Saturday, September 28, 2013

Modern Family The Complete Fourth Season on Blu-ray review


*The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*
The laughs — and the awards — just keep on coming for the #1-rated Modern Family, winner of three consecutive Emmy® Awards for Outstanding Comedy Series! With Jay and Gloria’s baby on the way and Haley going off to college, the entire Pritchett/Dunphy clan faces some major surprises as they bicker and bond over house-flipping headaches, unwanted play dates, and everything from hot-tempered hormones to in utero karaoke. Featuring a stellar array of guest stars including Matthew Broderick, Shelley Long and Elizabeth Banks, Season Four takes a heartfelt and laugh-out-loud hilarious look at what it means to be a Modern Family. 


Special Features:
Deleted and Alternate Scenes
Commentary on “Party Crasher”
Commentary on “Fulgencio”
An Addition to the Family
A Day with Eric


Commentary on “Career Day”
Commentary on “Goodnight Gracie”
A Modern Guide to Parenting
Modern Family Writers
Gag Reel



MY REVIEW

I am very picky when it comes to comedy and there isn't many comedy show I will watch but I love Modern Family. It is one of the few comedy shows I can stand and that really makes me laugh.  I love the acting and it isn't like they are trying too hard to make people laugh.

I loved the features on this Blu-ray.  If you buy it I highly recommend you watch the features as well.

You can purchase this on Blu-ray and DVD now in stores

Sports as Entertainment

Entertainment is an activity that holds the interest and attention of an audience at the same time giving delight and pleasure. These activities or events have developed through the years with the objective in mind of keeping an audience's attention. Since individuals have different preferences in entertainment, people's attention is held by different things. Most forms of entertainment are common and familiar like, music, drama, dance, storytelling and different kinds of performances existing in all cultures. Sports have found their way in the field of entertainment as promoted by media and sports organizers in almost all countries of the world.

The Audience

Entertainment evolves and can be made to suit any scale, ranging from an individual who wants a private entertainment from a collection of pre-recorded products; to live performances developed for thousands; and even for a worldwide audience. An important factor of entertainment is the audience, which turns a private recreation or leisure activity into entertainment. The audience may be passive as in those watching an opera, a play, a television show, or a movie. Likewise, the audience may be active, as in games, where the audience takes part in the routine.

Games are played sometimes for entertainment at other times for achievement or reward. These games can be played alone or in teams; online by professionals or amateurs. The players may have an audience of non-players, such as when people are entertained by watching a chess championship or in the case of boxing when public utility drivers pull over and stop at the road side just to watch Manny Pacquiao punch his opponent or himself getting punched.

On the other hand, players in a game may constitute their own audience as they take their turn to play. Often, part of the entertainment for children playing a game is deciding who will be the player and who will be part of the audience. The game of billiards has its players taking turns in putting billiards balls into the pockets of the billiard table. This game is also seen by an audience and it is entertaining. There are times billiard games and championships at that are held in malls so many people can watch. Others watch from their homes through televisions or the internet.

Equipments      

Equipment varies with the game being played. Board games, such as Monopoly, Chess, or Scrabble need a board and markers. One of the oldest board games ever known is Senet, a game enjoyed by the people in Ancient Egypt. The pharaoh Tutankhamun loved this game. Card games, such as poker and black jack have long been played as evening entertainment among family and friends. A deck of playing cards is all that is needed for this type of games. Bingo, played by many in malls and centers have been created to involve the participation of non-players via gambling. Cards and markers are also used in this type of game.

The list of ball games is quite extensive. It includes, for example, volleyball, badminton, basketball and many others using various types of balls. The options cater to a wide range of fitness and skills levels.



The Park Club are a fitness and health club based in West London. Follow them on Twitter.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Holiday Preview: Best Phones for the 2013 Season

With the holidays right around the corner, millions of teenagers and adults will be on the hunt for a new smartphone, an industry that seems to add another dozen devices to its marketplace with each growing week. BluePromoCode hand-picked through the selections and found the best devices to save on over the next few months.


iPhone 5S/iPhone 5C

With over nine million devices sold in the first week, there's no denying that the iPhone 5S and iPhone 5C are the kings of the smartphone world. And for good reason: the 5S's 64-bit processor, better camera aperture and two-tone flash set it heads and shoulders above its competition – and the Touch ID fingerprint that encrypts and locks an iPhone 5S, only accessible to you. For the smartphoner who wants the latest, greatest technology, this is an easy recommendation. The 5C essentially replaces the iPhone 5 in Apple's marketplace: built on similar specs as the 5, the 5C comes in a more manufacturer-friendly casing, and features a few tweaks and touches to set it apart from its predecessor (which Apple is removing from the rocket, leaving the 4S as its cheapest available retail option). Available in five different colors, the 5C is a perfect choice for the tech-savvy on a budget (just make sure to hit our Sprint coupon page before heading over).

Samsung Galaxy S4
5” AMOLED screen, 13 megapixel camera, 2GB of RAM... there's no denying the impressive specs of he Samsung Galaxy S4, currently the benchmark for all Android phones to strive for. The Jelly Bean-powered phone features some of the best tech in the industry: and although Android isn't an OS for everybody, the S4 is made for those who like a plethora of customization options and software tools at their disposal.


Moto X

Compact and powerful, the Moto X is a great option for consumers looking for a unique little smartphone that might lag behind its predecessors in some categories, but makes up for them with other great user-friendly features (like fantastic battery life and full Google Now voice integration). It's also one of the only smartphones to be assembled in the United States, allowing them to offer unique customization options straight from their Texas factory that other, Asian-based manufacturing facilities can't.

iPhone 5
Although it only spent a year in Apple's ecosystem, the iPhone 5 is still a ground-breaking device with an enlarged screen and a powerful A7 processor to take advantage of the new on-screen real estate. Combine it with the new, beautiful iOS 7 operating system, and the iPhone 5 remains one of the industry's best phones, even with the arrival of the 5S and 5C to the market. There are also incredible deals on this slightly older device.

Virgin Mobile Supreme
One of the most powerful no-contract phones in the world, the Virgin Mobile Supreme's 15mp camera and 1.5ghz processor powers an affordable Android device with many of the technological caveats of its big brothers in the industry. With a 5” HD screen and easy to setup Wi-Fi capabilities, the Supreme is the best phone available through Virgin Mobile, hands down.

Samsung Galaxy Victory
The Samsung Galaxy Victory is a nice mid-range device available only through Virgin Mobile. It doesn't have the camera, processor, or technical capabilities of its Galaxy counterparts – but it is still a powerful, 4” Android-powered device (not to mention the first 4G phone available through Virgin Mobile). The 5mp camera won't blow anyone away, but for those looking to jump into the smartphone game on the cheap, the Victory is a great choice – and with a Virgin Mobile coupon, is even more of an affordable option for shoppers.

By Allison Preston. Allison is an avid sports fan and an experienced writer with a passion for deals and coupons and for saving her readers money. She currently writes for leading coupon and online promo code site bluepromocode.com based in Santa Monica, California.

Become Your Own Barista and Save

When looking to tighten their budget, many people are advised to cut out unnecessary luxuries. These luxuries often include the morning latte grabbed on the way to work. It’s true that coffee shops can offer up hugely overpriced drinks, and your daily cappuccino could be adding up to a fair sum at the end of the month, especially if you’re often tempted to throw in flavoured syrups or make it a large for what seems like only a few pence extra. For many, however, their daily coffee is more necessity than luxury. Don’t lose all hope and turn to that awful cup of instant; learn how to be your own barista and make delicious drinks for yourself in the comfort of your own home.

It’s totally unnecessary to spend thousands on fancy equipment in order to make great coffee at home. Even a basic drip coffeemaker can brew up a decent cup, and small pump espresso machines which can make lattes as good as Starbucks are available online at very reasonable prices; certainly a solid investment given the potential savings you could accrue by making your own coffee. There's no point taking out payday loans to fund your coffee habit if you can make the same thing for 10% of the price at home. You have the option of either buying pre-ground coffee or beans and a grinder. Grinders are easy to find at cheap prices, but you may find pre-ground coffee quicker and more convenient if you’re going to be brewing up before work in the early hours. If you do choose to grind your own beans, be sure to grind them as finely as possible, as coarsely ground beans can make for watery and weak shots due to the water running through the press too quickly. The finer the grind, the stronger the flavour.

Follow some coffee aficionado tips to be sure that your cup tastes as good as the one you’d be ordering out. When it comes to storing your coffee, don’t be tempted to stick them in the fridge. The cold of the refrigerator will dry up the oils that keep the coffee tasting fresh and lose you some flavour. Instead, keep beans in an airtight container at room temperature, and make sure you use them as soon as possible for maximum taste. Mid-brew, stop and stir the grounds briefly; this will release more flavour and get the most out of your beans. Although leaving the coffee on the heat might seem logical, as you want to keep it hot, the taste will begin to be ruined if you leave it on the burner for too long, as chemicals are transformed into sour acids.

Experiment with flavours to create your favourite drink at home. If you’re a cinnamon fan, try adding a pinch to your grounds before you brew to give your cup an extra kick. This can be done with any spices that excite your taste buds, so play around to create the perfect customized cup. Mint leaves taste delicious in iced drinks and cost next to nothing to grow at home.

For many people, the pull into the big coffee chains comes with the promise of syrupy lattes with seasonal flavours as well as old favourites, be it vanilla, pumpkin or hazelnut. This can easily be achieved at home at a far lower cost. Syrups are available to buy online at really decent prices, on Amazon or from retailers selling primarily to coffee businesses. You can even buy the same syrups as in coffee shops; for instance Monin which is used by Costa. Shop around online to find the best price and you’ll save huge amounts when compared to the cost of adding syrups in a coffee shop. To get the measurements right, experiment with pumps until you find the right balance of flavour and sweetness for your drink to suit your taste preference. If your syrup doesn’t come with a built in pump, then just transfer the recommended pump amount to tablespoons, as this is usually roughly equivalent.

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A Very Scandalous Holiday by Nancy Fraser, Sophia Garrett, Amber Lin, Crista McHugh (ebook review)

*I received a free copy of this book for my honest review*






Erin’s Gift by Nancy Fraser

Chicago 1920

Widower, Seth Harrison, has no intention of falling in love again but will he be able to resist the sweetness of his son’s nanny, Erin O’Mara—his sister’s best friend?

An Eternity of You by Sophia Garrett

England 1833

The Duke of Sharrington left Rebecca with more than a broken heart six years ago—he left her with a son. His return rekindles their passion, but only a Christmas miracle will convince the town surgeon to believe in his promises of eternity again.

Letters at Christmas by Amber Lin

England, late Regency

After three years at sea, Captain Hale Prescott has the means to marry the love of his life and his best friend’s sister, Sidony Harbeck. However, she might never speak to him again. Despite their whispered adolescent promises, he never wrote her a single letter…at least, none he ever sent.

Eight Tiny Flames by Crista McHugh

1944 Ardennes, WWII

Lt. Ruth Mencher has always secretly admired Capt. Joseph Klein, but it takes the lighting of a Hanukkah candle to uncover the spark of mutual attraction. Each night awakens a new facet of their relationship, but as the Battle of the Bulge begins, the approaching Nazi forces threaten to tear them apart.



MY REVIEW

Well good thing I had nothing else to do the day I read this ebook because I just couldn't put it down. I loved each stories in this anthology. They are all very well written. I will very much look for other books by the authors of these stories.

I highly recommend this.

This eBook isn't out yet but it will be out on October 14th. You can pre-order now at amazon.com and amazon.ca.

5 out of 5

Thursday, September 26, 2013

WORK FROM HOME (Series #1) Call Center and Customer Service Jobs: Directory of Legitimate Jobs (Volume 1) by Chantal Riel


*I received a free copy of this ebook for my honest review*




Looking for a better way to Work From Home? Don't know where to start, or where to look for the Best Scam Free Jobs? Tired of being SCAMED and getting little or no money? Don't know who to trust anymore? THEN THIS IS IT...In this book I will advise you as to How you can start Working From Home. I will give you ways to avoid scams, what you need to start, and how you can find legitimate Work at Home Jobs. Believe me it all depends on what you’re willing to do, anything is possible. Since there are so many sites and so many types of Work at Home Jobs, this will be the first of a series of 5 books. This series of Books will also save you time and money. Believe me I've been there and have done my share of working the 9 to 5 way, and Working at Home. Now I've decided to become a writer, since I have so much to say and offer. Being able to Work from Home also saves; •Gas Money, and whatever other transport method used!! •Clothing to stay in Fashion at the Office!! •More Flexibility to be available at Home if an emergency arises!! •Pick you own schedule! •Work at Home Expenses are tax deductable!! •The savings are endless….. The following Books in this Series will be; •WORK FROM HOME (Series #2) – Accounting and Administration, and VA Jobs •WORK FROM HOME (Series #3) – Writing and Editing, Proofreading Jobs •WORK FROM HOME (Series # 4) – Translators and Consulting, Coaching Jobs •WORK FROM HOME (Series # 5)- Business Opportunities, Online Jobs, and Everything else. Look out for the others coming out soon, I hope, since every site put in are all verified, and there are Jobs from these site that are continually available. Start with this one; I'm sure you won't be disappointed. Enjoy, and Good Luck!!!!

MY REVIEW


This is not a kind of book I would usually read but I had like to sometimes get out of my comfort zone and read different things.

Are you interested in a work from home job? Chantal Riel tells you what she has learned during her many years of Work From Home jobs.

This book is very informative and has a bunch of links of companies you can work for and Chantal tells you what you might need and what to expect with these kind of jobs.

I did know a lot of what she wrote because I have done research of this a couple of years ago but I did learn a few new things.

If you are looking for work from home, I think you will find this book very interesting.

You can purchase this at amazon.ca , amazon.com and Barnes and Noble

I give this 4 out of 5

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades DVD review

*The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.*


Get Ready For Petacular Escapades!
Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades
                   Bring the Fun-Filled Adventures Home on DVD
                         October 1st, 2013 from Shout! Factory Kids                           
Blythe and her best friends — Zoe the spaniel, Pepper the skunk, Sunil the mongoose, Russell the hedgehog, Penny the panda, Vinnie the gecko and Minka the monkey — are back for five more exciting adventures in the Littlest Pet Shop! On October 1, 2013, Shout! Factory Kids, in collaboration with Hasbro Studios, will release Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades on DVD.  This collection features encounters with legendary parrots, movie stars and Blythe’s sudden inability to understand the pets! All of these adventures and more happen in these petacular episodes of The Littlest Pet Shop!

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades delivers captivating entertainment the whole family can enjoy and contains a brand new bonus sing-along. Featuring all-new original music by Daytime Emmy®Award nominee Daniel Ingram and the vocal talent of Ashleigh Ball, Tabitha St. Germain, Nicole Oliver and Peter New, Littlest Pet Shop currently airs on The Hub TV Network in the US.  Fans can pre-order their copies of the collection now by visiting ShoutFactory.com

Episodes Include:
Blythe’s Crush
Dumb Dumbwaiter
Lights, Camera, Mongoose
What Did You Say?
Terriers & Tiaras

Bonus Features:
Sing-Along


MY REVIEW

I have never see these cartoons before and actually I didn't even know this cartoon existed but I did know about the toy line.  

Anyways I watched Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular Escapades this morning and I have to say this is a great cartoon. I the graphics are great and very colourful. The voice acting is good as well.  This is one I would give to one of my nieces who is obsessed with Littlest Pet Shop.  

If you have a child who loves Littlest Pet Shop then I think they will love this DVD

Littlest Pet Shop: Petacular will be available in stores on October 1st.

I give this 5 out of 5

DreamWorks animated TV Bundle Giveaway



The Top DreamWorks Characters to Watch This Halloween



Available on DVD October 15

The approach of Halloween means that the weather is getting cooler and it’s the perfect time of year for family movie nights on the couch at home. All of the scary movies being shown on TV aren’t exactly family friendly, so as a parent you may be finding it difficult to come up with things to watch with your little ones. Luckily for you, DreamWorks is releasing fantastic DVDs this month! Below, you can find out more about the characters to be watching in these family-friendly titles this Halloween.

Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around


Get ready for a world of hilarious monster mischief and alien antics in this all-new animated TV series inspired by DreamWorks Animation’s ginormous hit movie Monsters vs. Aliens. Join team leader Susan, muscle-bound Link, ingenious Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D., and B.O.B., the gelatinous blob, as the residents of the government containment area embark on fun-filled adventures under the not-too-watchful eye of General Monger!

B.O.B
B.O.B., short for Benzoate Ostylezene Bicarbonate, got his name when he was accidentally created in a laboratory from some scientists experimenting with chemically- and genetically-altered food products. This one-eyed blue blob was held in captivity in Area Fifty-Something for decades, but he still has a friendly personality and contagious smile. Since B.O.B is a large gelatinous mass, he can change his shape easily and absorb any object. Although he has no brain, B.O.B. is quite intelligent! This big, blue blob is exactly the person you want by your side on a creepy Halloween night.

Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D.
 An intellectual mad scientist, Dr. Cockroach, Ph.D. is known for bursting into psychotic laughter while completing his experiments. But, don’t be fooled. Dr. Cockroach has not always been this way. In the 60’s he developed a device that would allow humans to live a lifespan similar to that of a cockroach. When his creation went wrong, Dr. Cockroach came away with the head of a bug and the ability to climb walls and digest garbage just like cockroaches. His intelligence and lifespan make him a force to be reckoned with!

Kung Fu Panda: Scorpion Sting

Get ready for more high-kicking action and fur-flying fun in this awesome animated TV series based on the Academy Award®-Nominated hit movie Kung Fu Panda! He may not be your typical warrior, but Po packs an arsenal of martial arts skills as big as his heart...and his stomach. Always ready to fight for what’s right, Po and the Furious Five—Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper—face exotic dangers at every turn, including a pair of magic shoes with an evil “sole,” and Scorpion, one of the sharpest villains in all the land!

Po
The courageous dragon warrior, Po Ping, is always up for a new adventure. Although Po is not your typical Kung Fu warrior, he uses his personality and his strengths to solve problems and protect those who need him most. He has an excitement for life and is determined to be the best warrior that he can possibly be. Sometime Po can be a little immature and rambunctious, but he has a kind heart and knows the importance of family.

Tigress
A vital member to the Furious Five, Tigress has unmatchable strength and bravery. She is a master at Kung Fu and at one point was considered to be destined for the title of Dragon Warrior. Although her short temper can still appear sometimes, Tigress has learned to be more friendly and calm. At times she is quiet and less sociable than the other members of the Furious Five. Overall, she possesses a strength and dignity that makes others admire her.

  




THE GIVEAWAY

One winner will win  Monsters vs. Aliens: Cloning Around and Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness - Scorpion Sting on DVD. This giveaway is open to US and CANADA only (NO P.O. Box)


 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cheap Gig Tickets

If you’re a music lover, you may be lamenting the recent rise in ticket prices that seems to be plaguing the industry. Stay on top of your ticket-buying game and you can avoid extortionate booking fees, overpriced ticket touts and last minute panic spending to be sure you get the best experience for the lowest price.

Avoid sell-outs. The moment a popular concert sells out, buying tickets becomes a far more expensive pursuit. If you’re a big fan of a particular musician or band, make sure you’re in their fan club and on the mailing list so that you’re up to date on the latest tour dates. Plenty of artists will offer pre-sale tickets to their fans along with special discounted tickets, so be sure you’re not missing out on some good deals. You can also sign up for email alerts from ticketing websites like Ticketmaster and Ticketline so that you always know what’s up and coming and can book ahead of the crowds. If you’re an O2 customer then check out the O2 Blueroom, which offers priority booking to concerts and events and presale tickets. If you do miss a trick and find that your desired gig has sold out quickly, don’t panic. Keep your eye on fan sites to scout for unwanted tickets and hold out a little longer, sometimes bands and arts release extra tickets closer to the date. It's better to search here for a cheap deal from fan sites than it is to pay over the odds to a broker and then need to get a loan, such as offered by koalapaydayloans.com, to pay for it.

Try the internet. This is especially useful before the tickets have sold out, as once they’re all gone the prices tend to skyrocket. Check out sites like eBay and Gumtree to find people selling their bought and unwanted gig tickets; they can often go for less than face value. Just be sure to check the seller’s feedback ratings and be cautious when meeting strangers to swap tickets for cash, as there are some dodgy dealers out there. A good tactic, besides checking for positive feedback, is to ask for as much information from the seller as possible, including their address and phone number. This will hopefully discourage anyone who’s planning on selling fake tickets, just watch how forthcoming they are with their details. Avoid touts online who are selling tickets they’ve bought in bulk at massively escalated prices, and be wary when comparing prices to avoid getting ripped off.

You can attempt to avoid booking fees. When buying tickets online from ticketing websites, booking fees are an unfortunate inevitability. However, if you live in the town where the gig is taking place and are paying face value for the ticket rather than buying it on eBay, consider skipping the phone and internet booking and heading straight to the venue to buy your ticket. This usually cuts the cost of the booking fee, saving you a little extra cash.

If you’re a big music fan and love festival season, but hate paying the huge prices of festival tickets, you should consider volunteering to score some free tickets. Oxfam has a volunteer service set up at many of the major music festivals every summer such as Glastonbury, Reading and Bestival, all of which generally charge a small fortune for entry. All you have to do is work 3 shifts of 8 hours over the course of the festival, usually collecting tickets and doing a lot of standing around, and the rest of the time is yours to enjoy the music and atmosphere freely. You will have to hand over a deposit of £165; this is to make sure you don’t show up and then disappear into the crowds. Aside from Oxfam’s offer, the company Stuart Security also hires people to man the gates and manage crowds (and mudslides) at Glastonbury and other major festivals every year. Download the registration form from their website and you could even get paid for the job, whilst getting to see some free live music that would normally cost an arm and a leg. If you're in a trade union you might also be able to pull a few pints for Workers Beer and land yourself a free ticket to the festival of your choice.

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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

How to Purchase the Right Commercial Cooking Equipment

The most important thing to understand about commercial cooking equipment is that they are generally meant for heavy-duty use. Restaurants, eateries, and large homes are the buyers of this equipment. The products therefore need to be strong and durable enough to withstand continuous usage throughout most part of the day. So, the customers need to make their choice carefully and should know exactly what products to buy. Moreover, the very quality of the foods also depends on the equipment used. The restaurant owners shopping for kitchen equipment should understand this and must have a good knowledge of what equipment to use for what kind of food.

The most common commercial cooking equipment includes commercial ovens, broilers, stoves and ranges, combination griddle/burner, convection, microwaves, grills, fryers and toasters. There are also small appliances such as the crepe and waffle makers, warning equipment, rice cookers, etc. The latter variety is generally called countertop appliances. As you can figure, buying all these equipment means a huge investment. So, the buyers must ensure that they are only buying the top quality products that will be able to withstand middle or heavy-duty usage (according to the size and capacity of the business), so that they do not have to fork out money later for frequent repair or replacement.

As for most things, you can shop for these items online or through visiting a brick and mortar shop. In either case, you must conduct an extensive research on what products to buy and what brands are considered best for what kind of equipment. Read as many customer reviews as possible. This way you will have a good idea of the whole thing and will be better equipped to make the right choice. You can look for reviews from both general relevant forums and from websites of the different brands.

The most basic set of criteria for evaluating the quality of the items include performance, durability and energy-efficiency. Look for equipment that will be able to give you optimal performance. Research the average performance standard for specific equipment and then try to find the products that will exceed this average performance or will at least match it. Money obviously plays an important factor here. The trick is to know how to do the right balancing act between your budget and the equipment quality.

Next, check out on the durability factor. Check the material, the make and the strength of the equipment. Keep an eye on the warranty as well. Generally, the good quality and longer-lasting products will offer a longer-term warranty. Energy-efficiency is another valuable criterion. Energy efficient equipment will cut down on the running costs of your business, which will give you a chance to serve your customers good food at competitive prices--the single most important thing for excelling in the food business. Make sure you check the energy-efficiency rating of every single item that you purchase. If you can find items that work on gas, try to get them. You will benefit from them in the long run.

Purchasing the right commercial cooking equipment is a crucial thing for any business starting out in the food service industry. Therefore, do your research carefully and only buy the best items.

This article was written by Wilson Tameric.


Creepy or Cool? Kapture wristbands set to change the social media landscape!

In a society where people's lives are increasingly shared with the world through avenues such as blogging and social media sites like Facebook, the microsharing trend is catching hold rapidly. Applications such as Twitter, Instagram and Vine are simply miniature versions of larger counterparts. So it's not surprising that audio clips have become the focus of the newest branch of microsharing under development. The Kapture Wristband is a concept with a goal to revolutionize the way we capture, share, and save the unexpected audio moments in people's lives.

Similar to other micro platforms noted, the Kapture Wristband is set to capture a small audio segment. Tapping the top grille of the wristband causes the last buffered 60 seconds of surrounding audio to be saved and sent to an app on the wearer's phone. The Kapture Wristband's overt goal is not to create a stealthy, spy device that records the secret confessions of late night meetings on 76th Street, but to capture a short bit of unexpected audio and have it available to share. Unlike other similar apps, however, the wristband is constantly recording everything around the wearer creating a more intrusive element than the click of a smartphone shutter button.
While watching the product video, it's not difficult to see the many cool ways this product could be utilized. Unplanned wedding proposals can be quickly sent off to parents and friends. A baby's first mama or dada can be played back as proof in the inevitable debate between which was the first word spoken. The incredibly witty, or stupid, comment a friend popped out in a random conversation can be tapped and instantly the world laughs with them…or at them. This is where the ethical, and perhaps slightly creepy factor, comes into play.
Everyone around the person wearing the Kapture Wristband is being recorded continually and at anytime what they say can be clipped, saved and shared all without their knowledge. Moments of intimacy are not just joked about in high school locker rooms anymore but could be posted, tagged with the person's name and shared on Facebook. A person's random assurance of "yes, yes, I will give you the house since I cheated" has the possibility of ending up as Exhibit A in a divorce. A simple but devastating moment of personal rejection could end up misused to devastating effect. Now the developers of Kapture Wristbands are not responsible for instituting subversive recording or using social media to bully or humiliate people, and all these scenarios could conceivably take place with a smartphone and any one of 100s of apps.
Perhaps the key difference is that Kapture is designed, although it is questionable whether it pulls it off, to look like a trendy fashion accessory not a recording device. Furthermore, this device is marketed toward the young adult, as no one wearing business suitable attire or over the age of 25 is likely to be found wearing it. Given this, it's a rather safe bet that most high school or college age people can think of more ways to abuse this technology than use it for the good of others. So while to concept of the Kapture Wristband is a cool one, there are creepy overtones to its possible uses and the important stylistic issue of would the intended market really ever wear it--to which a small sampling of target age young men and women gave a resounding "not on your life."


John Chupon is an author and recognized authority on wristbands, currently working for Wristbands City which sells Tyvek, plastic, and custom wristbands.

Share your Crockpot recipes

Is Your Dog an Introvert?

Some dogs are naturally sociable and for some reason and some dog’s just aren’t. There is hope for every dog. Most dog owners have a dream when they get a dog to be able to share them with their friends and family and maybe take them out in public every so often. This dream has been shattered for many when they realize their dog is unsocial and hard to deal with out in public. Here are a few tips to help with these issues.

Small exposures
Whether your dog has problems being out in public, when friends come over, or with your family inside of your home small exposures to their fears is the best way to help your dog over come. If your dog has a hard time being in public the first thing to start with are walks around your neighborhood or a quite park where you will maybe only encounter a few people. Taking your dog to a crowded park or outdoor event with tons of people before they are ready will only shock them and cause them to act out and deepen their fear. Slowly work with them by taking small steps and gage when you think they are ready for the next thing.

Strangers
If your dog is afraid of strangers the best thing to do is slowly introduce them and don’t let strangers approach your dog immediately. Your dog has to trust that everyone you bring around them is ok and the only way to do that is carefully. When you are out in public and some one asks to pet your dog politely say no for your dog’s sake. If you dog has trouble with people coming into your home put them away when there are large groups and let them out when only one person is there so they can get used to it.

Dog friends
If your dog is not social around other dogs do not try to take them to a dog park immediately or throw them into a dog playgroup because this will only cause them to act out in fear and potentially hurt another dog. Find another dog that is calm and about the same size as your dog to start weekly play dates with. This will help your dog get to know this dog slowly and hopefully become friends. At this point you can slowly start to introduce more dog friends.

Training programs
If after all of these things nothing seems to work look into enrolling your dog into training and behavioral programs and classes. At these classes you will learn more tips to help your dog and your dog will learn how to better cope with its fears. These programs can sometimes be expensive but in to end the results are always worth it.

A lot of people get a dog to act as a guard dog for their home and family. If your dog is unsocial they will probably have a really hard time filling this role. A great and even better alternative to a guard dog is a home security system. I found a company called Smith Monitoring that offers some of the absolute best features available. Smith security will set up security camera in your home that can be viewed live at anytime via an app on your smart phone.


About The Author: Katie Melendez is a writer for Smith Monitoring. Katie is also a wife, youth mentor, and a health nut. Follow her blogs for all current trends on home, health, and family.

Computer Scientists: A Dime a Dozen?

New computer setup with 4 screens!

Every generation sees its parents pushing it to follow a handful of career paths that “make the most money.” For some generations it was the standard: doctor or lawyer. Other generations’ parents added nurse and pharmacist to the list. The latest generations have had parents add computer science to the list. It begs the question, then, if hundreds of thousands of kids are pushed to become computer scientists, just how difficult will it be to find a job?

According to Network World, a computer science degree held a tremendous amount of weight just 15 years ago. Today, not so much. Computer scientists are becoming a dime a dozen and, without hard work and additional blurbs on a resume, there isn’t much chance of beating the competition when it comes to finding a job. Here’s how to make yourself stand out from the crowd, according to experts in the field.

1.Get to Know You



Start searching for your soul before you start searching for a job. Know what you want out of your career. Would you prefer to work solo or do you shine as part of a team? Do you want to design software or keep a company’s computers running? When you know what you want to do with your life, you have a better chance of succeeding in college and graduating with a degree.

2.Job Fairs



The average college student attends job fairs when he is a senior and graduation is looming. Don’t be average. Start attending job fairs during your freshman year. When you get to know employers early, you build your career network. These fairs also give you an idea of what jobs are out there and what you may like to do. Although the field is expected to grow through 2020, some jobs are outsourced overseas. Don’t find this out when it is too late to change your path.

new computers

3.Learn the Hot Skills



Don’t rely on your university to teach you all of the skills you need to make yourself marketable. Stay abreast of the newest trends in computer science and, if necessary, teach yourself. As technology changes, so does the list of things employers want you to know. What you learn your freshman and sophomore year may be passé by the time you graduate. Stay on top of system integration, mobile languages, Java, and business intelligence.

4.Intern



Whether your school requires it or not, find an intern position and find it quickly. Because you’ll be competing with thousands of people for a position, experience will put you ahead of the game. Don’t relegate yourself to a position in the career that you think you want. Take any internship that comes along and fits with your schedule. Look at interning as a way to not only get your foot in the door with a company, but experience to add to your resume.

5.Stick With It



The average computer science student graduates in six years, not four. An above average number of students drop out of programming and engineering courses finding them too difficult. These same students pick the classes up later and find success. Resist the urge to drop out of any courses. If you need help, get a tutor or find someone in the field to bounce ideas off of. Not only will sticking with it save you time, but it will save you money.

If you want to find a job in the tech field, you’ve got to make yourself a stand out. Competing with anyone for the same job means that you have to have an edge. Follow these tips to climb over the heads of the crowd.


Writer Lily Brett is a tech blogger. His most recent article on Top 10 best online masters in computer science degree programs 2013 might interest you here http://www.bestcomputersciencedegrees.com/top/online-masters/.

Become A Coffee Aficionado With These Great Tips

Celebration Cakes in Amherst Nothing jolts you back to life like a good steaming cup of coffee for stimulating your mood and metabolism. There are many ways to make sure that simply choosing a good coffee can end up becoming overwhelming. There are a ton of coffee in your local grocer as there is in most coffee shops.Continue reading this article to learn some helpful tips when it comes to coffee.
Coffee can be a great drink for anyone who works from home and need some air. Coffee shops feature free WiFi for internet access, which means you can work while drinking that cup of joe for a different environment.Many restaurants do this service.
Coffee in the freezer for more than three months.
You need to purchase a coffee grinder. Grinding coffee beans immediately prior to brewing leaves the aromatic, aromatic oils on the beans making your coffee taste fresher. Many models let you the option to tinker with varying levels of your grind for various brewing styles.
Freshly roasted beans create the very best coffee. If you insist on buying whole beans, check the roasting date before you buy.
It is not necessary for coffee stored in the freezer. Coffee sometimes absorbs flavors or odors from nearby food items. It is ideal to store your coffee at room temperature inside an airtight container. If you must freeze or refrigerate it, be sure it's inside a freezer bag with a seal.
You do not need a high-powered machine to make frothy milk. Heat your milk in the microwave until is is steaming.Keep working the whisk until the milk becomes foamy. Avoid skim and 1 percent milk for this.

Celebration Cakes in Bedford, NH
Decide how many cups of coffee you measure the grounds and water needed.A traditional coffee cup contains six ounces; a measuring cup contains eight. The ideal ratio is two tablespoons of ground coffee per 6 ounces of water.
If you are sick of your normal morning coffee, try adding some chocolate to it. Dark chocolate can be added to your coffee as well if you're looking for any early riser.
If something tastes "off" in your morning brew, keep in mind that poor quality water is sure to produce undesirable coffee flavor. If you have bad-tasting tap water, attach a filter to the tap. You can use a pitcher based filter, or you can use bottled water to brew your coffee.
You don't need to stop consuming caffeine in one day. You can make your own "semi" caffeine-free brew that is ground with equal parts of regular beans and standard beans. If you're using coffee that's already been ground, use half parts of each.
If you like to make many different flavors of coffee, buy some creamers and syrups and make your own. This way that you will not get the cleanest and purest brew from your coffee flavors. This also allows you to serve different flavors from the flavor they want. Put in prior to adding the milk in.
As stated in the introduction, the options you have in choosing coffee are many. The number of choices you will face when buying coffee from a coffee shop or grocery store is substantial. This article should have made everything a little easier for you.


Frederick's Pastries is renowned throughout Bedford and Amherst for purple velvet cakes. Our special recipe of purple pound cake filled with a homemade cream cheese frosting is the perfect combination of vibrant and delicious. Topped with a buttercream frosting and a layer of white chocolate curls, we guarantee that we won't disappoint you with our purple velvet cakes. The Amherst Frederick's Pastries, as well as the one in Bedford, carries purple velvet cakes on a regular basis. Stop in to try one today!

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Strawberry Shortcake Berry Bitty Mysteries out on DVD and Digital Copy now





OmniFocus 2 for iPhone Review

The Getting Things Done philosophy has captivated freelancers, procrastinating students and life hackers since David Allen came up with the concept over a decade ago. Put simply Getting Things Done, or GTD, involves getting all of our tasks, no matter how small, out of our heads and into a place where we can deal with them appropriately. Taking on this philosophy has made OmniFocus  the go-to productivity app for Apple geeks. Having being available for Mac for several years gave it a substantial head start on rivals when it came to developing a great iPhone to-do list and productivity app. The first generation of the iPhone software, however, had serious limitations. Omnifocus has just released an update, and rather unusually for iPhone apps, it's not free, and you'll have to download an entirely new app.

The new app is a clear improvement on the original OmniFocus for iPhone. This is apparent from the first time you load the app and experience the improve syncing speed with the free to use Omni Cloud service. All your data from the previous app or the Mac or iPad versions of the app is synced so you can start using the app straight away. For those who are new to OmniFocus getting started with it is intuitive - you add to do items, filling in as much or as little as you want of the fields. Items with not enough information are kept in the inbox to either assign to projects and contexts later, or simply tick off when complete as with a simple to do list.

The new app is more based around forecast views than the previous version, which should suit most users - especially those with deadlines to meet. While perspectives are easy to access if you prefer other ways of working, the forecast view is generally found to be the most useful. If you're the sort of person who has tasks in different locations, for instance if you move between offices or simply have to purchase many items from different stores, the much improved map and nearby functions will come in handy.

The design aesthetics have completely changed and fit in better with the new iOS 7 feel. The first page in the app is no longer a to do list, but instead a list of options with numbers by them - for instance 10 items in Inbox, 5 Flagged items, the number of tasks in each of the upcoming days, and easy to access links to contexts, projects, nearby tasks and perspectives.

Those new to OmniFocus might be a little confused by the idea of contexts and projects to start with. Projects are in effect tasks that have more than one part to them. For instance if you're making a blog this would be the project, and it would contain tasks such as choosing a design and writing the about us page. Projects can be sequential or allow any order, and can contain unlimited numbers of sub-projects.

Contexts meanwhile might seem a little confusing for those used to traditional to-do lists. The idea of contexts is that a to-do list should only present tasks to you that are relevant to what situation you are currently in. For instance if you're at home there's no point in your to-do list including tasks you can only complete in the office. These contexts can be geotagged enabling you to see nearby projects - this is particularly useful for when you are on your mobile phone. Contexts are flexible too - you can use them for mindsets, for instance if you prefer some tasks when you're feeling creative and others when you're feeling efficient you can use contexts to only show you relevant tasks too.

OmniFocus 2 for iPhone is a much improved version of the application that all users of the existing app should upgrade to. Having to pay for an iPhone app upgrade might be a little hard to accept at first, but the app has been completely rebuilt so we can understand the logic of Omni Group in charging again. For those searching for a to do list app who think they might benefit from something more than a simple list we'd strongly recommend this over the competition.

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub review







Stressed out by the rat race? Treat yourself to a massage on the go with Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub.
Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub provides fast, soothing relief for neck and shoulder pain and the aches caused by work stress, tension, and sitting at a desk for long periods of time. The easy-to-carry and no-fuss dispensing tube makes it convenient to dispense anytime or anywhere you need a lift - in the office or on the go.
The creamy, water-based blend of camphor and menthol gives Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub a clean, non-greasy feel while the vanishing scent makes it practical for any social or office situation.

MY REVIEW

I like the product very much. It does work but on the company site it said it has a pleasant and soothing scent but personally I do not find it pleasant or soothing but other than that I found it works great and  isn't greasy which I like.  I think I will buy some in the future and put some on when I am in the need to get rid of stress related  aches and pains. 

 Tiger Balm Canada Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TigerBalmCanada
Tiger Balm Canada Twitter Acccount: https://twitter.com/TigerBalmCanada

You can get a printable coupon to save $2.00 on your  next in-store purchase of Tiger Balm Neck & Shoulder Rub by joining the Tiger Balm Canada's mailing list: www.facebook.com/TigerBalmCanada?sk=app_160430850678443&ref=s

You can buy this in stores like Shoppers Drug Mart, Walmart, Lawtons Drugs, and Value Drug Mart



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

The Real Reason Microsoft Registered Xbone.com

With the upcoming release of its latest console, Microsoft is aggressively seeking to register domain names related to the Xbox brand. Going for the unflattering Xbone.com is part of this overall strategy.

For those that are a little confused, Xbone has recently become the go-to nickname for the hotly anticipated Xbox One. To the chagrin of Microsoft, blogs and social media users don’t seem to use the official name for the console.

Microsoft certainly does not appreciate the connotations of the term. Larry Hryb, Xbox Live’s director of programming, is amongst those that would rather see the back of the term.

He recently voiced his displeasure on NeoGAF, a popular gaming forum. His main complaint is that he feels Xbone “disrespects the teams that have put in thousands of hours” into the development of the Xbox One. Saying he “doesn’t care for it” seems to be an understatement.

Whether people are using the nickname as derogatory or simply as an easy abbreviation, Microsoft has had to act to prevent “domain squatters” from profiting. The firm is not expected to do anything with this domain and it’s currently redirecting to Bing.com.

The practice of “squatting” is built around making a quick buck by registering domain names closely related to major brands. These squatters can profit from these domains by selling alternate products, tricking customers into thinking it’s an official presence, or simply by selling the domain name back to the major corporation in question.

Coca Cola Co. is just one of the victims of this practice, having recently been forced to appeal to the United Nations to appropriate pornforacoke.com. Microsoft seems to want to prevent long-winded legal hassles by going for as many domain names as it can find.

Microsoft has to play a bit of a catch-up game, as the company originally avoided registering Xbox One domains in order to avoid potential whispers of the console’s new name. That’s what happened with the new Star Wars Attack Squadrons project, which fans started buzzing about after Disney registered domain names related to the project name.

Microsoft is making up for lost time, however. Just a quick look at the recent whois information changes of domain names such as XboxOne.net and XboxOne.com reflects this overall strategy. These domains used to be with London-based Krasimir Ivanov and had been in his possession since late 2011.

In May 2013, however, the company filed a complaint with the National Arbitration Forum (NAF). This complaint was successful, as the domain names were deemed to be identical to the Microsoft product and not linked to any copyrights held by Mr Ivanov. Furthermore, the domain names were registered in “bad faith”. In other words, the NAF concluded that they were dealing with a domain squatter.

Mr. Ivanov, it seems, is at least one cyber-opportunist who will not be profiting from his foresight. It seems unlikely that this will be the final legal action on behalf of Microsoft.

Microsoft is taking a strategic approach to the Xbone mini-fiasco. Despite the laughs the domain registration may prompt from readers, it’s nevertheless going to be much less problematic than having to fight a parody site in the future.



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Sunday, September 22, 2013

Five Great Compact DSLR Cameras

You may be a fan of the days when Polaroid cameras were all the rage, and there's no denying, they were pretty awesome. But let's face it, this is the era of the digital camera. There's something to be said for the convenience of being able to take and share quality photos with a camera that can fit entirely in your pocket.  Here are five top choices if you're looking for a compact DSLR camera that still takes a great picture and can make a great camera to take on your next trip with you.

Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100

My personal favourite on this list is this little bad boy. No longer do you need DSLRs the size of your head or larger to take decent photos. This baby can capture 1080p images at up to 20MP and comes with a 1-inch CMOS sensor. In fact, for cameras of this class, this is about the largest you can expect your sensor to be, so yeah, you could call me impressed. If you go with this little gem, you won't be sorry.

Cannon PowerShot S110

This one is another compact powerhouse. It doesn't quite stack up to the Cyber-shot above, but it still has a great range of features and I was pleased that they fixed a lot of the problems that I felt the Cannon S100 suffered from. The lens speed is impressive and it still takes absolutely stunning photographs. The lower price point may also be a selling point for many of you reading this list.

Cannon G15

This camera is just a smudge larger than some of the others on this list, but that extra size gives you room for the optical viewfinder instead of only a rear-facing LCD display. The G-series of cameras is so well known that even photographer extraordinaire Annie Liebovitz reportedly took an entire photo-shoot with these cameras. The LCD on this one is a flip-out style, which I like, though it does make the camera a bit heavier and more bulky.

Olympus XZ-2

This one outperformed the other cameras when it came to zoom performance.  It could get pretty close up to the subject in question and still give an extremely beautiful image quality with very little visible pixilation. It also performed well with an extremely fast lens speed. If good zoom performance is important to your overall camera experience, then this is the camera for you.

Olympus Tough TG-2 iHS

As the name of this one implies, this camera was designed with those who lead an active lifestyle in mind. If that sounds like you, then this may just be what you need. The specs for photo quality don't quite hold up to the competition, but it is waterproof up to 15 meters and won't freeze at temperatures as low as -10 degrees Celsius. Colour me impressed. It is also shockproof at heights of 2 meters which is great for those of us who tend to take our cameras to locations where falls and spills may be likely.
There are a lot of reasons to love the digital revolution. One of my favourites has been the advent of digital cameras. It is now easy and convenient to take and make high quality images and videos with a camera small enough to fit in the pocket of your pants. This is an amazing convenience. But just because these cameras are small doesn't mean they are cheap! This is why I recommend you consider purchasing a reliable camera insurance plan such as that from ProtectYourBubble.com to ensure that you can cover your camera in case an accident should befall it.


Laura Ginn is a professional writer and blogger who regularly writes on the topic of technology. She just recently became an avid traveller as well, and has been exploring the different options to find the ideal camera she can take with her when she makes her many treks around the world!