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Month: January 2019

  • Apple FaceTime Bug Surprises iPhone Owners

    Apple FaceTime Bug Surprises iPhone Owners

    Apple’s FaceTime software has encountered a strange bug lately that has surprised iPhone owners and Apple alike. The bug was first detected by a 14-year-old gamer who was getting a group FaceTime together to play Fortnite with his friends. The boy’s mother attempted to warn Apple of this error around January 19th, though the bug wasn’t widely known until the 28th.

    Apple FaceTime Bug

    The Bug

    The bug itself is rather unnerving. Essentially, it occurs when someone starts a Group FaceTime. Whether or not the recipients of the call answer it, their conversations will be audible to those on the call.

    This is disturbing for a number of reasons. Primarily, it’s an issue when you consider how someone could simply call your device for a Group FaceTime and then just leave the line open and listen to your conversations. Essentially, the bug allowed any FaceTime-enabled device to become a listening device.

    Discovery

    Michele Thompson’s son, a 14-year-old boy, discovered the bug. Thompson then replicated the results herself a few times to make sure the bug was replicable. Upon discovering that it was, Thompson set about trying to inform Apple of the security breach.

    Thompson expressed frustration with how difficult it was to raise awareness of this issue with Apple. Finally, she even resorted to tweeting Apple CEO Tim Cook and warned him that this would be made public shortly. However, she felt bad about the Tweet later and deleted it.

    Apple’s Response

    Apple responded to the discovery of the bug (eventually) by having Group FaceTime disabled. The Group FaceTime functionality was added in October 2018, so security bugs like this were expected to occur in some capacity. This particular bug, however, is a bit distressing.

    Any bug that results in the device becoming a security breach is a major issue. Apple has promised to re-launch the software when the security breach has been patched. Hopefully this time the software doesn’t offer a window straight into user’s private conversations.

  • Could a Psychic Reading Change Your Life?

    Could a Psychic Reading Change Your Life?

    Millennia have passed, and psychics have been both feared, worshiped, admired, and despised for their powers.  Psychics are met with both criticism and esteem.  Whether you believe psychic powers are accurate, altruistic, deception or hoax, psychics have played a significant role in shaping world history. Weddings were planned and kingdoms have been forged for centuries due to psychic insights.

    The reality is all living beings have energy flowing through them, and it connects our minds, bodies and energy fields. The flow of energy in our body’s pathways are called chakras, meridians, and nadis.  This energy radiates from our bodies creating an aura, surrounding our life force. Aura colors can reveal information about you, your thoughts, feelings and overall wellness.  Psychic healers are individuals with highly-tuned intuition and psychic abilities and can read these auras.

    The energy flow can be imbalanced or blocked, disrupting our auras. This disparate flow can lead to our bodies, minds, and spirits jumping out of balance.  This imbalance can lead to mental, emotional and physical contention. A psychic healer can sense or see these blockages and help the underlying issues.  They have the ability to connect with others energy, giving them what we call a psychic reading. Psychics don’t predict the future; what they offer is guidance, support, encouragement, empowerment, insight, and comfort.

    Guidance

    This first of there benefits and purpose is to provide emotional release from fear, guilt, depression, anxiety, and stress. Most of the time when someone is seeking out a psychic they already have a sensitive issue they are dealing with on a daily basis.  Often they have struggled through other outlets seeking assistance.

    This struggle will be evident to the psychic. A good psychic will be able to identify this through their energy reading very quickly. The recognition will provide an opening to offer guidance and peace.

    The next purpose of a psychic reading is to remove toxins from the body. They can identify the underlying issues in your energy and the blockages that occur. Once that is done they will be able to recommend the best practice for removing the toxic obstruction. Purging, and cleansing your aura. Spiritual hygiene will restore your innate wisdom.

    Pain Relief

    We know the energy flow through our physical body impacts how we feel physically. The physical pain we feel can be relieved by a psychic restore stuck energy. When energy flows through your body freely, it will alleviate pain like headaches, cramps, tinnitus, and joint pain. These can even be symptoms that your energy balance and flow is out of balance.

    With their heightened sense, many psychics can express the energy dynamic of the tissues, organ systems, and physical body and releasing it. Making you feel a whole lot better very quickly. If you are having pains that Drs are having trouble diagnosing, check out a spiritual healer, it may just help.

    Better Sleep

    A lot of people may need to relieve mental and spiritual angst that could lead to many sleeping issues. The fragile health of our aura is vital to our sleeping process. Imbalanced energy can cause the mind to have trouble calming down. At a time that should be relaxing is becoming riddled with anxiety.

    We can’t stop focusing on and worrying about daily life issues, money, relationships, habits, and tasks. A psychic reading can address these issues and clear your mind and aura for better sleep.

    Issues with Psychics

    We have talked about the plethora of benefits seeing a psychic can do, but what do you have to look out for in the psychic world? If ever there was a profession or talent ripe with lurking probability for trumpery, it’s taking money in exchange for information on the future or afterlife, or the opportunity to speak with lost loved ones. Unfortunately, there are a lot of con artists out there giving real psychics a bad name.

    Another issue that comes up with psychics is there actually ability. In all things, some people are better and more talented in their professions than others. There are good and bad psychics, act accordingly.

    On the other side is people have skewed impressions and expectation about what a psychic can do. People will expect to get play by play instructions about love, money, careers, relationships, or even who will win the super bowl from their psychic reader. These expectations are a completely false narrative.

    They offer guidance, perspective and self-realization helping you see things that perhaps you already knew deep down. You want to remember your future is in your hands; psychics can only offer direction to the right path you choose.

  • Pulling a Six Figure Income Without a College Degree Could be Easier Than You Think

    Pulling a Six Figure Income Without a College Degree Could be Easier Than You Think

    No one will argue that a college degree can be worth its weight in gold, however unlike in the past, one can still get a lucrative six-figure job without the degree. It remains true that with associate’s or bachelor’s degrees employees do earn more on average but you can even get a relatively high-paying career without a college education.

    The focus has always been on getting students to focus on higher education; today we see a shift and demand back to skilled labors. Statistics show America’s labor shortage is approaching epidemic proportions. These statistics mean employers will end up paying more for the right employees. We are seeing nearly 80 percent of construction businesses are having a hard time finding qualified, skilled labors.

    Skilled labors on average earn 62,000 per year, but the potential is much higher in a few key areas. These are the skills that never go outdated and are always in need, learning one of these means you will still have a trade to fall back on. Five skilled labor professions do have a higher earning potential. These trades are plumbers, electricians, brick masons, painters,  and truck drivers.

    Brickmason

    Brickmasons and block layers. Currently, the top 10% of bricklayers and block masons are making over $100,000 per year.  10%  means 1 in 10 at this skilled labor position is in six figures. The average starting pay is significantly lower, and the annual average wage of Brickmasons and Blockmasons is $53440.

    No education is needed to lay and bind building materials,  brick, structural tile, concrete block, cinder block, glass block, and terra-cotta block. Just a good work ethic and a strong back, you could be in that 10%.

    Electrician

    We know power is crucial these days and electricians install the electrical systems that power our homes and businesses. Electricians also handle all the necessary maintenance, repairs, and power upgrades that these buildings require. The skill to wire a building for electricity is a valuable commodity in 2019.

    Electricians earned an average of $62,910 per year. This number is according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The average hourly pay for an electrician was estimated to be $31.68. The top 25 percent earn more a lot more, 1 in 4 electricians is pulling in over 100k.

    Painter

    Construction companies rely on painters to put the finishing touches on new homes and building. Interior painters are also in demand to paint houses, apartments and office building interiors as well as complete remodeling projects for existing structures. The Department of Labor says median annual income for painters is just $37,960 a year.

    For the 42% of painters that are self-employed, the pay is much higher. Over half of them make over 100k, and the expected demand growth for construction painters is 16%.

    Plumber

    Good plumbing is the cornerstone of the infrastructure and sanitation of civilization as we know it today. The plumbing profession has come along way since ancient civilizations first needed to provide clean potable water for a large number of people. From unclogging a toilet to designing complex pipe plans for new construction projects plumber are essential in all forms of construction today.

    To be a master plumber, you will have to a plumbing apprenticeship program through a union or trade school, but the income is worth it. A master plumber makes on average 79,000 per year, and the top 14% are over that 100k mark.

    Truck Driver

    Few other careers offer such a fast track into financial viability coupled with long-term job security and satisfaction as a truck driver. Throw on your trucker hat, make a thermos of coffee and enjoy the road. Truck drivers are on the high average of non-college educated employees. Over the road truck drivers are in increasing demand with half the current OTR driver set to retire in the next ten years.

    The national average for truck drivers is $63,464. OTR team drivers are averaging $71,065, while the top companies like; Wal-Mart, Hobby Lobby, and Amazon are paying their drivers over 100k. Over half of the self-employed drivers with their truck are bring home over 100k profits.

    The Final Thought

    This cost of higher education is growing by the day, and with less guaranteed upon completion of your degree. Skilled trade laborers will always have a demand and an option for work.  With far less money spent on schooling, you would be surprised to learn that being a tradesman could get into that six-figure salary bracket in much less time than just about any other field of work.

    The potential is still higher than only six figures; there are plumbers, electricians and brick masons making a million bucks a year.

  • Military Service Has More Benefits Than Just a Steady Paycheck

    Military Service Has More Benefits Than Just a Steady Paycheck

    Global power with global interests is the fundamental core of America’s military. We are powered with the most advanced, skilled, and trained military force in the world.  This is a tremendous accomplishment for America and shouldn’t be taken for granted. What has made America’s military so great for so long? The People, including the 18-year-olds that enlist every day.

    Almost 80,000 proud, honorable and brave young people join each year. These men and women don’t just sign up because they want to be patriots serving their country, there are plenty of other great reasons to join the world’s most advanced military. Let us check out some of the best reasons to join the U.S. military.

    Incredible Training Opportunities

    Skills and training is one area where the American military shines. The U.S. is unmatched anywhere else in the world where the military is concerned. Our youngsters know that the best way to get their hands on the tech of the future and get a jump start on the competition is to take advantage of the advanced technical training that the U.S. military offers.

    Utilizing their training opportunities can advance a career field, earn certifications or degrees, or help prepare for leadership in a civilian career. If you want to fly the fastest jets, control the most advanced drones, get hands-on in the latest emergency medical tech, or experience in nuclear power, the U.S. military is the best place to do this.

    Our military specializes in developing, advancing and adopting the most advanced weaponry, vehicles, and technology. If you want to get a chance to experience this incredible technology, stop by your local recruiting office.

    The Travel, Did We Mention the Travel?

    What about the travel? The travel opportunities and vacation time the military can provide are unbelievable. The U.S. military has installations all around the world – everywhere. They literally pay for you and your family to go to some of the world’s most interesting locations. Most of the time you are on your assigned duty but the off duty time is yours and you are free to travel and see the world as you please.

    Plus, you will get 30 days of paid leave per year, including the weekends and federal holidays. You also get access to the Hale Koa resort in Hawaii, Shades of Green at Disney World in Florida, and resorts in Japan, Germany, and South Korea.  All of these are U.S. military resorts for you to enjoy. There is also the option to take advantage of base lodging and military hotels. You can stay on a space available basis for less than the cost of an off-base hotel, how fantastic is that?

    A Killer Home Loan

    The benefits don’t stop once you leave the military either.  You will at some point find yourself out of the service, settling down to buy a home. The military offers all servicemen a VA loan, which allows you to buy a home with no money down. This makes it easier to purchase a home while you are serving, or after you have left the service.

    The Nest Egg

    Lastly, the retirement opportunities. Some people have no clue about retirement plans given to employees by the companies they worked for when they retire. Not social security, but a regular employee could get paid once they reached a certain amount of years with the same company. The military is one of the only places you can still get this. It can be worth millions. Follow my math.

    An officer with 15 years of service, who earns over $120,000 per year, could retire with a pension of over $52,000 per year for life at the age of 38. This gives you the training and ample time to start a second career. Imagine earning over $4,300 per month for the rest of your life, starting at age 38. This equates to an accumulative pay of $520,000 after 10 years, $1.4 mil in 20.

    Plus, you still get full health care coverage and a higher income from a second job because of your military training. Why would you pay hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a degree when the military will pay to give you experience?

  • Save Time with the Best Payroll Software

    Save Time with the Best Payroll Software

    If you own a small business, then you’re surely not a huge fan of the process of managing payroll. If you’ve been trying to do payroll by hand without any software, you’re aware of how time-consuming it can be. The best way to cut the time for payroll management down is through payroll software.

    Software that helps to optimize your payroll might sound like a dry subject, but when you see how much time it can save you, you’ll perk up. It might sound difficult to figure out which is the best though: it’s not easy to experiment and try out different software. Not to mention, there are so many great options out there? Which payroll software is the best?

    We’re breaking down some of the best payroll software on the market to help you figure out which one will be right for your business.

    Which is the Best Payroll Software?

    ADP

    The go-to payroll software for most businesses is, of course, ADP. Originally known as Automatic Data Processing, this company got their start in the 1950’s and has grown to be the biggest payroll company in the world. This is no mistake: ADP’s software is top-notch and will greatly help to maximize your time. One out of six businesses use ADP, so it’s likely to be a great choice for your business.

    ADP Run is a software package that is ideal for small businesses with 50 or less employees. This software uses cloud storage to keep your information safely backed-up, and it also does a number of processes in the background to keep you from having to keep up with them. Processes like payroll deductions, tax calculations and even direct deposit can all be handled through ADP Run.

    There is a bit of downside: the software isn’t cheap. This software suite will run you twice what a service like Gusto would. The software price is highly variable, as well, depending on the size of your business and how often payroll is run.

    Gusto

    Speaking of Gusto, this software is highly user-friendly and can be learned easily. Small businesses love the Gusto software package, as it has great customer service and includes tax support and HR in the software.

    Those who want a simple payroll platform would be pleased to know that Gusto can run automatic payroll as well as managing both onboarding for new employees and benefits management. The onboarding in particular is a huge time-saver for a small business, as it allows your new employees to enter their own info and keep your records up-to-date.

    If you’re really not keen on keeping up with payroll yourself, you can actually set it up to run on a programmed schedule. If you want, the Gusto software package can run automatic payroll at set intervals. On top of that, workers’ comp, retirement plans and tuition savings plans can all be set up through Gusto.

    This affordable software package comes in at a solid $39 a month for their basic package, plus $6 per employee on the payroll. This, paired with Gusto’s super simple user-interface, makes it a great software suite for any small business.

    Sage

    Sage’s software suite is offered in two forms: an Essential Plan for companies with 10 or less employees, and a Full-Service Plan for companies with more than 10. The Sage software can be run via either cloud processing or on site. The functions are rather deep and accessible, and the ability to run multiple reports helps you see what minor adjustments change.

    The Essential Plan is great for very small companies, as data can even be entered via your smartphone. Then, payroll is quite simple. Employees can be paid out via direct deposit or prepaid debit cards, or just through old-fashioned checks. Taxes can also be calculated and deducted straight from the software with the Essential Plan.

    The Full-Service Plan offers everything you get with the Essential Plan as well as many functions better-suited to larger businesses. Additionally, Sage will set up the Full-Service Plan software for you once you purchase it and walk you through how to use it.

    The software isn’t terribly expensive, either, coming in at $50 per employee per month. This is markedly lower than ADP. It is, however, a good bit pricier than Gusto, making it a bit of a step between the two services. Sage does have a leg up over Gusto, though, in that it offers full QuickBooks integration. There is also a full online chat-support for customers, so you’ll never be lost without any help.


  • Are You Spending Too Much Time on Social Media?

    Are You Spending Too Much Time on Social Media?

    It can be very difficult to tell when you’re spending too much time on social media. It’s easy to sit down at your computer or on your couch and start scrolling endlessly through your social media feeds. Twitter offers up news and bites of thought, Facebook shows you your friends everyday life events and Instagram shows you windows into the lives of others.

    Maybe you’re feeling like you’re spending too much time on social media due to the effect it’s having on your psyche. Are you feeling depressed or anxious when you start scrolling through your feed? Maybe it’s time to step back.

    How to Tell If You’re Spending Too Much Time on Social Media

    Every Moment is Captured

    If you notice you’re always framing each moment and capturing it for Instagram or Facebook, maybe it’s time to reconsider your social media intake. If every meal is being photographed and uploaded and every restaurant is only for your Insta clout, that’s not terribly healthy. It’s okay to enjoy things in the moment, as the ephemeral and temporary things they are.

    If you’re always clinging to the very moment, you’re causing yourself anxiety that is totally unnecessary. Your life is yours alone: you don’t need to stress out trying to make it look fantastic and otherworldly for other people’s benefit. Live your life for yourself first and take a step back from the over-documentation.

    You Compulsively Check Your Phone

    “Live in the moment” is a difficult adage to live by. We’re inherently social creatures, and we often desire outside validation from our peers. That’s why it’s so addictive to grab our phones, open them, and check on our social media. However, this is a really bad habit to fall in to.

    You know the loop: you’re stressed out, you’re putting off important things that you need to do, and you check your phone really fast to see the time. Maybe you’re looking to check off any notifications before you start in on something important. Then, you get sucked in to scrolling.

    Maybe it’s Facebook scrolling down your friends’ pictures, Twitter scrolling to see news updates or just zoning out while looking at Instagram models. In any event, you’re looking at your phone for twenty minutes, and you feel yourself wasting time. But still, you keep compulsively switching apps and scrolling.

    You Care More about Social Media Than Real Friends

    Another big red flag for social media addiction is compulsive phone checking at the expense of actual social engagements. You’ve probably had friends over before and felt yourself drifting out of conversation by scrolling down your phone, making yourself distant from the real people in your life.

    If you’re neglecting your real friends in person over your social media accounts, you’re doing yourself a disservice. Again, you need to live in the moment and enjoy what’s in front of you. If you’re out with your friends, you should just connect with them! There will be a chance to check social media later, when you go home and don’t have friends around.

    You’re Always Comparing Yourself

    A buddy of yours from school got more likes on their selfie than you did. A person you used to date is looking hot on a date with someone who looks way better than you. Some of your friends went to a movie and got dinner without you. These things are popping up all over your feed and you’re starting to get really self-conscious about it.

    These digital updates are actively making you feel bad. Your phone is glued to your hand, you don’t know what to do. You’re on the couch, the TV is blaring white noise and you can’t seem to snap out of it. You’re comparing yourself to the people you know and it’s killing you.

    What Should You Do?

    There are a few things you can do to try to break this cycle off. The first, and most obvious, thing you can do is to just delete the apps from your phone outright. Maybe you keep your accounts online so you can check from your desktop at home, but you should really start with getting them off of your phone.

    A more drastic step you can take is to downgrade from a smartphone. If your smartphone addiction is driving you to constantly reinstall apps and start the social media cycle over, just get rid of the smartphone. It’s not worth hanging on to something that makes you feel bad. Remember: the things you own shouldn’t own you.

  • The Gift of Music: How to Do It the Right Way

    The Gift of Music: How to Do It the Right Way

    Everyone has those people in life that are very hard to shop for. I mean what are you to get the person that has everything? Music. Music is always the best gift,  and for the people that have everything, it’s often the only gift. Music is universal and received by everyone. No one can have all of it or appreciate all of it,  which makes it such a great gift.

    The best part about giving music as a gift is there are so many different ways to do it. You can give equipment, earbuds, speakers, listening peripherals, or just new music that you think they would enjoy. The options are virtually endless. Let’s take a look at some of the best music gift ideas you can give your friends, family,  and loved ones.

    Streaming Subscriptions

    When gifting music the first place to start is the easiest place to start. That is a subscription to new music. Starting at $9.99 a month there is a plethora of streaming music subscription services. The subscriptions will allow you to stream, download, and listen to unlimited music, new, retro or classic. Whatever you wanna hear, whenever you wanna hear it.

    The first one I would mention is Apple Music. Apple Music has the largest subscription-based of users as well as the largest database of music. They’ve been compiling music in their iTunes software since the beginning of digital music. Almost all the music you could ever want to listen to is there is a very easy to use, intuitive,  user-friendly platform that syncs perfectly amongst all your iOS devices.

    The next option is Amazon’s Prime Music. Prime Music functions mostly like the Apple subscription services. Prime music will sync across all your Amazon prime devices,  you can even download the prime music app to your iOS or Android devices.

    This provides flexibility in your multiple and various OS mobile devices. There are also services like Iheartradio, Pandora, and Spotify. All the services will run you $9.99 a month and make an excellent gift for anyone who doesn’t have unlimited streaming music service.

    Harmonica?

    Maybe you want something tangible to give? Another great option to give somebody is the gift of a musical instrument. Regardless of talent level, Giving the gift of a musical instrument is always welcome. This will give you some options as well, the classic iconic instrument, a keyboard or guitar,  or you can get interesting like a banjo or harmonica. It’s fun, always remembered, and just may improve someone’s life.  If that’s not exactly what you been looking for, Here are some specific music listening devices that will make great gifts.

    Amazon Echo

    The Amazon Echo is one of Amazon’s premier speaker systems. It is an elegant and easy to use this quality speaker. It doubles as a speaker for most of your devices and comes with Amazon’s Alexa voice-enabled assistant fully built in. Full cloud sync-ability to prime music,  you can add in that subscription for a total music package. Synchronization across your devices lets the Amazon echo provide the ultimate in home music listening enjoyment. The Echo gives the gift of high-quality speaker along with the content to play through it.

    The Sonos Vinyl Set

    Are you looking for a gift for someone who likes that hands-on music experience? Do they like the sound they can feel and touch? At the same time want to have that digital proficiency and quality without suffering the nostalgic sound of crackles and pops. Look no further than Sonos’s new vinyl set. Picture this, the Play:5, the best-sounding, most powerful speaker, matched with the Pro-Ject vinyl record player, allowing you to stream your vinyl to every room. Masterful.

    Did I mention, the Pro-Ject includes built-in phono preamp. Outstanding. They will be able to just plug in any audio device, from a record player to a friend’s phone, and listen to their favorite music on the fantastic Play:5. Like all Sonos speakers, it is expandable.  The Sonos vinyl easily let you go from streaming your favorite music and high-quality sounds to spinning from your own record collection.

    Give the gift of streaming vinyl across the connected Sonos speakers to every room in a pure, balanced sound,  unmatched by anybody else in the industry. Give the gift of their own musical completion, The Sonos Vinyl set.

    Beats Studio3

    You could just try keeping it simple and just go with the old trusty Beats headsets. When you want to give the gift of quality music look no further than beats headphones. The best of the beats headphones are the Beats. Featuring intuitive balanced, pure noise canceling functionality in the most robust and authentic sounding headphones on the market.

    These headsets function flawlessly regardless of the situation or noisy environment that you’re in,  always providing the perfect pure balance sound and they look pretty great.

  • Google Assistant is About to Take Over Your Life

    Google Assistant is About to Take Over Your Life

    Our world has in a very short time become almost totally voice controlled by an autonomous A.I. robot with a pleasant female voice. One voice is always listening,  to answer, or facilitate your every whim. She can order your food, turn on your lights, tv, and set your A/C. She can settle debates, do calculations, wake you up in the morning.

    “She” has many uses and many names, Alexa, Siri, some call her Bixby or Skynet, Clarice, Cortana, Whatever you call her, she has a name. Then there is the unnamed, just known as the assistant.

    “Hey Google”. This phrase is the next big thing in A.I. assistants. Google’s very own assistant to help you verbally command across devices, computers, speakers, Google Home, your phones, tablets, and everything else with a plug. No Google’s assistant isn’t new, but it is improving faster than the rest of the field.

    While Siri and Alexa are getting complacent with their functions, focusing on expanding. The Assistant is getting smarter at all the things she does, she is learning, evolving…

    Google Assistant will be the A.I. Assistant that wins the war and establishes dominance. Even though it looks as though Google is falling behind at the moment. Alexa is sexier, and Siri is already everywhere. Why will it be Google? Google CEO Sundar Pichai  says the companies priorities are shifting from “mobile-first to AI-first.”

    For Google, that priority will be AI-powered intelligent assistant, Google Assistant. That is why they will prevail and take over the A.I. world. A.I. first and design devices and peripherals around the assistant,  instead of A.I. just being a component or another feature.

    In short, the Google Assistant is a voice-activated digital assistant created by Google. Much like all the others out there it can perform actions on a user’s behalf and provide conversation and contextual information. Google Assistant is now the primary focus of Google’s AI-first strategy. In cohesion with the mountain of user data, Google has on all its users will create the dominant voice-enabled A.I. assistant to lead the world into the roaring 20s.

    Most of the world’s smartphones operate on Google’s Android OS, which supplies Google Assistant already for free. If you haven’t tried out the Google Assistant on your smartphone, now is the time to yank out the device in your pocket. I think you will be very impressed with your assistant. Try it, ask your Assistant to look up the last book you read, music, your favorite bible verse or send a quick text message.  See what the weather is like in Temecula or turn off your bedroom lights. Google can do it, just ask.

    Why is So Much Data Needed?

    The biggest disadvantage of the Assistant is that it requires users to give access to a lot of data. If you want it to turn off your light, you need to give it access to your home. If you want her to remind you of an important meeting tomorrow, she needs your calendar. You get the picture.  This disadvantage is also why Google will improve in the near future.

    It has all the data to play with already.  Yes, we are creating a monster, a self-serving monster. How, when, or if this will come back to bite us is all up in the air. It all seems like that is someone more important’s problem, and now is just the time to enjoy the best of all times to be alive. We want all this glorious tech without giving up any private data, which is just not possible. Or is it?

    What About My Privacy?

    Don’t be terrified, It’s going to be great. While privacy in the 21rst century is going extinct, it’s not really linked to you… think of it as one person with two personalities, the in real life “IRL” and your digital personality. You can control every part of your digital personality, it can even be a caricature of your IRL self.

    Yes, everything you say, post, think, search or learn is being tracked. What is not being tracked is you, just your behaviors, then compiled into a database with 5 billion other people and used to develop patterns. When strong enough patterns are compiled, very accurate predictions can be made. Take solace in the anonymity of it all, or you can take the next step.

    A third personality, make a second digital personality. New email, second twitter, FB, Insta, use this solely to create erratic online behaviors. Search for random things, click on ads you are not interested in, simply skew the data. If enough of us do this we can restore privacy. Maybe. Who’s with me?

  • Fish Oil Could Change Your Health

    Fish Oil Could Change Your Health

    When it comes to complete health, there are many things you can do to keep yourself in top shape. Between nutrition and fitness, there are many considerations to make regarding your health. One of the biggest decisions you could make with your nutrition is taking a fish oil supplement.

    Here’s what you might not know: taking a fish oil supplement could totally change your health. The benefits of fish oil include heart health, nerve function, brain health and even combating depression. However, you need to make sure the supplement you’re taking is high-quality in order to get the best results!

    Best Fish Oil Supplements

    Health Benefits

    Fish oil is great for the human body. The compounds found within are packed with many effects that can help out the human body. If you’ve never had it before, don’t let the name fool you. It doesn’t usually have a “fishy” taste or aftereffect if taken in a supplement. The supplements are usually easy to take and can be taken with or without food.

    As we’ve mentioned, there are numerous health benefits associated with fish oil supplements. One of the most notable examples is the heart health benefits. Fish oil is recommended in order to keep hearts healthy thanks to the omega-3’s blood-pressure reducing properties.

    Other benefits of these omega-3 fatty acids include lower plaque buildup in arteries, reduced risk of abnormal heart rhythm and reduced likelihood of heart attack or stroke. It also lowers the number of triglycerides and can even reduce the likelihood of sudden death in patients with heart disease.

    Today we’re going to look at a few of the top brands of fish oil supplements. Remember, in order to get all the benefits of fish oil supplements, you need a high-quality supplement. Here are some of the best supplements you can find on the market.

    Nutrigold Triple Strength

    This is a popular pick among those who don’t mind a bit of “fishy” smell or taste, thanks to its high purty and quality. The 1,000 mgs of EPA and DHA make this dosage a very cost-effective and high-quality supplement.

    Like all high-quality fish oil supplements, the Nutrigold Triple Strength is quality-tested and assured. The supplement is one you can trust to be free from harmful substances like mercury that might be an issue in lower-quality fish products.

    Essentially, Nutrigold Triple Strength is a good pick for those on a budget who still want top-quality, pure fish oil supplements. The purity and budget combination does, however, lead to the telltale fishy taste and odor of this particular supplement. If you’re on a budget and don’t mind that fishy taste or flavor then this is the right supplement for you.

    Life & Food Omega-3

    If you really don’t like that fishy smell and still want a great fish oil of high purity, then this brand is one you should check out. These small, easy-to-take supplements have a very neutral flavor and smell, making them ideal for picky customers.

    Due to that small size, though, people who take these Life & Food supplements need to take more in order to get a good amount of EPA and DHA in their systems. The fish gelatins used within replace cow-based gelatins found in other fish-oil supplements, making these a great pick for pescatarians.

    While this is a high-quality supplement, it can be a pain to keep up with having to take so many throughout the day to get the full effect. If you can’t stand the fishy smell or want a smaller supplement, the Life & Food Omega-3 supplement is a good supplement to try out.

    Wiley’s Finest Alaskan Fish Oil

    Environmentally-minded folks might consider Wiley’s when they look for a good fish oil supplement. Wiley’s uses environmentally-friendly manufacturing and ecologically-minded packaging. Much like the Life & Food supplement, this particular supplement is pescatarian and uses only fish gelatins.

    This supplement offers a high concentration of both DHA and EPA and is a more standard-sized supplement. This one has relatively little fishy odor or taste, making it a great pick for someone who doesn’t like that fishy smell. The Wiley’s supplement is also a bit pricier than the previous supplements on this list, thanks to its eco-friendly packaging and high concentration of compounds.

    Those looking for a great fish oil supplement that is good for them and the environment at the same time should look no further than Wiley’s Finest Alaskan Fish Oil. It’s hard to overstate the health benefits of these fish oil supplements. Hopefully this has helped you decide on which is right for you!

  • Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    When the power goes out, or you’re out camping, you really want to have the best possible portable generator on hand. It can be hard deciding on which ones are the best, though, as they’re somewhat expensive and hard to just test out.

    However, you’re in luck if you’re looking for a great portable generator. Today, we’re going over the best of the best. Here’s our guide to the best portable generators of 2019. Whether you’re temporarily without power or on a fun adventure in the woods, here are our picks for the portable generator you should have with you.

    Our Guide to the Best Portable Generators of 2019

    Honda EU2000i

    This lightweight and quiet generator comes in right at 59 decibels, making it a great pick for those looking to splurge. Best of all, the generator is a light 46 pounds, and it rocks a 1.1 gallon tank for fuel. When operating at 100 percent, the generator puts out four hours of energy. At a stretch it can even put out ten hours of energy if it’s operating around 25 percent.

    Also great to have is the two AC outlets in addition to the DC outlet, making this a flexible generator. The generator is able to hook up to similar generators and output double the power if you have a very high power requirement. That’s a pretty tall order, though, as the unit can put out 2,000 watts of energy.

    The Honda EU 2000i also sports Eco-throttle and clean output in order to reduce its environmental impact, making it a smart choice. If you’re looking for a good generator to treat yourself on, this is it. It even comes with a 3-year warranty. Environmentally friendly and easy to maintain, it’s hard to go wrong with this Honda.

    Briggs & Stratton 30651 P2200 PowerSmart

    Next up is the Briggs & Stratton PowerSmart generator. Its biggest draw is the extremely portability of the device. This unit has an H-handle design that makes it very easy to pick up and transport, even for just one person. Two people can easily share the weight of the unit, making it a great pick for those who love camping.

    The motor puts out 2,200 starting watts and offers 1,700 running watts. At 25 percent output it can run for eight hours on a full tank, which is about a gallon. In fact, this device can run most 120V appliances with no problem. It can also power smaller devices like laptops and smartphones, making it a versatile pick.

    The PowerSmart is also quite understated, running at only 59 decibels when operating, making it no louder than a normal speaking voice. The panel offers one DC outlet and two household outlets, as well as a USB plug for power output.

    Much like the Honda 2000i, it can also plug into another unit for more power output. Additionally, the generate offers a “PowerSmart” mode that allows it to shift performance in order to conserve power, allowing you to do more with less.

    WEN 56200i

    The best overall generator in our experience is the WEN 56200i, for a number of reasons. This lightweight portable generator is a surprising 48 pounds, making it very easy to recommend as a first-time generator. It’s also rather quiet, like the other entries on this list, coming in just at 51 decibels while operating.

    If you need power, the WEN has you covered, putting out 2,000 starting watts and 1,600 watts when running. It’s got two three-prong outlets, both of which put out 120V, as well as a DC input capable of putting out 12V. Additionally, there is a 5V USB port that will allow for even smaller devices like smartphones to receive power.

    The internal tank is capable of holding six gallons of gas and can offer up to six hours of energy when running at 50 percent. If you’re worried about running out of fuel, don’t be! The generator offers low-fuel automatic shutdown in order to keep the generator from damaging any items plugged in when it shuts down.

    Further, the generator offers up an Eco-Mode that not only helps the unit to use less power but also watches out for the environment by being less wasteful! This allows it to switch its fuel consumption to a lower mode to keep the unit charged up for longer, and also keeps power going to your devices. Overall, this is the best portable generator for your buck on the market today, thanks in no small part to its versatility.