One of the most frustrating things about travelling solo is landing in a foreign country only to realise you’ve forgotten to set up a local phone carrier and have no Wi-Fi to find your way around.

Take a wrong turn and a many dark alleyways await you.

On top of this there’s also the dilemma of having to look for sights to see, tracking your connecting tickets and scheduling your movements down to a tee. In other words it can be a nightmare for those who suck at planning.

The smart cookies at Google want to change that with its latest travel guide app known as Google Trips. Released free to the public today, the app is designed to be the future of travel guides and organisers with the added benefit of being able to operate completely offline.

Users simply put their travel details into the app prior to leaving and Google will do most of the rest and download everything it needs, using its vast network to recommend places of interest based on your search history or designated location.

Daily itineraries can be customised by users once you input where you’re going and how long each stop will take. If you can’t be bothered, Google Trips will happily do that for you. All it needs to know is your location and how much time you have before it maps out all of the popular locations in your surrounding area.

Travel apps like this aren’t new but it’s the integration with Gmail where your tickets are stored and the search engine’s vast geographical database available offline that should make it a more attractive option to seasoned globetrotters and beginners alike.

Sorry Liam Neeson, you will no longer need to find and kill anyone.

The post Google Trips Is Making Solo Travel Safer appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Bad news night dwellers. You could be sexually frustrated if the latest research proves true.

Scientists from Italy’s University of Siena have found that exposure to bright lights can lead to a higher level of sexual satisfaction in men who suffer from low sexual desire.

The results were stumbled upon whilst the scientists were using a light box to treat specific forms of depression. What they discovered instead was that the bright light caused men to show an increased level of testosterone – a naturally occurring sex hormone in the male body.

The university conducted their study on 38 men who had suffered from low sex drive. Half of those test subjects were treated with a light box whilst the remaining half were treated with a similar light box that emitted significantly less light. Tests were conducted for a duration of 30 minutes over a fortnight.

RELATED: These Personality Traits Are Linked To More & Better Sex

At the end of the study men who were exposed to the brighter light were found to have tripled their sexual satisfaction whilst the other group remained sexually unchanged. Based on these testosterone levels, the bright light men showed a gain from 2.1 ng/ml to 3.6 ng/ml whilst the controlled group displayed little to no increase.

Professor Andrea Fagiolini who led the study believes that there is a perfectly logical reason for this finding which involves the seasons and varying sun light levels.

“In the northern hemisphere, the body’s testosterone production naturally declines from November through until April and then rises steadily through the spring and summer with a peak in October.”

“You see the effect of this in reproductive rates, with the month of June showing the highest rate of conception. The use of the light box really mimics what nature does.”

Professor Fagiolini believes that light therapy could be used to inhibit the pineal gland located in the centre of the brain which in turn allows more testosterone to be produced.

More specifically, a patient looking into a light box will have light waves hitting the back of their eye. This is then converted into a message to be sent to different parts of the brain which controls sleep, appetite, sex drive, temperature, mood and activity.

Don’t go scurrying to shine a torch in your face just yet though. A proper light box utilises bright fluorescent tubes which have about ten times the intensity of household lights. So put your iPhone down.

For now the academics believe that more studies need to be conducted in order recommend the procedure as a clinical treatment. If the concept does stand on its own (sorry), then patients can expect the same benefits of medication without the side effects. Or you could just eat these magic sex foods.

The post Studies Find That Bright Lights Increase Sexual Satisfaction In Men appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Humans are often so enthralled in their own lives on ground that little attention is given to the skies. Thankfully the cool kids at the Royal Observatory Greenwich of the UK hold an annual competition to track down these images and their talented photographers.

This year’s prize money reached a grand total of £10,000 which is more than enough to bring out some of the best amongst the wood work. There could only be one winner though and that man was China’s Yu Jun who captured a mesmerising photo in the Sun category.

Named ‘Baily’s Beads’, the image portrays multiple silhouettes of the sun with The Guardian explaining that the phenomenon is actually a visual effect caused by the moon passing over the sun. This in effect causes the minuscule beads of light to peak through for a truly unique image beyond our atmosphere.

The other images include the sun giving off solar flares, the iconic aurora borealis and numerous starry cityscapes from unique perspectives. Even deep space doesn’t escape the lens with whole other galaxies stunningly captured by people from around the world.

The post Winning Photos Showcase Hidden Parts Of The Universe appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Daring and bold, red commands attention and stimulates the senses. At its best, it’s the colour of passion, romance, and glamour. At its worse, it’s a shade we associate with anger and aggression.So how do you embrace red interior design without seeing red?First, consider the shade. A vibrant scarlet is invigorating. A subdued wine hue is sophisticated. An earthen red is rustic and inviting. What feeling do you want to create in the room?Second, consider the intensity. Red walls are a dramatic statement that will spice up some spaces and overpower others. An accent wall can be used to incorporate the colour without overwhelming the eyes. If paint isn’t the cards at all, bring red in via décor and furniture. A sofa, a rug, curtains, throw pillows, blankets, light fixtures, art – any design element is an opportunity to introduce a loud colour in a more muted way.Finally, consider your style. If you’re inclined towards contemporary interiors, blend neutral elements with bright red. If you prefer traditional interiors, burgundies and other rich tones are better suited. In all cases, it’s a colour to wield with care. Red should entice and intrigue, not irritate.Flip through the gallery of red interior design inspiration above to see how the pros get it done.

The post 35 Examples Of Eye-Popping Red Interior Design appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

This following article has been sponsored by Mercedes-Benz

A man can never have enough luxury and space in his life. This is certainly the case for a bachelor pad, but on four wheels that task can be a little harder to achieve.

Thankfully zee Germans are onto it and have duly delivered with their revamped estate cruiser which exudes pure elegance, space and so much more. Say hello to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake.

“The ‘Shooting Brake’ term originated from Britain in the early 19th century where vehicles were used to ferry around shooting parties along with their guns and game.”

This year sees the Silver Arrows bringing some much-welcomed features to the CLA badge and it’s not just in the looks department either.

We were recently handed the keys to one to find out how the car would perform in Sydney’s notorious traffic. What we discovered was a lesson in motoring composure and class.

Sitting Pretty

For those who don’t know, the oddball ‘Shooting Brake’ term originated from Britain in the early 19th century where vehicles were used to ferry around shooting parties along with their guns and game. No one knows where the ‘Brake’ part came from, but it eventually stuck.

These days we’re not allowed to shoot things at will but the driving part with cars named ‘Shooting Brake’ is still definitely cool.

Sitting pretty at the pick-up centre, the CLA Shooting Brake exuded this very cool factor with ease, helped along with a striking deep midnight blue hue which lingered from gloss black to a deep blue at different angles. It was love at first sight in the most grown-up way possible.

Beyond that, Mercedes-Benz made sure to tweak the exterior to give the CLA the expressive road presence it deserved. This comes in the form of new grille inserts with the signature 3D diamond elements and a much more fluid front bumper.

The swooping rear roofline is what stands out the most though, with lines that flow right through the back of a roof spoiler featuring a subtle gurney flap. Overall this adds a sleek sports tourer feel to an otherwise practical and luxurious people mover.

With the updated alloy wheels, the CLA looks more in line with the wild child of the family, the A45 AMG. The y-spoke wheels look right at home on the 2016 model and provide a great contrast to a distinct shape. The only thing drivers need to worry about is not scratching them – hard to do with the mind-boggling array of sensors in the car. More on that later.

Class Leading Interior

The CLA’s interior is where it scores most of its points from our driving experience. Inside is the expected refreshed leather seat trims, chrome plated controls and signature red seat belts whilst the infotainment system has also been given a good once over by designers. Rear head space was aplenty even with the sloping roofline of the Shooting Brake design.

A revised smartphone integration system allows the car to pair more efficiently with Apple’s CarPlay and Google’s Android Auto platforms. The result? A host of new functions which can now be controlled on the CLA’s steering wheel and dedicated infotainment system, meaning less distractions from the road in front of you.

A pleasing addition for us was the ambient purple interior lighting allocated around the door handles and a glovebox equipped with two USB ports, one with lightning USB and the other with micro USB capabilities.  

Under The Bonnet

The CLA comes in various engine options and ours was the Sport version equipped with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four cylinder.

The power figures aren’t massive by any means but at 160kW and 350Nm of torque, it was more than enough to haul a full load of five adults with luggage in comfort around town.

There was a noticeable difference with the car loaded and with just the driver plus a passenger. Throttle response picked up a lot quicker from 2,000rpm where the turbo started to do its job. One little thing we liked was the exhaust note which made small burbling and pop noises to remind you that the CLA did have some guts when poked hard enough.

With the help of the engine start-stop feature, the intuitive CLA affords a very respectable 7.0L/100km.

Around Town

Mercedes-Benz have built the perfect car for Sydney’s road conditions in the CLA. We actually mean it.

Whether it was sitting in traffic in comfort with the engine automatically turning off at stops or cruising the open highways with a full load, the car took everything in its stride and did it with dignity. Even Sydney’s deteriorating roads were made redundant, making way for a quality ride all round and little road noise making its way into the attractive cabin.

Practicality was a winner in our books with a hands-free opening boot allowing passengers to throw luggage into the back whilst their hands were full.

Last Words

What some may consider over the top when it comes to safety measures, Mercedes-Benz considers standard.

It may take some time to get used to the array of beeping warning signals but we can definitely see the benefit of its inclusion in the CLA.

When driving behind another car, the CLA’s array of sensors can pick up its speed and warn the you if the driver in front is slowing down and you’re too close to brake in time. It’s all about prevention via predicting the behaviour of the cars around it and this is one feature that puts the CLA in a class of its own.

It’s also a reason why we’d consider one if ever we ever decided to spawn a young family. 

The post Behind The Wheel Of The Mercedes-Benz CLA Shooting Brake appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

This story was originally published on Gizmodo

Actual lab tests have revealed that the commonly-cited five-second rule doesn’t hold up. And yet, they still can’t stop me from eating this piece of floor candy! Who’s in charge now, Science?

The five-second rule — which says that you can still happily snack on fallen food as long as you scoop it back up within five seconds — has been the subject of some disagreement among scientists.

Previous lab tests have suggested that there might actually have some backing behind it, but although the tests took place in a lab, they didn’t come with an accompanying published study. The only published study on the subject had found that bacteria transfer did indeed start happening from the first moment your food hits the floor.

Now, a new study published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology by researchers at the University of Rutgers confirms there is no grace period of five seconds for your food to spend on the floor.

More bacteria can get on your food the longer it’s on the floor, but, just like in the previously published study, they found that contamination had already started at initial food-to-floor contact.

Researches also found that the type of food that’s fallen down and the type of surface it fell onto matters. Falling on stainless steel may sound like the cleanest option, but carpet was actually the best floor surface to eat off of — beating steel, ceramic, and wood — probably because its rough texture minimizes contact with the floor.

Additionally, the higher the moisture content of the food, the more quickly it picked up bacteria. Of the foods tested, a watermelon sample picked up the most bacteria, while a gummy candy picked up the least.

So, perhaps that floor candy is, if not good-to-eat, better than the other options.

Gizmodo explores the smart design, breakthrough science and awe-inspiring tech shaping your future.

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The post Evidence Reveals The Five Second Rule Doesn't Work appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Sunsets on the beach, a cinematic skyline, the latest celebrity hotspots, and an ultra-iconic sign: welcome to Los Angeles, a city so steeped in myth and movie magic, it’s almost hard to believe it’s real.

This is no set. LA is the Entertainment Capital Of The World, the City of Angels, La La Land, Tinseltown. It’s starlets stumbling out of Château Marmont. It’s nightlife on the Sunset Strip. It’s hiking Runyon Canyon. It’s socialites getting papped at Nobu and college students getting their grub on at taco stands. It’s world-class museums, shopping on Rodeo Drive, and tourists on the Walk of Fame. It’s year-round shorts weather.

With so much going for it, it’s no wonder people the world over are California dreaming.

A holiday in Hollyweird deserves no ordinary accommodations, and for that, we turn to Airbnb. The vacation rental giant always delivers on unique stays, whether they’re unforgettably stylish or simply strange. Check out the slideshow above for some of coolest Airbnbs in Los Angeles right now (including a cottage built by Charlie Chaplin himself).

The post The 12 Coolest Airbnbs in Los Angeles Right Now appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

We know most of you are probably trying to be responsible by saving up for that next investment property (or a $2M Aston Martin), but that doesn’t mean the notion of cheap thrills needs to escape you.

Previously we proved that smiles behind the wheel could be obtained both at the AU$20,0000 and $5,000 mark. Today we’re slotting into the middle to hunt down those remaining killer drives we may have missed.

#1 Mercedes-Benz 300E

The 80s was a special time in European motoring with masculine car designs oozing loads of character onto the streets. This eventually made them the perfect ride amongst gangsters and Miami Vice types. Mercedes-Benz was one such brand which gave off this appeal back in the day, but fast forward to the present and their 300E is now the perfect sub-$10K candidate for those who love a good cruise. Find one in good condition and it could come with a full AMG bodykit to further accentuate the car’s sportier lines. Its 3.0-litre in-line six cylinder engine only affords 135kW but you do get creature comforts like electric sunroof and electric seats.

#2 Renault Megane Sport 225

Some have questioned the reliability of Renaults but one can’t deny the firecracker performance of their little Megane in Sport 225 trim. Yes, it’s butt-ugly, yes it may breakdown eventually, but all cars do and the Megane Sport 225 makes up for that with a sweet sounding 2.0-litre turbo which loves to sing across the rev range. Besides 165kW and 300Nm to get things moving, the car also comes optioned with a host of modern goodies like eight airbags, ABS Brembo brakes, rain sensors and leather all round. Did we mention under $10,000?

#3 Honda Integra Type-R

Back in the 90s when Honda had the balls to build civilian cars that excited the senses, there came a FWD coupe called the Integra Type R. The car was so well-received for its engineering precision that it reached a cult like status for almost a decade after its release. Besides being the poster child for street racing hoons, cleaner examples that were left unmolested remained a sought after ride, lauded for its high-revving 1.8-litre motor and razor sharp lightweight chassis. A guarantee to provide endless smiles through the bends with factory Recaro seats holding you tightly in the driver’s seat.

#4 Mazda 6 MPS

Stepping away from the frantic hot hatches and coupes that dominate this price bracket, we have the forgotten performance sedan from Mazda. Those familiar with the Mazda 6 will know of it as an economical family sedan which could get you from point A to B without a hassle. With the Toyota Camry and Honda Accord also competing in this segment, no one really catered to the older gentlemen who had families but longed for the days of speed. Mazda answered that call and came up with an AWD version of the 6 before cramming in its manic 190kW 2.3-litre four cylinder engine borrowed from the Mazda 3 MPS. It was a bigger and heavier car but it’s one hell of a sleeper that could get up to speed if it wanted to. It didn’t sell well because it only came in a six-speed manual – but that’s a good thing in your world, isn’t it?

#5 Volkwagen Golf GTI

Jumping into another iconic hot hatch that will get the blood pumping in no time is the MK V GTI. It’s relatively reliable as a go-getter around town but take it onto the twisties and the GTI will take on another character thanks to its 2.0-litre turbo four which musters a 147kW and 280Nm to the front wheels. Given it’s not too old a car, it also afford modern luxuries like climate control and 7.0L/100km fuel efficiency.

#6 Mazda 3 MPS

Welcome to torque steer central. That’s not to say the feral behaviour of the little Mazda 3 MPS won’t put a smile on your face. The car packs the aforementioned 2.3-litre turbo four as found in the 6 MPS albeit in a much lighter chassis and with power sent to the front wheels. It;s tame enough around town even though the exhaust maybe loud but once you open it up you better be ready to wrestle that steering wheel as 190kW and 280Nm is on tap for some front-wheel tyre burning.

#7 Toyota MR2 Spyder

The poor man’s Lotus returns in the later model MR2 Spyder, a compact mid-ship with a high-revving 1.8-litre engine crammed behind the driver’s head and the rear axle. Its quirky looks may deter some but the MR2 Spyder had no issues amping up the fun factor with the top down on the bends. Being a Toyota, it was also civil enough to trawl quietly through traffic even if it just had one passenger seat.

#8 Mitsubishi Colt Ralliart Edition

This forgotten bastard child remains as one of today’s more fun cars to drive on the cheap. The Ralliart Colt was a frankenstein hatch which borrowed engineering cues from its older brother, the Lancer Evolution and merged it with the grocery-getter Colt. A 1.5-litre turbo four with 113kW and 201Nm was sent to the front wheels, which might not sound like a lot until you remember that the car weighs just a bit over a tonne. You also get an equally cute and menacing bodykit with gaping vents to let those around you know that you mean business…of picking up the kids. Fast.

The post Most Rewarding Cars To Drive For Under $10,000 appeared first on DMARGE Australia.

Humans tend to take the local wildlife for granted whilst busy chasing imaginary animals on their phones. Thankfully there’s an annual shindig called the British Wildlife Photography Awards which celebrates the most diverse (real) wildlife the surrounding region has to offer.

It’s no walk in the park bird watching to make it to the top of this competition. Contestants range in the thousands across fifteen categories which covers everything from animal portraits to seasons to marine life and urban wildlife.

There could only be one winner though and that was George Stoyle’s “Hitchhikers”, a giant jelly fish shot off one of the UK’s most remote islands. The marine ecologist who has almost twenty years worth of photography experience under his belt said that the photo came about accidentally.

“I was working on a project to assess the current biological status of major sea caves around some of the UK’s most remote islands,” he said.

“At the end of one of the dives I was swimming back to the boat when I came face-to-face with the largest jellyfish I’ve ever encountered. As I approached cautiously I noticed that a number of juvenile fish had taken refuge inside the stinging tentacles.”

Hence the name, ‘Hitchhikers’ was given.

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