Help the Disturbed through Equine Therapy

Teenagers are a troublesome lot. It is in the teenage years that a person gets to be confused and focused at the same time. Mental and emotional stress is at its peak, even when all the answers are just lying around the corner.

Teenagers, whether we deny it or not, are difficult to understand because they themselves don’t want to be understood. There have been many ways in uncovering what’s inside a teenager’s head. While some are just hoaxes, there are a few that really delivered results.

Psychology and this emerging problem of not understanding teenagers are now working hand-in-hand to know an odd yet successful way of communicating better and turning the confusion upside down.

For teenagers and parents, it is now best for you to be acquainted with what’s called ‘Equine Therapy’ and be mesmerized by the results that can be gained from this very specific way of communication.

As what the name denotes, Equine Therapy is a psychological procedure that involves communication between a teenager and a horse. There are now known experts who have delved deeper into this measure and they are the ones responsible in training horses to recognize some things that a normal teenager would do.

Equine therapy leans towards the importance of how a horse communicates through body language, and suggested activities include feeding, grooming and leading the horse to a physical plane.

Also, horses are known to be avid followers, making them perfect subjects in carrying-out this therapy to its best possible outcome, and their communication skills are impeccable compared to other non-domesticated animals.

Horses are also known to follow someone who makes requests rather than demands, which allows teens to practice the sense of asking instead of ordering.

Equine therapy is said to have helped teenagers in improving some aspects of their lives, which include, but are not limited to developing assertiveness, being in control of their emotions, a huge jump in their social skills, the impeccable way of creating interpersonal relationships, adept skills in maintaining impulse control, empathy development, intense development on their problem-solving skills, the light touch of understanding social responsibility and the observable confidence and trust in oneself and others.

Equine therapy is known to be very famous for teenagers who have addictions, substance abuse, behavior disorders, mood abnormalities, ADHD and ADD, family problems, recent trauma, depression, low self-esteem brought about by several personal factors, and autism.

http://laurenceourac.com/help-the-disturbed-through-equine-therapy/

Have a taste of this year’s exciting food trends

The pursuit of staying fit and healthy will not stop as the curtain of 2016 finally unveils itself. Make this new chapter a little better by living healthier while being trendy as this year brings you new ways of being well and staying in good shape.

While exercise plays a big role in having that perfect shape, the contribution of the food we eat is also another factor we have to consider to reach the optimum state of being healthy.

There is no doubt that food bars claimed the top spot when it came to popularity last year, and health enthusiasts rummaged grocery shelves just to get their own piece of the food that dominated the arena in 2015.

2016 is mostly about upgrading and improving the healthy staples that are classic favorites of the health conscious.

We are accustomed to yogurt being mixed with fruit flavors to make the taste even more appealing, but the new year is creating a new twist as spices are about to take over.

Consider adding a dash of paprika, rosemary or cinnamon and have a more functional tummy in doing so.

We know how beneficial green vegetables are. New trends suggest bypassing the chewing process and extract the chlorophyll directly instead.

This way, the essence of nutrients becomes as pure as it gets. Do not be amazed if some specialty coffee shops and yogurt houses add a chlorophyll infused option to their menu.

Studies say that having a dose of this breaks down fats faster and is rich in antioxidants– goodbye muffin top!

Delivery meal kits will continue to live on and will gain even more popularity in accordance to the busy lives people have.

Not only is it convenient, especially for those who do not have time to prepare their own food due to demanding schedules.

The goodness of these ordered kits is that it tailors to the diet a person currently has. Nutritional chefs mostly offer this fad, which is why dieting and slimming will become even easier and faster.

http://laurenceourac.com/have-a-taste-of-this-years-exciting-food-trends/

Hear These Parallel Universe Stories and Be Freaked Out

We get to hear stories that focus on the absurd and inexplicable almost every day of our lives in general. There are topics that tackle the paranormal, life outside Earth, folklore and myth, unicorns and magical creatures and all the things that tickles our curious minds.

We must admit that we are downright fans of ideas from another dimension, not because we’re tired of our own reality, but because it is quite unnerving to feel that unknown entities roam outside and within this planet.

Over the years, even if the illustrious field of science present us with established and well-researched explanations, we still can’t let go of the itch for validating everything that we know of.

Like a dangling pendulum, we go back and forth into making our minds believe that all of the things within our grasp can be explained based on fact.

But the stories below would definitely let your make-believe bubble burst, and the accounts relayed by these people will tap your consciousness and might flip your brain switches to form plausible ideas of parallel universes.

One of the most vivid stories recounted about traveling to a different universe is that of Pedro Oliva Ramirez. It was in November 1986 when Ramirez decided to drive from Seville, Spain to a small town called Alcala de Guadaira, when suddenly he realized that he’s driving on a different road, despite his knowledge of the path he should take.

The unfamiliar road stretched to six lanes instead of the original two, with terrains that he saw for the first time. While still on the pedal, he then felt a course of hot air blowing towards him, together with voices letting him know that he’s transported to an alternate dimension.

Just like a normal day, other cars drove past him, all colored white or beige, definitely outdated and had rectangular license plates.

The Beatles is undeniably one of the best bands who have entertained the planet and was able to garner the biggest fan base ever recorded. However, the illustrious band broke up despite their tumult success, and John Lennon and George Harrison both passed away making the band eternally incomplete.

But a story narrated by a man known as James Richards wanted to prove everyone wrong as he said he experienced traveling to an alternate reality where the Fab Four continuously hit marks as a well-revered band.

Richards retold the story of him being warped to a different world after tripping on a rabbit hole in September 2009, to a place where he was sure he didn’t belong. Here, he was able to met a man named Jonas, who explained to him that the Beatles never really parted, and is still producing music as if it were a fact.

James Richards even furnished a cassette tape of The Beatles From The Alternate Universe’s album entitled ‘Everyday Chemistry’ from his trip down a parallel universe portal.

Located on the Andes Mountains in Lima, Peru lies a mysterious place called the Markawasi Stone Forest, which is said to contain a dimensional door, that can transport us into a different universe.

Through it’s eerily-shaped facade of stone formations, the Markawasi Forest was said to have infected one of Dr. Raul Rios Centeno’s patients, where half of the patient’s motor skills have ceased to function.

The said patient had mentioned that the disease started when they have camped out in the Markawasi Stone Forest, where she saw a cabin-like dwelling in the middle of the forest and forced herself to peek inside through the door.

However, one of her camp-mates yanked her from proceeding, leaving half of her body completely and equally paralyzed. Many have deduced that Centeno’s patient might have been split between the current and alternate realities upon entering the 17th century house.

http://laurenceourac.com/hear-these-parallel-universe-stories-and-be-freaked-out/

Key Points for Your Child’s Bedroom Haven

Time will come when you will need to separate your little kids from sleeping in the same bed as you and your husband. While they’ll still be living under the same roof, having your child sleep alone is a thing that we fear and look forward to at the same time. Aside from the fact that your child will now exercise a sense of independence at an early age, this is also one opportunity for you as a parent to bond with your kid in styling and decorating their future rooms, or kingdoms, in the most creative and quirky ways possible.

Since this is going to be your kid’s room for at least a decade, you must ensure that the room’s location fits, as he or she grows older. Make sure that the fixtures inside the room are adjustable, and the space is just the right size for a growing person. As much as possible, let your kid occupy the nearest room to yours, or an older sibling so as when the thunder strikes and scares your kid, a quick dash would be possible to carryout.

Be playful with the theme that you would want to use for your child’s bedroom. Always ask about his or her wants so that the room would turn out the way he or she visualizes it to be. Stimulate your child’s imagination by picking the best colors, particularly the calming ones, and always stick to what you both planned at the very beginning. Remember that this would be their room and not yours, so keep your motherly or fatherly guidelines at bay and let them drive the wheel. Encourage creativity by means of infusing elements of fantasy and let their imagination fly. Wall motifs focusing on cartoon characters, kids’ literature and the like will be a good start.

If you picked a calm and serene wall color, be intelligent enough to splash vibrant colors on the furniture that would be placed inside. Get contrast at its peak. Let the upholstery be neon when the wall is deep blue and always be fancy in putting small rugs to prevent slips and accidents. Comfortable and huge beanbags used as chairs and low-height beds also ensure your child’s safety.

Keeping the kids in touch with nature is also a discipline that you want to instill; so putting plants inside the room would not be a sin. Citronella plants won’t just make the room mosquito-free, the plant’s innate smell would be pleasant inside the room, inducing visions of nature and the outdoors. You might also want to let your kid treat the plant as some sort of project by caring for the plant’s growth.

Don’t ever overcrowd the room by putting huge shelves of books that are just built for style or hundreds of photo frames scattered on the bedside table. Keep the space in the middle of the room for playing and having friends over. Adorn the room with lightly colored curtains to produce a sense of freshness and relaxation at the same time. If you have two kids sharing one room, settle for bunk beds instead of twins.

Organization is also another value that you would want your child to learn, so teach them how even when decorating their rooms. Set toy cabinets at bay and show them how to arrange the toys in a cramped yet organized manner. Put labels on boxes and show them what the contents are and must be. Pinpoint where a thing should be placed and be vigilant to keep track if your child is obeying it or not.

http://laurenceourac.com/key-points-for-your-childs-bedroom-haven/

Lime and cloves mosquito repellent

In the world of living things, a safe environment is important. Humans tend to do whatever it takes to live in a place where they can be safe. Knowing that disease carrying insects are everywhere, the best solution to avoid them is by buying some insect spray from the store, and this often costs you fortune.

But humans never gave up on looking for what is needed to not only avoid these killer insects in a natural way, but also to avoid spending more money on a product that is costly and may have chemicals that could harm your family.

Lime and cloves

Mosquitoes bring different kinds of diseases. S Examples of these are dengue and malaria. They carry viruses that infect humans when bitten. We have a lot of instant insect repellents that you can buy over the counter.

But sometimes, those products aren’t what we’re looking. When buying a product, there are factors to consider, especially in buying insect repellent. Yes, they may all be effective in some ways, but is it best for human health when we consider chemical content. As they say you, can never go wrong with natural remedies!

Cloves

Did you know that limes and cloves are very effective in avoiding mosquitoes and other disease carrying insects? Yes, you heard it right! A very natural way of avoiding killer insects, here is the very easy step-by-step procedure to make this wonderful outdoor insect repellent.

Of course, you must have a lime and cloves to start the process, and you just need to follow three simple steps. 1) Slice the lime into two 2) add 10 to 15 cloves 3) put them in a plate and place that on a table outdoors. Easy right? This is just one of many outdoor insect repellents we could use naturally, safely and effectively, and it won’t cost you dime.

http://laurenceourac.com/lime-and-cloves-mosquito-repellent/

You are stronger than your depression

The disorder called depression can range from a mild form of melancholy to a condition that can compromise the vital prognosis. Often, there are prescribed drugs to treat depression. As a matter of fact, if you suffer from disabling symptoms of depression, drug therapy may be the best solution to improve your quality of life. Still, if you prefer to fight depression without medication, there are simple and effective ways to do so, especially if you are faced with a milder form of depression or if it was caused by a specific event in your life. These steps can also be helpful to accompany medical treatment related to severe depression.

Change your thinking. Tackle problems than you can handle. All problems have solutions. Depression may be exacerbated by uncontrollable factors such as health problems, financial problems and the death of a loved one. It is recommended to tackle something you can change in order to overcome the most difficult problems. What are the obstacles in your life that undermine you every day, or cause you to have negative feelings? Train yourself to overcome those and you will gain thestrength to face the biggest problems.

Give yourself goals that propose solutions. Think of concrete ways to improve your situation. Is your house becoming a mess? This is something you can tackle. Make a detailed plan to clean every room in your house and allow yourself to experience satisfaction every time you accomplish your mission. Keep traces of your progress through a logbook. The act of recording a goal provides the motivation to continue and change the situation.

Express yourself. Depression tends to isolate patients who avoid contact with others, but it can only get worse if you keep your feelings locked inside. Your feelings are valuable because they are part of you, so find a way to express them. Do not stay alone for too long. Have daily conversations with friends, family and classmates. It is not necessary to talk about your depression; remain content with yourself and say what comes to mind naturally. Writing, dance, visual arts, music and other art forms can be a great therapy to encourage the expression of feelings.

Do not be afraid to express sadness, anxiety, anger and the various emotions that accompany depression. These feelings are part of life.  Feeling ashamed will only worsen your situation. Cultivate your spirituality. Many people who struggle with depression are  becoming calm by turning to spirituality.

Try meditation which focuses on the development of thought patterns that lead to a state of consciousness and serenity. Find a meditation group or practice it yourself. If you have a religious belief, consider being present at your place of worship more frequently, and mingle with those who find themselves outside the church. You will feel supported as a member of a community if you spend time with people who think like you.

Be kind to yourself. Depression can lead to feeling extremely negative feelings about your abilities and personality. Focus on what you like in yourself and everything positive that you have to offer the world, rather than dwelling on what’s wrong.

Do not be lonely in your depression. Depression can affect anyone one way or another. You are neither weak nor a loser; you suffer from a condition that can be debilitating, and you will take action to confront it head high. This is called courage.

http://laurenceourac.com/you-are-stronger-than-your-depression/

The magic of olive oil

Olive oil is a staple in the Mediterranean diet and gives our dishes a unique taste, texture and aroma. The oil is extracted directly from the olive plant or olive fruit.

Moderate consumption of this product has enormous health benefits because it is an extraordinary source of antioxidants. The next step will detail the exact benefits of this excellent ingredient to our physical well-being.

Olive oil benefits for health:

Prevents and fights cancer.

No doubt that in these moments, cancer is a disease that causes significant damage to our society. 

Olive oil helps prevent and treat this deadly disease and has anti-carcinogenic effects.

This is known as monounsaturated oleic acid, which comprises 80% of olive oil. Studies have shown that this can reduce the effectiveness of a gene that cancer cells develop into.

Reduces and helps control blood pressure.

Normal blood pressure should not be go beyond 120/80. If your problem is to keep these figures, do not worry because olive oil will help in this task and reduce the need for daily medication. This is possible thanks to vitamins and antioxidants.

It lowers the level of cholesterol in the arteries.

Another major problem is that cholesterol is incorporated into the arteries causing severe damage to our health. Fortunately for fighting against this, we have the benefits of olive oil.

Vegetable fat stimulates the appearance of good cholesterol (HDL), which reduces bad cholesterol (LDL) and other lipids present in our blood, like harmful triglycerides.

That’s not all, olive oil also participates in the reduction of inflammation and cardiovascular disease, preventing blood clots among other things according to a recent study. It is rare for a person to consume olive oil and still fall victim to these health problems.

It acts against inflammation and pain.

Extra virgin olive oil is a natural substance that blocks inflammation and pain. If you suffer from constant migraines or sports injuries, add olive oil to your meals because this is an excellent solution.

http://laurenceourac.com/the-magic-of-olive-oil/

Sound that cares, thanks to Aegis Pro headphones

The dilemma is real – many people, especially those that who belong to younger age groups suffer from hearing loss due to excessive exposure to loud sounds from ear and head phones.

The modern population may be blessed with advancements in technology that mostly caters to entertainment, but abusing high tech electronics – no matter how useful they can seem – may still lead to unfavorable results if utilized in an unhealthy way. 16-year old Kingsley Cheng who designed Aegis Pro – a headphone that’s said to take care of the ear through its intricately designed audio output, discerned the same.

Driven by the research he conducted after getting numerous reminders from his parents, Kingsley proved that listening to music for a prolonged period of time in high volume poses a significant risk of hearing loss. Backed by World Health Organization, studies shows that over a billion people are at the verge of this perilous possibility by baring themselves to heavy music.

Though the market is loaded with earphones that utilize ear-caring architecture, none so far targets an in-depth concept down to its core. Accordingly, it is said that the healthy length of time that a person should listen to sounds would be 8 hours at the rate of 8dB.

Said to be the first of its kind, Aero Pro headphones are specifically made to take care of the ears by minimizing the unwanted noise through its noise canceling technology named ‘jamsDefender.’ This is said to take away unnecessary noise up to 95 % and maintains the sound at safe amount of 8bD.

Aesthetically made through its volume limiting engineering with the use of digital decibel equalizers, each earpiece comes with two speakers all with the aim of staying away from bass – heavy approaches that most brands pick up. Loud sounds may damage the nerves, which is one of the primary reasons why hearing depreciates.

What is more impressive about this noble technology is its alliance with Kickstarter.com, a crowd-funding platform that aims to aid creative projects in the field of music, technology, photography, etc. 

Aegis Pro has gained substantial amounts of interest that it is already funded by backers to up to 400% as of today. Release of the first batch is expected to be in early January, and to convey gratitude to the public who made the project even more possible, the brand promises honest pricing with a special edition protective case for each head phone pre-order.

http://laurenceourac.com/sound-that-cares-thanks-to-aegis-pro-headphones/

Having postural syndrome tells you are doing things wrong

In a world where everything is just a tap, click or swipe away, constant moving becomes unnecessary and performing tasks can be accomplished in one sitting. This kind of advancement in technology is something the new generation is thankful for. The need for moving around was significantly reduced and the time needed to perform tasks was diminished by substantial amount.

While technology is something that we need to be grateful for, there are disadvantages that go hand in hand with its luxury. An example would be the postural stress brought about by prolonged sitting. 

Postural Syndrome happens when there are episodes of back pain, usually in the lower region, and that ideal sitting and standing postures are not being met. Being in the same position for a long period of time brings stress and tension to joints, muscles and tendons, resulting in feeling tired and fatigue.

Slouching, been idle for a long time and sitting in a hunched position are the usual reasons for postural stress. Ergonomics is there for a reason and not following its guidelines can result to straining the head, neck, shoulders and back that leads to postural pain or even carpal tunnel syndrome.

One of the easiest ways to combat the pain is by having regular massage. Massage softens stiffness and awakens weak muscles. Stretching and changing positions will also be helpful from time to time while maintaining the back’s relaxed perpendicular stance. Ancient medicine in the form of acupuncture also claims to effectively diminish muscle stress. It is always best to prevent the presence of illness before it can actually set in. The key here is to keep moving. Do necessary stretching in between workloads to shake the stiffness away. Make sure to exercise and engage in physical activities to promote flexibility and strength.

It is inevitable, especially for desk workers, to avoid getting up from their chairs. While this is the case, one should observe a proper sitting position to avoiding postural stress. Opt for chairs that are designed with a backrest. The buttocks should reach the back of your chair and your body weight should be distributed equally to both hips. Observe that both feet should lie flatly on the ground.

They say sitting can kill you. This can be a dreadful phrase but observing the correct stance will make sitting not as bad.

http://laurenceourac.com/having-postural-syndrome-tells-you-are-doing-things-wrong/

Understanding the hazards of third hand smoke

The negative effects of smoking have been established long enough. Efforts of concerned groups and governing bodies are all over the place to disseminate knowledge about its risks and damaging outcomes that even cost the lives of many. Lighting one stick can go a long way when it comes to ruining the health of both the person who does the smoking and the people around him.

The concept of first hand and second hand smoking has been well defined. However, newer studies have determined that smoking has more lingering effects even after the act of smoking is finished. 

This alarming discovery tells us that smoking is worse than what we already know. Recent findings tell us that just because you are not around the area when a cigar was lit don’t save you from its worst result, health wise. What made it even more alarming is the effect it can bring especially to infants and kids.

Third hand smoking means that harmful contents from tobacco residue penetrates into walls, furniture and other surfaces where indoor smoking occurs. It can also pertain to tiny debris mixed with hair, clothes and skin. Studies say that these harmful compounds stay and can transcend for numbers of decades. And this happens even if there hasn’t been smoking that transpired in the enclosed area for a long period of time. An experiment was conducted where six sticks were lit and eighteen hours later, they found that around 58 chemicals were measured. These particles are disastrous and can cause sorts of cancer and lung diseases. (Cited: https://student.societyforscience.org/article/thirdhand-smoke-poses-lingering-danger).  These air borne compounds can even bring allergies, eye irritation and even asthma.

What’s even more serious is the fact that these chemicals won’t go away easily even in the presence of constant cleaning and disinfecting. There are some substances that are resistant; no amount of cleaning aid can diminish their existence in just one wipe. Since this is the case, experts advise to continue the habit of thorough cleaning while observing good ventilation and natural light passage. Consider sunlight as your free cleaning agent due to its ability to kill bacteria.

As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. If a person cannot stop smoking all at once, try protecting loved ones and other people around by resisting the urge to light a cigarette in enclosed spaces like cars and rooms.

http://laurenceourac.com/understanding-the-hazards-of-third-hand-smoke/

Know basic etiquette and deal well with others

“Manners are like the shadows of virtues, they are the momentary display of those qualities which our fellow creatures love and respect.” – Unknown

Etiquette is an unwritten law that people follow in order to have better and considerate relationships with others. It is commonly perceived that those who belong to the higher end of the society should only observe etiquette. This is not quite right. While etiquette is always linked to refinement, being polite and behaving properly toward others is not restricted to the elite population of community. Having proper conduct is something that should be executed by everyone.

There are books that enumerate proper behavior in any situation. In reality, etiquette shouldn’t be this complicated. The main principle of having good etiquette is to always ask whether something would appear kind and convenient to others without taking your own sake into account.

This shouldn’t be as difficult as it seems, but it takes practice to master the art of being refined and acquiring proper decorum. See below to determine daily proper behavior that everyone should observe.

• Do not stay at the door for a long time. It may interrupt the incoming and outgoing flow of people who use door. Do the same on elevators and escalators.
• Cover the mouth with the left hand when coughing. Do the same when you feel like sneezing. Etiquettes Etiquette gurus tag the left hand as the ‘personal hand.’ This is used on everything that involves the body like wiping sweat and sweeping hair that disturbs the face to one side.
• The right hand is your conversational hand. This is used for shaking hands and waiving to others. Make sure that this part of the body is as neat as possible.
• When conversing, look at the other person’s eyes. This gives an impression that you are engaged and that you pay attention to the person whom you are speaking with. This can be intimidating at times. The trick then is to look at the space between the person’s eyebrows. This will still look as if you are looking straight at the other party’s eyes.
• Observe the little things. Remove the hat indoors. This is an old practice that denotes respect. Observe noise as well. Do things as silently as possible. Eating without creating any noise and putting your phone in silent mode are examples of showing refinement and esteem.
• Laugh with moderate sound. Sure, laughter is your happy sound but do not make this go overboard by gaining attention and disturbing another group’s conversation.
• Be on time. This conveys an unspoken message that you value another person’s time and that you do not want to waste it.
• Do not interrupt. When you want to stress a point or share an opinion during an open group conversation, get the attention of the speaker by slightly raising your hand.
• Do not point your finger at someone. Instead, angle your entire hand to imply that that you are referring to a specific person.
• Say powder room or rest room instead of comfort room because these are more formal.
• Say ‘excuse me’ whenever something or someone is blocking your way. There will be times that the listener will not hear it the first time. Try expressing this courtesy a little bit louder, but do not shout. If need be, slight tap the person’s should to get his or her attention.

http://laurenceourac.com/know-basic-etiquette-and-deal-well-with-others/

That’s why you should not look at your smartphone before sleep

Studies have shown that using a smartphone before going to sleep impairs the proper functions of the nervous system and metabolism: if you’re a smartphone addict and you have trouble falling asleep, you may have to change your habits. You may have heard this before: watching your smartphone before sleeping does not help to make you have a good night’s rest, but do you really know why?

An American newspaper conducted a survey on the effects of using a phone before sleeping and after reading it, it is likely that you will sleep early tonight and away from your phone. Above all, it is helpful to perform a booster shot. The circadian cycle is the set of biological processes on an oscillating cycle of 24 hours. This cycle is controlled by exposure to light and it particularly regulates the secretion of a hormone called melatonin or sleep hormone. The latter is responsible for the sensation of fatigue and need for sleep. When the phone takes control, the problem is the light they produce.

When looking at your screen before going to bed, photons, which are particles of light, stimulate your brain in such a way that since there is light, it is not yet time to secrete melatonin. And since you do not feel tired, why not look at your phone a little? Thus, a really vicious cycle begins and it keeps you awake until your brain has had enough. In the end, you fall asleep two hours later than planned, and your sleep time is significantly reduced. In the long term, many valuable hours of sleep will be lost and it can have a serious impact on your mood and health in general. You want your sleep.

It is now known that a certain amount of sleep is necessary for the proper function of the nervous system and metabolism. An estimated 7-9 hours of sleep is required. Although researchers are just beginning to understand why sleep is so important, we now know that sleep contributes to the rest of active neurons, but more than that, sleep supports cells to “cleanse” toxins produced in the body. If you do not get enough sleep, these toxins remain, causing oscillations of attention, impaired memory and difficulty in solving problems.

http://laurenceourac.com/thats-why-you-should-not-look-at-your-smartphone-before-sleep/

Watch Urbane: The first android watch that has a SIM card

LG releases a new version of the watch- Watch Urbane. The new LG Watch Urbane is the first Android watch that has a SIM card.

Connected watches with cellular antennaes and SIM cards slot are not new. But lately, it is clear that the trend among large manufacturers was to offer smart watches that are lacking and therefore need to be associated with a smartphone to function properly. This is the case with the Apple Watch, the Samsung S2 Gear and other watches under Android Wear.

Indeed, as explained by LG, the new LG Watch Urbane is the “first wearable Android device with cellular connectivity.” With this cellular connectivity, the watch can connect to the Internet or make phone calls without using a smartphone.

Since the operating system used is Android Wear, it can use applications available for Google wearables and partner with an Android or iOS smartphone ( with limited functionality).

This would be perfect for sporty people or even busy people who tend to forget where they put their phone. Worry less about where they put it, since it will always be on their wrists.

The battery is 570 mAh and according to LG, the Watch Urbane will last a day through its power saving mode. This is relatively low but comparable to the capabilities of many competing products.

Finally, here are the full specifications:

Processor: 1.2GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon 400
Operating system: Android Wea (Version with cellular connectivity)
Screen: P-OLED 1.38-inch screen (480 x 480/348 ppi)
Dimensions: 44.5 x 14.2 mm
Memory: 4GB eMMC / 768MB LPDDR3
Battery: 570 mAh
Networking: Bluetooth 4.1 / Wi-Fi / 3G
Sensors: accelerometer / gyroscope / compass / barometer / PPG / GPS
Color: Space Black / Blue Opal / Luxury White / Brown Signature
Other: resistant to dust and water (IP67)

http://laurenceourac.com/watch-urbane-the-first-android-watch-that-has-a-sim-card/

Channel imagination via 3D pen Creopop

In an era where three-dimensional viewing is a fad, putting it into hobby isn’t impossible at all.

While sketching through a one-dimensional medium will always remain a classic, the emergence of another facet definitely appeals on the creative minds of the contemporary time.

Meet Creopop, the world’s first three-dimensional pen that unleashes the imaginative side of its handler.

The possibilities are endless because using it does not require any specific rule that would limit the creative juices of a person.

The idea is simple: Just hold the pen and let the free flowing interpretation be stimulated pushing its way out and be expressing it in multiple forms and characters using the special ink that comes out of Creopop.

The technology is comparable to the previous hit ‘3Doodler’. H However, the innovation is different in a sense that it boasts attributes relating to safety.

Compared to scorching melted plastic that other 3D pens use, Creopop is cutting edge in a sense that it uses light sensitive photopolymers that can be touched even immediately after it goes outside of the pen because it is not hot at all.

This is great especially when manipulating small details for more intricate designing.

Due to the fact that it doesn’t use hot plastic as a medium, Creopop is safe to use even for children. This means a very low possibility of skin injury that usually occurs with 3D pens that resemble the handicraft arsenal staple glue gun.

The standard package comes with three colored inks. Each cartridge can produce a 46- foot line of photopolymers. Colors available would be white, black, pink, yellow, blue and green.

A rechargeable USB battery operates Creopop, which is convenient as opposed to electrical cords used by conventional pens of the same technology. This means a hassle-free, handy pen that results in continuous usage.

Several types of ink includes glow in the dark, glittering, magnetic and aromatic. There’s also a kind that is safe to use for the skin.

This means having a temporary tattoo in a more fashionable and innovative way as opposed to the conventional henna that is commonly used to adorn skin with designs.

This crowd funding technology was co-founded by Andreas Birnik who is not a novice when it comes to the field of innovation and technology.

His expertise in management and strategy has worked wonders, considering the pursuit of success in this new project.

http://laurenceourac.com/channel-imagination-via-3d-pen-creopop/

Drive When You’re Sober and Live Happily Ever After

Being on the road is such a daunting task that should be done accordingly, due to the sheer fact that it is a matter of life and death. Driving has been a fear that many failed to overcome, and while it might look clumsy, those who have seen the horrific face of accidents might even consider it lucky. Accidents are called as such due to the fact that it is rather unintentional, unplanned and unfavorable, or so we think.

We have seen vehicular accidents in the news almost every day and we just pass it off as if it is a normal occurrence. Sadly, more and more lives have been untimely ended due to these episodes of sudden tragedies, and as much as we don’t want it to happen, it does and it is a general fact.

One of the most common reasons for car accidents is due to intoxication while driving, which is a very lethal combination as proven by statistics and factual evidence. Below are some of the hidden truths that we need to know and maybe, just maybe, reiteration can make everyone understand, thereby minimizing the risk of car accidents in the future.

In the United States alone, a surprising amount of 30 people die in car accidents attributed to intoxicated drivers on a daily basis—that’s one life ended every 48 minutes. The stats have also shown that these car crashes cost the country a whopping $51 billion annually, making it another fine blow to United States’ economic standing.

Not only the driver is at risk, but all the passengers he or she has, raising the numbers higher even if the fault is with the intoxicated person behind the steering wheel. Sadly, reports have also shown that out of all the listed cases of fatalities due to car crashes, some involve innocent children aged of 14 and below.

In a more detailed approach, a person weighing 180 pounds can get intoxicated immediately after ingesting a beverage with .08 percent alcohol content, which is equivalent to three beers. The aforementioned blood-alcohol percentage is actually above acceptable values and can cause short-term memory loss, lack of focus and concentration, absent-minded disregard of speed limits and impaired perception.

Thankfully, some nations’ governments have raised the bar for fines and penalties on the unfortunate event that a law enforcer catches someone driving while under the influence. For example, the United States has four levels of sanctions when you get arrested for DUI, which include prison time, monetary fines, suspension of license, rehabilitation via the DUI program and can even deprive someone from driving ever again.

When a person wants to control something, he or she can, and it is just a matter of knowing what to do, areas for discipline and how to go about doing it religiously. Simple logic; if you’re out for a night of ultimate alcohol drinking and you’re tasked to drive for everyone on your way home, refrain from drinking any amount and any type of liquor.

If the odds won’t let you do it, at the very least consume as little as possible. You know yourself and you know when you’re all too dizzy to get up, so don’t push your luck by volunteering to drive. Just face the music and honestly confess to your incapacity.

If you really need to get back home, better hail a cab and entrust your life to a skilled and sober driver who drives for a living. When blacked-out, better stay at your friend’s house just for the night until proper rest detoxifies the booze.

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When tequila becomes one of your superfood

Okay, nobody’s saying that tequila is one of the best inventions of all time, not unless you’re the one who crafted the first bottle or you’re just a downright drunkard. We all have known tequila to be an alcoholic beverage that’s yellow in color, always packaged in a very assuming container and is the cause of millions of wrenching headaches post-Friday mornings.

At one point in our lives, we have taken the risk in gulping down a shot or two with its famous lemon-salt accompaniment and definitely swear to never being near this poison again. Amid all the negative feedback that this drink had been getting since its public release in the 16th century, experts have hypothesized that tequila is not just your ordinary beverage for getting drunk— it absurdly does have benefits for your health and wellness too.

For a quick botanical review class, tequila is spawned from the plant agave, fermented and aged to get your strong-kicking liquor. Normally grown in Latin cities of Tequila, Guadalajara, Los Altos and Jalisco, tequila is one of the most famous drinks to have traveled all the way across the globe.

The throat-lining elixir is normally drawn as a single shot, or mixed into cocktails to eliminate the not-so-pleasant taste and after taste when taken with salt and lemon. There are also different variations of tequila, ranging from blank, Plata, joven, oro, Reposado, Anejo and ultra Anejo. The bold taste of tequila and the alcoholic content also have amazing capabilities that we might have been unaware of.

One component of tequila that has works wonders is the sugar called agavin. Commonly mistaken as agave nectar, agavins aid your digestive track to improve metabolism. When one has takes tequila, it will not stay in the body like what most alcoholic drinks do.

The sugars found in tequila actually enter your digestive system with the purpose of assisting in breaking down some of the underlying fats. It is also easily flushed via urination and would not dwell in your bloodstream to give you high blood sugar levels.

When taken in moderation, the probiotic capacity of tequila would work best for you and your upset stomach. The fructants found in tequila actually propagate smooth and pain-free digestion, which is the exact opposite of other sugars found in beer. Truthfully, the bold trait that we all have known tequila for is the same reason why it works double-time once ingested.

Agavins are also known to aid the body in absorbing more calcium, which in turn does your bones a tremendous favor of being sturdy and not porous. This sugar also helps you in tuning your blood sugar levels and not contributing to spikes of insulin.

Some studies also claim that small amounts of tequila lower the risk of acquiring dementia later in life. Some other benefits of drinking tequila in minuscule amounts include calming down the nerves, relaxation, aiding the digestive tract in absorbing drugs for diseases such as colitis, Crohn’s disease and IBS.

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Mercedes-Benz’ Authentic Triumvirate for Car Style and Speed

Since its inception in 1881, years and years of experience and skill have been put in to making Mercedes-Benz one of the most drooled-over car manufacturers to have ever existed.

Unlike its competitors, Mercedes-Benz thrived on the concept of luxury and comfort, while never letting go of its trademark of being the car company for the rich and affluent.

The delicate handling of their vehicles, the legendary three-pointed star as their ultimate icon, the fusion of technology and style, all smashed into Mercedes-Benz cars that can always look as good as new despite the tenure.

Over the decades, Mercedes-Benz has released numerous models that have captivated the world of automotive engineering. On every new announcement for a public line, the world is at the edge of its seat to marvel at the new car’s authentic flair that only Mercedes-Benz can provide.

Being a respected car company, people hold high regards to how Mercedes-Benz maneuvered through stiff competition, and that was made possible by sticking to what they promised to their clients—pizzazz and ultimate attention to function and detail.

Many would agree that the 1955 300 SLR Racer is the best Mercedes-Benz to have ever been reproduced for mass consumption. Heralding from a quirky concept of mimicking the looks of a streetcar, the 300 SLR has come-off as the car to beat, especially during the times that it wound up the streets of this car-crazed planet.

Known to be quite lighter than former Mercedes-Benz units, 300 SLR specialized in using a tubular aluminum frame, drawing enough reason for it to regard as a racecar.

This unit was also the first of its kind to use air brakes, making it a top choice in car races during the 1950s. The 300 SLR is nothing but a classic, with all its glorious feats; this Mercedes-Benz car is worth remembering.

Launched earlier that the 1955 300 SLR, the 300 SL Gullwing was Mercedes-Benz’s offer when everybody thought that the cars manufactured by the car company were useful but boring.

The Gullwing is a breath of fresh air with its upgraded and innovated chassis, an undeniably refreshing take on what Mercedes-Benz’s capabilities in car conception can do.

One of the major feats that made Gullwing an iconic car of all time is its gasoline-powered engine with a fuel injection system, making it more efficient in gas consumption and car handling.

You’d also be delighted to know that the Gullwing has snazzy upward opening doors, something that would make you drool more.

Made to outlast Audi’s competitor Quattro units, the 1983 Cosworth 190E made rounds for drivers who opted to drive in off-road rallies. It is with the Cosworth that people came to realize the speed that Mercedes-Benz cars can offer, with it’s 300 horsepower engine designed to zoom off when you step on that gas pedal.

On the succeeding years after it’s release, the Cosworth further made history by bagging three speed test world records and have since been the inspiration for other car units such as that of BMW’s M3.

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