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Month: September 2018

  • Top Ten Comic Book Anti-Heroes

    Top Ten Comic Book Anti-Heroes

    You know what they say: crime never pays. These comic book anti-heroes aren’t exactly villains, but you wouldn’t call them heroes either. Sometimes they do things for their own benefit that happen to help people. Other times they fight for good, but believe the ends justify the means. In either case, there’s only one word for them: anti-heroes. Today, we’re looking at the ten coolest comic book anti-heroes.

    Top Ten Comic Book Anti-Heroes

    10. Harley Quinn

    Photo Credit: Pinterest

    Originally introduced as a pawn of the Joker and a straight-up villain, this character has undergone a bit of a metamorphosis. She’s been on the Suicide Squad, a team of villains that are compelled to work as heroes by bomb collars around their necks. Harley’s also been known to show something of a moral code, even if it is warped. That most tragic part of her story is how she became so unhinged. Originally, she was the Joker’s therapist at Arkham, but he warped her mind with his deranged ramblings.

    9. Gambit

    Photo Credit: Splash Report

    The Louisiana-born Ragin’ Cajun is as much a charming rogue as he is a heroic X-Man. Gambit’s mutation allows him to imbue objects with kinetic energy and then detonate them. His preferred method of delivery for this power is playing cards. His Cajun accent and bad-boy swagger lend him a unique feel amongst X-Men characters. He was raised by the Thieves’ Guild and referred to as “the White Devil,” so anti-hero is a fitting title for him.

    8. Elektra

    Photo Credit: Quora

    Well-known for her tumultuous past with Matt Murdock, Elektra is equal parts ninja, assassin and badass. Her background with the Hand and other dangerous elements in the Marvel Universe makes her a unique part of Daredevil’s mythos. She often clashes with Matt over his uncompromising morals. In the end, though, her heart is in the right place.

    7. Red Hood

    Photo Credit: Instructables

    Jason Todd was brutally murdered by the Joker. Some complicated stuff happened, and he was resurrected. Upon being brought back to life, Todd sought vengeance for his untimely and brutal death. Originally, he blamed Batman for not killing the Joker when he had the chance. In order to make sure no one suffers the same fate he did, Todd dons the mask of the Red Hood. As Red Hood, he brutally kills criminals to make the world a better place.

    6. Spawn

    Photo Credit: Comic Book

    Spawn is a quintessential anti-hero. Originally a soldier, he is betrayed by his unit and killed by his own best friend. Upon reaching the afterlife, he finds he is damned to hell for killing innocents as a soldier. However, he is granted demonic powers and allowed back to earth to see his wife and family. When he returns to earth, he turns his wrath upon the wicked. And it is awesome.

    5. Ghost Rider

    Photo Credit: Nerdist

    Another superhero powered by hellfire, Ghost Rider is the very spirit of vengeance. Johnny Blaze was given a choice by Mephistopheles: save his father’s soul in exchange for his own. Now empowered by hellish magic, Johnny rides through the night, meting out vengeance and generally looking awesome. If you’re a fan of demons and motorcycles, Ghost Rider might just be your jam. Johnny’s successors, Danny Ketch and Robbie Reyes, are also pretty awesome and you should check them out too.

    4. Judge Dredd

    Photo Credit: Geek Tyrant

    Originally appearing in the British anthology comic 2000 AD, Dredd is the foremost of a law enforcement agency known as Judges. In the dystopian nightmare that is Mega-City One, Dredd is the embodiment of totalitarian law. As judge, jury and executioner, Dredd rides through the sprawling metropolis, meting out justice and protecting the innocent. While he does technically save the day, his methods are unflinchingly brutal. We almost don’t want to call this guy a hero…

    3. Venom

    Photo Credit: IMDb

    Venom, the fusion of an alien symbiote and Eddie Brock, is a complex entity. Referring to itself as “we,” Venom thinks of itself as a hybrid of its constituent parts. The monstrous creature clashes with Peter Parker constantly, but that doesn’t mean he’s inherently a villain. In fact, Venom is something of a hero when the mood strikes him, as he has a strong sense of (warped) morality. If you’re in trouble and you see black tendrils ensnare your assailant, don’t ask questions. Just run, and be thankful Venom was feeling charitable.

    2. Deadpool

    Photo Credit: Uproxx

    The Merc with the Mouth himself, Deadpool is the very definition of an anti-hero. Cursed with a combination of a powerful healing factor and debilitating cancer, Deadpool is horrendously ugly and endlessly witty. The red-clad mercenary is also absolutely insane, often breaking the fourth wall and addressing the audience directly. His cartoony shenanigans often lead to vicious, unneeded bloodshed, although he really does mean well. Well, sometimes. At the very least, he isn’t evil… we think.

    1. Punisher

    Photo Credit: MCU Wiki

    The ultimate anti-hero, Frank Castle is a man possessed. Not literally, like Spawn and Ghost Rider, but figuratively. Frank’s an ex-marine who saw his family butchered in front of him by a random act of gang violence before being struck by a bullet. The bullet puts him into a coma, but when he awakens he finds that he has a thirst for vengeance. He dons a black outfit emblazoned with a white skull-head and goes to work punishing evil-doers.

    Frank often comes into conflict with Daredevil, much like Elektra, as the two have completely opposite worldviews. While Frank really does mean to make the world a better place, his incessantly brutal methods make him a difficult man to root for.

  • Mega Man 11 Demo Live on Switch, Others

    Mega Man 11 Demo Live on Switch, Others

    Mega Man 11, the hotly anticipated newest entry in the platforming series, is coming out on October 2nd. Before it releases, however, players will have a chance to play the demo, which is available now on Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and PS4. Fans of the Blue Bomber will have a chance to face off against Block Man at varying difficulties. If you beat him on every difficulty, you’ll even score items to use in-game when the full version releases!

    megaman11
    IGN

    Welcome Back

    Mega Man’s been out of the spotlight for some time. In fact, the previous entry, Mega Man 10, was released all the way back in 2010. Mega Man 10 and Mega Man 9, which were released digitally through online retailers, had old-school style graphics. They were throwback-style games, hearkening to the NES era of Mega Man. Mega Man 11, by contrast, has a very modern, sleek style including voice acting and smooth animations. It’s good to see the blue robot getting back to busting up Robot Masters!

    Something Old, Something New

    The formula seems to be largely unchanged this time around. You control the title character, navigating blisteringly difficult levels. Each level is themed around its Robot Master, a powerful robot who controls the enemies found in the stage. At the end of the stage, you engage in tense, white-knuckle battles with the Robot Master. Upon defeating them, you’re rewarded with access to their weapon and bragging rights. After defeating all eight of the Robot Master, you take on the villainous Dr. Wily in his lair.

    It’s not a complete remake of previous entries, though. This time around, the aesthetics are vibrant, colorful and happy. It’s not a nostalgic indulgence of NES style, unlike Mega Man 9 and 10, excellent though they were. Instead, it’s a nostalgic game due to its attitude and gameplay. Also making their first appearance are the Double Gears. The Double Gear system is a new power-up system that allows Mega Man to perform some unique power moves.

    Some Double Gears will allow you to slow down time briefly, and others let you overcharge your Mega Buster. They add a new layer of depth to the old-school Mega Man formula.

    Mega Man 11 Releases October 2nd

    The full game will release on October 2nd on Xbox One, PS4, Nintendo Switch and Windows. The Nintendo Switch special edition version will also include a Mega Man Amiibo! That’s just in time for Super Smash Bros Ultimate, so if you’re a Switch owner this one’s a must-have!

  • Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    It’s neither controversial nor shocking to say that cigarettes are bad for you. It’s now no secret that smoking can cause heart problems, lung disease, a stroke and cancer. Nearly everyone who smokes is fully aware of the nature of just how bad cigarettes are for your body.

    Your risk of cancer, lung and heart problems and issues with your kidneys and intestines are all increased by smoking. However some smokers still fail to accept these proven risks and give up cigarettes. People who smoke die an average of 13 to 14 years sooner than nonsmokers. Smoking can also cause sexual and reproductive issues. Pregnant women who smoke risk the health of their unborn child as well.

    Quitting can be extremely difficult though and nicotine and smoking has been proven to be highly addictive. What is the main reason why you want to quit smoking? It is important to establish why you want to quit to stay motivated during what could be a long process.

    Tips on How to Quit Smoking

    Talk to People About It

    You don’t have to go it alone. In fact, if you try to handle this by yourself, you’re likely going to relapse. So, to prevent the likelihood of that, tell people in your life that you’re trying to quit. Talking about things helps to make them feel more real. It’s harder to stay consistent if there’s no one to hold you accountable. Get the people closest to you on board in this process!

    Get Help

    Whether it’s medical help or therapy, you should look beyond just moral support of friends and family. Addiction is a serious thing, and it takes some serious work to undo the claws tobacco products have in your central nervous system. Things like nicotine gum, patches and support groups are all excellent steps to combat the issue.

    Eliminate All Traces of Smoking from your Personal Space

    This one might seem obvious, but it goes deeper than you think. Start by throwing away or giving away all of your cigarettes, ash trays, lighters and matches. Then, shampoo your carpets, clean your drapes and do everything you can to eliminate the smell. You don’t want that smoke smell welling up and driving your desire to light one up.

    Find Healthy Alternatives

    Even if you’d prefer to not use nicotine in your efforts to quit smoking, look for other ways to relax. The biggest draw to smoking is the relaxation that follows a cigarette as nicotine sinks into your system. In order to combat the worst cravings, seek out other relaxing activities.

    Meditation, yoga, tai chi and hobbies like painting, drawing or making music are all great alternatives. If you can afford it, getting professional massages hits similar mental notes as smoking a cigarette! These activities are good for your mental health as well as your physical health.

    Don’t Give Up

    If you slip up and smoke a cigarette after weeks of being smoke-free, it’s not the end of the world. Don’t sweat the small lapses like that, and don’t let them convince you to pick smoking back up. No one is perfect: small mistakes don’t define you. Keep up the good effort and follow the advice in this article. You’re strong enough to quit smoking, so keep at it!


  • Apple’s AirPods 2

    Apple’s AirPods 2

    More News From Apple’s annual fall launch event on Sept. 12. It is expansively expected to bring new iPhones, you know already, we have talked all about them. Then the Apple Watch 4, you saw that too im sure. What you haven’t realized is that Tuesdays event also effectively marks the second anniversary of the Apple AirPods.  Everyone laughed about their design when they were first unveiled in 2016, but now the AirPods have taken the headphone market, become the standard of the in ear design, and made apple billions more. So what does Apple do for an encore? AirPods 2 of course.

    What Can we Expect from the AirPods 2

    Yes Tuesday we will see Tim Cook unveil the AirPods 2. You are probably asking yourself whats left to say about the AirPods that we haven’t said already.. What could be improved? The answer is this: improve on the existing product with software advancements and accessories. Then maybe expand the line with new models, too. Both AirPods 2 and larger, Apple-branded noise-cancelling headphones have been rumored over the past few months. We are even hearing some bone conductive sound chatter.

    Even Though we will get the announcement Tuesday, AirPods 2 are not coming before early 2019. Just don’t expect them till next year, Apple is always very slow with their accessory roll outs. We do know that the set will feature some sort of water-proofing as well as an elaborate noise-cancellation system. Expect a Wireless charging case. Last year when the charging pad was revealed they have the Airpods case laying on it, however now wireless charging Airpods case was ever released.

     

     

    The Final Airpods 2 Thought

    They will boast a new line with the water-resistant and noise-canceling features, wireless charging, new color options and possible bone conductive sound… Im expecting a slight price hike from the already unfathomable $129 price point to a ridiculous $159. But then again Apple has been know to upgrade a device and drop the price to make it the universal headphone truth. See you next Tuesday.

  • Top 3 Treatments For Atrial Fibrillation

    Top 3 Treatments For Atrial Fibrillation

    Atrial fibrillation is a condition that causes the heart to beat at an irregular rate. A normal heat rate should be around 60 to 100 beats minute, when at rest.

    A person suffering from atrial fibrillation (AF) will have a higher heart beat that is often irregular. Some common symptoms for atrial fibrillation include, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea and fatigue. In some cases, people with atrial fibrillation may fail to exhibit any symptoms. While the exact cause of the condition is not yet established, medical research shows that it is mostly associated with unhealthy lifestyle choices such as excessive smoking and drinking. People with pre-existing conditions such as atherosclerosis or high blood pressure are also at a higher risk of suffering from atrial fibrillation. Statistics indicate that the condition is common in older adults of 65 years and above. While a diagnosis of atrial fibrillation may not be life threatening, it should be managed with the appropriate treatment. Below are some treatments that are effective for atrial fibrillation.

    A normal functioning heart should have regular rhythm that is controlled by electrical currents on a set path within the heart. However, in the case of AF condition, the electric currents fail to follow the set path and instead become erratic throughout the atria. This causes a person to experience heart palpitations as a result of the irregular heart rhythm. In such cases, the doctor will recommend drugs that will help regulate the heart rhythm. Drugs used to regulate the heart rhythm and also prevent recurring episodes of AF are called antiarrhythmic drugs. There are two basic antiarrhythmic drugs; potassium channel blockers and sodium channel blockers. The doctor will administer treatment or drugs depending on the severity of the problem. In most cases, the treatment is administered within the hospital where the patient can be monitored closely. Medication recommended for controlling heart rhythm include propfenone, flecainide, sotalol and amiodarone.
    An irregular heart rate is among the common symptoms of AF. Medical experts note that ensuring the AF patients have a regular heart rate is the first step towards a successful treatment. If goes untreated, person suffering from irregular heart rate can succumb to stroke or other cardiovascular conditions. Irregular heart rate on AF patients can be regulated and managed with the appropriate medication. In most AF cases, beta blockers are administered to control and regulate the heart rate. Some of the beta blockers recommended include Timolol, Nadolol, Propranolol, Metoprolol, Atenolol and Bisoprolol.

    Calcium channel blockers are also used to slow down the heart rate in AF patients as well as reduce the strength of muscle cell contractions. Some of the medication recommended include Verapamil, Digoxin and Dilitiazem.

    Studies show that AF patients are at increased risk of suffering from stroke. A stroke occurs when blood pools onto the upper chambers of the heart (the atria) causing a clot which travels onto the brain causing the stroke. As such, doctors usually focus on preventing blood clots of any form in patients suffering from AF. The best medication for preventing and treating blood clots is blood thinners. Studies indicate that AF patients on blood thinners show significant improvement as well have reduced chances of forming blood clots. Doctors will recommend different blood thinners depending on the severity of a particular patient. There are basically two blood thinners are commonly used; antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs. Anticoagulant drugs are designed to extend the time it takes for one’s blood to clot. Some commonly used anticoagulant drugs are dabigatran, edoxaban, warfarin and rivaroxaban. Anti-platelet drugs are also effective in the prevention of blood clots. The drugs are designed to interfere with clot-enhancing platelets in the blood. Commonly recommended antiplatelet drugs include aspirin, anagrelide, tirofiban, prasugrel and vorapaxar.

    Doctors agree that cases of atrial fibrillation can significantly reduce if people adopt healthier lifestyles early on and also have regular medical check-ups.



  • Best Razor Deals

    Best Razor Deals

    Save money by ordering razors and cartridges online! As drugstore brand razors continue to go up in price, many consumers have turned to online refill programs to satisfy their shaving needs. In addition to Gillette’s online subscription program, startups like Harry’s and Dollar Shave Club have also carved out niches for themselves in this market.

    Before joining one of these programs, it is always a great idea to find out the pros and cons of each. If you are looking for great deals and a more cost-effective shave experience, look at Harry’s, Dollar Shave Club, and Gillette Shave Club. Their deals are much better than those at your local drug store but make sure you know what you’re getting before you sign up!

    Harry’s

    Harry’s is a pioneer in the online razor industry, offering a free trial period prior to any ordering. They have a variety of different packages available, with great deals on starter sets for $15 or around $25 for additional shave cream. The razors are available in both a sleek, brightly colored plastic model, or in shiny metals depending on your taste. They also offer a variety of different accessories such as pre and post-shaving lotions and toners. This website allows members to order on an as-needed basis or sign up for a subscription that ships out product on a regular schedule. If you opt for the as-needed ordering, they will send you reminder emails around the time that you are likely running low on blades. This is a great option for shavers who are curious about the online refill program but aren’t quite ready to commit.

    Dollar Shave Club

    Dollar Shave Club is a boutique company that was recently sold to consumer goods behemoth, Unilever, for $1 billion dollars! Consumers can choose between monthly delivery or they can receive their razors every other month which is a nice bit of flexibility. For a low price of $6 a month, you can receive a pack of four quad-blade razors. The razors themselves don’t last for a significantly long time, making the four-pack a great choice for guys who shave every other day or less often. There are other programs with a larger number of blades available at higher price points. DSC prides itself on responsive customer service and is known to just “make things right” when there is an issue with delivery or damaged products in a way that many companies don’t do. This is a great program for anyone looking for a good range of products and delivery options.

    Gillette

    Gillette saw the writing on the wall and has entered the subscription razor refill game. While their razors are offered at a much higher price point than their other online program competitors, starting at around $25, it is still a better deal than what you will find at your local drugstore. There are three different plans that are available, giving joiners a choice in razors, and in the frequency of delivery. Subscribers can also order a one-time shipment if they want to check everything out before committing to a subscription.


  • Don’t Overpay For K-Cups – Find The Best Online Deals

    Don’t Overpay For K-Cups – Find The Best Online Deals

    Need coffee? K-cups are the most convenient and fastest way to get your daily dose of caffeine in the morning. Great for people always on the go, K-Cups are a godsend to working people and stay-at-home parents everywhere.

    Available in grocery stores and other retail stores nationwide, K-Cups have come to dominate the coffee industry. With tons of K-Cup options and accessories available, you can find any flavor and type of coffee you can imagine, making for a whole lot of options, and with K-Cup refill filters, you can use any brand of coffee you prefer and save money. If you are interested in learning more about K-Cups where to get them at the best prices, read more below.

    When they first came out, there were only a few choices of K-Cups available, now there are literally hundreds to choose from. You can find Keurig brand K-Cups at most stores including popular flavors such as Keurig’s Donut Shop coffee. If you aren’t sure which cups you might like, you can purchase a variety sample pack, just like the ones you might find included with your Keurig machine. If you already have a coffee brand you prefer, you can find both home-brew brands like Folgers and Café Bustelo, and coffee shop brands like Starbucks, Peet’s Coffee and Dunkin Donuts in a variety of their flavors. With these conveniently ready-to-brew pods, you can make coffee almost instantly – just turn on your Keurig coffee machine, load the pod, press the button and you’ll have a piping hot cup of coffee in less than a minute.

    How You Are Overpaying Now

    When it comes to replenishing your supply, there are a few different ways to go about it. The most expensive way is to buy your K-Cups in the store. Often, you’ll find K-cups in packs of 10 for around $6 or $7, but this is not the most economical option. This brings you to $0.70 per cup of coffee…

    How to Save Now

    When it comes to saving money, the key is to buy the larger boxes because, the more you buy, the more you can save in the long run. While the packs of 10 are great for trying out certain flavors, you can buy larger boxes of 60 to 75 K-Cups for $35 to $40 in wholesale stores like Costco, in some grocery stores like Ralphs, or even online from websites like Amazon. Doing this could bring you to $0.50 per cup of coffee or less, saving you almost a quarter each cup that you drink. If you are anything like our staff at GoodFind, that savings adds up very quickly.

    With Amazon, you can subscribe and save on K-Cups, having your preferred brand and flavor ordered and shipped to you automatically each month. Another option for subscription services is to use Keurig’s Auto-Delivery service that allows you to buy all Keurig branded cups as often as you like with a savings of 25% off. There’s also premium coffee subscription services like Coffee cargo, where you can try premium coffees that you can’t get anywhere else.

    Other Options

    Another great way to fill up is with refillable options. With K-Cup refillable pods and filters, you can use literally any coffee you prefer, because you can add your own ground coffee into the pod. This is a great way to get that same fresh ground taste right out of your Keurig machine. Refillable K-Cups called GoodCups can be purchased through Amazon and are loaded into the same spot where you would put your disposable K-Cups. Coffee Bean N Leaf Brews makes another great refillable coffee pod that is completely reusable and dishwasher safe. Of course, Keurig also makes their own refillable pod: the Keurig My K-Cup that allows you to use your own gourmet coffee by adding it to the filter provided. Replace the filter with the pod loader attached to your machine and you are ready to go. Using any refillable pod is not only a great way to have your favorite coffee not available in disposable cups, but it’s also great for the environment too!

    Keurig Green Mountain said it plans by 2020 to change the plastic composition in the billions of K-cup single-serving coffee containers it sells annually, making them more lucrative to recyclers while removing one of the nagging complaints that mountains of the little pods are piling up in landfills.

    “Our goal is 100 percent Keurig K-cup pods diverted from landfills by curbside recycling,” said Monique Oxender, the coffee brewer’s chief sustainability officer. “The consumer is going to brew it, peel and empty it, and pop the pod into the recycling bin in the same behavior they would do with a yogurt cup. We want them to make it a habit.”


  • Tablet Talk: Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet

    Tablet Talk: Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet

    AMAZON has another new tablet to add to its expansive range with the launch of  Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet and this device includes a new feature that should make it a whole lot more useful. Here’s full details about the Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet including price, release and specs.

     

    The Great

    • Up to 10 hours of battery life, A
    • Vibrant 8″ HD display
    • 1.3 GHz quad-core processor
    • 1.5 GB of RAM
    • Dolby Audio
    • 2x as durable as the iPad Mini 4.
    • Alexa Voice enabled

    The Not

    • Basic
    • Entry level tablet
    • The battery life drops from last year’s 12 hours to 10 hours

     

    The Conclusion

    From a quick glance, there’s not much to differentiate this latest tablet from its predecessors but the HD 8 has a very neat trick up its sleeve with something called ‘Show Mode’.

     

    We have an update here.  Amazon has offered truly hands-free Alexa on the Fire HD 10 tablet, but never on its 8-inch model. Which means you have had to wake it up firs. Not an issue but mildly annoying. Those days are a thing of the past with an updated Fire HD 8. The new model blasts its always-on Alexa feature. a Feature that lets you voice directions even when the device is asleep. Yes this in fact is almost like turning it into an impromptu Echo speaker. This does in fact reduce your battery life, but you can turn off the always-available feature if that extra running time is valuable.

    Perhaps one of the greatest other features of the new HD 8 is its price which starts at just $79.99. This rises to $109.88 for those that want the Show Mode Charging Dock bundled with the device. The all-new Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet comes in four colour options: Black, Marine Blue, Punch Red, and Canary Yellow, and is available for pre-order beginning today with it shipping on October 4.

     

    Introducing Show Mode

    Show Mode is a new, immersive hands-free Alexa experience for your Fire HD 8 that provides full-screen landscape visuals that complement voice responses from Alexa. Show Mode lets you ask Alexa to see trending news, make calls, check the weather, view camera feeds, and more—all glanceable whether you’re up close or across the room. Show Mode is available with free software update.

     

    The Final Thought

    That’s all there really is to this update to the Amazon’s Fire HD 8 tablet. Just some Alexa support and functionality and this Show mode that  basically transforms the tablet into a smart home device with the screen instantly being switched to show useful data such as local weather, news and your upcoming events. Still no Paul Bettany voiced alarm clock reading me the news, weather, traffic and a run down of my schedule. I mean would that be so hard Amazon?

  • APPLE WATCH SERIES 4; What We know Already

    APPLE WATCH SERIES 4; What We know Already

    Everyone is talking about the 3 new iPhones we will see next week, what we are not hearing a lot of chatter about is the new Apple Watch series 4. While the iPhone  models this year are just an iteration, things are very different for the Apple Watch. From what we are hearing this will be a major redesign of the Apple watch. The first redesign of the apple watch if you have been paying attention.

     

    It has been 5 years since the original apple watch has been released. It has had some monumental success but all of us have been waiting for the next model. It has always seemed like they were just one last upgraded model from the revolutionary device we have been waiting for. This has me very excited. Lets break down what the changes will look like for the Apple Watch series 4. The Apple Watch series 4 is also expected to offer an LTE model as well, similar to last year’s Series 3, although with a more subtle red ring on the digital crown to denote the cellular status.

    The Apple Watch Series 4 Updates

    First upgrade is the face size. We have been dealing with 38mm or 42mm screen. Its been fine but its not great. I need a big display, like full forearm sized display. I know i’m getting ridiculous but Apple will be offering a bigger display on the watch. From what i’m hearing a 46mm display will be the standard. The larger screen means there’s now room to show even more information, and there appears to be nine complications visible on the new watch face. It will also sport a  nearly edge-to-edge, possibly bezel-less design. As you can guess it will have a slimmer size than the previous versions. Apple loves getting slimmer.

    The Final Thought

    That is what we know so far, but what about what we want. Im going to highlight 2 unverified and completely desired features Id like to see in the Apple Watch series 4. First, A video projector, yeah. I want to beam videos out of my watch like some Syfy madman. It would be cool, but I dont know how they would keep the heat from the projector light from burning your wrist.  2nd feature id love to see is a holographic display. A 3d holographic display even. Come on Apple, wow us, make me buy the Apple Watch series 4.

  • Ten Ways Amazon Became Valued Over $1 Trillion

    Ten Ways Amazon Became Valued Over $1 Trillion

    A few days ago, Amazon became the second company in history to have its value crest the one-trillion-dollar mark. That’s an absolutely mind-boggling amount of money that we don’t even want to start thinking about. What’s even crazier is that, despite that huge value, the company hasn’t been pulling in absurd profits. In fact, in 2017 their profits were right around $3 billion. Don’t get us wrong, $3 billion is more money than anyone can ever hope to comprehend, but it’s chump change compared to $1 trillion. To put this in perspective, today we’re looking at the ten ways Amazon became valued over $1 trillion. To start, we have to go all the way back to 1994…

    Ten Ways Amazon Became Valued Over $1 Trillion

    Humble Beginnings

    Photo Credit: 99Designs

    Believe it or not, Amazon started its existence as an alternative to Barnes and Noble. It’s weird to think about, but one of the biggest companies in the world originated as an online bookseller. Their primary goal was to be an alternative to the large-scale book sellers of the time. By using an online-only business model, they could keep the overhead low and sell their products for less. However, they quickly learned that there was more money to be made in ecommerce than just selling books.

    Perfect Positioning

    Amazon broke onto the scene in 1994, positioning themselves correctly to begin making a great deal of money. The popularization of the internet in the mid-to-late-90’s certainly helped the fledgling bookseller. The dot com bubble of the late 90’s saw increased interest in online presence, domain names and ecommerce. This came as Amazon was diversifying their business and branching out into other areas.

    Branching Out

    Photo Credit: CNET

    Amazon spent the latter half of the 90’s branching out of books and into other forms of ecommerce. They developed a logistics operation that was efficient and took full advantage of their online storefront’s easy and convenient appeal. They incorporated goods from pet food to appliances and everything in between into their inventory. Their already-sizable book selling business stayed profitable, too, eventually edging out companies like Borders. Barnes and Noble, while still existent, is much diminished from what it once was.

    Convenience and Logistics

    Photo Credit: Kim Kommando Show

    Throughout the early 2000’s, Amazon survived the popping of the dot com bubble thanks to their inertia. They had created a sizable logistics operation that made them fast and reliable. Their vast inventory made them one-stop internet shopping. Smart branding and marketing made them come off as an underdog, helping customers get ahead of the “big guys.” No longer did customers have to shop when stores were open or fight with crowds. Department stores and malls began to feel the squeeze as Amazon captured more and more of the market.

    Amazon Prime

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    Amazon’s success helped them develop a great deal of clout in the world of package delivery. Leveraging this, they introduced their Prime subscription program. The biggest draw to Prime for most users is the free, 2-day shipping. It’s a pretty stellar deal at 10 bucks a month if you order a ton of things on Amazon.

    The program’s appeal helped catapult Amazon into the stratosphere with their ecommerce. People who don’t order as much essentially just give Amazon 10 bucks a month for free. Those who order more are more inclined to use Amazon since they get free shipping and get their products in just two days. It’s a win-win for the big A.

    Amazon Prime Video

    Photo Credit: Deadline

    Another facet of Amazon’s Prime subscription, their premium video service competes with Hulu and Netflix. It’s been wildly successful, and originals like Jack Ryan have brought in tons of subscribers. It certainly helps that Amazon Prime is also an Amazon Video subscription, so its numbers are bolstered by those who just want free, 2-day shipping.

    Twitch Acquisition

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    The next part of Amazon’s mission to take over the world was acquiring Twitch. The popular streaming platform hosts gamers who stream their live gameplay. The streams garner millions of views and rake in tons of ad revenue. Since purchasing the company, Amazon has seen a huge windfall from the platform. The timely acquisition has proven to be a stroke of business genius for the ecommerce giant.

    Kindle, Fire and other Flame-Based Names

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    The first step into hardware for Amazon was the Kindle e-reader. It was rather popular and resulted in Barnes and Noble firing back with their own ill-fated Nook. Kindle was a modest success that was overtaken by the Fire line of tablets. Amazon’s Fire tablets have also given way to hardware like the Fire TV Stick and other streaming devices. However, all of these product lines have been overshadowed by the Echo.

    “Alexa, Make us Money”

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    Amazon capitalized on the smart-assistant market with the introduction of their own assistant, Alexa. The mega-popular Echo line of smarthome speakers house the useful assistant, and they’re ubiquitous. Some critics say that the Echo devices are little more than wiretaps you pay to have in your house. Others claim that the smart speakers are convenient and awesome, and they can’t imagine life without them. The rest of the world, however, asks Alexa about the weather and laughs at memes about the virtual assistant.

    The Future

    Photo Credit: Amazon

    Amazon, along with Google and Apple, is well and truly on the way to becoming a megacorp. Their AI is advanced and everywhere, they deliver everything from food to video games, and they’re worth a trillion dollars. The future will see the juggernaut unleashing its drone fleet to deliver items with unprecedented speed. Amazon plans to open storefronts with no employees that are run entirely by robots. We wouldn’t be surprised if automated Amazon units replaced police officers by 2050, at this rate. One thing is certain: whatever happens in the future, Jeff Bezos has made a lot of freaking money.