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7 Ways to Innovate How You Are Traveling

Source: Medium

Preparing for travel requires paying attention to all the details including your flight itinerary, things to pack, culture, and proper etiquette of the destination. You also need safeguards if you are traveling to places experiencing political disorder or natural disasters.

Prepare your documents weeks or months before the scheduled departure date such as visas depending on where you are traveling to. Consult your physician for necessary vaccinations. For instance, adaptabletravel.co.uk advises that you contact the foreign office or state department to get specific information regarding travel alerts and other warnings that can make your travel dangerous and unstable. Get as much information as possible to help you in case there is a crisis to help you make an informed decision. For instance, if there is an earthquake and you can’t access your pertinent documents or get back to your hotel room. What does this mean? When you go for meetings or on a sightseeing outing, remember to take your passport with you. Carry the embassy contact information with you always and ensure your phone is fully charged.

1. Prepare a Good Travel Itinerary

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Have a well-thought itinerary that reflects your aspirations. Consider your priorities and goals and confirm your appointments in advance. Space them comfortably to ensure you can attend to them all. Even spacing ensures you have an enjoyable and more productive agenda focusing on your goals in all the meetings.

A flexible schedule ensures there are no unexpected delays in transportation and opportunities like luncheon invitations. You can leave a copy of the itinerary with a trusted friend or colleague so that they know where you are every day. Give pertinent information such as medical insurance and passport copies. You can also leave an emergency contact list with the travel planner.

2. Inquire About the Culture

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Invest time in learning the culture, customs, and history of your destination. You can attend cross-culture training or seminars. Brush up on their attitude towards punctuality, negotiation styles, proper use of titles and names, or gift-giving customs. For instance, the Japanese consider it rude for you to be late for the business meeting, but lateness is acceptable for social occasions. In the Middle East, it’s common to engage in some small talk before the beginning of a business meeting.

3. Learn Etiquette and Protocol Practices

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Go ahead and study the general etiquette and protocol of the destination you are visiting. Know the proper way to manage appointments and great your counterparts. Check the normal business hours and workdays. For example, in the Middle East, they work from Saturday to Thursday and it’s uncommon for lunch in most countries to last for two to four hours. Inquire about foreign holidays, religious customs, business manners, and dietary practices, or acceptable dress code.

Misunderstandings over body language or gestures can be embarrassing and complicate your business. Therefore, find a local to help you with local customs so that you are well-informed about the ins and outs of that country.

4. Learn That Native Tongue

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Business associates always love sincere attempts. You don’t have to learn the whole language but at least know something and hire a translator if you are uncomfortable speaking the language. You can learn a language using apps and online programs.

5. Check Travel Advisories

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Government-issued travel advisories concerning safety can affect your schedule in that country or location. Travel advisories can be in relation to political unrest, natural disasters, crime or war outbreaks, and health emergencies. Your traveling decision should be based on solid information and always have a backup plan if things don’t go right. For instance, know where the nearest consulate or embassy is in that place and ensure it is functioning and fully staffed.

6. Protect Yourself

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Have travel insurance on a trip-by-trip basis or a yearlong policy. This helps you out during a crisis like medical evacuations. The insurance mitigates financial loss you can incur. Remember, different destinations have different risks so ensure you choose a business travel insurance that covers you well in any circumstance. Check if you require another policy to cover y injury and medical costs.

7. Stay Connected Always

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An adapter or plug helps you change your notebook, PDAs, or cell phone when you are overseas. Contact your mobile network service provider before leaving to give you international options for such trips. You can choose a temporary plan that is compatible with the host country. Consequently, the phone should be able to make international calls.

You can also use Skype for international calls and communicate using WhatsApp. You can also buy a local phone for making international calls as it may be affordable.

Ensure you plan your trip in advance before traveling to cater for every eventuality. Safety is vital and get information concerning travel advisories issued by the embassy or foreign office. Familiarize with local culture, etiquette, and language to know the dos and don’ts. Have an amazing traveling experience.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Wisely

The days that follow after you’ve been injured in an accident, either on the road, at work, or on someone else’s property can be extremely tough. In addition to physical pain and perhaps disability, injuries from these accidents can also put a great toll on you emotionally and financially. There are medical bills to be paid and other expenses to be met, not forgetting that depending on the extent of your injuries, you might not be able to work, which means lost wages. Exclusive Leads Agency, is well know for helping attorneys find new clients that have experienced these kinds of hardship.

It’s important to note that drugs and cosmetic products like foundation can also cause (topical) injuries. If you click here, you will discover some of the safest skin-nourishing foundations currently on the market today. In addition to giving you an even, smooth, and radiant look, by choosing a good foundation, you can avoid injuries and the need for a lawyer in the first place.

All the same, however, the person or entity found at fault with negligence is often insured, meaning that their insurer is supposed to compensate you for your pain, suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. But dealing with insurance companies can be overly hectic if you decide to go it alone. Most of them hire adjusters whose strict role is to minimize compensation payouts as much as they can. For this reason, having the right personal injury attorney on your side becomes paramount if at all you want to get the fair compensation you deserve. Here are some crucial tips on how to choose a personal injury lawyer wisely.

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Consider Their Experience and Specialization

When in search of a good personal injury attorney, you will of course start by doing some research to come with a few potential candidates. As you compare them to choose the best, the experience is one of the most important factors to consider. Well, it might sound a bit harsh, but the truth is, inexperienced lawyers who are jacks of all trades with no line of specialty will rarely win court cases. It is, therefore, extremely important to choose a lawyer whose core area of practice is personal injury. He should at least have some expanded knowledge and experience in this field so that he or she knows the specific strategies to employ in your personal injury case.

It’s important to also get information about the lawyers’ background experience, including how many personal injury cases they’ve handled and how long they’ve been in practice. Most importantly, you’ll want to dig deeper and determine the specifics around the lawyer’s cases. For instance, does he normally handle car accident injury cases, work injury, or product-related injuries?

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Check Their Reputation

Who wants to hire a lawyer who has been caught up in scams?  Working with a lawyer who has a well-grounded reputation will always raise your chances of winning your case in court. Ensure your lawyer is someone who has earned respect from judges, other lawyers, and the different insurance companies. It also helps to check reviews online as well as the lawyer’s website and social media pages to see what others are saying before hiring them.

Source: Money Crashers

Assess They’re Winning Records

While choosing a lawyer, you may want to look into the past cases this lawyer has handled to determine how well he or she is likely to handle your case. Look out for his case curve… is it always going down or up in terms of winning? Who wants to work with a loser anyway? Some lawyers will always win whereas others will always lose. You need a lawyer who has first-hand experience and knowledge in insurance rebuttal to ensure he argues your case to the maximum for that most-awaited win at the end of the hearing.

Source: LinkedIn

Get Referrals

You may know of a friend who’s at one time been involved in a personal injury case. So you can always contact them or check out from your family members for contacts of a good personal injury lawyer.  If you get a good word about the lawyer, you can consider him and plan for a consultation. However, don’t over trust the recommendations. Instead, first engage with the lawyer to determine if they’re up to the task, which brings us to the next important consideration. Gauge their communication skills.

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Nothing can be more irritating than a lawyer who is a ‘know it all’. Yes, he may be a professional, but your word or advice in the case should have equal weight and you have all the rights to chip in and to be listened to. Therefore, as you choose a lawyer, go for someone whom you can communicate with, a good listener who will listen and follow your wishes on how you would like the case to be approached. Communication with your lawyer is key as it will have a major impact on your case… it can either make your case stressful or successful.

Finally, don’t jump into a train without inquiring about the fee. Inquire from your lawyer, how much he expects from you and whether he would prefer you to pay in advance or after the case is settled in court. Some of the best lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay if they win the case. These are some of the wise points you need when choosing a good personal injury attorney.

Autism and the Gift of Hyperlexia

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Autism is one of the most common diagnosis in children that are 5 years old or younger. This indication has many different symptoms and depending on the ASD type, some signs may be seen as gifts.

Experts say that hyperlexia is a gift that some of the autistic patients can receive and here we are going to talk about the common symptoms, statistics, and how these conditions are diagnosed.

Autism Statistics

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It is said that autism is a condition that has been around for centuries. However, it took many years for researchers to start diagnosing this disease. In the past, the people were usually misdiagnosed with other conditions, and it made the treatment process harder.

Researches show that the cause for this indication is genetics and when the parents are older, the children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism. This disease is harder to diagnose in women because girls are better at “masking”.

Masking means that people have the ability to copy the way others behave, including emotions. Girls are better at masking than boys, and because of that, girls usually get diagnosed at a later age. Some statistics show that women may not get diagnosed until they are in their late 50s and sometimes even older.

This year the reports show that one in every 200 children is diagnosed with a form in the autism spectrum disorder or ASD. At the moment Honk Kong has the highest rate of ASD in children with about 400 diagnosed children out of 10,000. When it comes to the United States, that number is 200 children in 10,000. The majority of the diagnosed are boys with about 4% and less than 1% are girls.

This does not mean that girls are less likely to get the condition, but they are usually harder to diagnose, and because of that. Nowadays there are many facilities that focus on the research of the symptoms that girls show from the earliest ages, and how that can help in future diagnosis and treatments.

Autism Signs

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There are a lot of symptoms children show that can lead to a diagnosis. The reason why we call it a spectrum disorder is because some people may exhibit more symptoms, and some of them may only show the slightest traits.

People who are better at masking and can mimic the behavior of others are less likely to be diagnosed. Unfortunately, when there is misdiagnosis or when their families don’t believe them, it can lead to other conditions like anxiety and depression.

Some of the symptoms may include difficulties with social interaction, communication, and hypersensitivity. Patients say that their brain works in a different way and that sometimes they don’t feel the need to eat or use the bathroom. Because of that, they need to be reminded that they are hungry, thirsty, and what they need to do to take care of themselves.

About half of the children diagnosed with a form of ASD have IQ scores above average, and 25% have normal IQs. It is said that hyperlexia can be one of the early signs in autism in children, but sometimes that condition or gift may not be connected with ASD at all.

Hyperlexia

Source: spectrumnews

The word hyperlexia comes from Hyper, meaning better than, or above and Lexia that means reading. So, this is a condition when a person has a better understanding or knowledge of words and languages. Children who have above average reading skills that are not common to their age may be diagnosed with this condition.

The children who’ve been diagnosed with this condition may learn to speak earlier than their peers and they will have a better way of communicating with others. It is said that this condition may be perceived as a gift, and in most cases, patients have an above-average IQ.

This condition may also be one of the earliest signs of autism since half of the people diagnosed with ASD have above average intelligence. If you want to learn how these conditions are connected, you can read more about a specific case where a little boy exhibited above-average reading skills and was later diagnosed with autism.

However, statistic shows that these two conditions are not always related and that your child may get diagnosed with only one of the indications.

How is hyperlexia diagnosed?

Source: lifeinfullspectrum

If you suspect that your child may be hyperlexic then the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. They can access it and let you know if there are more tests that need to be done.

They will ask you about the development of your child if there are any other symptoms that they exhibit and you will need to carry all of the medical documents with you. Make sure you write down any medical history and to let the doctor know if your child was diagnosed with a type in the ASD.

The next step in the diagnosis process is when the team of medical professionals will rule out any other possible condition and possibly, make a hyperlexia diagnosis. They will look for signs like behavior difficulties, the child being able to learn new languages with ease, above-average interest and knowledge of words and other languages, and possible difficulties in learning or understanding the mother tongue.

Sometimes children that are diagnosed with ASD may exhibit symptoms of hyperlexia, and sometimes the second condition may not be related to autism. No matter what the diagnosis is you should be supportive of your child and be there for them.

When you hear that your child has a condition that there is no cure for, many parents feel helpless. You should always know that sometimes things that seem like issues are blessings in disguise. You should try and educate yourself about the conditions and what you can do to help your child lead as normal life as possible.

There are a lot of people who have this condition and they live long and healthy lives. You can get in contact with other patients or parents and talk to them about the things you are experiencing. Talk to your doctor about the things you can do to help your child.

10 Annoying Things Every Gamer Hates

Source: cnet

Gaming is the largest part of the entertainment industry, earning more than music and movie scenes combined. The biggest revolution in gaming was when the online servers became available, along with the various consoles and additional equipment. Video games are constantly evolving, and some of the most recent titles have improved near-realistic graphics and gameplay.

Some of the most popular games are League of Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, GTA, World of Warcraft, but there are also numerous other titles played by millions. In case you are playing the most popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, visit mywowgold.com, where you can find a way to upgrade your hero much easier by buying gold.

On the other side, there is a great chance to get annoyed, especially when you are playing games in multiplayer mode. There is a variety of players when it comes to their behavior, experience, collaboration, and other abilities. Most of the gamers have experienced some sort of frustration while they were playing, and there are many reasons that could affect that. Here are the most annoying things that every gamer hates.

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1. 12 Years-Old Gamers

Imagine this situation, you came home from work and decided to take a break by playing your favorite video game. But the server of that FPS or strategy that you chose is full of annoying kids who are constantly threatening you, cursing you, bragging, and a lot more. This situation can ruin both the game and the rest of the day. Maybe the best solution is to try to find an online room with less chance to have kids there or create one with your friends and avoid being annoyed by teens at the peak of their puberty.

2. Lagging

One of the worst things that could happen while you are playing games online is a lag. We know that the level of frustration in this situation is unspeakable. Also, there are a lot of videos where we can see how some gamers got so angry for this, that they even broke a keyboard, speakers, and some other objects in their rooms. Sometimes the server became too crowded, and this can happen. In that matter, you should know that there is nothing you can do about it, so at least you can try to calm down.

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3. Cheaters

Cheaters are the worst part of the gaming community. They often find some ways to break the rules or hire AI bots to play instead of them. For example, there is a cheat in Counter-Strike, where the player can pass through walls. If you find that you are playing against the cheater, just agree with other players that he should be banned from the game.

4. Campers

If you are playing FPS, that you must hear of the term campers. Those are the players who hide in some corner and wait for you to show. It is very hard to play against this sort of player, but that is their way, and there is nothing to do about that. We know how annoying it is when everybody just wants to play a little action, but that one guy is ruining it with this method.

5. Loot Boxes and Play to Win Games

A lot of modern games, especially ones for smartphones, are implemented in the loot box system, where you need to buy various upgrades if you want to be better. The annoying part is that no matter how good your skills are, someone who bought different upgrades could easily beat you. Most of the gaming community doesn’t like these games since they are unfair.

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6. Pausing an Online Game

People who are using the Pause option are usually hated by the gaming community because it is highly frustrating when someone hits the pause button in the middle of some action. The developers are aware of that, and there are many games with a limited number of pauses that players could use in one game. For example, in Dota 2, each player could pause the game only 2 times.

7. Companies That Are Lying About Their Video Games

There were a lot of cases in the past where developers and companies were making announcements about their games, and how those titles are going to win the market. However, some titles showed a complete failure and disappointment for many who bought them. Some of the biggest most recent failures are No Man’s Sky, Fallout 76, Warcraft 3- Reforged, Postal 3, and tens of other titles got much better promotion than the actual quality and story of the game.

8. Unexpected Second Boss Battle

Developers are often hiding different quests, Easter eggs, bonuses, and much other stuff in the game, which makes them much more entertaining to play for a longer time. However, there is also an annoying part when it comes to surprises, and that is a second boss in some quest. In most cases, your character is probably down with health’s, or you are lacking ammo, but you have another tough opponent right after you thought that your mission is complete. The worst-case scenario is to lose against the second boos, and need to play the same mission or level all over again.

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9. Lazy Teammates

People who are not cooperating well are especially frustrating in games like League of Legends and Dota 2, where you are playing 5 vs. 5, and every player in the team can be crucial for the victory. Some people would rather hide away from the opponent, and collecting various things to upgrade their characters, while the rest of you is struggling to win as a team.

10. Never-Ending Discussion over PC vs. Consoles

There is a lot of games that you can play on consoles like Xbox and Play Station, along with PC. However, we can see that many people are constantly arguing over which console is better or is PC better for gaming than them.  If you just want to enjoy your favorite video game, just avoid this sort of discussion. In the end, it is a matter of personal choice when it comes to the selection of a proper gaming station.

How To Make Traveling An Amazing Experience

Traveling these days might seem like going on a fool’s errand, with little to no chance of viable success and a ton of unnecessary stress. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Embarking on a trip to arrive at a totally new destination should be an exciting and wonderful experience, even with how tiring airports and flying have become. However, rest assured that traveling domestically to fun places such as Vegas has become an easier and even luxurious experience if you look out for the right accommodations and research ahead of time.

Well, if you’re eager to explore a new city, but worry about the anxiety travel induces, then the following tips are for you.

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Choose the Best Flight

Once you decide on the destination, you should take the time and find the best and most comfortable flights available. If money is an issue, then it would behoove you to look through affordable third party sites that do most of the work for you by sifting through thousands of options through a variety of airlines. To secure the best deals, make sure to search using a private browser since advertisers can easily tell if you’re looking for certain flights and will automatically offer you the most expensive options – unless you’re incognito online. Using a private browser will throw advertisers off your scent and will allow you to find the best options faster.

However, if you’re looking for both comfort and good value, you should look into private jets or charter flights. There are companies that offer wonderful options, even if they’re not following a typical airline schedule. These sound more exclusive, which can come across as pricier, but that’s not necessarily the case – in fact, for more details check bitluxtravel.com and see if you find a flight that best suits your needs. You will be presently surprised by the affordable price points and excellent amenities.

Find Great Accommodations

Of course, getting there is half the battle. The next step is to find a hotel or home rental that works best for your needs. Maybe you are interested in having access to the most luxurious amenities at a five-star hotel. Or, you prefer booking something that is a bit off the beaten path, that allows you to better explore the city outside of its central tourist hub. Whatever your needs may be, look for the place that suits your own needs and budget. Be sure to look up the reviews, and make sure that the place offers you good payment options and decent cancellation policy in case of an emergency.

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Pack Better

Try not to carry bulky clothing, for one thing. This tends to be a rookie mistake. Unless you’re traveling in the dead of winter you can probably get away with simply packing a lot of layers rather than relying on a big puffy jacket and multiple thick sweaters. Also, look into the fabrics – there are thin shirts available on the market nowadays that retain heat very well, or you can simply go with the perennial classic, flannel. Packing a few cardigans and t-shirts should really be all you need.

When you’re ready to put everything away in the suitcase, you should roll up your clothes instead of folding them as per the convention. This allows you to make more room for other things, such as shoes or anything else you need to take with you.

Keep Your Tech Organized

It’s hard to travel these days without at least your phone, perhaps a tablet or e-reader, and a camera. You may even want to take your laptop with you. Regardless of what you decide to travel with, keeping your gear organized is important. For your phone, investing in a portable charger may help a great deal. Also, if you are going to another country, be sure to get the proper adapters for your gear. And, finally, make sure to invest in a cable organizer so that your cords don’t get tangled and messy. An annoying thing to have to deal with when traveling is having to buy new chargers and cables simply because they got damaged by careless packing.

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Avoid the Trappings of Instagram

Be sure to be an intrepid traveler, and don’t fall for the trap of going only to the tourist-heavy spots, or the places that are featured a great deal on social media platforms such as Instagram. The destination might look amazing online, but it could lack that same charm in real life. It could also be very crowded or just plain overrated. So, be sure to avoid these hyped-up haunts and go somewhere genuinely fun and interesting, where you might learn more about the people and locale you’re visiting. Being open to new adventures is one way to ensure that you have amazing travel experience.

Find the Best Food

Eating well is undoubtedly one of the best parts of traveling. However, things can be a crapshoot if you just go by the food offered in your hotel or the restaurants in the tourist-heavy areas. If you want to try the most interesting gourmet treats available, then you should look into locals’ recommendations of their favorite places to eat and streetcar food. You’ll know if the place is worth it if you see lots of residents enjoying the food, rather than tourists with deep pockets.

According to FamilyDestinationsGuide, the best local recommendations for food are found near a streetcar stop. These areas are more likely to have the most interesting food options, since they see more locals than tourists. So if you want to try something new, ask around at the nearest streetcar stop and find out what locals recommend!

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Avoid Cheap Souvenirs

If you want to go home bearing gifts for your friends and family, then don’t settle for the cheap tchotchkes at airports. Explore the city’s most underrated boutiques, specialty shops, and flea markets to find the best souvenirs. Also, buy plenty of offbeat postcards that you can keep for yourself or send to your loved ones – that’s always a great way to hold onto memories of your trip.

Ultimately, traveling is a way to create wonderful memories for yourself, whether or not you go on your trip alone. An amazing experience is not just about getting the fanciest accommodations or going to the trendiest places. It’s about experiencing a new place and enjoying all that it has to offer, without sweating the small stuff.

7 Facts You Need To Know About Cats

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Owning a pet is one of the nicest things we can do as a human, they’re kind, loving and give us a sense of purpose in our lives. Not only that, but they’re also hilarious to be around and often develop enormous personalities that keep us entertained for hours. If you own a cat you’ll know that they have something special about them, something different than other animals you might keep at home.

If you don’t or are thinking about getting a cat then there are a few things you need to know beforehand, here we look at 7 facts you need to know prior to purchasing your feline friend.

Lifespan

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With any animal, it’s important to remember that they live for a certain amount of time. Whilst this may seem like an obvious statement, it’s something that’s often forgotten by potential pet owners. It’s important to bear this in mind for two reasons, firstly, it helps us understand that at some point your pet will, unfortunately, pass away. Knowing this will at least help us prepare for the day and will ensure we make the best life we can for them. Secondly, and this is what is often forgotten, a cat will live on average for up to 16 years. They’re around for a long time and need care for the entire time they are alive, even when the initial excitement wears off. As the famous adverts say, a pet is for life, not just for Christmas.

They Cost Money

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You can, of course, rescue a cat, but that’s not the point I’m getting at. Whether you decide to buy a pedigree or rescue a tabby from the local shelter, they will cost money and it’s important to factor that in. Cat’s get bored like the rest of us so making sure they have enough toys is a must but that’s relatively inexpensive. Your main spend will be in feeding them, depending on the size of your cat you will have to feed them once or twice a day and that can end up heightening your monthly spend. With food, it’s best to do some research as to what’s going to be the best for your cat, experts such as TheCatMom.com say you should feed your cat nothing but the best. Nutrition is a huge part of a healthy lifestyle so it should be taken seriously. What you feed them will depend on a number of things, including size, breed, and if they’re picky, so finding the best is nothing short of essential. Don’t worry, it doesn’t always cost loads.

They Sleep A Lot

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This might seem like a strange point to make, but it’s worth knowing. Cat’s spend up to 70% of their lives sleeping and that’s just how they are. They need their sleep to function so if you’re looking for a pet that is constantly active during the day a cat might not be for you. However, if you’re looking for something a little more chilled then I can’t recommend one more.

They Talk To You

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This is dependent on the breed, some cats are hugely talkative and will engage in ‘conversation’ with you. They even have different ways of communicating so it’s worth reading up on what noises your cat makes and what they mean. Breeds such as Birmans will chirp and meow at you all day for attention, and in most cases, this is all they want, just engage with them until they fall asleep again. Some deeper, more guttural meows can mean they’re in distress or are ill so if they’re making an unusual sound it’s best to take them to the vet. Don’t be put off by the fact they’re vocal creatures, it’s a lovely sound and means they’re being affectionate.

Purring

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Cats purr when they are happy, a smooth rumble that’s relaxing when they’re sitting on you. There are now studies into a cat’s purr that have had some fascinating results. It is said that certain frequencies help cats heal themselves so when they’re happily purring away they are also speeding up their healing process. Amazing!

They’re Hunters

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Cat’s share 95% of their DNA with tigers, this means they are programmed to hunt. If you get a cat, expect them to bring home other animals they have killed. It’s just a part of their nature and what they’re doing is bringing you a present from their hard day of grafting. If you don’t like the thought of your cat acting like they’re designed to then it’s probably best you don’t purchase one, it’s inevitable.

Breeds Matter

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The breed of your cat will largely mean they have certain characteristics. Research the different breeds with personality traits you think you might like in a cat before deciding to buy one. Some are super friendly and want attention all the time, whereas others like to be on their own more. If you don’t want your car bringing in extra food all the time then have a look for a cat that tends to be a little lazier, therefore less likely to bring you a treat.

Owning a cat is one of the best things you can do, they’re amazing fun and brilliant to be around. They make your house feel like a home and they provide hours and hours of entertainment. Be mindful that they have needs and will be a part of your family for years to come and you’ll enjoy every minute of being a cat owner.

6 Ways To Thank Your Loved Ones

Our loved ones do so many kind things for us and we would all be lost without them. Whilst our friends and family help us because they love us and they want the best for us and don’t expect any reward or thanks, it is nice to thank them with a kind gesture. Thanking people shows that we appreciate them and that we don’t take them for granted. It is a way to show them that we are aware of what they do for us and that we love them for it. To help you show your appreciation, here are 6 ways to thank your loved ones.

1. Just Say Thank You

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It may seem like an easy thing to do, but being thanked for something that you have done for someone creates a nice feeling. It is surprising how many people never say thank you, either intentionally or unintentionally. Quite often we start to take for granted things that people do for us, especially when it is a friend or a member of our family. We become used to their acts of kindness so we unconsciously fail to show our gratitude. Simply saying thank you to someone and expressing your gratitude and appreciation can brighten up somebody’s day.

2. Write a Thank You Card

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Anyone who has ever received a Thank You Card knows how good it feels. Thank You Cards are often sent to thank someone for attending a wedding or some other event, or for a gift that we have received. Because they are usually only sent on very special occasions like this, receiving a Thank You Card that you are not expecting is a fantastic surprise. The folks at Tons of Thanks believe that it is important to make a Thank You Card as personal and gracious as possible. Even if you are sending multiple Thank You Cards, there are ways to customize each one so that it has that personal touch. There are many sample Thank You Cards available online that you can use as a reference point to make the perfect Thank You Card for your loved ones. You will encounter Simply Noted as one of the best sources when looking for information and solutions that best suit what you’re looking for.

3. Send Them Flowers

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Everybody loves receiving flowers whether it is for a birthday, a congratulations gift, a get well soon gesture, and especially as a thank you. Flowers are a great thank you gift because they are universally appreciated so you don’t have to try and think about what somebody will like. This can be very hard to do as so many people are hard to buy gifts for. If you can, try and find out what the recipient’s favorite flowers are so that you can ensure that there are some in the bouquet. This can be quite easy to do if you just casually bring it up in conversation. Any professional florist will be able to design the perfect bouquet that incorporates those flowers. Flowers can be quite expensive, but you don’t need to break the bank buying an enormous arrangement. Flowers are such a thoughtful thank you gift that your loved one will not care how big the bouquet is, they will just be touched by the gesture.

4. Do Them a Favor

Source: unsplash.com

Quite often, favor is a far better way to say thank you than a gift because we all lead such busy lives that a little help here and there goes a long way. Ask your loved one if there is something that you can help them with. There are many favors that people will appreciate and the best favor to offer depends on who you want to thank. If your loved one has children, it can be a nice gesture to offer to babysit for a night so that they can have an evening to themselves or with their partner. If you want to thank an elderly relative, you can offer to help them with something that may usually be difficult for them, like going grocery shopping or going to a doctor’s appointment. If possible, do the favor without asking them first as this will have the bonus of a surprise. If your neighbor has done something kind for you that you want to thank them for, mow their front lawn whilst you are out mowing yours. Every gift and gesture is made that little bit more special when it comes as a surprise.

5. Make Them Some Food

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Another thoughtful way to say thank you to a loved one is to make them some food that they love. We all love a home-cooked meal, so be spontaneous and take them round their favorite dish. Not only will this give them something delicious to eat, but it will also give them a night off from cooking. If you want to thank your friend and you know that her children, particularly love cookies, you can bake some cookies to say thank you. Your friend will appreciate the effort that you have gone to and their kids will be happy too. Happy kids usually mean happy parents.

6. Take Them Somewhere Special

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Taking a loved one out somewhere special is the ultimate way to say thank you. If someone has done a big favor for you or has given you a nice gift, taking them somewhere to say thank you is a perfect way to show gratitude. This may be a nice restaurant, a night at the theater, or for drinks in their favorite bar. Make sure you know that the check is on you so that they don’t try and talk you out of paying. You don’t have to splurge beyond your means, just take them somewhere that you know they will love and which you can enjoy together.

It is such a nice feeling when someone shows that they are grateful for something that we have done for them. There are so many different ways to say thank you and the most important thing is that you do it in a thoughtful way to show your appreciation. Follow some of the tips in this guide whenever you want to thank your loved ones.

How to Drastically Lessen Your Back Pain

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Back pain comes about due to many factors such as arthritis, accident injury, nerve damage, or doing heavy lifting physical work. It can be frustrating and unsettling as the pain causes serious discomfort. If you are struggling with back pain, you should understand that people experience this pain at one point in their lives.

It’s a common reason to seek a doctor’s appointment or call in sick. Plus, back pain is a leading cause of disability according to the WHO. Treatment for back pain can be simple or complex depending on the nature of your pain. An orthopedic surgeon examines your back and gives an appropriate diagnosis. If you want to learn about the causes of back pain, visit here to find more information. Therefore, the cause determines your treatment. The location of the pain, severity, and whether the pain is muscular or structural are some of the things used to determine the cause and best treatment.

Other factors include your activity level and age. These two factors can make the pain last for weeks or a few days. People not undergoing extreme treatment experience fewer complications than those undergoing invasive treatments. Below are effective back pain relief remedies you can use.

Use Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Source: NBC News

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen or ibuprofen lower your back pain. The two drugs are better pain relievers than acetaminophen. Most people experiencing this pain have muscle or ligament strain and inflammation which an anti-inflammatory drug easily handles. However, don’t take the drugs for over 10 days without seeking the opinion of a medical professional as it causes gastrointestinal disorders.

Heat and Ice

Source: Pinterest

You can use a cold pack within 48 hours after experiencing the pain. Let the cold pack rest for 20 minutes each session and have several sessions in a day. After that, switch to a 20-minute heating pad interval.

Localized cooling reduces blood flow to that area and shuts down capillaries. This helps ease your swelling and lowers the ability of your nerves to send pain signals. Consequently, heat pad increases blood circulation and loosens your tight muscles bringing extra oxygen.

Exercises

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Gentle stretches, periodic standing or walking if you sit for long periods of time all help prevent muscle imbalance and stabilize your spine. Yoga works too. Poses and stretches are very therapeutic. Some of the exercises include child’s pose, cat-cow, upward, and downward-facing dog. You can repeat the stretches more times a day. The exercise has a positive impact on your posture and spine.

Ask Your Doctor Concerning Prescription Medications

Source: Science News for Students

If your back pain persists for six weeks, it is ideal to schedule an appointment with your trusted orthopaedic doctor to examine any other underlying issues. The physical checkup determines the effect the pain has on your mobility. Other tests include imaging tests such as MRI and X-ray.

The doctor may recommend the use of muscle relaxants, cortisone shots, or even topical pain medications.

Physical Therapy

Source: thefatlossninja

In this case, the physical therapist will introduce you to various exercises to help you manage your back pain. The exercises include a series of stretches that correct imbalances that led to the back-pain issues. Therapy depends on the severity and causes of back pain. Plus, the therapist employs various treatment techniques like electrical stimulation, ultrasound, or active release therapy. These specialists help strengthen your back extensor and core muscles.

Massage Therapy

Source: tantranectar

Schedule a massage session to reduce your back-pain discomfort. You can go for weekly massage therapy sessions. The sessions lower your back pain and disability risk significantly. General relaxation works like structural massage therapy as they target specific parts of your body. A lot of back pain problems are because of muscle strain which a massage session can fix.

Sleep Better

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Lack of enough sleep or irregular sleeping patterns can cause back pain problems.  Sleeping is hard if you have this pain which will make you feel worse. A poor sleeping position aggravates your back pain. Therefore, lie on your side and put your pillow between the knees to ensure your spine is in a neutral position. This position helps relieve back strain. If you want to sleep on your back, simply slide the pillow under the knees. Plus, ensure you are sleeping on a comfortable and firm mattress.

Use Ergonomic Chairs

Source: HiConsumption

Practice proper ergonomics at work to ensure your shoulders, back or neck doesn’t suffer. Improve your working station by positioning your desktop monitor at eye-level, 20-inches from your face. Also, invest in a more comfortable ergonomic chair with good lower back support and armrests.

A healthy lifestyle will allow you to maintain a healthy back. Control your weight and develop a sustainable eating plan. Low-impact exercises and physical therapy sessions are highly advisable. You can also go for massage therapy to stimulate those muscles and quell the muscle or ligament strains. Ample sleep helps you relax and prevents back issues. Practice good posture. If there is still no back pain relief after doing all the things mentioned above, see a spine specialist for effective diagnosis and treatment of your condition.

8 Interesting Facts About Jewish Customs And Traditions

You probably know that the Jewish culture is all about family values, building strong relationships, and helping other people. The entire culture is so colorful and complex, that you might be wondering – what are some of the most interesting facts about Jewish traditions and customs?

Well, if you are looking for an answer to this question, this article might be able to help you quite a lot. The text below is going to feature a list of the top 10 interesting facts that you should know about the culture and traditions of Judaism. Let’s take a closer look at the list:

1. The Torah

Source: My Jewish Learning

The Torah – which is their sacred book – is also referred to as the “Hebrew Bible”. It does feature the same books as the Christian Bible, however, the order of the text is different. The Torah, that includes the first 5 books of the Tanakh – the sacred text – highlights the laws that all Hebrew people must follow. In some situations, you might also hear people calling it ‘Pentateuch’.

The Hebrew nation remains preserved due to the dedicated study of their Holy Book. It contains important life lessons for people to comprehend, and most of them do choose to follow a wide range of commandments, especially once where they promise to spread the knowledge to the next generation.

2. The Clothes is Often Modest

Source: Pinterest

For Jewish people, one of the most crucial things is to dress modestly, in order to prevent them from being overly exposed. For females, this means that they need to cover their collar bones, their pants or skirts need to be longer & reach their ankles, and their arms need to be covered all the way to the elbows.

If the women are married, they will also need to wear a tichel – a cover for their hair – or a sheitel which is a form of a wig that covers their hair. The hair is considered to be the most intimate part of their body, especially after they get married. On the other hand, men have different attire.

The males need to wear a ‘hat’ which is commonly referred to as the skullcap or kippah, as well as a tallit used for prayers. The tallit is basically long shawls that they can use when praying and you can find a wide range of websites that sell them so make sure to visit here to check the quality of products. They come in various sizes, designs, and colors, which means that you’ll be able to find one that will fit your needs.

3. Traditions Are Carefully Followed And Respected

Source: Jewish Ledger

There is nothing more important for one community than following and respecting the traditions they have. For each particular community, there are a set of traditions that are called minhag. Some of the traditions that they choose to do include placing the mezuzot above your door, dressing up for specific holidays, and celebrating those holidays according to the Torah.

Some of the most celebrated holidays include The Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur), Chanukah (the celebration of light), and the Rosh Hashanah (the New Year). You have probably heard about Passover as well, which honors the Jewish slaves that were flight from Egypt a long time ago.

Naturally, there are a lot of Hebrew communities in the world, which is one of the reasons why the celebration way can differ from one another. Of course, this does not mean that they do not celebrate the same things, it just means that they have a different way of honoring specific, important days.

4. Chesed is Their Way to Show Kindness And Love

Source: The Telegraph

Simply said, chesed is a form of loving and showing kindness to other individuals. Now, you might be wondering – but how do they do that? Well, they often sign up for charity acts, something that they strongly believe is a major part of healing our Earth and improving the environment around us.

According to the Torah, they are obligated to help people in need, especially the poor, orphans, and widows. If you Google it, you’ll see that there is a wide range of organizations set up in order to help different people with their problems. This includes helping the sick and elderly as well.

5. The Temples Are Cherished Beyond Anything Else

Source: The Forward

During 1.000 B.C., the rightful ruler of the Jewish people was King David. Later on, his son Solomon went on to erect the first holy temple, situated in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, the Babylonians destroyed in and sent millions of Jews into exile. After it was destroyed, a second temple was built, but, when it was also destroyed, they turned to build synagogues, where people come and attend regular services.

6. The Rabbis Are Extremely Respected

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Rabbis is a word that can be translated to ‘teacher’ and they are learned Jews that have a job to guide other individuals in their studies, especially Torah, holding frequent services, as well as mitzvah observance. The rabbit will interpret and apply the customs, traditions, and laws of Judaism, as the people before him did.

7. God First Spoke to Women According to The Torah

Source: Britannica

As mentioned, Judaism is a tradition that is passed from one family member to the next, and the women in the communities are the staples of how those traditions are transmitted and passed down. During the time God communicated the Holy Book, he did not speak to men, instead, he spoke to women first.

8. There Are Several Types of Judaism

Source: My Jewish Learning

There is actually more than one type of Judaism, including Orthodox, Hasidic, Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist, Humanistic, as well as Messianic Judaism. Of course, each of them varies, however, they do all follow the basic principles and lifestyle. Also, it is worth mentioning that most Jews do not choose a specific category, instead, they simply refer to themselves and their family members as Jewish or Hebrew people.

Conclusion

As you were able to read, there is a wide range of facts about the culture and traditions of Judaism. They all have a strong significance for the people, and generally speaking, it is quite interesting for people to learn more about it, especially since it is quite different from what we might be accustomed to.

Factors That Affects a Boiler’s Performance

When it comes to any equipment, we always take into account its efficiency and overall performance. It matters most, primarily when we highly use it for mass production and assign it to perform loaded and heavy workloads. That very same philosophy is applied to boilers as industrial equipment.

But how can it be maximized to its optimum? Here, we will discuss the significant factors that affect a boiler’s performance and some few tips on how to increase its efficiency on the side.

Source: Explosion Power GmbH

What is boiler efficiency?

In simple words, boiler efficiency is a measurement of the amount of combustion energy that is converted into steam energy. According to the ASME Energy Balance Method, some factors affect the calculation of boiler efficiencies such as stack, radiation, and convection losses.

Even though boiler design is still a major factor, there are other principal factors that affect boiler efficiency calculation. The main focus is to create a condition where there will be an increase in boiler efficiency by understanding the factors that mainly affect it.

5 Factors That Affects A Boiler Efficiency

Despite boilers having different designs, they have a common denominator when it comes to their efficiency. And determining and understanding what these factors are can help you recognize and resolve boiler issues that you will encounter in the future. Even more so, it allows you to make a solution to have your system reach optimization.

Source: Forain Srl

1. Flue gas temperature

A flue gas or exhaust gas is a gas that has been expelled during boiler operation. If the flue gas temperature is high, that means that the heat produced during the boiler operation is not used to create steam, hence it is lost. The resolution for this situation is to create a condition that will keep the flue gas temperature at its possible lowest temperature.

If your boiler keeps on releasing a high-temperature flue gas, then you are on the losing side. According to Wirral Plumbers, you should have a professional install combustion air heaters or economizers. Economizers for one can help to save fuel and the possible damage that cold water can do to your boiler.

When you are renting a boiler, make sure to ask questions if they have an economizer. You can contact ctcair.com when you need to rent one. They can further assist you with these kinds of measures to increase boiler efficiency.

2. Fuel Specification

If you were thinking of less about fuel specification, then think again. Determining the right fuel specification should be given the utmost priority. Addressing this issue is simple as you only need to establish the right fuel specification and make sure that the actual fuel meets the criteria. The most common fuel types used in boilers are natural gas, fuel oil, coal, and wood (biomass).

It is worth noting that fuel specification plays a vital role in increasing boiler efficiency. Remember that the higher the hydrogen content, the more water vapor is formed during the combustion process. Therefore, high water vapor losses and lower efficiency. To solve this, have a natural gas combined with higher methane concentrations and lower content of other gases. This equation will burn much more efficiently and can operate at a higher efficiency.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

3. Excess Air

If there’s an increase of excess air in the combustion chamber, this will all absorb all the energy from the fuel, which can still be used to raise steam. Therefore, it will result in lower boiler efficiency. An increase in excess air is present when there is a rise of flue gas temperature, which indicates a heat loss during the boiler operation.

However, some cases require excess air during the combustion process. One example is an ultra-low-emission burner, the excess air is utilized to reduce the production of carbon monoxide and NOx. This process is mainly to control the temperature of the flame.

4. Steam Losses

A well-maintained and regularly checked boiler produces high steam energy, but when the production is failing or losing, there is something wrong in the system. When there is less steam energy created, there is a steam loss. This happens when steam or hot water is allowed to escape due to leak in piping. Steam traps are commonly the reason why there is a steam loss. Frequent equipment checkup and maintenance can help avoid this situation from happening.

Source: RENTAR® – Fuel Catalyst

5. Radiation and Convection Losses

These losses are the only two factors that affect boiler efficiency that no one can prevent. They are inevitable factors when you use an industrial boiler. However, there are ways to minimize the losses.

The radiation and convection losses are the heat being released from the boiler during the operation. By properly insulating an industrial boiler, you can minimize its surface temperature and lower heat losses. You can do two effective strategies to reduce these losses, such as:

  • Install a superior insulation method and make sure to utilize quality insulating materials as bad conductors help reduce heat loss by conduction.
  • Control the airflow over the boiler surface. Shield your boiler from outdoor winds and indoor drafts are helpful.

Takeaway

There’s a lot of advantages when you start utilizing boilers for your business. However, just like other machines and equipment, they also have disadvantages as they are bound to factors that can cause their inefficiency. Yet, these inefficiencies have their contingencies as well. When you have the knowledge and the understanding of what causes the inefficiencies, you will know how to resolve them.

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