The post Reasons to Hire Public Adjusters for Insurance Claims appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>So, what can you do when you can’t seem to agree on the insurance cost? That’s where you need help from a public adjuster to settle your insurance claims!
In simple terms, insurance adjusters work on behalf of the insurance company. While they may have a lot of information about making claims and propose decent repair costs, they don’t work directly for the homeowners.
On the other hand, public adjusters perform the same actions of assessing the damages and writing up proposals for each repair and their costs. However, they work directly for the homeowners instead of the insurance company. However, considering that you need to employ public adjusters yourself, you also need to pay for their services. Granted, it doesn’t come out of your pocket since they only charge a small percentage of what you claim ultimately from the insurance company.
Simply put, the key difference between an insurance adjuster and a public adjuster is who they are employed by to perform the given tasks of making an insurance claim. If that’s the case, then the question arises – Why would someone hire a public adjuster and provide them with a percentage of their claims for the same job insurance adjusters do for free?
To put things into further context, let’s understand why relying upon your insurance adjuster can prove to be a questionable decision for you at times.
The truth is that company adjusters work for the insurance business and not the homeowners themselves. It’s also true that your insurance company might want to save some dollars during the payout process when you’ve had a big loss. While some reputable firms discourage such behavior among their employees, you can’t be sure about your situation until it’s too late for you to reclaim your insurance.
Also, because the insurance adjusters work directly for the company, they also have to consider the insurance company’s needs before making an offer to the homeowners. Ultimately, the final deal you get isn’t usually what you should have originally received from the insurance company for covering the damages adequately. This is where you might understand why depending upon the insurance adjuster might not work in your favor as conveniently as you originally thought.
Working with a public adjuster can give you a notable edge when you find yourself in the process of making an insurance claim. Here are five reasons to hire them that would make the overall proceeding far more worthwhile for you despite their charges:
Public adjusters are professionals who you can hire at any time during the claim process, just as long as you haven’t signed the final release. Since they are dedicated experts in the field, you can expect your insurance claim process to be completed in a professional and timely manner.
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]]>The post Best Computer Repair Shops In Kansas City appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>FEATURED REVIEW: Our selection process is based on five different attributes, including the experts’ reputation, qualifications, availability, expertise, and professionalism. Therefore, if you’re looking for computer repair shops in Kansas City with exceptional testimonials and reputations, this article is for you.
Direct Computer Outlet is one of the top-rated computer repair shops to extend its services to the entire Kansas City. This store is a one-stop shop for repair jobs and parts replacement. They’ll be able to fix your Macs, PCs, iPhones, and Androids facing any hardware issues, software issues, system upgrade problems, etc. They can also fix broken screens, defective audio jacks, and liquid damage.
FEATURED REVIEW: The best thing about Direct Computer Outlet is that besides fixing your broken gadgets properly, they also have a reputation for letting you in on their process. This way, if there’s a chance you encounter the same problem with your device and requires only a quick fix, you’ll already know how to fix it by yourself. Therefore, if you want the kind of customer service that has your best interests at heart, this is the place to go without a second thought.
Lastly, the shop offers a range of laptops and computers to clients with a 90-day in-store warranty. You can even find pop sockets and durable gadget cases for all your devices, making this store the top choice for many customers.
If you’re looking for an official Apple-authorized service provider in Kansas City to get your gadgets fixed, visit TechGrove. You are guaranteed to receive quality service that focuses on customer satisfaction. The best part about these computer repair experts is that they provide same-day service to clients, so you don’t have to wait for long days before getting your Apple devices back. From glass repair and liquid damage to battery replacement or system upgrade problems, you can have your Apple products repaired here in no time at all.
Several online customer reviews show that TechGrove was suggested to them by the experts working at the Apple Store. This is all the reassurance you need about your gadgets being in good hands.
FEATURED REVIEW: Additionally, when the experienced team is working on your damaged Apple gadget, they ensure to check whether everything is working as it should, so you don’t have to make another visit to the shop to get that problem fixed. This is one of their customer service qualities that has gotten them a large customer base.
If you’re facing issues with your computers, tablets, mobile phones, printers, televisions, or anything remotely falling into the tech-gadget category, Micro Center is the place to be! The services offered in this Kansas City shop, both online and in-store, are beyond one’s expectations. If we have to summarize their offerings in a sentence, we’ll call it an all-in-one destination for people looking to get their gadgets repaired or buy an unmatched selection of products from their 25,000+ in-stock inventory. Not to mention, you can also come by for a do-it-yourself experience to design your personal computers. As their motto says, this is the place to discover, learn, solve, and evolve!
FEATURED REVIEW: Furthermore, their online customer service is one of the best in Kansas City, as reviewed by a trail of happy customers. The considerate team working at the shop takes all the necessary steps to make sure their clients are being helped. Case in point, not only do they keep you updated at all times via calls. They also make it a priority to keep everything in writing through emails.
Having said all that, it’s no wonder why Micro Center has such a thriving customer base in Kansas City, where many of their clients approach them from outside the city at times.
Located in Kansas City since 1993, B.E. Tek Computers has been known for repairing and selling quality tech gadgets for many decades. With tons of experience under their belts, the technicians working here can help you deal with any desktop, laptops, printers, and mobile-related repairs with a quick turn-around service. The shop also offers everything from new and used laptops, desktops, and mobile phones to second-hand printers, for both homes and businesses. However, they’re best reviewed for making various product repairs, installing unique hardware and software upgrades, and providing data migration and protection.
FEATURED REVIEW: B.E. Tek’s repeat clients can’t stop complimenting the shop’s high-quality service and how they always deliver a one-on-one experience to their customers, even people with no technical background. After all, when a company that’s mostly known to take on business-based clients manages to show the same care and attentiveness to their individual clients, even during busy hours, it’s worth praising.
With such an exceptional range of computer repair shops in Kansas City spread throughout the area, you don’t have to worry about getting your electronics fixed or getting scammed in the process! The next time you’re faced with any problem with your gadgets, head out to the stores we have mentioned in this article for a guaranteed and quick fix!
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]]>The post The Pros and Cons of Buying a Smart TV appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>But as with anything, there are trade-offs. So is buying a smart TV worth it? We’ll lay out the pros and cons so you can decide.
With various capabilities, smart TVs can just about do it all without the need for third-party devices – all accessible with a single remote. This is especially beneficial with the rise of new streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Peacock and so much more.
Just as with any home appliance, vehicle, or product with “bells and whistles”, the more features it has, the more things can potentially go wrong. In some cases, feature malfunctions can impact the TV itself, forcing the question “was it worth it”?
…plus, you need a solid internet connection, either through WiFi or ethernet.
TV is at its best when you’re bored… so what better feeling than to have a plethora of options? In addition to streaming services and such, most smart TVs also have additional apps that you would have otherwise had on your phone.
Depending on the brand and the design, you could be spending considerably more on a smart TV. From there, it’ll come down to how often you’re using the “smart” features and decide whether or not it’s worth the additional charges.
A fun tip? If you decide not to buy a smart TV, you can always invest in a third-party entertainment device such as the Apple TV or Roku. You can find one at your local electronics store!
And the real con here? Most of these third-party entertainment devices cost less than the difference you’re paying for a smart TV. So in other words, you can spend an additional 300 dollars or so for a smart TV or $50 – $100 for a third-party device that you can just hook up to a conventional TV.
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]]>The post Home Storage 101: Your Clothes Closet appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>Take everything out and lay clothing on the bed, and boxes, storage bins on the floor. This first part is the hardest, but it will make the rest of the afternoon go much faster and easier. Evaluate whatcha got. Try clothing on in front of a mirror if necessary. If you love an item but it does not compliment you or worse, highlights a problem area, put it in a contractor bag (so you cannot see it again) earmarked for donations.
Segregate your wardrobe by different categories: Work/Athletic/Casual/Formal. Put these items back in your closet and color code them. This means all the blue tops for work are together, followed by another shade and includes everything you use for that activity in that color. Put short-sleeved tops together by color, long sleeve, etc. Soon your closet will start looking very organized. Best of all- you will find what you need more easily.
If you are having problems parting with garments because you think you’ll need them later, try this hack: replace all garments in your closets with the hook facing AWAY from you. If you wear a garment, return to the closet with the hook facing TOWARD you. After a few months, donate any garments facing AWAY from you. You’re not using them and someone else will be glad to!
BTW: if you find your wardrobe is deficient or lacking certain items, know that it is not necessary to go out on a shopping spree at a retail store. Instead, keep your carbon footprint small and your region’s landfill contained by purchasing quality used clothing from reputable online vendors or the local thrift store.
Many times, we just contend with builder-grade rods behind suspended doors. For a modest cash outlay and one weekend day of labor, you can change all that and create the closet organization that works for your needs. Once you have culled your wardrobe, you’ll have a better idea of how you would like to access these garments and therefore, what you’ll need. There are several brands and even custom closet companies, but for most of us, a vinyl-coated steel wire kit and several hours measuring and using simple hand tools, possibly a drill, will make a big difference in our lives for years to come.
Consider keeping outerwear and seasonal clothing in a zippered hanging storage bag(s) in your hall closet by the front door. That will make way for more room in your bedroom closet. There is no point in having storage that isn’t in daily use.
Save space by investing in hangers that hold multiple items for skirts, leggings, pants, camisoles, and tank tops. There are even hanging storage holders for shoes and footwear. For a truly cohesive look, use only one type of hangers such as those thin velvet styles that come in an array of colors and metals. The good news is that recently this type became available in heavy-duty strength as well- no more doubling and tripling up hangers to support maxi coats!
Save your upper shelf space for items you do not use often such as winter hats, wool scarves, and mittens. Label these with Post-It™ notes to make locating what you’ve stored much easier later on. Instead of storing out of season handbags on shelves, consider accessory hooks so you can see what you have at a glance. BTW: Stuff tissue paper from the craft store inside to help these items retain their shape. No bureau for nightwear, underwear, and hosiery? Put these in labeled bins on the shelves below eye level for quick everyday access.
A great trick to save hanging space is by rolling tee shirts in a sausage roll and placing them upright in a storage bin. This way they remain unwrinkled, take little space and are easy to identify and remove as needed. Just reach on in!
An unraveling seam has sent many a fine garment to the donate bin way before its time. No one has the time to get out the sewing machine every time they need a quick repair. Get the most wear from your wardrobe by keeping a sewing repair kit with scissors, a measuring tape, pins, needles, and an assortment of threads in your laundry area. While hand-held steamers are economical, hanging a garment in the bath after your shower will work just as well. And if you really love your clothes, find room in your closet and budget for a professional garment steamer. These can be found for under $100 and are worth every cent.
Hard as it is to imagine a life without clothes hanging space, we have all lived at some time with limited options. In these instances, here are a few suggestions:
ARMOIRES: Victorians had ‘em and many of these bulky furniture items feature mirrored doors and shelves or drawers inside as well as hanging space.
ROLLING GARMENT RACKS: These are available at many big box stores as well as online and are most often crafted from chromed steel. They feature an edgy look and can be accessorized with zippered hanging garment bags to keep your clothes dust-free. Most racks require assembly- invite a couple of friends over, order a pizza and make a party of it!
THAT SWEDISH HOME GOODS STORE: You know the one. They sell great spring-loaded, free-standing closet components that are available in set combinations or for DIYers to create their own. These units start at about $150 and up but if you rent, these are easy to take with you.
ROLLING UNDERBED STORAGE: These units come with segmented interiors for different types of folded apparel and feature clear zippered tops for easy access.
STEAMER TRUNKS: Chances are if you have a steamer trunk it is being used for TV remote storage. Evict them puppies, buy them a bowl, and use the interior space instead for out of season bedding, coats, jackets, sweaters, etc.
BOOKCASE: If you have one, cull through your reading material and donate as many bestsellers, etc. as you can. Use that shelving space for bins to store shoes, accessories, lingerie, etc. instead. After all, today the majority of us read our literature online!
We hope our suggestions will help you control clutter, find new homes for disused apparel, and curate your wardrobe and home furnishings to include only what works for you. This way you can reclaim time- dressing for work will go faster, you can use this ‘found time’ for more important things, and when you have just what you need within easy reach, your self-esteem soars.
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]]>The post Best Smart Upgrades for New Homeowners appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>KEYLESS ENTRY: The concept is simple- enter a (usually) 4-digit code and voila, no need for keys. The convenience of keyless entry includes your morning run when keys would pose a nuisance, visitors, contractors, delivery personnel, or tenants who can have a code of their own which can be wiped upon their departure. For those who live alone losing your keys and not having entry to your home is one less thing to worry about.
SMART HOME SECURITY: We will not mention brand names but there are a wealth of options for every size home and budget. No one should be without a home security system, if only for the 15% (sometimes higher) rebate on our annual home insurance policy. In addition to cameras that can be monitored remotely by the homeowner or by a subscription service, full-featured home security systems offer the option to control thermostats and lighting on every floor to lower energy costs. Some even warn against fire, carbon monoxide, leaks, and potential flood hazards. As previously stated, while most can be controlled remotely, some offer voice control as well.
SMART VACUUMS AND MORE: We have all seen the disc-shaped vacuums that sense boundaries and challenges to clean an entire floor on a single charge, then return to their home base. All one needs to do is empty them. While this is just grand, there are limitations including steps and thick rugs. Still, for interim tidying between deep cleanings, many homeowners swear by them.
Following this concept, weekend warriors who detest pushing the lawnmower will rejoice at the cordless robotic mowers that take on hills and tree roots with ease. Several major brands now offer models so while today these paragons are ideal for small lawns only, within a few years, there is the potential to swap one green (your yard), with another (the golf course). BTW: Robotics are also available to clean pools and control your sprinklers more effectively than ever before. And you’re welcome!
PERSONAL ASSISTANTS: The residential, voice-activated, AI-driven personal assistant is like having another family member. One that actually performs the chores you task it with! Beyond providing information, orchestrating online ‘visits’, and complying with home security systems, these devices now work in tandem with specialized light bulbs, wall switches, televisions, and even draperies and window coverings to make our lives more convenient. If one had to select one Smart Home upgrade for convenience and another for safety, the Voice-Activated Personal Assistant and the Smart Home Security System would be top of the list.
SMART MIRROR/BODY SCANNER: Unless one works in an industry where appearance is everything, the smart mirror/body scanner delves too far into the realm of pseudo-science and extreme vanity. The facial version informs users of facial blemishes, etc. (And their eyes don’t?) Additionally, it can be used to note changes in skin tone over time so one can determine if that expensive anti-wrinkle cream is worth the expense. The body version will let you know if your workouts have been effective or not based on your changing contours. (Your newly baggy clothes will not?)
METABOLISM STIMULATORS: This falls under the ‘now we have heard everything’ category. The unit is a headset that “allows” wearers to eat whatever they want and still lose weight. The machine is said to stimulate the brain so that it metabolizes faster leading to quick weight loss regardless of what the wearer has ingested. Uh, if that is the case, I’ll have the Lobster Thermador, heavy on the butter and cream, please! Dream on!
SMART MATTRESS: This is a sleep aid that does more than just support the spine- or does it? It monitors one’s resting heart rate, notes the bedroom temperature and noise rate, offers LED light therapy, and allegedly stops snoring. Sounds like an amusement park for insomniacs and any MD can tell you that adjusting one’s sleeping position will not realign one’s septum, the usual cause of nocturnal wood sawing, anyway.
WIFI-ENABLED APPLIANCES: We are not talking about coffee makers that know when you rise and have a piping hot pot of fresh java waiting. No! These innovations range from ‘cookie pods’ and an appliance whose sole purpose is to bake four cookies at a time and signal when it is finished (in my house our noses do the signaling for us), a fork that vibrates to let users know that they are eating too fast, an automatic dental flosser that sees one approach the sink and immediately dispenses floss (what if you only want to wash your hands?), and a pet food dispenser that ejects doggie treats by remote control from your mobile device. The good news is that they don’t work when your WiFi is down. Yes, that is the only good news.
As with most new technology, those who welcome it will take to new ways of doing daily tasks with ease. Those who are not, such as this author who has reservations about having a new ride with keyless entry and ignition, the best advice is to read the instructions and have a back-up plan- such as an entry system with keyless or keyed entry options. Sooner than later these innovations will become commonplace and ‘can’t live withouts’. If getting in on the ground floor of new technology is too much, just opt for one feature at a time, such as a personal assistant which is scalable and will allow even the most skittish to add on as needed. The “Brave New World” that Huxley wrote about is happening now, but that is not just cause to break the bank in the name of home improvement. After all, innovation and technology are meant to improve the quality of our lives, if only we’ll allow it!
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]]>The post How To Choose The Perfect Setup For Your Barbecue appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>There’s been a long (seemingly never-ending) debate as to which is the superior grill: gas or charcoal. We’re going to tell you the truth (and it might hurt some of you), but the answer is neither. Both types have it’s sets of pros and cons and each serves more specific purposes that can make the lives easier of the owners, depending on what they cook and how they do things.
The real question is choosing the right tool for the job. That’s where we come in!
The truth is, it depends on you!
Here’s what we recommend:
While you’re cooking (and after the fact), you’re sure to have all kinds of things going on for a fun barbecue. More activities means more people can have fun.
Here are some favorites that can get anyone ready for a summer party:
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]]>The post The State of Retail in 2019 appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>One thing brick-and-mortar stores have that online shopping can’t provide? A personalized experience of sorting through tangible items. Sure, you can scroll through your phone and browse items with pictures and descriptions, but that’s not the same as seeing things in person, especially for personalized items like clothing.
Brands can also perpetuate their own culture in brick-and-mortar stores, which can’t be replicated in any way, not even with a strong web design. Everything from the ambiance, to the smells and vibes you get from staff and turn a shopping chore into an experience that you can take with you.
New levels of retail merchandising will also offer an interactive approach that cannot be replicated online. This will go hand-and-hand with the culture brands will look to animate for their customers.
In any business setting, efficiency is the way of the game. To compete with rival brick-and-mortars and online retailers, artificial intelligence will introduce big data and machine learning to stores that will help them operate smarter. It will use analytics to measure customer behavior and analyze trends, which help them predict future purchases.
Expect to see more small, even pop-up stores that cater to niche consumers. They are evolving from the once, heavily-relied shopping malls. These will have dedicated staff designed to help customers feel like it’s their custom, shopping experience. Because these small stores are designed for a more specific kind of shopper, they will work to be more productive and lead to a stronger word-of-mouth reputation.
Big stores give the illusion that consumers are on their own and THAT’S what the online experience can replicate, only in a more comfortable manner. Re-creating the personal experiences of the “old days” is what will bring back the joy of shopping.
Retail stores are taking the personal experience to mobile devices as well. For the past few years, retail brick-and-mortars are utilizing SMS text marketing to send promotions and exclusive offers via text messages. We see this trend heading upwards and expect stores will leverage these more, with how much more people are becoming involved with their mobile devices. These messaging strategies have a softer, less aggressive appeal than app-based messaging (plus they don’t require consumers to have downloaded a specific app).
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]]>The post The Rise of Baby Shark: Early Childhood Consumerism appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>Today, Mattel, Inc., headquartered in California since it was founded in 1945 repositioned its marketing to reflect changing times and is still going strong. “It’s a joy of a toy it’s Ideal”, founded in 1907, floundered and went out of business in 1997, an early victim of the digital age. With the internet, so much has changed, and yet, so much remains the same. Consumers are wiser now, yet continue to allow less than subtle influences to permeate our lives, and the lives of our children. This article explores how and why we allow advertising and marketing to impact our buying decisions as part of their business cycle. BTW: Just about all of us will or have performed this buying ritual, so prepare to enter the judgement-free zone.
Yesterday I witnessed firsthand, what happens when expectation is not fulfilled. I have a 20-month old grandniece, Lina. For Lina, this is not the Chinese Year of the Pig. Oh, no, this is the Year of Baby Shark. It was introduced to her at daycare, and what it is is an internet phenomenon. Baby Shark (hereafter ‘BS’) first surfaced on YouTube a while back as an innocuous ditty aimed at entertaining toddlers. Its cartoon characters emulate the nuclear family, the lyrics are repetitive, and the storyline is minimal. Rejoice! There is a happy outcome. Lina’s morning routine begins with being carried downstairs for breakfast, where she summons Alexa (and if your house or apartment does not have a voice-controlled intelligent personal assistant, What. Are. You. Waiting for?) to play “Doot! Doot!” (the BS chorus).
The original concept has been openly duplicated across the internet, to the point where there are so many imitators, that one can expect a version of Baby Shark for every holiday. Of course there are unlicensed tee-shirts, toys, and even socks, all featuring that toothsome little predator. In pink or blue that is. Therein began Lina’s near meltdown yesterday when she opened her gift from Nana and Pop Pops: a shark hand puppet in the elasmo branche’s original gray tone. That threw her toddler brain into a tizzy. Even at 20 months, this budding consumer knows that Baby Shark is NOT gray. Happily, great aunt D (moi) rushed in with a tee shirt and socks in the authentic hues. And did you know? On tiny hands, socks make a dandy substitute for a hand puppet! (Take that, Nana and Pop Pops!) The point is, though she be small, this dainty toddler is mighty. And she made her stand clear: she had been indoctrinated to a Baby Shark that was a certain way, and it was that way or the highway! Lina’s reaction may not have been articulate, but it was clear. Not pink or blue, no soap!
Advertisers have been influencing which products parents buy their children for decades. Hanna Barbera licensed its cartoon characters back in the 1960s. Soon children were willingly taking their vitamins- so long as mom and dad had bought them Flintstones, Yogi Bear, or The Jetsons brand! Disney came late to the party, but today not only licenses toys, but also clothing in both children’s and adult sizes as well. Throughout Disney parks (but not in their franchised stores) home decor items are displayed alongside toys so that everyone in the family can bring home a memento of their visit to the Magic, and Magically Marketed Kingdom.
As a delightful aside, in one scene from ‘A Christmas Story’, Ralphie saves box tops from a popular chocolate-flavored beverage then sends them to the manufacturer in exchange for a secret decoder pin from his favorite radio show, ‘Orphan Annie‘. Daily he visits the family mailbox, until one day, one day, his decoder ring arrives. That night, Ralphie listens to the radio broadcast, carefully scribes the code, ‘just for secret agents’, then retreats to the bathroom to decode the secret message in private. What is its message? “Be sure to drink your Ovaltine.” What Waaaaaah!
Some fine day (and for her parents, not a moment too soon). Lina will tire of Baby Shark. At that point, all things Baby Shark will be discarded in favor of some other item receiving airplay and sweeping the ranks of the playground set. All that is known is that it will be some trend whose collateral is widely available. Whatever it is will make her feel good about herself, or is some other way will fulfill a need, real or emotional. In that way, nothing has changed from 1958, the year I desperately wanted a 3-foot high Shirley Temple doll, but had to settle for an 18-inch version that did not break the family’s household budget. My response was to thank my parents ever so politely, then put dolly dearest on a shelf, never to be played with. Quietly I sulked and eventually moved on to the obtaining another object of desire.
Consumers may be wiser now, but we continue to allow outside influences to permeate our lives, and our children’s. We are not raising future consumers, however: through peer pressure, the internet, and the now standard advertising and marketing influences, they already are. BTW: Walking size or not, I still have my Shirley Temple doll! Still in her original box. Never played with. Might be worth something someday, ya never know!
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]]>The post Like Tea? These Blends Are Ideal For All Tea Drinkers appeared first on Newton Search.
]]>Black tea is seen as the standard in America and is often served with a higher concentration of caffeine.
English Breakfast: Often a mix between Indian and Indonesian black tea leaves, English Breakfasts classic taste dates back to the 19th century. Many start with English Breakfast as one of their first black teas.
English Afternoon: You can think of English Afternoon as “English Breakfast Lite”. By that, we mean it has a lighter, more refreshing feels with the same general taste and feel as it’s parent brew. Many like to have this, oddly in the afternoon as a “pick me up” after having something a little darker in the morning.
Breakfast Assam: A nice, smooth and malty tea is an excellent choice for a cold day. We like to think of it as a rich chai tea, making it almost like a hybrid between the two worlds.
Ceylon Burning Sun: This critically acclaimed breakfast blend is known for having depth to its flavor. It can be hard to find at times, but many agree that it’s worth the journey. The taste has aged aroma mixed with hints of fruit that make for an excellent morning brew.
Earl Grey: You can’t go wrong with some Earl Grey. The powerful flavor with moderate levels of caffeine makes for what we consider a standard (along with English Breakfast). Because of its popularity, we find that Earl Grey tends to vary a little more in flavor and style than other teas, which makes trying new blends even more fun.
Lady Grey: Think of Earl Grey with a slight hint of citrus. No, not one of those orange teas, but just a faint twist that makes it a great choice for mixing up your morning routine.
Irish Breakfast: This (ironically) Indian blend is known for its high concentration of caffeine, which is especially helpful for those groggy mornings. Irish Breakfast is among our favorites and is one that we often prefer to drink straight. It’s like the espresso of tea.
Empire Keemun: Empire Keemun is allegedly the tea that started the opium wars in 19th-century China. The rich, powerful flavor is a favorite by many.
Black Pearl: The smooth (but powerful) Black Pearl is extremely popular among avid tea drinkers. It’s seen as the perfect balance between bold and sweet with a hint of molasses and fruit.
Roasted Chestnut: This dark, nutty blend just screams “holiday season” to us. It’s a really nice feel during the cold weather with a featured flavor of silky, nutty sweetness that we just find irresistible.
Served mostly in Asia, Dark tea has a sweet aroma with an herbal feel. The selection is fairly limited, considering.
Dark Rose: Dark Rose offers a full, but smooth taste with an almost dusty rose aroma that gives the blend its name and overall identity. It’s very popular in China and is known for being rich in antioxidants.
Anhua Dark: This modern tea has similar features to Dark Rose but takes its own course. Anhua features a sweeter, almost lighter feel to other dark teas with an aroma that changes a little as it ages.
Hunan Silk: The smooth as silk tea has a fruity kick and is used for iced tea almost as often as it is for hot. Its floral aromas make it pleasant, especially for spring mornings.
Oolong is like a hybrid between black and green tea. They give mosaic vibes with fruity aromas that are great for any time of the day.
Blue Beauty: Blue Beauty is another tea that is not popular in the west and is predominantly served in China. The sweet, yet floral blend is an Oolong favorite.
Brandy has many meanings and in this case, it means a strong tea with a smooth fruity taste.
A black tea with some green that has quite a unique taste. The sweet taste and silky feel turn into a delicious morning brew.
High Mountain: What’s mild, smooth and has a creamy feel? High Mountain! This is made in Taiwan and is hard to find, so if you do – give it a shot!
Milk Oolong: Milk Oolong is like a tea’s coffee, but with a soft, creamy taste. This is probably the best Oolong for a cold winter morning.
Green tea is mild in taste and low in caffeine but makes up for it with their antioxidants.
Apple Chai: A sweet apple tea with a touch of spice that is perfect in the summer.
Bamboo Leaf: Bamboo Leaf is a good lunch tea that is made from vegetables. It has a mild taste. So it goes well with just about anything (best with sandwiches, though).
Sencha: Its flavor resembles sweet grass and it’s pretty hydrating.
White tea is similar to green but has more of a natural sweetness to it. It’s hard to find, so when you do, give it a shot.
Happy White Plum: The White Plum is high in minerals and almost seems like mineral water.
Silver Needles: This Asian blend is ideal for the spring. It also has a sweet and silky feel, which is great for lunch!
White Mango Ginger: The White Mango Ginger is like a tropical tea with a touch of spice. It’s good hot and cold, making it the ultimate tea for any season!
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]]>The first phonograph attributed to Thomas Edison (what about Alexander Graham Bell?!) sound capture was initially so startling, that members of the clergy damned it from their pulpits. The cause of that commotion was the first edition record player, where grooves etched on tin foil placed on a rotating cylinder produced sounds which were then amplified through a speaker shaped like a morning glory. It was the disembodied voices that critics found disconcerting. By the time the first record player that featured dual (“stereo”) speakers, was implemented, sound quality had been vastly improved. Today, thanks to Edison/Bell’s invention, we have recordings of famous personalities of their day, from Caruso, and Theodore Roosevelt, to Einstein. And without phonographs and Sun Records, would anyone have ever heard of Elvis?
Our grandparents and great grandparents turned to radio and TV for their news, information, and entertainment, usually in the form of variety shows. These programs would include a comedian, dancers, an orchestra or band, as well as headliners such as Frank Sinatra. Often coordinated with the leading ‘top of the chart’ vinyl record sales of the time, programming was scheduled, and there were no recording devices such as DVDs to capture performances.
The electric guitar was invented during the Great Depression, however it was not until the 1960s that the likes of Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan took it mainstream. Electrified instruments took music out of intimate clubs and concert halls into arenas and stadiums, taking sound well beyond the range of acoustic instrumentation.
Digital music made by computers never really took off in the United States, but since the 1980s, Europeans and the Japanese have loved it. Synths created new soundscapes for performers and composers alike. Robert Moog and the Beatles utilized this idiom, which quickly superseded the need for a recording studio and allowed anyone with only a few pieces of relatively low cost equipment, the ability to explore this new medium.
Today those quaint iridescent disks make nice Holiday ornaments, but 35 years ago, these were the latest technology. Read by lasers and played on portable devices, CDs were essentially albums you could tote along with you, however clumsy, and superseded tapes for recording music and events.
In the 1990s, along came Steve Jobs with the iPod. And the Apple Store which featured single tune downloads for only 99 cents! Imagine! The rise of the MP3 player has made individual songs available to all, without the expense of buying an album (?) or CD with tunes you didn’t want. Creating your own soundtrack or party mix from a wide range of artists and musical tastes quickly became a consuming interest. Best of all, your entire music library was contained on one, easily-accessed, palm-sized unit. Life couldn’t get better than this, right?!
It is hard to believe that the first YouTube video was uploaded in April, 2005. An angel-funded enterprise that sprang from a garage-based home office, this site that allows new artists to simply upload their recordings for immediate release. Countless artists have gone this route and found new audiences and income for their efforts.
Think about it. Today we all have our personal scores playing in the background as we go about our daily lives. Streaming Music has made this possible. Apps such as Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and many others allow downloads within seconds at a fraction of a cent per listen. Streaming was a first seen across school campuses, then in urban areas, and now in many workplaces. It is known that music increases job satisfaction and productivity. With streaming the cost of owning/playing music has been greatly reduced, and the pleasure derived from its spontaneity has increased the number of music lovers exponentially.
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