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Month: May 2019

  • Best Credit Cards for 2019

    Best Credit Cards for 2019

    Whether you’re looking for a great rewards card or just something to cover some basic bills with, credit cards can be a great resource. As long as you’re making sure to pay off your monthly balance and never borrow more money than you have, you’re building your credit while potentially reaping rewards.

    It’s hard to tell which credit card is the right one for you, though. Today, we’re breaking down some of the best credit cards available in 2019. These are the top picks for getting rewards, covering bills or just growing your credit!

    Best Credit Cards for 2019

    Best Simple Card: Wells Fargo Platinum Visa Card

    This card is great for one reason. You get 18 months of zero percent APR. That’s a huge deal if you just need a simple, straightforward card for playing bills. This card also sports no annual fee, meaning it’s a very easy card to maintain. As long as you’re using it and paying off the bill, it’s worth the convenience of having a credit card.

    Best for Rewards Points: Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

    The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has a great value for travelers. After signing up, if you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases in the first 3 months, you get a whopping 60,000 bonus points. On top of that, you get double the points on travel and dining. If you travel often and love cards with rewards points, consider this Chase card.

    Best Cash Back: Chase Unlimited Freedom

    The Chase Unlimited Freedom card is a very flexible cashback card. You get cash back on literally every purchase: you get 3% cashback on every purchase in the first year, up to $20,000 spent. After that you get 1.5% back on every purchase.

    That goes with this card’s lack of an annual fee and relatively low APR to make it a great cashback card. If you’re often out spending on various things, this is a great card for you.

    Best for Travelers: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

    The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is perfect for travelers. You get ten times the miles on eligible hotels, of which there are thousands. The $95 annual fee is waived for your first year, and you get 50,000 miles when you spend $3,000 in the first three months of owning the card.

  • Is Your Screen’s Blue Light Keeping You Up at Night?

    Is Your Screen’s Blue Light Keeping You Up at Night?

    Television screens, phone screens and computer screens all emit blue light that can make it very difficult to sleep. Your brain often perceives blue light as being similar to the light of the Sun. As such, this light has the effect of making your circadian rhythms misread the time of day and can lead to restlessness.

    What should you do to keep this blue light from keeping you awake late at night? There are a few ways you can keep your screen in check. Let’s get into a few.

    Screen Blue Light Keeping You Up Late

    Put the Phone Down

    The most surefire way to keep blue screen light from interfering with your sleep schedule is to simply practice more discipline. When it’s getting close to time for bed, just put your phone down. A good way to incentivize this is to plug your phone in to charge across the room, not beside your bed. That way, it’s too far for you to mess with.

    Keep Distractions out of Your Room

    Reserve your bedroom for sleeping. Consider not having a TV in your bedroom, or a laptop or tablet. Keeping these things in the same space you sleep in could make you more likely to interact with them instead of going to sleep.

    Consider, instead, having a game room or a rec room in your house where you store these electronics. That way, when you go to bed, your room is free of distractions that could keep you up.

    Activate Night Mode

    Most devices have some kind of night mode that allows you to alter the amount of blue light their screens emit. Many newer smartphones do this automatically. You can download add-ons for Windows that perform this function for your computer, as well.

    Using dark mode on apps and UIs can be helpful, too. Dark modes tend to use dark blue or black background colors to keep the overall brightness of their interface down. This makes them easier on the eyes late at night!

  • Trying to Lose Weight? Avoid These Foods

    Trying to Lose Weight? Avoid These Foods

    It’s natural to want to avoid junk food when you’re trying to lose weight. After all, the most successful weight loss is the kind you pursue because you love your body, not because you hate it. As such, today we’re going over some of the foods you need to cut out to get healthy and lose the pounds.

    Remember, you only get one body in this life. Treat it with respect, and don’t fill it full of junk food.

    Avoid These Foods if You’re Trying to Lose Weight

    Fried Foods

    Fried foods are straight-up bad for your health. They’re delicious, yes, but they’re so full of trans fats, salt and cholesterol that they’re terrible for you. Beyond simply being a factor in weight gain, fried foods can contribute significantly to heart disease and diabetes.  If you’re remotely health conscious, stay far away from fried foods.

    Sugary Drinks

    Sugary drinks like sodas, energy drinks, sport drinks and some fruit juices can be incredibly impactful when it comes to weight gain. The average can of soda contains 90 calories per serving, while energy drinks can contain up to 210 calories per serving. And you’d best believe there’s more than a single serving in those cans.

    That’s not to mention that your brain doesn’t register these drinks as actual calories. You just add these calories on top of your normal daily intake. Instead of relying on sugary drinks to quench your thirst, opt for water! It’s good for you, you need tons of it and it’s got zero calories.

    Potato Chips

    These fall under fried foods, sure, but potato chips in particular bear repeating. Some studies suggest that potato chips could cause more weight gain per serving than any other food. That means a few bags of chips during the week could be worse for you than having fried chicken for lunch a comparable number of times.

    White Bread

    Unsurprisingly, white bread is a terrible addition to any diet. It’s heavily processed and very high in sugar, offering little to no nutritional value. Instead of eating white bread, consider opting for a healthier choice like Ezekiel bread.

  • Newest Spider-Man Trailer Holds Major Endgame Spoilers

    Newest Spider-Man Trailer Holds Major Endgame Spoilers

    Warning: big old spoilers from Avengers: Endgame wait ahead. If you don’t want to have the film’s biggest twists spoiled for you, avoid this article and the Spidey trailer!

    The newest trailer for Spider-Man: Far From Home has hit, and it’s a doozy. Peter Parker and Happy Hogan are dealing with the fallout of Endgame, including the fate of Tony Stark. Iron Man sacrificed himself to make the world safe, but now it’s up to Peter to take up the mantle and save the day.

    Far From Home

    Much-Needed Vacation

    Well, Peter’s going to be taking up the mantle just as soon as he gets back from vacation. In the meantime, he’s going on a school trip to Europe to spend time with his crush MJ! The trailer shows Peter blowing off calls from Nick Fury, choosing instead to enjoy some much-needed time off.

    Considering he just spent five years as a pile of dust, we can’t blame him.

    Duty Calls

    Of course, Fury finds Peter easily enough, even when he’s abroad in Europe. Spidey is quickly swept up in a SHIELD operation to protect the world from new elemental threats. Also on the team is new character Mysterio, who the trailer tells us is actually from an alternate reality.

    This seems… odd. Mysterio is one of Spidey’s most enduring villains in the comics, and it’s unlikely he’s here to help. Traditionally, Mysterio has no powers but a penchant for movie special effects and a desire to be perceived as a hero. Could Far From Home be setting up this comics-accurate plot point?

    End of an Era

    Marvel Studios head Kevin Feige has confirmed that Far From Home will be the final MCU film in Phase 3. It will serve as an epilogue to Endgame and as a prologue for the next ten years of Marvel films. In the capable hands of Spider-Man, Captain Marvel and Doctor Strange, we’re sure these films will continue to bring pulse-pounding superhero action for years to come.

    Far From Home will swing into theaters on July 2nd. You know we’ll be the first in line to see it when it!

  • Best Mother’s Day Tech Gifts: Good Finds for Mom!

    Best Mother’s Day Tech Gifts: Good Finds for Mom!

    Mother’s Day will be here before you know it. Have you picked out the best gifts for the Mom in your life yet? If not, don’t panic. You still have time to get her something special. Today we’re going over some of the best tech gifts you can get for Mom this Mother’s Day!

    Best Mother’s Day Gifts

    Wireless Charging Pad

    Does Mom use a phone that supports wireless charging? Maybe she does but hasn’t even used the wireless functionality yet. If that’s the case, you should consider picking her up a wireless charging pad for Mother’s Day! Qi chargers can be found for relatively inexpensive prices, and they’re quite useful for anyone who likes the convenience of charging without cables.

    Make sure the person you’re getting one for has a phone that can be wirelessly charged! Simply ask Mom what her phone is and look up its features before you go with this gift. Most phones released in the last two years have wireless charging, but it’s best to err on the side of caution.

    Fitness Tracker

    A fitness tracker or a smartwatch makes an excellent gift for Mom. We love the Apple Watch Series 4, though its steep price tag might be a bit much for some gift-givers. If you’re looking to get mom a fitness tracker without breaking the bank, consider a Fitbit Versa Lite, or even a Fitbit Inspire HR.

    All of these smart watches track fitness activity, and any of them would be a great gift for a Mom who is looking to get more serious about an active lifestyle. These also make great, stylish gifts with practical use and “wow” factor!

    Audible Subscription

    If Mom loves to read books but doesn’t often have the time to sit still and read, she might love a subscription to Audible. Amazon’s own audiobook service, Audible offers access to tons of audiobooks and a subscription, while not required, would be a great gift.

    A subscription offers a free audiobook once per month, as well as access to two “Audible originals”. Give Mom the gift of great stories with Audible.

  • Alex Jones, Milo Yiannoupolis, Others, Banned from Facebook, Instagram

    Alex Jones, Milo Yiannoupolis, Others, Banned from Facebook, Instagram

    Controversial right-wing personalities like Alex Jones were banned from Facebook and Instagram on Friday. The figures also included Milo Yiannoupolis and Laura Loomer, avowed far-right commentators who are well-known for their combative and confrontational personalities. The bans also extend to Facebook-owned photo-sharing app, Instagram.

    Far-Right Bans Laid Down by Facebook, Instagram

    Facebook’s Reasoning

    The reasoning behind the banning, as stated by Facebook, was that the people in question violated their terms of service and community guidelines. As Facebook puts it, Alex Jones and the other figures represent dangerous ideologies and as such banned them. For comparison, the platform also banned Nation of Islam leader Louis Farrakhan, as well as numerous other figures from all sides of the political spectrum.

    “We’ve always banned individuals or organizations that promote or engage in violence and hate, regardless of ideology,” went a Facebook statement following the bans. “The process for evaluating potential violators is extensive and it is what led us to our decision to remove these accounts today.”

    Facebook noted that part of the reasoning behind the banning of Jones included his show hosting Gavin McInnes, founder of the Proud Boys and known “white nationalist”. This move highlights Facebook’s increasing attempts to take responsibility for the voices of hate on their platform.

    Outcry

    There was some outcry regarding the banning on Facebook and Twitter among various far-right groups. Many complained that the move violated the First Amendment rights of the banned individuals, including notable Twitter personalities. However, this is a misunderstanding of the First Amendment, which protects speech from censorship by the government.

    As neither Facebook nor Instagram are governmental agencies, their moves have no interaction with the Bill of Rights. Oddly, their moves to ban people from their platforms on the basis of violating terms of service line up neatly with normal Conservative values that include lack of government oversight into private industry.

  • PowerBeats Pro Review: An Alternative to AirPods?

    PowerBeats Pro Review: An Alternative to AirPods?

    AirPods are the de facto true-wireless earbuds on the market, thanks to Apple’s dedication to high quality and brand recognition. However, Beats has a new entry in the wireless market coming on May 10th, the PowerBeats Pro. Are they a true competitor to Apple’s throne?

    Well, Beats is owned by Apple, so it might not be as much of a competition. However, the question remains: are these wireless earbuds worth it? While the two companies have shared innovation from the AirPods on the PowerBeats Pro, these are decidedly different products.

    PowerBeats Pro

    Details and Specs

    Out of the gate, the only finish available will be the plain black. However, as time goes on, Beats will roll out navy, moss and ivory color options. The earbuds offer up to nine hours of listening time, making them a solid option on that front. Likewise, the H1 chip seen in Apple’s AirPods is on display here.

    The sound is high quality, spacious and roomy in ways that earbuds often aren’t. The earbuds hook around the ear, locking in place tightly, making them better options for jogging or swimming than AirPods. As you might expect, the PowerBeats Pro are water and sweat resistant.

    Much like the AirPods, these come with a charging case that is slick and helps you keep up with the earbuds when not in use. Speaking of, the rounder, larger design makes these much harder to lose or misplace than AirPods.

    Bottom Line

    If you’re an active type who enjoys jogging, climbing or swimming while listening to music, then these earbuds are likely a great pick for you. If you feel like it’d be too easy for you to lose AirPods, then the PowerBeats Pro, with their larger design and variety of color options, might be the right option for you.

    You can pre-order the newest Beats headphones online at Apple’s site now. They’ll be made available on May 10th, and they’ll be retailing for $250.

  • Car Designs that Need to Die: Worst Design Mistakes

    Car Designs that Need to Die: Worst Design Mistakes

    When you see a great-looking car, the design can really stick with you. Looking at a well-styled car reminds you that there are a ton of ugly looking vehicles out there. While the 80’s had tons of box-shaped cars and the 2000’s had endless lines and curves, the late 2010’s have been full of odd design choices. Today we’re looking at our least favorite designs in modern cars.

    Worst Car Designs in 2019

    Ornamental Exhaust Ports

    There are a lot of pieces of design language that speak to a car being a sporty, muscled and mean vehicle. One of these is a large number of exhaust tips. However, when a designer adds fake exhaust tips that are entirely ornamental, it usually draws a chuckle. If a car is powerful and needs the extra exhaust ports, add them. But don’t try to trick drivers into thinking it’s a better car than it is.

    For reference, the ugly-looking fake exhaust ports on the Audi A6 are the most egregious in this category.

    Vents for Looks

    It’s one thing when an affordable car, like the Honda Civic, styles itself in a model like a sports car. However, when a vehicle like the Kia Stinger sports strictly ornamental vents it looks like someone is trying way too hard. The Stinger is already a beast, why include vents just for looks? The car is already sick enough on its own.

    Jewel Headlamps

    Jewel headlights, or Spider headlights as they’re also known, are a particularly ugly modern design trend. The headlights look like a string of jewels or an arachnid’s eye structure, and it’s a weird look. There’s no functional purpose for all of these light points in one headlamp, and it simply confuses the eye.

    Oversized Grilles

    Vehicles like the Toyota Avalon sport absurdly oversized grilles. In the case of the Avalon, roughly 70 percent of the grille is non-functional. While the Avalon is an all-around solid vehicle, the comically oversized front grille gives it an awkward and goofy appearance.

  • You Need a Smart Plug: Peace of Mind and Convenience at Once

    You Need a Smart Plug: Peace of Mind and Convenience at Once

    We’ve all been there: you’re driving to work and start to worry. Did you turn off your curling iron? You’re left sitting at work worrying that you should head home and check, but you don’t have time to step away from your desk. If only you could just check and turn it off from your phone!

    Well, good news: now you can. By installing a smart plug in your bathroom, you can activate and power down your appliances from a distance.

    Why You Need a Smart Plug

    Electrical Safety

    The most straightforward reason to have a smart plug is so you can make sure your appliances are turned off even when you’re not home. This can be done through connecting your smart plug to your Wi-Fi and then using a phone app to control whether it sends power. No more worrying about your curling iron burning the house down!

    Convenience

    Smart plugs are also eminently convenient. You can plug any old appliance into a smart plug and make it a smart device. Floor lamp that’s awkward to get to? Smart plug it, now it’s a smart lamp. Fan in your room that you turn on when it’s hot and you’re trying to sleep? Power it on from your phone instead of having to cross the room.

    Smart Integration

    You can even integrate smart plugs into your existing smart home setup. If you use Google Home or Amazon’s Alexa, you can integrate most smart plugs into your voice control. Simple controls like “turn on the lamp in the living room” can be keyed to specific plugs.

    Nothing feels quite as high-tech as calling out to your personal AI assistant to turn the lights on and having it listen. It’s a stark reminder that we live in exciting times for technology and technical advancement!

  • Do You Get Enough Vitamins? Try These Vitamin Subscription Services

    Do You Get Enough Vitamins? Try These Vitamin Subscription Services

    Everything has a subscription these days. You subscribe to a video streaming service like Netflix. You could have a shave club subscription, or maybe a makeup subscription. Maybe you get meal boxes in the mail, or something more fun like a Loot Crate-style grab bag. But do you get your vitamins delivered to your door?

    Most people don’t get nearly enough vitamins, and it shows in their overall health. After all, it’s hard getting enough vitamins in a normal diet. Don’t worry: today we’re going over the best vitamin subscriptions for those trying to get healthy.

    Vitamin Subscription Services

    Why Get a Subscription?

    Personalized vitamin subscriptions are an important service when you compare them with a normal multivitamin. Mass-market vitamins have to appeal to the widest number of people, but that means that they could be full of stuff you’re already getting enough of.

    Subscription services are wonderful because they’re personalized. You get exactly the vitamins that your diet is missing, so you’re that much healthier! Not to mention, it’s nice to get them delivered right to your door. You don’t need to remember to go out and get them, or be bothered with a trip to the supermarket.

    The Best Subscription Services

    Generally speaking, you want to go with a service that fits your budget and offers you the best value. Some of the more well-regarded vitamin subscription services are HUM Nutrition and Persona Nutrition, both of which offer you access to professional nutritionists. These two services are a bit on the pricier side, however.

    If you don’t care about having contact with a dietician or nutritionist, Rootine offers a subscription service of personalized vitamins for $60 per month. Similarly, Vitafive offers less expensive prices for vitamins in gummy form, and even offers support for Amazon Prime users.

    Other services that get good reviews and offer personalized services are Care/of and Ritual. Care/of sends you multiple pills or powders for your vitamin regiment, whereas Ritual just sends you one pill that has all the stuff you need in it.