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  • Climate Scientist Says Total Climate Breakdown Is Now Inevitable

    Climate Scientist Says Total Climate Breakdown Is Now Inevitable

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    • In his new book, Bill McGuire argues it’s too late to avoid catastrophic climate change.
    • The Earth science professor says lethal heatwaves and extreme weather events are just the beginning.
    • Many climate scientists, he said, are more scared about the future than they are willing to admit in public.

    Record-breaking heatwaves, lethal flooding, and extreme weather events are just the beginning of the climate crisis, according to a leading UK climate scientist. 

    In his new book published Thursday, “Hothouse Earth: An Inhabitant’s Guide,” Bill McGuire argues that, after years of ignoring warnings from scientists, it is too late to avoid the catastrophic impacts of climate change.

    The University College London Earth sciences professor pointed to a record-breaking heatwave across the UK this month and dangerous wildfires that destroyed 16 homes in East London as evidence of the rapidly changing climate. McGuire says weather will begin to regularly surpass current extremes, despite government goals to lower carbon emissions. 

    “And as we head further into 2022, it is already a different world out there,” McGuire told The Guardian. “Soon it will be unrecognizable to every one of us.”

    His perspective — that severe climate change is now inevitable and irreversible — is more extreme than many scientists who believe that, with lowered emissions, the most severe potential impacts can still be avoided.

    McGuire did not immediately respond to Insider’s request for comment.

    Many climate scientists, McGuire said, are much more scared about the future than they are willing to admit in public. He calls their reluctance to acknowledge the futility of current climate action “climate appeasement” and says it only makes things worse.

    Instead of focusing on net-zero emission goals, which McGuire says won’t reverse the current course of climate change, he argues we need to adapt to the “hothouse world” that lies ahead and start taking action to try to stop material conditions from deteriorating further. 

    “This is a call to arms,” McGuire told The Guardian: “So if you feel the need to glue yourself to a motorway or blockade an oil refinery, do it.”

    This week, Senate Democrats agreed to a potential bill that would be the most significant action ever taken by the US to address climate change. The bill includes cutting carbon emissions 40% by 2030, with $369 billion to go toward energy and climate programs.

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  • The Effects of Music on Our Mood and Emotions
– PHIATON

    The Effects of Music on Our Mood and Emotions – PHIATON

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    It has been proven that music has a way of connecting our mind, body, and soul in ways we never thought possible.

    We react to music differently, and that is what makes it more interesting. Even sad songs have a way of bringing pleasure and comfort to some listeners.

    For decades, researchers have tried to determine the mood-boosting benefits of music and how it affects us emotionally. The results are outlined below.

    Music Can Help Improve Memory

    Although it can be true for some people, it certainly depends on various factors such as the type of music, level of enjoyment derived from a song, or how musically inclined an individual may be.

    A study carried out in 2009 at the University of California showed that the dorsal medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), which is a portion of the brain, is associated with music and memories. A typical example is when we experience emotional memories triggered by songs that we enjoy listening to.

    It is no wonder that most students enjoy listening to music while studying, as it helps them recall what they studied.  

    It Helps Create a Feel-Good Factor

    Listening to songs we enjoy helps stimulate serotonin production. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that is also called a “happy hormone.” When you are happy, it is a lot easier to manage your mood and fight different diseases.

    It Helps You Relax

    Music has a way of connecting directly to your parasympathetic nervous system to relax your muscles and remove tension.

    It can also lower your heart rate and help you breathe to the rhythm of the song you are listening to.

    That is why experts advise that you go for songs that have a soothing sound and slow rhythm of about 60–80 beats per minute (BPM). If you already fall asleep to music then in-ear earbuds are recommended for those who sleep on their side as their low profile removes the pressure of having them against your pillow. Phiaton’s BT 120 NC Curve features active noise cancellation technology that will help drown out the unwanted low frequency sound while its lightweight makes it easy to forget that you are wearing it.

    Music Can Help You Manage Pain

    A recent study carried out to determine the effect of music on pain management in surgery patients discovered that patients who used music therapy for pain management before, during, and after surgery experienced less pain when compared to those who did not.

    Music Can Help You Sleep

    For adults, sticking to the recommended seven hours of sleep every night can be difficult. However, maintaining a ritual of listening to music just before bedtime can help you sleep better. Music helps your body release melatonin, which is a hormone responsible for the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle.

    To learn more about sleep and ways to improve it, check out the infographic below.

    Eye-Opening Stats & Facts About Sleep (Infographic)

    Jan 22, 2020

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  • How to Find Dog-Friendly Stores – Dogster

    How to Find Dog-Friendly Stores – Dogster

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    Do you love going out and about with your furry sidekick? It’s easier to find dog-friendly stores and restaurants than you may think. But what does dog friendly really mean? Is it as simple as being allowed to take your dog inside or is there more to it than that? And, what are the benefits of taking your dog to a dog-friendly store?

    What makes a store or restaurant dog-friendly?

    There is dog friendly and there is truly dog friendly. So what’s the difference? First of all, at the bare minimum dog-friendly stores allow all companion dogs, not just service dogs, inside the store or on the restaurant patio.

    This doesn’t mean that they will be allowed to roam free. Dogs will typically be required to be on-leash as most cities and counties make it illegal to have your dog off leash in public places. Also, it is safer for your own dog if other dogs are leashed as you don’t know how fearful or aggressive other dogs may be.