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  • What to Do – Dogster

    What to Do – Dogster

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    Many dogs will snap at flying bees and eat them, resulting in painful mouth stings. The first signs that your dog has been stung by a bee are swelling around the nose, mouth and muzzle, says to Dr. Natalie Isaza, owner of Access Veterinary Services in Florida.  If your dog eats the bee, first determine if there’s an allergic reaction.

    Dog stung by bee in mouth: What to do

    • Check for normal breathing and behavior. Don’t panic: Your dog may paw at the face. Bee stings hurt! Watch for deep, rapid breaths, indicating tissues in the airways are swelling. The tongue and gums may also turn light blue.
    • Watch for vomiting or loss of consciousness, signaling an emergency.

    “Just like people, dogs can have a severe hypersensitive reaction to a bee sting, which would require emergency treatment by a veterinarian,” says Dr. Isaza.

    “If your dog has none of these signs and is experiencing swelling around the muzzle and discomfort only, you can administer diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to alleviate some of the allergic response,” she says. Always contact your vet. He/she knows your dog’s health and will provide the correct dosage.

    Dog ate a bee: What to do

    If your dog gets stung and also swallows the bee, follow these steps:

    • If there are no severe allergic reactions, and you’ve given Benadryl under your vet’s direction, calm inflammation with ice or cool water.
    • Once in the stomach, Mr. Bee encounters digestive juices and should not be a problem.

    What to do if dog gets stung by a bee: Honeybees, hornets and wasps

    • Female honeybees (also known as worker bees) and many other bee species lose their stinger and die after a sting. Although the sting hurts, it’s not poisonous to your dog.
    • Hornets, wasps and yellow jackets can sting multiple times, delivering more venom — potentially more dangerous and definitely more painful, according to Dr. Isaza.

    Regardless the type of stinger, watch for the severe reactions mentioned above: These are the best clues for helping after sweet dog meets honeybee.

    For more information on caring for bug bites, read our article How to Handle Bites & Stings in Dogs.

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  • Eight cave-like interiors that celebrate curved forms

    Eight cave-like interiors that celebrate curved forms

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    A spa with a spherical swimming pool and holiday homes with sloping plaster walls feature in our latest lookbook, which showcases eight cavernous Greek interiors.

    Cave-like interior designs are becoming increasingly popular, as seen in the Gilder Center by Studio Gang – a recently completed museum extension in New York with a large grotto-like atrium.

    In Greece, which is known for its caves, there is a wide variety of cave-like architecture either built from existing geological structures or designed to mimic these natural dugouts. Thick, curved walls are often chosen to protect interior spaces from the country’s Mediterranean climate.

    As the weather becomes warmer in the northern hemisphere, here are eight cave-like interiors from Greece that are defined by their curved shapes.

    This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring homes with striking bookshelves, outdoor showers and offbeat bakeries.


    Two holiday residences in Fira by Kapsimalis Architects
    Photo is by Yiorgos Kordakis

    Summer houses, Santorini, by Kapsimalis Architects

    Local studio Kapsimalis Architects converted two underground caves at an old property in Santorini into summer houses with bright white facades.

    Inside, the homes are characterised by smoothed-out interiors finished with earthy-hued plaster, while arched doorways and niches nod to the property’s history.

    Find out more about these summer houses ›


    Interior of house on the island of Nisyros
    Image is courtesy of Greg Haji Joannides

    Sterna Nisyros Residences, Nisyros, by Greg Haji Joannides

    Designer Greg Haji Joannides renovated the interior of an earthquake-damaged house on the island of Nisyros using historic photographs as a guide.

    On the ground floor, wide brick archways create an open-plan layout that allows the space to double as an exhibition site for artists in residence.

    “The inspiration behind this design was to keep as much as possible of the original way the Nisyrians would build houses,” Joannides told Dezeen. “They would use the ground floor as a storage or working space.”

    Find out more about this island house ›


    Wooden Cave by Tenon Architecture
    Photo is by Spyros Hound Photography

    Wooden Cave, Trikala Korinthias, by Tenon Architecture

    Wooden Cave is a timber-clad suite that forms part of Hyades Mountain Resort – a hotel in the mountainous village of Trikala Korinthias.

    Tenon Architecture split the suite into two sections that intend to mirror the appearance and experience of entering a cave. The front half features ashy black tiles arranged in a linear formation, while the rear half is made from almost 1,000 pieces of curved hand-cut spruce.

    “This division intends to create a clear distinction between the hard, ‘protective’ shell and the curved, ‘inviting’ interior, reminiscent of the form of a cave,” explained the architecture studio.

    Find out more about Wooden Cave ›


    Curved interior of hotel in Santorini
    Photo is by Giorgos Sfakianakis

    Saint Hotel, Santorini, by Kapsimalis Architects

    Kapsimalis Architects converted a cluster of former homes, barns and cellars in Santorini into the Saint Hotel – the volumes of which are arranged in a stepped formation down a sea-facing cliffside.

    Inside, smooth cavernous walls were finished in white plaster that creates a subtle backdrop for minimal fittings and amorphous furniture.

    Find out more about Saint Hotel ›


    House interior in former stable on Greek island
    Photo is by Sylvia Diamantopoulos

    Retreat in Tinos Island by Ioannis Exarchou

    Retreat in Tinos Island is a 100-year-old stable that was transformed into a cosy holiday home for two by architect Ioannis Exarchou.

    Exarchou set large stones and thick tree branches into the dwelling’s ceiling, clad the walls in smooth white plaster and covered the floors in coloured concrete.

    “My main objective was to retain and preserve the cavernous unique feeling of the space,” the architect told Dezeen.

    Find out more about Retreat in Tinos Island ›


    Santorini holiday home by Kapsimalis Architects
    Photo is by Yiorgos Kordakis

    Holiday home, Santorini, by Kapsimalis Architects

    The cave-like subterranean spaces and vaulted rooms within this Santorini holiday home were renovated by Kapsimalis Architects to retain the building’s existing architecture.

    The studio worked to simplify the complex interior layout, which features a labyrinthine arrangement of spaces that are brightened by all-white plaster walls.

    Find out more about this holiday home ›


    Euphoria spa in the Euphoria retreat by decaARCHITECTURE
    Image is courtesy of DecaArchitecture

    Euphoria Spa, Mystras, by DecaArchitecture

    Carved into the base of a mountain in Mystras, Euphoria Spa is made up of differently scaled elliptical spaces that are connected by a web of catacomb-style passages.

    One of these areas contains an indoor spherical pool that is characterised by a dark central structure that can be accessed via curved archways.

    “Floating in the centre of this dark orb there is a sense of being suspended in the void of a platonic volume, but also a sense of womb-like calmness,” said DecaArchitecture.

    Find out more about Euphoria Spa


    Santorini apartment
    Photo is by Julia Klimi

    Holiday apartments, Santorini, by Kapsimalis Architects

    Arched niches and grey cement plaster floors create neutral living spaces within these four holiday apartments, which were built near Santorini’s highest point.

    The complex’s terraces and retaining walls were formed from rocks excavated from the site to create a continuity between the architecture and the surrounding mountains.

    Find out more about these apartments ›

    This is the latest in our lookbooks series, which provides visual inspiration from Dezeen’s archive. For more inspiration see previous lookbooks featuring homes with striking bookshelves, outdoor showers and offbeat bakeries. 

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  • Billionaires, CEOs Talk Recession, Bank Failures at Milken Institute

    Billionaires, CEOs Talk Recession, Bank Failures at Milken Institute

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    Hi, I’m Matt Turner, the editor in chief of business at Insider. Welcome back to Insider Today’s Sunday edition, a roundup of some of our top stories of the week. 


    On the agenda today:

    But first: The big takeaways from the Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills.

    If this was forwarded to you, sign up here.  Download Insider’s app here.


    Reporters’ guide to Milken

    Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, listens as U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference in Beverly Hills, California,

    Darren Woods, CEO of ExxonMobil, listens as U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) speaks at the 2023 Milken Institute Global Conference

    Mike Blake/Reuters



    The big-money set jetted into LA last week for the Milken Global Conference. The Beverly Hilton was once again bustling with billionaires, with some stopping in the lobby to check out the Bombardier display showing off the executive cabin seating on one of its private jets. 

    Among those mingling poolside were Akin Oyedele, Dakin Campbell, and Ben Bergman from Insider. Here’s their guide to Milken:

    Biggest takeaway

    Oyedele: There was a lot of anger directed at the Fed, given the impact of rate hikes on some investments and regional banks. But no one likes the person that takes away the punch bowl.

    Biggest opportunity

    Campbell: The pullback in lending by banks is raising the hopes of those in the private credit industry. More than one investor said that the most recent vintage of private loans will be the most profitable in years. 

    Behind the scenes

    Bergman: Most of the real action of the conference takes place at invite-only private parties. At a Monday night event at what used to be Bette Davis’ party villa in West Hollywood, guests such as late-night host Jimmy Kimmel and Kim Lew, who manages the endowment of Columbia University, mingled poolside, nibbling on sushi hand rolls and chocolate-chip cookies. 

    More from Milken here.

    Also read:

    Shopify vs. Amazon 

    Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke speaks at Collision conference 2019

    Shopify CEO Tobias LĂźtke

    David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile via Getty Images



    Insider reported in late April that Shopify employees were bracing for layoffs. Then we revealed that insiders were expecting a strategy shift in its logistics business. On Thursday, the news was official: Shopify said it was cutting 20% of its staff and selling the majority of its logistics business. 

    This marks an abrupt end of Shopify’s nearly four-year foray into fulfillment — and its attempt to take on Amazon. Insiders say it was the right idea, but the wrong execution.

    Inside Shopify’s logistics failure.

    Plus, be sure to read:

    ‘Bait-and-switch’ scams

    Airbnb illustration

    Arif Qazi / Insider



    For nearly a year, Jeff Palkevich had a steady stream of strangers arriving at his home, looking for an Airbnb that wasn’t there.

    It turns out Palkevich was caught in the middle of a “bait and switch” — a method often used to avoid short-term-rental laws. It involves an Airbnb host providing one address in the listing, but then notifying the guests at the last minute that the property is actually somewhere else. Often, guests end up at a stranger’s home.

    Read the full story

    Also check out:

    Healthcare’s AI sprint

    Panelists discuss generative AI at the healthcare conference HIMSS.

    Health-tech experts Andrew Moore, Peter Lee, Kay Firth-Butterfield, Reid Blackman, and Christopher Ross gathered to discuss the implications of generative AI in healthcare at the conference HIMSS on April 18, 2023.

    HIMSS



    Many sectors are grappling with the potential of generative artificial intelligence — and healthcare is no exception. 

    Hospitals are desperate to use the technology to help patients and doctors, but they’re pressing into uncharted territory. They’re now moving forward with their own experiments, trying to strike the right balance between speed and safety. 

    Go inside the “awe-inspiring” and “scary” future of healthcare.

    Read more:

    ‘Junk fees’

    Home for sale sign

    Getty Images



    It goes by many names: an administrative fee, a transaction fee, even a “regulatory compliance” fee. When you sell or buy a house, it can pop up on a closing statement, with charges up to almost $1,000. 

    “It just has to be looked at as a junk fee,” Stephen Brobeck, a senior fellow at the Consumer Federation of America, told Insider. “They can get away with it, so they charge it.”

    How “junk fees” are driving up the cost of buying a home.


    This week’s quote:

    “It’s almost like you have the most sophisticated operating partner at your disposal.”

    • Akash Nigam, the founder and CEO of Genies, who is spending $2,400 a month on ChatGPT accounts for all his employees.

    More of this week’s top reads:

    Curated by Matt Turner. Edited by Hallam Bullock and Lisa Ryan. Get in touch: insidertoday@insider.com

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  • Symptoms and Treatment – Dogster

    Symptoms and Treatment – Dogster

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    Caring for a dog with food sensitivities brings up a lot of emotions — fear, frustration, worry and anger — even before you identify the specific sensitivity.  Though understanding symptoms and managing your dog’s meals seems difficult up front, it ultimately makes for an easier and happier life for you and your dog.

    Dog food sensitivity explained

    Dogs with food sensitivities have negative reactions to specific food ingredients, and these reactions reside on a spectrum. Unlike food allergies, a food sensitivity does not involve the immune system, but rather the digestive system. Reactions to specific food ingredients range from mild to moderate to severe symptoms. That said, food allergies and sensitivities often share many of the same symptoms.

    Symptoms of food sensitivities in dogs

    Watch for the following symptoms after eating. Signs that your dog may be experiencing food sensitivities include:

    These symptoms show in varying degrees and usually present themselves within six to 24 hours of ingredient consumption. Don’t overlook foods your dog has previously, safely consumed; sensitivities can develop at any time, which can be really frustrating and confusing!

    The most common ingredients and foods that cause sensitivities dogs include:

    • Dairy
    • Beef
    • Chicken
    • Wheat
    • Soy

    Dog food sensitivity test

    Unfortunately, veterinary professionals consider tests for identifying and diagnosing food sensitivities unreliable. These include saliva, serum (blood) and intradermal testing. However, additional tests can help eliminate other issues that share similar symptoms to food sensitivities.

    These tests include:

    • Skin tests. Ectoparasites and skin infections cause hives, itchiness and hair loss that often mirror symptoms of food sensitivities. Skin scrapings and tape preps are easy and affordable tests that rule out ectoparasites, such as mites. A skin culture is another noninvasive test that rules out fungal infections, such as ringworm.
    • Fecal testing. Testing your dog’s stool sample rules out fecal parasites that cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping, low energy or weight loss. Common parasites in dogs include coccidia, hookworm, whipworm and giardia.
    • Environmental allergy testing. Many dogs with food sensitivities or allergies struggle with environmental allergies. Unlike food allergies, reliable testing for environmental allergies does Once diagnosed, environmental allergies can be well-managed using long-term treatments, such as immunotherapy. Managing your dog’s environmental allergies makes managing food sensitivities that much easier!

    Food trial test for dogs with food sensitivity

    The most formal “diagnostic” for food sensitivities and allergies is a food trial using an elimination diet. An elimination diet is a hypoallergenic diet that includes a novel protein source that your dog has had no prior exposure to. Examples of these proteins are catfish, kangaroo and alligator. Your dog remains on this elimination diet for approximately 8 to 12 weeks. Other foods, treats and supplements must be temporarily discontinued for accurate results. Choose from over-the-counter or prescription novel-protein diets, or prepare your own home-cooked elimination diet under the guidance of a veterinary nutritionist.

    Commercial elimination diets, which are typically highly processed, might feel challenging for holistic pet parents. They also tend to be very expensive. While elimination diets can be used indefinitely, think of them as a temporary diagnostic tool, not a permanent solution.

    Once your dog successfully stays on an elimination diet for the determined time frame, and if you see positive results, you then begin food challenges. A food challenge means you introduce one single ingredient into your dog’s diet at a time. From there, you can slowly begin reintroducing foods and work toward a more aligned and long-term diet for your pup. This process may take months.

    Managing your dog’s food sensitivities

    No one-size-fits-all approach exists. Focus on the following:

    • As discussed, the single most important aspect to managing food sensitivities is to find the root problem (food ingredients) that your dog reacts to and completely eliminate these from his diet. This is easily the most time-intensive part of identifying and managing your pup’s food sensitivities.
    • Build your team. Identifying and managing food sensitivities takes a lot of time, so team up with resources. Add a dermatologist, holistic veterinarian and traditional veterinarian to your team. Many holistic veterinarians offer phone consultations and are highly skilled in supporting dogs with food sensitivities. Search for a good holistic match by using the “Find a Member” tab on the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) site here. Onboarding all team members at once may feel financially burdensome. Start with your dog’s primary veterinarian and expand from there.
    • Gut-healing protocol. Healing the gut and chronic inflammation may take time, and certain supplements help to sustain this process.

                Your dog’s gut healing protocol may include:

    • Add quality probiotics into your dog’s daily diet. Rotating probiotics helps introduce new strains into your dog’s gut flora, increasing diversity and benefits. Start with probiotics, or make your own using fermented blueberries!
    • Bone broth. Filled with healing nutrients, bone broths can be very soothing to your dog’s GI tract. Pour over your dog’s food or freeze in ice trays as a cool treat. Avoid broths that have high fat content or are cooked with onions.
    • Digestive enzymes. Digestive enzymes help expedite your dog’s digestion and improve vitamin and mineral absorption. Use a commercial digestive enzyme, such as or feed whole foods that are naturally high in digestive enzymes, such as pumpkin, fermented foods, quinoa or flax seed. Ensure that these foods are not sources that will trigger your dog’s food sensitivities.
    • Keep a journal. You and your dog both will benefit from journaling about your dog’s food journey. Not only is journaling a place to process your own emotions around pet parenting, but it’s very helpful in establishing timelines around symptoms, diet adjustments, when you’ve opened new bags of food, different treats or any other changes that may be insightful for your veterinary team as they navigate managing your dog’s food sensitivities.
    • Come up with a rescue plan. Stock up on your dog’s at-home medical pharmacy. Your veterinarian will likely support this, too. These include anti-diarrhea, anti-nausea and anti-itching medications. You’ll really thank yourself later if “things” hit the fan!

    Remember that supplements can trigger reactions in dogs with food sensitivities. Always start with one supplement at a time and monitor responses, while also working closely with your pup’s veterinary team.

    Identifying and managing your dog’s food sensitivities can feel absolutely daunting. It takes time, patience and persistence. Working with a well-resourced team and staying open to a holistic approach eases some of these struggles as you help your pup reach his optimal health. Some of the process may involve things that don’t feel aligned to you as a pet parent, such as feeding elimination diets and removing high-value treats. Remember that these steps are an often temporary yet important part of the process. You’ve got this!

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  • How to Choose and Care for Bamboo Countertops

    How to Choose and Care for Bamboo Countertops

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    Bamboo countertops are increasingly popular with homeowners as an alternative to traditional materials because of their durability, sustainability, and warmth. Countertops made from treelike grass bamboo offer a similar look and texture to wood countertops but are harder and longer lasting.

    Types of Bamboo Countertops

    Unlike marble and granite countertops, bamboo offers stunning beauty at a fraction of the cost. Bamboo is also a fast-growing material, so you can feel good about using this renewable resource as part of your eco-friendly kitchen design.

    Types of Bamboo Countertops

    There are four main types of bamboo countertops that present different surface appearances: vertical grain, end grain, flat grain, and strand woven.

    • Vertical Grain – Vertical grain bamboo countertops are the most common style for bamboo countertops. Manufacturers create this style when they join together strips of bamboo to create a vertical pattern. You can recognize this style because of the striped pattern and the vertical orientation of the lines.
    • End Grain – End grain bamboo countertops are also known as parquet butcher block and can feature the same pattern. Manufacturers make these countertops by gluing short blocks of bamboo together in distinct patterns. Because of the tight grain and pattern of this type of countertop, it is the best bamboo surface for resisting scratches.
    • Flat Grain – Flat grain countertops are also called face grain because they are created by opening the bamboo and joining the pieces face-up.
    • Strand Woven – Strand woven countertops do not have the stark lines that grain countertops do. Instead, manufacturers create these countertops by weaving strands together with adhesive and then pressing them under high pressure. Strand woven bamboo countertops have an appearance that is more similar to solid wood.

    Construction of Bamboo Countertops

    All bamboo countertops require adhesive and pressure to bind the pieces together as there is no piece of bamboo large enough to create a truly solid surface. That said, there are solid bamboo countertops and plywood bamboo countertops and they differ in the raw materials used to create the end product. Both of these construction methods produce countertops that are durable, hard, and suitable for kitchen use.

    • Solid Bamboo Countertops – Solid bamboo countertops come in different thicknesses and internal structures. Manufacturers create them by gluing solid bamboo pieces together in various patterns.
    • Plywood Bamboo Countertops – Fabricators make plywood bamboo countertops by gluing sheets of bamboo together under high pressure. After fabricators create the boards or panels, they can cut them apart to display different grain patterns.

    Cost of Bamboo Countertops

    Bamboo countertops cost between $25-$100 per square foot for just the materials. For a 50-square-foot section, expect to pay between $2,000-$3,000 on average for the countertops. Labor costs tend to run between $5-$15 per square foot. The price will be more or less depending on the type of bamboo used in creating the countertop as well as the quality and durability of the adhesives.

    The most expensive type of bamboo countertops is created from Moso bamboo, which is well known for its strength and durability. Adhesives that don’t use formaldehyde and are environmentally friendly increase the price but are better for creating a healthy kitchen environment. You can save money on your bamboo countertops by comparing prices between manufacturers, waiting for sales, purchasing a less expensive style and finish known as builder’s grade, and installing the bamboo countertops yourself.


    Everyday Care for Bamboo Countertops

    The everyday care of bamboo countertops is straightforward and simple but should be maintained if you want to preserve the quality of your bamboo countertops.

    • Clean Spills Promptly – Like wood countertops, bamboo can stain if left exposed to standing water. Clean up liquid spills as they occur.
    • Avoid Abrasive Products – Use a soft cloth or sponge and warm water or mild soap to clean the surface as needed. Do not use abrasive cleaners or pads, as these can scratch the surface.
    • Use Cutting Boards – Rather than cut directly on the surface of your bamboo countertops, use cutting boards to prepare food. This will prevent scratches and dents from marring the surface.
    • Use Trivets and Hot Pads – Bamboo countertops cannot withstand heat and can burn if exposed to hot surfaces. Use trivets for hot pans and pots to avoid marking the surface.

    Long-Term Maintenance for Bamboo Countertops

    You should expect some long-term care of bamboo countertops to keep them looking gorgeous.

    • Avoid Damage – Practice proactive maintenance of your countertops and avoid actions that will create damage. Use cutting boards for food prep. Do not leave any standing water or other liquid on the countertop, which creates stains. Do not use abrasive cleaners or scouring pads, which destroy the finish on the countertops. Also, do not place hot pots and pans directly on the surface of the bamboo without a trivet or hot plate. Doing this can create burn marks that need to be removed with sanding.
    • Oil the Surface Regularly – It is vital that you apply a coat of oil to your bamboo countertops every couple of months in order to avoid a dry and brittle surface. Use a food-safe oil like linseed, tung, or mineral oil. Apply the oil with a soft cloth. Allow the oil to penetrate the surface before wiping off the excess with a clean cloth.
    • Consider a Sealer – Some people use linseed, tung, or mineral oil to seal the surface of their bamboo countertops. Others prefer a more long-lasting option like polyurethane or varnish. A long-term sealant is not a necessary step and should be considered in light of family allergens and food exposure preferences.
    • Sand Out Scratches – When scratches or dents occur, you need to sand them out with fine-grit sandpaper. Use sandpaper that has a grit of 120-180. Carefully sand in the direction of the grain until you have removed the mark and the surface is smooth again. Use a higher grain to finish if you want the surface smoother.
    • Address Damage Quickly – Always address any problems with your countertops quickly as leaving them can create larger problems as time passes.

    Pros and Cons of Bamboo Countertops

    Bamboo countertops have distinct qualities that create unique positives and negatives that you should consider before an initial investment.

    Pros:

    • Eco-Friendly – Bamboo is a renewable resource because it is a fast-growing resource that can be harvested without harming the environment. The bamboo plant requires very little water to grow and can thrive without pesticides and fertilizers making it a more eco-friendly countertop than other wood options.
    • Affordability – Bamboo countertops are less expensive than natural stone countertops like granite and marble. Compared to wood countertops, they are similar to many mid-range choices but less than high-priced woods like teak and exotic woods like zebrawood.
    • Easy Care – Bamboo countertops are easy to clean and maintain, as you can wipe them down with a soft cloth and water. They naturally resist the growth of bacteria and mold.
    • Appearance – Bamboo has the same warmth and textured look as wood countertops. You can vary the look of bamboo countertops according to the style of the surface.
    • Durability – Bamboo is a hard and durable material. It has an excellent strength-to-weight ratio making bamboo kitchen countertops an ideal surface for countertops.

    Cons:

    • Prone to Scratches – Even though bamboo is durable, it is prone to scratches from knives, pots, and pans. It is important to note that you can easily sand out the scratches when needed.
    • Regular Maintenance – The maintenance of bamboo is easy but it does need to be constantly maintained in order for the countertops to look their best. This includes regular cleaning and oiling of the surface.
    • Water Resistance – Bamboo countertops are not water resistant. You must clean up spills from water and other liquids quickly and not allow them to sit as they can cause staining.
    • Heat Resistance – Bamboo kitchen countertops cannot withstand heat and can burn if exposed to scalding surfaces.
    • Limited Color and Designs – Bamboo is available in just one color, though in a variety of configurations. It is possible to change the color of the bamboo countertop with either stain or dark oils, but one must apply the stain carefully as bamboo takes stain differently than many softwoods.

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  • I Tested Ways to Make Quick and Easy Money Online That Work

    I Tested Ways to Make Quick and Easy Money Online That Work

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    • Zulie Rane is a content creator who has more than 80,000 followers on Medium. 
    • Rane says that the first dollar is the hardest to earn online, and then tried five ways to do it.
    • She made money with affiliate links, by playing games, and by becoming a paid digital guinea pig.

    I’m done. 

    I’m done with these garbage YouTube tutorials that claim to show you how to “easily earn $300 per day just by clicking links/typing words/using Google.” They’re always clickbait, and I always hate them.

    So I decided to write an actual actionable guide on how to earn your first dollar online. And crucially, I’ve tested all of these. These all really work. I included screenshots as proof. 

    It’s obviously possible to earn a lot more than just a dollar, but I find for many beginners, it’s a mindset shift. Once you earn your first dollar, you can go on to earn your second, hundredth, thousandth, and so on. But that first dollar is the hardest.

    So let’s get into five ways to earn your first dollar online  —  that I have tested

    What do you need to earn your first dollar online?

    To earn your first dollar online, you will typically need a few things, aside from an internet connection:

    • An audience. This can be readers subscribed to your newsletter or an existing audience on a platform like Instagram you access through an algorithm.
    • A product. This is what you’re going to sell. 
    • A seller. This is who’s paying you for selling the thing to an audience. 

    You can spoof the “audience” element to some degree. For example, if I know about SEO or virality, I can post a video to YouTube that will get me sales through the pre-existing YouTube audience, even if it’s my very first video online and I don’t have any followers.

    But the other two are non-negotiable.

    Let’s look at five uncommon ways to earn your very first dollar online. In each section, I’ll say what the audience, product, and seller are. I’ll also explain how to maximize your earnings. These are listed in order of easiness. 

    1. Play games on your phone

    It sounds too good to be true, isn’t it? And yet I earned $1.50 (as Amazon gift cards) by playing Farmville-style games on my phone. 

    Now admittedly, this isn’t a lot of money. But if you’re just looking to get your feet wet with the idea of earning money online, playing games is a decent way to do it.

    Here’s the proof:

    ZulieRanescreenshot

    In case that’s too small to read, it says, “Congrats on your $0.50 USD gift card!” And there are three emails.

    Zulie Rane



    I’ve reviewed how to do this in my article here. 

    • The audience: you.
    • What you’re selling: your attention.
    • Who’s buying: the company that makes the game.

    The business model is to get more people playing the game so the developers earn money either through selling in-game currency or by getting you to watch ads. 

    I earned three 50-cent Amazon gift cards. (I spent them on cat toys, of course.)

    You can maximize your earnings by just playing a ton of games. Pick ones you like, and just enjoy yourself. 

    2. Be a paid digital guinea pig

    Back in my college days, one of my all-time favorite websites was User Testing. I just logged back in today to ensure it’s still viable and was pleased to be able to take two tests and earn twenty bucks in just a few minutes.

    All you have to do is join, fill out your profile, take screening tests, and then run through the tasks they set you up if you’re approved. Today, I did one on an email marketing tool, and another on some kind of digital phone pass. 

    Audience: you.

    Selling: your user experience.

    Buyer: Companies with new websites/apps they want to be tested.

    ZulieRaneScreenshot

    Another tiny screenshot showing a pending payout of $10 from UserTesting.

    Zulie Rane



    Here’s how to maximize your earnings: 

    • Always keep your browser open. It makes a “ding” noise when there’s a new test.
    • Download the app and extra browsers to maximize your odds of qualifying.
    • Talk out loud during the test. Companies like it when they understand what you’re thinking.
    • Be honest. You’ll have to be screened for these tests. Don’t lie to try to better fit the options. 

    This is one of my favorite options. You’ll never make millions, but it’s a lot of fun and it’s good money. I made $20 in thirty minutes, which works out to a decent hourly rate.

    3. Get people to click on links

    No, don’t worry, you’re not a hacker. These aren’t shady links. Basically, it works like this:

    1. Say a company called Pet Supplies Co wants to promote its new YouTube video. 
    2. The company wants people to click on its video, so it can sell a new line of cat food. 
    3. The company hires a bunch of creators to post the link online. 
    4. I nab my custom, trackable URL from Pet Supplies Co, maybe something like youtube.com/participles/zulie_video. 
    5. I post an article talking about how much I love Pet Supplies Co’s new YouTube video because of the cute cats in it.
    6. You click on the video.
    7. That click is tracked through my custom link.
    8. I earn a very small amount of money, maybe like $0.10, just for that click.
    9. Nine other people do that.
    10. I earn $1.00. 

    In short, you are using an audience (whether your own, or using SEO, or social media algorithms) to sell clicks to a company that wants attention.

    Pet Supplies Co will work with some kind of middleman that connects creators like me to companies like Pet Supplies Co. In the past, I’ve used GetYrl, but other alternatives include Adsy or Shrinkearn. 

    Zulie Rane

    A nice big screenshot for once, shows an earning of $1.89.

    Zulie Rane



    You can maximize this by:

    1. Posting the link in a lot of different places.
    2. Posting the link in a piece of content you hope will go viral.

    It’s not a lot of money, but it can be your first dollar online.

    4. Go affiliate

    In the previous example, you don’t have to make any sales. You just have to get clicks. The tradeoff is you don’t have to get anyone to buy anything, but you earn less money because a click is obviously less valuable than a purchase.

    Affiliate links use the same mechanisms, but go a step further — you’re asked to actually get readers to buy something. The benefit is the rates are normally higher. 

    For example, my favorite affiliate program is Bookshop.org. You get a 10% commission for every purchase made through your affiliate link. 

    Here’s the proof:

    Zulie Rane 3

    Screenshot of Bookshop’s affiliate program, an earning of $2.70.

    Zulie Rane



    You will share this link with your audience of interested readers. You are selling book recommendations. You are being paid by Bookshop, in exchange for sending book buyers to them. 

    The best way to maximize this is to niche down. You can find affiliate programs in pretty much any niche. The closer the niche fit, the more money you’ll earn.

    Post content in your niche and include links. When people buy, you’ll earn a commission.

    • Pets: Chewy’s affiliate program, 4%. You’d have to make a sale of $25 to earn your first dollar.
    • Fashion: Shein, 10%-20%. You’d have to make a sale of $5-$10 to get your first dollar. 
    • Stationery: Paper Culture, 10%-12%. You’d have to make a sale of $8–$10 to get your first dollar. 
    • General: Amazon, “up to” 10%. You’d have to make a sale of at least $10 to get your first dollar. 

    There are tons. Search your favorite brand + “affiliate program” and see what comes up.

    Note: always disclose when something is an affiliate link. It’s the law!

    5. Build a (small) email list and sell something

    If you’ve tried options 1–4, you’re ready for option 5. You are going to build a small email list, create something that solves a problem, and sell it.

    This is the hardest one, but also the most 1) rewarding and 2) scalable income source.

    There’s this misconception that you need a huge email list to make money. But you don’t. Really, you just need one subscriber. 

    ZulieRane

    Zulie Rane



    Here’s how it works:

    1. Build a list. You can do this by posting content on any platform (blog, YouTube, Instagram) and encouraging people to sign up for your newsletter. You can use ConvertKit — it’s free for the first 1,000 subs.

    2. Find out a problem your readers have. You can do this by asking them. Read your comments, send a poll, or just ask someone to hop on the phone with you.

    3. Build something. Maybe it’s an ebook. Maybe it’s a PDF template. Maybe it’s a thirty-minute consultation call. You can make it literally $1, just to get that first buck in the bank.

    4. Market it. Send an email or two or eight to your subscribers. Let them know about your thing, why you think it’s going to help them, and what they’ll be able to do once they’ve bought your thing. 

    How to maximize this income: This works best if you really mean it. You have to really feel like you found a problem that you can solve. You’re not just trying to separate a reader from their money  —  you’re helping them in a way only you can. 

    • Audience: Your newsletter
    • Selling: Your product
    • Seller: You

    Want to earn your first dollar online? 

    Stay away from too-good-to-be-true scams. These five methods may not make you wealthy, but they all work to get your first dollar online. That’s the toughest step. 

    Once you’ve earned your first dollar, you can look for ways to scale up. I recommend:

    Hopefully, you’ll be able to leave user testing and playing games for pennies behind as you move forward toward more profitable ways to earn money online. 

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  • Fun Facts and Photos – Dogster

    Fun Facts and Photos – Dogster

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    Big benefits come with adopting small breed dogs. For instance, their downright adorable size allows for easy dog-friendly outings and lots of lap time (if they wish). Not to mention, they take up less space translating to easier care. And though little, they are fierce!

    Wondering claims the crown for smallest dog breed in the doggie kingdom? Read on for the tiniest, most devoted canine companions you’ll ever encounter.

    Chihuahua

    Chihuahuas take the title for the smallest dog breed in the world, weighing anywhere from 2 to 6 pounds and standing just 6 to 9 inches tall. “Despite their small size, Chihuahuas are known for their big personalities and can be quite feisty,” says Joanne McHardy of Logan Whistles, a family-run business that has designed and made sheepdog-style whistles for decades. Originally bred for companionship, it’s easy to see why these pint-sized pups are so popular.

    See our list of the top 7 Chihuahua mixes

    Pomeranian

    One could easily mistake Pomeranians for little lions with their fluffy manes, red-orange fur and plumed tails. Beloved for their larger-than-life personalities, Pomeranians jump in as the smallest of the Spitz dog breeds, typically weighing 3 to 7 pounds and growing to 6 to 7 inches tall. Joanne describes Poms as “intelligent, playful and lively,” and it’s no wonder why royalty and celebrities love this teeny-tiny breed.

    Yorkshire Terrier

    Recognized as one of the most widely-loved breeds, the small but mighty Yorkshire Terrier radiates confidence and spunk. Yorkies weigh just 4 to 7 pounds and are 6 to 7 inches tall. And though they’re small in stature, they’re known for being energetic, affectionate and protective, Joanne says. With an affinity for sitting on laps, it’s hard to believe these compact canines were initially bred to hunt rats.

    Papillon

    The Papillon exudes elegance, from her appearance down to her very name, the French word for “butterfly” because her ears resemble butterfly wings. These dainty dogs usually weigh 5 to 10 pounds and stand 8 to 11 inches tall. Joanne says, Papillons are friendly, intelligent and highly trainable and considers them to be suitable for apartment living since they’re highly adaptable; that is, as long as they’re getting enough attention and exercise.

    Toy Poodle

    When you think “toy breed,” the Toy Poodle instantly comes to mind. These miniature-sized Poodles resemble tiny balls of fluff with their curly, low-allergen coats, usually weighing 6 to 9 pounds with a height of 10 inches or less. Toy Poodles may be small in size, but they’re just as intelligent, active and affectionate as Standard Poodles and Miniature Poodles. Joanne considers them to be extremely trainable and likely to excel in obedience and agility competitions.

    Although they’re smaller and lower maintenance compared to bigger breeds, they still require your utmost care. Since no dog is the same, consider their unique personalities and needs when it comes to exercise and grooming.

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  • Farrell Centre opens with exhibition showcasing mycelium and fake fur

    Farrell Centre opens with exhibition showcasing mycelium and fake fur

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    An architecture centre founded by British architect Terry Farrell has opened in Newcastle, England, with an exhibition exploring building materials of the future and “urban rooms” for local residents.

    The Farrell Centre is an exhibition gallery, research centre and community space that aims to provoke conversation about architecture and planning, both in the city and at a global scale.

    The project was instigated by Farrell, who donated his architectural archive and put ÂŁ1 million towards the build.

    Farrell Centre in Newcastle
    The Farrell Centre occupies a former department store building in Newcastle

    The inaugural exhibition, More with Less: Reimagining Architecture for a Changing World, looks at how buildings might adapt to the climate crisis.

    Fake fur, mycelium and wool insulation feature in a series of installations designed to challenge traditional methods of producing architecture.

    Elsewhere, three urban rooms host workshops and other events where locals can learn about the past and future of Newcastle and voice their opinions on development plans.

    Staircase in Farrell Centre in Newcastle
    The ground floor is designed to encourage people in, with glazed facades on two sides

    “The centre is here to bring about a better, more inclusive and more sustainable built environment,” said Farrell Centre director and Dezeen columnist Owen Hopkins during a tour of the building.

    “The belief that underpins everything we do is that we need to engage people with architecture and planning, and the transformative roles that they can have,” he told Dezeen.

    “Architecture and planning are often seen as something that’s imposed from above. We need to shift that perception.”

    Staircase in Farrell Centre in Newcastle
    Seating bleachers create an informal space for talks and presentations

    Forming part of Newcastle University, the Farrell Centre occupies a four-storey former department store building in the heart of the city.

    Local studios Space Architects and Elliott Architects oversaw a renovation that aims to make the building feel as open and welcoming as possible.

    HBBE installation at More with Less exhibition at the Farrell Centre
    The exhibition More with Less includes an installation by HBBE made from mycelium, sawdust and wool

    The ground floor has the feel of a public thoroughfare, thanks to glazed facades on two sides, while bleacher-style steps create a sunken seating area for talks and presentations.

    A colourful new staircase leads up to the exhibition galleries on the first floor and the urban rooms on the second floor, while the uppermost level houses the staff offices.

    McCloy + Muchemwa installation at More with Less exhibition at the Farrell Centre
    McCloy + Muchemwa’s installation is a table filled with plants

    According to Hopkins, the launch exhibition sets the tone for the type of content that visitors can expect from the Farrell Centre.

    The show features installations by four UK architecture studios, each exploring a different proposition for future buildings.

    “We wanted to create something that expands people’s understanding of what architecture is, beyond building an expensive house on Grand Designs,” Hopkins said, referencing the popular television show.

    Dress for Weather installation at More with Less exhibition at the Farrell Centre
    Dress for the Weather has created a mini maze of insulation

    Newcastle University’s Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment (HBBE) has created Living Room, a cave-like structure made by cultivating a mixture of mycelium and sawdust over a giant wool blanket.

    Next, a mini maze created by Glasgow studio Dress for the Weather aims to showcase the thermal and experiential qualities of building insulation, with varieties made from low-grade wool and plastic bottles.

    Office S&M installation at More with Less exhibition at the Farrell Centre
    Office S&M’s installations include a silhouette of the head of Michelangelo’s David made from pink fur and a chaise longue covered in expanding foam

    London-based Office S&M proposes low-tech but fun solutions for making buildings more comfortable.

    These are represented by a silhouette of the head of Michelangelo’s David made from pink fur, a metallic space blanket, a chaise longue topped covered in expanding foam and a dichroic-film window covering that casts colourful reflections onto the floor.

    “This whole room is about actually doing really simple mundane stuff, but in a way that is joyful and tells a story,” said Hopkins.

    In the final room, an installation by London-based McCloy + Muchemwa brings nature indoors with a boardroom table covered in plants.

    Urban rooms at the Farrell Centre
    The urban rooms host events where people can learn about the development of the city

    On the floor above, the three urban rooms have been fitted out by Mat Barnes of architecture studio CAN with custom elements that make playful references to building sites.

    They are filled with historic maps, interactive models, informal furniture, display stands made from scaffolding poles, and architecture toys that include building-shaped soft play and Lego.

    Urban rooms at the Farrell Centre
    In one of the rooms, planning proposals are displayed on stands made from scaffolding poles

    The idea of setting up an urban room in Newcastle was the starting point for the creation of the Farrell Centre.

    A decade ago, Farrell was commissioned by the UK government to produce a report on the state of the UK’s architecture and planning system.

    One of the key recommendations in the Farrell Review, published in 2014, was to create an urban room in every major city, giving local people of all ages and backgrounds a place to engage with how the city is planned and developed.

    Urban rooms at the Farrell Centre
    One urban room contains a model of a Terry Farrell-designed masterplan for Newcastle

    As Farrell grew up in the Newcastle area and studied architecture at the university, he became keen to make this concept a reality in this city.

    Although the Farrell Centre is named in his honour, Hopkins said that Farrell is happy for the facility to forge its own path in terms of programme and approach.

    “He established the idea and vision for the centre, but he is happy for us to build out that vision in the way that we think is best,” added Hopkins.

    Farrell Centre in Newcastle
    The Farrell Centre forms part of Newcastle University

    The director is optimistic about the centre’s potential to engage with the community.

    “Newcastle is a city like no other,” he said. “The civic pride here is off the scale. People have such a deep-rooted love of where they live.”

    “It’s amazing to be able to tap into that as a way of creating a better built environment.”

    More with Less: Reimagining Architecture for a Changing World is on show at the Farrell Centre from 22 April to 10 September 2023. See Dezeen Events Guide for more architecture and design events around the world.

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  • OpenAI Losses Hit $540 Million Last Year As ChatGPT Costs Racked up

    OpenAI Losses Hit $540 Million Last Year As ChatGPT Costs Racked up

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    • OpenAI’s losses climbed to $540 million in 2022 as it developed ChatGPT, a new report claims.
    • The Information said that the startup’s costs soared in the months before it launched the chatbot.
    • AI tools like ChatGPT are expensive given the significant computing power needed to run them.

    It turns out ChatGPT wasn’t cheap to make.

    OpenAI’s development of the technology came at a steep price, with its losses roughly doubling to around $540 million last year, a new report claims.

    That’s according to The Information, which cited three people with knowledge of OpenAI’s financials. 

    Though OpenAI managed to secure a multi-year, multi-billion dollar investment from Microsoft earlier this year, the figure highlights just how much the startup was racking up in costs in its mission to roll out a commercial AI product. 

    The costs to build and run ChatGPT come down to its need for serious computing power that plays a central role in generating answers to user prompts.

    Last month, Dylan Patel, chief analyst at consulting firm SemiAnalysis, told The Information that he believed ChatGPT could cost OpenAI around $700,000 per day to use given the costs involved with computing power. 

    John Hennessy, chairman of Google’s parent company Alphabet, has previously said that a search on Google’s own chatbot Bard costs 10 times as much as a regular search.

    Though OpenAI has strengthened its financial position with Microsoft’s backing, growing demand for its chatbot — which became the fastest-growing consumer app in history after tallying 100 million monthly active users within two months — will add further cost pressure.

    Earlier this week, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman alluded to rising costs, suggesting that it was “going to be the most capital-intensive startup in Silicon Valley history,” The Information reported.

    The report suggested that Altman has “privately suggested” that OpenAI could try to raise around $100 billion in the coming years as it works towards developing artificial general intelligence (AGI) – AI as powerful as the human brain.

    The popularity of generative AI tools such as ChatGPT have grown rapidly in recent months as users have found the technology can offer several benefits such as boosts to productivity. Investors are likewise lured by the prospect of the technology upending multiple industries.

    OpenAI’s revenue is projected to rise significantly this year, with expectations that revenue will hit $200 million this year before climbing to $1 billion in 2024, according to Reuters.

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

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  • Easy Dog Birthday Party Idea – Dogster

    Easy Dog Birthday Party Idea – Dogster

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    Janel Hutton

    Janel Hutton is the recipe developer, food photographer, and entrepreneur behind NellieBellie LLC. Although a Minnesota native, Janel hates the cold and longs for the day when she can become a snowbird. She’s a bossy woman with a heart of gold who adores her husband and two kids more than anything. And she’s a bit of a know-it-all when it comes to dogs (she’s currently owned by two rescues). You can find her on all the socials at @miznelliebellie and her website nelliebellie.com.

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