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Mental Health in Grad School: How to Survive

mental health

Getting accepted to grad school can be a massive weight off your shoulders. You’ll finally be done with thinking about how many graduate schools to apply to or which programs you want to try. At last, you can get to the important part — actually starting your studies!

It’s exciting, and rightfully so. But, starting grad school can bring its own stresses.

Graduate school is a massive commitment that requires you to make some sacrifices. Earning your graduate degree means investing your time and money into your education. If you already have an established career, you might have to leave that behind to pursue your studies full time. You may even have to say goodbye to your work-life balance.

Going to grad school means you’ll be beyond busy, which can mean you’ll have much less time to do things you enjoy. Sure, grad school can take you on a journey to success, but at the same time, it may also bring you levels of stress you won’t know what to do with.

Add all of those up together, and you may just find your mental health tanking. So how exactly can you survive?

Mental Health in Grad School

Understand that feeling like an impostor is normal.

Impostor syndrome is a very real thing. You may feel as though you don’t belong or like you aren’t good enough to be where you are. If you are dealing with these feelings, know that you are not alone.

There are a lot of things you can do to fight impostor syndrome. Common advice you might see is to stop thinking like an impostor — something that is easier said than done. You may also learn to separate your feelings and thoughts from facts.

Another thing you can do is to stop comparing yourself to others. Looking at someone’s achievements is great and all, but what you don’t see is all the stress and effort behind them.

Comparing yourself to others can exacerbate impostor syndrome and cause you to doubt yourself and your capabilities. It may cause you to limit yourself subconsciously despite your potential.

Put yourself first.

Your education is important, but so are you. Sometimes, you might need mental health days (or even weeks!), and there is no shame in taking them. Even if you have looming deadlines stressing you out, it may be wiser to take a step back and recharge. Consider taking regular or even frequent breaks while working — even if it’s just to play a quick game on your phone or look at cute animal pictures.

Celebrate even the small things. Appreciating minor achievements can help your mental health, especially if you’ve got a long way to go.

You are not alone.

Often, declining mental health can make you want to retreat into a deep hole and never come out. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone. There are many tools available to you.

Talk to your peers or seek advice from your adviser. Spend some time with your family and friends. Seek therapy if you must.

It may also help you to keep some friends outside of grad school, so you have somewhere to go to get your mind off things.

Make time for yourself.

It can be difficult when there are so many things to do all at once, but this piece of advice is vital to helping you maintain your mental health.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s always a good idea to take a welcome break to do things you love. Find time for hobbies and socialization, even if it’s just a few hours a week. Another thing you can do is to involve things you enjoy in your life by finding ways for your interests to fit in with your daily routine.

Never work 24/7.

Even though you have tons of work to do, it’s never worth it to spend every minute of every day working. Making that deadline isn’t worth sacrificing your physical and mental health. Instead, find other ways to be more productive and manage your time more efficiently.

Wrapping Up

Grad school is stressful, and there’s no denying that fact. However, making yourself a priority is always essential to maintain your mental health. Breaks can help, no matter how short they may be and no matter what you do during them. Sometimes, even just stopping to hug a pet can recharge you enough to get back to work. It could also be a good idea to take a short walk or spend some time at a nearby park.

And hey, if you feel like working in bed in your pajamas for the day, go for it! Only you know what’s best for you, and when taking a mental day or week is the best thing you can do.

How to Design an Ecommerce Website

Designing website

Designing an online store can be overwhelming. You have to think about so many different things, from the colors and fonts you’ll use to the way your site will look on different devices. Plus, you need to make sure that your ecommerce platform can handle all the features you want and that your checkout process is as smooth as possible.In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of designing a successful ecommerce website design in Bakersfield.

Precision Branding

Precision branding is the key to ecommerce website success. It is the process of creating a unique and consistent identity for your company, products, and services. When potential customers see or hear your name, they should instantly know what you’re all about. There are many different aspects of precision branding, but the most important are your company logo, website design, and marketing materials. All of these elements should be consistent and reflect your unique brand identity.

Clean and Responsive Design

When it comes to ecommerce, having a clean and responsive website design is extremely important. 56% of online shoppers will abandon a purchase if the website is poorly designed or difficult to navigate. Additionally, nearly half of online shoppers will leave a website that takes more than three seconds to load. A clean and responsive design means that your website will look good on any device, and will be easy to navigate. It’s important to make sure that all of your product images are high quality and that your text is easy to read. Additionally, you should use clear call-to-action buttons to encourage customers to take action.

Intuitive and High Quality Navigation

Navigation is another important aspect of an Ecommerce site. Your visitors need to be able to find what they’re looking for quickly and easily, or they will leave your site without buying anything. That’s why it’s important to use an intuitive, high-quality navigation design on your ecommerce website. There are several things to keep in mind when designing your ecommerce website’s navigation. First, make sure it’s easy to understand. Your visitors should be able to figure out where they are and what they need to do without any trouble. Second, make sure that it is mobile friendly and makes sense across all platforms. Lastly, that it delivers it’s purpose.

Trust and Security

Online shoppers are more likely to complete a purchase on a website that they trust. A website’s security affects how much trust a shopper has in the site. Online shoppers are also more likely to return to a website that they trust. There are several ways to improve trust and security on an ecommerce website. One way is to use a secure payment gateway. A secure payment gateway encrypts credit card information so that it cannot be stolen by hackers. Another way to improve trust and security is to use a secure website certificate. A secure website certificate verifies that the website is legitimate and not a scam.

Conclusion

Creating an online store can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. This article provides a step-by-step guide on how to design an ecommerce website. It outlines the important factors to consider, such as choosing the right platform and creating a user-friendly layout. Additionally, it provides tips on how to make your website stand out from the competition. To get started on designing your ecommerce website, choose Plenty of Pixels. Visit plentyofpixels.com to learn more.

What You Should Look Up While Planning A Trip To Istanbul From Dubai?

Istanbul

Turkey has always been a popular destination for tourists looking for a complete vacation. This country is a healthy tourism destination because of its crystal clear lakes, steep mountains, historical ruins, charming towns, and huge cosmopolitan cities. 

Every year, thousands of travellers took Dubai to Istanbul flights for both business and pleasure purposes. Turkey appeals to everyone due to its Mediterranean climate and rich history. Like other people, are you planning to visit the most touristy country – Istanbul? 

If you’re considering a trip to Istanbul from Dubai,  we’ve got you covered with all the information you’ll need. (1)

Istanbul

Only in Turkey’s vast landscape can you find fairy chimneys, enthralling beaches, vibrant valleys, and rock-carved cathedrals all at once. 

Istanbul, the metropolis that unites East and West, is a never-sleeping city. Due to its abundance of gorgeous landmarks and lovely architecture, it is Turkey’s most popular tourist destination. Istanbul also has a lively nightlife and a wide range of restaurants. 

The bustling markets and attractive tourist attractions combine to make it one of the towns on the planet that everyone should see at least once in their lifetime!

Turkish coffee

Popular Tourist Destination Of 2022

Istanbul, a city rich in history and magic, is where European customs and Asian culture collide. This Turkish city is a dynamic creative and cultural centre that everyone should have the opportunity to visit at least once in their lives. It’s the ideal destination for a holiday, with enough to see and well-dressed Turkish folks. 

Istanbul is a popular destination for Gulf visitors.

According to Wingie’s survey, the majority of flights departing from MENA originated in the Saudi cities of Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam, and Abha. Several flights also left Dubai, Kuwait City, and Cairo in the first few weeks of the year. 

According to a recent poll performed by prominent online travel operator Wingie, Istanbul is the most popular tourist destination in the Middle East and North Africa region in the first quarter of 2022

Ideal For Solo Trip

If you are considering a short solo journey from Dubai, Istanbul is the ideal destination. Once you’ve decided what to do in Istanbul, you can make reservations and book ahead of time to ensure the greatest possible vacation experience. 

The most efficient strategy to ensure that your entire travel experience runs smoothly is to plan ahead of time. 

If you want to save money on your tickets, book a round-trip flight to Istanbul; if you need flexibility with your itinerary, book a one-way flight to Istanbul.

How Long Is The Flight From Dubai to Istanbul?

The non-stop flight time from Dubai to Istanbul is around 5 hours and 15 minutes. 

The quickest nonstop trip between Dubai and Istanbul takes over 7 hours. However, depending on the stopover destination and duration of the wait, certain airlines may take up to 34 hours. 

This is the average nonstop flight time from Dubai to any of Istanbul’s major airports.

 Connecting flights and direct flights with a layover appear to take longer than non-stop flights. In such circumstances, the duration of the Dubai-Istanbul trip is determined by the layover destination supplied by your airline or by the one you select when booking your ticket. 

Waiting times at intermediate airports could range from 50 minutes to 25 hours.

Istanbul

Airlines & Flight Duration Of Different Airlines

Major airline flights departing from Dubai land at Ataturk Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport. Istanbul has two international airports. 

Flydubai DXB ➝ SAW  4 hrs 55 mins
Emirates Airline DXB ➝ IST 5 hrs
Turkish Airlines Turkish Airlines DXB ➝ IST 5 hrs 5 mins

What Are Istanbul’s Biggest Attractions?

Istanbul’s biggest tourist attractions are Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), Topkapi Palace, Suleymaniye Mosque, and the Bosphorus Strait. 

Bosphorus Strait Afternoon Cruise, Bosphorus Strait Entertainment and Dinner Cruise in Istanbul, Istanbul Classics Tour, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, & Basilica Cistern Combo Tour in Istanbul, Bosphorus Bridge, Camlica Hill, and Dolmabahce Palace Tour, Ancient Troy Day Tour from Istanbul are the top activities in Istanbul.

Dubai-Istanbul Flight Information 

Aerial distance 2998 kilometres
Flights per week In a week, there are 134 flights from Dubai to Istanbul.
Popular airlines flying from Dubai to Istanbul All Nippon Airways, Turkish Airlines, Air Canada, Royal Brunei Airlines, Pegasus Airlines, Emirates, Sunstate Airlines, Transavia Airlines, and Flydubai are among the carriers.
The shortest flight time from Dubai to Istanbul 04h 45m
Time of flight departure Flights from Dubai to Istanbul depart at 06:00 a.m.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, Istanbul is the ideal place to visit with your family and friends. It is even best for solo trips. There are several places to visit in Istanbul. So pack your vacation essentials, create a must-see list, and book your journey to Istanbul today!

To Consolidate Market Position GoAir Is Betting High On It’s Ultra-Low-Cost Model  

travel

GoAir Sets On Primary Expansion

As the airline vicinity struggles with the next COVID-19 wave, Wadias-promoted GoAir masses to put its eyes on a significant growth driver in stints of network and aeroplane fleet. He is currently betting huge on its ultra-low-cost conveyance category to strengthen its status as one of the limited Indian airlines earning profits in such a cost-intensive and highly competitive market. This success of the airline has made passengers to do goair flight booking more as compared to other airlines. 

“While most of the airlines are undergoing temporary headwinds, our airline believes in making its own identity through ultra-low-cost structure which is always running in its good stead.” its CEO Kaushik Khona said in an absorbing interview. 

In March, creator Jeh Wadia from the expounder family walked down from the corporation’s management. The airline moreover declared the height of Ben Baldanza, an international airline competent, sincerely as the vice-chairman. Badlanza has prevailed to be accredited with taking and reviving civil Spirit Airlines to the US. 

There have similarly been addresses that 

GoAir is on course to increase funds to fuel its development.  

Khona announced he stays optimistic that the ULCC (ultra-low-cost carrier) prototype will put GoAir on a remarkable growth route. 

“At GoAir, we are confidently striding forward, grateful to our ULCC model,” he said.  

Khona added 

Khona also said the ULCC model implicates sole aircraft and dynamo type, with a standard buyer-furnished appliance that furnishes the radiant and vastly cost-efficient great density seating of around 186 for its A320 Airbus neo airliner. 

All these benefits keep our undertakings simple and across-the-board cost low, along with a familiar ability set for captains and engineering team, among other discipline regulations,” Khona said.  

Khona similarly sounded hopeful about an underpenetrated Indian flying market, which he said, as the COVID pandemic halts, is anticipated to substantiate an enormous surge in demand. “We cater to a vast percentage of first-time aerialists and non-business tourists. Also, we see vigorous development shoots from minor cities – opting for quicker travel time vs railroads.” 

“At the same time, we foresee the tendency of periodic vacationing or short-term fun holidays thriving to post the epidemic,” he said.  

travelling

Second Factor 

The following factor propelling positiveness at GoAir has been its good track title of profitability above everything, he announced. Owing to the point-to-point system operations to steer slot limitations, GoAir contends an increased aircraft utilisation ratio of 12.8 hours each day and prior COVID-19 profitability report.  

“We were successful from the start till 2019 and shut down 2020 as a positive money performer. Productive undertakings are our USP, and we won’t jeopardise that,” Khona said.  

Passion for efficiency 

This enthusiasm for efficiency has similarly led the organisation to lag amid its partners, as some critics said. Nonetheless, Khona announced it is a trade-off the business has lived heartily with.  

“GoAir began with the goal of being a successful player and not barely hunting the demand share. In retrospect, we speculate that the rhythmic expansion agenda has endeavoured in the concern of GoAir,” he added.  

The airline has a declaration book of 98 airliners and commands a market percentage of around 10 per cent, the fourth biggest in the Indian skies. Still, Khona said this gives the airline a horizon over the market commander.  

“In a component, with the prominent players accounting for half of the market percentage, we are strongly situated to develop as a strong second player, concentrating on a slightly more rate sensitive consumer base,” he said.  

GoAir is venturing big on its corporation expansion proposals to utilise its profitability and talent to advance in an ever-changing yet favourable Indian aviation area. (1)

“Today, our functional expenses are as low, or even a tad more passive than the biggest airline in the nation, despite the discrepancy in caravan size. So, as we thrive on our undertakings, we will come to be even more productive as we enhance the balance sheet of the corporation,” Khona said.  

airport

GoAir has an extraordinarily safe and affectionate senior and median management. 

Most talked about systematic doors in the statuses of the corporation’s leading management. Khona said, “We speculate that GoAir retains a highly stable and reliable senior and median management. The regular age of the median management and senior management within GoAir is relatively strong at around ten years, encompassing some of the workers who have survived with us since the airline commenced its operations.”  

“Due to limited exits of senior levels, we acknowledge an untrue awareness has been launched about the airline concerning senior-level departures, but that reasoning is not true for sure,” said Khona, who is in the following assignment at the airline.

Top 9 Tips for Moving Safely During COVID-19

moving out

The Covid-19 pandemic has lasted for a long time already; that’s why society adapts to new conditions and continues everyday life with its challenges and urges. People take new turns in life, get married, have children, and change cities and places. Moving is always a headache, and Covid restrictions may make it even more complicated. In our article, we’ll look through some tips to make your relocation as safe as possible while using the moving company service. (1)

Choose Wisely

Inquire about your moving company’s sanitary policies. Make sure they regularly clean and disinfect their vehicles, moving materials, and other items. Ask if the company’s staff check their medical condition regularly and follow all necessary safety measures.

Look After Yourself

Don’t forget about safety precautions yourself. First of all, you should let the movers’ team know if someone from your family has Covid-19 symptoms. Respect not just your safety but the safety of other people too. Most reliable, professional movers have no problem with rescheduling your resettlement.

Make It Clean

Prepare your housing by cleaning and disinfection. You may hire a professional cleaning team, or you can do it yourself, following the CDC recommendations. Pay the greatest attention to the frequently touched areas, e.g., light switches, doorknobs, tables. You don’t have to use super-professional disinfectants; regular sanitizers, wipes, and soap can do their job if you are careful.

Keep the Distance

That’s a rule that should’ve been learned after two years of the pandemic, but to remember it again won’t be superfluous. When the movers’ team arrives, don’t forget to keep the 6-foot distance as much as possible.

Wear Your Mask

That’s another simple prioritized rule to remember. “Everyone should use a cloth face cover in public settings and while around persons who do not live in your family,” according to the CDC, “particularly when other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain.” Wear a mask yourself and check if the movers do that too.

Pack Efficiently

Reduce the number of boxes and moving equipment you’ll need for your relocation to make it safer and more efficient. Make sure there is no vacant space in boxes and that each one is labeled with the contents. This is beneficial at all stages of the transfer, as it will make the process of moving as well as the contact with the moving company’s team faster.

Make It Virtual

Rather than asking movers into your home for an in-person estimate, opt for a company that offers virtual estimates. To assist the moving business in providing an estimate, you might use video chat or images. Many moving businesses give consumers the option of receiving a virtual moving quote and signing documents electronically.

Disinfect the New Place

Clean the floors, doors, and windows in your new house before you start unpacking your boxes. The movers will usually arrive at the scheduled time to transport your belongings, allowing you to properly arrange your move-in. You can also spray disinfectant on the boxes before the movers carry them into the house as an added precaution.

Postpone Housewarming Party

We understand your eagerness to share your joy of getting to a new place with your friends and family; however, it’s best to stay away from parties for the time being. Postpone the celebrations to a time when the virus is no longer active to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. As an option, you may host an online party with your new neighbors and acquaintances.

Conclusion

Life cannot be disrupted since the pandemic has struck the planet. During COVID-19, relocating to a new city gives even more hurdles and can become even more stressful. A professional long-distance moving company, on the other hand, can assist you in safely relocating to a new house. To move smartly during a pandemic, you must follow all of the conventional pandemic guidelines and adapt them to your situation. While moving, social distancing and sanitization criteria must be followed. Also, be careful when you hire movers; this will keep you and your family safe while relocating during Covid-19. (2)

Top 5 Fun Facts About Egyptian Mythology

Egyptian Mythology

The fascinating world of Egyptian mythology, with more than fifty gods, has inspired people and invaders and several popular primordial cultures and rituals around the world. It is believed that the Egyptian gods created the most alluring and heavenly-looking land on earth, which was made from chaos.

Greek mythology, too, is also said to be heavily influenced by Egyptian mythology. Both the Greeks and Egyptians not only respected their gods and held them equivalent to the strong forces of nature but also believed that the different natural occurrences they witnessed were nothing but a representation of their gods.

It was believed that the Egyptian gods were an integral part of nature. Therefore, the Egyptians were meticulous observers of nature. They also used symbols to decipher the natural universe. For example, after accurately inspecting the frogs, they finally deduced that frogs could survive in water as well as on land. 

Here are the top 5 fun Facts About Egyptian Mythology

Egypt has always been a fascinating land, and its history is rich and varied. Egypt has always been a fascinating land, and its history is rich and varied, hence the popularity of so many luxury Egypt vacations to discover everything it has to offer. For thousands of years, Egypt has been a land of mystery and mythology, be it the ancient Egyptian or the Pharaohs; all of them have left behind some intriguing myths and fascination for us. Let’s read to know more. 

#1 River Nile – No Nile, No life

They lived on the floodplains of the River Nile that flooded every year, enriching the land with more fertility and nutrients restored, bringing abundance and better farming prospects. The river was also used as a major mode of transport. Egypt is predominantly a desert region, and the river Nile was responsible for sustaining all life living in the region. Apart from providing water to irrigate lands, it also offered trade and travel routes. 

Ancient Egypt became a thriving civilization thanks to the river Nile which supported a wide range of occupations and living beings. Ancient Egyptians cultivated wheat, beans, and cotton on the coast of the river Nile. The river flooded every six months annually and provided a permanent—sustainable way to keep the civilization alive. 

The river’s flooding was so peculiar that it gave off an impression that it was the work of the higher Egyptian gods and led to the emergence of social stratification in ancient Egypt. The sun god, Ra, and another supreme god Osiris were at the center of this structure and were said to have authority over the entire universe. 

#2 The Pyramids – the Massive Egyptian Tombs for Pharaohs 

Pyramids were the final resting places of Pharaohs after their death. The pharaohs were the mighty heads of states or religious chiefs who ruled over ancient Egypt. According to the Egyptologists, there were a total of 170 pharaohs in ancient Egypt, Narmer being the first one and Cleopatra VII being the last. 

Whenever a new Pharaoh ascended the throne to rule, he would often promote intense worship of the god associated with his specific school of thought. This god became the main national god for everyone to be followed and worshiped. For example, during the rule of Thebes from 2000 BC to 1700 BC, Amun-Ra became the primary god. 

The Pharaohs and their families were buried in the pyramids along with the treasure they possessed to help them sustain themselves in the afterlife.

Egyptian Pharaoh

#3 Mummification – the Great Scientific and Spiritual Art

To help the soul live an eternal life, the dead bodies in ancient Egypt were mummified. The Egyptians believed that a mummified body was home to the spirit of the person to reside forever after death. Before the process of mummification took over, Egyptians used to bury the dead bodies and perform last rites by burying the dead person’s belongings, such as pots, jewelry, etc., into the pit. 

It’s said that after the death of Osiris, who was the god of the dead, the entire universe witnessed extreme chaos, making the gods cry with tears rolling down their cheeks. These became the primary material used for the mummification of the corpses. Honey, incense, and resin were some of the key elements used for the process of corpse preservation. 

A disinfectant called Natron, which was a compound made of sodium carbonate and sodium bicarbonate, was the major agent used in mummification. The primary job of Natron was to make sure the dead body was evenly dried out. It sucked all the moisture out from the corpse and was strapped on as well as in the body using linen bags for 40 days to make the body completely dry from the inside out. 

The next step was to fill the empty body cavity with the mud of the Nile river, lichen moss, old rags, cloth pieces, and sawdust. As a replacement for the hollows of the yes, onions or linen, or cotton were stuffed. Sometimes internal body parts of the corpse were removed, cleaned with palm wine and spices, and stored away in clay or limestone containers. Even before this, there was another tradition of emptying the abdominal body organs, and burying them underground or below the tomb, except for the heart, which was retained in the body itself as they thought it was responsible for intelligence and thinking. 

The dead body was cleaned, covered in 35 to 40 back-to-back layers of linen cloth pieces washed, and finally preserved in resins and oils. This process made the skin color black.

#4 Apart From the Nile, Makeup Too Was Life 

Who said men don’t wear makeup? Egyptian men were front-runners in makeup. As a matter of fact, Egyptian people, both men, and women, had an immense affinity for makeup and wore it on a daily basis. 

Egyptians believed in doing intense cat-shaped eye makeup, mostly in color black. They used kohl or galena and a green-colored mineral powder called malachite for eye makeup. It was said that the black paint or kohl acted like an ancient form of sunscreen and protected their eyes from the sun. The green malachite powder created an illusion of bigger, almond-shaped eyes, magnifying their beauty. Metal or wooden sticks were majorly used as makeup applicators. 

The makeup products, the applicators, and the containers used for their storage signified different economic classes. The rich ones mainly used ivory for application and storage, whereas the poor Egyptians stuck to jars or applicators made of wood or clay, or metal. 

As mentioned before, both men and women engaged in makeup for the purpose of skincare, shoo flies away, shield skin from sunburns and infections as well as to look more attractive, and even mimic gods or goddesses. 

Lips were painted in different vibrant colors such as orange, magenta, blue or black. But the most sought-after lip color was red. Red was also worn by the famous Cleopatra and was primarily made from red ochre fused with gum or resin, dead ants, flowers, and beeswax. Lipsticks were not only applied to enhance the beauty of the mouth but also to show off social status. Therefore a lot of higher-class Egyptian women were laid to rest along with their pots or containers of lip colors.

To accentuate the cheeks and add warmth back to the face, a wide range of cheek paints or colors were used too. Hydrated iron oxide was used to manufacture blush for the cheeks, and it was applied using a damp brush made out of wood. Blush products made from red ochre were also quite popular, which gave a naturally flushed look to the cheeks and was also responsible for making the men and women appear more confident and attractive.

#5 All Hail the Cat 

Cats were highly revered in ancient Egypt. They were considered by Egyptians as one of the calmest animals. Also, Egyptians used animal features to showcase the varying moods and expressions of their gods. An angry and furious god was represented as someone having the head of a lion, while a gentle god was signified with the head of a cat.

The Egyptian goddess Bastet was depicted to have a female body and the head of a cat head. Her cult was widely followed, and those who were guided by the cult revered cats to a great extent. So much so that they also mummified the cats after their death. Archaeologists have even excavated a huge cat cemetery full of mummified felines in close proximity to her principal temple in Bubastis.

Ancient Egyptians were super inclined towards cats as everything from enormous cat statues to cat-shaped artifacts and jewelry pieces or amulets were widely used by them on a regular basis. Another reason why cats were respected was that they resembled Egyptian gods in terms of temperament and qualities. Egyptians even shaved their eyebrows off to grieve after their cat’s death. 

Cats were sacred and special because they were not only lovable but also massively fierce and independent creatures. Their unique capabilities to hunt like a pro and be stealthy like a ninja warrior were adored.

However, there is an evil side to the story, too, where cats were bred and grown only to be mummified alongside their owner’s corpse. 

Bastet

#6 Bonus Fact

The Ancient Egyptians built a large number of statues of their gods. In order to pay respects to them, they even cleaned the statues with a special kind of water that had the fragrance of the lotus flower. They applied oil to these statues and decorated them by dressing them up, wearing attractive clothes, makeup as well as jewelry

Conclusion

The great Egyptian gods were worshiped for the longest period of time, went on for over 3,000 years, followed by Buddhism, which lasted for 2,500 years, and worship of Christianity for 2,000 years. 

Best Psychology Software for Experiments in 2022

psychological aid

Psychology goes techie.

Why is that good?

Technology gives new tools. And that’s timely – mental health is turning into a global issue.

Worldwide, 970 million people suffer from mental disorders. That’s almost 1/7 of the world population. Also, 31% of people worldwide believe mental health is the most significant health problem in their countries. In March 2022, about 22% of adults reported symptoms of depressive disorder in the US only.

With technology, psychological aid gets widely available. And it can be anonymous, too. Margaret Hannah from TechCrunch says this may “encourage those less likely to seek help to address their mental health concerns.”

That is why the number of tech tools for psychological aid is growing.

This article will review the five most common and effective tools for letting psychologists do their job better. Here they are:

1. PsychoPy

PsychoPy is a software written in Python that allows psychologists to do a wide range of experiments in psychology, psychophysics, neuroscience, and more.

Primarily designed for highly professional specialists (they say: “PsychoPy® was written by scientists for scientists”), the program needed a lot of coding.

Later, it received a graphical interface too. Now, a user can program experiments by writing code in Python or using a graphical interface, which generates code for the user.

Additionally, you get free access to all the libraries, have access to the code (the program was improved greatly by voluntary contributors), and can post your experiments to share experiences.

It is completely free.

Basically, anyone can use the code of PsychoPy and employ some UX/UI design services to generate a specialized tool for some narrow domain of psychological research.

You can read more about this here:  https://mlsdev.com/services/ui-ux-design

2. Affect 4.0

This software can be used without programming experience, so a psychologist can use it as it is without hiring an IT specialist to program experiments.

It allows conducting different psychological and psychophysiological experiences.

The program generates different visual, acoustic, and even tactical (special hardware needed) stimuli and registers the response latency of users.

3. PsychToolBox-3

PsychToolBox-3 is a professional tool for running experiments. It works with programming languages C and Matlab. Yet, the program itself is relatively easy to learn. It is also quite flexible and shares a wide array of features, like frame buffer, color lookup, and others.

Synchronization with other systems is very handy when it comes to sharing test results.

This software also has an active community of users who share their thoughts and experiences on the dedicated forum.

Yet, using this tool requires some coding. If you don’t have the required experience, you may hire a custom software development agency for help.

Also, this tool shares some features with PsychoPy.

4. Testable

This program was created to run behavioral experiments. It is also great for surveys and data collection. The program is simple and can be run in minutes after some work with settings.

The program also has a library which is a pool of shared experiments, experiences, and a place for communication. Their community has over 30K participants.

Projects can be created, managed, and stored in the cloud. Experiment participants don’t have to download any software for experiments; it will be enough to merely click a link in a browser.

Testable generates different kinds of stimuli, like images, video, texts, and audio. A user can easily switch between them according to their needs.

5. E-Prime

This is a great tool to create personalized experiments. A user-friendly interface makes it fast and simple.

If inventing new experiments is not an aim, the program has numerous pre-built templates. Everything can be managed without additional coding.

A user can use all sorts of stimuli, such as texts, images, audio, etc., and select the amount of data logging.

Summing up

The majority of tools available today started as voluntary contributions from scientists looking for new ways to run their research and store the research data. Therefore, most tools presented here also collect wide communities for sharing experiences, to which everyone is welcome.

Author’s bio: Anastasiia Lastovetska is a technology writer at MLSDev, a software development company that builds web & mobile app solutions from scratch. She researches the area of technology to create great content about app development, UX/UI design, tech & business consulting.

Fake Friends Signs – 7 Clear Signals That Reveal There’s A Fake Friend In Your Circle

Fake Friends Signs

Fake Friends Signs – 7 Clear Signals That Reveal There’s A Fake Friend In Your Circle

They shine like gold on the outside…inside – wicked, rotten to the core. Fake friends stab you in the back and then ask why you are bleeding.

These people are only interested in what they can get out of you. They keep you around for their own benefits.

And you want to slap them but don’t know which cheek first. They are in your circle of friends. They’re fake.

Recognizing a fake friend can sometimes be difficult. So, to help you spot this wolf in a sheep’s clothing, in what follows, we’ve presented 7 telltale signs that show there’s a fake friend in your circle. We’ve also explained how to deal with a fake friend and recognize a toxic one. So, without further ado, let’s get to it.

What Are The Most Common Signs Of A Fake Friend?

1. They Use You, Then, Disappear 

A fake friend will call you for a cup of coffee only when they have nobody else to go out with. They want a company? -They’ll message you. They need some money? – Expect them at your door.

They’ll be with you only and only when they have an interest. Then, when you need them-bam…they disappear! No messages. No calls. Silence. Even a detective can’t find them!

Don’t expect help from a fake friend. They’ll never help you. Moreover, they’ll make you feel guilty by making you think you said or did something wrong to them.

2. They See You As A Punching Bag

Who is an ear and a helping hand? – You. Who is the best advisor? – Of course, you are. A fake friend knows they can lean on you. They know you have an ability to empathize.

Therefore, they’ll use you as a crying pillow and punching bag for releasing their worries, complaints, difficulties, and frustrations.

And they will not care. They will not care about how their negative vibes overwhelm your body and soul. They won’t care at all.

3. They Are Never Happy For You

They will adore you…until you get better than them. Then, jealousy starts biting their heart. It goes to the very core, making them unable to be happy for others.

A fake friend neither knows how to empathize nor how to share. They know how to contribute to your downfall, however. Simply because they are so self-centered.

A fake friend thinks they are the best and know everything. They think the whole world revolves around them. There’s no place for you in their world…until they need something from you.

4. They Want You To Think The Way They Think

If you aren’t their reflection in the mirror, a fake friend will teach you how to be their copy. Nevertheless, you’ll never be able to reach their magnificence!

A fake friend will always impose their opinions on you during a conversation. Moreover, they’ll be stubborn to make you accept them as always truthful and right.

If you try to express your own thoughts and feelings, they will get offended as they never accept what’s different from their opinions.

5. They Won’t Forgive You

You may be the best person, the best friend on this planet, but if you try to tell them the truth about their behavior – they will consider it an attack.

Do you want to tell them something for their own good? Go on. A fake person won’t speak to you again! Ever.

A fake friend will always ask for an opinion, but they’ll never accept it. They won’t forgive your mistakes. They won’t forgive even your wish to help them.

6. They Don’t Keep Your Secrets

A fake friend doesn’t know how to keep their mouth shut. They enjoy rumors, scandals, and secrets that entertain.

Even before you open your mouth, you’ll hear many talking trash about you. What’s more ironic, this fake friend will never admit it’s because of them.

Not only will they pretend it’s not their fault, but they’ll also never apologize; Moreover, they’ll continue spreading rumors about other people, including you.

7. They Pretend They Like You

 They wear so many masks! When you are with them, they express their love; When you are not around, they use the opportunity to tell everybody how much they hate you.

A fake friend is a dangerous creature! More dangerous than your enemy is!

Life is too short for fake friends. Kick them out of your life!

You don’t need another drop in the ocean of fake people.

Who Are Toxic Friends?

Friends help make life easier, happier, and more meaningful. They bring a sense of fulfillment into your life and keep you from feeling lonely.

Unfortunately, some friendships might completely have the opposite effect on you and your life. Such friendships emotionally harm you, bring you down, and drain you mentally. Such friendships are toxic.

The tricky thing is that it can sometimes be hard to recognize that you’re dealing with a toxic friend since your love for them can blind you to their toxicity and the negative ways they influence your life. So, to help you identify a toxic friend, in what follows, we’ve presented 10 tips on recognizing friends who make you feel drained and miserable rather than happy.

1. They Make You Feel Uncomfortable

When you are around a real friend, you’re supposed to feel free and comfortable expressing your opinions and feelings. But you don’t feel this way when you’re around a toxic friend.

Perhaps they lose their temper and shout at you over insignificant stuff, such as not returning something they lent you. Then, the next minute, they behave like everything is fine. So, if you have a friend that constantly makes you feel like you have to walk on eggshells when they’re around, take this as a sign they’re not a good friend.

2. They Put You Down

Of course, it’s normal for friends to joke with each other and even make jokes at each other’s expense, particularly if that’s making everyone laugh.

However, when a friend regularly criticizes you, makes snide or sarcastic comments about your physical appearance, achievements, family, or problems, or insults you, this is a sure sign your friendship is toxic.

3. They Make You Feel Unsettled

Spending time with a good, loyal friend is supposed to make you feel happy, content, calm, and relaxed. But if instead of feeling this way, you feel mentally and emotionally drained, upset, or just uneasy when you’re around a certain friend, even if you can’t explain why this is so, they’re likely a toxic friend.

4. They Gossip

You shared an intimate secret with a friend, and the next day, half the town knows the details.

Of course, anyone can make a mistake and unintentionally say things they shouldn’t. However, toxic friends enjoy betraying secrets even when you share personal information with them in confidence.

So, if you have a friend that constantly lets others in on your secrets, breaks your trust, and talks behind your back, you can take this as a sign that they’re toxic.

5. They Don’t Accept You For Who You Really Are

A true friend understands that you have your own insecurities, fears, annoying habits, and flaws just like everybody else, and they accept you just the way you are – with all your weaknesses and imperfections. 

If there’s something you’d like to change about yourself, you can ask for their help or advice on that, and they might encourage you and support you to do that. However, they’ll likely wait for you to ask for their help rather than telling you what you should change about yourself. Toxic friends do the opposite.

6. They Don’t Apologize Sincerely

If a genuine and loyal friend has said or done something that hurt your feelings, they won’t be hesitant to admit that, apologize to you, and try to make it up to you somehow. They’ll be willing to accept responsibility for their actions. This is something a toxic friend would never do.

If you call a toxic friend out on their behavior, they’ll either ignore you or tell you something like, “I’m sorry I told you those things, but I was just joking.” They’d never admit their mistakes or hurt your feelings. And when a person doesn’t apologize to you sincerely, this is a clear sign they don’t care what effect their behavior has on you.

7. They Compare You To Others

Do you have a friend that often points out that you’re different from their other friends and that hanging out with you would be more interesting if you behaved more like X or dressed more like Y?

The thing is that we all have unique traits that make us special and different from the rest, and a real friend will always be aware of that. They won’t make you feel like you’re less than others or expect you to behave like someone you’re not and never will be.

8. They Demand All Your Attention

Regardless of how much you love and care about a friend, you can’t fulfill every emotional need they have or spend time with them 24/7. However, toxic friends do not or refuse to accept that. A toxic friend may try to convince you that it’s your responsibility to devote all of your attention to them no matter what. For instance, they may try to demand your attention by:

  • Insisting that you’re the only one that understands them the best.
  • Calling you or reaching out to you many times during the day.
  • Exaggerating personal problems to get your support.
  • Excessively praising you for how helpful, generous, and caring you are.

9. They Always Put Themselves Front

A toxic friend will call you and hang out with you only when they need something from you. However, when it’s you who need their help or emotional support, they’re nowhere to be found. They simply disappear.

A true friend is always there for you when you need them. They let you know you can always rely on them. And they never change the subject of discussion when you’re complaining about something or trying to vent your frustrations or anger.

10. They’re Jealous Of Your Other Friends

A real friend will never feel jealous of other people in your life. They’ll never disrespect those you care about, try to isolate you from them or convince you that your life would be more meaningful without them in it. A toxic friend does the exact opposite.

How Do You Deal With A Fake Person?

First things first, keep in mind that it’s completely fine to want to give a fake friend a second chance. Perhaps they don’t understand what impact their behavior has on you. Or perhaps they selfishly behave toward you without showing any bad intentions. In this case, talking to them about how their actions make you feel could help improve things. For instance, you can tell them something like, “It really hurts my feelings when you make negative comments about my friends. Please, be careful what you say about them in the future.”

However, if you’ve tried talking to that person and the conversation hasn’t helped, and the friendship negatively affects you, this may be a sign that it’s time for you to put an end to the friendship and move on.

Whatever the case may be, here are a few tips on how you can deal with a fake person.

1. Set Clear Boundaries And Stick With Them

If the fake person happens to be one of your friends, and you’ve decided that you don’t want to end the friendship, it’s important for you to establish firm and clear boundaries.

Let your fake friend know that you won’t tolerate certain behaviors, like lying, manipulating, criticizing, insulting, gossiping, or acting immaturely or irresponsibly. You can also explain how these behaviors make you feel and how you’ll react to them in the future.

2. Don’t Allow Their Toxic Behavior To Get To You

Fake people can be quite annoying and difficult to handle at times. But no matter how irritating they can get and how quickly they can make you lose your temper, it’s important to keep your cool when around them.

Nevertheless, if the fake person is rude to you or says something that insults you, you don’t have to act as if nothing happened. Instead, call them out on their behavior and let them know you won’t tolerate being treated that way.

3. Keep Your Interactions Short

If you have a fake friend, it can be hard to avoid seeing and hanging out with them. However, instead of ignoring your fake friend altogether whenever you see them, try to behave politely while being a little distant towards them. Talk to them the way you’d talk to someone you’re meeting for the first time.

4. Be Open And Direct

If you’ve decided to end the friendship, make sure your fake friend knows the reasons why you’ve made that decision. Explain to them why you don’t think there’s a point in staying friends with them. Carefully think about what you want to say and how you want to say it. This will help you avoid any ambiguity regarding the status of your friendship.

5. Turn To Your Support System

Being trapped in a friendship with a fake friend can make you lose your trust in others and feel confused. So, you may have taken a break from other friends. If so, you should consider reaching out to them again.

Your friends and family are your support system. They’re the ones who truly care about you and have your best interests at heart. Opening up to them about your situation can help you determine whether you want to keep or end the friendship. They can give you an unbiased assessment of your situation and offer you support and advice on how you should treat your fake friend and whether you should continue being friends with them.

6. Be Calm And Direct

If you’ve decided to end the friendship and are planning to inform your fake friend about that, chances are they won’t approve of your decision. They could start a bitter argument or even try to turn the situation around and make you feel like you’re the one to blame for your failed friendship. When that is the case, it’s important to stay calm and not react angrily or start insulting them. Instead, stay firm and explain clearly why you no longer want to be friends with them.

7. Take A Break From Them

If you’ve noticed a friend is treating you unfairly, you might want to take a break from them temporarily and see whether this will change something.

Taking space for yourself can help you reflect on your feelings and think about what steps you should take next. For example, you may realize that you’re happier and better without that person being around you. If so, this is a sure sign that you should end the friendship.

How Do You Let Go Of Fake Friends?

Letting go of a friend is never easy, even when they’re a fake friend. However, that is sometimes the best thing you can do to save yourself from someone’s lies, controlling behavior, and negativity.

So, if you’ve decided to let go of a fake friend, here is how you can do that without causing yourself or themselves pain:

1. Be Direct

If you’ve decided to end a fake friendship, be direct with that person. Let them know why you don’t think your friendship is not working well anymore and that you’ve decided to take a different direction in life.

However, make sure you don’t end your friendship with that person over the phone or by texting them. Instead, talk to them face to face.

2. Think About What You Want To Say To Them

Before you tell a fake friend that you’ve decided to end your friendship, make sure:

  • You carefully think about all the things you want to tell them and how you want to do that.
  • You are firm, clear, and thorough while explaining how you’re feeling about your friendship. 
  • They know everything that’s on your mind. 
  • You remain as calm and nice as possible.

3. Allow Them To Express Their Opinion

Once you’ve said what you had to say, let them talk. They may try to apologize or make it up to you somehow. Or they may get defensive and start an argument. Whatever their reaction may be, give them a chance to express their feelings and opinions.

4. End The Conversation And Walk Away

If you’ve decided to end the friendship and you know there’s no chance that you will change your mind about it, politely thank them for talking with you and say you’re sorry things ended that way. 

Baby Formula Guide

best baby formula

Modern baby formula is carefully designed to meet the kids’ needs. Such food is a good alternative to breastfeeding and the supermarkets are overwhelmed with it which makes the selection of the right formula a kinda challenge.  So how to make the right choice in the diverse baby formula? Let’s find it out. 

baby drinking milkTypes of Baby Formula

There are a large number of different formulas, which are classified according to different indicators. 

By Consistency

The first type is the liquid formula that does not require additional preparation, except for heating, but the cost is very high and the choice is quite limited.

The second type is the dry powder formula which is much more dominant in terms of variety and quantity. It’s much more convenient for transportation, preparation, storage, and dosing.

By Content

Most modern infant formulas are based on the best quality cow milk such as hipp baby formula. Less often you may find baby food based on goat milk. But both of these types are riched with various vitamins, prebiotics, and bifidobacteria. According to the degree of milk processed, the formula is divided into adapted, partially or less adapted, and non-adapted.

Adapted milk formulas are as close as possible to breast milk, they are much easier to digest and are recommended for feeding newborns.

Partially adapted formulas are less close to breast milk and suitable for children older than 6 months.

Unadapted milk formulas are made from milk powder or casein-based natural cow milk protein, but fatty acids or whey may be excluded. (1)

By Age

As a newborn grows and develops, its body’s needs for micronutrients and vitamins change, this is a completely natural process, because breast milk changes its content over time. It is very important to pay attention to the formula stage, which is always indicated on the product packaging. According to the EU regulated commission, the formula must be divided into stages. For example, such a world-known brand as Holle has baby food intended for kids from birth to 3 years old for normal and healthy development. 

Sometimes, due to the peculiarities of a kid’s health, it is necessary to use specialized formulas e.g. with a high content of certain vitamins or without lactose. Therapeutic nutrition should be prescribed only by a pediatrician.

Of course, to design a content identical to breast milk is simply impossible. But the best baby formulas contain a full set of nutrients, vitamins, and trace elements needed by the immature organisms. The formulas can be enriched with additional components. For example, amino acids that are necessary for development. As well as prebiotics and probiotics, which are important for the normal formation of intestinal microflora. (2)

Final Thoughts

The best formula is the one that suits a child. Sometimes babies get used to the formula without any problems. And sometimes you have to try products of different types and brands to find the best solution. In any case, the first step before starting bottle-feeding should be a consultation with a pediatrician.

How To Win When Playing In Online Casinos

online casino slot machine

It’s no secret that online casinos can be a lot of fun. But for some people, the prospect of winning money makes the experience even more enjoyable. If you’re one of those people, you’ll want to read on. This post shares some tips on how to win when playing in online casinos. So without further ado, let’s get started.

casino Ad

Stick to the Rules of the Game

This means knowing when to hit and stand in blackjack or which numbers to select in roulette. It also means being familiar with the terms and conditions of each casino’s bonus offers. Familiarizing yourself with the rules will help you avoid making costly mistakes that could lead to significant losses.

Most casinos will often have rules that you must follow to claim any winnings. So make sure you are familiar with the game’s rules before you start playing. It will help you look good in the eyes of the online casino.

Choose the Right Casino

Choosing the right site is essential because it can affect your chances of winning. A reputable, well-established casino is more likely to offer fair games and good customer service. It’s also important to read the fine print and make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the site before you make a deposit. This will help prevent any surprises down the road.

With the many options of the casino sites, you may wonder which approach to take first. Luckily, you’ll land at the best online casinos with some research. It’s fundamental to go through the reviews others give regarding the platform. Think about the bonuses and ease of depositing and withdrawing money.

Know-How Far You Go

The second rule of winning in online casinos is to know your limits. It means setting a budget for yourself and sticking to it. It’s also important to be aware of your limitations. If you’re not comfortable risking large sums of money, then don’t.

There’s no shame in playing it safe and sticking to lower-stakes games. Doing so will help you avoid mistakes that could lead to considerable losses. This makes you a responsible player who is healthy in the long run.

Be Selective With Your Games

Not all casino games are created equal. Some, like slots, are purely based on luck. Others, like blackjack and poker, require skill and strategy. If you want to improve your chances of winning, it’s important to choose games that favor skill over luck.

Blackjack and poker are two good examples. Both require a certain amount of strategy and skill to win. They also offer some of the best odds in the casino. So if you’re looking to improve your chances of winning, these are two games you should focus on.

Practice Makes Perfect

There is nothing as rewarding as playing more often. This means playing for fun before you play for real money. By doing so, you’ll get a feel for the games and how they work. You’ll also be able to test out different strategies and see what works best for you.

Gambling is a marathon, not a sprint. This means that you shouldn’t get too caught up in the excitement of the game and make impulsive decisions. Instead, take your time and think about each decision carefully. Doing so will help you sharpen your skills and knowledge more.

It’s pivotal to use the free online games for practicing. This will help you understand how the games work and give you a better chance of winning when you play for real money. So be sure to take advantage of the free games offered by most online casinos.

Managing Your Money

This means knowing how to set a budget and stick to it. It also means being mindful of your spending. When you’re on a winning streak, it can be tempting to keep gambling until you lose everything you’ve won.

Winning in online casinos is all about following the right strategies. By sticking to the game’s rules, knowing your limits, and being selective with your games, you can improve your chances of coming out on top. So keep these tips in mind next time you’re looking to win big in an online casino.

Play When Sober

friends

One of the most important things to remember when playing in online casinos is to avoid alcohol. It can cloud your judgment and lead to impulsive decisions. So if you want to improve your chances of winning, it’s essential to stay sober while playing.

Winning in online casinos is about following the right strategies. By sticking to the game’s rules, knowing your limits, and being selective with your games, you can improve your chances of coming out on top. So keep these tips in mind next time you’re looking to win big in an online casino.