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  • Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    So you’ve got an old car that you’re thinking of trading in to get a new ride. Have you considered donating it? Surely you’ve heard of car donations, there are signs and ads for it all over the place. But have you ever really considered it? Today we’re going to help you answer the question of where you should donate your old car to charity.

    Should You Donate Your Old Car to Charity?

    Charitable Donations

    Donating your car to charity has a number of upsides when compared to selling or trading in yourself. The first, and most obvious, is that you are doing something good for you community. Civic charity is a very noble thing, and there’s nothing more heartwarming than taking care of ones own community. That alone should be reason for people with the funds to get a new vehicle to donate an older vehicle to charity.

    Tax Write-off

    For the more pragmatic folks, though, there are also considerable financial upsides to donating. For one, you can write the donation off on your taxes. That means that you not only are doing a good thing for a local charity, you’re also saving yourself money come tax time.

    For instance, if you donate an old vehicle to a charity and they sell it for $3,000, then you get to write off $3,000 in taxes. Depending on your tax bracket, you could even end up not owing taxes through write-offs like that.

    Convenience

    How much of a hassle is it to sell your own vehicle? Well, quite, as it turns out. If you’ve ever tried to sell a car yourself, you’ve certainly experienced how difficult it can be to deal with people. Folks will try to argue with the price, waffle with you over little details and just generally jerk you around.

    Why subject yourself to dealing with the haggle and hassle? Even trading a car in involves haggling with a professional salesperson, and those folks are more than a headache. Wouldn’t it be easier if someone else could just take the car and sell it for you?

    Well, that’s exactly what charitable donations amount to. The charity that receives your vehicle fixes it up, makes it look pretty and then sells it for more than you could probably get. Then, you can write off that larger value on your taxes. Boom, win-win.

    Good Cause

    When you donate your car to charity, it’s more than just getting you a good tax write-off. The charity in question sells your vehicle and then gives that money to good causes. Not only are you getting a tax break from your old vehicle, you’re making a real difference in your community. $3,000, to use our earlier example, can feed a lot of homeless people, for instance.

    It can be hard to find the extra money to donate to the charities that mean the most to us. That’s why car donations are so important. While you might give a few dollars here and there, those little amounts aren’t making a huge impact. When you donate a car, however, that can be a massive windfall for your local humane society or homeless shelter, or whichever charity you prefer.

    Even if that’s not your biggest concern, it’s hard to say that it isn’t just easier to donate the vehicle. It gets the car out of your hair (and your garage) and frees up space for your shiny, new vehicle!

    How to Donate

    Now, you might be sold on the idea of donating but don’t know how to go about it. Well, there are a few ways to donate your old vehicle. The first is to simply look up your favorite local charities and see which of them have car donation processes. If they do, they’ll likely have you drop the vehicle off somewhere and then issue you paperwork to use when writing the donation off on your taxes.

    If your local charities don’t have any options for car donations, consider going through donation companies. Cars 4 Causes is an example of a donation company. Also known as 501(c)3 organizations, these companies exist specifically to take in donated cars and sell them for charity.

    The cool thing about donation companies is that they often pay you up front for the vehicle and then sell it for a charity for you. That way you don’t even need to wait until tax time to see money from your good deed!

    There you have it, the case for donating your vehicle the next time you upgrade. Remember, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as taking care of the people around you.

  • Best Trucks for Towing: Get Serious Work Done with These Trucks

    Best Trucks for Towing: Get Serious Work Done with These Trucks

    If you’re serious about towing then you need a serious truck. Many people think that any old pickup truck can haul heavy loads and work for any job. Those people are mistaken: some trucks simply can’t cut it! If you’re looking for a truck that can seriously tow, we’ve got you covered. Here are some of the best trucks for towing in 2018.

    Best Trucks for Towing

    Toyota Tacoma

    With a max towing capacity of 6,800 lbs and great off-roading potential, the Tacoma is an interesting vehicle. Those looking to take their towing jobs off the main road should seriously consider the Tacoma. Four-wheel drive, great suspension and a smooth ride make this your best friend for roughing it over unpaved terrain while hauling.

    The Tacoma is also aggressively priced, coming in at $25,200. It’s sporting a comfortable ride, plush interior and awesome infotainment system, too. All in all, this is a truck for both worlds: off-road towing and just driving the family around town.

    Honda Ridgeline

    Honda’s name doesn’t usually conjure up images of a powerful pickup truck. The Ridgeline, however, is a serious contender for a few reasons. It may have a unibody construction and front-wheel drive, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a great truck for normal use.

    Despite having lower towing capacity than many other trucks in this class, the ride quality and safety of this vehicle are hard to beat. That’s not to mention it’s got 280 horsepower under the hood to help you get where you’re going!

    The Ridgeline has a max towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and a price starting at $29,730.

    Toyota Tundra

    The Tundra is no slouch when it comes to towing. Another stellar off-roading truck, the Tundra is up there with the best when it comes to hauling off the pavement. It’s got a much more impressive towing capacity than the Tacoma, coming in at 10,500 lbs.

    That said, the Tundra isn’t the most modern truck. It doesn’t sport any smartphone integration and it has very limited options for engines. It’s also a bit pricey, compared to the competition. It’s base price is $31,120, making it a bit closer to the high-end.

    All that being said, the Tundra is still a fine vehicle if you plan to do more hauling and off-roading than driving around town.

    Chevy Silverado

    The Chevy Silverado has quite the reputation, and for good reason. This truck can tow a max capacity of 12,500, and it can get you where you need to go. Not to mention, while you’re in the cabin, it’s luxurious and spacious, making the ride a joy.

    If you’re more interested in towing, though, this is a great truck. For the base price of $28,300, you get a lot of towing for your dollar. This is an ideal truck for people who want the best ride with excellent towing capacity. Not to mention, the Chevy name alone makes this a great pick, as you know they’ll take care of you as the years bear on: they’re well-known for their great customer service.

    Ram 1500

    The Dodge Ram is a serious contender for best towing truck available right now. The Ram 1500, in particular, sports a max towing capacity of 12,750 lbs and can really move even with a full load. 305 horsepower in a V6 engine might not be much, but the optional V8 with 395 horses can really get the hauls moving when you need them to!

    That’s not to mention the luxurious cabin and butter-smooth ride. The suspension and handling in the truck feel great, even when carrying a big haul. The only concern is that the big V8 engine can really suck down some fuel, so be ready to keep the gas tank topped-off.

    Ford F-150

    Surprising no one, the Ford F-150 is our pick for best overall towing in a pickup truck. There’s more than just the gold-standard Ford name to thank for that, though. Pound-for-pound, the F-150 has the best in-class towing of any full-size pickup. That’s not even touching on the tech built into this affordable, heavy-towing beast.

    The Ford F-150 starts at $27,705 and tows a whopping 13,200 lbs. That alone is reason to pay attention to it. Even more impressive is the sheer number of features crammed into the F-150. Smooth ride, soft seats, driver safety features, huge infotainment system… you name it, this truck probably has it as an option.

    There you have it, some of the best trucks for towing on the market today. We hope these help you narrow down your decision!

  • Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    Theme Park Vacation? Here are Some Tips to Save You Money

    A theme park vacation is a surefire way to make the whole family happy. What kid doesn’t love the idea of hopping on a roller coaster and doing loops and flips? Seriously, ask any kid where they want to go on vacation and they’re going to say Disneyland. If you’re planning a theme park vacation, here are some tips to help you make the most of it.

    Theme Park Vacation Tips

    Buy Tickets Online

    Don’t wait until you get to the gate to buy your tickets. That’s a surefire way to overspend. If you opt instead to buy your tickets online then you can likely save a great deal of money. When you buy online, you can see what the various deals, sales and promotions are and compare them at your own pace.

    After all, vacations can get pretty expensive. Why not save money on the tickets to get into the park? That’s the first thing you’ll need to spend on, so it might as well be the first thing you save on! Buying in advance online is a great way to plan ahead and save money all at once.

    Consider the Hotel

    Before you even get to the city the theme park is in, do some research. You likely won’t be using the hotel for much other than sleeping, so maybe you don’t need to be put up in a five-star resort. Instead, go for a more affordable hotel with less amenities.

    After all, if you’re visiting a theme park with a water park, roller coasters and ample attractions, why would you need a pool and included room service? Your theme park vacation will involve much more time spent in the park and much less time spent indoors, so spend your money accordingly.

    Don’t Forget Package Deals

    Many theme parks offer package deals with nearby hotels. Don’t forget to compare these deals to other nearby hotels and see if they’re right for your family. After all, some of these bundle deals can result in you saving a bit of money!

    Remember, you’ll often want to see all the rides the park has to offer if you’re going out of your way to visit it. As such, you’ll likely want to spring for multi-day passes. Multi-day passes ensure that you get a chance to see everything. In larger theme parks, this is critical, as it makes it so you don’t have to rush to see as much of the park as you’d like.

    Many hotel deals offer multi-day stays in a hotel as well as multi-day passes for guests. That’s the definition of hitting two birds with one stone, and it can often save you a ton of money.

    Make a Plan

    It can be difficult to hit every attraction you want to see in the park. Before you go, consider making a plan and following it through the map of the park. If there are rides you’d like to see, try to hit them before the busier times of day. During particularly hot hours, around four or five in the afternoon, head to the water-themed attractions to cool down!

    That said, you don’t need to strictly adhere to your plan. If you just follow what looks fun and make sure you’re not stressing over where you’re going and when, that’s what matters. The plan simply helps gives you some structure! These parks are designed for you to get lost in, after all, so it’s no surprise that many people don’t see all the attractions they want to.

    Eat Somewhere Else

    If you can help it, try not to eat in the park. The food served in the amusement park is tremendously overpriced compared to nearby restaurants. The only issue that crops up with this is that many amusement parks are so massive and have you park so far away that they are very difficult to exit and reenter quickly.

    In such cases, consider packing a lunch and keeping it in a lunchbox in your car. If it’s too hot to leave in your car, consider getting a locker in the park and stashing your bag lunch there!

    Don’t Forget the Basics

    Finally, don’t forget the basics. You’re going to want sunglasses, sun screen and a backup battery for your cell phone. The parks are huge and you’ll be in the sun all day, so make sure you’re well protected. Not to mention, having a fully charged phone helps you get back with your group should you get separated!

    Don’t forget to have fun out there! They’re not called amusement parks for nothing.

  • This New Piece of Technology is Bringing Families Together

    This New Piece of Technology is Bringing Families Together

    Video calls tend to feel like a bit of a chore from time to time. While they can be great for connecting with loved ones who you can’t be physically present with, they’re also somewhat stilted and can feel artificial. The Facebook Portal’s aim is bringing families together with revolutionary new smart AI technology.

    The Portal device allows users to make video calls to their loved ones and makes them feel like they’re really there. Portal uses learning AI to follow the action with the camera and make sure the person speaking is audible and crisp. The huge 10-inch screen and clear display only add to this amazing experience.

    Bringing Families Together: Facebook Portal

    Portal and Portal +

    The newest devices from Facebook, Portal and Portal + allow you to connect with distant loved ones. These aren’t the first smart devices with video calling, but they are the first to be fully dedicated to that goal. With Portal, you’ll really feel like you’re in the room with your loved ones.

    Portal devices are surprisingly affordable considering how advanced the technology running them is. A Portal device retails for $200, and a Portal + retails for $350. However, if you buy two Portal devices at once you receive a $100 discount! That means buying two Portal devices only costs $300, and allows you to share the experience with a loved one right out of the box.

    Device Specifications

    The Portal device itself has a massive 10-inch screen with a crisp 1280 x 800 display. Those who want a larger, even sharper display can instead opt for the Portal +, which sports a 15-inch screen with a 1920 x 1080 resolution. The Portal + is perfect for big families who want to make calls to Grandma and still fit everyone in the frame at once!

    Additionally, the Portal experience is totally hands-free. Simply call out “Hey, Portal,” and tell it who you want to speak to and it will initiate the call. That hands-free accessibility makes it so your voice is all you need to interact with the device!

    If that sounds familiar, it’s because Portal works with Amazon’s Alexa right out of the box. That’s right, the Portal is an Alexa-enabled smart device, like the Echo Show and Echo Spot. Like those devices, the Portal has robust voice-recognition software and is fast and accurate in hearing your commands.

    Security and Privacy

    With the Facebook name comes understandable hesitation regarding security and privacy. However, Facebook has promised that the Portal device is very secure and users need not fear their personal information being misused. Specifically, the Portal device encrypts all calls sent out and doesn’t send any information regarding the call back to Facebook.

    Similarly, the device doesn’t listen to any conversations unless it is awoken with the “Hey, Portal” command keyword. Facebook has also promised that the camera and mic can be turned off with a single tap, allowing families to remain certain they aren’t being watched.

    Finally, the Portal even ships with a camera cover, allowing the most privacy-conscious to also simply block their camera’s view the old-fashioned way if they so desire. These steps do a lot to alleviate many concerns regarding Facebook’s recent history with data and privacy.

    Notable Features

    Features such as Story Time help set Portal apart from other video chat services. Story Time gives one person, the Story Teller, a teleprompter to read a short story from. As they read, the Portal uses its advanced technology to change their face and voice on the listener’s end, morphing them into the character they’re reading.

    This fun feature is perfect for when a relative wants to read a bedtime story to children who they live far away from. Another example of fun shared activities includes listening to music together, where the Portal device syncs with Spotify or Amazon Music to deliver a song to both parties simultaneously. This allows for listening parties over the Portal technology!

    Bottom Line

    In short, Portal’s goal is to help people who are far away from one another to simply hang out. The smart AI that follows your movements and cancels background noise. This ensures that you’re always the center of attention in a call. That way, the awkward nature of some other video chat services is eliminated.

    If you’re looking for a great Christmas present for someone who lives far from you, or is about to move away, consider getting them a Portal so you can keep in touch. After all, who doesn’t like hanging out with friends and family?

  • Best New Jewelry Trends for 2019

    Best New Jewelry Trends for 2019

    Everyone loves to show off a bit. Even the most humble of people have a few items of personal jewelry that shows off their unique taste and style. If you’re a fan of jewelry and want to keep up with the newest trends, it can be difficult. How are you supposed to know what’s popular and what’s in fashion? Today we’re helping to show you the best new jewelry trends for 2019.

    Best New Jewelry Trends for 2019

    Starburst Signet Rings

    The dainty, thin ring has become something of an archaic look. Modern jewelry trends are moving more toward larger, more impressive signet-style rings. There are many styles that are favored for these styles of rings, but a big one is the starburst.

    No, not the sweet candy. By starburst we mean the pattern, a star-shaped explosion in the center of the ring. Typically the center of the starburst includes a diamond or some other precious stone. The cut-out pattern of the star tends to catch light in a very appealing way, making these rings great conversation starters.

    Collars

    The large, flashy-style collars made from various precious metals are another major trend in 2019’s jewelry space. Collars, which are typically wide and eye-catching, can be a bit expensive, but they make a huge impact on your outfits.

    If you’ve ever wished you had a big accessory to tie your outfit together, collars are what you’re looking for. When paired with an elegant dress or a nice outfit, they can make you look like royalty.

    Three-Stone Engagement Rings

    Engagement rings have largely been considered single-stone rings with simple bands. However, that old look is considered outdated in the modern era. The 2019 trend is angling more towards three-stone engagement rings. The three-stone look is a very eye-catching ring that will really turn heads.

    If you’ve been thinking about getting engaged soon, consider a three-stone ring. Some versions of the ring have three equal-sized stones, each one commanding respect. Other versions, however, have one large stone and two smaller stones flanking it. Either way, this is a very modern and fashionable style of ring.

    Floral Earrings

    Floral-style earrings are a very popular jewelry style among women in today’s fashion space. Modern tools for creating jewelry allow for incredibly intricate designs to be produced at a very affordable price. These intricate designs in particular are quite stunning.

    The floral-style earrings often appear as chains of flowers in a cascading pattern. Other versions incorporate vines, leaves, petals and other effects to bring it together. The center of the flowers are often capped with pearls, making the flashy earrings quite the statement.

    Ear Stacks

    Another popular jewelry trend is also a piercing trend. Ear stacks are a very 2019 look. They involve stacks of a lot of earrings along the outside of the earlobe. The stacks of piercing climbing up along the ear can add a level of escalation to an outfit.

    If you synchronize your ear-stack of piercings with your outfit you can create a very cool ascending look. The ascending appearance can mirror your outfit’s colors, or simply accentuate your makeup or other jewelry. In any event, the ear stack is a very modern jewelry trend that is sure to turn heads.

    Ear Huggers

    Ear huggers are tight-hoop earrings that tend to have a broad, sweeping look. The ear hugger look is defined by the broad surface that is able to show off various precious stones. Many modern ear huggers opt to include diamonds along their surface, usually bracketed by gold or another precious metal.

    The ear hugger style of earring is a great companion to a sporty, fast-paced look. If you don’t want a big, dangling piece of jewelry hanging from your earlobe but still want to make a jewelry statement, this is how. The best part about the ear hugger is that it can show off your style while also staying practical.

    Faceted Gem Rings

    Large jewelry is way in right now. Large-faced, faceted gem rings are another show-stopping piece of jewelry that can be worn with a number of outfits. If you’re a fan of eye-catching jewelry, it’s good to know that you can wear it even on your hands and still be fashionable.

    The stones that are in at the moment include rubies, sapphires and emeralds. Large, multi-faceted stones in simple bands make a gorgeous dichotomy that reminds the onlooker that sometimes simple things are beautiful. You can’t go wrong in 2019 with a faceted gem ring.

    Charm Rings

    For the more spiritual, charm rings with various zodiac and tarot symbols are considered highly fashionable. While in prior years more occult symbols were considered esoteric, they’re now quite fashionable. Alchemical and occult symbols, like moons, stars and ouroboros, have been featured more and more in modern jewelry.

    Rainbow Patterns

    In 2018 the rainbow palette became a very recognizable and modern jewelry trend. From the runway to various famous rappers, the rainbow aesthetic is in. Examples include necklaces with complex jewel patterns that cycle through the rainbow.

    Another favorite is collars with a stone from each color of the rainbow across the front face. These come across as upbeat, classy, fun and likable while also looking like high-fashion jewelry. These styles will be especially popular by the summertime, so now’s a great time to get ahead of the curve with your fashion.

    While many of the jewelry trends listed here are among the top you can expect to see in 2019, this is far from comprehensive. There are still many types of jewelry you can expect to see, though these are a great place to start.

  • Your Guide To Buying Clothes on a Budget

    Your Guide To Buying Clothes on a Budget

    One way or the other, you have to spend some amount of your hard-earned money on your wardrobe..  You can’t walk around without any clothes on, after all. But figuring out which pieces to save money on and which are worth the investment can be a tricky financial path to navigate.

    Timing Is Everything

    Retailers put out-of-season clothing on clearance to get rid of the stock from their stores. You can save a ton buying clothing when you don’t need them — like a winter coat in May or a swimsuit in December. Time your clothing purchases right and you can save hundreds on your clothing expenses.

    January and August seem to be the best months to invest in clothing, Thursday is the best day to shop for clothes, and there are certain days of the week that might be best for specific apparel types. In general, buying off-season usually gets you better deals than buying what’s hot and trendy in the moment, price-wise.

    Buy Quality Clothing

    Unless it’s practically free, you’re better off buying clothing items from good brands with a reputation for well-made items. If you give me the choice between a $10 shirt that’s falling apart after a few wears or a $100 shirt that still looks good after fifty washings, I’ll take the $100 shirt any day of the week.

    Wait, spend even more money on clothes? Yes, in general, you’ll get more value (or cost per wear) out of decent clothes that actually fit you and will last longer rather than doing the “fast food” approach to new clothing every year.

    Cheap T-Shirts, Premium Jeans

    Trendy clothes tend to cost more and have a shorter shelf life. You could spend hundreds trying to keep up with the fashion magazines, only to realize that you no longer adore that peasant skirt six months later. Stick to classic styles and basic pieces that will always be trendy. Just stack your wardrobe with t-shirts and jeans. This is what you will wear the most often.

    Splurge on one or two good pairs of really nice jeans.  Opt for premium denim with an attractive dark wash, with the right amount of stretch.  They should fit far better and will last longer than a cheaper pair. On the other hand, you shouldn’t judge t-shirts by their price tag. Find a cheap off brand tee that fits nicely and buy in bulk. This is because you tend to wash them more than other clothing, and they don’t have that long of a shelf life to begin with.

    Thrifty Thrift Stores

    Thrift stores sell gently used clothing at a deep discount. Many stores also have regular sales or a weekly special. For example, a thrift store in my area has a “50 percent off anything with a yellow tag” sale every Wednesday. Just make sure you’re shopping at a true thrift store and not a vintage clothing store. The difference: Vintage clothing stores sell trendier older pieces at a markup. Thrift stores sell older and newer clothes at a discount.

    If you’re smart about money, clothes shopping should start at thrift stores, consignment shops, yard sales, and the like. There’s a simple reason for that – there are people who tend to basically give away much of their stuff unused or barely used, so why not take advantage of it? Sure, you might browse through a thrift store and find absolutely nothing that works for you, but so what?

    You spent fifteen or twenty minutes searching for a bargain and came up empty. Move on. However, if you find even one or two items that work for your family’s needs and save 75% or more off of the original cost of the item, then the stop was well worth it.

    Sell It

    If you don’t wear certain items of clothing, drop them off at a consignment shop. When the shop sells your clothing, it will cut you a check for a portion of the profits. You won’t get the full amount, but you won’t have to do much work either. Consider going through your closet once a year. If you haven’t worn that sweater in 365 days, you probably don’t need it.

    Consignment is especially good for higher-end items like leather jackets and very lightly used party dresses. Make sure you bring the items to the shop clean and pressed to give them maximum appeal. If you don’t have local consignment shops, consider online stores that do the same thing, such as ThredUP, Poshmark, and The RealReal.

    On or Offline?

    Consider trying to shop in retail stores versus online. Online stores can have some great deals, and for people who know their sizes, it might work out most of the time. But by the time you pay shipping, realize something doesn’t fit and then pay to have the items returned, you might find that online shopping might not be as inexpensive as you think.  Make sure that you pay attention to shipping and return fees if you think there is a chance you might want to return the item.

    Online shopping for accessories, like purses, scarves, or brands that you know fit because you’ve worn them before would be your best bet. But also don’t forget the online version of your favorite local stores.  They’ve been known to also offer deep discounts and a larger selection than their brick and mortar stores on clearance items.

  • This is Why You Need a Directional Microphone

    This is Why You Need a Directional Microphone

    Some microphones are designed to hear equally in all directions (omnidirectional), and some are designed to be more sensitive in certain directions. Directional microphones can be a big advantage when such a microphone is used in a hearing aid or in an Assistive Listening Device (ALD), because it can be used to enhance some sound that you need to hear. A directional microphone picks up sound from specific directions.

    Directional microphones allow you to focus on picking up sounds from very small pathways directly in front of listeners. The use of a directional microphone is more advantageous than using a traditional omnidirectional microphone in a lot of situations. The most advanced directionality comes from using multiple microphones. With two or three microphones, the directionality is improved because the shorter distance between microphones allows them to be hyper-selective about which sounds to cancel and which sounds to concentrate on.

    Today, we are going to take a look at the directional microphone and some of the best on the market.

    As mentioned, directional microphones pick up sound primarily from one end of the device.  The most common type of directional mic is called “cardioid” for the upside down heart-shaped pickup pattern. This type of mic favors sound from the front, while still picking up some sound on the sides. Virtually no sound is received at the back of the microphone. This type of pickup pattern helps to reject background noise and accentuate the sounds you want to record, whether that is a voice, music or sound effects.

    There are two main variations of the cardioid design,   the super-cardioid and hyper-cardioid. Each has a progressively narrow sweet spot while rejecting more sound from the sides of the mic. The ultimate in directionality is the shotgun microphone. These mics are extremely sensitive towards the front with small bumps of pickup to the side and rear. This means you can either pick up sound from further away or better isolate the sound close up. Because they’re so sensitive, they also tend to pick up more handling noise. That’s why you’ll often see them mounted in some type of shock absorbing device.

    Best Hyper-Cardioid: AKG C1000s Multipatter

    AKG C1000s is an inexpensive all-around mic with a switchable cardioid / hypercardioid pattern. It has a signature bright sound that creates an illusion of higher fidelity but also helps to clear up the sound in a live environment. Definitely not the highest quality mic, but if used correctly it can produce very decent results for instruments and female vocals. For videographers, it isn’t recommended. There are simply no viable mics at this price range, so don’t even hope for a cheap booming solution. This mic requires a bit of patience to set up – positioning will play a crucial role in getting a good sound out of it.

    Most of the small diaphragm mics available on the market have a flat frequency response, so they sound more or less similar. However, the AKG C1000s does not sound like the rest. It is much brighter and creates a richer more vibrant sound that sounds more expensive.  It is extremely useful for live performances. This mic clears the little things up and efficiently cuts through where flatter mics don’t.

    Best Super-Cardioid: Shure Beta 58A

    Super-cardioid microphones use an even tighter pickup area at the head of the mic, quickly taper to reject sound from the sides and have a very small lobe of sensitivity near the rear of the mic.This makes them great for the studio and for live performances. Shure Beta 58A is a great performance supercardioid mic, capable of delivering nice and clean vocals without killing your budget.

    Adequately bright but unobtrusive in character, it will do a great job of clearing up vocals while keeping the over complicated surrounding sounds. It has a linear response throughout the entire vocal range, which is especially appreciated by versatile singers. The Shure Beta 58a is very easy to work with, both for singer and sound engineer alike. It is also quite durable and definitely a great buy.

    Best Shotgun Microphone: Sennheiser MKE 600

    This microphone is a fantastic quality, 10” short-range shotgun. Although considered an entry model, which is available at rather modest price, it can deliver a professional sounding performance! Moreover, I’d say this mic is probably the best raw performer in its range. This is not only about the quality but also about the design.

    The Sennheiser MKE 6000 also performs great in both close and open areas without relying on post EQ. It is reasonably flat and while peaking in the upper range with a slight 2-3 dB boost it gives just about enough presence not to sound lame. It seems, Sennheiser took best of both mics for their MKE 600, and then improved it even further.

    When it comes to short shotguns, Sennheiser MKE 600 is the deal. Of course, it is more expensive than other entry-level models, but you get a superior performance. This mic is such a great deal that every videographer should definitely consider having it in their equipment bag.

  • Stop Your Pain the Natural Way: Best Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    Stop Your Pain the Natural Way: Best Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is a chronic disease that includes symptoms of inflammation in the joints. The inflammation cause by psoriatic arthritis is described as painful and chronic by those suffering from it. Many who suffer from it wonder what the best natural treatments for psoriatic arthritis are.

    Today we’re going to dig into that question and offer some suggestions for natural remedies. Remember, there are no “cures” for psoriatic arthritis, or PsA. However, there are many natural treatments that may work well with therapies and traditional medicine to lessen your symptoms.

    Natural Treatments for Psoriatic Arthritis

    What is Psoriatic Arthritis

    Psoriatic arthritis is a distinct ailment from rheumatoid arthritis, though the joint pain and inflammation is similar. However, the main difference in the two is the presence of psoriasis. Psoriasis is marked by the red, flakey skin and plaques that develop on some parts of the skin.

    Typically, those with PsA also suffer from psoriasis symptoms on the skin near the affected joints. As such, PsA is a distinct issue from normal arthritis. It can often appear in younger people, which is very unlike typical arthritis.

    Natural Remedies

    Keep in mind that these are natural substances and behaviors that have been noted to help with PsA aches and pains. These aren’t clinically tested or medically documented remedies. The suggestions here are simply that: suggestions. That said, many people have anecdotally noted that these natural remedies help them combat their PsA symptoms.

    Turmeric

    Long heralded as a natural way to combat inflammation, turmeric is a great choice for fighting PsA symptoms. Since most arthritis pain is related directly to inflammation, incorporating turmeric into your diet is a great way to try to combat it.

    Anecdotally, turmeric milk is a great drink to supplement normal meals to help incorporate turmeric into your diet. Other ways to incorporate the spice include adding it to food directly or simply taking capsules of it. It’s natural and harmless, so why not try it?

    Massage Therapy

    Massage therapy has more applications than simply helping you to relax. Relaxation is a great side-effect of the therapy process, but it’s not all the therapy is about. Many people have reported that massage therapy applied to areas of PsA symptoms have helped symptoms abate.

    Notably, your massage therapist should be well-versed in helping work out tension related to PsA. Massage therapists who are thusly trained should be able to provide great amounts of relief for those suffering from PsA. This is a very direct, straightforward process for relieving pain related to symptoms.

    Topical Applications

    Many people suffering from PsA swear by topical application of natural substances like Aloe Vera. Aloe is a soothing balm derived from the plant of the same name. It is often applied to skin that has been sunburned, but it can also work wonders on skin afflicted with psoriasis.

    Another example of a balm applied topically is Oregon grape. Studies suggest that this balm has properties that can alleviate skin discomfort related to psoriasis. While neither is a long-term solution to the problem of PsA, they might help reduce psoriasis-related discomfort.

    Acupuncture

    Acupuncture is an ancient alternative treatment that many people swear by. It’s not considered a medical treatment, as no medical literature really supports its purported benefits. However, many practitioners swear that the process helps them manage chronic pain.

    For the curious, acupuncture is a therapy method that involves carefully inserting needles under the skin in select parts of the body. The exact nature of the spots chosen is unclear, and some acupuncturists take an almost spiritual approach. Spiritualists claim acupuncture manipulates the body’s “chi,” or spirit force.

    Realists tend to focus more on the nervous system, and how acupuncture interacts with nerve endings. In any event, many people find that acupuncture can help with chronic pain. While PsA in particular isn’t a main target of acupuncture, many who suffer from PsA claim acupuncture helps them manage their pain.

    Capsaicin

    Capsaicin, that stuff that makes peppers so darn hot, has been shown to have some capacity to block pain receptors. People who don’t love the taste of extremely spicy foods need no worry, however, as there are other ways to take capsaicin other than eating spicy peppers.

    Namely, many companies make over-the-counter topical creams using capsaicin. Users have anecdotally noted that these creams have the capacity to help with psoriasis symptoms. The skin plaques and itchiness of psoriasis is somewhat abated in some cases by capsaicin-based creams.

    Acupressure

    Something of a hybrid between acupuncture and massage therapy is acupressure. A related field to both aforementioned therapies, acupressure involves using the hands or other non-invasive methods to manipulate the focal points used in acupuncture.

    Acupressure specifically targets problem areas and uses specific techniques to help alleviate different types of pain. Those who receive acupressure therapy often state that it’s a great way to deal with chronic pain.

    Acupressurists who are well-trained in treating arthritic symptoms often know techniques intended to alleviate the specific joint pains in question. Patients are recommended to talk with acupressurists before seeing them to treat specific arthritis pain.

    Behaviors

    Those with ongoing PsA symptoms might also benefit from a healthier overall lifestyle. Gentle exercise, better diet and mindfulness have all been noted in various patients to help deal with pain. For instance, if you often eat junk food or fast food, you might find you’re experiencing more aches and pains.

    On the other hand, a diet of fruits, vegetables and other healthy options could lead to decreased chronic pain symptoms. Similarly, many who suffer from PsA have noted that gentle exercise like yoga helps to keep their muscles and joints from becoming stiff, thus reducing their overall chronic pain.

    In addition, meditation has been stated by many patients to help them cope with chronic pain. Sessions of deep reflection and mindfulness can help people with ongoing pain symptoms to manage their reactions to the pain. This can potentially ease their stress regarding their physical situation.

    Hopefully some of these natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis will help you. Remember, none of these treatments are meant to be replacements for traditional medicine prescribed by your doctor. Always consult your doctor about changes in lifestyle and treatment.

  • Top 5 Successful Franchises You Should Invest In

    Top 5 Successful Franchises You Should Invest In

    A new year is coming, and new years bring along with them new ideas, inspiration and opportunities. If you’re still waiting for your next great idea, then you should consider a franchise investment. That’s right, 2019 may be your year to open your very own franchise and become your own boss.

    Many people have dreams of becoming a business owner, but aren’t sure where to begin. If you have an entrepreneurial spirit but don’t necessarily want to start a business from the ground up, looking into low cost franchises is an opportunity worth considering. Opening a franchise can be one of the most important decisions in any entrepreneur’s life.

    While its important to keep in mind that starting any business comes with its own inherent risks, these franchises can help you with training and more to give you the best shot at making your investment a successful one. Lets look at the Top 5 franchises to own.

    McDonalds

    Ray Kroc, a milkshake mixer salesman, ventured to California in 1954 to visit McDonald’s hamburger stand, where he heard they were running eight mixers at once. Kroc was impressed by how rapidly customers were served.  Seeing an opportunity to sell many more milkshake machines, he encouraged brothers Dick and Mac McDonald to open a chain of their restaurants. Kroc became their business partner and opened the first McDonald’s in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. McDonald’s and the Golden Arches have since become an internationally-recognized symbol of quick-service hamburgers, fries, chicken, breakfast items, salads and milkshakes.

    Ray laid a foundation for you to own your very own franchise. It is the fruit of his labor that makes  and keeps McDonalds at the top of the list of franchises to own. Though franchise fees are high, brand outlook and recognizability is also high – which is a key component in the pros of opening a franchise business. As one of the most successful models, this franchise has its business model and practices down to a science making it a pretty sure thing for profitability and growth for investors.

    Menchie Yogurt

    Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt may be the right franchise for you. Menchie’s is a self-serve frozen yogurt franchise that serves a wonderful frozen yogurt dessert. The success of their business model is evidenced by it’s tremendous growth around the world and numerous franchise industry awards. Menchie’s philosophy is built around customer satisfaction.

    The frozen yogurt company prides itself on focusing on making the customer experience great. I also have to mention the frozen yogurt industry is thriving. It is a $8 billion industry in the United States currently and it’s projected to continue growing. This is what helped Mechie to crack our Top 5 franchises to own and land at the 2 spot.

    The UPS Store

    The UPS Store provides packaging, shipping, copying, printing, and mailing services across the globe. Founded in 1980, Mail Boxes, Etc. created a brand and system that became known worldwide as the leading alternative to using the United States Postal Service, but also as a leader in shipping, printing, and business service centers.

    This franchising option is a bit more affordable for investors with a lower initial investment, net-worth requirement, and liquid cash requirement. The UPS Store franchising network utilizes one of the most innovative and highly developed digital information systems in the world.

    This technology enables UPS franchisees to deliver more than 13 million documents, pieces of mail, and packages every day. With a positive brand outlook, low fees and a consistent business model make this a great opportunity for investors and number 3 on our list of Top 5 franchises to own.

    i9 Sports

    i9 Sports is a youth sport league offering flag football, soccer, basketball and other organized sporting activities. It is slowly replacing the local sport leagues organized by other organizations. One of the best things about i9 is safety, especially when it comes to football. Many parents will not allow their kids to play football due to the recent media attention given to concussions.

    i9 does not play contact football (only flag football), allowing kids to learn the game without the high risk of injury from contact. This opens a world of opportunity for the franchise to pick up kids who otherwise would not be allowed by their parents to play the sport.

    i9 has an advantage as it does not rely on public funding. While sport programs are getting cut due to school and other public funding, i9 relies on parents who want an alternative. So far, more than 10,000 kids have taken that alternative.

    The Nutty Scientist

    Restaurants can be challenging and carry a high rate of failure within the first five years, so considering a franchise that isn’t a restaurant can be a smart move. The Nutty Scientist is a great franchise for those who want to avoid restaurant franchises.  The Nutty Scientist lets you franchise your own learning center instead. They are the world’s leading provider of interactive science programs for children. Nutty Scientists offers the most complete proposal on the market.

    Based on real and hands-on contact,  teaching STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math), Environment, Health & Prevention, and Robotics in a different, entertaining and fun way, The Nutty Scientist is a draw for both parents and children alike. With low investment and low fixed overhead, plus high margins that can go up to 80%, you can make year-round income with in-school workshops, after-schools, events, awareness campaigns, camps and birthday parties.

  • Best Amazon Alexa Features: Is it Time for You to Get an Echo Device?

    Best Amazon Alexa Features: Is it Time for You to Get an Echo Device?

    Amazon’s Alexa personal assistant can be found in a number of the company’s hardware releases. The Echo line of smart home hubs as well as the Fire TV line have been using Alexa for a few years now. Today we’re looking at some of the best Amazon Alexa features to help you decide whether one of these devices is right for you.

    Alternatively, if you’re already an Alexa user, maybe you’ll learn about some new features you didn’t know about. There are so many Alexa features that it’s unlikely you’ve seen them all! It’s hard to overestimate just how many skills Alexa has. You might even learn about some new ways to use the technology in this article.

    Best Amazon Alexa Features

    Simple and Easy

    Alexa’s best features are often her simplest. If you’re getting ready for work and want to know how to dress for the day, simply ask Alexa about the weather. Rather than having to pull out your phone and check the weather app, Alexa can just read it off to you as you get ready. What’s more, she’ll tell you the expected high and low and if any precipitation is expected, in addition to the current temperature.

    Another excellent feature Alexa has built-in is simply telling time. It sounds like such a small thing but asking for the time and having it quickly announced back to you is about as convenient as it gets. If your phone is far away, or dead, it can be useful to quickly find out what time it is just by asking.

    The most useful “simple” task we’ve found that Alexa handles is setting timers while we’re cooking. Since the device is hands-free, you can call out to start a timer while you’re in the middle of cooking a meal or some other task. She’ll alert you when the timer is up, and you need only tell her to stop to make the alert go away. Easy and simple, simple and easy!

    Books

    You can have Alexa read your Kindle books to you. It’s a really cool way to keep up with the books you’re trying to read even while you’re doing things like cleaning or cooking. You can have her pause, skip ahead or back, and even skip to different chapters. It’s essentially a text-to-speech audiobook. There’s not a lot of personality to her voice, but she’ll keep you up-to-speed on your favorites.

    Additionally, you can have Alexa playback your Audible audiobooks. Audible sports a ton of books read aloud by professional voice actors, and they have much more in-depth emotional heft than a machine simply converting text-to-speech. That said, Audible audiobooks tend to cost a bit more than simply buying the book on Kindle.

    Organizing

    If you want, you can use Alexa to organize your activities. Telling her to add items to a shopping list lets you see them the next time you open Amazon. Alternatively, you can just flat-out shop through Alexa. You can use your voice to reorder common items or even browse Amazon’s online inventory.

    If you sync your Alexa with your Google Calendar, you can also ask Alexa to tell you what upcoming events you have. Asking her makes it easier on you, since you can be getting ready in the morning or cleaning and be reminded of what you have coming up later that day or week.

    Similarly, Alexa can set alarms for you so that you don’t miss important deadlines. If you need to leave at a certain time so that you don’t miss the window to be on time, have Alexa tell you when it’s time!

    Hosting

    The most advertised aspect of Amazon’s Alexa is her ability to act as an impromptu DJ. You can call out for Alexa to start playing music by naming an artist, genre or song you want to hear. The digital assistant grabs the song off of Prime Music and begins playback quickly. It’s very intuitive to tell the device to pause, skip or start over.

    Alexa can also play music through Spotify if you have an account and link it with your device.

    If you have house guests over and want to set the mood for a gathering, Alexa is your friend. If you’ve invested in smart lights like Philips Hue, you can have Alexa adjust the lights for you. Colors, intensity and more can be switched with your voice and on the fly. Be ready to wow your guests when you switch the mood of a room with music and lights just by telling Alexa which pre-sets to use.