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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Video games are good for the brain

Concerns about violent programs persist, but researchers are discovering that playing can boost cognitive function and foster positive behavior

In his speech to America’s schoolchildren last month, President Obama had a clear directive about video games: Put them away. It wasn’t the first time he had sounded this particular alarm, warning of the dangers of days spent at gaming consoles. But the latest science shows that there’s a lot more to video games than their dark reputations suggest.

“There’s still a tendency to think of video games as a big wad of time-wasting content,’’ said Cheryl Olson, co-director of the Center for Mental Health and Media at Massachusetts General Hospital. “You would never hear a parent say we don’t allow books in our home, but you’ll still hear parents say we don’t allow video games in our home.

“Games are a medium. They’re not inherently good or bad.’’

After years of focusing on the bad - and there are still legitimate concerns, for instance, about the psychological effects of certain violent games - scientists are increasingly examining the potential benefits of video games. Their studies are revealing that a wide variety of games can boost mental function, improving everything from vision to memory. Still unclear is whether these gains are long-lasting and can be applied to non-game tasks. But video games, it seems, might actually be good for the brain.

The very structure of video games makes them ideal tools for brain training.

“Video games are hard,’’ said Eric Klopfer, the director of MIT’s Education Arcade, which studies and develops educational video games. “People don’t like to play easy games, and games have figured out a way to encourage players to persist at solving challenging problems.’’

The games aren’t just hard - they’re adaptively hard.

They tend to challenge people right at the edge of their abilities; as players get better and score more points, they move up to more demanding levels of play. This adaptive challenge is “stunningly powerful’’ for learning, said John Gabrieli, a neuroscientist at MIT.

Most games involve a huge number of mental tasks, and playing can boost any one of them. Fast-paced, action-packed video games have been shown, in separate studies, to boost visual acuity, spatial perception, and the ability to pick out objects in a scene. Complex, strategy-based games can improve other cognitive skills, including working memory and reasoning.

These findings fit with scientists’ increasing understanding of how malleable the human brain truly is. Researchers now know that learning and practicing a challenging task can actually change the brain.

Richard Haier,a pediatric neurologist and professor emeritus at the School of Medicine at the University of California at Irvine, has shown in a pair of studies that the classic game Tetris, in which players have to rotate and direct rapidly falling blocks, alters the brain. In a paper published last month, Haier and his colleagues showed that after three months of Tetris practice, teenage girls not only played the game better, their brains became more efficient.

A type of scan that illuminates brain activity showed that at the end of the three months, the girls’ brains were working less hard to complete the game’s challenges. What’s more, parts of the cortex, the outer layer of their brains responsible for high-level functions, actually got thicker. Several of these regions are associated with visual spatial abilities, planning, and integration of sensory data.

“Does this mean that Tetris is good for your brain?’’ Haier said. “That is the big question. We don’t know that just because you become better at playing Tetris after practice and your brain changes . . . whether those changes generalize to anything else.’’

Generalizability to non-game situations is the big question surrounding other emerging games, particularly software that is being marketed explicitly as a way to keep neurons spry as we age. The jury is still out on whether practicing with these games helps people outside of the context of the game. In one promising 2008 study, however, senior citizens who started playing Rise of Nations, a strategic video game devoted to acquiring territory and nation building, improved on a wide range of cognitive abilities, performing better on subsequent tests of memory, reasoning, and multitasking. The tests were administered after eight weeks of training on the game. No follow-up testing was done to assess whether the gains would last.

Now that researchers know these off-the-shelf games can have wide-ranging benefits, they’re trying to home in on the games’ most important aspects, potentially allowing designers to create new games that specifically boost brain power.

“Until now, people have been asking can you learn anything from games?’’ MIT’s Klopfer said. “That’s a less interesting question than what aspects of games are important for fostering learning.’’

Klopfer is currently conducting research to determine how important narrative is in an educational physics game: Do students learn more with a more narrative game? And Anne McLaughlin, a psychologist who co-directs the Gains Through Gaming lab at North Carolina State University, is assessing whether games that are novel, include social interaction, and require intense focus are better at boosting cognitive skills. McLaughlin and her colleagues will use the findings to design games geared toward improving mental function among the elderly.

Other researchers are hoping to use video games to encourage prosocial behaviors - actions designed to help others. (“Prosocial’’ behaviors are, in some ways, the opposite of “antisocial’’ ones.) In June, an international team of researchers, including several from Iowa State University, reported that middle school students in Japan who played games in which characters helped or showed affection for others, later engaged in more of these behaviors themselves. Researchers also found that US college students randomly assigned to play a prosocial game were subsequently kinder to a fellow research subject than students who played violent or neutral games.

Unlike, say, movies or books, video games don’t just have content, they also have rules.

A game is set up to reward certain actions and to punish others. This means they have immense potential to teach children ethics and values, said Scott Seider, an assistant professor of education at Boston University. (Of course, this is a double-edged sword. Games could reward negative, antisocial behavior just as easily as positive, prosocial behavior.)

Some off-the-shelf games already contain strong prosocial themes; consider The Sims, for instance, or the classic Oregon Trail, which make players responsible for the well-being of other characters and feature characters who take care of one another. But Seider also hopes game developers consider the prosocial possibilities in developing new games. The challenge for the architects of future games will be figuring out how to wrap virtuous characteristics into an engaging package.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Game-Club/Video-games-are-good-for-brain

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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GET RID OF CELLULITE FOREVER

Cellulite

has often been termed “the curse of women” because so many suffer from the annoying orange peel skin dimples and fat deposits on their hips, bums and thighs. Unfortunately, too many women also throw thousands and thousands of dollars down the drain on totally ineffective “treatments” and useless products. That is because most people don’t really know what “cellulite” is, or what causes these odd dimples on the lower body trouble zones…

So if you don’t know what cellulite is, how can you treat it?

Fact is, there is no real difference between cellulite fat, and regular fat. All of the cellulite sponges and creams designed to “dissolve” cellulite and other gimmicky devices are all ripping you off. Unfortunately, cellulite is actually caused by muscular atrophy, a condition that occurs when the layer of muscle becomes weak and undefined, and separates from the skin, making the unattractive fatty deposits visible. So the first thing you need to know is that cellulite treatment has nothing to do with your skin and everything to do with the muscles underneath the skin. And remember, cellulite removal has NOTHING to do with weight loss. Even the skinniest of girls can suffer from cellulite.

The good news is that there is a way to reverse muscular atrophy, and banish annoying celluliteforever. And no matter how much you weigh or how old you are, you can do this naturally without popping pills or using phony lotions.

HERE ARE 5 TOP TIPS TO GET RID OF YOUR CELLULITE FOREVER:

1. You CANNOT get rid of cellulite with creams or lotions: Stop using them! It’s that simple. There are dozens of cellulite reduction creams on the market, but they don’t do anything to treat your cellulite. The dimples caused by cellulite are a superficial result of a problem below the surface of your skin, therefore creams will do nothing.

2. Medi-Spa Treatments do not work: Numerous FDA reports show that medi-spa treatments designed to remove cellulite have actually scarred and injured a number of women permanently. From body-wrapping to endermologie, these treatments are completely ineffective (but can be very expensive).

3. Cellulite is NOT genetic, you CAN get rid of it: Ignore what you’ve been told, cellulite is not a genetic problem and you do not have to be stuck with it forever. Believing these falsehoods will just prevent you from taking the steps you need to get rid of your cellulite.

4. You can get rid of cellulite no matter how old you are: Because cellulite is a muscle issue, you can always fix it by strengthening your muscles. All you have to do are some simple movements that target specific muscles in the cellulite affected area to get rid of your cellulite. You can do these movements at home – they are not vigorous or overly strenuous and can be performed by women of all fitness levels.

5. The ONLY way to get rid of cellulite forever is with specifically targeted lower-body movements: The movements are unique, and directly target the muscles in the cellulite areas. They focus on lifting, toning and shaping the muscle layers, pushing them towards the skin and getting rid of the dimpled appearance. Unfortunately, these are not movements that you’ll be able to learn at your nearest gym. This natural way to remove cellulite does not make use of weights or machines.

With this program you will learn how to target every single one of your lower body muscles, with simple, light movements. Follow this program and you will attain the tight and sexy look that you’ve always dreamed of. If you have some fat in your cellulite zones, it will be burned off as fuel so you will also lose any unhealthy excess body fat.

You can do these movements from the privacy of your own home and if you start with this targeted muscle stimulation method today you will start seeing results after approximately 2 to 4 weeks. It’s your body so just go ahead and do the right thing for it!

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Salon/GET-RID-OF-CELLULITE-FOREVER

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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3 Benefits of Catalogues that You Should Know

There are various ways to advertise your product in the market, catalogue is one of the best ways to grab the attention of the targeted group. Actually, a product catalogue is simply a database of information about all the products that you have prepared and ready to launch on your website. There are various companies who are ready to provide catalogue design services to promote your business. Generally speaking, internal sales and marketing teams use catalogs to display product images and descriptions and sometimes to also communicate their brand values.

People who are taking interest in your company, can gather a great deal of information about the company and the products through a company catalogue. A complete professional catalog gives service providers peace of mind in knowing which products and services are available to sell to which customers.

Your catalogue has to be attractive as well as informative in nature. You need to go for a catalogue design company to get a professional catalogue design for your company. Catalogues are there to add up your value in this competitive world of business. After seeing the company catalogue people get to know about the offerings that your company is providing for them. It all depends on you that how attractive and informative your catalogue is.

Here is a list of advantages that you can avail by opting a company catalogue:

● Build your brand name:

Attractive visuals and a clear informative message throughout your catalogue will help to build the companies brand. A good catalogue helps you to build up the feeling of trust and credibility amongst the company and the reader. People come to visit your company for the products or services. Actually, catalogues are there to make a good impression on the targeted group of people to increase their profit.

● Address your audience:

You should directly approach your audience. You can tailor your content according to your need. The catalogue design services are there to help you out if you are new and do not know about all such factors which are important to promote your business. Your catalogue should be presented in a simple way by which one can easily get to know about your products or services.

● Gain exposure:

It is another advantage of designing a catalogue. This is one of the great marketing tools to help broaden your client reach. Both digital and print versions of a catalog provide a great reference of product and information that is necessary for generating a customer lead. This method of marketing serves as a great information source for your customer in any form and it also helps to search engine optimization on the web.

These are the few benefits of designing catalogue that you can get if you go for a catalogue design company for your own benefits. Now, you know all the benefits of catalogues. So, what are you waiting for! Go ahead and hire a catalogue designing company to help you out and make a brand name in this competitive world.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Brochure-Design-Tips/benefits-of-catalogues-that-you-should-know

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Tips for Improving Your Health

Good nutrition is one of the keys to a

healthy life

You can improve your health by keeping a balanced diet. You should eat foods that contain vitamins and minerals. This includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and a source of protein.

Ask yourself the following questions. If you answer yes to any of them, talk to your doctor about your health. You may need to improve your eating habits for better nutrition.

Do you have a health problem or risk factor, such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol? Did your doctor tell you that you can improve your condition with better nutrition? Do diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or osteoporosis run in your family? Are you overweight? Do you have questions about what foods you should eat or whether you should take vitamins? Do you think that you would benefit from seeing a registered dietitian or someone who specializes in nutrition counseling?

Path to improved health

It can be hard to change your eating habits. It helps if you focus on small changes. Making changes to your diet may also be beneficial if you have diseases that can be made worse by things you are eating or drinking. Symptoms from conditions such as kidney disease, lactose intolerance, and celiac disease can all benefit from changes in diet. Below are suggestions to improve your health. Be sure to stay in touch with your doctor so they know how you are doing.

Find the strong and weak points in your current diet. Do you eat 4-5 cups of fruits and vegetables every day? Do you get enough calcium? Do you eat whole grain, high-fiber foods? If so, you’re on the right track! Keep it up. If not, add more of these foods to your daily diet. Keep track of your food intake by writing down what you eat and drink every day. This record will help you assess your diet. You’ll see if you need to eat more or less from certain food groups. Think about asking for help from a dietitian. They can help you follow a special diet, especially if you have a health issue. Almost everyone can benefit from cutting back on unhealthy fat. If you currently eat a lot of fat, commit to cutting back and changing your habits. Unhealthy fats include things such as: dark chicken meat; poultry skin; fatty cuts of pork, beef, and lamb; and high-fat dairy foods (whole milk, butter, cheeses). Ways to cut back on unhealthy fats include:

Rather than frying meat, bake, grill, or broil it. Take off the skin before cooking chicken or turkey. Try eating fish at least once a week. Reduce any extra fat. This includes butter on bread, sour cream on baked potatoes, and salad dressings. Use low-fat or nonfat versions of these foods. Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables with your meals and as snacks. Read the nutrition labels on foods before you buy them. If you need help with the labels, ask your doctor or dietitian. When you eat out, be aware of hidden fats and larger portion sizes. Staying hydrated is important for good health. Drink zero- or low-calorie beverages, such as water or tea. Sweetened drinks add lots of sugar and calories to your diet. This includes fruit juice, soda, sports and energy drinks, sweetened or flavored milk, and sweetened iced tea.

Things to consider

Balanced nutrition and regular exercise are good for your health. These habits can help you lose or maintain weight. Try to set realistic goals. They could be making some of the small diet changes listed above or walking daily.

Doctors and dietitians suggest making healthy eating habits a part of daily life rather than following fad diets. Nutrition tips and diets from different sources can be misleading. Keep in mind the advice below, and always check with your doctor first.

Secret diets aren’t the answer. Fad or short-term diets may promise to help you lose weight fast. However, they are hard to keep up with and could be unhealthy. Good nutrition doesn’t come in a pill. Try eating a variety of foods instead. Your body benefits most from healthy whole foods. Only take vitamins that your doctor prescribes. Diet programs or products can confuse you with their claims. Most people in these ads get paid for their endorsements. They don’t talk about side effects, problems, or regained weight.

Questions to ask your doctor

How many servings should I eat from each food group? If I’m on a strict diet, such as vegetarian or vegan, how can I improve my health? Are there certain eating habits I should follow for my health condition?

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Blog-Emily/Tips-for-Improving-Your-Health

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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How safe is the food we eat?

Is the food we eat and serve our families safe?

An April 2018 warning to avoid eating romaine lettuce potentially contaminated with E. coli is just the latest in a string of foodborne illnesses that affect millions of Americans every year.

According to an April 18, 2018,

press release, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had reported 53 cases of E. coli linked to the recalled romaine lettuce. The agency noted the cases span 16 U.S. states, but it urged everyone in the United States to toss their romaine to help minimize the risk of infection.

Shiga toxin–producing E. coli (STEC) is the strain of bacteria affecting the recalled romaine, and symptoms of infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and less commonly a fever of less than 101 degrees F. Most people recover within seven days, the CDC says, but in serious cases, infection may lead to kidney failure or death.

Practicing good hygiene by sanitizing kitchen counter tops, cutting boards, and refrigerator space, as well as washing hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food, can further reduce your risk of becoming ill from E. coli infection.

"Consumers need to know about the risks, but they also need to know we have the safest food supply in the world," says Joan Salge Blake, RDN, a clinical associate professor at Boston University.

According to the Center for Science in the Public Interest,

some of the most common culprits of foodborne illness in general include raw fruits and vegetables that are washed or irrigated with contaminated water, or those that aren't washed thoroughly before eating. While the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates those foods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regulates animal products — such as eggs, cheese, and raw meat — that can carry other other foodborne illnesses.

Overall, the most common foodborne diseases in the U.S. that cause illness and death are salmonella, norovirus, campylobacter, E. coli, and listeria, according to FoodSafety.gov, a clearinghouse for food safety information compiled by the FDA, the CDC, and other government agencies.

Salmonella contamination in food is responsible for about 1.2 million foodborne illnesses each year, sending an estimated 23,000 people to the hospital and causing hundreds of deaths, according to the CDC. This infection is often associated with poultry and eggs, but contamination can turn up in a variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, and seafood.

Meanwhile, E. coli, the bacteria involved in the romaine lettuce recall, can affect not only fruits and veggies that are eaten raw, but also soft cheeses made from raw milk, water, and undercooked ground beef, according to FoodSafety.gov.

Protecting yourself and your family from contaminated-food diseases is particularly important if pregnant women, young children, adults older than 65, or people with a compromised immune system live in your home.

These facts may be alarming for some people to hear, but don't panic about every food you eat: The food system in the U.S. is relatively safe, thanks to the Food Safety Initiative, which began in 1997, Blake points out. “This program coordinates the research, inspection, outbreak response, and educational activities of the various government agencies to safeguard our foods,” she continues. And it helps alert the public if an outbreak should arise, reducing the number of people who get sick.

Still, because it’s impossible to keep track of every alert that dances across your phone or desktop, your best bet is to stay on top of expiration dates and learn how to prepare and store food safely. To do so, you can take the following steps every time you cook:

Keep separate cutting boards for produce and meat

Keep dairy-based foods at the proper temperature

Regularly wash kitchen sponges in the dishwasher

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Blog-Emily/How-safe-is-the-food-we-eat

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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5 best at-home juices to improve your health

5 best at-home juices

These delicious drinks are packed with nutritional benefits too, says the Angela Onsgard, an RDN at the spa. A whole foods, plant-based diet can heal and soothe inflammation within the body, she says and juicing can be a healthful way to fill in nutrient gaps and increase antioxidant levels. Juicing should not replace a healthy diet, though, so be mindful of the calorie and sugar content of juices, says Onsgard, and remember to include protein, fiber, and fat by eating whole foods along with these shots of yumminess.

Juice For: An Afternoon Recharge

Instead of caffeine for a mid-day pick-up, renew your energy with the Mira-Vitality, suggests Onsgard, a juice drink chock full of powerful antioxidant that protect your cells from damage caused by free-radicals. Free radicals are produced in the body as a result of normal essential metabolic processes or from external sources such as exposure to radiation, cigarette smoke, air pollutants, and industrial chemicals. Carrots are a rich source of the antioxidants Vitamin A as well as other carotenoids. Spinach is chock full of the antioxidant glutathione and is also high in Vitamins A, C, and E. Beet juice is high in naturally occurring nitrates, which have been shown to improve blood flow, decrease blood pressure, and increase stamina. Cucumber juice is rich in Vitamin K, which helps with blood clotting after an injury. Leave out the cucumber if you are taking an anti-coagulant medication. Ginger is known to be very soothing to the digestive tract while also containing 12 different antioxidants.

Recipe: Mira-Vitality

9 oz. fresh carrots, washed 2 c. packed baby spinach, washed and spun dry 6 oz. fresh raw beets, stemmed and peeled 5 oz. cucumbers, skin on 1 tsp. Ginger Juice

calories: 80; total fat: 0 g; carbohydrates:16 g; dietary fiber: 1 g; protein: 4 g

Juice For: Longevity

Immortal Greek Gods feasted on Ambrosia, the name given to food that increased longevity. While the ingredients in this juice won’t make you immortal, they may help extend your life, says Onsgard, in part due to Pineapple, which is rich in bromelain, a digestive enzyme that breaks down proteins and can help heal muscle injuries. Red grapes, rich in the antioxidant resveratrol, have been shown to activate enzymes in the liver and increase rates of detoxification of harmful chemicals. The lemon juice is a rich source of Vitamin C and aids in digestion by stimulating bile production. The freshly juiced orange provides a healthy dose of Vitamin C and improves diastolic blood pressure. Drink this elixir in the morning to get your digestive fire burning or after a workout to help with muscle repair. But don’t overdo! There are 290 calories in this juice, similar to a plated meal.

Recipe: Ambrosia

1 c. pineapple ½ c. red grapes 1 four-ounce lemon, with rind on and quartered 1 ten-ounce orange, skin removed

calories: 290; total fat: 1 g; carbohydrate: 76 g; dietary fiber: 10 g; protein: 4 g

Juice For: Glowing Skin

Beautiful, flawless skin starts with what you eat, says Onsgard. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables will provide the vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants needed for healthy glowing skin. Cucumber is a very good source of Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Potassium. Free radicals are damaging to collagen and elastin, the fibers that support skin structure, leading to wrinkles, sun damage, and aging. Vitamin C has been shown to be powerful in countering the effects of these free radicals. Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they are low in calories and high in potassium. They are also particularly high in the flavonoids cyanidin and epicatechin, another free-radical fighter. Celery juice is a powerful diuretic that helps to flush toxins from your body. Romaine lettuce is rich in Vitamin A, chlorophyll, and hydrating wich plumps the skin. Fresh pineapple is the only known source of an enzyme called bromelain, which has been shown in studies to shorten recovery time following surgery. Pineapple has also been shown to stimulate collagen production. Enjoy this smoothie after a facial to nourish and heal the skin.

Recipe: Clear, Ageless Skin Smoothie

2 c. cucumber, with skin on 1 c. Granny Smith apple, stemmed and seeded 1 c. celery hearts 1 heart of romaine lettuce, about 6 oz. 1/3 c. fresh pineapple

calories: 170; total fat: 0 g; carbohydrate: 44 g; dietary fiber: 7 g; protein: 2 g

Juice For: Exercise Stamina

Try this beet-based juice drink before exercise to increase your stamina. Beets are a nutritional powerhouse, says Onsgard, providing folate, potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. One of the major benefits of beet juice is that it contains a color pigment called betalain. This is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substance. There is research that indicates that betalain may help prevent cancer. Studies have shown that drinking beet juice provides a healthy dose of naturally occurring nitrates, which the body converts into nitric oxide, and that drinking beet juice increases stamina during intense exercise, lowers blood pressure, and increases blood flow. Cooking beets decreases these naturally occurring nitrates, so enjoying raw beet juice is a great way to get the benefits. The oxalic acid in beet juice is also known to be a good solvent of inorganic calcium deposits in the body. The ginger is very soothing to the digestive tract, carrot provides a healthy dose of Vitamin A, and the orange packs an antioxidant punch of Vitamin C.

Recipe: And The Beet Goes On...

1 inch of unpeeled ginger 1 large orange 4 carrots 1 large beet

Nutrition Information for typical 8oz juice: calories under 200, carbohydrates about 30g, protein 2g, fiber 4g or more

What recipes of healthy juices you know? Let us know in the comments.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Blog-Emily/5-best-athome-juices-to-improve-your-health-1

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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How to prepare for moving

Start-to-Finish Guide for Moving

A lot of moving generally takes place over the next few months, and while everyone's experience and needs vary a little, a lot of the work involved in moving is the same no matter who you are. There's a lot to go over, so feel free to skip around:

Preparation Packing Labeling and Managing Your Inventory Moving In

Preparation

There is so much to do in preparation for your move: set up mail forwarding, change over your utilities, acquire packing supplies, and so on. The move, itself, is really the easy part as you'll spend most of your time packing and unpacking. If you want everything else to go as smoothly as possible, you'll need to prepare well. It's a time-consuming and detailed process, but it'll ultimately make your move significantly more simple and less stressful.

Transferring Your Information

Before you move, be sure you know all the utilities you're responsible for and make the transfers. The further in advance you can make the call the better, as sometimes certain utility companies will not be able to come out the next day to make the switch. Another switch you can make in advance is filling out a change of address form, which you can do online. If you change your address online, be sure you have a credit card that uses your current address as the billing address, since that's how the postal service verifies the request.

Finding Packing Supplies On the Cheap

There are a lot of places to buy packing supplies, but boxes and tape can add up to quite a bit of money. You can avoid this additional cost by hitting up one of quite a few places handing out free boxes. Most retailers receive a lot of shipments, but your best bet is to contact furniture stores. While your average retailer may be able to provide you with some used boxes, you'll be able to find a greater range of sizes from furniture stores. Be sure to call them up at least a week in advance of when you want to start packing, however, as box disposal isn't necessarily a daily task. If your friends are moving before you, another way to get used boxes is to ask them to give them to you when they're finished. You may also be able to find boxes in the office you work in, or ask a friend to bring home any boxes they can find at the office. For more ideas, check out these tips on scoring free moving boxes.

The downside to reusing boxes is that they're not always in the best condition. If you want brand new boxes (and other packing supplies), you can get a pretty good deal through ULine. They offer moving kits and will deliver to your door. Generally I don't like to plug a single place, but I've used ULine for my last four moves and they've been consistently helpful and inexpensive. One recommendation, however, is to avoid their cheap tape. When packing, good tape is surprisingly important, and the tape you get in ULine's moving kits is far from good enough.

In addition to packing supplies, you're going to want some tools for the actual move. It's fairly inexpensive to rent a hand truck and furniture dolly—both of which you'll want to have—from a truck rental company, but if you've got room to store them in your new place, it's not much more expensive to buy them. You can generally find these items for around twice the cost of rental at online retailers, hardware stores and discount clubs like Costco. When purchasing, just be sure to get a hand truck that can handle at least 150 lbs. and has a pretty solid build construction. Thick, solid wheels are also a plus, as you won't have to worry about deflation during the move. When the move is complete, a good box cutter is also helpful. It's an inexpensive tool and makes things a bit easier than a pair of scissors or a regular knife.

Taking Measurements

Everything you own may fit wonderfully in your current home, but it may not in your new one. It can be easy to make assumptions and forget to measure, so be sure to set aside some time to do it. Make an appointment at the new place, if necessary, to be absolutely certain your furniture will fit the way you want it. All you need to bring is a tape measure and the measurements of your furniture. If you really want to prepare, consider templating your furniture.

Also, if you're planning on applying wallpaper (or hiring someone to do it), you're going to need to know the measurements of your walls. The same goes for hanging various items on the walls. What looks nice in one space may look awkward in another. You'll never be completely sure until you've moved and tried it out, but you can measure and estimate in advance to get a pretty clear picture.

If you want to go all out, AutoDesk HomeStyler is a great, free webapp that helps with the layout of your new home. If you want a complete plan, this is the way to go. Here's how it works:

Getting a Truck

Maybe you prefer to have a moving company help you out, but I've always found that my moves go faster without one. If you're taking the DIY approach, you're obviously going to need a truck. UHaul tends to be the commonly recognized brand for local moves, but you should be sure to look at your options. There are a few things you're going to want to consider when renting a truck:

Your mileage may vary from move to move, so figure out approximately how far you'll be driving and how much you pay per mile. All truck rental companies will charge you around $1 per mile, but some include a certain number of miles in the rental price. If you're not going too far, you may save some money by going with a cheaper rental rate that charges for every mile you drive. If you're going a longer distance, you may find that included miles and a pricier rental rate will actually save you money. Additionally, if you're moving between cities and there are rental locations in both, you may be able to pick up the truck in one city and drop it off in the other. This will prevent accruing additional miles and the nuisance of driving back just to drop off the truck. The cost of the rental is one thing, but you also have to consider the cost of the truck should you find yourself in an accident. Rental companies offer insurance at different levels that often exceed the cost of the rental itself. Be sure to check how much insurance is going to cost you and what it actually covers. In most cases the insurance you'll receive from the rental company will come along with a high deductible and only cover certain kinds of damage. For example, roof damage is frequently left out and is unfortunately common. A low-hanging tree can open the truck's roof like a sardine can, so be aware of what you are and aren't liable for and choose the insurance that's best for you before you go in to pick up the truck. Shop online and browse deal sites. Often times there are online specials available you won't get via phone reservation. Keep your eyes peeled and you can sometimes save as much as 50%. If you're a student, several truck rental companies offer student discounts. If they don't specifically, you can sometimes negotiate a deal anyway. If you can come up with a good reason—say you're a film student who will need a truck for numerous student film projects—you can often get a better price. Just be sure to refer your friends if you can't repay the rental company with frequent business of your own. Reserve your truck as far in advance as you can or you may not get one. The day you move is also relevant to truck availability. Most people move in the Summer and on the weekends, so if you're one of those people you'll want to book as far in advance as you can.

Packing

More than anything, I hate packing boxes because of how long it takes to do it well and how many things there are to consider. On top of that, you have to think about what you can't pack and actually need on a day-to-day basis. When you're surrounded by everything you can't yet pack, it gets a little stressful, so let's take a look on how to break up this enormous undertaking.

Pack Like You're Going on Vacation

We'll get into the big stuff next, but first things first: set aside the essentials. You're going to need mainly clothing and toiletries which should fit pretty easily into any standard carry-on suitcase. While you may want to wait until the week before you move to do this, put everything you need in that suitcase and live out of it. This isn't as comforting as having everything in its usual place, but you'll know where your necessities are and you won't accidentally pack any of them. When all your other packing is complete, you can just zip up your suitcase and drive it over to your new home.

Sort First

Packing by room is an ideal worth pursuing, but it's not necessarily realistic. Some of the time you'll have electronics from the living room fraternizing with the soft pillows and sheets from the bedroom in order to save on packing materials. At times you may want to wedge a book from another room into a box that has just a little extra space left. There are all sorts of situations in which you may want to mix contents from room to room, but it makes keeping track of what's where a lot harder. If sorting by room does work for you, stick to it. If you want more flexibility, there are other options.

If you have a lot of extra sheets, pillows, blankets, and soft items, you should put them all in one place. Assume you'll be using one for each box, so as you unpack you'll know the first thing you'll need to do is take that soft item to its appropriate place. Be sure to set aside bedsheets and the minimal number of pillows for their own box so you have them ready to go as soon as you move in. If you have room, include these items in your essentials suitcase.

You'll also find that you have a lot of miscellaneous items that don't belong to any particular room but just happen to be wherever they are. Find all of these items first, set them aside, and use them as filler for any box. Packing these items in a particular way (such as placing them in a plastic bag with a specific marking on it, such as a star) will help you keep track of what's miscellaneous filler and what isn't.

Overall, however, you'll want to keep boxes as room-specific as possible. Even if you're moving to a small apartment and not a multi-floor home, having everything in its correct place when it's time to unpack will prevent unnecessary stress. You'll be in a new environment and won't know where you put every single thing you've moved. Staying very organized while packing will save you a lot more time and effort in the long run. Know your system and stick to it.

Labeling and Managing Your Inventory

Unmarked boxes are no fun when unpacking, but there are so many ways to keep track of your stuff—and label it informatively—that it can be hard to find the best system. The most common method involves a black marker and room names on your boxes. I find this method really annoying, however, because you generally have to bend yourself in an awkward position to write on the box. Space to write is also a concern, especially when it comes to smaller boxes. Searching the list for what you're looking for can also be more difficult since 1) you have a lot of items on the box and 2) you can't search hand-written text. I think inventory and labeling is one of those things best handled on a computer—or at least electronically in some way. With my most recent move, I explored some new options.

Mobile Inventory Software

Back in April we looked at the Five Best Home Inventory Tools and, as you can see, they're all over the map. In fact, only two of the five are actually designed for home inventory, and Delicious Library specializes in media rather than handling everything. While there are some specific options for keeping a detailed database of your stuff, not much handles moves. After looking around for awhile I almost opted to write a web app to handle everything, since there wasn't anything simple, easy and cheap/free. While I still feel there's a bit of a void, I found an option for the iPhone that works pretty well.

Moving Van costs $1.99 and attempts to take you through the entire packing, moving, and unpacking process. You can photograph your stuff, add that stuff to specific boxes, assign those boxes to specific rooms and ultimately email your inventory to your computer. While the app feels rough at times and wasn't always the paragon of stability, it got the job done pretty well. I was concerned about entering a large amount of data on a smartphone, but it wasn't as time consuming as I'd expected. You're really only typing a couple of words for each item, and if you consider the time it would take to walk over to your laptop and type in the item you'll find it really isn't any slower. Adding photos is considerably faster, of course, because you can use your iPhone's built-in camera. Even with its faults, Moving Van was my favorite tool this time around. When you're all over the apartment and you still don't know where to find something, being able to look it up on your phone is an enormous help.

Labeling by Weight (and Other Information)

Labeling by room (i.e. Living Room, Kitchen, Bedroom, etc.) is a given (even some nifty tape can help), and labeling boxes with their contents can also be helpful. What most people don't consider when moving a box is actually moving it. A box is a very basic-looking object that doesn't tell you too much about itself just by its form. Relevant to moving, you don't know know which side ought to be upright and how much it weighs. When physically moving the boxes from one place to another, weight and orientation are important. For example, you don't want to place a heavy box on top of a light one. Labeling your boxes with relative weight (light, medium and heavy) will make each trip to and from the truck a lot easier.

Encoded Labeling with QR Codes

A few years ago I tracked my box inventory in a text file. In some ways it was great: I could print it, view it on mobile devices, search it and easily move an item from one box to another if I entered it in prematurely. On the other hand, when it came to labeling, I found it difficult to fit the entire inventory on a label. Additionally, there are certain circumstances where you might not want the contents of your box exposed to the world—for example, if there's something expensive in the box and you can't watch the moving truck every single second of the move or if you just have a few things you don't want your friends to know about (like your ultimate Justin Bieber collection).

While they introduce their own inconveniences, I found QR codes to be a decent solution. What you can do is manage your inventory in a text file and then copy the contents of the boxes to a QR code generator like this one. A single QR code can handle 250 characters and that's often enough for the contents of a single box. If not, fitting 2-3 on a standard size shipping label is no problem either. Using the QR codes keeps the contents of your box relatively hidden and provides a way to fit the contents of the box into a much smaller space. You can then read the codes easily with one of many mobile phone apps, such as QR App (iPhone, free) and Barcode Scanner (Android, free — browse to Google Shopping on your phone, choose "More" and then "Scan Barcode" to install). While this solution is pretty geeky and certainly not for everyone, it's a fun way to label your boxes that actually solves some issues as well.

Moving In

If you've taken the time to prepare, unpacking shouldn't be too difficult. Nonetheless, you'll still have a number of tasks ahead of you. Here are some things to consider when moving in to help everything go smoothly.

Assembling Furniture

Hopefully your couch made it over in one piece, but some furniture—like your bed—is probably best when transferred in disassembled form. If you find that you don't remember how to put things back together again and the manual isn't available online, you can often have instructions sent to you from the manufacturer by just making a quick call. If email isn't an option for them and snail mail will take too long for you, often times you can convince the company to fax the instructions. A quick Google search will turn up several 30-day free trials for fax services that you can use to get your instructions and then cancel as soon as you have what you need.

Clean and Dust First

If your furniture wasn't dusty or dirty when you loaded it into the truck, it probably is now. Before you bring it into your home it's best to wipe it down just a little bit. You can dust more thoroughly once inside, but definitely be sure to do it before you put the furniture to use.

Use Your Closets

It's easy to clutter up your home when unpacking because you'll have stuff everywhere. It can become a little intimidating when you have to move it all around. If you can manage, fill your closets first—even if it's only temporary. This will help keep clutter out of the way and leave you more room to unpack the important stuff.

Trash Disposal and Recycling

When you're all done, you'll have papers, boxes, and other items left over. Getting rid of boxes can be as easy a a quick post on CoolJonny. You can't pass everything along, however, and will need to dispose of it properly. If you're moving into an apartment, it's best to check with your building's management before seeking out trash and recycling. The building may have un-posted policies you're not aware of.

Got any great moving tips? Share 'em in the comments!

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Home/How-to-prepare-for-moving

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Beginners guide to start home repair business

5 easy steps to start home repair business

Starting a home repair business is a great way to get your feet wet as an entrepreneur. There is a fairly low barrier for entry because you can easily start out as a one person operation and the cost to start up is low.

I started my handyman business as a one man operation in 2012 and continue to operate in this manner. It can be very profitable (Think six figure income), low risk, I work for myself, and most importantly, I enjoy it.

During the last six years as a professional handyman, I’ve learned a ton. In this article I share a simple, step by step process for starting a home repair business. Obviously, this is somewhat simplified, but it should be enough to point you in the right direction.

Once you get more serious, you can check out my complete step-by-step guide here.

Since you are interested in starting a home repair business, you are probably handy and posses most of the skills required, or at least enough handyman skills to get started. A common misconception most people have about this industry is that you need to have a ton of construction experience and know how to do everything. This just ins’t so and I’m living proof. If you have the desire to help people, can work well with your hands, and can solve common problems with a home, that’s all you really need.

As with any other business, there should be a lot of thought and planning during the initial setup. I’m not a fan of writing a business plan and believe it’s only necessary if you are trying to get outside funding. However, some planning and research are essential before you dive in.

Step 1: Are you cut out for this business?

The success of your home repair business isn’t going to be determined by how smart you are or how well you planned your attack from the beginning, the long term success of your business will be determined by your motivation and your ability to get stuff done. If you don’t enjoy what you are doing, the motivation will slowing wither away and so will the profits. So hopefully you actually enjoy working with your hands and fixing stuff.

Another thing to consider is whether or not you are a self starter or need direction and external motivation in order to be effective. You’re in charge, and nobody is going to be holding you accountable to get critical tasks done or make tough decisions.

Step 2: What services are you going to offer?

Start by listing your handy skills and then try to figure out which services you would enjoy doing. Are there any services that gets you excited to think about? I know that I really enjoy setting up home theatre systems so that is one of the primary services that I offer. Whenever I get the chance to set one up, it’s the highlight of my work week.

Often times people enjoy what they are good at. If you are really good at repairing washing machines you might find yourself enjoying it even though somebody else would hate it. That feeling of excelling and being the best at what you do can really make a difference and keep you motivated.

Licensing is required for certain trades and the laws governing these licenses vary in each state. Make sure to check your state laws before offering or advertising for any home repair services.

Another thing to consider when deciding what services to offer is your target customer, which leads to the next step.

Step 3: Who’s homes will you repair?

Choosing a customer base is a very important part of the process and there are a couple things that are worth considering. First, choose a customer base that actually needs home repair and is willing to pay for it. That second part is critical.

An example that immediately comes to mind is single women 50+ that live alone. These customers not only have money, but are more than willing to give it to an honest home repair person so they can live comfortably. This is only one example and there are several profitably customers to target.

The second thing to consider, something that most people forget about, is the type of client you want to work with. Liking the customers you serve will make business much more enjoyable.

Now that you’ve chosen your target market, getting to know them will help you reach them with advertisements. Try to learn how they shop and where they go when they need a home repair. Then, be found in those places.

For more on choosing a target market: Targeting the Right Customers

Step 4: Setting up Shop

Now that you know what home repair services you will provide and who you will provide them to, it’s time to get everything in order so can start raking in the cash. You may choose to postpone some of theses steps and complete them as you go, but keep in mind that it gets more difficult to focus on these items while balancing a customer schedule.

Here is a list of some of the tasks you should complete for the initial setup.

Choose a name for your home repair business. Choose a business structure for your handyman business. Open a business bank account. Have a logo designed. It helps you look professional and helps your customers remember you. Get some business cards and begin handing them out right away. Set up a business address separate from your home address. Get some liability insurance if necessary. When I started my handyman business, the first thing I did was tell my friends and family what I was doing. This allowed me the opportunity to start getting business right away and helped fund some of the items on the above list. It’s not likely that you will be overwhelmed with business from telling friends and family, but it may just provide that extra bit of money and motivation you need to move forward.

Step 5: Market Your Services

This is where you will spend the majority of your time during the first couple of months in business. Just because you set up this awesome, well branded business, doesn’t mean the calls are going to immediately start pouring in. People don’t know you exist and it’s time to let them know.

So, whenever you aren’t working for a customer, you should be working on your marketing.

What’s the best way to market a handyman business you ask?

Well, the quickest way to get customers is probably craigslist – but you’re not necessarily going to keep your schedule filled or even attract your ideal customers. In fact, you’ll mostly get lower paying customers.

At first that’s ok, so Craigslist is a tool to consider.

But, when it comes to the best way to market a handyman business, there’s actually no contest. Online marketing will generate more leads and customers than any other method you could possibly consider. And, if done properly, it’s very cost effective. In fact, most of my leads are generated completely free (well, other than the cost to keep my website live – about $15/month).

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Home/Beginners-guide-to-start-home-repair-business

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Steps to start bitcoin mining business

Bitcoin, the revolutionary and contentious cryptocurrency has seen its ups and downs over the years. What was initially dismissed as a “crazy idea” and a “fad” has now established its place in the market as a credible financial instrument. What’s more, even long time skeptics, financial instruments, have started to embrace the cryptocurrency.

And while this wide-scale adoption is great for the currency as a whole, it has brought with it a new range of challenges for miners. Bitcoin mining, by design, has gotten tougher over time, individuals running background apps on PCs have given way to savvy entrepreneurs with VC funding, setting up Hyperscale, multi-megawatt, facilities dedicated to mining bitcoin.

Having helped build some of the largest, most efficient bitcoin mining facilities (over 10MW), wanted to outline some key learnings in the form of this step by step guide on how to start a bitcoin mining business/ operation.

STEP 1: EVALUATION

As obvious as it may sound, it is critical that you do the math and evaluate the financial feasibility of mining bitcoin. You’d be surprised about how many enquiries we get for projects that make little financial sense. And while, it’d be easy for us to just quote them a cooling system price and sell more units, we’re committed to seeing our customers succeed, and often help people see why a project may not be feasible or why we may not be the best solution for them.

The Miners

The first step within the evaluation phase is to research what kind of miners you’ll be using. You ideally want to pick the most energy efficient miners, but if you have access to cheap, clean power, the upfront cost may be more important, the idea is to look at the total cost of operation of the miners. The Antminers from Bitmain are our personal favorites.

The Infrastructure

Once you have the miners identified, you need to figure out what kind of infrastructure and facility you’ll need to support the miners. You want to start with a location that you have access to cheap power, land, and network.

Next think about how you’re going to keep these miners powered, cooled, and protected from the elements. You want to ensure the miners are performing at their peak, reliably and constantly. Think about everything from the racks the miners will go into to the power distribution, the cooling, power requirements, and what all that means in terms of designing and building out the facility.

If facility design is not your area of expertise, or just want someone else to handle it so that you can focus on your core business, GRC’s HashTank may be the choice for you. The HashTank is a turnkey solution for bitcoin mining that includes Antminer Hardware integrated into a pre-engineered containerized data center. It’s the low-cost, low-stress, solution for high efficiency minining.

Profitability Calculation

Now that you have a better idea of what your upfront and ongoing costs will be, it’s time to sharpen your penci… No it’s not! It’s 2017 there’s an app for that! While, there are a number of web and mobile apps, we like these web apps the best:

STEP 2: FINANCING

If you’re still reading this, congratulations! Your profitability calculation probably came back in the green! Now that you understand how much money you’ll need to get started and the expected returns from your investment, it’s time to ensure you have the investors/ funds ready to make sure you can procure everything you need.

STEP 3: PROCUREMENT & COMMISSIONING

So you’ve done the heavy lifting! You’re past all the research, evaluation, pitching, and planning, it’s time to put this plan into action. It’s time to order your HashTank!

After we receive your request, we’ll help you figure out how to prepare your facility, i.e. get power, and mark out a nice little spot of land for your new mining facility. Once we have a PO, we’ll start putting your HashTank together. Typical lead time for a HashTank is 8 weeks or higher, depending on miner availability at the time. Once built and delivered, GRC engineers will install and commission the HashTank on-site. Installation and commissioning is typically a one-week process, after which you should be ready to hook up your network and start mining!

STEP 4: PICK A POOL AND FLIP THE SWITCH

Last piece of the puzzle is picking a market to sell your bounty into.

Alright! It’s finally time to flip the switch and start mining some coin to…

STEP 5: MAKE MONEY, AND WIN!

Pop the Champagne, sit back and marvel as the HashTank does its thing.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Bitcoin/Steps-to-start-bitcoin-mining-business

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Myths about Bitcoin

the currency isn’t beyond the reach of the law, and it won’t replace cash.

Myth No. 1

There is a finite supply of bitcoin.

Bitcoin has been described, per the title of one book, as "digital gold," because it is supposedly impossible to create more than the 21 million units already planned for circulation. This past week Goldman Sachs published a research report stating that "bitcoin has a mathematically certain total supply." Modern-day gold bugs, such as Ron Paul, like the idea that no government can debase bitcoin by increasing the supply.

Yet there is no guarantee that the supply of bitcoin won't change. The currency's original design calls for the 21 million units to be slowly created over the next 100 years or so. But the protocol can be amended by community consensus — a majority of participants in the bitcoin network — as has already occurred several times, such as an update that helped users specify payment conditions. So far, the bitcoin community has fiercely defended the planned finite supply and is notoriously change-averse. But politics among users, not math, keeps things that way for now.

Those politics may shift if bitcoin's adherents come to agree with mainstream economists, who say the currency will hit a deflationary spiral as bitcoin are accidentally lost over time and the supply dwindles. Computer scientists also fear that the protocol will become unstable as inflationary rewards for bitcoin "miners" (who secure the system using tremendous computing power) are phased out in favor of transaction fees. For these reasons, some newer cryptocurrencies have eschewed bitcoin's finite-supply plans. Instead, they follow a digital version of Milton Friedman's proposal for low but constant inflation.

Myth No. 2Bitcoin's users

are anonymous.

Nakamoto, bitcoin's founder, claimed that the currency offers privacy, since transactions are not listed under real-world identities. Bitcoin's blockchain, the permanent public record of transactions, uses cryptographic pseudonyms. Users can create as many free pseudonyms as they want, and most bitcoin software generates a unique pseudonym for every transaction. WikiLeaks encourages donors to use bitcoin because it's "anonymous" and "cannot be easily tracked back to you." Harvard economist Kenneth Rogoff has even suggested that governments will eventually move against cryptocurrencies because of their anonymity features.

But the vast majority of bitcoin users don't get significantly more privacy than they would with traditional bank transfers, and they probably get much less than they would by paying with cash. That's because it's possible to link a user's pseudonyms together by studying patterns in the blockchain. Several blockchain analysis firms already offer their services to law enforcement. What's more, most users leave a paper trail when they buy or sell bitcoin in exchange for dollars or other fiat currencies, as reputable exchange services record identities to comply with "know your customer" laws. The most technically savvy users can still hide their identities through coin-mixing protocols, in which users swap coins with each other to jumble ownership patterns, but these remain difficult and sparsely used. Some bitcoin competitors offer stronger built-in privacy, but these currencies are much less popular.

Myth No. 3

Bitcoin is beyond the reach of the law.

In bitcoin's early days it was the currency of choice for a multimillion-dollar underground drug market called the Silk Road, prompting critics, from JPMorgan Chase's chief executive to France's financial-market regulator to Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz, to claim that bitcoin is a haven for those seeking to evade the law. (Stiglitz said that it "ought to be outlawed.") And even bitcoin's advocates sometimes say, as one analysis put it, that the technology is "one step ahead of anti-competitive laws and unfriendly jurisdictions."

Not really. New technology always requires updated interpretations of existing statutes and case law — in this case originally written for other parts of the financial sector — and that gradual process is well underway for bitcoin. Its exchanges are already regulated through specific laws in some states, such as New York, and by rules on money transmission services elsewhere. All mainstream bitcoin exchanges at least attempt to comply with "know your customer" laws to prevent money laundering. The IRS regards bitcoin as taxable property. The Securities and Exchange Commission recently began cracking down on initial coin offerings, a new type of blockchain-based fundraising mechanism, under its existing authority to regulate securities.

The original Silk Road market has been closed, and authorities have managed to shutter numerous follow-up efforts. And many other countries, most notably China, have moved aggressively to regulate or ban certain types of cryptocurrency business.

Myth No. 4Bitcoin wastes

energy.

Bitcoin mining is an energy-intensive process. Anybody can become a miner, but he or she needs special hardware chips working constantly to solve the cryptographic puzzles that create new blocks in the bitcoin ledger (in exchange for the rights to newly created bitcoin). Because of its decentralized nature, nobody knows the exact amount of electricity this process consumes, but it's likely to be several gigawatts at any given moment, roughly equal to the output of a massive power plant such as the Hoover Dam. No wonder observers have lamented bitcoin's environmental impact, with reports that individual transactions use as much energy as a home uses in a week or, more hyperbolically, that bitcoin will consume all of the world's electricity within a few years.

But compare the overhead for various currencies. Banks pay for security guards (among many other security expenses), who often merely stand around watching the customers. We don't think of this as wasteful, because without guards, theft could undermine the entire system. The same is true for the raw power used by bitcoin miners. We don't yet know how to secure a decentralized ledger like bitcoin's blockchain without the energy-intensive mechanism.

There's an open scientific argument about what level of energy expenditure, as dictated by the revenue earned by bitcoin miners, is necessary to secure the system. If research on lower-energy methods pans out, bitcoin can change — or be replaced by a greener competitor. Until then, this is an essential cost for the currency.

Myth No. 5

Bitcoin will replace credit cards and/or cash.

Many utopian bitcoin supporters, such as Kim Dotcom, creator of the Megaupload file-sharing site, predict bitcoin will overtake other payment schemes. "In five years, if you try to use fiat currency, they will laugh at you," says major Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper.

But bitcoin does not yet have several key properties needed for a universal payment mechanism. First, the design currently limits the system to handling only a few transactions per second, nowhere near the tens of thousands that credit card networks can handle, nor the tens of thousands more done in cash every second. The community has worked for years on various plans to improve bitcoin's capacity, but there is no agreed-upon path forward.

Second, bitcoin transactions, once free, are increasingly expensive, with fees now averaging $20 and reaching as high as $400, based on demand. Developers are working to improve capacity, but for now the trend is going in the wrong direction.

Finally, bitcoin transactions do not take effect immediately because of the limitations of the blockchain. New transactions are added only every 10 minutes, on average, and when users desire extra security, they can take more than an hour. Even with planned improvements, it's unclear if the technology can ever become a universal payment system. Bitcoin is more like a reserve store of value, akin to gold bullion or Treasury notes, than a day-to-day tender.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Bitcoin/Myths-about-Bitcoin

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Virtual Reality Tours

Would you like to travel the world on a guided tour, but can't seem to "get it together" and actually book a trip? Is your sofa so perfectly molded to your body, that now it's just way too comfortable to leave? Does your cat, Luke Skywhisker threaten to run away from home every time you leave the house? If any of these situations apply to you, we have the perfect solution:

Virtual Reality

Tours

!Stay in your jammies

We know packing is a pain. Everyone hates it. This is the best way to avoid the hassle and stay comfortable! No need for weather gear when you "Tour Iceland," unless you want to go outside in the rain/wind/snow/sun for an extra touch of reality. Otherwise, Stay comfy and cozy in your elastic-waisted splendor.

Looking at pictures is boring. This is better.

Virtual Reality Tours are better than books or sitting through a slide show of your neighbor's (8,000! ugh!) vacation photos that are all of him wearing a too-small swimsuit for some reason. It's even better than those neat videos you found on Netflix. This is like being immersed in the picture and it makes everything you've been doing up until now seem pretty lame.

Feel futuristic

Imagine what your friends will say when you tell them you've dabbled in virtual reality, or 'VR' if you want to sound hip and tech savvy. Sounds like something from Star Trek, doesn't it? We'll meet you on the Holodeck.

Still enjoy that group experience

If you still love to travel with a group, we've got you covered. Invite your closest friends over to the house and enjoy your tour together. Do a little research ahead of time and make some snacks that are authentic to the region for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Optional upgrades

If you want to spend a little bit more for an extra good experience, we'll send over one of our Virtual Experience Specialists! Our interns will come to your home and blow cold air on your face while touring Nova Scotia, place sand in between your toes in Costa Rica or spoon-feed you gelato while touring Italy. You don't even have to take the glasses off! That's probably for the best, since it could get a little awkward.

#travel #leisure

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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Fun Things to Do with Kids in Myrtle Beach

Planning a family vacation with kids? Myrtle Beach in South Carolina is one of the best vacation destinations offering a combination of fantastic beaches and a wide range of activities to keep the kids busy. There is also no dearth of beachfront Myrtle Beach resort deals that you can book for your stay. Keep reading to know some of the exciting things that you can do with your kids.

Family Kingdom Amusement Park

A water and oceanfront amusement park, children love the Family Kingdom. This amusement park boasts of 35 thrilling rides including the 187-foot SkyWheel, Twist-and-Shout steel roller coasters, Go-Kart tracks, free-falling log flume, bumper cars and more. This park even takes the lazy river a notch higher by offering water flumes with 100-foot drops.

Water Sports

Are you looking forward to more than just a beach holiday? You can take part in popular water sports activities. The little ones will definitely enjoy themselves clinging on to a banana boat and as for teenagers and adults, they can indulge in jet skis or can go on a parasailing trip and sail high above the water. To complete enjoy beach fun and water sports, check out oceanfront Myrtle Beach hotel deals.

ATV Tour

Get your family outdoors to enjoy a whole day of adventure and fun on an ATV tour. The tour is for approximately 2-hour and you do not need any prior experience to explore the high n dry and down n dirty trails. In case you are holidaying with kids who are below the age of twelve, they can ride on the back of a family member’s ATV.

Myrtle Waves Water Park

Myrtle Waves Water Park is the largest water park in South Carolina and more than one million gallons of water pumps through the wild rapids, raft rides and slides. For families, the park has special covered areas where you can enjoy a relaxed picnic and intimate family-time. Also, you will be happy to know that the park has trained lifeguards on duty at all times. So, if you have availed any of Myrtle Beach resort deals, remember to visit this park with your child.

Children’s Museum of South Carolina

The Children’s Museum of South Carolina is a fun place for kids where they will be entertained with exhibits, such as Bubble Mania and Imagination Playground. The museum also arranges for weekly craft and story times to keep the attention of the children engaged.

Ripley’s Aquarium

Ripley’s Aquarium is unlike any aquarium you have seen before. You can actually glide on a three hundred and thirty foot moving path beneath the dangerous reek through stingrays and sharks. You can also show your child the rainbow rock, also known as the Indo-Pacific coral reef and a lot more.

So, what are you still waiting for? Find out lucrative Myrtle Beach hotel deals and gift your family one of the best and memorable vacations of their life.

#travel #leisure

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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How to feed your new-born baby

Tips for new parents

Feeding a newborn is a round-the-clock commitment. It's also an opportunity to begin forming a bond with the newest member of your family. Consider these tips for feeding a newborn.

1. Stick with breast milk or formula

Breast milk is the ideal food for babies — with rare exceptions. If breast-feeding isn't possible, use infant formula. Healthy newborns don't need water, juice or other fluids.

2. Feed your

newborn

on demand

Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings a day — about one feeding every two to three hours.

Look for early signs of hunger, such as stirring and stretching, sucking motions and lip movements. Fussing and crying are later cues. The sooner you begin each feeding, the less likely you'll need to soothe a frantic baby.

When your baby stops sucking, closes his or her mouth, or turns away from the nipple or bottle, he or she might be full — or simply taking a break. Try burping your baby or waiting a minute before offering your breast or the bottle again.

As your baby gets older, he or she will take in more milk in less time at each feeding.

3. Consider vitamin D supplements

Ask your baby's doctor about vitamin D supplements for the baby, especially if you're breast-feeding. Breast milk might not provide enough vitamin D, which helps your baby absorb calcium and phosphorus — nutrients necessary for strong bones.

4. Expect variations in your newborn's eating patterns

Your newborn won't necessarily eat the same amount every day. During growth spurts — often at two to three weeks after birth and again at six weeks after birth — your newborn might take more at each feeding or want to be fed more often. Respond to early signs of hunger, rather than keeping a strict eye on the clock.

5. Trust your instincts — and your newborn's

You might worry that your newborn isn't eating enough, but babies usually know just how much they need. Don't focus on how much, how often or how regularly your newborn eats. Instead, look for:

Steady weight gain

Contentment between feedings

By the fifth day after birth, at least six wet diapers and three or more bowel movements a day

Contact the doctor if your newborn isn't gaining weight, wets fewer than six diapers a day or shows little interest in feedings.

6. Consider each feeding a time to bond with your newborn

Hold your newborn close during each feeding. Look him or her in the eye. Speak with a gentle voice. Use each feeding as an opportunity to build your newborn's sense of security, trust and comfort.

7. Know when to ask for help

If you're having trouble breast-feeding, ask a lactation consultant or your baby's doctor for help — especially if every feeding is painful or your baby isn't gaining weight. If you haven't worked with a lactation consultant, ask your baby's doctor for a referral or check with the obstetrics department at a local hospital.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Baby/How-to-feed-your-newborn-baby

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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How to secure your house

Protecting Your Home From the Outside

Walk around the exterior of your home and scout out its weaknesses.

The best way to protect your home from the outside is to survey it with the eyes of a burglar. If you can easily tell that a window could be pried open, a thief will definitely be able to come to the same conclusion. You can even contact your local police department and they’ll provide a courtesy home assessment that can help you identify your home’s weak spots.

While you’re checking for vulnerable spots, take note of any expensive electronics, art, or furniture that is easily spotted through windows. You don’t have to redecorate your entire home to keep expensive items out of sight, but it doesn’t hurt to make small adjustments where you can. No need to tempt thieves any more than you have to!

Keep shrubbery around entrances and walkways trimmed.

The last thing you want is to make it easier for a thief to hide when attempting to break in, so eliminate his options for hiding spots. He may only need a few minutes of cover to make his entry but with no place to hide while doing it, he’s less likely to even try. You could even plant thorny shrubs by your windows to make it not only difficult to break in, but painful!

Build a fence.

If you don’t have one already, a fence can be an excellent way to keep unwanted visitors off your property. Open chain-link or ornamental metal fencing tend to be preferable and are ideally secured into concrete to prevent lifting. Solid fences can be easier to climb and offer thieves a place to hide, though some homeowners prefer them for privacy and noise reduction. You can better secure them by having sharp pointed tops or, if you don’t mind rough barbed wire fencing.

Stow expensive items like grills, cars, and bikes in the garage.

Though it may seem like a hassle to roll out the grill for every barbecue, leaving it out makes it an easy target for thieves. They don’t even have to enter your home to grab it, and if it’s got wheels it can be a breeze to sneak away with. If your area only offers street parking, always lock your car and be sure to park in a well-lit area.

Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

Chances are these areas don’t need the sunlight, so put up curtains or blinds for privacy and protection. Stowing your outdoor valuables only does so much good if they’re constantly on display!

Install motion sensor lighting around your home, especially at entrances.

Shine a spotlight on a potential intruder before he can even touch your doors or windows by adding extra lighting with motion detectors at entrances and especially dark corners of your home. If you live in an apartment, ask your landlord to install sufficient lighting in walkways and halls to eliminate dark corners.

Get to know your neighbors.

Crime tends to be lower in tight-knit communities because neighbors are more likely to look out for each other and can easily spot a stranger. Your neighbors can be one of your best assets in home crime prevention because they offer extra eyes and an outside perspective. Plus if they have a different work or school schedule from yours, they might be around during the day when you’re away and can alert you to any suspicious activity that may occur in your absence.

Keep your yard free of toys, tools, and ladders.

A yard littered with toys signals to a thief that the house may be filled with equally interesting entertainment, like game consoles, tablets, or laptops. A ladder or toolbox left out even briefly for an afternoon can give an opportunistic thief help in gaining access to your house.

Talk to your neighborhood association about increased lighting on your street.

Burglars often case an entire street or neighborhood to determine if it’s a good target, but often prefer to do so in the dark of night. A well-lit neighborhood will likely deter him from your area, or at the very least make it very difficult for him to slip away undetected.

Build a fence.

Stow expensive items like grills, cars, and bikes in the garage.

Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

Chances are these areas don’t need the sunlight, so put up curtains or blinds for privacy and protection. Stowing your outdoor valuables only does so much good if they’re constantly on display!

Install motion sensor lighting around your home, especially at entrances.

Get to know your neighbors.

Keep your yard free of toys, tools, and ladders.

Talk to your neighborhood association about increased lighting on your street.

Build a fence.

Stow expensive items like grills, cars, and bikes in the garage.

Use curtains on garage and basement windows.

Chances are these areas don’t need the sunlight, so put up curtains or blinds for privacy and protection. Stowing your outdoor valuables only does so much good if they’re constantly on display!

Install motion sensor lighting around your home, especially at entrances.

Prune trees around two-story homes.

A determined crook may scale a tree and break into an upstairs window if branches are long enough to give him access. If you have a second floor, trim back tree branches to prevent a cat burglar from making his move.

Consider forming a neighborhood watch program.

This will give you the opportunity to get to know your neighbors better. and create an invaluable awareness and commitment to crime prevention in your area. You can speak to your local police department about giving your group an informal lecture that can provide insight into identifying a suspicious person and what to do if you spot one loitering on your street, how to recognize a burglary in progress, how to recognize an auto theft in progress, and what to do in an emergency. Local PD will also usually distribute free literature on home safety and sometimes even offer window stickers and ID cards identifying your neighborhood organization.

Keep fences, gates, and garage doors locked.

It’s worth investing in a quality padlock for each outside entrance, even if you only lock it at night. However, since most friends and family won’t mind calling ahead to let you know they’re visiting, it’s best to leave them locked at all times. Never leave your garage door open if you aren’t in it or outside and able to keep an eye on it.

Install large, reflective numbers on your house and mailbox.

This makes it easier for police to identify your home in the event of an emergency. Burglars prefer dark houses difficult to identify by address as it can buy them crucial spare moments in the event they’re caught in the act.

Keep all doors and windows closed and locked at all times.

An open exterior window or door is an invitation for burglars to easily enter your home, so keep them shut and securely locked whether you’re home or not. Don’t underestimate strong window locks, and update them if needed. Thieves know how to spot weak locks that would be easily forced open. Make sure exterior doors have deadbolt locks. Sliding doors should have vertical bolts and a metal or wooden rod in the track to prevent being forced open or doors being lifted off the track. Never leave your home without locking the front door, no matter how brief your trip. Even if it’s pouring rain, don’t forget to take the extra moment to lock up. Burglars don’t take days off due to weather!

And don’t forget the door attached to the garage. It’s one of the easiest targets and a likely route of entry. Don’t depend on your automatic garage door for full security.

Secure valuables in a home safe or lockbox.

If it is small and not mounted, consider having your safe bolted to the floor since many burglars will simply take it with them Give your pass code or combination only to a trusted loved one in case of emergency. Don’t leave it posted anywhere in your house easily accessible to an intruder.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Home/How-to-secure-your-house

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cooljonny18-blog · 6 years

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how to prepare your pool for summer

Before you can reopen the pool for summer swims, you need to clean out the gunk and restore the water to its proper chemical balance.1. Don't Empty Your Pool

First, Biscornet says, never empty your swimming pool, even if you live in a really cold climate, unless you have no other choice, such as if you need to do structural work or your pool hasn't been covered and there are too many leaves at the bottom to remove. (Also: Get a cover. Really.) That's because draining the pool can bring big problems. For example, an empty pool in a high water table can lift out of the ground without the weight of the water holding it down.

Biscornet says most pool owners aren't even aware of the risk. "People think they're going to empty and clean their pool but they either do it in a very wet season when there's a high groundwater table, or their swimming pool actually sits in a high water table," he says. "When you empty a pool in a high water table, it's very possible that the pool will pop out of the ground like a boat." That could mean a complete pool replacement.

2. Clean It Up

Start the process of bringing your pool up to shape with a "chemical open." Put the filtration system together, clean out all the baskets, and remove any plugs that you put in when the pool closed last year. For now, leave the cover on the pool while you're working on it.

3. Top It Off

If the water level has fallen over the winter, top it off. Make sure to clean the filter before you turn it on. Clean a cartridge filter by removing the cartridge and wash with a hose. If you have a D.E. filter, you might need to take it apart, clean it, and reassemble it. If you have a sand filter, set the filter to backwash, which will clean the sand. Then turn it to the normal setting.

4. Have a Pro Test Your Water

Biscornet recommends having the water professionally tested. Take a water sample to a swimming pool store, Biscornet says, and they'll test the water for you, usually for free (and maybe some up-sell). "It's a good idea because they'll do a complete test," he says. "They'll test the mineral content of the water, along with the total alkalinity and the pH and the chlorine levels." They'll tell you which needs to be adjusted and by how much.

5. Balance Your Chemicals

Time for some chemistry, based on your pool pro's analysis. Here are Biscornet's recommendations:

PH levels between 7.2 to 7.4. The pH level dictates how much chlorine turns into hypochlorous acid in the water. Use soda ash to increase pH; muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to decrease.

Total alkalinity from 80 to 120. Alkalinity is a pH buffer—pH levels will be consistent if the alkalinity level is correct. Use sodium bicarbonate to increase alkalinity, muriatic acid to decrease it.

Calcium hardness from 150 ppm to 250 ppm (parts per million). This is directly dependent on the hardness of the water. The softer the water, the more calcium it will absorb from its environment. "If you don't put [calcium] in the water, it will take it from the grout in the tiles," Biscornet says. "It will actually ruin a marble dust (a finish product), it will even effect vinyl." Adjust the calcium hardness by using calcium chloride.

Chlorine from 1 ppm to 3 ppm. A popular product for backyard in-ground pools are cyanuric-based tablets (the ones that look like large white hockey pucks). "Cyanuric acid inhibits the sun's ability to burn off chlorine," Biscornet says. "It's like a sunscreen for the water."

You can put the tablets in your skimmer baskets, but their low acid content means they'll eat metal—a problem if your pool has a metal filter system or a heater with a copper heat exchanger. So Biscornet recommends getting a plastic chlorinator, which attaches to the filter system. Get a pro to hook this up.

6. Wait for the Water to Clear

Don't dive in yet. The filter has to be cleaned every day until the water is clear. Expect the entire process to take about a week. You may have to add chlorine to keep it at the right level. Only when the water is clear and you can see the pool floor should you remove the cover. Remove the cover too soon and you'll end up with more leaves and pollen and debris to clean out.

7. Housekeeping

After you've removed the cover, time to vacuum all the leaves and debris from the bottom.

8. Maintain

For the rest of the season, keep the filter clean, vacuum the pool each week, and test the chemical levels every day. Biscornet also advises having a pro test the water once a month.

https://cooljonny.com/blog/Home/how-prepare-your-pool-for-winter

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