Can You Use Kratom for Depression and Anxiety?

By

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June 24, 2020

Mitragynina speciosa or Kratom — Source: anxietyhack

Almost every person will have to deal with symptoms of depression or anxiety at least once in their lives. Statistics show that millions of people have been diagnosed with these conditions, and there are not many things that can help with coping with the symptoms. Because of that, people are looking for more natural and different ways to get healthier and to feel happier. One of those things that can help in a natural way is Kratom.

Here we are going to give you more information on what Kratom is, how it is used, and how it can help you cope with different mental health conditions.

What is Kratom?

This Mitragyna speciose tree originates from Southeast Asia and even though it has been used for centuries, it is becoming really popular in western culture now. The reason why people choose it is that there are a lot of health benefits of this plant.

The main benefits that people have from the Mitragyna speciose tree include:

It is used as a pain reliever
It can help battle an addiction
It can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression
Kratom can help you focus on your work and studying
It can make you feel more energized and motivated

One interesting fact is that the tree is in the coffee family, so it has similar properties as the coffee. It can be used to make people energized and to relieve stress. It acts as a stimulant and depending on the strain, it can make people more focused and euphoric.

When users take lower dosages of the product, they will have these feelings of happiness and euphoria. However, when people take high doses, it has the opposite effect. It makes people relaxed and it can even help you sleep better.

Because of these versatile effects, people have been using it to help with symptoms of depression and anxiety. Even though there is still not a lot of modern-day researches and studies done on this plant, natives have been using it for a long time. If you are interested to buy a product that contains Kratom, you should know that it is pretty affordable for everyone, and there are a lot of online stores that will deliver it to your home.

Strains

There are three main colors or strains of Kratom and even though they have similar effects on people, they are all different depending on the condition you want to cope with.

The white strain is the strongest one and if you are a beginner, you should not start with this strain. This is something that is used to make you happier and give you a lot of energy throughout the day.

The green strain is used when you want to be able to concentrate on your daily tasks because products that are made with the green type are used to help you focus better. This type is not as strong as the white one, but beginners should still use it with caution.

If you are looking for something to help you with your mental health condition, then you should try the red strain. It is said to help with the symptoms of depression and anxiety and that it can help people feel happier and more relaxed.

It is also used as a pain reliever and if you are suffering from a condition that makes you feel pain in any parts of your body, then you should try the red Kratom out. However, you should be careful with the dosage, as different doses are used for different conditions.

There are other types as well, but they are usually a combination of the three main strains. Kratomrack suggests that Maeng Da is one of the best choices on the market, but this type is also one of the strongest ones. You should always do a lot of research before deciding which color or type is the one for you and if you are trying it for the first time, you should always ask for expert advice.

How can it help with your condition?

This herb is also referred to as a natural opioid and it contains mitragynine. This indole-based alkaloid is used in low doses to help people feel better. When it is dosed correctly, it can make people feel energized. The reason why people choose this plant is that even though it has sedatives that cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria, it still does not act the same way as opioids.

We know that when you take opioids, they can cause addiction. The difference between Kratom and the actual opioids is that the herb is natural and it does not cause that strong addiction. It is also used to help recovering addicts and it is used in many medical facilities.

This plant binds with some of the receptors in your brain, and it can help with your pain relief. Because of this, it is known to show anti-depressant properties. It can also help with the symptoms of anxiety because it can slow your heartbeat and it can make you feel more relaxed.

The most important thing here is to pay attention to the strain and the dosage. Since different colors help people in different ways, some of the strains can be less effective than others. The dosage has to be correct because different doses are used to treat different conditions, even if they come from the same strain.

Have you ever used Kratom to cope with depression or anxiety? How has it helped you? Before trying this medicine, you should always consult with your doctor or a professional that can help you decide on the right dosage.

Depending on the strain, you should start with smaller or larger doses. The dosing also depends on your condition and other personal information. You should also check the possible side effects and start slowly. Kratom is not legal in all countries around the world, so don’t forget to check this information out before you decide to purchase some.

Always be safe when trying new products for your symptoms and remember that these things take time to make a difference.

5 Smart Tech Upgrades to Help Sell Your Home

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 24, 2020

If you’re planning to put your property on the market, it’s important to note that smart technology and intelligent automation are some of the most effective ways to attract buyers. Labor-saving devices, energy-saving updates and smart modern solutions are incredibly appealing – and when potential buyers see them already installed, they can more easily imagine a life of comfort in the property they are viewing. If you’ve invested in a few smart upgrades to make life more comfortable in your home, you’re likely to be much more successful when it comes to selling. Their inclusion may even serve to increase your home value. In this article, we explore how you can use tech to make a property more desirable.

1. Smart Thermostats

This is a relatively recent development in home climate control. Smart thermostats allow you to keep on top of your energy usage – thus saving money and protecting the environment. Most have a display that reveals your daily usage and helps you to continue to a goal. Smart thermostats can also help you to ensure that the temperature of your home remains comfortable, enabling you to change their settings from any location. For example, if you’ve been out all day in the middle of winter, you’ll likely want to return to a warm house. You can adjust a smart thermostat remotely – which means that you can make sure your home heats up before you arrive at the door without the radiators had to be on all day.

2. Accessibility

The more inclusive your home feels, the quicker it is likely to sell. If you can provide an alternative to stairs, your property is expected to fetch a reasonable price. These home lifts by Lifton are effortless to use and will complement your decor perfectly. You can also install automatic door opening devices for internal and external doors and garages, allowing quick, easy, hands-free access to all areas of the home.

3. Security Upgrades

Easy-to-use, high tech security is hugely appealing to many house hunters. It means that you can keep track of the comings and goings around a property even when you’re away. Today, it’s easy to get your hands on specially designed locks with personalized codes, individual access, biometric solutions, smart vital fobs or even smartphone-integrated access. Not only can you carefully manage access to your property by setting up systems or any other access resources to different members of your household, but these kinds of solutions do away entirely with the need for a physical key that could be easily lost, stolen, or broken. Many of these locks also allow you to grant access remotely, so if a trusted guest arrives at your property before you do, you can easily let them in.

Changing the locks is made more accessible too, as many smart locks can be reprogrammed if their security is compromised. This saves a great deal of time and stress. A smart doorbell is another exciting innovation that provides enhanced security. Many of these devices have inbuilt cameras, microphones, and speakers. Using an app that connects your doorbell to your chosen method, you can monitor the feed from the camera on screen anytime, wherever you are. Many apps of this kind will allow you to change the settings on your doorbell remotely and take still images and recordings. You can remotely access the feed from a doorbell camera to see who is calling while you’re out. Another popular feature of the smart doorbell is the option to keep it continually running like CCTV. Furthermore, you can talk to any visitors via the device, permitting couriers to use parcels in a particular place or asking trespassers to leave.

4. Bathroom and Kitchen Fittings

Self-cleaning, self-closing, self-washing toilets are efficient and highly hygienic. You can also get automated or sensor-based showers and baths too. For accessibility purposes, bathrooms can be fitted with specialist lifts. These fittings are high for the elderly and people with disabilities. Digital smart taps can be installed to control the temperature and flow rate of water, allowing you to set your desired heat for a bath. This is ideal for families with young children and babies, helping them to ensure that the showers they run are a safe and comfortable temperature.

Many fittings of this kind are available in both high and low flow rate varieties to suit your home perfectly. You can install some high devices in the kitchen, too. We particularly love self-cleaning ovens, many of which burn off dirt by heating their internal space too much higher temperatures than usual. This saves a considerable amount of time, effort, and cleaning fluid and makes your kitchen far more comfortable. You can even find smart dishwashers and washing machines that connect to your household WIFI. They enable you to order more perishable items like dishwasher tablets, automatically dry their contents, notify you of required repairs and will allow you to change their settings and switch them on remotely. These appliances can also determine the right amount of water and temperature needed to wash a particular load, which is another easy way of saving money and reducing your energy usage.

5. Lighting

Voice or sound-operated light fittings are excellent for several reasons. Not only are they a more comfortable option for those with limited mobility, but they can also help to prevent the spread of bacteria as no surface needs to be touched. You can also install motion-activated light fittings that only illuminate a space when it is being used. Again, this helps to prevent the spread of bacteria as no physical switch is required to operate the lights. Still, it can also reduce your electricity bills and your environmental impact. Automated blinds are great too. You can raise or lower them remotely, allowing for greater freedom and natural temperature control. This is another option that can make life easier for those with reduced mobility, but it can add a touch of luxury and convenience for anyone.

Long Distance Moving Checklist

By

Daniela Meyer

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June 24, 2020

Moving House Checklist — Source: imsrelocation

Long-distance moving is entirely different from a move across town. If you leave something behind, you won’t be able to return to your old home to retrieve any items you forgot to pack. For a long-distance move, everything must be done right the first time around.

Here is a guide for creating your checklist and a way to control the preparation time involved:

– Create a moving checklist that matches up to your unique circumstances. You can use this guide that we did in collaboration with MyLongDistanceMovers.com to get you through each step of the preparation process.

– Populate a moving-calendar with things to do and personalized tasks that match up to your exact relocation circumstances.

– Sort your move-related tasks into a list of most important to least important. Make sure you have written the jobs down that you need to complete first.

– Get an idea about what the moving timeline needs to contain, by creating your long-distance checklist.

A long-distance move shouldn’t be stressful. However, it requires a lot more planning in advance than moving locally or just down the street. Here is a list of the items that should be included on your moving checklist.

1. First Decide What Items You Will Be Moving

If you have been living in your home for many years, you may have many accumulated items that are no longer in use or no longer want them. Any type of move is an excellent way to throw away, finally, sell, or donate. You want to avoid having to fork out extra money for things that you no longer use. This process should be implemented before you move onto anything else.

2. Use Up All Your Perishable Items

Another essential item to add to your list is the items that you cannot take with you to your new home. This list usually contains bug sprays, household cleaners, paint, frozen food, and other perishable items in your refrigerator.

3. Make Sure You Have Packing Supplies Ready

It is essential to plan by ensuring you have all your shipping tape, packing materials, and boxes in order. It will be a waste of your valuable time if you have to put an end to your packing just because your boxes ran out. Many big-box home-improvement stores or office and stationery supply stores have a range of different packing materials and boxes on sale.

4. Ensure That Your Furniture Is Going To Fit

If your furniture pieces are bulky and large, make sure that you have taken the measurements of the new home and the doorways to ensure that all your furniture is going to fit through a door and into the house. If you cannot get to the new home before the move, ask your realtor to take the measurements for you, or your new landlord if you are renting. It would be pretty frustrating to get to another town or city to discover that your favorite sofa or your beloved piano is not going to get through a doorway.

5. Start To Pack

Packing is a crucial item on a moving checklist that belongs to both local and long-distance moves. Start packing as soon as you can. To minimize any inconveniences, it is recommended to always start with the items that you use the least frequently. Think about seasonal things or clothing, your silverware, and holiday decorations. Make sure that you clearly label each box, and if possible, mark the box so that it coordinates with the room that you would like it stored in your new home.

6. Make Arrangements With A Reliable Moving Company

Any moving checklist for a long-distance move must include finding a reliable, insured, and professional moving company. Once you have signed a contract with the moving company you have chosen, make sure you contact them to make the final arrangements for your move. This includes confirming the date, the cost, and times. It is also essential that you have made the necessary arrangements to pay the movers and keep cash on you to tip your movers. 10 to 15% of the overall cost is suggested as a generous tip. Trust us, it is not worth it trying to move all your possessions across the country by yourself, or even worse with the wrong company that does not have your best interests at heart. Find the right long distance movers, such as Mayflower Movers.

7. Change Your Address

Another essential item that should feature on moving checklists is to make sure you have changed your address and any other necessary details with any company that you do business with and the post office. This list usually includes credit card companies, insurance carriers, brokerage, and any institution you bank with.

8. Contact All The Necessary Utility Companies

You want to make sure that your family will have water, heat, and lights when you move into a new home. At the same time, you need to make the necessary arrangements to transfer the existing utilities into the name of the new owner or make arrangements to have your utilities disconnected.

Now that you have sorted out everything on your long-distance moving checklist, there are a few more things you will need to do a couple of days before the big day:

– Deep clean your apartment or home a final time. This will include inside all the appliances and every surface. You can also hire a professional cleaning company to tick this item off your list.

– Clean out your cupboards and fridge. If you have any items that are still unopened, you may want to think about donating it to a charity.

– Fill your vehicle up with gas or check into your flight and have your boarding passes printed.

– Ensure you have removed any valuable items from your car if you are storing it in a garage, or place items that you do not want to go with the movers in your car.

– Check the weather forecast to ensure there are no major storms on the way that might interfere with the move.

– Make sure you have drawn cash to tip your movers or as a backup if you run into an emergency.

Advantages of Using a Ring Light

By

Daniela Meyer

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June 24, 2020

Lighting is extremely important if you are producing video content on a consistent basis. With high quality and bright LED lighting, you are able to almost instantly improve the quality of your content.

Ring lights have long been used for photography for beauty and makeup artists. However, due to the rise in social media, it is becoming an extremely commonly used item for content creators, influencers, or just people who want to look good for their at-home video calls.

It doesn’t matter what kind of content you create whether it’s a makeup tutorial, an unboxing video, or business video calls. A ring light is the most practical way to illuminate your set. Although cameras have greatly improved over the past decade, the best ring light can significantly enhance the quality of your photos.

The best options not only have a good effect on your content but also reduce the appearance of unwanted shadows. This can be achieved with the correct setup which is unique for each purpose.

This article will cover all the basics and advantages of using a ring light, followed by things to look out for when purchasing one.

Advantages of Using a Ring Light

Eliminate the Harsh Shadows

The light from the ring light is perfect for headshots as your face can be dead center of the light. This completely eliminates any hard shadows and almost instantly increases the quality of the portrait.

Fun fact – Ring lights were originally designed for dental and medical purposes. However, due to their popularity, they are now used across a wide range of industries such as beauty and photography.

Due to the nature of their design, they are perfect for emphasizing details and getting that clear and crisp content.

The “Catchlight” and “Halo” Effect

‘Catchlight’ is described as a small glimmer of light that shines through the eyes of a subject. This effect is likely to come from any front light source in portrait photography. It appears in the image as the shape of the light source. A softbox will produce a square or rectangular light while an umbrella will look like a star.

Meanwhile, a ring light will show as circular light in the subject’s eyes, commonly called a “halo” light. Since our eyes are circular, this gives a very natural shape. Some portraits and fashion photographers will purposely use a ring light just to achieve that beautiful glow.

Better Photo Quality

As you may already know, the quality of light can greatly affect the final image from a hard point to soft wash. Since ring light shines in virtually all directions, the quality of light is softer and not too sharp.

Photographers commonly take advantage of this lighting source for photo-shoots, beauty blogs, and flat-lays, just to name a few.

Selfie lights are a new device that you should also know about as they are extremely popular among social media influencers and content creators. It is basically just a mini-ring light that clips onto your phone for extra ‘selfie’ lighting. It could be a good product if you have a limited budget and you are just starting off in this space.

Try visiting Luvo Store for further information as it is our go-to destination for ring lights.

How do I use a ring light?

Ring lights are one of the easiest lighting sources available for both amateur and professionals. They generally come with everything you need to get started immediately and there is no need to purchase multiple accessories to get the result you are looking for. Simply unfold the stand, screw on the ring light, plug it in, and you are good to go!

LED Ring Lights VS Incandescent Lighting

If you are just getting into lighting then choosing the perfect ring light for your unique situation can be quite difficult, so let’s start with the basics. LED stands for Light Emitting Diode which is one of the most energy-efficient light sources in comparison with traditional incandescent lighting. This means that your ring light will last much longer in comparison with traditional incandescent lighting.

In fact, LED lights have an average lifespan of 50,000 hours. That’s a long time! To give you a better idea of how energy efficient these lights are, if you use the ring light for 10 hours a day it would take 14 years for the ring light to blow.

What are the key specifications to look for?

Lumens – Lumens are a form of measuring light output (brightness). Therefore, the higher lumen value, the brighter the light will be.
Kelvins – Kelvins are a form of measuring the color temperature of a light source. This can range from cool white light to a warm yellow glow.

Some ring lights have adjustable temperature controls, so you can simply turn the dial and change the light from cool to warm. This feature is especially useful for makeup artists and beauticians, as it is the perfect tool to really highlight their work.

The higher the Kelvin number is the cooler the light will be, and the lower the Kelvin number is the warmer the light will be. A ring light will a Kelvin range of 3200K (warm) to 5700K (cool) would be ideal for almost every situation.

Watts – Watts is a form of measuring power consumption. With traditional incandescent lighting, the higher the watts the higher the brightness. However, this is not the case with LED light sources as that rule does not apply. For example, a 10W LED bulb can be brighter than a 14W LED bulb from another manufacturer. This may be possible because one brand may be more energy-efficient than the other. This would mean that the 10W bulb uses less power but still has a brighter output of lumens. That is why it is suggested to only mainly review the Lumens and Kelvins when choosing an LED light.

So if you have an online presence, you should definitely consider purchasing a ring to help you create more professional-looking photos or videos. While professional ring lights may be considered too pricey for most, it is definitely a worthwhile investment for those who are looking to increase their digital presence.

Interior Design Tips to Help You Create the Perfect Living Room

By

Daniela Meyer

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June 23, 2020

Your living room is where you go to unwind and allow your creativity to flow. In this space, you’ll want to create a nurturing environment that also expresses your personality. It’s also important your living room is functional because it’s usually a hub of activity – the beating heart of your home. It’s difficult to achieve everything you want to when decorating your living room, especially when you’re on a budget. You can often feel dissatisfied with the finished product as a result. Don’t worry – we’re here to help you with any interior design dilemmas you might have. These are our tips on how to create a living room that is practical, aesthetically pleasing, and expresses your personality.

Flooring

The floor is the canvas upon which the rest of your living room is built. It’s important to choose something sturdy and functional for day-to-day living, but also creates a nurturing environment and can be mixed and matched with different aesthetics or color schemes. You should also select flooring which has a timeless appeal because you’ll have it in your living room for a long time. Even the materials with a short lifespan will last five years on average. Carpeting is a popular choice for lounges because of the comfort quality it brings to a room. However, a carpet does confine you to one color scheme and it’s also not practical when it comes to foot traffic and spillages.

We recommend solid hardwood or laminate flooring for the living room instead. Wood floorboards are ageless, unaffected by the interior design trends. They also look beautiful when paired with a rug which you can change out at any time. Browse the selections on an online wood flooring store to see for yourself and gain some inspiration. The same applies to laminate flooring; a cheaper alternative to wood which achieves all the same effects. Both these materials are also very durable and practical, so you can easily clean up spillages and keep everything looking nicer for longer. Visit this website to find the perfect flooring for your living room.

Walls

Walls make up the base of your living room along with flooring. It’s essential to get these both right when decorating so everything else ties together nicely. Our main advice for your walls is to avoid getting patterned or printed wallpaper. Not only can these make an otherwise relaxing living room feel cluttered, but they also look dated and gaudy very quickly because wallpaper fades in the sunlight and interior design trends are constantly flitting from one thing to another. Once again, you should choose something which has long-lasting appeal and quality.

We recommend painting your living room with a pastel or neutral palette. Dark and bright colors like navy or red will make your room appear smaller and dimmer because they absorb sunlight. Colors like white and ivory, on the other hand, reflect light and bounce it across the room. This creates the illusion that the area is bigger and brighter than it actually is. These are perfect shades for your living room. Bringing sunlight into your home will make it feel much cozier, whilst the neutral hues will provide you with a perfect canvas to decorate the space however you like. You’re not limited to certain styles like you would be with patterned wallpaper.

Plants

If you want to spruce up your living room without investing in too many hefty expenses, then you should try introducing some greenery into the area. Buying some potted plants costs less than new furniture and can make as much of a difference to the appeal of your lounge. Plus, this is a different opportunity for self-expression. Have you ever thought about what your favorite plants say about your personality? If you think of yourself as a bohemian, perhaps invest in some succulent terrariums and flowering cacti; while minimalists will probably like how tropical shrubs look against a sleek background. Plants also make living rooms a much more nurturing environment. Not only do they improve air quality, but there’s also something spiritually rewarding about caring for another living being in your home. It’s impossible to make a mistake when it comes to greenery and interior design.

Themes and Furnishings

Before decorating your living room, you should have a specific theme in mind. Otherwise, you’ll end up with a mismatched jumble of furniture and ornaments. This doesn’t create an aesthetically pleasing finished product, plus it can make a room look chaotic rather than relaxing. If you’re struggling to settle upon a theme, search for inspiration online. What styles do you keep gravitating towards?

Do you want something with a Mediterranean ambiance, or would you prefer a lounge with the coziness of a British cottage? If you chose the 2nd option, a Chesterfield sofa from Chesterfield Sofa Company will be the perfect piece to achieve the British look to your living room. There are thousands of aesthetics to choose from, but it shouldn’t take long to find one that truly reflects your personality.

From here, you can start choosing furniture with the reassurance that everything will be tied nicely together by this theme. For example, if you like the modern aesthetic, you’ll probably choose furnishings with bold prints and unusual shapes. However, if you’re more artisanal, something like a patchwork sofa and upcycled coffee table would suit you better. Don’t fall into the trap of following fashion trends. Instead, cultivate the perfect living room by choosing the furniture that reflects your individuality.

Accessories

Your lounge needs more than just wallpaper, flooring, and a few pieces of furniture. To give it a real sense of character, your room also needs accessories. This could include things like decorative plates and unusual ornaments for the surfaces; or throws and cushions for the sofas, which bring an element of coziness whilst also tying together the color scheme. These minor touches are not only inexpensive, but they’re also what complete a living room. It’s like adding seasoning to your food; things are just a little bland otherwise.

By following these interior design tips, you can create the perfect living room which feels like your heart and your home in one.

8 Things to Do Before Your Vehicle Gets Towed

By

Billy Voss

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June 23, 2020

If your car ever breaks down or if you meet an accident and your vehicle is no longer working, then it is highly probable that you will call a towing company to get help moving your car. However, before you jump to a conclusion and call a towing company, you should know about a few essential things. The tips we are about to discuss will help you determine how you should deal with your situation before calling and a tow truck and what you should do after the truck arrives.

Tips for practicing before getting your car towed by two-trucks:

Call your insurance agent before calling the tow truck company: there is no doubt that we all panic whenever our car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. All we want to do is to call the towing company and get out of the situation. However, a smart thing to do before calling the towing company is to call your insurance agent even if it is way past calling hours. Your agent will advise you on what to do and which towing company to call (for safety and affordability reasons). Sometimes your agent will also send the company’s repair services to help you out. For more information about the towing service, click here.
Rely on roadside assistance rather than autonomous service: If you don’t own insurance or don’t want to call insurance, ensure that you always have the contact info of the tow-truck services on your phone. Always keep the number of those companies which are trustworthy and fraud-free. The roadside assistance can reach you more quickly than other autonomous services. However, if you’ve met an accident, then you should mention it when you contact them because some companies don’t include towing services after accidents as it becomes a police case.
Source: Geyers Towing & Transport
Prepare the car to get towed: the first preparation happens before leaving home. Ensure that you are putting tow rope and a flashlight in the car before going for any journey. But, once you leave and face an accident or a breakdown of the vehicle. You should take pictures of the car (if met an accident) and take all the value before the truck arrives out of the car.
Ensure that you deal with the truck that you called: sometimes when you contact towing service, and they say that they will reach there in 20 minutes, but after five minutes of waiting, towing-truck approaches the car. There is a 99% percent chance it is not the service you contacted, but it is just some random roadside truck who saw the opportunity and came to claim it. If you have second thoughts about the truck, then ask for all the documents before handing them your car. But, if you think that the truck and its driver are shady, proceed with care like locking yourself in the car.
Source: NearSay
Tell towing service exactly where you have to go: you have two options; either go home or to a mechanic’s car repairing garage. Because it is your car that is being towed, so decide where you want to go. A driver who is trustworthy and honest would not insist you drop off the vehicle to a particular place, but if the driver does ask, call the cops as soon as possible:
Ensure to properly go through the documents before paying and signing it: before allowing your car to be towed, you should read the document and the prepared receipt, made especially for your situation. The contract will include all the information like the time of towing, model and number of your car, name of the driver, drop-off location, and the amount of towing. If you find that any of these things are not right, then don’t sign on the contract, don’t pay in advance and don’t let him tow your vehicle. Never agree or sign on anything which is vaguely written or doesn’t specify all the things clearly.
Source: Admiral
Ensure that the mentioned price is acceptable: when you contact your insurance company for assistance, ethically, they should suggest affordable tow services to you. The real cost will be determined according to the location of where you are stuck and where you want to go/dropped off. But, on your part, you need to have a screenshot or list of towing rates with you. So, if any towing service charges you more, you will know about that, and should not hire that company –call some other company. You are also not obliged to make cash payments to towing companies; because drivers have to agree on any mode of payment by law. If they are not willing to accept other modes, then there can be something fishy going on there. Also, beware when a driver argues that all the towing costs will be covered by the insurance company; needless to say, this statement might be right, but he doesn’t know your insurance and can’t be sure that they cover towing expenses.
Safely keep the towing documents: if the tow truck damages your car while towing or you have to claim expenses from your insurance company, you can use those documents. Those documents are going to work as proof for you whenever you need it. You can use them whenever you deem them useful or whenever the need for towing documents arises.
Source: HomeGuide

These tips may vary in situations, and they can help you in many cases. Getting a car towed is a serious business, and everything regarding it should be done with complete caution. Towing rules are similar in every state and jurisdiction, but some regulations may vary from place to place. Although reading about towing rules can seem like a tedious job but, familiarizing yourself with those rules before you leave home (especially for longer journeys on a car) will deem useful. Ensure that you always have a list of tow truck service’s contact numbers like 24 hours towing on your emergency contacts or in-car, so whenever you face car problems, you always have help nearby.

8 Ways Parents Can Monitor Their Teen’s Digital Behavior

By

Billy Voss

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June 23, 2020

Kids and teens are increasingly accessing the Internet and the use of applications, phones, mobiles, tablets and other electronic devices at younger ages. That is why, the inappropriate content that they can access without the supervision of their parents, becomes one of their major concerns. The market, aware of this problem, has launched and commercialized increasingly sophisticated and technologically accurate applications that allow parents to control the child effectively. But where is the limit of this type of applications? Are they a tool for the control and security of the minor, or for ill, excessive and abusive espionage of the parents? What does the law say about it? Is there jurisprudence applicable to the specific case?

In this article, we will analyze some of the most innovative and effective applications in this matter.

Potential dangers

The police has identified a series of crimes and dangers that exist on the Internet against minors:

Grooming: are the deliberate actions of an adult to obtain friendship ties with a child on the internet, posing as another minor, in order to obtain sexual satisfaction through erotic or pornographic images of the child or even for a sexual encounter. These predators create fake online profiles, contact the minors and invite them to exchange erotic images, and then extort them and demand more photos or personal appointments.

Sexting: is when young people exchange photos of each other erotic, mainly from their phones or tablets. Although they are often shared in intimate spaces, they are sometimes used as an object of bullying or blackmail for sexual favors.

Cyberbullying: is the psychological and physical aggression and intimidation that a child or group of children performs against a third party using technological means. Sexual or humiliating images, photo montages or made-up stories are often used. It is also known as ‘cyberbullying’ and can lead to states of deep depression.

Child pornography: is the sexual abuse and exploitation of minors for any profit. It is considered a transnational crime and is punishable by imprisonment.

New parental control apps

Currently, there are many applications on the market (and they are proliferating more and more technically more complete, simple and easy to handle by parents) that allow you to manage the time that the teen spends in front of the computer or mobile, manage the contacts, control the content that it emits and the one that it receives, prevent access to inappropriate content or inappropriate web pages for its age, warn about a minor misuse, block pornography, games or applications or even monitor what the minor does with his electronic device. Most of these applications are free and can be downloaded very easily and installed on the device and on that of the parents.

As we will see some are completely legal, while at other times, we may be crossing the line of legality and morality. The important thing, as we will see, is knowing how to differentiate between supervision, protection, looking after minors and safeguarding their interests on the one hand, and on the other, knowing whether we are facing obsessive and unhealthy control or surveillance. Virtue, as Aristotle would say, will be in the middle ground and in responsible use of this type of applications.

We will briefly discuss some of the most useful parental control tools:

Quostod – It is presented as a complete tool for the supervision and protection of minors online. It works on desktops, laptops, mobile devices, and tablets. On its page, we can find some of the functions that the application offers: “alerts about questionable activities on social networks, stops all dangerous pages of a website – not only the initial page, it shows if the computer is used to do important tasks or entertainment, filters inappropriate content from searches, allows you to define limits for responsible use of Internet access, filters new or not yet categorized pages, blocks devices when limits are exceeded, supervises social networks such as Facebook or Twitter, supervises multiple children, and can be individually configured.

The problem is that in some points, as we will see, it may exceed its duty to watch over the minor and interfere in his private life. It will be the parent, who under his responsibility, must weigh the limit of the privacy of the minor, calibrating above all the age and maturity of the teens.

Spy Phone – Is made to turn a smartphone into a family tracker. Quick and easy to install, in less than a minute. You can always use GPS to access your teen’s location, and the application is also designed to automatically send the location every half hour, so you will have a complete itinerary of your teenager. You can find more information at spyphone.com about how to do this properly

Talk kids – It is a chat specially designed for children, as a WhatsApp for minors with certain particularities and that has had at the time of designing this application with the advice of experts. Parents will be able to manage much of its content and application, and they will be the only ones who can decide to accept contact requests, the times in which the minor can speak, the days of the week that you can use it … It also has an offensive word detector that informs the parents of the lowest emitter and receiver when there is inappropriate language, controls the traffic of the content as well as the photographs and videos that are issued and received, and even has a spell checker. Very useful and safe.

Kiddle – It is a search engine exclusively for children that works with Google. Through it our children will be able to surf the Internet with total tranquility and without having to worry about what they will find and go crazy with security.

Yahoo Kids – an equally secure search engine that in very similar terms to the previous one, allows children to browse safely so that they can access content appropriate for their age, without being able to access links, pages or inappropriate content.

Teen Safe – One of the most controversial applications as it is an instrument of control, surveillance and we would almost say espionage of the minor. This service allows you to monitor all the activity that the minor is doin with his mobile: the calls he makes, the messages he receives and sends, the places where he is, browsing history, and even access to his Facebook and Instagram accounts.

Ignore no more – An application designed by a mother, fed up with the fact that her youngest son did not return or answer their calls, and that it allows to block the phone, rendering it inoperative (except for emergency calls) if the minor repeatedly ignores the calls from his parents. This application, displaying its name, allows the mobile to be blocked even in the distance by means of a security code, which can only be unlocked by the parents when the minor returns calls.

Norton Family – It is a surveillance software, which lets you know the content that the minor downloads, the places he accesses and the pages he has visited. Complete control of the minor’s history.

Conclusion:

New technologies can be (and are) an incredible tool for the communication, information, creativity and socialization of teens. I will even say more, it is something unavoidable in our life and we cannot take them away, isolate them or separate them from reality, but it can be dangerous. The ideal would be to start with a motivated and reasoned talk in which these aspects are explained, or to set the conditions for the use of a smartphone.

As we have always indicated, it is an educational, responsibility and trust issue that is necessary.

Where do Cryptocurrencies Get Their Value?

By

Gordan Himerdooff

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June 23, 2020

Becoming a good cryptocurrency investor is a tough challenge. First of all, this industry is relatively new. Because of that, you can hear different opinions about it. Some people are passionate about digital currencies. They believe it will completely replace flat money soon. On the contrary, some people simply do not want to accept it. They are convinced that Bitcoin and other altcoins are nothing more than a scam.

You must respect both ways of thinking. However, your main priority should be to get familiar with this subject. Knowledge improvement is the key to success in every field. If you are a complete newbie, you should start by making small steps.

The first thing you should analyze is different types of cryptocurrencies. As you probably know, Bitcoin is the most popular one. However, some less popular ones can be interesting to you as well. Anyway, the next thing would be to understand where do cryptocurrencies get their value. This is a crucial thing that will allow you to make a better income. By understanding how the change of value functions, you will have more chances to predict certain things.

Well, enough talking; let’s find out together how digital currencies get the value.

1. Rising Demand

You do not need to be an expert to understand why rising demand influences value. Let’s imagine that the company started to sell the current item. The item usually won’t cost that much in the beginning. However, there is a chance that the company will improve brand awareness and advertise properly. Despite that, if the quality of the item is good, people will demand it more. The company owners will sooner or later raise the price of their products. When people massively demand it, they won’t regret spending a bit more money.

Things are not different when we talk about cryptocurrencies. You have probably heard that Bitcoin was relatively cheap in the beginning. Some people became millionaires because they invested in time. The good thing is that they didn’t spend a lot of money at all. Logically, the demand for BTC was not as big as now.

Together with huge online exchanges, the usability of cryptocurrencies also improved. People now have the chance to use digital currencies in their everyday life. The number of companies that are supporting cryptocurrency-based payments is growing as well. Logically, we have this scenario because many governments legalized the usage of digital currencies.

Over time, cryptocurrencies experienced popularity growth (and they still are experiencing). Because of that, their value is constantly going up and down.

2. Fiat Currency Inflation

Traditional money might seem more safe solution at first glance. However, they also have their ups and downs. Well, their value-changing directly influences the value of digital currencies. Each time when their value goes down, the price of BTC and other altcoins grows. You might understand why this is happening. This means that you can get more of the currency with your digital coins.

ECB and FED are printing more and more money daily. In this way, they want to keep interest rates low. Because of that, the price-change because of this factor is often visible today.

3. Production Costs

Let’s once again use the example of well-known industries. Let’s imagine that you sell current food that contains different ingredients. What is going to happen if one of those ingredients becomes more expensive? Will you keep the same price of your product? If you want to cover all the costs and earn some money, you will have to raise the price of your product.

Something like this happens to digital currencies as well but differently. Opportunity costs and direct costs have a strong influence on price. A good example of that would be the production of Bitcoin. Miners need to invest a lot of money to cover their electricity costs. Logically, they have to use specialized pieces of hardware to accomplish their tasks. Despite that, they also need to invest a lot in cooling systems for that type of hardware. All these costs are raising the value of all cryptos.

4. Node Count

At first glance, this factor might seem unclear. Because of that, let us describe it a bit later. This indicator shows how many active wallets exist on the current network. You might believe that getting this piece of data is tough. However, you can easily find it on the internet. In some cases, you can find it on the homepage of the currency you invest in.

There is one tip that we would like to give you here. As we said, being a successful investor requires hard work, dedication, and knowledge. Well, investors use different ways to analyze the price of current currency. One way is to check the total market capitalization and node count. Use those two factors and compare them with other cryptocurrencies. This will tell you if the currency you want to invest in has a fair price or not.

5. Rumors

Believe it or not, this can also influence the value of digital currencies. You need to understand that the crypto world is not simple at all. However, the more important thing is to understand that this world is not gentle at all. Owners of different digital currencies use different tricks to harm the reputation of their competitors. In this way, they want to reduce the value of other currencies and attract new investors. You need to be careful when receiving this type of information. It doesn’t necessarily mean that they are all correct. They can sometimes give you the wrong direction that will only take your money.

6. Global Problems

Coronavirus crisis is good proof of how things can change in a second. Indeed, pandemic negatively influenced all fields of business. This also counts when we talk about the crypto world. Some people quickly sold their money because they were afraid of what could happen. Because of that, the price of all digital currencies is currently affordable.

Bonus Tip: How to Become Rich?

As you can see, becoming successful in this field depends on many factors. Because of that, you must work on your skill improvement. Despite that, it would also be good to find any type of assistance. Some software solutions can make things a lot easier for you. They can help you understand the trading process easier and earn some profit. If this seems like a good option, we recommend you visit bitcoin-fortress.com. Find the help you need there and explore the entire cryptocurrency world.

5 Benefits of Extended Stay Hotels for Business Travelers

By

Iva Aris

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June 23, 2020

The very nature of business travel means that the traveler’s primary focus should be to achieve the necessary business goals for that trip. This goal could be anything from delivering a service, purchasing products, and arranging business deals to grow the organization. With this in mind, every other travel requirement, including the accommodations, should help to serve this primary purpose.

Consider these facts about the business travel industry:

In 2018, in the US alone, $325 billion was spent on business travel, and over 460 million business trips were spent that year.
By 2024, the global cost associated with business travel is predicted to increase to $1.7 trillion.
Over 70% of all business travel lasts longer than one day.
Over 60% of businesses believe that long-lasting and strong business relationships are built from face-to-face business interaction rather than using video callings services.

According to www.affordablecorporatesuites.net, Where the traveler resides must be fit-for-purpose and cater to their every need – particularly if it is an extended stay. For example, the location of the hotel must be easily accessible in a safe part of the city, and access to services such as a secure WIFI connection must be readily available. The last thing a business traveler needs is avoidable problems that now stand as obstacles to fulfilling the reason for the trip.

What Are Extended Stay Hotels?

An extended-stay hotel is one that offers accommodation for a more extended period than conventional hotels. A traveler is usually allowed to stay for more than 5 to 30 days but less than 180 days. These buildings also offer apartment-style amenities such as a lounge and cooking area and furnishings such as high-quality mattresses and pillows to provide you with soothing rest after a long day’s work. Regular housekeeping services come as standard to make for a more comfortable stay. Most extended stay hotels know what the expectations are, and the best of these hotels try their utmost to exceed these expectations.

What Types of Suites Are on Offer?

Different business travelers have different needs that may change during their stay, so flexible provisions need to be made for them. Most extended stay hotels acknowledge the budgetary differences among their guests, so they will try to ensure that all customers can have luxury and comfort no matter the size of their pockets.

There are typically three types of suites available. Firstly, a studio suite is usually the smallest, including all the amenities you would expect from a regular hotel room suite. Next, the standard suite comes complete with a bedroom, bath, kitchen, laundry room, and living area. Finally, an executive suite is the largest of them and contains all the above furnishings and amenities but with beautiful outdoor spaces.

5 Key Benefits of Extended Stay Hotels

Here are some reasons why extended stay hotels are your best bet when it comes to business travel.

1. Spacious

Larger spaces inspire a greater sense of well-being, and most business travelers prefer a more spacious residence – especially if they are going to be away for a long time. Being in a small area for too long might prove uncomfortable and can make you unproductive. With the extra space that extended stay hotels offer, you can quickly set up your home office to get work done so that you won’t even feel like you’re away from your usual work environment. These advantages will help you to stay organized and focused on your work.

The use of space is also ideal with an isolated living area equipped with sofas, central coffee tables, satellite television, and sometimes with cool mod-cons such as an integrated apple docking station for your devices. Large windows with relaxing wall art and multiple lighting options come as standard. Also included is a separate bathroom and toilet, fully stocked with towels and toiletries.

2. Fully Furnished

If you are on a business trip, one of the things you shouldn’t be worried about is furniture. With extended stay hotels, all you’ll have to do is show up with your luggage. They offer fully furnished rooms, including the work or study area where you can easily set up. This allows you to be in the right state of mind for work, and therefore, you’ll be able to do much more. All of the furniture is high quality and will give you maximum comfort no matter the activity.

3. Homey Comforts

Even though you are business traveling, it shouldn’t feel too much like you’re in a strange environment. An extended stay hotel takes away this problem, by replacing it with a homey feel that you cannot refuse. For example, if you like to cook your own meals, then you’re guaranteed a fully equipped kitchen to help you do just that. It also feels like home because of the availability of various amenities that make your stay more comfortable. For example, you’re provided with:

Washing machine
Refrigerator
Dishwasher
Stove
Silverware
Flat-screen televisions

It will feel like working from a home that feels very much like your own with all these provisions.

4. Affordable

Because you will probably be staying for a more extended period, you do not have to break the bank. The more extended stay is more cost-effective when compared with staying in a conventional hotel. This way, extended stay hotels offer value pricing that prevents you from going over your per week or monthly budget, which allows your money to stretch much longer.

5. Excellent Locations

One other thing that business travelers need is to be close to where all the action is happening. Some extended-stay hotels offer this convenience so that guests do not have to spend too much commuting if they need to be in town. Most of them are located close to restaurants, retail shops and have access to major roads so that moving around won’t be a hassle.

Next time you need to travel for business, consider an extended stay hotel. You will be pleased with the spacious rooms and a full range of amenities.

Top 5 Reasons Why Makeup Professionals Should Start YouTube Channel

By

Billy Voss

-

June 23, 2020

Did you know that in a recent study that YouTube beauty videos generated more than 169 billion views? Most interesting is that the content viewed was not from makeup brands or industry experts but it came from beauty vloggers. The different content found on this platform includes tutorials, DIY, and haul videos as well as reviews. With the content being received positively, don’t you think it’s time makeup artists join the bandwagon?

However, if you are not yet sure about the benefits of starting a YouTube channel, then here are some points to inspire you to try out.

1. Helps You Build a Customer Base

I know you are always looking for new ways to bring in more customers. The good news is that by consistently posting videos to the right audience, you open doors to new customers to visit your beauty shop. Start by uploading simple to do DIY videos for day to day life and then proceed to special occasion beauty tips such as weddings and anniversaries.

Remember, you first need to target the audience living in your location and always use keywords your audience will type to find makeup artists like you. Also, make sure you provide your contact details as well as physical address and leave a link where the potential clients can make a booking. Below that, you can mention the different services you are offering.

According to VlogTribe, having the right camera for beauty vloggers is a must. The reason is that you need to display all those shades and makeup and make it look good and for your customer base to see the actual differences and what you talk about.

2. To Develop a Relationship with Your Customers

People love to connect and one way to this is by personalizing your videos. Keep in mind, often people are looking for someone who they can relate to, someone to get along with and feel comfortable around. Therefore, by showing your audience you are that person, you will start a relationship with potential clients even before they book an appointment with you.

You want to build a good relationship with them because that is the best way to get noticed and to potentially earn more money.

You will also be able to build your brand and it is said that people are more likely to get the services from someone they feel they know. For example, if you need to buy something for your home, are you more likely to choose a company you’ve never heard of, or are you more likely to go with someone you’ve seen on social media that sounds extremely capable and nice?

The same goes for your costumers, and when they can see your skills and your personality on the videos, they will be more likely to choose you when they are in need of similar services.

3. Create a Portfolio

We all need a portfolio and what better way than to have a YouTube channel. In this channel, you get to highlight your creativity by sharing with potential customers the final makeup look. By showcasing your skills, you get to build trust since your audience gets to learn firsthand how to apply different makeups while at home.

When you create a portfolio, it is going to be easier for you to successfully cooperate and collaborate with other businesses and companies. Whoever you decide to cooperate with, they will want to see your skills and to see how good you can present yourself and the products.

With a portfolio, you won’t have to go through all the draining stages of an interview, and makeup brands will be able to notice you faster. You can even get contacted by a recruiter and give you an offer right away.

4. A Chance to Work with Makeup Brands

Every businessperson’s goal is to grow their business to the next level and what better way than by starting a YouTube channel. By doing this, you will truly increase awareness of your skills among other experts in the beauty industry. After uploading some simple videos, you can start tagging the brands you are using or even mention the brands you love and wait to be noticed.

This move will not only increase your contacts, but it can open doors for collaboration with some makeup brands. You can gain access to free or discounted products as well as find like-minded people to share ideas with as well as work together. Interesting, right?

5. Build a Community

Apart from gaining an audience while still reaching out to potential customers, you can also build a community with your YouTube viewers. How can you achieve this you may ask? You can build your own Facebook group or just encourage your audience to follow you on Instagram by providing a link on your YouTube videos.

On these platforms, you can post live stories and encourage your followers to share theirs too. This way you get to engage with your audience who will not only keep you and your service at the top of their minds but also share feedback. Kindly let them share with you the positive or negative points on how they feel about your videos.

Once you start building an audience and once people start getting interested in your channel, you will be able to get new viewers fast. You may need to target them and lead them to your channel from different platforms, but soon, they will come to in on their own.

Conclusion

There you have it, the five reasons why you should start a YouTube channel. Keep this in mind, apart from growing your business; you will get to interact with all kinds of people who really need your expertise.

You should always start and do things on your own terms. You should think about the skills you have and how that can help your viewers. One thing that most successful YouTubers suggest is that they don’t follow anyone’s lead. They do things they are good at, without following others’ style. You can start by watching other videos and see how those people are utilizing their skills to make their channels successful.

Remember that these things take time and that you might need more than a few months until you get your first client. Just be patient and listen to what your followers want to see from you.

So, are you ready to use YouTube to reach more audiences?