All You Need to Know About the Amazon Echo Dot
All You Need to Know About the Amazon Echo Dot

Amazon Dot was first launched back in the year 2014 and has continued to grow by leaps and bounds. It has numerous loyal consumers today. After Alexa garnered rave reviews, Amazon finally introduced us to Echo Dot, which is a one-of-its-kind product. This device is shaped like a hockey puck and serves as a compact virtual assistant. It can fit into all corners of your house. Here’s all that you need to know about the Amazon Echo Dot.

The setup and the design
The Amazon Echo Dot comes with a distinct and stylish design. While the circumference of the Echo Dot matches that of the Amazon Echo, the appearance differs when it comes to the volume rings. Users can listen to music without any disturbance because of the two additional buttons situated on the top of the device. It also has “listen” and “mute” buttons built into its enviable form.

The Amazon Echo Dot has one light ring, which is the same as the Amazon Echo. It is essential to indicate that the inbuilt virtual assistant, Alexa, is listening to what you are saying. Alexa can hear your instructions with the help of an array of seven microphones. This light ring also indicates whether the mute function is active or not. If the mute function is not turned on, random snatches of conversation might trigger Alexa to get activated.

The height is what sets the Amazon Echo Dot apart. It is around 32 mm tall, and the device is 20 cm shorter than its full-sized version. The size makes it quite compact, and you can keep it anywhere. Another thing to remember is that you should not place the Amazon Echo Dot too close to any hardware, or else it may not be able to pick up commands efficiently.

The final verdict
The biggest advantage of the Amazon Echo Dot has to be its compact size. It packs quite a lot of features into one small package. For a lesser price, you get a device whose voice recognition technology matches that of the full-sized Amazon Echo. Imagine waking up in the morning, listening to lovely tunes from something so small that it is not even in your way! Therefore, we would rate the Amazon Echo Dot a 10 out of 10 for its size, and give it an 8 out of 10 for its upgraded external speakers.

  • 3 common types of tarps to know about

    Also knows as tarpaulins, tarps have a wide range of applications, which include constructing camping tents, wedding canopies, floor coverings, and other industrial and commercial applications. Most of these tarps are water resistant, and some are even fire resistant. Although most tarps are manufactured based on specific requirements (such as truck tarps, lumber tarps, and boat tarps), there are a few types of tarps that have a general purpose use. Here are three common types of tarps available in the market.

    • Canvas tarps
      These are one of the most popular types of tarps that are versatile as well as affordable. Canvas is a closely woven plain weave fabric, which is usually made of synthetic or natural fiber. It is commonly used to make soft luggage, awnings, and tarpaulins. Due to the material’s ability to withstand strong wind, canvas tarpaulins or canvas tarps are used in the trucking industry as well as by painters. It is preferred by painters since the material is not 100% waterproof, and therefore, the paint will be absorbed without leaking through while the other side of the canvas will still be dry and soft. Canvas tarps can also be used to protect floors made of hardwood from weather elements or to let people walk over the floor without damaging the wood.
    • Poly tarps
      These tarps are made from the highly durable polyethylene material. The tarp has nylon tarp threading on the inside. There is a rope reinforcement constructed around the poly tarp material. Poly tarps are resistant to UV rays. Furthermore, they can withstand strong gusts of wind and are resistant to mildew and rot. These properties make poly tarps perfect for commercial as well as industrial use. However, these tarps are not flame retardant. Hence, they should not be used in areas where there are open flames or other sources of heat.
    • Mesh tarps
      These tarps are made from nylon tarp threading. This gives the tarp a screen-like appearance. Nylon mesh tarps are useful for keeping off water and for protection against wind. These tarps are commonly used to build shade screen tents; especially if the sides are built with mesh tarps, it will weaken the wind that hit the tent. Hard winds usually enter through one side of the mesh tarp and slowly go through the other side as the mesh material absorbs the strength of the wind. Whether building a tent or canopy, mesh tarp sidewalls are a great way to secure these structures against strong gusts of wind. Another common use of mesh tarp is on golf courses and tennis courts. Green mesh tarps are usually used here.
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  • Tips And Suggestions To Buy The Best Mattress For Back Pain

    There are endless options in the market if you decide to buy a mattress. However, it is not as easy as you may think to buy one. It is very important to choose a mattress that best suits your needs and does not induce back pain. A wrong pick would make you unable to get a good night’s sleep and negatively impact your physical and mental health. If you suffer from back pain, then it becomes all the more important for you to buy the best mattress. A proper mattress would give you back pain relief, whereas a wrong one would aggravate the problem further and for longer. Here are certain tips to help you buy the best mattress for back pain:

    Research Online
    It is extremely important to research before making the purchase. Check out information on the kind of mattress you should buy if you have back pain. Accordingly, find the brands and types that sell the kind of mattress you are looking for.

    Talk to Your Physician
    Talk your healthcare provider or physical therapist and ask for their recommendations. Depend on their expert advice as they would suggest treatments on the basis of your symptoms and medical conditions.

    Do Not Fall for Marketing Gimmicks
    It is difficult to not to fall into the traps of marketing gimmicks. There are manufacturers who claim their products to be “medically approved” or “orthopedic” or the “best mattress for back pain.” While they may be orthopedic friendly, but there is hardly any real “medically approved” mattress available.

    Test the Mattress
    When you go shopping for a mattress, lie on it for at least 10-15 minutes to understand the feel of the mattress. Do not get self-conscious or let the salesperson hurry you up. To make an important decision and big purchase like this, you must at least have 10 minutes of experience lying on it. In case you have a partner, always go for the testing with him or her. You must buy a mattress that best suits you both and your partner, and avoids back pain for both of you.

    Mattress Firmness
    When you are suffering from back pain you want to consider the best mattress for its firmness. Studies show that a medium firm mattress are best suited for relieving back pain. A soft mattress, on the other hand, is not so good for the ailment. Note that a firm feel is different from firm support. What you need is firm support and a comfortable feel. The comfort level depends on your preference.

    Pillow Tops Not Meant for Everybody
    People who are light in weight don’t need a thick pillow top mattress as their weight is insufficient for compressing the foam and touching the underlying support coils. However, people on the heavier side would find a mattress with an extra cushion more comfortable an option.

    Adjustable Beds
    You can also buy adjustable beds if you are more comfortable being seated in a recliner instead of lying down. This bed will let you elevate your knees and neck slightly to mitigate pressure on the lower back.

    Trial Period and Comfort Guarantee
    There are retailers and manufacturers that guarantee comfort or give your money back. Most mattresses come with a free trial period as well. It means if you do not like the product after using for a certain period of time, you can send it back to the seller. Check these facilities with the retailer before buying a mattress.

    Check for Warranty
    A proper mattress would come with a 10-year, non-prorated, or full-replacement warranty.

    Use Protection for Your Mattress
    Never use a mattress without waterproof mattress protector as stains will nullify the warranty.

    Shop from a Specialized Mattress Dealer
    It is always advisable to make your purchase from a store that deals with mattresses only and a specialized seller as well. They would guide to buy the exact mattress you are looking for.

    Brands
    Best mattresses for back pain support include the following brands:

    • The Amerisleep AS2
    • The Saatva Mattress
    • The Helix Mattress
    • The Bear Mattress

    All these mattresses are priced between $800-1200.

    It is always suggested to buy a mattress after proper inspection and testing. You do not want your back pain to hurt more.

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  • 8 Effective Shampoos for Hair Growth

    A common problem, hair loss can happen to anyone and at any age. People face androgenetic hair loss or hormone-related hair loss, hair loss due to dandruff, hair loss related to stress, which is also known as telogen effluvium. Medications, deficiencies of vitamin, disorders of thyroid, excess hair styling, and disorders related to the immune system can also result in hair loss and thin hair.

    When the matter comes to hair growth shampoo, there are two main options – one being prescription and other is over-the-counter treatments. Prescription shampoos which contain ketoconazole are anti-androgenetic, the main thing is these shampoos thwart testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT). These are the two main hormones linked with hair loss. These shampoos target hair growth from the follicle and also balances the hormone cycle causing the excessive thinning of hair. According to hair loss experts, hair loss shampoos are filled with amino acids and antioxidants that not only help in rebuilding the hair but also tackle inflammation and reduce environmental damage.

    If hair loss is your concern, it is best advised to take proactive steps for proper hair care by using shampoos formulated to treat thinning hair. Always opt for a shampoo which has added ingredients that help improve the quality of fine, thinning hair. Now, although these are not a miracle cure, they are quite helpful in preventing hair loss.

    For healthy, luxurious hair it is best to go for hair loss shampoos that are rich in antioxidants like vitamin E and ginseng, amino acids, and B-vitamins. The aforementioned are quite helpful in rebuilding hair follicles and also help reduce and daily stress the hair goes through. B wary of using shampoos that are high on sulfates, and fragrances, which can create irritation in hair and can make a reduction in moisture. Ahead, eight examined hair loss shampoos to try.

    NIOXIN Cleanser
    This product is one of the good for thinning of hair. In addition, around 90 percent of people have noted that their hair has thickened while using this product.

    Laritelle Organic Shampoo
    Laritelle Organic Shampoo is a certified organic shampoo which is free from all the foul stuff such as parabens and sulfates. In addition to it, it has been made with natural ingredients like ginger and cedarwood to encourage hair growth.

    artnaturals® Organic Natural Argan Oil for Hair Loss
    artnaturals® Argan oil comprises DHT blockers that usually prevent damage and additional hair loss. It has approximate 1,000 additional reviews on Amazon and users have also reported obvious hair growth within the three weeks of use.

    SheaMoisture Detox & Refresh Hair Scalp Gentle Shampoo
    This shampoo rinses the scalp escaping it from drying it out like punitive chemicals can do. You’ll get a dominant shampoo without cooperating moisture.

    Pure Biology Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo with Biotin
    This shampoo is filled with energetic ingredients biotin and keratin, the shampoo purposes to encourage the body’s own capacities for hair growth. The formula excites the cells responsible for hair follicle growth.

    PURA D’OR Hair Loss Prevention Shampoo
    This PURA D’OR Hair Loss Prevention shampoo comprises argan oil, which helps in moisturizing and stimulating growth at the root and biotin, which helps in strengthening each strand of hair.

    Ultrax Hair Surge
    The caffeine composites in this shampoo help in reducing hair loss by encouraging hair follicles.

    Strong HairPro Hair Loss Treatment Kit
    This treatment kit helps to fortify the hair from the root to make the hair strong and avoid breakage. It also aims the DHT buildup process, which is the main cause of alopecia.

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  • Causes of chronic fatigue syndrome

    The feeling you get where your entire body is not active enough to do any activity is referred to as fatigue. It is the tiredness you feel where even a simple task seems like too much work and you are not willing to do anything that requires you to move physically. You feel too weak to do anything in fatigue. Fatigue is common among all people. There are many causes of fatigue and it is also a symptom in many diseases.

    Diseases like anemia, cancer, malnutrition have fatigue as a common symptom. Extreme fatigue is caused due to cancer. If you have fatigue without any physical exertion and weakness, then it could be a symptom of cancer. However, fatigue is not always a part of symptoms for diseases, at times it can also be because of over-exertion, stress and poor diet, certain medications, sleep problems, and general weakness due to viral.

    Extreme fatigue can also be referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) when the fatigue is prolonged. Extreme fatigue causes are unknown but are many factors that lead to this syndrome. When the immune system is affected by viruses, it results in fatigue. When you are attacked by a bacterium called Chlamydia pneumoniae (that causes pneumonia), it can also act as one of the extreme fatigue causes.

    Extreme fatigue causes problems with short-term memory and concentration. There is no definite cure and treatment of extreme fatigue but measures can be taking to reduce the symptoms.
    There can be many other causes of chronic fatigue syndrome. A viral infection can be one of extreme fatigue causes later. Virus infections like Epstein-Barr virus, human herpesvirus 6, rubella and ross river virus are other such extreme fatigue causes. There are bacteria like Coxiella burnetii and mycoplasma that are extreme fatigue causes. These bacteria and viruses affect the body by damaging the cells and fatigue can be the cause of the fight between these harmful foreign bodies (bacteria and viruses) and white blood cells.

    People who often suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome are usually in their 40s and 50s. Women are usually diagnosed with chronic fatigue more than men. One way to find out if what you have is a prolonged fatigue (chronic fatigue syndrome) is by paying attention to the symptoms:

    – Memory loss and lack of concentration
    – Drowsiness after waking up. When you do not feel fresh even after completing a night’s sleep
    – Insomnia or chronic insomnia
    – Recurring headaches
    – Joint-pain
    – Sensitive and sore throat

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  • The significance of genealogy explained

    Genealogy, the study of one’s ancestors or lineage has become quite popular among the younger generation. The reason for knowing their genealogy is very subjective. It varies from person to person. Irrespective of the reason behind your inquisitiveness, one cannot deny that genealogy holds the key to a lot of questions that arise in your mind. It has its mysterious attractions that allure a person to know more about himself.

    Tracing your ancestry can have different motives behind it and off late people usually do this in a quest to find out whether they are related to any celebrity or a famous personality. There are instances where a person has to trace his ancestry for religious regions since some churches in the world make it imperative for the person to be aware of his ancestry. Many times, in a bid to find out whether they have a famous ancestor or just to satisfy their curiosity, people often overlook the importance of genealogy.

    Tracing your ancestry is kind of fun and mysterious at the same time but it has its significance that has made it quite popular these days. Here’s why genealogy is important for you and the next person as well.

    As a caution for ailments- If your grandfather has Alzheimer’s, chances are high that he might be the recipient of the same health issue that might have caused ailments to his ancestors. Genealogy is important since it helps you trace the source of the disease. You can identify who had the particular ailment and the frequency of its recurrence.

    Tracing your birth parents- If you spent your life in foster care or were adopted at a very young age without any memory of your parents, genealogy helps you trace your way back to them.

    To trace your relatives- If you go in for a genealogical test, there are chances that you might find yourself a member of a family you had no idea existed.

    Connection to famous people- If you are inquisitive about your ancestors’ participation in the history of your country, genealogy allows you to find out whether you are a descendant of a famous military general or not.

    A sense of knowing yourself- Plenty of times, there are individuals who feel incomplete and on self- introspection, they harbor the need to know more about themselves. Many of those people who have used genealogy to trace their ancestry claim that they found themselves after knowing their ancestors.

    Genealogy, done for fun or for any other reason still seems very mysterious and knowing about our long-gone ancestors is very fascinating.

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  • Struggling with respiratory problems? Go for portable oxygen

    Contamination and other forms of harmful toxins in the air we breathe not only endanger plants and animals but also gradually affects our health. It is high time that we take proper measure, or else we will be at risk.

    Choosing the most excellent portable oxygen equipment is, however, a must for those who are in need of portable liquid oxygen. There is no denying the fact that hygienic air has always been an inevitable requirement for everyone. Check out some of the reasons why you must go for a portable oxygen.

    Benefits of portable oxygen
    Portable oxygen has several benefits and with appropriate equipment, you can breathe fresh while maintaining your freedom and independence.

    Increases survival
    It increases the chances of survival in some patients. The technology allows you to use the equipment 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with ease.

    Improves exercise tolerance
    Recent studies show that if you use supplemental oxygen during exercise, you can actually exercise at a higher intensity for a longer duration to ensure better results.

    Improves mental alertness
    If you are in a mental fog and not getting enough oxygen, every organ of your body gets affected. The major concern is it affects your brain too. Lack of good oxygen may lead to lung disease. Using supplemental oxygen, in such cases, keeps your brain and all other essential organs hale and hearty.

    Why go for portable oxygen?
    Well, air purifiers and air fresheners are dependable products that fight against dirt in the air, but home oxygen equipment is unquestionably a better answer for a specific health condition. If you need oxygen to maintain good health, this equipment is the best way to get it. The equipment has the technology essential to provide you with high-quality oxygen. The central part of this device is a compressor that pressurizes air in the concentrator. This device is able to deliver first-rate oxygen due to the potent combination of technology.

    The device does not store any amount of oxygen and produces only the amount necessary for a specific patient. The key advantage to using this equipment over a regular tank system is you can use it anywhere without having to be concerned about recharges. The system poses severe risks for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses.

    There are patients who cannot afford to purchase their own device or may not need one for a long period. For them, many companies have started offering a rental system that presents patients the chance to use this product in exchange for monthly fees instead of having to support the entire cost of purchase.

    The equipment is designed for each individual’s oxygen needs and differs in size, weight, oxygen flow settings, and battery life. There are around 20 different models in different oxygen flow types, sizes, liters per minutes, and specifications.

    Remember to not get carried away by flashy cans and bottles as not all equipment can give you 100 percent clean oxygen. Choose the right product and enjoy activities, such as golfing, boating, hiking, and camping.

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  • The history of scholarships in USA

    The first ever scholarship in the history of American collegiate education was established by Lady Anne Moulson (born Anne Radcliffe,1576-1661) at the then newly formed Harvard University. In those days, the sum she offered was significant indeed a 100 pounds! Till today, her name lives on, for the much acclaimed Radcliffe College, founded as the women’s annex to Harvard, is named after her.

    Going down the years, the very first student loan program was also instituted at Harvard University, in 1840.

    In 1862, the passing of the Morrill Act under which federally owned land was offered for the establishment of institutes of learning was another milestone in the history of American academia and was further supported by the Hatch Act of 1887. The Hatch Act diverted governmental funding to educational institutions for the purpose of establishing agricultural research stations.

    Another turning point in the history of scholarships offered in America was the passing of the GI Bill of Rights by President Roosevelt in 1944. Among other things, this Bill created an awareness of the widespread benefits to individuals and the society as a whole when a large number of people received exposure to higher education.

    In 1954, a collective of 95 colleges who were actively involved in evolving a system of assessment of students’ needs for the dispersal of scholarship funds, refined prior need assessment models and developed the College Scholarship Services Need Analysis (CSS) which contributed significantly to the idea that a uniform system for assessment of a student’s need for scholarships was essential in keeping alive the altruistic notions of offering scholarships in the first place.

    Post World-War II, there appeared a slight decline in the demand for government funding of education. However, the Soviet launch of the Sputnik completely altered the situation, for as is to be expected, there was an outcry about the inadequacies of the American education system. This is turn led to the passing of the National Defense Education Act in 1958, which gave a remarkable boost to the provision of subsidized education in all areas of higher education. The sixties saw the passing of the Economic Opportunities Act and the Higher Education Act, both of which further led to the widespread establishment of scholarship programs.

    Gradually the next few decades saw the emergence of several amendments to the Higher Education Act with the result that by the dawn of the millennium, students of diverse social, economic and demographic backgrounds, were able to benefit from quality college education. Many went on to become very highly recognized in their chosen fields.

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  • Follow these tips to avoid the occurrence of a sleep disorder

    Any problems related to sleeping can be treated appropriately after understanding its severity and type. While a chronic condition would require suitable medication based on the consultation with a doctor, an acute condition can be improved upon on your own by making certain changes in your lifestyle. So, here are a few changes that you can include or tweak in your daily routine that will help you to have a normal sleep and stay healthy.

    Follow a consistent daily schedule: Include regular exercise, timely meals, and a strict and sorted sleep schedule. Stick to your schedule even if it is a weekend because any changes on the weekend can have a tendency to continue you’re your weekday schedule. Ensure there is sufficient gap between your meals and sleep time so that any related uneasiness due to the digestion can be avoided while asleep. Taking a warm shower before going to bed also has proven benefits of a good sleep.

    Limit your intake of mood altering beverages: Sugary foods, caffeine, nicotine, etc., need to be avoided as it can have a mood elevating or stimulating effect. Consumption of alcohol can make you feel sleepier. Hence, all these beverages need to be avoided that can alter the way you sleep.

    Involve yourself in physical activities: Physical activities can include stress and anxiety relieving exercises along with yoga, abdominal breathing, and meditation. These are known to have a relaxation effect on your muscles and relieve tension. These relaxation techniques enable stress management thereby translating to better sleep in the long run.

    Follow a relaxing bedtime diet: Consume less water and carbohydrates with a gap of at least 2 hours before going to sleep. Incorporate more leafy vegetables and fish which eases the digestion process at night when there is less physical activity.

    Have a cozy ambiance in your bedroom: Avoid bright lights in your bedroom and make it silent and cool that can comfort you to fall asleep. You can also try reading a book or listening to soft, soothing music that can relax your mind and calm you down to doze away.

    Beyond these, if you think your sleep patterns are abnormal, do not try self-medication with sleeping pills or other supplements. Be wise and consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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