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  • Top Ten Anime Everyone Needs to Watch

    Top Ten Anime Everyone Needs to Watch

    Anime is a divisive medium, to be sure. Many claim that the style is a bit too weird and out-there, while others are die-hard fans of the animation style. However, anime is not exactly a genre, but instead more a loose definition of a style of animation. Specifically, it’s a highly-stylized, colorful animation style that originated in Japan. Most hardcore fans will tell you that only Japanese-produced shows count as anime, while other countries can produce anime-style shows. Whatever the case, these are the top ten anime that everyone needs to watch!

    Top Ten Anime Everyone Needs to Watch

    One Piece

    Photo Credit: Otaku Kart

    The first entry on our list is one of the longest-running adventure shows in the history of anime. Starting its original run in 1999 and still running to this day, One Piece enjoys enduring popularity. Why, you may ask? Well, in short, it’s excellent. While there are hundreds of hours of animation to watch through, you’ll enjoy every minute of it. Luffy’s quest to become the Pirate King and find the legendary One-Piece treasure is as enjoyable as anime gets.

    Dragon Ball Z

    Photo Credit: Comic Book

    Largely credited as the show that introduced the West to action anime, Dragon Ball Z is a milestone achievement. This series was created by the legendary Akira Toriyama, known for his work on Chrono Trigger and the original Dragon Ball. Dragon Ball Z is more about the intense fight sequences and over-the-top action than Dragon Balls. Notable for being an early anime to deal with the death of major characters, this one has stood the test of time.

    Gurren Lagann

    Photo Credit: MyAnimeList.net

    This show will have you fist-pumping and shouting every episode. Following the adventures of a young miner named Simon as he travels to the surface, this show has it all. Simon’s older brother-figure Kamina teaches him to be brave and to believe in himself, even against terrible odds. The show’s flashy, colorful fight scenes and plentiful giant mechs make it highly entertaining. However, it’s the show’s huge heart and inspiring message that make it so memorable.

    Neon Genesis Evangelion

    Photo Credit: The Vault

    Inscrutable, heavy, and laden with religious symbolism, NGE is an odd beast. One of the finest anime ever created, this show is highly divisive due to its inconclusive ending. The show’s intense animation, over-the-top fights and brutal narrative make it a very unique ride. Something of a coming-of-age tale, the show follows Shinji as he attempts to repel Lovecraftian horrors by piloting a giant mech. It’s weird, heart-breaking and very symbolic. Set aside a weekend and give it a spin.

    Samurai Champloo

    Photo Credit: Geek and Sundry

    Highly-stylized, aurally excellent and expertly choreographed, Samurai Champloo is the final word of samurai anime. If you love swordplay and hip-hop, this is the anime for you. No other anime before or since has captured the unique soul of this gem. Bouncing easily between its Edo-period setting and modern sensibilities, this show would be dizzying if it wasn’t so deft. The nimbleness with which the show handles its themes and characters is only matched by the dazzling sword combat.

    Attack on Titan

    Photo Credit: YouTube
    Brutal, shocking and dark, this is one fantasy show that doesn’t believe in “happily ever after.” Set in a world where humanity is on its last legs, a series of tall walls is all that stands between us and extinction. A race of unstoppable giants called Titans consumes humans by the handful outside the walls, and there’s little to be done about it. The show is renowned for its sleek animations, believable characters, and shocking amounts of major character deaths. Not for the faint of heart, Attack on Titan is one of the very finest fantasy anime out there.

    One Punch Man

    Photo Credit: Geek Tyrant
    Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could defeat any foe with one punch? That’s the premise of this absurd superhero comedy, a deconstruction of Shonen anime. A surprisingly deep meditation on the purpose of conflict and the importance of the struggle, One Punch Man is a highly-addictive watch. You’ll find yourself cheering, whooping and laughing as Saitama hilariously navigates the ridiculous anime world he lives in. Evil monologues are cut short, absurd powers are swept aside and dramatic tension evaporates thanks to Saitama’s power. Really, where’s the tension if you can defeat everyone with a single punch?

    My Hero Academia

    Photo Credit: Polygon
    As for a superhero anime that plays the trope straight, there’s the excellent and touching My Hero Academia. Full of inspiring heroics, daring fight sequences and likable heroes, this is the best new anime out there. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without superpowers in a super-powered world. However, he’s endlessly brave and full of drive to become a hero anyway. Everything changes when he inherits a mysterious power from his favorite superhero, though! If you’re looking for a modern show with amazing animation and a big heart, look no further!

    Cowboy Bebop

    Photo Credit: fanbros.com

    Easily one of the best sci-fi anime in history, Cowboy Bebop shows just how broad of a spectrum anime covers. With an engrossing sci-fi narrative that can pull in even non-anime fans and animation that puts Disney to shame, Bebop is a tour de force. Choreographed fights meet a peerless soundtrack for a romp that makes your adrenaline rush. If you’ve got even a passing interest in anime or sci-fi, you owe it to yourself to check this show out.

    Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

    Photo Credit: Kitsu

    Fullmetal Alchemist is the clear winner by a very long margin. As excellent as the other entries on this list are, they’re excellent by anime standards. FMA: Brotherhood, however, is one of the finest tales ever put on television. It’s really in a league of its own, managing to be a pithy, fun action anime while holding serious philosophy close to its heart.

    The show follows the adventures of Ed and Al Elric as the duo practice alchemy, governed by the Law of Equivalent Exchange. For everything you get out of an alchemical equation, you have to put something of equal value in. The boys find this out the hard way when, as children, they attempt to revive their deceased mother via alchemy. The resulting ritual causes Ed to lose an arm and a leg, and Al is completely destroyed in the process. Thinking fast, Ed saves him from death by binding his brother’s soul to a suit of armor.

    The story that follows is sweeping, epic and genuinely moving. A thoughtful expression of sin, virtue and the quest for immortality, the show handles its themes with deft many other television shows never touch. This is a must-watch for fans of storytelling in general, even if they have no love for anime or cartoons.

  • Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors

    If you have lower mobility or weak joints, you may find getting in and out of the bathtub to be difficult. If this is the case, consider a walk-in tub. Walk-in tubs are great for seniors with low mobility. There are a lot of walk-in tubs available of varying prices and qualities. In order to help you make a decision, we’ve rounded up the best walk-in tubs for seniors for your consideration.

    Open the door to improved health, safety, comfort, and mobility.

    Stepping over a bathtub wall can be dangerous. However, when you have a walk-in tub/shower, you can easily open the door and safely step in. Safe Step Walk-In Tubs for seniors were designed with your safety, comfort and convenience in mind.

    If you’ve seen the TV commercials for Pat Boone’s walk-in bathtub, you can see the appeal. Walk-in tubs can free you from having to wait for help from loved ones, letting you enjoy your bathtub anytime you like. Walk-in bath tubs will help give you the independence you deserve.

    Best Walk-In Tubs for Seniors

    Ella Walk-In Baths

    The dual-drain system and in-line heater of Ella Walk-In Baths make them luxurious and modern! The steel and glass construction looks great, and their acrylics are top quality.

    Independent Home

    Spa-like walk-in tubs from Independent Home are wonderful. They have options for both aromatherapy and hydrotherapy, which are their specialties. The 8 models to chose from can all be wheelchair accessible, which helps you be more independent. They can also be installed in just one day!

    Bathing Solutions

    Notable features of Bathing Solutions tubs are chromotherapy and heated seats! These luxurious tubs offer a spa-like experience, much like Independent Home.

    Safe Step Walk-In

    Safe Step is a brand renowned for its safety options like grab-bars, anti-slip materials and low steps. If you’re concerned with safety, this is a great choice. Their options start at just $9,000.

    Bath Planet

    Bath Planet is another manufacturer that offers one-day installation. Grab bars, non-slip material and seats are available, making these very safe tubs. They offer the thickest material, an acrylic, in the walk-in tub market.

    American Standard

    Here’s a brand you’ve likely heard of! American Standard’s walk-in tubs are top quality, as you would expect. They offer warranties up to 15 years for their tub shells, and up to 10 years for the components that make them up. They have options for aerotherapy and whirlpool, as well as soaking!

    Jacuzzi

    Believe it or not, the Jacuzzi brand makes walk-in tubs too! What’s cooler than having a Jacuzzi in your house? These come with lifetime warranties, and they are very tall-walled. You can bathe all the way up to your neck in warm, bubbly water! They have wheelchair accessible models, too!

    Bathing Safely

    Another brand that puts safety first, Bathing Safely is a respected name in the field of walk-in tubs. Bathing Safely offers non-slip materials, grab bars and wheelchair accessibility. If you’re concerned about your mobility, these are great models to consider.

    Luxury Bath Technologies

    Luxury Bath Technologies is well-known for their customer service, professional installation and fast install times. If you don’t like having to hassle on the phone or with installers, consider this great company.

    Hydro Dimensions

    Last but not least, Hydro Dimensions offers 16 distinct styles of walk-in tub! They offer great features like hand-held showers and wheelchair accessibility. They also offer a lifetime warranty! You can even opt for a massage therapy tub!


  • Best Affordable Pickup Trucks

    If you need to take large items to and from various locations, you probably want to drive pickup truck. Workers, crews and job sites all love pickup trucks, and really, who can blame them? When you need to get work done, a truck is the right tool for the job. However, if you’re like us, you don’t want to break the bank getting your pickup. If that sounds like you, you’ll love this article on the best affordable pickup trucks!

    Best Affordable Pickup Trucks

    Honda Ridgeline

    Believe it or not, Honda snags the number ten spot on our list! The ridgeline is an all-around solid truck, coming in at $29,730. That might seem like a lot, but this truck is luxurious and spacious with a smooth ride! It’s almost more of a luxury SUV in the ride than it is a truck.

    GMC Sierra 1500

    GMC’s first entry on this list is the dependable Sierra 1500. It’s got a somewhat high cost of ownership, but that’s offset by just how reliable it is. You’ll likely save enough on maintenance to cover the higher cost of ownership. It also sports great towing and payload capacity. For $29,000, this one is a great deal for what it offers.

    Nissan Titan

    The Nissan Titan is an absolutely excellent pickup. It’s huge, it’s easy-to-drive and it’ll haul some serious cargo. The cab is roomy and comfortable, and the ride is as smooth as butter. That said, it’s not the most efficient on gas, so don’t pick this one up if you don’t like filling up a lot. It is, however, a great value for what it does at $30,000 for the 2018 model.

    Chevy Silverado 1500

    Another well-known name and another dependable pickup for a great price. The Chevy Silverado is a great value, coming in at $28,300, and sporting great towing and payload capacities. The interior is quiet, roomy and luxurious, with a large infotainment system in the center.

    Toyota Tacoma

    Another oddly-named entry, the Toyota Tacoma is nonetheless an excellent value. Starting at $25,200, this is a great option for those looking for a compact truck. It doesn’t compromise on towing power or payload capacity, either! You can count on this dependable pickup.

    Nissan Frontier

    That’s right, there are two Nissan entries on this list! The Frontier is a great choice, just like the Titan, but for different reasons. The $19,000 compact pickup is a lighter, more zippy truck than its big brother. Without the towing capacity, though, it’s harder to justify the low fuel economy.

    Ram 1500

    As the least-pricey full-sized pickup on the market, you can’t go wrong with a Ram. While you’d expect to miss out on key features for the lower price, you really don’t! It has a slightly lower towing capacity, due to its unique suspension, but the trade off is a smooth, quiet ride. All of that for just $27,095!

    GMC Canyon

    This $21,000 light pickup is both dependable and affordable. After all, this is a GMC! The luxurious cabin also makes that small upfront investment seem much easier to stomach. The quiet ride and high reliability make this a solid choice.

    Chevy Colorado

    A truck named after a whole state, the Chevy Colorado comes in the second-place spot on our list. The Colorado only costs $20,000 but still offers a great ride and good towing and payload capacity. Really, what more can you ask for? This is an all-around great value!

    Ford F-150

    You knew this truck was going to make the list! The Ford F-150 is instantly recognizable for a good reason. It’s a solid, dependable truck with a spacious cabin and great towing capacity. The highest safety ratings of any full-sized truck are held by the F-150! That’s nothing to sneeze at for $27,610.

  • Which Video Game is the Greatest?

    Which Video Game is the Greatest?

    The medium of video games has grown tremendously in the past few decades. What was once considered something akin to children’s toys is now considered an art form. Many who grew up playing video games are now adults and fondly remember the games of their childhood and how those games defined them. Since E3 passed just last week, let’s discuss our favorite game of all time, and some of the runners-up. This list, of course, is entirely subjective and it’s okay if you disagree. But, for our buck, these ten games represent the very best gaming has to offer. Even if some of these games haven’t quite aged well, we’re considering their impact at the time of release. Alright, let’s get into it! 

    10. Half Life 2 

    Photo Credit: Kinguin 

    When Half Life 2 opens, you’re introduced to an Orwellian, dystopian nightmare. A brutal police state is in place, and the only person who can change things is you. Smashing the state has never been as fun as this 2004 masterpiece made it. While the gunplay is tight and frenetic, the most memorable thing about this triumphant game, other than the worldbuilding, was the gravity gun. When the game released in 2004, it had one of the most robust physics engines of all time. Using the gravity gun to slice zombies in half in the creepy Ravenholm level is exhilarating.  

    The game features smart writing and amazing worldbuilding. The game has no cutscenes, never taking agency away from the player. Yet it still conveys its story in a way that draws genuine emotions. It makes the player earn every victory. By the time you bring down the villainous Dr. Breen, you feel like you personally just led a resistance against a police state.  

    The series may never receive a proper conclusion, but this game was truly something special. It’s almost bittersweet to look back on the company Valve once was. These days the once-legendary developer is content to make skins for Dota characters and operate the ludicrously successful Steam platform. There’s currently a fan-made sequel to Half Life 2 in the works. Maybe that will give us a satisfying conclusion. 

    9. Super Mario World

     

    Photo Credit: Nerdist 

    What is there to say about Super Mario World that hasn’t already been said? Released in 1990, Super Mario World was the synthesis of all the 2D platforming games that had come before it. The game rewards exploration and mastery in ways previous video games hadn’t dreamed of. Part of that was the new technological limits offered by the game’s system, the SNES. The biggest thing driving the game, though, is the drive and passion director Shigeru Miyamoto and his team brought to the game.  

    Every stage in every world is crafted with care. The sound design is crisp and catchy. The sprite animations are charming and inviting. Everything from running to swimming to flying through the air with the cape feels incredibly natural. To this day, nearly three decades later, no platforming game has managed to top the feel of control in this game. While some, like Donkey Kong Country, would go on to be as amazing in their own right, none would ever quite surpass Super Mario World.  

    8. Final Fantasy IV 

    Photo Credit: Final Fantasy Wiki 

    Released in America as Final Fantasy II in 1991, this entry in the series would come to define storytelling in RPGs. Featuring a sweeping, epic tale of heroism and redemption, Final Fantasy IV blends story and gameplay in exciting ways. When the protagonist redeems himself and swears off the darkness, his class changes to Paladin. When characters sacrifice themselves to save you, they’re gone from the party. Never before had an RPG managed to convey its story so well through gameplay mechanics.  

    While the series would go on to continue this trend with massive games like Final Fantasy VII, it was the fourth game that really introduced this kind of storytelling. The next time you boot up a story-driven single-player RPG, remember to thank Final Fantasy IV for paving the way. 

    7. Metal Gear Solid 3

    Photo Credit: IMDb 

    The Metal Gear series has been around for more than 30 years and is responsible for some of the greatest games of all time. The greatest of the greats, though, is none other than the third entry in the Solid series. Metal Gear Solid 3 tells a Cold War-era spy thriller tale that also sets up the central conflict in the games that take place after it. Acting as a prequel to the first two games, MGS3 is a great stand-alone and excellent stealth game.  

    Enemies react to your presence naturally. You never feel unfairly targeted or caught. Using the game’s camouflage system is intuitive and natural. The voice acting is hilarious and awesome in all the right ways. The most memorable thing about the game, though, is the boss fights. Each of the primary antagonists gets a unique, drawn-out showdown with Snake, and their personalities define their fights. Each of the villains is named for an emotion, and each lives up to that emotion in their fight.  

    Cinematic, epic and gripping, Metal Gear Solid 3 remains one of the very best games of all time. If you haven’t touched the series before, at least try 3 and see what you think. If you fall in love, the rest of the series is superb and waiting for you. 

    6. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time

    Photo Credit: Zeldapedia 

    The first few notes of the title screen of this game still give me chills. Playing back through the game now, I see some of the cracks in the surface. However, back in the 90’s when it came out, this game was a revolution. Mario had just shown the world what a 3D platformer looks like when masterfully crafted. Now, it was Zelda’s turn to redefine the adventure formula.  

    The first time you pluck the Master Sword from its pedestal and find yourself transported forward in time, the game opens up. Suddenly, the heroic but childish quest takes a dark, mature turn. The world outside is bleak, and the villain has already won. In the past, Link is too young and inexperienced to fight Ganon. In the future, it’s too late. That twist, and the ensuing gameplay wrinkles involving time travel, still makes the game feel inspired and fresh.  

    While it’s been talked to death in recent years, the formula of 3D action-adventure games owes everything to Ocarina. If there’s anything to fault the game for, it’s the formulaic late-game dungeon structure. But, at the time, it didn’t feel formulaic at all! It felt like a natural progression of the kinds of dungeons seen in the 2D games. The legacy of Ocarina of Time is one still felt in modern Zelda games, even the dramatic departure represented by Breath of the Wild.  

    5. Pokémon Red and Blue

    Photo Credit: SnapPow.com 

    The game that launched a mega-franchise, Pokémon Red and Blue is more than the sum of its parts. Video games, up to this point, had been relatively fringe. In the late 90’s, though, the advent of Pokémon led to a serious media craze. Trading cards, movies, TV shows and more propelled the series into a full-blown cultural phenomenon. The original games that started it all still stand as excellent examples of RPG design. 

    Featuring a unique collect-and-battle system, Pokémon was uninterested in what the player character could do. Instead of crafting your party from adventurers with swords and spells, you crafted a party of cute monsters. Catching, training and evolving those monsters proved rather addicting, and the rest is history. While the original games haven’t aged well graphically, they’re still a blast to relive. I actually like to go back through and beat the main story every year or so, just for the heck of it. This was my very first video game, so it means a lot to me. I’m pleased that the series has had such lasting impact, and look forward to seeing where it goes next. 

    4. Halo: Combat Evolved

    Photo Credit: Halo Waypoint 

    There was once an era when shooting games on consoles were ridiculed. Mouse and keyboard control schemes were considered the only reasonable way to play first-person shooters. Then, Bungie released Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001. Featuring an aim-assist algorithm that makes the player feel like a crack-shot without holding their hand, Halo redefined console shooters. Goldeneye 007 and Perfect Dark, by contrast, had relied on design tricks that made the gun fights feel floaty and imprecise. Halo was revelatory, as the action was fast-paced, precise and brutal. 

    Multiplayer would be the bread-and-butter of future games, but the first Halo wowed audiences with its single-player. The score, the ambiance and the space-opera story all gave the game a monumental, mythical scale and scope. The enemy designs were intimidating and fun to shoot at simultaneously. Each level had a unique feel and challenged the player in new ways. The most memorable part of the game, though, was seamlessly piloting vehicles over soaring vistas. Hopping in and out of vehicles was tons of fun, and Halo provided a great open sandbox for gamers to play in. 

    3. Dark Souls

    Photo Credit: Windows Central 

    Dark Souls is haunting, mysterious, and will probably kill you. While these might not sound like the hallmarks of a great game, rest assured, Dark Souls is one of the greatest video games ever made. How can this be? The controls and mechanics are largely awkward and not explained in game. The difficulty curve is absurd, throwing the player into a world of constant peril and oppressive despair. What about that makes it a masterpiece? 

    Well, Dark Souls, unlike games like Super Metroid, doesn’t succeed as a game, but as a piece of art. It forces you to grapple with it, to understand its world and mechanics intuitively. You are never guided or coached, and your victories are yours alone. As are your defeats. Dark Souls is a game that respects the player enough to not spoon feed them; the player is expected to rise to the challenge.  

    The game’s story and world reflect this: it’s a bleak place. If you back down, or stumble, you will die, and the world will be no more. If you rise up and ignite the fires, maybe things will get better.  Maybe they won’t. This existential, brooding narrative pairs beautifully with the slow-paced, measured combat. Dark Souls represents a synthesis of story and mechanics that is truly moving.  

    2. Super Metroid

     

    Photo Credit: Polygon 

    Super Metroid is a master class in atmospheric storytelling. Planet Zebes feels truly alive, and Samus’ badass solo mission always feels like it’s a breath away from failure. The world is foreboding and mythical, hiding secrets behind every corner. Super Metroid succeeds in every way as a video game: rewarding curiosity, exploration and mastery. Boss fights are white-knuckle romps, new abilities make you feel truly powerful, and the story is actually engrossing.  

    When Retro Studios took Metroid into 3D with Metroid Prime, they honored the legacy of what many consider to be the greatest game of all time. While Super Metroid is certainly amazing, it does suffer from slightly uneven pacing. It is easy to get lost in the game, for better or worse. Finding one’s way forward is quite difficult, but always rewarding. That said, there is no such thing as a perfect game, and Super Metroid comes closer than many others in getting there. 

    The Greatest Video Game of all Time: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past 

    Photo Credit: The Verge 

    If you’ve ever played a Zelda game, you know the formula. Link is called to save the Princess. He assembles three amulets, finds the Master Sword, and then conquers eight temples. He traverses between two worlds, and then defeats Ganon. All of these tropes began with 1991’s masterful Link to the Past. Representing a huge step forward in game design, Link to the Past stands as one of the greatest games of all time.  

    The music, the world and the enemies are all alive. Mystery and adventure await in every cave, behind every door. The dungeons are well-designed, thought-provoking and full of puzzles. Exploration is always rewarded with new secrets. If ever a game deserved to be called the very best, it’s this one. Every game wishes it could capture the same spirit of adventure and wonder as Link to the Past.  

    While the formula established here may have worn thin in subsequent games, it only got as popular as it did by being so darn fun. Few other games make you feel as much like the hero of your own story as Link to the Past. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go beat this game again. 

    Feature Image Credit: Sporcle 

  • Top Ten Tools Every Small Business Needs

    You’re looking to start a small business, huh? Well, you’ve definitely got a lot on your plate. What are some tools and software suites that can help lighten that load and make things easier? We’ve got a list of the top ten things that every small business needs to succeed. From invoicing software to analytics, we’ve tried to think of everything you may have missed. With these tools and some business know-how, you’re bound to do great! 

    Project Management Software 

    OmniFocus, Jira and a few other platforms are great examples of project management software. Tools to help keep projects organized and on-time are a must for any small business. If you’re concerned with meeting deadlines and efficiently finishing projects, having access to oversight tools is important. Those working on the project can log their progress through the project software, allowing you to keep up-to-date on its status. That way, if issues arise, you’ll be kept up to speed with the project. Checking back through logs to see what worked, and what didn’t, will help ensure future projects go even better.  

    Invoicing Software 

    While your project management is important for internal operations, in order for things to keep operating, you have to get paid. As such, picking an invoicing software to familiarize yourself with is important. Many businesses prefer the easy-to-use Microsoft Excel, pictured above. You’ve probably used it before and making invoices in it is a breeze. In fact, Microsoft’s Office Suite of programs is so universally useful, you’d be hard-pressed to find a reason to not have it. Other programs do exist for those who prefer them, though. FreshBooks and QuickBooks are two popular examples, both of which are perfectly serviceable. The important thing, of course, is being comfortable and famliar with your chosen invoicing software.  

    Point of Sale System

    In the same vein as invoicing, your money has to come in somehow. If you’re operating a storefront, you’ll need a point of sale system. A favorite of small business owners is the excellent and business-friendly Square platform. You can use an iPad with a stand and card reader, if you’d like, allowing a rather inexpensive and elegant way to handle transactions. Those looking for more traditional software have a wealth of options available to them, as well, though they are often much more expensive. Solutions like EPOS Now and Merchant Account Solutions are quite popular, though they are a bit more difficult to set-up than Square. 

    Communication Apps 

    Staying in touch with your employees and clients is important. The best ways to keep in touch? Apps like Skype and Slack. Using Skype for Business is a great way to integrate your Skype contacts into your everyday business. Video conferences with clients and business partners are easy with Skype. Rather than having to hop on a plane across country, you can simply video chat in! On the other end of the spectrum, the Slack app is great for keeping in touch with employees. Slack is designed for business and is great for workplace productivity and communication. 

    Ride-Sharing Platforms

    It’s quite likely your small business doesn’t have a driver on-site. For all the times you need to jet across town for a meeting but won’t have time to find parking, consider a ride-sharing service like Uber or Lyft. These apps offer relatively inexpensive rides and help you get where you’re going on time and without having to worry about the drive time. Until you can afford your own driver, a ride-sharing app is a pretty close approximation!  

    E-Signing Apps

    Echo Sign, DocuSign and other services are great to consider for your business. Offering digital uploading and signing of documents, digital singing apps are great for streamlining your business. If you have distant clients that need to sign documents but no fax machine, these are a life-saver! They’re also great for employees who are off-site to sign tax documents and releases. Strongly consider use of these applications when you need documents signed!  

    Drop Box

    It’s hard to overstate how important the cloud will be to your business if you implement it well. Drop Box is an app built around cloud storage. If you have files you want to share, Drop Box is how you do it. Connecting all of your devices is easy, and you can access your Drop Box from anywhere. Instead of having to remember to bring thumb drives or laptops with you, just upload relevant files to the cloud and pull them up on any device with your login information. Streamlining all your files in one place is a great way to appear organized and professional! 

    Social Media Presence

    You probably guessed this would be on the list. Having a strong social media presence is very important, even if it doesn’t seem that way. Being on Facebook and Twitter is a must, as many potential customers will encounter your business through there first. For businesses aimed at younger people, Instagram is another social media platform worth being on. Managing your social media platforms isn’t terribly hard or time-consuming, but it makes a huge difference. Younger demographics are much more likely to recognize and engage with your brand if you have a strong social media presence. That said, social media is no substitute for a true web presence via your own website. 

    A Great Website

    Not every startup can afford to pay a professional web designer to help set up their website. If you’re looking for a resource to create a website, there are some great options out there. Go Daddy is a popular tool, offering great beginner resources for creating an aesthetically pleasing, informative site. The site offers a great deal of support via live troubleshooting and advice from professionals. Go Daddy even incorporates WordPress support for blogging. Another popular choice is Wix, a “no-programming” website builder. Wix uses a drag-and-drop interface so you can make a site that you like the look of on the fly. Whichever one you choose, make sure to create a site that matches your brand and vision. Most customers’ first experience with your business will be through your site, so make sure to make that first impression count!  

    The Most Critical Small Business Tool: Google Analytics

    Analytics are what your business will live or die by. Your web presence is everything in the modern era, and every startup needs to ensure their image is right. Using Google’s analytics software will help you see traffic to your site broken down into readable, informative graphs. The information gleaned is concise and you can act on it confidently, knowing you understand the meaning behind the raw data. Without use of analytics, you’re shooting in the dark. With analytics, you know your target and how to hit. Breakdowns by demographic, country and traffic types are all available, helping you hone your web marketing. With these tools and the right execution, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. 


  • New to PC Gaming? Here’s the Top 10 Things You’ll Need

    New to PC Gaming? Here’s the Top 10 Things You’ll Need

    So, you’re looking to start PC gaming? While you probably know how daunting it can be to start out, we’re here to help. From slick looking peripherals to high-end hardware, we’ve got a list of ten must-haves for PC gamers! 

    A Set of Tools 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    The first thing you’re going to want is a set of tools. Preferably a magnetic screwdriver and an anti-static wristband. Being able to open your rig and troubleshoot is a key aspect of PC ownership. If you spend top dollar for the very best gaming PC, make sure you take care of it! You’ll also probably want a magnetic parts tray so that you don’t lose too many screws. Also, you should get some extra case screws, because you’re going to lose screws. 

    Canned Air 

    Photo Credit: Walmart 

    This is the last boring entry, I swear. Once you open your computer up, you might notice some dust has collected in recesses. It’s best to clean this dust out once a month or so. If you don’t your computer’s performance will suffer as it experiences higher-than-average temperatures. Canned air is also great for cleaning out debris from keyboards! 

    PC Gaming Chair

     

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    If you intend to sit in front of your computer for a few hours at a time, make sure it’s in a comfortable chair. There are a few well-known brands of gaming chair to choose from. Vertagear and Furmax both make solid options, and there are often good deals on sites like Amazon. Racing-style chairs are particularly popular at the moment with streamers and pro gamers! 

    RGB Lighting

     

    Photo Credit: YouTube 

    PC gamers love few things more than high-end graphics. One of the things that comes close, though, is glowing keyboard and mouse setups. High-end peripheral makers like Corsair and Razer make most of their ranges with RGB lighting built in. You can then use software to choose what colors and patterns you want your RGB to take on. Many games even offer compatibility, like Overwatch and Fortnite. If you want your setup to look as serious as it is, consider getting some RGB gear! 

    Gaming Monitor

     

    Photo Credit: Digital Trends 

    What’s the point in having an awesome graphics card if your monitor can’t resolve the images it’s being sent? Springing for a 4K monitor is a must if you want 4K graphics. While there are a ton of options out there, finding the best one for your rig is important. Some people like ultra-wide, curved screens. Others may prefer large, flat monitors. Whatever you pick, make sure it’s something you won’t mind sitting very close to for hours on end! 

    Second Monitor

    Photo Credit: Quora 

    Many PC gamers swear by a two-monitor setup. Odds a good you already have a normal monitor, but not a dedicated gaming monitor. Well, after you upgrade, don’t sell your old monitor just yet! Instead, consider rocking a two-monitor setup. That way you can multitask! Your awesome new gmaing computer surely has enough RAM that you can do two things at once. Stuck in a hard section of a new game? Watch a step-by-step guide on your other screen. Chatting with friends in between boss fights? Use your second monitor! Some people just like throwing YouTube or Netflix up while they grind their favorite games. 

    Gaming Headset

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Gaming headsets are a must if you plan on chatting with your team. While some games don’t require them, nearly all games are made better by the surround sound quality of a gaming headset. Not to mention, your team will appreciate how clear your voice is thanks to your awesome mic! This is an expense worth undertaking if you take competitive team games seriously. 

    DualShock 4 Controller

    Photo Credit: Best Buy 

    This one probably seems a little out of place. After all, PC gamers are always talking about how awesome keyboard and mouse is! Well, keyboard and mouse controls are great for certain games. Real-time strategy games, first-person shooters and the like were really made to be controlled by keyboard and mouse. Some games were just made for use with a controller, though, and for those, you’ll want a real game pad. Many consider the DualShock 4 to be one of the greatest game pads ever, with its matte finish and ergonomic design. If you’re more inclined to Microsoft’s offset analog sticks, the Xbox One controller is also a fine choice! Both will work with minimal issue and a bit of setup on pretty much every game. 

    Gaming Mouse

     

    Photo Credit: Newegg 

    For those times when you need a mouse and keyboard control setup, though, you’re going to want the best. High DPI, performance gaming mice aren’t cheap, but you’ll know the difference right away. Sporting high-precision and buttons right on the mouse, these are the best way to play. You’ll find yourself skipping less pixels, aiming more precisely and binding common tasks to your mouse buttons. If you’re gaming seriously, you’ll want a serious mouse. 

    The Most Important PC Gaming Peripheral: Mechanical Keyboard

    Photo Credit: Newegg 

    If you intend to play video games from your PC, get a mechanical keyboard, full stop. It might sound absurd, but those loud, clunky keys are a revolution when you first use them. You won’t accidentally hit a key. You’ll know when you press down that your input was read. While they take a bit of getting used to, mechanical keyboards are the best for gaming. They’re not ideal for heavy typing, so keeping a traditional mesh keyboard around for typing tasks isn’t the worst idea. But aside from writing papers or turning in work, mechanical keyboards are the way to go. 

  • Top Ten Retro Consoles Millennials Will Never Forget

    Top Ten Retro Consoles Millennials Will Never Forget

    If you were a kid before the turn of the century, it’s pretty likely you played some console now considered retro. If you’re looking for a trip down memory lane, we’ve got you covered! Today, we’re rounding up the ten best retro consoles that you’re never going to forget! Did your favorite make the list? Read on! 

    10. Playstation 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    Sony’s first foray into the gaming industry was certainly a memorable one. The PlayStation, released in late 1995, promised to be a more mature, adult-friendly console than Nintendo’s N64. To be fair, in many ways, it was. Boasting games like Twisted Metal, Metal Gear Solid and Tomb Raider, the original Playstation solidified itself as a real competitor for Nintendo.  

    Notably, Nintendo’s N64 console opted to use cartridges, instead of CD’s, for storing games. However, this led to some developers, like Square Soft, opting to make games for the Playstation instead of the N64. For instance, the ground-breaking Final Fantasy VII, initially slated for an N64 release, went to the Playstation. This migration of third party developers would go on to really sting for Nintendo in the coming console generations.  

    9. Sega Dreamcast 

    Photo Credit: VG Chartz 

    The ill-fated Dreamcast remains a favorite of many gamers. It is largely considered one of the most-often forgotten retro consoles. The Dreamcast is largely remembered for being Sega’s last game console. Following a reasonable release, the Dreamcast lost ground to the Playstation 2. So, Sega decided to cut their losses and become a game publisher instead of a console manufacturer.  

    Yet Dreamcast had an eclectic library of unique games. While considered by many to be ahead of their time, many of these games are cult classics now. Jet Set Radio, Shenmue and Crazy Taxi are all considered to be examples of the interesting and new designs Sega was exploring. Also unique for the time was the Dreamcast’s built-in modem for supporting online play. However, due to the release of the PS2 and increasing competition in the industry, the Dreamcast was to be Sega’s last console.

    8. Game Boy Color 

    Photo Credit: Lukie Games 

    While the original Game Boy sold an absurd number of units, its successor is largely remembered by millennials as their first handheld console. The Game Boy Color boasted graphics in color (gasp!) on a handheld system, a first for Nintendo. Handheld versions of classic Nintendo series like the Legend of Zelda and Mario helped solidify the Game Boy Color as a must-have retro console. 

    A conversation about the Game Boy can’t leave out the juggernaut that is Pokemon. Originally a fun, cute little RPG about training little monsters became an international phenomenon. Millennials are united by their shared memory of how freaking huge Pokemon was. Between the card games, the cartoon and the video games, you couldn’t escape Pokemania. The first Pokemon Games were technically original Game Boy games, but Pokemon Yellow was a Color exclusive so we’ll count it. 

    7. Sega Saturn 

    Photo Credit: Wikipedia 

    The Saturn was created as a competitor to the then-aging Super Nintendo. Sporting more “mature” titles like Virtua Fighter and Panzer Dragoon, the Saturn tried to set itself apart from Nintendo. Well remembered for its faithful ports of many arcade fighting games, the Saturn was a must-have for fighting enthusiasts. 

    While the Saturn would go on to be eclipsed by the more powerful Playstation, it is still fondly remembered by many as home to many interesting games and great ports. In addition, notable non-fighting games on the system included Nights into Dreams, a trippy rail-shooter, and the blisteringly-hard Panzer Dragoon series. 

    6. Xbox 

    Photo Credit: Trusted Reviews 

    While consoles released after 2000 might not feel like retro consoles, they still fit the bill for this list. The original Xbox, released in 2001, marked Microsoft’s entry into the console wars. Buoyed considerably by the phenomenal Halo: Combat Evolved, the Xbox defined its niche as a serious-minded console. Sony’s Playstation 2 was viewed by many as a direct competitor with the Xbox, while Nintendo’s GameCube was somewhat relegated to “kiddy-console” status.  

    The Xbox is largely remembered for its humongous controller and as being something of a successor to the Sega Dreamcast. Sega released a sequel to Jet Set Radio, called Jet Set Radio Future, and another entry in the Panzer Dragoon series on the Xbox. However, Halo can’t be overstated: many millennials fondly remember LAN parties playing Halo. Additionally, when the sequel, Halo 2 was released, it pioneered Microsoft’s Xbox Live online service, showing a glimpse into the future of gaming.  

    5. Playstation 2 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    Sony’s successor to the Playstation would go on to become one of the best-selling consoles of all time. Home to countless incredible first- and third-party games, the Playstation 2 is considered by many a high-water mark for video games. From racing games to fighting games to first person shooters, the PS2 had something for absolutely everyone. Almost everyone had one of these things. Heck, they even played DVDs back in the days when DVD players were pretty expensive! 

    With a library encompassing Ratchet & Clank, Jak & Daxter, Sly Cooper, Shadow of the Colossus, Okami and numerous other masterpieces, it’s no wonder so many millennials remember this retro console.  

    4. GameCube 

    Photo Credit: Amazon 

    The successor to the N64, the GameCube was Nintendo’s first console to use an optical drive. For some inexplicable reason they chose to use mini-DVDs for storing games. This marked the second generation in a row that Nintendo chose to forego the industry standard for game storage. While the PS2 had countless games from 3rd party devevlopers, the GameCube is an example of how strong first-party support can make a console. Hence, beloved games like Wind Waker and Super Mario Sunshine helped the console prove its pedigree. 

    Yet as the console wars wore on in this generation, it became clear that Nintendo was moving more into their own space. While this allowed Sony and Microsoft to duke it out, Nintendo was making “purer” games, forgoing the flash and glitz of their competition. While this was met with mixed success, not all gamers loved it. Many found it refreshing that Nintendo stuck to their guns as a family-friendly developer. Others found this frustrating and longed for a more serious Nintendo.  

    3. Nintendo 64 

    Photo Credit: Venture Beat 

    How many strange decisions can a console manufacturer make and still create one of the greatest systems of all time? Let’s check the N64 to find out. Giant, three-pronged controller with odd button layout? Check. Uses cartridges instead of CDs for physical media? Check. Near-total lack of third-party support? Check.  

    Jokes aside, if you thought the GameCube got along on first-party support alone, the N64 is the poster child of the “Nintendo-machine” stereotype. However, Rare Games released game after awesome game in this era. For instance, Banjo Kazooie and Diddy Kong Racing are examples of Rare’s excellent design. However, nearly every other notable game was Nintendo-made. Pokemon Stadium, Ocarina of Time, Star Fox 64, the list goes on. 

    Rather than blemish its memory, however, this is one of the coolest retro consoles of them all, and it easily earns its high spot. 

    2. Game Boy Advance 

    Photo Credit: iFixit 

    If you’re a millennial there is a 95 percent chance you owned a GBA. This thing was huge. It’s far and away the best-selling console of all time, and for good reason. The GBA represented a renaissance of the 16-bit era, and developers were in rare form on the console. After spending a whole generation perfecting 16-bit design on the Super Nintendo, Nintendo’s developers were clearly poised to flex their design muscles. Therefore games like Metroid: Zero Mission, Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, Golden Sun are examples of some of the greatest games ever.

    In addition to introducing a whole generation of gamers to gaming in general, the GBA also had a great series of ports. Older games like Link to the Past and the NES Classics series introduced a ton of millennial gamers to an era they might have otherwise overlooked. Because of its ubiquity, it’s impossible to overstate just how popular and influential the GBA was. Most of all, the GBA is remembered as the greatest of the handheld retro consoles.

    The Best of the Retro Consoles: The Super Nintendo Entertainment System 

    Photo Credit: Retro Fixes 

    Nintendo easily swept the top half of this list, and it’s not hard to see why. Because the consoles they released in these eras were defining, helping usher tons of kids into the hobby. The Super Nintendo is the most impressive of them all. With a revolutionary controller layout that would go on to define every gamepad that followed and some seriously impressive hardware for the time, the SNES left its mark. 

    This generation served as a golden age for 2D-platforming and RPGs. Super Mario Land and Donkey Kong Country represent the very greatest of the former. Secret of Mana, Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy III are the prime examples of the latter. Other notable games, like Star Fox and F-Zero, showed off what the future of 3D games might end up looking like.  

    In retrospect, it’s incredible just how many mind-blowing games were on the SNES. Looking back, you can see the seeds for modern game design taking root for the first time in this era. The legacy of this generation lives on today in the design philosophy of all major studios. It also lives on forever in the memories of the kids who grew up playing these amazing games.  

  • These Tech Startups Are So Dumb You May Never Unroll Your Eyes

    These Tech Startups Are So Dumb You May Never Unroll Your Eyes

    The wide world of technology is rife with start-ups and venture capitals. Companies are all vying to be the next Apple, always pushing the envelope and redefining themselves. Or, at least, they’re trying to do these things. Sometimes they’re hit with the rough wake-up call that their ideas are just freaking weird, man. Sometimes that might be a good thing, and other times it’s… well, you’ll see. Check out the ten weird tech developments we could find. You won’t be disappointed, but the investors might! 
     
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    10. Rapt.fm 

    Photo Credit: Forbes 

    This one is odd yet endearing. Rapt.fm is a social platform dedicated to teaching people how to rap. And it has 50,000 users. Color me impressed! Now, this isn’t the odd part, rap is tremendously popular, and it makes sense that people would want to learn. The odd part is the venue the startup got their footing in.  

    The CEO, Erik Torenberg (catchy rap stage name), got the initial money for the platform in an unusual way. Originally, he and his team taught employees at businesses like Fathead, Chalkfly and Quicken Loans. What? Yeah, they were marketed as “team-building” exercises. Corporate America is weird, guys. Look no further than white-collar worker-turned-rapper Little Dicky to see more evidence of this. Textbook weird tech. 
     
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