Samsung Galaxy S8: All the features you need to know
Samsung Galaxy S8: All the features you need to know

The Korean tech giant, Samsung, has come up with yet another masterpiece, and this time it is the Galaxy S8. If you are looking to buy a splendid phone you should consider the Samsung Galaxy S8. It has the most sought after specifications and is available at a price that is worthy of its features. The smartphone comes with a completely smooth, end-to-end screen that spills onto its sides. It has a pristine, uninterrupted glass that covers the entire front of the phone. It further blends seamlessly into the aluminum shell.

Features
In a nutshell, the phone is designed to be more than just a smartphone to help you break down barriers in the world. Here are a few key features you must know about.

  • Display and OS: Samsung Galaxy S8 boasts a 5.8 inch Super AMOLED display. Its screen has an amazing pixel density of 568 ppi and a resolution of 1440 x 2960 pixels. Its display is protected by Corning Gorilla Glass V5 and the phone runs on Android V7.0 (Nougat) OS (Operating System).
  • Storage and configuration: Undoubtedly, this phone comes packed with a list of envious performance features. It comes with a 4GB RAM, Mali-G71 MP20 GPU. It is powered by two quadcore processors with clocking speeds of 2.3GHz and 1.7GHz. For storage, the smartphone flaunts an onboard storage of 64GB. It features a memory card slot that can handle 256GB of micro-SD.
  • Performance: Driven by world’s first 10mn processor, it is powerful, fast and efficient. It is IP68 which indicates dust and water resistance. It protects the device against foreign objects and entry of static water up to 1.5m for 30 minutes. Thus, allowing you to use it under rain and dust as well.
  • It has an exceptional external storage capacity. The phone is designed to ensure that you will never run out of space.
  • Sensors and connectivity: The smartphone features a fingerprint sensor below the home button. Along with the regular sensors such as barometer, compass, accelerometer, light, proximity, and gyroscope. It also features a heart rate monitor.
  • It provides a host of connectivity options like 4G, mobile hotspot, Bluetooth, Wifi, NFC, GLONASS, GPS with A-GPS and Type C- USB.
  • Camera and battery: One can capture life as it happens with Galaxy S8 with a fast and accurate camera. Keeping up with the popular trend of selfies’ and video call, this phone houses a front camera of 8 MP and a back camera of 12 MP. It has Exmor RS CMOS Sensor camera on the back. It offers features such as Dual Pixel autofocus, optical image stabilization, and face detection. Its wide-angle feature will help you accommodate more people in a single shot.
  • It features both wireless as well quick charging functionality and is fueled by a 3000mAh Li-ion battery.

Price
Just as most good things come with a price, this phone is no exception. The price is between $ 730 to $ 750, available across different carriers and major online sites.

  • Choosing the best cell phone plans

    Previously, choosing the best cell phone service plans used to be an easy task – just call up the operator, and you’re good to go. However, with the passage of time, the best mobile plans became complicated due to increased customer engagement and specifications. In the days of unlimited data mobile plans, it is difficult to shop cell phone plans that do not offer comprehensive services.

    What can the user do to pick the best cell phone plan deals?
    The first step is to choose the right wireless phone plan and select from the wide variety of shared data plans, leases, installment plans, etc.

    The phone carriers nowadays offer many cell phone unlimited plans that can seem overwhelming at first. But with a little research, you can find a plan that works best for your requirements and budget. It is important to spend time researching and analyzing the plans offered by various competitors since this research can go a long way in helping you choose a plan that works out best for you. Equip yourself with a calculator, pen, and paper and gain a better idea of which telephone service and cell phone carrier provides the best mobile plans.

    Any one with a little experience will tell you that most phone companies and their carriers do not have straight forward cell phone plans for their customers. There are always clauses and add ons that make it impossible to spot a simple plan. Not to mention the many top ups that come along with it. Some of the many aspects of not keeping plan simple include contract based subsidies, endless data bucket options, device access charges, and more options that come with advertised plans. It is also true that the fancy landing page with the attractive offers and great discounted deals is seldom the real deal. Click on a good deal, and there will be additional costs and charges applied by the time you reach the final payment page.

    Choosing the best cell phone plans thus involves scrutiny of all plans and the top ups across all carriers.

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  • 3 steps to picking the best kind of flooring for your home

    The flooring makes for an essential element of a room. It contributes to the interiors and brings out the character of your home. There is no denying the fact, choosing the right kind of flooring can be an extremely daunting task. The process must not only amalgamate personal taste and preference but practicality too. After all, flooring surfaces are used to step on, sit on, drinks are spilled, kids play on it, etc. It is imperative that the flooring should be designed with much thought in a way that it complements your home and its needs.

    Here are 3 steps that will be instrumental in picking the right flooring for your home.

    Lifestyle
    The lifestyle followed by members of the home make for the most significant factors when choosing from the several types of flooring. In the case of a home, where the traffic is heavy and pets or kids are active, a plush carpet flooring will not work. Resilient flooring, which includes ceramic tiles and wood surfaces, are the best for homes with heavy traffic. On the other hand, one can use more delicate floorings in areas with lesser foot placement.

    Room type
    The type of room should be instrumental while considering the type of flooring. Flooring in the front room or foyer must be attractive as well as durable. It must be able to handle elements as per seasons, such as snow, rain, mud, and more. Bedroom or kids playing area should have a flooring that is comfortable to step on even without footwear. Water-resistant floorings are ideal for the bathrooms, the kitchen, and the laundry room.

    Cost
    The cost of flooring can amount to quite a price. The rate is set at per square foot and this can add up the cost in no time. Materials of the flooring will greatly drive the final price of the furnishing. Synthetic carpets are cheaper, whereas thick-pad carpets are much more expensive. Wood floorings, on the other hand, are more affordable when compared with marble tiling. The cost of purchase and the cost of maintenance should be considered before picking the most suitable flooring for the rooms.

    Deciding on the best kind of flooring for your home can take a while. However, a well-evaluated choice will not only make your home look great but also save you huge bucks in the long run.

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  • Tips to Book Airline Tickets from $49

    Finding an airline ticket under $49 may sound a bit far-fetched, but it is the perfect business strategy for some airlines. Most people don’t want to shell out big bucks, and that is where the budget airlines come in. They offer low-priced tickets during the off-season. This move helps them generate a buzz and get some much-needed publicity. It is a win-win situation where the airline gets to sell tickets, and the passengers get a good deal.

    Here are some tips that you can use to book cheap flight tickets:

    Travel in the off-season
    Fall is a good time for taking a vacation as the prices of airline tickets plummet at this time of the year. Some people visit an orchard and pick apples while others may want to break away from the fall foliage and go to sunny and vibrant destinations. So, if possible, block your calendar and take a break during the off-season to enjoy a peaceful holiday at budget-friendly prices.

    Look for deals from airline service providers
    Different airlines provide discounts at different times of the year. For instance, in September 2018, Southwest Airlines offered dozens of great deals on its official website. They had short-distance one-way airline tickets starting from $49. If you were quick on the draw, you could’ve snagged a pretty good deal. These tickets were available in more than 80 cities in the country. Similarly, JetBlue offered several deals on airline tickets where the prices were $49 or lower during their flash sale in September 2018.

    Take up a membership
    Choosing the membership of a specific airline, preferably the one by which you travel the most, is cost-effective in the long run. For instance, people who take the membership of Spirit Airline’s $9 Fare Club can save quite a lot of money. Even their international flights are very affordable.

    Book tickets for early morning flights or mid-week flights
    In order to get the best flight deals, try to get the first flight in the morning as that’s when the tickets are the cheapest. Also, if you are looking for airline tickets from $49, you will find that most of these flights are on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Another thing to note is that the tickets from smaller carriers and budget flights are usually at the bottom of the search results page. So, don’t discount them as they often offer the best prices.

    Avail of airline miles
    Many people use credit cards that have tie-ups with some airlines. This way, they can redeem some rewards after they reach a certain number of points. You can redeem these points for flight miles, or you can become a member of the airline’s frequent flier program to get cheaper tickets.

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  • 8 food items you can eat to prevent cold and flu

    Instead of popping pills and making numerous visits to the doctor, it is best for you to safeguard yourself from cold and flu by eating plenty of healthy foods. These include the following:

    Homemade soups and broths
    Bones, cartilages, and marrows contain certain nutrients that boost your immune system. When these are cooked, the collagen present in them turns into a protein usually known as gelatin.

    Garlic and onions
    Onions and garlic not only add flavor to your food but they are also good for your health and help you to tackle pesky common colds. These food items are great immunity boosters. You can mix them in your salad and any other vegetable preparation.

    Citrus fruits
    Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges, and sweet limes are usually rich in vitamin C that helps to ward off common cold and flu. They also help in purifying your blood.

    Ginger
    Ginger is a natural blood purifier and has anti-inflammatory properties. Hence, it helps your sinus from getting infected. Ginger contains certain chemicals known as sesquiterpenes that tackle stuffiness experienced in the nose and suppresses the cold.

    Fermented foods
    Fermented foods like yogurts and pickles are packed with probiotics that act as natural antibiotics for the body since they contain good bacteria that help in fighting germs.

    Sweet potatoes
    Sweet potatoes are not only delicious, but they are also a good source of nutrients. They contain beta-carotene, which is a bright orange pigment. It helps in increasing the functioning of our cells. They help in warding off certain types of infections.

    Mushrooms
    The fungus that these mushrooms contain is a good bacterium that helps in fighting off various respiratory viruses. Button mushrooms increase antivirus production and kick out unwanted microbes that cause illnesses like flu and common cold. However, you need to ensure that you are eating organic mushrooms that are grown under hygienic conditions.

    Turmeric
    Turmeric has natural antioxidants that clean the blood and also warm your body from the inside. They help in terminating a lot of bad bacterium.

    Many food items help you ward off numerous medical conditions. The food items mentioned above have been tried and tested to prevent cold and flu.

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  • Top 3 Online Certification Programs

    Online certifications are a great way to enhance your knowledge and add to your existing educational degrees. In the country, thousands of students choose to improve their educational qualifications with a certificate course every year. These online certification programs let students qualify in a subject without spending as much time as is required for a traditional certificate course. Many universities across the country offer online certifications, and you will find a certification program for almost all subjects. Here are three of the best online certification programs in the country.

    Certificate in Finance and Technology Program – Certificate in Finance and Technology
    This degree gives technology professionals from asset management, banking, and insurance sectors a clear understanding of the business where they work. Industry experts have designed the Certificate in Finance and Technology Program. It uses cutting-edge technology to help students gain the knowledge that they need to perform well and excel in their industry. This course helps students develop a strong foundation. It instills a sense of confidence in students and boosts the trajectory of their careers.

    Certified Expert in Microfinance – Frankfurt School of Finance and Management
    This course is tailored to train and certify loan officers and microfinance practitioners. It is ideal for students and working professionals who are interested in microfinance. The contents of this course can help students achieve personal career goals as they gain advanced knowledge in subjects like micro-insurance, micro-credits, and micro savings. Working professionals also learn about the risks involved in the business that they work for, and they learn to implement sales and marketing strategies. They will also gain knowledge about human resource management, performance management, and financial performance management.

    Edge Online: Business Foundations – UCLA Anderson Executive Education
    The goal of this online certification program is to get a clear picture of the concepts and strategies behind global businesses. In this course, working professionals learn about the fundamental concepts of business and management of the industry that they belong to. Students gain knowledge about how the fundamental principles of business work together and how to utilize them in real-life situations. This course is divided into three parts, which are Operations and Finance, Marketing and Managerial Leadership, and Strategy and Organizations. With this certificate, students gain an edge over other professionals because of their in-depth knowledge and clear concepts of various businesses.

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  • Designing an outdoor kitchen

    The popularity of outdoor kitchen has seen a rise in the past few years. They have become popular as they offer beauty, comfort, luxury, and entertainment. It is an outdoor kitchen area where we can cook food on the grill as well. Many companies are now building different components for outdoor kitchens such as dishwashers, refrigerators, ovens, big grills, drawer system, TV, sound systems, etc. A strong understanding and knowledge of kitchen design principles are crucial for its implementation. Outdoor kitchens help to entertain guests and can help to think beyond the conventional cooking space.

    Designing an outdoor kitchen is a time-consuming process and is based on consumer’s lifestyle. The basic design is as follows:

    • It should be located close to the indoor kitchen in the vicinity to the sink or fridge.
    • Basic requirements of water, gas, electricity require a permit from the local building department.
    • Hot and cold water lines should be installed below the sink.
      Electrical circuits for appliances such as blenders grill, TV set, water heaters, etc. should be provided.
    • Outdoor umbrellas provide outdoor shade solution to furniture arrangements and protect it from environmental damage.
    • Outdoor kitchens design is a place to cook outside either on a porch, garden, meadow, or beach. An outdoor kitchen can be temporary space with food cooked on a portable grill or an inbuilt grill with a permanent installation. Outdoor umbrellas are also frequently used in outdoor kitchens. There are two types of outdoor umbrella like market and cantilevered umbrellas to serve the purpose of shading in outdoor conditions.
    • Market outdoor umbrellas are used with dining table and a tilting mechanism at their tops. They are straight and symmetrical with a pole at their center. Cantilever outdoor umbrellas help provide shade in difficult-to-shade areas. An outdoor kitchen provides pleasures of the natural world in the open area with the convenience of an enclosed room. It offers inspiration for adding new features to our kitchen.
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  • Ways to incorporate apple cider vinegar in your diet for weight loss

    Using apple cider vinegar in your diet is an age old method to lose weight. We’ve all read about the effects of apple cider vinegar and how it increases the metabolism of the body. But did you know that in addition to keeping your weight in check, apple cider vinegar stabilizes your blood sugar levels, controls cravings, provides constipation relief by aiding digestion and improves the health of your heart. Here are some ways in which you can incorporate apple cider vinegar in your diet to loose weight and stay healthy.

    Apple cider vinegar can be used with olive oil, as a dressing for salads. Tomatoes and cucumbers taste really good when it has been drizzled with apple cider vinegar. You can also treat your taste buds by pickling vegetables with apple cider vinegar. It results in a delicious tangy taste. Preferably use organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar.

    The best way to consume apple cider vinegar is by mixing it in water. Consume one to two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with every day to get the best results. Since it works best when taken before meals, this amount should be spread through the day. If you are having signs of nausea with this intake, start off by consuming one to two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar mixed with a eight ounces of water. Increase your intake gradually. This will help your body to get accustomed to the addition in your diet.

    The taste and smell of apple cider vinegar can put you off initially. However you can mix in other ingredients in your drink to enhance the taste. You can add a tablespoon of honey, ginger, lemon or cinnamon. Each of these ingredients provide additional benefits. For instance, honey aids in digestion and suppressing food cravings, lemons consists of pectin fibers that help in keeping the hunger pangs at bay, ginger helps in the removal of toxins from the body and cinnamon fights excessive fat storage and subsequent weight gain. Thus combining these ingredients with apple cider vinegar and water can assist you in your weight loss journey.

    Here is a quick recipe for your apple cider vinegar drink

    Ingredients

    • Organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar
    • Water
    • Honey
    • Directions

    Take ½ or 1 teaspoon of organic apple cider vinegar in a glass. Buy organic and unfiltered apple cider vinegar as it contains higher amount of vitamins and acetic acid.
    Add the vinegar into eight ounces of water and stir until completely mixed. You can add a tablespoon of honey to eliminate the tartness of the vinegar.
    Consume it before means or an hour before you go to bed.

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  • The birth of modern orthopedics

    It was in the 1960s-1970s that modern orthopedics took birth, especially after the contributions of Hugh Owen Thomas. Finally, intramedullary fixations were being done without opening up the fracture. This technology was popularized by the Harborview Medical Center in the Seattle group in the late 1970s.

    Modern hip and joint replacement
    The next big step in the evolution of orthopedics was joints and hip replacement which took place in the year 1960 by Sir John Charnley, an expert in tribology at Wrightington Hospital in England. He was the one who pioneered this procedure by conceiving that joint surfaces could be replaced with inserts made of inert high quality acrylic plastics. These implants were stuck to the bone surfaces with appropriate cements. His design for the hip joint consisted of a stainless-steel ball on a long stem to be inserted into the femur and an acrylic acetabular implant stuck to the acetabulum.

    This prosthesis design was so successful that this and its derivatives were used popularly for over two decades, and the procedure was such a celebrated success that it became the model for all later joint replacements. This procedure found continual improvement both in design and procedure with many making significant contributions.

    Exeter hip replacement system evolved in the same period. In this method, the stem of the ball had slightly different geometry. A father son duo, Dr. R.I. Harris and W.H. Harris at Harvard, developed and popularized uncemented arthroplasty or joint replacement. The implants were bonded to the bones directly.

    Knee replacement
    The next development was the knee replacement. Dr. McIntosh used the same techniques to replace the knee joints of rheumatoid arthritis patients. Later, Doctors Gunston and Marmor in the 1970s started to replace the knee joint for osteoarthritis patients using a joint design developed by Dr. John Instal in New York using a fixed bearing. This evidently had limitation on the range of movement of the joint. This was overcome by using a mobile bearing system by Doctors Frederick Buechel and Michael Pappas.

    Fractures
    The next great innovation originated in Germany when Dr. Gerhard Kuntscher introduced the intramedullary rods to fix fractures of femur and tibia in the 1960s. This quickened the recovery of these fractures considerably. Again, it took World War II to push this innovation to the world stage. Traction, however, continued as the standard treatment for these were not used till the 1970s.

    In the last 30-40 odd years, modern orthopedic research has sought to make orthopedic surgeries less invasive and to make the components implanted in the body durable and better.

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