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  • Top 3 Wireless Chargers

    Top 3 Wireless Chargers

    Electronics and technology are constantly evolving to make our lives more convenient. Nowhere is this more apparent than in the cell phone and cell phone accessories market. One of the newest and hottest developments to make life a little easier is the wireless cell phone charger.

    This gadget makes charging your phone easier and faster than ever before. No longer do you need to worry about fooling with your charger cord. Simply dock your device on top of the charger and begin charging without having to plug anything in.

    Especially if you have a newer iPhone, wireless charging is a feature you should be taking advantage of. Your iPhone 8 or later features integrated wireless charging that allows for an easy and intuitive charging experience. Your iPhone has a glass back that works with Qi-certified chargers that are available as accessories and in cars, cafes, hotels, airports, and furniture. Qi is an open, universal charging standard created by the Wireless Power Consortium (WPC).

    There are many Qi-certified chargers available in the market, which charge an iPhone with the latest version of iOS and most Android devices at rates up to 7.5 watts. With so many aftermarket and cheap chinese wireless charging products out there on the cheap it is important to pick the right wireless charger. Read on to find out more about the top quality wireless chargers!

    Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers

    Shut up and take my money. These are the best, most efficient and best looking. The Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers provide fast and secure charging for iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus, iPhone X, iPhone Xs, iPhone Xs Max, iPhone XR, and all other Qi compatible devices. Designed with a silicone tread, it keeps your device in place while charging and prevents overheating for optimum charging speed, up to 10W. Mounting in the car right now.

    They are offiner a special on the Native Union Drop Wireless Charging set. The set includes a SmartCharger, featuring dual USB-A ports to charge two devices at once, Smart-IC Technology to guarantee your devices are charging at their maximum speed, and sophisticated protection measures to ensure safety for you and your devices. SMART CHARGER’s small and compact design with foldable pins makes it pocket-sized, perfect for travel and those tricky to reach power sockets. Hands Down, the way to go and they are very affordable. If you have to have a charger in the kitchen, the beautiful Native Union Drop Wireless Chargers is what you want. The charging set is only $69.99.

    Mophie Wireless Charger

    The mophie wireless charging base is optimized to quickly and easily charge your iPhone XS, iPhone XS Max, and iPhone XR, as well as iPhone X, iPhone 8 Plus, and iPhone 8. Simply set your iPhone on the wireless base and charging begins immediately. The non-slip housing ensures perfect placement and the included wall adapter means you have everything you need to get charging right in the box. comes in at a nice $39.99.

    Case Mate’s Power Pad

    The Case Mate Power Pad isn’t the cheapest option on the list, running about $60, but it is probably the most effective. Case Mate’s Power Pad is extremely versatile, compatible with both Android and Apple phones . This rectangular pad comes in black or white and offers Qi wireless charging. Including fast charging at 9W for Samsung smartphones or 7.5W for Apple’s iPhones. The cable is attached to the pad and plugs into the 18W Quick Charge wall adapter. This will come in the box. There is a  stand which allows you to prop your phone in portrait or landscape while it charges. The versatility and options make it a great find for someone who wants a charger that does it all.  Keep in mind, however, that this isn’t the most stylish looking option on the list, but its features and quality more than make up for its appearance.


  • iPhone XR, The iPhone Medium?

    iPhone XR, The iPhone Medium?

    When Apple announced its next generation of iPhones last month, the iPhone XS and XS Max were the focus and premium phones.Then they mentioned the Iphone xs step child,  the iPhone XR. The colorful new addition to the iPhone group. THe iPhone XR ditches many premium features from the XS. This feature slim down slims down its price — starting at $749. Lets take a moment to see if the iPhone XR is the right iphone for you.

    Whats Not in the iPhone XR?

    Cutting straight to the chase is the iPhone XR’s six different colors, its use of a 6.1-inch LCD instead of OLED, and the presence of a single camera on the back instead of the dual camera on the XS . Some videos address the phone’s ability to simulate the XS’s depth-of-field effects, and the replacement of 3D Touch with haptic feedback.

    So in summary;

    • LCD Screen not OLED
    • Signal Camera
    • No 3D Touch

    Why Would I Buy The XR

    There is good reason to purchase the XR. The savings of $400, is the big reason. That $400 is before any carrier promotions, which will flood in one the XR. The LCD vs OLED is a big deterrent, you want OLED. LCD screens with LED  Backlighting achieve improved contrast ratio via light-emitting diodes that provide the necessary backlighting instead of CCFLs found in older LCD models. OLED, however, uses an organic substance that glows when an electric current is introduced. make sense? yeah me neither, but you can tell by looking at them.

    After that, the camera, dual cameras,  are  better than a single camera? the answer is a little convoluted. Generally, yes, the modern dual camera systems tend to offer better overall performance over a single camera system—especially in the most recent systems, which have evolved past limited use-cases to full implementation. In short dual camera can help you get a sharper image with more details, enable an ultra-wide angle mode or simply help you take photos with a shallow depth of field to make the subject stand out. At times, the dual camera setup can also help you add 1x or 2x optical zoom to the phone. Now the iPhone XR does mimic some of the features of the dual camera to not make you feel left out. ie the blurry backgrounds.

    The Colors!!! Like the iPhone 5c, there are a plethora of colors to choose from. This makes it appealing to children allowing you to purchase them for your kids with out the guff that they didn’t get the “one they wanted”. Downside to this, they always want the color the other one has. It will come in White, Black, Blue, Coral, Yellow, PRODUCT(RED).

    The Final Thought

    It is the next generation of iPhone and will be available to order on October 19th and available in stores on October 26th. The iPhone XR will feature a Liquid Retina edge to edge LCD Display, A12 bionic chip, TrueDepth Camera system with Face ID, and iOS 12. Really its just cheaper and you probably wont notice the differences, it is also bigger then the XS but not the XS Max. Maybe they should have called it iPhone Medium?

  • Monday Movie Review: Bad Times at the El Royale

    Monday Movie Review: Bad Times at the El Royale

    Hooray,  Its Monday. That means like most of you, and the rest of the free world, I got to hit the theaters over the weekend. I like to do this every weekend. I wanted to take a little bit of time to tell you my experience at the movies. Just a minute to shed a little insight and perspective on Hollywood’s latest hit. Seeing a great movie in the theater can be a life altering experience. It can also be an easy way to waste a couple of hours and 30 bucks. My hopes is that with a quick review, from this self proclaimed movie connoisseur, I can save readers  a few hours.  Or better yet, possibly change a few more lives. Last night I caught Bad Times at the El Royale.

    Bad Times at the El Royale is a suspense thriller set in the El Royale hotel. Written and Directed by Drew Goddard ( Lost, Cloverfield, The Martian, Daredevil series, and The Cabin in the Woods) He is very, very  good.

    For a quick summary, The El Royale is run-down hotel that sits on the border between California and Nevada. It soon becomes a seedy battleground when seven strangers — a cleric, a soul singer, a traveling salesman, two sisters, the manager and the mysterious Billy Lee — converge on a fateful night for one last shot at redemption before everything goes wrong.

    Bad Times at the El Royale 83% Life Altering

    For starters it has got Jon Hamm. He steals the opening scenes almost immediately and sets the stage for a fantastic movie. The Story is toned a little slow purposefully with quick, violent, unexpected pops and twist. Each character is mysterious as the El Royale itself. Any and all foreshadowing is very subtle and does not overexpose the film.

    Everyone in the film is fantastic. They each own their characters and bring the depth to the next level. Jon Hamm takes a slight step from his usual stoic role to be a little more of a wild card. Jeff Bridges, the master, the dude, does exactly what Jeff Bridges does. A consummate professional that instantly makes any character he plays better. Cynthia Erivo is beautiful, talented singer named Darlene Sweet. Cynthia’s performance is ernest, delightful and on point. She is Darlene.

    Chris Thor Hemsworth

    Enter in Hemsworth, Dakota Johnson and little Boots just to pepper the steak. It is fascinating the blend of story, visuals and characters. It’s done in such a way that movies just don’t take the time to do anymore. Then just when you think you can come to a conclusion about a small character it swings back adding in another set of fun emotions.

    The only thing negative I can say about El Royale is that it at time does get slow and drags, but I can’t say that those scenes are not brilliant and needed. I loved the set up plot drivers that don’t get answered, It does not tie in to a neat little package. Or pretend to add some insight and perspective about our lives. For example the content of the mysterious tape, for one, was never shown directly to audiences in the crime thriller. Because? Who cares? Who cares what was in the briefcase in Pulp Fiction? It just is  Bad Times at the El Royale and nothing more.

    The Final Thought

    Ive kept it quite vague intentionally, its to much fun to not let you experience it for yourself. All you know watching this is that you know nothing. Something is going on, something is gonna happen but what, who or why? All you know is it is going to be a bad night. It starts to feel a little Tarrentioish but snaps in to its own place and rocks it. It’s a Movie for movies sake with nothing to say but a good show. If you like Movies its an instant classic.

  • Smartphone SpotLight: LG V40

    Smartphone SpotLight: LG V40

    LG’s finest industrial design, power packed Android smartphone. The V40 is distinctive, modern, and stacked with desirable features, a phone seemingly destined for inevitable stardom. To cap off 2018, LG’s releasing the Lg V40. A 5 camera no-nonsense flagship that aims to take the best bits of the G7 from earlier in the year and improve upon them in every way possible.

    The Great

    • 5 cameras
    • Snapdragon 845 processor,
    • Massive OLED screen,
    • Excellent battery life,
    • Waterproof
    • Wireless charging,
    • MicroSD storage
    • A headphone jack on a phone.

    The Not

    • Awkward to hold
    • Slow camera autofocus
    • Nothing Special

    The Conclusion

    The LG V40 is a terrific alternative to the iPhone XR and Huawei Mate 10. More than that, it is described more accurately as a blend of the 2. But with 5 cameras.

    Jack of All Trades

    Want a sleek, durable handset that’s practically all screen. A device with gobs of performance, super long battery life, an amazing camera and a headphone jack. How about water resistance, wireless charging, microSD expandable storage and support for any cellular carrier, too? This is it. The V40 will reportedly feature five different cameras, two on the front and three on the back. The triple camera setup on the back will apparently be arranged similarly to the P20 Pro, featuring a standard lens, wide angle lens, and a third lens that could be for bokeh effects.

    The 5 Cameras

    The biggest feature of the V40 is its five-camera setup — three sensors on the back and two on the front. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen an Android phone with this many cameras, but that doesn’t take away from LG’s implementation whatsoever.

    • Rear camera 1 — 12MP main sensor with OIS and f/1.5 aperture
    • R camera 2 — 16MP wide-angle lens with f/1.7
    • R camera 3 — 12MP telephoto 2x zoom lens with f/2.4
    • Front camera 1 — 8MP main sensor with f/1.9
    • F camera 2 — 5MP wide-angle shooter with f/2.2

    That Screen

    The only thing that sets LG’s phones apart is there screen. They have the best looking and highest quality OLED screen on the smartphone line up. It gets as bright or clear as Samsung’s screen outdoors but with a crisper more attractive color segment. OLED stands for “organic light-emitting diodes,” and it’s very different from the popular LCD screen technology seen in most phones recent years.

    The V40 uses an LG-made OLED display, and while past LG panels on the V30 and Pixel 3 XL have left us yearning for more, that’s not the case with the V40. This screen is robust and beautiful and can display true, actual blacks. LG does a lot of things right here, offering a truly beautiful display, fast internals, great cameras, and an exquisite design. The small(ish) battery and high price tag are definitely downsides to keep in mind, but even so, this is a phone that should absolutely be on your shortlist this holiday shopping season

    The Design, Don’t let it Slip

    The back of the LG V40 is made out of glass, and while just about every Android flagship has this same construction, LG’s done something unique to make the V40 stand out. The LG V40 has almost nothing in common with the V Series phones that have come before it. The only thing remaining from the Second Screen is a floating widget. The metal back and giant chins have been replaced with glass and slim bezels. Everything that was sharp and industrial is now more premium and svelte. It’s a gorgeous design that is absolutely stunning, Its sleek and by sleek I mean slippery. It will slip through your fingers like star systems slipping through Grand Moff Tarkens fingers.

    LG V40 Quick Spec Look

    • Display
      6.4-inch OLED FullVision display
      538ppi
      3,120 x 1,440 resolution
      Corning Gorilla Glass 5
      19.5:9 aspect ratio
      HDR10-capable
    • SoC
      Qualcomm Snapdragon 845
      2.8GHz, octa-core
      GPU Adreno 630
      RAM 6GB LPDDRx4
    • Storage
      64 or 128GB
      UFS 2.1
      MicroSD expansion up to 2TB
    • Audio
      Boombox Speaker
      DTS:X 3D Surround Sound
      32-bit Hi-Fi Quad DAC
      3.5mm headphone jack
      Audio Tuned by Meridian
      Super Far Field Voice Recognition
    • Battery
      3,300mAh
      Non-removable
      Fast wireless charging
      Quick Charge 4.0-compatible (ships with QC 3.0 charger)
      Qi wireless charging
    • USB Type-C port
    • IP rating IP68
    • MIL-STD 810G certification
    • Network LTE-A 4 Band CA
    • Connectivity Wi-Fi 802.11 a, b, g, n, ac
    • Software Android 8.1 Oreo
    • Colors New Aurora Black, New Platinum Gray, New Moroccan Blue, Carmine Red

    The Final Thought

    Instead of straying from the pack, the LG V40 blends in with this year’s fleet of flagships. LG finally decided to stop playing around with gimmicks and made the best phone they possibly could. It has everything you wants but lacks the thing you didn’t know about, and that is where it fails. The V40 has a tough road ahead if it wants to stand out, but if you give the phone a chance, you just might be impressed with what you see. Pre-orders for the LG V40 are open now with full retail availability as of October 18. The phone ranges from $900 to $980 depending on where you buy it, making it one of the most expensive flagships of the year.

  • Which Game Console Should You Buy?

    Which Game Console Should You Buy?

    There are a lot of great video games out there today! Everything from super high-end simulation experiences to fun RPGs and platformers make this the best time ever to be a gamer.

    If you’re wondering what system to buy, you’re likely looking at the big three home consoles and wondering what sets them apart from one another. Today we’re answering the question of what game console you should buy! You should take a look at how you expect to use the device. Some are able to stream video services, play your movie library on a disc, and even produce stunning 4K graphics.

    Right now the most popular platforms are the Xbox One, the PlayStation 4, and the Nintendo Switch. Look at which games are available on which platform, if it can be taken in the car, and if you can play your older games on the new console. Also, take into consideration which online gaming service you may already participate in before deciding on the move your loyalties to a different platform.

    Really, there is no definitive “right” or “wrong” answer, as all three main systems have great things and drawbacks. However, each game console has a pretty distinct niche, and we’re going to help you wrap your head around what each system has to offer!

    Which Game Console Should You Buy?

    PlayStation 4

    The PS4 was released way back in 2013, so it’s getting up there in age. That said, there’s no current plan to phase the system out, so odds are good that the PS4 will be Sony’s flagship console for at least two more years. As for specs, the base PS4 is capable of putting out 1080p graphics, and games on it look great. The current base model is the PS4 Slim, which retails for $300.

    There’s a 4K-enabled spec called the PS4 Pro, and it retails for $400. If you want a ton of power, the PS4 Pro is for you. Sony’s system has a ton of awesome exclusives, such as God of War, Bloodborne and Spider-Man. Fans of big-budget single-player experiences will love the PS4’s library.

    Xbox One

    The oldest console in the current generation, the Xbox One was released in Summer of 2013. Like the PS4, there are no plans to retire the console yet, so expect it to be around for a few more years. Also, like the PS4, the Xbox One comes in two configurations, the Xbox One S and the Xbox One X. As you’d expect, the One S, which is the Slim model, goes for $300, and the One X, which supports 4K, is $400.

    Xbox doesn’t have the same lineup of stellar exclusives as PlayStation, but it’s still a pretty great console. The system packs a ton of power and has a really great controller. The Xbox Live online service is unparalleled, and it’s a great service for people who love online multiplayer. Fans of titles like Halo and Forza should absolutely grab an Xbox, as they’re exclusive to the platform.

    Nintendo Switch

    While Microsoft and Sony’s offerings compete directly, Nintendo’s most recent console is a bit of a black sheep. Not only was it released much later, in March of 2017, it also operates under a different premise. The Switch is both a home console and a portable console, capable of “Switch”-ing back and forth. The unique Joy Con controllers make this transition smooth and satisfying.

    While the Switch isn’t packing nearly as much power as the Xbox One or PS4, it offers premium gaming experiences on the go and at home. It’s hard to understand just how cool the system is until you’re playing Legend of Zelda on the bus! The Switch is a must-have for fans of Mario and Zelda. Pokemon and Smash Bros are also coming to the hybrid console later this year!


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • 7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    7 Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

    When you discover that a friend or family member has a problem with drugs or alcohol, it often comes as a huge surprise to you. But secrecy is the drug on which addiction thrives, so it’s not really that odd that you were in the dark.

    Addiction grows worse over a sustained period of time, and there are some indicators that may give you an idea something is wrong with your loved one before the bottom falls out.  Here are the 7 signs and symptoms of addiction you should look for if you suspect someone you love has a problem with drugs or alcohol.

    7. Change in Behavior

    As people’s addictions get bigger, their lives start to change and the things that they value the most begin to fall away. Depression sets in, and suddenly they stop doing activities or hobbies that they once loved, or maybe their mood becomes erratic. An example of a change in behavior that’s worth noting would be when a person who values health and fitness abruptly stops exercising or eating well.

    6. Change in Friends

    This sign isn’t always the easiest area to recognize, because it’s fairly normal for friendships to fade and new people come into our lives. But when normally social people stop hanging around with their usual group of friends with no explanation, it’s important to take notice — especially if there wasn’t an event that precipitated the change. Or, maybe there’s a new person in their life that just doesn’t seem to be someone they would normally be friends with. This can be a telltale sign that something funky is going on.

    5. Job/Career Issues

    When addiction takes hold, inevitably some issues are going to come up at work or school. Over time, addicts becomes less capable of hiding performance flaws in areas of their lives that are under the microscope. If a normally responsible person is missing deadlines or not following through on commitments, this could be an indicator that something’s up.

    4. Legal Issues

    Addiction is likely to create a bevy of legal issues that are going to make it hard to ignore that something is going on. A DUI or getting thrown in the clink for a drunk and disorderly is an obvious tell that your loved one’s judgment is off. But there are also less obvious signs, like doctor shopping or frequenting ER rooms. And addicts can justify their behavior so that they make you feel foolish for asking why they have so many doctor appointments. But if you think something’s wrong, go ahead and ask anyway.

    3. Family Strain

    Relationships with family are often jeopardized when people develop an affinity for drugs or alcohol. Early on, it may reveal itself in behaviors like retreating to their room after work or spending too much time with their face in the computer, playing games or surfing the Web. Communications become strained, and the addict stops showing up to family engagements, or maybe even to dinner. If you feel a substantial shift in your relationship with a family member, you should start asking questions.

    2. Physical Changes

    Extreme physical changes are a big indicator of a problem. Maybe they’re getting scraggly and smelly because they’ve stopped grooming or showering.  A noticeable weight loss or gain can be a symptom, and the same goes for a change in eating and sleeping habits. For example, crystal meth addicts can stay up for days, then crash and sleep for days. When they eat, they’re likely to ravenously consume sugary foods.

    1. Personality Changes

    In an adult brain, defined as a brain that’s 24 years or older, there are really only three things that are likely to cause a profound personality change in someone. Substance abuse or chemical dependency, mental illness and or a physical ailment, such as a brain tumor are the three things that can cause a profound personality change. Mind you, this isn’t the same as watching a person get a little down in the dumps, or go through a period of anxiety. Profound personality changes are much more extreme. If you witness this, it’s advised to reach out to a professional for guidance and counseling on how to address your loved one.


  • Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Best 5 Laptops Under $500 in 2018

    Laptops are very essential these days- for school, work, or just personal use. The price of a premium new laptop can cost up to $1,000, which is pricey for anyone. Numerous companies have made laptops more affordable while keeping the quality and capabilities of more expensive laptops.

    You don’t have to feel like you’re settling when shopping for a laptop under $500. There are value-priced notebooks that include full-HD displays, solid performance and long battery life, plus all the ports you need. We picked all the best all-purpose laptops in $500 price range which we think are best laptops to suit the wide range of requirements of people. Here is a list of the best five laptops under $500!

    1. Dell Inspiron i3567 Laptop

    The latest version of this Dell laptop has a powerful system in place with 8GB of memory and a 128GB hard drive and a Intel Core i3-7100U 2.4GHz processor. It has a professional feel in it’s all black look with a 15.6-inch laptop with a screen resolution of 1366 x 768. The operating system runs smoothly with Windows 10 and is backed with a 12 month warranty, with 12 months of tech support.

    • A new, powerful hardware system
    • Has many ports and slots to use your external devices
    • 8 GB Ram
    • 7th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
    • It is not backlit enabled
    • Battery life up to 5 hours

    2. Acer Aspire A515-51-50RR Laptop

    The Acer Aspire 5 is one of the best budget full-size laptops you can find in stores today. It checks most of the right boxes: well built, slim and fairly light, gets a decent keyboard, an IPS screen and modern hardware, performs well, runs cool and quiet and lasts for a long while on a charge. This slim and sleek laptop is a great all round performing laptop, especially for the price. The visuals are spot on with vivid, bright colors.

    • LCD display and is backlit
    • 2.50 GHz Intel Core i5-7200U processor
    • Storage: 1TB hard disk
    • Intel HD 620 graphics
    • Battery life up to 7 hours
    • All-plastic chassis

    3. HP 15-ay191ms Laptop

    The HP 15-ay191ms, a signature edition laptops that comes with a seventh-generation Intel Core i3 processor, 8GB DDR4 system memory, 1TB of storage and a touchscreen, but still remains insanely affordable. It’s one of those laptops you’d buy without a second thought if you find inexpensive chromebook attractive, but really, really need Windows. If you love touchscreen, this one’s for you! This laptop contains the Kaby Lake processor which makes this laptop consume little power. Apps are not an issue here, they all run very smoothly.

    • Touchscreen
    • Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • 1TB hard drive
    • Lag-free performance
    • Battery life up to 6 hours

    4. Dell Inspiron i3567-5185BLK Laptop

    Yet another Inspiron made this list! This version comes in different color options and a textured finish.  Packed with a large 15.6 Inches display and a decent 7th Gen Intel Core i5-7200U up to 3.1GHz CPU processor. This Dell laptop model would work well for portability with its 4.85 Pounds lightweight design and sleek black look. Great for school work or the family computer. A huge bonus with this laptop is it doesn’t heat up much!

    • 2.4 GHz Intel Core i3-7100U processor
    • 8GB RAM
    • TB hard drive
    • LED display with a built-in webcam and mic
    • Battery life is up to 6 hours

    5. ASUS Chromebook Flip

    This is one of the best convertible laptops on the current market. The Asus Chromebook Flip C302 is worthy of its premium stature with a gorgeous screen, tactile keyboard and a classy design that’s equally as comfortable to use in tablet mode or as a traditional laptop. The screen is a full HD touchscreen and can be converted from a laptop to a tablet by turning the screen. A top pick for a college student!

    • Intel Core m3 processor
    • 4GB RAM
    • 64GB of SSD storage
    • Battery life of up to 10 hours

  • Top 5 Email Providers

    Top 5 Email Providers

    Email  has become a primary form of communication for work, family and friends. It is the cornerstone of everything from keeping up with loved ones to confirming purchases. We are all walking around with priority access to our email accounts at all times.

    With so many email options it may be hard to pick one email provider. Which one is the best for your priorities and needs? I always recommend everyone have at least 2 email addresses. One for important accounts and security that you only use for personal and financial accounts. Then a second one you use to register for Netflix, social media, communicating with family and spam registrations.

    Getting hold of an email account is easy. Getting the right email account is more difficult, as there’s a lot to consider. What are the spam filters like? How easy is it to keep your inbox organized? Can you access the account from other email clients? Keep reading and we’ll highlight some of the best email providers around. Here are the Top 5 Email Providers!

    1.Gmail

    Google’s webmail juggernaut needs no introduction. It’s easy, reliable and most importantly free. Your Gmail  email address gives you access to a plethora of Google apps and functions. There is no reason not to have at least one and it’s great as your primary email address. First released back in 2004, Google’s Gmail has become the market leader in free email services with more than a billion users across the globe.

    Gmail’s stripped-back web interface is a highlight. Most of the screen is devoted to your inbox, with a minimum of toolbar and other clutter. Messages are neatly organized via conversations for easier viewing, and you can read and reply to emails with ease, even as a first-time user.

    2. Outlook

    Outlook provides plenty of power and features, especially for Office 365 users. Focused inbox, powerful events and calendar abilities and litany of app based integrations are some of the great features of Outlook.

    Outlook’s web interface follows the same familiar style as its desktop incarnation, and most other email clients: folders and organizational tools on the left, the contents of the current folder in the center, and a simple preview pane on the right (with adverts in the case of the free account).

    A toolbar gives you speedy access to common features, and right-clicking folders or messages shows you just about everything else. If you’ve ever used another email client, you’ll figure out the key details in moments.

    If that’s still not enough, Microsoft offers a bunch of app-based integrations to take the service further. You get built-in Skype support via the beta, and apps give you easier access to Evernote, PayPal, GIPHY, Yelp, Uber and more.

    3. Yahoo

    Yahoo mail has a powerful offering with some surprisingly neat extras. Useful extras like disposable email addresses, 1 TB of inbox storage and limited low level options.  Yahoo Mail doesn’t make the headlines so much, these days, but its latest version is a polished and professional service which stands up well against the top competition.

    The well-designed interface resembles Gmail, at least initially, with a large view of your inbox, one-click filters for common messages and content (Photos, Documents, Travel), and easy browsing of all the emails in a conversation. But you can also organize mails into custom folders, and the layout can be tweaked to display a message preview in a couple of clicks.

    4. Proton Mail

    Proton Mail is email with an emphasis on security and privacy. It includes tight privacy features and end to end encryption for messages. Signing up with an email provider will often involve some privacy compromises. Yahoo Mail asks for your name and mobile number, for instance. Gmail and other services might scan your messages to carry out useful actions (such as adding events to calendars), and just about everyone serves you with ads.

    ProtonMail is a Swiss-based email service which focuses on privacy above all else. You can sign up anonymously, there’s no logging of IP addresses, and all your emails are end-to-end encrypted, which means there’s no way ProtonMail (or anyone else) can read their contents. Also, address verification (which allows you to be sure you are securely communicating with the right person) and full support for PGP email encryption is available.

    In reality, ProtonMail is a specialist tool which is intended for use alongside services like Gmail – not to replace them – and overall it performs its core tasks very well.

    5. Mail.com

    Mail.com offers most of the important email features that you might be thinking about. Most importantly, you can select the email domain name that will suit you best from over 200 domain names. They provide unlimited email storage capacity and you can attach up to 50MB of file in one attachment.

    You can also set up your email to receive and reply all your emails from this one address. They also provide mobile support. You can use your email on BlackBerry, iDevices and Android devices. You also have an online calendar to use.