Blog

Planning on Painting? 5 Tips When Painting Your Home

A fresh coat of exterior paint can transform even the most run-down “fixer-upper” into a stylish “classic,” dramatically boosting curb appeal and adding thousands of dollars to your home’s resale value. Even if you’re not trying to sell your house, a professional-grade exterior paint job can protect it from the elements — wind, rain, mold and mildew — or at the very least, make your neighbors jealous. If you are planning on painting, Ive got 5 tips when painting your home Id like to share with you.

I spent a few of my youthful years painting for a living. I picked up a lot of tips and tricks, that not only save time but improve the end result. Lets go through some of these learned lessons and painting tips to make this task simpler. With good preparation and a few tricks of the trade, painting interior ceilings and walls is a simple process that can yield professional results. Lets take a look at my 5 Tips When Painting Your Home

Sand, Caulk and Prep

To get a super smooth finish on your doors, windows and timber trim, give each coat a light sand before applying the next coat. The undercoat raises the grain on raw timber and sanding will knock this off and flatten out any brush strokes. If you’re using gloss paint, sanding after the first finishing coat will knock off some of the shine and help the final coat stick. I always recommend sanding and using a caulk to fill in any small blemishes. Use good caulk, the cheap stuff shrinks.

Quality Equipment

Good paint brushes feel ridiculously expensive so for a long time I wouldn’t spend the money. Then, I bought one of these rubber gripped edging brushes, and the difference was amazing. The biggest tip you can give a painter is to buy the best quality brushes and rollers you can afford. Good quality brushes leave less brush marks and give you better coverage. Cheap equipment is more likely to drop bristles and fibres, so you have to spend time picking them out and going over the job again. They’ll also last a lot longer, saving you money in the long run. Properly cared for, quality painting equipment will last for years.Good paint brushes feel ridiculously expensive so for a long time I wouldn’t spend the money. Then, I bought one of these rubber gripped edging brushes, and the difference was amazing.

Good Paint, 2 Coats

number 2 on my 5 Tips When Painting Your Home is get good quality paint and enough for two coats of paint, then paint in the same order as you applied the primer—ceiling first and then walls. Brush or roll from top to bottom. If the primer you chose was of good quality, you may need only one coat of paint. You will always want 2 coats of paint, this is a rule you can’t bend. Primer 1 Paint 2. With good high quality paint you can get away with just 2 coat and skipp the primer.

Use a Rolling Screen in a 5 Gallon Bucket

You can try to Line your roller pan by putting a plastic grocery sack or trash sack (inside out if it has writing on it) on the paint tray. Then you can just invert the sack when you’re done and throw it away. You can also line with foil, but the plastic bag is quicker, easier and results in less mess. If you’re taking a break or switching to a different task, you don’t have to spend time washing out the brush or roller, just wrap it up in cling wrap. Load it up with paint first and make sure the air can’t get in, which will dry out the paint. I always just go straight for a roller screen in a 5 gallon bucket, its quick and easy.

This doesn’t mean you need to buy five gallons of paint. Instead of pouring from a gallon into a tray, you can dump the whole gallon into a five-gallon bucket with a paint screen. It’s far easier and less messy to load paint this way. I still use a tray if I’m doing a small space—like a hallway or bathroom—but if I know I’m going to use a gallon or more of paint, a bucket is the way to go.

Use a Lined Pail for Cutting In

last of the 5 Tips When Painting Your Home is on cutting in. “Cutting in” is when you use a brush to paint all of the edges and corners of a room. It often requires being on a ladder or step-stool for the edge around the ceiling, and you have to reload your brush with paint quite often. While I try to avoid any tools that feel “gimmicky” I’ve found the HANDy Paint Pail or similar lined paint pails to be quite useful.

They use liners which, yes, are more expensive, but it’s one less thing to clean so I find the expense is worth it for me. It also has a handle which, for my small hands, is way easier and more comfortable than trying to grip a quart of paint in one hand while climbing up and down a ladder. That scenario has ended in disaster for me more than once.

November 20, 2018
Unsold SUV Inventory Causing Prices to Drop
Getting a great, affordable deal on an SUV or luxury SUV may seem too good to be true. But there’s never been a better time than right now to buy SUVs at reasonable prices – and that’s because many dealerships are being left with excess inventory due to a combination of market demand shifts and an overproduction of SUVs by manufacturers.

Many of the top SUV lines have not changed in recent years, but due to last years unsold models prices are dropping. This is making it very easy to steal a great deal on an SUV. The auto market is making SUVs more affordable than usual – but this climate won’t last forever. You need to start looking for new SUV deals now if you want to take advantage of the available incentives; odds are they won’t last long.

Two developments in the auto marketplace have combined to put considerable downward pressure on the prices of new SUVs. The turn over market for leased vehicles is giving buyers a lot of gently used recent model SUVs you can buy used. Then we have the fantastic shift in consumer demand away from sedans and towards SUVs. When there is a demand, surplus of supply follows. New SUVs are now more affordable than ever, thanks to a surplus of unsold inventory from the 2018 model year, manufacturers are scrambling to clear space for new 2019 models.

If you’re in the market for an SUV of any kind, acting now could save you substantially. Here’s what you need to know about SUVs and luxury SUVs: why they’re more affordable now and how you can find the best deals.

How You Can Save BIG Right Now On A New SUV

Thanks to these 3 major shifts in the marketplace, you have a tremendous opportunity to get the vehicle you want an extremely low price
- Consumers are giving back their leases at an epic rate⁴. This left thousands of dealerships with barely used cars that have very few miles on them
- A shift from large gas-guzzling SUVs to more efficient and reliable cars
- The model year is coming to a close and dealerships need space for new cars
These conditions combined to form the perfect storm. Now consumers have access to the latest crossover SUVs and trucks at rock bottom prices.

New OR Used?

Should I buy new or used? That is the question, and everyone you asks has an answer and a reason and an Uncle with a story. the Truth is it depends. Unfortunately there is no one-size-fits-all answer. There are sound reasons to buy new and sound reasons to buy used.

Too often the only questions we ask ourselves: Will I look good behind the wheel? and How big a monthly car payment can I afford? Neither of these questions will help you make smarter car buying decisions. Buying a car based on how much car payment you think you can afford per month will almost always ensure you buy too much car and pay too much for it. It’s also the wrong question to ask yourself when deciding between new and used.

Luxury SUVs?

Luxury SUVs are typically sports utility vehicles with premium features that go well above and beyond the basic necessary function. High-end materials, like wood and leather, are often incorporated into the interiors of luxury vehicles, as are premium sound systems and other advanced infotainment features. Enhanced safety features, such as adaptive cruise control, are also usually found on luxury models but not the average SUV.

Luxury vehicles also tend to involve a special performance component. Many, though not all, luxury SUVs feature powerful engines and perform beyond the level of a basic SUV, Consumer Reports writes. Performance SUVs often include enhanced transmissions, suspensions, and braking for a smoother and more responsive driving experience.

New Options

There are a lot of benefits of purchasing new. You can get the latest technology, including things like Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Most new cars come with Bluetooth phone connectivity, so you can use your phone legally while driving, without having to purchase an aftermarket Bluetooth interface. Automobiles come from the factory with warranty coverage for at least the first three years or 36,000 miles, whichever comes first. That gives you a predictable cost of ownership over the first few years you own it, without much risk of a huge repair bill. Purchasing a new car is easier than buying used. With so many versions of the model you want at the dealership, you’ll likely find the car you are looking for on the lot. If not, your local dealer can trade inventory with another dealer to find the exact model, option list, trim level, and color you are looking for.

Manufacturers also offer special financing incentives and lease deals on new cars that aren’t typically found on pre owned models. If you do the math, some zero percent financing deals can bring the total amount of money you’ll pay for the car down to the level of used cars with traditional financing. If you are seeking a loan from a bank or credit union, you will generally be offered a lower interest rate on a new vehicle than you would on a preowned model.

Best New SUV Deals

Chevy

Chevy has some great purchase options on the 2019 Equinox. The 2019 Chevrolet Equinox LS/Premier/LT is getting 0% APR for 72 months for qualified buyers.That monthly payment is $13.89 for every $1000 you finance. In addition to that they have $4876 in rebates and incentives. The Equinox doesn’t skimp on standard features, rounding out a truly versatile compact SUV and one of the best buys on the market.

Ford

The Expedition and Explorer from Ford, lets check these out. Ford is throwing financing offers at their top end SUVs. Making some very attractive offers. Along with rebated and incentives they are putting up 2.90% financing for 84 months on Explorer and Expeditions. Now I never recommend taking a 7th year financing option but it will drastically reduce your monthly payment. While not adding to much to your total cost.

Infiniti

Infiniti has some offers you may want to explore and some great new SUV deals. Cost on these high end luxury SUV are quite comparable and affordable. Boasting four models in 2016, Infiniti offered a crossover vehicle or sport utility vehicle for almost any luxury preference. An entry-level compact premium crossover, the Infiniti QX50 was heavily revised for the 2019 model year. Snagging 0.9 percent APR financing for 60 months is offered on remaining 2018 QX50 models. Infiniti’s flagship QX80 is also featured with 0.9 percent financing. The only 2018 Infiniti vehicle to be available with front-wheel drive, seven-passenger crossover QX60 can be acquired with 60-month, 1.9 percent APR financing. For people requiring aid due to a physical disability, the Infiniti Mobility Assist offer provides a reimbursement for approved equipment meant to improve accessibility.
November 20, 2018
How to Save Major Cash on a Wedding Ring: Don’t Overpay!

There’s no piece of jewelry that’s going to mean more than your wedding ring. It’s a symbol of love and devotion that will signal to everyone the dedication you have to your spouse. That doesn’t mean you should overpay for your wedding ring, though. Here are the best ways to save on your wedding ring!

How to Save on Your Wedding Ring

Forget Tradition

You know that old rule of thumb that your wedding ring should cost two months of your salary? Yeah, throw that out the window. This isn’t the 1800’s and that whole thing was cooked up by an ad agency. Here’s what you should know about wedding rings: they’re not supposed to be as expensive as you think they are. We’re going to show you how to get a beautiful ring without spending thousands of dollars.

Rethink “Precious”

There’s no such thing as precious metals when you get down to it. Gold and platinum are valued because they are considered valuable, and no other reason. If you dig a bit, you’ll find that there are plenty of beautiful wedding bands that are made from metal alloys. These alloys are durable, don’t tarnish and will last a lifetime. Not to mention they cost a couple of bucks.

The same thing goes for stones. Diamonds cost way, way more than they have any business costing. There are numerous synthetic alternatives to diamonds that are not only beautiful and affordable but just as durable. This goes for a lot of synthetic stones: many of them cost thousands of dollars less than “natural” alternatives and are just as beautiful.

Get Out of the Mall

Jewelry stores have gorgeous glass cases, velvety carpeting and well-dressed attendants. They make you feel like royalty when you walk in. You should also expect to pay royal prices if you shop in them. If you get the heck out of them you might find some amazing deals online. After all, online retailers aren’t charging you for “atmosphere.”

When you shop online, you can comparison shop, research and order all in one place. Not to mention you don’t have to worry about pushy salespeople trying to get you to buy an overpriced ring. Remember: there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to your wedding ring. Buy the ring that looks right at the right price and don’t sweat tradition.

November 20, 2018
This Years Best Deals on Speakers

It is the time of year you always wish you had a better sound system. It is also the time of year you can get the best deals on implementing your new sound system. Ive gone and summed up the best ways to boost your music and entertainment sound system and the best deals on those speakers. First lets start with the best option the Sonos Sound System.

The Best Buy For an Expandable System; Sonos Sound System

Sonos, Look no further then Sonos. Quality, Price, Performance and Customization. You get this all with the Sonos Sound System.

Sonos is the wireless Home Sound System that can fill many rooms simultaneously with immersive sound. The easy-to-use wireless home system has impressive sounding speakers giving users a rich, crystal-clear sound; enhancing TV and movie experience with just a tap. The Sonos line includes the Sonos One, Sonos Play, Sonos Beam and Sonos Playbar, all streaming over wi-fi, so the music never stops.

The Sonos Play:1 is so good, that it easily earns the best budget title. Although there’s no way around the WiFi-only aspect of the Play:1, it’s hardly a deal breaker and, in fact, might be a strong benefit. The design is a little clunky, with some comparing it to a coffee can, but at 4.7 inches wide, 6.4 inches deep and weighing 4.1 pounds, it’s not designed for portability.

Setup is a snap. Just download the free Sonos app for Android or iOS, run the app, follow the instructions and play. One caveat is that music must be played back from the Sonos app since it doesn’t utilize either Airplay or Bluetooth. However, given the wide range of streaming choices (Spotify, Google Play Music and Prime Music), you shouldn’t run into a problem. Unfortunately, Apple Music doesn’t work with Sonos, but you can utilize your full iTunes library through the app.

The 3.5-inch woofer and two amps are powered by a wall outlet connector and can easily fill up a room with volume and sound. For the price tag, the Play:1 is not just the most affordable Sonos speaker to date, it’s also a great choice if you’re looking for something simple and easy without having to spend a lot of money on a huge audio system

Build Your Sonos System

To get the Best deal and best sound for your music and entertainment system your best bet is to start your Sonos system with a Play:5, the big brother of the bunch, and work your way down. Once you have the center component measure out your rooms and build accordingly. Lastly add the final peice the Sonos Sound System Playbar and a Play One is a great pick for kitchens, bedrooms and studies. If you want the latest and greatest from Sonos, check out the brand-new Sonos Playbase – it’s a speaker and TV stand all in one package.

Right around the holidays, mostly, but do happen sporadically throughout the year as well you can find great deals on the Sonos Sound System components. What makes DOnos the best deals is you can build as you go and capitalize on the right sales. Wait for the Bogo offers on the Play 1 around Thanksgiving and Christmas. Throughout the year look for the $50 and $75 off to snag your soundbar and Home Base.

Best System for the Money

Bose advertises the SoundTouch 30 Series III as their “best-performing one-piece wireless music system”. This means it’s on the more expensive side, but well worth the splurge. Colors come in black and white. While I have not seen any great fall deals on this yet, they are sure to come. At a reasonable $499 this is the best one shot system money can buy.

The Bose SoundTouch 30 Series III will capture every riff, beat, and note from your music playlist. Its patented technology is engineered to fill any room, large or small, with deep and robust sound. best part is it’s just a one-piece system. Out of the box to music is a simple quick set up. Bluetooth-enabled and wireless, additional Bose speakers can be added on, meaning you can turn a warehouse into an acoustic heaven.

Worth Mentioning The Apple HomePod

Apple’s awesome-sounding smart speaker has two major knocks. Siri still isn’t as good a voice assistant as Alexa and Google, and the $350 price is just too high. This Best Buy discount nicely addresses the second issue, getting it to a much more reasonable $250. If you want a great deal on a high end and affordable music speaker, grab one or two of these. Unbox, plug in, power on, sign in and jam. Nuff said

November 20, 2018
Looking for a New Smartphone? Here are the Best Deals

If you’re in the market for a new smartphone you may have found that they are rather expensive. Upgrading without breaking the bank can be tricky. Don’t fret, though, because today we’re going to help you find the best deals on a new smartphone.

Best New Smartphone Deals

Sell Your Old Phone

Your old phone is probably still worth some money. Modern cell phones are incredibly advanced and can last for a very long time. There are plenty of people out there who will pay good money for even a several-year-old smartphone. Rather than just tucking it away in a drawer, consider selling your old phone to make a bit of money and put that towards a new phone.

Of course, certain brands command more resale value than others. iPhones and Samsung Galaxy phones, for instance, tend to hold better resale value than some brands. In any event, nearly all recent smartphones will fetch at least a few hundred dollars in resale.

Trade-in Credit

Similarly, many cellphone carriers will allow you to trade in your old phone towards a new one. These trade-in programs usually offer payment plans or upgrade plans, as well. Pretty much every major cell carrier has some type of upgrade program that allows you to keep up with the newest smartphone releases.

Often it can be much easier to simply trade-in an old phone than find a buyer for a secondhand cellphone on your own. However, it is worth noting that this added convenience does come at a price. You can usually resell your old phone for more than you can get in trade-in credit. Just keep that in mind.

Consider New Plan Incentives

You don’t owe your cell carrier anything. Pretty much every carrier has great service these days, so there’s no reason to stick with them if they’re charging you too much. If you want a new smartphone at a great price, consider a sign-on bonus with a new company.

Cell carriers are always offering insane discounts on new smartphones for people who open new lines. Some of these don’t even require you sign a contract. This is one of the best ways to save money on a new phone, and it works great when you pair this with selling your old phone.

You might even end up spending nothing on your new phone after all is said and done!

November 20, 2018
Reasons you Might Want a Stairlift in Your Home

If you or someone you live with has limited mobility or relies on a wheelchair, then you need a stairlift in your home. Stairlifts are mechanical seats that you can use to get up and down stairs without all the effort. In stead of being pushed out of your home by your limited mobility, stay where you love and install a Stairlift.

Information on Stairlifts: Do You Need a Stairlift in Your Home?

Who Needs a Stairlift?

All over the country and around the world, people are aging, and many of them are aging in place. Aging in place encompasses a broad range of ideas and issues. However, at its most basic level, it is closely connected to an individual’s desire to stay home – the place where most people (more than 90%, according to AARP) would prefer to remain for as long as possible. They would rather not transition to a senior care community unless or until it’s absolutely necessary. Perhaps there is a mobility issue that limits an individual’s ability to get up and down the stairs to access a 2nd floor bathroom or bedroom. In all other respects, the senior is healthy, competent, and able to live alone without daily assistance. In some cases, a frail senior may not be completely immobile, but navigating the stairs is a health risk not worth taking. If a transition to one floor living is not affordable or practical, a stair lift may be the best bet for aging in place safely and efficiently. Many people with limited mobility find it difficult to get up and down stairs. If you live in a home with multiple stories you may feel like it’s hard to climb and descend stairs. There are numerous people with limited mobility who can’t afford to move, or simply don’t want to. However, they also can’t just live downstairs, so what are they to do?

That’s where a stairlift comes in. These handy machines can support your body weight with a seat that carries you to the top or bottom of the stairs. This can help people who are otherwise healthy but find the prospect of taking the stairs daunting.

There are many reasons someone could need the use of a stairlift. Some people simply aren’t able to walk, and they, of course, need lifts. Others have limited depth perception or poor vision and don’t want to risk falling. Whatever the reason, stairlifts are a safe alternative to going up and down the stairs.

How Much do They Cost?

A major consideration for many people is the cost of stairlifts. After all, installing such a large device is no inexpensive process. However, when compared to the cost of assisted living or a retirement home, the stairlift doesn’t even come close. After all, who can put a price on independence?

There are several initiatives that offer grants to help people make their homes wheelchair accessible. Consider applying for one of these if the cost of a stairlift seems too daunting for your income. In fact, some insurance policies and healthcare plans are even able to cover the costs. Check with your insurance provider to see if this is a possibility for you.

What Type of Stairlift is Right for You?

Straight Stairlifts

A straight stairlift is the ultimate staircase solution, giving you the full use of the home you love. Blending seamlessly into your home, with a smooth start and stop mechanism, you can glide effortlessly up and down the stairs. Straight stair lifts are the most simple stairlift installation possible and most can be completed in a couple hours, saving you hundreds and sometimes thousands of dollars in additional cost!

Curved Stairlifts

Designed from the ground-up for any curved staircase, this curved stairlift offers a comfortable and reliable ride. The advanced self-leveling carriage moves along the modular rail system, coming to a soft stop with ease. With its low running costs, it even operates through a power cut. The sleek, smooth and modern rail system is unique to this stairlift. There’s no waiting weeks to have an expensive rail made for your home. These can be installed in a matter of days with no mess and no fuss.

Outdoor Stairlifts

Do you have a steep drive that is difficult to walk up? Stairlifts do not need to be limited to your indoor stairs; our outdoor stairlifts are the perfect mobility aid to give you access to those outdoor spaces you love or have limited access to. We used to live in a world where you could only live in a home that accommodates your needs. Now we live in a world where you can adapt your dream home to the accommodations necessary. Every outdoor stair lift is engineered for exterior installation use and includes a weatherproof cover to protect your lift from wind, rain, snow, ice, and other inclement weather that can damage crucial components.

November 20, 2018
You’re Overpaying for Eyeglasses: Buy Glasses Online

If you purchase your eyeglasses in your doctor’s office then odds are that you’re paying too much. Have you considered how much you could save if you buy glasses online? That’s right, you could be saving a lot of money on your prescription lenses if you buy glasses online.

Why Buy Glasses Online

More Convenient

First things first: it’s way easier to buy eyeglasses online from the comfort of your home. You can browse a wide variety of frames and compare prices without the pressure of dealing with salespeople. After all, who wouldn’t rather browse from their computer while relaxing? You can even shop for eyeglasses from your smartphone while you’re on the go.

Wider Selection

If you go in-store, you’ll likely find your options to frames and colors limited. When you shop online these limitations don’t exist. You’re able to browse the entire range of lenses and colors available. Not only can you compare prices on the fly and make sure you’re getting the best deal, you can also make sure you’re getting a pair of glasses you know you like the look of.

When you go to the eye doctor’s office, they have a preselected number of lenses you can look at. There simply aren’t that many options compared to online shopping. Who wants to purposefully limit their selections?

You’ll Save a Ton

Most importantly, if you buy online you’ll save a ton of money. Doctor’s offices can upcharge upwards of 700% for lenses. That’s downright absurd when you consider the wholesale prices of the lenses in question. For frames, they could be marked up as much as 400%. As you would imagine, there are plenty of savings to be found online.

Online retailers can sell for a bit above wholesale price and still profit. This means that you know you’re getting the best deal. Why would you pay more for glasses when you could pay less through an easier, more relaxed platform?

Sites like EyeBuyDirect, Warby Parker and Zenni Optical offer great deals, wide selections and convenience. Don’t mess around with your eyes or your money, start buying your eyeglasses online. You’ll be glad you did!

November 20, 2018
Top 5 Android Devices for 2018

With a user base comprising roughly two thirds of the world’s smartphone owners, Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system. The availability of the software for device makers is a key reason for the popularity. The Android OS is universally compatible and available without restrictions.

The other main reason Android is the world’s most popular mobile operating system by a wide margin is the price of their phones. The fact that you can buy an Android phone on a tight budget, doesn’t mean that there aren’t also premium Android phones available. The best Android phones on the market are ready to stand toe-to-toe against the iPhone in terms of performance, build quality, and features.

Today we are gonna talk about the Top 5 Androids on the market. Four of the phones we will cover are staples. Android flagships and devices someone you know currently adores. The last one you may never have heard of, but mobile enthusiasts all over the world are raving about it and paying attention to new models. If you’d like to buy a premium Android phone today, this is what you need to consider.

Samsung Note 9

This is the big dog on the Android block. Despite its troubled past the Note 9 in new, improved and the Top Android Device for 2018.The Galaxy Note 9 truly puts powerful technology in the hands of pioneers who demand more. Innovative features and design make it the only phone to keep up with the next generation of achievers. The Note 9 isn’t a radical design departure from its predecessor. It’s still a glass-and-metal sandwich, and the only significant aesthetic changes are new colors, slightly chamfered edges, and a better location for the fingerprint sensor below the cameras.

How do you make it to the top of the Android list? If you are Samsung you start with a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display. This is key, as any modern woman will tell you bigger is better. You take that screen and power it with the latest Snapdragon Processor. Snapdragon 845. It needs to have RAM, 6gb will do.. 8 it better. That is a lot of power in your pocket,4,000 mAh battery will be needed. That’s gonna get hot… Add in a Water/Carbon Fiber cooling system. Bind this all with the latest Android software Google has to offer and you have the Best Android enabled mobile device…. The Note 9.

Google Pixel 3

The Pixel 3 takes brilliant photos, even in super low-light, with its single rear lens and it can capture wider selfie photos. It’s water resistant, has wireless charging and it can screen unwanted calls. I was most impressed by the vibrant and sharp photos it took with a single rear camera. Then it has Night Sight, it can brighten up even the darkest of scenes without a flash so well I cant comprehend its tech, or maybe it’s magic?

The design of the Pixel 3 is delightful, with Google’s signature two-tone design has been retained on the back, with a small glossy section at the top which houses the camera module, and a matte section for the bottom 80 percent which has the centrally-placed fingerprint sensor near the top. It is lovely. Google switched to OLED screens in their flagships now and we’re glad they have. The higher contrast ratio really tells, especially in low light and dark conditions where true black stands out and back lights cause problems.With a 2,260 x 1,080-pixel resolution, the Pixel 3 display is stunning and gorgeous.

What I like most about the Pixel 3 and the reason it hit the 2 spot in all of the Android universe in the Top Android Device for 2018 is the device hardware and software are made by one company. This phone is designed inside and out to be fully compatible. Then is the Pixel 3’s groundbreaking artificial intelligence (A.I.) inside. The Pixel 3 can do things no other phone can. A lot of these A.I. smarts reside in the camera, which we’ll get to soon, but Google Assistant is growing more useful by the day and there are other genuinely helpful features in here that add up to a great experience.

Samsung S9

The Galaxy S9 once again proves Samsung’s formula of a gorgeous 5.8-inch screen, sexy dual-curved design and terrific camera for well-lit shots can’t go wrong. Whiplash-fast speeds, wireless charging and water resistance complete the package. And it looks stunning in purple and blue.

Content with the design and appearance of the S8, Samsung focused its efforts on small, mostly unseen changes that result in a better overall experience, but not a dramatically different one. That isn’t to say the Galaxy S9 and the larger S9 Plus are bad phones; the S8 was an excellent phone last year, and the S9 builds on that.

So, what is actually new? Two things: the fingerprint scanner has been moved to a much easier-to-reach spot on the back of the phone, and the single speaker has been upgraded to a stereo pair. In an obvious attempt to replicate Apple’s Face ID system, Samsung has introduced a new combination face-scanning / iris-scanning feature that can be used to unlock the phone instead of the fingerprint scanner.

The rest of the S9’s improvements are under the hood: it’s running Qualcomm’s latest processor (in North America; other markets will see Samsung’s own Exynos processor), 4GB (S9) or 6GB (S9 Plus) of RAM, and a new LTE modem that supports even faster gigabit speeds. Those are specs we’re likely to see in almost every Android flagship this year, but Samsung is the first with them out of the gate. The design, display, and specs of the S9 bring zero surprises, but they are the things that influence your day-to-day use of the phone more than anything else. For the most part, Samsung nailed the basics and is the 3rd best Android in 2018.

LG G6

If you long for an Android flagship phone but can’t stomach the high prices of the Google Pixel 3 and Samsung Galaxy S9, the LG G6 will prove an attractive alternative. Though the G6 uses a slightly older chipset – the Qualcomm Snapdragon 821 rather than the Snapdragon 835 used in the S8 and Pixel 2 – few notice a performance difference in practice. The G6 also ditches the unusual modular design of last year’s LG G5 in favor of a more traditional unibody design with a non-removable battery and an elongated screen. Though some may regret the fixed battery of the G6, its battery life is superior to that of the G5.

Like most current flagship phones, the LG G6 features dual rear-camera lenses. Unlike with some other phones, though, the purpose of the dual lenses isn’t to enable the G6 to capture portraits with blurred backgrounds. Instead, the lenses enable you to switch between standard and wide-angle shots. The G6 also includes a built-in app that enhances the process of capturing square photos for Instagram. Thanks to the dimensions of the G6’s display, you can view your most recent square photo on one half of the screen while viewing a live feed from the camera lens on the other half of the screen.

Though the LG G6 may lack the latest and greatest hardware – not to mention the eye-catching designs – of the Google Pixel 3 and Samsung Galaxy S9, it still manages to give you a true flagship phone experience at a significantly lower cost and ranks as the 4th best Android phone in 2018.

Red Hydrogen One

A lot of you have not heard of this one. You should. The Hydrogen one Holographic 4-View (H4V) capture, your content isn’t just seen. It’s felt. From an exotic sports car’s shine to the last rays of the sun at dusk, H4V capture produces beautiful lighting effects with dynamic textures, glitters and light shafts. Welcome to the end of flat content. It is true innovation in the realm of mobile devices, the kind of innovation you can only get with a top Android device.

he Hydrogen One is defined by its ambition. It’s meant to revolutionize not just phones, but all of media with a “holographic” display and a camera system capable of recording into this 3D format. The phone is also expandable, and RED — one of the most esteemed names in digital imaging — plans to release an add-on camera sensor that’s capable of transforming the phone into a full-on cinema camera. Imagine a full cinematic camera in the pockets of all our next great film makers and artist. This may not be the commercial success it should be, but time will yield this to be the beginning of a revolution and for that alone it gets the 5 spot for the Top Android Device for 2018.

November 20, 2018
Nintendo President Shuts Down N64 Classic Rumors

With the monumental success of the SNES Classic and NES Classic, the N64 Classic looked like a sure thing. However, in a recent interview, Reggie Fils-Aime, Nintendo of America President, shut down any hopes of the system coming any time soon. Why is Nintendo not pushing forward with this surefire idea?

N64 Classic Rumors Shut Down

Reggie Fils-Aime stated that while he “would not ever rule something out… what I can tell you is certainly that’s not in our planning horizon.” The Nintendo exec continued, “We were clear when we did the first two Classic series that, for us, these were limited-time opportunities that were a way for us as a business to bridge from the conclusion of Wii U as a hardware system to the launch of Nintendo Switch.”

“That was the very strategic reason we launched the NES Classic system,” Fils-Aime clarified. The president went on to clarify that the company understood that people were excited to engage with older Nintendo games. Fils-Aime stated that Nintendo plans to continue supporting its legacy content through the Nintendo Online subscription service.

Nintendo Online

The subscription service, which is around $20 per year, is a service for the Nintendo Switch. It is required to play games like Splatoon and Mario Kart 8 online. It also comes with a selection of NES titles that are updated with a few new entries each month. Currently the only games available through the service are NES games that are roughly 30 years old.

At time of writing, there is no way to play other legacy content on the Switch. Fils-Aime indicated that fans of retro Nintendo games would see that type of content through the online service. However, the Virtual Console, the emulation offered on systems like the Wii, has yet to come to Switch. In the meantime, Nintendo fans must simply patiently wait to see when Nintendo will roll out anything other than 30-year-old games to the system.

For context, it took Nintendo until the tail end of the Wii U’s 5-year lifespan to begin rolling N64 game out. We hope that this situation doesn’t repeat itself with the Switch.

November 20, 2018
5 Things Every Man Needs to Know About Blood Thinners
If your doctor prescribed a blood thinner, read this first! About 2 to 3 million people take blood thinners, but many patients aren’t as well informed as they should be. Here’s what you need to know about how these drugs work—and common side effects to expect.

What’s in a Name?

The name “blood thinners” isn’t quite accurate. Drugs such as warfarin don’t actually make the blood thinner. Instead, they help prevent your blood from forming clots. Blood clots are extremely dangerous. They can form anywhere in the body and then travel to the heart or brain, causing heart attack or stroke.

How Blood Thinners Work

Blood cells known as platelets like to clump together, forming clots. That’s great if you have a cut and need the bleeding to stop. It’s not so good if you have arteriosclerosis or at risk for deep-vein thrombosis. Vitamin K is an essential player when it comes to forming blood clots. Blood thinners interrupt the vitamin’s ability to coagulate the blood. These drugs can stop new clots from forming and reduce the size of existing clots.

Who Can Benefit from Blood Thinners?

If you’re at risk for a heart attack or stroke, your doctor might prescribe one of these medications. People with heart disease are most commonly prescribed anticoagulants. Patients who have an abnormal heart rhythm known as atrial fibrillation may also be prescribed these drugs. If you’ve recently had surgery—especially heart valve replacement—you’ll likely be given a prescription for one of these medications.

Risks and Side Effects

One of the biggest risks in taking blood thinners, even for a short period of time, is injury. Because your blood can’t clot normally, your chance of bleeding or bruising is much higher. Head injuries are especially dangerous while you are taking blood thinners. You should also keep an eye on any abnormal bleeding, and tell your doctor right away if you notice any issues.

Some people may experience headaches while taking blood thinners. But don’t reach for that bottle of Aleve or Advil quite yet! Non-steriodal anti-inflammatory drugs (also known as NSAIDs) can increase your risk of bleeding. You should also avoid certain herbal supplements, like St. John’s wort, while taking prescription anticoagulants.

How to Live Your BEST Life on Blood Thinners

While taking a prescription anticoagulant, it’s important to be mindful of your health. You can still do most of your normal activities. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends following the BEST method:
- Be Careful—Don’t put yourself in unnecessary danger of falls or injuries
- Eat Right—If you’re taking warfarin, don’t eat foods high in vitamin K such as broccoli, kale, and cabbage. You should also avoid alcohol while on blood thinners.
- Stick to a Routine—Now is not the time to shake up your routine or take on major responsibilities. Your health is your top priority.
- Test Regularly—Your doctor will order regular tests to make sure that the medication is at the right level for you.
Whether you’re only on blood thinners for a few months or the long haul, as long as you follow these tips and your doctor’s orders, you should be able to maintain a normal, healthy, and active life.
November 20, 2018