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  • Tech Throwback: Web TV

    Tech Throwback: Web TV

    I like to take a look at where I’ve been to evaluate where Im going. Technology is cyclical after all… wait no its not. That said I still like all the feels that come rushing back like a flood of nostalgia every time I get my hand on the tech I grew up with. Im going to go back periodically and take a looking at the stuff that used to blow our hair back and get our minds rolling. Some of these device blew up and changed the world, some where ahead of their time and some just fell flat and became colossal failures. Today we have a massive swing and a miss. This was an idea that seemed right and destined for greatness but just missed. Today lets pull up the old Web TV.

    This was the brain child of  Steve Perlman. He first combined computer and television as a high-school student when he decided his home PC needed a graphics display. He went to build software for companies such as Apple and Atari. While working at General Magic, the idea of bringing TVs and computers together resurfaced.

    One night, Perlman was browsing the web and came across a Campbell’s soup website with recipes. He thought that the people who might be interested in what the site had to offer were not using the web. It occurred to him that if the television audience was enabled by a device to augment television viewing with receiving information or commercial offers through the television, then perhaps the web address could act as a signal and the television cable could be the conduit. Pretty brilliant and right there in front all of our faces.

    Web TV and How it Worked

    Web TV was launched on September 18, 1996 with Web TV set-top boxes in stores from Sony and Philips. They ran all of the servers in an old BMW dealership.The initial price for the Web TV set-top box was US$349 for the Sony version and US$329 for the Philips version, with a wireless keyboard available for about an extra US$50. The monthly service fee initially was US$19.95 per month for unlimited Web surfing and e-mail.  The box featured a 64-bit RISC CPU chip, and a smart card reader. The smart card reader was not utilized significantly. The web browser was compatible with both Netscape Navigator and Microsoft Internet Explorer and the Web TV set-top box featured 2 MB of RAM. The first WebTV set-top boxes had a 33.6 kbit/s modem, and later versions had 56kbit/s modems.

    By 1998 Web TV was on its way, they where pulling 1.3 billion dollars a year and it looked like we where on the way to a TV/computer consolidation. Then Microsoft stepped in 2001. They purchased Web TV and it all seemed to fall apart. They keyboard and controls where difficult to use. The applications where not growing with the rest of the tech world. Shortly after the MSN TV re-branding it was all but dead in the water.

    The Final Thought

    With out the adaptations of the most popular internet apps and functions this just became that cool thing that one friend in the neighborhood had. Skip forward a few years and Smart tvs are a cornerstone to our digital world. While I attempted to find an old Web Tv box and play with it in a demonstration for this article, apparently its just not feasible with there being no internet connection service to log on through. Web Tv came and went with no fanfare, soon to be totally forgotten. Never getting its just deserves and never to be seen or used again but for those brief years of 95-2001.

  • Our Favorite Sleeping Bag for Summer Adventures

    Our Favorite Sleeping Bag for Summer Adventures

    If you’re a camper or backpacker, you’re certainly aware of how important a good sleeping bag is. The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable while trying to catch some winks in the wilderness. Whether your bag is too heavy for your pack, traps moisture too easily or is just too thin to keep you warm, the wrong bag can ruin a trip. To keep your trip on the “awesome” side of things, we’ve got a roundup of our favorite heavy-duty sleeping bags for camping! Let’s go on a wilderness adventure! 

    Patagonia Hybrid Sleeping Bag 

    Patagonia’s entry on this list is a little odd. It’s actually half a sleeping bag, which might sound like a rip-off, pun intended, but it’s actually pretty sweet. In the summer months, it’s great for cutting excess weight. When you don’t need a ton of extra warmth, having such a light sleeping bag will keep your pack light. Just carry a light blanket to cover your top half! In winter, just pair it with a thick, warm jacket. You’ll already be wearing one, so why not carry a lighter sleeping bag? The Patagonia Hybrid weighs in at 17.3 ounces, which is incredible. You can grab one for $300 straight from Patagonia. 

    REI Co-Op Igneo 25 

    A great buy at $270, the REI Igneo is a great pick for temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit. During Fall, Spring and Summer, the Igneo will keep you comfortable and warm. The exterior is 20-denier ripstop nylon, meaning you won’t have to worry about water or rips during normal use. It only weights a hair over a pound, and it packs in beautifully. For a serious backpacker, this is a great buy for the price. The only situation you wouldn’t want this in? Winter time backpacking or camping, for which it’s not rated. For normal three-season outdoors expeditions, though, this is a great choice! 

    Our Favorite Overall Sleeping Bag: Feathered Friends Swallow UL Nano 20 

    This one is our favorite for a number of reasons. For one thing, it’s incredibly comfortable. You won’t have to worry about being uncomfortable trying to get to sleep after a long hike. Just plop down, zip up and snooze. The warmth-to-weight ratio here is also absolutely nuts: it’s rated for 20 degrees, but you could take it even colder. Feather Friends is known for their modesty in temperature ratings, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. That said, experienced campers could take this one lower than the rating suggests. For $550, this one is expensive, but worth every penny for a serious hiker or backpacker. 

  • Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    If you rely on Medicare for your health care, you might have found that Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For those on a fixed income, it can be extremely difficult to afford medication or any additional health care costs not covered by Medicare.

    If you are in a difficult situation where the health care bills are piling up, consider Medicare Supplemental Insurance. Medicare Supplemental Insurance is insurance that can help cover what Medicare doesn’t. We analyzed several plans with our experts and today we are breaking down the Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance!

    Best Medicare Supplemental Insurance

    Information About Supplemental Insurance

    An important note: in order to get supplemental insurance, you must have both Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Part A covers inpatient, and Part B covers outpatient care. Anoter factor to consider is Supplemental insurance only covers one person. Additionally, as long as you’re paying your premiums, Medicare supplemental  insurance can’t drop you, no matter what medical issues you may begin to suffer from.

    Supplemental insurance won’t always cover everything Medicare doesn’t.  Supplemental insurance is not going to cover all expenses. Things like vision, dental, prescriptions, long term care and private nursing are also not typically covered. Finally,  supplemental insurance must be acquired within the first sixth months of you turning 65 and you must already be on Medicare to qualify.

    United Healthcare Insurance Company

    The United Healthcare Insurance Company is endorsed by the AARP, and for good reason. This company offers a great deal of benefits for those on Medicare. They have a 94 percent user satisfaction, which is stellar. They also offer coverage that can be combined with a Medicare Part D plan. Those with this policy can visit any doctor that accepts Medicare! United Healthcare allows you to choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

    State Farm

    State Farm is another option for supplemental insurance. State Farm Medicare Supplement Insurance is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare, helping to pay deductibles, coinsurance and copayment amounts not covered by Medicare. State Farm also provides you the flexibility to choose between different plans to meet your individual needs and budget. They are a well-respected agency and are renowned for their high customer satisfaction ratings “Like a Good Neighbor, State Farm is There” tagline is very true. State Farm insurance might be able to cover hospital or medical services your Medicare won’t pay for as well.

    Humana

    Humana offers Medicare supplemental insurance that covers Medicare Part A and B. Humana’s policy covers coinsurance for medical expenses, co pays, hospice care and hospitalization, skilled nursing facility care, and blood work. Additionally, the Humana plan also covers copayments for outpatient services. Remember, this is in addition to your Medicare coverage, so getting this extra coverage could save you a lot of money when you have expensive outpatient services. Particularly if you have frequent doctor’s visits, you may find yourself saving a ton with this supplementary policy.


  • What’s Cooking? Greatest Grill Gadget for this Summer!

    What’s Cooking? Greatest Grill Gadget for this Summer!

    You’ve got your friends, your beers and your tunes. It’s time to cook up a storm! Everyone in the neighborhood needs to know you’re the grill master, right? Make sure you grill in style with these awesome grill gadgets! If you’re looking to up your backyard game, look no further! Whether you’re looking for automatic grill-cleaners or grills that can travel with you to the campsite, we’ve got you covered! 

    Refuel 

    There’s nothing worse than getting everyone over to the house just to find out you’re out of propane. A smart gauge for your propane tank, Refuel gives you a live view of how much propane you have. It even alerts you when It’s time to, you guessed it, refuel! Keep in mind, though, this one isn’t in production anymore, so scoop yours up fast before they’re gone! You can get yours for $43 at Amazon.  

    Looftlighter 

    Resembling a lightsaber, the Looftlighter is a great lighter fluid-free fire starter. If you’re looking to light your grill up in style, look no further! The Looftlighter costs $80 and will save you hassle and help the environment! Not to mention, it’s super cool and your guests will be wowed by it! 

    Front Runner Outfitters Spare Tire Mount: Stainless steel BBQ grate  

    For $137 you can have a spare tire holder that doubles as a grill. If you’re out in the wilderness but wanna get your grill on, drop the grate over a fire. It’s designed at the right height to sit comfortably above a fire and let you grill on its steel surface. How cool is that? Perfect for campers who want to go off the beaten path for a picnic! 

    Our Favorite Grill Gadget: Grillbot 

    A robot that cleans your grill for you? Well, that’s exactly what you thought of when you read “grill gadgets,” so, you’re welcome. Yeah, the Grillbot cleans your grill for you. Just plop him down on the gross, blackened grill after you’re done cleaning. Like a badass backyard Roomba, it’ll clean up your grill and let you spend more time enjoying your company and food. Nothing screams “it’s the future” like robotic servants making life easier, huh? You can grab your Grillbot for $90 from Amazon. 

  • Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Which Outdoor Speaker Packs the Most Punch?

    Summer time is the time to enjoy the outdoors with friends! Whether you’re camping, at the pool, at the beach or at a cookout, you’re going to want your tunes! But which speakers are the best? You’ll want one with tons of power and durability! It helps if they’re water-proof, too. To help you narrow it down, we’ve got some of our favorite outdoor speaker picks for you! Party on! 

    UE Wonderboom 

    The Wonderboom is a compact, loud, waterproof speaker that’s sure to impress. If you want something you can toss in a bag and bust out at the pool, this little wonder is it. The folks at UE outdid themselves with this one! It can bob about in the water, no problem, kicking out huge sound and keeping the party going. If you’re the type that drops electronics in the pool, check out the Wonderboom! You can usually find them for around $70, although they’re often on sale for less. Between the stellar battery life, great Bluetooth connection and loud speaker, the Wonderboom is your best bet for compact speaker. 

    Braven XXL 

    If you want a boombox-style outdoor speaker, look no further. The Braven XXL packs huge sound into its durable frame. This one certainly isn’t small: it’s about the size of your average boombox. The body is shock-proof and water-resistant, so you won’t be worried about rain or dropping it. It also puts out some serious noise. If you’re looking to throw a loud dance party by the pool, this is your best bet. You can even plug in a microphone for a karaoke party! It’s a little pricey, coming in at $300, but it’ll make some serious noise. 

    JBL Charge 3 

    Much like the Wonderboom, the JBL Charge 3 can withstand water like nobody’s business. If you plan on charging up your gadgets by the pool, this is a great option! It boasts a USB port to charge any gadget you care to bring with you. The battery life is also stellar, although charging other gadgets up with it will reduce it. The Charge 3 costs around $150, but you can often find it on sale for less. With loud, punchy sonics and a durable body, this is another great choice! 

    Our Favorite Outdoor Speaker: UE Megaboom 

    We really like UE’s outdoor speakers! The Megaboom, the bigger cousin of the Wonderboom, is a beast. It’s a little expensive at $200, but it really delivers. It sports amazing sound quality and top of the line durability. It’s totally waterproof, of course, so it can survive any dips in the pool. It’s shock-resistant and durable, made for a pool party or camping trip. If you want a great balance of price and quality, the Megaboom is what you’re looking for. 

  • Which Hiking Backpack is the Best for you?

    Which Hiking Backpack is the Best for you?

    It’s time to head outdoors and enjoy the warm weather! If you’re going backpacking, though, you’re going to need a good hiking backpack! When you go backpacking, you have to choose what you carry wisely. You don’t want to be over-encumbered, but you want to make sure you have everything you need. Not to mention, choosing which pack you carry is paramount. Packs that are big, durable, waterproof and comfortable are important! They’re also usually somewhat expensive, so experimenting with different brands isn’t really feasible. With that in mind, we’ve got a roundup of some of our favorite backpacks for your next hike! 

    ARC’TERYX BORA 63 

    The Arc’Teryx Bora 63 is fantastically comfortable. It sports straps and pads that help distribute the weight evenly across your body. The foam pads contour to the body and are quite thick and durable. The pack sports a rock-solid suspension incorporating aluminum stays, so it holds up under pressure. The pack is highly weather-resistant, featuring waterproof zippers and seam seals. While the pack is expensive, running $550, it’s also incredibly high quality. If you’re a serious climber looking for a seriously comfortable backpack, this one is for you. 

    HYPERLITE MOUNTAIN GEAR 3400 SOUTHWEST 

    The Hyperlite Mountain Gear pack makes this list for being so darn light. The trend of ultra-light hiking has blown up recently, and with it, demand for ultra-light packs has too. Hyperlite, thankfully, is here to provide! Weighing in at just 2 pounds, the 3400 pack is made of a material called Dyneema. The pack is completely waterproof and unquestionably durable. Great for hiking, kayaking or camping, the 3400 pushes the boundaries of how durable such a light pack can be. It’s $345, but it’s also quite spartan. This bag has few bells or whistles, but what you’re paying for is the weight and durability. If you’re looking to travel very, very light, this is the right hiking backpack for you. 

    Our Favorite Hiking Backpack Overall: OSPREY ATMOS AG 65 

    If you’re looking for a great overall outdoors bag, the Osprey Atmos won’t disappoint. Featuring a fantastic suspension system to evenly distribute weight, the Osprey was designed to make you forget you were even wearing it.  The bag is pretty light, coming in at 5 pounds, and is as durable as they come. Featuring tons of flaps and pockets, you can make sure you stay organized with this hiking backpack. If you’re looking for a high-quality, all-purpose and weather-resistant bag, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better deal. The Osprey Atmos AG 65 retails for $270, making it the most affordable bag on this list. It also happens to be the best overall! This one is a no-brainer. 

     

  • Instagram TV

    Instagram TV

    Instagram is primed and placed to make the next big social media step forward and dethrone Youtube. At a fancy event in San Francisco, the company announced it will begin allowing users to upload videos up to 1 hour in length, up from the previous 1 minute limit. Instagram TV plans to  house the new longer-form videos from star content creators, Instagram is launching IGTV. All this potentially game changing content will be available from a button atop the Instagram home screen, IGTV will spotlight popular videos from Instagram celebrities.

    What is getting most excited about this is the logo. It has the classic Mtv’s TV lettering attache to the IG logo. This indicated all I need to know about this. It says we don’t know what this, where it will go or what we will see but its gonna be cool. This could open the door for really interesting and creative content that isnt set out to make a profit or sell ads but for real creative expression.

    “It’s time for video to move forward, and evolve” said Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom on stage at the event. “IGTV is for watching long-from videos from your favorite creators.” This could mean no waiting for shows to go through market research or producers to get green lit, just shoot and show. Its gonna be fun.

    IGTV will let anyone be a creator, not just big name celebrities. People will be able to upload vertical videos through Instagram’s app or the web.

    In the IGTV hub, viewers will be able to swipe through a variety of longer-form videos. Or a quick swipe up to visit a Browse tab of personally recommend videos, popular videos, creators they’re following. It will also feature the option to continue watching previously started videos. Users will also get callouts from the IGTV button alerting them to new content.

    The Final Thought

    Instagram TV videos will include link-out options allowing creators to drive traffic to their own websites and stories. The details on monetization are yet to be confirmed. It is clear that this sort of platform would be a direct competitor to sites like youtube. Users might be able to explore the hub later today. Take note, The entertainment and social media world just changed.

  • Old Games, Big Bucks

    Old Games, Big Bucks

    A new hipster craze. Those words make my eyes roll straight out of there sockets, figuratively of course. However hipster gamers are not anticipating and pre-ordering the latest and greatest we saw announced at last weeks E3. Instead, they’re hunting through garage sales, flea markets, eBay and specialty stores for old games that came out 20 years ago. On top of that they are paying outrageous prices for these old games. looks like its time for trip to moms house to rummage through the attic for some aged tech treasure.

    The nostalgia theme taking a chunk of the video game market these days it all but fantastic. Nintendo, Atari and Sega have all brought back classic mini consoles or you can grab a raspberry PI kit and DIY. Its the Peter Pan in us aging men that is driving this desire for the enjoyments of our youth. This nostalgia isnt very discerning either as the old games and consoles that are bringing in these high dollar scores. They value is in all consoles from the Atari 2600 to the PlayStations of the 2000s.

     

    Odd Collectors are now finding them sitting on valuable assets, and hipsters are parting with tons of their parents money to get back their youth. Some games are bringing in as much as $50,000. If you are sitting on a copy of “Nintendo World Championships 1990?” Then you could have a $100,000. While its not only about the cash, please take the cash now while this market exists and the bubble hasn’t popped.  If Im writing about this then you know clever investors are plotting a what to capitalize so rest assure this bubble will pop, plan for that.

    The Final Thought

    While most collectors are more interested in rounding out their personal game libraries, reliving the games they loved as children or simply exploring the history of the gaming industry first-hand. The hype is real and these old games are back and getting a second dose of attention.

  • Looking to Stay Frosty in the Great Outdoors? Check out Our Favorite Backpack Cooler List!

    Looking to Stay Frosty in the Great Outdoors? Check out Our Favorite Backpack Cooler List!

    There’s nothing quite like hiking in the wilderness. The fresh air, the plants and animals, and the times spent with good friends really make spirits rise. In the heat of summer, though, you want to make sure you have enough ice-cold drinks to cool down! It’s not easy to lug a cooler around the hiking path, though, so you’re going to need a cooler backpack. We’ve got a round-up of our favorites right here! 

    Mountain Khakis Compass 

    This rectangular pack is almost two feet deep and can hold thirty dry cans of beer or soda. If you include ice, it’ll hold about half that number. This is awesome for those long hikes! It has a high quality make, including a fantastic water-resistant zipper and body. The bottom is molded and keeps it shape even on long hikes under a ton of weight. There’s even a zipper inside for ice packs or other small things so you can keep them from being lost amidst your drinks. It also sports a drop-in, waterproof liner that can be pulled out for easy cleaning! 

    Polar Bear Solar Bear 

    The Solar Bear cooler is perfect for spending a long time in the hot sun. The exterior is made of a UV-blocking polymer and is thick and excellent at insulating its contents. Polar Bear promises the pack can keep drinks cold for 24 hours, even under direct sunlight! The design is also highly water-resistant, and it’s durable and great for long hikes. If you’re expecting to be in temperatures at or above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, this is a great pick! The best part is, it costs less than $100! 

    Our Favorite Backpack Cooler: Orca Podster 

    The Podster pack is awesome, sporting materials and make that would make some kayaks jealous. It’s highly water-resistant, durable and can keep food and drink cool for days. The interior is 14.5 quarts, which means you can carry a pretty sizable picnic or number of drinks. It also comes in a gorgeous array of colors and looks amazing in all of them. A truly unique and stylish backpack cooler! 

  • Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Top Ten Apps for Encouraging Mental Health

    Mental health is a serious issue. Medical studies report that mood disorders like anxiety and depression are the third-highest cause for hospitalization among adults 18-44. A few steps anyone can take towards bettering their mental state include regular exercise and a healthy diet. However, there are other steps available too. As always, if you are able, seek professional help for mental disorders that are negatively impacting your quality of life. None of these apps should be considered a substitute for a doctor. That said, these apps all make great companions to help you promote healthy mental health habits! 

    Pacifica 

    Photo Credit: Routine Coach 

    Stress and anxiety are the main focus of Pacifica. Connecting users with a community of supportive people experiencing similar things, Pacifica is a great platform. The app also offers audio lessons to help with relaxation and mindfulness. Meditation and relaxation are also part of the app’s repertoire. Pacifica is described as an app that “helps break cycles of unhealthy thoughts.”