Category: Trivia

Ethics is a fascinating field of study that has interested philosophers for centuries. Ethics involves the study of moral principles and values, and how we should act in different situations. It’s a vital field to understand, as ethical thinking can be applied to almost every aspect of our lives, from our personal relationships to our professional interactions and beyond. But for those who are new to the field, it can be tough to know where to start or even what ethics is all about.

Let’s take a closer look at the five facts and insights that make up this mini-course in ethics.

Fact 1: Ethics is a Branch of Philosophy 

Firstly, it’s important to understand that ethics is one branch of philosophy. Philosophy, in general, is the study of fundamental questions about knowledge, reality, and existence. In contrast, ethics is focused specifically on moral principles and values. It concerns itself with questions like what is right and wrong, what constitutes a good action, and what virtues we should strive to embody. Ethics has a long history spanning thousands of years and continues to be a fascinating and evolving field to this day.

Fact 2: Ethics is Not the Same as Religion or Law 

Secondly, it’s crucial to note that ethics is not the same as religion or law. While these fields overlap in some respects, each approach moral questions differently. For example, religions often have specific moral codes that their adherents are expected to follow. However, ethical principles can vary widely across cultures and religions, and ethical decisions are not always a matter of religious adherence.

Similarly, while laws are often based on ethical principles, laws can be far from perfect. They can sometimes fail to reflect the complexity of moral dilemmas or create unforeseen consequences. In contrast, ethical thinking involves much deeper moral reasoning that may differ from the legal code.

Fact 3: Ethics Involves Moral Reasoning 

Thirdly, ethics involves moral reasoning. When faced with an ethical dilemma, we need to apply our moral principles and values to make a decision. Moral reasoning is the process of analyzing these principles and values to determine the best course of action. It’s essential to understand how to use moral reasoning to make sound ethical decisions, both in your personal life and in a professional setting.

Insight 1: Ethics is Subjective 

One of the most important insights that “A Tiny Course In Ethics” offers is that ethics is subjective. What one person considers ethically right might not be the same for another person. Our personal values and beliefs play a significant role in shaping our ethical principles. Therefore, it’s essential to take other people’s viewpoints into account when making ethical decisions. Being aware of your own subjective biases can help you to make better ethical choices in the long run.

Insight 2: Ethics is Complex 

Another key insight provided by this mini-course is that ethics is complex. Ethical dilemmas often involve a range of different factors that must be taken into account when making a decision. Some ethical dilemmas may also have no clear-cut answers, making them difficult to resolve. In these cases, the best course of action may be to consult with others and consider all the different perspectives before making a final decision.

Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior, social relationships, and institutions. It seeks to understand how individuals and groups interact with one another, and how social structures shape our beliefs, values, and attitudes.

As a subject, sociology is unique in that it draws from many different fields, including psychology, economics, anthropology, and political science. By combining these different perspectives, sociologists are able to gain a comprehensive understanding of human behavior and society.

Five Key Facts about Sociology

Fact 1: Sociologists study patterns of behavior in society.

One of the primary goals of sociology is to identify and analyze patterns of behavior in society. These patterns can include everything from social norms and values to political ideologies and cultural practices.

By studying these patterns, sociologists can gain a better understanding of how they shape individual behavior and contribute to the larger social structure. This information is then used to develop theories and concepts that help explain why people behave the way they do.

Fact 2: Social institutions play a crucial role in shaping society.

Social institutions, such as schools, churches, and governments, play a critical role in shaping society. They provide individuals with a framework for how to behave and help to establish social norms and values.

Sociologists study these institutions in order to understand how they function, and how they impact individual behavior and the larger societal structure. For example, a sociologist might study how schools reinforce certain gender roles or how governments shape public opinion on social issues.

Fact 3: Social inequality is a key area of study for sociologists.

Social inequality is a major issue in modern society, and it is a key area of study for sociologists. Sociologists study inequalities based on race, gender, class, and other factors, and they seek to understand how these inequalities impact different groups of people.

By studying social inequality, sociologists are able to identify patterns of discrimination and oppression in society and develop strategies to address these issues. This can include everything from advocating for policy changes to working with marginalized communities to empower them and improve their quality of life.

Fact 4: Culture shapes our values and beliefs.

Culture plays a critical role in shaping our values and beliefs. It provides us with a framework for viewing the world and influences everything from our political beliefs to our fashion choices.

Sociologists study culture in order to understand how it impacts individual behavior and the larger societal structure. They analyze everything from popular music and art to religious practices and social media trends, in order to gain a deeper understanding of how culture shapes our lives.

Fact 5: Sociologists use research methods to gather data and draw conclusions.

Sociologists rely on research methods, such as surveys, interviews, and experiments, to gather data and draw conclusions about human behavior and society. By using these methods, they are able to develop theories and concepts that help explain why people behave the way they do.

Insights from Sociology

Insight 1: Seeing the world through the eyes of others.

One of the key insights gained from studying sociology is the ability to see the world through the eyes of others. By understanding the social structures and cultural norms that shape different groups of people, we are able to develop empathy and understanding for those with different backgrounds and experiences.

Insight 2: Understanding the impact of social structures on individual behavior.

Another important insight gained from studying sociology is an understanding of the impact that social structures have on individual behavior. By recognizing the ways in which institutions and cultural practices shape our lives, we are able to make more informed decisions and navigate society more effectively.

Insight 3: Recognizing the ways in which social inequality affects people’s lives.

Studying social inequality can also lead to insights into the ways in which discrimination and oppression impact different groups of people. By recognizing these inequalities, we are able to work towards creating a more just and equitable society.

Insight 4: Appreciating the diversity of human experience.

Another critical insight gained from studying sociology is an appreciation for the diversity of human experience. By studying different cultures and social groups, we are able to gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of human life.

Insight 5: Developing critical thinking skills.

Finally, studying sociology can help us develop valuable critical thinking skills in all areas of life. By analyzing complex social issues and developing theories to explain them, we are able to hone our analytical abilities and make more informed decisions.

Pub quiz nights have become a popular pastime for people looking to socialize, have fun, and test their knowledge. Whether you’re a seasoned pub quizzer or a newcomer, it’s always helpful to have some essential facts at your fingertips to help you win the game. Here are ten must-know facts that could give you the edge at your next pub quiz night.

1. The largest ocean on Earth is the Pacific Ocean, covering an area of 63.8 million square miles. It’s also home to the world’s deepest point, the Mariana Trench, which measures 36,070 feet.
2. The human body is made up of about 60% water, and it takes around 8 glasses of water per day to stay hydrated. The average adult human body contains enough fat to make 7 bars of soap.
3. The country with the highest population in the world is China, with over 1.4 billion people. India is a close second, with a population of over 1.3 billion people.
4. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of Australia, is the largest coral reef system in the world. It spans over 1,400 miles and is home to thousands of species of marine life.
5. The first successful airplane flight was achieved by the Wright Brothers on December 17, 1903, in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Their flight lasted for only 12 seconds, but it changed the world forever.
6. The world’s largest desert is the Antarctic Desert, covering an area of over 5.5 million square miles. It’s also the coldest and driest desert on Earth.
7. The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas. It measures 29,029 feet and is named after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor who never actually saw the mountain.
8. The longest river in the world is the Nile River, stretching over 4,100 miles through eleven African countries. It’s also considered the birthplace of civilization, with ancient Egypt developing along its banks.
9. The Mona Lisa, a painting by Leonardo da Vinci, is one of the most famous works of art in the world. It’s estimated to be worth over $800 million and is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
10. The first moon landing took place on July 20, 1969, when American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first human to step foot on the moon. He famously declared, “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.”

In conclusion, having a broad knowledge of different topics can greatly increase your chances of success at a pub quiz night. By keeping these ten must-know facts in mind, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a pub quiz champion. So, brush up on your trivia and get ready to impress your friends with your newfound knowledge.

Who doesn’t want to be a millionaire? The easiest way to get millions is to be born with it, but the second easiest option is to buy a lottery ticket. But what are your odds of winning? Is it possible to rack up millions in these games? Well, of course, there’s always a possibility of winning, but the odds tend to be low. 

The best you can do is hope they’re in your favor. Check out your chances with these lotteries from around the world. 

1. U.S. Odds

In the United States, the odds of winning the Powerball are one in 292 million. To put it another way, if 88% of US residents (including babies) bought a ticket, only one person would win. This jackpot, however, vastly exceeds the million-dollar mark. Recent drawings have featured jackpots of nearly $2 billion. However, experts indicate that the odds of even winning $4 are pretty low.

2. Canadian Odds

Canada’s biggest jackpot is called the Lotto Max. Because this country has a much smaller population than the United States, the odds of winning millions is a bit higher. In the Great White North, your odds of winning with a $5 ticket are 1 in 33.3 million. This lottery features a jackpot in the tens of millions and dozens of “little” $1-million Maxmillion prizes. Here’s some good news — In Canada, unlike the United States, you don’t have to pay taxes on your lottery winnings.  

3. Mexican Odds

In Mexico, the odds of winning the country’s biggest jackpot — the Melate — are similar to the odds in Canada. In exchange for buying a ticket, you get a 1 in 32.5 million chance to win tens of millions of dollars. This jackpot often climbs up to the $70 million range. Just want to aim for a million or so, then try the Melate Retro which has 1 in 3.3 million odds. The Chispazo has the best odds at 1 to 98,000, but the biggest prizes usually aren’t any more than $100,000. 

4. Eurojackpot Odds

This game is played by numerous countries around Europe including the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Spain, and Sweden, as well as several others. When you’re competing with the rest of Europe, you’re competing in an area that features about twice as many potential players as the United States, but your odds of winning are oddly doubled. 

This may be because the Eurojackpot is a lot smaller than the U.S. Powerball. In recent drawings, the top prizes were for about €120 Euros, which is about $91 million USD. 

5. Odds in Singapore

Playing the lottery in Singapore gives you fairly good odds compared to the lotteries in many other countries. With a single ticket, you get a 1 in 14 million chance to win, and prizes can be anywhere from $1 to nearly $10 million. The odds get higher as you go for lower-value jackpots.

In all cases, the best you can do is buy a ticket, choose your luckiest numbers, and hope for the best. But if you really want to be a millionaire, you may want to create a backup plan. 

Very few things are as frustrating as doing something on your computer or phone, and then all of a sudden, it’s not working. We tend to first blame our equipment and throw around a few choice words, but it might not be a problem on your end at all. There are certain websites that are known to go down pretty frequently, so the problem could be on their end instead of yours. Here are the five websites that go down the most frequently, telling users that sometimes “it’s not you, it’s me.”

1. Discord

While there are plenty of voice, video, and instant messaging apps available, Discord is the one that has caught on most with the younger generations as it’s more casual than business. Discord is popular with gamers for voice chat and has communities for online interests, increasing in popularity on a large scale each year.

Due to the insane amount of bandwidth that’s required for so many video chats and different channels while also increasing dramatically in users on a daily basis, Discord is suscept to crashes quite frequently. The servers aren’t able to keep up sometimes, and Discord has been known to go down for hours at a time on occasion, though becoming more of a rarity as the years go on.

2. Steam

Game launchers are all of the rage for publishers, but the original will likely be the most popular until the end of time, and that’s Steam. Steam launched back in 2003 and has been a mainstay of the internet ever since, with people from all over the world using the client to download and play games, most of which are played online.

When a popular new game comes out, Steam can sometimes crash due to the influx in web traffic as people get their hands on the game. On a daily basis, you’ll see Steam crash in many major cities around the world, though it doesn’t tend to last for long. So many people downloading the same game at once can cause the servers to hiccup.

3. Instagram

Instagram may be the most surprising website to be featured on the list since most of the website is simply images being posted by people without too many frills. However, that hasn’t stopped Instagram from crashing and going down frequently. In most cases, users will find that their news feed failed to load or that they can’t even log in to the site.

Only a handful of cases for Instagram have been because of the website totally crashing and becoming unusable. While Instagram says that the more common issues are because of a user’s internet connection, it’s usually high traffic or a bug that causes your feed to sit there with the loading icon while trying to refresh.

4. YouTube

We go from perhaps the most surprising website to the least surprising. With hundreds of thousands of hours worth of video being uploaded to YouTube every single day, there are bound to be some freezes and crashes on the site. That much bandwidth and data happening around the world at one time is a stress test for servers, even if they are owned by Google.

Typically, YouTube outages don’t last for very long as Google makes more money from YouTube than anything, so they make it a top priority for fixes. Most outages are caused by servers being overloaded or Google performing maintenance so that a major and lengthy outage doesn’t occur.

5. Microsoft Teams

Earlier we discussed Discord and how it goes down so frequently because of its daily increase in popularity and high volume of video chatting and instant messaging. The same applies to Microsoft Teams, especially as the world becomes more virtual with remote workers. Even in-office, Teams is popular for chatting and can crash frequently.

With group video chats that can host hundreds of people, you’re likely to see a slowdown in the video before it ultimately crashes. Those that work for major companies that use Teams are probably surprised that it’s not the most frequently downed site.

Canada ranks as one of the best countries in the world to live in, behind only Germany and Switzerland. Whether you’re the type that prefers to live in a major city or like the laid-back rural life, there are plenty of great options throughout Canada. With that in mind, which cities were ranked as the best to live in? Here are the five cities in Canada that had the highest scores.

5. Quebec City, QC

Affordability is one of the biggest reasons that people move to any city, and Quebec City has that in spades. With some of the lowest utility bills and rent for a major city, Quebec also has plenty of natural beauty with its many surrounding national parks. While it does get cold in the winter, Quebec City does allow people to experience all four seasons instead of a long winter and a cooler summer.

Among the safest cities in Canada, Quebec City is also a great place to make a living. The average salaries in QC are well above the national average, allowing people to put money into savings as they also pay lower bills.

4. Halifax, NS

While it has the feel of a big city, Halifax, Nova Scotia doesn’t quite have the same hustle and bustle, so it puts those that are laid back more at ease when living there. As a result, the cost of living is much cheaper in Halifax compared to many of the other major cities, and the weather is much warmer than in places like Calgary throughout the year.

While living in Halifax, you can expect an extremely low crime rate with a lot of natural beauty and things to do. The people are incredibly friendly in Halifax and traffic is almost nonexistent, with plenty of great educational options for those with children.

3. Calgary, AB

With one of the strongest urban areas in Canada and much friendlier housing prices compared to the rest of the big cities in the country, Calgary is the top destination in Alberta. Calgary is one of the cleanest cities in the world and has in fact been named the cleanest in years past. The local government has made sure that it will stay that way, with heavy regulations being put into place.

Calgary also has a lower sales tax, and the infrastructure makes it so that you don’t have to spend much time outside during the winter months. There are plenty of walkways between buildings downtown and a lot of public transportation options for those that don’t want to deal with traffic.

2. Vancouver, BC

If you want to move to a city that has great healthcare and education, Vancouver is a top option not only in Canada but one of the best in the entire world. Receiving perfect marks in these categories by the Global Livability Index, Vancouver has been amongst the world’s fastest-growing cities for quite some time now.

The surrounding natural beauty of Vancouver alone has people flocking to the city, and living downtown is an ideal setting to be close to it all. Another big positive for Vancouver is the weather. While it does have winters, they’re basically considered summers for much of the rest of Canada with less than eight centimeters of snowfall on average each year.

1. Ottawa, ON

Another one of the cities that’s considered to be among the cleanest in the country also happens to be the capital: Ottawa. There’s a lot of natural space to enjoy while living in the Ottawa area, which is ranked at the top for greenery above even the likes of Vancouver. Another big reason to move to Ottawa, especially for younger people, is the impressive work-life balance that gets high rankings.

Among the major cities in Canada, Ottawa has the lowest percentage of people who are working more than full-time hours. There are a lot of job opportunities thanks to Ottawa being the nation’s capital, and a high walkability score with low crime to boot.

When it comes to choosing a state where you want to settle down and spend the foreseeable future in the USA, it can be very difficult. There are a lot of regions to choose from that all bring their own climate, job market, and just about everything else. The United States is the fourth-largest country in the world, featuring desert areas, forests, mountains, and more.

From the history of the New England region to the mountains of the west, and from the sunshine of Florida to the rains of the Pacific Northwest, which states are the best to live in? Here are five that really stand out above the rest for a long list of reasons, some of which may have you call one of these states “home” for many years to come. 

New Hampshire

This tiny and unassuming state may not be the first place you’d think of when deciding on a place to visit or relocate. New Hampshire’s mountainous landscape offers breathtaking views, especially in autumn, and is the perfect place to indulge in your favorite winter activities like skiing and snowboarding. 

Alongside the beautiful views, the state is ranked highly for its excellent air and water quality. According to usnews.com New Hampshire rates 2nd in the safest states to live in the US, with the lowest crime rate second to its neighbor, Maine. Another perk of living in New Hampshire is the absence of sales tax. 

Massachusetts 

If you’re looking for reasons to relocate to Massachusetts, here are a few. Massachusetts is known for their excellent schools and universities, Harvard to name one. Nearby is the hustle and bustle of the city of Boston, the sports mecca of the New England area. 

The diversity in cultures throughout the state and larger cities provides the locals with a great selection of cuisine and an eclectic community. Massachusetts is ranked as the 7th safest state to live in by USNews.

Washington

Washington state has a lot of neat stuff that will make you want to stick around for a while. Washington has a variety of gorgeous state parks where you can take in the scenery, enjoy what nature has to offer, and feel the Oceanside breeze if you visit a park closer to the coast. Speaking of nature, the weather there isn’t half bad either. 

The climate differs depending on the area you visit, giving you options when choosing where to settle down. As far as the job market is concerned, you won’t have to worry too much, because Washington is home to some of the largest and most successful companies (Microsoft, Amazon, Boeing) where you can seek employment. 

Minnesota

If you’re thinking of heading to the Midwest, Minnesota would be a fantastic fit for those wanting the best that part of the country has to offer. Loved by tourists and locals alike, the Mall of America has a lot to offer, besides holding the title of the largest mall in the US. Visit the Sea Life Aquarium and Nickelodeon Universe indoor theme park while you’re there. 

Minnesota also carries a lower poverty rate, with the median income being over $70,000 per household. It’s also cheap to live there as it falls below the United States average, making it a great option when relocating.

Utah

Utah is a promising choice when figuring out where you want to venture next. The most tempting selling point when considering moving to Utah is the affordable cost of living. Higher income, paired with generally low spending costs makes for a perfect combination. 

Utah is considered one of the most naturally beautiful states in the country. Locals can enjoy an average year-round temperature of 52F°. Crime rates in the smaller cities are extremely low, giving them some of the lowest of any in the United States.

Finding the right place to live in the United States can be difficult. There are a lot of things to take into account when trying to pick the city you’re going to call home for the foreseeable future. There are variables such as climate, education, the job market, housing, and much more that all play a part in what makes a city a desirable place to live.

It’s hard to narrow it down to just a few places in the United States that really stand out since they all have their pros and cons, but there are a few that really stand out above the rest. Here are the five best places to live in the USA overall when all factors are considered, with one state boasting two cities on the list.

Boulder, Colorado 

Boulder, Colorado is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country in recent years. It is quickly becoming a place of interest for those looking to relocate. Boulder is ranked #4 of the best cities to live in the US in 2022. Even taking the #1 spot the two years prior. 

The metro population consists of over 320,000 people, with an average annual income of over $70,000 yearly. Although the cost of living in Boulder can exceed a quarter of the average household’s salary, a hefty income helps to balance it out. 

San Jose, California

San Jose comes in at #5 on the list of best places to live in 2022. The diversity throughout the city gives residents, and those visiting, a taste of an array of rich cultures. Explore the streets of Little Portugal, Little Italy, Little Saigon, or Japantown. 

Or maybe take in the lush and plentiful nature on the many hiking trails you’ll find. It’s a beautiful city with an even more beautiful melting pot of people and cultures. San Jose is also the epicenter of Silicon Valley and has a booming job market with high-paying salaries. The annual average income is over $90,000 and provides residents with the means to afford the comfortable and lavish lifestyles California is known for. 

Green Bay, Wisconsin 

Green Bay, Wisconsin holds over 320,000 residents, earning an average annual income of $50,000. Green Bay earns a spot on this list due to the low cost of living in comparison to the yearly earnings the average resident takes in. 

It makes for a comfortable and financially secure home, something nearly everyone would find appealing. The bustling art, entertainment, and comforting food scene are just a bonus. Green Bay has been ranked #3 of the best places to live in 2022. 

Colorado Springs, Colorado 

Colorado Springs is an even more breathtaking Colorado city to make the cut, ranked #2 in the best places to live in 2022. The incredible scenery and mountainous landscape make it a hopeful contender when considering relocation. Spots like the Garden of the Gods and Pikes Peak are a must-see. You can enjoy a thrill seekers’ paradise with white water rafting and zip-lining available as well. The people are friendly, the school districts are above average, and the weather is tamer than most places, while still giving you four seasons throughout the year. 

Huntsville, Alabama

Ranked #1 in best places to live in 2022, Huntsville Alabama is a surprisingly desirable destination. One of the fastest growing cities in the US, Huntsville offers residents a blossoming job market with companies like Amazon and Facebook building a fulfillment center and $1 billion data center, offering up even more job opportunities. 

Another perk of living in Huntsville is the people. Huntsville residents are known to be kind and friendly, with a strong sense of community. The schools aren’t half bad either. They’re ranked as some of the tops in the country. 

As the years go on, more people are able to increase their typing speed, but there are plenty of people who aren’t typing the way that they should. You’ve likely seen the types; the ones that type with only their index fingers or with one hand in particular. These are hard habits to break, but they should be changed.

There are plenty of reasons to learn to type properly, including your own health. If you’ve been looking for a reason to practice the proper techniques, here are the five biggest reasons why you should be adjusting your typing practices today.

1. Make Your Job Easier 

These days, more and more jobs offer partial, or solely work-from-home positions. Although it can make for a more comfortable environment, sometimes it’s difficult to stay focused when you’re not in a typical workplace. 

Learning to stay focused on the task at hand, as well as getting it done efficiently and accurately will make your work day run smoothly. Typing with precision and speed makes work a less daunting task. It’s an extremely helpful tool everyone should have in their arsenal when working from home. 

2. School Work 

With the rise in people working from home, more students have been given the freedom to take classes virtually and complete work on their home computers. For the students within the school walls, schools typically provide computers in the classroom, or library as well. 

Typing with increased speed and accuracy can cut down on time spent in front of the computer, which is useful when you’re spending multiple days, or nights staring at a screen for school. Getting through school work and essays more efficiently by practicing your typing speed will give you more time for rest and other activities. 

3. Keep Up With Tasks and Communications 

There’s a lot to keep up with and a lot of people to stay in touch with. The best way to get through your daily, weekly, or even monthly tasks is to approach them in an organized and speedy fashion. Open a word document, or notepad and type out a well-organized to-do list. 

Not only can you get it done faster, but you’re saving paper and can quickly fix mistakes by doing it on the computer. If one of those tasks includes keeping up with friends and family, utilize your fast typing skills to send thoughtful messages to your loved ones without taking up too much of your day. 

4. Gaming

Nearly everyone on Earth plays games of some kind and a large percentage of that is made up of PC gamers. There are an estimated 1.75 billion PC gamers out there today. For games that must require a mouse and keyboard, or if you just prefer using them over handheld controllers, typing fast is an extremely useful skill to learn. 

There are a specific set of keys on the keyboard that make up the controls of each game, with some varying as well as having the option to change/customize them. Most of which follow the same posture and hand placement you need when learning to type efficiently and quickly. It’s a great way to improve your gameplay and skills. 

5. Improves Posture and Prevents Aches

One often overlooked reason to learn how to type with more speed and accuracy, is that it helps you maintain proper posture and can keep aches and pains at bay. Use the correct technique to type fast and efficiently by keeping your shoulders down, feet flat on the floor, arms resting at the base of the keyboard, and keeping your back straight, allowing your spine to sit at its normal curvature. This will not only help you in all aspects of your online life but keep you feeling healthy and happy while you do it. 

There was once a time when someone could remain anonymous throughout their entire lives, but those days are long gone. Just about everybody is part of the public eye with advances in technology, which means there’s a lot of information available. Anyone that’s willing to can access a lot of your public information for no charge, too. Wonder what pieces of information about you are floating around for anyone to see? Here are the most common pieces that pop up in public records when you’re being searched.

5. Date of Birth

There are a lot of people that say you should never share your date of birth online. It’s why so many people don’t even update their social media to include their birthdays and get the parade of well-wishing posts that come with it each year. However, you’re really not hiding much by keeping your birthday a secret since it’s public information.

As soon as you’re born and the ink on your birth certificate dries, it becomes part of the public record. This is why in most cases you’ll see the birth of a child announced in a town’s newspaper. While it might not show up on a Google search for some people, the date of birth is easily obtainable through public documents.

4. Marriage

When you get married in the United States, you have to file for a marriage license, which becomes a public record. Not only will people be able to see the fact that you’re married, but they’ll also be able to see the date you got married and the person you married. Many of these marriage records date back to the mid-19th century, too.

Does the same apply for divorces, though? While marriage licenses are always going to be public records, there are certain cases in which a divorce certificate can be sealed. This won’t apply to everyone, but it doesn’t hurt to request this if you don’t want your divorce to be made public.

3. Property Information

For those that don’t want their address to be part of public information, there’s some bad news. A simple search can likely reveal your residence, especially if you own property. The ownership of land, including deeds and mortgages, is all part of the public record. You may think that you can dodge this by renting a property instead, but that’s not always the case.

Your mailing address can be accessed through public information requests, which is why you tend to get junk mail specifically addressed to you. While it’s lacking privacy, property information is vital for public records due to taxes.

2. Bankruptcy/Tax Liens

Speaking of taxes, a notice of a tax lien filed by the IRS or state government also becomes a public record. This is when the government secures the interest in your property in an effort to collect a tax debt. The lien is a public alert to creditors and can garner attention from anyone who performs a search on you.

In the same vein, bankruptcies that are filed with the court are also part of public records. Again, these are alerts to creditors first and foremost. However, unlike marriage certificates or birth, these won’t be printed in the local newspaper.

1. Criminal Records

Depending on where you live, people may have access to your full criminal record if you have one. In most cases, criminal records will only pop up in a public search for someone that has been sentenced to incarceration or at the very least been booked into jail. Once convicted, of a crime, your public record is updated to reflect this.

For smaller offenses or dropped charges, though, the public record won’t be updated. So if you received a ticket for rolling through a stop sign or going 10 miles per hour over the speed limit, don’t expect that to be held against you when applying for a job.