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Best Streaming Services for TV and Movies

June 17, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

If you’ve been thinking about cutting the cord for your cable, there’s never been a better time. While the top players like Hulu and Netflix still reign supreme, many others are jumping into the market with their own offerings whether it’s original shows or resurrected shows that simply didn’t make it on prime time.

Of course, companies like Comcast and Verizon have jumped onto the bandwagon and now offer their own Internet TV app and streaming services, while HBO has made their HBO Now service even more appealing.

With so many options available, which one is right for you?

Netflix

Netflix might not have been the first to offer streaming services, but it definitely picked up the torch and ran with it. The basic streaming service is only $9.99 starting in May 2016, which sadly doesn’t include HD or multi-device options. They also offer a plethora of different options from blockbuster movies to Japanese anime. Of course since they rotate out older programming you might miss out on your chance to watch something if you wait too long.

One of the biggest draws of Netflix is its original shows from “House of Cards” to “Marvel’s Daredevil”. If you want to watch any of these, the only place you can catch it is on Netflix. You can watch Netflix on a variety of devices like Chromecast, Roku and of course your PC. There is no offline viewing available so you’ll always need a connection. If you want newer releases, you can always take part in their DVD rental service, but that will cost an additional $7.99.

Prime Videos

Previously only Amazon Prime members could access their movie and TV section. However, in April 2016, Amazon announced that non-Prime members could now sign up for Prime Videos for $8.99 a month. This provides access to all of the original shows like Transparent as well as older HBO shows. There are many titles available, although some you still need to rent or buy if you want to watch them – most notably the newer movies. If you’re looking for free shows, look for the Prime banner on the selections. One of the biggest advantages of Prime Videos is the ability to watch your shows offline (in case the airport doesn’t have good WiFi).

While cheaper than Netflix, at the moment it is still a better deal to simply purchase the $99 a year Prime membership as this still includes Prime Videos.

Hulu

While overshadowed by Netflix, Hulu actually offered streaming services a full year earlier in 2006. It still offers a handful of free titles, but you’ll need to pay $7.99 if you want to watch full seasons of current and older TV shows. This price point also includes some ads so if you don’t watch to have your shows interrupted by commercials you’ll need to pay $11.99 a month. Even those have ads in the beginning and end of the show. Although it is more expensive, the benefit of a Hulu subscription means instant access to the most recent TV shows airing at any moment.

HBO Now

HBO was the very first individual channel to offer streaming services with HBO Go. It wasn’t perfect, as it required a TV login to watch. Without concurrent stream restrictions, many HBO Go users also shared their login with friends and family to access the most recent shows. HBO Now builds off the success of Go and offers online-only streaming for $14.99 a month. You can watch shows a couple hours after they air on TV on your PC, tablet or TV player.

Sling TV

At $20 a month, Sling TV is by far the most expensive option, but it also offers live access to channels such as Food Network, CNN, ESPN and more. It also has a multi-stream option so you can watch on up to three different devices for an additional $20 a month. That means if you want the single and multi-stream options you would need to pay $40 a month. Why would you pay for both? Multi-stream currently does not support a few channels like ESPN, ESPN2 and the Disney Channel. It also does not allow you to pay the extra $5 for the sports add-on for 9 additional channels.

While many of these services are available in other countries, they might not offer the same amount of titles. Others might not even be accessible. For example, Prime Video is not available to foreign IPs. Netflix does offer international content, though the amount and types of titles differ by region.

So which streaming service is best for you? It depends on the kind of experience you want. If you want a TV experience, then Sling TV might be your best option. If you want great original shows and access to Blockbuster movies, however, then Netflix or Prime Videos might be the better option. Of course, you can also subscribe to multiple streaming options if you can’t decide.

Do you have any thoughts as to what is the best service? Which of the above do you use currently? Please leave a comment below and tell us what you think!

How to Watch the French Open Online

May 20, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

As one of the greatest tennis events of the years got underway this year, players and fans alike are preparing themselves to be a part of action. This year’s tournament is said to be a classic stand-off between rivals. Will Rafael Nadal hold his title or will his shaky recent performances prove too much to bring home the win? Is it going to be Federer that poses the most real threat or will Djokovic reign supreme? With so many questions to be answered, all that’s left now is to watch the games and see the results for ourselves. However, this could be easier said than done for a lot of people.

Regional Live Streaming

While the French Open is aired live on TV and is supposedly readily available online to be streamed at the same time, this is not the case for many people. This is because the French National TV Channels (France 1, 2 and 3) receive full control over the coverage, picking up the organic footage from all of the courts, before passing it onto licensed networks, including online services. To make matters even worse, for the first time ever, ESPN won’t be covering the 2016 event, making it even harder to find a source to watch. While French TV have their own online streaming services, this is no help for those of us trying to watch overseas, as the content is completely geo-blocked.

What Is Geo-blocking?

Geo-blocking is an extremely common practice where online content is restricted and censored based on geographical location. In some countries, this is due to political governance and laws around information, however, for the French Open, it’s merely a matter of licensing issues. The TV channels are only legally allowed to share material in certain jurisdictions. While this is obvious in terms of television, as channel signals can only be picked up in certain places, it’s a lot harder to monitor online. To get around this, companies use your IP address—which dictates to location of your device—to block you from websites and pages that show restricted content.

The Solution

Fortunately, there’s a remarkably easy way to get around this. A Virtual Private Network—regularly shortened to VPN—is something that most people have come across, but don’t really know anything about. However, this extremely handy software package is just the thing that you need in order to be able to watch the French Open, no matter where in the world you are. By simply downloading and installing it onto your computer and selecting your location as in France, or another region where to tournament is aired, you can access the online streaming sites and watch the games freely.

How Does It Work?

This works because the VPN hides your IP address dictating your device’s location. Instead, you take on the IP address of your selected VPN server by re-routing your connection to the internet via it. This means that, by choosing the right server, sites with geo-blocking restrictions can be easily fooled to think that your location falls into those who are allowed access.

Where Do I Get One?

There are endless VPNs available of varying quality, so before making your purchase, you need to decide what you’re looking for. While a free VPN is an obvious choice, the connection regularly drops out, meaning you could find yourself staring at a black screen at a crucial point in the play. They also never provide customer service, so if you have problems setting up or there are faults while it’s in use, there’s no way to resolve the issue. It’s also important that your chosen VPN offers a server in a country where the tournament is accessible. There’s no point putting money into something to find out that you’re still no closer to solving the problem. There are many detailed reviews online, so do your research before parting with your money.

The fact that the French Open is restricted in this way is disappointing. However, this simple solution means you’ll never have to miss out on the action. Once you’ve installed the app, simply log on to any of the sites streaming the tournament, and you’ll be good to go! Now all you have to decide is who you’re routing for to win.

5 Little-Known Shows To Binge Watch This Week

April 15, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

The way we watch television is changing. No longer can we be bothered with the hassle of waiting for new weekly episodes to be released. We want our entertainment now, readily watchable and all at the same time! If you’re like me, you’ve probably already binge-watched the majority of Netflix, Hulu and any other streaming site of your choice and are searching the depth of these services for unique and interesting programs to fill your evenings and weekends with. This list covers 5 of the best little-known shows that will more than fill your binge-watching needs.

Master Of None

This Netflix original series is a quirky look at life in New York for a young, aspiring Indian actor (played by Aziz Ansari) and his group as friends as he strives to find work and love while avoiding being typecast. It’s refreshingly honest, naturalistic and extremely sarcastic style of humor perfectly mirrors the disgruntled attitude of today’s youth as they try to swim the ever-changing tides of the modern economic and political climate. With the first season fully released and the second on its way, there are plenty of laughs to be had—if you can get over how depressingly accurate Aziz’s never-ending job hunt is. Definitely one to binge on once you’ve come home from a day in the rat race!

Narcos

Another Netflix original, and definitely one to get started on straight away, this creative retelling of the famous Pablo Escobar saga is just the right balance of action, adventure and historical relevance. It gives you an insight into Pablo’s ever-changing world as his life takes him from being Colombia’s Robin Hood to their most wanted criminal. Following the story from the point of view of his family, the Colombian government and two rebellious DEA agents, it addresses the question of what it really means to be the bad guy. With so much drama and suspense in each episode, there’s no way you won’t click “play next.”

Peaky Blinders

Originally released on the BBC, this cinematically spectacular series looks at life in a way is has never before been addressed on TV—through the eyes of illegal bookies in 1920’s Birmingham, England. A generation of men who’ve just returned from the scarring and brutal trench warfare in France, a place where the communists and IRA pose as much threat as the Germans had done on the battlefield years previously, the story is full of twists, turns and changes in allegiance. It follows protagonist Tommy Shelby, a war hero, and his family as their criminal outfit takes over the Birmingham streets and gives even the most esteemed police force a run for their money. With a storyline so gripping and a composition so visually stunning, you most certainly won’t be turning this one off after the first episode.

Departures

One for all the travel lovers out there, this series is the ultimate travel vlog. It was created by two Canadian adventures who left their full time jobs as film makers to travel the world and share their journey with anyone who will watch. From meeting village kings in Madagascar to surviving a whirlwind trip to the incredible Thailand, there are countless adventures to be had with the pair, and their open-minded and jovial narration style makes for a truly classic series. A true masterpiece for any vicarious traveler, if it doesn’t convince you to pack a bag and leave for your own adventures straight away, it’ll have you stuck to your couch watching in awe.

Orphan Black

The Canadian science fiction thriller has been gaining fans at light speed. Looking at the moral and ethical questions surrounding cloning, it takes place in a future dystopia where these controversial practices have become commonplace. Following the story of main character, Sarah Manning, who assumes someone else’s identity after witnessing a traumatic event, its quick-paced and nail-biting action and adventures make it the ideal watch for horror and thriller lovers everywhere. As Sarah finds herself deep in a world she didn’t know existed, she discovers the secret to the origin of the clones, and from then on, she becomes a wanted person by a number of terrifying and controversial factions. If this doesn’t demand a binge-watch, then nothing does!

Do you have a favorite show that you binge-watch regularly? Is there something that deserves to be on this list that isn’t? Be sure to leave a comment below to let me know what you think.

8 Future NBA Stars En Route to the Final Four

April 1, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

As April begins, we are coming up on the beginning of the end of March Madness, and things in the college basketball world are only going to get hotter from the friction of the tournament’s most stand-out players. As you’re hanging on the edge of your seats waiting to see how the tournament turns out, consider which of the college players you’re watching might be the next Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan. Are you up to the challenge of broadcasting your predictions? Let us know in the comments section who you think is going to the NBA!

Everyone has their predictions for the winner, but in the end, the numbers don’t lie. Here’s a fact you may not know: it might sound superstitious, but historically speaking, “burger boys” tend to determine the outcome of the entire tournament. Since the McDonald’s All-American Game became a national phenomenon in 1978, only two teams have claimed a national title without having a “burger boy” on their roster.

The “burger boys” participating in this year’s Final Four include Joel Berry II (North Carolina), Theo Pinson (North Carolina), Kennedy Meeks (North Carolina), Isaiah Hicks (North Carolina), Justin Jackson (North Carolina), Marcus Paige (North Carolina), DaJuan Coleman (Syracuse), Malachi Richardson (Syracuse), and Jalen Brunson (Villanova). Oklahoma has an Oscar Robertson Player of the Year in Buddy Hield, but no “burger boys.” Will they pull an upset and be the third team burger-boy-free team to win, or are they doomed from the start?

We’ll look at some “burger boys” in the list below, but just as one player doesn’t win a title, obviously one award is not going to determine who from the Final Four is going to be the next NBA star. Let’s take a comprehensive look at each of the best players from the four teams and why they might be a great draft pick for next year’s NBA season.

Kris Jenkins

Kris Jenkins, the forward for the Villanova Wildcats, is great on offense, but he’s also a real team player and doesn’t hog the court. While he started out as a defensive liability, he has drastically improved over his college career into a talented three-point shooter and the most unstoppable force on the Wildcats.

He won the Most Outstanding Player at the South Regional and scored 31 points in a win over DePaul. He was named to the All-Tournament Team when he averaged 19.7 points per game in the Big East Tournament. In the Elite Eight, he guarded Kansas forward Perry Ellis and prevented him from scoring multiple baskets, helping his team nab a place in the Final Four.

Buddy Hield

Buddy Hield, guard of the Oklahoma Sooners, made it onto the Naismith College Player of the Year pre-season watch list this year, and the rest of his senior season did not disappoint.

As a freshman, he received the Most Inspirational Award and established himself as a talented high-volume three-point shooter. Despite being a potential 2015 NBA Draft selection, he stayed in college for his senior year, receiving additional honors as Big 12 Conference Men’s Basketball Player of the Year. If the NBA was having second thoughts about Hield, this season definitely cemented him as an NBA pick.

He’s always been talented, but this year he graduated from a gifted shooter to a well-rounded NBA pick. After Hield scored 33 point on the Bluejays, Creighton coach Greg McDermott said, according to Cliff Brunt of the Associate Press, “Last year, he was a shooter. This year he’s a basketball player. He’s going to be wearing an NBA uniform next year.”

Brice Johnson

This year, power forward Brice Johnson was unanimously chosen for the Associated Press All-America Team for 2015-2016. Coach Roy Williams’ relentless tough love has finally made a tangible difference in his college career. You can see the evidence every time he beats his own records by a landslide, as he did against Syracuse earlier this season: he went from no more than four assists per game to eight assists in a single game.

He’s also a star on the team. Brice Johnson is the first Tar Heels player in more than fifty years to score more than 39 points and achieve 23 rebounds in one game. He also set the school’s record for the most double-doubles in a season.

He might be a little over-emotional in response to the ups and downs of the game, but Brice Johnson is learning to channel it into his game instead of letting it distract him. He is truly shaping up into a star.

Joel Berry II

Despite an injury in his freshman year, point guard Joel Berry II helped the Tar Heels get to the Atlantic Coast Conference as a sophomore and came away as Most Valuable Player. The same year he became the first sophomore to win Florida Mr. Basketball.

Much of his success has come from his association with adoptive brother and fellow college basketball player Nate Britt, but in his college career, he has blossomed into an intimidating player in his own right.

Ryan Arcidiacono

Villanova’s point guard Ryan Arcidiacono was pegged as a success from his freshman year, despite being unable to play in his high school senior year of basketball because of a herniated disk in his back. He was named to the Big East Conference’s All-Rookie Team. As a junior, he was one of the winners of the conference’s Player of the Year award. This year he’s been a consistent asset to the team and is one of the primary reasons they’ve made it this far in the tournament.

Michael Gbinije

Michael Gbinije, small forward for the Syracuse Orange, played for Duke for a season before he transferred to Syracuse and then sat out for a season. However, this didn’t stop him, and he’s become one of the Orange’s best players. He’s also played for his father’s home country, Nigeria, on an international level. This year, he’s the number one three-point shooter in the ACC.

Syracuse is the first ever number ten seed to make it to the Final Four, so maybe Michael Gbinije can help carry the team to an outstanding upset.

Marcus Paige

Point guard Marcus Paige of the Tar Heels has been receiving awards and honors since high school, including Iowa Mr. Basketball, McDonald’s All-American, the ACC All-Academic Team, the Freshman All-American Team, ACC Most Improved Player and ACC Pre-Season Player of the Year. He has had some slumps, sometimes because of injuries and sometimes because of the intense pressure he puts on himself to succeed, but he’s come out on top.

He was particularly unstoppable during March Madness this year, and a good part of the reason that the team made it there in the first place.

Malachi Richardson

Forward Malachi Richardson of the Syracuse Orange has had an amazing freshman season, making several great plays to help his team make the Final Four. He was rated highly in the 2015 draft class at number twelve, and continues to be a great shooter with an impressive range.

Don’t forget to come back to see how well these predictions pan out. Leave us your thoughts in the comments below!

Movie Review – Batman vs. Superman: The Dawn of Justice

March 25, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

The year 2016 will see a lot of superheroes clash against one another both in the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) as well as the DCCU (DC Cinematic Universe). We all know Marvel has made billions by pitting superheroes and supervillains against each other on the big screen. DC is hoping to do something similar with their first movie of this scale, planning on laying the groundwork for many sequels and characters from the comic books.

Note that there are spoilers in this review, so if you haven’t seen it here is your warning!

A Substantial Movie

With “Batman v Superman: The Dawn of Justice”, Zack Snyder is simply trying to repeat his “superhero with a dark side” formula that he has previously used in “Watchmen” and “Man of Steel”. Unfortunately, and not so surprisingly, it failed to impress some but to others it was symbolic. It certainly had the action to make it entertaining. There are some flaws, but it was fundamentally an alright movie.

Lack of Priorities

This is a movie that is determined on creating a spectacle using two superheroes without giving much thought to the characters or their motivations. It is less about the clash of ideology and more about fighting spirits being played by the hands of Lex Luthor.

Jesse Eisenberg played the character interesting, taking a more modern spin on the character. Some will hate the performance because it is not what they’re accustomed to, but those with an open mind might be impressed.

The Dream Sequences

How many dream sequences can one movie handle? How many dream sequences can the audience handle? The limits were tested in this film.

We understand DC is going to hit us with movie after movie starring various characters is has just forced upon us. MCU took it slowly; they took their time to build up character and individual personality. These dream sequences just felt forced and unnecessary by comparison. Some more thoughtful building of the world would have been appreciated.

Kryptonian Ship Chooses Lex Luthor

So Lex Luthor is the new master of the Kryptonian ship. Why? Because the ship chooses him to be “The One”. This was a ridiculous scene. The US government just allows Luthor access to General Zod’s body and the Kryptonian ship with unfiltered access? No oversight? That is preposterous. The US government is pathetic now by this point in the film, but this was just over the top.

Lois Lane was Badly Done

Lois Lane “is not a lady. She is a journalist.” If you memorize this line, it will probably make more sense out of the fact that she is able to appear everywhere almost magically. Her character is confusing since she is always playing a damsel in distress. This seems to conflict with her previous characterization. This goes back to Man of Steel. Amy Adams should not have been chosen to play this role.

How about someone else? Odette Annable? Snyder made a big mistake here.

Final Thoughts

Dawn of Justice may have jumped the gun here in trying to catch up with its competitors in the MCU, but the movie was still an action packed blockbuster like you would expect. If you throw hundreds of millions of dollars at a movie, something will have to stick.

DCCU has some incredible characters and most likely they will be able to bank on them for years to come. Another thing to not forget is that Ben Affleck did not ruin this movie or Batman like he was expected by some to do. You have to be happy about that!

I’d recommend that you just hold off for now and watch it on Netflix during your vacation or while waiting for your layover. It’s a spectacle, but I’m not certain if it’s worth the ticket price.

Are there any other thoughts you have about the movie? Do you agree or disagree with the above review? If so, please leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

What Will the Biggest Games of 2016 Show Us About the Industry?

March 18, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

Gaming is all about the future, and the industry is still new and innovative. It has to be, given the constant competition in the market. Old consoles will give way to new ones, and PC games will always try to push the envelope in terms of online features and graphics to match the improved computer technology concurrently being released.

Yet we’re seeing some new directions in the industry as innovate technologies allow developers to do standard things for a reduced cost (allowing for indie developers to make outstanding work with a skeleton crew) and try out new things (such as what we’re seeing with motion sensor technology already). Some titles on the horizon are already getting us hyped up to spend our gaming budgets on the latest tech.

Here are some of the things we can expect from the coming months and what we can figure out so far:

Virtual Reality

The Oculus Rift will no longer be the only realistic player on the market now that the HTC Vive is starting to gain traction and public awareness. It promises to provide a more stable and intuitive experience with its interesting control design. Yet it also appears to be only available to the wealthy subsection of the gaming market at a price of $800 (assuming you can get one). Yet now developers will be able to focus on VR content and bring immersion to the next level, and it will be exciting to see what bright minds in the field will be able to do with this new technology.

No Man’s Sky

One of most universally anticipated titles of last year is No Man’s Sky, a procedurally generated exploration game that puts you in the cockpit of your spaceship and sends you off to explore things that have never been seen before. The universe will effectively be infinite, allowing you to play for hours on end without repetition to what the world will bring you. Combine that with a sandbox feel and gamers will have their very own playground to share with others still. We’ve seen procedural generation before in games, but nothing on this massive scale. How will this titan affect the gameplay of future titles to come?

Lots of Indie Titles

While big studios have captured a lot of the console market, the state of indie gaming has never been better as titles like Stardew Valley and Superhot are making waves in the gaming world. It is now possible for developers to gain funding through methods such as Kickstarter or Steam Greenlight. Early Access is become a commonplace item. Yet will this mean that gamers will constantly be playing games before they are complete? What happens when indie developers hit it big and are able to expand? The next year will be sure to hold at least some answers.

Battleborn, Paragon and Overwatch

The online battle arena market is still strong with games such as Heroes of the Storm and League of Legends taking point, but the genre is now starting to get crossed and multiplayer gaming might get changed as a result. Battleborn is a FPS with a colorful art style that adds in a cast of interesting characters and some MOBA gameplay mechanics. Paragon is a MOBA that allows for a more direct control of your online avatar. Overwatch is Blizzard’s latest massive-scale effort that has a full cast of heroes (all of whom play differently) inhabiting a FPS game, and the closed beta is already getting heaps of attention (and some controversy).

All of this points to a trend that players are perhaps getting bored with the standard formula and are looking for the next big thing in multiplayer gaming. Will these titles satisfy the world’s population of gamers?

Clearly there are additional anticipated games than those above coming out this year, and we’d love to hear your thoughts about some of the excitement to come. Do you think the industry is heading down a new path? Do you think that this is a natural progression from what the industry was like last year? Please leave a comment below and tell us what you think.

Up and Coming YouTube Personalities to Follow Right Now

January 8, 2016 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

Times are changing; the stars we look up to and are inspired by are no longer trapped inside the big screen at the cinema. The next generation of celebrities—as we have already seen—are becoming so from the comfort of their own home. Social media is cutting out the middleman and putting the stars of tomorrow right onto our computer screens. We can interact, get to know and understand these people like never before. YouTube celebrities have become a massive deal in recent years as the likes of Zoella, PewDiePie and The Fine Bros have shot to notoriety using only the platform.

Now, as we move into 2016, a whole new generation of YouTube stars are on the rise. Whether it’s makeup tutorials, game commentary or sketched comedy, there’s so much potential talent to tap into that it’s sometimes hard to find the very best. Fortunately, this list covers five of the very best YouTube channels that are definitely going to be ones to watch over the coming year.

Bretman Rock

Beauty Vlogs have become extremely common practice on YouTube, and I’m sure it’s not just me who thinks the market is starting to become somewhat oversaturated. Fortunately, Bretman Rock is a unique and refreshing addition to the mix that will leave you in stitches while still teaching you to do the perfect winged liner.

After rising to fame via his “How to Contour” video, which took the world by storm with it’s quick and quirky jokes and flamboyant delivery, Bretman has gone on to produce a number of different beauty videos covering all aspects of makeup skills, alongside a few talking vlogs, all in his wonderfully fabulous and unique style.

With over 600,000 subscribers and many other followers on other platforms such as Instagram and Twitter, his charming style has truly captured the hearts of many and that only seems to increase over the course of the coming year. Whether you love makeup, or are just watching for the entertainment, Bretman Rock is definitely a YouTube all rounder who is well, and truly, sickening!

Justin Flom

Alongside the vlogs and hauls and beauty tips, YouTube has begun to nurture another type of star. Many, many talented performers have found the platform instrumental in sharing their skills with the world. It allows singers, dancers, musicians and artists—and in this case, magicians—to show just how good they are at doing what they love.

Justin Flom has been growing in popularity since his appearance on Ellen just over three years ago catapulted him into the public eye. His truly individual, and occasionally grotesque, tricks bring magic to a whole new level and give most professional performers a run for their money.

His videos are a selection of performances to the camera and the reactions of stunned crowds in street shows, and his charismatic ways and perfected sleight of hand will leave any viewer stunned. It’s clear that Justin is going to carry on doing great and spectacular things, so subscribe to him now and wait eagerly for all that is to come!

High On Life

Another ever increasingly popular sub-genre on YouTube is the travel section. The High On Life crew are a perfect example of how, with enough funding, the sky is your limit. If it’s awesome and you’re not sure that you’d be able to afford it, they’ve probably done it.

However, despite their high-tech video equipment and apparent endless supply of money for gas, plane tickets and ropes to throw themselves off things with, the message of the videos continue to ring true: it’s about the experience. The sleek production quality, beautiful videography, epic locations and uncountable back-somersaults make for endless inspirational posts about how the only thing that really matters is living your life.

The group even address how money isn’t important in order to travel and enjoy yourself and their poetic explanations of how to seek happiness are enough to make anyone want to jet off and never come back. These guys are doing big things already, so who knows what the next 365 days could bring.

TheThirdPew

Another comedy king is upon us in the form of Nathan Zed A.K.A. TheThirdPew. His hilarious social commentaries hit on real issues, and his friendly, moral and down to earth views make him easily one of the most likeable guys on the platform.

His rise to fame came from a video response he did to the notorious Nash Grier video “What Guys Look for in Girls.” Thankfully, Nathan put the fellow YouTuber firmly in his place, pointing out that his comments were not only derogatory, but also extremely contradictory and insulting to the majority of his fan base.

Since then he’s released many, many amusing summaries on topics that we can all understand and appreciate. He prides himself on quirky and relatable content, and it’s most certainly true that viewers can’t get enough of him! A true online personality and YouTube star, we predict that this guy’s just going to keep getting bigger and bigger.

Infinite Waters (Diving Deep)

There are many, many channels that live in the depth of YouTube that are truly unique and individual, and this is most definitely one of those. However, as the vegan YouTube culture has exploded with the likes of Freelee the Banana Girl and Deliciously Ella, Ralph Smart’s brilliant channel has also been brought into the limelight.

A proud vegan, although not a pushy one, Ralph combines his numerous talents as a psychologist, counselor, alchemist and cinematographer to create inspirational videos with a twist. While his roots are clearly deep into the spirituality and metaphysical realms, his comical and quirky delivery and sound advice make this channel a perfect stop for any YouTube fan. Before you know it you’ll be finding yourself “breathing in that good-ass prana” and asking “can I get a hello there?!”

Are there any other channels that you feel deserve to be on this list? Be sure to share and leave a comment below!

Netflix Nightmare: Answers to Your FAQ’s

October 2, 2015 // by Isa// 1 Comment

Don’t get me the wrong impression, Netflix is great. Millions of people have voted with their dollar that the service is worth it and that their service is on the whole a better experience than competitors. That being said, there can be some frustrating or confusing issues that come up when using the service. It could be hard to get a constant stream, and some people might rightfully be concerned about their privacy and security.

You shouldn’t let some of the most common concerns prevent you from taking advantage of the future. So we’ve asked some people for questions and looked online for some of the most common queries regarding Netflix. Here are some thoughts regarding the most common topics brought up:

Is Using Netflix Safe?

As a general rule, absolutely. Netflix takes its security very seriously. It knows that it would lose a great number of customers and potential customers should it become the victim of a major data breach. They likely have a cybersecurity team or firm working around the clock to make sure you don’t have to worry about anything while you sit down and chill.

You still should absolutely do what you can on your end to make sure your account is safe. Don’t share your password with anyone else. Make sure to use the proper verification measures. Your personal information is still linked to your account, and you don’t want that info spreading through cybercriminal circles.

I Want to Watch Netflix When I Travel. What Should I Do?

One of the largest problems for people who are traveling frequently yet love Netflix is that the service is typically geo-blocked outside of the United States. There aren’t many other streaming options that operate at the same level around the world, so people often find themselves out of luck.

One of the most common answers these days is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to help you access Netflix regardless of your physical location. A VPN is a service that connects your device (smartphone or laptop) to an offsite secure server and then proceeds to encrypt that connection, also protecting you and your account on any public networks you might use. So long as you set the VPN to a region within the United States, you shouldn’t have any difficulties.

Is There Any Way to Get My Stolen Account Back?

The first thing to do is to change your password if you can to see if you can block off further access to any thieves. If you are having trouble getting into your account in the first place, you might need to go through the process to reset your password and other account information. In the event that you are having trouble with your email address, you will likely need to directly contact Netflix customer support and possibly your credit card provider.

Also, you will want to go to your account page as soon as you possibly can and select the option to sign out of all devices. It will usually lock the hackers out, and all you will need to do is sign in or register with your devices again. It’s a small cost of time for peace of mind.

How Do I Stop All of This Stupid Buffering?

Unfortunately, this one doesn’t have an easy answer. It could very well be that the connection you are using to watch Netflix in HD isn’t sufficient. You should try to have at least a 5 Mbps connection if you don’t want to have issues. If you do have that kind of connection, it might be worth checking your computer or network to see if there are any other factors inhibiting the connection.

On the other hand, it could be something on Netflix’s end. If you are experiencing buffering, first try to refresh the page. If your internet is working fine everywhere else, note that sometimes Netflix has peak times and their servers might not be able to handle the load. At this point, there’s very little you can do except come back later or try to bear the burden of buffering.

Is There Any Way to Extend the Free Trial?

Unless you want to try making multiple accounts (each with their own set of credit card info), no. Any other methods are impractical or illegal. As a general rule, it is always good to financially support services which you take enjoyment from and would normally pay for. If you want to take advantage of your account preferences and content rating after 30 days, there’s no real method to extend your free trial.

Do you have any other questions about Netflix that you want answers to? Are there any problems your friends have all the time? How do these problems make you feel about the general state of Netflix and whether you’d want to switch over to another service? Please leave a comment or question below and we’d be happy to continue this conversation.

How to Read Your Favorite Comic Books Online

July 10, 2015 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

Sometimes it may be hard to find some of your favorite comic books locally and perhaps you really don’t have the space for them or the cash to spare at the moment. Luckily, finding them online is possible! Whether it’s Marvel comics you’re looking for or some manga from abroad, the internet has you covered.

However, it can be quite risky to go searching around the internet for just about anything, especially if you don’t know where to look or how to protect your computer in the process. Before you set out on your venture, ensure the security of your data by using an anti-virus program and a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN service allows you to unblock websites, safely surf the net over public WiFi, and anonymize your internet experience while also protecting your device from malware.

There are several different websites where you can read your favorite comic books online, many of which may not be well-known or particularly trustworthy. But now that you’re aware of how to protect your device, here are a few places you can find some of your favorite comic books available for your enjoyment 24/7.

Hello Comic!

If what you fancy is Marvel or DC Comics, Hello Comic! has just about the best selection of comic books for you. With ongoing updates and a huge list of comics available on their site, Hello Comic! offers high quality scans of a ton of great comics. The best thing is, all of their content is entirely free.

Walking Dead fans, you might want to make your way over to their page, as they have two pages worth of issues of the The Walking Dead right now and more to come.

Crunchyroll

Though a monthly fee of $6.95 applies, Crunchyroll is well worth it. Not only does Crunchyroll have a selection of manga to choose from, but shows as well. Like Hello Comic!, Crunchyroll also features regular updates, allowing you to stay current with some of your favorites.

The only downside is that the manga section is fairly limited in what titles are offered. However, Crunchyroll is still a great choice since they also feature a good amount of shows to choose from and you can even browse through it on your game consoles, such as the Wii U or Playstation 4. Forums, news, and an online store is also available.

GetComics.info

If you prefer to download comics instead of viewing them on the website itself, GetComics.info is the page for you! GetComics.info offers a wide selection of comics, including several from both DC and Marvel. They also have a variety of comics by other publishers, such as Dark Horse.

GetComics.info offers all of their comic books for free and even allows you to request specific ones if you choose. Their search feature on their site also makes it simple to find what you’re looking for. Just be sure that you have your security software in use when visiting their page, as all of their comics are available for download only and you will need a specific app in order to view them.

MyManga

For the manga lovers, MyManga is an appealing choice. Featuring a huge selection of manga titles and even new releases, MyManga offers something for just about everyone. There are no downloads required and on their website you can easily flip through the pages of each manga by using the arrow keys on your keyboard.

If you don’t have much time to spare, you can quickly find your favorite manga by using the search bar on MyManga’s page. And if you’re looking for something new or want to check out some of the most popular manga, it’s simple to do so. One unique feature of this webpage is that you can create a My Manga List, which will allow you to keep track of what you’re reading.

Read Away!

Keeping up to date with your favorite comics (manga included) doesn’t always have to cost you an arm and a leg. Of course it’s always nicer to have a physical copy, but for those times when you really can’t spare the extra cash or clear up any shelf space to fit any new additions, reading them online is a nice alternative. Let’s keep in mind too, that certain comics are really hard to come by and you might get lucky and find that rare issue on one of the websites mentioned.

Whatever your reason for seeking ways to read your favorite comic books online, always remember to protect your device before you begin visiting any new websites or downloading comics. You’ll be thankful that you did!

What are some of your favorite comic books and have you been able to find them available to read online? Let us know in the comments section.

How to Stay Safe When Online Gaming

May 6, 2015 // by Isa// Leave a Comment

Online gaming was blown wide open a few years ago when it captured mainstream audience’s attention through its marriage with social media. As Farmville and Candy Crush partnered up with Facebook, millions of people let the dishes pile up and the grass grow waist high as they got sucked into these virtual worlds.

Of course, online gaming is nothing new, and the interactive gameplay that the internet offers has connected users from all walks of life, all around the world. PC gaming, mobile gaming and even online play through consoles has turned what was once a solitary experience into a social competition, where players can challenge ten-year-old gurus in the UK.

With so much connectivity undoubtedly comes a higher risk for security. Like sharing toys on the playground, your system runs a much higher risk of being compromised when sharing a connection with other gamers. Don’t worry, no need to put down the iPad and get productive. With a little diligence, and plenty of common sense, you can shore up your security and give yourself some peace of mind while you annihilate the enemy in Call of Duty.

Beware of Public Networks

This goes for anything you do online; avoid using public WiFi networks whenever possible. Sure, they’re convenient, and there’s nothing better than chowing down on some wings and beer while you dominate in WoW. However, without taking plenty of security precautions, these places are total hotbeds of hacker activity.

Open public networks provide snoops with plenty of opportunities to swipe your login information, or worse, your credit card number. Private, secured networks offer a closed connection with only authorized users, in theory keeping people you don’t know or trust off of your network.

Only Use Legitimate Sites and Platforms

This one should go without saying, but really, it doesn’t. So many people fall into the trap of downloading what they think is a new game, only to discover too late that it’s a malware-filled, phishing pile of junk.

Many scammer websites exist, often promoting bogus software and games designed to trick you into downloading a malware file. Don’t fall for it. Once you have these files on your device, they are incredibly difficult to get rid of, and wreak havoc with pervasive adware and phishing that can swipe your personal information before you know what hit you.

The moral of the story here? Only download games, or anything really, from trusted, secure websites. Look for a padlock icon next to the URL of any site you visit, and make sure that anywhere you’re required to enter personal or payment information for gameplay has at least an https:// address so that your information will be encrypted on its way to their servers.

Check Your Security Settings

Okay, let’s be honest, have you ever even SEEN your sharing settings? While online gaming is all about sharing in the glory of victory and the shame of defeat, it’s not all about sharing your files and everything else. The thing is, if you haven’t checked your security settings, chances are your device is readily allowing other users on public networks to peek at your files.

Whether you’re gaming on a PC or a smartphone, go into your security settings and make sure that your firewall is up and running, and that your sharing settings are set to where you’d like your privacy to be (otherwise, none of your business). Public file sharing, device sharing and network discovery are some big ones. Check ‘em, and make sure your device is airtight.

Use Additional Privacy Software

Chances are, you’re still going to game on public networks. Hey, I don’t blame you. But do yourself a favor, and at least install a Virtual Private Network (VPN) first. They are simple software programs that encrypt your data in a secure tunnel through the internet. Since your information is being sent to a gaming server, a VPN will give it an added layer of security.

Even better, as any gamer in China or the UAE will tell you, there’s a ton of internet censorship and content restriction that goes on around the world. Not only will using a VPN keep prying eyes off your connection, but it will open up your access to any content you want by routing you to a server in a country of your choice, thanks to their IP address blocking technology. You’ll have a totally anonymous and secure connection, all in one neat little software bundle.

Don’t Be a Statistic

Online gaming gets a bad rap with worried parents because of the inherent vulnerabilities in that type of connection. While it’s incredible that we can meet and interact with people from anywhere in the world, it’s also incredibly risky to our personal information.

Don’t play with fire, and don’t assume that your information is safe. Sharing in the adrenaline of the game can also mean sharing a connection with someone who is only after your personal information. Use that strategizing brain of yours, and play it safe. Avoid public networks whenever possible, keep a tight lid on your security settings, and use a VPN if a free WiFi hotspot is just too enticing.