Technology

These Are The Most Devastating Tsunamis Recorded In History

We all have seen movies about the end of the world. Somehow, they always include a tsunami as part of the dramatic-effects. However, have you ever wondered why? Well, possibly because tsunamis can be some of the most destructive natural catastrophes, ever. And while movies are often fictional, don’t get it wrong, because real-life tsunamis exist, and are just as powerful. In this post, we look back at the most devastating tsunamis recorded in modern history.

First Of All, What Causes Tsunamis To Happen?

The power of nature is absolutely incredible. Tsunamis look like huge waves that are super strong and fast, right? Yet, how Tsunamis are formed is what gives them their fascinating destructive power.

According to Australian Geographic, tsunamis occur due to a ”significant displacement of water in oceans or lakes, though are most commonly created by the movement of tectonic plates under the ocean floor.” While earthquakes are considered the most common cause of this natural phenomenon, other reasons such volcanic eruption, glacial carving, or meteorite impacts can be behind just as much destruction.

Indonesia – December 2004

The mot destructive Tsunami ever recorded in history, is undoubtedly, the one that happened in Sumatra, Indonesia on December 26th, 2004. A 9.1 magnitude earthquake, occurred at a depth of 30 km in the coast of Sumatra. In fact, this tsunami generated 50 m waves, reaching 5 km inland. In addition, it caused US$10b losses, and 230,000 people were reported dead. As a consequence, wave height raised even in other regions of the world, such as Antartica, US, and the UK.

Japan – March 2011

Japanese shoreline recorded the second most devastating tsunami in history. On March 11th, 2011, the pacific coast of Japan woke up on one of their deadliest natural disasters. An earthquake of a 9.0 magnitude, leading to a tsunami travelling 800km per hour with 10m-high waves. This caused the death of more than 18,000 people, and the relocation of over 452,000 people after their homes were destroyed.

Portugal- November 1755

Furthermore, on the European side, less tsunamis took place. However, one of the most devastating tsunamis that passed through the old continent, dates back to November 1st, 1755, which took place in Lisbon, Portugal. Again, due to a 8.5 magnitude hurricane, series of three huge waves struck the west-coast of Portugal, and a part of south-Spain. Waves that reached 30 m high, ended up killing more than 60,000 in Portugal, Morocco and Spain.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.

What To Do With Your Money If There Is An Economic Crisis?

It’s undeniable that the Coronavirus crisis is shaping the world. Now, we do not know what will happen in the future, especially economically speaking. While many people speculate a potential world-wide economic crisis, the big question is: What to do with your money now?

Moreover, it’s normal to be financially insecure, especially with an uncertain future ahead. However, the good news is that there are several things you can do to keep your money “safe” in case the markets crash. Actually, in the best case scenario, your savings may even increase if you’re willing to take the risk.

Invest In Gold

No, we are not referring to a gold watch or chain, but to gold bars. Gold has always been a safe haven, since its price does not usually fall during crises. In fact, according to Forbes, gold was one of the highest-performing investments in 2019. Also, it’s pretty easy to hide, either in your home or in a personal bank safe (yes, just like in movies). The best part is that you can buy as much (or as little) as you can afford. From thousands of bars to a few grams. So, even if you do not have much money, you can still invest.

What About The Stock Market?

Furthermore, if you don’t mind risking a part of your money for the possibility of winning more, this is your moment. Although, that requires you to investigate before, and not just jump at the opportunity. Because if we buy the right shares with the right company, we can not only avoid the crisis but not have benefits. However, there is always the risk that if the company goes bankrupt, we may end up loosing it all. Actually, people who invest in indices, instead of trusting a single company, they trust all those that make up the index. So betting that the US DowJones or the Spanish Ibex35 raises is less risky than trusting that one single company will.

Leave Your Money Alone

Te most important thing to do with your money, is knowing what you do before starting to invest. So, if you do not see yourself knowledgeable enough to invest in the stock market, it is best not to do so. And since there are many people who do not trust keeping their valuables at home, gold is no longer an option either. However, there is the traditional alternative of banks.

In fact, you can leave your money in your account or put it in a savings account that generates enough for you to fight inflation (approximately 2%). This ensures that you don’t lose purchasing power. Even if the worst possible scenario occurred and the bank looses, there would be no need to worry, because most countries have a system that protects accounts with up to 100,000 euros.

Photos: Pixabay.

Slow Internet? Here Are Ways To Speed Up Your Connection

There is nothing worse than slow Internet, especially if you have to stay at home all day. In addition, it pisses you off to see how videos take eternity to load, and web pages take forever that you end up giving up on reading it. However, during this confinement, slow internet is mostly affecting students and those who have to work from home. Fortunately, there are some ways to speed up your connection, and get it back on track.

Are You Getting What You’re Paying For?

It is possible that you are paying a connection of 60 Mbps and you only get 30 Mbps. This can have many causes, but most of them are external. From the poor connection in your area to a poor installation or, if you have contracted ADSL, the distance from and to the “central”. The good part is that you can complain (rightly), and demand to get two solutions.

Either they fix it or they lower your bill. How to do this? Your part is to try speed tests such as Speedtest or the one Google provides when searching for «Speed Test». But it would also be convenient for you to try it through your telemarketer (if available). This way, you’ll have solid proof when you file your complaint.

Check The Router Settings

If the problem is not external, then it’s probably related to the devices and the router. In order to speed up your connection, check these two options. First, try to move the router closer to your device, so that the signal becomes stronger. However, this is not always possible and reliable. Second, and slightly more complicated, is to configure the router. To do that, you will need to access the device interface and choose a series of parameters that could speed up your connection.

However, the downside of this option is the level of expertise it requires. If you have basic knowledge, then it may be best to call call your company and get them to guide you step by step. Moreover, changing the «channel» or parameters like DNS will get you a stronger signal and a higher speed to browse and download content.

Be Ware Of Stacking Wireless Devices

It’s normal to have your router in a hidden place like behind the TV or a desk. However, keep in mind that the small distance between the router and your devices can affect your connectivity. In addition, since you probably have several wireless devices connected to it, the transmission automatically becomes weaker.

In fact, these waves can “bother” each other. Making your signal come and go, resulting in slow internet. The solution? Place the router away from other devices (or the devices away from the router), then do a connection test. If things improve, problem solved. If they don’t, it’s time to try checking the wires of the router.

Photos: Pixabay, Freepik.

Exercise While Having Fun At Home With These Games

Yes, you can exercise while having fun at home, as confinement and the coronavirus outbreak are still the topic of the hour. Furthermore, not being able to go outside, is already driving many of us crazy. Although it’s quite normal to feel trapped due to the current situation, it’s our personal duty to protect ourselves and others.

Moreover, staying at home can also be fun. Especially, when you can exercise and have fun at the same time. For this reason, and so you don’t lose your mind, we leave you with a list of games to exercise while having a blast straight from your living room.

“Beat Saber” (PS4, VR)

If you have the PSVR or one of the many virtual reality systems that are on PC, you already have enough in order to exercise while having fun. The “Beat Saber” is one of the best alternatives when it comes to getting physical activity while playing. Why? Because it’s basically a Guitar Hero on steroids. You have to cut the different blocks with the “sabers” that come out of your hands, while avoiding the obstacles. An authentic challenge that will make you break some sweat without even leaving the room.

“Just Dance 2020”

More than 10 installments make Just Dance one of the longest-running sagas in video games and, in addition, you have it available for practically all platforms. In fact, even the Nintendo Wii. But of course, to dance and give everything to the rhythm of the most famous songs of the year, it doesn’t take much effort. And between songs, you will be exercising without realizing it. Or well, if you will notice, but when you take the half of the songs and you can no longer. Without a doubt, the best exercise game we can think of.

“Ring Fit Adventure”

If you have a Nintendo Switch, it is more than likely that you have this game right next to its “icon” from the day you bought it. And what a better time to use it than now ? This is the perfect time to . grab your Switch, your fitness ring and get ready to give it your all. Moreover, get in shape with a game that takes all the positive points from sports games, and those of Nintendo Switch.

“Guitar Hero”

Yes, it is normal for you to play Guitar Hero sitting in a chair and only moving your arms. But if you’ve been locked up at home for a few days now, and you like the songs enough, chances are you’ll get bored at some point. therefore, pick up the guitar, stand up and experience it as if you were giving a real concert. If you also manage to hit the high note, then even better. This is your chance to feel like a ”Rock and roller”, and go wild on your own “stage” as you exercise while having fun!

Photos: Youtube.

The Computer Scientist Who Invented Copy & Paste Has Died

Larry Tesler, may your should rest in peace! Anyone who has ever used a computer (practically the entire world) is thankful to you. Larry is the computer scientist who invented the Cut, Copy and Paste commands. Yes, he is practically the man who saved the life of every college student in the world.

Larry passed away at age 74. As a final thank you note, let’s take a look back at the impressive life of this legendary man.

The Silicon Valley History Man

Tessler, a Stanford University graduate, started an early career at only 16. In fact, he is considered one of the youngest innovators at the Silicon Valley. As a Freshman in college, he set up a software business. Later on, he worked with Xerox Parc, Apple and Yahoo.

However, one of his best qualities was firmly believing in the future of technology. In fact, he knew early on that computers will eventually stop relying on ”modes”, and start using more short-cuts.

Larry Tessler, A Visionary Man

Furthermore, Larry Tessler was interviews by BBC in 2012. He spoke about the beginning of his journey, in times where computers weren’t even accessible to many people. Moreover, in 1960, he began working on what will later become one of the most used computer commands of all times.

In addition, he had the opportunity to work with many great minds and innovators. In the same interviews, he shared some anecdotes regarding his relationship with both Steve Jobs, and Jeff Bezos during his working time with Apple and Amazon.

Icon Of Early Computing

The Icon of early computing, has died aged 74. However, we can all agree that he left a legacy behind. Thanks to his invention, he made computers’ use much simpler and easier. The computer scientist who invented the copy & paste commands, Larry Tessler has helped the world in so many ways thanks to his innovations. In fact, even after retiring, he dedicated himself to helping emerging tech companies, in order to ”share what he has learned with the next generation.”

Photos: Twitter, Pixabay

This Man Cheated Death Twice, Then Won The Lottery

Imagine surviving a car crash, a heart attack, and then going on to win a big load of money? Your first thought would be, ”How lucky am I?”. Definitely, this man is the luckiest one alive, because cheated death twice, then won the lottery.

Bill Morgan, an Australian man who made the headlines, after literally ”coming back to life.” He appeared on a local TV channel, and then surprised the viewers by wining the lottery live!! Here is the fascinating story of Bill Morgan.

Bill Survives a Car Crash

Morgan worked as a truck driver, and lived a pretty normal life. One day, back in 1998, he suffered a major car accident. His truck crashed completely, but he miraculously survived. He was rushed to the emergency room, as medics thought he wouldn’t make it.

To their surprise, Bill survived the accident and went home. However, the after math was a lot more serious than any one thought.

Then Dies for 14 Minutes Following A Heart Attack

As a consequence of the accident, Bill suffered a severe heart attack. He was then admitted to the hospital, and his heart stopped for 14 minutes. During that time, the doctors who tried everything, were able to revive him, but he remained in a vegetative state.

The tragedy continued as Bill’s coma lasted for over a week. The doctors eventually advised the family to cut him off life support, since they were convinced he wasn’t going to make it, again.

Wakes Up From a 12 Days Coma To Win The Lottery

12 days after he fell into the coma, Bill suddenly woke up. Under everyone’s shock, he was kept in intensive care based on the doctors’ recommendations. However, his quick recovery surprised everyone, and called him ”the luckiest man” for being able to walk away from both the car crash, and the heart attack without severe damage.

This wasn’t the end of Bill Morgan’s story. On the contrary, his life was about to become a whole lot better. Within a year, the 36 years-old managed to get a job, get a girlfriend (to whom he proposed, and got a yes), and win a car. He purchased a scratch-off ticket , and ended up wining a 17.000 $ worth car.

Bill Morgan Wins 250.000 $ Live

Obviously, the unusual events in Bill Morgan’s life attracted media attention, and wanted to prove to the public just to what extent this man was lucky.

When hosted in an interview by an Melbourne TV station, they took him back to the same store from where he got the first scratch-off ticket. They asked him to get a new one for the lottery, and scratch it during the interview. His luck was witnessed by everyone. In fact, after scratching the new ticket, he ended up wining the big prize, of 250.000 $.

Bill was stunned, and couldn’t believe what just happened. And just like everybody, he couldn’t believe that he was this lucky and kept repeating ””I don’t believe this is happening. I think I will have another heart attack. Oh gosh!”. Honestly, this man cheated death twice, then won the lottery TWICE also! I bet we all wish we were this lucky.

Photos: Pixabay, Youtube.