If you haven’t heard of the rich tradition of Little League baseball in Tom’s River, you are probably new to the area. The town is home to one of the best little leagues in the entire world! Tom’s River is also the home to what could be the best Little League team of all time and certainly the most famous. The tradition of Little League baseball in Tom’s River even warranted a story by ESPN (http://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=kreidler/100820) Below is a little more on the rich history of youth baseball in Tom’s River.

What Is The Little League World Series

The Little League World Series is one of the biggest and certainly the most popular youth sporting events in the world. Players can be from age 11-13, depending on when their birthday falls. Teams must win their district, state, and regional championship to qualify to be one of the 16 teams fighting for the world championship. Each year the tournament features 8 American teams and 8 international teams, who must win their national or multinational championship in order to qualify. For years, even in recent times, dynasties have dominated the tournament. Taiwan and Japan account for 27 of the 69 championships. Taiwan ran into eligibility issues and their dynasty fell by the way side, only to be overtaken by the Japanese. The tournament takes place in remote Williamsport, PA, just a few hours from Tom’s River. It is truly a great family atmosphere and a great trip for anyone with kids who enjoy baseball.

1998 World Championship Team

In 1998 Tom’s River East Little League won the Little League World Series Championship. This means that of the 2.6 million little league baseball players in the world, the 12 from Tom’s River were the best. The team actually managed to make the world championships 3 out of 5 years, some players making multiple runs. This kind of success was nearly unheard of for a United States team. The roster was headlined by the now MLB star Todd Frazier who had 4 hits, a homerun, and was the winning pitcher in the championship game against Kashima, Japan.

Part of what made the team so famous was the underdog story they represented. For years Asia dominated the sport, with the U.S. going years without winning a championship. Taiwan seemingly was a lock to win it every year, which quickly transitioned to the Japanese dynasty. The Japanese were the most feared team each and every year and even won it 3 out of the 5 years after Tom’s River did. Going into the tournament Tom’s River was not given much of a shot, mostly based off the mid-atlantic region of the United States’ lack of success in previous tournaments. Despite the odds stacked against them, Tom’s River defeated Greenville, North Carolina in the United States championship before defeating Japan 12-9 in the world championship. The run is one that is still talked about today and widely accepted as one of the best in Little League History!

2010 Mid-Atlantic Champions

Not to be outdone, the 2010 Tom’s River Little League team made it to the Little League World Series. They were able to win the Mid-Atlantic region and qualify for the big show, where they struggled against some tough competition. Tom’s River is one of the only Little League programs in the entire world to qualify for the world series multiple times, further proving the league’s dominance. Unfortunately for the 2010 team, they were grouped in a pool with a Hawaiian team that ended up finishing 2nd in the world. Their struggles in Williamsport certainly do not take away from the incredible success the 2010 team had.

There is no doubt that Tom’s River is one of the best youth baseball towns in the world. The town really comes together when a team starts to make a run and gets behind them. It is so big here that they even named a street after the 1998 World Championship team, “Little League World Champions Boulevard”. So now that you know a little more on the rich history of Tom’s River Little League baseball, you should try to make it out to catch a game!

Summer and concert season are quickly approaching. There are always concerts to go to, but a summer concert just has a different feel. Nearby New York City, obviously one of the biggest concert destinations in the country, is just a short way away and definitely worth the trip to see your favorite artist. Below are some of the biggest concerts coming to New York City this summer.

The Governors Ball

Every year The Governors Ball is one of the biggest music festivals in the region and even the entire country. This year it will be happening on June 2nd-4th. There are huge artists performing every year, this year’s headliners are Chance The Rapper, Lorde, Flume, Schoolboy Q, Wiz Khalifa, Childish Gambino, Wu-Tang Clan, and many, many more. These are some of the biggest artists out there, so be prepared to spend a little bit to see them. Full 3-day passes can range from $275-$305, but you are getting a great value considering all the great artists you get to see. If you have the time and money, The Governors Ball could be the best concert to attend this summer in New York.

The Weeknd

Pretty much the most popular artist in the country right now is The Weeknd. He will be coming to NYC for 3 shows in early June. His songs are all over the radio, so even if you don’t recognize the name, you have definitely heard some of his songs before. He will first be performing at the Prudential Center in Newark, but will have 2 concerts at The Barclays Center in Brooklyn as well. Tickets to see The Weeknd actually are not that outrageous considering his popularity. You can get into the concert for around $40 as of now and the show close to home at the Prudential Center is even cheaper! The Weeknd is supposed to be a whole different experience in person, so this might be a good one to check out.

Panorama Music Festival

Similar to The Governor’s Ball, Panorama Music Festival is a huge festival that happens every year in New York. This year it will take place from July 28th-30th. If you are familiar with the world famous Coachchella that takes place in California, this is often labeled as the east coast version. The show isn’t quite as big as the real Coachchella, but it is easy to see the reason for the comparisons. This year’s headliners will include Frank Ocean, Solange, Tyler The Creator, A Tribe Called Quest, Tame Impala, ALT-J, Nine Inch Nails, Cashmere Cat, and many more. These artists may not be as mainstream as you were expecting, but they are all very talented and have huge followings. It takes place in Randall’s Island Park in NYC, home to The Governors Ball as well, which is a massive grounds meant for these sorts of events. They construct a huge stage as well as some other smaller side stages, so there is always music to be heard. Panorama Music Festival is a must for any music lover in the New York City area.

These are a few of the biggest concerts happening this summer in New York City, but there are countless more. As with everything, New York City is a hub of musical talent in the summer. If there is an artist you like, check out sites like https://www.timeout.com/newyork/music/best-nyc-concerts-of-2017 to see when they are coming to town! (There is a good chance they are).

Tom’s River is one of the most well known towns in all of New Jersey. It was made famous for appearances in TV shows like Boardwalk Empire and Jersey Shore, and of course the 1998 Little League World Series Team. For those who don’t know the story, Tom’s River is home to the 1998 Little League World Series championship team that garnered international attention after upsetting Japan and bringing the world championship back to the United States. Beyond the town’s notoriety, there are a few famous people that call Tom’s River and the immediate surrounding area home.  

Sam Porcello

This is likely a name that you don’t know, but Sam’s work is something we have all enjoyed. The man nicknamed “Mr. Oreo” is credited with creating the modern day Oreo, specifically the cream filling. Sam worked as a food scientist at Nabisco for 34 years, but none of his work is more influential than the creation of the modern day Oreo cream filling. Sam was born in nearby Newark, but moved to Tom’s River in 1974 and spent the rest of his life there until he passed away on 2012.

Todd Frazier

Maybe Tom’s River’s most well known resident, certainly the most well known currently, is Todd Frazier. Todd was the lifeblood of the 1998 Little World Series team that won the world championship and has developed into one of the best young players in the Major Leagues. Todd currently plays 3rd base for the Chicago White Sox and spent his first 5 season with the Cincinnati Reds. He was an MLB All Star in 2014 and 2015, and even won the 2015 Home Run derby with one of the most impressive performances in recent history. Todd’s brothers, Charlie and Jeff Frazier, also from Tom’s River, played in the major leagues for a period as well.

Al Leiter

Sticking with the theme of baseball, the next famous resident from tom’s river is former MLB pitcher Al Leiter. Al was born in Tom’s river in 1965 and pitched 19 seasons in the Major Leagues before retiring in 2005. He played for the New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Florida Marlins, and New York Mets. He was twice an all star in 1996 and 2000 and even completed one of the rarest feats in sports by throwing a no-hitter in 1996. Al won 3 world series championships in his time in the league. By no means is Al Leiter a hall of famer, but he had a very good professional career and was one of the more popular players in the league during his time.

Demetri Martin

Demetri Martin, originally from New York but grew up in Tom’s River, is a stand up comedian that has appeared on all kinds of different TV and movie productions. Most notably, Martin was a writer for Conan O’brien and appeared on The Daily Show with Trevor Noah. Demetri has had his own Comedy Central Presents 3-part stand-up special. He frequently does comedy tours and often makes stops close to home near Tom’s River. You can check Demtri’s website (http://live.demetrimartin.com ) to see his tour dates and upcoming things he will be appearing in.

Tom’s River is home to much more than just these handful of celebrities, these are just some of the headliners. As you can probably tell, athletics are the main source of fame in Tom’s River. The rich history of sports in the town, specifically baseball, has put Tom’s River on the map. For such a small town, Tom’s river is flooded with famous residents, which makes you wonder…which one of your neighbors could be the next to make it big?

If you feel like working on your golf swing, you’ve got a few great options for golf courses in the nearby area. But what if you’re feeling like getting into something a little more low-stakes, a little more… miniature? Turns out that there’s plenty of that around, too. Here are some of your best putt putt options near Toms River.

Barnacle Bill’s Amusements

Located on the Jersey Shore in Ortley Beach, Barnacle Bill’s has it all if you’re not looking for more than just a good game of (mini) golf. An arcade, restaurant, and all-around fun place to be, Barnacle Bill’s Amusements sits in the shadow of a larger-than-life lumberjack statue – you can’t miss it. As far as their mini golf goes, you’ve got a full 18 holes that customers have called challenging, but worthwhile. Plus, you’re right on the beach!

Castaway Cove Miniature Golf

Situated on Point Pleasant Beach, the Castaway Cove mini golf course is based around the theme of a shipwreck, and it takes players through fun locales like caves and waterfalls as they play their round. Castaway Cove is just one part of the larger Jenkinson’s Boardwalk collection of attractions that range between everything from your typical boardwalk games to rides to batting cages. Like they say, come for the mini golf, stay for the millions of other things to do. That’s what they say, right?

Lighthouse Point Miniature Golf Club

Point Pleasant’s other mini golf offering, Lighthouse Point is a little farther away from the action, which is good if you’re looking get away from the noise and really work on your putt putt game. There are two courses available here, one being for beginners and one meant for more advanced players, although neither should pose too much of a challenge. Unlike Castaway Cove, you won’t find much in the way of trick shots or set pieces. Here, it’s all about the skill of the game.

Manchester Family Golf Center

While many of the nearest mini golf options in the area are located in amusements parks, this isn’t the case with Manchester Family Golf Center, whose name hints at its broader interest in all things golf. This isn’t to say that you shouldn’t come here for the mini golf – Manchester Family Golf Center sports a “championship” mini golf course, complete with 18 holes that are surrounded by idyllic bridges and fountains. However, if you feel like letting the kids do their thing while you let loose on the driving range, that’s definitely a possibility here as well.

Wacky Rooftop Golf

How can you not check out a place called Wacky Rooftop Golf? Indeed, this mini golf course, split across five bridge-connected buildings in Seaside Heights, lives up to its name, with not just 18, but a whopping 25 holes to putt across. Loop-the-loops, windmills, and all the usual trick-shot mini golf fare you expect can be found here, with the difference being, of course, that you’re dozens of feet off the ground. Hope you’re not scared of heights!

When you think of home decorating, the living room or bedroom are probably the first to spring to mind. The kitchen pantry? Not so much. Organizing the food pantry isn’t something that screams “creative,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun with it while also making some good space. In fact, you might be surprised how a little work can make your pantry look and function better than it does already. Try these tips for a better-looking food pantry.

Get Consistent With Containers

One of the most effective ways to bring some style to your pantry is to invest a little money in nice-looking storage containers. Instead of keeping all your food stored away in the mismatched, inefficient packaging it came in, bring some consistency to your food closet by keeping everything in similar containers. We’re not necessarily talking Tupperware, either. Glass jars, for instance, can serve as great receptacles for anything from cereal to herbs, all while allowing you a good look at how much of your supplies are left.

Write on It

If you have the space, adding a chalkboard or whiteboard to the inside of your food pantry can allow you to get creative while also serving a very practical purpose. For example, you could use your writing board for notes of what needs to be added to the grocery list, dates of when certain foods are set to expire, or just nice little notes to your family or roommates. You could even write a weekly menu to keep your dinners organized. Even adding a little hand-drawn art will add a nice touch of flair to an area that probably rarely sees it.

Get Yourself Some More Space

Who said you needed to be limited by the shelves you have, anyway? If space is an issue in your kitchen, as it is for many people, there are a few ways you can get more mileage outside of the storage you already have to work with. Modular shelving units–that is, shelves that you can arrange to your preferences, kind of like Lego–are available from all the big retailers. With one of these, you could fit a shelf or two wherever works best. Some shelving units even come with caster wheels installed on the bottom, making it easier for you to slide the unit in and out of wherever you might be hiding it.

Lay It Out the Best Way for Your Needs

When it comes to organizing your food pantry, you need, above all, something that’s not just creative, but also practical. After all, there’s no sense in rearranging your pantry so that it looks nice but doesn’t work properly! That’s why you should have at least a little bit of a plan for how you’re going to lay your foods and other supplies out. For instance, it doesn’t make much sense to put commonly used things in the back of a cupboard. Further, if you’ve got unnecessary items taking up too much space in your pantry, think of how you might be able to pare them down to just the essentials.

These days, you no longer need to go out on the town for a night of high-quality film entertainment. Today’s television technology is so good–and the content so readily available–that heading out to the cinema just isn’t as necessary as it used to be. That said, there are tons of choices when it comes to picking the right TV. Here are some of the trends that are big, and not so big, in TV technology.

4K Televisions: The Best Quality You Can Get

Every few years, a new buzzword comes along to describe the newest fad in television. Flat-screen, LCD, HD, 1080p – sound familiar? Usually, this term refers to either the television’s build or its screen resolution. The newest trend, 4K (also known as ultra-high definition, or UHD), follows this practice, describing the number of pixels packed into those top-of-the-line televisions. Is 4K worth it? Absolutely, as prices on these TVs are just now becoming affordable enough for the average household. Just be on the lookout for the newest TV trend, 8K, which you’ll start seeing in the next few years.

Curved Televisions: The New Future of TV?

If you’re old enough, you’ll remember a time when TVs had a bit of curve to them. We’re talking, of course, about cathode ray tube televisions, those boxy, heavy sets that gave off static electricity whenever you turned them on. While TVs had slimmed down over the years, the curve is in vogue again, with new screen technology allowing manufacturers to produce screens with a slight concave flex to them. Those who’ve watched them say that curved TVs create a more immersive, more natural watching experience. Unfortunately, these televisions tend to be about twice as expensive as their flat counterparts, so you might want to wait until you bite the bullet.

3D Televisions: Fad That Never Caught On

Remember 2009? It was the year when sci-fi blockbuster “Avatar” came to theaters, shocking audiences with its innovative uses of 3D. As a result, 3D was the big thing for a year or two, prompting television manufacturers to release televisions with 3D viewing capabilities. Too bad that it just never caught on. Not many other films took full advantage of 3D, leading to a lack of content to make purchasing a 3D TV worth it. Plus, audiences didn’t like putting on special glasses in the first place. Accordingly, 3D TVs aren’t really being made anymore. On the flip side, you can probably find a used set for pretty cheap!

Home Theater Projectors: An Alternative to TV

If you’re serious about your movies and you want the biggest screen you can get, you would do well to looking into home theater projectors. They cost just as much as televisions, but they’re capable of creating a much larger picture. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need total darkness for good picture quality; today’s projector bulbs are strong enough to work pretty well during the daytime. One downside to projectors is that their bulbs are rated for only so many hours. That means, in the long run, you might end up paying even more for your projector than you would for a nice TV. That said, the life-sized picture might make that tradeoff worth it.

There’s no way around it: from car payments to regular maintenance, having a vehicle costs money. However, fueling up is probably the expense you’re most familiar with. As you know, every penny you spend or save at the pump adds up over time, so it’s in your best interest to find ways to increase your fuel efficiency. One of those ways? Changing your driving habits. The next time you’re behind the wheel, heed these tips to spend less money at the gas station.

Be Gentle When Accelerating and Stopping

Avoid sudden, engine-fatiguing accelerations and stops is one of the biggest ways you can make your driving more fuel efficient. When you put your vehicle to the test, your engine is burning more fuel than it normally would, which obviously takes a toll on both the car and its fuel efficiency. Easing up on the gas and brake pedals will make your fill-ups a little more manageable, and you’ll have the added benefit of keeping your engine healthy, saving you on larger maintenance costs.

Don’t Speed

There are plenty of reasons you shouldn’t speed. For one, it’s against the law, and more importantly, it’s unsafe to you and other drivers on the road. But among the reasons you should watch your speedometer is that it’s bad for your fuel economy. Speeding is detrimental to your fuel efficiency, just as recklessly accelerating and braking is. Although you’ll find that your vehicle is most efficient on the highway, regularly going over the speed limit puts your engine to the test, decreasing your mileage and increasing your chances of needing to see a mechanic sooner.

Let the Car Warm Up While You Drive

Nobody likes a freezing cold car, especially during the winter. However, if you’re a person who needs to warm their car up on those chilly mornings, you might want to rethink your habits. Leaving your car idling for more than one minute is simply a waste of fuel. Plus, you’ll find that your car warms up much more quickly when you’re driving, meaning that leaving it idling beforehand can be a waste of time (and money).

Cool It on the A/C

If you didn’t already know, your car’s heating, which comes from the warmth your car’s engine gives off, doesn’t actually have much of an effect on your fuel efficiency. The air conditioning, on the other hand, is a bit more dastardly if you’re trying to save money. During the warmer months, avoid blasting the A/C and try to rely more on your car’s cool, non-conditioned air. Do note that rolling down the windows might provide a little relief, but that too can harm on your fuel efficiency.

Of course, improving your driving habits will do a lot to improve your fuel efficiency and save you some money, but it’s not the only way to pay less at the pump. Keep your tires properly inflated and ditch any unessential cargo weighing you down, and you’ll see your savings increase moreso. While you won’t cut your gas bill in half, the savings you earn might end up being a nice surprise.

For many, winter is the time to shut themselves in and wait til the snow thaws. Others, though, find themselves in their prime during the colder months. After all, it’s the only time to go skiing and snowboarding. Unfortunately, as you well know, there aren’t many mountains nearby. However, if you’re willing to make a small trip of it, you’ll find that there are quite a few good in northern New Jersey and the surrounding area, just a few hours’ drive away. If you’re hankering to hit the slopes this winter, check these resorts out.

Campgaw Mountain in Mahwah, NJ

When put up against the other ski resorts in the area, Campgaw Mountain isn’t going to win points for being the biggest mountain with the most slopes. But for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, the resort should prove to be friendly enough. Featuring two lifts, three “magic carpet” conveyor lines, and 10 tube runs, the resort is just large enough to be interesting but still small enough to be unintimidating to new learners. In the warmer months, Campgaw has hiking routes through scenic areas, which visitors say are as much worth the visit as the slopes.

Mountain Creek Resort in Vernon Township, NJ

Mountain Creek Resort is open for about 12 hours each day, and if you choose to visit, you might just need every minute in order to navigate the park’s numerous paths. With 46 trails spread over four mountains, Mountain Creek has something for everyone, whether you’re a black-diamond ace or just getting the hang of the bunny hill. While ski slopes are Mountain Creek Resort’s bread and butter, there are other snow activities, including tubing and zipline tours (yes, even during the winter). Find yourself really liking Mountain Creek? You can always come back during the summer, when the resort’s bike park and water park are open.

High Point Cross Country Ski Center in Sussex, NJ

While most of your skiing options in the New Jersey area involve hills, slopes, and mountains, that’s not quite the experience you’re in for when you visit High Point Cross Country Ski Center. High Point has multiple miles of trails that range from easy to moderate difficulty. Those who’ve been say that the courses are perfect for those who are just starting out cross country skiing. But, if you’d rather have an even gentler introduction, High Point has a few snow shoe trails as well.

Jack Frost Big Boulder in White Haven, PA

When you buy a pass to Jack Frost Big Boulder, you’re getting access to not just one, but two separate mountains – and two different experiences. Located within a few miles of each other, each mountain has its share of trails that range from beginner to advanced, as well as tubing runs at both locations. However, the two resorts aren’t exactly the same. Big Boulder skews more toward beginner skiers and snowboarders, with hours accommodating for more nighttime runs. On the other hand, Jack Frost has more daytime hours and slightly more difficult trails.

Smartphones and the apps that go with them have made our lives easier in most areas, including how we celebrate. Whether you’re hosting some friends for the evening or you’re out for a night on the town, there are a few apps that will make the experience a littler easier–and a bit more fun–for everyone. Before you and your friends get up to celebrating, make sure you have these apps installed on your phone.

Get Everyone Playing Along With Heads Up

While most folks will be content enough to sit around and have a conversation or put on a movie for entertainment, games are an especially amusing way to pass the time. Although board games are starting to come back in style, some might not be up for such a large time commitment, and you might not be prepared to include however many people you have in your troupe. Smartphone games to the rescue! Heads Up, which is like a modern game of charades, requires you to hold your phone to your forehead while everyone else acts out what’s written on the screen to get you guessing correctly. It’s more fun than it sounds, and it’s surprisingly addicting.

Be the Craft Beer Guru With Untappd

Craft beer is bigger than ever, and it seems that each year, the number of beers out there gets exponentially larger. So, if you’re out at the bar or you’re picking up some beers for a hosted tasting event, you’ll want to be informed. Untappd is probably the best app for finding reviews of all the different beers out there. Not only can you get information about what beer your drink is, but you can also read reviews and see check-ins from others who’ve recently had the same thing. Bonus: you can log your drinks, and your personal thoughts on them, for future reference.

Use Foursquare to Find the Next Stop

If you and your friends are in for a long night, chances are that you won’t want to stay cooped up in one place the whole time. Rather than spend 15 minutes arguing back-and-forth about where to go next, turn to Foursquare to find out what’s worth checking out around you. You may or may not know the best places around town, but even so, Foursquare will clue you in on both the popular hotspots and hidden treasures in your area, sorted by general user consensus. One of Foursquare’s best features is its filters, which allow you to find exactly what you and your group are looking for, be it a place with cheap eats, one that has live music, or a business that’s recommended by people you know

Call an Uber for Yourself and Friends

Making sure your friends get home safely may not make you the “life of the party,” but it will definitely make you the low-key hero of the night. If you somehow haven’t used Uber yet, what are you waiting for? The app didn’t change the transportation industry for nothing – it makes ordering a ride home as easy as tapping a button and entering in your destination. Depending on your area, wait times are usually quite short, too. While you could spend half an hour waiting for an overpriced taxi to come you up, you could already be home at a fraction of the price by choosing Uber.

It used to be that, if you wanted some food but you didn’t want to go through the trouble of making it, your only option would be to hop in the car and head out to a restaurant. With phones came takeout delivery options, which made it a lot easier (and a bit lazier) to order food directly to your door. And now, with smartphones, all it takes is a tap of a button. There are plenty of food delivery options out there, and while they’re largely the same, they’re all a little bit different. Here’s what you need to know about them.

GrubHub

At more than 10 year old, GrubHub is one of the oldest online food delivery services out there, meaning it’s had more time to establish than most other rivals. Accordingly, GrubHub has probably the best reputation out of all the similar services. Not only is it available almost everywhere, but it’s also got tons of options to choose from, wherever you may live. While other food delivery options might offer interesting twists on their service, you can always rely on GrubHub for local delivery from your computer or phone.

UberEATS

Uber took the world by storm by reinventing the concept of ridesharing, and now it’s attempting to branch out and increase its offerings to include food delivery. While the service is about a year old, it’s still limited to certain cities across the world like New York City, Toronto, and Barcelona. As well as working only in a limited number of areas, the service is also limited to a certain number of restaurant offerings each day. The one thing Uber does really well? It promises to have your food delivered within 10 minutes. We’ll have to wait and see if UberEATS takes over the world like its ridesharing app did.

Postmates

Much like UberEATS, Postmates is still growing its reach, but unlike UberEATS, it’s available in many more cities. While you still won’t be able to order Postmates everywhere quite yet, the service works in about 40 cities. Otherwise, you can expect a similar experience from Postmates as you would from UberEATS or Grubhub, but with one notable addition – you can order more than just food for delivery. So, if you don’t feel like going out to collect your dry cleaning or even a snack from a convenience store, fire up Postmates instead.

Facebook

Facebook is a giant of the Internet, truly one of the most popular websites on the planet. So, it makes sense that, as times change, it’s focusing its efforts in many different areas in order to stay relevant. As you can see, food delivery services are booming, so Facebook has decided to start incorporating a food delivery option into already-existing business pages. While the Facebook food delivery service won’t yet deliver you food that a restaurant wouldn’t already deliver, it’s counting on making it easier for you to indulge in your cravings while keeping you glued to its website.

All in all, it’s a pretty exciting time to be a foodie. These delivery services, especially as they grow to include more options and availability, offer a future where any food you might be craving–whether it’s sushi, prime rib, or frozen yogurt–is just a click away. If that, or at least something like that, sounds good to you, all you need to do is open up your phone’s app store and install one of these apps.