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Streaming Wars: What Platforms are the Best

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There was a brief moment when consumers realized that streaming services were the cheaper alternative to cable. Your brother’s Netflix login and your downstairs neighbor’s WiFi were all you needed to get by. Welp! Times have changed. Over the last few years, the list of different streaming platforms have grown a little out of hand, so might say. With services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Prime, and others offering exclusive content, you might find yourself strapped for cash trying to keep up with them all. Let’s break down the options to see what streaming platform(s) are the best fit.

What to Compare

Depending on the platform, streaming services can offer a variety of different options. This article aims to compare some of the more prominent services.

  • Pricing
  • How many screens can simultaneously stream
  • Live TV
  • Commercials
  • Original Programming

Netflix: The Grand-daddy of all Streaming

Netflix started as a subscription service that mails you movies so that you don’t have to go to the store. Back in 2000, Blockbuster had the chance to buy Netflix but turned it down

Now, Netflix is a streaming Juggernaut with millions of subscribers watching from their TV’s computers, and phones.

What are they offering?

Plans: 3- Basic ($8.99), Standard ($13.99), Premium (17.99)

Simultaneous Streams: Basic-1, Standard-2, Premium-4

Live TV: No

Commercials: No

Original Programming: Heck Yes

Big Originals: House of Cards, Orange Is the New Black, The Queen’s Gambit, The Crown, Cobra Kai – the list goes on

Thoughts

Netflix has a gigantic library of streamable content from movies to tv shows to comedy specials. The innovative “Are You Still Watching” and “Skip Intro” features are essential for bingeing an entire series in a weekend. Probably the giant feather in their cap is their original content. It started with their acquisition of the cult classic, Arrested Development, and the gritty political drama series, House of Cards; Netflix has developed into an Academy Award-winning production company. 

Hulu: streaming meets live

Hulu began as a website where you could stream TV shows online the day after they aired. They had commercials, it lagged, and the selection wasn’t impressive. Nowadays, Hulu is one of the leading streaming services. They are the Android to Netflix’s iPhone, the Pepsi to Netflix’s Coke … or maybe it’s the other way around.

What are they offering?

Plans: 4 – Basic ($5.99/month), Premium ($11.99/month), Basic + Live TV ($64.99/month) Premium + Live TV ($70.99/month)

Simultaneous Screens: 2 screens can play Hulu simultaneously for all plans unless you add on the unlimited screens package for $9.99

Live TV: Yes

Commercials: Basic – yes, Premium – sort of 

Original Programming: Yes

Big Originals: The Handmade’s Tale, The Hardy Boys, Animaniacs

Thoughts

The significant advantage of Hulu over Netflix is live TV streaming. Streamers can watch and record Live TV, including local sports. The benefit of watching football while you are sent out to get groceries cannot be overstated. It’s true, even the Premium ‘ad-free’ plan still has some commercials, but these are mostly in movies they offer from different channel’s catalog. For example, any movie that TBS airs, Hulu will let you stream whenever – just with commercials. Otherwise, Premium will let you binge Bob’s Burgers ad-free for hours and hours. 

Disney+: for children young and old

Remember those commercials telling you to make sure to buy the newest Disney movie before it gets locked away in the Disney vault? It turns out Disney+ is that vault, and for a modest monthly price, you have access to everything that the massive Disney catalog has to offer.

What are they offering?

Plans: 1- $6.99/month or $69.99/year

Simultaneous Streams: 4

Live TV: No

Commercials: No

Originals: Yes, but that’s a loaded question

Big Originals: The Mandalorian

Thoughts

Put simply: Disney is incredible. They practically have a monopoly on our childhood. With access to any Disney title you can think of, Disney+ turns your TV or phone into a Nostalgia machine. Remember, Disney now owns Darth Vader, Spider-Man, Buzz Lightyear, and Homer Simpson. Since it went online a year ago, the only noteworthy exclusive content has been The Mandalorian. Disney has promised a slew of new content coming up, including several Star Wars Universe and Marvel shows. 

HBO Max: original premium content channel made modern

In many ways, Netflix has HBO to thank for their model. HBO was the first premium subscription for movies and original content if you wanted more than what cable had to offer. Finally, they’ve adapted their model to fit a modern scheme.

What are they offering?

Plans: 1 – $14.99/month – free with a traditional HBO subscription

Simultaneous Streams: 3

Live TV: No

Commercials: No

Originals: Big time

Big Originals: Game of Thrones, Sopranos, The Wire

Thoughts

HBO’s entire back catalog combined with all Warner Bros titles packs a lot of content into one app. With the announcement that WB will be streaming their big 2021 titles on HBO Max the same day they’re released into theaters, consumers could witness something that’s never really been done before. Is the movie watching experience as we know it gone for good?

Prime Video: a perk of speedy delivery

Amazon: ever heard of ‘em? That little online book-selling operation has extended its services to include online streaming. Prime Video is included with your Prime subscription that gets you free two-day shipping and overnight delivery. 

What are they offering?

Plans: 2- Prime Annual ($119/year), Prime monthly ($12.99/month),  Prime Video ($8.99/month)

Simultaneous Streams: 3

Live TV: No

Commercials: No

Originals: Yes

Big Originals: The Boys, The Marvelous Ms. Maisel, Hunters, Jack Ryan

Thoughts

Prime Video works as a hub for all the digital content you purchase on Amazon as well as the streaming service. Even if you cancel your subscription, you will still view the movies and shows you bought. Most of the good stuff on Prime, you still need to rent or buy, and they are still working on building their original content.

Youtube TV: the cable cutter

Google launched Youtube TV as a cable-cutting service in 2017. Streamers would have full access to all their favorite cable channels, including sports like the NFL Network.

What are they offering?

Plans: 1 ($64.99/month)

Simultaneous Streams: 3

Live TV: Yes

Commercials: Yes

Originals: No

Thoughts

Youtube TV is strictly an excuse to ditch your cable provider. It is the only other Live TV provider besides Hulu and even offers a few more channels with the sports networks and Viacom (MTV, Comedy Central, Nickelodeon). Still, it provides no original content and no offline streaming.

The Others

There are a handful of other streaming services out there as well. Apple TV +, Sling, Epix, and Peacock offer their own list of features but don’t quite stack up next to the other giants. Just yet anyway

What It All Comes Down To

No matter what you subscribe to, it seems there will always be a time when you come into work, and somebody will ask you if you watched the most recent episode of (insert show here) and you say ‘no, I don’t have (insert streaming service here). Then they rattle off all the features and benefits of that streaming service and tell you that you need it. Before you know it, you’re spendings $140/month on streaming services and missing the days when all you needed was a cable box. In the end, most people have multiple subscriptions. It’s just a matter of figuring out which you can get away without needing.

Ask yourself these questions:

Do you have kids/ have a nostalgic side? Disney+ and HBO Max (Sesame Street)

Do you need live sports? (Hulu + Live TV or Youtube TV)

Do you like water cooler talk? Netflix has the largest selection of talked-about original content.

Are you a nerd? Disney+ has everything Marvel and Star Wars, and the new stuff is around the corner.

Then there’s a matter of splitting the subscriptions with friends and family. This may blur the lines of ethical behavior depending on who you ask, but that’s for you to decide.

 Whichever streaming services you choose, there is no shortage of material, and you will never get to the end of it. Maybe, get outside. Go for a walk. Some Vitamin D could do you some good.

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Lifestyle

BedStory® 12 Inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress

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mattress

Do you need a good night’s sleep but your mattress is ruining that? It’s time to find a brand-new mattress to relieve yourself of the stress of the day and doze off without a hitch. Learn more about the Bedstory 12-inch Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress and what people think about the product here!

BedStory

wave hybrid mattress
Image source: BedStory

BedStory has helped millions of sleepers get quality sleep with their mattresses, pillows, and toppers. Since 1983, the company has sold its products to over 90+ countries. Plus, they ensure that only state-of-the-art technology makes it to their products to improve people’s sleep. Additionally, their product line is made in the USA, ensuring quality standards are met every time new products are manufactured.

Specifications

bed specs

Price: $369.99 to 559.99 (tax included)

Mattress Sizes

The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress comes in four sizes: twin, full, queen, and king. Plus, it comes in 12 or 14-inch sizes, too.

Mattress Layers

Have a restful sleep with six layers of comfort. The soft-knit fabric is on top that helps your mattress breathe. Plus, it keeps you cool while you sleep. It has a fire-resistant barrier and the gel bamboo charcoal memory foam. Plus, it has high-density foam, pocket springs, and base foam.

Lumbar Support

Have terrible back pain and want to alleviate it during sleep? BedStory has lumbar support embedded in its mattress. Pocket coils and orthopedic foam act as lumbar support while you slumber. 

Cooler and More Refreshing Sleep

Their memory foam infuses gel and bamboo, making it feel cool on your body as you sleep soundly. It’s also made out of knitted fabric to let the mattress breathe. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about odors since it has moisture-wicking and odor-reducing properties. Plus, it also dissipates heat.

Motion Isolation

Do you or your partner toss and turn all night long and can’t get a wink of sleep? BedStory reduces the noise of joints shuffling all around. It’s all because the springs absorb any noise that could disturb your slumber.

Mattress Expansion

Since this is a bed in a box, it will take time for your brand-new mattress to expand to its original state. The BedStory mattress expands within 48 to 72 hours.

Delivery, Warranty, and Return

Expect your brand-new BedStory Mattress to arrive within 2 to 5 business days! The wait will all be worth it once it arrives at your doorstep.

Your BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress will have a 10-year warranty.

Regarding returns, you can try sleeping on the new mattress for 30 nights’ worth of sleep. However, if you’re not fully satisfied with the mattress, a return is possible within a 100-night window.

Certifications

You’ll be safe and sound when sleeping on a BedStory mattress since it’s CetriPUR-US and OEKO-TEX Certified. This ensures that you’re sleeping on a mattress without any harmful chemicals.

Recommended Bedframes

BedStory suggests that you can place the memory foam mattress on a platform, box spring, or slatted frame bedframe for an optimized sleeping experience. You want to make sure that you’re putting the bed on a solid bedframe to let the mattress expand properly and let you sleep without any disruptions.

The Ideal Sleepers

woman sleeping

Like many products, the mattress isn’t a one-size-fits-all. Not everyone will enjoy their slumber with this mattress. However, it’s good to know who’ll love sleeping in this bed all day long.

  • Light and sensitive sleepers
  • Babies
  • Elders
  • People experiencing regular joint aches and pains

Maintaining The BedStory Mattress

woman making the bed

Most beds last seven to ten years. After all, it’s expensive to change mattresses regularly. During your sleep tenure with BedStory, you can care for it to make your mattress last long. Here are tips from BedStory to help you maintain the mattress.

  • Don’t eat on the bed
  • Use a vacuum to remove dirt or debris
  • Spot clean stains using detergent
  • Put a mattress protector
  • Rotate the mattress to avoid further wear and tear. Rotate it every 3 to 6 months
  • Air out the mattress
  • Don’t jump on the bed

What Do Sleepers Think?

reviews

BedStory sleepers love the mattress firmness. It’s medium-firm, so if you’re looking for something soft, you’re better off buying a mattress topper to make it soft. Plus, some sleepers find it easy to sleep faster. Additionally, you don’t have to worry about aches and pains upon waking up or during the middle of the night.

However, BedStory isn’t for everyone. For instance, some sleepers find that the mattress doesn’t expand or inflate to its actual size. Other sleepers say that firmness isn’t enough for them. Plus, other sleepers experience aches and pains while sleeping on this mattress.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the BEST mattress is essential to getting a good night’s sleep. The BedStory Memory Foam Hybrid Mattress could be the next mattress to grace your bedframe. Many sleepers rave over the mattress since they sleep easier, faster, and better. Plus, some experience less or no pain upon waking up, which is a game-changer for many sleepers. Finally, it’s value for money considering the specs. You don’t need to change your mattress regularly. Plus, you can return the mattress if it’s not a good fit!

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Lifestyle

6 Top Adventure Travel Destinations

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skydiving

Nothing makes your trip exciting than visiting the best adventure travel destinations. Adrenaline junkies are always on the lookout for places that offer thrilling experiences, beautiful landscapes and satisfying challenges. If you haven’t decided on the next travel adventure, here are 00 destinations you must look into. 

1. New Zealand

sky diving

New Zealand is known for its breathtaking landscapes and offers many adventurous activities. It’s one of the best places to try sky diving. Whether you want to go solo or do tandem sky diving, New Zealand is the next place to visit. You can enjoy a picturesque view over 144 islands in the Bay of Islands with Skydive Bay of Islands.

2. Nepal

everest hiking

If you’ve been dreaming about hopping on a place and trekking and climbing the mountains of the Himalayas, then book a trip to Nepal. This adventure activity is only for the experienced as Mount Everest isn’t for the faint of hearts. If you’re a novice climber, you can go as high as the Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit. However, the more serious climbers will go as far as the peaks of Mount Everest and Annapurna. 

3. Chile

glacier trekking

South America boasts some of the best adventure travel destinations, including Chile’s Torres del Pain National Park. You can start ice hiking the Grey Glacier from the Refugio Grey, beginning with a 15-minute zodiac boat ride to glacier’s western arm. Once you walk the glaciers, you can revel in its size and beauty. Enjoy peering into the deep blue crevasses or explore the magnificent ice caves. The more advanced ice hikers can even do a vertical ice climb!

4. Costa Rica

surfing

If you’re looking into the next surf and beach travel destination, hop on a plane to Costa Rica. Bring your surfboards to Pura Vida and enjoy the rich culture and simply contagious vibes. The stunning coastlines are laden with surf camps for the novice and experienced surfers. You’ll also enjoy a few restaurants and chic cafes to go about your work day. You can surf Costa Rica all year round on its two coasts and enjoy warm waters and a tropical climate. 

5. Australia

scuba diving

Australia offers both mountains and beaches for both the adventure seekers on these terrains. And it’s no surprise why The Great Barrier Reef gets more than 14 million recreational visitors yearly. Travelers enjoy fishing, sailing, boating, swimming, and snorkeling. But those who seek adrenaline rush go scuba diving in The Great Barrier Reef because it’s one of the best scuba diving destinationa in the world. It features an abundance of marine life divers won’t find in any other diving destinations. 

6. South Africa

shark cage diving

Experience the diverse wildlife in South Africa and indulge in activities like bungee jumping and shark cage diving. Marvel in the grandeur of these creatures and experience their presence up close inside a cage underwater. Visit South Africa’s popular shark cage diving hotspots like Port Elizabeth, Durban, Cape Town, Mossel Bay, and Gansbaai. 

Where to next?

Traveling to adventure destinations requires careful planning and consideration to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Research your destination thoroughly, including local customs, weather conditions, and any travel advisories. Plan your itinerary and activities in advance, but also be flexible to accommodate unexpected changes. Assess your physical fitness level, prepare accordingly, and enjoy!

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Lifestyle

Style Redefined: The 10 Best Men’s Apparel from SWET Tailor

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man sitting on a skateboard

Fashion trends come and go, but a timeless brand emerges that redefines style and excellence. SWET Tailor is established to create clothes for the modern guy. The company’s signature offerings include streamlined looks, comfortable designs, and muted tones with pops of color. Scroll down to explore the best men’s apparel from SWET Tailor that seamlessly merges comfort with elegance and individuality with global appeal. 

1. SWET Jogger

gray swet tailor jogger

Elevate your casual wardrobe with the SWET Jogger, perfect for your recreational lifestyle. SWET Jogger offers distinct quality and comfort. It is made from 100% Suprese™, a 96/4 cotton/spandex blend fabric by SWET Tailor. 

The jogger pants have an adjustable detailed drawstring waistband and a stitch articulation detail at the knee panel. In addition, the back zipper closure pocket and side zip pockets make it more versatile. 

SWET Jogger is available in eight colors and fits true to size from Small to XXL. 

Price: $99

2. Fairway Jogger 

black swet tailor jogger

Fairway Jogger features a “dress pants meets jogger” style. You don’t have to choose between a golf look or street style with this functional pant that looks great on and off the course. Made from an exceptionally lightweight fabric blend, it offers incredible comfort and style. Fairway Jogger has lined front and zipper back pockets with a hidden front zipper pocket.

Price: $119

3. All-In Polo

yellow polo shirt

This classic polo is one of SWET Tailor’s Bestsellers. You can wear this ultra-comfortable top from meetings to dinners. Tuck it in or not, SWET Tailor-made the All-in Polo in the perfect length to be styled either way. It has an adjustable 3-button placket and a self-fabric reinforced collar for extra comfort. Plus, there are 11 colors you can choose from. With this comfort, we bet you’ll purchase more than one! 

Price: $69

4. The Duo Jacket

dark blue swet tailor duo jacket

Jackets are a men’s fashion staple. Update your collection with The Duo Jacket by SWET Tailor. It may look like a classic denim jacket, but it’s not. This jacket is made from an exceptional fabric blend and combines traditional design and comfort. The Duo Jacket is available in Black, Navy, and Denim Grey. 

Price: $149

5. Lightweight SWET-Hoodie

pink swet tailor hoodie

From the jackets, let’s move to the trendy and functional hoodies. Stand out from the crowd with this crewneck sweatshirt in SWET Tailor’s 100% Suprese™ material. The hoodie has a custom-engineered 4-way stretch to recoil and rebound. It is lightweight enough to be styled under your favorite jacket. 

Price: $99

6. Duo Joggers

white swet tailor joggers

This White Duo Joggers is a perfect addition to your closet as you anticipate wearing your whites in spring or summer. Thanks to their modern jogger style, you can wear them anytime, anywhere. It features an elastic waistband and cuff for an easy fit, belt loops for versatility, and an inner waist drawstring for a polished look. 

Price: $129

7. Virtus Short

black swet tailor shorts

The Virtus Short is an effortless blending of classy and casual styles. The super lightweight fabric and sleek design make you want to own multiple pairs. Why not? SWET Tailor’s athleisure shorts are designed for comfort and style, always ready for your next adventure. 

Price: $99

8. Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie

blue swet tailor zip hoodie

The Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie is a perfect choice if you’re a zip hoodie guy. It’s one of the best fleece hoodies on the market today. The Stretch Fleece Zip Hoodie has two front pockets for comfort and rib contrast trims for a modern look. Elevate your wardrobe essentials today by adding this hoodie to your closet. 

Price: $99

9. Softest T-Shirt

light blue swet tailor t-shirt

This incredibly soft t-shirt guarantees a silky, lightweight feel. The Softest T-shirt is so comfortable you’ll never want to take it off. The rounded hem and short length help achieve a better fit that flatters any size. With 18 unique colors, you’ll start buying now and collect as many colors as you want! 

Price: $49

10. The “Classics” Bundle

swet tailor classics bundle

For an easy, convenient, and life-changing wardrobe upgrade, go for The “Classics” Bundle. With SWET Tailor’s men’s clothing bundles, we tick off the hassle out of your morning routine. Each set is packed with comfortable and versatile pieces designed to match perfectly with others. 

The “Classics” Bundle includes: 

  • One SWET-Shirt
  • One Pair of All-In Pants
  • One Pair of Duo Pants 

Price: $240

About SWET Tailor 

SWET Tailor is an American company established to redefine casual wear for a modern lifestyle. They believe that style and comfort must come together. With that goal in mind, SWET Tailor created a comfortable and office-ready collection of athleisure wear. The company offers versatile, stylish options that seamlessly transition from casual to formal.

SWET Tailor vs Lululemon and Other High-End Brands 

In the early days of the 20th century, there was only leisure. Then, as decades passed, came athletics. The popularity of sports such as golf, tennis, and jogging paved the way for a new clothing style—eventually, a clothing style known as athleisure was born. However, when athleisure was first introduced, the term was quite literal. It refers to athletic clothing to be worn at leisure. 

Fast-forward to 2023, sportswear as fashion clothing is linked with cultures worldwide, paving the way for more brands offering these apparel collections. 

SWET Tailor stands out in a competitive landscape alongside high-end brands like Lululemon. They are known for exceptionally high quality, good value clothing. Based on the reviews. Their clothing’s color survived several washes without fading. 

While Lululemon and other premium brands have established themselves in the market, SWET Tailor differentiates itself in several key aspects, such as: 

  • Redefine style
  • Craftmanship and detail
  • Commitment to versatility that seamlessly adapts to various lifestyles 
  • Global appeal

While Lululemon and similar brands have their market presence, SWET Tailor’s commitment to quality positions it as a captivating choice for those seeking a distinctive wardrobe.

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