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Are standing desks a good idea?

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The popularity of standing desks in the workplace has been rising quickly since about 2015. While standing desks have only entered mainstream use in the last few years, they aren’t a recent invention by any means. Many intellectuals, politicians and writers throughout history have used them, including Charles Darwin, Ernest Hemingway and Thomas Jefferson.

Many workers have become staunch advocates of this new form of office equipment, which is also becoming more common in homes. Figuring out whether this hype is justified isn’t easy, as there are a number of trade-offs to consider. Orthopedic health and obesity are two key factors that can help you determine if a standing desk is a good idea for you.

Overview

The scientific evidence comparing standing desks to sitting desks provides few conclusive answers. In the first place, standing desks haven’t been around long enough for scientists to conduct many studies. Furthermore, the few studies that are available don’t make a particularly strong case in favor of standing desks.

For example, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) conducted a study in 2011 showing that standing desks reduced pain in the neck and upper back, and also improved the user’s mood compared to sitting desks. However, this study didn’t consider possible drawbacks of using a standing desk. In addition, mood is a subjective factor that’s highly prone to a placebo effect.

Orthopedic Health

Research on standing desks suggests that they don’t offer any overall orthopedic benefits compared to sitting desks. Standing is definitely better for your back and neck than sitting. However, standing for prolonged periods has its own orthopedic problems, primarily stress on the knees.

It may be possible to counteract these effects by combining standing desks with other equipment. For example, some studies show that fatigue mats can reduce knee strain from standing by up to 60 percent. These results could give standing desks the edge over sitting desks with respect to orthopedic health if you also use a fatigue mat.

Obesity

Standing desks are often touted as a cure for obesity, but there is a strong scientific consensus that standing doesn’t burn significantly more calories than sitting down. It’s much more important to incorporate exercise into your daily schedule, whether you sit or stand at work. In particular, you need to engage in 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity at least three times per week.

Summary

Current research isn’t sufficient to draw any conclusions about the health benefits of standing desks. The limited research that is available suggests that it isn’t all that helpful as an alternative to sitting desks by itself. A better solution might be to alternate between the two positions while working. Furthermore, standing desks don’t eliminate the need for daily exercise.

How To Improve Your Health And Help The Environment At The Same Time

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Protecting your health and the environment are both important endeavors. Improve your health and help the environment at the same time when you implement the following meaningful changes. 

Clean Smarter

Cleaning products can contain harmful chemicals that contaminate your body and the air. Natural products like white vinegar, baking soda and lemon juice are eco-friendly alternatives. Use washable cloth rags instead of disposable wipes, too.  

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Allergens, dust mites and other pollutants can contaminate indoor air and cause breathing and sleeping problems. Use eco-friendly products to clean and disinfect your home. Also, open the windows every day and grow indoor plants. You could service the HVAC system, seal air leaks and insulate your home properly to reduce energy use and protect your health. 

Buy Local Produce

Nourish your body with healthy fruits and vegetables grown locally. As you support your health and the local economy, you help to eliminate high greenhouse gas emissions from cross-country shipping.

Eat Vegan

A plant-based diet can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes and reduce your carbon footprint. Try adding a vegan meal or two to your weekly menu as you shift your diet.

Stay Hydrated 

Your body needs water to function. Staying hydrated also supports your brain function, mood and energy level. However, disposable water bottles use valuable resources and take years to decompose. Carry a reusable water bottle, stainless steel canteen or thermos to prevent waste and improve your health. 

Take a Bath

Conserve water and lower stress when you take baths instead of showers. A single shower requires 12 gallons of water versus a nine-gallon bath. And since stress causes a variety of health conditions, you will care for your health as you soak. 

Wear Natural Fibers

Certain fabrics contain perfluorinated chemicals or PFCs that are toxic to your body and the environment. Even cotton growth requires pesticides. Consider switching to hemp, wool or silk instead. And shop at secondhand stores to further preserve the environment.

Nurture a Garden

Grow fresh vegetables and herbs plus colorful flowers in your garden. Whether you have a large backyard or containers on your deck or kitchen windowsill, plants clean the air. Playing in the dirt is also good exercise, and looking at nature also diminishes stress, which can safeguard your health. 

Park the Car

Vehicle emissions affect local air quality and the ozone layer. Instead of driving, walk or bike to work, school and the store. Exercise improves your physical health and mood. However, if you must drive, combine errands, carpool and park at the far end of the lot when possible. 

Plant a Tree

Trees offer numerous health and environmental benefits. Spending time around trees also helps you relax. Trees also create oxygen and reduce carbon dioxide. And the shade they provide around your home means you can run the air conditioner less. So plant a tree or two in your yard. 

Implement one or more of these tips to improve your health and help the environment at the same time. 

Are NFTs A Scam?

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Non-Fungible Tokens (NFTs) are unique cryptographic tokens that are part of a blockchain. They can’t be replicated, so they’re often used to represent real-world items, especially artwork. Tokenizing these tangible assets initially allowed them to be traded more efficiently.

However, the viability of NFTs is coming under increasing scrutiny, despite the eagerness of many stakeholders to embrace them. OpenSea, one of the largest online NFT marketplaces, announced in February 2022 that about 80 percent of the NFTs created on its platform were fraudulent. Other sources tell a similar story, indicating there may be more to these incidents than just a few bad actors.

Overview

Labeling all NFT projects as scams would be an overgeneralization, but their relatively new framework lends itself to fraudulent activity. Josh Gilbert, financial expert for the global investment platform eToro, reports that NFT scams tend to follow the same patterns familiar in traditional financial fraud. While these scams aren’t unique to NFTs, some people will always look for a way to apply them to emerging technologies. However, this trend doesn’t necessarily jeopardize all NFT projects because they are a transformative technology that will profoundly affect the creators, brands and collectors of unique content.

Premises

The basic premise of NFT scams is usually to take advantage of inexperienced investors. It’s therefore crucial to understand a project’s validity, which can be challenging since this determination isn’t always straightforward. Furthermore, newcomers to NFT are less inclined to delve into a project’s origins, making them easier to exploit. John Hawkins, lecturer at the Canberra School of Politics, Economics and Society, states that many NFT marketing ventures aren’t illegal by themselves, although they do share similarities with Ponzi schemes.

For example, cryptocurrency markets require existing investors to draw new buyers into the market in order to make a profit. The belief that a profit is automatically attached to digital assets is what makes NFT ventures potentially risky. These projects are increasingly subject to speculative bubbles that don’t have any fundamental value. NFTs don’t have any intrinsic worth, but speculators often buy them purely in the hopes that their price will continue to increase.

Exploits

NFTs provide a collection of ideas that are vulnerable to exploitation for social value and financial gain. Renowned artists and self-promoters are both using innovative approaches that focus more on the economics of NFT’s than the intrinsic value of the tangible asset they represent.

For example, Damien Hirst, a master self-promoter, has created “The Currency” project, which involves him selling NFTs for 10,000 dot paintings that are nearly identical. One year after buyers purchase these NFTs, they must decide if they want the NFT or the artwork. If they choose the NFT, the artwork is destroyed.

Gear Up Your Home Office to Aid Productivity

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According to a 2021 Gallup poll, 45% of full-time workers in the United States are working from home either all or part of the time. If you fall into this category, you’ve probably realized just how challenging it can be to stay motivated and focused while working from home. Fortunately, there are some simple upgrades you can make to your home office to boost your focus and productivity. 

A Supportive Office Chair

It’s hard to focus on your work when you’re uncomfortable. Old or poorly designed office chairs can contribute to distracting neck and back pain. Upgrading to a supportive, comfortable office chair with an ergonomic design can make all the difference. Specifically, look for one with plenty of adjustable settings that will allow you to achieve customized comfort. Or, ditch the office chair altogether and invest in a standing desk!

An Ergonomic Keyboard

People often overlook the importance of economics on a computer keyboard. If you spend a lot of time typing, the wrong keyboard and improper form can contribute to carpal tunnel syndrome and other issues. And of course, this can affect your work performance.

Ready to upgrade your keyboard? Look for one with an ergonomic design that will support your wrists and encourage correct form as you type. Meanwhile, it’s important to take regular breaks from typing, so schedule some into your day.

White Noise or Noise-Canceling Headphones

Noisy pets, rambunctious kids, and other everyday sounds can quickly become distracting when you’re trying to work from home. One simple way to drown out distractions and improve your focus is to invest in a great white noise machine or a pair of noise-canceling headphones. 

Not only can white noise improve focus, but its use has also been found to boost creativity and reduce stress. Even better? You don’t necessarily have to spend money on a white noise machine to capitalize on its benefits. There are plenty of free white noise apps and even white noise recordings on YouTube that you can access for free.

The Right Lighting

Proper lighting can make all the difference in your productivity from a home office. Natural light, for example, can give you a much-needed energy boost. If you have a window in your home office, invest in a great set of blinds or shades so that you can adjust the amount of light coming into your workspace with ease.

Meanwhile, task lighting in the form of a desk lamp can support such tasks as reading, viewing photos, and the like. Just be careful to set up your task lighting in a way that prevents shadows, as these can become distracting—especially when you’re trying to write.

Boost Your Productivity Today

Working from a home office can be a blessing in many ways, but the work-from-home life does require a little extra focus to stay productive. With these tips and home office upgrades, you’ll be on your way to maximizing productivity and staying motivated all day long.

How to Choose the Best Phone For You

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Time for a new phone? With so many options to choose from, shopping for a phone can be a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, we’ve got some practical tips to help you select the best phone for your needs.

Set a Realistic Budget

Prices for today’s phones can vary greatly. Whether you’re looking to spend less than $100 or are prepared to shell out more than $700, there are options to suit your budget. Starting with a budget for your new phone is a great way to narrow down your options. You’ll also want to consider whether you’ll pay for your phone in-full or opt for monthly payments, which are available through some carriers.

Choose an Operating System

Team Android or Apple? Deciding between an iPhone (which runs on iOS) or a phone that runs on Android’s operating system is another important step you’ll need to take. If you have a lot of existing Apple devices or rely heavily on Apple products like iTunes, you may be better off with an iPhone. The iOS operating system is known for its excellent security and user-friendliness, although iPhones do tend to be more expensive than Android phones.

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more affordable option with plenty of customization features, an Android phone can be a great choice. Plus, there are many more phones to choose from when you opt for an Android device.

Decide on Must-Have Features

Next, consider which features are most important to you in a new phone. It can be helpful to think about the things you’ll use your phone for the most. If you take a lot of photos, for example, then a phone with a great camera will be a must. If you’re loyal to specific apps, you’ll want to make sure that the phone you select will support those apps. Likewise, if you like to watch videos or play games on your phone, then you may want to prioritize a model with great battery life and a larger screen.

Try It In-Person (If Possible)

These days, you can buy just about anything online and have it delivered to your doorstep within a matter of days (or less). With new tech, however, it’s generally a good idea to try devices out in-person whenever possible. If you have an electronics store or cell phone carrier nearby, consider dropping in to check out some phones for yourself. This can give you a much better feel for whether a phone will be a good fit for your lifestyle. You’ll also have access to knowledgeable associates who can answer common questions about popular devices. 

Plus, if you decide to buy a phone on-the-spot, these locations also carry accessories like screen protectors and cases for your convenience.

The Bottom Line on Choosing a Phone

Choosing a new phone is a task that will take some careful thought and consideration. By keeping these tips in mind, however, you’ll be well on your way to choosing your next phone with confidence.

How Important Is Food In Stopping Climate Change

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There’s no doubt about it: climate change is real, and much of global warming is caused by human activity. It can be hard to convince people to take action against climate change. Many people don’t like to be told what to do, and value the cars they drive and the way they power their homes. Thankfully, changing the way we eat–even a little–can go a long way in helping to slow global warming. 

The way we eat plays a key role in climate change. In the United States, about 80 billion pounds of food are discarded each year. This equates to about 40% of the nation’s total food supply. 

Typically, this food waste ends up in landfills. As the waste breaks down, methane is released. Methane is a gas that has a greater effect on climate change than other gases that result from human activity (such as carbon dioxide). Food waste is responsible for 11% of the greenhouse gases in the world today. 

Food waste isn’t the only food-related issue that contributes to the creation of greenhouse gases. About 40% of all greenhouse gases come from the meat industry. Deforestation, changes in the way that land is used, and the production of farm animals all result in greenhouse gases. 

During the deforestation process, trees are cut down. This means that there are fewer plants available to change carbon dioxide back into oxygen. This carbon dioxide is then added to the atmosphere, resulting in climate change. 

As animals graze grass while they’re being raised for processing, additional plants that typically change carbon dioxide into oxygen are destroyed. When farm animals digest food, they release methane, which, just like food waste, heavily contributes to climate change. 

While all meat farming affects climate change, cattle farming has been shown to have a greater effect than other types of farming. Cows require a large amount of food to grow, and they produce methane at greater levels than other farm animals. 

You don’t have to cut out all meat and other animal products in order to make a difference when it comes to climate change. Cutting down on your consumption of meat–even by going vegetarian one day a week–can go a long way in helping to stop climate change. 

If you’d like to do your part to cut down on eating meat, it can be helpful to share your new delicious recipes with others. Doing so may encourage them to cut down on the amount of meat they eat as well. Sharing the changes you’re making on social media (in an encouraging way) can also be a smart option to get others on board with cutting down on meat to save the planet.

5 Scientific Discoveries That Are Helping Fight Climate Change

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Climate change is a huge issue today. It is the result of a wide range of technologies that have been helpful to humans but have really hurt the planet. The global temperature is expected to increase between 0.5 degrees Fahrenheit to 8.6 degrees Fahrenheit by 2100. While that kind of temperature change may not seem like much, even a one-degree temperature shift can cause catastrophic damage to wildlife and their habitats.

Today, scientists are trying to combat climate change through innovation and advances in technology. Let’s run through a few discoveries that are helping fight climate change.

1. Plastic-eating enzymes

Plastic has now found its way into wildlife and even into some animals’ bloodstreams. This is a terrifying thought.

A group of researchers in Japan accidentally discovered an enzyme that can break down plastic. The process breaks down plastics in a matter of days rather than the hundreds of years that it takes plastic to break down otherwise.

Using this enzyme correctly could result in a reduction in the total amount of plastic on Earth.

2. Solar panels that harvest energy from sun and raindrops

Solar panels provide a clean source of energy, and using them can result in decreased reliance on fossil fuels. Today, scientists are testing out the use of full solar panel roads to gather even more sunlight to convert to energy.

Developments in China have also led to research that indicates we might be able to get energy from raindrops in addition to sunlight.

3. Genetic modification for some crops

Climate change has taken a toll on areas that grow crops like coffee, chocolate, and corn. Increased risk of drought, flooding, and pests, much of which are the result of climate change, has made growing these crops even harder.

Genetic modifications of these crops could help them become more drought or flood-resistant. They might also be able to repel certain pests as well.

While this new technology does not necessarily combat climate change directly, it certainly decreases its effects.

4. Carbon capture technologies

The amount of carbon dioxide trapped in the atmosphere is largely to blame for the increased temperature on Earth. Researchers at Tuskegee University have developed a new way to capture carbon dioxide that may be more effective and environmentally friendly compared to other methods. It may also be less expensive.

This new technology relies on nanocellulose, an agricultural waste product, to capture, store, and release carbon dioxide from the atmosphere without any external influences.

5. Alternative foods for cows

You might be surprised to learn that a huge amount of methane gas is released into the atmosphere because of cow burps—yes, cow burps. Cattle ferment food in their stomachs as part of their normal digestion process, leading to a lot of burping.

We have recently discovered that by supplementing cattle food with seaweed, cows can get the nutrition they need while also cutting down the amount of burping. Seaweed might reduce methane emissions by up to 80 percent.

Currently, there is not enough seaweed to go around, but scientists are also working on that.

How To Choose The Best Laptop For You

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When you are looking for a new laptop computer, you want to evaluate your personal needs and goals. By understanding your needs when buying a laptop, you can avoid undue complications with the buying process. It helps you find a laptop that has the power, speed, and versatility to address your specific goals.

Set Your Budget

Clarify your budget before you look at any computers. If you have a strict budget for a laptop, then you will not waste time on computers that exceed your budget. It allows you to avoid over-spending on a laptop and ensures that you focus on comparing the right computers.

You do not want to look at laptops that cost more than you can spend. As a general rule, laptops get more costly as you increase the speed, size, and function. By setting a budget, you compare options that are affordable.

Consider Size Requirements

A laptop comes in different measurements and sizes. For example, you can select a 12 inch screen for a small size that fits easily in most bags. If you need more space for your fingers due to heavy typing, then consider a 15 or 16 inch screen size. The size of the screen gives you an idea of the size of the computer. Generally, the keyboard is the same basic size as the screen, so larger screen sizes will have more space for your fingers.

Keep in mind that the weight of the laptop increases with the size of the laptop. In general, most laptops with a larger screen size will also weigh more than smaller options.

Consider Operating Systems

The operating system on a laptop falls into four main categories: Windows, Mac OS, Chrome OS, and Linux. If you need to use Office tools, then opt for either Windows or a Mac OS. Chrome and Linux do not always allow you to use Office for word processing, Excel spreadsheets, or similar tools. 

For web browsing, you may consider Chrome OS. It is optimized for the web, but is not ideal for other uses due to lower power and limited access to useful programs. Linux may require a learning curve due to differences in the software programs used by laptops. Windows is the traditional operating system on most computers and is found on many budget-friendly and mid-range computers.

Compare RAM and Gigs

The RAM on your laptop refers to the speed of the computer. A higher RAM means the computer is able to keep up with multi-tasking or streaming. Keep in mind that some computers may have two numbers. One is the RAM that comes on the computer and the second number is the amount of RAM the computer can support.

Gigs, or gigabytes, refer to the space on your computer. Some computers may offer terabytes, which is 1000 gigabytes of space. The more gigs you have on your computer, the more space you have to save images, videos, or work.

Finding the right laptop starts with clarifying your needs. By setting a budget and then comparing the speed, space, and operating systems of the laptops, you can find an option that helps with your goals or needs.

5 Things You Can Do to Boost Curb Appeal This Summer

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Your home’s curb appeal is directly tied to your home’s value. Homes that have good curb appeal tend to sell faster, be valued higher by buyers and also impress guests more. In this article, we’ll discuss five things you can do to boost your home’s curb appeal. Whether you’re trying to sell your house or simply want to enjoy the satisfaction of living somewhere beautiful, these tips can help. 

1. Water and Weed Your Lawn

Green grass is the dream of many homeowners. Water your grass as many as two times per week, administering an inch of water each time. Keeping your lawn watered will help you maintain healthy, attractive grass, which can keep weeds away. If your grass dies due to lack of water, this will make room for weeds to move in. 

Weed your lawn on a regular basis either by pulling weeds by hand, or by using the weed killer of your choice. If you’re using weed killer, read the instructions carefully and follow all safety recommendations. 

2. Clean Your Siding and Windows

Clean your windows and siding once every six months. Clean your home’s siding with a strong jet of water from a hose. Don’t use a power washer, as this will damage your siding. 

Instead, wet down the side of your house, then use a scrub brush and a bucket of soapy water to clean your home’s siding. To clean your windows, use commercial glass cleaner to clean the inside and outside of the windows. 

3. Plant Beautiful Annuals

Annual flowers are easy to plant and easy to maintain, which is one of the reasons why they’re so popular. Flowers boost curb appeal by creating the impression of abundance and healthy soil. 

Before planting your annuals, prepare the soil by clearing out weeds and preparing the ground. Annuals need only regular watering in order to continue looking their best. Mulch the ground around the annuals to lock in water in the soil and prevent weeds from growing around the plants. This helps promote healthy growth.

4. Keep Your Lawn Free of Debris

Debris on the lawn makes your home look poorly maintained and neglected. To keep your lawn free of debris, clear sticks, weeds, leaves and any trash that may accumulate on the grass and around the perimeter of your yard.

You’d be surprised how much debris can build up in your yard throughout the course of a typical week – especially if you have children. Keep toys picked up and put away. Trash that doesn’t fit in the trash bins should be placed in a hidden location behind the trash bins until pick-up day.   

5. Set Up a Vignette On Your Porch

Create a scene on your porch to allude to the enjoyable activities that anyone who lives in your house might enjoy. This might include a rocking chair, a table, a throw blanket and pillow. People will see your vignette and think to themselves that they too would like to spend time on your porch lounging and enjoying themselves. 

5 Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Inoperable Fireplace Beautiful

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Many homes have inoperable fireplaces, since chimneys can easily fall into disrepair and cost a lot to fix. This is especially common because many homeowners have little or no use for a wood burning fireplace in their house. If you have an inoperable fireplace, there are many things you can do to make your fireplace more beautiful – without having to pay the cost for repairs. 

1. Paint the Brick

Paint the brick around your fireplace to make it stand out more. Painting the brick is a relatively easy home improvement project that can make your fireplace a standout feature in your home. Start by cleaning your fireplace with a wire brush that will remove debris and soot.

Use a shop vacuum to remove soot and debris from the area around your fireplace, then use a cleaner or degreaser to remove soot from the fireplace. Apply a layer of primer to the brick and allow it to dry for the recommended period. Once the primer is dry, apply a layer of interior acrylic latex paint to your fireplace. Apply a second coat if you can still see the brick through the paint. 

2. Fill the Firebox With Firewood

Even if you’re not planning to burn firewood in your firebox, you can still fill the firebox with firewood to add visual interest to the space. Use straight, attractive examples of firewood. Round logs that haven’t been split tend to be more attractive than firewood that has been split. Place the ends facing outward into the room, and fill the entire firebox to create a pattern. 

3. Decorate the Mantel

Decorate the mantel over your fireplace. There are many ways this can be done. Some ideas:

  • Seasonal decorations. Change the decorations on your mantel every season to celebrate holidays, seasonal changes and more. Consider leaning a seasonal wreath on your mantel, and purchasing seasonal decorations to make your mantel more attractive. 
  • Simple decor. Choose one or two items, like a clock, a painting or a mirror, to place on your mantel. Lean the painting against the brick over your fireplace, or hang the painting or mirror from an anchor stuck in the brick. 
  • Candles. Candles can be a risky choice to place on a mantel over an operable fireplace, because candles can melt. However, candles make the perfect decoration for the mantel area over an inoperable fireplace. Place one candle at each end of the mantel, putting each in a candleholder. 

4. Put Candles in the Firebox 

Want an alternative to filling your firebox with logs? Try putting candles in there! Simply fill the space with candles, and light the candles on special occasions. This creates the impression of fire, but doesn’t require you to repair your chimney.

5. Fill the Firebox With Books

This is a creative idea that looks just right if you enjoy reading. Start by cleaning your firebox to remove any soot. Next, fill the firebox with antique hardcover books. To finish the look, place a few books on your mantel or on the hearth near the fire. This is a good look in a home with a casual cozy decor, with lots of comfortable chairs.