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  What is CuriosityStream? CuriosityStream is an American media company and subscription video streaming service that offers a vast library of documentary programming. Whether you’re curious about science, history, nature, or technology, this platform has something for everyone. Perfect for kids and teens during summer break to continue learning. Key Features: Extensive Library: CuriosityStream boasts thousands of documentaries covering a wide range of topics. From Emmy-winning shows to exclusive originals, there’s always something new to explore. The Standard Monthly plan costs $4.99 per month, while the Standard Annual plan (most popular) is billed at $3.34 per month annually. For the best value, consider the Smart Bundle Annual plan at $5.84 per month billed annually or $9.99 monthly. Watch Anytime, Anywhere: Stream on different screens simultaneously. Download documentaries to watch offline. Award-Winning Content: Enjoy CuriosityStream originals like Stephen

            Everyone online, at least once, has fallen for an image that has been edited. Detecting manipulated images is essential to verify authenticity and prevent misinformation. Here are some techniques and tools you can use so you don’t get fooled again. Visual Inspection: Look for unnatural distortions, especially around specific features.  Warped lines, blurry edges, and pixelation may indicate manipulation . Analyze lighting consistency. If shadows don’t align or appear unnatural, the image might be edited. Low-resolution images or poor-quality edits can be red flags. Even if you were paying close attention to the above tips, there are very talented digital artists that can fool even the most careful person. Luckily, there are several online tools that you can use to help verify the images you are looking at. Online Tools: FotoForensics: This tool uses Error Level Analysis (ELA) to identify areas with different compression levels.  Significant differences suggest

            The first Friday in June is National Donut Day, started back in 1938 by the Salvation Army in order to honor  the women who served the treats to soldiers during World War 1.  Today many chains such as Dunkin' and Krispy Kreme celebrate the day with deals, but if that doesn't satisfy your sweet tooth, here are a list of 10 baking shows and where to stream them.  As always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at OneSource@midcentury.com The Great British Baking Show (Netflix) :  This beloved competition series features amateur bakers tackling challenges related to cakes, bread, pastries, and more.  Dr. Seuss Baking Challenge (Prime Video) : Professional cake designers and pastry chefs compete to re-create stories from Dr. Seuss books.  Sugar Rush (Netflix) : Teams race against the clock to create stunning desserts in this fast-paced baking competition. Nailed It! (Netflix) : Hilarious

       It's national Smile Day, so let's help turn those frowns upside down with some laughter. Streaming provides access to many options when it comes to stand-up comedy and below, you'll find some of your options that are sure to make you smile.  As always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at OneSource@midcentury.com Netflix: Netflix has made a huge investment in stand-up comedy recently. Their catalog includes a wide range of specials from both fan favorites and emerging comedians.  Whether you’re into classic acts or want to discover new talent, Netflix has a vast library of specials to choose from.  Additionally, you can explore specific comedy genres using Netflix’s “ secret codes ,” such as “Stand-up Comedy” (code 11559) or “Dark Comedies” (code 869) . Comedy Central on Paramount+: Paramount+ offers on-demand access to Comedy Central’s impressive back catalog.  You’ll find classic

  It's May 23rd and its National Drinking with Chickens Day (yes, it's  real ). I wanted to focus on a popular streaming platform and channel called RFD-TV and how you can watch it.  What is it?       RFD-TV features programming devoted to rural issues, concerns, and interests. The channels name stems from the Rural Free Delivery system, which was the name for the United States Postal Service's system of delivering mail directly to rural patrons. It features a variety of shows related to agriculture, equine sports, cooking, music and other topics related to rural living.  How to watch.     RFD-TV Now:     Cost: $10 a month or $90 per year RFD-TV offers its own direct-to-consumer subscription service that you can subscribe to on your streaming device such as Roku, Firestick, Android and more. This is great for watching RFD-TV content without having to subscribe to other channels.      DirecTV Stream:     Cost: $79.99 a month DirecTV Stream's Entertainment package offers

          Today Google issued another warning to Chrome users to update their browser ASAP due to a critical security flaw . So, I thought it would be a good idea to remind everyone of some guidelines to help protect your data.  Keep Your Browser Updated: Regularly update your browser to the latest version. Updates often include security patches that address vulnerabilities. Use a Secure Browser: Choose for browsers like Chrome or Firefox that receive frequent automatic security updates. Avoid using outdated or unsupported browsers. Limit Browser Extensions: Install only essential extensions. Review and remove any unnecessary or outdated extensions. Enable HTTPS-Only Mode: Configure your browser to use HTTPS connections whenever possible. Some browsers have an HTTPS-only mode that forces secure connections. Install a Reliable Adblocker: Ad blockers not only improve browsing speed (there are some major exceptions to this such as YouTube) but also block malicious

     As the saying goes, with April Showers brings Home Automation, or something like that. Below are ten neat tricks to help get you the most of your Alexa devices.  As always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at  OneSource@midcentury.com Multiple Profiles: If you have multiple people in your household with Amazon accounts, you can add them to your Alexa household profile. While this won’t give separate shopping or to-do lists, it allows you to share content libraries. To switch profiles, just say, "Alexa, switch profiles". Voice Profiles: Set up voice profiles to personalize results. For instance, if you ask, “Alexa, what’s on my calendar?” it will read events from your calendar. If someone else asks Alexa to play music, it will select music based on their personal preferences. Change the Wake Word: If you’re tired of saying “Alexa” or have someone named Alexa in your house, you can change the

  What Happened? At midnight, Comcast Xfinity removed Bally Sports from its list of available channels. The reason behind this sudden change lies in the financial struggles of Bally Sports’ parent company, Diamond Sports Group, which is currently undergoing bankruptcy proceedings. Comcast claims that it offered multiple options to continue carrying Bally Sports’ networks, but the negotiations fell through. As a result, they no longer have the rights to continue broadcasting Bally Sports content. Thankfully, fans have several options to continue watching. Let’s break it down.   DirecTV Stream Cost: $98.99/month for the Choice package. Includes 35 of the top 35 cable channels, unlimited DVR and the ability to watch on 20 screens at once. Right now, it boasts a 5-day free trial. Get started here.   Fubo Cost: $89.99/month for the Elite package. Includes 19 of the top 35 cable channels, 1000 hours of DVR space, and the ability to watch up on 10 screens at once. Currently

  Lithium-ion batteries, powering everything from smartphones and laptops to electric cars and wearable devices, chances are that if you have electronics in your home at least one device will be powered by them. While these batteries offer convenience and portability, there are also risks associated with lithium-ion batteries. 1. The Basics of Lithium-Ion Batteries What Are They?  Lithium-ion batteries are rechargeable energy storage devices that use lithium compounds. Why Are They Popular?  These batteries are compact, lightweight, and can store a significant amount of energy. Commonly Found in:  You’ll find them in smartphones, tablets, cameras, power tools, electric vehicles, and more. 2. The Risks: Why Safety Matters Lithium-ion batteries are generally safe when used correctly. However, certain factors can lead to hazards: Physical Damage: What Happens:  If a battery is physically damaged (due to impact or puncture), it can lead to internal short circuits. Risk:  

 Streaming isn't all about watching the latest Netflix movie or series on Amazon Prime. Music streaming is increasingly popular as terrestrial radio listeners numbers continue to shrink . If you are completely new to music streaming or just wanted to see what your other options are. Here is a brief rundown of some of the most popular streaming apps out there and how you can tune in. Keep in mind that most feature multiple membership tiers to choose from, including a free tier. All prices below are for the entry membership.  Spotify: Spotify is a favorite among listeners. It offers a vast music library, personalized playlists, and a user-friendly interface and a robust amount of devices it can be installed on including Roku streaming devices.  Cost: $10.99 per month How to Use: Download the Spotify app on your device. Sign up for an account (free or premium). YouTube Music: YouTube Music combines audio tracks with music videos, it currently boasts a catalogue of over 100

In our ever-interconnected world, we leave behind digital footprints every day. These footprints can be restaurant reviews, social media profiles, or old forgotten email addresses. Ghost-Hacking involves exploiting footprints of the deceased for fraudulent purposes. Let’s take a look at what we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones. What Is Ghost-Hacking? Ghost-hacking, also known as “ghosting,” doesn’t involve breaking into your account. Instead, scammers use the accounts of your deceased relatives or friends. Here’s why they do it: Spam and Scams: Hackers may access your loved one’s Facebook account to send spam, scam messages, or malicious content to their contacts. Identity Theft: They might steal personal or financial information associated with the deceased. Nefarious Purposes: Cybercriminals can misuse the account for various illicit activities. Steps to Protect Your Deceased Relative’s Facebook Account Memorialize the Account Facebook offers a feature to memorialize a

  Streaming can be expensive, and downright confusing when you start to compare different streaming providers, trying to decide which service has the most bang for its buck. That’s why the idea of getting thousands of channels from all over the world for one low monthly price is so appealing for so many. However, let’s investigate what those services are, and how they could end up costing you in the long run.   1. Financial Loss Legitimate streaming services often come with a hefty price tag. Understandably, the allure of cheap or free alternatives is strong. Illegal IPTV streams promise substantial discounts, making them tempting for the budget conscious. But here’s the catch: these services operate outside the law. When you sign up for an illegal streaming service, you’re essentially placing your hard-earned money at risk. ·         Unregulated Providers: Unlike legitimate platforms, illegal IPTV providers lack regulation. They can vanish overnight, leaving you high and dry. Im

       In honor of National Something on a Stick Day, let’s forget about food, and instead look at two streaming sticks and compare which one is best for you. 1. Features and Content Roku Streaming Stick Pros: Extensive Channel Selection: Roku boasts a wide array of channels and apps, including both free and paid options. Device Variety: Roku offers various device models, allowing you to choose based on your preferences. Free Content: Enjoy a wealth of free content on Roku. Cons: Limited Voice Assistants: Roku only works with Google and Alexa. Amazon Fire TV Stick Pros: Amazon Prime Integration: If you’re an Amazon Prime member, Firestick seamlessly integrates with your membership. Alexa Compatibility: Firestick is ideal for those with Amazon Smart devices. Cons: Smaller Channel Selection: While Firestick offers a decent range of channels, it falls short compared to Roku. Less Free Content: Roku outshines Firestick in terms of free content availability.

           These days managing passwords has become a critical task. From online banking to social media accounts, we rely on passwords to secure our digital lives. But let’s be honest: remembering complex passwords for every site can be a challenge. That’s where password managers come in. What Is a Password Manager?      A password manager is like a digital vault for your passwords. It securely stores your login credentials, generates strong passwords, and helps you organize and access them effortlessly. Here’s why you should consider using one: · Enhanced Security: Password managers create and store unique, complex passwords for each of your accounts. No more reusing “123456” or “password”! · Convenience: With a password manager, you only need to remember one master password. It handles the rest, auto-filling login forms and saving you time. · Cross-Platform Access: Whether you’re on your laptop, smartphone, or tablet, your passwords are accessible across devices. · Secure Sharing:

          In honor of Alfred Hitchcock Day, let’s explore the top 5 Hitchcock classics (according to me) available for streaming,  and as always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com 1. Psycho streaming on: Peacock A Phoenix secretary embezzles $40,000 from her employer's client, goes on the run and checks into a remote motel run by a young man under the domination of his mother. 2. Rear Window streaming on: Peacock A photographer in a wheelchair spies on his neighbors from his Greenwich Village courtyard apartment window, and becomes convinced one of them has committed murder, despite the skepticism of his fashion-model girlfriend. 3. Vertigo streaming on: Peacock A former San Francisco police detective juggles wrestling with his personal demons and becoming obsessed with the hauntingly beautiful woman he has been hired to trail, who may be deeply disturbed. 4. North by Nort

            Did you know that in a 2022 Gallup survey only 32% of Americans said they got “excellent” or “very good” sleep?   Regularly getting less than 7 hours of sleep can, over time, harm your health. In fact, sleep shortages are linked to depression, heart disease, lowered immunity, obesity, and type 2 diabetes. Luckily, smart devices aren’t just for turning on lights, opening garage doors, or asking your devices random trivia. Here is how smart devices can help you manage and improve the amount of sleep you get. A s always if you need help with anything streaming or smart home related you can contact us at 309-778-8611 or by emailing us at   OneSource@midcentury.com   Sleep Tracking Devices:  Wearable devices like smartwatches and fitness bands can monitor your sleep patterns.  They track metrics such as sleep duration, restlessness, and deep sleep phases. By analyzing this data, you can identify areas for improvement and adjust your habits accordingly.  Screen Time Managemen

      Streaming services aren't just for movies and TV shows these days. A video game streaming service allows you to play games without owning a console or a high-end gaming PC. These services provide access to remote hardware, allowing you to play games on various devices you already own. In honor of National Video Game Day, let's go over the benefits to these services and provide some examples of services you can try out today! Some of the benefits to these services include: Cost-Effective: Subscriptions often provide access to a wide range of games at a fixed monthly fee, which can be more economical than purchasing individual games. Game Variety: Subscription services offer a diverse library of games, allowing you to explore different genres and titles without committing to full purchases. No Hardware Constraints: You can play games on various devices, including PCs, consoles, and mobile devices, without needing high-end hardware. Instant Access: No need to wait for do

  It’s National Cut the Cord Day, a celebration that encourages us to break free from the shackles of traditional cable TV and embrace the streaming revolution. Television has been a faithful companion to households for decades. From black-and-white classics to high-definition dramas, it has entertained, informed, and connected us. But there was a time when our viewing options were limited to a handful of channels, contracts, carriage disputes and service interruptions all courtesy of traditional cable and satellite companies. Fast-forward to the mid-2000s, YouTube emerged, allowing users to share all sorts of video content. Apple’s iTunes service followed soon after, letting subscribers download TV shows and series. And then came the game-changer: streaming technology. Between 2006 and 2009, streaming services like Amazon Video and Netflix stepped onto the scene. Suddenly, we had more shows and movies than we could possibly watch at our fingertips. Hulu, CBS’s tv.com, and other platfo

  National Change Your Password Day is celebrated annually on February 1 st. It is a reminder to change your passwords regularly to keep your personal information safe.  Password security is a crucial aspect of online safety. Passwords are the first line of defense against cybercriminals and their access to your personal  data.  Over 86% of data breaches involve stolen passwords , take these steps when creating a secure password. 1.     Length: Use a password that is at least 8 characters long.  Longer passwords are more difficult to crack than shorter ones. 2.     Complexity: Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.  Avoid using easily guessable information such as your name, birthdate, or phone number. 3.     Uniqueness: Use a different password for each of your accounts.  This way, if one password is compromised, your other accounts will still be secure. 4.     Avoid common passwords: Avoid using common passwords such as “password”, “12