Most parents I know have rules about how much time their kids can use tablets or smartphones. And if not rules, they have guilt. How dare we let kids waste time on shitty mobile games when they could be playing outside or reading (never mind that games can improve hand-eye coordination, critical thinking, and teach…
Chronolink DX Is Your Next Favorite Phone Game
Let’s talk about your new favorite phone game. It’s called Chronolink DX, or as I like to call it, The Monster Mash. There is no monster mashing, but it feels appropriate to me.
Are Harassment & Hate Inevitable on Social Media?: A Review of Imzy
There are many reasons for needing a safe space. This is not a new topic when it comes to having an online life. It’s gained momentum in the last few years as more and more hate groups find ways to harass, abuse, and dox their targets.
GoldenThread Tarot: The Future on Your Phone
The roots of tarot are as mysterious as the practice of modern divination itself. Though some claim that the practice can be traced back to ancient Kabbalah, there is no real evidence of this kind of usage. Several countries use tarot decks as simply playing cards. For those interested in interpreting the world around them…
Geek Mystique: Lifestyle News for September
It’s that time again! The Lifestyle section Editor’s–that would be me–monthly round-up of carefully curated (meaning stuff I like) geeky lifestyle links! Hide your wallet now.
App Review: Plant Nanny
Plant Nanny Version: 1.9.2 Price: Free with in-app purchases By Fourdesire.com Available for iOS 7.0 or later, Android, and Windows Phone WWAC Writer, Kate Tanski, recently turned me on to the app Plant Nanny (which WWAC writer Kat Overland turned her on to!) when I was complaining about trying to ensure my daily water intake….
Pokémon Go: Is Anyone on Team Valor?
Pokémon Go is sweeping the internet, and it’s no surprise. My Facebook feed is filled with screenshots of the game, interspersed with memes about the game, and people complaining about adults having fun. It hit just the right spot for nostalgia, and geocaching seems to finally have caught on with the younger generations. So, what…
Apps We Love
This past month for lifestyle, we talked a lot about helpful and favorite apps. Both Melinda and Catie reviewed meditation apps, while Jessica talked about the productivity app Trello. At the beginning of the month, Ray reviewed Litsy, a book app. I then asked for a few more recommendations for apps we love, especially ones…
Mom’N’Pop Culture: An App for the Mom-Beast
The other day I caught a rerun of Supernanny, a how-to reality television show hosted by a child rearing professional who teaches parents to deal with out-of-control children. Mostly, I can’t relate to the extreme issues suffered by these parents. When it comes to kids, I have really lucked out, but kids will be kids….
Headspace: The App To Make Meditating Simple?
The app Headspace, (available on both iOS and Android, promises a simple but enticing result: learn how to meditate by committing just ten minutes to the app over ten days. Once the beginner’s Take Ten program is finished, users will know the basic skills and value of mindfulness and be able to take on the…
Comics’ Infinite Scroll: To The Rim and Beyond
The launch of Stela, a new comics app which publishes titles optimized for the downward scrolling function of smartphones, has kicked up some talk about Scott McCloud’s Reinventing Comics. Published in 2000 as a sequel to Understanding Comics, Reinventing Comics considers the kinds of innovations that McCloud believed would advance the medium. He paid particular attention to…
App Review: Promoting Productivity with Coffitivity
If I had my way, I would not work in an office, but spend most of my day working from a coffee shop or cafe of some sort. I find the ambient noise to be just enough to keep me focused. The bustle of the staff, people entering and leaving, gentle murmuring as people work…