Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Web Secret 409: 1,000 hacks

Define "hack".

Hack is an interesting word that can connote great evil and great good.

Hacking into a computer network and stealing information: bad.

Hacking something tedious so that it becomes easy: good.

Last year I was flying somewhere for business and steeled myself to stand in a horrifying security line at JFK airport. I showed my ticket and ID to the keeper of the horrifying line when she said "you have TSA pre - go there!" she said pointing to a line that consisted of only two people. I whizzed through security without needing to take off my shoes or unpack my laptop for inspection.

As soon as I got home, I looked up TSA pre and learned that "TSA Pre is an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience. Passengers considered low-risk who qualify for the program can receive expedited screening."

Now truth be tailed, applying to get TSA pre is a pain in the ass. It involves filling out forms and usually making an appointment to go to the nearest airport for an interview.

But once you get it - you have hacked the security line the next time you fly. It makes me giddy with satisfaction every timed I travel by air.

So now, imagine a website that shares hundreds of these secrets to a better life and you have 1000hacks.com.

The hacks consist of a single PowerPoint slide and cover a variety of topics including tech, money, health, and more.

If it can't be communicated in a single slide - it's not on the website.

Hack number 93 in tech: Steps to boost your iPhone's battery life.

Hack number 16 in money: how to keep your credit card secure when ordering from an unfamiliar website.

Hack number 55 in health: 5 second methodology to compare the nutritional value of two foods.

I can hack this.

No comments:

Post a Comment