Archives for May 2022

By and large, as time moves forward and we progress to the later stages of our lives, the range of housing options we can have access to expands exponentially. This is, in large, thanks to a lifetime of hard work, financial management, and the geographical freedom that accompanies retirement. But as the number of options grows, making an informed decision becomes more difficult.

Deciding where to spend your golden years is a multifaceted consideration that requires both financial and personal planning. It is as much about how you envision living your best years as it is about a careful evaluation of what is available in the market. Here, we are going to lay out some key factors we think you should consider when choosing where to retire.

Be Clear About What Most Matters to You

We will get to the more technical aspects, but the first thing you should do is list the must-haves and nice-to-haves and prioritize them according to their importance to you. Determining these features may require many in-depth conversations between you and your partner. Try to cover as many things as possible, including the weather, scenery, recreational activities you’ll want to engage in, distance from your friends and family, etc.

While you may not be bound to a specific city or area for work, proximity is still important. Your retirement location must be close to the things you like and enjoy as well as the things you need and will need in the foreseeable future. Maybe you have a few places in mind from your past vacation destinations, and there is nothing wrong with that. Retirees need to like where they live. You will just need an objective assessment of their infrastructure because these places are usually tailored toward tourists and may lack certain amenities for everyday life.

Evaluate the Cost of Living

The first and probably the most crucial factor you should consider is the affordability of your community of choice. You should evaluate its relative cost of living by factoring in essential costs such as housing, utilities, groceries, transportation, taxes, and healthcare. Needless to say, everyday living expenses vary considerably from state to state, and given your level of income and the budget you have available, your living standard will greatly depend on where you choose to retire.

If you see the probability of unretiring or working part-time in retirement, make sure that the place you choose has a relatively stable economy and low unemployment rate. There is always the chance of a sudden change in circumstances that may affect your finances, such as the loss of a spouse or an unexpected health condition. So, having a backup of some sort can give you extra peace of mind.

Evaluate the Community’s Livability

As we age, where we live becomes more and more influential in determining the quality and longevity of our lives. So, if you have never paid much attention to indicators like livability, it is now the time to do so.

Since it was first popularized by the Clinton-Gore livability agenda in 1998, the term “livability” has been used in many different contexts with slight to big differences in scope and definition. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) has been developing its own definition and measurement of livability over the last two decades and provides a tool that scores communities and neighborhoods across the country based on research-backed data.

According to AARP, “A livable community is one that has affordable and appropriate housing, supportive community features and services, and adequate mobility options, which together facilitate personal independence and the engagement of residents in civic and social life.”

When assessing your retirement location options, in addition to your preferences, your list of metrics should also include things like accessibility to reliable and economical transportation, educational and employment opportunities, affordable health care, safety and security, walkability, and the list goes on.

There are some communities like the North Carolina retirement communities that have been built from the ground up for the retiree and senior demographic. In addition to the above-mentioned overall livability characteristics, these communities offer future-proof features that were designed for the needs of independent aging adults, such as wider sidewalks, one-floor houses, minimal maintenance requirements, no-step entrances, and so on.

Before Making the Final Decision

Most of the factors we discussed can be researched and evaluated online with only a few clicks. Still, the power of in-person visits should never be underestimated, especially if you have more than one candidate on your list. While you can always change your place if you experience a change of heart, you should view it as a long-term commitment to avoid unnecessary hassles and costs associated with relocation at an older age.

If possible, start your search a few years in advance and vacation in some of your desired locations to get the feel of them during different seasons. Even better would be to temporarily live in your top choice locations before making any investment.

Unchecked consumerism is to blame for many of our modern problems such as fossil fuel reliance and plastic pollution. Hence, many consumers are trying to be more conscious about their purchasing choices. The good news is that you do not have to embrace the full breadth of a minimalist lifestyle to change your shopping habits for the better.

Think Before You Buy

One of the most important steps to becoming a conscious consumer is to be mindful and intentional with your purchases. It is easy to instinctively add items to your cart when browsing online—especially when you need a feel-good hit after a stressful day. However, not all of these items will truly bring value to your life beyond the first ten minutes of the transaction.

Indeed, we shop on impulse a lot of the time. Instead of buying on a whim, give yourself a day to cool down and consider whether you need the item. Often, the item you were about to purchase will seem less attractive when you revisit it a day later. By slowing down your shopping process, you can avoid wasting money and resources and creating clutter in your home.

Quality Over Quantity

Fast fashion is an example of the hazards of prioritizing quantity over quality. Because fast fashion products are so cheap, some people buy an item only to wear it once and throw it away. This is an incredible waste of resources. Rampant consumerism such as this damages the environment both during the production and disposal stages.

Choose instead to buy quality items that will last a long time. Quality products have a longer lifespan, which saves you money in the long run. Maintaining a curated collection of quality products also provides you with more satisfaction and less stress. If you are unsure of which companies to trust, visit resource sites such as Brand Rated that rate and review consumer brands.

Look Local First

Many of the items that we love come from thousands of miles away. Air transport uses tons of fossil fuels and generates a huge amount of harmful emissions. Buying local is a great way to reduce the carbon footprint of your purchase. Visit the local farmers’ market for fresh produce or the artists’ market for clothes and homewares that did not have to travel by plane.

Supporting your local community also allows the people in your region to thrive. Most local businesses are small businesses run by individuals or families. When you purchase from local companies instead of big corporations, you help to build an economy in your area that is more diverse, equitable, and sustainable.

Cheap Is Rarely Fair

Although it can be tempting to purchase from online brands that boast attractive discounts, you must consider how they can sell their goods at such low prices. Exposés of overseas factories for bargain brands have uncovered dangerous working conditions and disgracefully low wages that would not be legal in the US.

Exploitative employment practices often impact women, youth, and marginalized communities who already face discrimination in society. Conscious consumerism is about making ethical decisions that benefit not only yourself but the world at large. Therefore, while it can be difficult to say goodbye to cheap factory brands, your conscience will thank you for it.

Avoid Excessive Packaging

When you order something online, it usually arrives swaddled in layers of bubble wrap, plastic film, or polystyrene. Most of these packaging materials are single-use and cannot be recycled or composted. They will most likely end up in a landfill. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), every person generates an average of 4.9 pounds of trash per day—try not to add to this.

It can be hard to avoid packaging when ordering online, so the alternative is to purchase in person as much as possible. Many markets and stores now allow (and encourage) their customers to use their own bags. If packaging is inevitable, try to opt for more environmentally-friendly packaging choices such as cardboard boxes or paper bags instead of single-use plastic bags.

Think Circular

The current consumer economy is linear—resources are used to create items that become waste when they are discarded. A closed-loop or circular economy, where resources are reused instead of wasted, is a much more sustainable option. It is important to think about the lifecycle of the products that we own or want to purchase. How long can we use it for, and what happens when we do not want it anymore?

To participate in the circular economy, consider shopping secondhand. No additional resources are used to produce items when you buy secondhand goods and you avoid wasting items that already exist. Upcycling is another way to transform a product into an upgraded or different useable form. Better yet, repair or mend your items instead of buying new ones.

Conscious consumerism benefits everyone. It is gentler on our wallets, more sustainable for our planet, and more ethical for the people who produce these products. When you are mindful about your consumption, you find a deeper connection with the things that you own and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

Although they are different disciplines, science and technology have developed in tandem throughout the years. Medical science is based on the knowledge that allows us to diagnose, prevent, and treat illnesses of the body and mind. Meanwhile, technology provides the tools that facilitate the processes and practices of science and healthcare. Today, advancement in medical science is synonymous with technology and innovation.

Science, Medicine, and Technology

An example of a technological milestone in medicine was the invention of the compound microscope in the 1600s. Microscopes allowed scientists to magnify objects up to 200 times, laying the foundation for the field of modern life sciences such as virology. Antoni van Leeuwenhoek was one of the first microscope designers. He observed that all living organisms were made up of basic ‘cells’—a term that has endured to this day

The invention of the microscope paved the way for the study of microorganisms. In the 1800s, scientists made several groundbreaking discoveries under the microscope. Rudolf Virchow discovered cell division and showed that cells were responsible for numerous processes including the spread of cancer. Louis Pasteur proposed the idea that diseases could be caused by microscopic germs infecting the body.

Pasteur’s idea would later be known as the germ theory of disease and become a foundational theory of modern medical science. Several inventions followed, such as the identification of the bacterial causes of tuberculosis and cholera by Robert Koch. Laboratory technology continued to improve with the invention of photomicrography (photography through a microscope) and the Petrie dish.

The microscope is but one of many examples of how technology has enabled the advancement of science and medicine. Medical tests of our blood, urine, and saliva are common practice and every established hospital now has its own laboratories. Without laboratory sciences, we would not be able to understand diseases caused by microbes nor have the ability to accurately diagnose and treat these diseases.

Introducing Cryogenic Labels

While certain technological innovations facilitate discovery, others improve the overall efficiency of the medical science sector. Labels are small and often overlooked, but clear and consistent labeling is integral to any scientific research effort or pharmaceutical supply chain. In recent years, innovation in labeling technology has also increased convenience and confidence in many areas of science and medicine.

If you or your pet have been vaccinated, you would have seen the vaccination label that the healthcare professional pasted on your record. Labeling is essential in science and medicine because it allows researchers and practitioners to track and trace the use of their items. From the label of your vaccine, they can find out the type of vaccine, the manufacturer, the batch number, and any other important information.

Previously, labels for scientific and medical use were similar to ordinary office labels. However, regular labels were not able to survive the rigorous demands of laboratory conditions. Labels used for research can come into contact with a variety of chemicals and be exposed to temperatures ranging from -196°C to 150°C. The challenge was to develop labels for laboratory use that would not fade or come unstuck under such extreme conditions.

Thanks to the advancement of manufacturing technology, established laboratory label manufacturers have invented cryogenic labels. These cryo labels can withstand long-term storage in liquid nitrogen and laboratory freezers. They can be affixed on a variety of surfaces including vials and tubes that are frozen and cannot be thawed. The proprietary adhesive sticks strongly, even when placed immediately back into freezer storage.

In addition, most of these labels are chemical and solvent-resistant. This is of utmost importance in an environment that is constantly exposed to harsh chemicals and being cleaned of contamination. The labels can be immersed in disinfectants and laboratory substances including 100% ethanol, xylene, toluene, formalin, hexane, acetone, and more without losing their printing clarity or adhesive properties.

Cryogenic Labels and RFID

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) is a technology that has proved extremely beneficial in inventory and supply chain management across all sectors of industry. More than just a simple barcode, an RFID label transmits information via radio waves to an RFID reader with minimal or no manual handling. Multiple RFID labels can be scanned simultaneously in less than a second without being in the direct line of sight of the reader.

Compared to barcodes, RFID labels can be encoded with a large volume of complex information. This information can be further encrypted for privacy and confidentiality, ensuring that sensitive data is protected. The labels come with a passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) inlay that requires no external power source, allowing them to be produced in small sizes and affixed to curved surfaces such as vials.

Science, medicine, and technology are intertwined. As science and medicine aim to improve our quality of life, technology plays its part by making the processes easier. Medical labels are essential in any research, pathology, and clinical laboratory. They allow effective record keeping, sample management, and inventory tracking. Cryogenic labels may be small, but the technology that drives them is helping to save the world.

Los Angeles is a huge city with plenty of neighborhoods to choose from. If you’re looking for an apartment, it can be tough to know where to start, and how to find new rental properties as they come on the market.

Finding the perfect place to rent can be tough in any city, but it can be a little tougher in a globally renowned city such as Los Angeles. If you want to end up living in a place that is just right for you, there are certain things you’ll need to do and think about.

Here are some key tips on how you can figure out what you need in an apartment, how to find a neighborhood that suits your needs and lifestyle, and tips on staying up-to-date on new rental properties as they come on the market. So whether you’re just starting your search or you’ve been looking for a while and haven’t had any luck yet, here’s what you need to know.

Identify Your Needs

The first step is to figure out what you need in an apartment. This may seem obvious, but it’s important to sit down and make a list of your must-haves. For example, do you need a certain number of bedrooms and bathrooms? Do you need laundry in the unit or on-site? Are you looking for a pet-friendly apartment? Do you need parking? Once you have your list of must-haves, you can start to narrow down your search. Be honest with yourself about what is a ‘must-have’ and what is a ‘nice to have’. Apartments rarely have everything, and this will be helpful to you when you have to start choosing between different options.

Keep in mind that everyone’s needs are different, so while some people might want a studio apartment in the heart of downtown, others might prefer a three-bedroom house in the suburbs. No two property searches are the same, so it’s crucial to figure your specific needs out before you start looking. This way, you’ll know exactly what to look for and won’t waste any time considering properties that don’t suit your needs.

Choose a Neighborhood

One of the best things about living in Los Angeles is that there are so many great neighborhoods to choose from. Whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife, a quiet and residential area, or something in between, you’re sure to find a neighborhood that suits your needs. Do some research online, or ask friends and family for recommendations. Once you’ve found a few neighborhoods you like, it’s time to start exploring them in person.

Visit different areas at different times of day and on different days of the week. This will give you a better sense of what the neighborhood is really like. If possible, talk to some of the locals and get their take on living there. They can tell you things about the area that you won’t find in any guidebook.

Keep an Eye on the Market

The rental market in Los Angeles can be competitive, and new properties don’t stay on the market for long. One of the best ways to find a great apartment is to be one of the first people to apply. To do this, you need to be vigilant and check listings frequently.

There are a few different ways you can do this. You can set up alerts on property websites, or do online searches specifically for the neighborhood you want, such as ’apartments for rent in Koreatown‘. You might have some luck driving around neighborhoods that you’re interested in and spotting ‘For Rent’ signs. Whichever method you choose, make sure you act quickly when you see a place that you like. If you wait too long, someone else will probably snap it up.

Create Networks

If you’re not having much luck through online listings along, it might be time to start networking. To start with, this means getting in touch with realtors who specialize in rentals. They usually have access to listings that haven’t been made public yet and can help you get your foot in the door.

You can also talk to people you know who might be looking for a new place, or who might know someone else who is. The more people you talk to, the more likely it is that you’ll hear about a great rental property before it’s listed online. If you have your eye on a very specific locality, it might even be worth stopping by in local stores and restaurants to see if any locals know of any rentals.

Start Early

If you’re moving to Los Angeles from another city, or if you don’t currently live in the area, it’s best to start your search as early as possible. This will give you plenty of time to explore different neighborhoods and find somewhere that suits your needs and lifestyle. It will also give you a chance to visit different properties and get a feel for what’s out there.

If you start your search too late, you might end up settling for somewhere that’s not quite right, or you might end up paying more than you wanted to. Either way, it’s always better to start early and take your time finding the perfect place. If at all possible, avoid choosing an apartment online without visiting it in person. Some scams operate in this way, but it can also be really difficult to know what an apartment is really like without visiting it.

Cryptocurrency, DeFi, and NFTs have been trending in the media for the last two years. For people who have spent their lives entrenched in the legacy banking system, the big wide world of crypto can seem daunting. However, its potential cannot be ignored. The financial world is changing for users and creators and becoming a revolutionary space where we can reimagine how we hold assets and transact online.

What is Cryptocurrency?

Cryptocurrency is a type of money that exists solely in the virtual world. Unlike digital money, which is the digital form of physical money, cryptocurrency does not originate from a physical form. There are many different cryptocurrencies including Ethereum, Dogecoin, Solana, and the well-known Bitcoin. The foundation of cryptocurrencies is a unique public ledger technology known as the blockchain.

The blockchain is a virtual chain of blocks. Each block contains data on transactions and other information. Once a block joined the back of the chain, the data on it cannot be altered or deleted. If there are changes required, a new block will have to be written and attached to the chain. The immutability of the blockchain ensures the transparency, integrity, and security of all the data stored on it.

Cryptocurrencies are managed by a network of volunteer computers that can span the entire globe. These ‘nodes’ each store a copy of the blockchain ledger and act as a failsafe. Data is constantly checked across all nodes and any discrepancies are quickly corrected. Because there is no single source of reference, the blockchain ledger is extremely difficult to corrupt compared to the records of the conventional banking system.

What is DeFi?

DeFi is short for decentralized finance. It is an umbrella term that refers to financial services for cryptocurrency aimed at disrupting the global financial system. DeFi applies the public ledger technology of blockchain to power complex transactions and financial use cases. Users of DeFi can do most of the things that they can with traditional banks such as trade, borrow, lend, invest, and earn interest.

Because DeFi is independent of major financial institutions and governments, it offers freedom from centralized systems. The blockchain technology that forms the backbone of DeFi is typically more secure than legacy banking systems as the data is stored collectively across several entities and locations instead of being in the control of a single source. Hence, there is potential for users to participate in a fair and free financial market without having to pay fees to intermediaries.

The hallmarks of a DeFi application are that users are required to connect their cryptocurrency wallets but ideally not required to submit any personal information such as a real name or address. DeFi applications should offer users full and direct control over their assets while providing the capacity to perform sophisticated transactions in a matter of seconds. There should be only smart contracts and no human middlemen involved.

What is an NFT?

An NFT is a non-fungible tokens. Non-fungible means that each item has distinctive properties and is not interchangeable with another item. NFTs are a type of cryptocurrency asset that allows holders to prove ownership. They can be anything from an image, an audio clip, a domain name, or even a tweet. Because NFTs exist on the blockchain, all transactions are recorded and ownership is immutable.

NFTs are also virtually indestructible. The tokens are stored on the blockchain instead of on a central server or the owner’s computer. Therefore, they cannot be deleted or replicated. Many digital artists are encoding NFTs to record the ownership of their artwork. Digital art is often shared freely online. With NFTs, even if the artwork is shared by the public, the artist holds irrefutable proof of ownership.

This likewise adds value for people who want to collect or trade digital art because each transfer of ownership, including the trade price, is recorded on the digital ledger. Tokens can be authenticated immediately without third-party involvement. When someone buys an NFT via a smart contract, they instantly and automatically become the owner of the token. The company or creator of the token cannot claim it back later.

What is the Future Potential?

As people become increasingly aware of the potential of the crypto and DeFi space, we can look forward to more innovative applications of the technology. Charged Particles is an NFT protocol that integrates the principles of DeFi with NFTs. Through their proprietary technology, users can deposit and store digital assets inside their NFTs, turning the NFTs into multi-layered assets that can increase in features and value over time.

Meanwhile, games and multiverses are being developed to package a range of functions into a single NFT project. Holders of NFTs can become members of DAOs (Decentralized Autonomous Organizations) with voting rights to influence collective decision-making. Projects have also taken play-to-earn further by allowing users to combine their assets in exchange for scarce items. This focus on community building is the heart of the new DeFi NFT market and has unlimited possibilities for the future.