Interesting Things You Need to Know
A beginner’s introduction to cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum are digital currencies that allow people to make anonymous transactions electronically without involving third parties, such as banks, credit cards or companies like PayPal. This is appealing because third-party institutions often charge fees and slow down the transfer process, especially for large, international transfers. Cryptocurrencies eliminate the need for a middleman by using a peer-to-peer network that relies on cryptography — the practice of encrypting information so that only select people can read and process it.
These currencies are not only virtual but also decentralized, meaning that no government or central authority controls how much is in circulation. Instead, circulation is monitored by the user community, and transaction data is stored on computers across the world.
How blockchain works
Rather than using intermediaries, cryptocurrencies use blockchain technology to record and verify transactions. A blockchain is a list of all transactions that occur using a cryptocurrency, with each block representing a specific transaction. It can be accessed by anyone using the currency but is encrypted so your private information stays secure.
When you start using a cryptocurrency, you receive a digital wallet and a public and private key. Your private key is a string of letters and numbers that you use to sign a transfer to confirm that it’s from you. Once entered, it becomes encrypted, but other users can use your public key to check that you’ve signed it with your unique signature.
So, how exactly do transactions get recorded on the blockchain? When you enter your private key to send cryptocurrency, it spurs an encryption process that generates a complex math problem. Blockchain users compete to solve the problem by running high-powered computers that eventually find the solution to the algorithm. Solving the algorithm results in a new block being added to the chain.
The users competing to solve algorithms are called miners because the user who solves the problem first is rewarded in new digital coins. Each time a block is added, more cryptocurrency is generated. Mining cryptocurrency thus verifies transactions while rewarding the people responsible for keeping the blockchain updated.
Investing in cryptocurrencies
Financial experts are divided on whether cryptocurrency is the future of money or just a passing fad. In any case, at the moment cryptocurrency is a high-risk investment. Since digital currencies have no fixed worth or government backing, their value is purely speculative and can fluctuate wildly, even within a few days. If you buy cryptocurrency, spend only what you’re prepared to lose.
Instead of buying cryptocurrencies, some experts recommend investing in companies that are developing blockchain technology. Blockchain has applications beyond cryptocurrency, and many people think that even if cryptocurrency doesn’t last, blockchain could transform how we do business in the years to come. If you’re looking for investment opportunities, consider buying stock in companies that are finding new uses for blockchain.
Did you know?
Microsoft, Subway, Expedia and PayPal are some of the major companies that are now accepting certain cryptocurrencies as payment. Customers can pay for goods and services out of their digital wallets when making online purchases.
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Interesting Things You Need to Know
Adopting a tarantula: what you need to know
A tarantula can be a great pet for the right person. If these large and hairy spiders fascinate you, here’s what you need to know before adopting one.
They don’t like to cuddle
Some tarantulas have urticating hairs that cause irritation and itching. Though they’re usually docile creatures, tarantulas scare easily. When they feel threatened, they may bite or even pull out some of those hairs to fling at you.
They have specific enclosure needs
They eat live insects
Tarantulas are insectivores. Be sure to provide them with a steady supply of crickets and other insects. Never feed tarantulas anything you catch in your garden. Backyard critters can be contaminated with chemicals and other things that may be harmful to your spider.
As with many other types of pets, adopting a tarantula involves a long-term commitment. Some have been known to live for more than 20 years in captivity, so be prepared to care for your spider over the long haul.
Interesting Things You Need to Know
3 benefits of taking a public speaking course
Taking a public speaking course is a great way to develop communication skills that’ll come in handy in all aspects of your life. Here are three advantages of enrolling in one.
1. You’ll become a better communicator
Public speaking classes teach you to speak more fluidly, to maintain eye contact with your audience and to control your body language. This allows you to better connect with the people listening to you and makes you a more dynamic speaker.
These classes also teach you to communicate ideas more effectively. You’ll learn how to present and organize your thoughts, defend your views and refute opposing viewpoints in a coherent manner.
2. You’ll build confidence
Are you afraid to speak in public? If so, overcoming this hurdle is likely to result in a confidence boost. Honing your communication skills is also an effective way to make you feel more self-assured and confident, both in professional and social contexts.
3. You’ll advance in your career
The skills you develop in public speaking classes can help you stand out at work. Promoting your ideas and speaking up in meetings is bound to get you noticed. Plus, modifying your body language and the way you speak can make you appear more professional.
Whether you want your next speech to impress your boss or simply want to become a more confident and effective communicator, public speaking classes are an excellent way to get ahead in life.
Interesting Things You Need to Know
Take care on social media
Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg once said: Nothing influences people more than a recommendation from a trusted friend.
That’s helpful for dispensing good advice on dog health. But quite the opposite on employment matters.
Suppose a social media post hints of proprietary company information or even criticizes the company.
If even some people trust that post, that’s bad public relations for the company and it is bad for the person who posted it.
Not only can an employer find those comments, future employers can, too. Badmouthing an employer on social media is a black mark on a resume that will likely stick.
Even if you use separate accounts for business and private purposes, you never know who may be watching your social media accounts. Social networks are a sort of public space — your billboard to the world — and there are always people who can discover and share something inappropriate that you posted. That includes your remarks about your company, its plans, clients, bosses, and your fellow employees.
According to , always think before you post, and don’t post any sensitive comments that you haven’t proofread carefully. Also, keep business and personal social media posts separate.
Never post party photos showing you inebriated or attending an event when you’re supposed to be sick at home, among others.
Never connect your personal sites to professional business sites like LinkedIn.
Interesting Things You Need to Know
Dog sports to try this summer
Do you have a lively dog with energy to spare? Participating in one of these dog sports is a great way for Fido to blow off some steam.
Agility
In this dog sport, you’ll guide your dog through an obstacle course race in which both time and accuracy matter. Any dog can compete in agility, but it’s ideal for intelligent, high-energy breeds like Australian shepherds and border collies.
Disc Dog
Canicross
Popular in Europe, this sport combines cross-country running with dog handling. To play, your dog will need to wear a harness that will remain attached to your waist as the two of you run on a trail. Working breeds like German shepherds and huskies are great runners, but any dog with lots of energy will excel at this sport.
Taking part in sports with your dog is a great way to bond with them. Be sure to praise them for their efforts and reward them with a treat and a nap when they’re done.
Interesting Things You Need to Know
August Celebrity Birthdays!
Tom Beetz [CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)]
1 – Chuck D, 59, rapper (Public Enemy), producer, born Carlton Douglas Ridenhour at Roosevelt, Long Island, NY, 1960
2 – Sam Worthington, 43, actor (Avatar), Godalming, Surrey, England, 1976.
3 – Tony Bennett, 93, singer, born Anthony Dominick Benedetto at New York, NY, 1926.
4 – Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, 38, former actress, born Meghan Markle, Los Angeles, CA, 1981.
5 – Jesse Williams, 38, actor (Grey’s Anatomy), Chicago, IL, 1981.
6 – Peter Bonerz, 81, actor (“The Bob Newhart Show”), Portsmouth, NH, 1938.
7 – Charlize Theron, 44, actress, Benoni, South Africa, 1975.
8 – Roger Federer, 38, tennis player, Basel, Switzerland,
9 – Robert Joseph (Bob) Cousy, 91, Hall of Fame basketball player, former coach, New York, NY, 1928.
10 – Angie Harmon, 47, actress (Law & Order), Dallas, TX, 1972.
11 – Marilyn vos Savant, 73, columnist, claims world’s highest IQ, born St. Louis, MO, 1946.
12 – Cara Delevingne, 27, model, actress, London, England, 1992.
13 – Janet Yellen, 73, former chair of the Federal Reserve (2014–18), economist, Brooklyn, NY, 1946.
14 – Mila Kunis, 36, actress (That ’70s Show), Kiev, Ukraine, 1983.
15 – Vernon Jordan, Jr, 84, civil rights leader, Atlanta, GA, 1935.
16 – Taika Waititi, 44, actor, comedian, Wellington, New Zealand, 1975.
17 – Julian Fellowes, 70, producer (Downton Abbey), Cairo, Egypt, 1949.
18 – Andy Samberg, 41, comedian, (Saturday Night Live), Mill Valley, CA, 1978.
19 – Jill St. John, 79, actress, born Jill Oppenheim, Los Angeles, CA, 1940.
20 – Donald (Don) King, 88, boxing promoter, Cleveland, OH, 1931.
21 – Joanne Froggatt, 39, actress (Downton Abbey),Littlebeck, North Hampshire, England, 1980.
22 – Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 52, actor (Lost), London, England, 1967.
23 – Jay Mohr, 49, actor, comedian, Verona, NJ 1970.
24 – Alexander McCall Smith, 71, author, Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe), 1948.
25 – Rachel Bilson, 38, actress (The O.C.), Los Angeles, CA, 1981.
26 – Branford Marsalis, 59, musician, Breaux Bridge, LA, 1960.
27 – Sarah Chalke, 43, actress (Roseanne), Ottawa, ON, Canada, 1976.
28 – Quvenzhane Wallis, 16, actress, Houma, LA, 2003.
29 – Robin Leach, 78, television host (Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous), London, England, 1941.
30 – Michael Chiklis, 56, actor (Emmy and Golden Globe for The Shield), Lowell, MA, 1963.
31 – Marcia Clark , 66, former prosecutor, born Marcia Kleks, Alameda, CA, 1953.
Interesting Things You Need to Know
3 ways to learn water rescue and lifesaving skills
Do you love swimming? Do your kids? If so, that’s reason enough to consider signing up for lifesaving courses. Here’s what you should know.
1. Water safety training
If you’re a fixture at the pool, spa, beach or lake and you want to keep you and your fellow swimmers safe, you can learn basic lifesaving skills by taking water safety classes. The American Red Cross offers a number of certifications, including Basic Water Rescue, Small Craft Safety and Water Safety Instructor.
2. Lifeguard training
3. CPR and first aid training
A medical crisis may occur on or near the water. If you want to be in a position to help should an accident, injury or medical emergency arise, take a CPR class, a first aid class or both. Often, these two types of training are offered together.
The skills you develop in these classes will serve you and those you care about for many years. If you’re already trained, keep in mind that it’s a good idea to take a refresher course every two years or so.
