There was a wide variety of topics to expound on this year. We caught Pokémon on the street, learned how to caucus and vote, calibrated our new HDR TVs, and took some smart drugs. Here are the best explainers of 2016.
The Pokémon Go Trainer’s Advanced Tactics Handbook
You’ve tossed a few PokéBalls, caught a few Caterpies, and spun your way to a few items at the PokéStop, but it’s time to take things to the next level. These tips and tricks will help you go from novice trainer to unbeatable gym leader faster than you can spit out the PokéRap.
What Are Caucuses and How Do They Work?
Before the general election, each state has its primaries and caucuses, and today’s Iowa caucus kicks off the election seasons. If you’re nodding your head like “yes, of course, the caucus,” but secretly have no idea what the heck everyone is talking about, this explainer is for you.
What Would Happen If a Presidential Candidate Refuses to Concede?
In the final presidential debate, Donald Trump suggested that if he lost, he might not accept the results of the election and would not concede to Hillary Clinton. But is a concession actually required to finalise an election?
Three Myths About Sparkling Water, Debunked
Americans spend $US1.5 ($2) billion a year on sparkling water, but there are a few common myths about the bubbly beverage that don’t quite add up. Some say it’s bad for your bones, erodes your teeth, and that it might even dehydrate you. If you’re worried your favourite fizzy drink is actually unhealthy, here’s the mouth-tingling truth.
10 of the Strangest Events at the 2016 Olympics, and How to Watch Them
The Olympics have always been home to the most popular athletic events in the world, but there are usually a few head-scratchers too. Maybe you have no idea how a certain sport works, or maybe you can’t figure out why it’s in the Olympics in the first place. Whatever the case, here are some of the weirder events in the 2016 summer games, how they work, and when to try and watch them.
How Effective Are Nootropics and “Smart” Drugs?
Imagine a pill you can take to speed up your thought processes, boost your memory, and make you more productive. If it sounds like the ultimate life hack, you’re not alone. There are pills that promise that out there, but whether they work is complicated. Here are the most popular cognitive enhancers available, and what science actually says about them.
Everything You Should Know About This Year’s Air Travel Changes
From tighter TSA rules to crappier travel rewards, you can expect some big changes in air travel this year. Whether you’re a frequent traveller or a vacationer, you’ll want to be aware of the changes before you get to the airport.
All About HDR, and Why It’s the Future of Television
TV manufacturers always look for the next leap in picture quality that will make watching TV feel like you’re looking through a crystal-clear window. HDR is the latest trend in display technology and it’s here to stay. Here’s everything you need to know about how it works, and why you may want to consider it when you buy your next TV.
How Index Funds Make Investing Easier and Less Scary
Once I finally paid off my debt and generally got my financial life in order, I was ready to start investing. Everything I read told me to check out index funds, so I did. Sure enough, they’re pretty awesome tool with a handful of advantages for new and seasoned investors.
Why You Definitely Need to Calibrate Your TV
When you drop hundreds on an HDTV, you expect it to work out of the box. Yet somehow, in 2016, we still have to tweak colour settings, adjust brightness, and make other changes to get the best picture. How is it possible that with all the technical leaps televisions have made over the years, TVs still require calibration?
What Neural Networks, Artificial Intelligence, and Machine Learning Actually Do
When an app claims to be powered by “artificial intelligence” it feels like you’re in the future. What does that really mean, though? We’re taking a look at what buzzwords like AI, machine learning, and neural networks really mean and whether they actually help improve your apps.
The Real History of Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo is a small holiday in Mexico that has become a huge American tradition. But why do we celebrate Mexican culture on May the 5th? No, it definitely isn’t “Mexican Independence Day.”
Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump’s Cybersecurity Platforms, Compared
Every day it seems like there’s another hack, password theft, or leak. Both government agencies and private companies are regularly attacked, by intruders just looking for sensitive data to sell, or foreign actors looking for valuable information. That alone is reason enough for a Presidential candidate to at least have an educated, informed cybersecurity policy. Let’s take a look at their platforms to see if they do.
Six Aeroplane Facts to Cure Your Fear of Flying
Most fears boil down to a lack of understanding, and in those situations knowledge really is power. If the thought of flying in a plane makes you anxious and break out in a cold sweat, these flying safety facts are your medicine to take before, during, and after your flight.
What Is Mesh Networking and Will It Solve My Wi-Fi Problems?
You know how when you sit on your couch, the Wi-Fi on your laptop cuts out? Or when you’re in the bathroom your phone refuses to connect? From Google to Netgear, everyone’s rolling out expensive “Mesh Network” kits that promise to fix Wi-Fi dead zones. But only some people should shell out the $US300 ($399)-$US500 ($666) for one.
Hungry for more knowledge? Check out our best explainers from 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2011, and 2010.
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