11 Netflix Binges for Summer

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We know that there’s nothing better on a hot day than staying inside and streaming your favorite movies and TV shows, so we have some Netflix shows that are perfect for a summer binge session! If you need something uplifting… Sweet Magnolias - Lifelong friends Maddie, Helen and Dana Sue lift each other up as they juggle relationships, family and careers in the small, Southern town of Serenity. Northern Rescue - After the sudden death of his wife, search and rescue commander John West relocates with his three kids to his rural hometown of Turtle Island Bay. If you want some action… Outer Banks - On an island of haves and have-nots, teen John B enlists his three best friends to hunt for a legendary treasure linked to his father's disappearance. Dead to Me - A hotheaded widow searching for the hit-and-run driver who mowed down her husband befriends an eccentric optimist who isn't quite what she seems. If you want to laugh… Space Force - A four-star general begrudgingly teams up with an eccentric scientist to get the U.S. military's newest agency — Space Force — ready for lift-off. Schitt’s Creek - Suddenly broke, the formerly filthy-rich Rose family is reduced to living in a ramshackle motel in a town they once bought as a joke: Schitt's Creek. The Good Place - Due to an error, self-absorbed Eleanor Shellstrop arrives at the Good Place after her death. Determined to stay, she tries to become a better person. If you love documentaries… Babies - From nature to nurture, this docuseries explores the groundbreaking science that reveals how infants discover life during their very first year. Cheer - This gripping docuseries follows the ups and downs of Navarro College's competitive cheer squad as they work to win a coveted national title. If you love medical shows… Grey’s Anatomy - Intern (and eventual resident) Meredith Grey finds herself caught up in personal and professional passions with fellow doctors at a Seattle hospital. Call the Midwife - This period drama set in impoverished East London in the 1950s follows a newly qualified midwife and her colleagues at a nursing convent.

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unWired Broadband launches new tower in Fresno

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unWired Broadband is proud to announce that we have launched a new tower in the Fresno, CA area. Coming in at 284 feet, the tower is located 20 miles southwest of Fresno, between Riverdale and Raisin City. Access points are installed at 271 feet and will provide excellent coverage for the rural areas west of Fresno. This tower will serve existing customers, as well as provide the capacity to serve even more new customers. This is the 13th tower that unWired has launched in 2020 and is a great addition to our Central Valley network. The addition of a new tower in the Fresno area is the most recent expression of unWired’s continued commitment to providing fast & reliable Internet to those in rural and underserved areas throughout Central California. In the coming months, we look forward to making continued improvements to our existing network, as well as expanding our coverage area. To find out if you can get unWired where you live or work, give us a call at (844) 650-3278!

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unWired Broadband launches new tower in Bakersfield

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unWired Broadband is proud to announce that we have launched a new tower in Bakersfield, CA area. The tower is located 18 miles south of Bakersfield, towards the Grapevine. Access points on this tower are installed at 142' and could possibly reach as far south as the Tejon Ranch area. This tower will serve existing customers, as well as provide the capacity to serve even more new customers. This is the 11th tower that unWired has launched in 2020 and is a great addition to our South Valley network. The addition of a new tower in the Bakersfield area is the most recent expression of unWired’s continued commitment to providing fast & reliable Internet to those in rural and underserved areas throughout Central California. In the coming months, we look forward to making continued improvements to our existing network, as well as expanding our coverage area. To find out if you can get unWired where you live or work, give us a call at (844) 650-3278!

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unWired Broadband launches tower in Arvin

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unWired Broadband is proud to announce that we have launched a tower in Arvin, CA. Coming in at 150 feet tall, this tower will serve existing customers in Lamont and Arvin, as well as provide the capacity to serve even more new customers. This is the 12th tower that unWired has launched so far in 2020. Special thanks to our construction team members Nick Brown & Greg McKee for their outstanding work. They were able to quickly adapt to changes in the project, allowing us to bring the Arvin tower online in a timely manner. The addition of a new tower in Arvin is the most recent expression of unWired’s continued commitment to providing fast & reliable Internet to those in rural and underserved areas throughout Central California. In the coming months, we look forward to making continued improvements to our existing network, as well as expanding our coverage area. To find out if you can get unWired where you live or work, give us a call at (844) 650-3278!

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4 Best Streaming Devices for Your TV

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Did you know you can stream all of your favorite content, even if you don’t have a smart TV? These streaming devices hook up directly into the HDMI or USB port of most TVs so that you can enjoy movies, TV, music, games and more! Here are some of our favorites: Chromecast Google’s Chromecast allows you to stream video and audio content straight from your mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet. All you have to do is make sure your device is on the same wi-fi network as the Chromecast and use the Cast button to stream it straight to your TV. The Chromecast is compatible with thousands of different apps and platforms, including Hulu, Spotify, Netflix, Google Play, Disney Plus and more! You can even control your Chromecast using your voice via your Google Home app or device. The basic Chromecast is $35, but you can also upgrade the Chromecast Ultra for $69 to stream in 4K. Roku Streaming Stick The Roku Streaming Stick is super portable, so you can take it with you wherever you go. All you have to do plug it in and start streaming, whether you are in a hotel room, your friend’s house or a dorm room. With the Roku Streaming Stick, you gain access to hundreds of apps and channels. It also includes a voice control remote that can control your TV power and volume. They also have a mobile app that lets your phone act as a TV remote! The Roku Streaming Stick starts at $49.99, but they also have other streaming devices available. Amazon Fire TV Stick If you are already an Amazon customer, this could be the perfect streaming device for you! You can stream tens of thousands of channels including, Prime Video and all of the streaming services you love. You can also listen to music using Amazon Music, Spotify, Pandora or more! The Amazon Fire TV Stick can be controlled via Alexa; simply tell Alexa what you want to watch via any Alexa device or your Alexa Voice Remote. If you have compatible smart home devices, you can also use your Amazon Fire Stick and Alexa Voice Remote to view live camera feeds, control the temperature of your home and turn lights on and off. You can get an HD Amazon Fire TV Stick for $39.99 or upgrade to 4K for $49.99. Apple TV While the Apple TV is among the more expensive streaming devices, if you are Apple loyal, it might be a great option for you! Like other streaming devices, Apple TV connects to thousands of apps and channels. But, what sets it apart is that you can use Apple AirPlay to mirror any of your Apple devices to the TV, whether it be your Mac, iPad or iPhone. You can use the voice commands on your Siri remote to find what you want to watch. Also, use the Apple TV app on your Apple devices to continue enjoying your favorite content on the go! You can grab the HD Apple TV for $149 and the 4K version is available starting at $179.

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The Ultimate Guide to Cutting the Cable Cord

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Cutting the cable cord is a great way to save money and break free from cable companies. According to Fortune Magazine, “cord cutters averaged $85 a month in savings, even including the amounts spent for Internet service and streaming video providers.” Cutting the cord may seem overwhelming, however, we aim to make it simple to cut the cord and start streaming all of your favorite TV shows and movies. Ensure that you have adequate Internet speed. In order to stream reliably and without buffering, make sure that your Internet plan is fast enough to support streaming. For SD streaming, your download speeds need to be at least 3 Mbps. and for HD streaming, you need at least 5 Mbps. If you are looking to stream on more than one device simultaneously, make sure that you have enough speed for each device. Choose a streaming device or smart TV. Most newer TVs are Internet-ready, which means they are already equipped to stream all of your favorite streaming services. If you do not have a smart TV, there are streaming devices that you can purchase that hook up directly into the HDMI or USB port of your TV. Here are some of our favorites: • Roku Streaming Stick • Apple TV • Amazon Fire TV Stick • Chromecast You can also use streaming services on a computer or mobile device such as your phone or iPad. BONUS: Although this may seem old-school to some, with an HD antenna, you can also get most local channels. By purchasing and installing an over-the-air antenna, you can watch local channels such as NBC, FOX, ABC and CBS. Subscribe to streaming services. Once you have all of the necessary equipment, it is time to decide which streaming services to subscribe to. Make a list of all of your must-have channels and TV shows, so that you don't miss a thing when you cut the cable! Here are some streaming services to watch favorite TV shows and movies: • Best for live TV - Hulu with Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling • On-demand options - Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video • Keep up with sports - ESPN+ • Perfect for kids - Disney+ Cancel your cable provider. If you are wanting to take the plunge and cut your cable cord, the final step is to call and cancel your current cable service. Your provider might try to offer you a better deal if you decide to stay with them, but stay strong! Cutting the cable cord can be worth it to save money, and the hassle of dealing with a TV provider.

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8 Benefits of Living in the Country

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Many Americans are making the big move to the country, as city and suburban life is getting increasingly costly, loud and stress-inducing. There are so many reasons, now more than ever, to move to the country or rural area. Here are just a few: More space Homes in rural areas typically have more square footage and acreage. The streets are emptier, and stores are less crowded. Just simply having more room to breathe and live is a great benefit of living in the country. Proximity to nature Living in the country puts you closer to nature and away from the hustle and bustle of the city. You also have easy access to all of the outdoor activities that you love, including fishing, hunting, hiking, camping or climbing. When living in a rural area, you can do virtually all of these right in your backyard! Cleaner air Country living also means less cars and traffic on the road, which naturally means less pollution and better air quality! There are lots of trees and grass, which can actually improve the quality of the air as well. City lights are also pretty much non-existent in the country; reduced air pollution and reduced light pollution makes it easier see the stars at night. Cheaper cost of living When purchasing a home in a rural area, you can get more square footage and land for less money than you typically would in a suburban or urban area. Living expenses such as utilities, groceries, toiletries and entertainment are typically cheaper in rural areas, as well. Increased safety Statistically speaking, rural residents are less likely to be a victim of a crime. Because there are less people in the country, your chances of encountering a criminal or someone with ill-will are reduced. People are also more likely to look out for one another in rural areas so you can feel safer letting your kids play outside, going for a run, or just doing normal everyday activities! Less noise Without all of the traffic, sirens, and general noise that comes with city living, you will find that your life is much quieter when you live in a rural area. The only noises you will probably hear in the country are sounds normally found in nature, like birds chirping, wind whistling through trees or even wildlife. A quieter life can actually reduce your stress levels, making you more at peace and relaxed. More privacy You don’t have to worry about nosey neighbors invading your privacy when you live in the country. Since there are acres and acres between homes in the country, you can enjoy your privacy and not worry about neighbors eavesdropping on your conversations or about playing your music too loud! Lower stress All of these benefits to living in a rural community lead to one thing: less stress! Studies show that those who live a rural area are less stressed due to the close proximity to nature, reduced noise, cheaper cost of living, cleaner air and more room to breathe.

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5 Social Media Tips for Ag Businesses

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Some people may think that social media is just for trendy companies and brands, but social media is a great way to build awareness for all businesses, no matter your size or industry. In fact, social media can even expand the reach and influence of your agriculture business. Here are some easy ways to get started using social media for ag! Just start somewhere! If you don’t already have a social media account for your business, create one! We suggest starting with Facebook, as it has the most active users and it is super easy to create a business page. Other ideas of social media platforms to start with are Instagram or Twitter. Post on a regular basis. Staying active on social media is a great way to gain a following. Make sure that you are posting on a regular basis and even create a schedule, if that helps you stay consistent. Here are some ideas of what to post on social media if you get stuck: • Inspiring quotes • Videos of employees at work • Photos of your products • Fun facts about your industry or business • Events • Questions and polls Network and build community. Social media can be a great networking opportunity for your business and a great way to make some friends along the way. Make sure that you are following other farmers or members of the agriculture community. You can find new people to follow by joining ag-related groups or searching ag-related hashtags! Respond to comments. Another great way to build community is to comment on other’s posts and reply to the comments on your own posts. Staying active and interacting with your community helps you stay relevant. If you don’t know where to start, try setting goal to spend 5 minutes every day replying to posts and comments. Showcase the faces and stories behind your business. People love to see the behind the scenes, so show them! Whether it’s harvesting raisins, the almond blossoms in the spring or some of your employees in the office, people love to see the behind the scenes of your business. Try choosing one day a week to showcase an employee that you want to recognize on social media. All you have to do is snap a picture and write a short caption about them! It’s a super easy way to start putting a face behind your brand.

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6 Social Media Mistakes to Avoid

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In the big wide world of social media, it can be easy to forget some basic etiquette and best practices to stay safe and maintain connections. Here’s a little refresher to make sure that you don’t make a mistake you regret on social media: Posting too frequently Your friends love to see what’s going on in your life on social media, but we don’t necessarily need an update every 5 minutes. Whether it’s your latest Candy Crush scores, what you ate for breakfast or your baby’s diaper blowout, pick and choose what you share. Try to keep posts to 1 or 2 a day per social media account and aim for quality over quantity. Oversharing Oversharing on social media can be a detriment to your personal safety. Posting your address, phone number or other private information can be harmful as well. Even if you think your social media profiles are private, that information can still get into the wrong hands. If you want to share that information, do so in a private message or offline. Everything you share on social media is permanent, even if you delete the post. Your friends, future employers and more could be able to see those images, so be mindful of what you’re sharing. Think about the consequences of posting something you may regret later. Tagging or posting photos without permission It’s just not kind to post pictures of someone without their permission, especially if the picture may be embarrassing or unflattering. Always ask permission before posting a picture of someone or tagging them. And, if someone asks you to remove a picture, honor their request.

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unWired Broadband launches new microsite in Stockton

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unWired Broadband is proud to announce that we have launched a new microsite in Stockton, CA. Microsites are a powered by a small wireless Internet transmitter that is designed specifically to target connections in a specialized area. Located in the Stockton Verde Mobile Home Park, this microsite will serve residents in the park that were previously unable to get any type of Internet service. This is unWired’s 4th microsite. Special thanks to one of our Installation Technicians, Vance Haskin, who identified this location and worked with property management and unWired leadership to secure an agreement to get this new microsite up and running. The addition of a new microsite in Stockton is the most recent expression of unWired’s continued commitment to providing fast & reliable Internet to those in rural and underserved areas throughout Central California. In the coming months, we look forward to making continued improvements to our existing network, as well as expanding our coverage area. To find out if you can get unWired where you live or work, give us a call at (844) 650-3278!

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