Should you eat diatomaceous earth (DT) for health?

Health

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July 24, 2019

Should you eat diatomaceous earth (DT) for health?

A Green Prophet reader reports that her healer recommends a daily teaspoon of diatomaceous earth (D.E.) to suppress a sudden, uncharacteristic appetite for junk food.

“Diatomaceous earth makes me feel full,” she says. “And it’s supposed to cleanse the intestines.”

Somewhat repelled, but intrigued, I went on an information quest. What research yielded was this: diatomaceous earth is powdered rock that’s composed of fossilized silica shells of diatoms, a species of alga. Diatoms don’t fit neatly into any of the usual categories of animal, vegetable or mineral, but they are living creatures. Below is a photo, via microscope, of ocean diatoms in between ice crystals in Antarctica. People use it on their gardens to kill insects, but along with the eating coal trend, people are eating diatomaceous earth.

The millennial accumulation of fossilized diatom shells, mixed with natural clays and minerals, formed deposits that are most often found in or near lakes, wetlands and the ocean. Diatom shells are composed of silica (silicon dioxide), and is a form of sand; dangerous when it’s inhaled. Long-term exposure causes a lung disease, silicosis. So if you eat it, best not to breath it while you are stirring the glass.

Diatomaceous earth as natural pesticide

We’re familiar with the use of diatomaceous earth as a natural pesticide. The silicon particles have sharp edges that minutely lacerate slugs, snails, and insects such as ants, cockroaches, bed bugs (hey New York!), and fleas. The pests lose moisture through the wounds and dehydrate.

Farmers mix diatomaceous earth with grains in storage, to prevent insect infestation and clumping. Some hold that diatomaceous earth helps to de-worm farm animals. Diatomaceous earth is sometimes used as a soil improver, especially in potted plants such as bonsai. However mild diatomaceous earth pesticides are, they are still regulated in the United States under the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act and must be registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.

Industry has uses for D.E. too: its abrasive properties are handy in metal polish, water filtration, production of dynamite, toothpaste and even some facial scrubs. I recommend our own safe, natural sugar scrub recipe over commercial products.

Now why are people eating diatomaceous earth?

And do studies show any benefit from ingesting it?

There are two types of diatomaceous earth: food-grade and non food-grade. The difference is in the content of crystalline vs. amorphous silica dioxide in it, and how finely-ground the powder is. I’m coming to the conclusion that “food-grade” is a misnomer, as there’s no solid evidence that diatomaceous earth contributes nutrition, nor anything to health, that real food doesn’t already.

The long, long list of health benefits attached to eating diatomaceous earth will make you dizzy. A daily teaspoon, blended into a smoothie or stirred into juice, is claimed to improve hair, skin, and bones. It’s supposed to detoxify the body by improving digestion, and help absorb nutrients. Vendors claim that you’ll lose weight and reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure. It’ll cure diarrhea and constipation.

From eliminating coughs and menopausal symptoms to relieving back pain and insomnia, diatomaceous earth is the miracle superfood supplement of the moment. Somewhat like CBD infused drinks. Some even claim that ingesting diatomaceous earth staves off aging and Alzheimer’s.

No results for diatomaceous earth in science

Oh, please. No studies exist that back up those claims. Websites that extol eating diatomaceous earth publish testimonials, not study results. They usually lead you to a shopping cart. I can understand how diatomaceous earth makes you feel full (you must drink a lot of water with it) – which will cut your appetite and lead to weight loss. But so will psyllium seeds. Or eating six small, nutrient-dense meals a day.

Want to detox? Why go with a sharp-edged substance that will scrape your intestinal walls, carrying protective mucous away and leaving you vulnerable to viruses and bacteria? Seen through a microscope, you can appreciate the tiny, sharp protrusions that so efficiently kill slugs and insects.

Today’s readers are more than familiar with what it takes to detox and live longer: get off cigarettes and excessive alcohol; drink a lot more water; eat lots of salads (here’s an ancient salad recipe from the Rambam) and cooked vegetables; avoid sugar and red meat; exercise regularly and if possible, in the fresh air.

To lower blood pressure (and de-stress), learn to meditate, or learn yoga. Eat high-cocoa content chocolate! Or make these Raven cookies. If you suspect you’re harboring parasites, like after drinking unsafe water while traveling, visit to the doctor.

Use your good judgement with trendy “superfoods” like diatomaceous earth, which isn’t a food at all.

So should you be eating diatomaceous earth?

You already know what I think.

Photos via Wikipedia and www.findlow-filters.com

Keep Clear Of Germs and Wash Your Hands

Health

Miriam Kresh

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July 21, 2019

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Most of us have been taught to wash our hands since early childhood. But the hand hygiene we were taught can be improved. Especially now during summer vacation when we spend more time out of our own friendly-germ environment and possibly traveling, it makes sense to follow sensible precautions.

When do you wash hands? Naturally, after toilet use and after touching yucky things like garbage. How about:

Before starting to cook. While cooking, after you’ve handled raw meat. After any time you’ve handled raw meat.
Before eating. Coming in from the street and ravenous? Take a minute to wash before attacking the meal.
If you’re taking care of a sick person, wash before and after contact. Wash before and after treating a cut or a wound.
Wash well after changing diapers or wiping a child or adult.
Got a runny nose? Even if you’re not sick, do everyone a favor and wash your hands after a nose-blowing session. Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow to minimize spreading airborne cooties.
You love your pets, but their body wastes and food are as germy yours. So wash after handling pet food and changing kitty litter or the newspaper in the hamster’s cage.

Running water and soap are your best tools for hand-washing. Remember that the backs of your hands and between your fingers need lathering too. Use a nail brush to get dirt out from under your nails. Avoid using water that’s already been used, for example, water standing in a basin.

How long to lather? 20 seconds will do it. Or hum “Happy Birthday” to yourself twice while soaping up.

Dry thoroughly. If no clean towel is available, swish your your hands around to dry in the air. Dirty towels are worse than useless, they’re dangerous, especially if sick people are using them.

A hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content will do instead of washing, but not as efficiently as water and soap, and especially if your hands are greasy or dirty with visible dirt. Rub the sanitizer between your palms, on the backs of your hands and between your fingers until it’s almost evaporated. Wave your hands to air dry.

Note that some substances, notably pesticides and heavy metals, aren’t removed from the skin with alcohol.If you’ve had contact with pesticides, wash with soap and water. Call a poison control center if the contact has been extensive, and follow instructions.

Ethyl alcohol (ethanol)-based hand sanitizers are safe when used as directed, but older children and adults might swallow some to get drunk. Bad idea. Swallowing more than two mouthfuls will poison a person.

According to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention, from 2011 – 2015, U.S. poison control centers received nearly 85,000 calls about hand sanitizer exposures among children. Children may be particularly likely to swallow hand sanitizers that are scented, brightly colored, or attractively packaged.

Hand sanitizers should be stored out of the reach of young children and should be used with adult supervision. Child-resistant caps could also help reduce hand sanitizer-related poisonings among young children.

:: Centers For Disease Control and Prevention

One Of The World’s Oldest Mosques Excavated In The Negev

Miriam Kresh

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July 21, 2019

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One Of The World’s Oldest Mosques Excavated In The Negev

The rocky brown soil of the Negev desert suggests an empty environment, but recent excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority have brought to light an ancient mosque from the 7th-8th centuries CE there. It’s one of the earliest known mosques in the world, a surprising find in the area.

Dr. Jon Seligman and Shahar Zur, directors of the excavations for the Israel Antiquities Authority, say,

“A small rural mosque, dated to the 7th to 8th centuries C.E., is a rare finding anywhere in the world, especially in the area north of Be’er Sheva, where no similar building has previously been discovered. We know of large mosques in Jerusalem and Mecca from this period, but we have evidence of an ancient house of prayer here, which apparently served the farmers who lived in the area.

“We found remains of an open-air mosque – a rectangular building with a “Mihrab” – a prayer niche – facing south, towards Mecca. These features are evidence of the purpose for which this building was used, many hundred years ago”.

Also discovered are the remains of a a farm from the end of the Byzantine period (6th – 7th Century C.E.), and a small settlement from the beginning of the Islamic period (7th – 8th Century B.C.). There are stone buildings divided into living and storage spaces, open courtyards, kitchens and places for tabuns (outdoor ovens). According to the directors of the excavations,

“These sites were part of the agricultural structure in the Northern Negev in ancient times.” They estimate that the then-fertile soil and accessible water streams attracted potential farmers to the area.

According to Prof. Gideon Avni, an Israel Antiquities Authority expert on this period,

“This is one of the earliest mosques known from the beginning of the arrival of Islam in Israel, after the Arab conquest of 636 C.E. The discovery of a mosque near an agricultural settlement between Be’er Sheva and Ashkelon also indicates the processes of cultural and religious change which the country underwent during the transition from the Byzantine to the early Islamic period.

“The discovery of the village and the mosque in its vicinity are a significant contribution to the study of the history of the country during this turbulent period.

“According to historical Islamic sources, the new Islamic regime distributed plots of land to its senior officials, including Amr ibn al-‘As, an Arab military commander who conquered Israel and Syria. The continuation of excavations on the site will perhaps provide answers to the questions regarding the foundation of the settlement and the nearby mosque, and its connection to the Arab conquerors of Israel.”

Ground preparation for constructing a new neighborhood in the Beduin town of Rahat uncovered the ancient remains. The Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouins in the Negev and the Israel Antiquities Authority are now examining possible ways in which this special finding can be integrated into the neighborhood .

The excavation is a joint project of the Israel Antiquities Authority with Bedouin residents and youth groups. It’s part of the Legacy Project led by the Antiquities Authority in recent years, a project organizing youth groups to help with the excavations during the summer vacation. The kids earn a fair wage, get into touch with the past, and gain experiences that will last a lifetime. The project is financed by the Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouins in the Negev, and the Emek Ayalon Infrastructure & Projects Management Ltd (2000).

Photos by Anat Rasiuk/Israel Antiquities Authority.

5 Ways Businesses Can Increase their Sustainability & Go Green

Act

Bhok Thompson

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July 19, 2019

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dandelion beer recipe — **Think about your business like uses of a dandelion. This weed can also be used for brewing beer!**

The best businesses don’t just turn a profit –– they make a positive impact in the lives of their employees and customers. And there’s no better way for a business to boost its reputation and do good for others than to increase its sustainability and go green. Indeed, making a few eco-friendly changes can lead not only to a better environment, but also more marketing opportunities and improved public relations. With all that in mind, today we’re going to share five ways businesses can help out the environment:

Partner with a Charity

Teaming up with a charitable organization is almost always a good idea for businesses. Again, it’s fundamentally a kind thing to do, but it will also likely score a given business valuable brownie points with consumers. As such, partnering with an environmentally conscious group is a great way to do your part for the planet, while also showing your company’s values and beliefs to the rest of the world.

Go Paperless

Plain and simple, the less waste your company produces, the more sustainable your operation becomes. Eliminating paper might seem like a straightforward enough process. However, in addition to ditching regular sheets of printing paper, businesses may also consider doing away with paper plates, utensils, and other disposable items like straws. Replacing these items in your kitchen area with reusable alternatives will save your company money and underscore your commitment to the environment.

Start a Recycling Program

It’s one thing to have recycling bins placed strategically throughout your office. It’s quite another to energize your staff and to launch a successful recycling program. Consider offering a reward to whomever recycles the most, or give your entire team a small bonus if they reach a certain recycling total at the end of the year. Motivating your team to recycle can be fun too!

Explore Remote Employment

Cars, buses, trains –– they all emit harmful chemicals that contribute to climate change. Given that fact, businesses can make themselves more eco-friendly by allowing their employees to work from home or from remote locations. Plus, modern professionals love the flexibility remote employment affords.

Conserve Energy

Businesses can cut down on utility bills and promote sustainability by purchasing products like energy-efficient light bulbs. Additionally, business owners may also consider lowering the heat or air conditioning overnight when employees aren’t in the office.

The Bottom Line

Think about Covid-19 times. Whether your business develops intricate equipment like microplates, or you sell life insurance, every company can be more sustainable. Fortunately, the above tips can help you do your part for the green cause!

The Use of Tube Settlers in Water Treatment

Technology

Bhok Thompson

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July 19, 2019

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desalination, water conservation, waste water management

Water treatment systems use settling tanks unit to allow for sedimentation and settling. The main aim of tube settlers is to minimize the vertical distance that a small floc particle must settle before agglomerating into larger particles.

Water treatment is a major requirement both for raw water for drinking and wastewater management. Both have particles which need to sediment in order to obtain clear water.

Tube settler design involves the use of multiple tubular channels sloping at an angle of 60 degrees and adjacent to each other. This helps in increasing the settling area effectively. Tube settler design reduces the depth significantly compared to the conventional clarifier. This helps in reduction of settling time.

Tube settler collects solids into a compact mass and slides it down the tube channel. When using tube settlers water flow is upward through the tubes and the solids slide down against the current using gravity.

ADVANTAGES OF TUBE SETTLERS

They can be applied to new or existing clarifiers of any size
Tube settler clarifier increases the rate of operation by 2 to 4 times the normal rate of a conventional clarifier
They are available in varying sizes and shapes for fitting in different tanks
They are of lightweight because of the material used in manufacturing.
Tube settlers enable cutting of coagulant dosage and they maintain lower influent turbidity in the treatment of plant filters.
Saving of operating costs in water and electricity because of less filter backwash.
New installations can be made smaller because of the increased flow capability.
Tube settlers increase flow capacity through the expansion of settling capacity
They increase the solid removal rate in the settling tank

TUBE SETTLER’S DISADVANTAGES

May have flow distribution issues due to the smaller path of water flow which may cause plugging.
The material used for tube settler media may break and move downward into the filter membrane equipment.

TUBE SETTLER SPECIFICATIONS

Tube settlers are specified using

Size – it the diameter of the tubing in millimeters
Thickness – it defines the wall of the tube settler individual tube.
Quantity – it defines the number of tubes per meter square.
Weight – it is defined using Kgs per meter square.
Specific surface area – expressed as M² per M³

TUBE SETTLER DESIGN

Tube settlers are designed using PVC, PP or FRP. The design may be the square type or round type tubing. The materials make them lightweight easy to retrofit.

USES OF TUBE SETTLERS

They can be used in the treatment of raw water. The source can either be a river or stagnant water.

Tube settlers save costs of boiling and condensation used to clean water.

Tube settlers are used in the treatment of sewerage water.

TUBE SETTLERS VS PLATE SETTLERS

Plate settlers are more reliable, have low maintenance and are long-lasting. As enhancement used in clarifiers, they decrease the footprint by as much as 50% over basins using tube settlers. Plate settler is made of stainless steel making them last longer than tube settlers.

Plate settlers require low maintenance than tube settlers

Plate settler require smaller basins than tube settlers

Plate settlers need specific installation height although the problem may be overcome by using special plant design.

The initial investment cost of plate settlers is greater than tube settlers

Plate settlers can be built with an enhancement that allows you to walk on during installation and maintenance. The walk-on enhancement enables high-pressure washing without causing damage to the plate settlers.

Influent distribution in plate settlers is blended with basin water and eliminating diving currents, short-circuiting and other differential density anomalies.

Effluent distribution – Plate settler have features that create even draw across the top tube. The mechanism ensures even distribution over the width of the plate settler.

CHOICE BETWEEN TUBE SETTLER AND PLATE SETTLER

The following variables should be considered when making a choice between tube settler and plate settler.

Specific application – it is the type of treatment required e.g. wastewater treatment or the amount of dirt in the raw water.

Space

The geometry of the treatment basin

Expected results

Lifetime costs of maintenance and replacement

Tube settler wastewater treatment ensures maximum clearance of sludge removal. The tubes extend the filter run time and use the minimal chemical to induce sedimentation.

Tube settler tank is used for clarification before getting the effluent. It is attached to the main quiescent zone and separated from the zone by the use of baffle.

Proven over time tube settler are ideal for water treatment especially if the budget is low. When using tube settler the efficiency can be increased by the length and increased no of the tubes in the tank. Currently, there is a tube settler made of stainless steel by some manufacturers. They reduce the shortcoming of PVC tube settler chards from breakages.

Good tube settler media should consider the topography to reduce wastage of resources.

Tube settlers are applicable for varying uses and are portable. They can be used in portable water treatment units.

Water treatment is a requirement for consumable water and when disposing wastewater. There are regulations defining the quality of water released to the environment after use in waste management.

Tube settler help in removing physical particles through sedimentation and do not remove the chemicals contained in the water.

Tube Settler Vs Tube Clarifier

The difference between tube settler Vs tube clarifier is that a clarifier uses mechanical means when removing solids created by sedimentation while a settler aids in sedimentation. Tube clarifier clears what is created by tube settler.

CONCLUSION

Plate settler and tube settler both are technologies used to enhance sedimentation only. Each has its advantages. Tube settlers are affordable, reliable and effective.

Tube settlers are easy to upgrade because they use lightweight materials and installation procedure is not complicated.

Tube settlers wastewater treatment is an ideal technology for enhancing sedimentation.

Can You Cook With CBD Oil?

Health

Miriam Kresh

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July 17, 2019

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Lots of health benefit claims are made of CBD oil (see Bokh’s post on what non-psychoative, cannabis-derived CBD is). The most popular reason to use the oil is for pain management, a boon to people suffering from arthritis, fibromyalgia and joint pain from trauma. It’s also a popular alternative medicine product said to reduce anxiety and depression, improve sleep quality, and relieve the symptoms of neurological ailments such as epilepsy and movement disorders. In addition, the American Cancer Society supports the claim that CBD oil can slow down the growth of cancer causing cells.

As CBD oil contains a low level of cannabis’s psychoactive compound THC (no more than 0.03% by law) it doesn’t provoke the exhilarating “high” associated with straight cannabis use.

CBD oil is most often taken by mouth, applied on the skin as part of a lotion or inhaled with a vaporizer. There’s some interest in cooking with it. While it’s possible, be aware: heat, contact with other foods, and exposure to air cause it to degrade, so cooking it loses some of its benefits.

“CBD is regarded as a relatively stable botanical, but it does lose potency over time, as it degrades,” says Dr. Glen Miller, an organic chemist at the University of New Hampshire. “The literature suggests that degradation occurs primarily in three ways, including exposure to acid and exposure to basic/alkaline conditions. But the most likely cause of CBD degradation is oxidation, which occurs upon exposure to oxygen or air, especially at elevated temperatures, but even at room temperature over longer periods of time.”

In other words, you don’t want to mix CBD oil in salad dressing with vinegar or lemon juice, and once you open the bottle, you should refrigerate and use it up soon.

How about baking with CBD oil? Some, especially vendors of CBD-enriched pastries, say that it’s fine to bake it into cookies, which have a shorter cooking time than, say, a cake. But don’t use it to fry anything, as the beneficial cannabinoid elements in it will cook right out.

The truth about CBD oil taste: it’s unpleasant. You may need to hold your nose and close your eyes to swallow it. Are there any alternatives out there? Of course, capsules. And expensive products, like CBD-infused toothpicks, gummy bears or lipstick. You can order them online. But if you suffer from chronic pain, depression, or any of the long list of ailments CBD is said to relieve, your best bet is to buy CBD isolate.

It’s the essence of CBD in powder form. You can dress almost any food with it, as its taste is mild and it dissolves easily. Just use it in foods that don’t need much heat. Some examples: stir it into guacamole; spoon it into a smoothie; mix it into salsa or gravy just before serving. Or you can tincture it into alcohol for efficient, fast relief. Ultimately, CBD isolate saves money, too, as it yields good results using less product.

The Web yields many sites advising how to use CBD oil and isolate, including recipes. Do a quick search, and if you live with chronic pain, physical or mental, you may decide to give CBD a try.

5 Ways To Use Non-Psychoactive Cannabis For Health & Wellbeing

Health

Bhok Thompson

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July 16, 2019

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If it’s one great thing that the legal cannabis industry has done for the world, it’s educate on the myriad of ways that non-psychoactive cannabis can be used for health and wellbeing. Now, that doesn’t mean the legal cannabis industry hasn’t done any other great things; the cannabis legalization movement gave the public the freedom to use plant-derived cannabinoids. Now, that doesn’t mean the legal cannabis industry hasn’t done any other great things; the cannabis legalization movement gave the public the freedom to use plant-derived cannabinoids with an individual state-required, for example, a Pennsylvania or New York medical card. And, of course, the legalization movement also freed up a lot of time for police, who, to be honest, could be better spending their time than arresting cannabis users.

Anyway, the point is that both hemp and marijuana can be used for their non-psychoactive properties. So for those who are still skeptical about the intoxicating effects of THC, there exist a plethora of ways to get the benefits of cannabis even without being intoxicated.

If you’re lucky enough to live in a cannabis-friendly country and can grow your own cannabis, all the power to you. This makes the possibilities even greater.

So — to all the green juice and sprout lovers who are enthusiastic about their health but don’t care too much for being high: you’re about to learn some of the ways you can reap the rewards of cannabis without being stoned.

1. Isolated cannabinoids

The first, and perhaps the most obvious, way to use non-psychoactive cannabis is to opt for isolated cannabinoids. Thanks to the rapid technological advancement within the cannabis industry, we are now able to isolate single compounds from the cannabis plant. This includes the hundreds of non-psychoactive terpenes and cannabinoids.

CBD is the most abundant, non-psychoactive cannabinoid in hemp and marijuana. It is most often extracted from hemp, because hemp has naturally higher levels of CBD than marijuana. However, from time to time, CBD is also extracted from marijuana.

CBD is therapeutic in a multitude of different ways (a short Google search will reveal hundreds) and of course, it doesn’t have the psychoactive effects of THC. It can be consumed as CBD oil, CBD edibles, topical treatments or simply as CBD isolate.

2. Keep it localized (don’t ingest)

The next way is to use topical cannabis. Even cannabis rich in THC can be transformed into a non-intoxicating cannabis lotion. Many athletes, and even those with rheumatoid arthritis, are beginning to brag about the effects that topical cannabis has for sore muscles and inflammation.

In fact, there are cannabinoid receptors all over the skin. When cannabis is applied topically to the skin, it can mediate pain, make skin healthier and decrease inflammation locally.

3. Juice raw cannabis

If you can home-grow cannabis in your country, then juicing it is the best way to get cannabinoids into the body. Interestingly, THC ingested in its raw form is non-psychoactive. This is because, in raw cannabis, it exists in its acidic form, THC-A. It is converted to THC as part of a degenerative process of the molecule, specifically when it is exposed to heat. This process is called decarboxylation. Cannabis is decarboxylated before making edibles to make it psychoactive, or otherwise, it happens in a pipe or joint when somebody puts the lighter on it!

So then, taking cannabis fresh off the plant and into the juicer does not elicit any psychoactive effects. On top of this, cannabinoids in their acidic form are much better absorbed by the body, and therefore bioavailability is greater.

4. Liquid terpenes!

Cannabis isn’t just cannabinoids, although they are the molecules specific to cannabis. A single cannabis specimen can contain over 400 different compounds. These include cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. Terpenes are the molecules responsible for giving cannabis its characteristic smell and they have remedial properties of their own.

In fact, the entire discipline of aromatherapy is based in the therapeutic effects of terpenes. They are the essential oils of a plant. And as far as we know, they are non-psychoactive — although their varying qualities do contribute to the overall effect of cannabis.

The application of extraction technology means that liquid terpenes are often produced as a byproduct of cannabinoid extraction. They are sometimes available for sale and can be used in a vaporizer or can be used to make other DIY things: lotions, perfumes and maybe even consumed in small doses. In countries like Canada for instance, cannabis is now legal, medically and recreationally. It is 100% easier now to find what you need. Especially if you have medical considerations. This cannabis dispensary available in all provinces helps give consultations to those who have specific requests.

5. Hempseed

When people praise cannabis for how versatile it is, they’re justified. Virtually every part of the hemp plant can be used for something, including the seeds (other than for planting). Hempseed is jam packed with all kinds of goodness, including being rich in protein beneficial fatty acids. It can be added to everything, too and has a delicious nutty flavor. It can be thrown in salads, mixed into juices or simply added to a nut mix.

Hempseed oil also has a number of applications. It can be applied to the skin or the hair, or can be used in cooking instead of other oils.

Cannabis is much more than just a piece of plant material to put in the end of a pipe. Long gone are the days where that was the only way to enjoy the benefits of cannabis. The legal cannabis industry has created so many ways for people to reap the rewards of cannabinoids that now, virtually anybody can use them!

Enormous Neolithic Site Near Jerusalem Reveals 9000-Year-Old Secrets

Miriam Kresh

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July 16, 2019

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neolithic site Jerusalem

Conventional thought among archaeologists was that Neolithic people didn’t settle in the area around the Judean Hills. Yet Motza, 5 kilometers west of Jerusalem, was always within easy distance of fresh water from the Sorek river, and near good agricultural ground. A trail coming from the southern foothills allowed access to traders and emigrants. All those were good reasons for past people to settle in the area.

Recent excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority at the Motza junction uncovered a huge settlement from the Neolithic Period (New Stone Age). It’s the largest known in Israel from that period, and one of the largest of its kind in the region. See also our post about the oldest-known bread, discovered in Jordan.

Dr. Hamoudi Khalaily and Dr. Jacob Vardi, Antiquities Authority excavation directors at Motza say,

“This is the first time that such a large-scale settlement from the Neolithic Period – 9,000 years ago – has been discovered in Israel. Until now, it was believed that the Judea area was empty, and that sites of that size existed only on the other bank of the Jordan river, or at the Northern Levant.”

The researchers estimate that 2000-3000 people lived and worked in the area until now considered barren. They excavated large buildings with alleys running between them, and found house spaces, storage sheds, public spaces, tombs,and places of worship. Uncovered burial offerings made of materials from Anatolian volcanic glass, and sea shells from the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea, show that the inhabitants traded with foreigners. Artistic figurines were found (presumably house idols).

Jewelry for everyday was also uncovered: bracelets and medallions made of alabaster beads and mother of pearl, and carefully crafted stone-bead bracelets for children to wear.

Neolithic jewelry

Judging from the thousands of flint arrowheads found, hunting was part of everyday subsistence, and warlike defense was well understood. The remains of axes, sickles and knives show that the inhabitants made and used tools for agriculture. Indeed, huge quantities of identifiable pulses, especially lentils, were found in the storage sheds. Yet it seems that the people of the settlement were turning away from hunting, as large quantities of sheep bones found indicate a preference for home-raised meat instead.

The excavations were initiated and financed by the Netivei Israel Company (the National Transport Infrastructure company), after the Highway 16 Project revealed archaeological remains. The project is constructing a new entrance road to Jerusalem from the west, connecting the National Highway 1 from the Motza area to the southern part of Jerusalem including two double tunnels. It is considered vital to access to Jerusalem.

Gilad Naor, Head of Projects Department at the Netivei Israel Company says, “It is a huge privilege for us, as the Israel National Transport Infrastructure Company, that tomorrow’s transportation infrastructure projects facilitate such special discoveries in the splendid history of our country.”

In preparation for the release of the excavated area, the entire site was documented using advanced 3D technology that will enable research of every detail digitally. A large part of the prehistoric site around the excavation will be preserved. In addition, there will be an exhibition showing the site’s history built by the Israel Antiquities Authority. At Tel Motza, adjacent to this excavation, archaeological remains are being preserved for the public. Conservation and accessibility works are underway in nearby Tel Bet Shemesh and Tel Yarmut.

26 of the Most Effective Kitchen Hacks

Bhok Thompson

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July 15, 2019

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Everyone has their own comfort level in the kitchen. Some people feel completely comfortable with a knife in hand while others use the kitchen for snacks and as a place to sit while ordering take-out.

Regardless of the frequency that you use your kitchen, you can hit the progressive jackpot in saving time, money and aggravation by keeping a ready list of some of the most useful kitchen hacks.

Whether you’re struggling with a stuck jar lid, find your eyes watering while chopping onions or trying to fish pieces of egg shells out of your dish, our list of the kitchen experts’ top kitchen hacks will be useful.

Preparing Food

If you’re getting ready to grate hard cheese, put it in the freezer for about 30 minutes to keep the cheese from sticking to the grater while grating. Soft cheeses (goat cheese, brie) can be sliced smoothly using dental floss.
Sick of watery eyes from cutting onions? Freeze the onion before chopping. If you don’t have time to freeze the onion before it needs to be cut, put a piece or bread or a spoon in your mouth while you are cutting it. Some people say that the bread will absorb the onion’s odor to keep it from reaching your nose but no one seems to know why the spoon works….but it does!
To open a stuck jar lid, you can give it more traction by wrapping the lid with a rubber band. If that’s not enough, grasp the wrapped lid with a towel. You can also bang the side of the lid on a countertop or on the floor to break the suction that is keeping the lid from turning.
If you’re baking with butter or making herb butter, you need to soften the butter before you work with it. You can leave it on the counter for awhile first but that requires planning. Alternately, you can put it in a plastic bag and roll it with a rolling pin. You can also grate it with a grater. An even simpler idea involves cutting the block of butter into smaller cubes for faster softening.
How many times do you skip a recipe because it calls for buttermilk and you don’t have any? Truthfully, buttermilk isn’t a staple that people generally keep stocked. You can easily make your own buttermilk by adding a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. You won’t get a thick, creaming genuine buttermilk but the ersatz buttermilk will work well in your recipe.
Honey is expensive. There’s no reason to go out and buy more honey just because the honey that you have in your cupboard has crystalized. Take the honey jar and remove the lid. Then put it in a pan or pot of boiling water. The honey will de-crystalize and you can pour it out.
Cracking raw eggs almost always means that some shell gets mixed in with the raw egg. To remove the shell, scoop it up with the half piece of the already-cracked egg shell. That half acts as a magnet to scoop out errant shell pieces.
Speaking of honey, if you need to measure out sticky stuff like honey, peanut butter, tehina, etc, you can save yourself some clean-up time by rubbing some oil on the measuring cup before you pour in the sticky ingredient.
In addition to being a delicious addition to soups, salads and sauces, garlic is good for you. Too often, cooks skimp on the garlic because it’s such a pain in the you-know-what to peel. For a quick peel hack, remove all the cloves from the garlic bulb and then whack each clove with a rolling pin. The skin will disengage from the garlic clove.

Storing Food

Store tomatoes at room temperature to keep them fresh longer
Keep peeled potatoes white by covering them with cold water. When potatoes are peeled, they release a starch that makes them oxidize. If you put them in cold water, they won’t turn brown as the starch is released into the water (throw out the water when you’re ready to cook).
Wrap the end of a bunch of bananas with plastic to keep them fresher, longer. Conversely, if you want to ripen a banana faster, put it in a paper bag.
Check your eggs for freshness by putting them in a bowl of water. Eggs that sink to the bottom of the bowl are fresh but those that float are not.

Cooking and Baking

Parchment paper is your friend. Use it to put in the pan when baking. Clean-up is 100% easier and more efficient. To remove from parchment paper more easily, grease the parchment paper before you pour in the dough or food.
Don’t have a coffee maker to brew a good cup of coffee? Use a strainer. Put 1 Tbsp coffee grounds per cup in the strainer (a small strainer is best). Pour boiling water over the coffee grounds to brew the coffee. You can even add your coffee grounds to your plants to perk up your garden.

Leftovers

Repurpose your leftovers into new and different meal options. Match cooked chicken or fish with a different starch – noodles, potatoes, rice, etc or add some vegetables and eggs and mix it into a casserole. The family doesn’t have to FEEL like their eating leftovers, even when they are.
If you reheat food in a microwave, put a cup of water next to the dish to keep it moist.
When reheating a block of pasta in the microwave, carve a hole in the middle of the pasta to help it heat evenly.

Freezing

Fresh herbs are worth their weight in gold for creating the best dishes. Freeze them in ice cube containers and then you can use them later, as a seasoning agent that still has all of its freshness.
Freeze shelled nuts, especially in warm weather, to help them preserve their natural oils and keep bugs from infesting them.

Clean Up

Rub your hands with lemon juice to remove strong odors (onions, garlic, etc). Baking soda also works well.
You can get pesticides off your fruits and vegetables by soaking them in a mixture of vinegar and baking soda for 15 minutes before eating.
Clean a coffee grinder, blender or food processor by running it for a few minutes with a soap and water mixture. You’ll get all the crumbs out of the hard-to-get-to places and save yourself a good bit of time.

Safety

Keep a supply of baking soda stocked, within easy reach, in the kitchen. Baking soda is useful in putting out grease fires.
Keep a fire extinguisher near your cooking area.
Make sure that you have a working smoke detector near your kitchen. Check it every month to make sure that the battery is working.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding the Green New Deal

Energy

Bhok Thompson

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July 12, 2019

0

The Green New Deal is a term that has been thrown around recently as a potential option to address serious issues related to climate change. While many people have heard about this proposal, there are still a lot of questions about what it actually entails. The Green New Deal is a term that builds off of the New Deal that was run by Franklin Roosevelt shortly after the Great Depression. By coining a term such as the Green New Deal, legislators are seeking to build off of the successes that came from the New Deal, which was in effect about 80 years ago. Unfortunately, there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the proposals of the Green New Deal. What are a few of the most common questions?

What Exactly is the Green New Deal?

In the Green New Deal, the government does not fund projects directly but instead provides monetary backing to promote a variety of sources of clean energy. Some examples of clean energy include:

Water power such as hydroelectric plants
Solar power such as solar panels
Wind power such as windmills

Specifically, the Green New Deal will seek to shift the country’s dependence away from fossil fuels and carbon emissions, instead choosing to focus on “green” sources of clean energy. By reducing the country’s consumption of fossil fuels, the hope is that the rate of climate change will start to slow.

What Does the Green New Deal Do?

The goal of the Green New Deal is to shift the country to 100 percent reliability on zero-emission energy sources over the next 10 years. While this is a great goal, it is a tough ask. Currently, about 80 percent of the country’s energy needs are met by the country’s consumption of fossil fuels. The country would try to create tax incentives for people to use green sources of energy. Furthermore, the Green New Deal also seeks to increase the number of educational opportunities that are available in this sector.

How Does the Green New Deal Plan to Accomplish These Goals?

Unfortunately, the specifics of the plan are still largely unknown. In the resolution that was placed before Congress, the bill tried to display the problems of climate change alongside the Green New Deal with an increased sense of urgency. Prior to this point, many of the plans to address carbon emissions have been met with legislation such as an increased tax on fossil fuels. At the very least, the Green New Deal has led to an increased discussion surrounding climate change. On the other hand, the specifics at this point are still very much unknown.

How Much Does the Green New Deal Cost?

This is another common question; however, without any specifics of the plan, it is difficult to estimate the cost of this plan. Some of the early estimates have come in at around $1 trillion per year for the next 10 years. Even though many people feel that the United States can handle a much larger deficit, it will still be tough to pass a plan through Congress until the numbers become more concrete.

Arab aid group funds mega-solar project in Cuba

Energy

Karin Kloosterman

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July 8, 2019

0

Arab aid group funds mega-solar project in Cuba

The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD), the leading national entity for international development aid, together with the Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines, and International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), today inaugurated a new 10 megawatt (MW) solar PV project. The grid-connected project was financed by ADFD with US$15 million under the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility and will deliver enough electricity to power the equivalent of nearly 7,000 Cuban homes.

The solar PV project contributes to the Cuban government’s national objectives to reduce the use of fossil fuels for electricity generation and increase the share of power from renewables to 24 per cent by 2030. This project will mitigate around 12,700 tCO₂emissions annually.

The inauguration took place in the presence of Cuba’s Vice-Minister of Energy and Mines, Mr. Livan Arronte, His Excellency Bader Almatrooshi, UAE Ambassador to Cuba, and Francesco La Camera, Director-General of IRENA.

Speaking on the occasion, His Excellency Mohammed Saif Al Suwaidi, Director General of ADFD, said: “ADFD is proud to have partnered with the Cuban government and IRENA in completing this crucial 10 MW solar PV project. We are confident that the impact from this renewable energy venture will ensure widespread economic, environmental and social benefits to the Cuban people.”

He added: “The Fund’s interest in the renewable energy sector reflects its dedication to supporting international efforts to achieve the outlined energy priorities of developing countries and the UN’s SDGs, as well as contribute in meeting global climate targets.”

His Excellency Bader Almatrooshi, said: “As an active member of the international community and under the leadership of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE proactively supports global efforts to achieve the outlined objectives of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

He added: “The UAE and Cuba enjoy long-standing and robust bilateral relations. This project is a testament to cross-border collaboration in supporting transformative renewable energy projects across the world.”

Commending ADFD and IRENA for their role in supporting national energy, climate and sustainable development priorities, His Excellency Raúl García Barreiro said: “Not only has the funding from ADFD helped in achieving outlined national priorities, but also helped in the completion of this transformative venture. The unique and important partnership with ADFD has aided in meeting the country’s energy targets.”

He added: “Furthermore, the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility is a testament to the importance of cross-border innovative solutions in renewable energy. The 10 MW Grid-connected Solar PV project will help in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increase the share of renewables in Cuba’s energy mix.”

The project was approved for funding by ADFD during the second cycle of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility as part of the ADFD initiative launched in 2013 with a commitment of US$350 million over seven funding cycles to support renewable energy projects in IRENA-member developing countries.

IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said: “Today marks an important moment for Cuba and the Cuban people. Renewable energy supports energy security, creates jobs and contributes to emission reductions. This 10MW project sets Cuba on a positive pathway to meeting these objectives and demonstrates that through strategic cooperation we can inject momentum into the energy transition.”

To date, ADFD has provided concessionary loans cumulatively valued at US$245 million to 24 renewable energy projects over six cycles of the IRENA/ADFD Project Facility.

Notably, from its inception in 1971 until December 2018, ADFD has financed hundreds of development projects in the renewable energy sector around the world worth US$1.187 billion. Driving the objectives of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, these projects have contributed to the production of about 2,584 MW of renewable energy in benefited countries.

NASA suggests these plants in your home to live longer

Miriam Kresh

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July 7, 2019

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NASA suggests these plants in your home to live longer

Summertime, and the green outdoors beckons. It’s tempting to go for a healthy walk outdoors. But what if you live in an apartment, a bus ride away from a park? Or spend the best part of daylight hours in an office building? Most of Western humanity is already living in units stacked up one on top of another, where sidewalk trees and the occasional weedy empty lot is people’s only exposure to plants.

How about fresh air? Everyone’s walking around with their tongues hanging out from he summer heat, worse these days due to global warming. Why open windows when air conditioning offers instant relief?

Our urban work places and homes are like sealed environments. And in them, thousands of everyday objects subtly release chemical gases. Formaldehyde, for example, is present in grocery bags, waxed papers, facial tissues, and paper towels; cleaning products, cigarette smoke and cooking fuels. So is trichloroethylene, a chemical used in manufacturing ink, paints, lacquers, varnishes, and adhesives. Benzine is present in gasoline, inks, oils, paints, plastics, and rubber. Consider that every time you blow your nose, you come in contact with formaldehyde. When you print documents out, you’re unconsciously inhaling minute amounts of benzine.

Long-term exposure to these, and other common pollutants, takes a deadly toll on our health.

No one’s going back to using cloth handkerchiefs or hand-copying papers. But we should look for ways to get pollutants out of the enclosed environments we live in. A partial solution lies with Mother Nature – green your space.

Back in 1989, NASA did a joint two-year study with the Associated Landscape Contractors of America on how to clean the air in entirely sealed environments, that is, spaceships. They concluded that to maintain good air quality inside a space ship, astronauts should grow living plants to absorb and synthesize pollutants, in effect “scrubbing” the air. The researchers write,

“Since man’s existence on Earth depends upon a life support system involving an intricate relationship with plants and their associated microorganisms, it should be obvious that when he attempts to isolate himself in tightly sealed buildings away from this ecological system, problems will arise. Even without the existence of hundreds of synthetic organic chemicals off-gassing into tightly sealed environments, man’s own waste products would cause indoor air pollution problems. The answer to these problems is obvious. If man is to move into closed environments,
on Earth or in space, he must take along nature’s life support system.”

This study generated others on air quality in submarines, and “sick buildings.” The interest hasn’t stopped there. A study conducted across America by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women’s Hospital concludes that women who live among plants live longer, by 12%, than those who don’t. Green women stay mentally healthier, too. The study was done over 8 years between 2000-2008, and involved 108,630 women.

“We were surprised to observe such strong associations between increased exposure to greenness and lower mortality rates,” said Peter James, research associate in the Harvard Chan School Department of Epidemiology. “We were even more surprised to find evidence that a large proportion of the apparent benefit from high levels of vegetation seems to be connected with improved mental health.”

More impressive statistics that emerged from the Harvard study: Women living in the greenest areas had a 34% lower rate of deaths related to respiratory diseases. Women’s deaths from cancer were 13% lower in homes where there was plenty of contact with trees and plants.

“We know that planting vegetation can help the environment by reducing wastewater loads, sequestering carbon, and mitigating the effects of climate change. Our new findings suggest a possible co-benefit — improving health — that presents planners, landscape architects, and policy makers with an potential tool to grow healthier places,” said James.

Women were the focus of the Harvard study, but clearly the green factor benefits men as well. Researchers suggest that cleaner air, the noise-buffering effect of large plants like trees, and “opportunities for physical activity” – meaning gardening – are the life-prolonging elements here.

I add, anyone who’s had pleasure in tending plants knows how therapeutic the gentle toil is. Gardening also provides opportunities for social interaction; getting together with other gardeners, having something valuable in common with all kinds of people. And even if you’re not a people person, caring for plants gives you the satisfaction of living things that respond to your attention with flourishing green beauty.

NASA recommends using plants set over a carbon filter system fitted with a fan. This may not be convenient for most home owners, but here’s their list of plants that effectively scrub out the environment:

Bamboo Palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Aloe Vera (Aloe vera or A. Barbadensis)
Areca palms (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata v. Bostoniesis)
Chinese Evergreen (Aglaonema)
Chrysanthemums (Chrysanthemum morifolium)
Devil’s Ivy or pothos (Epipremnum aureum)
Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena Deremensis)
Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix Roebelenii)
English ivy (Hedera helix)

Ficus/Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
Flamingo Lily/Fleur (Anthurium andraeanum)
Kimberly Queen Ferns (Nephrolepis obliterata)
Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum)
Philodendron
Pineapple plants
Rubber plants (Ficus elastic)
Snake Plant/Mother-in-Law’s Tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata)
Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum)

: Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health
: NASA, Landscape Plants For Indoor Air Pollution Abatement

4 Ways Eco-Friendly Businesses Can Attract Talented Employees

Business

Bhok Thompson

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July 3, 2019

0

All companies want to bring in talented individuals on a regular basis. Indeed, consistently hiring great professionals is perhaps the only way to ensure long-term success in the business world. However, eco-friendly companies face a few challenges when courting dynamic, talented pros. For instance, some professionals might not understand the mission of a “green company,” and therefore, not apply there. Others may wrongly assume that all eco-friendly organizations are non-profit. Given all that, business owners of environmentally conscious organizations should take extra steps in order to ensure they’re able to recruit effectively and grow their small businesses. These four tips will help them do just that:

Sell a Vision

Contrary to popular belief, money is not always the determining factor in a professional’s decision to take or pass up a job opportunity. In fact, money is just one aspect that modern workers consider when they apply for a job. Rather than focusing on economic opportunities, green companies can use their eco-friendly culture as a way to inspire like-minded individuals. Businesses that sell a vision and convince their employees that they’re working for something truly meaningful won’t just hire better employees –– they’ll also receive greater productivity from them as well!

Share Success Stories

While a select few individuals have no problem blazing a trail on their own, many more people prefer to follow paths where they know they can find success. As such, it makes a lot of sense for business owners to promote their best and brightest. Featuring their success stories prominently on the company’s website can do a world of good for recruitment. Plus, companies that promote from within and allow for ambitious professionals to climb the corporate ladder will prove an attractive prospect for dynamic professionals.

Market Smarter

Just as applicants strive to make their resumes and cover letters stand out from the crowd, so too should businesses attempt to create job listings that resonate with applicants. Simply setting down requirements and salary won’t do much to excite potential employees. Rather, make it a point to create job posts that reflect your company culture and that portray your operation in a positive light. It doesn’t take much to transform a drab job posting into an engaging one.

Educate

Sometimes, the best professionals are made –– not born. Just because a new employee doesn’t have a sparkling resume, doesn’t mean they can’t learn and excel. The best companies don’t hold a monopoly on talented employees, but instead put their current team members in positions to succeed. Everything from sophisticated customer service training videos to old-fashioned brain-storming sessions can provide employees with the resources they need to perform at their best. Remember, education is a quality way for businesses to invest in their staff.

Best Phone Tracking Apps to Save Your Business

Business

Bhok Thompson

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July 3, 2019

0

Dictaphone Group Beirut — *Doesn’t matter how “green” your business is if you don’t know how to prevent fraud. Some help by way of apps.*

You have an ecological or triple bottom line business, but you still need to take care of it in a traditional way: A company has to conduct audits, regular inventory checks, and reconcile cash regularly to prevent fraud of any kind. Owner of the company should personally review the financial statements each month. You are responsible for protecting your business from theft and fraud of employees. With a phone tracker, you can track the activities of your employees. Here are some best GPS tracking apps for your business:

Hubstaff (for Android and iOS)

Time tracking app of Hubstaff comes with GPS location service for businesses of all sizes. It is a powerful management tool for remote companies, sales teams, and mobile fleets. Productivity monitoring, payroll integrations, and automated reporting are some highlights of Hubstaff.

After collecting location and time with this app, you will be able to make good decisions for your business. The free Android and iOS apps can give you an accurate picture of team works. With its geofencing feature, you can easily track the performance of your teams.

Timesheet Mobile (Good for Android and iOS)

With Timesheet mobile app, you can track locations and work time of your employee. Real-time synchronization with this portal can be a good idea for employers. It is easy to track the timing of incoming and outgoing schedules of your employees. The timesheet helps you to capture mileage for expenditure reports.

Labor Sync (For Android and iOS)

Use this multilingual cloud-based application to track your workers from your comfort zone. It will be easy for you to check the location of your team. Labor Sync comes with a map (interactive) to observe their workday. With this app, you can decrease the use of paper timesheets.

You will get modified and filtered reports by timeframe, job, and employee. Labor Sync allows you to see the exact time spend on every project. Feel free to track multiple employees with one device. With its messaging feature, employees can get notifications for schedule changes and meetings.

HoursTracker (Android and iOS)

With its powerful features and easy to use interface, you can easily track your earnings and time. Clock out, and clock in is adjustable as per your convenience. It can group your entries by month, week, or day. HoursTracker can automatically calculate the pay period, such as net pay estimates and overtime.

HoursTrackers allow you to track location for easy editing and entry. With its automatic location awareness, overtime, filters, tags, and time reached alerts; you can keep an eye on the performance of your workers. This app will give you notifications of someone’s departure and arrival. It can send necessary notifications to users.

TSheets (Android and iOS)

Do you need a flexible app to track time? TSheets can be a reliable solution. You will get intuitive experience with changing job codes, clocking function and management, and monitoring actions. With its GPS functionality and background harmonization technology, it can provide you with necessary information without draining your battery. You can get a map of daily activities to increase your visualization.

Timr (Windows, BlackBerry, Android, and iOS)

Timr helps you to track working time on your project. It is necessary to track your remote employees. This app emphasis on time tracking. The mobile apps allow you to handle GPS tracking. Mobile and web apps can sync consistently to provide users with updated data.

Gleeo (Good for Android)

For efficient time tracking, Gleeo can be a reliable app. The reliable interface and touchscreens make it a user-friendly app. Time tracking is easy with Gleeo. You can easily access reports and export them via Bluetooth or email. Gleeo offers unlimited projects along with an animated timeline. It is available in light themes and different colors.

Bible-Era Dye Factory Discovered in Northern Israel

Miriam Kresh

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July 2, 2019

0

Bible-Era Dye Factory Discovered in Northern Israel

Terracotta vats and vessels stained purple from the fabulous dyes of the Bible era were excavated 50 years ago at the site of Tel Shikmona, south of Haifa. But no further studies were done on the Iron-Age findings. The pottery sat gathering even more dust on storehouse shelves at Haifa University. History waited to be revealed.

Researchers Prof. Ayelet Gilboa and PhD candidate Golan Shavi of the University of Haifa took up the challenge when they were given access to the findings. Their study, which includes chemical analysis of the vessels’ contents, revealed some surprising facts from Tel Shikmona.

“It is very rare to find shards from this period featuring purple color,” say the researchers. “Such items have been found in other sites along Israel’s northern coast, such as Dor and Akko, but in small numbers. Yet at Shikmona there are almost 30 vessels of this type. This is very unusual.”

There’s always been a question about Tel Shikmona. Its salty, windy location, just off a rocky coast, wasn’t good agricultural ground. It was too isolated to be a trade center. There was a small fortified part, the one being excavated now, where during Biblical times, apparently no one lived. So what was the purpose of it?

There was an important natural resource nearby, one that made people rich who knew how to exploit it. Murex snails, whose glands produce blue, crimson and purple colors. The creatures thrived in the nearby waters, as piles of discarded shells at the site testify.

Fabrics dyed in those colors were so expensive and prestigious that only the very wealthy and aristocrats were allowed to wear them. They were a staple of the ancient world’s trade, like gold and silver. Read about discovered Roman-era dyed textiles here.

It made sense to establish dye-producing works at Shikmona, close to the Murex’s habitat. Spindles and loom weights were also found in the workshop, proof that ready-dyed textiles were manufactured in the place.

Some or most of the dyes were also dried and ground for sale abroad, judging from vats still packed with the powder.

Who owned and ran the factory? Gilboa and Shavi determined that the vats and amphorae were mostly imported from Cyprus via the Phoenicians, who were the great maritime traders of the era (11th-6th century BCE). The Phoenicians alone held the secret of producing those valuable dyes from the Murex snail. The secret of the dye was recently rediscovered in Israel, as we reported.

This new research may disrupt the historical assumption that Shikmona and the Carmel sea coast were entirely under Israel’s jurisdiction during Biblical times, pointing to at least partial Phoenician control of the region.

“To date, no center for the production of purple has been found in Iron Age Phoenicia,” the researchers add. “We know that there were production sites in Tyre and Sidon and other sites in Lebanon, and thousands of Murex shells have been found there, but it seems that most of them are from the Classical periods and there is still no evidence of the production sites themselves and no direct evidence of the dye.

“Our identification of the character and function of Shikmona makes it the first site found from this period, and certainly one of the most important ones. Rather than being considered a region of secondary importance in this period, the Carmel coast can now gain its rightful place as one of the most important production areas of the dye in ancient times in general, and during the biblical period in particular.”

Some of the findings can be viewed at National Maritime Museum in Haifa.

Photo credits: University of Haifa and www.techelet.com

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Diatomaceous earth as natural pesticide

Now why are people eating diatomaceous earth?

No results for diatomaceous earth in science

1. Isolated cannabinoids

2. Keep it localized (don’t ingest)

3. Juice raw cannabis

4. Liquid terpenes!

5. Hempseed

What Exactly is the Green New Deal?

What Does the Green New Deal Do?

How Does the Green New Deal Plan to Accomplish These Goals?

How Much Does the Green New Deal Cost?

Hubstaff (for Android and iOS)

Timesheet Mobile (Good for Android and iOS)

Labor Sync (For Android and iOS)

HoursTracker (Android and iOS)

TSheets (Android and iOS)

Timr (Windows, BlackBerry, Android, and iOS)

Gleeo (Good for Android)

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