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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

Did You Drop Your Smartphone in The Ocean? Here’s How to Retrieve It

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drop your

Even if COVID-19 remains present after two years, it’s not stopping people from going on beach vacations. After all, cases aren’t as high as before, and many people have been vaccinated against the virus. And when it comes to beach vacations, it means more swimming and fun water activities, such as snorkeling, watching dolphins on the boat, and parasailing. We often get carried away with these activities, and unfortunate incidents befall us. One of those unavoidable incidents is accidentally dropping your smartphone into the ocean or sea. You’ve worked so hard to buy the device, only for it to slip away into the ocean. There’s a possibility that you can still retrieve it, though. But what do you do after you drop your smartphone in the ocean? Here’s what you need to do.

Look For Your Phone

Drop your smartphone in the ocean

You can still retrieve your phone from the ocean IF you accidentally dropped it in a shallow part of it. Use your feet or hands to feel for the phone. And if you have a net or something to scoop it up, do that too.

However, Do NOT in ANY CIRCUMSTANCES try to retrieve your phone IF it fell somewhere deep. You need to accept the fact that it’s long gone and is now with the sea. If this happens, contact your mobile phone provider immediately if you have a plan with them. They could help you with reassigning your old number to a new phone.

Switch the Phone Off and Leave it to Dry

Once you retrieve your phone, turn it off immediately. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to take snaps for your Instagram or create videos for TikTok. However, this is a necessary measure once it’s out of the water. Plus, make sure to dry it with a clean towel. Since you’re still at the beach and a few hours away from civilization, this is your best bet in ensuring your phone doesn’t take any more damage.

Remember the uncooked rice myth? Yeah, that’s not true. It’s no longer recommended to put your phone in uncooked rice because it will cause further corrosion. In an old interview, David Naumann said in the USA today that if you drop your smartphone in the ocean, you can put it inside a Ziplock bag. You’ll add purified water there and a pinch of baking soda. Baking soda is necessary to counter corrosion.

Bring It to A Pro ASAP

tools on wooden table

You can be tempted to fix your smartphone once you get home. But the best person to deal with this situation is a professional. It can be challenging to disassemble the phone, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the process. Once you’re back home, immediately take it to a repair shop and tell them that you accidentally dropped it in the ocean.

Preventive Measures

To prevent any data loss, why not back up your files on a cloud? That way, if you lose your phone or drop it in the ocean, you can still have your files when you get a new one.

And if you’re going to the beach, make sure to put the smartphone inside a waterproof bag. It will keep your phone dry and secure!

Unfortunately, this guy can no longer retrieve his phone. And this is why you need to take preventive measures to avoid a scenario like this.

And for other stories, news, or tips, read more here at Owner’s Mag!

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Lifestyle

Gift Guide: 25 Best Gifts for Women for All Occasions

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a woman's hands holding a gift

You don’t have to wait for the holidays to surprise the special women in your life. You can browse through this gift guide to find the best gifts for women for any occasion. These unique and thoughtful presents are sure to put a smile on their faces.

1. Dearfoams Memory Foam Slipper

slipper

Jessica Plush Criscroos Slippers by Dearfoams make a gorgeous yet functional gift for your mom, wife, daughter, or friend on any occasion. They’ll surely appreciate your gesture of helping them say goodbye to achy feet with these lovely slippers. 

Buy it now for $20

2. The Gift of Self-Love Workbook 

self love workbook

Give your favorite gal this heartfelt and relatable book for her self-love journey. The bestselling paperback has quizzes, writing exercises, and a step-by-step guide to express their emotions, feel motivated, and increase their self-confidence. 

Buy it now for $14

3. Sephora Favorites Makeup and Skincare Set

For women who love makeup, here’s a gift set from Sephora. This Clean Me Up Makeup and Skincare Value Set includes eight must-have beauty products enriched with skin-loving ingredients. It also includes products from Glow Recipe, Tower 28, Olehenriksen, and more.

Buy it now for $50

4. Akola Glow Unlock-it Bracelet

An unlock-it hinged bracelet, this unique and classy gift is ideal for all the special women in your life. It is perfect for all ages and styles, thanks to its timeless design. It features twin bezel-set designer crystal baguettes in a green emerald hue, engraved with the word GLOW.

Buy it now for $175

5. Tulianna and Alejandra Garces Rosebud Earrings 

Celebrate friendship, love, and romance with these pretty Birthstone Balloon Earrings by Tulianna and Alejandra Garces. The makers of these fancy earrings decided to cast colorful drops in a glassy eco-resin. Gift a set of these to someone special and show how much you love them. 

Buy it now for $30

6. Merokeety Knit Loungewear Set 

loungewear

Everyone needs comfy pajama sets to lounge around the house on a lazy weekend. So. grab a pair of this knitted casual nightwear from Merokeety. Besides, you could wear them separately, too, making it a perfect work-from-home OOTD. 

Buy it now for $36

7. No-Pressure Reading for Fun Journal from Uncommon Goods

Enhance the joy of reading with this thoughtfully designed journal. This helps the bibliophiles in your life with tracking their reading, reflecting on their favorites, or rediscovering the fun in books.

But it now for $22

8. Bubble Soy Candles 

Make your special someone smile by giving this scented cube-style candle in pastel colors. This lovely present is one of the cheapest yet most beautiful items in our women’s gift guides collection. 

But it now for $15

9. Mom Kindness Change-It-Up Clutch

clutch bag

 Any woman will love the functionality of this clutch which can fit all her essentials. And the proceeds from every purchase go to Every Mother Counts, a nonprofit organization that promotes safe pregnancy and childbirth for every mother everywhere.

But it now for $40

10. IUGA Navy Yoga Pants

yoga pants

These yoga leggings are a perfect present for women with an active lifestyle. It’s an ideal workout leggings made comfortable because of Four-way Stretch materials. 

Buy it now for $20

11. Pavoi Chunky Gold Hoop Earrings 

earrings

These Hoop Earrings are always best sellers! This thick hoop earring is crafted to be lightweight for easy all-day wear. They are Hypoallergenic; Nickel and Lead-Free with Stainless Steel Post

Buy it now for $12

12. Revlon One-Step Volumizer Enhanced 1.0 Hair Dryer and Hot Air Brush

hair brush

With this Revlon revolutionary blow dryer brush, she can finish her hair in minutes. Surprise your significant other, sister, or best friend with this product that promises salon-quality results and less hassle of booking a pricey hair appointment.

Buy it now for $29

13. Ztujo Purse Organizer

purse organizer

Your mom or friend who carries everything with her at all times 100 percent needs one of these organizational inserts for her bottomless pit of purse.

Buy it now for $8

14. Senia Hot and Cold Facial Steamer

facial steamer

Show love for your favorite person by helping de-stress and regularly cleanse your skin. It has a calming nature of warm and cool mist and aromatherapy. Gift this wellness gadget to the woman you adore, and she’ll thank you for your thoughtfulness. 

Buy it now for $101

15. Masters Creative Custom Line Art Portrait

line art portrait

These custom line art portraits could be a perfect gift for those who love the minimalist look. Straight from the U.K, you can have it delivered as a digital file. Or have it printed on high-quality paper and shipped directly to you or the recipient. 

Buy it now for $12

16. Sophie Faux Fur Throw Blanket

This cozy blanket like this one from Anthropologie is a universal gift idea. This plush throw will keep her comfortable whether she’s always chilly or loves snuggling up on the couch. Plus, it comes in various colors you don’t usually find in faux fur blankets, including ochre, teal, mauve, and more.

Buy it now for $98

17. Invigorate Shower Steamers Gift Set

Energize your giftee’s shower with this Invigorate Shower Steamer gift set. It contains essential oils and aromatherapy scents, including cedar, orange, and pine. This luxurious gift is made from natural ingredients and is handmade in California.

Buy it now for $29

18. The Citizenry Aegean Cotton Bath Robe

bathrobe

This luxe bathrobe is the perfect gift for anyone who wants to feel at a hotel after a shower. It’s soft, absorbent, and has pockets that the recipient will love! 

Buy it now for $87.20

19. Flower Subscription

Give a gift that keeps on giving with this flower subscription. They’ll enjoy a new bouquet of mixed blooms each month for six months! Each arrangement is a work of art with some of the world’s most beautiful flowers. Get roses, sunflowers, hydrangeas, alstroemeria, and more.

Buy it now for $310

20. mDesign Stackable Storage Box

box

Keep clutter under control by keeping favorite jewelry and accessories in one place. These stackable containers feature multiple compartments in various sizes providing plenty of options. 

Buy it now for $20

21. Coyuchi Dillon Organic French Terry Cardigan

cardigan

You can never fail with comfortable loungewear as a present. This French terry cardigan, for example, is perfect for days when she doesn’t want to wear PJs or a robe but still wants to feel cozy. It’s made with organic cotton and has pockets for when she needs to stash lip balm or keep her hands warm.

Buy it now for $30

22. Papier Colorblock Notebook

notebook

This notebook from Papier is a gem for bullet journaling enthusiasts. The colors, cover, and paper type are customizable in many ways. You can also get it personalized with the recipient’s full name, initials, or inspirational quote.

Buy it now for $23

23. Crystal Green Beaded Bag

This cute handmade bag is made with natural beads and the perfect for holding your keys, wallet, and cards. It comes in a light green color that is semi-transparent, but totally eye-catching!

Buy it for $63

24. Custom Handwriting Necklace 

necklace

Buy this dainty necklace customized in your own words and handwriting so she can carry it wherever she goes. 

Buy it now for $220

25. Rachael Ray Create Delicious Nonstick Cookware Set 

cookware set

These pots and pans are a perfect present for your wife, who loves to cook. The cookware set features PlatinumShield Technology enhanced non-stick reinforced to be nine times harder than titanium. 

Buy it now for $169

We hope you liked what we featured in this list of women gift guides. Enjoy your early holiday shopping! And if you want more gift ideas for your loved ones, check them out here at Owner’s Mag!

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Top 10 Best Places to Buy a Mid Century Modern Office Chair

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What was once old is new again: mid century modern is back in style. From architecture to furniture, the postwar look is in, and the hype extends all the way to office chairs.

Do you need a mid century modern office chair in your life? If so, there’s plenty to choose from. Your office chair should be tailored to your style, whether you like luxury, utility, or something in between.

That’s why we’ve put together our 10 favorite places to find your ideal mid century modern office chair.

What is mid century modern design?

After World War II, spirits were high in the US, and new technology was taking the country by storm. Mid century modern refers to the design concepts that came about during this time.

As opposed to the frilly, ornate designs of classical furnishings, mid century modern designs are angular, material, and functional. Wood is a common design element, especially teak. Mid century modern furniture may also have materials like glass, vinyl, and metal. Designs are simple and geometric, with bold accent colors to make them pop.

The mid century modern aesthetic never really went away, but it’s made a noted comeback in recent years. Some have chalked it up to Boomer and Gen X nostalgia, others point to mid-century-set shows like Mad Men and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.

Why should I buy a mid century modern office chair?

A mid century modern office design
source: Modsy

Mid century modern is the perfect fusion of style and utility. If you want to cultivate an office space that commands respect without being ostentatious, mid century modern is the style for you.

When it comes to office chairs, an MCM one is often made with sturdy wood and vinyl. They combine the ergonomics of a modern office chair with old-fashioned grace.

If you’re concerned with utility and utility only, a more bog-standard office chair may suit you. But a mid century modern office chair is great for someone who wants to wow colleagues with a mature, thoughtful business space.

Where can I get a mid century modern office chair?

1) Wayfair

mid-century office chair

When it comes to furniture, Wayfair offers the best of both worlds. Their goods, including their mid century modern office chairs, are stylish and affordable. You can get a sturdy task chair for less than $100 or a more distinguished seat for less than $350.

MCM office chair examples: Dovray ($126), Bradford ($139), Lithonia ($133)

2) France & Son

mid-century office chair

Wayfair’s chairs are affordable, but France & Son is the perfect option for luxury shoppers. Their mid century modern office chairs are robust and sleekly designed. If you dress to impress and enjoy the finer things in life, these are the chairs for you.

MCM office chair example: Brooks ($695)

3) Houzz

mid-century office chair

Started as a community for people to share home decor tips, Houzz has become a great ecommerce platform for finding stylish furniture. They’re more known for home decor than desk chairs, but they have plenty of great, affordable finds if you know where to look.

MCM office chair examples: Arvilla ($173), Rathburn ($259)

4) Laura Davidson

mid-century office chair

The Laura Davidson collection offers a fairly limited selection of classic office furniture. Still, there’s a reason they’re trusted by big-wigs like Apple, Disney, and Salesforce. Their chairs are sturdy and beautifully designed, reimagining classic Eames and Knoll designs.

MCM office chair examples: Rockefeller ($275), SOHO II Soft Pad ($450)

5) Icons of Manhattan

mid-century office chair

Icons of Manhattan has a simple philosophy: do one thing, and do it right. Their office chairs are handcrafted from premium materials and tailored to a mid-century modern style. If you want that Mad Men energy in your office (hopefully with a lot less angst), these are the chairs for you.

MCM office chair example: Ribbed Medium ($219)

6) Amazon

mid-century office chair

Yes, the internet’s premier shopping destination has a robust collection of mid century modern office chairs. Like with most products, their selection of seats is vast and can be hit or miss. Still, they’ve got stunning chairs available for any style, whether you care about comfort, class, or ergonomics.

MCM office chair examples: IDS Home Modern ($219), Art Leon MCM Swivel ($139)

7) AllModern

mid-century office chair

AllModern’s collection of desk chairs and other furniture truly embodies the mid century modern spirit. Their work is tight, angular, and functional above all. They’re part of the Wayfair family and they traffic in a number of modern styles, but their sleek chairs are perfect for any mid century modern space.

MCM office chair examples: Frederick ($229), Kealey ($349)

8) Overstock

mid-century office chair

Overstock is known as a one-stop shop for quality home goods at sub-wholesale prices. If you want a spiffy mid century modern office chair that won’t break the bank, they’re the first place to look. While they’re somewhat less reliable than the more upscale platforms on this list, their selection is massive.

MCM office chair example: Joseph Modern ($163)

9) Walmart

mid-century office chair

Hayneedle’s selection of mid-century modern office chairs falls somewhere between the minimal Laura Davidson and the endless Amazon catalog. Their array of mid-century designs is affordable and versatile, with chairs that match almost any style. While they may be part of the Walmart family, these chairs are anything but second-rate.

MCM office chair example: Waleaf ($97)

10) Target

mid-century office chair

Why splurge when you can save? As usual, Target is a hidden gem, offering a sturdy selection of mid century modern office chairs for some of the cheapest prices out there. Many of the chairs they offer are from the same designers as these other stores—Christopher Knight, LumiSource, Armen Living, etc.—at reduced prices.

MCM office chair example: Lombardi ($136)

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