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Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

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When it comes to using voice assistants across multiple devices, things can get a bit tricky. “Mike” from St. George, Utah, found himself in a comical yet frustrating situation with his personal and work iPhones. Let’s dive into his predicament and explore some solutions.

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Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Man making a call using Siri on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

The dilemma

Mike has two iPhones, one for personal use and another for work. In his email to us, he explained his issue: “When using Siri to call my wife (Terrie) on my personal phone, my WORK phone dials a guy I work with also named Terry. So I’m constantly having to explain my butt dial to him.”

This leads to awkward explanations and unnecessary “butt dials.” The situation highlights a common challenge faced by many users with multiple devices, where voice assistants can become more of a hindrance than a help.

Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Siri being used on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

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Attempted solutions

Mike’s first attempt was to rename his wife’s contact to “Wifey” on his personal phone. However, this didn’t fully solve the problem, as Siri still struggled to differentiate between similar-sounding names across devices. Unfortunately, Apple doesn’t allow users to change Siri’s activation phrase to something custom like “Hey Wife.” This limitation means we need to look for alternative solutions.

Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

iPhone and a laptop on a coffee table (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO ASSOCIATE A RINGTONE WITH ONE OF YOUR CONTACTS ON YOUR PHONE

Effective workarounds

1) Use Siri Shortcuts: You can create a Siri Shortcut for calling your wife and assign a unique phrase to it. This way, you can say something like “Call Wifey” and it will only trigger on the phone where the shortcut is set up.

Create a shortcut

  • Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone.
  • Tap the “+” icon to create a new shortcut.
  • Add the action Call and select your wife’s contact.
  • Click Done
Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Steps to create a Siri Shortcut on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Use Voice Control: You can enable Voice Control and create custom commands that won’t interfere with Siri.

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap Accessibility
  • Click Voice Control
  • Turn on Voice Control by toggling it on
  • Click the Commands row
Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Steps to set up Voice Control on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Click Custom
  • Click Create new command
  • In the phrase field, type “Call Wifey”
  • Click the Action row
  • Click Run shortcut
  • Click the first row you just set above called “Call”
  • Click back
  • Click Save in upper right-hand corner
Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Steps to set up Voice Control on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

  • Now go back to your home screen and say to your phone “Call Wifey” and it should call her.

2) Disable Siri on one device: If you primarily use Siri on one phone, you can disable it on the other to prevent accidental triggers.

  • Go to Settings
  • Tap Siri (or could appear as Siri & Search depending on which iOS you have installed).
  • Tap Talk to Siri
  • Turn off Listen for “Hey Siri” and enable Press Side Button for Siri
Avoiding Siri slipups and apologies for butt dials

Steps to disable Siri on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

3) Rename contacts differently: Since you’ve already tried renaming your wife’s contact, you might want to use a more unique name that won’t conflict with your work contacts. For example, you could use a nickname or a combination of her name and a unique identifier.

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Kurt’s key takeaways

While Siri’s confusion can be frustrating, there are several ways to work around the issue. The most effective solution seems to be using Siri Shortcuts or Voice Control, as these methods create unique commands that are less likely to be misinterpreted across devices. It’s worth noting that voice assistant technology is continually improving. In the future, we may see more sophisticated context recognition that can better distinguish between similar names on different devices. Until then, these workarounds should help Mike avoid any more awkward explanations to his colleague Terry!

In what ways do you think voice assistants could be improved for a better user experience? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

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Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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Military veterans are the focus as celebrity chef suggests ways to reach out

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This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

A celebrity chef and veteran is sharing ways to support others on Veterans Day and beyond through local efforts. 

Chef Robert Irvine, best known as host of The Food Network’s “Restaurant: Impossible,” spoke with Fox News Digital ahead of Nov. 11 to discuss the importance of Veterans Day.

VETERANS DESERVE ‘NATIONAL MOMENT OF GRATITUDE’ TO HELP HEAL ‘UNSEEN WOUNDS’ 

“You listen to these World War II veterans, Vietnam veterans, Afghanistan, Iraq veterans, [and] there’s a piece missing” in terms of “that support system,” he noted.

The chef, entrepreneur, author and veteran started the Robert Irvine Foundation in 2014 with the purpose of supporting military servicemembers after their time in combat. 

Chef Robert Irvine of Florida started the Robert Irvine Foundation in 2014 to support veterans, first responders and others.  (Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images for NYCWFF)

He spent time in the U.K.’s Royal Navy as a chef and served aboard Her Majesty’s Royal Yacht Britannia, according to his biography. 

“I wanted to talk about physical and mental health … My quest, being a food and fitness guy, was to empower people through food and fitness,” he said.

Since then, Irvine’s foundation has helped serve meals to nearly 60,000 heroes and their families through its Breaking Bread With Heroes events. It has also donated 30 mobility devices to heroes and matched heroes with life-changing service dogs, among other efforts. 

US ARMY VETERAN STARTS SUCCESSFUL BARBECUE BUSINESS DESPITE HEALTH CHALLENGES: ‘VERY PROUD’

The Robert Irvine Foundation (RIF) also hosts an annual Military Heroes Charity Golf Tournament for golfers.

Each year, it also plans an immersive annual food and eats fundraising event called Beats N’ Eats, which offers a seven-course meal prepared by local and celebrity chefs, according to the organization. 

Robert Irvine Foundation meal

The USO and Robert Irvine Foundation hosted U.S. Navy families prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. (Alex Wong/Getty Images)

For Veterans Day 2024, Irvine shared unique ways to get involved in the community while thanking the men and women who have fought for the country and gone out of their way to help other Americans.

DON’T HAVE TIME TO EAT HEALTHY FOODS? YES, YOU DO, CELEBRITY CHEF INSISTS

“We have to recognize it doesn’t mean saying, ‘Thanks for your service,’ because that doesn’t do anything. It means cooking a meal, inviting someone to your house, calling your … local VA and seeing how you can help,” he said. 

“Drop a meal off to a veteran. Invite a veteran to your house. Get involved in church groups.”

For more Lifestyle articles, visit www.foxnews.com/lifestyle

Irvine emphasized the importance of getting veterans “out of a room and involved in a community so it stops and drops that suicide [rate].”

Military uniform and American flag patch

Veterans Day is commemorated every year on Nov. 11.  (iStock)

“In 2021, suicide was the 13th-leading cause of death for veterans overall, and the second-leading cause of death among veterans under age 45,” according to the 2023 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report from the U.S. Dept. of Veteran Affairs. 

The chef and veterans advocate also discussed the importance of teaching children about the military and its significance.

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“We don’t educate our children about our military and what they do for us,” Irvine said, noting the urgent need to do so.

He also mentioned the importance of voting in this election cycle and beyond. 

Chef Robert Irvine and flag patch

Celebrity chef Irvine spoke with Fox News Digital about how to best support your community this Veterans Day.  (Chef Robert Irvine; iStock)

“Freedom is huge right now. We have the choice to vote … Look at all the other countries that don’t have that freedom,” he said. 

If someone exhibits signs of suicidal thoughts, experts urge seeking help immediately by calling or texting 988 or chatting at 988lifeline.org.

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Fox News Digital’s Melissa Rudy contributed reporting. 

Air traveler sparks debate after revealing he arrives to airport 6 hours before flight; TSA weighs in

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A viral TikTok video posted by a comedian has grabbed the attention of social media users who travel.

In the video the user says, “I get to the airport six and a half hours early.”

Other TikTok users took to the comments section to debate what time is appropriate to arrive at the airport before a flight.

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“I’ve never felt so safe and understood,” one user wrote, appearing to agree with the video message.

A TikTok video prompts a discussion about how soon to arrive at the airport before the flight. (iStock)

Another person commented, “I come 40 min before the flight.”

“I’m late to everything EXCEPT the airport,” said one user.

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“I’m a 2-3 hours early person,” another user commented.

“3 hours. Precheck. Lounge. Mimosas. Chill. Stroll onto the flight. Rushing around an airport is not for me,” a woman said.

rushing in airport

A TikToker claims he arrives at the airport six and a half hours before his flight. Social media users weigh in. (iStock)

One TikToker added, “…and I thought I was extreme showing up 3 hours before.”

“One time my parents were so early they put them on an earlier flight.. like a 3 hours earlier flight,” said another.

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Another user added, “We turned up at the airport 6 hours before once, it was so boring.”

The TikTok user who posted the video confirmed to Fox News Digital that the video was a joke.

A TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital, “We recommend that travelers arrive at the checkpoint two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight.”

people rushing in airport

A TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital they suggest arriving two hours at the checkpoint before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. (iStock)

“For [the] holiday season, travelers need to factor in a few other considerations. For example, at some airports, traffic is so heavy on the roads around the airport that you need to plan for additional time to get to the airport,” said the spokesperson. 

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In 2023, the AAA projected that 55.4 million people would travel for Thanksgiving and another 115.2 million would travel for the Christmas period.

“Families will be traveling with small children to spend the holiday with other family members and seniors will be doing the same. Often, families with children have lots of carry-on items,” the TSA spokesperson said.

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“And seniors who perhaps only travel once a year (at Thanksgiving) take a little longer to go through the screening process because they are not familiar with the process.”

Veterans Day prompts travel companies to honor veterans, military personnel with special promotions

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As Americans prepare to honor heroes on Veterans Day, some travel companies are offering specials to give veterans and military personnel well-deserved vacations.

Sarah Basham, a travel advisor and supervisor at Travelmation, a licensed travel agency based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been a military spouse for more than 25 years.

Basham told Fox News Digital that for active-duty families, time together is “often fleeting.” 

‘NATIONAL TREASURE’ HONORING US COAST GUARD TO FEATURE PRICELESS ARTIFACTS, WWII SHIP

“We don’t always know what our schedule for the year will be, so when our service members are home we make the most of every minute. Vacations are a way for us to get away from the pressure of service and really connect and bond as a family,” said Basham.

A Travelmation travel advisor and military spouse (not pictured) told Fox News Digital, vacations are essential for veterans and their families to look forward to.  (iStock)

Basham said she has seen an increase in military families traveling since 2020.

“Many service members had very strong travel restrictions, so when those were lifted, they were eager to get out and see the world with their families.”

“I have definitely seen an uptick in military families reaching out to book those special vacations,” she added. 

Bashman said there are many travel benefits for military families, and they should “take advantage of them and book a much deserved getaway.”

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Norwegian Cruise Line offers a Military Appreciation Program sharing a 10% discount cruise fare and special onboard amenities and experiences. To enroll, log in or register for an account on ncl.com.

“Norwegian Cruise Line is passionate about supporting the military community as David Herrera, our company president, is a veteran of the Army National Guard,” a representative for Norwegian Cruise Line told Fox News Digital via email.

The cruise line also hosts an onboard reception with the ship’s officers and other military families.

People on beach vacation

Bashman (not pictured) says there are many travel benefits for military families, and they should “take advantage of them and book a much deserved getaway.” (iStock)

The National Park Service is also celebrating Veterans Day by making more than 400 parks available to everyone free of charge.

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The living-history museum, Colonial Williamsburg in Williamsburg, Virginia, is giving free admission on Veterans Day weekend to active-duty military and veterans with their immediate dependents. 

A U.S. military veteran giving a salute.

Some companies and organizations are offering special travel deals to veterans, military personnel and their families in honor of Veterans Day. (James Carbone/Newsday RM via Getty Images)

Sandals & Beaches Resorts is offering military personnel a 15% discount that can be applied to promotions as well. The Veterans Day deal will be offered through Nov. 16.

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“When you are part of a military family, you go through many major life changes – like a move, quite regularly, so it’s essential to have something like a vacation to look forward to. It’s what keeps us going,” said Bashman. 

Former Obama speechwriter says Biden’s decision to run again was a ‘catastrophic’ mistake

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Former Obama speechwriter Jon Favreau said Friday on the “Pod Save America” podcast that President Biden’s decision to run again was a “catastrophic mistake,” and took aim at the Biden-Harris campaign’s messaging throughout the race. 

“Joe Biden’s decision to run for president again was a catastrophic mistake. It just was. He and his inner circle, they refused to believe the polls, they refused to believe he was unpopular, they refused to acknowledge until very late that anyone could be upset about inflation,” Favreau said during the podcast. 

Favreau discussed the results of the election with his fellow “Pod Save America” hosts and explained that Biden repeatedly touted a historically strong economy as the candidate and added, “clearly, 70, 80% of voters don’t believe that.”

“And then after the debate, the Biden people told us that the polls were fine, and Biden was still the strongest candidate. They were privately telling reporters at the time that Kamala Harris couldn’t win. So they were shivving Kamala Harris to reporters while they told everyone else, ‘not a time for an open process,’” Favreau continued. 

Jon Favreau, former chief speechwriter for President Barack Obama, speaks during the Politicon convention inside the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California, U.S., on Saturday, July 29, 2017. During the third annual Politicon pundits, politicians, comedians and entertainers gather to discuss issues that touch all sides of the political spectrum.  (Photographer: Patrick T. Fallon/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

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Favreau also pointed to the Biden campaign’s internal polling numbers. 

“Then we find out when the Biden campaign becomes the Harris campaign, that the Biden campaign’s own internal polling at the time when they were telling us he was the strongest candidate, showed that Donald Trump was going to win 400 electoral votes,” Favreau added.

The president repeatedly dismissed polls showing he was trailing President-elect Donald Trump throughout the race. Prior to dropping out the race and following a rough debate performance, the president told ABC’s George Stephanopoulos that pollsters told him the race was neck-and-neck.

“All pollsters I talk to tell me it’s a toss-up. And when I’m behind… there’s only one poll I’m really far behind, CBS poll and NBC, I mean, excuse me,” Biden said at the time. 

Kamala Harris speaks

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) at Swissotel in Chicago, on June 24, 2022.  (KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

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Tommy Vietor, a co-host of “Pod Save America” pointed to polling that showed voters thought Biden was too old for a second term ahead of the debate, and shared several moments where the president fell short while campaigning for Harris. 

Dan Pfeiffer, another co-host of their podcast, argued that Biden would have done worse in the election than Harris did.

How VPNs shield your identity and secure your financial transactions from theft

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Ever feel like navigating the internet is like walking through a digital minefield? 

With cybercriminals lurking around every corner, protecting your identity and finances can feel daunting. But what if I told you that a VPN could be your secret weapon? 

By masking your IP address and encrypting your data, a VPN makes you nearly invisible to online threats. 

Let’s dive into how this powerful tool can safeguard your online activities and keep your financial transactions secure.

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woman using tablet

A woman using a VPN on a tablet  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

What is a VPN?

A VPN, or virtual private network, is a service that encrypts your internet connection, ensuring that your online activities remain private and secure. By routing your internet traffic through a secure server, VPNs mask your IP address, making it difficult for hackers and malicious entities to track your online behavior.

vpn on laptop

A VPN being used on a laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

CAN YOU BYPASS VPN BLOCKS AND PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY?

How VPNs work

VPNs operate through two primary mechanisms — IP address masking and data encryption. When you connect to a VPN, it hides your real IP address by assigning you a new one from its server network, effectively preventing websites and cybercriminals from tracking your location or identifying you based on your IP address.

Simultaneously, VPNs encrypt all data transmitted between your device and the internet, rendering it unreadable to anyone who might attempt to intercept it. This encryption process ensures that sensitive information, such as credit card details, remains confidential throughout your online activities. By combining these two powerful features, VPNs create a secure tunnel for your internet traffic, significantly enhancing your online privacy and security.

vpn on cellphone

A woman using a VPN on her cell phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

WILL A VPN PREVENT APPS FROM TRACKING ME? 

Protecting against identity theft by using a VPN

Identity theft occurs when someone illegally obtains your personal information to commit fraud. This can lead to unauthorized transactions and damage to your credit status. So, how can a VPN prevent identity theft? By encrypting your internet connection, VPNs protect against data breaches and unauthorized access to personal information, especially on unsecured networks like public Wi-Fi. VPNs also prevent third parties from tracking your online activities, reducing the risk of personal data being harvested for malicious purposes.

WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)?

VPN being used

A woman using a VPN on her laptop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

HOW TO USE VPNS WITHOUT COMPROMISING YOUR BANKING APPS

Using a VPN to reduce risks in online transactions

Online transactions are vulnerable to interception by cybercriminals looking to steal financial information such as credit card numbers and banking credentials. A VPN can be used as a shield for financial data. VPNs ensure that all data exchanged during online transactions is encrypted, making it nearly impossible for hackers to access sensitive financial information. When using public Wi-Fi networks, which are often targeted by cybercriminals, a VPN provides an additional layer of security by encrypting all data transmissions.

woman on cellphone

A woman using a VPN on her cell phone  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Practical tips for using VPNs effectively

1. Choose a reliable VPN provider: Opt for reputable VPN services known for strong encryption standards and no-log policies to ensure maximum privacy and security. For best VPN software, see my expert review of the best VPNs for browsing the web privately on your Windows, Mac, Android and iOS devices

2. Use strong passwords: Combine the use of a VPN with strong, unique passwords for each of your accounts to enhance security. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.

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3. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA): Wherever possible, enable 2FA to add an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

4. Regularly update software: Keep your devices and software updated to protect against vulnerabilities that could be exploited by cybercriminals.

5. Monitor financial accounts: Regularly check bank statements and credit reports for any suspicious activity to catch potential fraud early.

woman using vpn on laptop

A woman working on a laptop using a VPN (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

Kurt’s key takeaways

VPNs play a vital role in protecting your identity and securing financial transactions online. By masking your IP address and encrypting data transmissions, they offer a robust defense against identity theft and credit card fraud. Implementing the tips provided can further enhance your online security, ensuring peace of mind in the digital world.

Have you ever experienced identity theft or fraud? How might the information in this article help you prevent it in the future? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

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Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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Veterans deserve ‘national moment of gratitude’ on Veterans Day to help heal ‘unseen wounds’

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It’s easy to say “thank you for your service” to an American veteran and move on a moment later.

But what about true and meaningful connection that really lasts? 

For Veterans Day this year, a prominent company is hoping that Americans, no matter where they are or who they are, will go beyond the simple words of “thank you” and become “intentional in showing appreciation for our nation’s servicemembers” through a healthy act of connection. 

US ARMY VETERAN STARTS SUCCESSFUL BARBEQUE BUSINESS DESPITE HEALTH CHALLENGES: ‘VERY PROUD’ 

USAA — the financial services company that serves more than 13.5 million members of the U.S. military, as well as veterans who have honorably served, plus their families — is calling for a “national moment of gratitude” on Monday, Nov. 11, at 11 a.m. local time. 

The effort is part of the Texas-based company’s larger “Go Beyond Thanks” campaign. As more veterans in America struggle with mental health issues, “connecting with our veterans is becoming more important,” the company told Fox News Digital. 

USAA has had the opportunity to host Medal of Honor recipients at the company’s headquarters in San Antonio, Texas. Employees are shown gathered to send them off. (USAA)

And younger veterans, in particular, often feel uncomfortable or awkward when people just say “thank you,” the company has found.

Matt Shifrin, a 20-year U.S. Army veteran who is USAA’s executive director and CEO chief of staff, told Fox News Digital in a phone interview, “There are over 17 million living veterans in the United States today. And while that sounds like a lot, there are over 300 million people living in the U.S. So there’s a bit of a divide sometimes between those who have served and those who haven’t served.”

“You might ask veterans how they’re doing.”

To bridge that divide, “we’re asking people to try to ‘go beyond thanks’ this Veterans Day and make a connection with veterans in the community,” he said — “whether it’s with teachers, police officers, or people you work with who have served.”

VETERANS WITH PTSD GET ‘SIGNIFICANT’ BENEFITS FROM SERVICE DOGS, FIRST NIH-FUNDED STUDY FINDS

One way to do that, he suggested, is by asking a veteran to share the details of his or her service. 

William Pekrul gestures on Day 3 of the Republican National Convention

Sgt. William Pekrul, a World War II veteran, is shown gesturing during the Republican National Convention (RNC), at the Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, July 17, 2024.  (REUTERS/Mike Segar)

“You might ask them where they served, what they did for the country — and how they’re doing.”

In turn, veterans can reciprocate, he said — and ask others about their work, their lives, their own contributions both locally and nationally whatever those contributions might be, “even what keeps them up at night,” he said. 

“I think we’re going to find that there’s a lot of similarity between the two groups,” he said.

“This is one team — and this effort can bring us together as a country.”

Another way to show gratitude: Stop by a local American Legion or VFW post or event. Drop by a VA hospital. Check in with community centers about veterans events. It’s about being intentional, said USAA. 

US MARINE CORPS VETERAN WHO LOST LEGS IN AFGHANISTAN SAYS A NONPROFIT HELPED HIM STAY ALIVE

Still more ways are to send a text, make a phone call or visit a veteran one on one. 

USAA veterans

Maj. Gen. (Ret.) John Richardson and fellow USAA employee veterans lead over 400 USAA employees at an event in October, in which participants gain a better understanding of the military community they serve. (USAA)

Either way, the goal is to “create a meaningful and supportive connection with our veterans.”  

Shifrin added, “America doesn’t work without those who decide to serve and without those who are back home doing the hard work, generating the economic engine that makes us so capable, providing support to veterans and bringing them together. This is one team — and this effort can bring us together as a country.”

ARMY VETERAN SAYS FAITH IN GOD SAVED HIS LIFE AFTER 12 SUICIDE ATTEMPTS: ‘SOMETHING STRONGER THAN MYSELF’

He added, “It is worth the time to engage in a little bit more than just, ‘Thank you.’ Serving is a defining moment in people’s lives and most people, we’ve found, are generally willing to talk about their service.”

He said the interaction and connection can help heal “the unseen wounds” that many veterans carry around with them. 

“We’re really hoping to start building those relationships between people.”

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Added Air Force Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Bob LaBrutta, vice president of survivorship and claims at USAA, “As Veterans Day parades and celebrations dwindle compared to years past, besides thanking us for our service and providing sales discounts, we’ve found that many Americans aren’t sure how to show their appreciation for our nation’s veterans,” he noted in a statement.

Homeless veteran

Another way to show gratitude, advises USAA: Stop by a local American Legion or VFW post or event. Drop by a VA hospital. Check in with community centers about veterans events.  (Francine Orr/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)

He said no matter how busy, people can take a bit of time for veterans who have served the nation.

“It’s a mantra that runs deep in the military – look to the left and look to the right to make sure your battle buddies, shipmates, devil dogs, wingmen, guardians or coasties are OK.” 

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More information about the campaign can be found on various social media platforms at #GoBeyondThanks. 

A coalition created by USAA, Face the Fight, is also charged with raising awareness and support for veteran and military suicide prevention.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health

Founded in 1922, USAA is a leading provider of insurance, banking and retirement solutions in the United States. 

Maureen Mackey is managing editor of lifestyle at Fox News Digital.

Score big on Amazon Black Friday 2024 with my insider tips

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Amazon’s Black Friday sales event will start on Friday, Nov. 22, and end on Friday, Nov. 29. This is Amazon’s longest Black Friday sale yet. 

The first phase of deals is from Nov. 22-28, and, from Nov. 29, expect exclusive deals.

During the main Black Friday event, you can browse through deals from a wide number of categories, including major TV brands, smart home devices, fashion, beauty and wellness, furniture, pet supplies, tools, fitness equipment and more.

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amazon app

A woman using the Amazon app to shop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST HOME SECURITY SYSTEMS

How to work the deals — be fast!

Black Friday deals can expire in minutes, and some deals conclude when inventory is gone. Inside the Black Friday event are promotions called Spotlight Deals, Gold Box Deals of the Day and Lightning Deals. I rank these in order of urgency.

The Lightning Deals almost always offer the best prices and last for a small window of time or when sold out, sometimes even just minutes. Even though it may look like a deal is gone, there’s a tip below that could provide an easy workaround to getting the deal anyway.

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woman on phone

A woman using the Amazon app to shop  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST GIFTS FOR WOMEN 2024

CyberGuy Black Friday battle plan tips

  • Create a Wishlist on Amazon. Put on it everything you buy on a recurring basis throughout the year, like dog food, light bulbs and staple goods. Add upcoming birthdays and big-ticket items you have been holding off buying, and get your holiday list done for Christmas gifts way ahead of time while saving huge.
  • “Join Waitlist” on sold-out products you want and missed. Think it’s sold out? Maybe not. Items sitting in another shopper’s cart expire if not purchased within 15 minutes. If you are on a waitlist, you could get notified that the deal is yours.
  • Download the Amazon smartphone or tablet app to see deals first. The app shows deals coming first and allows you to create a “Watch this deal” list to get notified when a deal is going live.
  • Say, “Alexa, what are your deals?” for exclusive offers. You can power through this audio form of deals by saying “Alexa, next” as they are being described to advance to the next deal. Voice shopping is a complete hassle, and Amazon knows it. That’s why it is tempting us to try it with even better deals than what you can find on the site.
  • Compare prices at other retailers like BestBuy, Walmart, Kohls and Target since so many other sources are taking advantage of the Black Friday excitement.

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woman on laptop

A woman shopping on the Amazon website  (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

BEST GIFTS FOR MEN 2024

Watch out for these losing Black Friday mishaps

  • Avoid Unknown Brands that can often disappoint
  • Avoid Fake Reviews by using fakespot.com. Instead of adding its browser extension, just link to the search field to copy and paste an Amazon product listing. Fakespot will analyze the results to show a letter grade and explanation. The goal is to weed out fake reviews and identify troubled listings.
  • Avoid overpaying by checking the lowest price history at CamelCamelCamel. A price history of almost every Amazon item is recorded here to show if you are really getting the lowest price.
  • Avoid the Amazon Assistant browser plug-in for privacy concerns. While Amazon’s browser plug-in can make comparing items and tracking deals convenient, it also comes at a cost to your personal privacy in the way it can track your web browser activity.

HOW TO REMOVE YOUR PRIVATE DATA FROM THE INTERNET 

Kurt’s key takeaways

As you prepare for Amazon’s longest Black Friday sales event yet, from Nov. 22-29, get ready to uncover some fantastic deals. With a wide range of categories, including electronics, home goods and fashion, there’s something special waiting just for you. Remember, timing is everything. Many of the best offers will only last for a short window. So, having a solid plan will help you grab those must-have items. Be sure to take advantage of the Amazon app and ask Alexa for notifications on the latest deals. Happy shopping, and may you score some incredible savings this holiday season.

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What types of products are you most excited to shop for during Amazon’s Black Friday event and why? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact

For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com.  All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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US Army veteran starts successful BBQ business despite challenges: ‘Very proud’

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An Army veteran went from the battlefield to the barbecue.

Steven Rossler, owner and operator of Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue in Harker Heights, Texas, previously served in the Army for 20 years.

Before retiring in 2020, Rossler, 43, completed deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq and received a Bronze Star Medal for valor.

US MARINE CORPS VETERAN WHO LOST LEGS IN AFGHANISTAN SAYS A NONPROFIT HELPED HIM STAY ALIVE

In an interview with Fox News Digital, Rossler shared that he first wanted to be a cook in the military, but he joined as an infantryman and was stationed in Hawaii.

After experiencing the loss of some fellow soldiers, Rossler was in a “really bad spot” when he started cooking and barbecuing, which led to the start of his business in 2016.

Rossler’s Blue Cord Barbecue has been named in Texas Monthly’s 25 Best New and Improved BBQ Joints in Texas. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund)

Overcoming mental health obstacles

Rossler also struggled with the effects of active combat, including tinnitus, a traumatic brain injury, a lower back injury and mental health challenges like PTSD and alcohol abuse.

“For a long period of time, alcohol was something I used to [help me] cope,” he told Fox News Digital.

“When you see the things I’ve seen, when you see the devil face to face, those are things you can’t get out of your head.”

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Through those challenges, Rossler was kept afloat by his wife and two daughters – Paisley, 9, and Julianne, 6 – and his drive to pursue his barbecue business.

“I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he said. “It was just a matter of achieving that, a matter of getting there with the proper headspace.”

rossler receiving bronze award in the army

While serving in the Army, Rossler received a Bronze Star for valor for a maneuver to save soldiers from a burning vehicle. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund)

A much-needed boost

Rossler credited Semper Fi & America’s Fund – a California-based nonprofit that assists wounded veterans – for helping to get his business off the ground.

The Fund assisted with the technical aspects of running a small business, like budgeting and cost analysis.

“They’ve helped me, and they never treated me any differently,” Rossler said. “It’s been awesome.”

NATIONAL NONPROFIT REACHES $300 MILLION IN FUNDS DISTRIBUTED TO BENEFIT COMBAT-WOUNDED SERVICE MEMBERS

He now runs Rossler’s Barbecue alongside his wife and daughters, who he considers the “backbone of our business.”

The company primarily operates out of a food trailer, which is open two days a week in Harker Heights, and handles large catering jobs and festivals on the remaining days.

rossler and crew in his food truck

“I don’t think it’s ever too late to achieve something you want to do in life,” Rossler said. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund)

“There’s nothing better than seeing [customers] take that first bite,” he said.

The business has been “constantly evolving” since its 2016 launch, Rossler said, as the family continually improves the menu offerings.

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“It’s just cool to see all these people [and] soldiers from all over coming and eating,” he said. “And they’re just like, ‘Man, this is so good. We love what you’re doing. You’re a veteran. You’re thriving.'”

Rossler is already passing the entrepreneurial torch to his oldest daughter, who he described as a hard worker and “very selfless.”

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“She can outwork most men I’ve ever come across,” he said. “She has a heart of gold, but her work ethic she gets from her mom.” 

rossler in his bbq food trailer

Brisket, turkey and raspberry pork belly burnt ends are some of the most popular items on the menu at Rossler’s Barbecue. (Semper Fi & America’s Fund)

Rossler urges other veterans to not rely on alcohol as a coping mechanism.

“Go seek help. Go see a therapist, see whoever you have to,” he advised. “There are so many different organizations out there that are willing to help out.”

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“To all my brothers and sisters in arms out there who ever served, I really love you guys,” he added. “I really, truly mean that.”

Semper Fi & America’s Fund announced that through Dec. 31, The Bob & Renee Parsons Foundation and PXG will match all donations made to the Fund up to $10 million.

Angelica Stabile is a lifestyle reporter for Fox News Digital.

Arizona flight passenger goes viral after leaving unmarked powdery substance in luggage, TSA inspects her bags

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An air traveler’s recent mistake led to her luggage getting flagged by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

After making it to her destination, Anna McKay of Phoenix, Arizona, noticed her bag had been inspected along with a note from TSA.

“I opened my luggage and had an inspection tag on it, and everything looked normal until I got to my bag of fiber, which looks like it has been rummaged through because this is not how I packed it,” McKay said in her viral TikTok video.

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McKay realized it was her clear bag of “the powder we travel with as millennials” that might have raised some concern with security, according to her video.

Anna McKay of Phoenix, Ariz., opened her luggage after a day of traveling and found a TSA notice in her bag notifying her that an agent had inspected her baggage. (Anna McKay/@unafraidduck757)

What TSA found was a bag of powdered fiber McKay packed in her luggage, she said.

“I hadn’t realized how goofy that was going to look and did it mindlessly. It wasn’t until I opened my bag and realized how bad it looked that I knew I had messed that one up,” McKay told Fox News Digital.

“I’ve had my bags searched a handful of times before, so I didn’t pay any mind. But when I saw the suspicious baggie that looked disheveled, I realized [it was the reason] behind the little TSA card.”

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The card McKay found in her bag was a “Notice of Bag Inspection,” which notified her that an agent had to physically inspect her bag after a screening.

TSA notice

McKay noticed that her bag was in disarray before realizing her bag of white powder may have looked suspicious. (Anna McKay/@unafraidduck757)

“TSA may inspect your checked baggage during the screening process. If your property is physically inspected, TSA will place a notice of baggage inspection inside your bag. This is to inform you that an officer conducted an inspection of your property,” according to TSA’s website.

McKay knew that flying with the container of fiber would not be necessary, so she decided to add the amount she would need for her three-day trip in a clear, plastic bag to avoid any possible spillage from the powder’s original packaging.

She said she knew that the fiber was not banned from the flight, so she didn’t think twice about bringing it along.

AIRLINE PASSENGER SAYS SHE RECEIVED ‘CREEPIEST’ TEXT FROM STRANGER WHO SAW PHONE NUMBER ON HER LUGGAGE TAG

“I knew it wasn’t a banned substance, but I also wasn’t concerned with losing it. If it was gone, I was going to be able to simply buy more. It didn’t cross my mind that it could have caused some questions,” McKay added.

Arizona woman's Bag of powdered fiber packed in airline luggage

The bag of white powder in McKay’s bag was her “millennial powder,” aka fiber powder. (Anna McKay/@unafraidduck757)

TSA was able to pack her bag back up after the powder had passed inspection, but agents still needed to notify McKay that her bag had been looked through.

“It is just nothing more than a notification that a TSA inspection had to occur with a checked bag and then, presumably, if all security issues were addressed, then everything would be closed back up and no issues,” a TSA spokesperson told Fox News Digital.

“Items that are prohibited, in the instance of a powdery substance, law enforcement would be called because TSA is not a drug expert when screening for drugs. But if drugs are suspected, then we have an obligation to call local law enforcement over for their review of the item and if it’s deemed in this case, as you said, something that is over the counter and benign.”

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McKay said she found the whole incident to be a “goofy snafu” and is laughing at her slight error.

bag of fiber in luggage

Social media users laughed alongside McKay, and many suggested she label the clear bag in the future. (Anna McKay/@unafraidduck757)

Other social media users appeared to laugh alongside her, while others shared their TSA mishaps in the comments section.

“As a gym bro, I always travel with my preworkout, protein powder, creatine, bcaa, and nitric oxide it’s a mess!!,” one user commented.

“Time to switch to fiber gummies,” another user shared.

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Others recommended labeling the bags with a marker, as some sort of identifier.

TSA white powder split

McKay’s white powder snafu has drawn 1 million views on TikTok, which resulted in the Phoenix resident getting free packets of Benefiber from the company after it saw her video, McKay said. (Anna McKay/@unafraidduck757)

TSA does not prohibit someone from traveling with powder-like substances, but there are certain rules in place.

“Powder-like substances greater than 12 oz./350 mL must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening,” TSA’s website says.

“They may require additional screening and containers may need to be opened. For your convenience, we encourage you to place non-essential powders greater than 12 oz. in checked bags.”

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After McKay shared her video on TikTok, where it garnered 1 million views, Benefiber sent her individual packs of the powder to avoid any future snafus, McKay said.

Sydney Borchers is a lifestyle production assistant with Fox News Digital. 

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