What constitutes a drought? A drought is an extended period of dry weather lacking rainfall. In recent decades, there has been a global increase in the frequency of drought occurrences. With the onset of climate change, elevated temperatures are exacerbating aridity, not only within the United States but also worldwide. Recognizing the detrimental effects of drought where you reside and taking appropriate measures to safeguard your well-being is crucial.
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Dupuytren's contracture, commonly known as Dupuytren's disease, is one of the more peculiar conditions that affect the hands and fingers. This might cause one or more fingers to curl, making it challenging to carry out daily tasks like picking up or holding objects.
Although this is up for discussion, legend has it that the illness was first discovered by the Vikings in Northern Europe. Later, Guillaume Dupuytren, a French surgeon from the 19th century who performed the first successful operation on the ailment, was honored with the name. In the twenty-first century, approximately one in every twenty Americans suffers from Dupuytren's contracture.
What is the contracture of Dupuytren?
The layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers is called the fascia. This tissue becomes thicker and shorter in Dupuytren's contracture.
Initially, this enlarged region was a hard lump known as a nodule. It may develop into a thick band known as a cord over several years or decades, causing one or more fingers to curl toward the palm and become locked there, bent. This can make it challenging to use a computer, button garments, hold things, and carry out other daily chores.
It's not always the case that the illness gets worse and worse. For years, it might not change or, in certain cases, get better.
Although this is up for discussion, legend has it that the illness was first discovered by the Vikings in Northern Europe. Later, Guillaume Dupuytren, a French surgeon from the 19th century who performed the first successful operation on the ailment, was honored with the name. In the twenty-first century, approximately one in every twenty Americans suffers from Dupuytren's contracture.
What is the contracture of Dupuytren?
The layer of fibrous tissue beneath the skin of the palm and fingers is called the fascia. This tissue becomes thicker and shorter in Dupuytren's contracture.
Initially, this enlarged region was a hard lump known as a nodule. It may develop into a thick band known as a cord over several years or decades, causing one or more fingers to curl toward the palm and become locked there, bent. This can make it challenging to use a computer, button garments, hold things, and carry out other daily chores.
It's not always the case that the illness gets worse and worse. For years, it might not change or, in certain cases, get better.
Trees contribute significantly to the quality of our lives in various ways. They play a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen, thus reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Additionally, trees act as natural sound barriers, diminishing noise pollution, and they purify the air by filtering out pollutants. When it rains, trees help to manage water runoff, which prevents flooding and soil erosion. Furthermore, they serve as habitats for a diverse range of creatures, from insects to birds, fostering biodiversity.
Beyond these ecological benefits, there's growing evidence that simply being in the presence of trees and green spaces positively impacts our well-being. Here are some of the key advantages:
As temperatures rise due to climate change, heatwaves become more common across the United States. However, certain areas, particularly urban neighborhoods, face even greater challenges due to the phenomenon known as urban heat islands. In these areas, materials like asphalt and concrete absorb heat during the day and release it slowly at night, causing temperatures to soar up to 7°F higher than in greener, suburban locales.
Fortunately, trees come to the rescue with their leafy canopies, providing much-needed shade. This shade isn't just a comfortable; it's a crucial factor in mitigating the impact of urban heat islands. By cooling the surrounding environment, trees help reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses, which disproportionately affect outdoor workers and vulnerable populations such as the young, elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions.
Hey, did you know there are some things you really shouldn't leave in your car? Like, seriously, some of them can cause explosions! If you're a car owner or driver, you've got to hear this. Sure, we all know about not leaving pets or kids in there, but there's a whole bunch of other stuff you might not think about. Like summer-specific items, everyday gadgets, even certain foods and drinks, and health-related stuff. It's crazy!
Listen up! Let's just say, it's a real eye-opener. So, buckle up and brace yourself for some surprising stuff.
1. Lighters: Lighters contain flammable materials and pressurized gas. When exposed to high temperatures, especially in direct sunlight, the pressure inside the lighter can increase, causing it to explode. The flammable materials inside can ignite, leading to a potential fire hazard.
2. Power Bank: Power banks often contain lithium-ion batteries, which are susceptible to heat. When exposed to high temperatures, such as those in a car on a hot day, the batteries can become unstable and may catch fire or explode. This risk is particularly heightened if the power bank is left in direct sunlight, which can further increase the temperature inside the device.
3. Perfume and Mineral Water: Both perfume and mineral water can contain alcohol, which is flammable. When left in direct sunlight, the heat can cause the liquid to evaporate rapidly, creating a highly flammable atmosphere. If exposed to an ignition source, such as a spark, this vapor can ignite, leading to a fire.
4. Snacks: Snacks, especially those containing oils or fats, can spoil when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the fat to oxidize, leading to rancidity and a change in taste and texture. Additionally, heat can accelerate microbial growth, increasing the risk of foodborne illness.
5. Sunglasses: Glasses, particularly those with plastic frames or prescription lenses, can be damaged by heat. Plastic frames may melt or warp, while lenses can act as magnifying glasses, focusing sunlight onto nearby surfaces and potentially causing fires. Additionally, metal frames can become hot enough to cause burns if worn after being exposed to high temperatures.
6. Sun Cream: The active ingredients in sun cream can degrade when exposed to high temperatures, reducing their effectiveness in protecting the skin from UV radiation. This degradation can occur more rapidly when the product is left in a hot car for prolonged periods, leading to potentially inadequate sun protection. According to FDA sunscreen can catch fire.
7. Damp Beach Items: Damp beach items, such as swimsuits and towels, provide a moist environment ideal for the growth of bacteria and yeast. When left in a hot car, the temperature and humidity can further promote microbial growth, increasing the risk of infections or unpleasant odors.
8. Electronics: Electronic devices, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets, can suffer damage when exposed to high temperatures. Heat can affect the performance and lifespan of batteries, cause components to expand or contract, and even lead to thermal shutdowns or malfunctions. To prevent damage, it's advisable to avoid leaving electronics in hot cars whenever possible.
9. Handbags/Wallets: Handbags and wallets left in cars are vulnerable to theft, as they often contain valuable items such as credit cards, cash, and smartphones. Additionally, the warm and confined environment of a car can promote the growth of bacteria on items frequently touched by hands, potentially leading to hygiene issues or skin infections.
10. Aerosols (Pressurized Canisters): Pressurized aerosol cans, such as deodorants and hair sprays, pose a risk of explosion when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can cause the pressure inside the canister to build up, leading to rupture or explosions. To mitigate this risk, it's important to store aerosols in a cool and well-ventilated environment.
11. Batteries: Batteries, both disposable and rechargeable, can leak or explode when exposed to high temperatures. Heat accelerates chemical reactions within the battery, leading to the release of corrosive electrolytes or gases. This not only poses a safety hazard, but can also cause damage to the interior of the vehicle.
12. Plants: Plants left in hot cars are susceptible to heat stress and dehydration, which can quickly lead to wilting or even death. To prevent damage, it's important to keep plants shaded and hydrated during transport and avoid leaving them in the car for extended periods, especially on hot days.
13. Make-up: Certain make-up products, such as lipsticks and lotions, can melt or degrade when exposed to high temperatures. This can alter their texture, consistency, and effectiveness. To maintain the integrity of make-up products, it's advisable to store them in a cool and dry environment, away from direct sunlight.
14. Candles: Candles, especially those in glass containers, can melt or shatter when exposed to high temperatures. The heat can soften the wax, causing it to deform or flow out of the container. In extreme cases, the glass container may fracture or explode due to thermal stress.
How did these sunglasses end up becoming mine? Well, let me tell you a little story. I originally got these shades for my partner from Boohoo man, but alas, they didn't quite fit right. So, in a stroke of fate, I decided to claim them as my own. And hey, don't they look absolutely fabulous on me? They sure do!
I wore these sunglasses during my lunchtime at Joal Restaurant in Dublin, and I looked fab.
With summer upon us, it's time to talk sunglasses. And not just any sunglasses, but the perfect round ones that won't break the bank. Round-framed sunglasses are a godsend if your face is square, as they work wonders in softening those angles.
Got a round face? Circular shades might not be your best bet. Instead, opt for something slightly more angular to add a touch of definition.
Oval faces are lucky ducks; they can rock just about any frame shape, including those trendy round shades.
If you've got a long, narrow face, fear not. Round sunglasses can be your best friend, just make sure to avoid anything too small that might emphasize the length.
Triangular face shapes, listen up. Look for sunglasses with some heft or embellishments at the outer edges to balance out that silhouette.
And for those heart-shaped faces, round shades are your secret weapon in minimizing width at the top of your face.
But hey, are round sunglasses really your jam? Well, that's up to you and your personal style. Whether you're into oversized drama or sticking to the classics, there's a pair out there with your name on it.
Would you like to know where I got these sunglasses? Well, I got them from boohoo man. They're the round metal sunglasses.
Oh, and while we're on the topic, don't forget about UV protection! It's not just about looking cool; it's about keeping those peepers safe from the sun's harmful rays. And hey, while you're at it, slap on some sunscreen to protect that lovely skin of yours. Here's to a fantastic summer ahead!
Hey everyone, if you haven't caught wind of my showdown with Gabriella, the night manager at the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, well, guess what? I took a trip to Dublin! Despite the hiccup, I managed to have a blast, and here's one highlight from the trip.
Before diving in, a huge shout out to Stanley, a friend's friend, who played tour guide for us. Initially, I suggested we hit up the hotel bar for a chill drink or find a local pub. But Stanley had other plans. He took us on a little adventure around town, and that's how we stumbled upon Café en Seine.
Stepping into that place was like stepping into a dream. The ambiance was just right, with music playing and people swaying gracefully. The décor was on point, with candles flickering on high tables. We grabbed some drinks and decided to explore. Each corner was like a new scene from a romantic movie, with red and pink accents everywhere. We couldn't resist snapping photos and taking videos while sipping on our drinks.
Next, we found ourselves in a livelier section, with music blasting and people dancing their hearts out. The DJ was killing it, spinning tunes from all over the globe. We joined in the fun, dancing like nobody's watching. The staff was on point too, keeping everything spick and span.
What struck me most was the vibe—it was all adults, no rowdy teens. Not that I have anything against teens, but it was refreshing to see everyone having a good time with no drama.
It was a night to remember, one that made me feel so alive again. Sometimes, you just need to let loose and embrace the moment. Café en Seine did exactly that for me. Great staff, great atmosphere, and an all-around awesome time with my friend.
So, here's a little reminder: don't be afraid to shake things up and try new places. You never know; it might just be the pick-me-up you need. Ever been to Café en Seine? Let me know in the comments!
So, remember my previous story about Gabriella of the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, aka the night manager? Well, let me tell you about our room experience.
First off, the room was really neat, like, super tidy. The bed was nicely made, and there were plenty of closets to keep our stuff organized. I specifically asked for a room without any funky smells, and they totally delivered. It was clean and airy, just how we like it.
They had all the essentials covered: hair dryers, soap, towels, you name it. Plus, they kept a tea stand fully stocked, which was a lifesaver for a tea lover like me. Oh, and there were even biscuits and milk – talk about hospitality!
Now, onto the entertainment – the TV was pretty decent, with YouTube and other channels to keep us entertained. Nothing fancy, but it did the job. And the rug? Not a whiff of funkiness there, just a nice, cozy rug that tied the room together.
I also appreciated the curtains – clean, no stains, and they matched the room perfectly. The lighting was great too, with a mix of white and yellow to suit everyone's tastes.
But here's where things get a bit iffy – the bathroom. Don't get me wrong, it was clean and all, but the shower setup was a bit... Awkward. You practically had to do acrobatics just to get a decent shower because the shower head was fixed in place. It was not the type of shower you can move around, you have to stand in one place and turn around to shower your whole body. The curtain had a couple of black stains, but nothing too major.
Oh, and get this – I think someone might've snooped around my laptop. When we got back to the room, we found the cleaner's earpods charging with my friend's charger. She came back for them later, but it left me feeling a bit uneasy about my laptop.
This hotel is not located in the heart of the city center, we had to pay about 30-45 euros for a taxi to get into the city center to attend church on Sunday. They have breakfast service.
Overall, not a bad stay, but definitely room for improvement, especially in the bathroom. Ever stayed Louis Fitzgerald hotel in Dublin? Let me know what you think!
I like the concept of this master switch that controls the entire light in the room.
Bathroom and Toilet at the Louis Fitzgerald hotel
I was in the middle of a beautiful dream when my friend rudely interrupted, insisting we go for breakfast. Still half-asleep, I grumbled about wanting more shut-eye but eventually dragged myself out of bed and threw on some clothes. Off we stumbled to the breakfast stand, bleary-eyed and grumpy.
Now, let's chat about my breakfast adventure at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. But hey, before we dig into that, have you checked out my hotel review yet? If not, you're missing out—go give it a read. Alright, back to breakfast. I'm not exactly a breakfast connoisseur, but even I could tell the food wasn't exactly fresh. Hotels love to boast about their "fresh" orange juice, but let's be real here—who's squeezing oranges at the crack of dawn?
The food was... meh. Considering the staff issues I noticed, I wasn't expecting a Michelin-star meal. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece either. The breakfast area was neat and tidy, and my friend and I managed to snag a cozy corner to chow down. They did have a decent variety, and everything was served piping hot, so I'll give 'em that. Overall, not a bad experience, but definitely room for improvement. So, spill the beans—what's been your best hotel breakfast experience?
At this point in my life, I've learned to let things go and not take them too seriously. Recently, I traveled to Dublin, and planning the trip with my friend Ebube was really easy. We booked my tickets using Easyjet, and I traveled to Dublin by Aircoach bus.
My flight was very early, and with the added stress of potentially missing it, I did not sleep well. I've learned that while early flights may be cheaper, I need to give myself a break from booking them. Despite that, the journey was smooth—both the flight and the bus ride to Dublin. Overall, it was a great trip, and I'm grateful for the safe travels.
I haven't slept well all week, and I was hoping to sleep when I get to the hotel before my friend arrives.
My airport experience went smoothly, and I have Easyjet to thank for the seamless flight. However, I attribute the overall safe journey to God, giving Him all the glory.
Upon arriving on the reservation my friend made, there was a booking issue that required me to wait for my friend to arrive and resolve it. She managed to resolve it even before she arrived, and we went back to the hotel to rest and refresh. Later that night, we wanted to explore Dublin and see what the city had to offer. I was excited for the fun we had visiting Cafe En Seine, a suggestion from a friend who lives in Dublin and joined us there. After a good night out, he drove us back to our hotel to ensure we got in safely. However, the night manager, Gabriella, stopped us to ask for our room number, which we provided. Despite explaining that the person with us wasn't staying in the hotel, she became even more angry and insisted that he leave the property. She also demanded that both of us pay for staying in the room we had already booked.
We told her that we had already paid and everything was settled; we had checked in earlier. However, she continued to insist that we needed to pay. This confusion arose because she wasn't listening to us. Eventually, we managed to show her the reservation, which she refused to look at, but then she said it was booked for only one guest, even though we had already checked in.
Despite our protests and attempts to clarify the situation, she remained adamant and accused us of lying. She even threatened to ask us to leave the hotel. We were surprised and frustrated by her refusal to let us sleep in the room we had paid for. My friend became angry and told her to stop making unnecessary statements. That's when she threatened to call the police on us, accusing us of trying to sneak a guy into our hotel room, escalating the situation further.
My friends became furious with her and asserted that she had no right to threaten us with the police. We had all our documents in order, and she was simply being rude and unreasonable. Despite our objections, she gave us two options: either pay an extra fee and breakfast or wait for the police to arrive. We chose to wait for the police.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, my friend suggested that if she didn't want to allow me inside the hotel, she would stay alone while I went to her friend's house to sleep, and in the morning we would sort out the issue. She refused and said both I and my friend could not go into the room we paid for. She also refused us from taking our things from the room.
We were taken aback when, despite having paid for our hotel room, we were denied access to it, even at 3 in the morning. The night manager called the hotel guards to prevent us from entering. One of the guards expressed disappointment in her behavior and advised us to remain calm, highlighting her unpleasant demeanor. Her disrespectful treatment of the guards, as if they were her subordinates, left a poor impression. When another guest was entering, she abruptly demanded their room number and then instructed them to come to the front desk to speak with her.
This woman appeared intoxicated with power. She went to the extent of suggesting that we had hearing problems and required hearing aids, which caught us off guard. I couldn't discern if her behavior stemmed from racial animosity or if she was simply a troubled individual in a position of authority.
My friend's friend thought that offering an apology might smooth things over. Yet, the moment he apologized, she became even more hostile. My friend also tried to ease the tension by apologizing, attempting to understand if Gabriella, the night manager, was having a rough day or if there was a misunderstanding. However, she remained firm, asserting her sole authority. Growing frustrated, my friend's friend raised his voice, labeling her as unreasonable. Meanwhile, my friend, Ebube, was getting angry. We had a confirmed booking, and it was clear that Gabriella was being wicked.
She even asked the security guard to deactivate our room cards. She demanded that we pay for breakfast, which we declined, leading to her insisting that we leave the hotel altogether.
I haven't slept well all week, and I was hoping to sleep when I get to the hotel before my friend arrives.
My airport experience went smoothly, and I have Easyjet to thank for the seamless flight. However, I attribute the overall safe journey to God, giving Him all the glory.
Upon arriving on the reservation my friend made, there was a booking issue that required me to wait for my friend to arrive and resolve it. She managed to resolve it even before she arrived, and we went back to the hotel to rest and refresh. Later that night, we wanted to explore Dublin and see what the city had to offer. I was excited for the fun we had visiting Cafe En Seine, a suggestion from a friend who lives in Dublin and joined us there. After a good night out, he drove us back to our hotel to ensure we got in safely. However, the night manager, Gabriella, stopped us to ask for our room number, which we provided. Despite explaining that the person with us wasn't staying in the hotel, she became even more angry and insisted that he leave the property. She also demanded that both of us pay for staying in the room we had already booked.
We told her that we had already paid and everything was settled; we had checked in earlier. However, she continued to insist that we needed to pay. This confusion arose because she wasn't listening to us. Eventually, we managed to show her the reservation, which she refused to look at, but then she said it was booked for only one guest, even though we had already checked in.
Despite our protests and attempts to clarify the situation, she remained adamant and accused us of lying. She even threatened to ask us to leave the hotel. We were surprised and frustrated by her refusal to let us sleep in the room we had paid for. My friend became angry and told her to stop making unnecessary statements. That's when she threatened to call the police on us, accusing us of trying to sneak a guy into our hotel room, escalating the situation further.
My friends became furious with her and asserted that she had no right to threaten us with the police. We had all our documents in order, and she was simply being rude and unreasonable. Despite our objections, she gave us two options: either pay an extra fee and breakfast or wait for the police to arrive. We chose to wait for the police.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, my friend suggested that if she didn't want to allow me inside the hotel, she would stay alone while I went to her friend's house to sleep, and in the morning we would sort out the issue. She refused and said both I and my friend could not go into the room we paid for. She also refused us from taking our things from the room.
We were taken aback when, despite having paid for our hotel room, we were denied access to it, even at 3 in the morning. The night manager called the hotel guards to prevent us from entering. One of the guards expressed disappointment in her behavior and advised us to remain calm, highlighting her unpleasant demeanor. Her disrespectful treatment of the guards, as if they were her subordinates, left a poor impression. When another guest was entering, she abruptly demanded their room number and then instructed them to come to the front desk to speak with her.
This woman appeared intoxicated with power. She went to the extent of suggesting that we had hearing problems and required hearing aids, which caught us off guard. I couldn't discern if her behavior stemmed from racial animosity or if she was simply a troubled individual in a position of authority.
My friend's friend thought that offering an apology might smooth things over. Yet, the moment he apologized, she became even more hostile. My friend also tried to ease the tension by apologizing, attempting to understand if Gabriella, the night manager, was having a rough day or if there was a misunderstanding. However, she remained firm, asserting her sole authority. Growing frustrated, my friend's friend raised his voice, labeling her as unreasonable. Meanwhile, my friend, Ebube, was getting angry. We had a confirmed booking, and it was clear that Gabriella was being wicked.
She even asked the security guard to deactivate our room cards. She demanded that we pay for breakfast, which we declined, leading to her insisting that we leave the hotel altogether.
The following day, we phoned ahead before heading to the hotel. We were invited to meet with the day manager, who calmly discussed the incident with us and apologized. Thankfully, everything was resolved, and we were able to enjoy the rest of our stay without any further issues.
As for my encounter with Gabriella, words can't fully capture the experience. However, one thing that stood out to me was how we handled the situation. Later that day, while chilling in the room with my friend, I played some music and reflected on how much we've grown. In the past, we might have refused to budge until our rights were acknowledged, but now we're more inclined to let things slide. There are always going to be unhappy people like Gabriella out there, but we didn't let her steal our joy. I genuinely hope she finds peace.
Special thanks to the morning manager and the front desk staff, who eventually resolved the issue and apologized for the inconvenience.
While sitting in the lobby the next day with my friend's brother, a lady approached us, introducing herself as another manager at the hotel. She expressed her desire to understand what happened. However, after explaining the situation, she insisted on speaking with the person who made the booking, stating she couldn't discuss matters with me since the booking wasn't in my name. This didn't sit well with me. Initially, she came off as defensive, which discouraged my friend's brother from engaging in conversation, as he felt it wouldn't lead anywhere. Later, my friend Ebube spoke to her.
Well, I'll just get straight to the point about the Enliven 250 ml Extreme Blue Hair Gel. If you're looking for a hard hair gel that holds your hair too firmly, then this isn't the gel for you. However, if you're seeking a light hold that won't make your hair feel like it's coated in gel and still maintains a natural look as if you haven't used gel at all, then this is it. It offers a light hold that keeps your hair together and in place throughout the day.
I was returning from work and needed gel, so I just grabbed what the store had.
According to the instructions, the best way to use it is on wet hair, applied evenly throughout.
I apply it before heading to work every day, and it serves as a protective barrier against dust and dirt. What's remarkable is that it doesn't weigh my hair down; unlike some gels that leave a heavy feeling, this one keeps my hair feeling light and natural even after prolonged wear. I absolutely love this hair gel; it provides excellent hold, doesn't leave any residue like some gel does, and washes out effortlessly.
I absolutely love this hair gel! Despite its extreme hold label, it doesn't stiffen my hair aggressively; instead, it maintains a comfortable hold without making my hair feel rigid. Even after applying, my hair remains soft and manageable. Using it daily hasn't caused any damage to my hair; in fact, it seems to have a conditioning effect. When I wash it off at the end of the day, my hair feels noticeably smoother.
Product Benefits:
- Moisturizing
- Suitable for all hair types
- Unscented
- Liquid Volume: 250 Milliliters
- Item Form: Gel
- Brand: Enliven
- Proudly made in the UK
- Formulated with pro-vitamin B5 to keep hair moisturized and strong
- Not tested on animals
- Great value for money
- Item Display Volume: 250.0 milliliters
- Item Display Weight: 13.44 grams
You can find this gel at drugstores as well as on Amazon.
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