Смарт технологии

Мы все ужас налоговым время: Охота на квитанции и заявления, выяснить, какие формы мы должны, расшифровка IRS инструкции, и вырезая времени, чтобы пройти через все это. В налоговой подготовку в вопросах здравоохранения, профилактика-лучшее лекарство, поэтому мы собрали 10 приложений, чтобы дать вам толчок на подаче, помогая вам отслеживать Финансы круглый год и получить максимальный возврат средств в минимальные усилия Продолжить чтение →

Every February, Punxsatawney Phil forecasts whether spring is coming (this week’s verdict: more winter). But for most of us, Groundhog Day is about the movie, with Bill Murray’s weatherman suffering the same day over and over again — 12,403 times by one super-fan’s estimate — because we can relate to the frustration of doing the same things day after day. We have yet to see an app that will free you from a time loop, but these six picks will relieve the tedium of repetitive tasks. And if you can’t get «I Got You Babe» out of your head, displace that earworm with Unhearit.

Task management
GoTasks (iOS, Android)

GoTasks is a task manager for iPhone and
iPad that enables you to add, edit, rearrange, and check off your most repetitive tasks — online and offline. Manage tasks and sync them with Google apps for backup and use across devices .

Radar Продолжить чтение →

Before iOS 8, those who didn’t like iPhone’s bare-bones keyboard had no alternative. Apple has expanded iPhone’s default keyboard to include hundreds of emoji, but now it also supports keyboard apps from other companies, meaning more ways to make your thumbs happy. Whether you hate your default keyboard or just want to try something new, tap into our picks for iOS keyboard apps. Then read CNET’s step-by-step guide to installing custom keyboards in iOS 8.

Swiping, not typing

SwiftKey

If you find typing tedious, SwiftKey’s predictive texting saves you time by incorporating your common words and phrases. This most-downloaded smart keyboard also features excellent autocorrect, space insertion, bilingual typing, and — for added swiftness — swiping.

TouchPal

Why tap when you can swipe? With TouchPal you can swipe from letter to letter without worrying about hitting the wrong key, since this software predicts subsequent words with great accuracy . The emoji keyboard is an added benefit — it pulls up symbols in an accessible, scrollable list.

Swype Продолжить чтение →

When rock icon Suzi Quatro picked up her first guitar in the ’50s, she had no women role models, so she turned to Elvis. «I had an epiphany that I knew that I wanted to be just like him — at that age,» she said. «It’s crazy that it happened that young. But I have always been aware of my path.» Over the course of a 50-year career, Quatro has won legions of fans for singles such as «Can the Can,» «If You Can’t Give Me Love,» «Stumblin’ In» (with Chris Norman), and «She’s in Love With You,» as well as for playing Leather Tuscadero on «Happy Days.» Quatro is marking her gold anniversary with a retrospective box set called «The Girl From Detroit City.»

Suzi Quatro’s career-spanning box set will be released on October 27.

(Credit:
Cherry Red Records)

What can you tell us about the forthcoming box set?

I’m very proud of it. I took a lot of trouble to make sure it was entirely representative of my entire 50-year career . So it has my first song from when I was 14, all the way to the new one, «The Girl From Detroit City Продолжить чтение →

When Colbie Caillat began work on her fourth album, the uptempo «Gypsy Heart,» the Grammy-winning, multiplatinum singer was at a career crossroads. The record label wanted her to capitalize on the recent success of Miley Cyrus’ «Bangerz» with a sexier release, but Caillat was unsure. A fortunate intervention from producer Babyface kept the singer true to herself and resulted in anthemic single «Try,» which admonishes women to embrace their truest beauty. The accompanying video has garnered 25 million views on YouTube and Vevo. Colbie Caillat opened up to me about rediscovering her authentic self, soul-saving advice from Babyface and Jason Mraz, overcoming stage fright, the importance of family and friends, and her favorite apps.

Colbie Caillat inspires with Gypsy Heart.

(Credit:
Republic Records)

Your lead single «Try,» which tells women that they don’t have to change a single thing to please those around them, is very inspiring . Why was it important to you to spread this message?

I’m from Southern California and go to Hawaii all the time and always love wearing no makeup. I shower last minute, and my hair is wet throughout the day. That’s how I like to roll. When I first got into this business, that’s how I first started performing. I would wear sandals and jeans. The more success I was getting, the more people came on board trying to change me, and I know it’s ’cause I did need some improving. But they didn’t know how to have me evolve in a way that was me. So I started having tons of hair and makeup put on and stylists putting me in really high heels and short skirts. I have thick, long hair, but they still put extensions in it for photo shoots, ’cause it makes it look that much bigger. So I’ve never felt comfortable performing on TV ’cause it’s not me, but it’s what they’re all telling me people want to see, so I guess I should just follow it. But I’ve done it for so many years. All of my albums were photoshopped. I have blemishes on my skin and a mole on my forehead, and all of that gets removed. They make your arms thinner.

So I was feeling more myself this last year, and I recorded this acoustic record, but my label didn’t like it. They wanted more of a top 40 sound, and that was right when Miley Cyrus’ record came out, and everyone was liking that — the whole «sex sells» thing. I was getting requests to be more like that. I had to take a couple months off, because I didn’t know how to handle it.

Then I went into the writing session with Babyface, and I said, «We’ve gotta write a song now and make it interesting where it gets people’s ears, and let’s talk about something crazy.» And he said, «No, absolutely not. You don’t have to do that or be someone who you’re not. I’m not going to let you.» I was like, wait — Babyface, an all-time legend, who’s so brilliant, is telling me not to listen to these people? And he really freed me from that and reminded me to stay true to who I really am. It really took that for me to pay attention to what I really wanted. So we wrote the song and then everything kept stemming from there, like «Less is more» and «Be yourself.» Then my boyfriend has helped me with so many ideas of the selfies and the people with no makeup and knowing when to wear it on TV and when to wear less, so that’s something I’ve been aware of as well. Today I feel like getting dressed up and having tons of makeup on, but not for tomorrow’s show.

Colbie Caillat’s «Try» video demonstrates that women don’t need makeup to look beautiful:

«Blaze» is about raging with your friends. How do you let loose with your crew?

What’s so funny is that we’re so mellow, actually. I go to sleep at 11 o’clock, even if I’m going to a raging party. I drink but don’t drink a ton. We dance, listen to loud music, and take jacuzzis and swim. We go to Hawaii and have ping-pong tables, or we play beer pong or Uno or canasta. We really play games. I didn’t want to overstate it in the song, because we don’t do drugs and stay up all night. We like to have fun in a mellow, basic kind of way.

Considering the track «If You Love Me Let Me Go,» how do you deal with a breakup?

Sometime ago my boyfriend and I were going through a hard time, and we stayed best friends, even though we broke up. He taught me that just because you end a relationship doesn’t mean you have to throw away what you had with someone for so long. I think everyone has to look at that, because I’ve seen so many breakups where people lose respect for each other and do horrible things to each other and then hate each other. You spent 10 years together and then you just hate that person — I think it’s crazy. To have respect throughout the relationship and throughout the breakup — that’s key.

«Live It Up» touches on your struggle with stage fright. Do you have any tips to share with others who are struggling with a similar issue?

I haven’t gotten over it, but I’ve gotten better at pushing it aside slightly. At the beginning of my career, I’d want to cancel shows, or I’d cry before going onstage, or I wouldn’t talk to my audience, or I’d stand there with my eyes closed. Then I just kept doing it, because I had such an amazing opportunity with this career. Sometimes I think the more you do it, the easier it gets. It’s been 8 years for me, and I’m still totally terrified to perform on live TV. I don’t even know what it would be like to perform at the Grammys. I think I’d have a heart attack.

When Jason Mraz and I were on «Saturday Night Live» and I had all my hair, makeup, and styling team, and everyone was trying to make me look perfect, he said, «Hey can you take a second and be in my dressing room by yourself for a minute?» I went there, and he had incense and candles lit, and he and his team were so mellow. They reminded me that it doesn’t have to be a bunch of stress before you do things, and you can just take some time for yourself and can prepare for what you have to do. Also a stage coach of mine told me to look in the mirror and tell myself five good things about me and give myself a boost of self-confidence.

In light of «Never Gonna Let You Down,» who’s been your greatest support system?

My family and my best friends. My family and I are so close, and we still live down the street from each other. We all work together and vacation together and even share dogs together. I’ve known my two best friends since we were 11 years old. I have other friends and acquaintances, but I think less is more. If I’m touring all the time and can only come home for a few days or a few hours, I wanna hang with just the people I’m closest to and not spread myself too thin. So it’s really my family, my two best friends, my boyfriend Justin, and my dogs that keep me grounded every day.

For those who don’t know, your father, Ken Caillat, co-produced iconic Fleetwood Mac albums «Rumours,» «Tusk,» and «Mirage,» as well as four of your albums. What advice did he give you when you entered the music industry?

Both of my parents gave me the tools to become a musician and songwriter. When I was younger, I just said I wanted to be a singer, but didn’t know where to take that, so they put me in vocal lessons. Then in my early teens, they said that I should also learn how to play piano and guitar and be a songwriter as well. I had no interest, but they kept encouraging it, and then they paid for my vocal lessons and piano lessons and guitar lessons and told me how songwriting works and song structure and gave me the opportunity to work with producers and put a band together and find my manager. They were a part of everything for my career.

What are your top five mobile apps?

1. Twitter Продолжить чтение →

There are many ways to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs through October 15. You can brush up on Latin Music, Learn Salsa Dancing, try out Spanish Food Recipes, Learn Spanish with Babbel or Duolingo, or teach your children the Mayan alphabet with The Game of Alphabet of Maya. Or you can rock some Latin pop. I spoke with Jasmine V, who has a new single, «That’s Me Right There,» featuring Kendrick Lamar, that’s burning up YouTube.

Pop star Jasmine V appears today in San Jose as part of Macy’s Hispanic Heritage Month.

Why does Hispanic Heritage Month matter?

Hispanic Heritage Month is so important to me because I feel like we’re so underrated at times, and this is a time where we can all come together and show people that we’re one and we support each other. It was important for me to be a part of this [Macy’s] event because I get to share the stage with inspiring Latinas. We’re making a difference with what we got . For me, that’s rewarding!

What are some ways that Latinos (and non-Latinos) can celebrate the month?

Some special ways we can celebrate is really being around our friends and families and taking some days off to cherish what we have. I’d love to be able to cook with my family and learn even more about my culture.

What is the role that your Hispanic heritage has played in your life and career?

Basically how strong I am when it comes to being under pressure with what life brings my way. I love the young woman I’ve grown into today, and I feel like being Latina helped me through it.

You were voted the No. 3 most powerful woman on Twitter Продолжить чтение →

Microsoft has just announced Windows 10 for 2015, which will work across PCs, tablets, and phones. If you’re in the Windows Insider program, you can try a preview build now, but you’ll be installing software that’s still being tested. Instead, here’s how to get Windows 10 functionality right on your Windows 7, 8, or 8.1 PC.

(Credit:
Microsoft)

Curb Start button withdrawal with Start8 or Start Menu 8

Start8 vs. Start Menu 8

Killing the Start button was a bad call. Microsoft tried to appease users with the largely unhelpful
Windows 8.1 pseudo-Start. Windows 10 will resurrect the button with some additional features. If you’re currently on Windows 8 or 8.1, check out Stardock’s Start8, a little launcher that brings the classic
Windows 7 Start button to Windows 8’s interface. Customize the look, feel, and layout of the Start menu, and launch Modern apps or pin regular desktop programs for easy access. There are no fancy Live tiles . The app runs about $5 after a free trial. If Modern apps are something you can live without, Start Menu 8 Продолжить чтение →

Picture it: The town of Defiance, 2047, seven years after war between humans and aliens has destroyed the planet. Both groups have formed a fragile peace as they work to rebuild, but that peace is threatened once more in Season 2 of the Emmy-nominated Syfy series. Julie Benz, perhaps best known as Darla on «Buffy the Vampire Slayer» and as Dexter’s wife Rita, plays former mayor Amanda Rosewater on «Defiance.» She chatted with me about figure skating, playing characters that defy social mores, the Defiance video game, and her favorite apps.

Julie Benz returns as Amanda Rosewater for Season 2 of Defiance.

(Credit:
Courtesy of EFGPR)

After an injury, you quit figure skating to become an actress. Are there any parallels between figure skating and acting?

It was actually a very easy transition for me from skating to acting. I had a bad injury and had to sit out of the competition season for a year . My mom didn’t want me to be bored, so she came up with the idea that I should try acting to enhance my performance on the ice. I started taking acting classes and really liked it. All the performance anxiety I felt while skating dropped away. When it came time to return to the rink, I realized I had found a new passion. Figure skating and acting are both performance-based art; they’re both critiqued and judged. The one important lesson I took away from my years on the ice is that it takes a lot of commitment, sacrifice, and hard work to achieve success. I am very disciplined in my life on and off screen, so much so that my nickname around the «Defiance» set is the Benzinator.

You’ve famously played a vampire vixen on «Angel,» a stripper on «Desperate Housewives,» and a butt-kicker in «The Boondock Saints» and «Jawbreaker.» Which was the most fun role to inhabit?

All three were challenging and a lot of fun. However, I will say that playing Robin Gallagher on «Desperate Housewives» was a real treat for me. She was such a quirky and sexy character that allowed me to stretch my comedic muscles. Plus, I got to work with the amazing women on the show who have inspired my work over the years.

Is «Defiance» a metaphor for the sociopolitical climate that we currently live in?

The science fiction genre has always been used as a metaphor for the sociopolitical climate that it’s created in, and «Defiance» is no exception. We are able to explore current issues such as environmental issues, racism, religious freedoms, equality, sexuality, and immigration reform in a creative and interesting way.

What’s it like being mayor?

It’s nice being mayor; however, Amanda lives and breathes her job, which leaves little time for a personal life. Amanda is the idealist of the show; she truly believes that Votans [aliens] and humans can live peacefully together, because they have to! It’s the only way they will survive. In a world where the rules have been broken, Amanda’s idealism can be very dangerous to her well-being and safety. In Season 2, Amanda is no longer mayor of Defiance. We start to see her life unravel, because all the ways in which she defined herself are gone, and she’s really struggling. We finally get a glimpse into the darkness of her world.

You clearly defied an acting coach who told you you’d never make it as an actress. How did you overcome that?

Big ego! I was only 16 when an acting teacher told me that I would never make it as an actress, because my speaking voice was horrible. What teacher says that to a 16-year-old? I remember at the time feeling a bit crushed, but I was raised knowing that if you had a dream, no one had the power to take it away. My mother used to make us listen to really cheesy self-help and motivational tapes as kids, and I had a motivational coach when I was a young ice skater to help me handle the pressures of competition. So, fortunately I was prepared to handle the harsh criticism. When I told another acting coach what had been said, she told me, «Sometimes the thing that someone doesn’t like about you is the thing that makes you unique as an actor.» I’ve always carried that advice with me.

How does the social aspect of the show work with the Defiance video game?

The Defiance game gives the viewers an opportunity to have a deeper experience with the show and vice versa. It’s the first time a show and a game have been released simultaneously. Characters move between the game and the show seamlessly, and the game continues the story while the show is on hiatus. It takes a huge amount of coordination between the game producers and the show producers to make this happen! Last year, Trion had a contest to put an in-game character into the show, and the winning character appears this year in Season 2!

Do you ever play the Defiance video game Продолжить чтение →

Не позволяйте Deflategate брать воздух из вашего Super Bowl. 1 февраля, восемь-время Super Bowl претендентов Патриоты Новой Англии и возвращение чемпионов «Seattle Seahawks» сразятся в супер Боул XLIX. Если вы ищете последние новости и партитуры, партии, советы, бесплатно или swag, эти приложения могут усилить ваш Super Bowl Sunday.

NBC Sports Live Extra(iOS)

Если у вас есть высокоскоростное подключение и участница ТВ-оператора, вы можете смотреть Super Bowl на NBC Sports Live дополнительное приложение на свой
iPad Продолжить чтение →

In the late ’70s, Kenny Loggins eagerly left popular duo Loggins and Messina for an even more successful solo career with hits like «This Is It,» «I’m Alright,» «Footloose,» and «Danger Zone.» He never predicted he’d someday be in another group — this time a trio, Blue Sky Riders. I chatted with the onetime king of movie soundtracks about Blue Sky Riders, his thoughts on the «Footloose» and «Top Gun» remakes, and his favorite apps.

Kenny Loggins hits the road with Blue Sky Riders this December.

(Credit:
Stephen Morales)

How would you describe a Blue Sky Riders show?

BSR shows are different than Kenny Loggins shows because Gary Burr and Georgia Middleman bring a different energy to the stage. I think I was most surprised by how much humor we have in our shows. I joked with Gary when we first started, «I didn’t know I was joining the Smothers Brothers .» I also do not perform my solo hits, like «Footloose» or «Danger Zone,» although we do have a writers-in-the-round portion of the show where Georgia, Gary, and I perform a couple songs from each of our solo careers together. Gary and Georgia are award-winning songwriters and performers in their own right. We like to put on a show that gets people excited. I think our harmonizing is what’s unique and what the fans will appreciate.

Blue Sky Riders perform «Dreams»:

You’ve been a solo artist far longer than a band member. How do you maintain your individuality as part of this trio, or is that not important?

When I was in Loggins and Messina, we were known for our harmonies. The reason I wanted to start Blue Sky Riders with Gary Burr was because it reminded me of those Loggins and Messina harmonies, where we sounded like brothers singing together. When Georgia Middleman accepted our invitation to embark on this new journey with us, she brought the final element to round out the sound, and the band was born. I don’t have to struggle for my individuality. When I sing solos, you can tell it’s clearly me. As part of a group, the key is to have a natural blend, and I’m blown away by how easy and fun our vocal blend is. For those who haven’t seen Kenny Loggins’ Blue Sky Riders yet, I hope you’ll check us out. Some people have told me that this band has marked my third career in music, and if that’s the case, I’m totally excited!

It seems like a lot of pop or rock stars eventually end up in Nashville. I know you’ve worked with shades of this as part of Loggins and Messina, but what drew you to a more country sound?

I originally went to Nashville in 2010 to cowrite with a few of the top writers out there for a project I did for Target. That’s when I met Gary Burr. We wrote a few songs together for a record I made entitled «How About Now.» When we started writing and singing together, that’s when I made up my mind that we should be a band. Honestly, Georgia, Gary, and I didn’t start this band to write country music. Our music crosses over musical genres — we see it as pop/country/Americana, but we’ve been in the business long enough to understand it’s a business and that radio can force musicians to fit into a certain category/genre in order to get airplay. Good music is good music no matter what genre the critics label it as.

Was there anything that you learned from your previous band experience that you’re making sure not to repeat with Blue Sky Riders?

When I was young, I felt very insecure and competitive with Jimmy [Messina]. I think it’s important for each member of the band to try to encourage the other members to be as great as they can possibly be. Kenny Loggins’ Blue Sky Riders is an equal partnership between me, Gary, and Georgia. We might have times where one of us is leading the direction that we’re headed in, but we all discuss and respect each others’ opinions. I learned a long time ago just how important it is to feel like your professional opinion matters.

In «Danny’s Song,» you sing, «Pisces, Virgo rising is a very good sign/Strong and kind.» As a Capricorn with a Gemini rising, what does that say about you, personality-wise?

I’m not an astrology expert. That’s a line from my brother’s letter to me 40 years ago.

Loggins helped wrap TV series «Raising Hope» earlier this year with a performance of ’70s classic «Danny’s Song»:

As someone who’s dueted with Steve Perry, what are your thoughts on the potentiality of a Steve Perry comeback?

I just saw Steve recently, and I told him I’d love to see him out on stage again. He’s a talented guy!

In the ’80s you were known as the soundtrack king. Was there a movie that you were initially hesitant to contribute to or later had remorse about contributing to after seeing it?

I have never had remorse or doubted the projects I chose to work on, but nobody could have predicted that «Footloose» would take off as it did and define me as a solo artist to a huge fan base. I’m forever grateful for that experience, as well as the others that I’ve contributed to.

Grammy-winning single «Footloose» spent three weeks at No. 1 in 1984:

There has been a remake of «Footloose,» and a «Top Gun» remake is expected. Why are these films still so meaningful, and are these remakes helping or hurting their legacies?

Both of those were great movies — and it’s not a new concept for great movies to be reinterpreted by a younger generation. I love seeing when remakes are done right, and I believe it helps the legacy of the movie when the younger generations have an appreciation for them.

You were the DJ and provided a song for Grand Theft Auto V. Do you play video games?

My kids play video games, so when I told them about the project, they wanted me to jump on it. I think I’m a bit cooler to them since Grand Theft Auto V added me into their storyline. That’s really flattering, not to mention an awesome stamp of approval and introduction to a younger fan base. If you first knew me as that ’80s movie soundtrack dude, now the younger fans might know me as the Grand Theft Auto V dude.

What are your top five mobile apps?

1. Dropbox Продолжить чтение →