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Be Eco-Friendly – Go Paperless!

Bhok Thompson
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Be Eco-Friendly – Go Paperless!

 

Over recent years, we have all become more conscious of the need to be more respectful about our planet and environment. More and more people are trying to go green in their day to day lives and there are also many businesses that are dedicated to environmentally friendly practices. When it comes to business, there are various ways in which you can operate in a more eco-friendly way, one of which is to look at the paper products you use and determine whether they are really necessary.

Alternative Christmas Tree

Of course, there are some products that you do need to invest in because they need to be tangible and usable products. Many businesses still use name card printing services and printing services for sticker printing Singapore. However, many also use paper products that we can do without in today’s digital age, and this is where you can make changes in order to help the environment.

Reducing Your Paper Usage

Some businesses get through huge amounts of paper products including letterhead paper and envelopes as part of their day to day operations. However, in today’s digital age there are many alternatives when it comes to communication, and these do not require the use of paper, envelopes, or even postage. So, you will not only help the environment by going paperless as much as possible but you can also save yourself a huge amount of money on things such as stationery purchases and postage costs.

Of course, there are instances where you may need to send out letters to customers or clients. However, by reducing this as much as possible you can help both the environment and your own business finances. Wherever possible, try to use alternative communication methods to get in touch with people. Email is, of course, the most commonly used digital communication method amongst businesses. However, you can also use other alternatives such as social media contact.

If you do need to send out letters to clients and customers, go for the eco-friendly option when it comes to paper and envelopes. You can purchase recycled paper products with ease these days, which means you can still do your bit for the green cause even if you do have to send out letters. You will find some great deals on recycled paper stationery online so you don’t have to pay a fortune in order to do your bit.

Another thing to consider is that going paperless as much as possible will mean far less filing and administration for you to deal with. Of course, you need to ensure that your computer files and data is backed up all the time so you don’t lost any data in the event of a problem. However, it is far easier to store and file documents online compared to having to deal with paper filing and storage.

As you can see, there are many benefits that come with going paperless, which is why this is an option that all businesses should look into.

Tea for royalty starts with white-leaved savory or Zuta Levona

Karin Kloosterman
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Tea for royalty starts with white-leaved savory or Zuta Levona

princess tea White micromeria

You can’t go anywhere in Israel and in many parts of the Middle East without enjoying a fresh herbal tea. Yeah, none of the dried out flakes of herbs planted years ago for the Mediterraneans. Just grab a few branches of herbs, wind them in a circle and pour on the hot water. Add a spoon of honey for sweetness. They like tea fresh, the flavor abundant and clear in the Middle East.

Over the years in Israel I have drank a lot of herbal tea, often just picked right from a grandma’s garden. I now have a little garden of my own and always recommend zuta levona as the best new tea to impress your guests.

Zuta levona (or זוטה לבנה or זוטא לבנה in Hebrew) in English/Latin has a clunky set of names, such as Micromeria fruticosa, White micromeria or White-leaved Savory and in Arabic is known as ashab a-shai (عشب الشاي). The tea can be bought as dried leaves in local spice markets (ask for it) but it is best when grown fresh. It has a clean, clear mint taste fit for serving a prince or princess.

princess tea White micromeria
Image above via Flora of Israel 

Mentioned in the Hebrew holy text called the Mishnah as qoranit, the plant contains a high concentration of the essential oil pulegone and isomenthol, known for medicinal properties.

Folk remedies suggest it is good for treating abdominal pains, eye infections, heart disorders, high blood pressure, exhaustion, colds and open wounds.

Ask in your local nursery in the Levante region for a small seedling which will grow into a shrub. It makes a delightful tea that you will find nowhere else in the world. If you are pregnant, it is not advised to drink this medicinal herb which contains pulogene, dangerous for pregnancies and nursing.

You can also chop it up and add it to your Israeli salad or to your roasting fish.

Zuta grows wild in the Galilee region and grows velvety, fingernail-sized leaves not unlike sage, but much more delicate in appearance and tear-dropped in shape.

Modern Technology is Helping to Usher in a Greener Tomorrow

Bhok Thompson
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Modern Technology is Helping to Usher in a Greener Tomorrow

Technology, through its broad application across various sectors of industry and regular life, has managed to streamline almost every aspect of modern society, but there is apparently more to it. According to numerous studies, it has been found that the use of modern technology has severely curbed the negative impacts of industrialization on the natural environment in multiple ways.

Improving Renewable Energy

Ever since the global realization of the fact that coal and petroleum are finite sources of energy, there has been multiple ongoing research projects dedicated to finding alternate sources of power for the future. However, it wasn’t until recent years that the likes of solar power, wind energy and hydroelectricity got anywhere near feasibility for use on a mass scale. Renewable energy has now become more affordable and available for even residential use and is no longer exclusive to only commercial sectors, thanks to the rapid advances in technology.

The Digital Movement

After the industrial revolution, the digital revolution has been the single most important step in human history, and experts agree that the movement is still in its nascency. Nonetheless, the combination of internet, computers and smartphones has severely reduced pressure on the environment.

Most of the banking operations can be completed online in most parts of the developed world, which is once again, proving to be a huge bonus in terms of a greener tomorrow. As the digital revolution expands and evolves even further, it is expected that pressure on natural resources in general (especially wood and paper) will be further reduced considerably.

Tafline Laylin, nature, travel, photography, art, eco art, Earth Day, lion, South Africa, endangered wildlife

The Use of Technology in Prevention of Poaching

Saving endangered animals is a very tough challenge for authorities even today and especially in the African continent. The use of drone surveillance is proving to be a useful mechanism in deterring or at least identifying the criminals involved in the act of poaching.

Monitoring the Companies

Big companies with toxic waste dumps are not yet a thing of the past, but the government is able to keep a close watch on factories, constructions and manufacturing plants with monitoring instruments that record various aspects of how the concerned process is affecting the environment around it. For example, geo-spatial measurement of air pollution enables the authorities to detect how much of what is being emitted by a factory unit into the air.

Smarter Cars

Not only are electric cars more sustainable and practical now, but it is only a matter of a few more years before autonomous cars start hitting roads all around the world. Driverless cars are inevitably more fuel-efficient and they may just be able to make way for less resource-intensive vehicle designs in the very near future.

Finally, even in the residential scenario, smart thermostats, smart lights and smart electronics in general are adept at maximizing energy-efficiency, which is essential for a greener tomorrow. As human population continues to grow and the natural resources continue to shrink because of that, modern tech is at the moment, the biggest hope for the future generations.

How You Can Choose A Good Personal Injury Lawyer

Bhok Thompson
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How You Can Choose A Good Personal Injury Lawyer

Have you or a loved one just experienced a traumatic personal injury at the hands of someone else? Well, you might not know all of your rights, but you probably know that you are entitled to some form of compensation. This is where the best personal injury lawyer can come in handy. This individual will inform you of your rights as a victim and make sure you are properly compensated. Unfortunately, the only problem is finding the right lawyer. There are without doubt tons of them out there to choose from, but not all of them come with the same qualities and qualifications. Knowing exactly what to look for can help you weed out some of the ambulance chasers.

Know Your Specific Needs

Quant Nanoflowcell
Electric cars can be in accidents too.

There are different lawyers that specialize in different fields because each field requires specialized knowledge. For instance, a simple car crash might require a different lawyer than a more complicated medical injury suit. This is why it is imperative to understand your specific needs. Taking on a corporation like a hospital will require extensive medical and legal knowledge backed by an excellent reputation. You better believe that hospitals and big organizations are going to have the best of the best representation and use all of the dirtiest tricks. They will try to drag the case out until you are ready to settle or throw in the towel. Make sure the lawyer you choose can handle your needs and requirements.

Consider Their Track Record

Before deciding on a lawyer, you should always consider their track record. This is especially true when the case involves close death or major injuries. Highly experienced attorneys will be more than proud to post the number of cases and the number of wins on their website. You will also want to consider the number of settlements and verdicts that they have. It is possible that your case will be determined in a court of law, so this will be extremely important.

Must Have A Positive Connection

When you meet or speak with your lawyer for the first time there must be some kind of connection. It may take a few minutes or hours for the connection to develop, but it has to be there. You are possibly going to be working with this individual for long hours. Does the lawyer seem completely focused on you? Do they seem distracted by other cases? Are they keeping good eye contact? Use your deepest instincts and make sure that you are taken seriously and have a good connection. It probably wouldn’t even hurt to meet with the staff that is going to help handle the case as well.

Always Do Your Research

The Internet has made finding a service extremely easy these days. Most reputable lawyers are going to have a website and you can access a variety of them in just a matter of hours. Look at their profiles to see how long they have been in business, what associations they belong to, their leadership positions, the law school they went to, and check to see if they have published any papers.

4 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies and Exercise

Bhok Thompson
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4 Tips for Managing Seasonal Allergies and Exercise

green ecological gym in Israel orly hoffman

You love to be active outside, but when seasonal allergies hit, it is easier to hide in the house. While hiding in the house is one strategy, you don’t want to put on extra pounds because you are staying in the house. The challenges of seasonal allergies don’t have to keep you down. In this article, we are going to talk about four tips for managing seasonal allergies and exercise.

Exercising outside is a great way to motivate yourself to get moving. Inside exercise isn’t exciting and sometimes can be downright boring. If you are used to exercising outside, but allergies are affecting your performance, you are likely to be thinking about ways you can get your exercise in outside without going into sneezing and coughing fits. Let’s get into the tips below.

1. Ensure It Is Really Allergies

Before you start blaming allergies for your problems, make sure that is why you are experiencing the symptoms that you have. You can do this by going to your doctor, or you can do a couple of tests on your own. Try going outside during the highest pollen time and see if your symptoms flare up. Try this a couple of times so you can confirm that you are experiencing seasonal allergies. If you go outside and exercise and you don’t have any flare-ups you might have a common cold. Give your body a little time to recover and then you can get back to your outdoor workouts.

2. Medicate Before Things Get Worse

If you have confirmed that you have seasonal allergies and symptoms showing themselves, you don’t want to wait until they get worse to medicate. If you wait until things get worse to medicate, it may take a while for medication to help you get back to where you need to be. Depending on how bad your allergies are, you may have to go to the doctor to get a prescription, or you could use over the counter remedies. Make sure you are using the right dosage and taking the medication as recommended for the best results. Your body may respond to medication differently than you might expect so be careful when you are starting your exercises.

3. Avoid Wearing Shoes and Clothes Inside

After you’ve been to work, you want to take off your shoes and clothes that you wore to work. It is likely that you are going to have many allergens on your shoes and clothes from going outdoors. You probably don’t plan on washing your jacket or your shoes so make sure you have a place to put them near the door, so they don’t make it far into your living space. If these are your workout places, you should make sure you wash them since they are likely to have many allergens built up after heavy exercise and a long time outdoors.

4. Wear a Mask

When you are exercising outdoors during times that pollen is going wild, you should consider wearing a mask. While masks may not have been attractive or fun in the past, there are some cool looking masks you can wear when you are exercising so you can take your workout outside even when allergies are attacking. If you don’t want to wear a mask that makes a fashion statement, you can get a standard mask from just about any home improvement store.

5. Irrigate Your Nasal Passageway

If you are dealing with clogged nasal passageways, irrigating them is one of the best ways to give yourself relief. Being able to breathe while you are exercising is key and using nasal spray or a Neti pot are the easiest ways to do that. Irrigating your nasal passageway doesn’t sound like a fun process, and you are right. It isn’t pleasant to put the solution up your nose, but it does work. Keeping your nasal passageway cleaned out will make a world of difference throughout the day and the night. Getting a good night’s sleep can change the way you feel for the entire day.

Exercises You Can Do Inside

In case you’ve decided to avoid the outdoors as much as possible, here are some exercises you can do while indoors.

  • Yoga is a relaxing but also challenging exercise that can be done just about anywhere. There are different levels of yoga so whether you are a beginner or you want a work out that is challenging and gives your muscles a good workout.
  • Putting a punching bag in the house allows you to get a good workout anytime you want. Whether you want to box or kickbox, a good punching bag can keep you busy for hours.
  • Stretching is underrated as a form of exercise and can be very helpful with muscle building. If you stretch your muscles in between workouts, you are more likely to build a better body.

Working out inside doesn’t have to be boring. There are plenty of workout videos, apps and other forms of activity that can be performed even in the smallest places with a limited amount of time.

Conclusion

Seasonal allergies decrease the quality of life for many people, but that doesn’t have to be you. When you use the tips above to cope with seasonal allergies, you don’t have to suffer unnecessarily. You can continue to enjoy your life, even throughout this trying season.

10 Enchanting Shades of Purple Hair You Will Flip Over

Bhok Thompson
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10 Enchanting Shades of Purple Hair You Will Flip Over

purple hair on dark skinned woman

If you can’t choose green or don’t want to go red or auburn with a natural henna, purple hair is perhaps the most trendy shade of hair color these days. Elle magazine says you can find an eco version of purple too. Not only is it drop-dead gorgeous, it is also one of the few trendy hair colors that looks stunning with every complexion and eye color. Choose eco and gentle options for color when you can. The last think you want is toxins on your hair.

And believe it or not, there are dozens of beautiful and edgy shades of purple hair color from soft lilac to deep eggplant! Not to mention balayage hues and stunning purple ombre fades! There is no end to the possibilities when it comes to ways to color your hair purple!

Like most hair colors, purple tends to fade very quickly. Therefore, it may require frequent touch ups. But once you go purple, you’ll find that it’s worth it!

It is wise to try to preserve your purple hair color for as long as possible. To do so, you can wash your hair less frequently, once or twice a week at the most. Use dry shampoo between wet shampoos and keep your hair hydrated with leave in conditioners. Only use products that are made for color-treated hair and are free of sulfates.

Avoid excessive use of heat as this also fades your hair color. Allow your hair to air dry when possible and use foam rollers instead of a curling wand. Wear a bathing cap when swimming and wear a hat when in the sun to protect your hair from fading due to ultraviolet rays. These simple tips can help preserve your gorgeous purple color.

What are 10 of the prettiest looks for purple hair? Have fun and get ready to embrace the purple! 

Short, Wavy Boysenberry Bob

If you have short hair, such as this cute wavy bob, this blend of bright purple hues is a fun way to add a burst of color to your curly tresses.

This balayage is a stunning blend of violet, mauve and lilac hues to form a gorgeous boysenberry purple shade that is full of depth and dimension. It is the perfect blend of dark a light purple hair colors for a truly multi tonal look. It looks just stunning on wavy hair to give it even more texture and volume!

Magenta and Royal Purple Love Affair

Pink is perhaps the next most popular hair color other than purple hair. And if you like both, you don’t have to choose! Check out this totally awesome blend of magenta pink and eggplant purple. The two shades blend majestically for a totally regal look that is edgy and chic!

Start off with a dark royal purple and blend in shades of deep eggplant and dark pink for a truly multi tonal cosmic blend that is out of this world.Style your hair in loose romantic waves to give a slightly soft vibe to this otherwise edgy cut that will make you stand out in any crowd!

Velvet Black to Deep Amethyst Melt

Ombre melts are so pretty and this dark silky black to purple melt is no exception! If you are blessed with velvety black hair, you can play it up by allowing it to fade into a shiny dark amethyst. This is perfect if you are going for a dark and edgy vibe.

This wavy. Inverted lob is the perfect canvas for this gorgeous ombre melt. Longer bobs are a great way to show off your trendy black and dark purple hair! 

Indigo and Amethyst Ombre Flowing Mermaid Waves

If you love beachy mermaid waves, this breathtaking indigo to shimmery amethyst ombre fade is screaming your name! You will feel like a mermaid princess with this positively beautiful blend of purple hues!

Start off with a deep indigo base at the roots and then fade to a shiny light amethyst for a shimmery purple that looks like you just stepped of the beach! Spritz your wavy locks with a generous amount of sea salt spray to add bounce and texture and let your hair dry for a look that will make your friends green with envy!

Dark Plum and Dusty Lilac Dreams

We can’t get enough of this next look! Talk about dimension! The blend of warm and cool purple tones is just exquisite! Mix in a blend of deep plum, dark mauve and indigo shades at the top and then finish it off with dusty lilac highlights for a multi galactic blend of pretty purple hues!Dusty shades are where it’s at when it comes to trendy hair colors so feel free to lay it on thick. This dusty lilac is almost too pretty for words!

Deep Violet Tresses

Blue and purple hair go so nicely together! This deep Egyptian blue is the perfect compliment for these dark violet highlights! Together the two colors form a totally regal shade of deep dark violet that is striking!

The deep blue shades will fade to a silvery gray and the deep violet will fade to a pale lavender so you will be left with a shimmery blend of colors as it slowly fades away. But dark or light, this combo is chic and edgy if you want a look that will catch the eye of many an admirer!

Black and Lilac Ombre

Lilac is one of the prettiest and most popular shades of purple hair. If you want a striking contrast between dark and light, this black to lilac ombre melt is right up your alley.

Start off with black or dark chocolate brown roots and fade to bright lilac that will make you think of a field full of flowers on a sunny spring day! Curl your hair in soft, romantic waves and top off this look with some dramatic makeup to make you feel like a goth fairy princess!

Perfect Purple Sunset

If you love sunsets, you will flip over this mind-blowing blend of purple hues! Ask for deep wine, dark magenta, violet and lavender hues that blend into a splendid sunset that resembles amethyst and sapphire gemstones!

This look is the perfect blend of edgy and romantic! If you want to embrace your inner punk rock goddess but still have a soft and feminine edge, this look is perfect! It looks especially captivating on long, flowing waves!

Purple Fairy Lights

If you prefer softer shades of purple, you will fall head over heels in love with this charming blend of soft purple hues. Ask for a dark silver base and blend in soft shades of pink, amethyst, lilac, baby blue, light orchid and iris. The finished product will be reminiscent of soft fairy lights glistening on in a dark enchanted forest.

Pastel shades are all the rage so you can’t go wrong with this enchanting blend of soft blues, pinks and purple hues. If you have ever wanted to be a fairy, then this look will make all of your dreams come true!

Electric Blue to Dusty Lilac Ombre Fade

Who says you have to choose between dark and light purple hair? Not sure if you want to stick with warm or cool purple hues? Why not go with both?

This ombre fade starts off with an electrifying shade of indigo blue and then fades to medium violet, soft lavender, dusty lilac and soft pink hues for a dusty lilac fade that is just lovely. This look is perfect if you want a look that is both dramatic and chic!

Have you fallen in love with any of these looks for purple hair? Are you ready to embrace a trendy and sexy new look? We think you’ve got what it takes to rock the purple so what are you waiting for?

From the Euphrates to the Tigris, water matters conference in Iraq

Green Prophet
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From the Euphrates to the Tigris, water matters conference in Iraq

Save the Tigris Campaign and partners announce the first alternative civil society forum for water in Mesopotamia: the Mesopotamian Water Forum will be held from 5-7 April 2019 in Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and will involve civil society actors from the states of Iraq, Iran, Turkey, Syria. It will be an open space to give voice to those who are marginalized and excluded from the discussion about water management in the region. The Mesopotamian Water Forum is based on the social forum model, and is part of the global world social forum process. The idea of the Forum was launched during a joint meeting of Save the Tigris Campaign in the city of Sulaymaniyah, Kurdistan Region if Iraq, in April 2017.

We want to foster public debate and encourage broad involvement in initiatives that might be implemented to transform water into an instrument for solidarity and peace, making it a model for the just and fair sharing of resources. We reject the use of water as a tool for oppression, used to entrench inequitable power dynamics that perpetuate ongoing conflicts. This Forum will provide a space for open and public dialogue about the status and access of bodies of water in the Mesopotamian region, and propose a framework for a water policy which is based on participation, sustainability and other social and ecological principles.

jen hattam treehugger

This event will be an important opportunity to promote a society-wide coalition for transboundary water cooperation that includes all relevant actors in the region. Civil society organizations, activists, researchers, academics, journalists, local community representatives and local authorities who share our values and are involved in the struggle for sustainable and participatory water management methods, who support our conviction that water is a tool for solidarity and sustainable peace, are invited to take part in the discussions and actions of this Forum. At least 300 participants from the region and beyond will take part in the 3 days of activities.

We believe the preservation and equal sharing of water resources requires cooperation across Mesopotamia and on global levels. Thus it is crucial to share local knowledge with different parts of the world, and to gain from each other’s experiences. This event aims to gather people from Mesopotamia and beyond the region. Such as diverse group will allow us to come up with effective plans which build on and incorporate different perspectives. This in turn will facilitate actions promoting water as a force for peace among the nations of the Mesopotamian region.

Call for Contributions

We have identified 3 main water challenges in the region: public participation, dams and preservation of the ecosystem. To kickstart the discussions during the plenary sessions of the Forum, we will publish 3 papers on these topics in advance of the event, in December 2018.

o complete these papers, we will need to include views from different geographical locations and expertise! Are you based in Iraq, Turkey, Syria or Iran? Do you have expertise in water resources? Then your contribution might be valuable. To do so, please read the abstracts on the website of the Forum and contact the authors via email. Your contribution could be included in the final paper and presented during the Forum! We welcome contributions in English, Arabic, Turkish, Farsi and Kurdish.

Masjid Al-Wali mosque in NJ teaches good energy

Bhok Thompson
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Masjid Al-Wali mosque in NJ teaches good energy

Masjid Al-Wali, a mosque and community center in New Jersey, is using solar to reduce the electricity costs needed to run its events, while raising environmental awareness with its members. The system, designed and installed by Centrica Business Solutions, generates 100% of the community’s energy needs.

Reducing environmental impact Operating as both a mosque and a community center, Masjid Al-Wali hosts a wide variety of events and activities that require a lot of electricity. As a member of Masjid Al-Wali, Helmi Saud recommended that the community install solar power to lower operating costs and reduce environmental impact.

With all of the daily activities taking place in the building, Masjid Al-Wali no longer worries about energy bills. The solar system generates 100% of the community’s energy needs. Masjid Al-Wali purchased the system through the PSE&G Loan Program. Payments are funded by utilizing both the electricity savings and the Solar Renewable Energy Credits (SRECs) that the system generates.

The electricity generated has a 25-year average cost of $0.040/kWh versus $0.155/kWh – a 126% reduction in electricity costs. The total solar investment is projected to save the community $202,000 over 25 years, which can be used to fund future events and activities.

Mayu adds natural vortex to make raw water

Bhok Thompson
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Mayu adds natural vortex to make raw water

water bottle vortex, raw water made at home, natural water purifier and cleaner

Speak with anyone talking about the new raw water craze and they will tell you that the movement of water is essential for keeping it fresh and healthy for a body. We all want clean tap water. But how? Enter the Israeli startup Mayu which has created Stream, a new kind of water purification device that aerates water with a natural swirling motion and infuses it with one of four signature mineral blends, imparting both nutrients and unique flavor profiles.

mayu water purifying system

The Stream’s design gently but swiftly aerates water by generating a vortex in the borosilicate glass carafe when it’s placed on the vortex base. All of the components that touch the water are medical grade, and the mineral blends have been specially tuned for balanced flavor and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re starting with tap water, fridge water, or from the cooler, the Stream will evaporate volatile organic compounds (VOC’s) such as chlorine and radon, replacing them instead with beneficial minerals.

Top Features of Mayu

  • Removes VOC’s from drinking water

  • Removes odors from water (such as plastic or carbon)

  • Improves taste

  • Imbues water with mineral blend

Inspired by nature, MAYU’s engineers were driven to create the Stream to produce healthy water while eliminating the need for disposable, single-use plastics.  Aeration removes volatile tastes and odors from water by dissolving them as gasses. The main  culprit behind bad water odor and taste, hydrogen sulfide, is readily removed by aeration.

The process also raises the pH levels back to the sweet spot of 6.5-8.5.

Now crowdfunding, early backers campaign owners say, will also receive their choice of a 1.5 liter travel bottle or a 0.4 liter double-wall glass thermos for keeping water cold or hot beverages hot. MSRP is projected at $169.

Spinach and Cheese Bourekas RECIPE

Miriam Kresh
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Spinach and Cheese Bourekas RECIPE

spinach cheese burekas recipe

What’s green and leafy and makes your biceps pop up? Spinach, of course. We have many tasty ways to eat spinach, like our Moroccan Chickpea and Spinach Soup  and the elegant Roasted Tomato and Spinach Quiche.

And now for another soulful and spinach-full dish: bourekas stuffed with spinach and cheese.

Who can resist bourekas, those crisp, flaky pastries enclosing a savory filling? Similar pastries are eaten from the Balkans, down the Mediterranean and all the Levant down to North Africa. They’re known by some variation of the Turkish name Börek. It’s presumed that they were invented in the kitchens of ancient Turkey, and spread throughout lands under the government of the Ottoman Empire.

Sephardic Jews brought their regional versions of bourekas to Israel. The filled pastries, with their distinctive crisp crust, are an inseparable part of Israeli culture. Back in the day when the public brought their own snacks to the movies, a particular type of schmaltzy flick was known as “bourekas movies.”

Israeli bourekas are commonly stuffed with mashed potatoes, mushrooms, cheese, pizza sauce, or meaty vegetables like eggplant. You can pick them up at bakeries to take home, or order some to enjoy as a snack at a café. You can also find frozen bourekas at the supermarket, and they’re not bad… but home-made is always tastier.

Bourekas are most often shaped as triangles or rectangles to fit in the hand. They’re an easy nosh on picnics and at informal meals. Necessarily informal meals, because bourekas’ light, crisp crusts shatter the minute you sink your teeth into one, so you’ll be brushing crumbs off your shirt, no matter how daintily you eat.

Here are spinach and cheese bourekas I made at home recently. Not as elegant as those sold in bakeries, they’re nevertheless tastier, because they’re filled with fresh ingredients and didn’t sit in industrial freezers before being baked.

And speaking of freezing – you’ll be using frozen puff pastry for this recipe. Let it thaw out in the refrigerator overnight or 8 hours before starting to cook. Buy the kind that doesn’t need rolling out thinly, just unrolling and setting down. I used a brand of pastry that comes handily pre-cut into squares. I recommend puff pastry over phyllo dough, because unlike phyllo, it’s easy to handle.

Israeli Spinach and Cheese Bourekas

1 one-kilo package puff pastry, previously thawed out in the refrigerator
250 grams feta cheese
250 kashkeval cheese (or other firm, somewhat sharp yellow cheese)
2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
1 kilo (2 lbs.) fresh spinach, rinsed, drained, and finely chopped, then set in a colander to drain again.
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
Salt and ground black pepper to taste
1 egg, beaten

Preheat the oven to at 375° F – 180° C.
Grate the cheeses into a large bowl. Mix them.
Fry the onions and garlic in the olive oil or butter, over medium heat, until soft. Take care not to let them brown.
Add the chopped, drained spinach to the skillet. Cook in its own moisture until just wilted.
Let the spinach mixture cool, then scrape it into the bowl with the cheeses. Leave any spinach/onion cooking juices behind.
Mix the vegetables and cheeses. Taste, and season as you wish.
Set the puff pastry out on a lightly floured surface, or on a baking parchment. Cut the pastry into squares about 3” x 3” – 8 cm. X 8 cm. Cut the squares larger if you wish. The main thing is that they should be square.
Place a generous tablespoon of filling in the center of each square.
Paint a stripe of beaten egg on one interior side of each square.

spinach cheese burekas recipeFold each filled square over and press the egg-painted side down. Make indentations along the side with your fingertips, to seal the bourekas.
Glaze with more beaten egg.
Bake for 20 minutes, until golden brown.

Don’t worry about some filling oozing out. Just scoop it up while still warm with a spoon. Consider it a rustic look.

image burekas Serve bourekas with a hard-boiled egg and pickles. Enjoy!

Does CBD Affect Hormone Levels?

Bhok Thompson
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Does CBD Affect Hormone Levels?

CBD improves health and wellness by interacting  with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS.) The ECS is a collective group of enzymes, receptors, and molecules in the body which directly influence different biological systems, including the endocrine system which is responsible for hormone production.

Here’s how CBD interacts with the endocrine system and how it affects processes like our sleep cycle, stress levels, and metabolism:

Cortisol

One of the primary roles of the endocrine system is to regulate the production of cortisol. Cortisol is the hormone responsible for managing our response to stress and anxiety.

Known as the stress hormone, cortisol, plays a significant part in determining our mood and mental health. Elevated cortisol levels can increase the risk of depression, interfere with learning and memory, increase weight gain, and even lower life expectancy.

One of the reasons CBD is so effective in treating stress and anxiety is because it can help regulate cortisol levels, significantly lowering the risk of developing any of the aforementioned conditions.

Melatonin

Melatonin is a hormone produced naturally by the pineal gland. Located in the middle of the brain, the pineal gland’s main function is to help your body know when it’s time to go to sleep and when it’s to time to wake up.

Typically, our bodies produce more melatonin at night, when light exposure is at its lowest. Conversely, melatonin levels usually start to go down the next morning when the sun is out.  The pineal gland and melatonin are the reason why we sleep at night and stay awake during the day.

So what does CBD have to do with the pineal gland and melatonin? When taken before bed, CBD activates receptors in the pineal gland and stimulates the secretion of melatonin. That’s why millions choose to keep CBD products by their nightstand like Green Roads Sleepy Zs which are infused with melatonin, so you can quickly achieve the restful sleep you deserve.

Insulin

Another vital role of the endocrine system is regulating the production of insulin in the pancreas. Insulin is the hormone in charge of balancing your metabolism and energy levels by helping to turn glucose (blood sugar) into energy. It also helps your body store glucose so you can use it later when it is needed. Additionally, insulin helps your cells absorb nutrients from food.

Insulin imbalances can have severe effects on your health and wellbeing. The most common condition caused by insulin imbalances are obesity, heart disease, and most notably, diabetes.

CBD has been proven to impact insulin levels in the body by interacting with receptors in the pancreas. When CBD activates endocannabinoid receptors in the pancreas, it reduces inflammation in the organ which in turn helps to keep healthy levels of insulin.

Choose the Best CBD

CBD can improve endocrine functions in extraordinary ways. If you wish to make the best of your CBD intake to keep a healthy balance of all vital hormones, high-quality CBD like Green Roads is the way to go.

All Green Roads products are made with hemp-derived CBD extracted from the hemp plant via supercritical CO2 extraction. All Green Roads products have been formulated by a licensed pharmacist and are third-party lab tested to ensure the highest purity and potency.

To learn more about Green Roads and their extensive collection of CBD products, visit greenroadsworld.com.

What Should You Know Before Starting a Crypto Exchange?

Bhok Thompson
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1
What Should You Know Before Starting a Crypto Exchange?

Blockchain, cryptocurrency

Do you want to open your very own crypto exchange? It is the ultimate act of activism. Well, it isn’t impossible, but building the exchange from scratch requires a lot of work. Following, we are giving you an idea on how to begin.

Centralized vs. Decentralized

Centralized exchange lets other cryptocurrencies trade for fiat currency. This type of exchange has some control user funds, funding, and limits. Order matching takes place off Blockchain network.

Centralized Exchanges usually have high liquidity, they are easy to use, and feature advanced charting as well as exchange features. These exchanges don’t allow anonymous trade and charge a higher premium.

Decentralized Exchanges are Peer-to-Peer Exchanges. The user can directly send cryptocurrency to each other with a smart contract layer. These trades are transparent because everything takes place on the blockchain network.

This gives a better sense of security. However, Decentralized exchanges have less liquidity and volume. Decentralized exchanges have high volatility with slow order matching.

Regulations

What is your target marketing? Which country will you trade in, consider an addressable market? Mind their rules and regulations. Before you do that, make sure you have an extensive pool of cryptocurrency to assure you can buy and sell assets without any sudden changes.

There are a few ways you can integrate cryptocurrency exchange liquidity position with already-existing exchanges with API calls.

Your Crypto Currency

Consider a cryptocurrency, and search its market. Decide whether you want to serve only one type of currency or more than one. See the market advantages of that particular currency. Check its potential and choose something that will help make you popular.

Partner with a Bank or not

You are doing all this in the brainstorming phase. Consider whether you will convert cryptocurrency to fiat or not. If yes, then get a payment processing partner. You will need to pair up with a bank. But before you do, check your trading laws and transaction window.

A processing payment like bank and payment gateway API lets the user add or withdraw funds as they like.

White Label

The possibilities are endless. You can use a white-labeled software to power the exchange. But it means you are outsourcing different parts of your platform. White label software is ideal for users with less upfront capital.

It helps when building an exchange including liquidity, and the trading engine is not an option. Yes, you can apply your brand name to the solution, but be careful what you chose. There are many scams in the market

Components

You need the following components to build a Crypto Exchange:

Trading Engine

Trade Engine is your foundation; it makes up the core functions of exchange including:

  • Execution of Transactions
  • Calculates Balance
  • Make Calls to Access Order Boo
  • Match Buy/Sell Transactions on Exchange

User Interface

UI is the bridge between your users and the exchange. It’s an important component of ICO. Design your UI to accommodate

  • User Login
  • Transactions
  • View Orders, Balance, Charts, Statistics, and other data

Wallet

Wallets (basically vault) are where you will store tokens. Security should be your main concern because everyone will try to hack into your wallet. You can choose between building one from scratch or outsourcing it.

Admin Panel

It gives you control of the exchange. You can configure variables and change operations as needed. Just consider the following

  • Trading Fee
  • Cryptocurrency Listing
  • Ability to add new options
  • Manual control of accounts for support issues and tickets

 

Time to AWAKEN spirits and social change in Kuwait

Karin Kloosterman
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Time to AWAKEN spirits and social change in Kuwait

awaken kuwait

The small but mighty country of Kuwait wants to wake and shake you up. Join a a new community building festival this November that will bring people together from different backgrounds to think creatively about social issues in Kuwait.

The two day event will use interactive talks, stories, learning, music, theatre, art, food and more to connect people with civic and environment minded ideas; and will feature forward-thinking collaborations to explore new ways for people to understand their role in society.

Are you in Kuwait and want to connect with like-minds? Make change from within.Suitable for ages 16+

Nov. 15 6 – 9pm // Nov. 16 1 – 9pm // Nov. 17 1 – 7pm //

Get your tickets today and follow us on instagram @awake__n for updates! Hosted by en.v earth.

Can clay jugs filter water?

Miriam Kresh
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Can clay jugs filter water?

ceramic water jug raw water, living water, jaffa, purifier

Cool, fresh drinking water. Westerners turn the faucet on and take it for granted that good water will flow out, but in many countries fresh water is a treasure, gained by hard work. In rural villages all over the globe, people – usually women and children – fill buckets and jerry cans from a communal faucet or from a natural source that may be over an hour’s walk away.

But the water obtained may not be safe to drink. According to UNICEF and the World Health Organization’s 2009 report, diarrhoea, due in large part to the lack of safe drinking water, kills nearly 9 million children under age 5 every year. Poor sanitation and hygiene play important roles in this figure as well.

“According to the latest available figures, an estimated 2.5 billion people lack improved sanitation facilities, and nearly one billion people do not have access to safe drinking water.” (WHO 2009)

Here we discuss filtering water through ceramic vessels for safe drinking. Clay jugs for filtering and cooling water have been used for centuries in India, Africa, the Mediterranean, and Central and South America. Some companies like Mayu were inspired by ways of the ancients and built a new solution.

Water poured out of traditional unglazed clay jugs tastes cool and sweet. Now let’s see how effectively clay jugs filter out disease-bearing particles.

The clay pot filter designed by Dr. Fernando Mazariego in Guatemla, 1981, is the model for the most successful modern clay filter system. Potters for Peace, a non-profit based in the USA, has been supplying the Mazariego filters and teaching villagers how to use and maintain them since 1986. Originally based in Nicaragua, the project has expanded to other underdeveloped countries. Other researchers have adopted the clay jug model. In over 20 countries, people are drinking safe water filtered through these clay jugs, and avoiding the catastrophic diarrheal diseases that kill adults and children within days.

To be effective, the jugs must be made of local clay with mixed with ground, sieved sawdust or other combustible material. When the pots are fired, the clay incorporates the sawdust (or corn or rice husks). It remains porous, but its micro-texture blocks contaminants in the water filtering through and dripping downward into the storage vessel.

Learn how to throw your own clay pot here:

Still, some pathogens are small enough to pass through the clay pores. To remove deadly micro-organisms and prevent mold from growing inside the filters, a layer of colloidal silver is applied to their interiors. Tests prove that these colloidal silver-coated jugs eliminate 99.88% of toxins found in raw water. Introducing copper to the jug, instead of silver, has also proved to be effective.

Some commercial clay water jugs are quite handsome.

The filters based on the Potters for Peace model are less so, but just as effective. They hold 8-10 liters of water and are placed snugly over a storage vessel, which could be a bucket, or another clay pot. The filter on top is filled with water, which drips down into the storage vessel. A spigot attached to the receiving vessel allows access to the now-pure water. This is achieved by drilling a hole in the bucket or jerry can in order to insert a tap, or in the case of a clay storage vessel, having it made with a spigot. It’s important to prevent people from dipping their hands or cups inside the storage vessel, to prevent cross-contamination.

clay water filter

These clay filters are a cheap, locally-made and effective device for turning contaminated water into safe water. Studies show that where people use them, there is a 60-70% reduction in diarrheal disease. But there are two caveats: while many contaminants stay behind, viruses slip through; and where the jugs are poorly made, or cracked, or not regularly cleaned out, bacteria will accumulate inside them. Care and maintenance of the filter and the water storage vessel are an important part of education in clay filter use. They should be washed with hot water, soap, and a soft brush regularly, and immediately after filtering especially turbid water.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of lists the following advantages and disadvantages of the clay water filter system:

  • The benefits of ceramic filtration are:Proven reduction of bacteria and protozoa in water
  • Simplicity of use and acceptability
  • Proven reduction of diarrheal disease incidence for users
  • Long life if the filter remains unbroken
  • A low one-time cost

Drawbacks of clay filtration

  • Not as effective against viruses
  • No chlorine residual protection – can lead to recontamination
  • Variable quality control for locally produced filters
  • Filters can break over time – need for spare parts
  • A low flow rate of 1-3 liters per hour for non-turbid waters
  • Filters and receptacles must be cleaned regularly, especially after filtering turbid water
  • Ceramic filtration is most appropriate in areas where there is capacity for quality ceramics filter production, a distribution network for replacement of broken parts, and user training on how to correctly maintain and use the filter.

The “raw water” trend that has taken hold of some American’s imaginations is an open invitation for toxins like runoff water pesticides, birth control hormones and fecal matter to invade and wreak havoc. Raw water is after all, responsible for the cholera epidemics that swept Europe and still claim victims around the world. Far better, if a person insists on drinking water in its most natural state, to invest in a clay water filtration system – and to boil the purified water before drinking it or brushing their teeth with it.

:: CDC Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

:: Potters for Peace

Drawing of clay water filter system via designindaba.com

Understanding the Environmental Benefits of Car Removal

Bhok Thompson
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0
Understanding the Environmental Benefits of Car Removal

UAE first car recycling plant

Do you have an unwanted car sitting in your yard? Perhaps you have more than one. Those rusting hulks are certainly eyesores, but did you know that they could actually be causing damage to the environment? However, there’s a solution that will get you cash for cars in Perth, but also allow you to protect the planet. What should you know about the effects of unwanted vehicles on the environment and how might you be able to get cash for yours?

The Spread of Petroleum Hydrocarbons

Whether that junk car used diesel, or it was equipped with a petrol engine, the fact is that it is introducing petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment. These hydrocarbons are emitted by any product that includes or was made using petroleum or petroleum products, and can include petrol, diesel fuel, engine oil, tyres, and more. Petroleum hydrocarbons are toxic to many forms of life, particularly to aquatic life, and often make their way into an area’s water system where they wreak havoc.

Introduction of Dangerous Acids

You might not think it to look at the average passenger vehicle, but acids play a major role in their manufacture and operation. For instance, pop the bonnet and you’ll find acid within the car battery. You’ll also find acids in the solvent used in the windshield washer. These are harmful to all forms of life, and can make their way into the soil and water.

Pollution from Heavy Metals

Heavy metals are dangerous to all forms of life, including humans. They can also accrete within some organisms, such as fish and shellfish, and then transmit those heavy metals to animals that prey on those species (including humans). This is one reason that national governments recommend that we watch our intake of tuna – all fish species in the wild today contain high levels of mercury, a dangerous heavy metal. Additional heavy metals, including lead, zinc, and arsenic can leach from a junk car into your yard and the area’s watershed.

By earning cash for cars in Perth, you are able to prevent these threats from having a greater impact on the local environment. Of course, it helps to know more about how these dangers are spread from your unwanted car to the surrounding area.

How Are These Threats Spread?

There are two primary ways that the eco-dangers we listed above can spread in the environment. One of those is through direct contact. For instance, if the oil pan on the car has a leak, oil could continue to drip from that location onto the ground below the car, slowly spreading in the soil.

Another way that these threats spread, and one that is both more frightening and insidious, is through storm water runoff. When it rains, water rushes across the soil. It washes detritus away into gullies, culverts, and then into streams and rivers. Water also carries these dangers into the soil itself, where they can make their way into the underground water table. Here, these toxins can penetrate our drinking water, as well as migrate back to the surface into streams and rivers.

Reusing to Reduce Material Demand

When you get cash for cars in Perth, you are able to do more than just eliminate potential threats from the environment. You are able to reduce the demand for many raw materials. Quite a few components on the average car can be recycled and turned into new products. Tyres can be recycled, old engine oil can be cleaned and reused, even old batteries can be recycled – the lead within them, while toxic to most forms of life, is an essential component for any sort of battery.

As you can see, getting cash for cars in Perth can help your financial situation, but it can also provide a significant benefit to the environment.

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