Hopelexs

Express Yourself

[hopelexs]

Ways To Travel On A Budget

Planning a vacation is significantly simpler than it was, thanks in large part to the internet. In the end, finding a hotel, dinner, or flight reservation is simply a quick Google search away. But travel is still rarely a deal.

If you dig a bit deeper, you will find everything from cheap flights to cheap lodging alternatives. Here are six ways to travel on a budget without sacrificing the quality of your holiday, according to specialists.

Think about your budget while choosing your destination

There are lots of hurdles travelers face when planning a holiday, but experts say there is one important detail people will need to be more aware of their destination.

As opposed to deciding where you will go first, then searching for flights in your budget, "take that search process and invert it," suggests Scott Keyes, the creator of Scott's Cheap Flights, a flight deal website. "By making cost the next priority, it is not terribly surprising that the final result is expensive flights" For those who have some flexibility with time or the areas you'd love to go to, Keyes recommends exploring which of your prospective destinations would be the most economical during the timeframe you're targeting.

Beyond finding a flight that will not break the bank, you also need to take into consideration the country's financial state when planning your journey, says Damon Dominique, co-founder and co-host of Shut Up and Go, a travel site and YouTube channel for traveling. Dominique says you need to first ascertain what the exchange rate will be on your country's currency. Considering that the American dollar is often comparable to or stronger than other kinds of money --such as the euro or the Israeli shekel, respectively--it is important to factor.

The time of year you decide to travel may also impact more than just flying, based on Jo Franco, co-founder and co-host of Shut Up and Move. If you visit on a weekend or during peak tourism season, the trip will surely be pricier, she notes intentionally visiting during a destination's off-season can save you money. And because the most tourist-friendly areas are often the most expensive, Franco indicates that visiting a smaller neighborhood town" could be better and more enriching than seeing a capital city."

Locating a cheap flight when planning a trip is always half the battle. And for those traveling overseas, there's typically no other choice than to fly.

If you are not looking in the perfect portion of the sky at the ideal time, you're likely to miss it," he says. Google Flights and Kayak are useful tools with flexible search parameters and can send you different cost alerts for the destinations you are interested in. If you are looking directly at an airline's site, you might end up spending more money than you planned to, according to Keyes. As an airline's ultimate objective is, of course, to generate income, the earnings that airlines broadly advertise are generally not the best prices, he notes. Rather than reserving directly on an airline's site, Keyes suggests opting for third-party sites like Priceline or Expedia for the best travel bargains. These websites will do the legwork for you by scouring the internet to get the cheapest available choices.

Know when to jump onto a good flight deal

And there's no telling how long a flight's cost will last--particularly when an airline provides a fantastic deal. Though your instinct is to wait and make your choice after doing additional research, there are a few instances when it's ideal to take the jump and reserve that flight immediately, according to Keyes.

[hopelexs]

Cheapest Places To Travel

That ever-growing journey wish list may be putting some pressure in your own pocket -- but there are loads of destinations where you will get more bang for the buck. From Greece to Guatemala, here are 20 places you can see without breaking the bank.

Thailand There is a reason why Thailand remains so popular with backpackers -- it has got idyllic islands, a rich culture, beach-huts aplenty, tantalizing cuisine and experiences galore, and all available at often staggeringly low prices. Regardless of the well-trodden routes throughout the country, it is not tough to break free from the crowds. Have a look at Nakhon Si Thammarat for a few of the best food the country offers, or hire a motorbike to generate the 600km trip along the Mae Hong Son Loop through the forested northern mountains.

South Africa One of the terrific things about traveling in South Africa is that it is possible to have a safari adventure here -- complete with the Big Five -- without encountering here complete with the Big Five – without encountering a budget-breaking bill.  Head to Hluhluwe-Imfolozi to see the white rhino and also to prevent the crowds of Kruger, to the Drakensberg for superlative hiking, and do not forget to factor in at least a couple of days in amazing Cape Town. Start planning your trip with our listing of the greatest road trips throughout the country.

Vietnam Despite a remarkable rate of change over the years since the end of the American War, Vietnam remains an amazing value for Western people. The nation's biggest attraction is its sublime countryside, from the limestone karsts of the north into the waterways and metropolitan areas of the Mekong Delta, with blissful shores and frenetic cities crammed in between.

Then there is the cuisine -- pull up a stool in a pho stall and for just a few dollars you will eating some of the best food on offer, shoulder to shoulder with the locals. Take a look at our 9 tips for backpacking Vietnam and find out ways to get off the tourist path prior to going.

Uruguay If you have already visited Brazil and Argentina, or are only seeking a better value destination, head rather than neighboring Uruguay. You will be relieved to hear it's still possible to find excellent steak here; also, their plenty of beautiful beaches to choose from -- visit Cabo Polonio for quieter sands and abundant wildlife -- and the stunning old capital of Montevideo. You'll find all of the information you want to plan a budget trip in our Budget Guide to Uruguay.

Cuba Since relations between Cuba and the US started rapidly warming up, there has never been a better time to see this Caribbean island. Go now before it changes beyond recognition -- and until the prices begin to go up and up even more. Hit the dinner clubs of Havana, get caught up in the heady July carnival of Santiago, or dip your feet in the warm Caribbean in Varadero Beach -- regardless of what you do, you will find it hard to not leave completely drunk.

Prague, Czech Republic Despite being firmly on the tourist -- not to mention bachelor party -- course nowadays, Prague still remains one of Europe's cheapest capital cities to go to. For only a couple of Czech Crowns, you can enjoy a hearty meal, washed down with adequate local beer (of course). The town itself is a wonder, crammed full of history and ideal for leisurely explorations on foot. Want to explore Europe on the cheap?

Greece Greece has been having a difficult time economically recently. It eventually started trading on financial markets in mid-2018 following eight years of bailouts, but for many, making endings meet daily is still hard. If anything, the fiscal situation is even more reason to travel here and to encourage regional men and women. The situation does mean that prices are still less expensive than they once were, so you may be able to squeeze an excess island or two into your itinerary. Pay by credit card for anything you can beforehand, but take enough money with you for your journeys, and you are pretty much guaranteed a wonderful trip.

Guatemala It is hard not to fall under the charm of Guatemala and its compelling mix of natural beauty, Mayan traditions, and colonial legacies. Rock-bottom prices make this among the best places to study Spanish; after your linguistic skills are up to scratch, jump onto one of the nation's famous camionetas or"chicken buses" to research. Soak up the sights of graceful Antigua from the south of the country, or be wowed by the ancestral Maya temples of Tikal.

[hopelexs]

DIY Shoe Storage Ideas

Would you love shoes but hate to see them scattered around your floor or piling up by the front door? Luckily, there are lots of convenient and attractive ways to shop for boots and shoes. Whether you prefer traditional techniques of storage, including a hanging shoe bag, or innovative options, like a shoe or repurposed cabinet, there are numerous options to fit your style.

Here are eight shoe storage tips that will help you put your best foot forward.

Repurpose a Ladder A DIY shoe ladder is an exceptional way to assist you to quit tripping over your shoes on the ground while still enabling them to be readily accessible. All you need are a standard wooden ladder and a few planks cut to match from 1 side of the ladder rungs to another. Attach the planks into the ladder with L-brackets, and you are all set to use this creative shelving. You can paint or stain it to suit your decor.

Glam Up Your Shoe Boxes Boxes are best for storing footwear--shoe shops know this well! However, the boxes in which shoes come in are not always the best choice. A number of them are easily ripped and dented, and they are simply not that pretty to look at. Canvas or plastic shoe boxes are a practical and attractive way to store your shoe collection, and these sturdy boxes normally come in a number of sizes. But if you like to DIY, you can add some pretty paper into the boxes that your shoes came into customizing the appearance.

Use Vertical Space If you don't have a great deal of room, sometimes the only place to go is up. Using that frequently overlooked wall area above your head is an excellent way to get the most out of a small apartment or cupboard. That is also true when it comes to saving shoes. Crown molding may be repurposed as a location for heels. And any sort of floating shelf can help you turn unused pieces of cupboard or wall space into a place for shoes.

Organize With Cubbies Cubbies are adorable and frequently related to early childhood. But there is a practical reason this sort of storage is used in kindergarten classrooms: It works! If you would like to organize your sneakers in the easiest manner, just stick them in their own little cubby cubes. A tall unit is terrific for families with children --small ones get the cubbies near the ground while adults take the top rows--but you will find this sort of storage in any size. And if the simple cube is not your style, there are lots of sophisticated options utilizing the identical principle of open, organized shelving.

Make a Wall Display If your shoes are too wonderful to stash behind a cupboard door or within a cubby or cupboard, flaunt them with a wall screen. First, install thin shelves with strips of molding or dowels in as many rows as you want in your wall. After that, sit shoes in addition to the shelves or hang them from their heels, and you have an instant eye-catching shoe storage solution.

Shake Up Your Hanging Shoe Bag The affordable hanging shoe bag is both a space-saver and a simple way to receive your footwear off the ground and organized. With this procedure, you have the ability to find all of your shoes at a glance and can catch and return any set in moments. If you have never attempted a hanging shoe bag since you don't have enough shoes to fill all of the slots, bear in mind that these bags do not have to be used for shoes alone. Fill empty spaces with belts, jewelry, hats, and other accessories.

Revamp an Old Bookcase or Cabinet A classic cabinet with a glass door lets you show off your sneakers and your taste in furniture in precisely the exact same time. This cabinet keeps shoes visible and readily accessible while protecting them from dust. And it functions as an art piece in the room. A bookcase or shelving system originally intended for other things can be translated in endless ways, irrespective of your design style.

Make Your Own Boot Rack If a lot of your shoes are boots, all you will need to keep them are a couple of boards with hooks attached. This sort of simple boot rack is located at some home shops, or you can create your own as a DIY project to customize the shape and size. Put your boot rack on the porch or in the mudroom to maintain wet Wellingtons. Or keep one in your closet to organize all kinds of boots. Besides, you can paint or stain this DIY rack to match any decor style.

[hopelexs]

DIY Gym Setup

There is nothing manlier that exercising in your garage. In actuality, many men have relinquished their unworthy globo gym memberships and used that money to purchase equipment for their personal garage gyms. This saves time, and rather than paying some jerk's expensive car payment, you maintain the equipment.

Get a fantastic weight set, a seat, and a squat rack, and you are halfway there. There are numerous different elements to the home gym which make it more functional and will help you take your fitness to another level. Below are pieces of equipment that increases your manly strength and help you save money in the long run.

Plyometric boxes But, plyo boxes out of most fitness distributors are incredibly expensive. We've got some excellent instructions on the best way best to create a 3-in-1 Plyometrics box here at Art of Manliness.

Sandbags You can do cleans, conveys, snatches and strongman type loading together. The best part is that they cost next to nothing to create. All you need are an old duffel bag (preferably an army/navy rucksack), builder's bags, and some pea gravel. Double-bag the pea gravel in the contractor's bags, and tape them up firmly. Each smaller tote can be in the weight that you think is sensible for loading.

I have one big Navy sea bag and I created 5 different 25 pound little sandbags that fit to the big Navy bag so that I can change the burden as I see fit.

Another wonderful exercise is to take your sandbag plus a few extra 45 pound plates and load up your trusty wheelbarrow. Instantly walk 100′, make a quick turn and return to the starting point. Who wants shrugs when you have this exercise?

Lifting Platform If you are a fan of the Olympic lifts (and who is not) you want a lifting platform. This is a handyman's project and a bit too complicated to detail here. Here's the way to create a weightlifting platform.

Pulling sled/tires This piece of equipment will make decent use of your welding skills. It takes a length of 1.25 square steel tubing.

First, take the 18″x24″ bit of 1/4″ thick sheet metal and bend a two ″ lip bent to 45 degrees at one end. Then drill a hole through the lip to the tow rope. Then, take the tube and cut (3) .25″ pieces off. These can function as spacers the weight plates will sit . Complete the piece by welding the spacers equidistant from the rod in a circle so that your weight will sit in a stable way.

Kegs Kegs are just another implement that we will use while performing strongman type exercises. It is possible to press and clean, distance transport, or perform loading exercises together. (Side note: loading exercises require the athlete to have a heavy object and set them on a surface that's head height or higher. The atlas stone is most likely the most popular of these kinds of events.).

Giant Tractor Tires Although you do not construct anything, just having one of them around the house gives off a feeling of manliness. Furthermore, they're usually F-R-E-E, but you will need to use your moving skills to transfer it home. I got my tires from Les Schwab, but check any tire yard or heavy equipment store and they will probably be more than delighted to give you one. The two Even-esh and Elliot Hulse have their athletes flip tires on a regular basis.

[hopelexs]

Want To Work From Home?

Your commute is the period of your hallway. Not these days when we are all learning how to live with the reality of coronavirus.

Jobs that allow you to work at home, an arrangement called telecommuting, are here to stay. At the most recent American Time Use Survey by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 57 percent of employees in 2018 had a flexible schedule. Additionally, 42 million wage and salary employees (29%) could work at home, and 36 million employees (25 percent ) worked at home some of the time.

Some workers would even be prepared to take a pay cut so as to work at home, according to the State of Remote Work 2019 report by Owl Labs. The research reported that 34 percent of employees would be prepared to take a 5% cut; 24% would require a 10% cut, and 20% would require a cut larger than 10%. The motives workers want to do their jobs remotely are not surprising: better work-life equilibrium (91 percent), greater productivity/better focus (79 percent), less stress (78%), and also to avoid a commute (78%).

If you are suddenly working a distant job, here are some of the potential advantages and disadvantages to be mindful of: It's a lot more than just the advantage of having to work in your pajamas. Working from home means you will learn how to rely on self-motivation, self-discipline, focus, and concentration.

Pros Provided that you are not slipping off binge Netflix, you may really be more effective when working from home. In actuality, if Giugliano operates remotely, he states it adds three hours of stress-free productivity to his day.

Additionally, you won't have the occasional annoyances of office life: interruptions, loud co-workers, chatter, et cetera. When using a quick meeting in the restroom is not possible, you've got to get up to speed on what communication tools can be found, says Fay.

Cons You may forget to clock out. While people might think working from home means doing less, the reverse could be true for diligent workers.

You can feel out of the loop. Feeling like you are always "in the office" could even lead to burnout. You may not understand it until you are not there, but there's a good deal of casual collaboration that occurs in a workplace, says Fay. Whether it's picking up on the best methods of your coworkers or using an impromptu brainstorming session over lunch, it is tough to replicate that from home.

You might not have full access to technology platforms. You may not have complete access to technology platforms. For the most part, cloud technology has made it easier than ever for remote workers to operate from anywhere. But, Fay notes that there are scenarios where information security or consumer protection issues may prevent telecommuters from getting complete access.

Co-workers might accuse you of slacking. When you work at home and can not get to a telephone or email straight away, your co-workers might not give you as much leeway as they might if you were in the office. People may wonder if you are taking it easy instead of pulling your weight.

Tips for working from home Don’t underestimate face time. Be more communicative than normal, if only to boost camaraderie. Pick up the telephone to congratulate someone after a job well done, or the conclusion of a job instead of sending an impersonal email or IM, he adds.

Even if you don't have a dedicated office, attempt to set up a workspace and make it off-limits to the rest of your home as you're working. There is nothing worse than being on a significant work call just to have the doorbell ringing, the dog barking, and the children screaming in the background, says Fay.

Get in the habit of sending a prompt reply when you receive an email, even if it's merely to say, "Got it," or, "I'll contact you by noon," says Giugliano. And, do what you can to be available for conference calls or other collaborations, even when you don't have rigorous work hours.

[hopelexs]

Business Ideas for Students

Why not start your own business rather than work for somebody else? Besides accomplishing the most important objective of creating money over the summer, when you start your own business you will have the satisfaction of being your own boss and of creating something yourself. Another excellent benefit of starting your own business is that you won't need to waste time searching for a summer job--you will already have one.

Apart from making money for your education, having business experience looks great on your resume, especially if you plan a career in business. Being able to say in your resume that you "ran a successful landscaping business during summertime" is more appealing to prospective employers than"I had been responsible for chicken nuggets at The Chicken Shack."

When you are selecting a small business idea for the summer job replacement, there are two approaches you can take. You can plan to initiate a seasonal business that you could pack up and shut down at the end of the summer when you return to college, or you may pick a business that allows you to keep on running the business (on a reduced scale) throughout the year. There are a few of both in this selection of the best business ideas for students.

So think about the possibilities and begin your own business this summer, working for yourself instead of working for somebody else. Though some people are still searching for a summer job, your own business will be up and running--and earning money.

Lawn Care and Landscaping This is an excellent summer student job as it is seasonal and is greatly in demand during the summer season--and nearly everyone can do it. Another fantastic thing about this little business idea is that it is easily expandable; add gardening or landscaping services if you've got the knowledge and skills.

There are lots of variations on this sort of service, some of which require no special skills or training.  By way of instance, one local student comes around each spring with a leased lawn aerating machine and services all of the lawns in the area. Another rents a truck and spends the spring/summer hauling garden mulch. His clients can have mulch spread and delivered in their lawns and gardens.

Guided Tours If you reside in a place with historic, cultural, or scenic attractions, why not start your own business offering guided tours? Do not despair if you don't reside in a location with spectacular scenery or historical agendas; eco-tours and guided hikes have become ever more popular. Taking people on tours of the local flora and fauna has the added bonus of getting you outside in the sweet season.

This sort of business is particularly appropriate for those who have language skills in tourist locations. Multilingual guides are in high demand in places that get large quantities of non-native-speaking visitors. Having knowledge of history, geography, and (for ecotours) biology/botany can also be beneficial.

House and Pet Sitting Lots of people travel during the summer and want someone to care for their homes and pets while they are gone. Making the rounds and shooting in papers and mail, checking the house, and walking or feeding pets might be an excellent summer business for you.

There are several other pet-related businesses you can start in case you've got the experience, including dog grooming and training. If you're looking for a career in veterinary services, a summer business working with animals is best.

Note that to get a house/pet sitting service your business has to be bonded and insured.

House Call Geek If you are technologically savvy, you have an experience that a good deal of people still does not. Start your own business making house calls for troubleshooting computer issues and/or showing people how to do what they need to do with their computers and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets.

This is just another small business idea that would work well as a part-time business post-summer, also. There are plenty of people with crap that they want to dispose of since the achievement of 1-800-GOT-JUNK testifies.

Rubbish Pickup and General Hauling Services Whether it's old furniture, debris from construction projects, or digital junk that must be recycled, there's always a need for rubbish removal, especially if it's properly sorted and disposed of in the most eco-friendly way possible. And late spring/early summer is the season of the maximum demand, as people do their spring cleanups. If you have access to a truck and a solid back, this may be a profitable small business idea for you.

[hopelexs]

Diagnosis & Treatment Covid-19

Diagnosis

If you develop symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you have been subjected to the COVID-19 virus, contact your health care provider. Tell them if you have traveled to any regions with ongoing community spread of this COVID-19 virus based on CDC and WHO. Also, let your doctor know if you've had close contact with anyone that has been diagnosed with COVID-19.

Factors used to determine whether to test you for the virus which causes COVID-19 may differ based on where you live. Based upon your location, you might have to be screened by your practice to find out whether testing is appropriate and accessible.

In the U.S., your physician will decide whether to run tests for the virus which causes COVID-19 based on your symptoms and signs, in addition to whether you've had close contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 or traveled to or lived in any regions with ongoing community spread of this COVID-19 virus from the previous 14 days. Your physician may also consider testing if you are at a higher risk of severe illness.

To check for the COVID-19 virus, a health care provider uses a long swab to take a sample from the nose or throat. The samples are then sent to a laboratory for testing. If you are coughing up sputum, which might be sent for testing. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has approved at-home evaluations for the COVID-19 virus. These are available only with a physician's prescription.

Treatment

Presently, no medication is suggested to deal with COVID-19, and no treatment is available. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections like COVID-19. Researchers are testing an assortment of possible treatments.

The FDA has given emergency use authorization for its antiviral drug remdesivir to deal with severe COVID-19. National Institutes of Health recently recommended the corticosteroid dexamethasone for those who have severe COVID-19 who need supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation.

There isn't any evidence that aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have to be avoided.

If you have mild symptoms, your physician may advise that you recuperate at home. He or she may provide you special instructions to track your symptoms and to avoid spreading the illness to other people. You will probably be asked to isolate yourself as far as possible from family and pets while you're sick, put on a mask when you are around people and pets, and use a separate bedroom and bathroom.

Your physician will probably suggest that you stay in home isolation for a time period except to get medical attention. Your doctor will probably follow up with you frequently. Follow guidelines from your health care provider and local health department about when you can end home isolation.

If you are very ill, you might have to be treated at the hospital.

Clinical trials Research Mayo Clinic studies testing new therapies, interventions, and evaluations as a way to prevent, detect, treat, or manage this disorder.

Coping and support It is common to feel fearful and nervous during the COVID-19 pandemic. You are probably worried that you or people you love will get ill. You may worry about caring for yourself or others that are ill.

Having COVID-19 or caring for someone with the disorder can lead to stress and anxiety. If stress is affecting your everyday life after a few days, contact your physician. He or she may recommend that you speak to a mental health professional.

Preparing for your appointment During a pandemic, it is not always possible for everyone who's ill to see a physician. You may begin by visiting your primary care physician or other health care provider. If you develop symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and you have been subjected to the COVID-19 virus, contact your health care provider.

[hopelexs]

Do I Need a Pneumonia Vaccine?

Even though the pneumonia vaccine can not prevent all cases, it may decrease your odds of catching the illness. And if you've had the shot and you do get pneumonia anyway, you will likely have a much milder case.

Older adults and a few people with health problems are more likely to get pneumonia, a lung disease that makes it more difficult to breathe. It is more common among people whose immune systems are weak.

Who Should Get the Vaccine? As you get older, your immune system does not function and it once did. You are more likely to have trouble fighting off a pneumonia infection. All adults over age 65 should get the vaccine.

Many ailments can cause your immune system to weaken, so it's less able to fight off bugs such as pneumonia.

When you have cardiovascular disease, diabetes, emphysema, asthma, or COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), you are more likely to have a weakened immune system, making you more likely to get pneumonia.

The same is true for folks that receive chemotherapy, people who have had organ transplants, and individuals with HIV or AIDS.

People who smoke. If you have smoked for quite a long time, you might have damage to the little hairs that line the insides of your lungs and help filter out germs. When they are damaged, they are not as good at stopping those terrible germs.

Heavy drinkers. If you drink a lot of alcohol, you might have a weakened immune system. Your white blood cells (which fight infection) do not function and they do for individuals who have a healthy immune system.

People getting over surgery or a severe illness. In the event you have been in the hospital ICU (intensive care unit) and needed help breathing with a ventilator, you are in danger of getting pneumonia. The exact same is true when you have just had major surgery or whether you are healing from a serious accident. If your immune system is weak due to sickness or injury or because it is helping you get better from surgery, you can not fight off germs and you normally can.

Who Shouldn’t Get It? If you are a healthy adult between ages 18 and 50, you can probably skip the vaccine. Additionally, you should not get it if you are allergic to what is in the vaccine.

When to Get the Vaccine There is no such thing as pneumonia season, such as influenza season. In the event you and your doctor decide which you will need to get a pneumonia vaccine, then you can do it at any time of the year. When it's flu season, you may even receive a pneumonia vaccine at exactly the exact same time that you receive a flu vaccine, so long as you get each shot in a different arm.

How It Works There are two vaccines for pneumonia that protect against different kinds of infection.

What Are the Risks? The shots simply contain an extract of the pneumonia bacteria, not the real bacteria that cause the disease.

PCV13 helps protect people from 13 of the most severe kinds of bacteria that cause pneumonia.

PPSV23 protects against an extra 23 kinds of pneumonia bacteria. Neither can prevent every kind of pneumonia, but they work against over 30 common, acute types.

People who want a pneumonia vaccine should find both shots: first, the PCV13 shot, and then the PPSV23 shot a year or more afterwards.

For most people, one of every shot should be sufficient to protect them for their whole lives. Ask your doctor if you need to get one.

[hopelexs]

What is an Autonomous Car?

An autonomous automobile is an automobile capable of sensing its environment and functioning without human participation. A human passenger isn't required to take charge of the car at any time, nor is an individual passenger needed to be present in the vehicle in any way. An autonomous automobile can go anywhere conventional cargoes and do everything an expert human driver does.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) currently defines 6 levels of forcing automation ranging from Level 0 (fully manual) to Level 5 (fully autonomous). The SAE uses the expression automated rather than autonomous.

Autonomous vs. Automated vs. Self-Driving: What’s the difference? One reason is that the term autonomy has consequences beyond the electromechanical. A fully autonomous automobile would be self-explanatory and capable of making its own decisions. By way of instance, you state"drive me to work" but the car decides to take you to the beach instead. A fully automatic automobile, however, would follow orders and then push itself.

The expression self-driving is frequently used interchangeably with autonomous. A self-driving car can drive itself in some or even all scenarios, but a person passenger should always be present and prepared to take control. They're subject to geofencing, unlike a completely autonomous Level 5 car that could go anywhere.

How do autonomous cars work? Autonomous cars rely on sensors, actuators, complex algorithms, machine learning systems, and powerful chips to execute applications.

Autonomous cars produce and maintain a map of the environment based on an assortment of sensors situated in various areas of the vehicle. Radar detectors track the position of nearby vehicles. Video cameras detect traffic lights, read street signs, monitor other vehicles, and search for pedestrians. Lidar (light detection and ranging) detectors bounce pulses of light off the car's environment to measure distances, detect road borders, and identify lane markers.

Complex software then processes this sensory input, plots a route, and sends directions to the automobile's actuators, which control acceleration, braking, and steering. Hard-coded principles, obstacle avoidance algorithms, predictive modeling, and object recognition help the applications follow traffic rules and navigate obstacles.

What are the challenges with autonomous cars? Fully autonomous (Level 5) cars are undergoing testing in a number of pockets of the planet, but none are yet available to the general public. The challenges range from the legislative and technological into environmental and philosophical. Here are just a few of the unknowns.

Lidar and Radar Lidar is expensive and is still hoping to strike the ideal balance between resolution and range. If multiple autonomous cars were to drive on the same street, would their lidar signals interfere with each other? And when multiple radio frequencies are available, will the frequency range be sufficient to encourage the mass production of autonomous cars?

Weather Conditions What happens when an autonomous car drives in heavy precipitation? When there's a coating of snow on the street, lane dividers evaporate. How will the cameras and sensors monitor lane markers if the markings are obscured from oil, water, ice, or debris?

Traffic Conditions and Laws Will autonomous cars have difficulty in tunnels or on bridges? Will autonomous cars be relegated to a particular lane? And what about the fleet of heritage cars still sharing the roadways for another 20 or 30 years?

State vs. Federal Regulation The regulatory process in the U.S. has lately shifted from national advice to state-by-state mandates for autonomous cars. Some states have even suggested per-mile taxation on autonomous vehicles to prevent the growth of"zombie cars" driving around without passengers. Lawmakers also have written statements suggesting that all autonomous cars have to be zero-emission vehicles and have a panic button. But is the legislation likely to be different from state to state? Are you able to cross state lines using an autonomous vehicle?

Accident Liability Who's liable for accidents due to an autonomous car? The most recent blueprints imply that a fully autonomous Level 5 car won't have a dash or a steering wheel, so a human passenger wouldn't even have the choice to take charge of the car in an emergency.

Artificial vs. Emotional Intelligence Individual drivers rely on subtle cues and non-verbal communication--such as making eye contact with pedestrians or reading the facial expressions and body language of other drivers--to create split-second decision calls and predict behaviors.

[hopelexs]

What Is 5G?

All four major US carriers today have some kind of 5G wireless. We are monitoring the rollouts monthly on our Hurry to 5G page.

Three significant flavors of 5G have come out: low-band, mid-band, and high-band, all which perform differently from one another. We have been testing all of them as they look. The most widespread version, low-band, operates and performs pretty similar to 4G.

5G is an investment for the next ten years, and in preceding mobile alterations, we have seen the majority of the big changes occurring years following the first announcement. The first 4G phones in the US appeared in 2010, but the sorts of 4G software that changed our world did not appear until later. Snapchat arrived in 2012, and Uber became prevalent in 2013. Video calls over LTE networks became prevalent in the US around 2013.

So after that program, while we are getting just a little bit of 5G at the moment, you should expect the significant 5G software to crop up around 2021 or 2022. Until then, things will be confusing as wireless carriers jockey for clients and mindshare.

5G stands for fifth-generation cellular wireless, and the first standards for it had been put at the end of 2017. Let's take you down the 5G rabbit hole to give you a picture of what the forthcoming 5G world will be like.

1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G First of all, if you are hearing about 5G Wi-Fi or AT&T's"5G E" telephones, they are not 5G cellular.

And if you are hearing that 5G means millimeter-wave towers on each lamppost, that is not correct. That's just one of the three chief kinds of 5G we are seeing at the moment.

The G in this 5G means it is a generation of wireless technology. When most generations have been characterized by their data transmission rates, each has also been indicated by a rest in encoding techniques, or"air vents," which make it incompatible with the previous generation.

2G technology, such as CDMA, GSM, and TDMA, were the first generation of digital mobile technologies. 3G technology, such as EVDO, HSPA, and UMTS, brought speeds from 200kbps to a few megabits per second. 4G technology, such as WiMAX and LTE, were the upcoming incompatible leap ahead, and they're currently scaling up to hundreds of megabits and even gigabit-level speeds.

5G brings three new facets to the table: larger channels (to accelerate information), lower latency (to be more responsive), and the capability to connect a good deal more devices at once (for sensors and smart devices).

The true 5G radio system, called 5G-NR, is not the same as 4G. But all 5G apparatus in the united states, for the time being, need 4G since they will lean on it to make initial connections before trading up to 5G where it's available. That's technically called a "non-standalone," or NSA, community. After this year, our 5G networks will become"standalone," or SA, not needing 4G policy to work.

It turns out that SA 5G is a lot more significant than we thought it was in 2019. Except on Sprint, carriers' 5G cells are formed differently than their 4G ones, so they are losing coverage where the 4G signal cuts out but the 5G one proceeds. When the networks evolve into standalone mode, we might see a sudden growth in urban policy.

The actual benefits of 5G will arrive in enormous capacity and low latency, beyond the amounts 4G technologies can reach.

This symbiosis between 4G and 5G has caused AT&T to get a little overenthusiastic about its 4G network. The carrier has begun to call its 4G network"5G Evolution," since it sees advancing 4G as a significant step to 5G.

[hopelexs]

Buying A Foreclosed Property

Becoming educated about a foreclosed home with potential is vital. There may be unresolved issues regarding occupancy, environment, claims, permits, or structural problems, all of which may negatively affect the required timeframe or budget.

If you don't know which elements to search for, you might be unable to distinguish a great deal from a bad deal. To assist, eight members of Forbes Real Estate Council talk about some of the most overlooked concerns property investors or optimistic homeowners should know about when buying a property in foreclosure.

"As Is" Condition Many foreclosed properties are sold in "as is" condition. That means that the buyer assumes the risk of all environmental issues, title claims, open licenses, and open violations. It is important to have an experienced staff help assess the home. The staff will help mitigate the risks, along with the discounted cost of a foreclosed home can make the purchase worth the extra work.

Title Claims Liens and other claims on the property name are often overlooked when considering buying a property in foreclosure. Things like outstanding contractor liens from years back and convoluted inheritance claims are typical among foreclosures and can tie up a final with red tape. Many buyers think they've got a fantastic bargain until they experience the hassle of trying to attain a clear title.

Structural Inspections It is important to understand that foreclosures incorporate an unhappy owner who's forcibly made to vacate the house. It's not unusual for foreclosed homeowners to devalue the property by removing fixtures or even causing structural damage to the home. Hiring a professional inspection business may mitigate financial loss down the road.

Home Warranty Many foreclosures are offered"as is" and have been vacant for a while, and this may affect the operation of a water heater, furnace, plumbing, bathroom fixtures, and appliances. Make certain to get a house warranty so you're protected if something breaks after you move in to protect yourself.

Knowing What You Are Buying Are you buying a house in the foreclosure process, or purchasing a bank-owned home? If you're buying after it's gone through a bank foreclosure, your risk is centered on the condition. Unless you're extremely experienced, allow the lender to do the hard work so that you may find a"free-and-clear" property. Bear in mind, it is not a bargain simply because it's a foreclosure. Banks are much savvier than they were 10 years back!

Zero Control Over A Closing Date When obtaining a house that is in foreclosure, the No. 1 rule to bear in mind is that you're at the mercy of the lender or lien holder(s). Because of this, you have zero control over the quantity of time it takes to get to the final. Sometimes the minority lien holder(s) are prepared to repay, but the vast majority holder isn't. If time is of the essence, targeting a home in foreclosure isn't for you.

The Myth Of The Cosmetic Fixer Short foreclosures and sales are a good, cheap alternative. But if a property has been neglected, which many of those properties have, the systems also have been neglected. Moisture damage, mold, sewer lines, roofing, foundation, plumbing, and electrical should be pre-inspected before submitting an offer.

What You See Is Not What You Get What most people don't know is that the former owner can take everything in that home with little legal consequences. So bid farewell to these new appliances or gorgeous marble countertops. Another problem is people think foreclosures are amazing opportunities to get a terrific deal.

[hopelexs]

Marketing Ideas for Real Estate Agents

It's the ideal time to check over your business with fresh eyes, try new initiatives, and discover ways to build your business during the next year and beyond. We have put together five marketing tips for realtors in 2020. Keep reading to see why and how to integrate these ideas into your marketing strategy.

Find what makes you stand out Figuring out what makes you unique is the first in our list of marketing ideas for realtors in 2020. When you're working with a competitive business like real estate, finding something to make you stand out is vital. Do you end up describing yourself a certain way, or do others add the identical interesting tidbit when they present you?

Have you got a slogan or tagline you like to utilize? By way of instance, one of our clients is called the "Pay it Forward" Realtor. This is because part of her business model involves a reduction to teachers, military personnel, seniors, first responders, and others who might have a more difficult time with the initial costs of buying a home.

Consider using a chat service A nurse on a night shift might be looking at houses at 5 am, or a busy single parent might just have downtime at 10 pm at night to try and schedule open houses. Most people would agree both of these examples fall beyond the"normal business hours".

So, how can you help interested customers when you can not stay awake 24 hours a day? A chat service may be a means to keep a dialogue going in these times you are unavailable.

Working in real estate means both you and your customers are working out of a standard 9-5. That is why using a chat service is just one of our marketing tips for realtors in 2020. It offers coverage that one person can not reasonably or realistically deliver.

Mix it up with video content If a picture is worth a thousand words, is that a movie is worth a thousand words? Forbes found that an average of 40 percent of decision-makers known as a seller after watching a movie. Another interesting find was that 65% seen a seller's site after watching a video that was work-related.

Video has grown in popularity as a result of social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Users may live stream more videos and post shorter clips to Instagram Stories that disappear after 24 hours.

Now that all of us carry around miniature computers with the capability to capture high-quality pictures, recording and sharing movies is easier than ever.

Reach out to influencers Engaging influencers is becoming a more popular way of getting exposure for brands or products. Realtors work with tons of different professionals -- mortgage agents, general contractors, interior designers, the list continues. Go through a fast list on your head. Do you know a well-known local business who you can partner with on a joint marketing effort?

Another reason this is one of our interesting marketing ideas for real estate agents is that influencers can be defined in various ways. Yes, it might be a bigger player in an adjoining business, but it could also be someone with a smaller crowd. Someone who has an audience of 10,000 followers with an extremely higher engagement rate can be equally as effective as somebody with half a million followers.

Influencers, large and little, who agree to assist you can be compensated in different ways. Options consist of monetary payment, possibly a level per article fee or a sliding scale based on what sort of response the article gets. If it makes sense with your business, you might also choose to provide a discount on some sort of service.

Choose quality content over quantity There is no lack of articles on the internet. We are inundated with links and options on social networking, our inboxes, on news sites, while we online store -- it is everywhere. With the sheer quantity of content available, it is essential to be sure yours does not get drowned out by the sounds.

If you retweet, discuss, and repost each and every picture and post that comes your way you will overwhelm your audience. Engagement will decrease and it is probably your follower count will also. Bear in mind, they are all fighting a flood of information also.

Focus on quality content your audience will discover interesting and useful. Let them look for their own cat movies or beach sunset pictures. By regularly, not always, sharing useful content through social networking and email, your network will not think of your articles as more sound. Rather, they will see you as a thought leader and look forward to your articles.

Make 2020 your best year yet These are simply a couple of marketing ideas for realtors in 2020. If you're trying to concentrate on new initiatives on this listing or on your own, let OutboundEngine take some of your time-consuming jobs off your plate.

[hopelexs]

Ideas + Tips: Vertical Garden Guide

Vertical gardens are en vogue because of their attractiveness and environmental benefits. The beautiful one above resides at SDGE's Energy Innovation Center where guests and residents come to see green construction practices and learn about intelligent energy initiatives.

We will also walk you through why you might want to take into account a vertical garden, common strategies to plant one, possible problems, in addition to planting ideas to consider.

Why Build a Vertical Garden? A vertical garden can use an otherwise empty space whilst softening up surrounding architectural components. Big cities are implementing the method for this reason, but also in an effort to help clean the air.

Not to mention, these gardens are pretty to look at and serve as subtle reminders of environmental issues to passers-by. You would probably stop to admire this one on Musée du Quai Branly while wandering the streets of Paris, would not you?

Roof gardens are also getting opportunities for resorts and restaurants to cultivate their own vegetables and herbs on land, giving a whole new meaning to locally-sourced while also improving urban air quality. Roof gardens can also absorb nearly all rainfall, eliminating unnecessary run-off into storm drains.

If attached to buildings, both roof gardens and vertical gardens also provide insulation, possibly decreasing indoor heating and air prices.

What About Watering? The largest concern for homeowners is usually how they will water a vertical garden without making a complete mess on the terrace or inside the house. Most smaller installments have a system of top-notch watering significance that with a watering can or hose on top, water drips into the bottom nourishing roots on the way. The problem is that plants in the top may receive too much water while crops in the bottom may not get any at all.

Most experts will tell you that neglected watering techniques are often why vertical gardens do not survive, voiding the concept of sustainability to start with. Homeowners lacking green thumbs or patience can purchase vertical garden systems that involve pumps, sensors, and timers so as to take the guesswork out of watering, such as this popular (though expensive ) version from Plants on Walls. Or, try these recycled jar planters by Wooly Pockets which don't leak water and may be used with a drip irrigation kit.

Ways to Put in a Vertical Garden There are numerous strategies to set up a vertical garden both inside and outdoors with firms producing special trays and contraptions based on your desired outcome. Bear in mind that the construction ought to have the ability to permit air to circulate over or through the wall. We are mentioning the most common structures used.

Build it yourself Have power tools from the garage along with a love of DIY? Watch this movie by Home Depot demonstrating how to build your own vertical garden using pressure-treated wood. Even when you've got no intention of doing so, the movie shows important elements of vertical gardens such as the way they prevent dirt from falling out.

Use pre-fabricated trays Possibly the most common way of vertical garden set up on a small scale is by a tray that attaches to the wall.

For instance, a 20″ x 20″ wall tray may be split into 45 smaller pockets which allow dirt to be easily contained and easy planting. As stated previously, smaller wall trays are irrigated using a watering can or hose and permit water to trickle down into each tray if you don't opt for a more sophisticated setup.

Hang planters Attach planters into the wall in a vertical manner by utilizing wood planks attached to the wall or attaching them to a wooden fence. In this manner, plants grow upright like normal and you might create stunning arrangements in each planter by blending different colors and textures.

[hopelexs]

Home Exterior Color Combinations

Selecting a single color for the exterior of your property can be challenging enough, but trying to locate at least two colors that work well together makes the choice even harder. Whether your intent is to highlight architectural details or just to obtain a complementary color for shutters and trim, the decision is an important one. "Color can make a major effect on the appearance of a home," supports architect Jim Rill, principal of Rill Architects, in Bethesda, Maryland. For inspiration, consider your home's design and scale in addition to architectural styles typical of your area and area. "The best exterior colors are contextual for their environment," Rill observes.

Two-Tone Olive Deep natural colors that recede into the landscape are typical of Craftsman-style homes. With this renovation, Rill Architects selected a duo of Benjamin Moore olive greens: Gloucester Sage (HC-100) and Dakota Woods Green (2139-20). A yellow-orange blot on the front door provides a lighthearted dash of color. "Front doors should always have personality and draw subtle attention to themselves," Jim Rill points out.

Straw and Sage "A balanced appearance always provides tons of curb appeal," says interior designer Kerrie Kelly, leader of Kerrie Kelly Design Lab, in Sacramento, California. This combination is an approachable classic year long."

Putty and Gray Older neighborhood dwellings guided the color choice for this Midwest home. "We picked a soft neutral for the body of the home that would let it stand out and yet still match the other houses around it," reports Kristen Schammel, interior designer for Highmark Builders, in Burnsville, Minnesota.

Red and Black "Red is a traditional color," says interior designer Cindy McClure, owner of Grossmueller's Design Consultants, in Washington, D.C."I really like using it on smaller houses because they handle the color so well. Black accents such as the front door and shutters look great when put off by white trim."

Gray and Blue "The slightly more lavish door and dividers provide a classy accent and bring in the tones of sea and sky." Seen here are Sherwin-Williams's Comfort Gray (SW 6205) and Rain (SW 6219).

Green, Cream, and Burgundy "The combination of cream, green, and burgundy is popular for Victorian-style houses," reports Erika Woelfel, director of color marketing for Behr Paints. "The bold color scheme gives this house a stunning yet warm look." The trio of Behr colors used here is Ivy Wreath (QE-46), Terra Sol (QE-20), and Country Lane Red (QE-07).

Charcoal and Lime An excellent way to create a bold color statement on contemporary houses--even the tiniest ones--is, to begin with a solid neutral and put in a bright pop of color on the front door. This home, designed by Ana Williamson Architect, in Menlo Park, California, combines two Benjamin Moore colors: Gunmetal (1602) for the siding and Tequila Lime (2028-30) on the door.

Greige and Teal You are still able to attain a contemporary look without using shocking colors if those colors just are not for you. Here, greige--that is beige and gray --with a teal doorway and natural stone and wood accents puts a contemporary spin on the traditional area home. This combination still appears warm and welcoming without feeling dated.

Blue, Red, and Tan Blue is a popular outdoor color for houses in waterside settings such as this one. Adding tan and red to highlight trim and architectural features was an eye-catching choice by designers in New Urban Home Builders, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The trio of colors also gives the lakefront chemical a Scandinavian feel.

Whether you have an old house or a new build, this classic combo appears fresh forever--also it really pops against a green lawn. Black and white never goes out of fashion.

[hopelexs]

Recreational Activities That Anybody Can Do

What is Recreation? Recreational activities are adventures or coordinated activities that you consciously engage in with other people, to have fun, and enjoy life during your spare time. Including experiences that require physical activity and playing and interactions with different men and women. They aren't things that you do all by yourself (although you can try to do some on your own you may miss the pleasure of doing this with others).

What is Leisure? Leisure activities are the things that you do primarily for comfort and pleasure, and that don't involve much work. These activities might be quite passive requiring little or no physical activity, and you can do them by yourself if you do not need to do it with other people.

Differences Between Leisure and Recreation One of the fundamental differences between leisure activities and recreational activities is that leisure activities can be very passive with little or no physical activity and you can do them by yourself whereas recreational activities require physical action and interactions with other people.

Examples of Recreational Activities Most recreational activities are proven to be very useful to your total well being and a lot of them can help you unwind and help you handle stress better. Some of the top examples of recreational activities that you can do include:

Backpacking Backpacking refers to an outdoor recreational activity where equipment and supplies are packaged and transported in a bag (back). Some of the frequent backpacking equipment or equipment include shelter (tents, sleeping bags, etc.), cooking equipment (stove, pans, and pots, etc.). All these items are packed carefully such that only the very significant things are carried due to weight concerns and restricted space.

Backpacking trips can last for just a few days to many months sometimes. Most backpacking excursions involve traveling with public transport or hiking for extended distances mostly in the nation and frequently unfamiliar terrain.

Bowling This is an indoor recreational sport or action where a player rolls or rolls a bowling ball onto a lane to hit goal pins at the end of the lane. The chairs have wooden or synthetic surfaces that make it effortless for the ball to roll onto it.

There are two forms of bowling: pin bowling and lawn bowling. In pin, bowling players roll the ball to knock off target pins and it's largely played inside whereas in lawn bowling players attempt to hit their target pins on the lawn.

Camping Camping can be described as a recreational activity that involves spending time outside overnight in a temporary makeshift shelter. Individuals who go camping usually tend to select serene, undeveloped, and natural places. The camp could be for a single night or several nights depending on how long you would like to spend time outside.

It's different from other similar outdoor activities such as trekking since you sleep outside in a makeshift shelter overnight. Camping is extremely common nowadays and it can be performed during the year. The availability of commercial campgrounds and recreational vehicles (RVs) has made camping a beautiful experience for many men and women. See a few of the basic camping equipment you'll have to have a wonderful outdoor experience.

Canoeing Canoeing is another interesting and exciting outdoor activity that involves paddling (the act of propelling a kayak forward with a paddle) a kayak with a single-bladed paddle. It may be combined with other outdoor recreational activities like camping in which canoes are used as a way of transportation into the campsite.

It may also be performed as a game where people are able to compete to be the first to attain a certain point. It can also be applied as just a way of transport around a water body to determine the scenic beauty of the environment.

Fishing This is an activity that involves using different approaches to catch fish using a fishing pole and fish baits. This is done mostly in different water bodies in the wild or in community ponds around your own neighborhood. Various approaches are often employed to catch fish and there are a variety of fishing contests where people can compete as individuals or in groups.

Usually, the individual or team that catches the largest fish (by weight) within the specified time wins the contest. Fish caught during most fishing events are often released back into the water body after observing the grab, except in a few cases (such as when you're camping) where the fish caught is cooked for meals. There various sorts of fishing equipment from fishing rods, baits, fishing equipment, etc.. The majority of these are quite affordable, especially for novices.

[hopelexs]

Importance Of Daily Recreational Activities

Consider all your favorite activities and how they make life better. Consider why they are pleasurable and what life could be like without them. Recall all the positive experiences and memories which were created because of this. We forget all the hard work that went into mastering skills to genuinely appreciate these pursuits, but looking back, the time and effort were well worthwhile.

As we become ill, it could be tricky to enjoy favorite activities. Illness or injury can make it difficult to perform tasks that were effortless previously. Failing eyesight, shaking hands, and the inability to focus make pastimes frustrating. Maybe a peer group that has been associated with an activity is no longer around. Social isolation may be an unintended outcome of later life. There are various reasons why people give up doing things they once enjoyed.

Apps of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) provide recreational activities on a daily basis. This offering isn't the principal reason for registration but is among those services that enhance the quality of life for participants. There are numerous benefits to enjoying recreational activities well into later life. The benefits of diversion affect all aspects of life. Participating in recreational activities helps enhance physical well-being, psychological health, and cognitive function. Additionally, it provides opportunities to interact with peers.

Therapeutic recreational activities in a PACE center teach new approaches to enjoy comfortable activities. It calms the mind from unhealthy or unproductive thought processes. New skills or adaptive techniques can be obtained for use in the home with family or friends. Quality of life improves for the player and their family members, too.

Recreational activities are a fantastic way to practice transferable skills in a non-threatening circumstance. By way of instance, playing a game that needs the use of fingers and palms gives the player the confidence to use those physical skills to carry out different tasks like dressing or bathing.

Participating in recreational activities raises the overall activity level. Fine motor skills like using the elegant strength of their palms and fingers are practiced during games such as Bingo. Gross motor skills require larger movements of their arms and legs are used during simple activities like catching a ball. Morning exercise routines help to improve mobility, flexibility, and improve range of movement. We gain a feeling of accomplishment and a sense of pride as our sense of self enhances.

There's more than meets the eye when playing a game of Yahtzee! Playing table cards or games help to improve attention span and endurance. Other situations require organizational and planning skills to enjoy and win the match. Advanced tactical skills and following multi-step instructions are skills that will transfer back into the home setting.

Engaging in recreational activities is similar to taking a little vacation from the everyday. A feeling of relaxation and stress reduction is experienced. Acquiring new skills can provide a feeling of greater self-esteem. Emotional benefits also have the understanding that there are still goals to be set and achieved in life.

Socialization could be among the most enjoyable facets of engaging in recreational activities. Making social connections with other people is a very important part of maintaining good health. Social isolation is diminished and feelings of loneliness are relieved. Having a positive experience to expect is equally as pleasurable as the action itself. Enrolling in a PACE program provides many benefits from a health management standpoint.