Verizon Educates Children with Apps

With summer taken off the shelves and children back in the rhythm of school, Verizon Communications Inc. rolled out a few surprises that will get children up and ready for this school year. With their best foot forward, Verizon has made provisions to assist in the overall educational development of children. With the use of top educational apps, Verizon is anticipating the continued learning and engagement of children in educational pursuits. With these rollouts, children will explore the awe-inspiring world of learning and excel in all possible areas of their endeavors.

 

 

Why Verizon Communications Inc. Chose Digital

 

The number of children interacting with electronic devices, ranging from tablets to smartphones, is immense. As massive consumers of these devices, Verizon is targeting electronics due to its fascination and the allure it has on children. Since children use technology for recreation, entertainment and communication, it’s just ideal to integrate education with their quotidian activities. This makes learning more fetching and accord tech lovers the chance to learn on their terms, instead of going through traditional textbook material.

 

 

Verizon Educational Tools

 

A partnership between Verizon Communications Inc. and leading educational providers brought these educational tools to the fore.

 

 

Tutor.com

 

Homework becomes a nuisance with the absence of an expert on a particular topic. If children are unable to get assignments and homework done, their progress and development is monumentally impacted. With well-meaning and concerned parents at the fore, putting their all into their child’s education, homework and assignments will become seamless. By signing up for Verizon Educational Tools, children have at their disposal 45 minutes of free tutoring from Tutor.com. With one of the world’s most trusted educational tools at their sides, students can use their mobile devices for access and enjoy learning with over 10 million sessions online. With live, private tutoring sessions in over 40 subjects, it has been reported that approximately 95% of students who use this educational tool has received better grades.

 

 

BrainPOP

 

With a Verizon sign-up, parents will secure up to 10% off a subscription with BrainPOP. With BrainPOP, kids can interact at home, school and from their mobile devices. For better learning, students have access to hundreds of topics, from science to social studies and those in-between. With an interactive and simple learning platform, parents can watch their children learn through animated and lively movies and quizzes.

 

 

TinyTap

 

TinyTap is the educational app that allows children to learn on their own. This do-it-yourself tool enables children to create games that can be used for teaching almost anything. The app is painless, responsive and allows anyone to develop their creative skills. Children are able to enjoy puzzles, readings and other features of the app. For absolute benefit from the TinyTap educational tool, parents can subscribe to Verizon Educational Tools and access all the features associated with TinyTap, including games created by pundits, publishers and educators.

 

 

Copia

 

Reading is all about learning while having fun. If learning becomes enjoyable for children, they’re more inclined to curl up with a good book or their kindle.  Copia gives children that learning experience. With ample learning material and books selected by pundits, all classed by reading level, interests, and age, children plying this platform will detect fast improvements in their various learning abilities.

 

 

The Copia app also aids in developing a child’s ability to interpret or to better explain an idea. When using eBooks, the app allows them to make highlights and annotations that are shareable with friends and classmates. As an icing on the cake, Copia permits study groups and discussions. This makes learning easier when a student is able to share ideas and opinions on assignments and course works with their classmates and other students who might be working on a similar project.

 

 

 

Duolingo

 

This app gratifies students who have a fetish for absorbing languages. It’s applauded globally as the premiere free language learning application (app) to grace the market. The app extends assistance to students in over six languages. Learning a new language can be frustrating, especially without  a partner. However, with Duolingo students are given a partner (an owl) who sticks closer than a brother. Complementing what students are already learning in school about language, Duolingo provides basic Spanish words and phrases during each learning session or course. Gradually, after progress is made, the student will be allowed to take additional lessons to quench their language fetish.

 

 

Duolingo also provides tests. To keep abreast with progress and test memory, the tests are ideal features of the app to make use of. Should a child conceal their language quest? Absolutely not! Duolingo has a social feature that allows students to befriend others and form an online discussion. These ones can later become study partners. For a better way to excel, students can even communicate online by using the language in which they’re enrolled. There’s absolutely no better way to learn a second or third language than Duolingo.

 

Parents are able to take charge of their child’s education and future. With these Verizon educational tools, learning will be much more exciting.

 

 

 

 

Verizon Educates Children with Apps

Once Upon A Time’s ‘White Out’: Elsa Goes Ice Cold

Once Upon a Time’s ‘White Out’ starts on an icy note. In her anger and ruthless determination to find her sister Anna, Elsa imprisoned everyone in Storybrooke. Even though this made ‘White Out’ a tad predictable, it was just enough to whet my taste buds and keep me crying for me. If you weren’t able to watch ‘White Out’ or you want to get your adrenaline up and rushing to see the re-run, here’s how ‘White Out’ left Storybrooke in darkness.

 

 

A bumpy ride down memory lane

 

In order for viewers to get the gist of present day Storybrooke and how the events correlated, we were given a one way free ride down memory lane. Most of ‘White Out’ focused on Anna, her encounters and to a lesser extent how she disappeared. Through her journey, she encountered Prince Charming, at least when he was poor and desperate and simply known as David. The perky young woman tried strenuously to give Charming a boost to stand up and fight for what was right, much of what her journey entailed. Much like the Anna we’ve seen in Frozen she’s the same, but different. The Anna we know in Frozen was keen on chasing her sister or trying to find a way to make things better for her. Anna demonstrated the same attitude in Once Upon a Time. On the other hand, the Anna in Frozen knew well to stay far away from shiny, pointy objects. However, we found the damsel wielding a sword, actually teaching Charming how to defend himself. Such satire! All is well; the Director did give her a little pep and boost to face all the ‘baddies’ in Once Upon a Time.

 

 

Emma gets friendly with Elsa

 

After discovering they were unable to leave Storybrooke, Emma met the woman behind the freezer. After a pep talk, Emma got nowhere with Elsa but found herself trapped in an icy cage. In a peculiar way, Emma’s life seems to parallel Elsa’s. Not only was Emma unable to control her magical abilities, but she didn’t have the support of her parents to do so while young. Much like Emma, Elsa knows pretty well how it feels to be neglected and utterly uncontrollable, as was the case with her magical abilities.

 

Elsa and Emma.

 

Elsa and Emma’s encounter could be the start of something new. We’re not sure as to what this friendship will turn out to but we do hope it’s one that’s lasting and binding, much like the friendship Elsa shares with Anna.

Elsa and Emma’s meeting also depicted hope. Emma’s nearness to death reveals that even under challenging situations you can rise to overcome the odds and fight a war that seems impossible to win. Elsa did beat the odds and save Emma, even though she was the one to put her in harm’s way.

 

 

Snow Snaps under Pressure

 

After casting a freezer over Storybrooke, conditions weren’t exactly the ‘brightest’, if you know what I mean. Elsa’s wrath was Storybrooke’s pain since the whole town was wrapped in darkness.  The mayor, Regina, decided that she no longer wanted that position since she was struggling with matters of the heart a.k.a she was wailing over being dumped by Robin. Since Snow always played the hero, the town or should I say the three most annoying citizens turned to her for answers. It’s rather ironic when a town, known for its magical and mystical creatures, complains about a little darkness. After all, they’re accustomed to what I call the dark ages. Light was definitely not something they had and even if they did, it was not enough to illuminate the entire town.

 

As usual, Snow crawls her way to justice in order to sooth the cries of the afflicted and unjustly treated. Yeah right… She did weather the storm by restoring power to Storybrooke with some weird type baby feeding thingy (don’t ask) but she also for the first time went nuts… before restoring power that is. Did I mention that she had to contend with three of the most irritating residents of Storybrooke? They literally drove her to the point of snapping and metaphorically putting a sock to their mouths. They surely got what they deserved!

 

 

Elizabeth Mitchell in Storybrooke.

 

Elsa is not the only walking freezer

 

After calming down, Elsa decided to remove the barrier of ice she casted on Storybrooke. Confidently hoisting her hands emitting blue icy substance to the barrier, Elsa realized that she was unable to remove the barrier. Huh? How’s that possible? Since she hoisted the ice, she should be able to take it down. However, this was not the case. Elsa confidently spoke of her unique ability to create ice and snow but her uniqueness quickly died with her inability to remove the ice barrier. Someone else was keeping that barrier up. Who could it be? Was it the dark one, Rumplestiltskin? That popped to mind but it was immediately rolled out when the Snow Queen, who operated an ice cream store revealed her ability. No wonder the power outage didn’t affect her ice cream business.

 

Obviously, this is not the end of Elsa’s quest since they still have problems to deal with. I’m highly dazed at how things turned out. When Once Upon a Time returns next week, viewers can expect a search party to find Elsa, a dog to sniff out who is keeping the ice barrier up, what will happen to Regina – whether she’d move on or continue to mope – and what will happen with Emma and Hook’s relationship.

 

 

 

 

 

Once Upon A Time’s ‘White Out’: Elsa Goes Ice Cold

What Revenge"s "Disclosure" Brought to TV

I’m not sure if ‘Revenge’ is something to boast about or feel overly excited to see, but like all TV shows featuring ‘relationships gone amok’, Revenge has its own twisted pleasure to deliver. I feel guilty and downright dirty. I know that Revenge teaches me to exact vengeance and to plot the downfall of those who’ve double-crossed me, but I just cannot stay away from the madness that stares through my soul every Sunday night I tune in to watch. Revenge is that good! Unless you lock me away, isolate me from every electronic device, and put my hands in cuffs, I’m hooked to Revenge. If you’ve seen the premiere of Revenge – Renaissance – you would have been prepared for what Season 4 episode 2 had to bring to the fore. Before delving into the sweet apple pie of episode 2 of Season 4, here’s a sneak peek of what episode 1 had to dish out.

 

 

Emily moves to the Presidential Suite

 

In previous episodes, I’ve always caught Emily red handed admiring Grayson’s Manor. In season 4 episode 1, it was made pretty apparent why Emily was checking out the White House; at least that’s my analysis. Viewers thought Emily was staring through Victoria’s soul when she looked intently from her Beach House, but I honestly thought she only wanted the house. That’s just my opinion guys. Finally, after Victoria and the rest of the crazy Graysons left Grayson manor, Emily Thorne moved in. How did that happen? Where did Emily get all that dough? I have no qualms that there’s just no limit to Emily’s bank account. If she’s able to hide her identity so well, she’s highly capable of concealing her investments and what her so called ‘dead’ father left behind. I’m not sure as to what Emily is up to, but I hope she’s changing her outlook on life. Once again, Emily is triumphant, but it’s pretty clear that she’s becoming like the viper, Victoria, but without a husband.

 

 

Victoria is out for good?

 

Was it really necessary to have Victoria detained in a mental institute for a mental illness that was not present? The majority thought that Emily did a good job but I have a different opinion. Emily might have felt victorious, but she only allowed Victoria time to plot against her. Now that Victoria has escaped, she’s coming for Emily with fire in her eyes… at least after she’s escaped David Clarke’s clutches who was chloroformed after threatening Emily. What is David up to? I can’t say, but I know that he’s up to no good.

 

Now that I’ve gotten the important deets out, here’s what episode 2 of season 4 brought to TV.

 

 

Victoria is reunited with her lost love

 

After a horrible dream of being strangled by the lover she betrayed, Victoria woke up only to find herself lying in the back of a van with David behind the wheels. Under heavy interrogation by David, Victoria caved in and told the truth, maybe for once. She related that she loved David, always had, but was threatened by Conrad, her deceased husband. I was pretty much anticipating a violent reunion. However, blinded by love, David expressed that he loved Victoria and embraced her with a warm hug. Pfft… David is definitely not the man I predicted him to be. If I was in his predicament, I wouldn’t have made her pay. Down with love! After all, that’s what got David into trouble which made him into a sore loser.

 

 Emily’s secret became known to another

 

Victoria overcome with emotion reuniting with David.

Pretty much, I’m of the impression that family is the only thing Emily cares about, which is good. After unleashing hell on her father’s betrayers, Emily, Amanda or whatever she’s called, reached out to her addicted sister, Charlotte. By dropping the bombshell, Emily revealed to Charlotte that they’re both related, they’re sisters. After going cuckoo, reality finally rushed in and Charlotte settles down and decided to hear Emily out. Quite the family reunion. However, things didn’t turn out as Emily anticipated. Charlotte, who’s young and stupid, storms out on Emily who tried to help.

 

While Emily is trying to work out salvation with her sister, Victoria and David catches up. The tables have finally turned and for the worst. Victoria now has a deadly weapon at her fingertips, one who’s willing to shoot with the whisper of the word.

 

 

A Family of Vipers

 

While Emily is no saint, she does have a big heart, especially towards her sister. However, as with all the Graysons, something learnt from Victoria, Charlotte has betrayed Emily and her trust. After storming out on Emily, Charlotte decided to invite her over. I thought she had an epiphany and had decided to let Emily help, but she obviously had something else in mind. Charlotte, after handing Emily a letter to read, smacked her in the head leaving her unconscious. As if that wasn’t despicable enough, Charlotte lit the building on fire, leaving Emily to burn. When asked if anyone else was inside, Charlotte confidently said no. The apple does not fall far from the tree.

 

As I wait with bated breath, I refuse to look at any sneak peeks of what is to come. I’m quite relaxed and composed, waiting to see what will befall Emily and more extensively, when Emily does survive, what wrath she’ll inflict on Charlotte. Until episode 3 of Season 4, see you soon.

 

 

 

What Revenge"s "Disclosure" Brought to TV

Transformers: Age of Extinction makes way for a sequel?

It’s just amazing how something that was once spoken of so positively can turn in something atrocious. Frantically, I do recall the uproar that was made about Transformers: Age of Extinction at that time. With the introduction of a new kind of Transformer – the Dinobots – and more refined Decepticons revealed, many Transformers fanatics were expecting a Xiaolin Showdown… and that’s exactly what most viewers got – a kick to the face.

 

 

Critics referred to the movie in distasteful terms. One critic labeled the Transformers: Age of Extinction as “inflated, interminable and incoherent” and another called it “the worst entry yet”. Needless to say, what a mess Michael Bay created. I won’t even delve into the installment. It’s too much to re-live.

 

 

After the madness comes another…?

 

Word on the street is, Transformers will see a sequel. Bay is pulling out the big guns and he’s making it rain metals once again. The upcoming sequel is being called Transformers 5. After throwing the worst at us, Michael Bay has deemed it fit to send us a little treat for his mess up. Or will the impending installment ‘give our hearts a break’, literally? While it cannot be predicted as to whether this installment will be metal garbage or just a waste of screen time, here’s what’s expected to emerge in the upcoming sequel.

 

 

 

A longer movie, triple the explosions and violence

 

If Bay returns as Director of Transformers 5, viewers are assured of three things – a long runtime, triple the explosions, and violence. Bay has a long history gliding with movies spanning no less than two hours. With the first Transformers installment, Transformers, with a runtime of over 2 hours and the latest installment, Transformers: Age of Extinction, with runtime of 2 hours and 45 minutes, Bay is sure to continue on that path. Apparently, the more installments added to the Transformers franchise, the more Bay ups the run-time. If that’s the case, Transformers 5 might run for over 3 hours.

 

Bay is also known for his explosions and violent movies. We’ve seen that from him in multiple films directed by him. These include, but are not restricted to his 2014 film, Project Almanac, the Purge, and each installment of the Transformers franchise. Whatever the reason is, Bay seems hooked on featuring violence and mayhem on screen. Such is his passion and he’s bent on bringing back the chaos with the succeeding Transformers franchise.

 

 

Bay frolics with new transformers in Transformers 5?

 

There’s nothing Bay has brought to the table that we’ve not already seen. In the previous Transformers franchise, Bay treated us to some new Autobots, newly enhanced Deceptions (all credits go to the humans) and the prehistoric Dinobots with the ability to transform into various Dinosaurs. Since Bay has a ‘thing’ for new stuff, what new and refined transformers can we look forward to? Rumor has it that Galvatron (a.k.a Megatron) will return with his flock of loyal followers to finish what he started. Obviously, this guy doesn’t die easily. To fight in the beastly war and metallic collision that’s set to take place, the Autobots will need skilled marksmen and some bigger guns to take down Galvatron and his Decepticon crew.

 

 

Galvatron in action.

 

 

If that’s what Bay has in mind, speculations show that the Maximals and Predacons will emerge. The Maximals, an elite group of the Autobots, will help to fight against the Predacons, a loyal creed of the Decepticons.  The protagonist Maximals will assume an odd form. If you love flying creatures, animals and creepy crawlers, you’ll be impressed with these babies. Maximals will assume the form of animals including cheetahs, rats, rhinoceros, eagles etc. To appropriately display or reveal the ingrained nature of the Predacons, they’ll be featured as poisonous creatures such as the tarantula, black widow, cobra and wasp. These creatures all depict the cunning, sly and disloyal demeanor of the Predacons.

 

Viewers will also see a beastly version of the Autobots. The Optimus Prime we’ve come to love might no longer transform into an automobile but Optimus Primal and the sassy Bumblebee will become Cheetor. On the other side of the fence, Blackout will be Tarantulus and StarScream will become Terrasaur.

 

 

Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox to return in Age of Extinction: Transformers sequel?

 

The stars we’ve seen in prequels of Transformers: Age of Extinction might appear as a crossover in the subsequent installment to come. In a report, it was suggested that Megan Fox would return on board if Shia LeBeouf was game and as long as everyone was seeing eye to eye. It would be expected that the lives of the new cast would collide or at least intertwine with LeBeouf and Fox.

 

Shia LeBeouf and Megan Fox could return for the sequel.

 

Whether LeBeouf and Fox return to the franchise or not, the new installment will hit the scenes. With the sequel set for 2016 (specifics remain unknown), Bay is expected to bring his ‘A’ game. While Transformers: Age of Extinction slayed the box office, but did terribly where reviews were concerned, viewers are expecting a change and of course, less metallic garbage.

 

 

 

 

 

Transformers: Age of Extinction makes way for a sequel?