Movies
There are two types of people in this world; those who are infatuated with horror films like the author of this piece and those who have seen one or two and hated them. Even the latter group have heard of some of your biggest baddies like Freddy, Jason, and Chucky, but for seasoned horror veterans these guys can get a little tiresome sometimes. If you are like me, and love a good horror movie - no matter how bad it is - look out for these underrated horror movies to watch this coming Friday the 13th.
Triangle
Triangle may be the most underrated horror movies of all time. The plot is nothing new, a group of people on a boat hit some bad weather and have to escape to another boat for safety. Of course things start getting weird and people start dying. It sounds pretty boring, but what happens next is absolutely gripping. Its the kind of movie that you may have to watch a few time to understand all the nuances of the film.
Dead End
I recently rediscovered this movie and want to watch it again and again. There is so much going on that you miss a lot of the minuscule hints that this movie peppers across every scene. It offers everything that a horror fanatic may want from an in depth story to a few jumps and, of course, the obligatory gore. I don't think this movie ever went to theaters, but the story in itself deserved its turn on the big screen. The movie also stars a cast of "that one guy/gal I saw in that one thing."
V/H/S
I watched this movie a week after it was released on the advice of a coworker. To be honest, I was ready for it to suck...but it didn't. This movie plays on the once refreshing but now rehashed found footage idea, but the vignettes in themselves are so great that they don't need to rely on the found footage aspects of the film. As a huge fan of short stories, especially ones which tie together, I give this movie an A. Unfortunately, Hollywood did what it does and rushed out two garbage sequels that are not worth your time.
Into the Grizzly Maze
When I rented this movie I was in a situation where I had an expiring free Redbox rental and nothing I REALLY wanted to watch. The premise seemed a little cheesy and, though it had some big name actors, I didn't really see how this could be a legitimate horror flick. This is hard for me to say but...ahem...I was wrong. There are not blood and guts every three seconds, but there is plenty of terror and a few severed limbs.
Troll 2There was actually a documentary about this move called, "The Best Worst Movie". This film was a train wreck from the start and the documentary does a great job of breaking down what went wrong, but this is the kind of movie that you should have to endure to call yourself a true horror fan. This movie gets to call itself underrated because it is so bad it is actually good in a few ways. There is a link to the documentary on the right and a clip underneath to show you just how awesomely bad this movie is.
April Fools Day
This is some 80s fair that is hard to pass up! It stars a handful of recognizable faces who head out to an island retreat only to be picked off one by one by a mystery killer. One outrageous sex scene and an ending too awesome to describe make this one of the most underrated horror movies of all time. Just make sure when you are watching this that you get the 1986 April Fools and not the 2008 version; a movie that we would all be better off without ever knowing about.
Hatchet
Hatchet breathed new life into the slasher film, the problem is that not very many people saw it. The creator Adam Green is one of us and has made a name for himself in the indie community. Hatchet has two sequels and Adam has done a number of other great works including Holliston and Digging up the Marrow - excluding Frozen which was a steaming pile of wolf poop in my opinion. Victor Crowley deserves to have his name among some of the greats, but he never will until the original Hatchet gets a proper theatrical release.
Trick 'r Treat
This is one of my own personal favorites - again sucker for intertwining short stories. It is based off of a comic book of the same name and delivers thrills and chills at every angle. You always feel like you know what is going on, but you never really know. I have been waiting with bated breath for a sequel to this film to be produced.
The Reef
The Reef is everything that Open Water wishes it could have been. It combines equal parts said film and Jaws 4 to make for one spectacular movie full of drama and suspense. Science would tell us that movies like this aren't possible, but movies like this are what keep us far away from the ocean. There are so many creature features out there that it is nearly impossible to create a top 5, but this movie may be in it.
Tucker and Dale Versus Evil
This movie is really filed under that unique genre of horror-comedy. Tucker and Dale head out to their fixer-upper in the woods when a bunch of college kids descend on them and start killing themselves on their property. You will be equal parts mortified and jolly when it comes to this underrated horror film.
Ratter
Ratter is every parent's nightmare in the 21st century. You could file this film under found footage, but I'm sure that it will get its own unique tag in the next few years. The thing is, this film is more terrifying than most people who watch it may know which earns its role as an underrated film
The Visit
I think it is purposeful that no one mentions M. Night Shyamalan's name anymore when it comes to movies. Of course, if his name is attached we are waiting for the twist. In this scenario the twist is in front of you the whole time, but you are almost trying to convince yourself that is could not be as obvious as it is. Even if you see everything coming from a mile away this movie is still underrated because of the awesome dialog.
Feast
Feast changed the idea of the horror movie; the problem was no one was around to see it. This cripple limped its way out of Project Green Light as its only noteworthy submission, but has only been seen by a handful of devotees. Somehow this movie spawned two sequels, but they were nowhere close to the magic of the original. Feast does star a handful of recognizable faces, though that may be a con in this situation.
I miss one? Did I miss 10? Lists like these are so opinionated; let me know in the comments and I will be happy to agree with or debate the best underrated horror film of all time.
Originally Published on ReelRundown.com
Family
10 Secrets Of A Happy Marriage
It’s no secret that having children is a wonderful gift, but the time constraints of parenthood can put a lot of strain on your relationship with your partner. Here are 10 secrets of happy couples...
Quality over quantity
You may be surprised to learn in the early days with a new baby, your partner might rather trade a bedtime boogie for an extra hour of sleep. Studies have shown that when it comes to the happiness of a couple, it’s the quality not the quantity that really matters between the sheets.
Time to connect
With all your duties as parents, time with your significant other can be pushed aside. Date night is more than just fun away from the kids – it’s a time for you as a couple to get reconnected. If you are on a tight budget, your date can be as simple as a having a fancy dinner at home once the kiddies are in bed.
Time on your own
Just as important as we time is your own” me” time. Sit down with your partner and carve out some time for you to get away. A night out with friends or an hour to read the paper on Saturday morning will do wonders for your own mental health.
Positivity is a must
Don’t dwell on the things that bother you. Instead, talk about them and move on. Focus on the positive by acknowledging when your partner goes above and beyond their normal family responsibilities. This can be as simple as saying thank you.
Communication is key
Talk about your day, your week, what the kids are doing, work and anything else that is important in your daily life. When your partner is talking make sure that you truly listen to what they have to say.
Giving gifts shows that you care
This doesn’t necessarily mean diamonds every day. Something as small as a love note tucked away where your significant other will find it can make their day. This is one of the simplest and effective ways to show your partner that you are thinking about them when life gets crazy.
Try to be affectionate on a daily basis
Flirt with your partner with light touches and quick pecks on the cheek. Touch is one of the easiest ways to stay affectionate with your love.
Money can be recovered, memories cannot
This may be a difficult concept to grasp in the moment. Working parents can sometimes find themselves caught up in their job; thinking that taking time off will equal money lost. Depending on what you do for a living this may be true, but equally true is the fact that if a spouse is never around, especially for big moments in a child’s life, it can damage a relationship. You may not be able to be there for your baby’s first steps, but you can definitely schedule time for their first trip to the zoo. Making memories like this build happy memories for couples and kids alike.
Sorry is not a bad word
Often times we put our pride in front of our relationships refusing to say that one little word that can diffuse the situation. Saying you’re sorry lets your partner know that you care and might also give them the cue to apologize for their part of the issue as well.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Besides parenting, marriage is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. You are bound to make mistakes along the way, but that doesn’t make you a bad spouse and it definitely doesn’t mean that your relationship is flawed. One of the most important keys to a happy relationship is the understanding that a relationship takes a lot of hard work, but reward for that work is worth more than all of the gold in the world.
Originally published at BabyPost.com
It’s no secret that having children is a wonderful gift, but the time constraints of parenthood can put a lot of strain on your relationship with your partner. Here are 10 secrets of happy couples...
Quality over quantity
You may be surprised to learn in the early days with a new baby, your partner might rather trade a bedtime boogie for an extra hour of sleep. Studies have shown that when it comes to the happiness of a couple, it’s the quality not the quantity that really matters between the sheets.
Time to connect
With all your duties as parents, time with your significant other can be pushed aside. Date night is more than just fun away from the kids – it’s a time for you as a couple to get reconnected. If you are on a tight budget, your date can be as simple as a having a fancy dinner at home once the kiddies are in bed.
Time on your own
Just as important as we time is your own” me” time. Sit down with your partner and carve out some time for you to get away. A night out with friends or an hour to read the paper on Saturday morning will do wonders for your own mental health.
Positivity is a must
Don’t dwell on the things that bother you. Instead, talk about them and move on. Focus on the positive by acknowledging when your partner goes above and beyond their normal family responsibilities. This can be as simple as saying thank you.
Communication is key
Talk about your day, your week, what the kids are doing, work and anything else that is important in your daily life. When your partner is talking make sure that you truly listen to what they have to say.
Giving gifts shows that you care
This doesn’t necessarily mean diamonds every day. Something as small as a love note tucked away where your significant other will find it can make their day. This is one of the simplest and effective ways to show your partner that you are thinking about them when life gets crazy.
Try to be affectionate on a daily basis
Flirt with your partner with light touches and quick pecks on the cheek. Touch is one of the easiest ways to stay affectionate with your love.
Money can be recovered, memories cannot
This may be a difficult concept to grasp in the moment. Working parents can sometimes find themselves caught up in their job; thinking that taking time off will equal money lost. Depending on what you do for a living this may be true, but equally true is the fact that if a spouse is never around, especially for big moments in a child’s life, it can damage a relationship. You may not be able to be there for your baby’s first steps, but you can definitely schedule time for their first trip to the zoo. Making memories like this build happy memories for couples and kids alike.
Sorry is not a bad word
Often times we put our pride in front of our relationships refusing to say that one little word that can diffuse the situation. Saying you’re sorry lets your partner know that you care and might also give them the cue to apologize for their part of the issue as well.
Don’t be too hard on yourself
Besides parenting, marriage is one of the hardest jobs on the planet. You are bound to make mistakes along the way, but that doesn’t make you a bad spouse and it definitely doesn’t mean that your relationship is flawed. One of the most important keys to a happy relationship is the understanding that a relationship takes a lot of hard work, but reward for that work is worth more than all of the gold in the world.
Originally published at BabyPost.com
Lifestyle
Forget the Bar, These Places are Way Better to Pick up Chicks
At 21 there is no better place than the bar to pick up girls, but as you get older you start to realize that you want to bring a woman, not a girl, home to mom. The older you are the more the bar loses its luster and you start wanting other options for both leisure and pleasure, but if you can’t hit up your local pub then where can you go to meet the perfect woman for you? Depending on what you are looking for in a lady one of these places might just fit the bill.
Library/Book Store
You get two things from a woman in a books store; a presumably well-read and educated woman and a woman who is confident enough in herself that she can buck popular trends like eReaders. A woman who loves to read is going to be past the drama and will be able to hold a conversation when she needs to and not talk your ear off when you need some downtime. Steer clear of the romance section since those women will be filled will unrealistic ideas and you’ll definitely score bonus points if you can find a lady in the do it yourself/automotive section.
Dog Park
If you are a dog lover it only makes sense that you would want a woman that shares the same love for pooches as you do. Hitting up the dog park is a great idea because you get to meet a woman who shares your interests and there are no distractions other than potentially naughty dogs. Just don’t show up to a dog park without a dog or you will look a little less Must Love Dogs and a little more One Hour Photo.
Volunteering
Obviously volunteering just to pick up chicks isn’t going to get you very far but if you enjoy giving back it is an excellent route to go. Depending on your preferences there are two types of women that you will meet while volunteering; those who are kind hearted and genuinely want to help and those who are there by court order both have their advantages and disadvantages. The best part about volunteering is that it usually leaves you plenty of time to talk making it a cheap and informal first date.
Community Classes
Community education classes are a great place to meet women who may share your interest or are at least willing to try something new. Try taking a class like painting, cooking, or dancing to maximize the potential level of women that you will come in contact with. Worst case scenario you will learn a valuable skill that will make you more marketable in the overall dating pool.
Wine Tasting Events
This is like a built in high class date for little to nothing. You know that you are getting with a woman who enjoys the finer things and is a little more refined than the sorority girls that you will find at your local bar. These women will most likely be after a little conversation to go with their wine and cheese and will be just as interesting as they are interested.
Art Galleries and Museums
If refined is what you want there may be no better place to go than an art gallery. Art galleries are great because it draws a certain type of woman in and the art is a built in conversation starter. Now if only that stuff wasn’t so boring this may be the best place of all to meet your dream girl.
One more tip: Don’t Go to the Pool or Gym
Women already feel vulnerable in these places because they are not in the most covering clothing and every idiot under the sun has hit on them in this setting before. If anything, give them a smile and a nod and keep walking, it is possible that your chivalry may make you the only man in the area interesting enough to talk to. If she does approach you in one of these settings, eye contact is an absolute must or you will totally blow your chances.
At 21 there is no better place than the bar to pick up girls, but as you get older you start to realize that you want to bring a woman, not a girl, home to mom. The older you are the more the bar loses its luster and you start wanting other options for both leisure and pleasure, but if you can’t hit up your local pub then where can you go to meet the perfect woman for you? Depending on what you are looking for in a lady one of these places might just fit the bill.
Library/Book Store
You get two things from a woman in a books store; a presumably well-read and educated woman and a woman who is confident enough in herself that she can buck popular trends like eReaders. A woman who loves to read is going to be past the drama and will be able to hold a conversation when she needs to and not talk your ear off when you need some downtime. Steer clear of the romance section since those women will be filled will unrealistic ideas and you’ll definitely score bonus points if you can find a lady in the do it yourself/automotive section.
Dog Park
If you are a dog lover it only makes sense that you would want a woman that shares the same love for pooches as you do. Hitting up the dog park is a great idea because you get to meet a woman who shares your interests and there are no distractions other than potentially naughty dogs. Just don’t show up to a dog park without a dog or you will look a little less Must Love Dogs and a little more One Hour Photo.
Volunteering
Obviously volunteering just to pick up chicks isn’t going to get you very far but if you enjoy giving back it is an excellent route to go. Depending on your preferences there are two types of women that you will meet while volunteering; those who are kind hearted and genuinely want to help and those who are there by court order both have their advantages and disadvantages. The best part about volunteering is that it usually leaves you plenty of time to talk making it a cheap and informal first date.
Community Classes
Community education classes are a great place to meet women who may share your interest or are at least willing to try something new. Try taking a class like painting, cooking, or dancing to maximize the potential level of women that you will come in contact with. Worst case scenario you will learn a valuable skill that will make you more marketable in the overall dating pool.
Wine Tasting Events
This is like a built in high class date for little to nothing. You know that you are getting with a woman who enjoys the finer things and is a little more refined than the sorority girls that you will find at your local bar. These women will most likely be after a little conversation to go with their wine and cheese and will be just as interesting as they are interested.
Art Galleries and Museums
If refined is what you want there may be no better place to go than an art gallery. Art galleries are great because it draws a certain type of woman in and the art is a built in conversation starter. Now if only that stuff wasn’t so boring this may be the best place of all to meet your dream girl.
One more tip: Don’t Go to the Pool or Gym
Women already feel vulnerable in these places because they are not in the most covering clothing and every idiot under the sun has hit on them in this setting before. If anything, give them a smile and a nod and keep walking, it is possible that your chivalry may make you the only man in the area interesting enough to talk to. If she does approach you in one of these settings, eye contact is an absolute must or you will totally blow your chances.
Fiction
I couldn’t believe my eyes. I knew that our relationship would have to end, but not like this, not over Facebook. After four years of some of the best and worst times of our lives my jackass boyfriend, Jake, is actually breaking up with me over Facebook. As I fought back tears and anger I couldn’t help but think back to where it all began.
We were both sophomores the year that we met at party at one of the many frat houses on campus. There were a couple of guys hitting on me aggressively and they wouldn’t take no for an answer. Jake stepped in when one of the Neanderthals actually had the nerve to grab my arm.
“Hey guys it looks like it’s about time to move on,” He said pointing toward the bar, “I think there are some ladies over there with their pants already half off.”
“Alright man,” they said in unison, “We don’t want any problems here.” As they slunk away I got my first real look at my hero. He was gorgeous with a strong chin and cheek bones. His light brown hair was a little shaggy for my taste, but that would be fixable. Most noticeable was the way his bright green eyes lit up his smile or vice versa.
“Wow, you must be a pretty big deal.” I said trying to keep my knees from knocking together.
“Nah, they just don’t want to see the star quarterback get messed up before the big game next week.” I actually had to grab his shoulder to keep from falling down. I awkwardly grabbed at my shoe trying to blame it for my sudden imbalance. The truth was guys like that don't talk to girls like me. Not that I’m not pretty, I just don’t try to be. On most days my blonde hair with all of its curls are quickly tied back and my usual attire consists of sweat pants and a hoodie.
“Well, thank you anyway…” I drew out the Y cuing him to introduce himself.
“Jake, Jake Preston.” He said sticking out his hand.
“Wow, Handsome and polite.” I immediately regretted saying that out loud, but followed through with the handshake instead of turning and running back to my dorm.
“At the risk of sounding as creepy as those guys, would you like to get out of this party and go somewhere to talk? Somewhere well-lit of course.” Unable to speak and surely as red as the school colors I shook my head yes and took his arm as he escorted me through the crowd and outside of the frat house. We found ourselves at an all-night coffee shop on campus where the warm coffee finally untied my tongue.
That first night was the start of something that neither one of us could have ever imagined. It turned out that we were like puzzle pieces that had been waiting 19 years to complete a puzzle. We became almost inseparable with me in the stands of every one of his games cheering him on and him sitting quietly in the back of every one of my debates. There was only one game that I really wish I would have missed.
It was late in the fourth quarter and they were up by a field goal. It had started to rain making the field slippery. Jake had marched the team down the field and they were going for a touchdown to solidify their win. He dropped back looking for a receiver when some tackler guy from the other team came out of nowhere and dove at Jake. I watched through my fingers as Jake’s knee went one way and his body went the other.
The doctor said he wasn’t sure if Jake would ever play again, but I knew that was never an option for my man. It was a long summer with us moving in together and him rehabbing with left me with most of the heavy lifting. There were a lot of fights, one even almost lead to a break up, but we loved each other too much to let the stresses of a new home and rehab get in the way. We had a nice apartment it wasn’t much, but I did my best to make it feel like a home. By mid-summer Jake was already off of his crutches and barely had a limp. By the time practice started he was better than ever. Not long after the season started our relationship was tested again.
In my junior year of college I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It was my dad and he was whispering barely above an audible whisper.
“Look,” he said, “You’re mom didn’t want me to tell you but I think you have the right to know.”
“Know what Dad? Daddy you’re scaring me.” I squeezed out as if the entire sentence was only one word.”
“Your…your mom has cancer and it doesn’t look good.” I didn’t even wait for him to get to the last word before I started to hyperventilate dropping the phone to the ground. I could hear him calling my name but I couldn’t move. Other than Jake, my mom was my best friend in the world and I was just told that I was about to lose her. I wasted no time waking Jake up and we were on the first flight to North Carolina.
It was quick; she was only with us for a few weeks after that. The cancer that took us all by surprise took her at too young of an age. Jake was there for me as much as he could be flying back and forth between school and games. I had to take a semester off to be with my family and he had to focus on a potential future in the NFL. Though there were thousands of miles between us I never felt like our relationship was stronger than at that time. I never even took the time to thank him for all of the sacrifices that he made then.
As soon as I could muster up the strength I headed back to school. Everyone was so understanding; getting back into school was a cinch and my boss had been holding my job for me. No one was more understanding than Jake. I slowly opened the front door not knowing what to expect of the home that I first found out about my mom. In true Jake fashion I was greeted by a bouquet of flowers on our dining room table. Behind it was an elaborate picture frame filled with pictures of my mom and me. I began to cry and by cry I mean bawl. Jake rushed into the room.
“I am so sorry sweetie I was just trying to find a way to remember her the way I thought that you would want her to be remembered.”
“No, no it’s beautiful.” I managed to get out between sobs. “I…I’m just so lucky to have someone like you in my life.” He didn’t say anything, he didn’t have to. He held me for what seemed like hours until I finally said that I should unpack. It took a couple of weeks but things started to get back to normal.
Things weren’t always doom and gloom, there were a ton of good times as well. Like the summer between our junior and senior years when we decided to drop everything and go to Spain for a couple of weeks. Don’t start judging me I have enough going on right now. We had saved for months for that trip. It was the most romantic thing that I had ever experienced. I felt like I was in a movie the whole time we were there with romantic dinners and walks on the beach. When we got back we were THAT couple. The ones who finish each other’s sentences and fed each other, you know the couple that makes every other couple want to puke.
Things only got better when we found out that NFL scouts were coming to watch him in his senior year. The word was that there were not just a few teams interested in Jake’s cannon. He played the best season of his career even winning one of those Bowls that people care about so much. It wasn’t long before the NFL came calling, each team offering more than the last. I was so excited at first, for him, for us, until I realized what the future could hold.
That was when I realized something that I should have known all along. He was about to make it big and I was still going to be the girl who cared more about her books than the newest night time drama. Who was I kidding thinking that I was going to marry this guy who is destined for stardom?
Now I am staring at a chat box on Facebook seeing words like this relationship just isn’t going to last like this and I just think that maybe we should explore other options. I was pouring over each individual word, analyzing it, not understanding how this could happen. Yeah, I figured this was going to end, but after everything that we had been through I thought that he would at least respect me enough to do it in person
I could no longer take it and in a burst of anger and sorrow I slammed my laptop shut and began to cry. It was over, it was really over and now I was going to need to pack everything up and be on my way to North Carolina before Jake got back from whatever road game he was on his way to this weekend. I stood up slowly, my legs shaking from the devastating conversation that I was just a part of. I turned around and immediately fell back down into my seat. There was Jake kneeling, he had been behind me for seconds, minutes, hours for all I knew. In his left hand was his phone still displaying the Facebook screen and in his right was the biggest and most beautiful diamond ring that I had ever seen.
“Coach said I could fly out in the morning…that is if you say yes of course.”
We were both sophomores the year that we met at party at one of the many frat houses on campus. There were a couple of guys hitting on me aggressively and they wouldn’t take no for an answer. Jake stepped in when one of the Neanderthals actually had the nerve to grab my arm.
“Hey guys it looks like it’s about time to move on,” He said pointing toward the bar, “I think there are some ladies over there with their pants already half off.”
“Alright man,” they said in unison, “We don’t want any problems here.” As they slunk away I got my first real look at my hero. He was gorgeous with a strong chin and cheek bones. His light brown hair was a little shaggy for my taste, but that would be fixable. Most noticeable was the way his bright green eyes lit up his smile or vice versa.
“Wow, you must be a pretty big deal.” I said trying to keep my knees from knocking together.
“Nah, they just don’t want to see the star quarterback get messed up before the big game next week.” I actually had to grab his shoulder to keep from falling down. I awkwardly grabbed at my shoe trying to blame it for my sudden imbalance. The truth was guys like that don't talk to girls like me. Not that I’m not pretty, I just don’t try to be. On most days my blonde hair with all of its curls are quickly tied back and my usual attire consists of sweat pants and a hoodie.
“Well, thank you anyway…” I drew out the Y cuing him to introduce himself.
“Jake, Jake Preston.” He said sticking out his hand.
“Wow, Handsome and polite.” I immediately regretted saying that out loud, but followed through with the handshake instead of turning and running back to my dorm.
“At the risk of sounding as creepy as those guys, would you like to get out of this party and go somewhere to talk? Somewhere well-lit of course.” Unable to speak and surely as red as the school colors I shook my head yes and took his arm as he escorted me through the crowd and outside of the frat house. We found ourselves at an all-night coffee shop on campus where the warm coffee finally untied my tongue.
That first night was the start of something that neither one of us could have ever imagined. It turned out that we were like puzzle pieces that had been waiting 19 years to complete a puzzle. We became almost inseparable with me in the stands of every one of his games cheering him on and him sitting quietly in the back of every one of my debates. There was only one game that I really wish I would have missed.
It was late in the fourth quarter and they were up by a field goal. It had started to rain making the field slippery. Jake had marched the team down the field and they were going for a touchdown to solidify their win. He dropped back looking for a receiver when some tackler guy from the other team came out of nowhere and dove at Jake. I watched through my fingers as Jake’s knee went one way and his body went the other.
The doctor said he wasn’t sure if Jake would ever play again, but I knew that was never an option for my man. It was a long summer with us moving in together and him rehabbing with left me with most of the heavy lifting. There were a lot of fights, one even almost lead to a break up, but we loved each other too much to let the stresses of a new home and rehab get in the way. We had a nice apartment it wasn’t much, but I did my best to make it feel like a home. By mid-summer Jake was already off of his crutches and barely had a limp. By the time practice started he was better than ever. Not long after the season started our relationship was tested again.
In my junior year of college I got a phone call in the middle of the night. It was my dad and he was whispering barely above an audible whisper.
“Look,” he said, “You’re mom didn’t want me to tell you but I think you have the right to know.”
“Know what Dad? Daddy you’re scaring me.” I squeezed out as if the entire sentence was only one word.”
“Your…your mom has cancer and it doesn’t look good.” I didn’t even wait for him to get to the last word before I started to hyperventilate dropping the phone to the ground. I could hear him calling my name but I couldn’t move. Other than Jake, my mom was my best friend in the world and I was just told that I was about to lose her. I wasted no time waking Jake up and we were on the first flight to North Carolina.
It was quick; she was only with us for a few weeks after that. The cancer that took us all by surprise took her at too young of an age. Jake was there for me as much as he could be flying back and forth between school and games. I had to take a semester off to be with my family and he had to focus on a potential future in the NFL. Though there were thousands of miles between us I never felt like our relationship was stronger than at that time. I never even took the time to thank him for all of the sacrifices that he made then.
As soon as I could muster up the strength I headed back to school. Everyone was so understanding; getting back into school was a cinch and my boss had been holding my job for me. No one was more understanding than Jake. I slowly opened the front door not knowing what to expect of the home that I first found out about my mom. In true Jake fashion I was greeted by a bouquet of flowers on our dining room table. Behind it was an elaborate picture frame filled with pictures of my mom and me. I began to cry and by cry I mean bawl. Jake rushed into the room.
“I am so sorry sweetie I was just trying to find a way to remember her the way I thought that you would want her to be remembered.”
“No, no it’s beautiful.” I managed to get out between sobs. “I…I’m just so lucky to have someone like you in my life.” He didn’t say anything, he didn’t have to. He held me for what seemed like hours until I finally said that I should unpack. It took a couple of weeks but things started to get back to normal.
Things weren’t always doom and gloom, there were a ton of good times as well. Like the summer between our junior and senior years when we decided to drop everything and go to Spain for a couple of weeks. Don’t start judging me I have enough going on right now. We had saved for months for that trip. It was the most romantic thing that I had ever experienced. I felt like I was in a movie the whole time we were there with romantic dinners and walks on the beach. When we got back we were THAT couple. The ones who finish each other’s sentences and fed each other, you know the couple that makes every other couple want to puke.
Things only got better when we found out that NFL scouts were coming to watch him in his senior year. The word was that there were not just a few teams interested in Jake’s cannon. He played the best season of his career even winning one of those Bowls that people care about so much. It wasn’t long before the NFL came calling, each team offering more than the last. I was so excited at first, for him, for us, until I realized what the future could hold.
That was when I realized something that I should have known all along. He was about to make it big and I was still going to be the girl who cared more about her books than the newest night time drama. Who was I kidding thinking that I was going to marry this guy who is destined for stardom?
Now I am staring at a chat box on Facebook seeing words like this relationship just isn’t going to last like this and I just think that maybe we should explore other options. I was pouring over each individual word, analyzing it, not understanding how this could happen. Yeah, I figured this was going to end, but after everything that we had been through I thought that he would at least respect me enough to do it in person
I could no longer take it and in a burst of anger and sorrow I slammed my laptop shut and began to cry. It was over, it was really over and now I was going to need to pack everything up and be on my way to North Carolina before Jake got back from whatever road game he was on his way to this weekend. I stood up slowly, my legs shaking from the devastating conversation that I was just a part of. I turned around and immediately fell back down into my seat. There was Jake kneeling, he had been behind me for seconds, minutes, hours for all I knew. In his left hand was his phone still displaying the Facebook screen and in his right was the biggest and most beautiful diamond ring that I had ever seen.
“Coach said I could fly out in the morning…that is if you say yes of course.”
Exercise
One of the biggest issues that derail a workout program is not seeing the pounds drop on the scale. This leads people to believe that what they are doing is not working so they will just give up completely. The fact of the matter is the scale should be the last place you look when you want to know if your new weight loss program is working. Instead look to the 5 weight loss indicators that will let you know that your program is working.
Inches
One of the easiest ways to measure weight loss is through inches. This can be done with an actual fabric tape measure or just by noticing the way that your pants fit. You will start dropping inches long before the scale shows any significant movement.
Muscle to Fat Ratio
The muscle to fat ratio can be measured in many ways. Hydrostatic weighing is the most accurate way but it is also the most difficult and most expensive method. The next best way is through a caliper pinch test administered by a professional, but this would most likely mean that you would have to hire a doctor or personal trainer. The third way is through bioelectrical impedance. These machines create a measurement by bouncing an electrical current through your body and measuring how much fat it bounces off of. They can be found on scales as well as standalone handheld devices. Bioelectrical impedance machines are not extremely accurate but they would be able to tell you if the number is going up or down.
External Factors
You will be able to see a change in you by seeing a change in things around you. You can measure your weight loss with outside factors like your food bill (including dining out.) Other outside factors include measurements like the time it takes you to get somewhere on your feet and the amount of space you save in your cupboards, fridge, and seats.
Other People
This one may take a little longer than others, but then again it may not. When a lot of people lose weight they lose it from their face first. If you see the same people on a daily or weekly basis they may be able to tell that you are losing weight before you do.
Feeling
The best way to measure your weight loss is by measuring how you feel. This will be the first measurable factor that will change when you start a workout program. After even a week you may find yourself with more energy, a better mood, and more stamina. From there you will start to notice that your clothes start to fit better, it’s easier to get out of bed in the morning, you are not accidentally brushing up against stuff that you thought you had clearance for and a hundred other minuscule everyday events that all the sudden become easier.
Inches
One of the easiest ways to measure weight loss is through inches. This can be done with an actual fabric tape measure or just by noticing the way that your pants fit. You will start dropping inches long before the scale shows any significant movement.
Muscle to Fat Ratio
The muscle to fat ratio can be measured in many ways. Hydrostatic weighing is the most accurate way but it is also the most difficult and most expensive method. The next best way is through a caliper pinch test administered by a professional, but this would most likely mean that you would have to hire a doctor or personal trainer. The third way is through bioelectrical impedance. These machines create a measurement by bouncing an electrical current through your body and measuring how much fat it bounces off of. They can be found on scales as well as standalone handheld devices. Bioelectrical impedance machines are not extremely accurate but they would be able to tell you if the number is going up or down.
External Factors
You will be able to see a change in you by seeing a change in things around you. You can measure your weight loss with outside factors like your food bill (including dining out.) Other outside factors include measurements like the time it takes you to get somewhere on your feet and the amount of space you save in your cupboards, fridge, and seats.
Other People
This one may take a little longer than others, but then again it may not. When a lot of people lose weight they lose it from their face first. If you see the same people on a daily or weekly basis they may be able to tell that you are losing weight before you do.
Feeling
The best way to measure your weight loss is by measuring how you feel. This will be the first measurable factor that will change when you start a workout program. After even a week you may find yourself with more energy, a better mood, and more stamina. From there you will start to notice that your clothes start to fit better, it’s easier to get out of bed in the morning, you are not accidentally brushing up against stuff that you thought you had clearance for and a hundred other minuscule everyday events that all the sudden become easier.
Technology
5 Near Future Gadgets that will be Must Haves
If you don’t love gadgets then you might as well turn your man card in now. If you are anything like me you live and breathe for the newest of technologies and are always striving to make your life and surroundings better with your gadgets. With the invention of sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, we are seeing some of the newest and most innovative gadgets to hit the market ever and we often get a first glance long before the devices end up on store shelves. Here are just 5 of the must have gadgets that we will see soon - one within the next month or two.
Amazon Echo
If you are unorganized or just simply in need of a personal assistant more powerful than Siri could ever wish to be this badass gadget is for you. It’s small but it’s powerful with killer speakers and the ability to hear you from anywhere in the room. It is always on, but only listens when you use its nickname so you don’t have to worry about it randomly going off. The echo can be used to do anything from research to shopping lists, to alarms and much more. It is always connected to the cloud too so it is always learning and coming up with new tricks. This one should be released within the next month or so; so if anyone is looking for a Christmas present for me…
Hendo Hover
News broke this week that there is an actual real live hover board in the works and there was even video of skateboarding great Tony Hawk riding on it. Unlike the hoaxes of the past, the Hendo Hover is the real deal, but it comes with a catch. It is an electro magnetized board which means that it only works when it is above metal surfaces which are not exactly what we were expecting when we asked for the Back to the Future hover boards. It doesn’t really matter how this thing works because, dude, HOVER BOARD!
Xoo Belt
This crazy belt guarantees that you will never run out of smartphone battery again. Unlike bulky key chains or ridiculous smartphone cases this charger keeps it charged in something that you use every day anyway. It weighs the same as a normal belt and works the same too; the difference is it hold and electrical charge and has a port to plug in your smartphone. It is a fair bet that these guys will go all in and make sure that the belts look as nice as they are functional.
Bionic Bird
Personal drones are the becoming more and more popular but the bionic bird is going to have a leg up on every other drone. This sweet gadget looks just like a bird and can be controlled right from your smartphone. Not only will you be able to control this bird right from your pocket but your hot neighbor will never suspect it’s you flying overhead while she’s sunbathing.
Point
Point is set to make every other home security system look over priced and over complicated. This tiny circle is smaller than a smoke alarm and three times as powerful. It listens to, and even smells, the details of your house and relays it straight to your smartphone. It’s customizable – one example their Kickstarter page offers is that it will glow yellow if it smells cigarette smoke – and it is half the price of most other security systems. This thing will even recognize if it has been tampered with; find a regular security system that will do that.
If you don’t love gadgets then you might as well turn your man card in now. If you are anything like me you live and breathe for the newest of technologies and are always striving to make your life and surroundings better with your gadgets. With the invention of sites like Kickstarter and Indiegogo, we are seeing some of the newest and most innovative gadgets to hit the market ever and we often get a first glance long before the devices end up on store shelves. Here are just 5 of the must have gadgets that we will see soon - one within the next month or two.
Amazon Echo
If you are unorganized or just simply in need of a personal assistant more powerful than Siri could ever wish to be this badass gadget is for you. It’s small but it’s powerful with killer speakers and the ability to hear you from anywhere in the room. It is always on, but only listens when you use its nickname so you don’t have to worry about it randomly going off. The echo can be used to do anything from research to shopping lists, to alarms and much more. It is always connected to the cloud too so it is always learning and coming up with new tricks. This one should be released within the next month or so; so if anyone is looking for a Christmas present for me…
Hendo Hover
News broke this week that there is an actual real live hover board in the works and there was even video of skateboarding great Tony Hawk riding on it. Unlike the hoaxes of the past, the Hendo Hover is the real deal, but it comes with a catch. It is an electro magnetized board which means that it only works when it is above metal surfaces which are not exactly what we were expecting when we asked for the Back to the Future hover boards. It doesn’t really matter how this thing works because, dude, HOVER BOARD!
Xoo Belt
This crazy belt guarantees that you will never run out of smartphone battery again. Unlike bulky key chains or ridiculous smartphone cases this charger keeps it charged in something that you use every day anyway. It weighs the same as a normal belt and works the same too; the difference is it hold and electrical charge and has a port to plug in your smartphone. It is a fair bet that these guys will go all in and make sure that the belts look as nice as they are functional.
Bionic Bird
Personal drones are the becoming more and more popular but the bionic bird is going to have a leg up on every other drone. This sweet gadget looks just like a bird and can be controlled right from your smartphone. Not only will you be able to control this bird right from your pocket but your hot neighbor will never suspect it’s you flying overhead while she’s sunbathing.
Point
Point is set to make every other home security system look over priced and over complicated. This tiny circle is smaller than a smoke alarm and three times as powerful. It listens to, and even smells, the details of your house and relays it straight to your smartphone. It’s customizable – one example their Kickstarter page offers is that it will glow yellow if it smells cigarette smoke – and it is half the price of most other security systems. This thing will even recognize if it has been tampered with; find a regular security system that will do that.
Reviews
Ubooly Marries One of the Oldest Toys with Some of the Newest Technology
One of the biggest complaints about the new era of high-tech kids games is that the take the imagination out of playing. Ubooly has found a way to combine all of the benefits technology holds with more imagination than you will find in an entire toy aisle. Ubooly’s brain (and face) may be powered by a smartphone or tablet, but its body is as cuddly as your favorite stuffed animal. Hundreds of stories and games are just the beginning of this amazing toy.
Out of the box, Ubooly is just a cute stuffed animal who appears to be sleeping. It comes in two different sizes to fit phones and mini tablets and a choice of three different colors to customize Ubooly to your family’s wishes which is only the beginning of customization with this toy. The doll is soft on the outside and the inside with a memory foam interior that will always protect your device. Once you receive your Ubooly you can download the free Ubooly app available for iPhone and Android and that is where the real customization begins; Ubooly’s facial features can also be customized including the face, hair, and accessories and parents can add extra game packs to customize play; for a price of course.
Ubooly’s real magic is obviously in the app itself. Ubooly’s voice is fun and childish but soothing, not annoying like many children’s toy voices. The app is packed full of so many activities that your kids will never get bored including adventures, stories, jokes, and games. My four-year old’s favorite game is the bus driving game where Ubooly tells you what to do while you pretend to drive the bus it is fun and funny, but also helps to practice the difference between left and right. That is pretty much the overall theme of Ubooly’s activities they are all fun and mostly funny but they also sneakily teach kids things without them even realizing they are learning.
Unfortunately, Ubooly is not perfect; I found it very hard to use the voice controls in most situations. Even when the phone was outside of the toy it did not respond well to its preset commands like “go on an adventure,” and “play a game.” There is also no way that I found to choose individual games or stories through voice command though it is possible to do that manually. Ubooly’s activities are designed for children between the ages of four and nine and sometimes the age gap can become obvious with the random activities being too mature or too young for certain ages. The biggest issue I found was arguing with my four-year-old because I wanted my phone and she wanted to play with Ubooly. The good news is that most of these complaints can mostly be dealt with through free updates.
Overall I found Ubooly to be a delightful change of pace that marries traditional stuffed toys with the tech-centric toys that children are becoming so accustomed to. Its few flaws will most likely be updated over time and the fact that Ubooly’s heart is software based means that it can easily be improved and more activities will be added to keep Ubooly fresh and engaging. I have a feeling that Ubooly will be a big Christmas gift this year and the gift that keeps on giving for years to come.
One of the biggest complaints about the new era of high-tech kids games is that the take the imagination out of playing. Ubooly has found a way to combine all of the benefits technology holds with more imagination than you will find in an entire toy aisle. Ubooly’s brain (and face) may be powered by a smartphone or tablet, but its body is as cuddly as your favorite stuffed animal. Hundreds of stories and games are just the beginning of this amazing toy.
Out of the box, Ubooly is just a cute stuffed animal who appears to be sleeping. It comes in two different sizes to fit phones and mini tablets and a choice of three different colors to customize Ubooly to your family’s wishes which is only the beginning of customization with this toy. The doll is soft on the outside and the inside with a memory foam interior that will always protect your device. Once you receive your Ubooly you can download the free Ubooly app available for iPhone and Android and that is where the real customization begins; Ubooly’s facial features can also be customized including the face, hair, and accessories and parents can add extra game packs to customize play; for a price of course.
Ubooly’s real magic is obviously in the app itself. Ubooly’s voice is fun and childish but soothing, not annoying like many children’s toy voices. The app is packed full of so many activities that your kids will never get bored including adventures, stories, jokes, and games. My four-year old’s favorite game is the bus driving game where Ubooly tells you what to do while you pretend to drive the bus it is fun and funny, but also helps to practice the difference between left and right. That is pretty much the overall theme of Ubooly’s activities they are all fun and mostly funny but they also sneakily teach kids things without them even realizing they are learning.
Unfortunately, Ubooly is not perfect; I found it very hard to use the voice controls in most situations. Even when the phone was outside of the toy it did not respond well to its preset commands like “go on an adventure,” and “play a game.” There is also no way that I found to choose individual games or stories through voice command though it is possible to do that manually. Ubooly’s activities are designed for children between the ages of four and nine and sometimes the age gap can become obvious with the random activities being too mature or too young for certain ages. The biggest issue I found was arguing with my four-year-old because I wanted my phone and she wanted to play with Ubooly. The good news is that most of these complaints can mostly be dealt with through free updates.
Overall I found Ubooly to be a delightful change of pace that marries traditional stuffed toys with the tech-centric toys that children are becoming so accustomed to. Its few flaws will most likely be updated over time and the fact that Ubooly’s heart is software based means that it can easily be improved and more activities will be added to keep Ubooly fresh and engaging. I have a feeling that Ubooly will be a big Christmas gift this year and the gift that keeps on giving for years to come.