‘Culture’ Category

Thanksgiving Tips and Tricks on Your iPad

October 28, 2013

Woman prepares food in the kitchen while referring to her iPad which is being held upright by the Whale Kit iPad stand.November is about one thing, and one thing only: Thanksgiving. Whether you celebrate with family across the country, throw a potluck with your friends, practice gratitude, or just want to make a silly paper turkey with construction paper, everyone loves Thanksgiving. I dare you to find one person who can’t find a little joy in a big plate of creamy mashed potatoes and turkey (or Tofurkey, for all our vegetarian and vegan readers).

There are so many tools out there that can help you plan your best Thanksgiving ever, especially your iPad! Welcome the holiday season with some of our favorite seasonal apps.

Thanksgiving Menu Maker from Fine Cooking • iOS App (Free)    

Sweet potatoes or yams? Canned cranberry sauce or homemade? Everyone does Thanksgiving differently and there’s never one sure way to do it. Take the stress out of planning your Thanksgiving menu with this free app for your iPad. First, pick your recipes. Recipes are divided by course, including Starters, Main Dishes, Sides, and Desserts. Experiment with different turkey variations, try a new side dish recipe, and fill your entire table with delectable Thanksgiving fare. Once you’ve assembled the perfect menu, the Thanksgiving Menu Maker will create a shopping list for you so know exactly what you’ll need to purchase. Bring your iPad with you and check off items as you go. After you’ve assembled your ingredients, check out your menu’s schedule to see what dishes you can make ahead of time. From start to finish, this free iOS app will help you create the best Thanksgiving menu your family has ever seen.

Bonus features include wine pairings, turkey tips, how-to videos, Thanksgiving 911, and more!

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Spook-tacular Apps for the iPad

October 16, 2013

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The leaves are changing, kids are back in school, and people are carving pumpkins left and right. That’s right, it’s finally fall! Autumn marks the return of everyone’s favorite holiday, Halloween. You’re never to old to celebrate, whether you’re dressing up with your little ones, throwing a spooky Halloween bash, or simply playing games with ghosts and ghouls. We’ve rounded up some of our favorite tricks and treats you can use on your iPhone or iPad. Read on… if you dare…

DIY Costume Ideas • LilLuna.com

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Lil Luna has gathered some of her favorite DIY costume tutorials on the net. Searching for a cute couples’ costume? Try Mary Poppins and Bert on for size. Want to put your family’s nerd cred on display? Put your tot in an Ewok costume. Whether you’ve got babies and toddlers, teenagers, or just want to make something for yourself, there’s something for everyone. Lil Luna’s blog is a great resource – get inspired and get crafting!

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Wherefore art thou iPad?: Studying Shakespeare with Apps

October 7, 2013

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If there’s any storyteller whose works are recreated again and again, it’s William Shakespeare. Each year there are films born out of his plays. While some are retold in another time period or loosely based on a particular Shakespearean arc, many, like this month’s upcoming Romeo and Juliet adaptation, use his famous rhymes. Though the tragic teen lovebirds’ tale is arguably the most popular of the Bard’s works, each has something magnificent to offer. In honor of the latest interpretation, here are some of the best apps for enjoying and understanding Shakespeare’s masterpieces from a variety of angles using your iPad.

SwipeSpeare from BookCaps – iPad App (Free)

Sometimes it’s difficult for a Shakespeare novice to fully grasp his meaning… you have to learn the lingo first. Luckily, there’s SwipeSpeare, the app that does it exactly what its name implies. Take a look at a passage of Shakespeare, then simply swipe to see a modernized translation. Swipe again and it will change back! That’s not all, though. SwipeSpeare also includes a free, searchable Shakespeare dictionary, biography, a Swipeable copy of Romeo and Juliet, original and modernized versions of the major Shakespeare plays, as well as accompanying study guides and lesson plans.

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iOS Connectivity Apps for the Elderly

September 9, 2013

OWK_GandP_001Helping the Elderly Stay in Touch

In our bustling age of modern technology, we often forget that there are users out there who are not as familiar with the ins and outs of iPads, iPhones, apps, accessories, and other fun gadgets. Some grandparents are well-versed in Apple speak, but many still need a little bit of help. Despite the generation gap, more and more senior citizens are finding ways to keep in touch with their family and friends with their smart devices. If your grandparents have an iPad or tablet, here’s how to help them stay connected with the best apps for the elderly. (more…)

iPad on the Tennis Court

August 22, 2013

OMK_tenniscourt copyString up for the last tennis event of the season, the one we’ve all been waiting for: the US Open. As your favorite reigning champs prepare to defend their titles and dominate the courts, we rounded up some of the very best in tennis apps for your iPhone or iPad. From keeping score of your stats to streaming the games live, here are our top players available in the app store today.

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Remembering Steve Jobs

August 8, 2013

Young-Steve-Jobs-600x328Steve Jobs was a visionary. Known by many as the “Father of the Digital Revolution”, Jobs created consumer technology again and again, year after year. In fact, he continues to influence well beyond his untimely passing in 2011. As the co-founder of Apple, Jobs oversaw the birth of the iMac, iTunes, iPod, iPhone, iPad, App Store and everything in between. Everything you use on your smart phone, all of the music and movies and content you access directly on your computer or devices, is thanks to the charismatic brilliance of Steve Jobs. He literally changed the world forever.

It has only been two years since Steve Jobs passed away, but his work left an indelible mark on society. This month, Open Road Pictures is releasing their version of Steve Jobs’ life story with Jobs, a biopic starring Ashton Kutcher. The film will no doubt explore Jobs’ illustrious career, from the founding of Apple, to his revolutionary return to the company and its worldwide success over the past thirty years.

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Tee Up For The PGA Championships With These iOS Golfing Apps

July 30, 2013

05_04_2012_PGA Championship Logo_Primary_2013_Rocker_Final _PS21This year, the PGA Championships are all about fan interaction. The Professional Golfers Association of America lets you, the fans, vote to choose the 15th hole. Whether you’re simply a fan of golf, an avid watcher, or a player yourself, you can learn more about the sport, perfect your game and follow along with the Championships with the use of your various smart devices. You can get even more involved in this season’s final major with your iPad, tablet or smartphone, and these must-have golfing apps.

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Wolverine on Your iPad

July 25, 2013

TheWolverine_poster4The Wolverine  is slashing his way into theaters this weekend. The latest installment in the X-Men franchise, starring Hugh Jackman as the reclusive Logan, follows the events of X-Men: The Last Stand. Dive into the story, brush up on your mutant history and surround yourself with all things Hugh. Sit back with your iPad to enjoy the full Wolverine experience.

X-Men Quadrilogy ($24.99)

Catch yourself up on the story by downloading the X-Men Quadrilogy directly to your iPad. (it’s like a trilogy on adamantium!) The bundle of four HD movies includes X-Men, X2: X-Men United, X-Men: The Last Stand, and X-Men Origins: Wolverine. Save $15 for buying them all together.

X-Men Quadrilogy

Marvel Comics • iPad app (Free)

Go back even further and learn the origins of Wolverine and his fellow X-Men with the Marvel Comics app. Download the app, settle down with your WhaleTail iPad stand and dive into some serious Wolverine history. The app is free, and you can download specific comics within the app for $1.99 – $8.99. A few comics are also free. Read the originals and the spin-offs including Astonishing X-Men, Generation X, New Mutants and more.

Marvel Comics

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Baseball Apps for All-Star iPad Players

July 11, 2013

With baseball apps and a couch-friendly iPad stand, your All Star game will be a VIP viewing experience.Sports fans know that July means the Midsummer Classic: the Major League Baseball All-Star game. By this point in the game, you’ve made your choices and cast your vote — now it’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy. If you’re like most modern baseball aficionados, you spend every commercial break checking stats, arguing scores, and making bets with your buddies. Combine these essential iPad apps with your handy iPad stand to make sure your All Star experience earns its title.

MLB.com At Bat • iPad App (Free)

This is the one to beat. As the official MLB app, MLB.com At Bat is free to purchase, and only $9.99 for a subscription to the 2013 season (MLB.TV Premium subscribers receive a free subscription). This app has it all — an updated news section, classic games library, live video, individual team pages, and customizable backgrounds for your iPhone. On the iPad, this app features batting, pitching and fielding statistics for iPad users.

MLB.com At Bat 

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Amp Up Your Fourth Of July Party with an iPad

July 3, 2013

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Summer is finally here, and that means three months of sun, surf and celebration. Whether you’re out of school for the summer, have the kids at home, or just have the day off from work, one of summer’s most cherished holidays is the Fourth of July. With Octa’s MonkeyTail iPad stand, you can bring your iPad — and the party — wherever America’s birthday takes you. Check out some of these patriotic apps to use with your iPad this summer.

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