which makes them harder to recycle.

The simplest way you can help the issue is by using a portable reusable coffee cup. Not only are they better for the environment, but they let you make coffee at home and bring it along when you want to, saving you a few bucks. Really, there’s no reason you shouldn’t have a great one at home—just in case.

What to Look for in a Great On-the-Go Coffee Mug

Reusable coffee cups are for sale everywhere nowadays, but many of them are a pretty poor replacement for a paper cup from your local café. If you are going to the effort of getting an on-the-go mug, get a great one.

Here’s what cup qualities you need to look for:

• Easy to carry and toss in a bag. These are mugs for when you’re out and about. Big bulky thermoses that won’t fit comfortably in your hand or bag are going to give you more hassle than they’re worth.
• Take a beating. You shouldn’t have to worry about your mug getting bounced around in your bag. You want something that will replace hundreds of paper cups, not crumple like one.
• Not spill your coffee. Spilled coffee is both incredibly sad and potentially hazardous to electronics. Again, if you’re getting a portable mug, make sure it’s one that won’t leak.
• Only keep your coffee hot if you want it to. The problem with thermoses is that they actually keep your coffee too hot. A proper camping thermos will keep your morning coffee undrinkable-y warm until well past lunch time. Make sure you get a mug with a level of insulation that suits your needs—or be prepared to leave it cool with the lid off.
• Be losable. Or at least not irreplaceably expensive. You’re going to forget your mug or potentially even lose it entirely. Don’t get something you can’t afford to misplace for a week or two.
• Be sustainably produced. A benefit of replacing single-use products with reusable ones is that they’re more sustainable. Most mass-produced plastic cups are no better for the environment, so look for something made from glass or other non-plastics if this is important to you.
• Easy to clean. Your cup needs to be cleaned after each coffee, especially if you make some kind of milk-infused drink. Don’t get something that’s awkward to take apart to clean. Also, clean your cup yourself. It’s not your barista’s job to wash your mug.

Best for Your Barista: KeepCup

KeepCup is a name that’s practically synonymous with reusable coffee cups. They’re available everywhere—and with good reason. KeepCups come in a variety of sizes, colors, and materials. They’re affordable, customizable, and great to drink out of.

KeepCup was created by two former-baristas and café owners, and it tells in the small details. They’re designed to fit underneath espresso machines so the drink can be made directly into your mug. The edges are also perfectly curved, which lets your barista get perfect latte art. They’re also simple to rinse, so if you forgot to do it yourself, you might only get glared at (instead of murdered).

With all the options available, it’s really choosing your own adventure with a KeepCup. Personally, I love the 12oz glass and cork model.

Best for Your Barista

KeepCup Brew Cork Tempered Glass, 12oz, Press

The original, and still one of the best. It’s hard to beat the thought that’s gone into KeepCup’s design.

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$24.79
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Best Eco Option: Ecoffee Cup

Any reusable cup is going to be more sustainable than single-use cups (as long as you actually use it) but there are some specific, even more eco-friendly options. Our favorite of them is the Ecoffee Cup.

The Ecoffee cup is made from upcycled bamboo and corn starch, and “a proprietary resin containing aloe, soy, and <3% melamine.” There’s also some food-grade silicon for the lid. It’s recently upgraded the design, so the new cup is hardier and microwave safe.

Like KeepCups, Ecoffee Cups are available in lots of different sizes with different designs. I’m partial to the 16oz Dark Energy cup.

Best Eco Option

Ecoffee 16oz 470ml Reusable Cups with Silicone Lid Tops, Made with Natural Bamboo Fibre, Dark Energy

Just using a reusable cup goes along way to help the environment, but you can also get ones made from up-cycled materials—like the Ecoffee Cup.

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$21.95
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Best for Brewing Great Coffee at Home: Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug

The Fellow Carter Everywhere mug is a bit bigger—and significantly more insulated—than the other models we’ve looked at, but it’s too good not to feature.

The Carter Everywhere is designed for bringing great coffee with you, rather than getting coffee while you’re out. Its extra-wide rim fits all the most popular manual brewing devices (like the Aeropress and Hario V60), so you can brew directly into it. It also means that when you drink, you get the full aromatic experience of your coffee. Unlike most other insulated mugs, the Carter Everywhere features a thin drinking lip so you get a proper mug-like sip, and it’s ceramic-lined to preserve the flavor of your coffee, too.

That’s not to say you can’t get it filled up at your local coffee shop, it’s just that one of our other picks is more convenient for it. Or, if you want something that’ll keep your coffee warm, check out our full guide to insulated travel coffee mugs.

Best for Brewing Great Coffee At Home

Fellow Carter Everywhere Mug, Vacuum Insulated w/True Taste Ceramic Coating, Matte Black 12oz

The Fellow Carter Everywhere is the best way to bring the coffee you make at home, well, everywhere.

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$30.00
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If you look after any of the reusable cups on this list, it’ll last for years and replace hundreds of single-use cups. Even if you don’t use it absolutely every time you get a coffee, it’s worth having one around—every small step helps.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/47069/the-best-portable-coffee-mugs-to-take-your-brew-on-the-go/
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5 Relaxing YouTube Channels for Furniture Restoration and Makeovers

E_serebryakova/Shutterstock

Need to chill out for a moment? Sometimes, it’s nice to sit back, tune out, and watch people restore or reimagine old furniture. It sounds weird, but it isn’t too different than watching Bob Ross. You get to see an ugly chair or table return to glory, all while watching passionate restorers explain their process along the way.

But you aren’t here to read a bunch of words, you’re here to check out some furniture restoration videos. These videos aren’t guides, but they might inspire you to strip down your old coffee table and start anew. After all, basic furniture restoration is a lot more accessible than woodworking. (Woodworking videos are pretty relaxing, too.) So, without further ado, here are five YouTube channels to help you chill out and learn some restoration secrets.

Dashner Design & Restoration: Renewing Mid-Century Furniture

Most furniture restoration videos are accompanied by music, and regularly feature the face of their host. But Dashner Design & Restoration videos are all about the art, the restoration process, and the sounds of a cozy work environment.

I love the pacing of Dashner Design’s videos and the sounds of birds and rain that you often hear in the background. It’s easy to center your attention on these videos and fall into a trance, but I’ve found that they also make for great background noise while working.

Our Favorites:

• Refinishing a Thrift Store Norwegian Teak Table
• I Found a Mid-Century Credenza on the Side of the Road and Restoration Ensued
• I Made a Desk out of a Thrift Store Coffee Table

Watch Dashner Design & Restoration

Ashleigh Lauren Furniture Repurposing DIYs: Turning Trash to Treasure

Out with the old, in with the new. Ashleigh Lauren takes old or neglected furniture and gives it life, often with a new paint job or a totally new purpose. Her videos are quick, but they go step-by-step and include instructions that can help you reinvigorate Goodwill furniture or the old chairs and tables that are floating around your house.

The thing that I like about Ashleigh Lauren’s furniture makeovers is that they’re affordable and easy to copy. She also makes videos on Rental-Friendly DIYs and Budget-Friendly DIYs, which is just icing on the cake.

Our Favorites:

• Coffee Table Flip—Farmhouse Style
• End Table TRANSFORMED into Bench
• Table & Chairs Re-Do!

Watch Ashleigh Lauren DIYs

Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration: Long, Difficult Restorations

There’s nothing like an intense long-form restoration video. If you’re ready to watch a carpenter turn unsalvageable antiques into priceless treasures, then tune into Thomas Johnson Antique Furniture Restoration. Maybe you should bring some snacks, because the best Tom Johnson videos are painstaking, detailed, and loooong. In a different universe, Thomas Johnson would have a show on the Discovery or History channel.

Our Favorites:

• Rescuing an Antique Butler’s Chest & Bookcase
• Masterful Restoration of a Federal Card Table
• Restoring an Antique Tall Case Clock

Watch Thomas Johnson Restoration

April Bee’s DIY Home Series: Bringing Old Furniture Up to Date

Furniture restoration videos can be a little formulaic. A restorer will strip down a table or a desk, fix any blemishes, apply a finish, and call it a day. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a good formula, but sometimes it’s nice to see an old piece of furniture undergo a complete makeover.

And that’s where April Bee’s DIY Home Series comes in. April Bee knows how to take old furniture and brings it up to date, often with a totally new look and a brand new purpose. She films her videos with static time-lapsed shots, which make the transformation process exciting and easy to follow. Just be careful, you might be inclined to break out some paint after going through April Bee’s channel.

Our Favorites:

• Turning an Old Dresser into an Entertainment Center
• DIY Furniture Makeover
• DIY Dresser Makeover

Watch April Bee’s DIY Series

Ross Taylor Woodworks: Rapid-Fire Professional Restoration

Ross Taylor is a professional carpenter who uploads his furniture repair jobs to YouTube. No frills, no music, just rapid-fire professional restorations in a well-lit work environment. My favorite thing about Ross’ channel is that he manages to restore some of the oldest crappiest furniture that I’ve ever seen, all while staying casual and informative. I also like that Ross cuts his longer jobs into multiple episodes, so you aren’t stuck watching one long video.

Our Favorites:

• Restoration—Antique Art Deco Vantiy/Desk
• Restoration—Sheraton Mahogany Server
• Restoration—Oak Side by Side

Watch Ross Taylor Woodworks

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/44675/5-relaxing-youtube-channels-for-furniture-restoration-and-makeovers/
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Brass “Touchless Door Openers” Are Everywhere Now—But Do They Actually Work?

Keypal

Brass “touchless” door opening hooks (or keys) are showing up all over the internet with a simple pitch: use them instead of your fingers to open doors and punch keys to protect yourself from germs. Brass is an alloy of copper and usually zinc, and copper does have antimicrobial properties. So, will it protect you from germs and more importantly, COVID-19? Probably not, and here’s why.

Copper Does Have Microbial Properties

Copper doorknobs really can help stop the spread of germs. Suti Stock Photo/Shutterstock

The first thing to know is that copper really does have antimicrobial properties. That’s why you’ll find brass used on frequent contact items like doorknobs and push plates. But it’s not instant germ death; it can take as long as two hours for copper to kill a wide range of harmful microbes.

We’ve known about copper’s antimicrobial properties for centuries, and the EPA has thoroughly tested it against several viruses and bacteria types, including E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), Influenza A virus, and even fungi. Depending on the purity of the copper, the results were pretty outstanding, with a kill ratio of 99.99% within 2 hours.

We Haven’t Tested It Against SARS-CoV-2

However, it doesn’t mean copper kills every type of bacteria and virus. The number of germs we have tested is far less than the strains of viruses, bacteria, and fungi that exist in the real world.

We haven’t thoroughly tested it against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Without that testing, we can’t be sure it works at all against SARS-CoV-2, and it might not. Even the Copper Development Association, a nonprofit tasked with ensuring the proper public claims of copper, says as much in an official statement on its site. Officially, the EPA only allows claims against six types of bacteria (not viruses).

In early testing, some studies have shown that copper may be effective against SARS-CoV-2 in 4 hours, which is double the time of other bacteria and viruses we’ve tested. But we’ll still need more testing to know for sure.

Copper Doesn’t Prevent Cross-Contamination and Requires Cleaning

A dirty or painted copper handrail won’t protect you from germs. stockphotofan1/Shutterstock

In every statement about copper’s antimicrobial properties, you’ll find two included details that matter a great deal to brass hooks. Dirty copper doesn’t kill microorganisms as effectively, and copper won’t prevent cross-contamination. Here’s the Copper Development Association’s version of that:

Laboratory testing shows that, when cleaned regularly, uncoated copper alloy surfaces kill >99.9% of the following bacteria within 2 hours of exposure: MRSA, VRE, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterobacter aerogenes, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and E. coli O157:H7. Copper surfaces are a supplement to and not a substitute for standard infection control practices and have been shown to reduce microbial contamination, but do not necessarily prevent cross contamination or infections; users must continue to follow all current infection control practices.

Note the “regular cleaning” and “do not necessarily prevent cross-contamination” portions of the statement.

You’ll see that hinted at in nearly every brass key’s marketing if you look closely. Usually, the terminology is something to the tune of “with regular cleaning and proper handling.” Without cleaning, copper becomes less effective at killing microbes. Or rather, a barrier of dirt and grime builds up that prevents the copper from killing bacteria.

So, the more you handle your brass or copper key without cleaning it, the worse it gets at the one you thing you want it for—killing germs. And given that it can take hours for copper to do its job, if you use a hook to open a door, shove it in your pocket, then shove your hand in your pocket to get it back out—you probably defeated the point entirely. Copper can deposit germs before it kills them.

That’s why most brass hooks manufacturers depict the devices hanging from a belt loop or key chain. But even that’s not a perfect solution; you’ll have to be diligent not to touch the part of the hook that touched a door or PIN pad, or not to brush your hand against the part of your pants that makes contact with your brass hook.

How do you clean copper? Well, that depends on what made it dirty, and how sanitary you want to make the hook. But according to the Copper Alloy Stewardship, “standard hospital cleaners are compatible with antimicrobial copper materials…” but you need to be careful to use something that won’t leave the surface “waxed, painted, lacquered, varnished, or otherwise coated.” That goes back to interfering with the interaction between copper and germs. 

And, of course, if the brass hook you buy turns out to be brass plated, then you run the risk of damaging the brass while cleaning it, thus destroying any chance of killing germs.

So, What Should You Do?

You may be wondering if brass hooks aren’t the magic bullet to protect yourself from germs, what can you do? Well, there isn’t a singular magic bullet, unfortunately. The EPA does have a list of disinfectants that are effective against SARS-CoV-2, but you’ll likely find them in short supply.

As the CDC suggests, the best thing you can do is wash your hands thoroughly, and avoid touching your face and nose when you’re out in public. Wearing a mask can not only help protect you from infection, but it may also help with the goal of not touching your face. It’s a physical barrier, after all.

Even if you do use a tool like a brass hook, you’ll still need to wash your hands early and often. Did you handle the brass hook to open a door? Wash your hands anyway. And specifically, you’ll need to do so for at least 20 seconds with hot water and soap.

If you want the perfect version of washing your hands, you can go beyond singing happy birthday twice and follow the World Health Organization (WHO) protocol. Google will help you with that if you ask.

And naturally, in addition to good hygiene, self-isolation is a good defense against infection. The more people you encounter, the higher your risk of exposure. Conversely, avoiding people also avoids the risk of exposure. And if you still aren’t sure, check reputable sites like the CDC and NIH for more information.

But ultimately, $20 spent on soap and hot water is a safer bet to protect you from infection than a brass hook filled with vague but just inside the bounds of legal promises.

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/42304/brass-touchless-door-openers-are-everywhere-now-but-do-they-actually-work/
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The Best Coffee Scales for a More Consistent Brew

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To make great coffee at home, you need to be consistent—whatever brew method you use. There’s no point having a great morning cup of coffee one day and a terrible one the next.

The simplest way to get consistent with your coffee is to use weighing scales and a stopwatch. If you always use the exact same amount of ground coffee and water, and, depending on your brew method, pour in the water over the same period of time, you’ll have very similar cups every day. It’ll quickly become part of your morning routine.

What to Look for in a Coffee Scale

You probably already have a weighing scale at home but, if it’s not a dedicated coffee scale, it’s unlikely to be sensitive enough for brewing coffee. Here’s what you need to look for in a good coffee scales.

• High Accuracy: Coffee beans are pretty light, so a good coffee scale will be accurate to the tenth of a gram (around 3/100ths of an ounce). If the scale is only accurate to the half gram, or worse, the whole gram, you won’t be able to consistently measure out the same dose of coffee.
• High Precision: With weighing scales, there’s generally a trade-off between the speed of the measurement and how precise the measurement is. Good coffee scales are still fast—but they prioritize precision. If the measurement jumps around a lot as you add water, it’s almost impossible to be consistent with your pours.
• A Digital Readout: Analog scales are impossible to read accurately enough for brewing coffee. All good coffee scales have a responsive digital readout.
• A Built-In Timer: Most dedicated coffee scales have a built-in timer. It’s really useful as you don’t have to look at a stopwatch or clock to time your brews. While it’s not an essential feature, we’d recommend getting a scale with a built-in timer when you can.
• General Utility: We’re loath to recommend scales that can only be used for coffee. Instead, a good coffee scale should double as a good general kitchen scale. It should be able to weigh accurately up to at least a few pounds so you can use them for cooking, baking, and other simple weighing tasks.

Now, let’s look at some scales that will do the job.

A Great Affordable Weighing Scale: Coffee Gator Coffee Scale with Timer

Coffee Gator

Coffee Gator’s Coffee Scale with a built-in timer is a great coffee scale—though it will weigh anything else you want, too. At $20, it’s one of the most affordable scales that’s accurate to a tenth of a gram, so you can weigh out small quantities of beans time and time again. It’s not limited to small quantities though; it remains accurate up to 6.6 pounds, so you can easily weigh out the ingredients for a good-sized cake to go with your coffee.

For pour-over, the Aeropress, and even a French press, it’s a good idea to time how long it takes your coffee to brew. You can use the stopwatch on your phone, but it’s less convenient to look between different displays. That’s where the built-in timer on the scales come in handy. As soon as you pour the water into your brewer, you can start the timer and track things perfectly.

A Great Affordable Weighing Scales

Coffee Gator Coffee Scale with Timer Digital Multifunction Weighing Scale – Large, Bright LCD Display – Espresso Scale, Coffee Brewing, Food, Drink and General Kitchen Use

The Coffee Gator scales with built-in timer are a great, affordable option for consistent coffee.

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The Best Coffee Weighing Scale: Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer

Hario, the Japanese manufacturer responsible for the V60 coffee brewer is one of the most important companies in coffee brewing. It’s no surprise that its dedicated pour-over coffee scale and timer is one of the best out there.

The V60 scale is accurate to a tenth of a gram. Even better, the scale is remarkably precise: the weight doesn’t jump around too much as you pour water into your brewer, so you’re unlikely to overshoot.

Also, the V60 has great minimalist styling. You can leave it out on your countertop ready to go and it won’t look out of place. This is the scale I use at home and it’s been great.

The Best Coffee Scales

Hario V60 Drip Coffee Scale and Timer, Black

The Hario V60 scales are a great looking, precise scales from one of coffee’s biggest companies.

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$47.99
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A Tiny Option for Travel: American Weigh Scales Blade

American Weigh Scales

If you like to make great coffee on the go, you need a small scale that can fit in any bag (or even your pocket). The American Weigh Scales Blade, at just 3.8-inch by 3.8-inch by 0.8-inch, is perfect for the job—and still accurate to a tenth of a gram.

The Blade uses a clever pop-out LCD display to stay so compact. It also comes with a lid that doubles as a measuring tray to protect the scale from any bangs and scrapes.

If you’re putting together a travel coffee kit, it’s the scale for you.

Best Travel Coffee Scales

American Weigh Scales Blade Series Digital Precision Pocket Weight Scale, Black, 1000 x 0.1G (BL-1KG-BLK)

American Weigh Scales’ Blade is absolutely tiny. Perfect for making great coffee on the go.

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$10.79
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A Smart Scale for Tracking Your Brews: Acaia Pearl

Acaia

It seems like there is a smart version of every household appliance available, and coffee scales are no exception. The Acaia Pearl is a high-end coffee scale with a built-in timer. Like the other scales, it’s accurate to a tenth of a gram. Unlike the other scales on this list, it has Bluetooth.

You can use the Pearl as a regular extremely accurate (if expensive) coffee scale, and it’ll work perfectly. However, it’s the Bluetooth connectivity that sets it apart. You can connect your Pearl to your smartphone and use Acaia’s suite of apps to improve your coffee brewing. For example, the Brewguide app has brew recipes for different coffees, and you can upload and share your own. The Brewmaster app logs information from your brews, like the ratio of coffee to water, flow rate, and brew time, so you can repeat them exactly—or see where you deviated.

If you’re just going to use the Pearl as a coffee scale, it’s not worth the cost. The Hario V60 is a third of the price and just as good. However, if the idea of logging every cup of coffee you make appeals to you, then Acaia’s apps might be enough of a reason to upgrade.

Buy

Source: https://www.reviewgeek.com/41214/the-best-coffee-scales-for-a-more-consistent-brew/
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