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Best Practices in Presentation Design

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presenting eco benefits of popupshops
Your new idea might change the world in renewable energy and consumerism but you need to know how to present it to the world.

There is no question that well-designed business PowerPoint presentations can have a significant impact on the success of a company. When done correctly, a good presentation can help any business to communicate its message clearly and effectively to its target audience, resulting in a better understanding of the company and its products or services. Additionally, a well-designed presentation can help to create a positive impression of the business with potential clients or investors and inspire confidence in its ability to succeed.

If you have been tasked with creating a presentation for your company, there are a few best practices to consider to make your slides stand out. This article will share some best practices for presentation design. Keep reading to learn how you can make your presentations look their best.

Consider using a presentation design service.

One of the best ways to create a dynamic and powerful PowerPoint presentation is to let a professional design it. The purpose of a good presentation is to inform or persuade an audience. There are many factors to consider when designing a presentation, including the content, layout, fonts, colors, and graphics. A professional PowerPoint presentation design service understands the principles of graphic design and can help you craft slides that will stand out with your audience.

A professional service will be able to help you create a well-organized and visually appealing presentation. They will take into account your branding and target audience and will create a layout that is both professional and effective. Additionally, when you work with a professional service, you can be assured that all of the elements of your presentation will be cohesive. From the layout and design to the animation and multimedia, everything will be in line with your overall message. Finally, by working with a professional service, you can be sure that your presentation will be of the highest quality. Professional designers have the experience and skills necessary to create a presentation that is polished and effective.

Use enough white space.

White space, or the negative space around and between elements on a page, can be used to improve readability, legibility, and overall aesthetics. It can also help to focus attention on key elements. One way to use white space effectively is to break up large blocks of text with shorter paragraphs and headers. This makes the text easier to scan and eliminates the monotony that can occur when reading long chunks of uninterrupted text.

Another way to use white space is by placing related elements close together. For example, if you have a list of points you want to make, group them together instead of scattering them throughout the slide. And finally, leave plenty of empty space around images and other graphics, so they don’t compete for attention with text or other elements on the slide.

Use graphics effectively.

Good graphics can add life, interest, and clarity to a presentation, but if used incorrectly, they can also be distracting and annoying. The best practice to keep in mind when designing a PowerPoint is to use charts, graphics, and animations so that they add to your content. You’ll want to use graphics sparingly so as to not overwhelm your audience. Too many graphics can be overwhelming and distracting. It’s also important that you make sure the graphics are relevant to your content. If an image or chart doesn’t serve a purpose, don’t use it.

Additionally, you’ll want to match the graphic to the tone of your presentation. If you’re giving a serious presentation, avoid using silly or frivolous images. Conversely, if you’re giving a humorous presentation, light-hearted animations will work well. Finally, make sure the graphic is easy to understand. If a chart or graph is too complex or confusing, it will distract from your content rather than help to explain it. Keep things simple whenever possible.

Create a clean and cohesive presentation.

One of the more important things you can do when creating a presentation is to craft a clean and cohesive presentation. This involves organizing your slides into a logical order, using consistent formatting, and spacing your text and images evenly. It’s also important to use fonts that are easy to read and to avoid overcrowding your slides with too much information. Additionally, ensure that your slides are edited carefully for grammar, spelling, and other mistakes. You want your presentation to reflect your business and professionalism. The best way to do this is to design clean and cohesive slides that are easy to understand and help highlight your key points to your audience.

Best practices in presentation design are important to consider because they can help to make your presentations more effective and engaging for your audience. By following these best practices, you can ensure that your slides are well-organized, visually appealing, and easy to understand.

A complete guide to work trousers

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work trousers red

Vintage work trousers and jackets from France and Japan are making a comeback among the young and fashionable from Tel Aviv to Montreal to New York. Worn in, study, and bright blue. The vibe of good craftwork is coming into vogue as handmade and recycled items from crafts and professions such as metalworking in the forge to carpentry and handmade pottery make a revival. 

A comfortable outdoor work trouser made by companies like Engelbert Strauss  can also be found “new” if you aren’t keen on the holes and wear and tear from the vintage pants you might find. 

And consider that if you are using the trousers for professional use you will need to consider size so they will need to fit well and may need pockets in exactly the right places. They can be used for everyday use and no longer need to be baggy like in the days of yore. If you want to work close to your bench and prefer slim trousers, plenty of options are available too. 

What are work trousers?

Work trousers   are trousers that are made to take a beating. They are pants you wear when you are engaging in physical work which can range from heavy lifting and moving wood around in your woodworking shop, to the kind of pants that will work with you in photography when you are out in location, or maybe you are a general handy person who likes to keep your hands busy. 

Why are work trousers important?

Typically work trousers are made tougher than regular clothes with reinforcements and rivets for deep and quick bending, with pockets that will make sense when you move or need a handy place to put your scissors wrench or screws. 

Some workplaces will cover the cost of work trousers. And make sure they are available for men and women. In the UK it is the law (links to PDF).

Lacerations from sharp objects are the most common injury that can be prevented by wearing work pants and safety shoes . Some brands make them heavy duty materials to help reduce the chance of a sharp object such as metal or glass from reaching and piercing your skin.

They should be separate from your everyday clothes, especially if you work in the shop with materials such as heavy grease, insulation or pottery glazes and clay –– materials which may be toxic and which you don’t want inside your home environment. 

Work trousers should stay in the shop and be used when working. Leave them hanging in the shop or workroom at the end of the day and wash them when needed. Keeping work-life trousers separate also makes for a healthier balance between work and play. 

Modern work trousers and work shorts can do much more than classic denim jeans, says classic trouser maker Engelbert Strauss. Consider that most people have good tools and work shoes. However, many tend to neglect the subject of work trousers. You often see men and women wearing denim jeans or similar pants or shorts on the building site. The lightest of rain falls down, and the denim jeans soak it up. They hang heavy on the legs, stay damp for hours and the legs are cold while  at work. 

havie upcycled hipsters
Making work trousers

With dozens of makes and models of the modern work short and trouser look for a brand that suits your lifestyle. I’ve seen aprons and bibs for bartending, carpentry and pottery that fit the bill and likely, your size. Havie in Tel Aviv makes clothes this way, upcycled from old army tents. 

7 Travel Workout Ideas That You Can Practice Everywhere

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woman running behind graffiti

When it comes to achieving your fitness goal, focus and consistency are the keys. While travel workouts are great, you can, if you can fit them into your travel schedule, don’t stress about taking a few days off. Skipping your workout for a few days will not greatly affect your progress.

There are many benefits to doing workouts while traveling, such as giving you more energy and improving your mood than doing nothing in your hotel room. However, not all hotels have exercise equipment or gym amenities. Some hotels have started programs where you can borrow running shoes during your stay. While it’s a lighter way to travel, and a sustainable option for runners running through various terrain, most of us want to keep our own runners while travelling and on the go.

travel workout couple, jogging with music

If you are a constant traveller, it’s important to have in mind a quick bodyweight workout, much better workouts without equipment to help you make the workout possible no matter where you are.

So, whether you’re on the road for a business trip, fun, or just visiting family for a week or more, here are several travel workouts and strength training to try:

7 Travel Workout Ideas to Practice, No Equipment Needed

Here is a list of bodyweight workouts that does not require going to the gym or exercise equipment in the travel bag. 

They are all free and simple, where you can do it anywhere at any time that helps you stay fit and for fat loss.

hiking, eco-tourism, mountain trails, rural development, sustainable development

Plank

This versatile exercise can be done anywhere and fit with any type of workout. It targets the core muscles, making it perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their midsection. The added strength in your core helps reduce lower back pain and stabilize your natural posture.

Start with 8 to 12 reps on each side to do this properly. Then aim for up to 20 reps as you get stronger.

However, if you’re taking dietary supplements or intermittent fasting to support fat loss, general information surrounding these supplements and diets should be considered. For instance, you must incorporate it with exercise and a balanced diet for best results.

Push-ups

It is arguably one of the best travel workouts that target almost the full body. Push-ups have many core-strengthening benefits but have significant upper body appeal and muscle endurance.

Push-ups target the chest, shoulders, and triceps. Health Canal experts claim that this exercise increases muscle mass throughout the body and will help support faster metabolism, helping the body burn more calories.

On your travel day, doing 50 to 100 push-ups is enough to maintain a good upper body once it’s done properly.

Mountain climber

The benefits of mountain climbing lie in the exercise’s ability to work for almost every muscle group from head to toe while adding a bit of cardio. It’s like doing a running motion while stressing the shoulders, triceps, core, and legs.

This versatile exercise can be incorporated with any workout, a warm-up, or blowout technique at the end of weights training. You may start with a slow pace and do 1 or 2 sets of 8 to 10 repetitions.

Once you’re comfortable, you can increase the number of sets and reps.

Burpee

This full-body, functional, and powerful exercise is one of the best go-to no-equipment workouts. Take your body down the floor and explode with a high jump. This exercise is all about power, strength, and intensity.

At the start of every minute, do ten burpees. You can also try 30 seconds of burpees followed by 30 seconds of rest.

Single-leg deadlift

This exercise builds strength and endurance in the entire body but significantly impacts the leg and hip. While this exercise offers most muscle resistance on the lower body, it also strengthens the ancillary muscles that can help improve one’s balance.

Squats or squat jumps

These two different motions work on the same muscle group, but the latter is more of a challenge. The squat jump is a more intense and cardio-centric alternative than regular squats, which works the legs through slower and more controlled reps.

Regardless of which version you choose, you can do either of these exercises and build significant lower body strength. When doing squats, aim for three complete sets of 12 to 15 reps of at least one type of squats.

Jogging

In the end, the ultimate travel workout will probably be jogging. The instant cardio benefits and its ability to burn calories make it a favorite workout routine. All you have to bring is a pair of running shoes, your gym clothes and you’re good to go.

"jogging energy electricity"

You can jog on a treadmill or in a nearby destination park, especially if you wish to explore the area.

Tips to Stay Healthy While Traveling

If you’re looking for tips to avoid getting sick while traveling or just want to stay as healthy as possible, here are some tips you may follow.

Get enough sleep

You’ll likely get sick when you’re tired, so don’t skimp on sleep while traveling. Being on the road is more physically exhausting than being at home, so make sure you know when to rest your body.

Drink plenty of water

It’s easy to get dehydrated while traveling, so don’t forget to drink lots of fluids. Start your day with a big glass of water and bring your water bottle with you all the time since buying at stores could be an extra cost.

Limit sweets and alcohol

While traveling, exploring the area and eating in different restaurants is normal. However, there are some instances where you may overindulge, especially in extra drinks and desserts.

These foods can lead to unwanted weight gain and disrupted circadian rhythm or your sleep-wake cycle. Just play it safe; consume sugar and alcohol in moderation.

Eat healthy foods

To stay in shape while traveling is about making healthy choices. This includes eating the right dishes. Choose foods with plenty of fresh fruits and veggies whenever possible.

You can ensure you eat healthy food by making or packing your own meals. For example, making simple meals such as salads and sandwiches.

Beat jet lag

Jet lag can interfere with your ability to enjoy yourself while traveling, especially when you cross another time zone. To avoid it, you can drink chamomile tea to help you sleep on your flight and for the first few evenings upon reaching your destination.

You should also avoid caffeine beverages, as they can disrupt your sleep.

Final Thoughts

It’s easy to lose focus and sense of routine while traveling. Hence, following this, no equipment travel workout routine can encourage harmony, focus, and energy into your days on the road. When you find time to work out, it can help you balance out the late nights and oily street food.

The exercise listed above won’t solve all your problems but can help you stay grounded and help you get in shape while traveling.

Caring is sharing: 6 benefits of ESG for investors

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CSR and impact investing, native american shamans

In today’s world, there’s an increased demand for corporate responsibility in environmental, social, and governance (ESG).

ESG is essential in measuring a company’s health, performance, and competitiveness and goes beyond a business’s profitability. Companies can use an ESG platform to gather data and share insights with their stakeholders.

ESG presents many benefits to investors. Here are six of them.

Lower risk

Most investors want to limit their risk exposure when investing in any asset or fund. So, if one of your primary concerns is associated risk, ESG investing might be right for you. Businesses with a high ESG score enjoy reduced volatility.

As someone looking to invest in ESG, you likely want to avoid irresponsible firms and those with questionable practices. Such companies have a higher likelihood of failure. Through ESG investing, you will reduce your chance of losing money on your investment.

Enhanced financial performance

Many people falsely believe that incorporating sustainability in investments yields low returns. In truth, ESG investing can match conventional investment funds’ returns. It can also surpass these returns.

ESG focuses on minimizing the environmental impact of a business while yielding high returns. Most companies that get involved in ESG investing have improved financial performance. Using ESG criteria to filter investment decisions leads to enhanced financial performance.

Contribute to positive global change

Most investors care about the direction that the world is taking. They trust sustainable companies to lead the world in the right direction. Companies that incorporate ESG in their processes are likely to implement sustainable practices.

Investors want to sink their money into businesses or funds that share their beliefs. If you believe in sustainability, an ESG investment strategy may be right for you. Through ESG investing, you can contribute to positive change in the world. At the same time, you will grow your portfolio.

Competitive advantage

Recently, consumers have focused more on a company’s efforts in sustainability. Both small and large companies are adding value by adopting an ESG program. Such a program grabs consumers’ attention who wish to buy from sustainable businesses.

Generally, embracing sustainability in entrepreneurship gives a company a competitive edge. An ESG program boosts a business’s perception in the eyes of the public. It also enhances customer loyalty. Both these things lead to more sales and revenue, which is suitable for investors.

Reduced costs

An ESG program helps companies measure their energy and water consumption. It also helps them measure raw material usage and the costs of shipping or treating waste.

By tracking these metrics, companies can enhance their efficiency. They can also reduce the associated costs. Lower costs lead to better returns. ESG programs also reduce a company’s exposure to fines.

Market outperformance

Stocks that have a high ESG score significantly outperform other reference portfolios. Companies with sustainable practices outperform other firms because they have a better reputation. They also have a larger market share and better prospects for revenue growth. Such companies also reinvest their revenues and generate more money for investors.

Final thoughts

Today, most investors engage in ESG investing. Through ESG investing, you can benefit the world and earn significant returns.

 





Rise and Benefits of Sustainable Adventure Travel

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traveling to Palong people, Thailand
Adventure travel might mean living with the Palong people in Thailand

The power of the internet today makes it easier and more convenient for many travelers to find information online. Many travelers prefer to use the internet to find new places and travel destinations that would add to their experiences. However, today there is a growing awareness about how we can save our planet by making certain deliberate choices that help us save the planet. Hence, many travelers today prefer to focus on sustainable tourism that allows them to travel the world without damaging the natural environment and the local economy. The concept of sustainable adventure travel relies on the framework of sustainable tourism and is being adopted by many adventure travel enthusiasts. 

Understanding Sustainable Adventure Travel

While many travelers prefer to relax and unwind during their holidays many prefer to head out into the wild and do some fun and adventure activities. Adventure tourism is generally based on providing activities in natural and rugged outdoor locations where participants are in constant connection with the wilderness and nature. However, as more people are becoming aware of sustainable tourism many travel companies and agencies are now offering sustainable adventure travel where they identify potential tourism attractions where participants can connect with nature and help local communities as well. This allows them to bring local communities into the tourism fold and help participants understand local culture and lifestyle. Various tour companies like KE Adventure promote the concept of responsible tourism and focus on sustainability commitments to help protect and conserve the planet.   

Rise of Sustainable Adventure Travel 

The world today is changing rapidly and so are the needs and preferences of travelers. Today, travelers are more informed and aware of the climate and geographical changes happening on the planet. Hence, sustainability has become one of the top priorities for many travelers that understand that tourism in many ways contributes to climate change and environmental degradation. As per the study by CarbonBrief.org the global tourism industry, today accounts for 8% of the total carbon emissions and that percentage is rapidly growing. 

Sustainable adventure tourism focuses on how travelers and travel firms can minimize the negative impacts on the environment while at the same time promoting positive economic and social benefits for local communities. 

Also, one of the reasons for the rapid rise of sustainable adventure travel is that a major part of adventure travel is about connecting with nature. Adventure tourism is about doing some physical activities, connecting with the nature and environment and having an immersive cultural experience.

Sweden is among the top countries that run hundreds of local eco-certified tour operators around the country. This allows travelers to find more local tour operators across the country to get the best travel adventure packages. 

Various adventure travelers prefer activities like trekking, hiking, climbing, cycling, snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddling, waterboarding and paragliding which allows them to feel the adrenaline rush without hurting nature around. 

Furthermore, many adventure travel activities are carried out in natural environments or rural and remote areas and therefore incorporating sustainability into adventure travel is easier and faster compared to other forms of tourism. 

When it comes to adventure travel many travelers prefer to explore the culinary experiences of the local area for instance rural gastronomy and wine tasting and craft beer tasting. Travelers interested in sustainable adventure tourism also get to participate in wellness activities like local Ayurvedic massage and spa treatment, yoga and meditation and even forest bathing. All these activities provide adventure travelers with the adventure that they seek. 

On the other hand, it also develops the local communities and economy offering locals stable employment opportunities As per the survey done by Adventure Travel Trade Association (ATTA), 65% of the total trip cost from an adventure package remains in the destinations visited. This is because local tour operators that hire local tour guides with knowledge of the local territory and history organize most of the sustainable adventure tourism trips. This improves the quality of life of local communities and people in the area.

Benefits of Sustainable Adventure Travel 

Tourism is one of the activities that not only affect the economy of the nation, but also the climate and social sectors of the country. Today, many travelers are opting for sustainable adventure travel as they want to minimize the negative effects of the tourism industry on the climate and the global environment at large. 

However, there are 6 more benefits to it that you should know.

Saves Money

Now, who doesn’t want to save money on their forthcoming adventure trip? Even if you have the budget to make the most of your trip you would want to optimize your budget, won’t you? With sustainable adventure travel, you can save your money because instead of a multinational chain of hotels and resorts local tour operators organize a lot of these tours and trips. These sustainable tours are budget-friendly and far more affordable than you would imagine. 

Eco-Friendly Transport

While many people that prefer adventure travel generally prefer activities like hiking and cycling this is already eco-friendly. However, efforts are being made to avoid the most polluting travel options like cruisers and aeroplanes and replace them with options that conserve nature. For instance, the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust (MWCT) is now using an electric safari car in Kenya to tackle the challenges of climate change and greenhouse gases. 

Encourages New Businesses

With sustainable adventure tourism, various local tour operators and firms get the opportunity to grow their business. From an adventure traveler’s point of view, this allows you to find various local tour operators and businesses that would provide you with sustainable adventure travel packages and plans that meet your preferences and needs. 

Revives Local and Rural Economy

When you opt for local tour operators the money you spend stays in the destinations you choose. With the help of sustainable adventure tourism, you can revive the local and rural economy and offer local people stable employment opportunities. With the strengthening of more local and rural economies, you can contribute to strengthening the economy of the nation you visit. 

The organizers behind Tanzania Safaris can explain how these efforts accelerate the development of critical infrastructure and educational programs in remote conservation areas. By prioritizing community-led initiatives, travelers ensure that their presence fosters a symbiotic relationship between high-end tourism and the preservation of indigenous cultures.

Visiting Hill Tribe children in Thailand

Promotes Culture and Local Products

When you opt for local tour guides you also get a sneak peek into the local culture and traditions. This provides you with a window to experience the lives of the local people and their cuisine and the products they make. Various rural communities today promote their art and handicraft through sustainable tourism. This improves the quality of the life of the locals, both economically and socio-culturally. 

Raises Awareness and Educate

As urban dwellers, we often never get to know the real ground issues of the rural areas and how it affects our climate, environment, animals and planet at large. With sustainable adventure tourism you not just get to know the culture and history of the place you visit but also discover ecological and environmental challenges that the mainstream media misses out on highlighting. You get an opportunity to interact and communicate with the locals on issues that matter to them.

What are pie charts used for?

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pie charts, waldorf education
Pie charts are a handy and tasty reference for education like at Waldorf Schools. We use them in our everyday lives

There are many different ways to communicate data, and pie charts are one popular way to do so. Pie charts can be used to show proportions or percentages and can be helpful in visualizing data. Keep reading to learn more about how to use pie charts and when they may be helpful.

What is a pie graph?

So what is a pie chart? A pie chart, also known as a pie graph, is a graphical tool used to display the relative proportions of data. They are often used to illustrate how a particular section is divided among a larger whole. Pie charts are circular in shape, with each slice of the pie representing a proportion of the whole. They are used to compare parts of a whole and can be helpful when trying to understand how a particular data set is divided.

There are a few different types of pie charts that can be used, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. The most common type of pie chart is the simple pie chart. This type of chart displays a single data set, with each slice of the pie representing a proportion of the total. This chart is best used when you want to compare one data set to another.

Another type of pie chart is the stacked pie chart. This pie chart displays multiple data sets, with each segment of the pie representing a proportion of the total. This chart is best used when you want to compare how different data sets relate to one another.

The final type of pie chart is the 3D pie chart. This chart displays multiple data sets, with each segment representing a proportion of the total. This type of chart is best used when you want to compare how different data sets relate to one another. However, because 3D pie charts are more complicated to create and understand, they are not as commonly used as the other two types of pie charts.

pie chart

What are the benefits of pie charts?

There are many benefits to using pie charts in your data visualizations. Some of the most important benefits are that they are easy to understand, compare parts to the whole quickly, and help communicate proportions. When used correctly, pie charts can be a very effective way to communicate complex data in a way that is easy to understand. They are particularly good at showing how a part relates to the whole, making it easy to compare different values. Additionally, pie charts can be helpful for understanding proportions, as they make it easy to see how much of the whole is made up of each individual part.

Businesses can use pie charts to track their progress on specific goals, compare their performance against their competitors, and track their customer satisfaction levels. Pie charts can also be used to track the performance of individual divisions or departments in a company.

What are the limitations of pie charts?

Pie charts are often used in business and academic contexts to help people understand data. They are effective at displaying a part-to-whole relationship and can be used to compare proportions. However, there are some limitations to using pie charts. One limitation is that they are difficult to read when there are more than a few data points. This is because the pie chart becomes more of a circle, and it can be difficult to see where one slice ends, and another begins. Additionally, when there is a lot of data, it can be difficult to compare the different proportions. Additionally, pie charts are limited in the scope of data they can display. They are best used in conjunction with different chart types to construct an entire picture.

Overall, they are used to display data in a graphical way. This can be done by displaying the percentage of a whole that each slice of the pie represents or by displaying the size of each slice in comparison to the others. Pie charts can be helpful for quick data analysis, especially when there are a lot of different data points to compare. Pie charts serve as a great business tool for highlighting and comparing different parts of the data story.

Music for new brain health test in the elderly

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Neta Maimon, music mental health
Neta Maimon has led a study to show how music tests can help show cognitive decline in the elderly

Like smells, music stimulates your mood, transporting you quickly to the past and present, elevating emotions. A new study at Tel Aviv University shows that music can very quickly help physicians detect cognitive decline in the elderly, paving the way for quick intervention to help stave off Alzheimers, maybe even the lasting effects of a TIA or a stroke. Music such as Mozart has been shown in the past to help premature babies gain weight. Music can now be used later in life to measure a brain’s health.

The application of the test uses music and a small portable EEG device that can measure brain activity using 3 electrodes and 15 minutes of measuring brain activity while asking patients to respond to cues by pressing buttons and other simple tasks. The tools require no special training for the care-giver.

The method enables routine monitoring and early detection of cognitive decline in order to provide treatment and prevent rapid, severe deterioration.

Prophylactic tests are commonly accepted for a variety of physiological problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure or breast cancer; however, to date no method has yet been developed to enable routine, accessible monitoring of the brain for cognitive issues.

Tests of this kind are particularly important in light of increasing life spans of the elderly population.

The study was by PhD student Neta Maimon from the School of Psychological Sciences and the Buchmann-Mehta School of Music, and Lior Molcho from Neurosteer Ltd, headed by Prof. Nathan Intrator from the Blavatnik School of Computer Science and the Sagol School of Neuroscience.

The article was published in the journal Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience.

As part of the study, the researchers developed a method combining a portable device for the measurement and innovative analysis of electroencephalography (EEG), developed by a company called Neurosteer, and a short musical test of about 12-15 minutes, developed by Maimon.

During the test, the subject is connected to the portable EEG device by means of an adhesive band with only three electrodes attached to the forehead. The subject performs a series of musical-brain tasks according to audible instructions given automatically through earphones.

The tasks include short melodies played by different instruments, with the subjects instructed to perform various tasks on them at varying levels of difficulty.

For example, pressing a button each time any melody is played or pressing it only when the violin plays. In addition, the test includes several minutes of musically guided meditation designed to bring the brain to a resting state, as this state is known to indicate cerebral functioning in various situations.

Maimon, who specializes in musical cognition, says that music has great influence on different centers in the brain. On the one hand, music is known to be a quick mood stimulant, particularly of positive emotion. On the other hand, in different situations, music can be cognitively challenging, activating the frontal parts of the brain, especially if we try to concentrate on different aspects of the music, and at the same time perform a particular task.

According to Maimon, if we combine these two capabilities, we can create cognitive tests that are quite complex, yet also pleasant and easy to perform. Furthermore, music that is positive and reasonably rhythmic will enhance concentration and performance of the task. F

or example, the famous “Mozart effect,” showing improved performance on intelligence tests after listening to Mozart’s music, actually has nothing to do with Mozart’s music, but rather the fact that music creates a positive mood and stimulates us to a state that is optimal for performing intelligence and creativity tests.

Accordingly, the researchers hypothesized that with musical tools, it would also be possible to challenge the subjects to an extent that would enable testing of the brain’s frontal activity as well as raising their spirits, thus enhancing their performance on the test while the overall experience is pleasant.

Today’s tests are frustrating and difficult to excel at for anyone who has been hospitalized for more than a few days. It’s easy to be bored and to lose track of the days, making the tests of knowing the days of the week or counting the years backwards annoying and difficult for the patient to perform. This new musical test however is pleasant and enjoyable, the researchers explain.

Maimon says: “We have actually succeeded in illustrating that music is indeed an effective tool for measuring brain activity. The brain activity and response times to tasks correlated to the subjects’ cerebral conditions (correlating to the mini-mental score assigned to them).

“More importantly, all those who underwent the experiment reported that, on the one hand, it challenged the brain, but on the other it was very pleasant to perform”.

In her experiment she tested 50 elderly people who scored 18 to 30 points (30 being the highest score) on a mini mental, indicating varying levels of cognitive achievements. 

The same participants then performed the musical-cognitive tasks, administered automatically. The EEG device registered the electrical activity in the brain during the activity, with the results analyzed using machine learning technology.

Mathematical indices were identified that precisely correlated with the mini-mental test scores; “in other words, we obtained new neuro-markers (brain markers) that may stand alone as indices of the subject’s cognitive status,” says Maimon.

“Our method enables the monitoring of cognitive capability and detection of cognitive decline already in the early stages. all by simple and accessible means, with a quick and easy test that can be conducted in any clinic,” she points out.

“Our method could pave the way towards efficient cognitive monitoring of the general population, and thus detect cognitive decline in its early stages, when treatment and prevention of severe decline are possible. It is therefore expected to improve the quality of life of millions around the world.”

What Are the Most Common Travel Insurance Claims?

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beth moon trees
Maybe you have booked a trip to see the Socotra trees in Yemen, or a trip to eco trek in the jungle. Sustainable tourism is not immune to cancelations. This is what you do if your trip has been canceled.

When you’re traveling, the last thing you want to worry about is getting sick or injured and being faced with a huge medical bill. That’s where travel insurance comes in. It can help protect you from costly medical expenses and other associated costs if something goes wrong while you’re on vacation. Have you ever wondered what the most common travel insurance claims are? In this article, we will discuss the most common travel insurance claims and what you can do to avoid them.

Trip Cancellation

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When you purchase a travel insurance policy, one of the coverages that are typically included is trip cancellation or interruption. This coverage reimburses you for the costs associated with canceling or interrupting your trip if there is an unforeseen event that prevents you from traveling. One of the most common claims under this coverage is for reimbursement of expenses related to a canceled flight.

Many travel insurance policies offer a cancel-for-any-reason (CFAR) option. Reimbursement under a CFAR claim is often 75% of your trip costs. However, the amount that you will be reimbursed may vary depending on the terms and conditions of your policy. To be eligible for reimbursement, you will need to provide proof of the cost of your trip, as well as proof of the reason why it was canceled or interrupted.

If you have to cancel your trip due to a covered event, make sure to contact your insurance company as soon as possible. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to receive reimbursement for unused portions of your trip, such as hotel room nights or rental car days.

Medical Expenses

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When it comes to travel insurance, one of the most common claims is for medical expenses. This can include anything from the cost of emergency medical treatment to the price of a hospital stay.

No one wants to think about getting sick or injured while on vacation, but it’s important to be prepared for the possibility. That’s why it’s a good idea to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

If you need to seek medical treatment while you’re away from home, your insurance policy will help to cover the cost. This can be a lifesaver, especially if you’re facing a high medical bill. These expenses can add up quickly, so it’s vital to have coverage. Make sure to review your policy and see what is and isn’t covered.

If you’re not sure whether your policy covers these expenses, give the insurance company a call. They will be able to tell you exactly what is and isn’t covered. And, if you don’t have travel insurance, now is the time to buy it. Medical expenses can be a huge expense, so you need to have coverage.

Lost Baggage

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When you are packing for a trip, the last thing on your mind is that your luggage may not make it to your destination with you. Unfortunately, lost luggage is one of the most common travel insurance claims.

Many people lose their baggage during both domestic and international flights. If your luggage is lost or stolen, there are a few things you can do to increase your chances of recovering it.

 

First, make sure to file a report with the airline and your travel insurance company as soon as possible. They will likely have a procedure for handling lost luggage, and the sooner you start the claims process, the better. Second, make a list of everything that was in your bag. This will be helpful when making a claim with your insurance company.

 

Finally, keep a positive attitude. Losing your luggage can be frustrating, but it’s important to stay optimistic and remember that it can always be worse!

 

As you can see, the most common claims for travel insurance can save travelers a lot of money on everything from trip cancellation to medical expenses to lost baggage. So, consider investing in travel insurance before your next big trip

Ancients used these bones for fortune telling, games

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maresha bones, astragali held in hands of researcher
Archeologist Lee Perry holding astragali gaming dice

Archeologists in Israel have recently discovered an unusual assortment of animal bones dating from about 2300 years ago, the biblical period, that were used in games and for telling the future, a craft called divination. The discovery tells us something new about the past – and perhaps reveals a little about our present and future. 

A cache of 530 animal knuckle bones were found in the ancient city of Maresha, which today is located in the Maresha-Bet Guvrin National Park in in southern Israel. Called “astragali” the bones were unearthed by Dr. Ian Stern in the Maresha-Bet Guvrin National Park in the Judean Shefelah in southern Israel in a huge underground cave complex below the ancient city of Maresha.

The astragali — made from bones of goats, sheep and cattle were used like we’d use dice for  gaming and fortune telling, mainly by women and children. Some of the knuckle bones were shaved down, or perforated, or filled with lead, to be thrown more effectively.

Some of the dice were carved with Greek inscriptions; some were engraved with the names of gods associated in ancient times with human wishes and desires. Some that came into play were Aphrodite, the goddess of fertility, love and beauty, Eros, the god of love, the god Hermes, the goddess Hera, and Nike, the goddess of victory, appear among other gods.

On other knuckle bones, game instructions and various role play instructions are engraved, such as “Robber”, “Stop!”, “You are burnt”.

astralagi gaming bones and divining bones made from animal knuckles
Carved inscriptions on the astralagi showing Greek letters

“The assemblage shows that in ancient times of distress, as today, people sought help  from external factors, in magic and spells and in the world of the unknown,” says one of the researchers Lee Perry-Gal, Israel Antiquities Authority zoo-archaeologist and research fellow in the University of Haifa.

She adds: “In the past, men, and especially women, struggled with an environment of uncertainty, death, childbirth, and health issues, and tried to protect themselves with the help of magic. In addition, we know that astragali were used for games.

“It is noteworthy that we have examples of children buried with similar gaming dice. The cubes, which were a popular gaming activity, had a role in accompanying children to the next world, to be used there. Since the astragali symbolize good luck, it was customary to inter them under the house threshold, in the hope that they will bring good luck and prosperit,” she adds.

The cultic role of bones

The knuckle bones are often found next to ostraca – pottery sherds with writing inscribed or written in ink –  with Aramaic texts, such as, ‘Magical Incantation’, or ‘If you do so, this will happen to you’, which demonstrates their cultic role, the archaeologists report.

The Hellenistic city of Maresha was one of the period’s melting-pots in the southern Levant where different populations and cultures lived side-by side there as neighbors, all subordinate to the Hellenistic – or Greek – rule. There were Edomites, Phoenicians, Nabateans and Jews, and the different peoples and cultures influenced each other.

According to Eli Eskosido, Director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “This fascinating research sheds light on the life and customs in the ancient world and reminds us that people are regular people all over the world. They dream and hope, and notwithstanding the harshness of daily life, they find time for playing and leisure.” 

Enhance Your Creative Talent with Filmora Video Editor

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eco documentary
Planning on exposing an eco tragedy or positive ending? Learn about the craft of filmmaking

We all have a hidden talent for story-telling by expressing our ideas. But due to various reasons, we fail to digitize our ideas in a creative way. However, with the help of right video editing tool, you can now pour out all you have in your mind. Filmora video editor is an ideal tool which allows you to transform your creative ideas with audio, video, and cool effects, etc.

 

Consider editing your videos with all the necessary ingredients to hook up the users with your digital content. One of the advantages of Filmora is the easy-to-use interface, and anyone with a bit of computer knowledge can do wonders due to its high-end editing features. Afterwards, you can easily upload your content on YouTube and let the world discover your hidden talent.

Overview of Wondershare Filmora

Ideal for beginners as well as professionals, Filmora provides powerful features and easy-to-use interface to take your video editing skills to an entirely magical level. As a popular YouTube video editor, you can find many YouTube videos edited by Filmora and also the cool effects it delivers. Undoubtedly, Filomora is one of the best editing software for YouTube, as it has all the essential tools to make an engaging and exciting video ready to receive applauses from your friends and colleagues. Following are some unique features that can help you create professional videos.

Speed Ramping

You’re provided with an easy-to-use “speed ramping curve” that you can customize your keyframes with just a few clicks. It allows you to quickly increase or decrease the speed of the motion of your video. Hence, creating transitions between two keyframes is an easy process. The Speed Ramping feature helps create exclusive footage from the camera, sports games, and similar videos. 

Instant Mode

Instant mode saves a lot of time while working on several videos. Instant Mode has many templates with special effects, animations, and transitions. So, once you upload the media files and choose the template, the Instant Mode will help you to digitalize your ideas. It is easy to use as you need to add just the video to edit, and Filmora will do the rest for you instantly.

New Plug-ins

Supporting professional-quality effects plugins from award-winning developer, Boris FX and NewBlue FX, Filmora can take your video editing experience into another level. Following five NewBlue effect collections have been customized for use in Filmora: Title Pro 7, Video Stylizer, Video Elements, Video Filters, and Video Essentials. Another 6 Continuum Units from Boris have been customized for Filmora users, unleashing amazing creative visual effects and graphics potential. Includes Particles, Stylize, Lights, Image Restoration, Blur and Art Looks.

Masking

One of the advantages of using Filmora 11 is the masking feature. It is a process where you can make a transparent shaper over the central clip. The idea is to show the users about a particular area in the window while hiding everything else. It prevents the users from getting distraction so that you can pinpoint your area. The masking feature of Filmora is easy to use, and it has many blending features that can enhance the output of your video.

AI Portrait

AI Portrait is helpful as it does not require a green screen when removing video background. It detects the human on your video easily and remove the background with simple clicks. You can also add effects to your video to give it a relaxed look with just a button click.

Speech-to-text & Text-to-Speech

One of the most significant new feature is Speech-to-text, which helps to convert your Speech into text effortlessly. Now, there is no need to type your text. It also saves much of your time. The reason for using Speech to text tool is that you can easily create subtitles for your video. It is a tremendous advantage for YouTubers as you can upload your video to any type of user.

Various Export options

One of the most incredible benefits of using Filmora is its compatibility with various video formats. Once you create a video, you can export it in most video formats like MPEG-2, MP4, AVI, WMV, and similar file formats. After creating the video, you can save it in the file extension of your choice, or upload to YouTube directly.

Price and Plans

Available for Windows and Mac, Filmora provides a free trial version for you to explore the features before purchasing. If you want to purchase Filmora as an individual, there are two options that you can choose: the Annual plan or the Perpetual plan. If you are a professional, it is better to go for a lifetime subscription as you do not have to consider annual renewals. However, in the long run, whether you are an amateur or a professional, it is advisable to opt for a life subscription as there is not much difference in the expenses.

Verdict

Wondershare Filmora is one of the best video editing software for anyone who wants to go with video editing. It is user-friendly and has some incredible tools that will mesmerize you. In short Wondershare Filmora creates magic in the world of video editing. You can automatically use and synchronize audio with your videos and also use sub-titles. The visual effects of Filmora are just out of the world. It will hold you to your seat once you start editing your YouTube videos with Filmora.

4 Fun Things to Do When You Visit Colorado

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"aspen colorado permaculture"


Aspen, Colorado has some of the world's most gorgeous nature and eco hotels on the planet. 

Colorado is a great state with a lot of things to do. There are many attractions to see and places to explore. 

If you are looking for a state to visit, Colorado is a very good choice. The state is full of activities for tourists and vacationers to enjoy. 

This article talks about some of the best things to do when you visit the great state of Colorado. 

Places You Should Check Out in Colorado

There are plenty of ways to get to Colorado, visitors should choose the right airport for them depending on the activities they wish to do. 

There are several airports in the state, for instance, the Denver International Airport is about 20-30 minutes from downtown Denver. Visitors can also fly into Colorado Springs Airport and Boulder Municipal Airport. 

Here are a few activities you can try.

1. Skiing and Snowboarding in Colorado

Apart from visiting major cities in Colorado, you should take time to visit some of the beautiful places in this state. 

Aspen is a popular ski destination and a tourist attraction, it’s one of the most astounding places to visit. It also has world-class restaurants and hotels visitors can check out. 

Coloradans love the ski resorts, and it gives them great recreation opportunities even during the cold winter months. 

In fact, skiing and snowboarding are two major tourist attractions for Colorado tourism as a whole, due to its stable snow conditions and abundant slopes.

2. Denver City

Denver City is the capital of Colorado and one of the fastest-growing cities in the state. It has a large number of things to do as well as the normal visitor attractions which include museums, parks, restaurants, and bars to enjoy. 

Visitors can also go for various kinds of entertainment such as going shopping for different kinds of souvenirs, visiting fine art galleries, or listening to live music events at local venues.

Check out this list of things to do in Denver for a full itinerary of activities. 

3. Hiking In Boulder Canyon

Another place you should check out when in Colorado is Boulder Canyon Trails; it is a city that offers great hiking trails with scenic views of waterfalls among others. 

Visitors to Boulder Canyon can also enjoy fishing and mountain climbing among other outdoor activities they can do here.

4. National Parks in Colorado

Colorado has several national parks you can visit. It includes Rocky Mountain National Park, which is one of the most visited national parks in the country. 

The park is distinguished by its alpine tundra and forests. It also has several hiking trails for you to enjoy and scenic views for you to go for a photography shoot. One of the most scenic views includes pictures of the falls around the park. 

There’s also Mesa Verde National Park, which features the cliff dwellings made famous by Ancestral Pueblo Indians. Visitors can even visit the Canyons Of The Ancients Visitor Center & Museum where they can see artifacts left behind by Ancestral Pueblos.

 

5 Things You Can Implement Now to Promote Workplace Wellness

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nature beauty
Want to help your employees feel good while at work? Wellness is the new gym.

Introduction

When it comes to workplace wellness, the old adage “a little bit of something is better than nothing at all” doesn’t apply. Successful programs are tailored to fit your organization’s industry, size and budget. In addition to adding health insurance premiums and other expenses into your business budget, it can also be difficult for small companies without a dedicated HR department or resources like a corporate gym or onsite medical clinic to implement meaningful programs that support the wellbeing of their employees. However, there are plenty of low-cost (and even no cost) ways that you can get started today if you want to promote more active lifestyles in your workplace:

Invest in technology that supports wellness

Investing in technology that supports wellness is a great way to get started. Technology can help you track and measure your employees’ health, provide them with information and support, connect your employees with each other and provide them access to wellness programs. It can also help you get started by providing the right tools for managers who want to promote workplace wellness.

Digital coaching is one type of technology that can help managers implement workplace wellness programs effectively. Digital coaching helps managers find out where stressors are coming from, what their goals are, how they can reach those goals and what they need along the way as they make changes towards optimal health at work.

Collaborate to create the best program for your company (and employees)

Workplace wellness programs are meant to be solutions that work for the company and its employees. With this in mind, it’s important to involve employees from the beginning of your program design process.

Employee input is vital for a successful workplace wellness program. Employees should be involved in the design and implementation of their own program, including:

  • The selection of providers who can deliver on your wellness goals
  • The evaluation of the program after implementation (for example, measuring if it achieved its desired outcomes)
  • Communicating with participants about what they will receive as part of their benefit package

Leverage data and analytics to track progress and keep employees engaged

In order to make the most out of your wellness initiatives, you’ll want to be able to use data. This includes tracking employee engagement and participation so that you can see exactly how much they’re engaging with these programs.

You also want to monitor where your company is spending money and time on various aspects of workplace wellness, since this will help you understand where your budget needs to go in order for the program as a whole to be successful.

Finally, it’s important for businesses track their progress over time so that they can pinpoint areas of improvement or areas that need more attention from the start.

Emphasize flexibility, individuality and choice in programs.

Flexibility, individuality and choice are important to employees.

Flexibility in the workplace can be more than just adjusting a schedule to accommodate an employee’s personal needs. It can mean providing options for when, where and how work gets done that gives you the ability to balance your personal life with your professional life.

Individuality is also important — especially in a society where everyone is so quick to compare themselves with others (especially on social media). By providing opportunities for employees who want to take advantage of learning new skills or trying something new at work, you’re letting them feel like they’re not alone in their journey towards success.

Choice is another key component for promoting wellness within your organization. While some companies allow their employees’ input into programs like flextime or telecommuting options, others prefer one-size-fits-all policies that may not always work well for everyone who works there. You need all three pieces working together if you want an effective wellness program: flexibility and individuality give people choices about what they do while at work; choice gives them control over their time off as well!

Communicate, communicate, communicate.

You can help promote workplace wellness by communicating the importance of this initiative to your employees. It’s important to explain how a healthy lifestyle correlates with productivity and revenue, without painting an unrealistic picture.

  • Communicate the importance of workplace wellness. Firstly and most importantly, you should communicate why workplace wellness is important. This will help build support for your program and get people excited about participating in it!
  • Communicate how it will benefit them personally (and their families). Explain how working out regularly, eating well-balanced meals daily, getting enough sleep at night etc all contribute towards an overall happiness level which increases performance at work and helps them feel less stressed during those stressful moments that come up in every job (like when someone who was supposed to do something didn’t get it done or if there’s not enough time left before deadline). You’ll find many studies have shown this correlation between work performance based on health factors such as having more energy/feeling less stressed/etc., so let’s use science as our guide here!

A successful workplace wellness program must be tailored to fit your organization’s industry, size and budget.

Understand the importance of tailoring your workplace wellness program to fit your organization.

While there are many great programs that can help support you in achieving a healthy lifestyle, it is important to remember that each workplace is different and will have its own unique needs. Additionally, organizations in different industries face different challenges when it comes to implementing wellness initiatives and may require more or less from their strategies depending on the size and budget of their company.

For example, if you work for a large corporation with many employees spread all over the globe (and therefore relatively low employee engagement rates), it may be useful for you to implement an online portal where people can log their workouts or track their food intake just by clicking on buttons in an app or website — this way they don’t have to worry about keeping track themselves!

Conclusion

Creating a workplace wellness program that fits your organization is the first step to achieving better health and productivity. By taking these five steps, you can create a program that works for your company’s culture and budget.

Why Electric Cars Are Better Than Traditional Cars

Elon Musk Tesla - Israel
Hey Elon – can you solve the problem of mining for lithium needed to run Teslas?

Electric cars are becoming more popular every day, with one of the most important reasons being that they’re better for the environment. They produce zero emissions, which means they don’t contribute to air pollution. This is a huge benefit, especially in cities where air quality is a significant issue. This blog post will discuss electric cars’ other benefits and why they are a better choice for you.

Lower Emissions

Electric cars are powered by electricity, which can be generated from various sources, including solar, wind, nuclear, and hydropower. This means that electric cars have the potential to produce zero emissions. In contrast, petrol and diesel cars emit harmful pollutants such as carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants contribute to climate change and can cause respiratory problems. Electric cars also have the potential to be cheaper to operate than petrol or diesel cars.

Less Maintenance

While it is true that electric cars can require a higher initial investment, they save money in the long run due to lower maintenance costs. Electric cars have far fewer moving parts than gas cars, which means there are fewer opportunities for something to go wrong. In addition, electric cars don’t require tune-ups or oil changes, and the brakes last longer because electric motors generate braking power more efficiently than gas engines. As a result, electric car owners enjoy significant savings on maintenance and repairs.

Lower Insurance

Regarding car insurance, electric vehicles have a clear advantage over their gasoline-powered counterparts. For one, electric cars are much less likely to be involved in an accident. This is due to several factors, including their quiet operation and the fact that they can be equipped with advanced safety features such as automatic emergency braking. As a result, auto insurance quotes for electric cars are often significantly lower than for traditional cars.

Instant Torque

In an electric car, the motor is connected directly to the wheels, so there is no need for a gearbox. When you hit the accelerator, the car will respond immediately. A petrol or diesel car, where the engine needs to spin up to high revs before it can start moving the wheels. The gearing in a petrol or diesel car also means that there is always some engine braking, even when you are not touching the brakes. In an electric car, however, the motor acts as a generator when you lift off the throttle, which helps to slow the car down. The lack of gear shifting also makes for a much smoother ride.

Better Resale Value

Because they are still relatively new technology, electric cars tend to hold their value better than traditional cars. This is especially true of luxury electric cars, which can fetch a high price on the used market. This makes electric cars a smart choice for anyone looking to get the most out of their investment.


Electric cars are an excellent choice for a more efficient, environmentally-friendly, and economical vehicle. While they may require a higher initial investment, they offer significant savings in the long run. Electric cars are also much safer and easier to maintain than traditional cars. If you’re in the market for a new car, an electric car should be on your list.



Why is it so important to have a good boiler installed in your home?

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vintage boiler
Do you have an ancient, vintage boiler you can’t part with? Maybe it’s time to buy a new boiler?

Your boiler is the heart of your home. It’s responsible for everything, from heating your home in winter to running your hot water after a long day. A boiler failure can cause disruption and inconvenience in your day.

It is important to choose the right product and an experienced installer in order to get a reliable boiler.

The complexity of the job can affect the time it takes to install a boiler. Most simple swaps between like-for-like boilers can be completed in a matter of hours. Your requirements will determine the length and process of installation.

Companies like Boiler Central are gas boiler installation experts in all different types of installations in your home. 

After your installation

After your installer is done, you can start using your heating and hot water as you need them.

Annual boiler service is necessary to preserve the guarantee. An annual boiler service is required to maintain the guarantee. It involves a check of the boiler’s performance, safety, and installation. To schedule a service, we recommend that you contact the boiler installer to make arrangements. This can be done in the summer to avoid being caught cold during winter.

What about if you are moving home?

When you move house, the boiler should be one of your last thoughts.

However, replacing your boiler could increase the value of your home by up to £8,000. If you move into a house that has a new boiler, your heating bills will be very low.

This guide will help you remember all about heating, boilers, and energy when you are ready to move.

Before you buy, make sure to inspect the boiler

You’ll want to move into a house with a brand new boiler. Anything installed less than four years ago is an advantage.

You don’t want to have the boiler replaced as the first job in the new house.

Ask when the boiler was installed. These questions can be followed up on while you are talking about the boiler:

  • Who installed it?
  • What type boiler do you have?
  • When was the last time it was serviced? Get certificates to prove each service.
  • Is it still covered by warranty
  • Are you Gas Safe certified?

These questions will reveal how efficient and reliable your boiler is. You’ll also find the time you will need to replace.

To ensure that you don’t forget the date of the next boiler servicing, it is a good idea to write it down.

The vendor should be able provide you with a certificate indicating compliance to building regulations. This certificate was issued by the Gas Safe Register (OFTEC) at the time the boiler was installed. This will allow you to verify that the boiler was installed safely and in compliance with regulations.

You should make sure that you are covered

Another important consideration is to ensure that your boiler and central heating are properly covered.

For specific instructions, check with the company that offers your current coverage. It is a smart idea to purchase boiler insurance if you’re moving to a home you own. It will provide support in the event of a boiler breaking down or causing problems

Can my boiler be moved to my new home?

This could theoretically be possible. However, it is not the best idea.

It’s better to make sure the house you are moving into has an updated condensing boiler. It is important that your property has an efficient and reliable heating system. A new boiler can help increase the property’s value.

What can a new boiler do for your house?

A new condensing boiler can add up to £8,000 to your home’s value.

Potential buyers will be attracted to a new boiler. Potential buyers won’t need to replace their boiler for many years. A more efficient boiler will also mean lower heating bills.

It’s definitely worth it. It’s especially attractive when you consider that you would only need to pay between £1,000-£3,500 to replace a boiler.

Can I sell my house because my boiler is in danger?

Boilers that have been condemned can pose a danger to your health. If you live with a condemned boiler, replace it.

Even if your boiler is condemned, you can still sell your home. However, this could reduce the property’s value by a significant amount. You must inform the buyer that it is illegal to do so.




The Line in Saudi Arabia invites you to live like a Borg

The Line, Zero Gravity, Saudi Arabia

A cross between a sci-fi post-apocalyptic city and a Moshe Safdie rendition of Expo 67, the Line becomes Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman’s vision to modernize Saudi Arabia.

The Line is a 150-mile long belt of futuristic “living” in the middle of the desert, jutting out into the Red Sea. The new city will be part of the Saudi ruler’s vision for a modern Saudi Arabia in order to subvert decades of the nation’s intolerance for western society and its repression of women.

The Line, Zero Gravity, Saudi Arabia Of course bin Salman, on the board of directors for The Line didn’t design it, but has pledged billions of oil money for a non-local architecture firm to “dream” up the future. It’s the pattern in the Middle East where “starchitect” firms are happy to take on indulgent projects even foregoing eco or low-carbon policies. 

the line, miroor city, saudi Arabia the line, mirror city, saudi Arabia the line, mirror city, saudi Arabia

And of course if you are making endless millions off of Saudi Arabia’s oil money, you will never disappoint, especially when it comes to marketing terms you can also throw to techs doing the Photoshop graphics: Net gravity! Net zero! Carless! but without any consideration of local wildlife, the Huwaitat indigenous tribespeople already living there, local building materials, 115 degree summers and a pristine marine environment of the Red Sea, already at risk. 

Want to see some more excess? How about the Four Seasons Riyadh and its hotel built on stilts?

Whenever I see a new idea released from Saudi Arabia, it’s like the hired architecture firm in England (often Fosters + Partners) is playing a joke on the Saudis to see how bombastic they can build the next dream. Does no one in England’s architecture world have common sense any more? Activists are already set to re-wild England, Scotland and Ireland after several millennia of England clearcutting forests – at home and elsewhere. It’s the same colonising spirit breaking ground and ruining the environment today in pristine ecosystems of Saudi Arabia: The Line! Neom! Four Seasons

Neom desert location
Location for proposed Neom City, on the Red Sea.

As for the press materials released, the architect firm is not mentioned. 

What’s on The Line?

So what’s The Line? Back in 2021 Saudi Arabia announced its plan for The Line, a car-less belt of built habitat. To be built in the Tabuk Province in northwestern Saudi Arabia, this proposed “smart city” will be a little over 200 yards wide and at some parts 550 yards above sea level.  

“I never seen something more dystopian,” one commenter wrote in reply to a video of The Line posted by the Saudi Press Agency.

You can read our past coverage of Neom starting here: it’s another new planned megacity hosting visions of grandiose cities and towns for work and play in Saudi Arabia. Take into consideration that local Saudis don’t work or play like Westerners so these cities are being built for …

us. These dystopian cities are being built for westerners.

So far any attempts to encourage Middle East locals to live in such modern “net-zero” developments have failed –– see our coverage of Masdar in the United Arab Emirates –– and the foreigners that stay at such residences are banned from speaking publicly about the experience.

The Middle East can build ideas that might mention the future and look like the future, but in practice foreigners are usually only living in the Gulf’s golden cage because they are lured with wealth and large homes, cars and status. 

Saudi Arabia’s Mohammed bin Salman proudly boasts that he’s “committed to a civilizational revolution that puts humans first based on a radical change in urban planning. The designs revealed today for the city’s vertically layered communities will challenge the traditional flat, horizontal cities and create a model for nature preservation and enhanced human livability. The Line will tackle the challenges facing humanity in urban life today and will shine a light on alternative ways to live,” he said.

The project is bankrolled by the government’s public investment fund.

Remember Disney palaces in ruin in Turkey?

So how did great ideas like The High Line in New York City get so muddled into the nightmare of The Line of Saudi Arabia? Set to accommodate 9 million people, and about 30 square miles in size, The Line (says it marketing material) will promise to run on renewable energy, with amenities within a 5-minute walk, or end to end transport to visit your friends at the other end of the line within 20 minutes. It will “prioritize people’s health and well-being over transportation and infrastructure.”

A vertical city called Zero Gravity

In 1967 Israeli architect Moshe Safdie created Habitat ‘67 as a model for modest city. It housed participants of the Olympics that year and it’s returned to citygoers. It remains a historic site in the city near the water and people live in it today. The cubed structure with each block the same but somewhat different, offers a concept for modular living in the city, but it’s in human scale with nature outside every window, privacy a priority.

The Line however has taken that idea and crossed it with the Borg’s Cube (from Star Trek) and thrown in some renderings of cities after an apocalypse, and calls it Zero Gravity Urbanism.

The Line’s public parks and pedestrian areas, schools, homes and places for work, they say, are layered vertically, allowing citizens to move effortlessly and reach all daily needs within five minutes. The city’s exterior will be one giant mirror facade (something Saudi Arabia has done well in this mirror museum Maraya in the desert) to allow The Line to “blend” with nature for “magical moments”. 

Environmental artist Pablo Solomon, from Texas, comments: “While the billionaires can do what they choose to do with their money [the solution is]: planting trees, conserving water, developing ways to clean emissions from reliable fossil fuels, desalinating water, developing hydroelectric and small nuclear reactors, finding ways to effectively/efficiently store electricity, etc.

“I have to give the Saudis an A for creativity—but a D for practicality. However, it will be fun to watch the sand pile up on either side of their 21st Century Hadrian’s wall,” Solomon adds.

Touted as a smart city that will be digitized and cost hundreds of billions to build, there is no mention of the real future, the future of a decentralized city where people own access to their own data and financial freedom. A future will people will be able to have a small plot of land, grow their own food, barter, and live with prosperity of their own making. The Line will just make you a soldier for capitalists.

But Saudi Arabia’s not always wrong. See the reforestation of mangroves and Saudi’s investing in hydrogen fuel.