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Month: March 2019

  • Artificial Intelligence Technology: What Does it Mean?

    Artificial Intelligence Technology: What Does it Mean?

    Science fiction has long been fascinated by the prospect of intelligent systems held within computers. Much like the strange science of biochemistry that gives rise to consciousness, we’ve wondered recently whether circuit boards and silicon could function as the brain for artificial intelligence.

    A mind like our own but held entirely within a computer.

    Artificial Intelligence Technology

    Is it Real?

    The advent of neural learning networks and lifelike virtual assistants has made many people wonder how close true artificial intelligence is. It seems inevitable, with our advances in technology, that we will soon have a completely autonomous, learning, self-aware digital intelligence on our hands.

    However, the reality isn’t that imminent. Human intelligence and consciousness is indescribably complex. In the observable universe, there is no system more complex than that of the human brain. The billions of connections found within, as well as the complex interplay of biochemical and electrical signals, give rise to our consciousness.

    Then When?

    So, we’re not going to see true artificial intelligence any time soon. Then, when will humans finally have someone else to talk to? It seems likely that someday we’ll create a digital brain that thinks as we do. However, the idea that we could create an artificial intelligence with comparable consciousness and thoughts to organic life is suspect.

    Computers as we know them function on binary functions. Ones and zeroes, yesses and noes. These two simple building blocks are stacked in their trillions to create computers like the one you’re using to read this. Such computers don’t “think” in the way you and I do. Instead, as their name suggests, they compute. They find answers to problems they are given.

    Us and Them

    A computer, then, is a system that gives you answers to problems you present it. However, it must have been programmed to know what output to give to specific inputs. As such, all computers we’ve created can only give you outputs that were created by other people. Truly “learning” artificial systems run into some issues when viewed through this lens.

    An artificial system can be given parameters and criteria and told how to deal with information it acquires. That doesn’t mean that it’s actually intelligent, though, as the processes it uses to acquire this information have to be created by people.

    The question remains: at what point does a learning algorithm become complex enough to be considered “intelligent”? That depends on your definition of intelligent. However, it seems unlikely that we’ll be finding out intellectual equals in our smartphones any time soon.

  • Should You Drive for Ridesharing Apps?

    Should You Drive for Ridesharing Apps?

    Let’s face it. We’re living in the gig economy now. For better or worse, picking up gig jobs is one of the best ways to make money on the side to keep up with bills.

    If you’re struggling to come up with money, or just want a bit of extra jingle in your pocket, you could get into driving for ridesharing apps. Here’s what you need to know.

    Driving for Ridesharing Apps

    The Pros

    There are some benefits to driving for a ridesharing app. For one thing, you don’t have to worry too much about scheduling. When you’ve got some free time to make some money, you can turn your app to “driving” mode and pick up some fares. Then, when payday comes, you get some extra cash in your pocket.

    Another upside to this type of work is that you don’t have to directly deal with a boss or coworkers. If you’re like us, there’s something nice about not having to deal with a superior face-to-face. One of the most obnoxious aspects of normal jobs is dealing with petty drama brought on by coworkers and managers. Well, when you drive for Uber or Lyft, you only have to deal with fares.

    Another big plus for driving for ridesharing is that you can still interact with people, just not as coworkers. There’s something nice about getting to talk to a bunch of different people and just experience a swath of the population of your city.

    The Cons

    As you’ve certainly heard or gathered, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. There are some distinct disadvantages to driving for a ridesharing app. Notably, drivers aren’t really considered full employees. If you rely solely on Uber or Lyft for your income, you’ll need to cover your own insurance and benefits.

    Another drawback to this type of work is the amount of wear and tear it puts on your car. You need to have a relatively new car to drive for these services, and then you’re putting miles on it just to make fares. You’ve got to keep gas in it, pay for insurance and the like, all of which are considerable expenses.

    Finally, some people like having coworkers or an office to go into work. Dealing with the public can be a lot, especially when you’re not a very social person. As such, ridesharing is for everyone. However, if you don’t mind these drawbacks, there’s some money to be made through driving for Uber or Lyft.

  • Weight Loss Programs for Men: Where to Start

    Weight Loss Programs for Men: Where to Start

    A lot of guys don’t know where to start when they want to lose weight. Maybe you’re embarrassed to go to the gym due to your current shape. You’ve heard about weight loss programs, but it seems like they’re aimed at women.

    Where should you start? Today we’re going to look at some of the best weight loss programs for men.

    Weight Loss Programs for Men

    Before We Begin

    Before we begin, we want to stop and remind everyone that all bodies are good bodies. You’ve only got the one body in this life, so you should love the skin you’re in. Just because you’re not cut like a bodybuilder or lean like those other guys doesn’t mean that you’re not attractive the way you are.

    Remember, only you can define your worth. Your weight, your appearance and your amount of muscle all have nothing to do with your inherent worth. All people are worthy of love and respect, regardless of their body type, their gender or their background. Guys aren’t told that enough, so we just wanted to make sure you heard this message.

    Weight Loss Programs

    There are a number of weight loss programs you could opt for. For instance, Noom is a great option, as it allows you to use your smartphone to track your calories and workouts. There’s a monthly fee, but it’s a really robust and well-rounded program.

    Guys don’t have to feel embarrassed about it, as it’s a very community-focused way to lose weight and stick together with a program.

    Weight Watchers is another example of a weight loss program you can keep up with from your smartphone. You don’t need to go to meetings, but you can sign up for them if you want. Otherwise, keeping up with your “points” is a fun way to watch your weight and intake!

    Like Noom, Weight Watchers gives you a community of like-minded people to help you lose weight and stick to your goals. This is a great way for guys who are self-conscious to lose weight and have a support network without going out to meetings in person.

    Exercise

    Remember, a good diet and exercise can go a long way. Not only for weight loss, but for your mental health! If you’re worried about how you look, start doing some workouts at home or going for runs and jogs. It’s amazing how much good a little exercise can do for one’s self-esteem!

  • Cloud Backup Services: Which One is Right for You?

    Cloud Backup Services: Which One is Right for You?

    Nothing quite compares to the feeling of losing all of your files. All the pictures, documents, movies, games and other digital materials you had saved are just gone. How can you make sure your files are backed up and safe?

    Using the Cloud, you can have peace of mind and security for your files. Here’s how.

    Could Backup Services

    What is Cloud Backup?

    A Cloud backup service is a service that periodically scans your computer’s files and uploads them to the Cloud. The Cloud is the colloquial term for the interconnected system of off-site storage servers used by various network companies. Namely, Cloud storage is decentralized storage for your files that is kept online.

    Cloud backup services are typically paid services that you subscribe to, not dissimilar from renting a storage unit in the real world. You’re essentially paying a company to hang on to digital copies of all of your files. This is a great system if you have a number of files that you want to keep backed up in case of emergency.

    Examples

    A number of companies offer these types of services. AT&T, Carbonite, Rubrik, Oracle and more offer you to access their cloud backup systems. These services are all similar: they let you back up and store your files off-site. Businesses often prefer to use these types of services, as they protect against hacking, sabotage, break-ins and fires destroying important files.

    For residential use, these cloud backups are awesome if you travel a lot or use laptops primarily. For busy people who are often on the go, automated cloud backups are a life-saver. You don’t have to even think about them: your files are just backed up. If you lose your laptop or it gets destroyed, you’re covered. Well, you need a new laptop, but, you know.

    Alternatives

    Cloud backups aren’t your only option, though. You can also opt to back up your files manually on an external storage drive. This requires you to actually sit down and manually make copies of the files to the external drive, though, so it’s not as “clean” as automated cloud backups.

    However, for those who want backups without having to pay a fee for cloud services, this is a good option. As long as you remember to back-up your files once per month or so, you’ll have a pretty good backlog of your own files. Then, if your files get lost, you can simply re-upload them from your external drive.

  • How to Save Big on Printer Ink

    How to Save Big on Printer Ink

    Don’t you hate that feeling when you hit “print” and the page comes out spotty and washed-out? The printer ink cartridge is getting low, again, meaning you’re about to have to spend a small fortune.

    While there are a number of reasons that printer ink is expensive, that matters less to us than helping you save money. Today we’re going to help you save big on printer ink.

    How to Save on Printer Ink

    Wholesale

    Wholesalers are able to confer some degree of savings to the end user if you know where to look. Online sites that focus on buying in bulk are a good start, as they’re often able to use that bulk discount to offer you lower prices. It can be difficult to find uncommon types of ink, however, such as ink for outdated printers, through these sites.

    Another option is to go through warehouse stores like Sam’s Club or Costco. Much like with discount websites, the savings in these stores comes from their ability to buy in bulk. The economy of scale is at play in these places. While you might not find terribly inexpensive single cartridges, you might find stellar deals on packs with three or five cartridges in them.

    Remanufactured

    An environmentally friendly, and less-expensive, way to buy ink is to go through remanufactured ink companies. Remanufactured ink cartridges are older cartridges that are refilled by a different company. This offers a few benefits for consumers.

    For one thing, remanufacturers are able to sell cartridges for much, much less than first-party ink-makers. They’re not subject to the same overhead and price wars that companies like HP and Dell are, so they’re able to pass that on as large savings to the consumer.

    For another thing, this also means that there will be less waste in landfills. Metals and plastics are very bad for the earth when dumped in landfills and using remanufactured printer cartridges is just one more way to avoid wastefulness.

    Remanufacturing Notes

    It’s also worth noting that remanufacturers often fill the cartridges up to capacity. This has long been a sore spot for consumers who have noticed their cartridges seem to be only partially filled up, even when brand-new.

    However, be aware that you should research any third-party remanufacturer before ordering from them. Make sure they have good ratings and high praise from actual customers. Especially check them with the Better Business Bureau to make sure they’re the real deal, and not a scam!

  • Finding Low-Price Tires Online: Stop Overpaying

    Finding Low-Price Tires Online: Stop Overpaying

    Putting new tires on your vehicle can be very expensive. If you’re sick of paying a ton of money for tires in-store, maybe you should look into buying online.

    When you know where to look, you can get incredible deals on high-quality tires! Today we’ll help you find the best places to get low-price tires online.

    Low-Price Tires Online

    What to Look For

    Make sure when you’re shopping that you don’t fall for scams. A lot of sites that promise deals that are too good to be true actually are. When you’re online, make sure the site you’re using is secured and reputable. If you’re doubting the veracity of a site, google them and see what people have said about them.

    If you’re seeing a lot of reviews that call it a scam or mention that they provide sub-par tires, you’re safe to just move on. Likewise, if you can’t find prominent contact information, or the reviews all seem to sound similar, do some more research. Shady sites might use “sock-puppet” accounts to boost their reviews when they’re actually scamming people.

    Why Shop Online

    When you shop in-store, there are many factors that can increase tire prices. For one thing, people are simply used to paying more than they have to for tires. Another factor is the pressure. When you’re in-store, there could be salespeople pressuring you to make a decision, allowing you less time to compare prices.

    When you shop online, you get a totally different experience. There are no impending pressures, you’re not having to field salespeople, and you can compare prices at a glance. Whether you’re looking for great sports tires for running around the track or just good tires for around town, shopping online affords you the luxury of a leisurely pace.

    Finding Deals

    Finding deals isn’t too hard when you know what to look for. Begin by installing the right plug-ins for your browser. Namely, you’ll want Honey, a coupon-searching plugin that keeps you from overspending. From there, remember to be unafraid of tabs. Open as many as you need to in order to price-match and compare.

    Whether you’re outfitting your sweet new ride with performance tires or just buying a new set for the family SUV, it’s important you get a good deal. After all, there’s nothing better than getting your money to stretch further. Thankfully, you’ve got the tools now to make sure you get a good deal next time you shop tires online.

  • Top Decongestants for Spring Allergy Season

    Top Decongestants for Spring Allergy Season

    Warm weather, blooming flowers and constant sneezing are the hallmarks of Spring. While we love the pretty flowers and warm temperatures, we could do without all the congestion.

    To help you fight the worst of your Spring allergies, we’re rounding up some of the top decongestants. Here’s how you can beat your seasonal allergies this year.

    Top Decongestants for Spring

    Why Decongestants?

    Decongestants perform a very different role from antihistamines. Antihistamines prevent your body from engaging in the immune behavior that causes allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, watery eyes and the like. Decongestants, on the other hand, do what their name says. They simply help clear nasal congestion.

    How they do that has to do with the mucus membranes in your nasal cavity. Allergies cause these linings in your nose to swell and become agitated. Decongestants work by causing the blood vessels in these membranes to contract. This, in turn, results in the passageway becoming more open for air to pass through.

    What They Don’t Do

    Decongestants, it’s worth noting, don’t do the same thing as antihistamines. They are unable to help with normal allergy symptoms like sneezing, itching, redness of the eyes and the like. These symptoms are better treated with an antihistamine, such as Allegra or Benadryl.

    That said, taking just an antihistamine alone isn’t enough to address all of your allergy symptoms. If you want full relief, you need both!

    Best Decongestants

    There are several different types of decongestant that are preferred by different people. They can be taken in pill form, as a nasal spray or even as liquids or nose drops. The common types of pill-form decongestants are typically a combination decongestant-antihistamine. An example of such a product would be Allegra-D, or Benadryl Allergy.

    Notably, these types of medications often have the side effect drowsiness. It’s not recommended you start your day taking an antihistamine-decongestion hybrid medication.

    Types

    There are a few different medications that can have decongestion properties. Oxymetazoline is found in products like Dristan and Vicks, for instance. Pseudoephedrine is found in Sudafed, Silfedrine and other such products. Likewise, Sudafed PE and Suphedrine PE contain phenylephrine.

    The differences between these compounds is not noticeable from an “active ingredient” standpoint for the patient. They all have the effect of helping to decongest a stuffy nose! That said, they have distinct properties when it comes to allergies and interactions, so make sure you carefully research any medication, even over-the-counter, before you take it.

  • Why Cruise to Alaska? Luxury in the Icey North

    Why Cruise to Alaska? Luxury in the Icey North

    When you think of a luxury cruise liner hitting an exotic destination, you normally think of some tropical island somewhere. However, there’s more than one type of luxury cruise. Take, for instance, Alaskan cruises!

    Snow-capped mountains, frontier towns and rugged beauty await vacationers in the northernmost part of the United States.

    Cruising to Alaska

    Why Alaska?

    Alaska is full of natural beauty, intriguing wildlife and full-tilt adventure. The island-filled southeast region of the state is a common destination of cruises from the West Coast. Fans of rugged beauty, exceptional cuisine and luxurious vacations can find a lot to love in Alaska.

    Best Cruise Lines

    A number of cruise liners have Alaska as a destination. From family-friendly Carnival Legend to romance-centric Ruby Princess, there’s something for any type of cruiser. Today we’re going to look at a few of the most notable ships plying the Pacific waters around the Alaskan islands!

    Nieuw Amsterdam

    The traditional, quiet, reserved and upscale appeal of Nieuw Amsterdam is great for more mature cruisers. If you’re looking for a more traditional cruise, maybe with less children running around, then consider this cruise liner.

    You won’t find rock-climbing walls or goofy children’s attractions on this boat, so if you’ve got kids coming with you, this might not be the best pick. However, if you’re looking for a relaxing getaway with you and your sweetheart, this refined cruise is for you.

    Scrumptious dining, upscale service and an air of dignified luxury are hallmarks of this cruise line. Of particular note is the main dining room, which is complimentary with any cruise. The food and service found therein are of excellent quality, perfect for any discerning cruiser.

    Carnival Legend

    For families looking for a good value, Carnival offers an affordable and enjoyable cruising experience. If you don’t mind the presence of kids and families, Carnival Legend offers a great Alaskan cruise on a very reasonable budget. Those who prefer a more family-friendly atmosphere will appreciate this type of cruise liner.

    Ruby Princess

    The Ruby Princess is a great cruise for people who want the best of both worlds. Ample luxury and fun activities go hand-in-hand on this Princess cruise liner. Attractions like the “Movies Under the Stars” (complete with popcorn and warm blankets) make this ideal for younger couples.

    Likewise, the adults-only sun deck is a wonderful and relaxing place to relax away from the kiddos. There’s even a Voice spin-off, “Voice of the Ocean,” to be found on this cruise liner. Combine that with great dining and wonderful interior design, and you’ve got one winner of a ship!

  • Discount Pet Medication: Best Places to Save Big

    Discount Pet Medication: Best Places to Save Big

    When it comes to your pets, you want only the best. If your pet is sick, you want to make sure you’re getting the best quality medicine to help them get better.

    However, medicine can be prohibitively expensive. If you want to make sure you can afford the best for your pet, you might need to pick up their medications with a discount.

    What are the best ways to save on pet meds, though? Today we’re walking you through some of the best ways to save money on your pet’s medications.

    Discount Pet Medications

    Shopping Online

    It can often be much more affordable to shop for your pet’s medicine online, as opposed to vet’s offices. Vet’s offices, while important in animal health, are often unable to match the prices found on wholesale sites. They often have to include more markups in their medication, making it difficult for them to match online prices.

    Online prices, however, aren’t everything. When you shop online, make sure you’re shopping through wholesale sites to get your discounts. If you’re buying medicine from disreputable vendors or from shady, overseas sellers, you might find you’re getting sub-par medicine for your pet.

    What to Look For

    The last thing you need is to support a shady vendor. When you’re looking for the best deal on pet medication, make sure the site is reputable. You’ll want to only buy medication from VIPPS-approved sites that require prescriptions. It can be a pain to make sure you always have a prescription for medication, but it ensures the site is trustworthy.

    You’ll also want to make sure that the site is verified and secure. Some disreputable discount pet med sites are actually elaborate scams and have no intention of sending you real medication. Even those that do could be selling your information to identity thieves.

    Non-Prescription

    Even with non-prescription medication, you need to be careful. If a deal is too good to be true, it is. When you receive medicine in the mail, check the sell-by date to make sure you’re not giving your pet outdated medicine.

    Likewise, make sure any medication you buy online hasn’t been tampered with. Keeping your animal happy, healthy and safe is your first priority, so accidentally harming them is something you need to avoid.

    Remember, when in doubt, go through reputable sites, even if it means spending a bit more money. There’s no reason to let harm come to your pet just to save a few bucks.

  • Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Everyone knows what it feels like to get done with a hard day at work and feel muscles aches and soreness. When you’re trying to just unwind and relax, you just want relief from aching muscles.

    Today we’re going over some of the best treatments for muscle aches to help you relax and unwind.

    Best Treatments for Muscle Aches

    Myalgia

    Another name for muscle aches is myalgia, and it’s a rather common condition. Anything from strenuous activity to the common cold can cause aching muscles. Stress and tension are other common causes, though muscle pain can also result from damaging muscles during exercise.

    Whatever causes your myalgia might have, there are a number of treatments you can try to ease your pain. Remember, if your pain is extreme or causing you serious medical problems, contact your doctor immediately.

    Take it Easy

    This one might seem like a no-brainer, but you need to take it easy on a sore muscle. If your bicep is aching and sore, don’t exert it. Drink plenty of water and just relax. Tension can be a huge factor in muscle aches, so simply relaxing and letting your muscles rest can be a huge help.

    Stretching is another way to help your aching muscles. Gently stretch out the affected muscle before using cold and hot compresses on it.

    Hot and Cold Compress

    Using a cold compress or ice pack can help reduce inflammation and soreness. Following that up with a warm compress or hot pack is then great for relaxing muscles and helping them heal. Products like Icey Hot are marketed for this exact purpose.

    NSAIDs

    An over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen can be a huge help when it comes to soreness of the muscles. Make sure you take NSAIDs only as directed, as they can cause liver damage if taken improperly.

    When to See the Doctor

    If your pain persists for more than a few days, or causes you extreme discomfort, see your doctor. There’s no reason to try to treat an injured muscle at home if you’re experiencing serious discomfort. You risk further injury if you improperly treat a damaged muscle, so don’t hesitate to see your doctor.