3 Historic Product Liability Cases You Need to Know About

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November 4, 2020

The use of defective or harmful products results in thousands of injuries annually in the U.S. Product liability law outlines legal guidelines for determining who is responsible for dangerous or faulty products. In some cases, the law makes it easier for victims to receive compensation for their injuries.

Generally, manufacturers are required to deliver products that meet the expectations of the consumers. Product liability refers to manufacturers or sellers being held liable for offering defective products to consumers. Responsibility for related injuries may lie with any of the sellers in the distribution chain.

For a product liability claim to arise, the defective products must be sold in the marketplace. Traditionally, a contractual relationship must exist between the victims and the suppliers to recover the damages in many jurisdictions. Any users who foreseeably could become injured by defective products can file a lawsuit and receive compensation, even if they were sold to someone else.

The following are some examples of historic product liability lawsuits. Let these be a lesson to manufacturers who don’t do everything they can to protect the public from defects in their products.

1. Monsanto’s $2 Billion Case for Cancer-Causing Product

There have been thousands of suits against the agrochemical company from product users claiming that one of its products, Roundup, causes cancer. One of the most notable lawsuits was the case of Johnson v. Monsanto in 2019, which went to trial. The incident acted as a bellwether for many other similar cases, which were consolidated into a single class-action lawsuit.

The court awarded the victims $39 in compensatory damages and $250 million for punitive damages. After some time, the settlement was reduced to about $10.5 million. During the case, it was established that Monsanto’s weed killer caused some medical complications. According to the jury, the company failed to warn consumers about the risks of using the product.

In early 2024, another lawsuit was filed against the agrochemical firm on the same basis. In one of the cases that went to trial, the plaintiffs were awarded $2.055 billion in damages, where $2 billion as compensation for punitive damages. The court found that the victims developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma after using the weed killer.

2. Transvaginal Mesh Case

Transvaginal mesh is an implant that’s commonly used to treat stress incontinence. The first time a transvaginal mesh case went to trial was in 2012. Many other lawsuits came up later, and medical device manufacturers were forced to pay about $1.5 billion in compensation to more than 100,000 claimants.

This mesh is designed to support weak pelvic organs and to repair any damaged tissues. However, it was established that using the products had adverse side effects among thousands of users. The victims argued that the manufacturers rushed the testing process, leading to some victims developing medical complications such as fistula and experiencing debilitating pain.

3. Takata Defective Airbag Lawsuit

In 2014, the NHTSA noted these airbags were defective and called for their recall. The product used dangerous materials as propellants, which led to destabilizing after exposure to excessive heat or humidity. Takata airbags were used by some of the leading vehicle manufacturers, including Ford and Honda.

At the time of the recall, the products had already been installed in tens of millions of vehicles in the U.S. According to statistics, the airbags have caused at least 16 deaths and hundreds of injuries among the users. The plaintiffs argued that the manufacturer knew about the defects as early as 2000.

Other Liability Lawsuits that Changed History

These next four cases are some of the most famous liability lawsuits that reshaped the way we make a stand against manufacturers and hold them accountable.

The Philip Morris case of 2002. A woman filed a suit against the tobacco company claiming that cigarettes have caused her lung cancer. She put on the table the concept of tobacco addiction and the company’s failure to warn her properly about the risks of smoking cigarettes. The courts ordered Philip Morris to pay punitive damages of $28 billion and compensatory damages worth of $850,000. After appeals, nine years later, the tobacco company settled for $28 million. It is hard to go against the tobacco industry these days, because it has learned its lesson, but class action suits in tobacco-related cases are still a common sight in the judicial landscape of our times.
Source: Pinterest
In 2014, automotive giant General Motors faced a series of liability suits concerning faulty ignitions in their vehicles. The shutting down of cars while they were operating led to accidents and the death of more than 100 persons. The result was that GM recalled more than 20 million vehicles, paying about $600 million to settle civil lawsuits.
The famous McDonald’s Hot Coffee scandal is something all lawyers and even non-lawyers know about and discuss. A woman spilled hot McDonald’s coffee in her lap and suffered third-degree burns. She won in court $2.7 million in punitive damages and an additional $160,000 for medical expenses. The argument her lawyers brought was that McDonald’s sold their coffee at a staggering 180-190 F temperature, while other fast food chains sold theirs at a more reasonable 140 degree temperature.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer
The Dow Corning suit dates back to 1998 and revolves around faulty silicone breast implants. The company had to settle to pay about $2 billion as part of a larger $4.25 billion class action suit. Women who have filed against Dow Corning showed that their breast implants ruptured, causing injuries, scleroderma, and even death.

Holding Manufacturers Accountable

The best way to hold manufacturers accountable and demand they do better for consumers in the future is to hit them where it hurts most: in their profits. When a company is sued for selling defective or dangerous products, it may face dire consequences. This may even result in its collapse. Some lawsuits may result in bankruptcy.

When dealing with a product liability case, it is important to have an expert on your side who fully understands the process and can guide you. If you’re thinking about suing for product liability, an attorney, like the ones on onmyside.com may be able to tell you about any class action lawsuits you can join. They may also be able to negotiate a fair settlement for you directly with the manufacturer’s insurers.

How to Win Fight Against the Drug

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Дмитра Врачарић

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November 4, 2020

Addiction can be of so many types, and it varies on the type of product you start to consume. Due to certain happenings, experiences, and circumstances, people indulge themselves in fatal kinds of stuff, and drugs are on top of them. Many forms of drugs are being consumed, but we will specifically discuss the most common ones that how one can get rid of this craving and habit. What are the symptoms, and how can they be controlled? But first, we need to know a treatment plan properly designed for an addicted person.

A detox program is one of the favorable options for a treatment plan and a cure for addictions. People who undergo detox understand its value and know that it helps out in a great way. During the program, medical staff and professionals tailor your requirements and understand your needs and design the plan accordingly. They make sure that plan works for the patient, light on the pocket, and brings a favorable change in a person’s life.

Many teenagers and adults are involved in such habits, which is an alarming situation for society. Opiates and alcohol are the top most consumed drugs that are destroying the functioning and minds of humans. Let’s dig into the little details of these lives taking drugs.

Origination of Opioid

Opioids are sedatives that are extracted from opium poppy plants, and sometimes they are synthetically contrived. They make a person sleepy and help in alleviating pain by giving a feeling of joy. It is available in different forms that can be categorized as synthetic, semi-synthetic, and naturally produced. Morphine, Codeine, Oxycodone, Hydrocodone, Heroin, etc. are widely used as forms of Opioid. From all of these mentioned forms, Heroin is an illegal drug.

These are consumed in different forms like injecting it in veins or muscles, consuming pills, smoking it in a cigarette or cigar, or snorting. With continuous usage, tolerance is built up, and people start injecting it in their bodies several times a day. In the last few years, 54% use of opioids has been increased in several states. Opioids are sometimes given to the patients after surgery to overcome pain, and because of the long recovery time, the patient’s body becomes used to the drug. Hence, the person starts depending on the drug, and this dependency increases with time. When the patient leaves medication, withdrawal signs are noticed in the form of nausea and headache.

This withdrawal period needs assistance and help from a professional center because it can lead to immediate death and respiratory diseases if the patient takes an overdose.

How to treat Opioid Addiction

Source: USC News – University of Southern California

Opioid Detox is the treatment for curing and controlling addiction. When an individual abuse opioid, they experience the needs of addressing their condition to medical experts. Many people don’t discuss and struggle on their own, but the condition gets worse. The consequences become negative and result in craving for the drug, high blood pressure, cramps, sweat, nausea, irritation, anxiety, unclear vision, and pain in the bones.

Usage of Alcohol and Alcohol Detox

More than 14 million people consume alcohol and are badly affected by its use. It is the third reason for the increased death rate. The population which dies from alcohol consumption includes 40% females and 60% males. Its trend is increasing worldwide, and many people consume it daily. It has become part of the social lifestyle of the major population.

Many people start drinking by watching their company having it. Many people get socially influenced by drinking habits even after knowing the damage and consequences. According to the World Health Organization study, more than three million people die because of its consumption, and millions of people experience physical disabilities. It damages human health and has the power of changing a strong man with good health to poor health in a short period.

It is also an increased risk of premature mortalities in the age group of 15-50’s. It is highly damaging for health and can cause seizures, liver issues, kidney issues, and heart disease. When people realize they need to quit this habit, they feel withdrawal symptoms leaving the habit of drinking. The withdrawal varies from person to person, and the state is different, but on average, the general symptoms observed are mild after six to twelve hours of the last drink consumed. The person at this stage feels headache, slight anxiety, and disturbance in the stomach. After passing 24 hours, people experience hallucinations that can be visual and auditory. Lastly, after a complete day, symptoms are at its peak, and a person is at high risk of seizure.

Source: Behavioral Health of the Palm Beaches

Rarely, individuals experience disturbance in sleep, mood swings, and fatigue. In this critical situation, it is very important to seek professional help and admit yourself to a detox program center. Many centers are offering Alcohol Detox and serve humanity by helping them get over their drinking habit. A person who is treating his condition on his own at home is at high risk because he doesn’t know the complexities and treatment phase. The professionals know how to tackle the symptoms and educate the patient. Various medications, therapies, massages, a cozy environment, and professional assistance are provided at the drug center to control a drug addict’s state.

People need to be aware that parties, dinners, and social life can be enjoyed by not consuming such dangerous drugs and drinks. Life is a gift and a blessing. Don’t waste it on useless drugs that blow you away like the smoke of weed. For more info, visit gallusdetox.com.

Is detox suitable for teenagers?

The answer is yes. People have certain perceptions that young ones shouldn’t opt for detox. You can have detox treatment at any point when you realize that things can get worse or already got worse. A teen can also have a history of drugs, so in that case, detox becomes a necessary chunk for the entire treatment. It is never too late to be back on the right path once you realize.

How to Save Money on Your Next Clothes Shop

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November 4, 2020

If you’re in desperate need of a new wardrobe, but you’re reluctant to spend above what’s absolutely necessary, then you’ll be pleased to hear there are ways that you can treat yourself to some incredible new attire, but for a fraction of the usual cost. So whether you’ve got a family event lined up or simply looking for casual lounge-wear, you don’t have to spend excessively on your clothes.

Shop out of season

This is a well-known method to save money but not the easiest to follow. Shops are usually keen to clear stock when they’re out of season so there tends to be some great deals on offer if you buy out of season.

In the summer months, the last thing you want to be thinking about is your winter coat. Likewise, you’re unlikely to be considering purchasing shorts or swimwear in December. However, having a little preparation for the seasons ahead will usually mean it’s much less damaging to your bank account.

You should also keep a keen eye out for special offers and sales. The Evening Standard provide a helpful roundup of the latest deals and offers from some of the top brands and retailers.

Think more carefully about trends

Although we all want to be wearing the latest fashion, something that’s on-trend today could be seen as not so stylish in a few months from now. The last thing you’ll want to do is spend a large chunk of your budget on something you might only be able to wear once or twice. So think carefully if you’re purchasing something that’s recently on-trend as there is a possibility that it’s not a long-term staple piece and may need to be replaced sooner than preferred.

Only buy what you need

This may seem obvious but it’s so easy to buy an extra pair of trainers, or a new outfit when you’re at your local shopping mall. Before leaving, you should have in mind the exact type of items you need and shouldn’t deviate from these.

It’s easy for your head to be turned by special offers so don’t be tempted to get items which you know you don’t really need and will probably end up in the back of the wardrobe after one use.

Look at cheaper alternative brands

It can be appealing to buy the biggest fashion brands that the latest stars are wearing on their social accounts or on the red carpet. However, this could cost a small fortune. So instead, why not find a similar style from a much cheaper retailer. You might be surprised by how close some budget-brands are to the more premium designers and you’ll feel like a star at a fraction of the cost.

Sell your old clothes

A great way to get a more lavish spending budget is by selling old clothes that you haven’t worn in ages (and have no plans to do so in the future). Forgotten clothes which are tucked away at the back of draws and cupboards is probably something that we are all guilty of. However, those items of clothing could still have some value. Even if you only get a few pounds for each item, it will all add up to make your latest purchases have less of an effect on your bank balance.

The internet has brought about a fantastic second-hand marketplace for you to list and ultimately sell your items on. Whether it’s to friends and family or even members of the public, there are various websites and apps such as eBay, Shpock and even Facebook. Each vary in their fees and process so it’s worth doing some quick research into each marketplace to find out which is most suitable for you.

Buy second-hand

Just like selling your old clothes to others, you could also grab a bargain by purchasing other people’s items which they have for sale. This can be a cost-effective way of buying clothes for a much smaller cost compared to the retail price. Using the apps mentioned above for not only selling but buying as well, your perfect item might be available for less than you think.

Also give charity shops a try. If you’re persistent, you might just find yourself a bargain that’s too good to refuse. You might also be surprised by the quality of clothing they have available with some items appearing as though they’ve never been worn before.

Amend what you have already

Perhaps in instead of selling your old clothes you could apply some DIY to what you have already. Those long-sleeves tops can easily be amended to stylish new t-shirts.

Likewise, repairing faulty items could work for you as well. If you’re only buying a new jumper because the old one has a hole in it, or you have a button missing on your favourite jeans, you could save a lot of money by repairing these yourself. And if have little or no experience in sewing, you could always follow a YouTube tutorial or ask a friend or family to show you how.

USA Today have some great tips on how you can modify your existing wardrobe instead of buying a whole new one.

Hire for special occasions

When there’s a one-off special occasion such as a wedding or work event, think carefully if you really want to be spending a lot of money on a high-end, luxurious outfit – after all, when will you next plan on wearing it?!

Instead, hiring a suit or dress would usually be a much cheaper option and no one would ever know! You could end up saving hundreds for the exact same dress that you would’ve worn the same number of times anyway. And rather than it going to the back of the wardrobe, you just drop it back off at the shop.

Conclusion

Clothing is a necessity, but you should only ever spend within your means. Using the tips above could significantly reduce your annual spend on clothes.

In emergency situations such as for work or for your family, if you find yourself struggling to fund those vital items that are crucial, then a credit option from a reputable lender such as Mr Lender could be an option for you. Otherwise, for those more luxury items, you should wait and save until you’re in a financial position to afford them or consider a cheaper alternative.

6 Health Benefits of Early Morning Protein Shakes

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November 4, 2020

Exercising is key to having a healthier life, without any doubt. However, that doesn’t mean that no human being should rely on other elements of this way of life. We are talking about protein shakes. These are really popular among bodybuilders, athletes, and all of those who just want to stay active, no matter their age.

Since there are a lot of people who struggle with corpulence in the US population, many people are actually interested in using these as some way of prevention. At the same time, people live a really fast life that doesn’t leave too much space for enjoyment. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that many of them have found a way to consume their breakfast much faster than usual, by using protein shakes.

As you can imagine, it’s pretty easy to prepare them. If you are looking for some devices that can make this process even faster and smoother for you, be sure to take a look at thebeastreviews.com. Without any doubt, this is a pretty good way of saving time in the morning, before work. Not only that but consuming protein shakes in the morning can provide you with a wide array of health benefits.

Let us take a look at some of the most important ones and talk about them in greater detail.

1. Can Help with Weight Loss

According to some of the studies and reports, we can see that consuming protein shakes in the morning can have a positive effect on the metabolism, in terms of making it more efficient and faster. Therefore, all of the calories that you have consumed through the previous day, and you haven’t used them through a workout, will be eliminated.

At the same time, it satisfied the need for eating for the rest of the day. So, people who consume it will feel hungry that much and they will not need to consume too much throughout the day. At the same time, there will be no effect of overeating. You can remain agile for the rest of the day, without any problem.

2. Uses the Most of the Extra Nutrients

Consuming protein shakes every morning can be a pretty easy way for you to add some minerals and vitamins to your diet, without even having the feeling you actually do it. Furthermore, you can use some vegetables and add them to the combination you are going to consume. Plus, there would be nothing wrong with adding some fruits to the mix.

Now seriously, this is a pretty effective and pleasant way to consume some of the vitamins you don’t have the habit of consuming during lunch or dinner. Not only that you will be able to drink them, but you are going to be able to use all the ones you feel like at that particular moment.

3. Boosts Muscle Building and Repairing

One of the benefits people are not completely aware of is that consuming protein shakes before breakfast can provide you with a certain boost in muscle building. It goes without saying that this is something pretty much all of the athletes and bodybuilders, both professionals and amateurs, can use the most of.

If we know that some of our muscles and be damaged during exercises, in the form of injuries, this is a perfect chance to repair some of them by drinking protein shakes. There is absolutely no reason you should wait for something to happen, you should take all the advantages from these by consuming them every morning before breakfast, and you will see some of the results pretty fast, believe us.

4. Can Help with Fitness

As you can imagine, the first thing when you think about when hearing about protein shakes is fitness. These can be of significant help when you choose the consume them in the morning. That way, you are preparing your body for all the exercises you are going to practice throughout the day. Not only that, you prepare yourself for better handling all the obligations you have on your schedule.

Your muscles are going to be prepared for all the things that wait for them during the day. According to one of the best-known studies from this field, drinking a high protein shake in the morning can provide you with some exceptional results in the first ten weeks of consumption. Therefore, you can be sure that you can reap some significant benefits if you consume them before or after the training, without a doubt.

5. Reducing the Blood Pressure

As every person in the world knows, having high blood pressure can have some pretty negative effects on the health of the person in question. At the same time, we know all the traditional ways we can keep this problem in check. However, many people don’t know that consuming protein shakes can provide some really positive effects on this problem.

Especially if you choose to drink them in the morning. The reason is that it will prevent all the negatives that can occur during the day, due to all the ingredients you can include in the mix. Making a combination of vegetables, fruits, protein, and other things that can help you with keeping this problem in check is one of the best things you can for yourself, without a doubt. Try it out.

6. Possible Improvement of Body’s Antioxidant Defenses

As you probably know, there are certain substances in our body that help us out by reducing oxidative stress. By doing that, we have fewer chances of developing some chronic diseases over time. One of the most important ones is glutathione. This is an anti-oxidant that heavily relies on the amino acids, which can be consumed by drinking a protein shake.

Once again, the consumption of these in the morning can prevent all the negativities you can experience during the day. Look at it as some way of prevention. Therefore, you should use most of these when you have the chance, in order to keep yourself healthy. Thankfully, these are pretty easy to prepare and it will not take too much of your time.

8 Benefits of Buying a Refurbished Mac

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November 3, 2020

Looking forward to purchase a new Mac but don’t have the fortune to spend? Well, purchasing a new Mac could be a costly business, but there is a way to get a new-like Mac for way less money. No, you don’t have to buy a second-hand Mac from someone on eBay.

You can get a refurbished Mac from a refurbished store. Well, the certified refurbished Mac store has all the things you would need from a new Mac. Purchasing from a reliable and reputed store like Tech. Trade is a great way to lay your hands on well-checked, tested and certified refurbished Apple products. Here are all the reasons why buying a refurbished Mac is beneficial for you:

1. They are as functional and good as the new one

You may think that purchasing from a refurbished store is just like buying a second-hand gadget. Well no! The Mac may have had a previous owner and for some reason they returned it back. Your major concern here is that what has gone wrong with the device. But, refurbished Apple products are only put on sale after all the faults have been identified and fixed.

So, the Mac you are buying undergoes intensive processing before being put on resale which no second-hand products get. Hence, you are not buying a second-hand Apple product, but a well-processed and new-like refurbished Apple device.

2. They are way cheaper than the new one

If you go out to purchase Mac from a local Apple Store or on an online Apple store, you will see the hefty price tags attached to the models. Now, look at the refurbished stores and see the Macs which are just the last year model, priced at a much lower price.

What’s more alluring here is that these old- gen Macs aren’t different from the current models. Often when Apple updates its Mac, it just gives a little boost to its processor. For instance, in 2019, Apple just did slight tweaks to its MacBook Air. There wasn’t any changes done to the specs, just the screen technology was amended. But, there is way difference between the prices of both the new models, so you can just imagine the difference between the 2019 new Mac model and 2018 refurbished Mac model.

3. You can get more for the money you have spent

Purchasing from a Refurbished store is an excellent option to get a better and more powerful Apple device than the present entry-level for lower money.

The cheapest Mac laptop you may get new is way pricier than a refurbished model. For instance, a new 1.6GHz MacBook Air with 128GB SSD will cost you around $50 -100 more than a refurbished one. It is a pretty great saving, given there isn’t much difference between the two gen of MacBook.

If you are looking for something more powerful, then you can get a more powerful MacBook for less money by just going for a little older version. The simple reason behind it is that even the new Mac has a new-gen processor you may get the mid-range version from last year priced less than the entry-level model of the new generation.

So, the mid-range Mac can be as functional and powerful as the previous gen top Mac, but it is always recommended to check before buying. So, in the end, it gets clear that if the older model is more feasible than the current-gen and then you should go for it.

4. All the parts are tested and replaced if needed

If you are thinking that the Macs have been returned back by their previous customers due to faulty reasons. And it would be unwise to purchase a faulty device.

Then, the answer is nope! The good news here is that if there are any faults in the device, they are tested and rectified. Apple says that all the refurbished Macs undergo full functional tests and are replaced with genuine Apple parts.

So, the Apple MacBook you are purchasing has had more tests and checks than the Mac coming directly from the factory. So, you can be sure that no problem will be occurring in the long run.

5. You get a 12-month warranty

The best thing is that you get a 12-month warranty, so if anything goes wrong, it can be immediately be fixed for free.

Some stores also include complimentary technical support, in case you have any issues during setup, software installation or connection issues.

What’s better here is that you can get the one –year warranty extended for three years with Apple Care protection when you are buying a refurbished Mac.

6. With general shipping, you can get it dispatched for free

There isn’t any shipping or handling costs involved. So, you don’t have to pay anything extra other than the price of the refurbished Apple gadget.

7. There is no need to deal with the old user

Dealing with the refurbished store is a great advantage. You don’t have to deal with the previous user of the device who may not be completely honest with the issues with the device or may have a problem in striking the deal.

So, dealing with the store gives you great peace of mind that you are purchasing exactly what is promised and if there will be any problems they will be addressed professionally. Dealing with a professional store like Tech. Trade eases your transactions and wipes out the need of getting in touch with the previous user. Click here to check out the refurbished Mac deals.

8. You can get the current gen Macs as refurbished

You may be thinking that only old models are put in the refurbished category. But this is not the case and it could be the current series too.

It is up to you to pick a reliable and good refurbished store to make your purchase where you can check out all the gen of Apple Mac you want. Getting a refurbished current model is a great opportunity to get a brand new Mac for an exceptionally low price.

How to Build Your Own Greenhouse

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November 3, 2020

A greenhouse is a good idea for any single or couple who’d like to have personalized, year-round, organic produce without sacrificing yard space or the need to learn how to grow your own food. It lets you choose what to grow and when and provides you with fresh organic herbs and veggies all year long.

Not only does a greenhouse help to extend your growing season, but it can also extend the life of your home’s roof. When used as an extension for an existing roof, a greenhouse can have a similar life expectancy — as in 30-50 years — as well as increased energy efficiency over that same period.

In addition to extending the life of your roof, a greenhouse will help to limit dust, vermin and other natural elements that usually affect home repairs.

What is a greenhouse?

A greenhouse is a structure with walls and roof made of transparent material where plants requiring controlled environmental conditions can be grown. The glass allows light in, but keeps the home filled with natural sunlight on cold, snowy or rainy days.

The greenhouse gas heating process heats up the air in the room; this heat in addition to solar radiation provides an ideal condition for plant growth. A greenhouse drastically increases crop yields and provides fresh vegetables all year round! This, notes Mike Marshall of https://windowfactory.co.nz/, is one reason many are opting for a greenhouse.

Greenhouses are an excellent way to create a conservatory-style, organic garden at home. They keep your plants warm and protected, extending growing seasons and reducing reliance on pesticides & fertilizers. Whether you’re just getting into gardening or a seasoned professional, there’s no better way to grow amazing food than in your own greenhouse – built by you!

Wondering how to build your own greenhouse? Find out how.

Determine if you need a greenhouse

There are many reasons to build your own greenhouse. You may be surprised to learn that there are few situations that warrant a greenhouse. Nowadays, many individuals are seeing the need to reduce their carbon footprints. If you’re one of these people, a greenhouse is an excellent way to do so.

Greenhouses are a clever way of insulating, as well as allowing you to control the effect of the weather on your plants. Also, if you want to start growing plants in the garden but don’t have enough space for your flower beds, why not build a greenhouse?

Plan your greenhouse type

Greenhouse designs and sizes vary greatly according to your needs and preferences. Their main goal is to improve the quality of your plants’ environment. You can grow food, herbs, or flowers indoors in these structures.

Before buying greenhouse, you need to decide what type of greenhouse best fits your growing needs. There are three basic types: hoop houses, passive solar greenhouses, and active solar greenhouses.

Hoop houses: ”Hoop houses,” also known as ”cloches,” are structures that keep plants warm, but are light and portable enough to be moved around the yard with ease. They’re often made of PVC or polyethene and can be left out for most of the year, except when extreme temperatures occur.
Passive solar greenhouses: These are the same as standard greenhouses except that they rely on free, renewable energy such as direct sunlight, with no fossil fuel consumption. They are a form of sustainable building that harnesses the power of the sun. The principles of passive solar design reduce a structure’s energy consumption in both summer and winter.
Active solar greenhouses: Active solar greenhouses capture energy from the sun, use it to heat the space and store it in a thermal battery. It’s a smart way to turn solar power into usable energy. They offer the opportunity to produce fresh produce year-round.
By capturing and storing as much sunlight as possible in an insulated building, these greenhouses are among the most energy-efficient and environmentally friendly ways to grow food. Active solar greenhouses use two kinds of technology to collect and store solar energy: thermal mass and photo-voltaic panels.

Source: Nature and Garden Nature and Garden

Determine your budget

Building a greenhouse can save you big money on heating and cooling costs, especially if you live in an area with cold winters. But even if you don’t plan to grow your own food (most of us don’t!), a greenhouse is a great place for starting plants, extending your growing season and simply enjoying the outdoors.

Here’s how to determine your budget for building a greenhouse:

List the things you want your greenhouse to do.
2. Figure out the size and shape of the greenhouse based on number 1.
3. Determine what features you will need.
4. Figure out what features you can do without.
5. Figure out what is architecturally possible in step 3 or 4, then add it in if it is not extraneous, or subtract it if it is a necessity.

Should you use wood or metal for the frame?

The two most common materials used for constructing a greenhouse are wood and metal. There are pros and cons on both sides, but the type of greenhouse you have may determine which material is best.

Never count on mother nature only to control your plants’ growth and climate. Choose the metal frame for a professional look, durability and superior insulation.

As a matter of fact, the metal frame is far sturdier than the wood. This is partly due to the metal being stronger, but also because wood can eventually warp and interfere with how well-sealed and insulated your greenhouse is.

It’s generally considered that metal has a better R-value (up to 6 times better!) and is more efficient than wood, at conducting heat. A metal frame can last 40 years and requires lower heating and cooling costs. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t make a greenhouse structure out of wood.

Conclusion

To sum it up, a greenhouse is a great way to help you save money, time and energy. By reducing the amount of water and fertilizers that are needed, you can cut down on your monthly bills. They’re also better for the environment since they’re made from recycled and recyclable materials.

So by building your own garden greenhouse, not only will you have a fun DIY project, but you will also get healthier plants and flowers, and reduce waste!

7 Popular TV Shows Only Available on Netflix USA

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November 3, 2020

Are you looking for something good to watch on Netflix? Need to watch a TV show but can’t see it in the Netflix library? Well, you may not know it, but the VoD imposes geographical restrictions. Based on where you are located, you may have access to a completely different Netflix library.

For instance, if the American version of Netflix boasts over 13,900 titles, people in Norway or Indonesia will only be able to access ⅓ of that library. This is discriminatory to say the least, especially when people realize they pay the same amount for a subscription. Is Netflix to blame though?

Not really! You see, the VoD has to fulfill on the promises agreed to in licensing agreements with production houses. As such, the rest of the world isn’t that lucky when it comes to Netflix. Below I will be talking about 10 US-specific TV shows to make my point. Meanwhile, if you want to learn how to unblock Netflix USA, you can visit howtogetamericannetflixincanada.com!

1. The Walking Dead

Influenced by the book of the same name, The Walking Dead is an American post-apocalyptic horror TV series, created by Frank Darabont and Angela King. Airing on October 31, 2010; the TV show is famous worldwide for its fascinating display of a zombie apocalypse.

A group of survivors led by Rick Grimes try to stay alive under the constant threat of “walkers” and other living survivors. If you watch the TV show elsewhere in the world, you will only have access to 8 seasons. However, the US version hosts the complete 10 seasons.

2. The West Wing

If you enjoy the works of Aaron Sorkin, you must’ve probably heard about “The West Wing”. A popular American serial political drama TV series, it focuses on the ins and outs of the White House, during the fictitious rule of the Josiah Barlet, a prominent Democratic member in the parliament.

Ranked as one of the best TV shows of all time by New York Daily News, Empire, TV Guide, Rolling Stone, and Time, it has received a lot of accolades and praise from critics, while being subject to a critical analysis by all those interested in political science and administration.

3. Dexter

Airing on Showtime from October 1, 2006 to September 22, 2013; Dexter is the second-ever TV series to feature a protagonist with this name (after Dexter’s Laboratory). Contrary to what you may think the show is about, Dexter focuses on the story of a serial killer who kills other serial killers!

It is kind of ironic, but the TV series does a great job of keeping the audience attached to the screen, derived from the novel Darkly Dreaming Dexter. The full TV show of 10 seasons is only available on the US version of Netflix, which means a lot of people cannot watch it, without a VPN service.

4. Shameless (U.S)

Debuting back in January 2011 and running for over 10 seasons with 122 episodes, Shameless (U.S.) is an adaptation of the UK TV show with the same name. The plot follows the life of the Gallagher family that has to take care of its self with the dad being a drunkard and mother being bipolar.

The TV show is highly fun to watch and emotional as well with plenty of moments that will touch you closely, thanks to the relatable nature of the series. Currently, the TV show is only available on the US version of Netflix, which means you will have to unblock it.

5. The Good Place

Premiering first on NBC and created by Michael Schur, The Good Place is an American fantasy-comedy TV series, which released back in September 2016. With a total of four seasons and 53 episodes for binge-watching, users have a lot to keep them entertained and in a fun mood.

It is a great option to go for, especially if you’re having a bad day. The story focuses on a deceased saleswoman, Eleanor, who manages to find herself in a heaven-like afterlife called the “The Good Place”, where she doesn’t actually belong. It’s an interesting take on the concept of heaven and hell!

6. Criminal Minds

Debuting back in September 2005 and created by Jeff Davis, Criminal Minds is an American police procedural crime drama TV series, which follows a group of criminal profilers, who work in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI department using profiling to investigate crimes and find perpetrators.

Only available on the US version of Netflix, Criminal Minds has gained critical acclaim for its writing, directing, acting, atmosphere, pacing, and characterization. In fact, the TV show is a rating hit for CBS, running for 15 years. It is an amazing watch for those who haven’t yet seen the series!

7. Person of Interest

Airing on CBS from September 22, 2011, Person of Interest is an American science fiction crime drama TV series, which ran till June 21, 2016. With over five seasons, users have access to 103 episodes, wherein they see a world where all the surveillance, metadata gathering, and invasion of privacy is being shown to put to good use. It’s a great watch, but only available on Netflix’s US libraries.

Wrapping Things Up

Geo-restricting titles is something that all streaming platforms do to protect themselves and their licensing agreements with production houses. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to put up with it, especially if you are paying the same amount for a subscription.

The best solution is to subscribe to a VPN service and connect to a server in the US. Since the VPN will cloak your identity and make it appear as if you reside in the US, you can easily unblock the American Netflix version, and gain access to all 13,900 titles!

6 Tips And Tricks For Starting Out In Destiny 2

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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November 3, 2020

If you are one of many who was slightly disappointed by Destiny and then gave up on the whole game, we got some news for you. Destiny 2 offers a fair told story and characters the original version could only dream of. Through the whole story mode, you will be very clear about where you are, why, and who’s keeping you company. You might even catch yourself thinking about how you care about destiny of certain characters.

Not only that the narrative segment is way better than in the initial game, this second part has brought an increased system of progress, interesting main and side missions, better and more interesting locations, as well way more generous loot system.

But, regardless of how better Destiny 2 is than the original, the core of the game is still the same. It’s about a hybrid MMORPG and FPS, in which you will wander through the sci-fi world, combating different opponents and collecting different ammo for your character.

In any case, you will soon realize how easy it is to enjoy the game, be it for the shooting mechanics or the pleasant sci-fi esthetics.

This article will guide you through some tips and tricks to help you out in starting fresh and successful in Destiny 2.

1. Finish each campaign

And many will react to this by saying it’s too obvious. Well, it is, but going all the way through the campaign is the best thing and the simplest thing you can do if you want to unlock those additional badges and achieve maximum level as fast as possible.

It’s easy to equalize your character without finishing the campaign, and a lot of additional adventures you will encounter on the way will probably result in distracting you from the main story. However, this will not make you get the best loot. If you’re impatient and do manage to get distracted, there are some alternatives you can use to get the best loot. Sites like lootservices.com offer you a boosting service, that gets you any loot you want. A lot of players would love to achieve the maximum level to try and get top-pier loot – this option is always available, as a shortcut.

By finishing the campaign, you will unlock protests, patrols, milestones, even some special missions that award you with legendary and exotic weapons. So, you will want to complete it as soon as possible to make sure you will be able to access those features that give you the best equipment.

2. Attend side-activities, such as adventures and public events

Since most of the missions have enabled you to start them just by traveling the planet, you will notice adventures and public events on your way, as you travel.

Basically, adventures are a smaller part of the bigger mission, and you can finish them just by patrolling the planet. These can give you awards, additional gear, and points for unlocking sub-classes.

It’s not mandatory to attend all of these, but it could add up to your game progress if you check whether there’s one close to your main mission story, and see if it would be useful.

3. Join a clan

Clans are available in-game, this time. To assemble your clan, you have to first log in, then you are given this option. In this version, clans are wider, because everyone can now design their own banner, which will be a visible object in the game. There are also bonuses, such as loot awards available weekly. To you, this means that every time your clan takes part in some of the activities, you will get some reward for it.

Clans are also a huge component in guided games system, useful for all solo players to play some of the available end-game activities, but also to the clans to go skillful player hunting if they might be missing a couple of more guardians to complete the fireteam.

Clans also have the option to discuss different topics, create strategies, and all the administrators can decide will they open the clan or set up a joining option via requests. Of course, those who assembled the clan can delegate leaders, to manage the clan.

4. Loot and kill everything on your way to the mission

As the first point we mentioned, this might also be too obvious. However, many players get too oriented towards reaching the mission, that they forget about the advantages of taking the chances that appear on their way. Do not underestimate killing and looting on the way, it is a great strategy to speed up your progress.

The most important reason for this is unlocking other sub-classes. You need them to achieve relict. These drops are completely random and appear by killing enemies and looting caves.

Also, if you want to unlock as many sub-classes as possible, then just be oriented towards the enemies and public events.

5. Store Faction Turn-Ins for maximum level

Each planet has its own supplier where you can use your tokens and materials you’ve gathered on the way in exchange for something you need, like fractions.

When you align these planet fractions, you get engrams that turn into speed.

The problem is that the speed you get is set to any power level when you get the engram – even if you wait to encode it at higher levels.

This means you will get much better equipment if you wait until your maximum level. You are still able to include rep tokens but simply refuse to accept engrams until you reach the maximum level.

6. Store your upgrade points

As you improve and level up, you’ll collect the points that enable unlocking certain sub-class abilities. Just because you unlock them, doesn’t mean you should use them. If at the moment you don’t need for example a grenade or jumping ability, you can store it and use this upgrade point later.

If you have a cool crew you like to play more than decent FPS, in which you will constantly be in pursuit of better and newer equipment, while you chat about different things, Destiny 2 is your game.

5 Things to Know When Moving to the USA

By

Iva Aris

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November 3, 2020

Moving to another country, leaving behind your old life and starting a new one can be quite stressful, so it’s important to prepare in detail and gather all the information that could make the moving process a bit easier.

A good source of information you might need can be found on different forums and groups on social media, where people gather to exchange experiences. This type of networking and information exchange are really helpful for starting a new life in another state. Although, very often some important information gets lost.

If the country of your choice is the good old USA, our guide will provide you with all the things you need to know, to realistically form your expectations of this country. They will help you prepare and point out what are the important things to have in mind when you finally land.

1. Get rid of the unnecessary stuff, before packing

This is the number one complication you encounter when packing to move to another country. What will you need there? Can you live without this precious thing? Most of the things we end up emotionally attaching to, and when it’s time to say goodbye, even if they do not have the use, we drag them around. Don’t do this, if you’re moving to the USA, because you need all the space in your luggage you can get.

Here’s a suggestion of a small ritual you can do, which will symbolize the new beginning. Take some object you find particularly dear, throw it to the garbage, or out the window. This ritual will prepare you emotionally for what’s going to happen.

A following useful thing is to divide your stuff into three categories – those you have to carry, those you can sell, and those you can give away or throw. It is important to put your emotions aside and objectively think things through, no matter how hard it might be. Before you decide to throw things out, invite your friends and family to take a look, someone might need it. By selling some of the things you can ensure some extra money for the new beginning.

2. Hire a moving service

Now that you’ve decided what to pack and carry with you and what to leave behind, another type of stress appears. With all that personal belongings, how can you check-in at the airport and take them as excess baggage, and when finally land in the USA grab a hold of all those packages and transport them to your new home you are moving in to? Just looking at all those things makes you nervous. One solution would be to send them via postal services but if you wish to bring home something large or if you have a large number of goods to send, postal services can be unreasonably expensive.

Luckily, many overseas moving agencies and companies have been working on making this less stressful as possible. Not only do they physically transport your belongings, but they also help you with customs clearance so that you can bringing in your belongings smoothly once they arrive at the destination. Some companies can help you even if you have only a small amount of goods. Read more on this page to see what are the specific terms, conditions, and how to hire their help for moving to the USA.

3. Paperwork is so not fun

Governments don’t care too much when you are moving within your own country, because you are still their problem and you continue paying tax too. But the situation changes when you decide to move abroad. The passport, the visa, evidence that you haven’t committed any crime, are just a couple of things in the frustrating process, which is inevitable.

Before the USA becomes your permanent place of residence, ask around (maybe in social media groups we already wrote about) t about which papers you need, make the list, and stick to it until the day of your departure.

4. Take care of your safety

Although you might think you know all about your new place of residence, be sure to collect all the facts and what is allowed and what is not, in the city you are moving in. Keep in mind that the USA is a large country, with fifty states that are completely different from each other. Starting from the climate to the customs and the laws.

Make your safety a priority at all times and always be on guard. Don’t just rush to rent an apartment that is located in the ghetto or some other unsafe part of the city. Not all the parks are safe for playing the guitar over a glass of vine.

Weapons are legal in some states, so don’t be surprised that your neighbor has a couple. It’s not always about their paranoia, but their love for the guns.

Traffic can also look funny if you are moving from Japan to the USA. From one side of the world to the other. In this case, you are most probably used to driving on the left, however, Americans are one of 75% of the globe that drives on the right side. No need to mention that all the vehicles are also adjusted to this style of driving. So, blending in the traffic can take some effort.

5.The USA has some of the most breath-taking national parks in the world

The USA is home to an amazing 59 national parks, which include canyons, coral reefs, forests, lakes, mountains, rivers, deserts, volcanoes, and glaciers. More or less, whatever nature you want to see, you will find it there.

Your new land of residence is home to places like the Grand Canyon, Yosemite Park, and Niagara Falls. Niagara Falls does not belong to the national parks but the “national heritage sites”, but it truly is a miracle of nature. Watching millions of gallons of water pouring from a boat just a few feet away from you while you’re in the middle of it is a scene that makes you shiver. Although waterfalls are magnificent at all times, you will likely visit them once in a lifetime so it is worth doing at a time when you will be able to experience them in the best way. To many, waterfalls are most beautiful just at night when they release a light show and it seems that the water is blue, purple, green…

Make Travelling With Your iPhone a Whole Lot Easier

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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November 2, 2020

Over 100 years ago, in 1914, the first passenger airline, scheduled between St. Petersburg and Tampa, took off and paved the way for the explosion in global travel. Fast forward to the early 2000s and over 100,000 flights operating every single a day worldwide. At Heathrow alone, more than 200,000 passengers pass through the terminal each day, flying to destinations across the globe. In the past five years, tourism has grown further than ever before and amounts for over $1 trillion in overseas spending, spending expected to outpace the global economy in the next decade.

As demand for global travel has increased, it has become increasingly more affordable. Flights to Europe from the UK can be bought for less than a train to London from the Midlands and travel farther afield is growing increasingly more common. As travel has become more affordable and thus more popular, a secondary market has emerged of applications and services which make travelling a whole lot easier. From applications like Skyscanner and TripAdvisor to Google Maps and Uber, iPhone’s have simultaneously made it easier to travel and tied us to dependence on our devices.

In this brief guide, we look at a few ways to make travelling with your iPhone a whole lot easier, ensuring you don’t get caught out and make the most of your device during your travels. However, the items from the list are not the only ones that will make your iPhone safe and more effective. There are also many software solutions that will make your trip easier. Chad Kimball suggests one of the software solutions that can find locations of different brands, companies, hotels, etc.

Portable charging

iPhone batteries may be significantly better than they were many years ago, when they didn’t tend to last too long; however, with more and more applications becoming the normal and a growing dependency on our devices, these batteries simply do not last long enough. Background applications drain your iPhone battery without even considering active applications.

Imagine for a second you’re abroad and using Maps to navigate your way around a new place, Uber to find a taxi to take your back to your hotel or to a local restaurant, TripAdvisor to locate a great restaurant or excursion and WhatsApp to speak with family back home. If this is your situation the likelihood is that your battery will run out before you know it. A portable charger is an absolute essential for any traveller no matter what the purpose. While there are great external packs available, the best option is a charging case, one that integrates with your device without the need for a cable or any external module. These cases are often able to provide at least a single full charge and can be simultaneously charged with the device itself in the evening, meaning they are convenient and functional.

Tech cases

Travelling with a device can get messy, especially if you rely on a battery pack. Odds are you need an adaptor, a cable, a charging pack, and potentially a few other devices to maximise the value of your iPhone abroad. A simple Google search returns some handy tech cases designed for the storage of the aforementioned while travelling, offering handy pockets and sections, keeping your cables, device, and charges in good condition. There also a range of great tech cases which are slightly larger and designed for carrying all technology required by the savvy traveller including your laptop, camera, and further charges, these are great options if you plan to travel frequently and are a little more laden with technology than the average traveller.

Device unlocking

The biggest bugbear of many travellers is roaming charges, you’ll find it difficult to find a single person who doesn’t have a bad experience with an unexpected bill upon returning from a trip. With the average device cost becoming more expensive as they become more capable technologically, customers are increasingly reliant upon network contracts to provide access to the latest tech with affordable monthly deals. However, when your device is locked to a network you are then automatically subject to that networks roaming charges, which can be particularly expensive when travelling farther afield.

You can save a ton of money and use your device as normal by simply unlocking your device before you travel. Once your device has been unlocked, when you arrive at your destination you can simply find a local store, purchase a SIM from a local network which provides you with the amount of usage you require for the duration of your trip, and continue to use data as normal without hefty roaming charges. This is great because with WhatsApp calls you can pretty much use your device as normal if you have data. Unlocking your device also offers a whole host of further benefits such as greater resale value.

DirectUnlocks have well over a decade of experience in iPhone unlock and can provide a simple and efficient service from the comfort of your own home.

Screen protectors

The latest iPhone is a thing of beauty, the aesthetic design of smartphones has become almost as important as their functionality. They look great when new and users are keen to maintain this appearance. It’s commonplace to own a case; however, even with a case, your screen itself is open to shattering and scratching. This is undesirable from the perspective of both function and appearance. The best way to protect against this is a tempered glass screen protector which can be easily applied over the iPhone screen and acts a defence mechanism between your device and anything from keys in your pocket to damage when dropped.

Wherever you’re travelling and whatever your intentions, you will likely rely on your iPhone at some point. If you want to make the most of your device, keep it looking great, and not get caught without battery, take notes and get online. As we become more reliant upon our devices for photography, payment, navigation and more, it will become an integral part of every journey we make. Making sure you have access to your mobile throughout your journey also helps you to get the most out of your trip by finding the best excursions, restaurants, trips and local sights to see.