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5 Greatest TV Betrayals

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A well-orchestrated and shocking betrayal can make a television series memorable and can also create a buzz among its viewers. The following are five such shocking betrayals that had viewers talking and analyzing these shows for days, weeks, and sometimes even years. 

Oh, and just so you don’t think we’re betraying you, we want to warn you that there are many spoilers about to be exposed here. 

Game of Thrones — Daenerys and Jon

In a series riddled with betrayals, it can be very difficult to narrow it down to the worst. But surely the show’s biggest betrayal came when Jon Snow stabbed his lover and aunt Daenerys Targaryen while the two were sharing a passionate kiss. Sadly, Daenerys left the honorable Jon Snow little choice. It was obvious to everyone — especially Jon — that Daenerys had gone off the deep end and that if he didn’t stop her, she would murder thousands of people. 

Sopranos — Tony and Christopher

Christopher was one of Tony’s most trusted soldiers, his potential successor, and also his “nephew.” But Christopher’s drug issues and other factors eventually caused their relationship to become very strained. It was still a shocker, though, when Tony murdered his nephew after a wasted Christopher crashes their car, almost killing them both. The accident coupled with the fact that Tony had big concerns about Christopher turning State’s witness against him were the final straws for the mob boss. Taking advantage of the fact that his nephew was severely injured in the accident, Tony reaches over and pinches Christopher’s nostrils shut until he dies. 

Breaking Bad — Walter and Jesse

Walter and Jesse betrayed each other countless times during Breaking Bad’s five seasons but, arguably, the worst instance was when Walter allowed a neo-Nazi gang to kidnap Jesse. The neo-Nazis then kept Jesse imprisoned in a cage and used him as their slave to cook up Walt’s infamous blue meth to sell. Walt does semi-redeem himself by the end of the series by rescuing Jesse. 

Succession — The Roy Children Versus Their Parents

Loosely based on the Murdoch dynasty, Succession has had more than its fair share of shocking betrayals. But the one that ended season three was a doozy even by this show’s standards. After years of being mentally abused by their father, Logan Roy, three of the Roy children — Kendall, Roman, and Shiv — finally decide to team up together to stop their father from selling their company. But to their dismay, the Roy children soon discover that they have been betrayed by two people who should have been on their side — Shiv’s husband, Tom, and their own mother, Caroline. Tipped off by Tom, Logan was able to convince Caroline to sign over their children’s share in the company to him, which ended Roman’s, Shiv’s, and Kendall’s dreams of taking over the family business. 

Sex and the City — Carrie and Aidan

For many fans, Aidan seemed like the perfect boyfriend for Carrie — kind, loving, sweet, and handsome. And to top it all off, he was ready to commit and even marry her. So, what did Carrie do? She cheats on Aidan with Mr. Big, her ex. Fans of the show were outraged that Carrie had chosen to break Aidan’s heart with the man who had broken her heart. 

 

5 Weirdest Tech Startups That Actually Succeeded

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We’ve all been there. You see an idea for this new technology. And you think, there’s no way that can take off. 

Then it does. And in some cases, it changes our whole existence.

Some of the weirdest tech startups that succeeded in this list may not reach that level. But you probably never would have guessed it would be the new big thing when you first saw it.

1. Uber

Let’s lead with a big one. Today, Uber is integral to our lives. It’s hard to believe it was a bizarre idea when it first started.

Taxis and trains already saturated the market. Why would someone pay more to uber?

As it turns out, the founders were onto something. Their customers like the convenience of apps. They want to see their drivers and their ratings before the vehicle arrives.

It’s nice to get where you’re going faster. And people like options when they want to treat themselves to an UberSUV, UberBlack, or UberX. They want to feel special and convey a certain image.

You just don’t get that with the “normal” transportation methods that came before. So yes, Uber may seem normal now, but it was certainly weird. 

2. Dog Parker {aka, Dog Spot}

Ever been walking your dog, when you needed to leave them outside a store for a few minutes while you run in? If you’re one of this crowd, you may feel guilty or worried about leaving your best furry friend tied up outside — even for a short time. 

Dog Parker is a smart dog house that businesses can set up outside their store to keep their patron’s pups climate-controlled, comfortable, and video-monitored until the pet parent returns. 

3. Celestis, Inc

Now that your dog is taken care of, it may be time to think about your dearly departed. This weird tech startup launches their remains into space. For those who’ve always dreamed of living off-world, this makes that dream come true — at least in some part.

And it costs much less than the typical funeral. 

4. Invisible Girlfriend

This one’s for those individuals who are bombarded with questions from family or co-workers about why they’re not seeing someone. Your reasons are your own. You do you.

But Invisible Girlfriend (or Boyfriend) offers the answer. This weird tech startup allows you to sign up to receive texts, voicemails, and even gifts from someone you’re supposedly dating. 

5. Spud Pickles

Don’t let the name fool you. This tech startup is all about its business. And their business is ghost-hunting. Spud pickles is an app development company that has found its niche audience. They build apps that can detect paranormal activity. 

The company has to say “it’s for entertainment purposes only” for legal reasons. But the reviews are filled with creepy stories from real people who use it to contact lost loved ones and find strange entities in their homes, offices, and neighborhoods. 

 

 

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Indonesia

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Indonesia is one of the most diverse archipelagos in the world. With close to 280 million people representing over 1300 official ethnic groups and thousands of more unique cultures, it is impossible to really ever get to know Indonesia. But you can certainly understand this incredible country better than most tourists if you are willing to devote a little time and have an open mind. 

Number 5: Learn a Little of the Official Language

The official language of Indonesia is called Bahasa Indonesia, or the Indonesian language. Almost everyone speaks it in the country. Ranked as one of the world’s easiest languages for an English speaker to learn, devoting 10 or 20 hours of study before you arrive in the country will significantly increase your enjoyment and allow you to get to know the people and the country better. 

Number 4: Get Off of the Tourist Trail

It is easy to spend a wonderful time in Indonesia ensconced in the tourist bubble. Whether it’s relaxing at a beach resort in Lombok, touring the Hindu temples of Bali, or even exploring the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. To experience the real Indonesia, you need to head to the less-visited places. The islands of Samosir, Banda, and Flores all have their particular allures. 

Number 3: Master Local Transportation

No matter where you go in Indonesia, you’ll find there are almost endless ways to travel. From air-conditioned tour buses to car rentals, you can travel in luxury, but sometimes the most exciting way to go from Point A to Point B is the way locals do it. Angkots are one of the most popular ways to get around. No bigger than a minivan, these vehicles run a set loop, and passengers can jump on and off wherever they like along the route. Angkots are shared, and you’ll get charged by the driver based on the approximate distance, so always ask the driver before getting in.  

Number 2: Eat on the Street

Eating is one of the best ways to spend your time in Indonesia. And some of the most incredible food in the country is cooked by the countless tiny street stalls called warungs. While the sanitation may not be on par with a Western restaurant, it is probably better than a food cart in a Western city. Warungs sell food for the working man and woman, so it’s cheap, filling, delicious, and the closest you’ll get to authentic Indonesian home cooking unless a local invites you home. 

Number 1: Talk to the Locals

Across the country, Indonesians are polite and friendly. However, once you get outside the main tourist areas, Indonesians are maybe the most generous and helpful people you could ever meet. So, don’t be afraid to smile and say “Hi.” You’ll learn more about the real Indonesia in a 10-minute conversation over tea than in touring a so-called cultural site for the entire day. As a bonus, most younger Indonesians speak at least some English and love to practice speaking. 

So once you step off the plane at Soekarno Hatta International Airport, step out of your comfort zone just a little, and you will have the time of your life getting to know the real Indonesia. 

5 Surprising Facts About The Lives of K-Pop Stars

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After years of hard work and training, you finally make it to the level of being a K-Pop star. How do you live? To the public, it all looks fantastic. However, as a performer, it is shocking how much freedom you lose.

  1. Career Enslavement

Unlike music careers in the United States, where the artist has a lot of influence over creative and business decisions, a K-Pop star has very little power over their career. Everything they do for their profession must be approved and controlled by the entertainment company they work for, which owns all the intellectual property (IP). The IP includes song copyrights, the band’s name, the photos, videos, and even the singer’s nicknames.

K-Pop singers who want to express their creativity in other areas, like taking a role in an international movie, get frustrated by the difficulty of obtaining permission. Even if the most famous directors in the world, like Steven Spielberg and James Cameron, want to use a K-Pop star in a film, they have to pay a talent fee to the South Korean entertainment company to hire a K-Pop star.

The South Korean entertainment company may refuse permission, and there is nothing the K-Pop star can do about it. If they violate the terms of their contract, they get fired.

K-pop stars who get older must perform the same hit songs they sang when younger. Many get tired of this and want to quit but do not have any choice but to continue working, since no one will hire them to break their contract.

  1. No Personal Life Allowed

While a K-Pop star is in training and during the first years of their debut with a successful group, they cannot date anyone. Any hint of a scandal, and they will lose their K-Pop star status.

  1. Weigh-Ins and Drug Testing

Like a prizefighter who must always be a certain weight, a K-Pop star must meet the physical characteristics of maintaining a very skinny weight. They must constantly work out in the gym, get medical checkups, pass drug testing, and weigh in to ensure they do not gain weight. This intense control is for both sexes. Test positive for marijuana or other recreational drugs, and you get fired from the K-Pop group.

  1. Constant Work with No Time Off

The musicians in a K-Pop band must work constantly. They practice, rehearse, record music, go on promotional tours, make television appearances, perform, and make music videos. The intensity of their work life drives most of them to exhaustion.

  1. No Politics, No Religion, No Profit-Sharing

K-Pop idols are supposed to be cute, sing, dance, and follow the intense rules of the entertainment company that holds their contract. Any extracurricular activities, such as political action, are prohibited.

As a K-Pop idol, you cannot express any religious beliefs that might offend your fans.

The musicians in a K-Pop group get a salary from the entertainment company. They do not share in the immense profits that the entertainment company might make.

Is it worth it?

Knowing these restrictions might give you pause if you want to become a K-Pop star. While it is fun to be adored by millions of fans, it is also annoying to be unable to go anywhere without being recognized and have such severe restrictions placed on your life.

5 Hacks to Finding Hidden Gems When Travelling

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Travel is a favorite activity for many. But experienced explorers may be a bit tired of seeing the same old well-known tourist attractions. Luckily, there are incredible hidden gems waiting to be uncovered by travelers in just about every destination. Read on to learn the secrets to finding them!

1. Research

A little bit of research can go a long way toward uncovering some of the lesser-known but still amazing attractions during your trip. Even a simple internet search for “things to do in ____” (filling in the blank with your destination) can unearth a surprising amount of choices. You can opt for mainstream sites like TripAdvisor, which offer the benefit of the wisdom of crowds in sifting out bad options. But for real hidden gems, you may want to consult more off-beat choices like Atlas Obscura, which offers weird, wild, and otherwise strange spots from major cities to small towns. Another way to find some hidden gems is to get lost – deliberately! Using the Dérive app, you’ll play what’s essentially an exploring game, where you follow simple tasks that may help you see even familiar cities in an entirely different light. Other great ideas include reading local bloggers or local news to see what the residents are talking about and focused on – it could unlock parts of a place you’d never expected! 

2. Consult Your Maps

Sometimes, the easiest way to find hidden gems is to just go looking for them! A close inspection of a map of your destination (either via services like Google Maps or a physical paper copy) can reveal otherwise unknown towns, green spaces, attractions, and more. You might uncover a potential scenic route or day trip that would have gone unnoticed. 

3. Get Off the Highway 

Interstates and other big highways are great for getting where you’re going as quickly as possible. But this fast pace and limited-access travel can keep you from discovering many amazing sights. Taking local roads will extend your travel time but also put you face to face with diverse communities at a pace that allows you to stop and explore. Who knows what you might discover in exchange for a few extra minutes in the car?

4. Walk

The same principle applies once you’ve arrived in a particular destination. Walking puts you intimately in touch with the community and slows you down enough to observe little things you might otherwise miss. You may find yourself poking your head into museums, shops, restaurants, or other spots you’d have either skipped or ignored altogether. Plus, it’s great exercise!

5. Talk to the Locals

Who knows a place better than the folks who live there? This can be employees at your hotel, tourism workers at a visitor center, bartenders, or anyone else you come in contact with during your visit. Most people are proud of their home town, and simply asking them about the best things to see and do can often produce a detailed and enthusiastic response. This can be an excellent way to find out which much-hyped spots may just be overrated tourist traps and which under-the-radar options shouldn’t be missed. 

Find Those Hidden Gems Waiting For You On Your Next Trip

Don’t waste your time on your next trip seeing the same old spots everyone else does. Find the hidden gems that will make unforgettable memories for you and your traveling companions. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll have no trouble, no matter where you roam. 

5 Ways To Help Yourself Develop Discipline

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Self-discipline doesn’t come naturally for most. It is a learned skill set, like typing, good grammar, and cooking. The more you practice it, the better you get at it. What are some things you can do to build your self-discipline? 

What is Self-Discipline? 

Self-discipline is the capacity to control your behaviors, feelings, and emotions. For example, sticking to your weekly budget allows you to spend less and save more. It takes self-discipline not to eat fast food every day, though. You’ll stay motivated and be more likely to succeed if you learn how to perfect the art of self-discipline.

Five Ways to Help Yourself Develop Self-Discipline

Like any skill set, self-discipline takes practice, so where do you start?

1. Count First, Then Decide

Often, gaining self-discipline means learning to control your impulses. Impulse, by definition, is a knee-jerk reaction or something you do without thinking. The best way to control that is to stop and give yourself time to think. Next time you are jumping into something, stop and count to ten. Then, take a deep breath and think about what you are about to do. If you still decide to do it, so be it. More often than not, though, you’ll talk yourself out of it. 

2. Put Your Goals Front and Center

Write down the goal you are hoping to achieve by controlling your behavior and keep it with you. Then, when you stop and count, pull that note out of your pocket. This will remind you why you need to take a beat and consider what you are going to do next. 

If you don’t have a specific goal, write an inspirational quote instead. This will help keep you in check. 

3. Write Down a Priority-Based To-Do List

If you write down a schedule for yourself, you can use it as a guide to keeping you on the right track. For example, if your goal is to hit the gym after work, then put that on your daily schedule. Set the alarm on your watch as a reminder that it’s time to go to the gym. You are less likely to procrastinate if you have a set to-do list. 

4. Get to Know Your Lack of Discipline Well

What is it that you do that gets you off track? The more you understand your distractions and weaknesses, the better you will be at creating actionable solutions. Maybe you enjoy going out to eat with friends. What could you do to satisfy that need without losing sight of your goals? How about you get together at each other’s house once a week and do a potluck. 

5. Find Ways to Hold Yourself Accountable

You could tell a friend or loved one what you are trying to accomplish and let them hold you accountable if you fail. You could also keep a measure of some kind. For example, if you want to exercise 150 minutes a week, keep track of your progress and make sure you hit that goal. 

Finding ways around your impulses will help you build up your self-discipline skills and apply them throughout your life. 

 

5 Scientific Facts All Dog Owners Should Know!

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Having a dog is one of the most rewarding perks in the world. They are the kings and queens of unconditional love. There is plenty of work involved in caring for any pet, though. What scientific facts should you know about owning and loving a dog? 

1. Bad Breath is a Bad Thing

Dogs are prone to dental problems. So, vets warn that if your best friend kisses you with foul-smelling breath, pay attention. It could be a sign of dental disease. Bacteria live in a dog’s mouth the same way they do in humans. As they build up, they can emit foul-smelling gas. The smell may also be from the decay of the tissue in the dog’s mouth. 

2. Some Times Dogs Eat Poop

It’s just a fact, unfortunately. However, some pet owners see this behavior and think it means their friend is sick. It is not a sign of illness or a lack of good nutrition; it’s just that dogs are gross. The truth is they eat poop because they like the taste.

If watching a poop smorgasbord bothers you, ask your vet if there is anything that can be done. There are some products that might discourage this tasty treat. 

3. Hypoallergenic Dogs Don’t Exist

Breeders like to advertise some dogs as hypoallergenic, meaning they won’t cause allergic reactions if they live with you. The truth is that it is more fiction than fact. 

There is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. What you are getting is a breed less likely to shed. All dogs spread allergy-causing proteins through the skin, urine, and saliva. It’s just that some dogs shed them as gifts all over the house. 

What breeders call a hypoallergenic dog is really just one that won’t shed much. The proteins are still there, though, so if you have severe allergies, you might have a problem. 

4. Dogs Know What You are Saying to Them

It’s not your imagination. They really do. They may not have a good grasp of the language but can develop a basic understanding of certain words. If you say door, they sit by the door because they know what that word means. 

It’s not about memorization, either. Scientists have found dogs have more activation in the hearing regions of the brain when they hear certain words. It’s like a mother always hearing her baby cry at night even though she blocks everything else out. 

5. There is a Reason That Nose is so Cold

There is a scientific reason behind that cold nose, too. The tip of a dog’s nose stays around five degrees cooler than the room temperature. It’s not clear why this is but the current theory is that it is because the nose is what they use to smell through. They use their smell more actively than humans, so having it functioning properly is important to their overall health and safety. 

If you are considering getting a dog, then do your research so you understand your new best friend. 

 

5 Weird Laws That Are Still Technically In Force In England

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It’s always fun learning about weird laws. Usually, you end up thinking, “Seriously? That was a thing? What were they thinking? Weird laws are almost as good as the stories of strange things people do in Florida and Germany.

England is no exception to the weird laws universe, and here are five excellent ones for today’s amusement.

No Betting in the Library

Want to bet your friend $5 that Jane Austin did not write a book translated into the tv movie that was on last night. Don’t do it. Gambling is not allowed in libraries under the Library Offenses Act of 1898.

Can it be assumed that libraries were once used as a place to play poker and drink ale? Time to look that up.

Members of Parliament May Not Wear Armor Inside Parliament Quarters

A statute codified in the 1313 Bearing of Armour Act is still in effect today, and wearing a full suit of armor into the Houses of Parliament is strictly forbidden. Edward II first implemented the statute to stop the violence between the two factions of parliament, the pro-royalist Lancastrians and the anti-royalist Earl of Glouchester’s party.

Oh, how fun would those fights have been to watch?

Beached Whales Need to Be Offered to the Reigning Monarch

Edward II was a busy monarch, decreeing in 1322 that the “head and spermaceti of a whale” would be given to the king. The finder of the beached whale got to keep the rest of the carcass.

How much fun would it be to go up to the Queen’s Guard and say, “I have a whale head and spermaceti for the queen, just as the law instructs.”?

Never Breed Your Corgi With One of the Queen’s

It’s tempting to win the Westminster dog show with some true royal corgi heritage, but it is illegal to let your pet mate with another from the royal household. Dreams now dashed, and there shall be no Westminster Legend Trophy anytime soon.

This law was punishable by death until 1965! Don’t take your corgi anywhere near that palace.

Do Not Walk Your Cows Down the Street in Daylight

Farmers or pet cow owners (who owns a pet cow?) are not allowed to walk their cows through the streets between 10 am and 7 pm. This law comes courtesy of an Act of Parliament of the United Kingdom called the Metropolitan Streets Act 1867.

It is a well-known fact that pet cows get bored, especially in a small garden, and their owners should walk them. Not to mention, it is a cow and owner bonding experience.

You may take your cows down the streets of London if you have a note from the Commissioner of Police.

These are just five weird laws, and we didn’t even get into ten-year-olds and unclothed mannequins yet. The UK has some epic rules that make you grin when you read them. Go online, and you’ll find plenty more to fill your afternoon.

5 Fundamentals When Writing Your CV

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While wearing a business suit or jeans to a job interview can tell an employer a lot about you, so too can what you include in your CV.

Instead of thinking that the creation of this CV is a boring, mundane task, however, realize it is your unique chance to sell yourself and make such an impression that can lead to a yes rather than a no.

To get started, here are the 5 fundamentals for writing your CV.

  1. Create a Clean Design and Format

While you don’t have to follow old, boring templates or rules, you do need to ensure the formatting and design of your CV is simple, clean, and pleasing to the eye.

A few tips to help with this include:

Keep it straightforward and easy to read.

Use simple language and non-fancy fonts.

Include short bulleted sentences.

Save any graphics or elaborate designs for your portfolio.

Make it no more than two pages.

  1. Always Tailor It to the Particular Job

Avoid sending out a generic CV and instead always tailor it to the particular job.

To do so, first, be sure you thoroughly understand the job description. Highlight everything important so you know what to include on your cv.

If you find you lack certain abilities or experience, look to see if you can find a way to adapt the skills you do have to address these.

Be sure to use the keywords you find in the job description in your CV as well. The reviewer will be looking for these words, so make them easy to find at first glance.

Always create a unique document for each job description. One way to go about this is to create a personal template, then modify or adapt it to fit the particular job.

  1. Present Your Accomplishments

The employer or recruiter will be looking for your accomplishments to show your abilities and your experience.

Most prefer to see quantifiable achievements, so use numbers and facts whenever possible to show how you are already positively contributing to other employers.

Unless your experience is in one area only, avoid listing accomplishments by themselves. Instead, spread them out in your work experience section, listing them below a short description of each job.

  1. Highlight Skills

Include a separate skills section on your CV as a way to stand out and grab an employer’s or recruiter’s attention. Mention key skills that relate to the job you are seeking.

Examples you might want to include are:

Computer skills

Communication skills

Teambuilding or team-working skills

Problem-solving skills

Foreign Language Skills

Artistic Skills

Take a good look at your previous employment experience to date, and see what you can extract. Also, examine other activities such as your volunteering, group memberships, or sports participation.

If you have a digital portfolio, provide a link in your CV to show your skills first-hand.

  1. Include Relevant Work Experience

Only include relevant work experience in your CV.  You don’t need to list out every job you’ve ever had, just those that relate somehow to the new one you are seeking.

If you feel you do need to add a previous work experience, find a way it can relate to the new job. Look for such shared skills as sales, customer service, writing, editing, or speaking in public.

So, there you have it – the five must-haves for your CV. Include these, and you’re well on your way to landing that next job.

Can You Install A VPN Directly In Your Router?

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Yes, you can install a VPN directly on your router. Before you do, however, you should understand what router VPN does and does not do. You should also be aware that the installation can be either simple or difficult, depending on which specific VPN and router you have.

Why a VPN

A virtual private network, or VPN, creates an encrypted channel between your internet device and a server that belongs to the company you bought your VPN from. Your traffic to the internet appears to come from that server instead of your own device. This creates some privacy advantages. Anyone who intercepts traffic from your laptop or phone will see an unreadable encrypted stream. Your ISP can’t pry into what you’re doing. When your transmission hits the internet, no one can tell it came from you.

Why a Router VPN

To get this protection without router VPN, you have to install VPN on every device you use, from your tablets to your phones to your smart TV. Guests who use your wifi aren’t protected unless they have their own VPN.

With VPN on the router, all connected devices get VPN protection, because they can’t go through your router without creating that encrypted channel to your VPN server. That includes all your smart home devices, and many of them aren’t set up to fully use VPN software on their own.

Router VPN Limitations

Why, then, wouldn’t you just go ahead and install router VPN if it protects every device you use? Well, the biggest reason is that is doesn’t protect your phone or laptop when you’re away from home and hooked up to someone else’s wifi. The security of routers in public places can be notoriously lax, so those locations are where you may need VPN the most.

Also, the transmissions between your laptop and your router are not encrypted, although that’s not much risk if you have password-secured wifi.

Another drawback is that router VPN can be difficult to manage. You’ll have to log in to your router through a facility such as a Windows power shell by entering commands that aren’t particularly obvious or user-friendly. Once you’re at your router’s controls, you may find limitations in how you can configure VPN, for example, restrictions on which encryption protocols you can use.

Finally, depending on your VPN and router, installing router VPN may not be easy.

Installing Router VPN

Some newer routers come with VPN preinstalled. Others support connection to VPN services; however, routers marketed to consumers usually don’t have this. Some VPNs have built their products to install easily on certain routers; they provide a compatibility list.

An internet search on your router will tell you which VPNs it’s compatible with. Routers provided by ISPs are generally not VPN-friendly.

VPN on Both Device and Router

You can make sure you’re always protected by installing VPN on both your device and router. However, if you don’t switch off your device VPN at home, you’ll have overlapping VPNs and possible performance degradation. Some people deal with this by setting up two routers at home, one with VPN and one without.