Home Blog Page 202

Unplug your appliances

0

unplug-day

Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging, an annual call for a 24-hour tech break, was launched as the smartphone was just emerging into popular use. Now celebrating its 10th year on March 1-2, the National Day of Unplugging has been a leading voice for the unplugging movement and is needed more than ever. 

“Unplugging from your phone and computer for 24 hours isn’t easy,” said National Day of Unplugging co-creator Dan Rollman, a tech entrepreneur. “That kind of break is uncommon for us in today’s hyper-connected world. If you can do it though, it’s a wonderful way to recharge your spiritual batteries and be present with the world around you. It provides a healthy reminder of the benefits that come from taking an occasional respite from our devices.”

The launch of the National Day of Unplugging in 2010, was followed by the advent of digital detox retreats and a growing call from former tech executives for accountability by the companies they say have intentionally created a society of tech addiction. The annual celebration reaches hundreds of thousands of people every year, with the world’s most established brands, celebrities and media companies sharing the message and participating.

 Our phones are now with us everywhere – at dinner, in bed and in the bathroom. They are the third wheel and the third parent. The average smartphone user taps, swipes or clicks their phone 2,617 times a day, according to a study by Dscout, and the National Day of Unplugging offers an urgently needed escape from the relentless deluge of information emanating from the now ubiquitous and ever-present screens that dominate our daily lives.

 In 2011, just 35 percent of people owned a smartphone. Now about 77 percent do. And they use them constantly, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center study. The top 10 percent of users tap, swipe or click their phones 5,427 times a day. Dscout found, and most start doing that right when they wake up. Almost 70 percent of adults sleep with their phones by the bed. About 85 percent of smartphone users check their phones while talking with friends or family.

For one day, from sundown Friday, March 1, through sundown Saturday, March 2, the nonprofit Reboot is asking people to embrace the National Day of Unplugging to unplug for 24 hours and look up to remember what life was like before our digital devices went with us everywhere.

 The National Day of Unplugging recognizes the value and importance of technology in today’s world with the goal of encouraging people, especially digital natives who have grown up with ever-present technology, to be more mindful of their digital use. The day is not intended to be a one-off, but rather a starting point to encourage people of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle by regularly setting aside unplugged time.

 A growing number of the tech leaders who designed the device’s compulsive features have stepped forward in recent years to speak out against digital manipulation. Leaders like tech entrepreneur Roger McNamee and Tristan Harris, a former Google ethicist and founder of the Center for Humane Technology, are challenging the direction of technologies that are now overtaking our society. They are sounding the alarm on the data that is being collected from people and warning that the technology is having a negative psychological effect, especially on teenagers, and that many teens are suffering from digital addiction, cyberbullying and even slower brain development.

 People can participate in the National Day of Unplugging on their own or through partnerships that include The Second City in Chicago, collaborations with the Digital Wellness Collective and Let It Ripple, hundreds of schools around the country, and many more. On it’s website, at www.NationalDayofUnplugging.com, Reboot is offering ideas and a tool kit of tips to facilitate tech-free time. Additionally, individuals, families and friends are invited to participate in the “I/WE UNPLUG TO _____” campaign to publicly share what they like to do when not using technology.

With participation worldwide in 125 countries (including far-flung places such as the Bhutan, the Isle of Man, Mongolia, Andorra, and Kazakhstan), the NDU has resonated around the world with people of all backgrounds, from Catholic to Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim. The message has been embraced by a range of celebrities including Richard Branson, Arianna Huffington, Jill Soloway, and Tiffany Shlain.

 About the National Day of Unplugging

The National Day of Unplugging has roots in the Jewish tradition of the Sabbath. This modern day of rest was developed in 2010 for people of all backgrounds as a way to bring balance to the increasingly fast-paced way of life and reclaim time to connect with family, friends and our communities.

How to Maximize Trade Platinum CFDs

0

Platinum is among the most expensive metals in the world. Like gold and silver, platinum is rare and falls into the category of precious metals. The Mayans once used platinum in jewellery. The shiny, silvery-white metal as resistant to corrosion as gold. Today Platinum is used extensively for jewellery. Its main use, however, is in catalytic converters for cars, trucks and buses. Critical metals are also necessary in renewable energy production. It is essential that we guard and protect what we have.

Platinum is a dense, malleable and ductile metal that forms the basis for the platinum family. The family is also known as the platinum group of metals and contains 6 metals that share similar physical and chemical features. These metals are palladium, osmium, iridium, rhodium, ruthenium, and platinum itself.

Well, platinum is even rare to find than gold. Annually, miners extract 1,700 tons of gold and only 130 tons of platinum. But despite the huge difference in quantity, the cost of extracting platinum is as twice that of gold.

Engaging in trade platinum requires careful consideration. Its high demand in industries and it’s relatively low supply makes it highly volatile. As such, platinum trading involves a vast degree of risk. The possibility of making huge profits is in tandem with the risks of getting huge losses.

The Platinum Market

Over 50 percent of platinum goes to the jewelry industry. That’s due to its high resistant features and inability to tarnish when exposed to harsh environmental conditions. It’s also used as an irreplaceable component in most catalytic converters of fuel engines. Other industries like medicine also use this metal albeit in low quantities.

Most of the platinum in the market is mined, with 80 percent coming from Africa. The other 20 percent comes from Russia and North America.

The platinum trading is global, as it’s traded in New York Mercantile Exchange, Chicago Board of Trade and Tokyo Commodity Exchange.

What Affects Its Price?

The special properties of platinum increase its demand across multiple industries. With high demand and low supply, the prices are likely to be high.

However, the demand for this metal on these industries can also decline. With this, the metal will be left exposed to drops in its prices. With this, the prices are likely to fluctuate from time to time.

Platinum CFD Trading

Platinum trading isn’t on the real physical metal, but for its CFD. That means, an investor doesn’t buy or sell the equipment but is able to benefit from its price fluctuations.

A contract for difference (CFD) is an agreement between a broker and a trader in order to maximize earnings from the price difference between start and close of trade.

CFDs saves investors the agony of paying for storage. In addition, it allows them to trade in either way. It doesn’t matter whether you’ve got a negative or positive view on price predictions, you can maximize on either downward or upward price movements.

Further, CFDs are commission free allowing brokers to earn a small profit from the spread.

Trading CFDs as compared to direct trading offers:

Flexibility

Platinum value can change within seconds or minutes. For instance, if you own a block of platinum when its value is $20,000 and suddenly a shift causes the value to drop to $15,000, you’ll have lost $5,000.

Since it’s a declining asset, other people aren’t interested in buying. But if you’re trading CFD, you can close your position at any time.

Peter Steel “Grampa Gnome” protector of Canada’s Living Water – in time and on time

0

raw water, living water, nipissing

Peter Steel (April 1941 to Feb 22, 2019) aged 77 was one of the world’s foremost champions for Living or raw water. He died in his off-grid forest home this week. The solar-powered home is located deep inside a forest in Powassan, Nipissing –– an area of Canada remote enough to be very uncomfortable to most city people. Peter, who played the role as Grampa Gnome, would dress up like a gnome and throw fairy dust on every piece of art he created. But in reality he took on the most serious mission: spreading the importance of connecting to nature, upholding femininity, connection to one’s God, and to protecting the most divine gift us humans can enjoy: living water.

Living or “raw” water is a new craze in California startups are trying to commercialise on.

Peter had known for decades that raw water endowed a special quality to the awareness of people and place. He left the commercial world of business and sales in his 30s to live off grid and spread the importance of protecting and nurturing source water. People came from all over the world to meet Peter and drink the special water that emerged from the Canadian Shield in Nipissing.

Peter had lived in and tended to Gnome-Land for over 40 years. This was his off-grid paradise he had created in Northern Ontario, which he shared with his life partner Jeanne Raven Cote pictured below.

Peter Steele, living water, nipissing, rawPhoto by Raven

Together they protected and embraced ancient source water billions of years old as it emerged through rocks of their 75-acre forest. They have a number of springs on their land and people from all over the world, including princes and princesses, have made pilgrimages to drink their water.

Living water, raw water, 4 degree water, or source water comes from artesian springs deep below ground. The Canadian Shield is one of the world’s largest geologic continental shields, centred on Hudson Bay and extending for 8 million square km over eastern, central, and northwestern Canada from the Great Lakes to the Canadian Arctic and into Greenland. It makes up about 50% of Canada’s land mass and was created about 2.5 billion years ago. Much of the rock exposed now in the Canadian shield used to be buried deep below the earth. It contains important minerals and elements and is believed to be protecting one of the last natural sources of “original” water from the earth’s early days of creation.

Peter saw living water as a source to enlightenment, that by drinking this water one could reach paths to inner knowing, healing and growth, and connection to other human beings and life forces on this planet.

I drank the water and became a believer. Being with Peter and in his forest made me feel the Sabbath any day of the week.

Photo by Raven

Some people believe that because source water has never before recycled through human pollution, it is extra healthy for you. Others hint that it may contain ancient bacteria or a special kind of “light” energy that can activate certain metabolic pathways in your stomach, body and mind.

I had heard rumors over the years about the “weirdos” who were living in the forest in Powassan surviving on the minimum. Soon, I would learn about source water through them. Two summers ago after deciding to spend a month in the wild at the old homestead my family owns in a very remote area of Nipissing, I finally had the courage to ask a local to introduce me to the couple. We gave Peter a call and he said to come right over.

I was met by a man in barefoot wearing red overall shorts, the sun smiling through his teeth. He greeted me as though our souls had been waiting for thousands of years to meet. And I think they were. Peter taught me about water in the Nipissing region, once home to a vast population of Anishinaabe First Nations people. Nipissing comes from the Anishinaabe word Nibii(n)sing, which means “at the little water”. He introduced me to some friends and his life partner Jeanne would quickly become my mentor.

Although he appeared to not need many followers, I was looking for a new guru and agreed to conspire with him over protecting source water and spent the next few weeks with him and Raven. Through the both of them I learned about how consciousness creation comes through what you feed both your body and mind. And that one’s environment very much influences the reality that you will create for yourself and others. While this seems like New Age practice 101, maybe even 100% bullshit, I never really felt such a spiritual connection to my homeland of Canada until I met Peter and his dear partner Raven, who is also part First Nations.

I decided I would make a movie about them and spent weeks taking footage almost every day. Through them I met a community of extraordinary people so different in every possible way.

As a first generation Canadian, I sort of always felt like a landed immigrant. Through Peter and his living water, imbibing it, connecting with the source and the land mass that houses it, I realized a sense of belonging inside and out to where I had come from and where I was going.

Peter Steele mushroom

While there are a great number of Living Water freshwater springs spitting out water all over the Nipissing region, with an excellent spring “free for the taking” source roadside in the village of Trout Creek (I’d been drinking that since I was 12), Peter always believed that his spring had a pureness of quality to it. Perhaps it was the location high on the hill or the stewards who had breathed importance and life into the water and land over the last decades.

I will never know probably in my lifetime if Living Water is scientifically better for you than any old spring water. But since meeting Peter and Raven I have come to feel that paradise can exist on earth if you choose to create it. And that the bounty that nature provides is enough to fill any human being with a sense of purpose. I managed to see Peter for the last time this past summer. My dad was sick. Soon we would find out he was dying, and Peter welcomed us in his home as he always did, even without phoning beforehand. He was more subdued than when I had known him the year earlier. And I had too much on my mind, and not enough time.

“You are in time and on time,” Peter would always say to me, over and over again like a mantra, always playing with words, with numbers, mystic realities and concepts borrowed from all world religions and histories, working to bend reality and perception but also to connect to every soul being that he met through something they were culturally tied to. It’s hard to fathom that he would not live forever.

In the last year Peter started playing around on Instagram where you can see some of his feminine nature, and devotion to living water “awareness” creation.

Peter for me was a mystical experience, a person who is simply divine and sent from God. He helped me find ways to see God in every person. Peter altered the course of my life. If you are lucky to have met him you will know what I mean. He could talk to you about flaws in science, God’s handiwork, and mainly about our universal need to connect to ourselves, to each other and the God inside us. The last time I spoke with Peter by phone I asked him what I should do, what we should do to save the world. He told me that we don’t need to save anything; just to get out in nature, drink Living Water and the rest will be clear.

If you share the same dream and would like to be notified about the upcoming Living Water movie on Peter and Raven, follow me or Raven on Instagram. 

Water crises at the Sea of Galilee. What would Jesus say?

0

Nearly nine years have passed since since Green Prophet joined a media tour sponsored by Eco Peace head Gideon Bromberg to see what has happened to the lower Jordan River. At that time, Bromberg showed us the current situation of a once free-flowing stream that had now become nothing more than a trickle of brackish and diverted sewage water by the time it reached its final destination: the Dead Sea. The Sea of Galilee, the natural water source for the lower Jordan, is itself in dire circumstances due to years of extreme drought and water usage by Israel, the Palestinians and neighboring countries who all lay claim to the lake’s dwindling water supplies.

Historically, the Sea of Galilee, known as the Kinneret by Israel, and the Jordan River are so much a part of biblical history that they are often mentioned in biblical writings.

This is particularly so in Christianity’s New Testament, where Jesus often referred to the Sea of Galilee as being holy and recruited fishermen from the lake to “throw away thy nets and become fishers of men”. With lake levels near the catastrophic “black line” despite recent winter rains  the former “holy waters” of the lake are still at levels not seen in well over 100 years, according to Yoav Barkay-Arbel, an engineer for Mekorot, Israel’s national water company.

In a recent article in the UK news site, The Guardian, the state of the lake’s water crises  was dramatized by wondering how Jesus would have regarded the lake had it been in such a sad condition at the time he preached on its shores and allegedly walked upon its waters.

The Guardian article pointed out that Christian pilgrims who visit the Baptismal sites on the Jordan, particularly at the traditional biblical baptismal site at Kasir al Yahud (photo below), run the risk of contracting severe health problems due the extreme pollution of the water there. Due to this problem, most baptism rituals now take place at a Jordan River site near the lake’s southern shore, the Yardanit Baptismal Site.

Despite water levels rising more than a meter during the recent rains, the lake’s current water levels are now between the “lower red line”, where the water is still considered as being safe; and the dire “black line” where underground saline springs could make the lake’s water too saline to use.

Israel already gets more than 85% of its fresh drinking water from 5 desalination plants along its Mediterranean sea coast. Although environmentally non-friendly and very expensive to operate, desalination has become so widely used that there are now plans to actually divert some of this desalinated water into the Kinneret to help raise the lake’s fresh water levels as well as diverting a small portion of lake water back into the lower Jordan.

Eco Peace’s Gideon Bromberg has been involved for many years in trying to enable better distribution of the Sea of Galilee’s water to all of the inhabitants of the region. including Jordan and the Palestinians. Bromberg says that letting the lake level reach the dreaded “black line” “would be an ecological disaster.”

Bromberg had previously told us during the river tour 9 years earlier that this situation had already happened to the Lower Jordan River, largely due to most of the Kinneret’s water being diverted by Israel for drinking and agricultural use. The present situation in February, 2019 has definitely not improved and has even deteriorated further. Mekorot’s Barkay-Arbel says that a so-called wet winter only gives a temporary respite to the lake’s critical water shortage and that summer water evaporation will return the lake to former critical water levels.

Israel’s 1994 peace agreement with Jordan included diverting part of the Kinneret’s water to the Kingdom to help alleviate its dire water shortage. Joint desalination projects between Israel and Jordan have been discussed for a number of years; but so far, no joint projects have actually been implemented. Israel continues to be in a state of war with Syria; and as such, no water agreements have been officially been reached between them. This is especially so, since Syria has demanded that its border actually reaches part of the lake; which up to now has been unacceptable to Israel.

More about the water issues of the Sea of Galilee and Lower Jordan River:

Sea of Galilee still critical water levels despite winter rain

Canada and the USA sign on to rehabilitate the Jordan River

Unholy Waters: the Jordan River is Nearly Dead

Buying Cryptocurrency has Never Been So Easy: Just Use These 4 Platforms

0

Qatar, crystal ball, FIFA, World Cup, 2022, Museum, Sustainable Development, Design

Cryptocurrency is where everything is headed right now and it’s a great way for eco activists to take hold of their future; some exchanges are even green and run their mining on renewable energy. The migration is accounted for by the extreme security measurements taken by exchange platforms; they guarantee the privacy of any transaction within the servers.

Unlike the stock exchange, cryptocurrency is very easy to trade with; there is no need for a broker, or a firm, which means you won’t have to pay a huge brokerage fees. Instead, there are exchange platforms where you can securely trade in cryptocurrency, build a portfolio, and track your wallet; all of this from the comfort of your home, without involving a third party. There is a huge number of platforms, actually; but, some are better than others. Here is a list of our top 4:

  • Changelly

This is one of the simplest crypto currency exchange platforms available. When you first open the website, you will be faced with a simple and quick registration process. In fact, the platform is known for its efficiency; transactions usually only take a maximum of 30 minutes to be completed.

Another impressive feature of the website is that it supports various cryptocurrencies; not only the dominant ones. Not to mention, you can easily purchase cryptocurrency using a Visa card or a MasterCard.

  • Luno

The platform is designed mostly for buying Bitcoin or Ethereum. While it may seem like a disadvantage, as it doesn’t offer many opportunities to deal with other cryptocurrencies, it really isn’t. The specialization enables the website to provide the best service it can, while focusing its efforts on only two currencies.

  • CEX.IO

The platform functions perfectly in almost all regions which means that no matter where you are, you would be able to get your crypto currency. Other than that, you will find that transactions take place almost instantly; it is extremely efficient. Finally, if you happen to face any trouble or difficulty while using the platform, there’s a support team available all around the clock.

  • Coinmama

The platform facilitates the process of buying Bitcoin, as well as, other cryptocurrencies by breaking down the process into simple steps. All what you need to do is, submit your order, then the required verification documents. After that, you simply pay with your credit card, and receive your coins almost instantly. It is worth mentioning that their security measures are breach-proof.

With all of the above being said, there is one more thing that you should keep in mind. When looking for a cryptocurrency purchasing platform, don’t settle for the easiest platform, or the fastest. You need to make sure that your platform locks the exchange price once you make a transaction. In addition, you need to pick a platform with a relatively low brokerage fee; not to mention, a low credit card processing fee, too. Good luck with your investments!

Pod hostels and chic tents for let, Jaffa style

0

My first experience in an economy budget hostel in Tel Aviv was less than savory. A crowded, stinking dorm room for what was something like $20 a night, 20 years ago. A German woman manager who announced reduced rent over a loudspeaker late at night and early in the morning if you wanted to help her clean or do dishes. A mouldy shared kitchen. Thanks, but after one night of that and a room of snoring delinquents and drunk European guys, I packed my well-travelled bag and headed to a more expensive dorm option at what was then the Gordon Inn. Then I discovered Jaffa and the Jaffa Hostel and well, who would go back to Tel Aviv again for the night?

Budget travel has not gone out of fashion, probably never will, and in Israel especially where everything is expensive, and AirBNBs abound, new options are rising for the more chic-minded budget traveller. Tel Aviv gets its first pod hotel, Japanese style, named the Spot Hostel in Tel Aviv. It’s located in the trendy Flea Market District of Jaffa (Jaffa to Tel Aviv is like Brooklyn is to NYC) behind the overrated and over-sugared Abulafia Bakery.

The pod concept was developed in Japan where you can rent extremely small rooms for inexpensive, basic, comfortable accommodations. It’s in line with the tiny home movement, which challenges people to live with less, much less living space, in order to live a life with less hustle and less stuff to manage.

The new 90-room Spot hostel has a number of rooms, including your standard hostel rooms with bunk beds aplenty. But find cozy (I mean tight) two-person rooms, and family rooms that have lofts for parents couches for kids. Or a one-person capsule with just a bed.

Since Tel Aviv is a great city to stay “out” in –– you will that most people live in one or two room apartments –– staying on a tent on a roof in the new Spot Hostel will not be an affront to Tel Aviv sensibilities. You will be out of your room more than 18 hours a day anyway. I’ve even lived on a roof and in a treehouse at one point in my life in Tel Aviv. So get ready for the 30 tents that will be set up as an indoor camping space.

Stay in a tent from $20 to $68 a night, $25 to $35 a night for a dorm room, or up to $145 for a double room. There is a shared kitchen space for those who want to cook and an Israeli breakfast is included in the price of the night.

Best option if you are single and coming to Tel Aviv: find a cute Israeli to cuddle up with.

Thousands of tourists are expected in Tel Aviv in May for the Eurovision Concert to be held on the beach. You can also rent a tent on the sea (link here), and in June thousands more might just stay on for the annual Gay Pride parade.

In May 2019, Tel Aviv will host Eurovision, thanks to Netta Barzilai’s 2018 win of that contest, and the Gay Pride Parade is in June.

Proving An Injury Was Due To A Product Defect

0
Are we liable for the e-waste that ends up in landfill endangering children in foreign countries?

Most people have heard of medical malpractice, but most individuals haven’t even heard of product liability. Just like a doctor can cause bodily harm products, like plastics, can injury you are well. Despite this fact, thousands of residents and citizens alike are injured every year by dangerous or defective consumer products. However, injury alone does not mean that the manufacturer is legally responsible. Product liability cases can get extremely complicated and navigating the law is murky at best. The first and most important thing that you are going to have to do in order to ensure the success of your case proves that the product actually caused you harm. This will prove that the manufacturer is legally liable for a defective product. Of course, this is much harder said than done and will probably require the assistance of a professional product liability attorney.

Understanding Strict Liability

In order to get ahead in a product liability case, you really need to understand every type of liability claim that is available. First is the strict liability claim and this basically refers to a case where the manufacturer is responsible for releasing a defective product onto the market regardless of negligence or intent. In this situation, this means that the victim or injured parties do not need to prove that the manufacturer did anything wrong. The main focus of the case will be whether or not the product was in an unsafe condition when it left the manufacturer’s control.

Understanding Negligence Claims

A negligence claim is something different altogether. These are the cases when you will need the experience and expertise of a qualified injury lawyer because they will most likely go into litigation. Negligence claims can revolve around a number of things. For instance, it could mean that the manufacturer knowingly used defective or inadequate materials. It could also mean that the design of the product was knowingly defective or inadequate. You can also make a negligence claim in the event that the manufacturer didn’t include proper instructions or warnings that led to injuries. However, in these cases in order to collect compensation for the injuries, you will have to prove four things. You will have to prove that the manufacturer owes you a legal duty, that the manufacturer breached their duty by action or inaction, and you will have to prove that you sustained actual injuries as a result of using this product.

Understanding Breach Of Warranty Claims

As a consumer, you probably know that many products come with warranties. In fact, this is probably one of the things that you consider most when you buy a product. This warranty will guarantee the quality of the product and its parts for a certain time period. This is simply referred to as express warranty and under this warranty, the consumer may seek damages in the event of a breach of this warranty. If the manufacturer does not stand behind the guarantee, you can seek damages. There is also an implied warranty and this means that the consumer can seek damages if the product does not do what it is expected without causing injuries.

 

 

40,000 runners marathon around Tel Aviv’s architecture and white sand

0

Marathon tel aviv 2019

The Middle East can get very hot, but winters are mild, like Spring in New York City –– the perfect weather for long distance running.

Some 40,000 runners, with 2,500 from abroad, participated in Israel’s biggest sporting event of the year. International guests included participants from China, Germany, Poland, Russia, US, UK, Italy, France and more, including a large delegation of elite international runners attempting to break the marathon record and potentially win a prize of $40,000. The standing record was set in 2015 by William Kiprono Yagon from Kenya at a time of 2:10:30.

This year, the Tel Aviv Marathon took participants on a stunning 42km route winding its way through the beating heart of the city. Runners started at the Tel Aviv Expo in northern Tel Aviv and then followed the route through many of the city’s most celebrated neighborhoods, including Sarona Market, Rabin Square and Old Jaffa – one of the most ancient port cities of the world.

The route also took runners along the white sandy beaches of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Tel Aviv Samsung Marathon continued this year to support social and community engagement, and encouraged marathon runners to take advantage of their participation to raise funds for charity. This year- Samsung pledged to match each calorie burnt by the runners with a similar calorie-rich food product it will donate to families in need. The calories were calculated on screens throughout the track. For example, if 500,000 calories were burned in total, these will be converted into thousands of food products that together contain 500,000 calories.

Ron Huldai, The Mayor of Tel Aviv-Yafo: “The Marathon, currently celebrating its 11th year, has become an acclaimed International event, standing in line with the great marathons in the world. We welcome the 2,500 runners who joined us from abroad to participate in the unique experience that we create annually in the city.”

How Helpful is Technology When it Comes to Home Designing?

Modern Israeli architecture

Technology has always been a precursor of change. Many industries have benefited from having it penetrate their fabrics. By the same metrics, the interior design industry is just the latest industry to be rocked by the winds of technological change. Like other industries have, this industry stands to benefit immensely from the forays being made by technology.

Here are a few upsides we are already seeing when home designing is married to tech:

Internet of Things

We cannot talk about homes and technology without mentioning the Internet of Things (IoT). Smart homes are becoming the norm and interior design with the aid of technology is contributing to the cause. A design showcasing smart home appliances, lighting, and heating systems have to factor in the different parameters they bring to the table on top of the conventional ones. Designers have to use tools that work with all the required parameters – where technology kicks in.

Design Made Easier For End Users

The past few years have ushered in the new software-driven solutions to common design problems people encountered in the past. For example, until recently, normal people had to hire designers to visualize their ideal interior design ideas. Now, they can simply take a photo of their room, upload it to an app and then try out different color schemes, furniture styles, and floor plans. There are other virtual design tools that come with 3d planner capabilities where a customer is transported to a virtual room that they can customize in whichever way they want. These apps are constantly coming up with increasingly realistic layouts and more color combinations and accessories.

Benefits to Interior designers

By examining the preceding line of thought, you might be tempted to think, “Hang on, are we making interior designers obsolete.” And a quick answer to that is: No. The longer answer is: It’s just that the rules of the game are changing. Designers, irrespective of how talented or experienced they are, are now integrating technology into their work because it makes things easier.

Kazakhstan House Around a Tree, A. Masow Design Studio, cylindrical glass house, earthquakes, Kazahkstan home in the mountains, glass houses, round houses,

Here is how technology is helping them out:

  • Designers can now better visualize their ideas for a project when they use augmented reality. They can run quick, inexpensive simulations and do experiments on the software in order to make informed decisions.
  • Designers are expanding the knowledge bases from which they tap their ideas. They are getting exposed to a wider variety of color combinations and floor plans.
  • Showcasing design ideas to clients has been made easier by technologies such as Virtual Reality. Designers can walk their customers through a virtual room and better express their design concepts.
  • They can share their ideas with other designers (We can also view elements like social media as technological advancements).

Designers can never become obsolete. People still need to leverage their design experience and ideas. It’s only that they have to use technology and make their work easier. Fail to do so and they will be left behind (Darwinism at its finest).

architecture, sustainable upgrade, renovation, green, urban, Istanbul

Technology has changed almost every aspect of our lives and home designing hasn’t been spared. Although we haven’t delved into the challenges it presents in this context, they are still there. After all, we cannot expect technology to lead us to a dreamlike utopian paradise because it also has its challenges. In the long run, the benefits outweigh the costs.

Napa Valley and its joys

0

Napa Valley is one of those places you have to visit. For many families, the escape into wine country nestled in the heart of nature. Napa Valley is easy to get into, offers you a proper chance at living high like the richest of the rich with home rentals Napa and with many places for you to relax in.

luxury resort napa valley

The joys and luxury in Napa Valley are immense. So, to figure out your itinerary, check the following list out.

1. Tuck Beckstoffer Estate
One of the premium wine estates in the country, the Tuck Estate offers green valleys which churn out exquisite wine all year round. Take your kids around for a play around the fields, and take part in the various activities offered by the estate itself.

Nestled in a canyon, the scenery is welcoming and quite varied throughout the estate. Remember to taste out the wine that’s available and enjoy the local tasting samples for living life on the high road, even if it’s just for a while.

2. Wine Train
Buses are not exactly a convenient way to go round Napa Valley. The Wine Train is a chance for the visitors to partake in the gourmet lunches and wines from local wineries. Check out the different spaces around the valley and famous local center in the three hours run around the area. The tasting car is one of the cheapest tasting opportunities you’ll have where for a $10 you’d get to have a four float for yourself.

The Wine Train is a refurbished and re-structured old Pullman car, and the journey offers some excellent photo opportunities too.

3. Napa Valley Opera House
You haven’t lived up to your life if you have not attended Opera. The Napa Valley Opera House hosts performances throughout the year and if you’re lucky you can catch one of the legendary American troupes perform. Another place to visit is the Uptown Theatre which has nightly live music and other performances for you to enjoy.

These are the best things to do if you’re a couple looking for some enjoyment.

4. Auberge du Soleil
Napa Valley is home to some of the most exclusive restaurants in the entire country. So, it makes no sense to include “Auberge du Soleil” in this list. One of the premier restaurants, the place boasts of beautiful sceneries and an excellent menu that would have you hooked for hours. This is the area you want to be in with your significant other to sample the wine from the local wineries and to check out the scenic beauty that stretches around for miles.

Reservation is recommended, especially if you’re traveling during the season.

5. CIA St. Helena Campus
If you’re looking for a fun activity for the entire family, The Culinary Institute of America offers some of the best chances at the experience. You can have gourmet food samples for future chefs and also partake in the background of cooking under the instructors’ yourselves.
Take a cooking class, and sample different kinds of foods from the future chefs of America and enjoy yourselves to the full. If you see yourself pursuing the culinary arts any time in the future, this would be a high starting point.

6. Castello di Amorosa
A multi-storeyed castle is a dream for many of us, but, for those who can’t make it a reality right now, this castle offers a view into the lifestyle that comes along with it. Built with fierce dedication by an Italian man, this castle is filled with wonders. What’s more, for the low admission price of $5, you can also partake in the local wine floats and enjoy yourselves.

The castle is chiseled out of over 8000 tonnes of stone, and it’s a work of art as well as an effort in love which makes it one of the best places to visit with your friends.

Why Do You Need To Switch Energy Supplier?

0

light bulb plugging in socket, conserve energy symbolCurrently, every homestead has a connection to energy. Have you ever taken time to think of how life would be without a link to energy supply? It would be one of the most boring life one could ever live. Today, you require an energy connection to run almost every item in the house.

Recently, there are different providers of energy. According to successful entrepreneurs, the presence of the many providers in the game keeps the energy business in check. That’s consumers now have the right to shift to a new provider if the old one fails to deliver. It’s at this point that many homeowners start asking, is changing your energy provider worthy? Well, at some point, leaving for a new dealer can be done without any hesitation based on the problems at hand. However, you have to put some things into consideration. Without saying much, here are some of the reasons why you need to leave your energy provider.

Cheaper alternative  

In the recent past, the cost of living has skyrocketed. Individuals have been left struggling to keep up the ever-growing monthly expenses. The crazy thing is that salaries remain the same instead of going in hand with the harsh economy. The middle-class fellows, especially, have been affected by the harsh living conditions. Because of the harsh living conditions, individuals have been forced to work extra hours, as well as, invest their little money into various schemes. Besides, many have come up with plans to reduce the house expenses. Energy bills, for example, are one of the few costs and that can cost a fortune if ignored.  

Today, individuals are investing in energy-efficient household items. Well, the idea is worthy as they can help reduce the monthly energy bills. Besides, most individuals are opting to change to a new energy provider, and that has cheaper rates. As stated earlier, most states have many energy providers. The good thing about this sought of arrangement is that every provider has its prices. Therefore, you can always shift to that provider with better and affordable rates. Unfortunately, many people insist that the differences are small to be noticed and hence disagree with the idea to change. You should know that however little the difference is, it’s worth pursuing. It can save you the right amount of money when watched in the long run.  

Better customer care  

Time is precious. Whenever it passes, it can never be recovered. It’s a saying that most businesses use in their mission to offer services or products. Have you ever tried reaching a company and it took you almost a month to air your concern? Most likely, you’ve been in the situation. It’s usually annoying. It’s often even worse when you’ve no alternative. When it comes to the energy business, customer care is crucial. Homeowners require someone they can call to report a blackout, for example. As stated earlier, life without a connection to the energy supply sounds impossible. Therefore, as a homeowner, you have got a right to uninterrupted energy supply. You have the right to change your provider if your current isn’t always available to listen to your complaints. Often, energy providers experience errors. That said, you may receive the wrong bill. It’s not usually a big deal. A call should be enough to clear the air.  As stated earlier, there are many energy providers in the game. The many options allow you, the homeowner, to go with a provider that will always be there for you in times of need. Today, with tech, it’s easy to reach your energy provider whenever needed. For example, most providers have a standby team manning their social media pages and answering any questions that a client may be having. Going with such providers can save you plenty of time and stress.

To support green energy  

Over the past few decades, the environment has been affected negatively. The amount of carbon being released into the atmosphere has continued to increase. Sadly, it’s the carbon being released that pose a significant threat to the environment. As a result, individuals have retorted by coming up with measures meant to safeguard the ozone layer.  

Protecting the environment isn’t the duty of the environmentalists only. It starts with you. The amazing thing is that individuals are aware and are on the forefront spearheading measures meant to keep the environment clean. The energy sector has also not been left behind when it comes to preserving the atmosphere. Today, among the many energy providers in existence, there are some that rely on fossil fuels to generate energy. According to the IEA records, they make about two-thirds of the power being supplied in the US.  

You can change your provider in the name of supporting the green energy. These providers play a vital role in reducing carbon levels. It usually feels great knowing that you’re among many people fighting for a clean environment. Often, renewable energy usually come at a slight price premium. Luckily, the providers allow one to choose a percentage of your monthly consumption that you would like to come from renewable sources.  

As if that’s not enough, one is allowed to decide what type of renewable energy he or she would like to support. This option sees the need to move to a new provider develop. It feels good doing something that you love.

Fixed vs. variable rates  

Choosing between fixed and variable rates is one of the many factors that can see you take a deal with a new seller. Often, you may not realize the difference between fixed and variable rates because you’re either in any of the two. Most energy providers offer variable rates. You would ask what variable rates are? Well, as the name implies, variable rates subjected to changes and that’s based on wholesale energy market prices.  

In simpler terms, variable rates mean that when the market prices are low, you will receive less bill at the end of the month. The opposite also does happen when the market prices skyrocket. The truth is, most people don’t understand the trend as there are always slightly small differences in the bills. From a professional’s point of view, while using variable rates, the energy bills are likely to be high during the extremely cold and hot seasons.  

Whenever the weather is too hot or freezing, you’re more likely to spend indoors. Hence, the demand for energy is expected to increase because you will have your TV on, fan, lights, and many other house appliances. The behavior can see your energy bills double as the prices will have gone up, as well as, your consumption. It’s for such reasons that individuals opt to change their provider with one that offers fixed rates. Fixed rates mean that you will continue paying a predictable bill regardless of the month or season. This option allows the consumer to have a piece of mind. As compared to the variable rates, in the fixed option, you don’t have to worry about which month the energy bills will increase or decrease.  

To Escape the hidden fees  

When getting a new provider, there is a contract and which both parties involved have to sign. This agreement tells the period at which the provider will be supplying the energy to your house. Besides, it informs a homeowner of the consequences once the contract is broken. The funny thing is that most people don’t take their time to read the whole agreement. They go ahead to sign which isn’t a good act.  

It’s good to read the contracts thoroughly, especially those provided by the energy provider. Some energy providers have hidden fees. The unexpected charges apart from the monthly bills and tax may force one to switch energy supplier. After all, no one can willingly pay unexplained costs. Some of these charges aren’t even explained in the contract which raises an issue with the consumer as they find it scary to terminate the agreement with the energy dealer.  Remember, calling to end the contract before the scheduled time can mean losing some of your money. If the deal was for a short period, you could wait till the contract ends before making the adjustments with a genuine provider. Also, it’s advisable that when taking a contract, avoid ones that automatically re-enroll their clients. Such agreements can also mess you big time, especially when your current energy seller has issues.  

It’s hassle-free  

More often than not, individuals assume that changing the energy trader involves a lot of work. Not long ago, a study showed that about a fifth of the homeowners insisted that the workload was the reason they were stuck with their old provider. Well, that’s not the case. Changing your contractor is an easy task. It shouldn’t stress you at any one given time.  

When advancing to a new dealer, you need to inform both the old and new energy providers and leave the rest for them to do. You must ensure that you’ve no arrears with the former provider before proceeding to sign the contract with the new one. All these arrangements can be made via a telephone call or email.  

Currently, and with the power of tech, getting a quote is much easy. In the old era, you had to wait for your provider to send you a letter with the quotation. The process would take even days which means delay. Today, all you need is to send an email to your new dealer with all your details and receive an instant reply. Therefore, you may decide to change your energy provider after realizing that the process is much easier than you thought.  

You’re not getting the services worth your money  

As stated earlier, there are many energy sellers in the game today. Like in any other business setting, every company tends to be creative in a way. The creativity is focused on winning the hearts of customers. It’s at this point that you get energy companies offering sweet deals and packages. The newbies, especially, tend to be extra when it comes to sales bouquet.  The urge to get services worth your hard-earned money is what sees most individuals opt to change their energy seller. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you go for a contractor offering cheaper rates. Some individuals even change to companies charging high fees, as long as they get the services worth their money.

No interruptions during the process  

Are you among the lot that is scared to leave their current contractor because you don’t want to spend some days in a dark house? Well, according to a study, you’re not alone. Most homeowners fear to be in the dark during the process. It’s ok to be scared, but not in this case.  As stated earlier, there is little work involved during the transition. As long as you’ve informed your new dealer, the task should be instant. It’s on realizing this that many individuals opt to change their supplier instantly. It’s not right to stick to one offering poor services because you’re scared of a blackout.

Frequent interruptions

Outages, for example, are common. They are acceptable because there is nothing much a dealer can do to predict when they are about to happen. However, one question you should ask yourself, how often do they happen? If the power outages are frequent, and that’s several times a week, then you’re required to change your provider. The amazing thing is that there are many providers in the game. Therefore, you won’t miss one among the lot that provides a consistent supply of energy.  

The old folks, especially, are ahead when it comes to the outages. They have been in the field for a long time to understand what is needed to allow an uninterrupted supply of energy. However, you should have in mind that natural forces also do trigger some outages. For example, during the rainy and snowy weathers, blackouts are frequent.  

Shifting from one energy provider to another is a simple task. However, many people are still stuck with their old providers. Sadly, some of those old providers don’t offer satisfactory services. It’s not right. In this article, there are nine reasons why you should get a new energy company. Read through each one of them to help in the decision to get a new energy dealer.

 

Tests for oil and gas kill dozens of giant sea turtles

0

Israel’s Sea Turtle Rescue Center rescued 15 sea turtles in recent weeks after dozens were found washed up on shore on Israeli beaches after a storm. About 20 had died. Normally over a course of a year the crew surveys about 250 turtles coming to shore. Within 3 days some 46 were counted, according to news reports. The terrible reason was eventually uncovered: an Italian crew had set off 20 underwater explosions hoping to find oil and gas in the Mediterranean Sea.

Piles of volunteers rushed in to help comb the coast for the sea turtles suffering from lung and internal cavity damage. Not only did the volunteers search, they also rescued the massive creatures helping carry each one back to the rescue vehicles. An average one weighs about 200 kilograms or more than 400 pounds.

The Turtle rescue center director Yaniv Levy told a local news channel Hadashot that some of the turtles had fluid, including blood, inside their lungs. Green Prophet could not reach him for comment. 

Marine vets rushed to the center where they set up a makeshift hospital to treat the turtles using both CT scans and X-rays to understand the injuries. Surgery was done when necessary. Only 15 turtles could be saved and now the turtles face a rehab period of up to a year. “I am quite sure we can put them back [in the sea],” Levy said.

At first the injuries were a big mystery then the Israeli Nature and Parks Authority figured out the likely culprit: an Italian marine seismic survey looking to find offshore oil and natural gas reserves in the Mediterranean Sea.

There were 20 explosions set off within 24 hours, as the survey researchers mapped the ocean floor.

The loggerhead and green sea turtles lay their eggs along the Israeli coast, and are greatly affected by environmental disturbances. Garbage and development along the coast is also putting the populations at risk, says the Sea Turtle Rescue Center.

Seismic airguns are used to find oil and gas deep underneath the ocean floor. Airguns are so loud that they disturb, injure or kill marine life, harm commercial fisheries, and disrupt coastal economies. Seismic testing is a process to create an image of the subsurface. The data obtained is then used by the oil and gas company to locate the most optimum place to drill for gas.

According to the NGO Oceana, seismic airgun testing currently being proposed in the Atlantic could injure 138,000 whales and dolphins and disturb millions more.

Sea turtles are ancient reptiles, and fossil evidence reveals they have existed for over 150 million years. The last 100 years have seen a sharp drop in sea turtle population size. This decline is the result of fishing and damage to beaches and nesting sites. The damage has been so severe that the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN) has declared all species of sea turtle endangered.

The Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Center

In 1999, the Israel Nature and Parks Authority established the Israeli Sea Turtle Rescue Center in temporary quarters at the Mevo’ot Yam marine boarding school in Mikhmoret. The center’s vision is for treatment, conservation and rehabilitation of sea turtles in the eastern Mediterranean.

The center was established as a temporary facility to provide emergency treatment for injured sea turtles, but has grown beyond expectations over the last years it has been in operation. A new center is being planned for Israel and is pictured above.

 

Creative Business Ideas to Make Money Online

0
round solar panels Morocco
Selling solar panels in unusual shapes could be a good online business

Are you searching for online opportunities to earn money? The Internet offers several opportunities to find fulfilling careers or start your business. Hopefully you will choose to go the green and sustainable route.

The new technologies create several new business and job opportunities for you. Initiating an online business can help you to earn money from the comfort of your house. For this reason, you can learn how to make money from home with an internet connection and a PC. You can make money with hard work and dedication. If someone gives you a proposal to make money through a shortcut, stay away from him to save yourself from online scams. Here are some ideas to earn money with an online business.

Start Custom Writing Services

If you can prepare assignments and write essays, you can start your custom writing services. Make a team of qualified writers and work on research papers, dissertation and coursework writing. Students often struggle with a shortage of time, so they need reliable services to complete their assignments. Prepare a website to start online writing services. A user-friendly website helps you to get maximum customers to earn money.

Earn Money with a Blog

Blogs can help you to earn money and start your online business. You can make a six-figure income. There are thousands of examples where people are running a full-time business. It is easy to start your blog and earn money. You can monetize your blog by displaying ads with the use of Google AdSense.

Starting a new blog takes almost 30 minutes. You will need entertaining, engaging and useful content for your audience. Your blog can be a great platform to launch your online business.

Affiliate Marketer

Affiliate marketers can earn with sales commissions by recommending the products and services of other people. Several affiliate marketers recommend different services and products through their email lists, websites, and blogs. Make sure to learn different marketing strategies, such as content marketing and SEO.

Create Online Courses to Earn Money

If you are good in math, chemistry, biology or any other subject, you can start teaching to earn money. Create online courses and sell online to help students. Several people prefer quick knowledge and skill through online courses. You can create interactive sessions for students.

E-commerce Store

Selling online goods can be an easy job. If you have something to sell, create your online store in a few minutes and initiate selling products. Feel free to sell digital downloads, such as software, music, eBooks or physical goods. Here are some ideas to start an online store.

  • Find a suitable niche with low competition and high demand
  • Promote your e-commerce store to get maximum customers
  • Consider the costs involved in products from the manufacturer – customers

You have to select a pricing model to compete in the market. Try to offer the best value to your customers with quality and price. Keep an eye to your profit margins to ensure sustainable growth in the future. Feel free to choose between WooCommerce and Shopify to build your online store.

Membership Website

Instead of depending on advertising revenue, you can create a membership website. Make sure to sell community features and premium content to make money through subscriptions. In this way, you can allow users to support your site with their paid memberships. It is essential to find a membership niche to start your website. Choose a niche in which people are interested in paying money.

Drop Shipping Site

A fusion of e-commerce and affiliate marketing is available in drop shipping and it can be worth it. Here are profitable dropshipping products to consider. Make sure to create your online store to sell products of other people on a commission. You can run an online store without worrying about shipping or inventory. Drop shipping allows you to run a business with minimum investment. The profit margin can be low because you are selling products of other people.

Micro-Job Websites

With a micro-job website, you can make money by connecting contractors to employers and freelancers. It allows you to earn money based on the overall price of listed jobs. Famous micro-job posting sites are UpWork, PeoplePerHour, Fiverr and other sites. These can make a decent revenue annually.

SEO Specialist

Search Engine Optimization (SEO) allows you to optimize the website of other people to get more visitors. This skill needs you to learn consistently and keep up with current trends. SEO specialists can run their agencies or work as a freelancer. You can also join a company to earn as a full-time worker

How can countries ensure renewable energy technology is developed sufficiently?

0
The world’s largest solar energy dish in Sde Boker, Israel

The demand for energy in today’s world is rising, specifically electricity, as there are now around 1.1 billion people on the planet who have little or no access to it. Having access to energy is key for human wellbeing, economic development and poverty prevention, and ensuring everyone has access is an ongoing challenge for global advancement.

Because of this lack of access to energy technology and modern energy sources, people across the globe, more so in rural communities, struggle to break out of the cycle of “energy poverty”.

By countries developing renewable energy, they are enabling shops and business to stay open longer and have a more fruitful future, providing children with lighting at home to continue their studying and giving communities access to better and more reliable healthcare.

What can countries do?

Having a grasp of which countries have sustainable renewable energy access and which ones need vital support, is the first step to ensuring the millions living in energy poverty are not left behind whilst the rest go on to thrive.

The UK has already made a step forwards in its mission to produce much more renewable energy. Currently wind power generates enough energy to meet 10% of the UK’s needs with over 9,300 wind turbines erected across the countries unused land.

Equally in the UK there are now over 1 million homes that are equipped with solar panels on their roofs. However, with the Government debating cutting the incentive for people to invest in this source of renewable energy, thanks to complaints from fossil fuel-based energy companies, how will households be encouraged to be part of the worlds need for a clean energy transformation?

Consumers need access to efficient tools to utilise the power

How can you help to make a difference? By investing in a renewables system at home, you can do your part by not only reducing your household carbon footprint, but also your energy bills too.

Firstly, ensure you have the appropriate tools to be able to utilise your power. Having the right power cables means getting the most out of your new renewable energy source. Amazon carries a wide range of solar energy kits and even spare cables which come in different lengths, plug types and electrical currents.

Countries need to continue to invest in the right technology to guarantee any sustainability.

In 2016, solar and wind energy collectively received 94 percent of global financial investment. With these two technologies receiving the biggest investment, this suggests countries see solar and wind energy as the dominant renewable technologies of the future. Continued investment will be crucial in ensuring these technologies are developed sufficiently enough to make a difference to our planet. 

April 2017 saw the launch of a new global initiative called “Mission 2020”. Launched by Christina Figueres, former UN climate chief with an aim to bring a new-found urgency to the global climate conversation, by looking to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2020.

Mission 2020 looks to see renewable energy make up at least 30% of total global electricity, a rise of 4.3% on 2015. The plan also indicates that no new coal-fired plants be built anywhere in the world post 2020, wants to increase the number of electric vehicles on the road to around 15% and to encourage more forest growth globally.

We can only hope that countries now look to develop a enough renewable energy technology to help our planet live on.

Iran bans dog walking

0

In some Middle Eastern cities, the governments embrace dog walking, dog loving and dog everything. It seems like there are more dog parks than people parks in some areas of Tel Aviv, but if you live in Iran, watch out. Taking your dog out for a spin might land you in jail. The country’s totalitarian regime has banned another human pleasure owning one of man’s best friends. Since dogs are considered “haram” or impure in Islam, the Islamic Government, literal in its interpretation of Allah’s commands has outright banned dog walking in cities like Tehran.

ABC News from the US went to Tehran and met people like Fatima pictured below. She has been banned from taking Peaky anywhere around the streets of Tehran. Last month the Police Chief of Tehran said dog walking is now banned everywhere. Now Fatima walks Peaky in her friend’s backyard adjacent to her apartment building.

dog walking, tehran, banned, woman with hijab walking dog

“People who walk dogs will be prosecuted,” Brigadier General Hossein Rahimi said in an interview with the semi-official Fars News Agency on Tuesday. Rahimi also announced that you can’t travel with dogs in cars, or bring them to any public parks.

dog with hijab, iran, tehran dog walking ban in cars and in parks

“People like to stay with their families and acquaintances on a weekend. It’s fun to spend some hours in the park where you live, but unfortunately some ignore this right of families and ignore the teachings of the Islamic religion that considers the dog as unclean and follow the satellites and the Western style of bringing the dog to the park,” he added.

The presence of dogs he noted has caused many people to stop using the parks.

In Arabic, dogs are called “najis,” which is also a technical religious term that translates to “unclean.” If you touch a dog with a wet hand you have to wash it three times before you pray.

But in Parsi social media many people have sided with animal lovers and dog-owners, advocating for them to find a safer way to walk their pets.

Tehran is one of the most polluted cities in the world, and it is fair that public parks be free from pets walking around unattended. And even when owners do pick up after their dogs, soiling by urine and other stuff inevitably spoils the cleanliness of parks. But like other aspects of Tehran life: drinking, drugs, underground clubs… people will be people. Strict regulations against pets may have the opposite effect: more people might decide to keep their dogs in covert locations, making them unhappier – both the owners and the pets – in the longun.

Time for Iran to make a pet friendly park. Which one of our activists over there can make it happen?