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Reality TV has become engrained in the heart of American television because the drama that happens in real life is damn entertaining. Watching other peoples drama unfold, and forgetting about your own, is now one of America’s greatest past times. The popularity of reality TV has ballooned in the last few decades since the emergence of The Real World and Survivor. Since then, reality television series have been made in just about every genre, from love shows to addiction shows.

With all the reality content out there to choose from, I have made this list of ten shows that are an absolute must-watch if you are looking for your next reality TV fix.

1. 90 Day Fiance

90 Day Fiance is the show that has swept the nation in the last few years. It has consistently had incredible viewer turn out and viewer retention. Not to mention, the franchise keeps pushing out content with all its different as popular spin-offs. One common mistake viewers make with this show is that they don’t watch it in order, so if you are new to the show, make sure you start with Before the 90 Days.

2. Jersey Shore

Jersey Shore was the first of its kind to profile a specific group of people and their antics within that group. This show led to other geographically specific niche shows like Buck Wild and Englands’ Geordie Shore.

3. Catfish

With the rise in the popularity of dating apps, a show documenting how internet lovers come together or don’t was necessary.  Catfish is here to catch all the drama when things don’t work out and when online romance dreams come true.

4. Ru Paul’s Drag Race

Mama Ru was the first person to capture the extravagant world of Drag Queens on a global scale. Combining a competition show with world-class entertainment has made this show iconic.

5. Rock of Love

With the emergence of love reality TV shows like Flavor of Love, I Love New York, Real Chance at Love, etc., the girls on Rock of Love felt a little more deranged than they did on the other shows of its kind. The quality of the rock n roll ladies made for great drama over a few seasons and created a few spin-offs as well.

6. Intervention

This long-running show takes a deep dive into the world of addiction and the people it affects. This show is raw and tugs on your emotions every episode. Many people know someone affected by drug or alcohol addiction, which makes this show poignant and relatable.

7. Survivor

Survivor is one of the original reality TV game shows that piqued America’s interest for many years. Combining team mentality, cool challenges and locations, and a great host, Survivor was a Primetime favorite.

8. The Bachelor

The Bachelor was the first of its kind to capture the fantasy of love and the scandal of multiple partners on television. It is a hard show to stop watching because there are so many personalities coming together during the show, and The Bachelor tries to present it in a way that is not as trashy as some of the love reality shows that followed.

9. 16 & Pregnant and Teen Mom

America’s fascination with teen pregnancy coupled with a platform on MTV made these two shows very popular among teenagers and adults alike. Many different characters from different backgrounds on this show made the girls’ family dynamics and personal struggles on the show gripping to watch.

10. Real Housewives

This show preys on America’s interest in the housewife and all the social drama, societal norms, and family boundaries it pushes. From fights to passive aggression to clique heavy drama, this show has had many spin-offs from wives in different cities and has been a staple in reality TV for a long time.

Conclusion

Watching people’s lives come together, fall apart, and rebuild is damn entertaining. Throw love, pregnancy, wealth, or addiction into the mix, and the drama gets explosive. This list has something for everybody, and each show is absolutely binge-worthy.

One misconception I’ve learned about cat behavior is that they are moody and unpredictable.  These generalizations were coming from a place of not understanding why my cat was biting me.

When she bit me, it hurt my feelings and made me feel withdrawn from her feelings.  That’s why I sought to understand this seemingly unpredictable behavior and come to know that it is not so unpredictable after all.

You need to understand your cats’ behavior better so that you can identify why they are biting and teach them that it’s not okay.  There are also tools and actions that you can do to train your cat to stop biting.

Understanding Your Cats’ Behavior

According to Purina, “There are many reasons why cats bite, and it’s important to understand what your cat is trying to communicate by biting. They may be trying to send a message or want you to stop doing something”.

There are three types of cat biting:

     1. Playful Biting

This kind of biting is part of a cat’s normal behaving while playing, although you still want to discourage it.  These bites come from their natural hunting instinct but also can come from boredom or even frustration.  Cats taken away from their litter at a young age and don’t have other cats in the household express this kind of behavior more often.

     2.  Petting-Induced Aggression Biting

If you are petting your cat too much or too hard, they will let you know.  When your cat exhibits this type of biting, it is without other signs of aggression, like hissing or clawing.  PetMd says about playful biting, “The cat’s body language is usually fairly relaxed, although the cat may become slightly tense immediately prior to biting.”

     3.  Biting out of Aggression

This type of biting signifies that your cat is in fight mode and is the kind of biting you want to avoid the most.  This behavior is threatening and harmful towards people and can be best identified by your cats’ body language.

Knowing the different types of biting your cat exhibits is the basis for knowing how to prevent it.  Looking at your cat’s accompanying behavior can help in your quest to stop your cat from biting.  Cats bite when they are fearful, stressed, or frustrated, along with being overstimulated, and understanding these behaviors will help you teach your cat to cooperate when unlearning biting.

How To Work With Your Cat to Stop Biting

 Cats definitely have the capacity to unlearn behaviors; it just takes effort on your part to guide them through the process to stop biting.  These five methods of training are going to help you get to that goal.

     1.  Reinforcing Good Behavior and Ignoring Bad Behavior

It should always be your practice to reward your kitty when they are exhibiting relaxed and tamed behavior.  Praise your cat for playing gently by giving them plenty of affection or a treat.

Conversely, if your cat should actually nip you, ignore them, get up, and walk away.  PetMD also says, “Never react negatively to cat biting. “The owner should never scruff, shake, spray, or frighten the cat in any way; this can cause the cat to respond with true and dangerous aggression.” When your cat has calmed down, you can join them again and reward them.  This will teach that your attention is valuable.

      2.  Try Different Styles of Petting

The ASPCA interjects, “Imagine if someone rubbed your back but, instead of moving his hand all over your back, he rubbed in just one spot, over and over. That could quickly become unpleasant. Your cat might feel the same way: what started out feeling good is now irritating, and he wants you to stop.”

It is important to have variety in the length of time and ways you pet your cat.  You should also be aware of how much pressure you are using and take body language cues from your cat that it’s time to switch it up.

     3.  Cats Love Variety, Change Out Their Toys

Cat behaviorists all agree that cats require variety, and the best way to change it up is with their toys.  If your cat is always playing with the same few toys and growing bored, buy them a pack of different ones; this will open their world to new play possibilities.

Turning your cats’ attention from petting to toys is also a good way to teach them that they play differently with their toys.  If they show signs of aggression, put a toy in front of them and let them get out their angst.

      4.  Consider Making Your Cat an Indoor Cat

This lifestyle change is perhaps the most drastic of the five methods, but it can help your cats’ aggressive biting.  Outdoor cats sometimes need to display territorial aggression to protect themselves against real-world threats.  This territorial trait can come with your cat inside the home and become dangerous if they express themselves with outdoor aggression.

While indoor cats can still react aggressively under certain circumstances, having them indoors eliminates the possibility that outside territorial-type aggression will follow them indoors.

     5.  Invite Your Cat to Play Instead of Seeking Them Out

Trying to handle your cat while they are resting or eating.   Instead, attempt to draw your cat out by calling their name or picking up a toy and enticing them.  Your kitty will appreciate not being bothered and enjoy coming to you on their own terms.

Repetitive and unwanted contact can frustrate your cat and make them lash out with their teeth, so it is always best to let your cat come to you.  It is also a rewarding feeling for any owner to have their feline come to them.

Conclusion

Cat biting is unacceptable behavior that requires attention and training to help your cat unlearn.  You might even find in the process that it will bring you and your furry pal together.  Understanding that when your cat bites you, they are trying to communicate is a great place to start.  Furthermore, To stop your cat from biting, you need to understand and teach your cat when and why they exhibit that undesirable and potentially dangerous behavior.

Explore any of the five methods I have presented to help you and your furry pal communicate better and end any kind of biting.

If you are a cat owner, chances are you know that your cat sleeps up to fifteen hours a day. So what are they doing the rest of the time? Playing! Which can come in many forms for our naturally curious furry friends.

With this said, it is important to have the best range of toys to entertain your cat when they are not snoozing or eating. Here is a fun list of toys your cat will have lots of fun with.

Feline Ruff 12″ Premium 3-Way Collapsible Tunnel Cat Toy

This toy is so simple yet will have your cat running, pouncing, and attacking, and occasionally all three at the same time! Be prepared to have your cat darting every direction, even upwards, since this tunnel is equipped with a cat-sized peephole in the center of the tunnel so your feline can quickly make an unexpected escape. This toy is fun to be interactive with your cat to see what they’ll do. Best of all for you, the tunnel collapses into the size of frisbee with an elastic band for easy storage.

These tunnel toys have a reputation for serving multiple purposes.  Not only do they encourage curiosity, but they also cater to a cats’ instinct to seek small, confined spaces to hide in.

 

Petstages Cheese Chase ll Cat Toy with Catnip

This toy is perfect for the independent play kitty who enjoys a challenge. This toy has a ball in a track that can spin pretty darn fast and a bonus ball in the toy’s inner circle, which is hard to get out. Your cat will spend quite a lot of time trying to fish the center ball out of the hole. As a bonus to this toy, there is even a catnip-filled mouse with a ribbon tail to entice your cats’ senses!

The only downside? You will probably lose the ball from the inner circle a few times. But not to worry, since a regular ping pong ball can replace it.

This multi-faceted toy is perfect for your determined kitty who likes to play on its own. Rest assured that they will be entertained and drawn to this toy not only because of the catnip.

Yoga Mat

This cat play choice can actually be an interactive activity that you can do with your furry pal. In my experience, this is the item my cat loves interacting with me the most. She will not leave me alone while I am on that yoga mat, whether it is walking underneath me or all around me while exercising. She will even strike a cat-back yoga pose herself!

I leave the yoga mat out after exercising because since cats are world-class stretchers, she loves to plop down and do her own stretches on it or rub up against it.

The idea of cat yoga has been around for a while and is gaining popularity because it really is the most interactive way for you to bond with your cat, and both get some activity.

The only thing you need to be worried about is what kind of mat you’re using. I use a foam mat, and my cat occasionally tries to tear chunks out of it with their claws or teeth.

Conclusion

When our curious cat friends are in the mood to be active, any of these toys will suit their play needs. 

The cat tunnel is a well-rounded toy that incorporated cats’ love of running, hiding, chasing, and pouncing.  The Catnip Toy with Ball Track is a good toy to have around when you can’t be there since your cat can enjoy challenging activities on its own.  The yoga mat provides an opportunity for you both to be enjoying the same activity. 

If my years working in banking have taught me anything it is has taught this – people’s banking habits are hard to change. For example, every weekday I had a member come in during that last half an hour of the day and deposit $20.25 to his checking and $20.25 to his savings, kind of neurotic right?

Or there was the woman who would come in once a week and buy four different cashier’s checks, all at $5 apiece, to pay her various bills. Lastly, there was a man who would deposit large checks each week and argue relentlessly about the checks having a hold put on them.

With this said, there has got to be a less frustrating and more efficient way for people to be conducting their banking right? Right!

 

What Can You Do With Remote Banking?

Part of my job as a Financial Service Representative was to educate our members on ways that we could improve their experience and build their knowledge of our products and services.

My go-to phrase was “did you know that you can do this transaction online or through the mobile app?” Most of the time people said they had no idea.

Not only are there ways to do your own easy transactions like transfers, check deposits, or viewing statements, but also there are many other amazing features as well. To give you an idea of just how many things you can take care of through remote channels here is a list:

• Setting up one time or reoccurring transfers to your own accounts or loans
• Making Cashiers Checks – Made out to yourself of other people.
• Pay Bills – like utility or insurance bills, straight to the company from your account using Bill Pay.
• Access Your Credit Card Points and use them.
• Setting up internal or external account transfers – as in transfers to another person within your bank or to another external bank.
• Apply for loans.
• Access Financial Planning tools – like checking your Fico Score or viewing spending reports.

And It does not stop there. For things like over-limit cash withdrawals, specific denominations, or the idea that you need to talk to argue in person to get a fee waived, I have good news; you can resolve these without going into the bank either. You can always call the contact center of your institution and ask them to raise your ATM limit either for the day or permanently based on usage.

Most ATM’s these days have the option to set your bill matrix so that you can get the denominations you want. You can do some research to find out if your bank offers special types of accounts that waive fees for things like cashier’s checks or temporary checks.

So think about it, if these are all the things you can do with remote banking, you really don’t have to go into the bank for much. In these times of Coronavirus, that means a lot not having to expose yourself to the public.

Security and Mobile Banking

One of the top responses I get from members when encouraging them to use remote channels is that they think their information is going to get hacked and stolen. According to Bankrate, “Mobile banking is both convenient and safe, say cybersecurity experts, but consumers need to take certain precautions“.

These are the top four ways to protect your information on banking websites and apps:

1. Download the mobile app through your banks’ website, as opposed to the app store. This will help you avoid scammers who create fake apps.
2. Make a strong password! I have helped countless people set up their mobile profiles and want an easy to remember password. I have to remind them that for their security you need to come up with something more unique. Most of the banking apps these days will even tell how strong your password is.
3. Set up two-factor or multi-factor authentication. Meaning that after you sign in with your password you will be required to also receive a text message or email to verify yourself again.
4. Set up alerts via email, text, or phone call that alert you to possible suspicious activity. This is when you get a text, let’s say, that is trying to verify that the activity happening is in fact you. All you need to do is respond whether or not the activity was you by saying Yes or No.

While it may seem like you need to do a lot to protect yourself, it is something you will get used to overtime and these measures will become second nature on your other internet activity.

Conclusion

Honestly, I am such an advocate for remote banking because it truly saves time and effort.

According to Business Insider Intelligence’s Mobile Banking Competitive Edge Study, “89% of survey respondents said they use mobile banking. Further, a massive 97% of millennials indicated that they use mobile banking“. This statistic is pervasive because more and more people are starting to realize that they can conduct their transactions without making an entire errand out of it, therefore maximizing their time. Business Insider goes on to say that “Mobile banking is not solely for younger generations, however, as 91% of Gen Xers and 79% of baby boomers also reported seeing the benefits of these services”.

The digital age is here to stay and you can make your life easier by getting on board.

While security concerns are prevalent, you have to reason that security risks exist everywhere, and educating yourself on how to avoid anything malicious is key.

Remote banking is an extremely useful way to take charge of your finances. Using its many features can enhance your awareness of how you spend money and educate you on your financial goals. You can do almost anything through remote banking channels that you can at the bank, and in these unprecedented times that is really valuable.

It is extremely uncommon to find a direct flight from the West Coast to Europe for less than $700 roundtrip. It is also hard to find a long haul airline that offers free in-flight meals, modern new planes, and friendly service from flight attendants in the most adorable outfits. But you can find that and more with Norwegian Air!

I have been flying Norwegian since 2015 almost exclusively for all of my trips to and from Europe and let me tell you that it is the ultimate experience for price and comfort.

Price

Originally, my coworker who was in a small band that occasionally toured Europe told me that she just booked a direct roundtrip ticket from Oakland to Oslo in May for $400. I was super interested!

When I had been to Europe before in 2008 I remember paying over $1000 for flights that weren’t even direct. Immediately I hopped on the site and realized that this company is actually legit and they were fairly new, trying to make a name for themselves in the American market of budget airlines. I ended up buying the same flight as her for the same price she mentioned and we went together.

Later that same year I bought a direct roundtrip ticket from Oakland to Stockholm for $320!! Since then I have flown on more than fifteen Lowfare back and forth Norwegian flights never paying more than $550, even during peak times.

If you want to take it a step further and save a little more, you can switch the website to its European platform and pay in Euros, which actually has even better prices with the conversion rate. Some things to consider are that the prices are generally best when you buy a round trip ticket. If you do buy a single ticket, you will find that the flights to Europe are a lot cheaper than Europe to America.

Something else to keep in mind is that they have three types of tickets: Lowfare, Lowfare+, and Flex. I have only flown Lowfare with Norwegian and have almost always been given the same perks as a Lowfare+ ticket. With a Lowfare+ ticket, you get complimentary meal service, seat selection, more allotted cabin space, and checked bags. But I have found that I often still get a meal and can bring on my overhead luggage and under seat luggage without paying extra.

But if you are one of those people who want to know they are getting these amenities for sure then I would get the Lowfare+ ticket, it’s usually about $50 more.

Routes

Norwegian Air plans to resume UK transatlantic flights in March of 2021 with the major U.S. hubs Boston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York JFK, San Francisco, and Orlando on the 28th March followed a day later by Denver.

Over the years they tested expansion to different U.S. cities and have ultimately settled on these main airports.
While a post-Covid Norwegian Air is definitely slimmed down from what it used to be, the quality and price are still there for the routes that they still fly. Before Covid, there were direct routes to Rome, Paris, Copenhagen, and Oslo. At the moment the future is unknown as to whether or not they will open up some of their old routes, but it is evident that they are doing all they can to come out of the Covid-19 era strong.

Comforts

Norwegian Air boasts their modern 787 Dreamliner planes which are equipped with “65% larger windows than in comparable planes and smart mood lighting.” The legroom on these planes is even better than any other economy area I’ve flown on ever.

The flight attendants are something out of the 1950s with outfits consisting of Norwegian flag colored pencil skirts, pillbox hats, and gloves that they wear for take-off and landing. How cute is that!?

Norwegian Air also makes checking in so efficient with Kiosk Check. They always have ambassadors at their kiosks ready to help if you have any questions and the front desks are always well staffed if you need to check in bags.

There is also a free to join rewards program that offers perks like seat selection (great if you have a Lowfare ticket and want free seat selection), rewards points to use on future flights, and free checked baggage.

Conclusion

Norwegian Air offers consistent service at unbeatable prices. They are taking every precaution to move into the post-Covid-19 era safely, with their core standards and values in mind. Please take advantage of this amazing airline for your next voyage across the pond!

Once the Covid vaccine is released to the general public here in America, the whole country will be breathing a highly anticipated sigh of relief. With this said, the stock market is going to be affected by the vaccine since it rises and falls based on current events.

In general, you want to buy stock in something you think everyone will be increasingly using, therefore driving up the share price and making you money. In case you were asking yourself how you can cash in on those stocks that may be low right now but are poised to take off, I have some suggestions.

 Big Chain Pharmacies

By now I’m sure you have noticed the news reporting that vaccine will be distributed by the big-name pharmaceutical stores like CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid.

Personally, I invested in a few shares of Rite Aid Stock in early November of 2020 while it was down, and it just started making me money in this first week of December with the incoming vaccine news.

Now would be the time to buy shares in any of these companies because they are going to become the backbone of vaccine distribution and will most certainly go up in value.

 Airlines

The airline industry has definitely been hurting since the number of people flying has significantly decreased. However, the promise of a vaccine has people thinking that air travel will be safe again and people will be able to open themselves up to the idea of a vacation again.

Some airlines, like Qantas, have already said they will be requiring proof of a vaccine to be able to fly with them. Other airlines, like Hawaiian, have followed a similar but less stringent approach by saying they require a negative test forty-eight hours before flying.

In other words, there will be a certain level of safety expected and more people will start flying again. One airline to look out for is United, who not only have maintained most of their travel routes through the pandemic, but also will be an intricate part of vaccine distribution.

Other airlines that have maintained service during the pandemic and are picking up speed again are Alaska, Delta, and American. It is a safe bet to at least watch and consider buying some airline shares since the trend is going back to travel in a post-vaccine world.

 Cruise Lines

The positive news about the Covid vaccine has created some movement in the cruise line stocks and they are in a position to gain much more value.

Cruise lines are working in close conjunction with the CDC to map out the safest reopening plans with cruises set to recommence in Spring 2021.

If you take a look at the pre-Covid history of cruise line stocks you will notice that the stocks usually hovered between $45-$55 a share. Currently, they are down to between $20-$30 a share, with an upward trajectory over the last few months so you stand to make a significant profit if you take advantage.

Now Is The Time

Timing plays a very important role in when to buy a stock, and now is the time to capitalize on Pharmacy, Airline, and Cruise Line stocks before their value increases too much.

These stocks are low now and in the perfect position to increase in value in a post-vaccine world. Staying apprised of the news related to each stock, looking at pre-Covid stock trends, and taking advantage of current events are all factors to look at when making your decision on what and when to buy.

Simply put, you should hop on these stock niches now.

Honolulu, the perfect tropical American city in the Pacific. If you’re like me and from the mainland, you will find that going to Hawaii brings you back in time. Literally three hours behind from the West Coast, so you will find yourself waking up very early while you’re there which is a good start to a day spent in Honolulu.

My Dad is from Honolulu and I have been there many times, with family, friends, my significant other, so I have a well-rounded idea of how a day can be spent there, and I will be going over something for everybody.

Morning

To start the day off right head over to the renowned Hawaiian breakfast spot, Eggs n’ Things. You can try all the local favorites like Loco Moco, Ahi and eggs, and Macadamia Nut Rainbow Pancakes and they have several locations in Honolulu with one right in the heart of Waikiki.

While digesting, take a stroll down Kalakaua Blvd before the crowds and admire the beautiful hotels, the beach, and a view of Diamondhead Crater.

Next, catch a ride into the mountains to hike to Moana Falls. This is a beginner level hour hike of about a mile each way that takes you through the tropical jungle and bamboo forests.

Once you reach the end of the trail you will be at the base of the 150-foot waterfall able to feel its mist and see to the top. While you are in the Moana Falls area, I highly suggest stopping by the Lyon Arboretum which preserves many endangered Hawaiian plant species. This Botanical Garden has different trails within it and also hosts small water features.

Afternoon

Head back down into Waikiki for a wonderful lunch at Moose McGillicuddy’s. It is a restaurant/bar during the day and becomes a nightclub on the second level at night. They serve a killer Kalua Pork dish in large portions and make mean tropical drinks of your choice. I can tell you if yourself there in the evening the club has a small cover and you can expect to be listening to hip hop with a nice view of the busy Lewers Street below.

After your meal, you will be in the heart of Waikiki once again. This time as you stroll down Kalakaua Ave stop by the International Market Place, a lively place that offers world-class shopping and dining. In the evenings there is a traditional Hawaiian dance performance in the courtyard under a giant banyan tree. Once you finish with the sights in the Marketplace you can head across the street to Waikiki beach and enjoy a dip or surf lessons.

Evening

Once the dinner hour rolls around head over to Honolulu’s Chinatown for a bowl of ramen at the very hip Lucky Belly restaurant. They offer creative appetizers like oxtail dumplings and lobster Shu Mai set inside their reclaimed brick and wood walls. For the main event of Ramen, they have five mouth-watering options including shrimp, brisket, and veggie choices. Their amazing “Lucky Libations” menu is also to be admired with options with Japanese whisky and fruit drinks.

After you’ve had your fill of ramen you are in the middle of the Arts and Culture neighborhood that is Chinatown. Be sure to check the events calendar for amazing things like First Fridays which host the ART+FLEA event where local artists and designers showcase their crafts.

Another great thing to do is hit up the Hawaii Voice KTV and Lounge for some karaoke. This scaled-up spot has all the song choices you could ever want, different themed rooms, and amazing shochu drinks.

I did say there was something for everyone, so if you looking for adult entertainment head over to Club 939. Also located in Chinatown this club offers 3 separate stages, very good talent, and a cheap cover. 

Conclusion

If you find yourself in Hawaii my perfect Honolulu itinerary will ensure that you have an incredible day. Even if you do just one of two things front my list you will get an immersive Honolulu experience that you won’t forget.