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Month: August 2018

  • 7 Best Business Internet Service Providers

    7 Best Business Internet Service Providers

    The fastest man is Usain Bolt. The fastest mammal is the Cheetah. The fastest business internet service provider is . .well, that’s what we set out to uncover. Speed is a top concern for businesses that need to download files, run sales software, or stream video.

    But you may be considering more factors—like price or reliability guarantees—to help you choose a business internet service provider. We decided to dive in and break down all these factors and countdown the 7 Best Business Internet Service Providers!

    The best business internet offers reliable connectivity, excellent customer service, and the right bandwidth for your work volume. Provider availability and plans will vary depending on your location, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, we’re here to make things clearer. We researched the top providers of high-speed business internet services to find out how they compare. From maximum download speeds to costs and more, find out which internet service provider can carry your business the furthest.

    Criteria for Selection

    Availability: We focused our search on the business internet providers with the widest nationwide coverage.

    Bandwidth: Business internet plans aren’t one-size-fits-all, the main priority of a business ISP is that there is enough bandwidth to handle all onsite employees.

    Customer Service:  Companies can lose potential revenue during internet outages, which makes prompt and helpful customer service all the more important.

    Pricing: The cost of the internet service for your business can have a very meaningful impact on any business’ bottom line.

    7. Windstream

    In terms of availability, Windstream is close to perfect: coverage can be found in every state except Alaska, more than any other big-name ISP we examined. Windstream boasts an expected uptime of 99.995%, which means its service, though somewhat vague in terms of specific offerings, should nevertheless be reliable. Windstream only offers DSL and cable options, which may be sufficient for some customers but won’t provide the faster speeds of copper or fiber internet that many businesses depend on.

    6. Frontier

    Frontier does a great job providing helpful and clear information for potential customers. They provide side-by-side comparison of different plan offerings, projected price levels for bundled packages, and specific recommendations based on the size and online work volume of your business. Frontier’s plans require a minimum one-year agreement, shorter than those offered by AT&T and Comcast. Combined with lower overall speeds, Frontier is best-suited for small businesses with lower service requirements who may anticipate the volume of their work increasing after one year. For DSL service, Frontier’s maximum download speed ranges from 7-20 Mbps, while the fiber internet option provides faster speeds of 50 to 500 Mbps.

    5.  Spectrum

    Charter Spectrum has some of the most flexible contract policies we saw. With its month-to-month plans and no cancellation fees, it is an attractive option for smaller or growing businesses that aren’t quite ready to commit to a multi-year contract. Charter Spectrum’s fiber-optic speeds go all the way up to 940 Mbps, an impressive number. And unlike some internet providers, the company actually under promises: The FCC reported that in 2016, Spectrum’s actual speeds were 109.1% of advertised. Of all the major business internet providers, only Comcast had a better record. Spectrum’s customer service scores eked out slightly above average, at 3.75/5 for JD Power and 65/100 for the ACSI. That’s not exceptionally impressive, but in an industry that struggles so much with customer service, we like anything that’s above average.

    4. Xfinity

    Comcast Business has some of the fastest advertised speeds that we saw, ranging from 25 to 1,000 Mbps on its fiber network. And the FCC reported Comcast’s actual speeds average 110.23% of its advertised speeds, so if you’re looking for speedy internet, this is one of the best bets out there. All of Comcast Business’s plans come with the option to add a phone line. You can even sync it up with your personal phone, so when someone calls your cell, it automatically rings your office phone. And no matter how many people are using this feature, it’ll only cost an extra $15 per month. Comcast Business is available across 39 states, making it one of the most widespread business internet providers in the country.

    3. Century Link

    Century Link strives for an ambitious uptime between 99.95% and 100%. If your service happens to fail Centurylink does offer a uniquely generous compensation. For every 30 minutes of downtime, you’ll be credited for 1 day. With options for Fiber or DSL business internet, CenturyLink caters to businesses of any size. DSL speeds range from 3 Mbps to 100 Mbps, while Fiber caters to companies that need speeds reaching 1,000 Mbps. Either of these services can be bundled with TV and phone services for consolidated billing, too. If your business reaches several thousand employees, the options expand more generously: You can then bundle cloud storage and network security, making CenturyLink the provider that hosts the most bundling options for big businesses. CenturyLink offers some of the most flexible contract options on the market: You can choose between a 2-year contract or month-to-month plan. Keep in mind that the month-to-month plan will be more expensive, and that the two-year plan offers discounted monthly prices.

    2. Verizon

    With Fios, Business, and High Speed Internet, Verizon offers a trifecta of impressively inclusive services. Unless your business is in the Northeast, you’ll likely be limited to copper. Copper internet installation may take longer and be more expensive than other types of internet, though it’s a more widely available way to get fiber-level speeds. Verizon’s advertised speeds range from 1 to 940 Mbps overall.  Along with Comcast and Spectrum, Verizon is one of the internet providers that’s most likely to maintain the fastest speeds for your business. Verizon tops the industry with its customer service ratings: It received the highest scores among all the biggest providers, with 5/5 from JD Power and 71/100 from the ACSI — Verizon Fios, in particular, stole the show with solid 5s across the board. With Verizon, you can choose between a two-year contract or a month-to-month plan. The month-to-month plan is more expensive, but if you cancel your two-year plan early, you’ll need to pay up to 35% of your remaining balance.

    1. AT&T

    AT&T came in right behind Verizon for highest customer satisfaction ratings. While the seven providers altogether averaged 3.2/5 with JD Power and 62.4/100 with the ACSI, AT&T was comfortably above average with both. AT&T outshines its competition when it comes to price and plan transparency. The company clearly lays out its fees for equipment, installation, and service, which is rare in an industry known for hedgey language and hidden fees. AT&T offers business internet plans with DSL, Fiber, and IPBB (which is basically higher-speed DSL and Ethernet grouped together under one name). The number of plans and speeds available to you will vary based on location, but the download speeds for business plans range from 6 Mbps (DSL) to 1,000 Mbps (fiber) — so whether it’s just you and a few other workers sending emails or 100 employees video conferencing daily, AT&T has a range of speeds that will likely fit your business’s needs.


  • Online Furniture Stores that Beat Physical Retailers

    Online Furniture Stores that Beat Physical Retailers

    Furniture shopping can be fun, but stores are often crowded and most people don’t really have the time to actually go looking for furniture. Now, don’t get us wrong: we all love a good trip to Ikea. That said, there’s definitely a lot that goes into furniture shopping.

    Everything from the selection to bringing the furniture home to setting up can be a great big hassle.  But thanks to the internet, shopping for furniture and home decor has never been easier. With all these stylish and affordable goods at your fingertips, it’s very easy to decorate and style your home. It’s a new dawn for everyone who loves beautiful designs, and there are several great places online to shop for new furniture.

    If you’re looking to shop for new furniture and avoid the physical retailers, consider these online furniture stores. After all, online shopping is always a great alternative to going to brick and mortar stores to shop!

    Online Furniture Stores

    Blu Dot

    Blu Dot is an interesting retailer from a design perspective. They were originally founded back in 1997, and their focus has always been on design. The two architects and sculptor who started the site have always tried to make the furniture designs modern, striking and accessible all at once. This shows in both their web design and their furniture design!

    With a stated goal of bringing good design to as many people as possible, it’s easy to see why they’re so highly recommended. The mix of materials, styles and sensibilities at play with their furniture is always neat to see. If you like a more off-the-wall look, this is for you!

    Wayfair

    Wayfair is one of the most customer-friendly online furniture stores out there. While you might spend hours on other sites just looking for the right piece of furniture, Wayfair cuts through that like a knife. The “Shop This Look” feature allows you to create a cohesive interior décor that will wow any guest.

    It doesn’t stop there, though. You can filter results based on custom price ranges, and the search functionality is exceptional. The search results are highly accurate and almost always exactly what you’re looking for. They even offer free shipping on items over $50! That’s a hard deal to beat.

    Apt2B

    If you’re looking to furnish a smaller space, such as an apartment, this is the retailer for you. Apt2B specializes in smaller furniture for apartments and town homes, furniture that maximizes smaller spaces. The furniture is designed with an eye for space economy, bringing big style to small furniture.

    Thankfully, that big style doesn’t make for a big price tag: the prices are all rather reasonable. The range on display is upscale and modern, and even the hippest of buyers will love what they have to offer.


  • Best Stove in 2018

    Best Stove in 2018

    The range aisle is bristling with options, from basic freestanding ranges to double-ovens and souped-up slide-ins. You might come across more than 40 models on a Lowe’s showroom floor or nearly 60 at a typical Sears

    Consumer Reports test models from such brands as Amana, GE, Kenmore, KitchenAid, LG, Maytag, Samsung, Viking, Whirlpool, and Wolf, ranging in price from $400 to almost $8,000. They test and score them on how quickly they deliver cook-top heat, simmering, baking, broiling, and self-cleaning, just as with we do with all ranges we test.

    We compiled the results and compare the latest kitchen ranges so that you can save time and money.

    What to Consider

    Type
    Freestanding ranges are the most popular and easiest to install. Typically the oven control panel is on the back panel, above the cooktop surface. Slide-in ranges give a custom built-in look and easily slide in between surrounding cabinets. The oven controls are on the range front and there’s no back panel, which showcases your back-splash.

    Size
    Most electric and gas ranges are 30-inches wide, and what we buy and test. Pro-style ranges usually span 36 inches or more. We test both 30-inch and 36-inch pro-style ranges. They’re big on style, but aren’t the best performing ranges we’ve tested. Even regular ranges now have beefy knobs, rugged grates, style, and stainless trim for a lot less money.

    Capacity
    A roomy oven comes in handy when baking or entertaining. We measure oven space you can actually use, so check the capacity scores in our range Ratings. The smallest ovens in our tests are a little more than 2 cubic feet; the largest are nearly 4 cubic feet.

    Which Type Is Right For You?
    There are three types of ranges based on fuel: electric, gas, and dual-fuel, which pairs a gas cook-top with an electric oven. Both gas and electric have their advantages.

    If you’ve ever had to shop for a new stove, you know it can be difficult. There are just so many options! It’s also a very uncommon item to have to shop for. Normally, you just buy a house with a stove and never worry about it. However, if your old stove stopped working, or if you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’ll have to start shopping! With that in mind, here are our picks for best stove in 2018!

    Best Stoves in 2018

    Kenmore Elite 95073
    This stove has stainless steel construction, 4 burners and a convection oven. It also sports a warming drawer. The convection oven is highly advanced, using heating elements and fans to distribute the heat evenly throughout the oven. This stove also uses magnetic fields to transfer heat directly into items you’re cooking. If you’ve ever had a stove with “hot spots” and inconsistencies, you’ll appreciate this feature.

    This convection style allows for great, consistent and fast cooking. Food will be warmed all the way through, regardless of size or density! This is an all-around quality appliance for a little over $1,600, and one of our favorites.

    Kenmore Elite 95052

    Our next entry is from the same line as the first entry! This one is a smooth-top, meaning it looks completely featureless except for indicators showing where the eyes are. The stove-top is ceramic glass, which means it not only conveys heat well, but it also looks great. It’s also easy to clean and very no-nonsense, looking great in any kitchen.

    Much like the other entry on our list, this stove features a fan-assisted convection oven. It allows for fast cooking and even heating throughout food items. However, it doesn’t offer the magnetic heating featured in the 95073. The trade off is in the price: this one costs just over $1,000!

    Samsung NX58F5700WS

    Samsung is a well-known and respected name in electronics, but you may not have known they make appliances too. This entry is a fantastic, modern and sleek stove that features tons of great technology. It is very large and features five burners of various sizes. This allows for cooking tons of different types of pots at once. You can have a large pot of stew on while you cook a single egg in a small skillet!

    Other great features include the true convection of the oven, which allows for fantastically even baking. It has warming drawers for holding food that hasn’t been served yet, too. There are large, sliding racks within the oven to allow for transfer of heavy items, too! This entry retails for right around $1,600, and is well worth the price!


  • Bloomberg’s iPhone Rumors

    Bloomberg’s iPhone Rumors

    It is getting closer to iPhone day, the most glorious day of the year. My house is decorated with a nerdy apple fan boy glee, the chargers are stocked all through the house and not a device is left unbacked up, not even the magic mouse. All that’s left to is to sift through the mountain of speculation, rumors and trolls to paint the picture of what’s to come on that glorious iPhone day morning. Today notorious troll site Bloomberg has posted their “inside” knowledge and Bloomberg’s iPhone rumors they have uncovered. Let’s take a look and the 5 things they say to expect on iPhone day.

     

    Here’s a rundown of Bloomberg’s iPhone Rumors:

    1.           Three new iPhones. Expect an upgraded iPhone X with a 5.8-inch OLED screen; a new high-end iPhone with a 6.5-inch OLED screen; and a new cheaper model (which will look like the iPhone X) with a 6.1-inch LCD screen. The two larger devices may have dual-SIM card slots in some regions.
    2. Cheap(ish) and colorful. The 6.1-inch iPhone will come in a variety of colors. (Earlier rumors said gray, white, blue, red, d orange variants will be available.) It’ll also have un-colored aluminum edges instead of the color-matching stainless steel casing on the iPhone X.
    3. Gestures for all. All three devices will have the new gesture controls introduced in the iPhone X as well as Apple’s face-unlocking system Face ID. Apple is also expected to take advantage of the 6.5-inch device’s larger screen with the ability to “view content side-by-side” in apps like Mail and Calendar.
    4. Naming confusion. According to Bloomberg’s iPhone Rumors, there’s been quite a bit of internal discussion over the names, as the three devices aren’t easy to differentiate. The new high-end device might be “the iPhone Xs” with the larger device “the iPhone Xs Plus.” That’s subject to change.
    5. Peripherals and more. Sometime this year (not necessarily in September), we can also expect updated AirPods; a new Apple Watch with a larger screen in the same body; a new wireless charger (probably the much-delayed

    The Final Thought

    They hate and play it safe, that is what Bloomberg media does. What’s it worth? Next to nothing. Of the 5 tips they gave only the Color options are interesting. Will apple go back to an iPhone 5c model? I don’t think so, it is more likely Bloomberg is assuming a cheaper iPhone option will mock the last cheaper iPhone option. They are undoubtedly forgetting about the existing cheap iPhone option the iPhone SE. Its clear to see either Bloomberg’s iPhone Rumors are a hit piece or fluff, ill allow you to decide. I guess this is a prime example of the fake news we are hearing about so much these days.  Stay tuned to Goodfind.guru later this week for Beau’s 5 things to expect on iPhone day.

  • Kalashnikov, Makers of the AK-47, Have Electric Car Ambitions

    Kalashnikov, Makers of the AK-47, Have Electric Car Ambitions

    The name Kalashnikov calls up very specific imagery. Ammunitions, gun grease, war-torn regions, electric cars… wait, that last one sounds incorrect. Well, not if Kalashnikov has anything to say about it. Their EV concept, called the CV-1, was recently announced. More than just being a one-off tech demo, though, the company swears that the CV-1 is the first step in their ambition to compete directly with Tesla. Yes, that Tesla.

    ev1
    Photo Credit: Moscow Times

    This is Weird

    Yes, this is as weird as you are thinking it is. What’s even weirder about this is the look of the car. It resembles Russian-made hatchbacks from the 70’s, which makes a weird sort of sense. A company like Kalashnikov getting into consumer products is, however, somewhat unprecedented. The company’s spokesperson also confirmed that they are looking into producing other consumer products. Namely, they are interested in creating cell phone cases, umbrellas and other innocuous items.

    Kalashnikov vs Tesla?

    As of yet, there are no official plans by the gun manufacturer to begin production of the CV-1. Currently, it is unclear when, or if, these will go into production and subsequently hit a mass market. However, the reported tech under the hood is impressive. Firstly, it has around 215 miles of range on a single charge. Secondly, it sports 295 horsepower and can run zero to sixty in six seconds. For a boxy electric car, that’s actually really impressive.

    That said, it remains to be seen if a mass-market release will even materialize. And, if it did, would people the world over even be interested? The name Kalashnikov carries some very specific baggage. They are not only Russian, a word that currently is very loaded in America, but they are also weapons manufacturers. Guns are hardly a popular topic of conversation in America, at least with those who are likely to want an EV.

    Could it Work?

    If the CV-1 intends to be a competitor with Tesla, it will need a few things. The first is that the (admittedly impressive) technology that is reported to be under the hood needs to be standard. The second is that the car needs to be priced aggressively. Tesla’s Model 3, for instance, is sold for around $30,000. The CV-1 would need to come in well under that, around $25,000, to even turn heads.

    That said, if it is both high-quality and affordable, it might be a worthy alternative. However, the biggest nail in the coffin for Tesla would be if Kalashnikov can rapidly make the cars and have them ready for a large release soon. Tesla has had numerous production problems, so if the Russian arms maker could produce their vehicles rapidly and to order, they may well compete with Elon Musk yet.

  • Flop Ten: Worst Reboots in Video Games

    Flop Ten: Worst Reboots in Video Games

    Video games are a funny medium. When things start to look less than ideal for game companies, they’re quick to redesign and reboot characters. However, generally these reboots err too far on the side of “edgy” or just plain lame. Gaming has come a long way, but sometime awful reboots like this pop up. For the sake of recording and shaming those who have made the most egregious offenses in that category, here’s our list of the worst reboots in video games.

    Ten Worst Reboots in Video Games

    Bomber Man Act Zero

    Photo Credit: True Achievements
    From cute little guy with cartoon bombs to edgy android, this was a terrible redesign. Bomber Man Act Zero is the first of many “edgy” games on this list. The most common theme here is game devs simply trying to hard to be taken seriously.

    Sonic Boom

    Photo Credit: Sonic News Network

    Sonic has hardly been the best when translated to 3D. In fact, with a few very notable exceptions, 3D Sonic is more of a joke than a franchise. Sonic Boom takes this to new heights by reimagining the whole Sonic crew in a more tribal setting. It just looks weird, and the whole series looks like some kind of fan creation. That’s not good for one of gaming’s biggest icons.

    Prince of Persia Warrior Within

    Photo Credit: SegmentNext

    Prince of Persia has been a huge name in gaming for years. The reboot, Sands of Time, was an awesome return to form for the legacy franchise. Its sequel, Warrior Within, however, tried far too hard to make the Prince dark and brooding. Another case of edginess ruining an otherwise good character, this is one better left forgotten to the sands of time!

    Doom 3

    Photo Credit: Nuuvem

    Entirely missing the point of Doom, the third entry in the series played its horror tropes straight. One of the main errors it made was in demon design. Where earlier demons were over-the-top and almost goofy, Doom 3 introduced redesigns that made us cringe. The pinky demon, for instance, went from being a minotaur to some kind of mole rat with robot legs. Don’t even get us started on the ugly meatball demon design.

    Alone in the Dark

    Photo Credit: VideoGamer

    The 2008 version of Alone in the Dark was not a particularly good game. It was buggy, ugly and not terribly well-made. The worst sin the game committed, though, was the treatment of its main character, Edward Carnby. The once stoic and serious investigator became a weirdly erratic and awkward jerk. He was uncharismatic and really just drug the whole game down.

    Crash of the Titans

    Photo Credit: Crash Mania

    This ill-conceived reboot brought redesigns for nearly every character in the series. Crash himself looked like a bad DeviantArt original character, for one. Most egregious was Tiny Tiger, who had somehow morphed into a weird parody of Mike Tyson. Unoriginal, unfunny jokes were commonplace, and the gameplay was entirely uninspired and boring.

    Bionic Commando 2009

    Photo Credit: Geek.com

    This unfortunate game exists, and that makes us sad. In this game, 80’s action hero extraordinaire Rad Spencer is renamed Nathan Spencer and made edgy and emo. Oh, and his wife is his bionic arm. Or something. This game is legitimately awful, do yourself a favor and never play it.

    Conker: Live and Reloaded

    Photo Credit: GameStop

    Conker’s Bad Fur Day was a hilarious riff on the previously family-friendly platforming franchise. Conker: Live and Reloaded was an underdeveloped, overhyped mess that somehow managed to look worse than the N64 game it was based on. Rare really went downhill after being acquired by Microsoft.

    Perfect Dark Zero

    Photo Credit: Perfect Dark Recon
    No, seriously, Rare really dropped the ball on their legacy franchises when they got acquired by Microsoft. Perfect Dark Zero is a great example of this. Supposedly a prequel to the original Perfect Dark, this one features a younger Joanna Dark. However, she appears less like her usual bad-ass self and more like a Hot Topic wannabe. Another case of edginess derailing an otherwise great franchise.

    DmC: Devil May Cry

    Photo Credit: PC & Tech Authority

    The very worst reboot in the history of video games belongs to the boy band-looking “Dante” from the ill-conceived DmC: Devil May Cry. The Devil May Cry series was experiencing strong sales, great reviews and had a thriving fanbase. In order to piss off everyone, though, Capcom tore it down and rebooted the series under Western developer Ninja Theory. For whatever reason, the beloved goofy badass Dante was replaced by a high school student who was trying far too hard to be gritty.

    Forgetting all of what made Dante such an effortlessly likable character, this game saw him morph into a petulant brat. Needless to say, fans were displeased and are still awaiting a proper Devil May Cry 5. Thankfully, that very game is in development and slated for a March 2019 release. Hooray!

  • Looking for the Best Refrigerator?

    Looking for the Best Refrigerator?

    The appliance in your house that has to work the highest amount of time is the refrigerator. If yours has stopped working all the time, though, you’re in the market for a new one. Being in the market for a fridge isn’t great though, as they’re expensive and there’s tons of options. So, which is the best refrigerator? Let’s get into it.

    Contenders for Best Refrigerator

    Samsung RS25J500D

    This fridge has a sleek exterior and interesting design. Namely, it has a side-by-side construction, with the fridge and freezer sides being split vertically. While this looks cool, it’s somewhat of a pain if you’re trying to store something like a pizza box. Wide items are difficult to cram into this one, which could make it a no-go for some people. However, the fridge, paradoxically, has plenty of room for groceries. It’s just awkwardly laid out. In either event, it’s a good option for those who don’t store large items in their fridge!

    LG LFX28968ST French-Door Refrigerator

    This sleek fridge is a great option for those who aren’t looking for a terribly technologically advanced option. It has a French-door style, which looks great and is spacious. The storage inside the fridge is very smart, maximizing the space available. It retails for $2,899.99, which is a pretty great price for how luxurious it is. One caveat: the front isn’t magnetic, which means your fridge magnets won’t stick to it.

    GE Profile PFE28PSKSS Smart Refrigerator

    This fridge is smart. It both looks smart and actually is a smart fridge, allowing smartphone integration. You can queue up things like dispensing hot water, ice and the like via smartphone integration. It also has wi-fi connectivity, allowing it to sync with the internet for various reasons. Namely, you can get push notifications for when the fridge is left open. This is easily the best smart fridge on the market, but it’s made better by just how good of a fridge it is.

  • Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Few situations are more annoying to pets and their owners than a infestation of fleas. Fleas are mean, evil, awful little bugs. They get into your carpets, lay eggs and stick around for interminable lengths of time.

    Quickly becoming a problem, fleas can infest homes in very short amounts of time, posing health risks and frustrating living conditions for both people and their pets.  All the while, they pester your animals, making them itchy and uncomfortable. What’s worse, some pets even have allergic reaction to the pests!

    While there are many products that can be used to combat flea infestations, it’s vital to choose the right products that are appropriate for severity of your pet’s flea problem — otherwise you’ll end up wasting time and money as the flea problem gets worse. Today, we’re looking at the best ways to fight fleas.

    Best Ways to Fight Fleas

    Flea Collars

    Flea collars are a great first line of defense to keep your animals safe from the tiny pests. Using a combination of pesticides that are harmless to animals and scents that disgust fleas, these collars have a high success rating. While your animal might not like having to wear an odd-smelling collar, it will help them avoid the worst of the flea infestation! This is just one part of the fight, however.

    Flea Sprays

    Spraying your carpets and furniture for fleas is another effective strategy. A number of high-quality flea sprays are sold in pet stores and online. Such sprays not only kill fleas but also help to kill their eggs. The trouble with fleas is that you will often think you’ve rooted them out, only for another round of eggs to hatch. The eggs can go dormant for months at a time before being activated by vibrations in the carpet.

    As such, spraying in often-unused rooms is advised. That way, any hidden, dormant eggs can be killed by the spray. This prevents the eggs from reactivating when you or a pet enters a low-traffic room!

    Diatomaceous Earth

    Also known as D. Earth, this naturally occurring mineral deposit works wonders as a pesticide. If you’re having trouble with a particularly nasty flea infestation, consider this mineral. Make sure you purchase food grade diatomaceous earth, as it’s pet safe. Sprinkle it around your carpets and near the thresholds of your doors and windows. Earth works by compromising the lipids in fleas’ exoskeletons. The chemical interaction causes the fleas to become dehydrated, as their bodies can’t lock in water anymore. As such, they die of dehydration shortly after contacting the mineral. Don’t worry, though, the mineral doesn’t affect anything bigger than a small bug. The worst it can do to a pet is dehydrate them slightly, so just avoid getting it on your animals if you can!

    Flea Pills

    Flea pills for pets generally have the highest success rates for preventing and treating fleas. Pills come in chewable tablets or capsules that must be swallowed, usually with food. These oral medications for fighting fleas require a vet prescription, and usually fight flea adults or eggs, but rarely both at the same time. Flea pills, like other medications, come with side effects; it is essential for pet owners to ask what these side effects may include. The two most popular feel pills include Capstar and Comfortis, and both start working within hours of being administered.


  • Which Mattress is the Best?

    Which Mattress is the Best?

    Everything circles back around to sleep. If you’re not sleeping well, everything else slips into being worse. Your physical well-being, your mood, everything. It all comes back to whether you’re sleeping well. With that in mind, today we’re looking at mattresses to find which is the best mattress.

    If you’ve been looking to find a good new mattress, this is the article for you. Today we answer the question: which is the best mattress?

    Hybrids

    Constructed from a combination of latex, memory, polyurethane foams, coils, and / or other materials, these mattresses usually are designed to maximize certain benefits, while also minimizing certain cons. For example, a latex + memory foam hybrid is able to deliver great bounce, cooling, and responsiveness via the latex, but also provide great pressure relief and support from the memory foam.

    Best for: Sleepers who want the best of all worlds. Great bounce, support, comfort, and cooling. A good all around option that is a very good choice for the majority of sleepers.

    Memory Foam
    Just like it sounds, these mattresses only consist of memory foam. Memory foam mattresses are known for their great support, pressure relief, and body contouring. Historically, memory foam has had a bad reputation as “sleeping hot”. However, many newer more advanced memory foams have been designed with superior cooling properties, creating a much cooler mattress than traditional memory foams.

    Best For: Sleepers who want great hug, body shaping, contour, pressure relief, and support. There is a wide spectrum of foams classified as “memory foam” and not all memory foams are created equal. A good option for sleepers who want a more pronounced hug than many hybrid or latex mattresses offer.

    Coils
    One of the most popular and widely used mattress types. Coil (aka innerspring) mattresses have one or more layers of spring coils (generally steel) that provide the support and comfort. As technology advances, the number, types, and layers of coils change. A larger number of coils typically means better comfort and support.

    Best For: Sleepers who want a more traditional coil / spring feel, great bounce, cooling, and strong edge support.

    Pillow-top

    Falling into an array of categories (coil, latex, memory, hybrid, etc.), pillow-top mattresses have a layer of soft material either stuffed or sewn into the cover. This works to add extra comfort and cushion for the sleeper.

    Best For: Sleepers who prefer a softer and more cushion comfort. If you enjoy a cloud-like type of support and comfort most pillow tops will offer the best sleeping surface for you.

    Contenders for Best Mattress

    #3. Purple
    Purple mattresses are luxurious and excellent. If you’re a fan of memory foam-style mattresses, you’ll love purple. The Purple Mattress has Smart Comfort Grid technology that keeps pressure on your body to a minimum. This ensures you awake comfortable and well-rested! If you find you often awake with painful pressure points from your mattress, this is for you. This mattress retails for $999, but you can often find it on sale for less. Purple’s website often has sales, as does Amazon!

    Also, a plus for Purple is their return policy. If you don’t love the mattress, you can send it back within 100 days for a full refund. These mattresses are made in the US, and they’re also covered by a ten-year warranty.

    #2. Sleep Number
    Sleep Number is well-known for their unique, adjustable design. If you’re not familiar with them, it works like this: each bed has a controller that allows you to choose a number. That number, your Sleep Number, represents how soft or firm you prefer your bed to be. The best part is, Sleep Number also offers beds that can be adjusted on both sides. That means if you prefer firm and your partner prefers soft, you can get the best of both worlds!

    You can also adjust the angle of the bed, allowing you to choose your preferred sleeping posture. You can even adjust the bed enough to watch TV or read while in bed! These mattresses are in the under-$1000 range, usually coming in between $700 and $900.

    #1. Saatva
    Saatva mattresses are made from all-natural, organic cotton. They also offer mattresses for $999 and offer a great set-up bonus. The cost of a mattress includes free delivery, setup and removal of your old mattress. Talk about full-service! Saatva mattresses are made in the US and Canada, meaning you know you’ll get quality construction.


  • The Best Solar Power Companies

    The Best Solar Power Companies

    Nowadays, many consumers have turned to solar energy for the sake of the environment and for their wallet.  This renewable energy source has globally proven to be cheaper than power from the grid, saving customers hundreds or thousands of dollars per year on their energy bill.

    Solar energy is known to require little maintenance and according to research, solar energy has the least negative impact on the environment compared to the other sources of energy.  Solar energy also has proven to be more reliable as well, since it can be deployed anywhere.

    Solar panels and solar contracts have an average lifespan of 20 years. To help you make the smartest, long-term decision, we’ve compiled top solar power companies and highlighted their respective benefits. Below, you can compare unique cost savings, equipment monitoring, tax breaks, and contracts that require little to no money down. Whichever company you choose, you’ll experience greater energy savings and the perks of environmentally-friendly living. Read on to learn about the best solar power companies that can help you!

    Best Solar Power Companies

    Sunrun

    Sunrun has been helping homeowners save on energy bills since 2007. This solar provider has often been named as both the best and largest solar company in the United States. Sunrun covers over 17 states in the US including South Carolina, Nevada, California and Colorado. You can also choose from flexible payment options that allow you to put as little as zero down. Sunrun provides for four payment plans; Brightsave monthly (which is a 20-year lease with monthly payments), BrightBuy (where you purchase the solar power in full), BrightAdvantage (which is a solar loan with zero down and is a great way to finance your solar panels) and Brightsave prepaid (where you pay for the entire solar lease in full right from the start).

    The great thing about Sunrun is that, regardless of the plan you choose, you are guaranteed backup storage, workmanship warranty as well as a 10-year roof warranty. With Sunrun you are also able to monitor your solar home’s productivity through a innovative app. If your solar panels generate more power than you use, Sunrun will return credits to you.

    When you decide to use Sunrun, it sends a representative to your home to evaluate your solar eligibility. Within three weeks, the company creates a design for you to approve, and after you give your consent, Sunrun begins applying for permits. Permit wait times depend on your local government. Once permits are approved, installation can begin.

    SolarCity

    Solarcity is a solar power company that is known for having the most affordable solar panel plans while still backing its work with guarantees and strong warranties. This solar company benefits greatly from the research and technology that is provided by Tesla – its sister company. Solarcity has services that are available for government planners, homeowners and businesses in about 21 states all across the United States.

    A lot of solar companies just offer solar panel installation but Solarcity additionally offers clients the ability to go off the grid through its back up power supply which ensures that your premise will always have power regardless of any blackouts. Powerwall – a backup power supply that allows you to always have power regardless of city blackouts. Unlike a portable generator Powerwall allows you to access clean power in emergencies. In addition to its Powerwall, Solarcity also offers a 10-year warranty that covers 10 years of necessary maintenance.

    Tesla recently revealed the new solar roof – a surprisingly affordable set of roof tiles with solar cells. To anyone looking at them from the street they will seem like a normal set of roofing tiles. The solar cells are only visible from above so they can use the sun to power your home. They even come in four different, chic-looking styles to help you match the look of your home. SolarCity is the only solar company that can install the solar roof. If you’re wondering about the dependability of these tiles, rest assured knowing that they are stronger than average roofing tiles.

    Vivint Solar

    Vivint Solar is also one of the best solar power companies. Vivint made its debut as a home security and home automation company in 1999 and has transitioned into a top solar company. Vivint Solar offers four payment plans in addition to warranties and solar panel performance monitoring. This solar contractor can help you save money on your utility bill while decreasing your impact on the environment. With operations in 16 states, it has the third largest coverage in the United States.

    In addition to solar panel installations, Vivint Solar does offer backup battery storage. This company’s solar power warranties include a 25-year performance warranty. The inverter is also covered by a 20-year workmanship warranty. Vivint will fix or pay for any damage it might cause to your property or belongings. This company offers four different payment plans: Solar Purchase, Solar Loan, Solar PPA, and Solar Lease. Regardless of which plan you choose, Vivint Solar will maintain and monitor your solar panels. These plans are also transferrable, should you decide to sell your home. Some of these plans also include product and power output warranties. Should the system fail to function or if it functions inefficiently Vivint Solar will take care of it.

    After you have set up a consultation with Vivint Solar, they will set up a time to meet with you. At this meeting Vivint will go over how solar works where you live and explain the benefits of using solar panels. After that comes an on-site survey, where they will look around your home for about an hour to evaluate your home’s solar eligibility. Designs will be drawn that best accommodate your house.