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Month: January 2019

  • The Tools You Need to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    The Tools You Need to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    Cyber crime is a major problem in our internet-based world. More than 90% of all transactions now occur digitally, and all of your data is stored on some database somewhere. Your most sensitive information is on the internet and it may even be unsecured as you’re reading this. There are over 4,000 cyber crimes committed every single day, and any of them could be attempts to get to your data. New crimes require new methods of protecting yourself. Here are some of the tools you need to protect yourself from cyber criminals.

    Tools to Protect Yourself from Cyber Criminals

    Why Now?

    You might be asking why this is suddenly such a huge concern. The internet has been a major part of our lives for more than 20 years now. Haven’t these cyber criminals all been stopped by now? Well, unfortunately, cyber crime isn’t going away any time soon. In fact, it’s on the rise now more than ever. In 2017 alone there were 27% more online crimes committed than in 2016. As the world becomes more connected, your data is more vulnerable than ever.

    Going online without the tools you need to protect yourself from online criminals is like walking through a dark alley alone at night while wearing a nice watch. Do you deserve to be mugged for that? No, absolutely not. Should you expect to be? Sadly, that’s the world we live in. If you go online and start making purchases or paying bills without any protection, it’s a matter of when your data gets stolen, not if. Unfortunately this is just the way cyber criminals operate. There’s a way to keep yourself safe, though, and that’s through information security technology.

    Information Security

    Information security technology is offered by sites like Lifelock, Norton, McAfee and the like. These security suites, as they are called, are typically paid services that allow you to browse without worrying about your data. They offer you peace of mind by giving you a number of services that keep your data private and make it much harder to steal.

    The ways they do this vary from suite to suite and can change based on the level of security you’re after. One of the main ways these security suites can keep you safe is through encryption. Data encryption is a process by which data is translated into incomprehensible gibberish that can only be deciphered by possessing the encryption key. This is a lot like old-school spy codes that replace letters with other letter and can be decoded with the right key.

    Encryption might not be foolproof, but it makes your data that much harder to steal. Generally, cyber criminals can’t be bothered to go to the work of decrypting a complex cypher, so they’ll sooner avoid your data altogether.

    Other Security Measures

    That’s not the only security you need to keep in mind online, though. Most security suites also include firewalls or virus protection. These are computer scripts or programs that intercept fishy lines of code that might be viruses. Many viruses exist solely to cause problems on your computer by replicating themselves and slowing your system down. More malicious viruses, however, may include commands that involve copying your keystrokes and sending your passwords to criminals.

    Another way to avoid keystroke-logging viruses would be through using a password manager. Password managers are another great aspect of cyber security you can use to keep your information safe online! They are typically paid services, some of which are included with security suites, that keep track of your passwords across different sites. Generally these services encrypt your password and help keep your information safe from outside parties by making your passwords complex strings of letters and numbers.

    Virtual Private Networks

    Another favorite tool to stymie online criminals is through use of a Virtual Private Network, or VPN, like Nord. VPNs allow you to use private servers to connect to the internet, which helps you to steer clear of seedier elements online. VPNs often can boost your internet speeds, as well, allowing you to connect more quickly and avoid data throttling and slowdown.

    Another widely-used but often maligned use of VPNs is “geo-spoofing,” a process through which a user tricks a site into thinking they are physically somewhere else. This is often used to sidestep regional blackouts on media. While many sites don’t appreciate this use of VPNs, it’s one of the most common reasons people use them. Most VPNs require a monthly fee to access, though there are some free ones out there, too.

  • Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    It’s a simple fact of life that everyone needs a phone. It’s surprising, then, that so many seniors are so resistant to upgrading to a new smartphone. After all, smartphones are deceptively simple devices to use and operate. However, many people don’t realize just how senior-friendly these devices are. Most modern smartphones sport huge, bright displays and bold, easy-to-read text. Even phones that aren’t marketed for seniors have settings that can be activated to make them that much easier for seniors to use! Here are some of the best phones that make life easier for seniors.

    Phones that Make Life Easier for Seniors

    GrandPad

    First things first, let’s talk about that adorable name. GrandPad. Doesn’t that just make you start grinning? As that name suggests, this is a device that is geared for seniors specifically, not just one that happens to be a good device for them. This one is a great pick due to its big screen and easy, intuitive controls. It’s really, really big, too: it’s something of a cross between a cellphone and a tablet. Those who want something with lots of screen space and a huge base font are in luck with this one.

    The device, unsurprisingly, handles calls, internet browsing, email and all of that good stuff. It supports video calls as well as voice, which is great for distant grandparents who want to video chat with their grandkids. Another cool feature is the ability to view social media streams without needing to have an account. This lets grandparents keep up with family without having to navigate complex social media profiles, which is awesome in our book.

    Other awesome features of this phone/tablet hybrid that make it great for seniors are the wireless charging dock and 4G LTE connection. The wireless charging, for its part, is great since you don’t have to keep up with any wires or fiddle with trying to fit the charging cable into a port. All-in-all, this is one of the best phone options for seniors.

    iPhone X Plus

    The iPhone X line of smartphones has a huge design benefit for seniors. That’s the lack of any face buttons. However, the base iPhone X and XS phones are a bit small when compared to phones that are ideal for seniors. The iPhone X Plus, however, is a great size for seniors. Apple’s iOS platform is very intuitive, and gesture-based commands are easy to learn. The FaceID unlocking method is also great for seniors, as it make it easier for them to unlock their phone without needing to always input a password.

    Apple offers a number of great features for seniors through their iOS platform. For instance, if a senior user is having a hard time finding a function, they can call “hey, Siri” and call up the voice command assistant in their phone. This will allow them to use simply commands like “call Susan” or “text Bob,” which lets them get around some of the tougher parts of navigating an operating system.

    Another feature that senior users love about Apple’s iPhone line is the built-in FaceTime video calling feature. FaceTime features crisp, clear video and sound quality and makes you feel like you’re really in the room with your family when you call them up. Generally speaking, Apple’s products are sturdy and you can expect them to last a long time. They are also very responsive, with snappy menus and short loading times. All in all, iPhones are great for anyone, not just seniors.

    Galaxy Note 9

    Another great smartphone for seniors is the Samsung Galaxy Note 9. This massive phablet is a great cross between a phone and a tablet and sports a handy stylus. The pen is a favorite of older phone users who love to have precise control when it comes to touch screens. Tight, tactile and easy-to-use, the Note 9 is an example of everything a phone should be.

    The Note 9 also uses biometric scanners to unlock the phone. You can opt to use either fingerprint scanners, iris scanners or both to open the phone, meaning you don’t have to constantly enter a password over and over to access your phone’s information. Much like the iPhone, there is also an integrated voice assistant in the form of S Voice. This allows you to use your voice to make calls, video chats or send text messages.

    In all, there are many great options for phones for seniors out there. However, these are some of the best overall options. Big displays, easy access and great video chat services all make these ideal choices for seniors.

  • Lighting and Paint Tricks to Make Your House Look Bigger

    Lighting and Paint Tricks to Make Your House Look Bigger

    When I was a kid I had dreams of playing center field for the Yankees or starting my own internet company. Now that I’m an adult homeowner, I just want a lush green looking yard and to walk into my big, well lit, well-painted home. I guess it’s all about perspective. I mean a well-lit living room,  matched with the right paint colors,  can make your room look so much bigger, inviting, and warm, while totally evolving the feng shui.

    That first step into your own home is important. You want it to completely welcome you home and put you at total ease. To tell you the truth I haven’t decided whether I want that initial reaction to being that of a warm cozy home,  or big open and spacious home. Luckily both of this can be achieved with the right paint and the right lighting. Yes, it’s very true different paint colors and styles can have completely different effects on your rooms.

    The right lighting and paint can set the tone for the rest of your house. You can manipulate this tone at your will based on your color choices. Let’s take a deeper look into how paint colors and lighting can change the feel of the room and the tone of your home.

    Two Main Choices, Light or Dark

    Just like McSorley’s on 2nd ave, there are only two choices. Light or dark. The light will make your eye travel continuously around the room.  This gives the effect of making the room appear more spacious and open. The color of a lighter room tends to recede, giving a cooler vibe. You want to use light colors to create a feeling of openness in a room and make it feel more expansive.

    This is great for small apartments or tight bedrooms. Light colors will bounce whatever light is available in the space, which can help if you don’t have great natural light. We will get to more on lighting in a bit.

    When you decide to go from a dark color to light you will need to prime the wall with a white primer first. This is important, don’t skip this. Pick your colors carefully, know how they will react to their surroundings, i.e. white absorbs no light, just reflects. Whereas blues absorb red lights. When selecting your light colors, remember different colors will draw the eye to the separation and will stop where the colors change.

    If you use one color the eye keeps moving from room to room and judges the space as being larger than it is. I would recommend this for a smaller home.  If you are getting a claustrophobic feeling from your room try painting the ceiling a lighter color then the walls. This will make the ceiling look like it has been elevated and larger.

    The dark paints create a cozier and warmer feel but makes the room feel smaller in doing so. If your house is set up to walk into a big open space, using dark colored paints is a great way to make it feel more comfortable. For a great effect try painting the ceiling a darker color than the walls to make it appear lower.

    I deeply enjoy the look of dark colored walls with a nice bright white trim. The contrast establish a border and boundary that the eye picks up immediately. It’s like it adds a sense of order to the room, but you can extend the trim to other rooms. This will give the effect of a continuous space, with both the coziness and the openness at the same time.

    Don’t Be Afraid of Change

    It’s best to play around with the coloring and change it every so often. I like to change mine for the holiday seasons, adding light colors to the open spaces with some deep reds as a contrast walls. It makes my holiday decorations pop. Speaking of contrast walls, let’s talk about their purpose in small narrow rooms.

    If you paint both end walls of a narrow room darker than the other walls, the end walls feel closer to you. It will make the room appear more of a square shape. In a bigger room, a nice look is to divide the walls with a lighter color on top and a darker color on the bottom.

    Lighting

    Now onto lighting, everything can affect the lighting. Lighting also affects eveything. Let’s start with your room placement. A north facing room will appear cooler and bluish. If your room is south facing dark colors will look brighter; lighter colors will virtually glow.

    To the east is great for reds and yellows, your colors will look warm and yellowy before noon, then turn bluer later in the day. West facing you will want to go with something bold, the morning light makes the colors look dull, however they are stunning in the evening light.

  • Symptoms of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

    Symptoms of Chronic Ulcerative Colitis

    There are a lot of unfortunately uncomfortable conditions and diseases out there. Most are not life-threatening,  just a life-altering pain to deal with. We are going to talk about one of those conditions today. This may get ugly, so brace yourself.

    This may sound unpleasant but are you suffering from bloody diarrhea? Abdominal pain? These could be the first signs of Ulcerative colitis. Ulcerative colitis is a disease in which there is chronic inflammation of the inner lining of the colon. The inflammation can cause the lining tissue to break down, forming ulcerations that can bleed. These signs will often be offset with rectal pain. The rectal pain can give you an emergency need to defecate but you may be ineffective in doing so.

    Ulcerative Colitis is very much like Crohn’s disease. Crohn’s disease is also a chronic inflammatory disease of the intestines. The two share a lot of common characteristics. They differ in that Crohn’s disease is not limited to the colon. It can be located just in the colon but often Crohn’s disease implicates the small intestine.  Irritable bowel syndrome is also another source of abdominal pain and diarrhea. Unlike UC, IBS does not share any identifiable inflammation and is mostly caused by dysfunction of the nerves and muscles of the intestines. So if we can move past Crohn’s and IBS is not your problem, let’s dive deeper into Ulcerative colitis, or UC as I will further refer to it.

    The What of UC

    What is UC exactly? Ulcerative colitis is a chronic disease of the large intestine, when the lining of the colon becomes inflamed and small open sores start to develop. These are called ulcers. These ulcers then produce pus and mucus. Ulcers combined with the pus, mucus, and inflammation set off the abdominal discomfort. This then results in frequent emptying of the colon. Followed by more discomfort, loss of appetite and rectal bleeding.

    Ulcerative colitis is an abnormal response of your immune system. Normally, the cells and proteins that make up the immune system protect you from infection. When you have UC your body starts to think bacteria, food and everything else in your colon is targeted as malicious cells. It’s designed so that the natural response is to destroy that material.  Your white blood cells will rush to your intestine to start attacking everything they can find. This action is what causes the ulcers and inflammation.

    How Did I get UC?

    Despite lots of universities and scientists researching and investigating the cause, nothing of any substance has been found. There are a lot of complicated factors that have to happen before the onset of UC. The first factor is any  genetics you may have inherited. The next issue would be your immune system. Lastly, they believe is environmental. A stimulation of antigens in your environment may stimulate the body’s defenses into action. These 3 factors all have to be present for UC to happen. Once the foreign substance is entered into the intestine, your defense will then spring into action. In UC patients, their body doesn’t know when to turn the defenses back off. Inflammation then takes place, damages the intestine, and the initial symptoms result.

    A recent breakthrough in UC research says it may be the result of an interaction of a virus or bacterial infection of the colon and your body’s natural immune system response. The immune system is supposed to attack an illness or infection. Normally this will be reduced as you heal and recover. When you have UC, this doesn’t happen. The inflammation will persist after you no longer have the infection.  UC targets both men and women, at an equal ratio. Typically in the mid to late 30s. Like I mentioned before one of the 3 factors are hereditary. If others in your family have this, pay attention to symptoms. If you have a close relative with the disease you have a 20% likeliness of getting UC.

    Symptoms

    If you believe you are at risk, these are the tell-tale signs to watch for. The first is diarrhea, often with blood or pus. This will be prolonged, longer then it should after an illness. Abdominal pain and cramping as well as the oh so delightful rectal pain. This will result in rectal bleeding and you will notice a passing of a small amount of blood with stools. Just terrific. There will be a greatly increased urgency to defecate, but you may not be able to defecate despite urgency. The last symptoms are common among a lot of diseases with weight loss, fatigue, and fever. Typical cases only include mild symptoms and may alleviate themselves for long periods of time. They will however return.

    Different Types of UC

    There are 4 types of UC identified by doctors today. Ulcerative Proctitis, Proctosigmoiditis, Left-sided Colitis, Pancolitis, and Acute severe UC. In Ulcerative proctitis, inflammation is mostly designated to the anal region. You may only experience rectal bleeding and none of the other symptoms. With Proctosigmoiditis the inflammation involves the rectum and the lower end of the colon. With this type you will experience;  bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps and pain, and an inability to move to unload the bowels. On to Left-sided colitis. In this type, inflammation extends from the rectum up through the lower and descending colon.

    Typical signs and symptoms will appear but there will be a pain only on the left side and some unintended weight loss. Pancolitis is similar but will affect the entire colon. There will be many experiences with bloody diarrhea with serious complications. Of course, there will be abdominal cramps and pain, fatigue, and significant weight loss as well. Lastly, we have the Acute severe ulcerative colitis. This is rare, and the most severe form of UC. ASUC will affect the entire colon and causes intense pain, major diarrhea, bleeding, fever and an inability to eat.

    The Final Thought

    If left untreated, UC will result in a perforated colon, severe dehydration, liver disease, bone loss, inflammation of your skin, joints and eyes, increased risk of colon cancer,  rapidly swelling colon, and an increased risk of blood clots in veins and arteries. As if this wasn’t bad enough with just the rectal bleeding.

    UC can be diagnosed with a CAT scan, Endoscopy, and Colonoscopy. Fun. Treatment usually involves drug therapy or surgery. There are many medications that can reduce the inflammation that causes your symptoms.

  • The Pain you Feel Could be Peripheral Neuropathy

    The Pain you Feel Could be Peripheral Neuropathy

    If you feel strange pain in your extremities, such as in your hand or feet, you might be feeling peripheral neuropathy. Neuropathy is the result of damage to nerves and can cause numbness and aches in your body, typically in your hands and your feet. Commonly caused by diabetes mellitus, inherited genetics and infections, peripheral neuropathy damages nerves that are trying to send signals to your central nervous system. It’s possible that the pains you’re feeling in your extremities that neuropathy is to blame for it!

    You Could be Suffering from Peripheral Neuropathy

    Overview

    Generally the pain is described as being a tingling, burning or stabbing sensation depending upon the intensity. There are some medications that can ease the pain, and many patients report that the pain lessens over time when treated. The disease is inherently degenerative: nerve endings that die send complex signals that are interpreted as pain before numbness sets in in their absence. This sensation is highly uncomfortable and can make it difficult to walk or type, depending on which extremities are affected.

    The symptoms of this condition include weakness, numbness, stabbing pains and difficulty executing motor tasks. These reasons are generally brought on due to the types of nerves that are affected.

    Common Symptoms

    Commonly, the type of nerve affected will dictate the type of symptoms you see with regards to neuropathy. Sensory nerves, motor nerves and autonomic nerves all serve different functions in the body. Sensory nerves are the ones you know the best, and they’re the ones that allow you to feel things. Motor nerves are the nerves present in your muscles that allow you to move and manipulate your environment. Autonomic nerves are nerves that control the automatic functions of your body such as your digestion, bladder, heart rate and other such functions.

    If you feel numbness, tingling and prickling and jabbing pains, your sensory nerves may be affected by neuropathy. This often also leads to lack of balance, lessened coordination and difficulty walking or using one’s hands. If your motor nerves are affected, it could result in muscle weakness and even paralysis. The lack of motor nerves in a muscle would make it more difficult, or even impossible, to send signals from your central nervous system to your muscles.

    If your autonomic nerves are being affected the condition could include problems with digestion or your bladder, or even issues with your bowels. Intolerance to heat is another common symptom. Blood pressure changes can occur, causing sudden dizziness and issues with circulation.

    Common Causes

    Peripheral neuropathy isn’t a condition that occurs in and of itself typically. Normally the condition occurs as a result of an outside factor. Commonly, these factors can be controlled or treated and allow a chance to fight the neuropathy. Examples of common causes include alcoholism, which can cause lasting nerve damage, and diabetes. Diabetes, in particular, is one of the biggest causes of neuropathy. In fact, around half of all people with diabetes develop some form of neuropathy.

    Less common causes that people encounter include poisons, such as heavy metals, toxic substances an the like that can cause nerve damage. Another example is through an injury that causes the nerves to become damaged.

    Commonly, injuries sustained during car accidents, while playing sports or from falls can damage nerves and cause neuropathy. Certain deficiencies can also lead to neuropathy, such as vitamin B-1, B-6 and B-12 deficiencies. Other causes could be genetic disorders, infections, tumors, and even bone marrow disorders.

    Risks and Complications

    If you have risk factors that could lead to the development of neuropathy, such as genetic predisposition, exposure to toxins or recent injuries, speak with your doctor. If you have neuropathy, you will likely not notice when you sustain injuries to your extremities. As such, it’s very important that you check them often. If your hand is being burned, or if you have stepped on a nail, your body being numb won’t alert you to that.

    Additionally, those with neuropathy in their feet have difficulty walking. Uneven ground, loose soil and unstable footing all pose serious fall risks for those with neuropathy.

    When to See a Doctor

    If you think your pain or numbness is related to neuropathy, don’t hesitate to visit a doctor. You don’t want to take chances when it comes to your health! Visit your physician and talk to them about what you’re experiencing. They might be able to treat your pain. The sooner you start combating neuropathy the better, so don’t be afraid to try to get help right away!

  • How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    Americans move around a ton. It’s just what we do! In fact, each year, about 11 percent of the population will move from one home to another. On average, Americans live in around 10 homes in their lifetimes. So, if you’re moving, you’re far from alone! If you’re moving, though, you’re likely looking into renting a trailer to carry all of your things. How should you choose the right one for your move? Today we’ll help you answer that question with this quick breakdown!

    How to Choose the Right Trailer for Your Move

    Should You Rent or Buy?

    The first question you need to ask when you’re thinking about moving is whether you want to rent or buy a trailer. You’ll need something to carry all of your things in, but buying a trailer outright might be expensive. On the one hand, owning a trailer is a great way to keep this expense from repeating in the future. After all, odds are good you’ll need to move something again soon before you move. And then, when you move again, as you likely will, you’ll want to have a trailer on hand. If you bought one the last time you moved, you’re covered!

    On the other hand, though, buying a trailer might be an expense you can’t swing during the move. Maybe you don’t haul things often enough to merit simply buying one, and you’d rather save money by just renting. After all, buying can cost between $4,000 and $20,000 depending on what kind of trailer you’re looking at! There are also registration fees, taxes and inspections you’ll have to pay for on top of that. Owning can be expensive!

    Picking the Right Trailer

    There are a number of trailers you can choose from when you go to move. Four of the main ones you’ll see are flatbeds, cargo trailers, freight trailers and equipment trailers. We’ll briefly go over each so you can decide which one is right for your move!

    Flatbed

    Flatbed trailers are ideal for transporting a vehicle. If you’re moving a long distance and need to move a vehicle with you, a flatbed car-hauling trailer is the right call for your move. These are tilted to allow your vehicle to drive up onto them. Once on, you’ll secure your vehicle with straps so that it doesn’t go anywhere. Some of these trailers will have your vehicle’s back wheels stay on the pavement and roll behind the trailer, while others will have the vehicle sit completely on the trailer.

    Cargo

    Cargo trailers are common and come in a number of shapes and sizes. Typically people moving large amounts of furniture will go with enclosed cargo trailers. Enclosed trailers are the kind you would normally see rented through companies like U-Haul. They can be hitched to the back of a truck or SUV and have roll-up doors and enclosures. The enclosed design of these trailers helps to keep your belongings safe from blowing away, being rained on or being stolen. You can even use a padlock to lock up the trailer door so it can be left somewhere without you worrying about your belongings being stolen.

    Typically these are the type of trailer that people will get when they go to move. However, they’re not always the exact trailer you need!

    Equipment Trailer

    Equipment trailers are flatbed-style trailers that are ideal for cross-town moves. These are side-rail trailers that are open and allow you to load your belongings quickly and easily. If you’ve got a smaller amount of belongings and only plan to move a short way, these can be good budget alternatives to cargo trailers. You will, however, have to tie down your belongings. Additionally, these trailers are less than ideal in rainy conditions, and shouldn’t be left anywhere overnight, as your belongings aren’t protected from the elements.

    Freight Trailer

    If you possess a large number of belongings, then a freight trailer might be ideal. Those without commercial trucking licenses will need to hire truckers to move these types of trailers for them, as they are quite large. However, for people who have very large or numerous belongings and plan to move a good distance, these types of trailers are ideal.

    Another variety of freight trailer is the moving truck, which is commonly rented from companies like U-Haul. These are a bit of a happy medium between cargo trailers and semi-truck sized freight trailers. If you’re moving a long way but don’t have a huge number of possessions, these types of moving trucks are ideal.

  • Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    Audiobooks are a great way to focus on reading without having to set aside time for just sitting still. A lot of people have such busy schedules that audiobooks are the best way for them to take in literature. After all, you can listen to an audiobook while jogging, while working, even in the car while on the way to work and back. This makes audiobooks a valuable asset in a busy schedule! However, they can be more expensive than old-fashioned books. Here are some of the best sites to find free or inexpensive audiobooks so you don’t break the bank!

    Best Sites to Find Free Audiobooks

    OverDrive

    OverDrive is an audiobook site that works in concert with local libraries to offer free books to library card holders. If you have a local library card then you can download free audiobooks from OverDrive. They offer apps through Android and iTunes, as well as Windows phones. They also have a desktop site, of course, that you can download MP3s through to upload to any device you would like.

    OverDrive is a great choice for lovers of the local library. If your library has an audiobook you’d like to listen to, odds are good that it’s being hosted on OverDrive. Libraries are a great public resource, and OverDrive does a great job of extending their reach beyond just the walls of the building itself. They offer a great selection of newer books and classics alike.

    The search function is easy and fast, and you can quickly navigate books by authors, genres, series and more. If you’re looking to quickly fill up your device with audiobooks, OverDrive is a great way to start doing just that. If you’ve already got a library card, you’re ready to go!

    LibriVox

    Literature is as old as civilization itself. As such, it’s no surprise that more works are in the public domain than there are works that aren’t. LibriVox is a site that hosts free audiobooks of works that are in the public domain.

    An interesting aspect of LibriVox is that the narrators are all volunteers. As such, the quality of the reading can change dramatically based on the volunteer. Some volunteers are excellent actors with impeccable readings full of life and emotion. Others are more robotic, simply reading the words from the page in a constant string. Some narrators may have difficult-to-understand accents, while others might be on par with most premium paid audiobooks.

    Many books have multiple readings available, and there are several languages available to choose from. If the audiobooks you want to hear are in the public domain, LibriVox is a great place to look for free audiobooks. After all, you can’t beat free!

    Open Culture

    Open Culture is an educational site that is completely free for all users. They host a number of classic works of literature, and their site also hosts a number of educational courses, textbooks and films. If you’re looking to learn more about a subject and dig more deeply into it, consider Open Culture a resource worth digging into! The site even offers 900 free audiobook downloads.

    Open Culture doesn’t offer the most robust selection of newer books, however. It also doesn’t support a wide variety of audiobook formats, so it might be more difficult getting their audiobooks to work on all of your devices. However, they do link to both iTunes and Spotify, which streamlines the process immensely.

    While the site is totally free, donations are appreciated. If you’re looking for a great educational site that hosts countless classic works of literature, Open Culture is a great choice for you.

    Scribl

    Scribl is a service that is more akin to a podcast service than a traditional audiobook site. The service is great for people who like smaller, more easily digested audio, much like podcasts. If you often go on jogs or have short bursts of time you like to listen in, Scribl is a great way to go. The audiobooks on Scribl can be broken down into smaller files and taken in one bite at a time.

    Additionally, Scribl has more new releases than most free sites. There are some paid books on the site, though, for brand-new or high-profile releases. However, when you buy an audiobook on Scribl, you also get access to the e-book version! This allows you to read up on your favorite books even when you don’t have your headphones available, or if you just like to follow along with the narration when you can.

  • Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Are a grandparent with a number of wonderful grandkids you want to safely drive back and forth between fun events? Maybe you pick them up from school on Fridays so they can spend the weekend with you, or maybe you take them with you to church on Sundays. No matter the reason, you’re going to need a good vehicle to safely get yourself and your grandchildren around town. Some of the safest vehicles for seniors with grandchildren are SUVs. Today we’re looking at some of the best (and safest) SUVs for seniors.

    Top SUVs for Seniors with Grandchildren

    Honda Pilot

    Honda’s got a great reputation that they’ve earned through constantly putting out excellent vehicles that are safe and last for a long time. The reliable and safe Honda Pilot makes a great vehicle for seniors as it’s slam-full of features to keep you and your passengers safe! That includes forward collision warnings, emergency braking, lane-keeping assist and other safety features. These are ideal for senior drivers as they operate in the background and aren’t intrusive but will kick in to help you when you need them.

    What’s more, this isn’t just about safety. The Honda Pilot also sports excellent performance! The engine is V6 and the ride is fun and lively. If you’re looking for something that’s both safe and fun all at once, it’s a hard balance to strike. Honda, however, manages to strike that balance excellently. With 280 horsepower, this is a vehicle that can really move! The Pilot also sports impressive fuel economy, getting 27 MPG highway and 19 MPG city. For a V6 SUV, that’s not too bad!

    The Honda Pilot’s base trim level starts right around $32,000. The base trim includes a 5-inch infotainment display and has access to voice-activated controls, which is a favorite of many seniors.

    Subaru Forester

    The Forester is a great pick for those on a bit more of a budget. That’s because the base trim of the Forester starts right around $25,000, making it a bit easier to swing for those with a tighter budget. Much like the Pilot, one of the biggest draws to the Forester for seniors is the safety features that you get. The Subaru DriverFocus features are available on the Forester, and these features are excellent. They monitor driver behavior and give warning if the driver is behaving unusually.

    Drivers can also opt for front collision warnings, rear cross-traffic alerts and blind-spot monitoring, those these upgrades are not included in the base trim. Some great design features also make this a wonderful pick for seniors. For instance, the door sills are quite low to the ground, and the door openings are rather wide. This makes getting into and out of the vehicle easier than in most SUVs.

    The engine isn’t quite as impressive as the likes of the Honda Pilot, though it’s not a slouch. The Forester sports a 4-cylinder, 185 horsepower engine that offers 33 miles per gallon on the highway. This engine also nets you 26 miles per gallon in the city, making up for the relatively lower horsepower compared to other vehicles in the class.

    Acura RDX

    The Acura RDX is a popular SUV, especially among seniors, due to its luxurious features and great drive. It’s a bit on the pricey side, starting around $40,000, but many find it to be well-worth the price. It’s got a great 4-cylinder engine under the hood, putting out 275 horsepower and netting a solid 28 MPG highway and 22 MPG city. These numbers are made more impressive, however, by the luxurious vehicle that houses the engine.

    The full, robust entertainment system in the vehicle is sure to impress the grandkids, and it offers support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Both of which are excellent integration systems for smartphones! Integrated voice commands allow you to control the vehicle’s entertainment options without having your eyes leave the road, too. This keeps you safer while driving, as taking your eyes off the road is a quick way to become distracted and potentially get hurt.

    The Acura RDX also supports AcuraWatch, the proprietary safety suite that runs in many Acura vehicles. AcuraWatch implements features such as lane keeping, emergency breaking, road departure warnings and more. This is excellent for drivers who might be worried about potential threats while driving. Keeping yourself and your grandkids safe is certainly a chief concern, and the Acura RDX is a great vehicle for keeping that concern at the top of your priority list!

  • Top Timeshare Destinations You Should be Looking At

    Top Timeshare Destinations You Should be Looking At

    Time-sharing is one of the most wonderful things to ever happen to America’s middle class. TimeShare gives you the option to own a beautiful piece of property in your favorite vacation spot for a fraction of the cost. How do they do this? It is a simple idea, take one glorious property in a destination spot, divide said property into the 52 weeks a year and sell each one to the hard working people of America for an affordable and attractive price. Just purchase a 1/52nd share of a unit, a room, suite of rooms, condo, or villa. Then stay there for a week each year.

    Then a few decades after this magnificent invention, the timeshare industry evolved into a multi-faceted, consumer-focused product that offers much more than just a week per year at your favorite resort.  Timeshare evolved into vacation clubs. This gives you perks, flexibility and discounts along with your week a year in the paradise of your choice. Now the paradise of your choice can change each year with the vacation club model.

    You won’t only get great ownership accommodations in any given destination, the benefits add up. Real benefits,  like extra rewards and free timeshare exchange, or discounts on airfare, travel, and admission to area attractions. Life just keeps getting better.

    Am I starting to sound like a Timeshare salesperson? I’ll stop, just know timeshare and vacation clubs are a great way to maximize your vacations on a budget, add to your investment portfolio,  and treat yourself to a great time. Now that you are on board let us look at the 5 best timeshare destination spots in the country.

    All of Florida

    Timeshare was meant for Florida, and Florida is prime for timeshare. It’s a match made in fanny pack heaven. Florida timeshares can provide a vacation for everyone. Want to take your kids on yearly trips to Walt Disney World and Universal Studios? Just simply want to relax on soft white sand for a west coast Florida sunset? Maybe a warm weather dive into debauchery and easy living is your get-away. Daytona Beach to Naples or all the way down to the Keys, Florida has your vacation ready. Plus it’s cheap.

    With 4 major US cities, airports and cruise ports galore, Florida is a hot spot for paradise seekers. Let’s talk about the golfing, yeah Florida has that too. All the golf you can handle in Florida. Pack your clubs to hit some of the state’s best and most-cherished courses. Legendary courses, such as the Seminole Golf Course, TPC Sawgrass, The Concession Golf Course, The Bear’s Club. Excited yet? Then try out the entire city of Palm Coast, with 5 award-winning, Pro designed, immaculate courses including The breathtaking Jack Nicklaus-designed Ocean Course of Hammock Dunes.

    Timeshare in Hawaii

    Hawaii timeshare resorts are the essence of luxury, boasting spectacular ocean views, and beachfront access. Illustrious restaurants, spas, tennis courts, golf courses and inspiring views at every resort. Hawaii has several islands, each with its own adventure and sights. The Big Island is famous for the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Want to vacation in a volcano?  Hike a coffee plantation? Black sand beaches? Not to mention vibrant cities like Honolulu. Ohau has countless parks, botanical gardens, and museums to keep your itinerary full. That’s just the first island.

    Kaanapali Beach on Maui is quickly turning in to the spot for beachside luxury. Boasting the best selection of posh timeshare, spas, and exclusive resorts. A little tip… try a lomilomi massage.

    Colorado

    I’m talking about a little place where the beer flows like wine, and the women instinctively flock like the salmon of Capistrano… I’m talking about a little place called Aspen, or any of Colorado for that matter. If you like Endless blue sky, lush emerald green forests and astonishing mountains Colorado could be your timeshare spot. You can’t tell me you never wanted to own a hot tub and a ski resort in Colorado. You got downhill skiing or fly fishing. All I hear is my blood pressure lowering.

    Las Vegas

    Vegas Baby Vegas… The timeshare king of the world. In Vegas, all the players show up. From the Cliffs at Peace Canyon, Club de Soleil,  or Diamond Resorts Polo Towers Suites. Even Elare, Grandview of Las Vegas and the Hilton’s Flamingo and Paradise are up waiting for you. Put on your finest silk suit and walk in like you own the place because you do.

    Myrtle Beach

    From North, Central or South Myrtle Beach including Murrell’s Inlet, you have an array of Myrtle Beach timeshare ownership and vacation rental opportunities. Resorts located on the oceanfront, on the Intracoastal Waterway or situated on an award-winning golf course, add in anything you could want in a resort. It’s like Florida, but without the trash.

  • Helpful Tips For Garage Door Repair

    Helpful Tips For Garage Door Repair

    The garage door in your home is the portal to your personal and real life living space. What happens when it breaks? Time for a DIY project.  There are two main components of a garage door, the opener and the door.  While styles vary, the overall idea of a garage door is the same. Let’s start by talking about the door. 

    There are many types of garage doors, roll up in sections, one piece that swings up, large French door style, or my favorite the barn door style roll open. They all work pretty much the same way, the door moves on a metal track inside the garage.

    The power is supplied by a heavy spring or multiple springs. It’s a fairly simple process so most repairs are fairly easy to do. Let’s take a look at 5 basic repair tips for your garage door.

    Check the Metal Tracks

    First thing to check if your garage door isn’t opening is the metal tracks inside. This is the most likely place for an issue and one of the easiest to fix. Start with making sure the track is clear of any obstruction or debris. Next look at the mounting brackets, secure any nuts or bolts, if the track is not secured tightly or has any slack in its movement. If all that checks out, let’s move to the track itself.

    Let’s now look at the garage door track for any dents, damages, or crimps. If any are spotted you will want to hammer them out. A rubber hammer or mallet is usually best for pounding out damaged metal. Lastly if the damage is extensive, replace the track.  Again this is a fairly easy and inexpensive DIY problem you can fix. Now is also the time to check those rollers along the edge of the garage door.

    These should be inspected at least twice a year and replaced every 5 to 7 years. During your inspection, replace any rollers you find that are chipped, cracked, or obviously worn. With the exception for the bottom rollers that may be attached to cables, the other rollers can be easily removed and replaced just by removing the brackets holding them.

    Leveling up

    If step one didn’t solve the problem, the issue may be that the track isn’t level. Making sure the track is level is key for your garage door to operate efficiently with gravity. If you have horizontal tracks, they should slant slightly downward. On vertical track doors the tracks should be dead even. Use a level to check their status.

    You can loosen the bolts and use your rubber mallet to bang them back in to place if need be. Do not remove the bolts entirely just loosen, adjust, re-tighten.

    Spring Into Action

    All fixed?  No!  Well then it is time to check the springs. Odds are you know what failing springs look like already. Do a quick inspection, then check the alignment. If the springs are off the garage door itself will be uneven. Unfortunately spring replacement is not a DIY project..

    For this you need to call a guy.  Remember these springs hold a great deal of weight and are under extreme pressure and tension, there is a real risk to replacing. 

    Grease the Chain

    So we have checked the photo eye to make sure nothing is blocking the door, the tracks, the springs, the rollers and ensured the power source is not disrupted. Now we need to inspect the chain and the switch that bypass the springs in the event of a power outage.

    That switch lets you manually open the door should the need arise.  An issue with the chain is a very unlikely source of the problem but costly if it is the issue. Inspect, if you find an issue or kink, again time to call the guy.  

    Upgrade To a Smart Garage

    Like everything else these days, smart automation for your garage door is right at your fingertips.  With a smart device that is Alexa compatible you can make your garage door open with simple voice commands.. oh glorious day! 

    The Garadget adds voice control and remote access to your existing garage door.  For less than $100 you can add the Garadget to your existing line up of alexa enabled smart home devices. This will give you simple voice command and remote access capability. I do like this device and smart garage option.

    I would love it if I could add it to my smart home routines. Having my garage door open and close at designated times would be Jetsons level cool. Unfortunately that Alexa skill isn’t available yet.

    The Final Thought

    You end up using your garage door more than you would think.  Statistically it is used more than your front door. Looking in to annual maintenance services would be my number one overall suggestion. Paired with these DIY tips you should be able to keep the large portal to your home working great at a low overall cost.