We are excited to announce that after a year of hard work on behalf of the Verizon Community Team​ we are finally launching the new Community tomorrow afternoon (2/19/19). Tonight at 5pm EST we will be setting the community into read only mode so you will still be able to search for solutions and read content as you always have you just will not be able to login to your account and new users will not be able to register during this time. Once the community is set to read only we will kickoff the migration, which entails a full redesign of the look and feel, brand new information architecture and revamping of the current ranking structure.

Looking for a new fitness activity challenge? What better way to start than on National Take the Stairs Day? Yesterday was the perfect holiday to jump start your New Year’s resolutions and work towards your fitness goals.

Looking for something to give your workout or party a boost? We have the latest new tech with these accessorios to get the most out of your smartphone o tablet. Use the Fitbit Charge 3 and Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM together for the ultimate workout experience. Get healthy in 2019 by tracking your fitness while listening to your favorite music.

We are are so here for 2019, especially with all the exciting new things coming for the Verizon Community!

Keep a look out for all the updates and news in the upcoming blog posts.

"May your home always be too small to hold all your friends." - Irish Proverb

Nothing shows off your love for the holiday season like an ugly Christmas sweater. What better way to celebrate than on National Ugly Sweater Day?

We know that life around the holidays can be hectic, so why not make it easier? With the Google Home Hub you can do it all: play music, watch Youtube videos, create grocery lists, and more! 

We’re midway through December and holiday music is playing almost everywhere we go.  Here are some of our favorite holiday albums to get you in the spirit!

In 2008 the Apple App Store launched, changing the way we interact with our smart devices instantly. By providing access to over hundreds of apps, Apple was able to jump start the app craze. Even though apps (short for software applications) are still fairly new, they’ve become integral to our everyday lives

Wishing a happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating and a joyous and healthy holiday season to all!

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and you know what that means: Holiday Movies. With Christmas approaching, there are plenty of great Holiday movies on TV. If you haven’t already, add these classics to your holiday viewing, as these movies have stood the test of time:

The holidays are all about festivities and parties, which means getting the most out of your smartphone o tablet. It’s also the season for giving so why not find all the right gifts, all in one place? With these accessorios you can get all that and more.

Looking to find a way to revive your Thanksgiving leftovers? We found the best recipe to help with that. Using the turkey and stuffing you can create the easiest meal prep plan for the week---stuffed peppers. This is also a great way to start thinking of recipes for the leftovers from future holiday meals.

The holiday season has officially begun and that means time is going to fly by and 2019 will be here before you know it. That’s why we wanted to give a big thanks to all the users of the Verizon Community. We have new changes coming in the New Year for the Verizon Community and Verizon as a whole. We can’t wait to share more when it’s time.

Just in time for National Take a Hike day we’ve picked a few of our toughest, smartest, and most versatile accesorios tecnológicos for you. Whether it’s tracking your fitness goals or being in the loop with life’s daily tasks we know you need a dependable device.

Verizon gives thanks to Veteran’s for all that they have done and continue to do.

Veteran’s Day honors those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Each year on November 11^th, at the eleventh hour the annual ceremony is held at the Arlington National Cemetery to commemorate the holiday. However there are not enough days in a year to give thanks to all those who have served.Verizon continues to give thanks to our Veteran’s and their military families by offering special discounts and service options.

It's Book Lover’s Day and I couldn’t be more eager to settle in with a good book now that the cooler weather is here. For some of you, staying inside could mean playing board games with the family or watching movies with friends. But I find that a book can be a great way to pass the time and expand your mind

Here are our last picks for the Halloween movie list: House of Horrors!

We've chosen a few movies from the slasher classics, to the newer shockers, either way we hope you enjoyed all 31 Halloween movies! Don't worry we've included some for the kiddies.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good."  - J. K. Rowling

The night before Halloween is known by many names—Cabbage Night, Goosey Night, Mat Night, Devil’s Night, and the ever so popular Mischief Night. Depending on the region, usually Halloween Eve entails pranks, hijinks, and overall cheeky antics.

Happy Franken Friday!

“If I cannot inspire love, I will cause fear!”

- Mary Shelley

Did you know that the last Friday of October honors Mary Shelley's book, Frankenstein? Published in 1818, Shelley's book has become an iconic symbol for many spoofs and spin-offs. Frankenstein's legendary science experiment spawned an entirely different genre of living dead zombies, complete with electrifying results.

It’s freaky Friday and that means another round of Halloween movies!

Don’t worry if you’re jumpy when it comes to scary movies, that’s okay. We’ve included a mix of movies that suit most audiences including the little ones. Read on to see our picks, but beware they can be downright frightful!

Looking to create a hands free home while making it safe and sound? We have the sharpest new tech with these 2 accessorios to get the most out of your smartphone o tablet.

Spooky season is upon us and I am absolutely thrilled! What better way to celebrate than with a bunch of scary movies? We’ve compiled a list of the not so scary, to the bizarre, to the downright frightful!

Starting Fridays, we will be featuring a list of movies for you to check out until Halloween night (which is a Wednesday this year, boooooo!). So grab the popcorn and favorite beverage, settle in for the night with these films.

If you’re skittish that’s okay, we’ve included a mix of movies that suit most audiences including kids. Read on to see our picks for Halloween movies for this week!

For the Classics…

The Exorcist (1973) Rated R

After being possessed by an unknown entity, her mother seeks help from priests to save her soul and body. 

Set in an old farmhouse, a group of individuals fight for survival as the dead come back to life. This movie is a classic, giving birth to the zombie craze of brain eating, bloodthirsty monsters.

For the contemporary viewers…

The Mist (2007) Rated R (Dan's top five)

After a fierce storm rips through a small town a strange deadly mist descends trapping a father and son inside a supermarket.

For the young viewers…

The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993) Rated PG

Falling in love with Christmas Town, the pumpkin king, Jack Skellington attempts to bring it to Halloween Town. Recruiting the help of his resident bats, ghouls, and goblins they can’t seem to get it right.

For Laughs…

Shaun of the Dead (2004) Rated R (Dan's top five)

In the act of getting his life together, Shaun decides to win his ex-back, unfortunately it happens to be the beginning of a zombie apocalypse. Chockfull of outrageous humor, gore, and references to other zombie movies, this is sure to delight.

The Monster Squad (1987) PG 13

Reminiscent of the Goonies and Ghost Busters a group of kids uncover a nefarious plan by Count Dracula to take over the world. Planning to enlist the help of other legendary monsters, the kids prepare a counter attack.

And last but not least Cult Classic…

Sixth Sense (1999) PG 13

Bringing alive all your worst childhood fears: intruder in your house, cold breath on your neck, noises in the attic, and then some. With the help of his child psychologist, a little boy comes to terms with his dark secret.

Let us know some of your ghoulish picks in the comments below.

**All images pulled from Google, dancing monster gif pulled from Animated**

During the month of October shelters and rescues open their doors to promote adoptions of their furry friends. According the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.9 million dogs and puppies are surrendered to shelters every year. In an effort to help those waiting in shelters, mass adoption events occur nationwide. While there has been considerable progress made toward increasing animal adoption across the country, there are still many more dogs looking for their furever homes.

Here are some of the many ways to help honor and celebrate this important time of year:

Adopt

First and foremost, if you’re in the position to open your heart and home to a pup in need, then do it! Remember before you adopt it’s good to assess your life such as finances, lifestyle, and personality. Your future companion could be big or small, senior or puppy, mellow or super active; it’s up to you to find your furry match. When you adopt a dog you’re not only giving them a fresh start but you’re making a loyal friend for life!

Donate & Host

What better way to help those puppers in need than to donate to your local shelters? Whether it’s toys, dog food, funds, or extra beds to make them feel comfortable it’s a good way to get involved. You can even set up a fundraising campaign to help spread awareness for adopting versus buying. It’s also a great way to raise money for the shelters since a lot of them are funded by tax dollars and adoption fees.

Volunteer, & Share!

Another helpful thing to do is by volunteering your time at your local shelter. Most shelters provide training and background education on being a volunteer. Activities such as walking and playing with the shelter dogs, cleaning, and organizing the donations.

It’s also a great way to share those precious furry faces on social media to help them get adopted. So snap a photo and use the hashtag #adoptashelterdogmonth to get their faces out there!

Let us know about your shelter or rescue dog in the comments below. (P.S. we didn’t forget the shelter cats, they have the whole month of June).

Meet Bailey, my friend's rescue

I don’t know about you but I LOVE tacos and yesterday was a holiday made for us. It’s fascinating how there are so many combinations based on where they originated. One of my life goals would be to travel around Mexico sampling various tacos and tasting the regional differences.

Did you know that tacos may have been around since the 16th century, which was well before the Spanish conquistadors came to Mexico in the 18th century? While some claim that tacos originated from the silver miners lunch, basically a tortilla with chicken rolled up with hot sauce; anthropologists have found evidence of tacos filled with small fish from a lake region of the Valley of Mexico.

Now that we’ve covered a brief history of where tacos came from let’s get cooking with these 3 delicious recipes!

For the veggie lovers…

Mushroom & Garlic Tacos

Ingredients:   

4 ½ cups sliced mushrooms (I prefer baby bellas)
2 Tbsp. olive oil
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1 jalapeño, minced
1/ Tsp. sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
¼ - ½ chopped fresh cilantro 
Soft tortillas of your choice               

Preparation:

1. Wash and dry the mushrooms, then scoop out insides before evenly slicing them
2. Heat large pan over medium heat. Add 2 tbsp. of olive oil (or whichever cooking oil you prefer), then add the mushrooms and mix well.
3. Put the garlic, salt, & pepper. The mushrooms will begin to release their juices. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let them cook for 5-7 minutes before adding jalapeño.
4. Let everything cook until the juice begins to evaporate from the pan, then removed from the heat & add a squeeze of lemon juice.
5. Heat the tortillas on a clean dry pan for 30 seconds to heat. Mix, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve. 

*Recipe & photos pulled from Mushroom & Garlic Tacos

For the seafood lovers…

Shrimp Tacos

Ingredientes

2 pounds of shrimp peeled & deveined
1 medium avocado cut into slices
2 cups cabbage shredded
1 tsp. sriracha
1 cup sour cream
2 cloves of minced garlic
Pico de gallo (homemade or store bought)
Salt & pepper to taste
Fresh cilantro
Lime wedges
Soft tortillas of your choice     

Preparation:  

1. Grill shrimp – brush the grill with olive oil & cook shrimp until it’s cooked well throughout. If using a pan coat bottom of pan with olive oil (or whichever cooking oil you prefer) with garlic and sauté until cooked fully.
2. Sriracha cream sauce – mix together Sriracha sauce and sour cream to make dressing
3. Taking a tortilla assemble all ingredients with shrimp and garnish with lime wedges leaving fresh cilantro as on option.

*Recipe & photo pulled from Shrimp Tacos

For the meat lovers…

Skirt Steak Tacos

Ingredients:  
2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat
2 tsp. cooking oil
2 cups loosely packed shredded lettuce
2 plum tomatoes, diced
2 tbsp. finely minced cilantro
1-2 avocados, pitted & sliced
1 cup crumbled queso fresco (or cheese of your choice)
Lime wedges
Salt & pepper
Soft tortillas of your choice     

Preparation:
1. Season the skirt steak with salt & pepper on both sides. Heat a skillet or grill pan over high heat. When hot, swirl in cooking oil. Add skirt steak to the pan and sear for 2-3 minutes each side. If skirt steak is very thin (1/2 inch thick), it should be medium-rare at this point. If the skirt steak is ticker, turn the heat to medium and cover to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
2. Let the meat rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Slice the skirt steak across the grain into very think ribbons.
3. Using tortilla assemble by laying steak, lettuce, diced tomatoes, cilantro, and avocado slices. Top with cheese and serve with lime wedges.

*Recipe & photo pulled from Steak Tacos

We hope you get to enjoy these yummy tacos recipes and remember you can alter each recipe as you see fit. Whether it's street style tacos, tex-mex style, or cultural infusion tacos let us know your favorites in the comments below!

"Live every day like its Taco Tuesday!"

Monday kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. During the month of October various charities participate in the annual international health campaign that aims to increase the awareness of breast cancer. The campaign raises funds for research into the cause, prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and hopefully the cure. It also provides support and information to those who have been affected by the disease.

To strengthen the ongoing awareness of the campaign and continue maximum support for raising funds for the cure events are often held through the entire month of October. Whether you’re wearing the iconic pink ribbon or passing it out to increase awareness, it has become synonymous with the fight against breast cancer. Activities such as sponsored walks, sports events, seminars, and free breast cancer screening days are held during this month. Many famous buildings have also been illuminated in pink light to honor the campaign.

How common is breast cancer?

• 1 in 8 US women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of her lifetime
• The CDC has stated that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women (aside from skin cancer), and second most common cause of death in women.
• Males can also develop an invasive form of breast cancer; about 1 in 1,000 in a lifetime.
• Best way to decrease and prevent is early detection exams, such as mammograms.
• By the end of 2018 approximately 266,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer

Lowering your risk

• Changing your lifestyle by being active, not engaging in smoking or binge drinking, and maintaining healthy weight.
• Early detection is key, by administering self-exams and scheduling a breast mammography. It is recommended that screening should start at the age of 40.
• Requesting a variety of tests that look for the amount of blood cells and proteins in your blood, as well as check for tumor markers or tumor cells that are floating in the bloodstream.

Ways to get involved

• Volunteering to help your local community of current patients and survivors by providing support or assistance with everyday tasks.
• Participating in the community fundraising efforts that go toward research. Examples can be breast cancer walks, relays, and or dinners.
• Donating to charities that provide research and funding into the cure for breast cancer.

To find ways you can get involved please check out www.cancer.org/involved.

It’s been a week since we officially welcomed fall (September 22^nd)! I know I’m excited for the brisk air, cozy sweaters, and of course those hot yummy beverages. I can think of so many other exciting things to do now that it’s fall, especially with the family. One of my favorites things keep warm, aside from hot coffee that is, is spiced mulled cider.

Nothing says ‘Hello!' to cooler weather like the smell of spiced apples. Whether it’s enjoying a stroll watching the leaves changing, or staying in to watch a movie hot apple cider is always a great drink to have on hand. With tons of variations on the drink we kept it simple with just a few ingredients.

Spiced Mulled Cider

Ingredients:

1 gallon apple cider

6 whole cinnamon sticks

5 whole cloves

10 cardamom pods

¼ Tsp. freshly grated nutmeg

1 orange sliced

1 apple cored & sliced

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a large, heavy stockpot or Dutch oven and allow to simmer over low heat for about 30 minutes.Once cider is heated thoroughly line a strainer with cheesecloth or plain white paper towel. Set strainer over large saucepan; strain mixture into pan. Let stand and ladle from their or set in a decorative bowl and ladle from there.

Consejos:

Using a slow cooker for an hour. It cuts down on the cleanup, and it will keep the cider warm while guests mingle. Great to be paired with just about anything, however some foods bring out the wonderful spiced taste of the cider.

What’s your favorite way to warm up for the fall season? Let us know in the comments below.

Comic books have been around since 18th century Japan, though the modern version was popularized during the 1930’s in the United States and United Kingdom. Today’s comic books have evolved from the humorous, tongue-in-cheek strips to featuring stories from all genres. The first modern comic book was the Famous Funnies, which was a compilation of earlier newspaper comic strips; which was an integral part of story-telling at the time.

Comic books are structured according to their organizations and appearance, focused mainly on the design framing of the pages, panel orientation, and size. Weaving key elements into the format such as dialogue balloons, text lines, artists’ personalities, color, and intricate imagery to form the storylines over time. Often featuring descriptive prose and written narratives to highlights portions of the stories. 

Several sub-genres of comic books emerged since the recognition of the first real comic book, such as American, Underground, Alternative, Graphic Novels, and digital comics. In the 1970’s there was a surge in specialty stores that dedicated its market to “independent” or alternative comic book creators in the U.S.

The history of comic books in America are often divided into eras based on the superheroes that emerged, stylistic dealings of how superheroes were drawn, and various other factors.

While we aren’t sure who deemed September 25th National Comic Book day, we are more than happy to celebrate this fun holiday by heading to the local comic book store and grabbing a copy of one of the classics by DC or Marvel.

"True happiness is found along a middle road. There lies the balance and the harmony-- with reason and emotion, not at war but hand in hand." – DC’s Aquaman Special Vol. 1

What's your favorite comic? Let us know in the comments below.

When it comes to getting the most out of your smartphone o tablet, Verizon knows the hottest tech. Great for on the go, these 3 accessorios provide you the power, sound, and accessibility for your devices.

The BeatsX Earphones: optimal sound and comfortable fit.

On the Move Promo: Special offer, see details at checkout.

We know that finding a pair of earbuds that provide immersive and authentic sound can be a tall order. But with the Audífonos BeatsX you can have that and more! With the flex-form cable you have comfort and portability that won’t make you think twice about bringing them wherever you need your tunes. Clear audio and distortion-free these earphones keep you going through those tough workouts along with up to 8 hours on a single charge.*

*Battery power consumption depends on factors such as network configuration, carrier network, and signal strength.

The mophie powerstation plus 6000 with Switch-Tip Cable: dependable and quick to charge.

On the Move Promo: Special offer, see details at checkout.

Making sure that you have enough power to get through your day is exactly why the mophie powerstation plus 6000 is for you. Have an Apple and a micro USB device? We’ve got you covered, the switch-tip cable allows you to charge either device with no extra cables. Need something sleek and compact for the picky receiver? The mophie powerstation plus 6000 does that too.

Grip ALL-In-1(6PC) Universal Mount: hands-free and custom fit.

On the Move Promo: Special offer, see details at checkout.

When on the road it’s great to have a hands-free experience; with the Grip ALL-In-1(6PC) Universal Mount you can do that with ease of mind while driving. The non-slip suction cup design, various options, and 360° holster you can choose the best angle for viewing.

It’s September and school has officially begun! It also means that Labor Day has passed, and we would like to give thanks to those who contributed to the American Labor Movement.

Labor Day is also seen as the “unofficial end of summer” because it closes out the cultural relevance of the summer season. This also marks the beginning of the school year for students after enjoying a three day weekend with the family. We would love to know what you did to enjoy the last vestiges of summer! (Let us know in the comments below)

In the meantime we’ve compiled a list of the top hottest gadgets that students (and their parents) will want to rock for the new school year! 

For the Parents:
We know that with the start of the school year it can be hectic and you may need help keeping track of the little things. With the Tile Mate Bluetooth® Trackers life will get a lot easier. These small, yet mighty tags attach to your keys and other important items. Using the Tile app you can find them if they are currently misplaced, providing you with a ‘last seen feature’ in order to assist with locating them.

With the school year already started we know that starting off on the foot is important, with the LG G7 ThinQ™ phone you can start your day off strong. Using the advanced AI Cam feature you can get the best angle for capturing those precious moments of your kids. Or start learning about the world around you with Google Lens. Dust and water resistant this phone is perfect for on the go parents with kids who like to explore.

For the young learners:
Wearable tech is the hottest accessory around and easiest way to keep your kids safe. The GizmPal 2 can support up to four contacts that can make or receive calls. Make pick up time a breeze for those after school activities with a push of a button. With GPS enabled location boundaries this device lets you know where and when they cross them for easy tracking.

Being able to keep your child’s interest can be a difficult thing, but with the GizmoTab your child's needs were in mind. This tablet is packed with high-quality educational content for kids to learn and play---every day. It has the ability to take a hit with the rugged bumper to protect from jolts and drops. 

For the high school students:
In order to keep your peace of mind with new drivers, the Hum by Verizon can do that. This device attaches to your car to run diagnostics, crash detection, vehicle location, and much more! We want your new drivers to be safe and drive confidently with this connected car system.

After school activities can be draining, but with the Mophie Powerstation plus 12000 with Switch-Tip Cable you won’t see the 'low battery' alert on your phone. Both parents and high schoolers can agree that having this portable charger in their lives have made it easier. Jumping from class to club meetings to practice all while being able to have a power source is important. 

Being able to teach your teens responsibility can be tough. With so many distractions in our lives it can be hard to be able to set up routine. But with Verizon’s Prepaid Plans you can set up individual or family plans to get them in the groove of paying bills. Prepaid plans are a great option for students who have tons of after school activities to let their working parents get in touch with them. Let the unlimited prepaid plans work smarter for you. Choose the phone, choose the plan, and pay as you go with no annual contract.

For the college students:

Staying on top of your goals and optimizing your fitness motivation is key to starting off right for college. For the new college goers, Fitbit Ionic is the smart way to stay connected. With features like storing and playing over 300 songs, including streaming services you’ll never skimp on the music for a workout. With the Ionic it adapts based on your input to monitor sleep, record distances for new routines, and other great features!

Ready to ramp up the new semester? Get ready with the next generation of JBL Flip 4 portable speakers. Long lasting battery life, great for spills and thrills these speakers can handle those late night study sessions. Link up to more than 100 JBL Connect+ enabled speakers together for an impromptu dance party.

College can be tough but with the Google Pixel 2XL you can discover a new way to explore the world. This fast charging phone is great for on the go between classes especially when you’re using the Google Assistant feature. Having one of the highest rated cameras, it captures stunning photos with ease, which is crucial to the college experience. The best part about this phone is that it’s water resistant, for when something unexpected occurs, like being caught in the rain going to class.

Last but not least…
We want to highlight the latest launch of the Samsung Galaxy Note9 for the smartphone family. Boasting a bigger screen, longer-lasting battery, and faster processor than its predecessor, this phone is designed to keep up with your fast paced life. Running multiple windows, apps, and being able to use your screen like a notepad, you get the full desktop experience. Great for when you have a presentation for class or during a meeting, the Note9 lets you project onto a monitor for a larger viewing audience.

The upgraded S Pen.2 enhances your productivity by allowing you to take notes directly onto your phone. You can also enjoy clearer, louder sound on the Note9 with speakers tuned by AKG featuring Dolby Atmos providing an immersive entertainment experience. 

Taking brilliant photos has become even easier with the intelligent detection feature on the Note9. Automatically adjusting its color to the environment, you will always get the best image possible. The real-time subject flaw detection is great for when trying to take family photos or group shots at school or campus.