3 quirky modes of transport globetrotters should try
3 quirky modes of transport globetrotters should try

The various modes of transport—trains, cabs, and buses—are the major elements of our daily lives, and we do not find anything exciting about taking the subway to work. These different types of transport modes are something we are quite familiar with, which is why it holds no novelty for us; unless you have a kid with you who is taking the subway for the first time. However, as you move across different geographical locations, you’ll be enticed by the different modes of transport, which might leave you blown away, but might be a common sight for the locals.

So, if you ever decide to go backpacking across the globe, there are certain modes of transport you must try before you reach the bottom of your bucket list.

The Canal Taxi in Bangkok
People often have a love-hate relationship with taxis. Often, taxis play hard to get when you are in a hurry. However, here’s a taxi that waits patiently for its passengers to board and takes them on an interesting journey. Bangkok is the home to canal taxis and has acquired the title of “Venice of the East” owing to its vast network of canals. These river and canal taxis are an important mode of transport as it helps you get to your destination faster than cars or buses as there is no traffic in the canals! So, when in Bangkok, hail a canal taxi.

The Chicken Bus in Central America
These quirky modes of transport with brightly colored buses are the major mode of transport for locals in Guatemala or Panama. These buses offer tourists the quintessential Latin American transport experience and are extremely affordable. The bus derives its name from the chickens that ride along with the passengers at times. There are high chances that your seat might be occupied by these chicken; after all, it’s named after them.

The Cyclo in Vietnam
Everyone must have come across cycle taxis at some point in their lives, but in Vietnam, you’ll witness a revamped and a more interesting version of the cycle taxi: the Cyclo. Tourists simply adore the Cyclo; they can climb in front of the tricycle taxi and the driver will be right behind them, peddling them through the city. Locals favor the Cyclo over other modes of transport as it helps them beat the chaotic traffic.

  • 10 Best Smartphones Available in the Market

    What are 10 best smartphones available today? Many people are searching for a convincing answer to this question. Here are the best smartphones available in the market today:

    iPhone 8 Plus: iPhone 8 Plus is undauntedly one of the most awaited smartphones in 2017. Some people are of the opinion that the size of this device makes it tricky to hold but this beautiful 5.5-inch device is one of the most dynamic among the 10 best smartphones available in the market.

    Samsung Galaxy S8: It is one of the top 10 best smartphones you can purchase these days. It is a highly powerful device and capable of taking beautiful pictures. The versatility and flexibility of this device can be described as pretty amazing which makes the user experience worth the price he or she has paid.

    LG G6: If you are searching for a screen-centric stunner, this is the model that you need to buy. LG has always been a frontrunner in the smartphone manufacturing industry and the introduction of super skinny bezel to the mainstream has caught the attraction of many people. The camera also deserves a special mention.

    Sony Xperia XZ premium: Sony, a reputable name in the area of smartphone manufacturing has come up with a sophisticated device that fulfills all the promises in terms of performance and the quality of camera. This device is one of the fast selling devices in the world these days earning itself a name in 10 best smartphones list.

    Google Pixel: It is needless to say that Google Pixel stands as tall as iPhone 8 Plus and Samsung Galaxy S8. The camera quality is pretty amazing and the software and virtual assistant works perfectly well with the hardware. Google has done many things right and you can find a great smartphone ifor the deal.

    HTC U11: This wonderful smartphone comes in a sexy and elegant glass and metal casing. Performance, battery life and camera quality can compete with any smartphone in the world and the squeezable edges can be described as an excellent innovation. Several people have appreciated the user friendliness of this device and it is definitely worth considering when you are shopping for a high quality smartphone.

    Honor 9: This device has a solid design and the camera quality is pretty decent as well. Honor 9 is equipped with high end specifications and the pricing can be described as affordable. This cellphone offers the best value for money.

    Lenovo P2: If you are searching for a pretty smartphone, you can certainly choose Lenovo P2. The battery life of this device is quite extensive and the display features are also excellent. The solid UI design has won the appreciation of a large number of people and Lenovo has come up with an affordable package as well.

    Motorola Moto X Force: It is known as a refreshing smartphone and the unbreakable screen works as a motivational factor for purchasing this phone. The specifications are also really powerful and you can associate good battery life with this device. The casing is rugged and it is capable of withstanding rough use.

    OnePlus 5: It is one of the fast selling mobile phones in the world. The HD screen is a good one and the finger print sensor works in a stunningly fast manner. The compatibility of the software is really appreciable and the pricing can be described as reasonable. This premium build smartphone is definitely worth a buy and a mention in the 10 best smartphones list.

    When you are looking for top 10 best smartphones available in the market, you have to realize that these are the 10 best options available in the market and you can choose a suitable one based on your exclusive needs and budget.

    Read more
  • Check out some of the best electric cars in the auto industry

    With climate change taking over the globe, human beings collectively need to prioritize leading cleaner and greener lives. Along with avoiding plastic, recycling, and upcycling goods, we also need to stop consuming non-renewable resources such as fuels. For this purpose, as a start, we need to switch to electric vehicles over those powered by petrol or diesel. So, if you want to do your bit to save the planet, here are some of the best electric cars in the market.

    BMW i3

    There’s no denying that BMW makes some of the best cars on the market, from the design to the engine, their unique style is applauded among avid car enthusiasts. It then makes sense that they’d also have one of the slickest electric cars. In 2019, they released the BMW i3 with a whopping price tag, promising it would be worth it. It is a compact hatchback that makes for a perfect hybrid of luxury and functionality with heated front seats, parking sensors, auto windshield wipers, and a 6.5-inch touch screen. With an estimate of 153 miles on a full charge, the fancy car also comes with keyless entry and automatic headlights.

    Mercedes Benz B-Class

    Another powerhouse in the auto industry is Mercedes with its 2017 Mercedes Benz B-Class electric car. The midsized vehicle is suited for a family of five. It perfectly combines an everyday vehicle with electric power that can travel an estimated 87 miles on a full charge. It comes with extra features such as cruise control, forward collision mitigation, and even Bluetooth® and audio connectivity along with the Mercedes COMMAND™ interface. The electric vehicle also comes with 17.7 cubic feet of cargo or storage area in the rear, which makes this perfect for local grocery trips.

    Ford Focus Electric

    The Ford Focus Electric comes with a ton of features that combine luxury with eco-friendliness. With an estimated run of 118 miles on a full charge, this car is one of the most efficient electric vehicles on this list. It also comes with a whole bunch of other tech features such as heated seats and steering wheel, an eight-inch touch screen with the Ford SYNC® infotainment system, and a Sony® sound system with 10 speakers.

    Nissan LEAF

    A hatchback that combines style with practicality, the Nissan LEAF does not disappoint on any level. With an estimate of 150 miles on a full charge, the electric car provides for a smooth traveling experience with a capacity of four passengers and twenty-four cubic feet cargo in the back. The latest model comes with a panorama of features such as keyless entry and keyless ignition, automatic climate control (2019 model), a forward-collision warning system along with automatic emergency braking, NissanConnect® connectivity, and remote access system, along with Apple CarPlay. The older models come with rearview cameras, Bluetooth® connectivity, and even a five-inch display.

    Read more
  • Top 4 Discount Offers on Shutterfly Products

    Shutterfly is an online dealer and manufacturer of customized gifts. This company was established in 1999. Their signature product is a photo book. They have various other customized gift options for your loved ones such as cards, blankets, candles, stationery products, and pillows among others. For ordering gifts on this website, you have to upload some photos of your choice and select the product on which you want this photo printed. They have various design options to make your gift unique. You can upload these photos through your desktop, laptop or mobile phone. You can save some money on these purchases by getting coupon codes which are either emailed to you by Shutterfly itself or through other third-party coupon websites. There are a few websites that provide you with various Shutterfly coupons. We have selected some of these Shutterfly coupons for your reference and described them in this article:

    25% Off
    This coupon is available on the Groupon website. With this coupon code, you can get a discount of 25% on any Shutterfly product. To avail of this coupon, you only have to enter the promo code “25 OFF 2018” at the checkout.

    Save 48
    You can find this coupon on the website of Shutterfly. You can get a 48% discount on several Shutterfly products. For utilizing this coupon, you have to use the coupon code “SAVE 48” at the checkout. One cannot club this offer with other discount codes. You cannot redeem this coupon for cash or a refund. This coupon is not applicable to resale products either.

    Pick 2 Free
    This coupon is also available on Shutterfly’s website. You can use this coupon on a slim phone case or a notepad. With this coupon, when you purchase one product, you can get another product for free. This coupon cannot be combined with other coupons, and you cannot redeem it for a refund or cash.

    40% Off
    You can get this coupon on RetailMeNot’s website. This coupon will provide you with a discount of 40% on regularly priced products. It is valid for one month. This coupon is not valid for in-store pickup products. You cannot apply it on some products like pro gallery purchases, prepaid print plans, and gift certificates.

    There are a lot of other coupons available on other websites. You can find these coupons by visiting various coupon websites.

    Read more
  • 3 tips to increase efficiency in cryptocurrency trading

    There was a huge rush of capital investment in cryptocurrency in 2017, and a slightly similar pattern of investment is expected in this year as well. A recent study has shown that more than 25% people in the 18-to-34 age group claimed to invest in cryptocurrency over the government bonds and stocks. Another noticeable observation of this study is that more than 40% millennials are aware of the bitcoin as compared to 15% of the seniors (above 65). This indicates that there will be a rise in the investment and that this is probably the best time to invest in cryptocurrency. Read along to find some tips on investing in cryptocurrency.

    • Be aware of the bots
      Cryptocurrency is very close to financial markets, trading, shares, and bonds. Therefore, you must be aware of the savvy players not taking help of bots to artificially inflate prices of their coin and tamper the markets. Trading bots are known to significantly hamper the investment and market prices, in 2017 an alternative for Ethereum by China went for around $34 to $3.74 within a couple of seconds and then went back to its original price at the same pace. The trading bots are the ones that cause an artificial drop in the price, and many investors gain from it.
    • Understand your risk tolerance
      The first step, even before knowing the best time to invest in cryptocurrency, is to set a stop-loss level that helps you avoid bankruptcy. A stop-loss level is a level of loss that automatically closes your trade. The pro-tip is to build the potential of your coin with this stop-loss level in mind. Make a group of your coins and bifurcate them according to their volatility. The least volatile coins must be allocated a higher percentage, while the coins that are more stable must be allocated a lower percentage. However, you must note that among the stable ones, the one with a higher potential for returns must have a major chunk of the allocated percentage.
    • Don’t miss out or overtrade
      This is one of the biggest fears of people in trading, no matter their years of experience in the field. Most traders indulge in either overtrading or have a fear of missing out. You must know the best time to invest in cryptocurrency as well as the right amount. The most common phenomenon is the urge of investing in a coin that is booming. Most investors not only invest in this but they invest a massive amount. Do not sell your coins if you see a small hike in the price, this is overtrading. The key is to be patient and wait for the best time to invest in cryptocurrency as well as sell it.
    Read more
  • A brief overview of personal loans from Discover

    A personal loan is one of the most preferred forms of borrowing in the market. It allows borrowers to achieve their personal goals with a flexible repayment tenure. Banks, as well as non-banking financial institutions, offer different types of personal loans that vary in terms of tenure and interest rate. Those with a bad credit score might have to pay a higher interest rate on the loan. The process of application and approval of the loan is simple and straightforward.

    There are multiple lenders in the industry, but Discover personal loan is known for its excellent customer service, a simple application process, and zero processing fees. They offer loans for different purposes and the loan has a long repayment tenure. You may use the funds for various reasons such as one or more of the following.

    • To finance purchases for your business
    • To consolidate your existing debts
    • To fund a wedding
    • To meet outstanding medical bills
    • To go a small vacation
    • To renovate your home

    You may use the personal loan calculator offered by Discover personal loan in order to estimate the amount you will be required to pay each month as an installment. Having a positive credit score goes a long way with regard to the interest rate and the tenure of the loan. The loan is available for varied tenures, but it also means that you will have to pay a higher amount of interest if the loan has a longer tenure.

    It is important to consider your monthly cash inflow in order to estimate the monthly installment amount you may be able to pay. If you wish to consolidate a loan, you may use the calculator to estimate the amount you will save on such a consolidation. It will help you turn your high-interest loan into a low-interest loan that is easier to repay. Personal loans are highly preferred by business owners as well as salaried employees to meet their financial needs. The loans have consumer-friendly terms and conditions and are easy to repay.

    Once you have decided the amount of loan you require, you may apply for the same online with an application form, an identity proof, and a proof of your income. The loan will be processed at the earliest and the funds will be transferred to your account. However, check your credit score before you make a loan application so that you know the amount of interest you may have to pay.

    Read more
  • Tips for visiting theme parks

    Once the weekend or when vacation time is around, most people like to leave the comforts of their homes in search of some exciting and thrilling adventures. In our modern times, you no longer have to go deep into the belly of jungle or high up on a daunting mountain peak to enjoy an adrenaline rush. For a quick getaway that is just as thrilling, exciting and entertaining, if not more, you can visit various theme parks and adventure parks where you can embark on many rides as well as informative tours and other forms of entertainment to have a great time with your family. The best part about such theme parks is the fact that they are great for all age groups and the young and the old alike can enjoy the many things on offer.

    Yet, when we go to a theme park or an adventure park, there are many small hazards that we may unknowingly encounter and fall prey to. Here are a few tips to avoid any mishaps and make the most of your theme park visit!

    Carry zip lock bags: When we go to some place for a break, we look forward to all the pictures that we can click so that we have some great memories. Also, when we go to a new place where we do not know anyone, we must carry all our essentials on our own, including wallets, cards, car keys, cameras, phones and other such essentials. Since most theme parks have many water-based rides that are great for sunny days and long weekends, one would do well to carry zip lock pouches or water proof pouches so that these essentials do not get wet and spoilt. A clear zip lock bag will also help you in using your phone and taking pictures even as you protect the phone.

    Parking spots: A huge theme park will have an even bigger parking lot! So what happens if you forget where you have parked the car and you end up looking for it all evening after you are done having fun? Well, that can be quite a downer. So, the best thing to do after you park your car is to take a picture of the parking spot number so that you can head right there at the end of your visit. You can also write down the parking spot number so that you remember it in case the phone’s battery dies out.

    Head there early: When you go to a theme park on a holiday, you are bound to find massive crowds. In such cases, it is best to ensure that you do not end up standing in long queues. Try reaching the destination early and be at the start of the line! This will give you more time to enjoy.

    Read more
  • Soft tissue sarcoma, things to know

    Soft tissue sarcoma is rare cancer type that starts in the soft tissues of the body. Soft tissues are tissues that support or connect other organs or body parts. These are muscles, nerves, fat, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, deep skin tissues, and synovial tissues (joint lining). Most often, soft tissue sarcomas develop in the limbs. But it can begin and spread anywhere in the body.

    Types of Soft Tissue Sarcomas
    There are a number of soft tissue sarcoma types. Some are common, others are rare. Some soft tissue sarcomas mainly affect adults; while others can develop in people of all age groups.

    • Soft tissue sarcomas are categorized as per their start location. Some examples are
    • Fat tissue tumors like liposarcoma
    • Fibrous tissue tumors such as fibroblastic sarcoma
    • Muscle cell tumors like leiomyosarcoma
    • Tumors in the lymph or blood vessels like lymphangiosarcomas and angiosarcoma
    • Cancer in the tendons such as clear cell sarcoma
    • Cancer around the nerve cells such as neurogenic sarcoma
    • Joint lining tissue cancer like synovial sarcoma
    • Skin cell tumors like dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans
    • In the abdomen tissue like desmoplastic small round cell tumor
    • In the legs such as alveolar soft-part sarcoma

    Causes and Risk Factors
    Cancer develops due to cell mutations. However, the exact cause of soft tissue sarcoma is not known.

    Some risk factors are:

    • Hereditary factors can increase a person’s risks of developing soft tissue sarcoma. Genetic conditions like neurofibromatosis, retinoblastoma and Li Fraumeni syndrome are some examples that can cause soft tissue sarcoma.
    • Exposure to radiation from other cancer treatment or from the environment can cause soft tissue sarcoma.
    • Exposure to chemicals like dioxin, arsenic and chlorophenols also pose a threat of developing soft tissue sarcoma.

    Symptoms
    In the early stages, there are no noticeable symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma. Overtime, a person with soft tissue sarcoma can experience the following main symptoms

    • Swelling or lump in the affected area
    • Soreness or pain in the affected area

    In the later stages, other symptoms may depend on the type of sarcoma. Some of these can be

    • Breathlessness, cough (lungs)
    • Constipation, pain (stomach)
    • Bleeding (womb)

    As the symptoms of soft tissue sarcoma are not present or noticeable in the early stages, it is wise to see a doctor if there is one or more lumps in the body that has increased in size or is tender to touch.

    Diagnosis: The doctor may use one or more of the following tests to diagnose soft tissue sarcoma.

    • Physical examination
    • Imaging tests like computerized tomography (CT), X-rays, positron emission tomography (PET) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
    • Biopsy

    Treatment: Depending on the type and size of the soft tissue sarcoma, the treatment options for the cancer may be the following

    • Surgery
    • Chemotherapy
    • Radiation therapy
    • Targeted drug (biological) treatments

    With proper knowledge about their specific soft tissue sarcoma type, patients can make informed choice about their treatment options.

    Read more
  • History of mathematical symbols

    The history of mathematical notation includes its commencement, progress and further cultural diffusion. There were conflict of methods of notations. The history includes multicultural and lingual including Roman, Greek, Hebrew, German, Hindu, Arabic and German alphabets. These host of mathematical symbols were developed in the due course of centuries. The ones that gained popularity are the ones you see in today’s world (original notations might still be used in the native grounds that they originated from).

    The development of mathematical notations can be divided into stages that have been listed below.

    Rhetorical stage
    The rhetorical stage is where calculations were performed by words and there were no use of symbols. The rhetorical stage had mathematical notations that were based on distinctive features like symbols having local as well as intrinsic values. The mathematical notations originated from the real world problems even before the underlying rules and concepts were identified and defined as abstract structures. Geometry, for example, has its origin from calculating the distances and areas in the world. The Egyptians had symbols for basic operations. Legs going forward represented addition, and legs going backward meant subtraction. People from Mesopotamian had symbols for each power of ten. They are one of those cultures that wrote their numbers just like it is written in the modern times. For example, instead of having symbols for higher notation of a degree of number, they would just put the coefficient of that number. By the year 800 BC, they had created a symbol for zero and it acted as a placeholder.

    Syncopated stage
    Plato’s work has been strong especially in the field of mathematics. His work helped distinguish between pure and applied mathematics. The Greek mathematics refined the methods by introducing deductive reasoning and expanded the subject matter of mathematics.

    The Milesian numeration
    The Greeks employed a mathematical numeration which was based on system of the Egyptian. It was later adapted by Romans. The Greek numerals denoted four as four vertical lines. The symbol to denote number five was the symbol (pi) for the Greeks. Ten was represented by a triangle and the word for ten was Deca (hence the name decimal).

    Read more