24(ish) Reasons Why Bookworms Should Jump on the E-Reader Bandwagon

As a self-proclaimed bookworm, I adore the smell, look, and feel of books, bookstores, and libraries. My personal library is constantly growing, and I’ll never truly have enough. With that said, however, I too have jumped on the e-reader bandwagon. In particular, I bought a Kindle and love it.  The appeal lies in three main factors:

• Access
• Cost
• Space

Take a look at my list below ( in no particular order) for further insight!

32 Save on Green Energy, Buy LED: Review of GE’s 10 W Dimmable A19 Light Bulb

I recommend this product!

COST

 

Best Prices

• • $4.99 for single bulb at True Value
  • $4.62 as a 4-pack at Wal-Mart

(Sold by multiple sellers online and in stores)

VITAL INFORMATION

 

PROS AND CONS

Pros:

Long-lasting LED saves money in long-run

Replaces 60 W incandescent with only 10 W

Dimmable, soft white light is sufficient

Energy Star certified

Mercury free

 

Cons:

More expensive up front

Not all bulbs are equally reliable and long-lasting

LED-specific dimming system required for dimmable features

WHY YOU SHOULD BUY THIS LED BULB

This product is likely for you if you respond ‘yes’ to the following:

1. Tired of forfeiting your hard-earned money for basic lighting?
2. Using wasteful, short-lasting light bulbs that black out before you know it?
3. Are you new at trying to save money on energy-saving lighting?

If you answered yes two or more times, the solution is here, and likely to stay for a while. Save money. Use less energy. Get the same lighting power for less. I would recommend you live for the long-term with GE’s line of dimmable LED bulbs. It’s nothing fancy, it’s just savings for you and your family.

 

QUESTIONS FOR ENLIGHTENMENT

Q: How much money and energy do I save with LED?

A: This general purpose, 10-watt LED lightbulb from GE is the brightness-equivalent of 60 watts traditional/incandescent and saves energy over halogen and CFL bulbs too. Lasts 13.7 years and costs $1.20 in energy based on 3 hours/day usage. Yes, you spend a bit more money up front, but the savings in the long-term are impeccable.

Q: But it’s so cheap! And so readily available. Is it worth it—what’s the catch?

A: It is not luxury, but it will do the job. It has a traditional shape, but with a sleek, classy LED look. Gives off abundant, soft white light emitting from the upper portion of the bulb. Powers up to 800 lumens, so it’s powerful enough. Fits general slots for traditional 60 W bulbs. That means all you must do is twist into your favorite fixture, and the bulb is up and running, saving you energy and money.

Q: Can you dim LED bulbs?

A: This LED bulb is compatible with LED dimming systems, giving you the power to adjust the amount of light in your room.

But, as I learned from experience and research, old dimming fixtures and systems will not work with these lights—at least not correctly. Get an LED dimming system.

Q: Why not buy another bulb, like CFL, Halogen, or Incandescent?

A: Incandescent are going out of existence. They were wasteful and short-lasting. Forget them.

Halogen bulbs are slightly better versions of incandescent. They are cheap and available, but they don’t save as much energy and don’t last as long as CFL or LED.

The real battle is between CFL and LED, and they have generally equal power, lifespan, and cost. I would heavily recommend against CFL bulbs because they contain mercury and must be the most carefully recycled. If you do buy CFL, please visit your local government’s website on how to properly recycle.

LED is safe. It is consistent. And its bulbs are sometimes offered at subsidized lower costs, thanks to the energy company and/or government. See your local listings if you buy in store.

For more information, please visit the Toms Guide article on this subject.

Q: What do you know? Have you even used these light bulbs?

A: Yes, in multiple locations in my house, but especially in my dining room chandelier with five light positions. I have had nothing but good experience. I have ample light with only three lights currently placed in the chandelier (five bulbs of any kind are overwhelming for a medium-size room on a daily basis). The bulbs have definitely lasted longer than my previous halogens and incandescent bulbs.

I do not have a dimming system for LED yet. I used to believe LED lights were not compatible with dimming. But hey—I was wrong. And I plan on getting an LED-compatible dimming system, so stay tuned for the update!

THE DARK SIDE

You will spend more up front, and there is the possibility not all bulbs will last equally as long and be equally as reliable. The Target reviews make this surprisingly evident—contradicting the grandiose claims corporate America makes about LED bulbs. But this is somewhat made up for with the bulb’s warranty. Going through the warranty process can be cumbersome, however. These potential negative aspects will, on average, be negated by the positive aspects of the lightbulb.

Please only dim these bulbs under a dimmable system and fixture.

There are surprisingly negative reviews at Target based on inconsistency of bulbs. I would not let this anomaly deter my purchasing decision.

SPECS

Wattage:                         10

Equivalent of:                60 W Incandescent

Voltage compatibility: 120 V

Shape:                             Pear, A19

Temperature:                2700 Kelvin

Base Size:                       Standard Edison, medium screw base E26

Quantity:                       4-pack GE at most sellers, 1-pack at True Value

Limited Warranty: Guaranteed to last 5 years based on rated life at 3 hours use per  day at 120 V. Other legal rights available to customer based on location. Use only in dry locations and with correct voltage.

• Energy Star Certified.
• UL-Listed for safety.
• Mercury free.

Imported from China.

SIMILAR LED BULBS

Wal-Mart’s “Great Value” LED General Purpose 9 W Bulbs Soft White, 4-pack

About $4

(Similar but not dimmable, I would not recommend)

Wal-Mart’s “Great Value” LED Light Bulbs, 9 W Bulbs Daylight, 4-pack

About $9

(More powerful light, not dimmable, I would recommend only if you are not interested in dimming)

Target’s GE LED Refresh Daylight HD 10.5 W A19 4-pack

$16.99

(I would recommend this only for small spaces as advertised, and it has good reviews)

Superior Lighting’s Dimmable 10 W LED, Warm White Bulb

$3.95

(I would recommend based on low price and good reviews).

True-Value’s 1-pack version of our reviewed GE light

$4.99

(Waste of money just buying 1, I would not recommend)

EVOLUTION OF THE LIGHT BULB

• Thomas Edison commercialized the incandescent bulb in 1880.
• Both Edison and Nikola Tesla experimented with fluorescent technology in late 19th century
• Energy Shortages led to experimentation with fluorescent light bulbs and invention of CFL in 1970s by GE’s Edward Hammer
• CFLs increased in abundance in 1980s, as both CFL and LED were more efficient than incandescent in giving off lumens per watt.
• LEDs began to spread publicly (traffic lights, TVs, flashlights) and became the most efficient light bulb by the 2000s.
• LED prices have fallen steeply since 2008.

Source: energy.gov

 

05 Onewheel+, a new way to ride

What is the Onewheel+?

The Onewheel+ is a simple and flexible way to commute or enjoy some fresh air. It utilizes a powerful electric motor located inside the hub of the large central wheel, and for power two large batteries are housed underneath the foot pads on either side of the wheel. It is made from a sturdy aluminum frame with laminated wood making up the foot pads. This board is no plastic toy and can take a beating. With a ride that will be familiar to those who have experience with skateboards or snowboards, and even those without experience can easily pick it up with a little practice. This board feels both familiar and like nothing before it.

The specifics

• $1,499
• 20 mph top speed
• 4 to 6 mile battery life
• 20 min charge time
• head and tail lights
• comprehensive companion app
• multiple riding modes with varying speeds
• available warranty

Is it worth it?

honestly riding this is the most fun iv’e had on any kind of board. Speeding up hills without any effort is liberating and the battery life will get you where you need to go while enjoying the ride. It’s fun to learn and progress and the app took literally 5 minuets for me to figure out. All in all I think this thing is well worth the price, and if you aren’t convinced please read further down the page for more particulars about the experience.

Battery life (top bar)

lights on/off (sun icon below battery life)

miles in current trip (below lights)

cumulative miles ridden (below trip miles)

current speed (circle to the left below battery life)

riding style (bottom picture)

(companion app)

(Included charger)

That wheel tho

The Onewheel+ has a large tire that maximizes surface area to the ground. depending on the pressure, optimal being about 20 psi, it can give a decent bit of cushion over bumps. Also, you won’t need to worry about replacing it any time soon as it has roughly a 3000 mile lifetime. when the time comes though you can take it to an auto shop and they should have the necessary know how and machinery to do it for you.

How’s the ride?

In general the Onewheel+ is versatile and easy to learn. The idea of balancing on one wheel may feel daunting, but in truth the board does most of the work for you. Once you get confident with balancing, moving is as simple as leaning slightly in the direction you want to go and to stop just lean back.

Maneuvering is intuitive and relies on the same mechanics as a skateboard. to turn right, lean right, and to turn left lean left, however this leaning should begin in the body, not the ankles. Think of your ankles as simple pivot joints that only join your body to the board, the less you stiffen them the less wobbly you will be on the board,

The final and more advanced way to maneuver involves tight turns. To turn sharply you have to tilt the board up onto the edge of the tire and hold it there. It sounds simple, but involves more balance than any other turn done with leaning alone, however once you master this it will make you much more confident and capable while riding in tight spaces.

pavement

On pavement the Onewheel+ can only be described as buttery. Carving back and forth is reminiscent of snowboarding as your weight shifts and the board follows suit. This is where you’ll feel the confidence to push for high speeds.

Grass

Riding on grass takes a bit more concentration and management of the ankles, however it handles it well. The bumpier the ground beneath the grass, the more difficult the ride will be but this board is still much more capable of off road riding than any skateboard. with the ability to power up hills and control your decent down them, this board gives you the confidence to hop off road if the need arises.

Dirt trail

A nice flat dirt trail is a playground for the Onewheel+. The even, yet shifting surface allows for more pivoting than rough pavement which gives an advanced rider more control over their direction. Power slides can even be done if you’re up for it.

Here is a great video showing it’s capabilities

Snow and wet

wet pavement Isn’t a problem, however water and electronics is never a good combination. The onewheel isn’t immediately going to die if it gets wet however you are taking a risk by using it in wet environments.

Wet grass and dirt is difficult due to its slippery nature, and the fact that the system balances you by using torque from the wheel, if the wheel is constantly slipping it won’t be able to balance you.

Snow is the worst combination of wet and slippery and it might be fun to mess around with but you’re definitely maximizing risk of water damage and control will be at a minimum.

 

06 iFit Rose Metal Earphones

IFit rose metal earphones are extremely versatile. We have a pair of headphones for every situation.  “What situations fall under ‘everything?'” you may ask.  Let us show you.

1. Family…who?

Not really into the whole talking to your siblings and parents thing?   We understand.  Our product is the optimal choice for loud music, weird podcasts, or just regular podcasts, and watching videos (I mean who are we kidding?  Netflix…).  Tired of annoying siblings rushing into your room, or putting a cup to the door to listen to your calls?  These iFit rose metal earphones are leak-proof–as in you can turn the volume all the way up, and once these earphones are in your ears, you’ll be the only one who can hear the sound that comes from them.  So your private calls with friends, or you know, that person you’re [not really] dating, are going to stay private.  Take that, family!

2. Concerts…need I say more?

Life can get boring, but let’s talk about it.  Bad day?  A concert of strictly your favorite bands can fix a long day of ills… Plug in your iFit rose metal earphones & jam out! Have to clean your entire house in under one hour because your parents are expecting every person they’ve ever met in a spontaneous act of cruelty?  Don’t worry.  We’ve got you covered.  Just turn that music up through your iFit rose metal earphones, scream your lungs out to your music, and throw that broom away! Oh wait… I mean sweep the floor really, really well…using your music to inspire you…

3. Homework, homework, go away, come again, ne’er a day!

We can all probably agree that homework bites the big one.  Unfortunately, it seems like an unnecessary, never-ending evil.   What can we do to fix this?  Sure, stopping at your favorite Mexican fast-food restaurant for some “brain-food” might help.  Maybe drinking a whole pot of coffee in one sitting could help, too.  Anxious homework, anyone? No? Huh.  Sure, ditching your homework, and going to a 3 AM rager with your three closest friends and some guy named Sketchy Phil is the obvious choice.  But, unfortunately Sketchy Phil doesn’t have to pass your chemistry class.  You do.  The only obvious choice in this situation, is to down that energy drink, and put on your iFit rose metal earphones to block out all your distractions, and pass that class! Sorry Phil…

4. Roommates.

Sometimes we love the people we live with. Sometimes fate plays mean jokes.  Either way, if you have a roommate that *must* be asleep by seven on a weekend, while you’re trying to get amp’d up for the night out–forget your cranky roommates, put on your iFit rose metal earphones and turn that TURN UP playlist up in here, up in here…

5.  Neighbors, neighbors, neighbors…

Loud, obnoxious neighbors? Do they stomp on your ceiling, and bang on your walls? Can you hear them practicing their screamo band at 2 AM when you need to be at work at 7 AM?  Do they throw 48-hour long parties with the bass up all the way?  Have no fear, iFit rose metal earphones are here.  These headphones can provide the needed sanctuary from annoying neighbors, giving you the peace of mind, and your well-earned relaxation away from the world.

6. Road-trips

Everyone loves to travel, but the biggest concern with traveling is not just where you are traveling to, but who you are traveling with.  Are you traveling with someone who insists on listening to covers of your favorite songs done by children?  Are your traveling companions obsessed with singing about how bottles of milk are on the wall for hours on end? Do you get invited to play “please get your baby sister to stop crying?” We understand.  Just plug in your iFit rose metal earphones to your device of choice, and the rest is history.  You can have the road-trip soundtrack that you deserve. Enjoy all aspects of your vacation–treat yourself.

7. Public Transportation

Don’t you just love public transit?  The seats that thousands of other people have sat in? So many germs due to lack of cleaning that you swear that you can hear them growing, and about to take you hostage? The person in the seat next to you that will not stop talking about their pet pigeon that they feed everyday at noon in the park? A radio station that you can’t change.  Nothing is worse to start your morning with than feeling like you are without control and upset over your circumstances.  We not be able to fix the world, but we can make the world a more pleasant place for you to live in.  Distract yourself with your own mixtape, using your iFit rose metal earphones and listening device.  Take a break from worrying about germs, the sanity of your bus partner, and just plain terrible radio stations, and take control over your morning. Start your morning off the way you should, YOUR way.

8. Waiting for Class/an Appointment/a Meeting to Start

Tired of waiting around bored for activities to start? Sick of sitting in the lounge, staring out at the wall until class finally begins, waking you out of your spiral into oblivion? Get ahead of the game, and keep your pep up with high-quality, crystal-clear delivery of audio with your iFit rose metal earphones.  Listen away to your favorite soundtrack and avoid the mid-morning and mid-day lulls.

 

11. When Someone Breaks into Your House in the Middle of Studying

Everyone has a nightmare.  You’re all alone, in the middle of the night, your pet is asleep in the other room, and you hear a mysterious creaking of a door that doesn’t wake your pet. “What could it be?” you wonder, taking your iFit rose metal earphones off, then paralyzed by the sound.  The creaking stops for a long twelve seconds, but you counted, and it slowly starts again, a little softer this time, but just as distinct.  You hide under the table clutching your iFit rose metal earphones for dear life when a mysterious figure dressed in all black skirts into the room and begins to look threw your things.  You do the first thing you can think to do and jump out from under the table and throw a cup of pencils in their direction.  “That wasn’t as helpful as I imagined,” you think to yourself.  But there’s no time for that now.  You take the iFit rose metal earphones that are in your hand and in a karate like round-about you secure your earphones around the wrists of your intruder, securing the menace away from you to call the police.  Thanks to your impromptu martial arts skills, and your high-quality iFit rose metal earphones, you can go on to live another bad-arse day!

IFit rose metal earphones are a high-quality audio-listening accessory.  IFit rose metal earphones come standard with a microphone feature that is perfect for all types of calling, not limited to FaceTime calling, standard calling, and wifi-calling.  Along with providing high-quality, crystal-clear sound performance, these high-performance iFit earphones relay crystal clear voice and audio messages.  You won’t be disappointed with this product.

11 “D” Pen

Here’s a product that you can use every day and probably most of the day. You constantly need a pen. You need one at work, at school, at home, and maybe even during extra-curricular activities.

Basic Features

• Fade-proof, durable tip, quick drying
• Material: Stainless Steel [RUST-FREE]
•  Pen Point Type: Bold
• Ink Color: Black
•  Dimensions (Overall): 4.4 inches (L) x .4 inches
• Package Quantity: 1.0

Elaborated Features

1. Professional Look 

When you show up for an interview, a meeting, work, or school, you want to be well prepared and have the best supplies to do that. “D” Pen has a neutral but polished sterling-silver color as compared to many other pens that are multicolored or bright, less professional.

2. A customizable message,

quote,

company name,

phone number, etc. 

“D” Pen is priced at $4.01, but if you order more than 10 it will be $2.35 per pen. You can order these pens in bulk and use them as company pens, staff pens, sports team pens, etc.. You can use it for anything you need. Be sure to customize it with up to 2 lines of text on each side.

3. Stylus

You do not have to carry an additional stylus because you already have it on your pen; it’s 2-in-1.

Sometimes you’re in the middle of eating a finger food and then your phone rings or you get a text message. You want to respond immediately but you do not want to get your phone dirty.

You can pick up “D” Pen and navigate on your device. The stylus is compatible with all kinds of technology gadgets: apple watches, Samsung watches, iPhones, androids, tablets, kindles, Bluetooth devices, and TVs.

 

Use it on your Tablet!

Smooth Stylus

 

The pen is easy to run under water and clean because of the stainless-steel material. It will not rust.

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4. Refillable Ink

You won’t have to waste the pen after the ink runs out. The ink refills are available at some of your local stores like Walmart, Office Depot, and Staples.

5. Uncloggable Ink 

Sometimes you have that one pen that appears to have full ink, but you have to tap it on the table a couple of times, then you scribble a few times, and hit it just a couple more times then, FINALLY, it works.

You shouldn’t have that problem with “D” Pen.

6. Rotating feature to reveal the tip 

As you rotate the pen you will see the message, business name etc. on it. Additionally, the rotating works better than a “click” to avoid damaging the stylus.

7. Pocket Clip

Rather than rummage through your bookbag, handbag, pencil case, and pockets, hook the pen on your shirt for easy access. “D” Pen can clip onto many different fabrics and materials. 

8. Wear the pen

If you really want to start something you can wear the pen as an accessory.

You’ve seen those people wear their favorite pin on their book bag, handbag, shoes, hats, etc, right?  You can wear “D” Pen as well. It’s just as shiny, if not shiner than the gold pins you see on some blazers.

“D” accessory will help you stand out from the crowd and you’ll have easy access to it as well. Feel free to clip the pen on your belt loop or back pocket as well. Hook it where ever you want!

It fits in your pocket

Shoe Accessory

Clip it here!

It goes in your coat too!

Hook it here!

Put it in your pocket

Clip it on your book bag

9. Affordable Price

The product is $4.01. Now you are wondering, “well, that’s weird. Why is it $4.01 and not like a ‘regular’ number like something . 99?” The price is as unique as the product.

“D” Pen has an affordable price for your convenience. You may even buy an additional one to give as a gift.

Do not throw away your money. Invest it in your future.

 Invest in my future by buying a pen?

Yes.

Check out these other pens that are titled “Professional pens”

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Exceptional Black Panthere Fountain Pen ($17,800…before tax)

• The pen is way overpriced. This pen does not include a stylus. It has an animal shape on the top which every one may not be comfortable with. The brief description does not include a weight but from the details of the materials, the pen appears to be heavy.

Wacom Pro Pen ($69.99)

This pen’s tip does not retract. The pen does come with a bulky case that is too big to comfortably fit in your pocket.

Do NOT settle for another pen that you cannot “D”(e)Pen(d) on! 

p.s.

From experience, I can tell you that as you write with “D” Pen you’ll feel more motivated to work. You know, it’s related to that saying like if you’re dressed for success you’ll probably be a little more successful knowing that you are prepared and look your best. The same goes for “D” Pen! You go to school, your meeting or interview and instead of digging in the bottom of your bag for a low-quality pen, grab “D” pen. There’s something about it.

It’s one of those pens that prompts you to start practicing your autograph. It gives you that edge.

Buy “D” Pen.

Write with “D” Pen.

Share your experiences with “D” Pen.

 

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