How to Choose the Best Computer to Play Minecraft

January 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Technically, you can play Minecraft on any computer. However, this game is based on the programming language Java. So you will need a computer capable of running Java programs. All new computers can do this. However, Java takes up significant processing power to function properly. So, even if a computer can run Minecraft, it may not do it well. If the computer you are using lacks enough processing power, Minecraft will lag and run on a low-frame rate.

If you are looking for the ideal computer to play Minecraft, here are some tips:

PCs are the Best

Minecraft can run on PC, Linux, Macs, Xbox, Playstation and even on computers powered by Raspberry Pi. However, PC is the best type of computer play the game on. If you have a good desktop or laptop PC with a powerful graphics card, that’s all you need to play the game. You do not technically need a gaming computer for Minecraft. However, if you also want to play other games, it won’t hurt to buy a low-budget gaming laptop or a desktop.

Framerate Matters

Framerate, or fps (frames per second), is how fast individual images can be displayed on a screen so it looks like the images are moving. You may know this as moving picture, or movie, technology (very fancy). Video games display images similarly to movies. The graphics you want to see on the game will be affected by your computer’s fps. The higher the fps, the better. You can change this setting in-game, but there’s no point in tuning up in-game fps very high if the computer you are using cannot render the fps that fast. The basic frame rate for Minecraft is around 50 fps. Standard computers can manage around 60 fps. Gaming computers usually have double that rate, which will be more than enough to play Minecraft smoothly with great blocky graphics.

Get a Solid Processor

Ultimately, it comes down to the computer’s processor and memory. The Intel Pentium processor is the most basic processor that you can play Minecraft without major issues. You can upgrade to Intel Core i3, but this processor is largely similar to Pentium but costs extra. Ideally, Intel Core i5 with 4GB or 8GB RAM is the best processor for the game at the moment. Of course, you will have to combine the processor with a good graphics card. Core i7 processors are great if you already have one. There is no need to upgrade from i5 to i7, as you won’t get noteworthy perks for the additional cost.

Pair the Processor with a Good Graphics Card

Minecraft’s graphics are meant to be blocky like in arcade machines of the yore. However, a good graphics card will render the images best without lag. You need to pair a solid processor with a good graphics card like Nvidia GeForce GTX 950M or Iris Graphics 6100. Make sure the graphics card comes with at least 4GB of memory. Your computer will need at least 4GB of memory as well.

You can optimize your Minecraft experience further by buying an ergonomic external mouse and perhaps an external keyboard if you are using a laptop.

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7 Ways to Save for Your Next Family Vacation

January 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Family vacations are a fun, much-needed time for families to have together. It allows them to get out of the normal routines and just create new experiences in a new destination. The only problem is, depending on the size of your family, going on vacation can be expensive, causing some families to miss out altogether. The good news is there are some ways that you can pull more savings so that you can book that much-needed trip this year. Check them out below:

1.  Don’t Eat Out

Eating out is a ton of fun, but also comes at a hefty price. If you’re going to increase your vacation savings you’re going to want to cut back on eating out. If you’re used to eating out 3 times a week, cut back to once per week and put the money you would have spent on the other days into a savings account.

2.  Keep the Change

A penny saved is a penny earned. When it comes to saving loose change, it can add up pretty quickly. When paying for things, use cash and never give exact change. When the cashier gives you the change, place it into a piggy bank or jar. When the jar fills up, take it to your local bank and have it added to your savings account. You can do this every month until you’re ready to book the trip.

3.  Switch Energy Services

Some of the highest bills in the house are the mortgage and the energy bill. If you’re dealing with a higher energy bill, you may want to look into ways to cut those costs. Aside from taking actions like reducing your energy consumption, you can also check online resources to find out how to switch to a more affordable energy provider.

4.  Withdrawal From Your Bank’s ATM

Have you ever checked your bank statement and added up how much you’ve spent in a month on ATM fees? The number just might surprise you. While it might seem like a $2.00 fee won’t be much, if you’re using the ATM even 5 times in a month, you’re throwing away $10 a month or $120 a year. Not to mention any additional fees your bank might assess because you didn’t use their ATM. The best bet is to withdrawal the funds from your bank’s ATM.

5.  Cut Cable

Cable services can cost several hundred dollars per month. While your family may love watching their favorite shows and movies when they get home each day, there are more affordable solutions to get entertainment. Subscribing to streaming services, for instance, allows you to see TV shows and movies instantly. You could also consider getting a library card and checking out movies for free!

6.  Use Coupons and Codes

Coupons have and will always be a great way to save money on things you purchase. You don’t have to be an extreme coupon saver to get the savings either. Simply clipping coupons out of your local newspaper and using them can save you money. You can also use coupon codes and verified codes online to get huge discounts on already affordable internet shopping deals.

7.  Earn Some Cash

If you’re having trouble saving from your current budget you can always increase the amount of income you have. There are plenty of side hustles out there that you could consider to earn some extra cash for your vacation. For instance, having a yard sale and getting rid of all your unwanted belongings can bring in vacation money. Some might consider being an Uber driver and using their car to get some extra money.

Don’t let finances keep you from going out and having a good time with your family. If you’re struggling to find the money to pay for your next vacation, give some of these creative ideas a try. By putting the money you’re saving directly into an interest bearing account, you’ll also allow your vacation savings to increase by just sitting there! With these saving tips and a being financially savvy while on vacation can help you cut back and enjoy creating memories with the ones you love.

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Lazy Days on Your Lawn

January 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

What is the first thing someone notices driving down your street? Is it your home, or is it your lawn, or both? Most would suggest it is both, and if you have a beautiful well-kept home and your lawn has been neglected it only takes away from the beauty of the landscape.

There is considerable effort required by a homeowner to have the landscape that draws the attention of passerby’s. More importantly, you want your home to be inviting not only to guests but for your family. If you have children, they no doubt love to spend time outside and a well-kept lawn is safer for them.

Let’s assume you have well-kept grass now, and if you don’t it won’t take you long to find a landscaping company who will be happy to assist you in getting the yard healthy. Once your yard is bristling green it is imperative to keep it watered well, and nobody likes to drag around a garden hose.

When a corporation as large as Chase utilizes a sprinkler installation company it behooves the homeowner looking for the same services to investigate. Be sure to check that the company is bonded and insured and employs master plumbers.

With your yard now well-kept and properly watered with your professionally installed sprinkler system, why not consider more shade for those hot summer days. Many homeowners do not recognize the savings that can come to your utilities with properly planted trees and shrubs to provide natural shade.

Trees and shrubs provide so much more for your home then savings on utilities. The aesthetic value of your home will increase immensely, not just for the homeowner and family but also for the neighbors.

Perhaps you may be relocated for work and must sell the house; with the sprinkler system installed and the trees and shrubs planted properly your property value will be higher than a poorly manicured lawn with no natural cover.

Do you enjoy taking something that your significant other said to throw away and creating with it? How about a piece of furniture? An old cooler? Or, what about that tree stump from when the storm rolled in and toppled the 100-year-old tree? What good could that stump possibly bring us?

New creations and so much more for your home landscape! This is another area where you can set your home apart from the norm. By browsing through the ideas of other creative enthusiasts you can turn your possible throwaways into new furniture or decorations.

Are you still pondering what in the world could someone do with a tree stump? Of course you are, I did too! A stump can turn into a table that sits between two pieces of lawn furniture!

Relaxing outdoors on your lawn on a beautiful evening as the sun sets with a cool breeze rustling through your trees and shrubs is so relaxing. There is no reason for you to shortchange yourself and your family on the experiences available by having a well-kept landscape.

Author’s Bio

Curt Price

Title: Super-Connector at OutreachMama

Curt is a super-connector with OutreachMama and Youth Noise NJ who helps businesses find their audience online through outreach, partnerships, and networking. He frequently writes about the latest advancements in digital marketing and focuses his efforts on developing customized blogger outreach plans depending on the industry and competition.

 

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Aluminum Composite Panels

January 10, 2017 by Leave a Comment

One of the best construction materials mankind has ever come up with, is the Aluminum Composite Material. The Aluminum Composite Material is basically two aluminum sheets joined together to a polyethylene core to make up an Aluminum Composite Panels, or ACP for short. The material itself, because of the said combination, is extremely light (having a polyethylene core, and aluminum which is a very light metal to begin with) and vey durable. Due to this property it is the choice material with various applications in construction and architecture. The material is extremely resistant and is corrosion resistant, and to further kick it up a notch the material is coated with PVDF or Polyester which makes it even more corrosion resistant.

Thickness:

As far as the thickness of the Aluminum Composite Panels is concerned, it depends on different brands and your preference. Having said that, there are a few standard thicknesses available in the market according to which the ACPs are manufactured. They are 3, 4, 5 and 6mm respectively, making sure you have all the lightweight with all the durability and strength of the material.

Features and Uses of the ACP:

As mentioned before, the Aluminum Composite Panels have a huge variety of uses in construction and architecture. They are used in external and internal architectural cladding or partitions, false ceilings, signage, machine coverings, container constructions, etc. Because of its light weight and durability the material is perfect for use in sign boards, and that is why the Aluminum Composite Panels are weather proof in addition to being light and durable, because most sign boards are displayed externally where they have to go through all the weather changes so it makes sense to choose a material which can tolerate that punishment and that’s why we have this material and its panels. Sign Boards are the main use for ACPs, and if you go and visit your nearest mall or even a market, you will see many signs which are displayed both inside and outside made up of the Aluminum Composite Panels. The best thing about the ACM (the material from which the panels are made of), is that its really cheap to produce and will last for a long time, which makes it an excellent investment. Its also used to make bodies for some vehicles as well, as they have to go fast and have to be durable so in the event of a crash, they don’t become a mangled mess of metal.

Though there are many other materials available in the market with similar properties, which can also perform the same functions the Aluminum Composite Panels can, they are either too expensive to produce or they don’t have the same performance the ACPs provide. This is one of the many reasons the ACP remains a favorite among constructors and architects, for many uses they employ it in. Only time will tell, if the ACP will remain or some other material will overtake it.

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Aloe Vera Drink: Nature’s Nutritional Powerhouse

January 10, 2017 by 1 Comment

Aloe Vera is nothing short of a wonder plant, been used for centuries as a miracle drug for cuts, burns and other external injuries; Aloe Vera in the present day is used as the main ingredient in many skin care products and medicines. But in addition to that, the aloe vera drink is also one of its many uses. Like its external benefits, its internal benefits are even more as it makes for a great internal cleanser, weight loss ingredients and is filled with tons of nutrients and vitamins. If you want to live a healthier life, then an aloe vera drink is your best friend.

Though you can quite easily make an aloe vera drink yourself, there are many readymade options available in the market which come combined with different ingredients to add flavor, color and even more vitamins and minerals. The best thing about and aloe vera drink is that it is completely natural, and that means there are no side effects, and you can have this all natural rejuvenating drink without any fear or worry. An Aloe Vera Drink is extremely easy to make, all you need is some aloe vera juice and then add it to any other fruit juice or shake and drink; though you can have it on its own by adding just the juice and water, but adding fruit juice and shakes makes it much more tasty. But if you’re looking for something that doesn’t require that much of an effort, you can buy a readymade bottled aloe vera drink, right off the shelf of your corner store. Though you will find tons of brands out there that offer them, Okyalo is a brand which produces the highest quality for the fairest of prices.

They have many flavors available and in different sizes too. You can either choose the plain aloe vera drink, with no Preservatives, no GMO, no artificial flavor and no artificial coloring. And the best part is that it only contains 5g sugar/100ml to keep your body fit and healthy. There is the strawberry flavor as well, which adds a bit of Vitamin C (from the Strawberries) into the mix. Then there is the mango flavor, which is one of the most common flavors in the world. In addition to that, pineapple flavor is also available because it is loaded with a potent and unique nutritional profile. No matter for improved digestion, arthritis treatment, or better skin. And finally we have the Lychee and Peach flavors as well.

These drinks are available in 500ml bottles and 1.5L bottles, in all the flavors mentioned before. Whether you wish to make one for yourself, or buy one off the shelf; next time when you need a drink, the aloe vera drink is the thing to get for an all natural, refreshing and rejuvenating drink that is all benefits and zero side effects.

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Wowwee Robots Chip and Coji

January 5, 2017 by Leave a Comment

Robots are one of the most toys for kids of all ages- everyone loves them (if they work!)- and the newest generation of robots are smarter, more fun, more realistic, and can even charge themselves in some cases.  In other cases can teach you a thing or two about how they work.

Lets look at two of the latest from Wowwee.

chip dog robot

First up is Chip.  Chip is the newest affectionate intelligent robot dog.  With senors ranging from touch to audio and voice to gyros to know when it is picked up, Chip packs a lot of fun in a little package.  Chip is about the size of a tiny dog and rolls around on his wheel-feet, rugged enough to navigate most flat surfaces.  Chip expresses himself with an LED screen-wrapped-face as well as his body language.  Chip is quite fun to play with.  He comes with a remote control to fully engage with him, a ball to play fetch, and even a charging stand that he will find on his own and charge on when his batteries get low.  This final bit makes him so close to a real pet is is almost scary, where he can in essence feed himself or rest for the night after a day of play.  Chip can understand hand gestures, voice commands, and pats on his head as ways to interact on a personal level with him.  Chip is available now and retails for $163.99

Next up Is Coji.  Coji is an Emoji-based, programmable robot who does exactly what you tell him and in an easy to understand and grasp programming language based almost entirely on Emoji’s.  Since that’s how kids communicate lately, why not? There is also a rich app experience which further expands on problem solving and the programming mentality to get your children interested in coding and solving problems from a progress based point of view.  The more you use Coji and the app, the more you understand what Coji is capable of, and the further you can develop your own programs for Coji with “If/Then” statements, loops, and other programming techniques which will be learned without them even knowing.  Coji is available now and retails for $59.99.

Disclosure- We received samples in order to write this review. All opinions are my own and honest. For more, see “I Disclose”.

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Dreamworks Trolls Dancing Troll Poppy

January 5, 2017 by 6 Comments

trolls movie toys

The new Trolls movie has some cute and silly memorable parts to it, but one of the most memorable  is the song, “Get Back Up Again”, where our heroine Princess Poppy happily sings and dances as she goes through some extraordinary adventures while on her trek to save her friends.  This song can further permeate your brain with the new Dancing Troll Poppy speaker.  With a touch of a button, Poppy shakes and spins to the song and sings loud and clear.

You can also use the speaker to play whatever music you like from any device with an audio out wire, which resembles an ear phone cable. This cable is not included with the speaker when you purchase it, you will need to get one or already own one.  Basically anything with a headphone port can plug into the speaker with ease.  Poppy also dances along to whatever tunes you decide to play nearby as well- or sometimes just the dogs being loud.  Although the speaker won’t amplify the music very loudly, Poppy will amplify the fun.  The toy is meant for kids aged 3 and up and uses 3 AA batteries which are included.

Get yours for $16.99 at eKids.

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The Tuttle Twins and The Road to Surfdom

January 4, 2017 by Leave a Comment

We recently read the book “The Tuttle Twins and The Road to Surfdom” by Connor Boyack. I was intrigued, as I don’t think schools do a very good job on educating children about history, the government, or civics- and heck, most don’t offer civics or geography at all. It was replaced a few decades ago by the blanket “Social Studies”,  and as a result Americans are terrible at geography, world history, domestic history, and civic issues. Many don’t include much (if any) real information on how our government works, certainly not enough that most American children have any kind of grasp of how things work or what is involved. I am always excited to see anything to help educate children about these issues.

However, I found this book to be very heavy handed, biased, and repetitive. It also focused on a strange topic- building a new road and the unintended consequences that occurred for an imagined beach town- to portray how terrible it is to have any government involvement in life. Government is necessary, in my opinion. We just need better control of it- which would start with better educated Americans/children who know what the government is and does, and how and why it works they way it does. These super gung-ho kids and their just-happened-to-be-InternetFamous (and suited up at the beach) Uncle were there to spend their vacation interviewing shop owners and farmers who all morosely agreed on the same sad opinion. Bad ‘ol road.

Where things like that can indeed be disastrous to people, and proper planning is a must- does the author thing we should build no new roads? Not relieve traffic congestion? Do away with government agencies like the EPA and the FDA for example? The answer is yes. After visiting his site, he’s really down for very little government involvement- much less then I feel is appropriate for the world we live in.

But that’s the beautiful thing about America. We get to have out own opinions. This book is about his. This post is about mine.

Below, I’ve posted information about the book from the publisher, and links to buy as well as to the authors website and social media.

And now, you get to make your own opinion. Read on, my friends.

From The Publisher

“How do you describe liberty to a 7-year-old? Should your preteen care about the government? Are your kids learning about proper political principles in school? For too long, parents have been at the mercy of professional curriculum developers to instruct their children. History is watered down, key principles omitted altogether, and time and attention given to things of lesser importance.

With the creation of The Tuttle Twins and The Road to Surfdom, Libertas Institute president and father of two Connor Boyack is looking to assist parents in properly educating their children. This fun and unique new book aims to inform young readers about the importance of limited government. The book also offers:

  • A resource for parents to quickly understand this complex issue so they can more effectively discuss it with their children
  • Vital information not usually taught in schools that can help children grow into better, more engaged citizens
  • Insight into how central planning often has unintended consequences
  • Engaging illustrations and charming characters
  • An introduction to F.A. Hayek’s famous text, The Road to Serfdom

Connor Boyack is president of Libertas Institute, a free market think tank. In that capacity he has spearheaded successful policy reforms on property rights, civil liberties, parental rights, education reform, government transparency, and more. He is the author of ten books on economics, education, politics, and society, and has written hundreds of columns on these subjects for newspapers around the country. Boyack serves on the board of the Utah Home Education Association and is a popular speaker at conferences around the country. He teaches several classes to teens in his home state and along with his wife, homeschools his two young children in Salt Lake City, Utah.”

The Road to Surfdom is available at TuttleTwins.com/Surfdom. For more information about The Tuttle Twins series and Connor Boyack, visit www.TuttleTwins.com.

Connect with the author on social media:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cboyack
Twitter:  http://twitter.com/cboyack
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5059415.Connor_Boyack
Instagram: http://instagram.com/connorboyack 

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