HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY 2016

On 15 August, India celebrating its 70th Independence Day.

{WISH YOU ALL } 

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

MAY OUR COUNTRY PROGRESS IN EVERYWHERE AND IN EVERYTHING

SO THAT THE WHOLE WORLD SHOULD HAVE PROUD ON US.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

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The Most Beautiful Libraries Around the World

The Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library is among one of the most beautiful libraries in the world (admitsee)

In today’s world, we can choose a book with the touch of a button on our iPads, download the newest release in less than a minute to our Kindles, or turn to Amazon for our next must-read. But often lost in the ease, convenience, and speed of reading a book nowadays is the reading ritual itself - the true pleasure of making your way down a library's long aisles, skimming rows upon rows of books, picking up a potential read, flipping through its pages. So let’s shine a little light on these houses of knowledge and celebrate the ubiquitous symbol of information with this collection of beautiful libraries across the world.

1. THE 'CLASSIC'

WHAT: Trinity College Library
WHERE: Dublin, Ireland
WOW FACTOR: This library boasts a 200-foot long room with a barrel-vaulted ceiling. Known as the Long Room, this striking room is lined with marble busts of famous writers, like Jonathan Swift.

(Bored Panda)

2. THE RULER OF THE RARE

WHAT: The Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript LibraryWHERE: New Haven, Connecticut
WOW FACTOR: This library is one of the world's largest libraries devoted entirely to rare books and manuscripts. They even have an original Gutenberg Bible!

(Flickr user Lauren Manning)

3. THE MEGALIBRARY

WHAT: Biblioteca Vasconcelos
WHERE: Mexico City, Mexico
WOW FACTOR: Known as the “megalibrary,” this giant library takes up a whopping 409,000 square feet. Inside, over 500,000 books are displayed on glass shelves hanging from the building’s five stories.

(Flickr user CIINKer)

4. THE COLOSSEUM

WHAT: The Vancouver Public LibraryWHERE: Vancouver, Canada
WOW FACTOR: This library was designed to resemble a modern-day Colosseum. The entrance is through a huge skylit concourse and bridges inside the library connect to reading and study areas in the outer walls.

(greenroofs.com)

5. THE CUBE

WHAT: Stadtbibliothek StuttgartWHERE: Stuttgart, Germany
WOW FACTOR: From the outside, the nine-story building looks like a monolithic cube. But inside, the dramatic all-white interior has a five-story reading room shaped as an upside-down pyramid, plus meeting rooms, a café, and a rooftop terrace.

(Flickr user O Palsson)

6. THE MIDDLE EASTERN MAMMOTH

WHAT: Bibliotheca AlexandrinaWHERE: Alexandria, Egypt
WOW FACTOR: Opened in 2002, the massive disc-shaped building has a huge reading room that tilts toward the sea with a facade that’s covered in letters and characters from more than a hundred different languages. The building also contains a planetarium, four museums, and academic research centers.

(The Culture Trip)

7. THE GREEN MACHINE

WHAT: Beitou LibraryWHERE: Taipei, Taiwan
WOW FACTOR: This eco-friendly library has a slanted roof that collects moisture from humidity and rain, and then recycles it for the restrooms and gardens. The Beitou Library has also been fitted with solar panels, as well as deep-set and latticed windows to reduce energy use.

(broketourist.net)

8. THE SUSTAINABILITY STANDARD

WHAT: Villanueva Public LibraryWHERE: Casanare, Colombia
WOW FACTOR: Villanueva Public Library was constructed using only locally-sourced materials, and was solely by the people of the village who were trained to help construct the building. The design, created by four college students, focuses on natural ventilation and plenty of shade to keep the interior nice and cool.

(archinect.com)

9. THE TIMELY MASTERPIECE

WHAT: Mortlock Wing State LibraryWHERE: Adelaide, Australia
WOW FACTOR: This two-story library, opened in 1884, features an extraordinary Dent and Sons clock on a wrought-iron and gold ornamented balcony at the end of the reading room. A staff member winds it once a week.

(travelandleisure.com)

10. THE NEW, OLD LIBRARY

WHAT: The National Library of ChinaWHERE: Beijing, China
WOW FACTOR: The National Library of China houses a vast array of historical and ancient books and manuscripts - even inscribed tortoise shells. Completed in 1987, the buildings that make up the library were all designed in a traditional Chinese style.

(National Geographic Travel)

11. THE MODERN PHENOMENON 

WHAT: Delft University of Technology LibraryWHERE: Delft, Netherlands
WOW FACTOR: With a massive skylight in the ceiling that looks like a steel cone from the outside, the Delft University of Technology Library is also has a grass-covered roof to add to its eco-friendly and modern design.

(Inhabitat)

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Easy Ways to control on Waste, Everyday life

Living greener doesn’t always require drastic change, like moving to a treehouse or foraging for herbs. All it takes is a few small tweaks in your daily living to cut down your waste count by a significant amount. With a little research and a lot of motivation, you can be become the Green Queen (or King) in no time - and might even be able to say goodbye to your garbage can. These nine tips and tricks for cutting down your waste will get you started on a greener living.

1. COMPOST

Yes, the big “C.” Composting may sound like a practice limited to only the truest of treehuggers, but, in fact, it’s actually quite easy and requires very little time, effort and space. The process involves upcycling leftover food and organic matter to make a dark, rich substance known as humus, often used as a conditioner for soil. Keep a small bin on your kitchen counter where you can easily dump food scraps (including fruit, vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grounds).

ECO-ADVICE: Different lifestyles call for different composting methods. If you’re an avid gardener with a backyard, you can use the compost for your personal garden. If you live in a city that doesn’t offer curbside pickup, you might be able to donate your compost to a community garden or nearby farm.

Keep a small compost bin on your kitchen counter to more easily dispose of food scraps (Shutterstock)

2. BUY IN BULK

Buying in bulk is a great way to reduce packaging waste, save money, and try new foods in small quantities. Bulk stores are usually made up of rows of bins with scoops for you to ladle out your desired amount. In many bulk stores, you can buy grains, cereals, dried fruit, herbs, toiletries, cleaning products and even oils and vinegars.

ECO-ADVICE: Only buy as much as you can use before it goes bad. As a precaution, see if you can sample an item before you fill up.

Remember to bring your own containers and bags when buying in bulk (Shutterstock)

3. CARRY YOUR OWN JARS AND RE-USABLE BAGS

Canvas bags are a treehugger’s staple. Avoid plastic altogether by always carrying a reusable bag or tote (many are built to be compact) in your purse or car. If you’re going bulk shopping, bring along jars with lids for any liquids.

ECO-ADVICE: Keep a stash of reusable bags in an easy-to-remember place so you can grab them any time you go shopping. Whether it’s your car, below the kitchen sink or next to the car keys - just designate a place and stick with it.

No trip to the supermarket is complete without a resuable tote bag (Shutterstock)

4. GET TO KNOW YOUR TRASH

Okay, it may seem a little gross, but it’s definitely worth taking a few minutes one day to rifle through your trash bin. See what types of packaging and products you seem to be throwing out most – this is where you should focus your waste reducing efforts.

ECO-ADVICE: While you’re down there ransacking your trash bin, double check to see if the items you’re throwing out are actually recyclable. Toilet paper rolls, non-aerosol deodorants, and cooking oil bottles are just some items people mistake for non-recyclable.

Separate your trash to see what makes up most of your waste (Shutterstock)

5. REPLACE PAPER WITH CLOTH  

Yes, the disposable quality of paper products is convenient, but you just end up with avoidable waste. Napkins, paper towels, cleaning wipes can all be replaced with microfiber cloths, old t-shirts, huck towels and cloth napkins.

ECO-ADVICE: Keep a bin under the kitchen sink where you can easily toss dirty, used cloths and then throw them in with the rest of the laundry.

Replacing disposable floor wipes with a towel or rag is an easy way to cut down on waste (Shutterstock)

6. RETHINK YOUR TOILETRIES  

Going green doesn’t mean sacrificing personal hygiene. Try a bamboo compostable toothbrush as a substitute for a plastic one, and organic, vegan makeup in place of drugstore brands.ECO-ADVICE: Also make sure the packaging is recyclable when purchasing eco-friendly toiletry products.

Bamboo toothbrushes provide a eco-friendly alternative to the plastic variety (Shutterstock)

7. GET YOUR BILLS ONLINE

These days, most companies offer the option to receive bills via email or through an online account. Checking this box means cutting out a lot of unwanted mail and paper waste - much of which you probably throw out without opening anyway.

ECO-ADVICE: To avoid receiving paper-heavy pamphlets and promotional materials as well, pop a 'No Circulars' sign on your mailbox.

Switch your payment method via your online banking account (Shutterstock)

8. BUY A REUSABLE WATER  BOTTLE

Reusable water bottles are probably the easy step to sustainability. Purchasing a reusable water bottle you can fill up anytime, anywhere will definitely save you money and reduce your carbon footprint.

ECO-ADVICE: If you’re feeling guilty about the plastic water bottles you’ve accumulated over time, don’t fear. There are plenty of DIY projects that transform your plastic bottles to something new and useful.

Aluminum reusable water bottles keep your drinks cold and are also good for the environment (Shutterstock)

9. MAKE YOUR OWN PERSONAL CARE PRODUCTS

If you’re feeling especially ambitious, try making your own hygiene products at home. Soaps, toothpastes and even deodorants can be made using only a few natural ingredients, like coconut oil and baking soda. This goes for spa treatments, as well.

ECO-ADVICE: If you’d like a nice scent or taste to compliment your DIY creation, try a few drops of aromatic essential oils, like peppermint, sandalwood or lavender.

Coconut oil is a key ingredient in many homemade personal care products (Shutterstock)

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List Of Best Technology Websites In The World

1. CNET

CNET is the one the best technology website for latest tech news. Their main topics includes latest tech new, gadget review, software downloads, appliances, phones, laptops, TV’s, tablets, camera, car tech and much more. All this you will find under one roof. Really CNET is an amazing website for latest tech. Also it also provide software downloads, that’s great.

2. TechCrunch

TechCrunch is one the best technology blogs in the world. It is founded by Michael Arrington. For latest gadgets and tech news, TechCrunch is an excellent blog for latest technology news. Also this site review new products launched in the market. It also cover many tech events and startups. Technology geeks must visit this site everyday.

3. Engadget

Engadget is a web magazine which covers many latest gadgets and tech news since 2004. There main topics include news, reviews, videos, podcasts and events. There review section is great. They review many products including mobile, computer, personal tech, home theater, cameras, gaming & networking device and much more.
MUST READ: How To Speed Up Windows 7 Easily: The Ultimate Guide

4. THENEXTWEB

It is an ultimate tech blog for ever web user. Tech is main part of this blog. From technological updates to business, it covers many aspects of daily technology. Really you will loves this blog, if you visit there. Also it covers many upcoming next generation gadgets.

5. Wired.com

Wired.com is also a website focused on technology content. It provides news related to new gadgets, autopia, reviews, science, entertainment, business, security, video series, and design. Also provides useful info about gaming.

6. Gizmodo

As the name suggests Gizmodo relates to Gizmos means gadgets. Gizmodo is a great website for gadget lovers. If you love to get info about latest gadget, then there is no better than Gizmodo. It features various latest and upcoming gadgets. It also provides news related to android, iOS and Windows OS. This website is like a paradise for gadget freaks.

7. Techradar

Techradar is all about technology. It is focused on tech news and various reviews. Topics of this website include review, phones, TV’s, camera, laptop, tablets, car tech and downloads. Review section is one the prominent section of this website. If search for review of any smartphone or tablet, techradar will be in top 10 search results.

8. Mashable

Mashable is one the most visited site for news, resource and various information. Pete Cashmore is the founder and CEO of Mashable. If you ask any tech geek, which website you visit daily, Mashable will among his top 10 list of most visited websites.

9. TheVerge

TheVerge is another excellent technology website. They provide content on topics like tech, science, culture, business, design, review, US & World and more. Many great products are reviewed at TheVerge.

10. Computerworld

Computerworld is one of the oldest technology website around there. They cover several topics related to technology. Topics include cloud computing, hardware, internet, networking, management, OS, data center, reviews, news, IT Jobs and many more.

11. Digital Trends

Digital Trends is another quality technology website. It is a best source of various technological updates. They provides various unbiased reviews of TV’s, cell phone, laptops and many other devices.

12. ExtremeTech

ExtremeTech as the name suggest that it is for technology fanboys. There main content is focused on computing, internet, mobile, electronics, gaming and much more. They do very deep analysis of various tech updates.

13. Geek.com

Geek.com is another website focused mainly on technology. They are online since 1996.  They provides breaking tech news, review of hardware and software, computer buying guides. Must visit website for every geek

14. ZDNet

ZDNet is another popular tech website which covers breaking news, analysis, and research, latest IT trends, issues and events. They also provides free software downloads. They also covers Apple and Windows.

15. gHacks

When it comes to technology, gHacks is another name out there. It covers various interesting tech topics like Windows, Software, Best web browsers, android etc.

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Freedom 251 Launch It costs Rs 251: 10 things we know about world’s cheapest smart phone

An Indian company is about to launch what is most certainly the world’s cheapest smartphone. The Freedom 251 from Noida-based Ringing Bells, costs, yes, Rs. 251, and will be available to buy on the company’s website from 6am on February 18 and close at 8pm on February 21.

Is there a catch? We don’t know yet. But here is what we know:

Read more: India’s cheapest smartphone from Ringing Bells to cost less than Rs 500
1. The phone runs the recent Android Lollipop 5.1 OS which will run most of the apps and looks much better than Kitkat with the help of a 1.3 GHz quad-core processor.

2. It supports 3G for lightning-fast web browsing.

3. It will have a 4-inch screen that is quite common for sub-Rs 5,000 phones.

4. It even has a 1GB RAM that can easily run WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter with some more space to spare for more apps.

5. The phone has 8GB internal memory which can be expanded to 32GB with a micro SD card. Sadly, microSD card will cost you more than the phone.

6. You even get a camera. On both sides. 3.2 megapixel on the back and 0.3 megapixel the front.

7. The phone has the 1,450 mAh battery which won’t last you all day but no one can complain considering the price.

8. The Freedom 251 will be officially unveiled in New Delhi and the event will be attended by Murli Manohar Joshi, MP, with the Union defence minister Manohar Parrikar as the chief guest on Wednesday, according to a report.

9. The phone will have some apps pre-installed to make it more useful to the women, farmers, fishermen and everyone in general. Women Safety, Swachh Bharat, Fisherman, Farmer, Medical, Google Play, WhatsApp, Facebook, YouTube are some of the apps to be installed out of the box.

10. By the way you also get a 1-year warranty on the phone backed by their 650 service centers across the country.

How is the Freedom 251 so cheap? We don’t know yet, but our best guess is that it is somehow subsidised by the government — it already has a few government apps pre-loaded.


We’re going to be up early on February 18 ordering our device -- or half a dozen of them.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Little-known Noida-based company Ringing Bells Pvt. Ltd. will launch what it is calling India's most affordable smartphone on Wednesday evening. Here's what we already know about the Freedom 251 smartphone.

1. Ringing Bells had announced earlier that the Freedom 251 will be priced at "less than Rs. 500". But we can now confirm that the smartphone will be priced at Rs. 251 (less than $4). At that price, it's easily the most affordable smartphone in the world.
2. The website also lists important specifications of the Freedom 251: 4-inch display, 1.3GHz quad-core processor, 1GB RAM, 8GB internal storage (expandable up to 32GB), 3.2-megapixel back camera, 0.3-megapixel front camera, and a 1450mAh battery.
3. The Freedom 251 will be officially unveiled in New Delhi on Wednesday evening at an event that will be presided over by Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, MP, with the Union Defence Minister Sri Manohar Parrikar as the Chief Guest.
4. Ringing Bells says the Freedom 251 smartphone has been developed 'with immense support' from the government and is touting it as a success story of PM Modi's flagship 'Make in India' scheme.
5. A smartphone priced at Rs. 251 will go a long way in connecting every Indian, and like the previous government tried to take computing to the masses with the Aakash tablet, the Freedom 251 has the potential to realise the 'Digital India' vision.

Bookings for the Freedom 251 open on February 18 at 6am and close on 21 February at 8pm. The company says deliveries will be completed by 30th June 2016.

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Online Jobs to Earn extra Income

Online and work from home jobs mostly have an opinion of being scam but legitimate online jobs do exist. Online jobs are slowly gaining prominence across the globe because they let you utilize your skills in the best possible way, plus they bring the comfort of your own house, flexible timings and saving on travel expenses.

 Whether you are a student, housewife or even an employed person, online jobs can bring you that extra income you have been looking for.

Things to keep in mind before taking an online job

• Any online job asking you to pay up-front is a scam.

• Don’t look for easy money, as shortcuts don’t work! Have patience and if your skills are good enough, you will earn a good amount with time.

• These jobs can be addictive but don’t let them hamper your studies.

• There are online jobs available for everyone! So, don’t worry if you don’t have a fancy degree because if you have skills, you’ll do fine.
•  

Best Work From Home Jobs
 

Writing Jobs

Every website across the web needs content and thus, writers are an important part of the web ecosystem. There are usual writing jobs like creative writer, copywriter, editor and article & blog writer along with more advanced jobs like technical writing and ebook writing etc. A writing job will easily fetch you a decent amount of money depending on your skills. You can apply on various freelance websites or you can even approach websites & blogs you follow (tech, travel, news, productivity, DIY, movies, etc) and we are pretty sure you will be paid well enough. You can also try ProBlogger for specific online blogging work or you can also join various Facebook groups where people post various job postings for writers.

Designing Jobs

If you are a budding designer, you can easily get a decent online job. People on the web look for UI/UX, web and graphic designers for their apps and websites. There are also jobs available for illustration, business card, logo, banner, infographic, social media and merchandise designers, so you can choose whatever suits you best. While you can search for jobs on most freelancing websites or Facebook 

Programming Jobs

There are various companies looking to outsource their smaller coding projects to freelancers and that’s where students well versed with programming can get a part-time online job. It all depends on what programming languages you know. There are programming jobs available online for mobile & desktop apps, games, web development, website building, software/app testing etc. Along with the freelance websites, you can checkout Upwork for diverse online job openings for programmers.

Tuitions (Online Tutoring)

With the rise of online education, there is a rise of online tuitions and tutor jobs. So, if you have good teaching skills, you can teach students from home and earn a handsome amount. Tutor jobs are available for various skill levels, be it different subjects & courses from school, college or even something that is of general interest. You should give CheggTutorsa shot for a tutor job and you could easily make $20/hour or more.

Data Entry Jobs

If you believe in your typing skills, a data entry job should be good for you. There are various companies looking for people who can enter all their physical data online or to keep an online record. There are plenty of data entry scams all over the internet but there are some legit jobs available on good freelance websites like Upwork and Freelancer. So, don’t get caught in scams and apply for these jobs only on legit sites like Upwork, Freelancer, etc.

Translation Jobs

There are some great translation jobs available online for people who are multi-lingual or well versed in more than one language. With companies going global, there’s a need to translate their work to cater to different languages and they are on the look out for good translators. The job includes translating a document, movie subtitles, interpreting different languages, proofreading etc. You can get a number of online translation jobs at Translatorscafe or Gengo.

Voice Over

Doing voice overs for interesting videos sounds like a really interesting job and if you think you have the voice and the skills to do it, you might as well give it a shot. You can add the languages you know and the accents you can do to get freelancing voice over jobs. People look for voice overs for narration, dubbing, impersonation, audio books etc. You can try for voice over jobs on Fiverr.

Customer Service and Tech Support Jobs

While call center offices are still the main stay of tech support and customer services, virtual call-centers are slowly gaining traction. At a virtual call center, a tech support or customer service call is routed to the home number of an agent. This job requires you to have a quiet environment at home, good & professional speaking abilities along with some training for tech support. There are different jobs available like tech support specialists, customer service managers, live chat agents, phone support etc. Along with the freelance websites, there are specific tech support websites like LiveOps that offer work from home tech support jobs.

Video Services and Animation Jobs

Video consumption is on the rise and that has made sure to increase jobs aimed at video producers. These freelancing jobs require people to create video commercials, intros, edit videos, do the post-production and add animations or graphic designs. So, if you have the skills to create some cool videos, you should give this a try. You can look for video animator jobs on freelance websites like PeoplePerHour.

Sell Your Photos or Art

Great photos and arts have tremendous value and if you are a good photographer or an art creator, you will have no problem selling your collection online. You can sell your art images on websites like DeviantArt and your photos on SmugMug. These websites should fetch you a good amount for all your creativity, plus give you confidence in your talent.

Virtual Assistant Jobs

If you are an organized, time managing person with a skill to juggle between tasks, then a virtual assistant job should be perfect for you. The job is similar to what a real-life assistant would do, like handling emails, travel schedules, meetings etc. Virtual assistant jobs are available on most freelance websites like Guru. If you think you can be a good assistant, try it out online.

Social Media Marketing and SEO

With the growth of online businesses, social media has become an essential platform to grow the user base and thus the need of social media marketers. The social media marketing jobs are pretty simple if you are good with communication, marketing and understanding behaviour of people on the Internet. These jobs require you to interact with people, build brand awareness and bring traction to the company. There are also SEO jobs that require you to optmise websites to play well with various search engines and bring in more traffic. Social media marketing and SEO specialist jobs are available on most freelance websites like Upwork. Also, be sure to check out on Facebook groups for job openings like these.

Mobile Apps to Earn Some Extra Income (Accomplish Tasks to Earn)

Along with these jobs, you can try out some mobile apps to make money. Swagbucks is a very popular app that gives you credit points when you shop online, watch some videos, search the web, fill out surveys etc. Once you have a good amount of points, you can redeem them for gift cards or get cashback through Paypal. There’s a similar group of apps under Perk, which rewards you with easy money for doing some simple tasks like watching videos, playing scratch card games etc.

Ready to earn some extra income through these online jobs?

Are you a student looking for some handy pocket money? Well, these jobs are the way to go. Any extra income is handy for a student and these legit online jobs make sure you earn that whilst working in the comfort of your home. Along with the money, these jobs make sure to enhance your skills and bring you some much needed experience, which is certainly a win-win situation. Be sure to check them out and let us know in the comments section below if these jobs worked out for you.

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Prettiest Towns in United States

These beautiful towns are not only thriving economically, they’ve also got all you could want in a place to raise a family: plenty of green space, good schools, and a strong sense of community.

 

10. Edgartown, Massachusetts

 

Edgartown is a town located on Martha’s Vineyard in Dukes County, Massachusetts, United States. It is the county seat of Dukes County. Widely known as an exclusive enclave for the affluent and famous, the island is at its most charming in Edgartown, the largest and most expensive community on the Vineyard. Meticulously maintained Victorian sea captains’ houses and a beguiling collection of shops and galleries sit near the harbor. “Stroll about its manicured streets with some home-made ice cream from Mad Martha’s (a local institution since 1971) and you’ve got the makings of a perfect day,” says Arabella Bowen, executive editorial director at Fodor’s.

9. Key West, Florida

Closer to Cuba than it is to the mainland United States, Key West exudes a laid-back and casual vibe that is different than almost any other town in the country. It’s a place that marches to its own (usually steel) drummer. Take the kids dolphin-spotting, charter a boat to snag a marlin, or just relax on the beach beside crystal blue waters. And getting there is half the fun: the 127-mile Overseas Highway is the only road in or out to the mainland, and there’s no road in the country like it. If that’s not enough, Key West is also home to the only National Park that is accessible only by boat, Dry Tortugas National Park, where the snorkeling, diving, or just exploring are unparalleled.

8. Longview, Washington

 

Not even the port industry that clusters around the Lewis and Clark bridge can block the scenery of one of the Pacific Northwest’s most charming towns. “It is one of the only, if not the only planned community in the west at the time,” says Foster Church of “Discovering Main Street: Travel Adventures in Small Towns of the Northwest. “It was planned by a wealthy lumber magnate who decided to build two lumber mills in this location because it was close to the Columbia River.” He needed 14,000 workers to help run his two mills, so in 1921, he built a city that could house up to 50,000 people. Today, the town retains its old town lumber mill feel, and is home to the well-planned but serene beauty of Lake Sacajawea Park, which Foster says is “one of the most beautiful parks I’ve ever seen.”

7. Athens, Georgia

 

A university town that enjoyed a small measure of renown in the ‘80s and ‘90s, thanks to a fertile music scene which gave birth to the B-52s and R.E.M., among others. Athens is earning a more recent reputation as a post-industrial success story. Old factories have been rehabilitated and now house galleries and boutiques, but though the manufacturing may have left, the town still holds onto its identity with pride. “It has kept ruthless development at a minimum,” says Jason Cochran, editor-in-chief of Frommer’s.com. “You can still find avenues of those stately old Georgia mansions that the best towns retain. So you’ve got this vibrant blend of slouching red-brick warehouses and bold Greek Revival mansions.”

6. Tarrytown, New York

 

Tarrytown’s rich history, including being a throughway on the Underground Railroad, name-dropped by Washington Irving in “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and, later, one of the preferred Upstate getaways for New York’s rich and powerful, is visible wherever you go in this Hudson River-side town. Lyndhurst, the widely-regarded robber baron Jay Gould’s castle-like mansion in town, is toured by throngs of visitors every year. The town has played host to recreational and cultural options aplenty, including the famous (and former, running from 1971 to 2006) Tarrytown Film Festival, which was more of a film salon hosted by noted ‘70s and ‘80s film critic, Judith Crist.

5. Fort Benton, Montana

 

Fort Benton is a city in and the county seat of Chouteau County, Montana, United States. A portion of the city was designated as a National Historic Landmark District in 1961. Established in 1846, a full generation before the U.S. Civil War, Fort Benton is one of the oldest settlements in the American West. Founded as a fur-trading post in 1847, the town flourished well into the 1860s, when the Gold Rush cash was flowing back eastward. The railroad would eventually put the brakes on the town’s growth, however, but not before Fort Benton earned a reputation as the sort of place where disagreements were regularly settled with sidearms. “Jesse James and all the other characters used to have shoot-outs on these streets and you can relive it all on Main Street today,” says Andrew Evans, National Geographic Traveler’s Digital Nomad.

4. Breckenridge, Colorado

 

In a state known for its charming alpine ski towns, Breckenridge stands out both for its stunning vistas, charming streets, family-friendly vibe and – most importantly, for many visitors – unsurpassed proximity to a wide variety of world-class ski options. With giant peaks, more than 150 trails, North America’s highest chairlift, and a wide variety of options for everyone from the shakiest of beginners to the most jaded back-country daredevils, Breck really does have something for everyone. Though the town really comes to life from November through early April, there’s still a lot to do during the warmer months, from hiking to fishing to mountain biking.

3. Gatlinburg, Tennessee

 

With its charming, quaint old buildings in the centre of town, its dramatic mountain backdrop and the only ski resort in Tennessee, Gatlinburg has become a popular tourist destination for regional fun-seekers. Located on the border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Gatlinburg benefits from its location as a tourist draw and reinforces it with attractions such as an aerial tramway, an aquarium, white-water rafting, hiking, and even a haunted house. But let’s not kid ourselves: as pretty and irresistible the town is, the real draw in this part of Tennessee is the nature. “The wildflowers around Gatlinburg and the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are absolutely spectacular in the spring as they burst with wild-flowers at their peak,” says Zain Habboo, National Geographic’s director of travel.

2. Camden, Maine

 

Camden is a famous summer colony in the Mid-Coast region of Maine. Similar to Bar Harbor, Nantucket and North Haven, Camden is well known for its summer community of wealthy Northeasterners, mostly from Boston, New York and Philadelphia. “It’s like a movie set. In fact, it has often been a movie set.” Camden retains a certain salty grit and allows more of its working-class roots to show — though, like many New England seaside villages, the residents are more likely to be affluent these days. “Where the mountains meet the sea,” boasts the town, and indeed one of the best ways to see Camden is from a perch high above the harbor on nearby Mt. Battie. The white sailboats pepper the water in Penobscot Bay, and the waterside seafood beckons. Visit during September’s peak leaf season for an autumnal fireworks display of reds, oranges, yellows, and purples.

1. Newport, Rhode Island

 

Known for being the city of some of the “Summer White Houses”. Like a town stuck in time but with the occasional hole in the space-time continuum to allow for modern touches, Newport, with its stunning harbor and bevy of old homes, is the quintessential New England town. Newport’s fame began as a 19th century summertime visitors’ magnet of a town, and it still reliably draws in clusters of visitors, both for the daytime shopping, eating, and sightseeing options. At night, one of the town’s many music festivals or varied collection of bars draws in local students and stalwart party goers for good times that can run late and loud. But the town itself is chief among American small towns in the category of most well-preserved colonial homes and Gilded-Age mansions – a testimony to its tony residential reputation, and to its history as the summer destination of choice from 1953 until around 1963. It is also the location of an important collection of naval training centres.

Sources Forbes &  realestate.msn

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Health Benefits of Almonds

Almonds have been consumed by many cultures for thousands of years and were highly popular in the diets of ancient Egyptian cultures. They have continued to be popular and have become a popular snack food as well as becoming incorporated into milks and flours. On top of being delicious regardless of how you eat them, they bring tons of amazing health benefits for you when you include them at your table.

Reduces Cardiovascular Disease

People who consume nuts on a regular basis can lower their low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol that clogs their arteries and is the main cause for heart disease. They do these with their high levels of:

• Omega-3 fatty acids: Omega-3’s are a heart healthy form of unsaturated fat that help you heart and help to prevent heart attacks. While many people turn to fish for their Omega-3’s almonds and other nuts are one of the best sources of Omega-3 that are plant based.
• Unsaturated fats: Unsaturated fats are the “good” fats that have been found to help your body to lower high cholesterol levels.
• Fiber: High levels of fiber help your body to stay full longer, which reduces that chances of obesity induced cardiovascular diseases. Fiber also helps you lower your cholesterol levels and is thought to help your body to prevent diabetes.
• Vitamin E: High levels of LDL (the bad fats) will lead to plaque build-up in your arteries, which effectively narrows them and causes internal problems. This development can lead to heart attacks, chest pain, and coronary heart disease.
• L-arginine: This acid helps to make your artery walls more flexible, reducing the likelihood that your body will form blood clots that will block your blood flow.

Encourages Brain Development

Almonds have been studied for their connection in the development and health of our brains, aiding in memory boosting as well as overall brain function. Its high protein levels will not only provide your body with a boost of energy, it will also help to repair your brain cells while magnesium helps to strengthen your nerves. Both B6 and vitamin E promote overall brain health while slowing down the aging of your cells, helping to preserve your memory for longer as you age.

One of the most important functions for brain health is its high level of antioxidants, which fight free radicals in your body, thus giving your body a greater chance of avoiding brain and other cancers. L-carnitine and riboflavin in almonds will also encourage brain activity and prevent Alzheimer’s disease, while possibly boosting intelligence levels in children when they are young.

Regulates Cholesterol

Numerous studies have reported that consuming half a cup of almonds a day will reduce your overall cholesterol levels by up to ten percent. The combination of monounsaturated fats with some polyunsaturated fats in almonds have been shown to be the perfect combination of fats to encourage cardiovascular health. 

However, the benefits of eating almonds will be greatly reduced or outright negated if people simply add them to their diets instead of substituting them for something less healthy in their current diet. It is also recommended to consume dry roasted or natural almonds without added salts and oils to ensure proper body balance.

Increases Bone Health

Calcium is an important factor for bone health, however; it is important to ensure that you are consuming calcium in ways that will allow for high levels of absorption into the bones. Dairy has low rates of magnesium, which is vital for bones to be able to absorb calcium, while fruits, vegetables, and nuts have high levels of magnesium and calcium. It has been found that when humans consume foods with equal amounts of these important elements their bodies will absorb them at a much higher rate than when you drink milk. Almonds have high levels of both of magnesium and calcium to allow for the highest levels of absorption.

In addition, while many people automatically think of calcium when they think about their bone health vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that has been shown to reduce the risk of osteoporosis. The Journal of Bone and Mineral Metabolism examined the impact that Vitamin E had on bone density and overall strength and found that increasing vitamin E levels in rats increased their bone density by up to eighty percent.

Controls Blood Pressure

Daily consumption of nuts such as almonds have be shown to lower the risk of hypertension, although it cannot prevent the disease altogether. Its high content of potassium and unsaturated fatty acids play a role in promoting a health body and the low content of sodium in raw almonds makes the benefits even greater. The biggest powerhouse that almonds have over blood pressure are their high magnesium content, a mineral that many people do not consume enough of and is strongly associated with blood pressure concerns regardless of your weight.

Prevents Overeating

Healthy fats and fiber will aid you greatly if you are trying to prevent overeating, as they will help you to stay full for much longer and curbs overeating of unhealthy foods. Studies have shown that almonds have a positive boost on your body’s metabolism and the Nurses’ Health Studies research showed a clear correlation between daily consumption of almonds and healthier body weights. This study was supported in the International Journal of Obesity, which found that those who ate almonds daily had a higher rate of weight loss, waist size, fat mass and systolic blood pressure.

Final Word

It is clear that incorporating almonds into your daily diet can have significant health benefits for many. Incorporating them into your diet is easy as alternatives become more available for those who have allergies to lactose. For those who are seeking to include more almonds in their diet, you should ensure that they are as un-processed as possible. Many different nuts will go through processing that drastically lowers the almonds nutritional and health value. Look for almonds that have not been subjected to intense heat, sugar, hydrogenated oils or sodium to ensure that you are receiving all of its benefits.

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Best Christmas Tech Gifts

 

 The countdown is on! Time to check gifts off the list and start wrapping things up. Gifts.com can be your one-stop shopping place. Our collection of personalized gifts include Christmas gifts for teachers, neighbors, friends, and family. Find stocking stuffer gifts, colorful Christmas gift baskets, and unique Secret Santa gifts that will keep them guessing.

 

1.  The Best Selling Fitbit of 2015:  Fitbit Charge Wireless Wristband – Buy It Here For $140

Track workouts, heart rate, distance, calories burned, floors climbed, active minutes and steps. Plus, monitor your sleep patterns because, yes please!

Buy Now On Sale: $140

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2.  The Best Siri Replacement:  The Amazon Echo – Buy It Here For $180

Deuces Siri.  Hello Alexa!  The closest thing we have to living Star Trek to date.  Hands-free, ask Alexa anything and she’ll answer. Plus listen to music because, music.

Buy Now On Sale: $180

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3.  The Must-Have Phone:  New iPhone 6S – Buy It Here Starting at $199

Because FOMO has sent in and it’s time to upgrade from that old and dusty iPhone 6, you know, from 10 months ago.

Buy Now On Sale: Starting at $199

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4.  The Headphones:  Beats Solo2 Wireless On-Ear Headphones  – Buy It Here For $222.99

Go wireless, stay comfortable, listen to music, remain on trend.  Beats Solo2 come in black, white, red, blue and gold.  Gold!

Buy Now On Sale: $222

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5.  The Noise Cancelers: Bose QuietComfort Noise Canceling In-Ear Headphones – Buy It Here For $249

Buy Now On Sale: $249

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6.  The Binge Watching Game Changer:  The Fire TV Stick – Buy It Here For $39.99

Quickly connect it to your TVs HDMI port and watch over 250,000 shows from Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, HBO GO, and more. Hi Orange is the New Black!  Bye family and friends!

Buy Now On Sale: $39.99

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7.  The Wireless Speaker:  Braven 570 Wireless Bluetooth Speaker – Buy It Here For $59.99

Enjoy up to 10 hours of play time when you take this portable speaker with you when you’re on the go, at the beach, or just chilling in your home.  Plus you’ll just look cool in lime green.

Buy Now On Sale: $59.99

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8.  The Coffeemaker:  Mr. Coffee Smart Wi-Fi Enabled Coffee Maker  – Buy It Here For $149

Because the coffee future is here! Schedule or adjust brew time and setup reminders so coffee is fresh and hot whenever you want it using the Free WeMo App from your smartphone.

Buy Now On Sale: $149

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9.  The Affordable Camera:  Canon EOS Rebel SLR Digital Camera – Buy It Here For $499

Because sometimes you need a camera that isn’t your phone.  If you’re looking for a camera that won’t break the bank, this Canon is one of the highest customer rated and best selling digital picture buddy this season.

Buy Now On Sale: $499

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10.  Footwelt Mini Self-Balancing 2 Wheel Scooter with LED Light – Buy It Here For $365

Because this is as close to Back to the Future as we’re going to get!

Buy Now On Sale: $365

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11.  The Current:  Latest Apple TV with Siri Technology  – Buy It Here For $149

Because you’ll never watch TV or listen to music the same way again.

Buy Now On Sale: $149

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12.  The GoPro:  GoPro HERO4 Black 4K Action Camera – Buy It Here For $499.99

This is the most advanced GoPro ever and has the highest customer satisfaction ratings too.  Get ready for the best adventure of your life.

Buy Now On Sale: $499.99

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13.  The Drone:  DJI Phantom 3 Professional 4K Quadcopter Drone with Video Camera – Buy It Here For $1,253

Because, let’s face it, you’ve always wanted your very own drone.  Enough said.

Buy Now On Sale: $1,253

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14.  The Notebook: MacBook Pro w/ Retina Display – Buy It Here For $1,299

Still a great laptop when you need an upgrade, but don’t want to break the bank.  13.3″ laptop/notebook with retina display.  We still love all things Apple.

Buy Now On Sale: $1,299

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15.  The Retro Camera:  New Polaroid Socialmatic Instant Digital Camera – Buy It Here For $400

This new Polaroid has a retro look and feel, but with all the current camera tech bells and whistles like 4.5″ touchscreen, GPS, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 4GB internal storage, and a built-in printer for color prints.

Buy Now On Sale: $400

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