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AppWizard

May 28, 2026

Li’l Friday: ‘Beetlejuice,’ PC Highland Games, Venus Flytrap Festival

Every Thursday evening through Labor Day, the Carolina Beach Boardwalk hosts the Boardwalk Blast event, featuring free music and fireworks. On May 28, The Petty Mac Revue will perform at 6 p.m., followed by fireworks at 9 p.m. On May 29, the Broadway tour of “Beetlejuice” will be at the Wilson Center, with five performances from May 29 to 31. Other events include “Ten-Minute Miscellany” at Thalian Hall, “Mahalia: A Gospel Musical” by Techmoja Dance Company, “Twelfth Night” by Cape Fear Shakespeare, and a stand-up comedy show by Nick Murphy at Dead Crow Comedy Room. On May 30, the Port City Highland Games will take place at 3600 Randall Parkway, celebrating Scottish heritage and benefiting paws4vets, with over 1,500 participants expected. Other events include NC Vibe Fest, a performance by Striking Copper at Waterline Brewing, The Pop Culture Expo at Elk’s Lodge, Venus Flytrap Festival at BSL Community Center, and CFCC Riverfront Boat Show. On May 31, “Dear Evan Hansen” will be performed at Front Street Theater, with final performances from May 28 to 31. Other events include a donation drive in the Brooklyn Arts District and a concert by Titans Wilmington Symphonic Band.

Tech Optimizer

February 18, 2025

Microsoft Defender vs. McAfee: Features, Pricing, Pros & Cons

eSecurity Planet maintains editorial independence and may earn revenue from partner links. Microsoft Defender, a free built-in antivirus for Windows, offers minimal configuration and supports Windows 10 and 11, while McAfee, which holds a 12.47% share of the global antivirus market, provides extensive privacy monitoring and data protection across multiple platforms (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS) with various pricing plans ranging from .99 to 9.99. Microsoft Defender supports a single device and includes features like real-time threat protection, parental controls, and a firewall, but lacks advanced features like VPN and identity theft monitoring. McAfee offers a wider range of features, including a VPN, identity theft monitoring, and data cleanup, making it a more comprehensive solution despite its higher cost. Microsoft Defender has an overall rating of 3.8/5, while McAfee rates 4.4/5, excelling in customer support with multiple channels, including live chat and phone support. Microsoft Defender is suitable for users on a budget, while McAfee is better for those needing robust privacy and identity protection. Alternatives to consider include Norton, Bitdefender, and Malwarebytes.

AppWizard

December 18, 2024

Best Ongoing Game 2024: Stardew Valley

Stardew Valley won PC Gamer's Best Ongoing Game award this year, continuing to thrive eight years after its launch due to ongoing developer support. The game received significant updates in 2024, including the release of version 1.6, which introduced a new farm and festivals. Players appreciate the game's flexibility, allowing them to engage at their own pace with various activities such as farming, fishing, and mining. The recent updates have revitalized the experience, keeping it fresh for long-time players. Stardew Valley has not utilized microtransactions or DLC, providing a rich experience without financial pressure.