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Month: October 2018

  • 2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    2019 Toyota Highlander Review

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander is here! Since its redesign in 2014, the Highlander has been a much more desirable vehicle than its original iteration. Available as a gasoline-powered model with two engine choices or the gasoline/electric Highlander Hybrid, Toyota’s popular mid-size crossover vehicle provides something for a wide-ranging tastes.

    The 2018 Toyota Highlander ranks near the top of its class. It has an upscale interior, a powerful available V6 engine, and a comfortable ride. Is the 2019 model a continuation of this trend? Or does it return to its unlovable roots? Let’s take a closer look!

    2019 Toyota Highlander

    The Toyota Highlander is a great midsize SUV. The Highlander provides a comfortable and quiet ride. It sports a handsome interior and a long list of standard safety features. Its available V6 engine scoots the eight-seat SUV around confidently.

    Under the Hood

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has three powertrain options. There’s 4-cylinder, 6-cylinder and hybrid options available. If you’re looking for all-wheel drive, you’ll have to go for the 6-cylinder configuration. Meanwhile, the hybrid powertrain is the best for the environment, and also helps you net much better gas mileage. In fact, the hybrid engine gets nearly 28 miles per gallon in good conditions!

    Interior

    The interior of the 2019 model is spacious and luxurious. It seats eight, with three rows of seating. The third row is mainly for kids, but adults can fit back there. It just might be a bit cramped for long trips! The Highlander sports a huge, gorgeous infotainment screen, too. Other notable interior features include tons of charging options for smart devices, understated design and premium-feeling materials.

    Overall Ride Quality

    The 2019 Toyota Highlander has great suspension and responsive steering. Prior to the 2014 redesign, Highlanders were infamous for their abysmal handling. They leaned too much, rolled over too easily and drove like tanks. The 2014 models and forward have been markedly better, with redesigned and upgraded suspension. Thankfully, the 2019 continues this trend.

    Additionally, the 2019 model has a very quiet and luxurious ride. If you like riding high in the saddle, far from the road and quiet, this is the car for you. It’s got tons of space for a big family, and it’s a great value, too.

    Bottom Line

    The 2019 Highlander starts around $30,000, which makes it a pretty great value. It’s got a luxurious and quiet ride, great handling and a high-quality interior. If you’re looking for a good vehicle for a big family, this is one to consider!


  • Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Every time you turn on the television you are bound to see a commercial for anti-wrinkle creams. The skin-care market is filled with anti-wrinkle creams, all claiming to rid your face of signs of aging.

    However, not all wrinkle-creams are equal. Some anti-wrinkle creams work better than others for different people; some contain ingredients that may react poorly with certain people’s skin. With so many options available, the idea of choosing the right wrinkle cream can seem a bit overwhelming. For us, we think 5 wrinkle creams are top notch – and for good reason, since they come so highly rated:

    Asking the following questions when shopping for wrinkle creams can help you find a higher-quality product without overspending for results.

      • Will this keep my skin hydrated?
      • What are the ingredients?
      • Will this product protect my skin?
      • Is this product suitable for my skin type?
      • What is my budget?

    Best Anti-Wrinkle Cream

    Amara Organics Advanced Age-Defying Moisturizer

    Amazon’s Choice isn’t a term used lightly, but this popular face cream has that distinction! How’d it get that high accolade? Well, that’s got to do with just how highly-rated it is. The vast majority of reviews of this cream are four- or five-star. Many people swear by this cream for moisturizing, and say it helps their skin look more youthful!

    Active Wow Youth Enhancing Eye Gel

    Fans of this eye cream rave over it. They say that it’s great for tired eyes, making them look bright and well-rested. Advocates of this eye cream say that it’s a must-have for bags under the eyes. The Active Wow Youth Enhancing Eye Gel is a favorite of people who want to make their eyes look younger and more well-rested!

    Radha Beauty Miracle Retinol Moisturizer

    A ton of five-star reviews and happy customers follow this Radha beauty cream. Reviewers rave about the cream’s moisturizing properties! After all, a great way to take care of the skin on your face is with moisturizer. Reviews comment on the moisturizer’s effect on their skin, noting that it has reduced their dark spots and made their complexion more youthful. Fans of the cream note that it isn’t greasy and does a great job of making skin feel young!

    TruSkin Naturals Vitamin C Serum

    This TruSkin serum is one of the highest-rated anti-aging cream serums around! Reviewers of this serum note just how young their skin looks thanks to it. The cream uses vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, which are noted for their restorative properties. If you’re looking for one of the highest-rated and most-loved anti-aging creams, this is the one for you!

    Over 8,000 reviewers have left 5-star reviews for this one. If you’re looking for a trusted cream to help fight wrinkles, this one is beloved by many faithful users!

    Nu Skin ageLOC Future Serum

    Discover a more youthful appearance, morning and night.  The most advanced anti-ageing product Nu Skin has ever created, ageLOC Future Serum delivers the maximum concentration of ageLOC to the skin. This powerful, clinically tested formula reveals younger looking skin in eight ways, combining the benefits of many different anti-ageing products into a single product. ageLOC Future Serum – for a dramatically younger looking you.


  • Vermont Net Neutrality Laws Challenged by Broadband Lobby

    Vermont Net Neutrality Laws Challenged by Broadband Lobby

    The ongoing battle over net neutrality rages on. On Friday, lobby groups such as NCTA, CTIA, the American Cable Association and more filed suit against the state of Vermont. Their suit deals with Vermont net neutrality laws that force ISPs to follow net neutrality guidelines in order to get government contracts.

    Vermont Net Neutrality in the Crosshairs

    The lobbying groups filing suit in Vermont represent almost every major broadband company. AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile US, Sprint, Comcast, Charter, Cox, Frontier, and CenturyLink are among the groups represented. These groups were vocal supporters of Ajit Pai’s moves to have the FCC repeal net neutrality protections.

    The Vermont laws are somewhat narrow. As it stands, they only stipulate that government-owned buildings can only get Internet service from ISPs who follow net neutrality guidelines. However, the broadband companies are saying this is illegal, as they feel that the FCC’s ruling should preempt state laws.

    The Lawsuit

    The suit itself reads as a very antagonistic and surprisingly aggressive takedown on the part of the broadband companies.

    “Vermont’s attempts to revive and, indeed, expand a repealed regulatory regime are plainly preempted by federal law […] Under the Supremacy Clause of the United States Constitution, state measures that contravene validly adopted federal laws and policy determinations, including those contained in FCC orders, are preempted and have no force or effect.”

    Legal commentators have mentioned how similar this case is to one in California. California’s state net neutrality laws, however, don’t have a terribly good chance of standing up in court. California’s laws almost directly contradict the FCC’s ruling, which is a clear violation of the supremacy clause. Vermont’s law, however, has a much better chance of sticking around.

    Why This Matters

    This case could provide a road map for other states that wish to exert net neutrality protections on ISPs. States have a great deal of control over how they award government contracts. Such contracts are highly lucrative and could cause ISPs to actually change their practices.

    If Vermont wins this case, it could prove an invaluable tool in the ongoing fight for a fair and open internet.

  • Everything You Thought You Knew About Medicare Supplemental Insurance is Wrong – See why!

    Everything You Thought You Knew About Medicare Supplemental Insurance is Wrong – See why!

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you might have found that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans with our experts and today we are breaking down the Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance!

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Anoter factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance won’t always cover everything Medicare doesn’t.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP, and for good reason. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. They have a 94 percent user satisfaction, which is stellar. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, coinsurance and copayment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • Weird New Uses for Botox Injections

    Weird New Uses for Botox Injections

    Uses for Botox Injections are one of the most commonly administered aesthetic procedures in the United States. Although the treatment is a popular method that is used to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It can also be used to ease migraines, excessive sweating and a few other conditions. When Botox is injected, it is priced two different ways: By the vial or unit. By the area, such as the area between the eyes, where frown lines are often treated with Botox.

    Injections: They’re a popular topic and yet still shrouded in mystery and a veritable amount of secrecy. Most of us venture to a consultation or decide against them without actually knowing much information—how much they cost, what to expect during an appointment, or what the results will be. Because we’re not willing to openly and freely discuss it (or have been taught not to), more often than not these conversations occur through a series of unanswered questions. Like sexual education, relying on abstinence is never going to be enough. We want to feel confident, look good, and make our own choices, and as such, that often leads to investing in modern skincare techniques. Lets take a look at 3 weird new uses for Botox injections.

    Fix that Gummy Smile with Botox Injections.

    There are some individuals who are using Botox to fix their gummy smiles, which is when an individual’s teeth are overpowered by disproportionate gum tissue. These individuals have Botox to keep the lip from raising too much when they smile.

    Botox Injection to Extend Your Blowouts

    A new trend is emerging where women are getting Botox in their scalp to extend their blowouts, and they don’t have to wash hair in between workouts. This works by injecting the Botox in to the sweat glands in the scalp. Giving you control of sweat from the scalp segion. The primary benefit of having Botox injections in the scalp is to control sweat from the top and back of the head. … A scalp is an active place for many different body functions.

    Premature Ejaculation

    Injecting Botox into the penis might relax the muscle and delay ejaculation; Allergan is currently testing Botox for this issue. The company also holds a patent for the treatment of erectile dysfunction, which is currently being tested in a third-party clinical trial.

     

    When Botox is injected, it is priced two different ways. By the vial or unit ($12 per unit, $15 per vial) or By the area. Such as the area between the eyes, where frown lines are often treated with Botox ($450 — $800 for an area)The decision to use a given number of units or vials, or to treat an entire area. This  depends on the discretion of the provider. Some places have a required minimum purchase

  • Top 3 Wireless Chargers

    Top 3 Wireless Chargers

    Electronics and technology are constantly evolving to make our lives more convenient. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the cell phone and cell phone accessories market. One of the newest and hottest developments to make life a little easier is the wireless cell phone charger.

    This gadget makes charging your phone easier and faster than ever before. No longer do you need to worry about fooling with your charger cord. Simply dock your device on top of the charger and begin charging without having to plug anything in.

    Especially if you have a newer iPhone, wireless charging is a feature you should be taking advantage of. Your iPhone 8 or later features integrated wireless charging that allows for an easy and intuitive charging experience. Your iPhone has a glass back that works with Qi-certified chargers that are available as accessories and in cars, cafes, hotels, airports, and furniture. Qi is an open, universal charging standard created by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

    There are many Qi-certified chargers available in the market, which charge an iPhone with the latest version of iOS and most Android devices at rates up to 7.5 watts. With so many aftermarket and cheap chinese wireless charging products out there on the cheap it is important to pick the right wireless charger. Read on to find out more about the top quality wireless chargers!

    Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers

    Shut up and take my money. These are the best, most efficient and best looking. The Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers provide fast and secure charging for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR, and all other Qi compatible devices. Designed with a silicone tread, it keeps your device in place while charging and prevents overheating for optimum charging speed, up to 10W. Mounting in the car right now.

    They are offiner a special on the Native Union Drop Wireless Charging set. The set includes a SmartCharger, featuring dual USB-A ports to charge two devices at once, Smart-IC Technology to guarantee your devices are charging at their maximum speed, and sophisticated protection measures to ensure safety for you and your devices. SMART CHARGER’s small and compact design with foldable pins makes it pocket-sized, perfect for travel and those tricky to reach power sockets. Hands Down, the way to go and they are very affordable. If you have to have a charger in the kitchen, the beautiful Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers is what you want. The charging set is only $69.99.

    Mophie Wireless Charger

    The mophie wireless charging base is optimized to quickly and easily charge your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, as well as iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 8. Simply set your iPhone on the wireless base and charging begins immediately. The non-slip housing ensures perfect placement and the included wall adapter means you have everything you need to get charging right in the box. comes in at a nice $39.99.

    Case Mate’s Power Pad

    The Case Mate Power Pad isn’t the cheapest option on the list, running about $60, but it is probably the most effective. Case Mate’s Power Pad is extremely versatile, compatible with both Android and Apple phones . This rectangular pad comes in black or white and offers Qi wireless charging. Including fast charging at 9W for Samsung smartphones or 7.5W for Apple’s iPhones. The cable is attached to the pad and plugs into the 18W Quick Charge wall adapter. This will come in the box. There is a  stand which allows you to prop your phone in portrait or landscape while it charges. The versatility and options make it a great find for someone who wants a charger that does it all.  Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t the most stylish looking option on the list, but its features and quality more than make up for its appearance.


  • iPhone XR, The iPhone Medium?

    iPhone XR, The iPhone Medium?

    When Apple announced its next generation of iPhones last month, the iPhone XS and XS Max were the focus and premium phones.Then they mentioned the Iphone xs step child,  the iPhone XR. The colorful new addition to the iPhone group. THe iPhone XR ditches many premium features from the XS. This feature slim down slims down its price — starting at $749. Lets take a moment to see if the iPhone XR is the right iphone for you.

    Whats Not in the iPhone XR?

    Cutting straight to the chase is the iPhone XR’s six different colors, its use of a 6.1-inch LCD instead of OLED, and the presence of a single camera on the back instead of the dual camera on the XS . Some videos address the phone’s ability to simulate the XS’s depth-of-field effects, and the replacement of 3D Touch with haptic feedback.

    So in summary;

    • LCD Screen not OLED
    • Signal Camera
    • No 3D Touch

    Why Would I Buy The XR

    There is good reason to purchase the XR. The savings of $400, is the big reason. That $400 is before any carrier promotions, which will flood in one the XR. The LCD vs OLED is a big deterrent, you want OLED. LCD screens with LED  Backlighting achieve improved contrast ratio via light-emitting diodes that provide the necessary backlighting instead of CCFLs found in older LCD models. OLED, however, uses an organic substance that glows when an electric current is introduced. make sense? yeah me neither, but you can tell by looking at them.

    After that, the camera, dual cameras,  are  better than a single camera? the answer is a little convoluted. Generally, yes, the modern dual camera systems tend to offer better overall performance over a single camera system—especially in the most recent systems, which have evolved past limited use-cases to full implementation. In short dual camera can help you get a sharper image with more details, enable an ultra-wide angle mode or simply help you take photos with a shallow depth of field to make the subject stand out. At times, the dual camera setup can also help you add 1x or 2x optical zoom to the phone. Now the iPhone XR does mimic some of the features of the dual camera to not make you feel left out. ie the blurry backgrounds.

    The Colors!!! Like the iPhone 5c, there are a plethora of colors to choose from. This makes it appealing to children allowing you to purchase them for your kids with out the guff that they didn’t get the “one they wanted”. Downside to this, they always want the color the other one has. It will come in White, Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, PRODUCT(RED).

    The Final Thought

    It is the next generation of iPhone and will be available to order on October 19th and available in stores on October 26th. The iPhone XR will feature a Liquid Retina edge to edge LCD Display, A12 bionic chip, TrueDepth Camera system with Face ID, and iOS 12. Really its just cheaper and you probably wont notice the differences, it is also bigger then the XS but not the XS Max. Maybe they should have called it iPhone Medium?

  • 2018 Chevy Suburban Review Roundup

    2018 Chevy Suburban Review Roundup

    Anyone who loves SUVs will tell you that they’re impossible to replace. If you have a lot of people to cart around, you want an SUV. The combination of power, space and comfort makes them hard to beat! Today, we’re looking at a review roundup of the best qualities of the 2018 Chevy Suburban, a favorite SUV in the US!

    2018 Chevy Suburban

    Chevrolet

    Overview

    The spacious, easy-driving and stylish Suburban is just as good in 2018 as it has been for years! You can be certain you’re getting the right vehicle for you with the three trim levels. The LS, LT and Premier trim levels each feature a variety of great features that make them perfect for different buyers.

    The LS trim can seat between eight and nine people, making it great for big families. The LT and Premier trim levels seat seven to eight people, but sport other great features to make up for less seating. The Premier, for instance, offers keyless entry. It also has an automatic, programmable liftgate! It also sports 12-way power seats that are both heated and ventilated. Talk about luxurious!

    Other Specs

    The engine is a powerful V8 that can really move when it needs to. Sporting 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque, the Suburban can even handle some light towing! Automatic, six-speed transmission is standard, as you’d expect. The engine does, however, take a lot of gas to operate. It only gets 16 miles per gallon in the city and 23 on the highway.

    That said, this is a very safe vehicle. Sporting antilock brakes and a 4-star safety rating from the NHTSA, the Suburban is a trusted SUV.

    Bottom Line

    As a more luxurious SUV, the 2018 Chevy Suburban is a great option for people looking for something nicer. It starts at $50,200, which puts it a bit higher than some of the competition. However, you get a very big, very comfortable ride with a ton of features. Standard Bose speakers, a huge infotainment center and more make this one of the best SUVs out there!

  • “There’s more in the making” – Says Apple

    “There’s more in the making” – Says Apple

    WE have been waiting for it. I thought and posted in my last update from Apple that it would be the 16th they announce another event. I was off by 2 days. Apple announced today that it will in fact hold another event on the 30th. This will be no doubt to unveil a new iPad. Despite their secrecy and classified lock down info, Apple has become predictable with their new product releases. The event  will take place on October 30 at 10am Eastern time, according to invitations that have gone out to members of the press and an update to Apple’s live events page. They are calling  it “There’s more in the making”

     

    I know I say this every time but It’s important to remain skeptical of rumors until official announcements are made. Even though Apple’s famed iron grip on information about its products before launch has been weaker lately. Almost everything about the iPhone XS was leaked before that device’s announcement. Let make some bold predictions about the “There’s more in the making” Event.

    What we Know From the “There’s more in the making” Event

    Multiple reports from Bloomberg and others have said that Apple plans to introduce new iPad Pro models this fall. According to sources close to Apple as well as data found in the latest iOS builds, the new iPad Pros would have near-edge-to-edge displays like the iPhone XS, as well as the True Depth camera array for Face ID and other applications. More surprisingly, some sources have said that the tablets will drop Apple’s Lightning port in favor of the growing industry standard USB-C and that they will support 4K external displays.WE are expecting some update on the Macbook line as well but that remains unspectacular or a giant mystery… We will find out at the “There’s more in the making” event.

     

    Just What Are They Up To?

    Along with the teaser text advising “There’s more in the making,” Everyone is apparently getting different invites with different unique logos.  Shared images of the invitations on Twitter reveal a number of different designs for the Apple logo are being used to promote the event. This is a good indication the theme for the event could be art related. Possibly alluding to a new pencil with updated functions? You can see expamples of these logos through out this article. I kinda like them.

     

  • 2019 Ford Explorer Early Impressions

    2019 Ford Explorer Early Impressions

    The Ford Explorer has been a favorite SUV in the US for years. And that’s for good reason: it’s spacious, smooth and great for families. After all, if you’ve got a lot of people to carry back in forth, you want an SUV! Let’s take a look at the early impressions of the 2019 Ford Explorer.

    2019 Ford Explorer

    CarGurus

    Early Impressions

    Early impressions of the 2019 Ford Explorer hold that this is going to be as solid an entry in the family as those that came before it. The 2019 model, of course, still has the unibody construction that the Explorer unveiled in 2011.

    Trim levels are expected to be largely unchanged as well. That means we can expect to see base, XLT, Limited, Sport and Platinum. That’s in order of least to most expensive. If you’re looking for a great value, the base trim will have tons of great features. However, those looking for a more luxurious ride will be interested in Sport and Platinum trims. Confirmed features of those two trims include all-wheel drive and driver safety features.

    What’s Under the Hood?

    The 2019 Ford Explorer will have three different options for engine. The first is a normal V6 engine, which is standard. However, there will also be a turbocharged four-cylinder and turbocharged V6. Those interested in some serious horsepower in their SUV may be interested in the turbocharged V6! However, it’s expected that this engine will only be on the higher trim levels.

    Luxury and Affordability

    The difference between Ford and other SUV makers is the fine balancing act of luxury and price. The Explorer line is known to be affordable without sacrificing comfort. Ample legroom, great amenities and soft seats are all hallmarks of the Explorer. Not to mention, the SUV offers a smooth, gentle ride.

    It’s expected that the 2019 Ford Explorer will have a base MSRP of roughly $33,000 for the base trim. However, it’s not yet known when the new SUV will be released, but we can expect it very soon!