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What is Retrograde and Why is Mercury Always in It? Astrology 101

By
Elizabeth Williams

Those who have never dabbled in astrology may associate ‘mercury retrograde’ with bad luck from passing comments. Learn what is retrograde and its true meaning.

Imagine blaming an entire planet for your recent misfortunes. Most people already do this, and the planet held responsible for it all is little old Mercury.

The term Mercury in retrograde seems to scare a lot of people who believe in its power to mess up your entire life. It’s even blamed for spilled lattes, fights between friends, and getting stuck in traffic. Mercury in retrograde affects us all, it seems, and even the non-believers find it to be a good scapegoat for their mishaps and poor decisions.

But what is retrograde, and why is Mercury the only culprit? Well, for one thing, this little planet isn’t actually out to get you. Keep reading to learn more about Mercury in retrograde, the science behind it, and more.

Mercury Retrograde Throughout History

The earliest mention of Mercury Retrograde as an astrological nuisance was the mid-1700s in British agricultural almanacs. Farmers who read these almanacs believed that this retrograde phenomenon was responsible for affecting the panting seasons.

Much later in the 20th century, Henry A Wallace—a farmer, almanac publisher, and secretary of agriculture and second vice president to Franklin Roosevelt—felt that astronomy was greatly linked to scientific agriculture. In other words, he believed that the rotating zodiac signs could clue us in as to what the best seasons were for planting certain crops. Even today, farmer’s almanacs are published with a basis in zodiacal charts.

Interestingly enough, publications in the 19th century made a connection between the planet Mercury, it’s retrograde cycle and heavy rainfall. With the Victorian era being a time of spiritual infatuation would characterize such things as heavy rainfall as a bad omen. 

In addition to this era of spirituality came the inclusion of gods and goddesses, such as the Roman god Mercury. Mercury was believed to be the god of travel, finance, wealth, commerce, and communication—therefore the planet Mercury in its time of retrograde becomes one with the god of all things that can go wrong.

Since the 1970s people have been wary of this astrological phenomenon, it is common to hear that you shouldn’t begin anything when Mercury is in retrograde. Since then, everything from a simple stomach ache to Texas electricity rates is blamed on the planet’s movement.   

What Is Retrograde?

The simplest definition of retrograde is a “step backward”. In terms os astronomy it’s when a planet appears to be moving backward in its orbit when being viewed from Earth. That’s right—it’s an illusion.

This apparent retrograde phase happens three to four times a year. All planets move from east to west around the sun, including Mercury. However, during these phases, Mercury seems to take a turn to go from west to east. In reality, the planet has just reached a parallel orbit to Earth’s, creating the illusion that it’s moving backward. It’s kind of like when you’re driving near a train. The train looks as if it’s running backward but really you’re just moving at a much higher speed. 

Regardless of this illusion, astrologers and other believers are convinced that Mercury in retrograde has some serious effects on our lives here on earth. And so the planet gets blamed for computer glitches, botched business deals, delayed and missed flights, mechanical issues, etc.   

Why Mercury?

You’re probably wondering—why don’t any of the other planets do this? The truth is, all planets do this. The reason being that Earth doesn’t follow the same orbital path as the other planets within our solar system. Therefore, at some point in time, all planets will enter a retrograde mode.

Unlike Mercury, the other planets may only enter the retrograde phase once per year, or not at all. When the other planets go into retrograde, you can bet that things will go awry—so why all the negative hype with just one planet?

Mercury gets the blame mainly because of its association with the god and everything he’s responsible for. It also has a lot to do with the planet’s closeness to both the earth and the sun. Mercury’s proximity to earth is what makes it so visible to us. Couple that with its frequent visits to the retrograde phase and you have your scapegoat. 

Separating the Facts From Fiction

People say a lot of things about Mercury retrograde, like don’t do business deals or buy a car during this time. They also say not to make any crucial decisions like buying or selling a house or starting a relationship until retrograde is no longer in effect. Even astrologers feel that you should be extra careful to protect your valuables and double-check your flight times—which is actually sound advice year-round.   

So, how does this fast little planet affect you and me four times a year?

Some people believe that Mercury has a special gravitational pull that can influence the water levels in our bodies, kind of like how the moon governs the tides. Of course, science will tell you that this is just not true. However, scientists do agree that it’s both a real and a superstitious phenomenon.

The real part about it has more to do with perspective than a gravitational pull or a planet gone mad. Mercury is much closer to the sun than the earth is, and it orbits at a much faster rate. Therefore it will complete a full rotation in less time. The phases of retrograde happen when Mercury’s orbit catches up to that of Earth’s, which is when this illusion becomes realized. 

Once the illusion is realized by all of us here on Earth, our perspective changes and everything feels out of sorts. 

How to Handle Mercury in Retrograde

Whether you’re a believer or not, there is a way to prepare yourself—and embrace—Mercury in retrograde. As mentioned before, during this time it’s important to take extra care and pay attention to the little details. Here are a few tips to get you through it:

  • Remember to breathe—it won’t last forever
  • Don’t rush ANYTHING
  • Don’t force problematic conversations in your relationships
  • Don’t begin new romantic relationships, if you can help it
  • Pay attention—you may not be able to avoid signing a contract or sealing a business deal, so make sure that you read the fine print on everything
  • Triple check all of your emails, texts, travel itineraries, etc. 
  • Reevaluate yourself and your life—this is the time to figure out what you need to heal from or revisit. 
  • Don’t fight it

Not everything during this phase has to be negative. Try to think of it as a time of reorganization. Many astrologers believe that Mercury retrograde, due to its proximity of the Earth and the illusion of taking a step backward, is trying to tell us something or offer us a “cosmic do-over”. In other words, it’s a time for second chances.

That means rather than fearing Mercury and all of its power in retrograde, we should embrace it as something positive. It is suggested that during this time, it’s a good idea to pick up an old project or revisit an old goal that you may have started working towards, but then lost track of. 

It’s also a good time to reach out to old friends or maybe even rekindle an old flame. It sounds counterintuitive to everything we know so far about Mercury retrograde, however, while it’s not the time to start something new, it is the time to focus on the old. 

The reasoning behind all this is that it’s believed to be a time of reevaluation—a time to slow down and really examine your life. In doing so, you may realize a new perspective or creative inspiration on an old project or a goal you thought you couldn’t reach before. New communication may be disrupted, but that’s only so communication from unsettled relationships can be mended. 

Remember, It’s Just an Illusion

So, what is retrograde?

While it may be defined as a step backward, but scientifically, it’s just an illusion. At least now you understand the science behind it and you have a new perspective to take on when Mercury enters into the retrograde phase once again. Or at the very least, you have a scapegoat four times a year when things just aren’t going your way.

For more interesting articles for your curious mind, you can browse through our website as we cover everything from planets that mess with us to health, relationships, and so much more. 

 

What to Expect from Dental Filling Appointments?

By
Elizabeth Williams

Hearing about going to the dentist’s office triggers a whole new level of anxiety in most people. This is because the idea of getting work done on the teeth while bearing the pain can be very hard to imagine, but it is necessary as well. However, it is not important that every time you visit a dentist or have a toothache, it necessarily means having a cavity resulting in dental filling. Following are some points you can keep in mind before going for a dental filling appointment, so you get an idea about what to expect.

Initial Dental Examination

The very first step to visiting a dentist is to confirm through your check-up what the problem is and if you really need a dental filling. The check-up will consist of a thorough examination of any cavities or slight fractures in teeth because if these issues are not attended on time, it can result in infection, pain and tooth decay. Sometimes, special gel and dyes are also used to expose the affected area of the mouth or can be tested by metal equipment. Sometimes, X-Rays also give the right report, but all methods depend on the case of the patient and preference of the doctor.

Learning About the Procedure

Researching about the procedure beforehand might trigger anxiety, but it might also help you understand the working and prepare yourself mentally. The procedure for dental fillings does not require any fasting, and you can brush your teeth and have your breakfast normally as you do. In case you are afraid of dental procedures, try scheduling in the morning so you get it done early without worrying about it the whole day. Dental fillings procedure does not take long or several visits, however some cases might differ depending on the condition of the teeth.

Usage of Local Anesthetic

Dental filling procedures are usually carried out by injecting the tooth and surrounding area with anesthesia. Numbing the tooth area saves you from pain. The anesthesia is either injected or applied in gel form. Thanks to anesthesia, the procedure feels just like the prick of a needle. Besides the gel and injection dosage, some dentists opt for laughing gas to relieve pain as well. In case you suffer from serious anxiety and cannot bear the procedure, you can consult your dentist to give you sedation as well. Understand that the gel and injection can make the dental filling procedure very comfortable, and the sedation option is more convenient for extreme anxiety patients.

Preparing the Affected Tooth for Procedure

If you are going to the dentist’s office for a dental filling, you should know that dentists prepare the tooth first to perform the procedure. You are provided with sedation, anesthesia or gel first to numb the area. Any decaying in the tooth area is then removed and it is filled. Usually, the procedure is performed by instruments that can be held by hand in order to get rid of all the water, debris and any decay. Some dentists might even use lasers to remove the damaged portions. Towards the end, a gel is applied which helps in maintaining the cleanliness of the tooth.

Applying the Filling on Damaged Tooth

Per New York Total Dental, removing the decay is important for filling the tooth. Different cases will require different materials for dental filling; which might include resin, metal or amalgam. The first thing in filling the tooth is to apply adhesive material over the tooth which helps in creating a strong bond to the tooth. The next step you’ll experience is the application of gel. The dentist will apply a light to secure the tooth by hardening the material. This process might be repeated several times to bind the materials together. This sealing of tooth can save the tooth from any further damage and intrusion of bacteria.

Adding Finishing Touches

After the procedure is done, the last bit is also important to refine the tooth filling. The composite material applied requires smooth finishing by polishing the teeth and edges. After this polishing, there is the step of biting down carbon paper as a test and to ensure that the filling is perfect. In case there is a problem, the tooth is filed down so that you get a natural feel after the procedure and have no issues while eating. Finishing touches are important to avoid any inconvenience later, so even if you are in a hurry, do not opt to leave this step and ensure that you feel comfortable with the dental filling before leaving the clinic.

Workout Recovery Supplements That Actually Works

By
Elizabeth Williams

Numerous studies conducted over the years in countries such as Russia, Korea, China, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand have revealed a wealth of scientific evidence supporting the incredible benefits of deer antler velvet. Thanks to this research, we can now confidently acknowledge the validity of its traditional usage and recommend it as a daily health supplement. With its proven effectiveness, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t include deer antler velvet in your everyday health routine!

Starting a workout routine can be rather complicated, especially with a full schedule. You can’t always find the time to hit the gym, and even worse, you don’t eat right or at proper times. Still, it is something everyone must do, because working out will improve not only your physical health but also your mental one. 

When you’re exercising, the body releases hormones that alter your state of mind, and you feel less stressed. But to get there, you need to properly exercise, which means you also need to know how to help your body recover. Sometimes, it’s not just about how well you sleep. The body needs extra incentive to recover on occasions. These workout recovery supplements can help you get there. But, like most workout supplements out there, you should always check out their reviews, preferably by experts in the field. This will give you a good idea of just how good a certain supplement is and whether or not it could really help your body recover faster.

Creatine 

If you talk to fitness enthusiasts, you’ll find that most of them use creatine before and after their workout for its varying benefits. This supplement helps you get more out of your workout, increasing your endurance level, and pushing you to make that extra rep. As a direct result, it helps increase muscle mass since your whole exercise intensity is enhanced, and in the long run, you gain muscles at an improved rate. 

Workout intensity aside, creatine is also known to help with post-workout recovery, and studies have shown that it helps athletes recover much faster after strength training. Regular doses should allow your body to regain its strength at a better rate, which means you can hit the gym on the following day without feeling muscle soreness or fatigue.

Whey protein

Whey protein is arguably the most famous fitness supplement in the market, and it is always in high demand for athletes of all sorts. It has a high concentration of amino acids, like cysteine, which repairs and builds muscle tissues after an intense workout. When you take whey protein before and after exercising, your muscle and tendon tissues will have a chance to recover in a matter of hours, instead of days. The great thing about this supplement is the fact that it is easily digested and rapidly absorbed in the body, giving the branched-chain amino acids within it a chance to quickly get to work and help your entire body recover. 

L-Glutamine

This is another amino acid that has great effects on post-workout recovery. A study published in the Journal of Exercise Science & Fitness showed that using L-glutamine after an intense strength training helped in reducing delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), which basically means you’d feel less exhaustion and soreness after working out. This supplement is present on its own in a lot of protein powders, but you could also use it separately as it comes in pills, liquid, and powder forms. Glutamine also helps increase protein synthesis in your body, as well as boosting your immune system and improving gut health. 

L-Carnosine

L-Carnosine is a great supplement, even for those who don’t regularly exercise. It helps reduce aging symptoms and promotes cellular rejuvenation by reducing hydrogen ions in your blood plasma, which usually cause of lowering the pH levels in your blood. L-Carnosine is actually quite popular as it helps delay the onset of fatigue in the body, but there are many brands out there offering it in different forms, which might not be as potent. This is why you need to be especially certain that you’re getting the best product on the market by seeing what other people have to say about it. 

Branched-Chain Amino Acids

Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are quite possibly the most potent workout supplements your body needs, and they have a ton of benefits. BCAAs are leucine, isoleucine, and valine, and they help your body recover faster than ever. When you work out, your body relies on the amino acids to get energy as your glycogen levels are at their lowest. This is why you need to replenish those acids since they reduce muscle soreness and damage, and they help your endurance levels as well, which means you can get more out of your exercise. 

Beta-Alanine

A lot of research on Beta-Alanine has been done, and it always yields great results. It is another amino acid that your body regularly produces to help combat fatigue by producing carnosine, which is a compound in your body that fights exhaustion. Your blood doesn’t usually have a very high concentration of Beta-Alanine, and this is why using it as a supplement is a good idea since it will promote the production of carnosine. This, in turn, will help you recover faster, and you’d also be able to perform better in terms of endurance and stamina. 

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a form of adaptogens that can help your body combat stress and avoid exhaustion in the long run. It works by reducing the levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the body, and as a result, you feel more relaxed, and your body recovers much better. 

Citrulline

While research is still a bit young on this particular supplement, some show that it can have a good effect on post-workout recovery, and some athletes have reported improved healing process after intense strength training. Citrulline enhances the production of Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, which also improves the energy levels of living cells in your body.

The good news is, you can find all these workout supplements online, from trusted sources, like Supersmart. At the end of the day, you need a lot of things to recover from an intense workout. Supplements can and will help your body avoid exhaustion and muscle soreness, but you need to dehydrate and drink a lot of water during and after working out. Your body needs to replenish the fluids it lost during the exercise, and you have to drink the required amount of water if you want to recover and avoid the symptoms of fatigue. And it goes without saying that none of this would matter if you don’t get enough hours of sleep every day because this is how your entire body rests and prepares for the next workout. 

Making Better Life Decisions: How to Avoid Financial Crisis

By
Elizabeth Williams

We know that, when it comes to our health, it’s easier to avoid a crisis than to cure one. The same is true of our finances; it’s easier to avoid one happening than fixing it. You can fix a financial crisis if it does happen, but no matter what, you’ll be under a lot of stress during the time it takes to mend a financial mess. 

There will always be things out of your control that could throw a wrench into your finances. Anyone can suddenly fall ill and not able to work, or be involved in a money washing scam, or have an accident, or even be laid off. These outside factors will always cause problems, and you have to find other sources of income and limit your spending to the basics until things get back on track. 

That said, there are also several things within our control that we might do wrong to lead to a financial decline. This could be making a bad investment, spending beyond our means, or a reluctance to try and save some money, plus other things. 

You can only prevent the preventable aspects of your life, and making more informative life decisions is the first step to help you avoid a financial crunch. So, what are the things you can start doing right now to better prepare your financial future?

Deal with money problems immediately: A money problem isn’t going to go away on its own, nor will it fix itself. Procrastinating on a problem will only make it worse, and that’s a certainty. Make sure you always have your bills paid on time, as well as any credit card debt. It can happen that you can fall back on paying some bills that need to be paid up as soon as possible before things spiral out of hand. In which case, and in many cases of emergency, lots of people will opt to take out a loan. Yet not every financial institution will be willing to lend you. For example, a bank can turn you down for several reasons, most often being having a low credit score. In this case, you want to look for lenders that accept a low credit score because, at that point in time, you need cash and not a judgment on your low credit score. Lenders don’t function the same way as any other channels, and you can receive the cash quickly and pay off any debts or outstanding bills you might have. As long as you’re able to pay the loan back, you should have no problem being accepted by a reputable lender. 

Create a budget: You need a firm footing on your finances, and this is the obvious way to start, but it’s often missed by people. You have to know how much is going out and what it’s going out for, as compared to how much money is coming in. The smallest or the biggest financial mess starts because not enough money is being made to keep up with expenses. Writing out a budget doesn’t have to be overly complicated, and even if you don’t know how to make a weekly, monthly, and yearly budget, there are plenty of tools out there to help you. 

Spend less: This is a no-brainer, but it’s often surprising how much people spend, even in the midst of a money problem. The truth is, not everything we buy has to be in the top league of its category. For example, you absolutely do not need to invest in designer clothes in all clothing items. Sure, it’s nice to pamper yourself every now and then, but more then, than now. You don’t always have to buy the latest gadgets or phones or spend vacation in expensive hotels and eat at expensive restaurants. There are always options in what we buy and spend on, so you want to see the available options that suit your budget.

Maintain your belongings: The way we treat our belongings can be very harsh sometimes! Our cars, for instance, have to be maintained instead of waiting for something big to go wrong with them. The same goes for our houses, where, with regular maintenance work carried out, your items, that you worked hard to get, can last longer. Small maintenance jobs will typically be less expensive than purchasing a whole new item or going through a big fix. That’s a small note to keep in mind the next time you abuse your car, TV screen, laptop, phone, or anything that you use. The more you use something, the more careful you can try to be when using it.

Use your skills: Whatever you do, know that any ‘get rich quick’ scam out there is just that; a scam. Don’t be fooled by investments that sound too good to be true, since they usually are. If you don’t know much about the investment or the people in a business, then don’t do anything you’ll regret. At the very least, make sure you have and understand the information about an investment. There’s no secret way of getting rich except through work. So if you have a skill, you could start making money out of that. It could be sewing, cooking, tutoring, or even running errands for people who need help. For some people, these small skills can turn a hobby into a full-blown business. For others, it’s another way to earn some extra cash on the side, so that at least they have their basics covered for every month.  

There are usually quite a few red flags and warning signs that will pop up before a crisis actually hits, so pay attention. When you notice you’ve been spending too much or needing to borrow money too often, or you don’t even know how much you have, then these are all wake-up calls. It’s perfectly all right to ask for guidance from others your trust on how to manage your money. Once you get the hang of making good decisions, you’ll be avoiding what everyone wants to avoid – a financial crisis. 

Best Vaping Devices: What You Need to Know

By
Elizabeth Williams
Electronic Cigarette

Finding the best vaping devices can be a tricky task; there are so many to choose from! In this post, you’ll find some tips for sorting through the many types of vaping devices to choose the one that works best for you.

Let’s dive in!

Types of Vaping Devices

Here are the main types of vaping devices.

E-Cigarettes/Cigalikes

E-cigarettes can take many forms, but they will always resemble conventional cigarettes or cigars. (Source: Vaping360, CC BY 2.0) 

E-cigarettes, also known as cigalikes, can either be disposable (common with one-piece designs) or meant for reuse (common with two-piece designs that have replaceable cartridges).

These tend to be the best vaping devices for vapers who prioritize stealth, discretion, and convenience. 

Vape Pens

Vape pens are among the most popular vaping devices. They offer a similar level of discretion and convenience as e-cigarettes but their slightly larger size makes for longer battery life and better performance.

Vape pens are among the best vaping devices for people who want something relatively small that can be reused indefinitely.

Pod Vapes

Pod vapes are similar to vape pens, both in terms of form and practicality. They typically come in two pieces — a battery and the replaceable (sometimes refillable) pods. Pod vapes are popular vaping devices among folks who enjoy nicotine, since there are many flavored nicotine pods available for them.

Box Mod Kits

When people new to vaping think of a vape, they’re often thinking of a box mod kit. These are larger than any of the previous types of vapes and provide improved performance to match.

They typically rely on external batteries and offer a wide range of customization options. For example, you can find box mod kits with temperature control, variable wattage, and specialized tanks.

These are among the best vaping devices for people who have been vaping for some time and have developed preferences.

Desktop Vaping Units

These come in a variety of formats but the most popular, by far, is the Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer. It’s a large unit that can vape concentrates or herbs with both balloons and whips. Its predecessor, the Classic Volcano Vaporizer, was frequently hailed the best of the best vaping devices in its day, and the modern version maintains that reputation.

This unit is pricey, though. For that reason, it tends to be among the most popular vaping devices with experienced, serious vapers. Since it’s not portable, though, such individuals tend to carry one of the above types of vaping devices for regular use.

Best Vaping Devices

Now that you have an overview of the different types of vaping devices, let’s look at the best individual products. If you’re not sure vaping is for you, however, click for more info about a popular alternative.

1. Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer

Let’s get this one out of the way since we’ve mentioned it already. The Volcano Hybrid Vaporizer, made by Storz N Bickel, is one of the best vaping devices, period. It is built to last, produces an exceptional-quality vapor, and is versatile (you can vape both herbs and concentrates).

Because it features a removable power cord, you never have to worry about battery life. You can even control the unit from an app for Android and iOS.

It provides a truly premium vaping experience and includes several accessories, including an herb grinder and air filter set.

2. Dr. Dabber Ghost Vaporizer Pen

The Dr. Dabber Ghost Vaporizer Pen is one of the top rated vaping devices of its kind. It features an atomizer made from titanium, meaning it can effectively vaporize e-liquid. 

The Dr. Dabber Ghost Vaporizer Pen’s design renders it virtually indestructible, which is perfect as its small enough to bring with you everywhere. Accessories this vape pen comes with include a dab tool and storage container.

3. DaVinci IQ Vaporizer

As far as best vaping devices go, you’re unlikely to find one with a design as beautifully minimalistic as the DaVinci IQ Vaporizer. Designed for vaping dried herbs, the DaVinci IQ features a bowl made from ceramic, a removable battery, and colors that include copper, blue, stealth, and gunmetal.

It’s a great portable vaporizer that fits in the palm of your hand.

4. Pulsar APX Wax Vaporizer

The Pulsar APX Wax Vaporizer is not only one of the best vaping devices out there, but among the smallest as well. Don’t mistake its small size for a lack of functionality, though; this thing packs a punch.

The Pulsar APX features a powerful 1100mAh rechargeable battery that provides up to one and a half hours of vaping time. It heats up in just five seconds and its pure quartz chamber distributes that heat evenly thanks to a strong glass mouthpiece.

If you’re looking for one of the top rated vaping devices that is compact and discreet yet powerful, this is it.

5. Boundless CFX Vaporizer

The Boundless CFX Vaporizer may bear more resemblance to an old cassette player (especially when its screen is on, revealing classic-looking graphics) but it’s indeed one of the top rated vaping devices.

It’s great for vaporizing herbal blends and aromatherapy formulas and is one of the few portable vaporizers out there that features an LCD screen.

But perhaps what truly makes the Boundless CFX one of the best vaping devices out there is its incredible battery performance. It lasts 75 minutes and takes only 30 minutes to recharge.

6. Mighty Vaporizer

The Mighty Vaporizer is so rugged it looks like it’d fit right at home on a construction site. This is another one of the popular vaping devices by Storz N Bickel. It relies on a dual power system that can last for about an hour and a half.

The Mighty Vaporizer is portable and uses both conduction and convection heating methods. Great for vaping both herbs and liquid, it’s one of the best vaping devices for people seeking something portable that doesn’t need to be too discreet.

7. Da Buddha Vaporizer

Here’s one of the most popular vaping devices for achieving zen. The Da Buddha Vaporizer’s materials include aluminum, ceramic, and glass. It takes a “no-frills” approach to design that is in keeping with both its name and the lower price point it comes in at compared to other desktop vaporizers.

It comes with several accessories, including three feet of tubing, a wand and mouthpiece made of glass, and a padded storage bag. The Buddha is ideal for vaping dry herb.

8. Tyga x Shine Atmos Pillar

This is one of the most popular vaping devices in part because of its affiliation with rapper Tyga. While the company that manufactures it, Shine, is perhaps best known for their astronomically-priced 24 karat gold rolling paper, the Atmos Pillar comes in at a very reasonable $99.95.

You have a wide range of temperatures to choose from with the Atmos Pillar; it can handle between 340F and 440F. That makes the Atmos Pillar suitable for vaping wax concentrates at the higher end of its temperature spectrum.

The Atmos Pillar is one of the best vaping devices for people looking to find a lightweight and durable unit.

9. Yocan Evolve Plus XL Vaporizer

If you’re looking for one of the best vaping devices under $100, the Yocan Evolve Plus XL is a great option. It features a 1400mAh battery, five second heat-up time, and USB charging. It is one of the most popular vaping devices among new vapers.

One of the Evolve’s most impressive features is its quad coil technology that makes it ideal for cloud chasers.

10. FireFly 2+ Vaporizer

Last but certainly not least on this list of the best vaping devices, we have the FireFly 2+ Vaporizer. While many of the other vapes on this list feature heating times of five seconds (which is certainly impressive), the FireFly 2+ takes it a step further and offers three seconds of rapid heating team.

Its removable battery allows you to swap it out as needed. The unit also offers a free app for Android and iOS.

Conclusion

Now you know about the many different types of vaping devices. You also have 10 great options that should cover your every need. If you’re brand new to vaping, consider starting with one of the cheaper models to get a feel for what you like. Over time, you’ll develop preferences and be able to justify buying some of the truly premium models out there.

Criminal Offenses: What Are They?

By
Elizabeth Williams

The law was established to provide order, structure, and ensure public peace and welfare. Without its binding rules and regulations, the world will operate chaotically with no regard for human rights, properties, and other things that matter. People with a greedy and destructive nature would go on and succumb to their ill-willed tendencies with no concept of consequence and punishment. In a world where the law becomes the ultimate basis of your actions, there is more than just the moral compass that people naturally exercise. An understanding must be reached because ignorance of the law excuses no one.

Although crimes or criminal offenses vary and are too many to cite, we’ll list here the most common ones, and define them for better awareness.

Crimes can be categorized into five primary classifications: personal crimes, property crimes, inchoate crimes, financial crimes, and statutory crimes. All of these should be handled by a criminal lawyer, especially cases with extreme charges.

Personal Crimes

Personal crimes can be referred to as crimes that resulted in physical harm, mental harm or, worse, death to another human being. These crimes can be categorized as homicide or other forms of violent crimes that will be listed below.

  • Homicide – This crime is the act of a human being killing another. Although homicide cases can either be murder or manslaughter, there are cases wherein homicide becomes lawful and dismissed for the reason of self-defense. Aside from murder and manslaughter, these criminal acts belong to the category of personal crimes.
    • Vehicular homicide
    • Arson
    • Assault and Battery
    • Child Abuse
    • Domestic Abuse
    • Kidnapping
    • Rape and Statutory Rape

Property Crimes

When it comes to these crimes, the person interferes with another person’s belongings that causes them to be deprived of the use or enjoyment of the mentioned property. Although these criminal acts sometimes involve mental or physical harm, they mainly focus on the property’s state. Common examples of property crimes are:

  • Theft – This involves the unauthorized and unlawful attainment of the property by a human being to deprive another person of the enjoyment or the use of the mentioned property.
    • Burglary
    • Robbery
    • Larceny
    • Vehicular Theft
    • Shoplifting

Inchoate Crimes

On the other hand, inchoate crimes are criminal acts that were started or initiated but not accomplished. Depending on the state or the country, inchoate crimes may appear less or more severe, and the punishment may vary. Inchoate crimes do not only involve an intention. However, a step towards the accomplishment of the crime must be undertaken. More cases of inchoate crimes include:

Statutory Crimes

Statutory crimes are criminal acts contrary to what the state prescribes with the intention of promoting peace, welfare, and order in the community. Most of the time, statutory crimes involve alcohol, drugs, traffic, and white-collar offenses. The state prosecutes these crimes with the hopes that people would stop engaging in them, for they have serious consequences.

  • Driving under the influence
  • Open container violations
  • Possession of alcohol for minors
  • Public intoxication
  • Underage DUI
  • Boating DUI
  • Selling and supplying alcohol to minors
  • Refusal in performing a field sobriety test
  • Refusal in performing a breathalyzer or providing a blood sample

Financial Crimes

Money or wealth-related crimes are usually witnessed in corporate settings. These crimes are also referred to as white-collar crimes because most corporate megalomaniac performs them. However, in the current world, it can be done by anyone who knows how to scam people.

Although peace and order are an unquantifiable state of living, and it often appears difficult to achieve, everyone’s commitment to abiding by the law makes it possible to live with no worries about security.

Here’s why learning Spanish is worth its weight in gold for your professional career

By
Elizabeth Williams

Although the English language is widely used in the 21st century and, hopefully, in years to come. However, Spanish as a second language and along with Mandarin, the only language able to compete with the English language. Do you know the benefits of learning Spanish to find a job?

Learn Spanish Argentina or Spain is fashionable. And this Romance language of vulgar Latin and with deep European roots, can boast of being studied by more than 21 million students. It is the second most spoken language in the world and is official in more than 30 different countries. There is no city in the world where students do not learn this language but there is nothing better than studying it in countries of South America.

5 reasons to improve your career through language

Besides the fact that you like to learn this language, to learn Spanish in Argentina will help you to learn and consider it as a perfect language and to be able to take advantage of job offers around the world. These are some of the benefits of learning Spanish to find a job.

1. Talking a foreign language gives you a competitive profile over other candidates

Some companies need their employees to be comfortable with a particular skill like languages. If the candidate does not control the language needed, the chances of getting the job are lower.

On the other hand, the requisite of speaking Spanish it is not always expressed by the company. In every case, showing that you are capable of learning a new language when you already master Spanish will represent a great capacity of adaptation and communication skills.

If during previous interviews you found yourself in trouble about a skill required by the company, you can try to make the difference at the next interview. Start learning a new language for your next interview for standing out other candidates. 

2. You can show employers that you are hardworking and that you are willing to go through difficulties or challenges.

You will be able to show you are capable of learning not only about grammar and syntax, but you are also capable of adapting yourself to different environments even when you struggle and succeed.

3. Being able to talk Spanish demonstrates that you are comfortable with new experiences and willing to try new things.

It can be not always pleasant to talk in a foreign language and expose yourself to criticism or not being totally understood by natives.

By taking Spanish or any foreign language you can prove you made small experiences and you are capable of innovating, improving yourself and learn constantly.

4. It can also lead you to potentially opening new markets for your employer, i.e. doing business in Spanish-speaking countries.

One more reason to outstand between other candidates: your language skills can mean an easier way to expand for the enterprise. Since you are capable of communicating, write and even negotiate with people from other countries, the ability to speak Spanish becomes quite a value.

5. If you are capable of communicating in a foreign language, you can find work in different countries and try different career paths or sectors, i.e. move abroad and pursue different job types.

Spain, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Chile… Who has never caressed the idea of going to work abroad? Once you master Spanish, getting a job in most countries in Latin America or Spain is far easier. If you would love to start fresh in a Spanish speaking country or just have a year experience abroad, learning Spanish is the very first step!

By learning Spanish in Argentina with a school like Expanish, students can prepare future successes in their professional lives. With a variety of different classes and activities sign up for, students have unlimited possibilities to learn Spanish and experience the best immersion program in Buenos Aires.

Expanish has opened its doors in 2006 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and has expanded to Barcelona, Spain. By offering a modern environment near Buenos Aires center town, the school has received several certifications from international organizations like IALC, Star Awards and it is soon to be accredited by the Cervantes Institute.

4 Scary Things to Do to Keep the Halloween Spirit Going All Year

By
Elizabeth Williams

From ladies and gentlespooks to boys and ghouls, almost everyone loves a good scare. And what better time to take advantage of that than Halloween?

If the scariest thing about your Halloween this year was the fact that you didn’t do anything to celebrate, don’t fret. Just because the holiday has passed doesn’t mean that spooky season has to be over! You can indulge in spooky home-made Halloween snacks year-round if you want to keep the season’s spirit alive. The best part is that you can continue celebrating without eating a ton of junk food. Halloween themed snacks are not only irresistible, but they’re also fun to make, share, and eat!

Read on for five of the best scary things to do around town that will keep the Halloween vibes going all year long.

  1. Ghost Tours

Did you know that your city is haunted? Whether or not you believe in ghosts, there are rumors of them in spooky places almost everywhere you go.

Most major cities across America have legends of murder, tragedy, and spirits that stuck around. Do some quick research online to find a ghost tour near you for a bone-chilling nighttime activity—you might be sharing the streets with more of the dearly departed than you realize.

  1. Oddity Shops

Shopping for scary props and costumes is a blast, but you won’t find many Halloween stores open all year. Instead, head out to a local oddity shop to get your fix of all things strange and unusual.

Oddity shops (also known as “curiosity shops“) are carefully curated boutiques of the weirdest goods from around the world. Many have an eclectic mix of vintage goods and modern art pieces, taxidermy, and strange medical devices. Whether you’re getting a head start on next year’s Halloween decor or hoping to add a gothic touch to your home, you’re sure to find something interesting inside.

  1. Horror-Themed Escape Room

If you aren’t familiar with the concept of an escape room, it’s like being dropped into the middle of an ongoing story. There’s a conflict you’ll have to resolve (usually in 60 minutes or less) by solving a series of puzzles as a team. If you uncover all the mysteries in time, you and your friends will successfully escape the room!

While all escape rooms have an element of suspense and the stress of working against the clock, they don’t all cater to the horror-minded crowd. But those that do go all-out for a heart-pounding interactive experience you won’t soon forget. Look for rooms with themes like a mysterious mansion or a kidnapper escape for a spooky night of fun!

  1. Murder Mystery Dinner

For those who love the drama of Halloween but aren’t into the horror scene, an interactive murder mystery dinner may be just the thing.

Similar to a real-life game of Clue, murder mystery parties are a great way to give any occasion a healthy dose of fright. You can buy a pre-written scenario or take a beloved scary story and make your own. Have guests dress up as their characters and prepare yourselves for a night of mystery, scandal, and intrigue!

These Scary Things to Do Will Make Halloween Last All Year Long

This spooky season doesn’t have to end with the month of October. Try out these scary things to do whenever you’re in the mood for an adrenaline-filled evening and keep the spirit of Halloween strong!

For more fun ways to spend your time, make sure to check out the rest of the articles on our site.

 

Healthy Lifestyles for Happy Seniors

By
Elizabeth Williams

As we grow old, we have to face a lot of changes. We change our physical appearance, our skin shows more and more signs of aging, the hair becomes gray, and it seems that everything starts to hurt. 

From another point of view, our children become adults, they start their own families, maybe even move to other cities, and we see less and less of them. As time goes by, you start learning that a friend of similar age has passed away, and then another. You retire, you do not have to get up every morning at a specific hour to go to work. 

Getting old sounds really terrible, doesn’t it? It does, but you know what? This is our normal life cycle. Everything we described above is natural and it has to happen whether you like it or not. We all have to go through this process. The thing that sets us apart from each other is how we choose to see things, how we choose to live until the very last moment.

Nourish your mind with positive thoughts

Your mind is what controls your every thought, feeling, activity, and movement. It is very important to understand that everything you are going through is normal. As we have already mentioned, you have to go through these stages, whether you like it or not. You cannot stop it. 

There is a very wise saying which states that if you can’t beat them, join them! This is how you need to look at things. So what if you cannot see your kid every day? You should be happy about it because it means that he or she is independent enough and does not need your help all the time. It means that they will do alright even after you are gone. 

So what if you are retired and do not have to go to work? That is actually great! It means that you have all the time in the world to do whatever you want, the things you never had enough time for, because you were too busy working. 

Does everything seem to hurt? It is not pleasant, it’s true, but at least you can handle things, walk, and perform various activities that young people with disabilities only dream of doing or you can explore online therapy. Do you need more examples? There is plenty more where that came from. You must have grasped the idea by now. 

Physical activity

Do not worry, we are not sending you to the gym, although there are many exercises designed for seniors as well – just saying. When we say physical activity, we refer to keeping yourself active. Do not spend half your day in bed or in a chair watching TV. 

It really is not good for your health. You should walk as much as you can, go to places, meet up with old friends you might not have had time for in the past years. Work in the garden, visit places, walk in the forest, and breathe the fresh air. 

Feel free and keep your body and your mind occupied. As long as you do this, you will not feel old. Your muscles will not weaken, and you will be able to ignore some of the pains you might be feeling. 

Keep yourself connected

Isolation is one of the major factors that lead to depression. As we grow old, we seem to have less patience and find various defects in other people. These are just excuses because nobody is perfect and neither are you! Never forget that! 

Nobody is saying that you should go to the club to meet new people, but you should definitely not close yourself inside and get away from people. We are who we are with good and bad things. Take a walk in the park and smile when you make eye contact with someone else. 

Visit your children, stay with your grandchildren for a while, and even volunteer your time. Just by helping other people, you will gain a very strong sense of purpose. Also, working with other people in distress will make you realize how fortunate you are, and what you have taken for granted. 

We know, this all sounds great, but things sometimes seem better than they are in theory but not in practice. Yes, you could be disabled, but you could still do most of the things we described. Sit in your lightweight travel wheelchair and hit the road. What are you waiting for?

College Life: 10 Ways to Tackle Stress

By
Elizabeth Williams

Look, we get it. Adulting is stressful and unfortunately, part of the process of being an adult is putting yourself through college, and all the stresses and anxieties that go with it. Fortunately, there are a veritable plethora of ways that you can de-stress while struggling as a college student.

  • Zzzzzzzzzzz

If you’re a college student, chances are high that you’re burning the candle at both ends and down the middle. But it’s really not helping your stress levels. To say nothing of your school performance, your health will inevitably begin to suffer if you don’t rest regularly. The occasional all-nighter doesn’t hurt, but doing it consistently will eventually have consequences. We know it’s hard, but try to set aside enough time to sleep. Your anxiety will thank us.

  • Diet

The old myth that college students survive on nothing but ramen noodles isn’t exactly true, but it also isn’t exactly false, either. Chances are good that you’re not fortifying yourself with the right nutrients and vitamins to keep you going. Instead, you may be opting for quick, albeit unhealthy options to pick you back up. It’s crucial that you try to eat as healthy as you can while working through this, as a steady diet of unhealthy food will only make you feel worse and worse as time goes by.

  • Exercise

We know, we know. You’re stressed, you’re exhausted, and the last thing you feel like doing is moving around even more. But trust us, this is a good thing. If it’s an activity you enjoy, try to get out for about twenty minutes a day and get the blood pumping. With the rush of endorphins, you’re bound to start feeling a little less tense in no time.

  • Emotional Support

Do NOT bottle up your tension and frustration. It just bursts to the surface with more rage than Coke and Mentos. Instead, rely on a close family member or a trusted friend to lend an ear and allow you to vent away from your frustrations. Sure, they probably can’t actually help you with about 95% of your troubles, but you’d be surprised how much better you’ll feel just getting it off your chest.

  • Passions of Life

Your schedule is now filled to the brim with tests and exams, but that doesn’t mean you can’t spare an hour or so a day for your hobbies. College is the stepping stone toward fulfillment of life and the pocket. Hobbies are what fulfills the soul and it’s important to stay connected to them. Heck, there are even websites that are dedicated to helping you decide what your ideal pastime is.

  • Overload! Danger! Danger!

We know that college is demanding, but it’s not so demanding that you need to overwhelm yourself with volume in assignments and textbooks. Even if that stuff is mandatory, learn to say no to extracurricular activities when you know you’ve already got too much going on. You need to take care of yourself and your own projects first.

  • Stay Away from Alcohol

It may be tempting to relax after a hard day with a drink or two but warned, your anxieties don’t just go away with the buzz of the hard stuff. In fact, they flood back even harder afterward. If you’ve already begun to follow this habit and start to feel anxious at the idea of cutting back, you may have developed a dependency on it. The signs of alcoholism are usually subtle, often resembling addiction, and when noticed, it’s vital to seek help immediately.

  • Safe Space

If you’re unfortunate enough to have to deal with a roommate, then this may become crucial to you. Set up a space of quiet and solitude where you and your thoughts can just breathe. Whether it’s a single desk of your own or a special secret spot at the local library, this little safe haven may be the saving grace of your sanity at your busiest.

  • Get Organized

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how common of a problem it actually is. Too many people are too scattered, in more ways than one. They lose track of important assignments or books, and then on the day of the big event, they go into panic mode when they can’t find anything. This can easily be avoided by just keeping careful track of where you put everything. It’ll also save you a ton of stress in the process.

  • Learn Calming Techniques

These can be a great fallback when you’re overwhelmed. Maybe it’s a special breathing technique you use to relax, or a stress-ball you keep in your backpack for just such an occasion. Whatever the method you use, make sure that it’s something calming and grounding, designed to keep you focused and remind you that this too shall pass.

Stress is a sad fact of life, but it can be worked around. Learn healthy hacks to keep stress at bay or else banish it quickly, even in the midst of a class. College is stressful, but that doesn’t mean the stress has to rule you.

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