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Month: February 2019

  • Stop Forgetting Your Medicine With These Prescription Management Apps

    Stop Forgetting Your Medicine With These Prescription Management Apps

    Managing your prescriptions can be really difficult, depending on how many you need to keep up with. One has to be taken every other day, some need to be taken daily. Do you take this with food or without? It’s a lot to keep up with. Thankfully, there are a number of apps that can help you manage your prescriptions. Let’s look at some of the best prescription management apps.

    Best Prescription Management Apps

    Medisafe

    Medisafe is a great, straightforward app for managing all of your prescriptions. It’s really simple and easy to set up: all you need to do is set your medicine in the app and then tell it how often you need to take that medicine. When the time comes, the app will send you a notification and make sure you check-off that you took the medicine.

    If you miss the reminder time, you can set the app to alert your family members. You set in an emergency contact to be alerted if you miss your pills. This way they can check in and make sure everything is okay! It’s a great option for people who take prescriptions who live alone.

    The app also has a lot of fun notification voices. You can pick from celebrities and fictional characters to alert you when it’s time to take your medicine.

    PillPack

    PillPack is an incredibly handy service for people who get a number of prescriptions. The service is a great way to coordinate all of your prescriptions together without having the hassle of going to the drugstore. PillPack is a licensed pharmacy that can coordinate with your doctor and insurance to get you all of your medicine in a convenient package.

    When you get your medicine, it’s all broken up into convenient baggies that are labeled by day, helping you keep up with what you need to take and when. It even comes with a handy chart that helps you keep track of each pill. This way you don’t get mixed up over what you should take and when.

    GoodRX

    GoodRX is a great app for those looking for the best deals on medicine. This app allows you to compare prices from various pharmacies to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Think something like Gas Buddy, but for medicine instead of gas prices.

    For people who have to buy a lot of medication, saving money on those prescriptions can be a big help. That’s where GoodRX comes in. Even saving a few bucks here and there can really add up over time.

  • The Scoop on the New 2019 Ford Ranger

    The Scoop on the New 2019 Ford Ranger

    Who doesn’t love the old Ranger line of Ford trucks? Well, we’ve got good news for you: a full 8 years after the last we saw from the line, it’s being revived. That’s right, the 2019 Ford Ranger is on the way and set to double down on Ford luxury and toughness. What’s in store for the 2019 iteration of the Ranger?

    2019 Ford Ranger

    Trim Levels

    The Ranger will sport three trim levels. The XL, the XLT and the Lariat will be available when the truck hits dealerships. Additionally, there will be the FX4 and FX2 packages for the XLT and Lariat, that will allow for better off-roading. There will also be Chrome and Sport appearance packages for those looking to really show off.

    XLT and Lariat trims introduce blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning and rear parking assist. The Lariat is set to be particularly luxurious, with a stellar sound system and smooth, quiet ride. However, all of the trim levels will feature standard safety settings like emergency braking.

    Additionally, cab options like SuperCab and SuperCrew will allow for drivers to pick out which type of interior they want. Both sport a great infotainment screen, including Ford Sync 3 and Android Auto/Apple CarPlay. Not to mention, the infotainment system supports Alexa voice functionality.

    Off-Roading

    The off-roading packages will include shocks and suspension tuned for hitting the trail, as well as a Terrain Management System. This is a set of features previously seen on the F-150 Raptor sub-line of trucks, so it’s probably sounding familiar to Ford fans.

    The TMS, in particular, made its debut on the Raptor. It offers a series of driving modes for various conditions, including snow, grass, gravel and sand. That way you know you’re going to be able to conquer any treacherous terrain!

    When and How Much?

    Expect to see the Ranger hitting dealerships by Summer 2019. The much-anticipated revival of the Ford Ranger is set to start at $24,300 for the stock XL Trim. That puts the Ranger in the lower end of the mid-sized truck competition out of the gate, putting it against the Toyota Tacoma and GMC Canyon trucks.

    For those looking to really show out, however, the Lariat trim allows for a ton of luxury and expression. The fully-equipped Lariat, complete with all-wheel drive, off-roading and an appearance kit, would set you back a cool $38,385. That’s nothing to sneeze at and sets the Ranger as a flexible entry for Ford in the crowded pick-up market.

  • Natural Heartworm Treatments that Could Save your Dog’s Life

    Natural Heartworm Treatments that Could Save your Dog’s Life

    Heartworms can be very dangerous for dogs of all sizes and ages. Depending on the stage of heartworms in your dog, the symptoms could vary. In the case of severe heartworm infection, your dog could be displaying a cough, intolerance to exercise, and even weight loss. If your dog has been tested positive for heartworms but has no symptoms, then they are likely still early in the infection.

    No matter what stage your dog is at, there are steps you can take to help them. In addition to the treatments your vet suggests, you can try some of these natural heartworm treatments. In conjunction with traditional treatment, these could even save your dog’s life.

    Natural Heartworm Treatments

    Homeopathic Remedy

    While homeopathic remedies have hit-and-miss results in helping dogs with heartworms, they’re generally quite safe and worth trying. Many suggest using combinations of the following homeopathic treatments in conjunction, using them twice a day and over the course of a few months.

    The remedies suggested to be used in concert are Croton tiglium, Lycopersicum, Tanacetum, Allium cepa and Allium sativum. These are suggested to be mixed together and given to your dog orally via a dropper. Two or three drops twice a day is the suggested dosage.

    While giving these remedies to your dog, it’s recommended you consult your vet and have your dog regularly treated to see if they still have heartworms. In the event that they don’t take to this treatment, consider other remedies.

    In Older Dogs

    If your dog is older, or quite sick, it could be advised to also use Crataegus, or hawthorn, herbal tincture. This herbal tincture has properties that help the metabolism and strengthen the heart. This can be used in conjunction with the above homeopathic remedy, helping your dog’s organs during the progress of the remedy.

    Conventional Treatment

    The reason many owners opt for natural remedies for heartworms is that the conventional remedy can cause organ damage in some dogs. Older dogs, especially, can have a lot of stress put on their heart by such procedures. However, no treatment is without side effects or risks, and heartworms can be life-threatening for your dog.

    When you’re considering how to treat heartworms, make sure you consult your vet. It’s very important that you take the disease seriously and take any steps necessary to protect your dog. Depending on the stage the heartworms are at, it could be better to opt for conventional treatment due to the amount of time your dog might have left to be treated.

  • Netflix Cancels Punisher and Jessica Jones

    Netflix Cancels Punisher and Jessica Jones

    It’s official: the era of live-action Marvel TV shows on Netflix has come to a close. After each show got a few seasons and the crossover “Defenders,” it looks like the Netflix MCU is now history. The last show we’ll see on the service will be the third season of Jessica Jones.

    Netflix Cancels all Live Action MCU Shows

    The End of an Era

    This news isn’t surprising: after Netflix canceled Iron Fist and Luke Cage, it seemed like their other shows were on thin ice. Daredevil’s cancellation followed shortly after. The cancellation of Punisher and Jessica Jones is unsurprising, if disappointing.

    “We are grateful to Marvel for five years of our fruitful partnership and thank the passionate fans who have followed these series from the beginning,” stated a Netflix representative. It’s odd to think that the first season of Daredevil aired way back in 2014, but now that era has come to a close.

    A Future?

    Disney is starting its own streaming service, Disney+, later this year. They’ve already confirmed that the service will host all of their movies, including MCU films, as well as Disney-owned television properties. There’s a possibility that Netflix’s cancellations of these shows was in order to pave the way for Disney+ versions of the Netflix shows.

    As of yet, none of the characters in Netflix’s MCU shows have appeared in any Marvel films. As such, Disney+ has a lot of options. They could ignore the shows altogether, which would be a shame. They could recast the characters for appearances in other media, which would also be unfortunate.

    Hopefully, the shows will all be picked back up with the new streaming service. It would be a shame for shows as good as these to simply go dormant over some rights issues. After all, we still haven’t seen Luke Cage and Iron Fist team-up to become the Heroes for Hire!

  • Amazon Cancels its Planned New York Headquarters

    Amazon Cancels its Planned New York Headquarters

    Amazon has announced that it is canceling the construction of a New York headquarters. The project was slated to be an “HQ2” and involved a $3 billion incentive package from New York City.

    Protestors decried the incentive package and largely resisted the idea of Amazon further straining New York’s infrastructure. Another issue protestors brought against Amazon is their largely non-union workforce.

    Amazon HQ2 Canceled

    Amazon’s Statement

    Amazon’s statement says that they had to back down from the project due to pressure from local politicians. Notably, Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, and Bill de Blasio, the mayor, had strong support for the Amazon HQ project.

    “After much thought and deliberation, we’ve decided not to move forward with our plans to build a headquarters for Amazon in Long Island City, Queens. For Amazon, the commitment to build a new headquarters requires positive, collaborative relationships with state and local elected officials who will be supportive over the long-term.”

    Mark Hamrick, an online bank analyst, had harsh words for those who opposed the Amazon HQ project. “For those who didn’t want Amazon to bring the promised 25,000 new jobs and added economic vitality to the area: Be careful what you wish for.”

    Mounting Pressure

    The HQ2 project was abandoned following intense pushback by New Yorkers. Local union supporters and the city council both decried the project as being another example of corporate welfare. The generous incentive package of $3 billion was considered unseemly, given that Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is the wealthiest man on Earth.

    City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer had words of encouragement for the opposition to the Amazon headquarters. “Defeating an unprecedented act of corporate welfare is a triumph that should change the way we do economic development deals in our city and state forever,” Van Bramer stated.

    A statement given on Thursday by Chelsea Connor, head of the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union, was quite an indictment of Amazon. “Rather than addressing the legitimate concerns that have been raised by many New Yorkers, Amazon says you do it our way or not at all, we will not even consider the concerns of New Yorkers – that’s not what a responsible business would do.”

  • Google Hardware News for 2019: Expect More Pixel Devices

    Google Hardware News for 2019: Expect More Pixel Devices

    Early reports of the “Made by Google” lineup for 2019 are here, thanks to Japanese newspaper Nikkei. The biggest news is mostly unsurprising, though it’s nice to have solid locks on the pieces of tech we’ve been speculating about. Namely, a budget Google Pixel, a Google Pixel 4, a Google watch, a new Nest cam and a new Google Home.

    Google Hardware News

    Google Pixel Lite

    The Google Pixel isn’t exactly known for its affordable price, but Google wants to change that. In their quest to go toe-to-toe with Apple’s iPhone, Google is launching a Google Pixel 3 Lite later this year. Reports hold that the new phone will actually undercut the iPhone XR in price, allowing Google to come out as the more affordable of the two luxury smartphone makers.

    Google Pixel 4

    The next step for the Pixel line of phones, of course, is the Pixel 4. Not much is known about the successor to last year’s Pixel 3 at the time of writing, aside from the fact that it’s slated for a late 2019 release. The Pixel 4 will likely be the first Pixel phone with 5G capabilities, and we’re likely to see even more emphasis on biometric security like face scanning technology or in-screen fingerprint readers.

    Google Pixel Watch

    The ongoing quest to be like Apple also means that Google’s expected to launch their own wearable tech, much like the Apple Watch. The expected Pixel Watch will likely feature fitness tracking, vital monitoring and music playback capabilities, much like the Apple Watch. We can expect to see the Pixel Watch by the end of 2019, according to reports.

    Next Generation Google Home?

    A new Google Home, as well as Nest Cam, are also slated to be unveiled soon. It’s unclear whether the new Google Home devices coming in 2019 will be a second generation of the existing smarthome speakers or a completely new line of technology.

    However, the good news is that we can expect to see all of this from Google before the end of the year. It’s going to be a big year for the tech giant!

  • Eero Wi-Fi Routers Acquired by Amazon

    Eero Wi-Fi Routers Acquired by Amazon

    Amazon announced yesterday that it has acquired mesh-router manufacturer Eero. Eero is a huge name in the world of mesh-network routers, and this move positions Amazon in a strong place for its Echo hardware. Eero is based in the Bay Area, where it has been operating since 2015. While neither company stated how much money the acquisition cost, Eero has previously secured $90 million in venture capital funding.

    Eero Acquired by Amazon

    Amazon’s Statement

    Amazon is certainly positioning this new technology to bolster their smart-home business. Amazon’s Senior Vice President of Devices and Services, Dave Limp, issued a public statement regarding the acquisition.

    “We are incredibly impressed with the Eero team and how quickly they invented a WiFi solution that makes connected devices just work. We have a shared vision that the smart home experience can get even easier, and we’re committed to continue innovating on behalf of customers.”

    If there was any doubt that this move was to shore up Amazon’s smart home devices, Limp’s statement should dispel it. This mesh router tech will allow for tighter communication between Echo devices and more robust connectivity.

    Eero’s Statement

    Nick Weaver, the chief of Eero, issued a statement following the acquisition’s news breaking.

    “From the beginning, Eero’s mission has been to make the technology in homes just work. We started with WiFi because it’s the foundation of the modern home. Every customer deserves reliable and secure WiFi in every room. By joining the Amazon family, we’re excited to learn from and work closely with a team that is defining the future of the home, accelerate our mission, and bring Eero systems to more customers around the globe.”

    This acquisition’s news comes amid a tumultuous time for Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos. At time of writing, Bezos is embroiled in a battle with the National Enquirer and its parent company over alleged blackmail.

  • The Future Unfolds: Samsung Could Unveil New Folding Phone

    The Future Unfolds: Samsung Could Unveil New Folding Phone

    Samsung’s official Twitter account had an interesting teaser on Monday. The short video shows unfolding Korean text and promises that “the future unfolds.” While this may seem cryptic, it’s likely this is a sly nod to the upcoming Samsung Galaxy F, the new folding phone the company has been teasing recently. Could it launch alongside the Galaxy S10?

    The Future Unfolds

    Samsung Folding Phone

    A prototype of the Samsung folding phone was spotted in November 2018, though it was hardly a pretty sight. The prototype was almost more proof-of-concept than an advertisement for an upcoming product. However, it did show us what to expect from Samsung’s folding smartphone.

    The outer, wrap-around screen appears to be made of an unusual material. The design is not dissimilar from a bifold wallet, though the practical usefulness of such a device remains to be seen. At time of writing, little is known about the specifics of a potential Samsung Galaxy F. It’s uncertain whether the device would even be a mass-market consumer device or an experimental prototype.

    Galaxy S10

    Samsung has many other big products on the horizon. Later this week they are set to properly unveil their newest line of Galaxy flagship phones, the Samsung Galaxy S10. The S10 will be the stock-standard version, while the S10+ will be the larger model with a longer battery life and higher price. A budget-friendly model, the S10e, is set to debut at a lower price and with less bells and whistles.

    Strange designs seem to be the current rule at Samsung: the S10 looks to forego the ever-popular phone notch for a phone pinhole instead. This punch-out screen has met with mixed responses from tech news sites, with many stating it looks unsightly. However, the phone notch received similar criticisms when it was featured on the iPhone X, though it has gone on to be regarded as elegant.

  • Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    EA has had a surprise bit of good fortune with the release of Apex Legends, the newest game in the Titanfall series. Despite being free-to-play, battle royale, rife with microtransactions and bereft of giant mechs or wall-running, this “Titanfall” game has now seen 10 million players since its release last week. Color us impressed!

    Apex Legends Tops 10 Million Players

    The Formula for Failure

    We’re going to be honest on this one: we had written Apex Legends off the moment we heard about it last week. To be fair, who could be blamed for thinking this unusual game would succeed? After no press run-up and little buzz, EA simply dropped a Battle Royale game to go toe-to-toe with the big gods, Fortnite and PUBG.

    An EA-published free-to-play shooter with microtransactions sounds like the perfect storm of things gamers don’t usually like. To top that off, the game is marketed as being in the Titanfall universe, but none of the series’ titular mechs make an appearance. Even more egregiously, the signature parkour free-running of prior games isn’t on display either. Yet, the game seems to be rather popular.

    The Formula for Success

    It turns out, tight gunplay, excellent visuals and fun cosmetics are all you need to make a free-to-play shooter fun. Even EA’s dismal reputation couldn’t sully the hard work of developer Respawn, and the genuine passion they have for their IP.

    The lack of press leading up to the game’s launch may have been better PR than having any info come out. As it stands, naysayers can simply play the game now and see that it’s great, rather than prophesizing doom and bemoaning EA’s business practices. All of this is quite surprising, but a welcome surprise, to be sure.

    Later this month, EA’s next heavy-hitter, Anthem, will hit store shelves. If Apex Legends is anything to go by, Anthem may just blow us all away. Here’s hoping that EA-published shooters with this level of polish and detail become the new norm. We’ll take all the great games we can get!

  • We Could Use Genetic Modification to Wipe Out Malaria: Should We?

    We Could Use Genetic Modification to Wipe Out Malaria: Should We?

    Researches based in London have used new technology to determine a way to wipe out the mosquitoes that carry malaria. The female Anopheles mosquito, in particular, is the carrier of Plasmodium, a single-celled parasite that causes malaria. We now have access to a “gene drive” that could wipe out malaria carrying mosquitoes. The question is: should we?

    Should we Destroy Mosquitoes to Wipe out Malaria?

    CRISPR and Gene Editing

    CRISPR technology, first discovered in 2012, was touted as a revolution in genetic studies. The technology is so advanced, in fact, that we’re still learning about it seven years after its creation. Essentially, the CRISPR is like a pair of genetic scissors that allow scientists to unzip genes, rewrite them, and then zip them back together.

    Editing genes like this has been tremendously helpful in modifying food sources and crop yields. This is the real-world equivalent of cracking open the source code of a video game. We’re now capable of altering life at its most basic level, rearranging living organisms from their very DNA.

    Gene Drive

    The Gene Drive is a type of selfish gene that tricks replicators in cells to make it appear much more often than in 50% of offspring. Gene Drives can rapidly propagate through a species, and lab studies have shown that some engineered Gene Drives can cause 100% exposure in a population in as little as seven generations.

    For species like mosquitoes, who have very short reproductive cycles, those seven generations can occur very quickly. As for stopping the spread of malaria, that’s where things get a little sinister. One of the genetic modifications scientists have discovered in Anopheles mosquitoes allows a “switch” to be flipped that causes the female of the species to become unable to reproduce or suck blood.

    Ethics

    In short, we’ve developed a self-propagating mosquito kill-switch. In theory, this could visit a Biblical plague on a plague carrier. The question remains: should we? Who are we to decide that a species of insects deserves to die so that we don’t? Certainly, the lives of children who die from malaria are worth more than that of a mosquito. But it’s still an odd thought: wiping out an entire species at the flip of a switch.

    There are other concerns with this technology, as well. If it isn’t perfected, it could cause unforeseen damage to the local ecology. Scientists see a need to tread carefully here. Once the cat is out of the bag, it’ll be impossible to get back in. Extinction is a one-way street.