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What was the CHAZ, and how did it form?

Connor Keldie
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What was the CHAZ, and how did it form?

During US protests in response to the death of George Floyd in May 2020, an occupational rally was held in Capitol Hill neighborhood of Seattle. Known as the Capital Hill Autonomous Zone (CHAZ), the Capitol Hill Organized Protest (CHOP) and Free Capital Hill, the protest was established June 8, before ending July 1.

How it came to fruition

The formation of the protest zone was preceded by weeks of tension, mostly due to violent interactions between protesters and armed police. On June 7, a man drove his vehicle through the protesters and shot one. The police resorted to tear gas, flashbangs and pepper spray to control the protesters and protect surrounding properties. The mayor of the city, Jenny Durkan, banned the use of tear gas on June 5; however, police began using it again on June 8, citing an inability to control the crowd. Police subsequently boarded up the East Precinct and left, in the hope of de-escalating the situation.

The zone

The CHAZ was reportedly a “self-organizing” space, with protesters occupying the space. They had three demands:

  1. Cut Seattle’s police budget by 50%
  2. Shift additional funding to community programs in historically black neighborhoods
  3. Ensure that protesters would not be charged with offences or crimes

President Donald Trump tweeted his disapproval of the zone and its constituents, calling for decisive action from the mayor and local government. In response, Mayor Durkan described the region as “a festival”, as opposed to “an armed takeover”. Despite this, there were several shootings in the area, resulting in several deaths and serious injuries, including a 16-year-old boy.

These shootings compelled Chief of Police to declare the region as unsafe and dangerous. On July 1, the mayor issued a direct, executive order to take back the zone. Police subsequently cleared the area of protesters and reclaimed the station.

Important things you should know about plumbing

Hugo La Trobe
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Important things you should know about plumbing

Plumbing is a vital part of anyone’s home, and if it is important to be educated on a few key things about plumbing in order to avoid disaster. Here are some important things you should know about plumbing, which might make your next plumbing emergency a lot less stressful than it has to be.

Turning off the water supply

A burst pipe can result water being sprayed all over an affected area, possibly damaging walls, furniture and accessories/appliances. Someone who was not prepared for this situation may go into a panic seeing this, and would cause more harm than good. Knowing where your water supply is and how to shut it off is crucial to lessen the damage that a burst pipe can cause.

Learn how to identify safe water

There are many sources for water, but not all of them are safe for consumption. Consumption of unhealthy drinking water can lead to serious health issues, and it is important to know where to get safe water and where water is unsafe. You need to ensure the water you are using and drinking is ‘potable water’, which means safe to drink. It’s also important that potable water stays clean and uncontaminated.

Be aware of the lifespan of your appliances

Everything in your house from your fridge to your toilet will have a limited lifespan. Ensure you know what that lifespan is so that you are aware when it is getting close to needing a check-up or a replacement. This avoids you being surprised in the future and being unprepared.

Those are some important things to know about plumbing that may save you some costs and keep your head cool in plumbing emergency situations. Learning these things can ensure the safety of you and others around you.

The Biggest Innovators To Watch

Ben Keane
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The Biggest Innovators To Watch

Innovators are the people that have the ideas to make our lives better. Most of the time they have these ideas and create something amazing, before we even realise that we need it. Innovators are thinking of ideas from a variety of different areas. No matter which area you are interested by, there are certainly a lot of innovators behind the scenes trying to make it better.

Technology is a big area of innovation and a lot of innovators are focusing here. Technology is making our lives better in a variety of different ways and there are certainly innovators out there working on stuff that we couldn’t even dream about at the moment. It will be interesting to see where the next decade of innovation takes us and how our lives will be different, and hopefully improved for the better!

There are a few specific innovators in particular that are working on some pretty awesome stuff at the moment. Have a read on below to find out more information about some of the biggest innovators to watch:

Janosch Amstutz

He is the force behind HoloMe, which is said to be one of the biggest steps forward in communication since Skype hit the market. HoloMe has developed a HD augmented reality platform. What this means is that you can have a perceived 3D thing (like a person) in your space. So, for example, if your sister lives on the other side of the world, HoloMe would bring her to your living room, not in a video, but as a complete person.

Richard Hanbury

After Richard Hanbury was in a car crash, it gave him the idea to experiment on himself to track the pain he felt, this was using patterns of sound and light. He used an EEG to track his brains response and as the pain he felt started to decrease. This is a really cool product that has the potential to help a lot of people, especially those battling with opiate addictions, which is a really big problem in America at the moment.

Giuseppe Scionti

More and more people are either trying to eat less meat, or have become full vegetarians. This means that more people then ever need the right type of food to help get the protein and other nutrients back into their diet that they have lost when not eating meat. This is where Giuseppe Scionti and the company NovaMeat step in. He is using 3D printers to make the next advancements in finding a suitable meat substitute.

Raunaq Rose

There is no question that in the future there will be more self driving cars. To date, there have been some great advancements in this area, but there is still a long way to go before these cars can be on normal roads.

Raunaq Rose is working in this area, but on something a little bit unique, he is taking psychology and adding it as one of the important factors when developing self driving cars. This is because humans behave differently depending on where they are located and driving.

Kathy Hannun

Everyone knows the impact humans are having on the environment, and there are a lot of people in the world that are trying to leave as little of an environmental footprint as they can. Kathy Hannun has a new innovation that will help households reduce the amount of footprint they leave. She is looking to use geothermal power but for a household level, this may become the new way households heat their home, and she created the company called Dandelion.

Do SEO by Yourself! Start from back-links

Ben Keane
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Do SEO by Yourself! Start from back-links

If you’re getting started in the SEO world then one of the first terms you’re likely to hear is the word ‘backlink’. A lot of people just starting out will struggle to understand the term.

In short, backlinks are incoming links to a page on the web.

When one external webpage links to another, it’s called a backlink. Backlinks are a major metric that determine rankings, the higher the number of backlinks a web page has the more it tends to be trusted and viewed favorably by Google, boosting its rankings.

Once upon a time, quantity mattered more than quality when it came to backlinks. Generally people could get away with spammy practices and low quality links, because search engines could not discern the difference. This has all changed in recent years and now quality is much more of a determining factor in rankings. It is important that backlinks come from high quality web pages with good authority and content. Sites should also be relevant when backlinking, unrelated content will be ignored or confuse search algorithms.

Why are they important?

All backlinks are important to your website because they improve SEO in a number of ways, chiefly by improving your organic ranking. Building good backlinks will help you to improve your organic position in search results, improving the traffic your page will receive.

Another positive is faster indexing because bots find you web page by following other links. Backlinks will lead to faster discovery, allowing your site to be crawled sooner and allowing it to index faster.

One of the top benefits of backlinks is that they contribute to referrals. Readers of another webpage may come across the link and follow it to your page.

How do you get backlinks?

There are several steps you can take in order to gain good quality backlinks. If you’re serious about gaining backlinks you should recognize that it will take some proactive effort on tour part, and a well thought out strategy. Here are few of the things you should be doing if you want to increase your backlinks.

Write good content

If you want other websites to link to you then you need to create high quality content. Genuinely useful, interesting content will attract backlinks with little effort – some people might actually seek you out and ask you if they can link to your content.

Writing good content for your website or your map is all about ensuring that you address a problem or answer a question. You could have a unique take on a topic, or take a different approach then your competitors. If you have expertise on the topic that you’re covering then people may begin to view you as an authority on the topic. It is important to make your content very easy to read, it should flow naturally and be legible. Variation of sentence structure and good formatting with the use of headings and paragraphs to break text up are important to help make your content enjoyable to read.

Guest blogging

The concept of guest blogging is basically that in exchange for writing a free article for another website, you will be able to create a link or more to your own website.

Finding sites to guest blog for can be a challenge, keep your eyes out for websites with open calls for contributors as they are usually looking for this kind of exchange.

Otherwise stay on the lookout for websites that cover the kind of topic that you’re interested in and that’s relevant to your website, even if they are not openly looking for guest contributors they may accept your pitch.

What You Need to Know About OTC Medication

Sophia Masters
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What You Need to Know About OTC Medication

Many people assume that pharmacies are only able to provide services such as filling prescriptions or giving out flu shots. In reality, you can stop by your pharmacy for a variety of things, not least of which is over the counter medicine, also known as OTC medicine.

This is no surprise for chain pharmacies, which are often connected to bigger stores and have more to offer at first glance. However, over the counter medication is typically available at all pharmacies, and it can seriously help you out even without a prescription!

What Are Examples of OTC Medicine?

The most simple definition of over the counter medicine is that it is medication and drugs that can be bought without a required prescription. This was decided upon by the Food and Drug Administration, who deems whether or not medication is safe enough to sell over the counter without the need for a prescription from a doctor.

You’ve most likely run into the store and bought over the counter medication without even realizing it! Here are some of the general conditions that over the counter medication provides:

  • Pain relief. These drugs can improve overall body aches, headaches, cramps, and soreness These are the most common examples, including Tylenol, Advil, and Motrin,
  • Cold or flu symptom treatment, from decongestants to unblock your nose to an expectorant that can clear the airway.
  • Cough suppressants. These OTC medications help clear away a prolonged cough.
  • Allergy relief and antihistamines. These can help with seasonal allergies or prolonged ones.
  • Heartburn. While most heart medications will require intervention from a doctor, issues like heartburn can be treated with over the counter medicine.
  • Diarrhea and constipation. Pharmacies usually stock plenty of over the counter medication to relieve both constipation and diarrhea.

Over the counter medication is reliably versatile and covers a wide variety of issues. You can Google the best OTC medicine for a minor health issue or injury, but you can also ask the pharmacist upon your arrival which one would be best for you. Now that we’ve explained some of the essential examples of over the counter medication, it’s important to also be aware of the risks.

The Risks of OTC Medication

Since over the counter medication is widely available, even to the point of being bought online from good websites like https://www.canadadrugsdirect.com/,   it may be easy to assume that it has no risks. While it may not be as risky as, for example, prescription drugs, there are still certain things you need to be aware of.

For example, the dosage and make-up of the drugs should always be checked before use. You may have an allergy or condition that prevents you from using certain over the counter medication. A good example is how somebody with high blood pressure cannot take certain decongestants, or how pregnant women may not be able to take some general medication.

Finally, over the counter medication is still medication! There is the possibility that it could interact badly with other certain medications, supplements, or drinks that you are ingesting. That’s why if you have any questions at all, don’t be afraid to do your research and ask the pharmacist.

OTC Medication Makes Life Easier!

Now that you know more about the uses and risks of over the counter medication, you can use it when you need it without fear! You’d be surprised by the wide variety of OTC medication that is offered in pharmacies both physical and online. Whatever your mild health issue is, it is highly likely that it can be solved by OTC medication! Don’t be afraid to utilize it to your benefit.

Some of the great reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch

Ben Keane
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Some of the great reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch has become increasingly popular since its launch and release. This is due to various factors that have helped to push its success to where it is today. Its unique design and features including the ability to transform from a handheld gaming device into a controller which can play onto a TV is one of these factors which makes it stand out from the crowd. It has something completely different from other consoles that have been released in the past years and marks it on the map as something new.

Another one of these reasons is the games that are available on it, namely Animal Crossing which has become very popular due to social media and meme culture. Many have flocked to buy the Nintendo Switch simply for this game.

Still not convinced?

Here are some of the great reasons to buy a Nintendo Switch.

The Switch is very portable

The Nintendo Switch is known for its portability, and is easily accessible at any given time. It can act as a handheld device with a screen that can play games quickly and with ease. This is part of what makes the Switch so appealing, especially to younger audiences who want to be able to quickly access their favourite games at any location.

It is the only console to play Nintendo’s best games and older ones

Nintendo’s collection of games is brimming with new titles that have been highly successful and to critical acclaim, as well as older titles that are loved by people all over the world. The Switch is able to play all of these games, appealing to Nintendo fans globally. Nintendo has been behind titles such as The Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart and Pokemon, all titles that are loved by so many gamers. To play these newer games, the Switch is required, and this is a big reason why it is so popular.

It’s great for local gaming and families

The Nintendo Switch makes playing with friends locally easier than ever, as you are able to team up with people cross-platform. This means someone can be on a computer, Playstation 4 or another Switch and you can all play together.

In summary, the Nintendo Switch is very popular due to the many features it has and the uniqueness of it, as well as the popular games Nintendo has been putting out for years now and as of late. The Switch is well worth the purchase for any casual gamer.

 

Polarization in the US: how the RNC and DNC revealed political contrasts

Sophia Masters
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Polarization in the US: how the RNC and DNC revealed political contrasts

As has been the case for the last four years, the American political scene has been characterized by chaos, disunity and social upheaval. Indeed, the DNC presented President Trump as a leader lacking compassion, empathy and understanding for the sanctity of the office he held. On the other hand, the RNC furnished an image of the president as competent and a voice for the blue-collar working class.

If you’re interested in American politics and the upcoming election in November, here’s everything you need to know about the recent conventions.

The DNC

As was to be expected, the DNC focused heavily on the Trump Administration’s apparent failings in handling the coronavirus pandemic and the economic fallout of the health crisis. With the US death toll still rising significantly (despite case numbers falling in recent weeks), the DNC pointed to the current administration’s lack of leadership and understanding of the severity of the crisis as the core reason for the loss of life. At the same time, the DNC tore into President Trump’s temperament and character, arguing that his lack of political nous makes him unsuitable for the title he holds.

The RNC

Conversely, the RNC targeted the recent racial disunity and social instability as grave threats to the traditional American way of life. While the Democrats criticised the administration’s handling of the crisis, the Republicans clamoured for optimism, promising a renaissance was around the corner, which would be threatened by a Democratic victory at the election this year.

What was shared between both conventions was this – that the stakes for an election have never been higher. Both parties outlined how the United States is at a crossroads, arguing that the nation was either on the precipice of greatness or falling away into more chaos and uncertainty.

How to design a comfortable kids bedroom

Hugo La Trobe
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How to design a comfortable kids bedroom

Kids bedrooms can be the most difficult to design out of any room in the entire house. We all know that kids change their minds like the wind, and they grow up incredibly fast, so any permanent design choices you make could become hated when they get a little older.

The best thing you can do is design a bedroom that grows with the child. This will save you money in the long run, not having to redesign elements to fit the changing tastes and needs of the child.

1.   Make sure there is extra space for furniture

As a child grows, they will collect more personal possessions, and naturally, they will want to keep them in their bedroom. You want to make sure that you have room for extra storage like clothes, drawers and cabinets so that things can stay organised. Make sure you allow some breathing room in one corner of the room so that new furniture can be added over the years.

2.   Go subtle with thematic elements

If you are going to incorporate elements that kids love like animals or pirates or fairies or whatever else, be subtle about it. If you go over the top and design the room with permanent fixtures that are thematic, it won’t give the child room to change their tastes as they grow older.

3.   Don’t use carpet

Carpet in a kids room isn’t a good idea since they will just ruin it. Even if you’ve seen a fantastic carpet with a town printed on it for kids to play on, it’s not going to be worth it at the end of the day, since you will be the once cleaning up the mess.

Hopefully, you can use the above to help you design the kids bedroom.

Easiest way to eat healthy when you’re always busy

Connor Keldie
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Easiest way to eat healthy when you’re always busy

Sometimes, life can get busy. Whether it be because of kids, school, work or just generally don’t have time, it can be hard to maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. With the amount of freely available fast food there is, it can be tempting to just eat junk food all day.

First of all, you should get rid of any junk food in the house. Having it in the house will increase the temptation, as it is way too easy to access and have a snack.

Secondly, meal prep! Meal prepping is cooking multiple healthy meals in one go and eating them over the course of a couple days. This is a very good way to keep your healthy food accessible and only requires you to cook once. Remember to spice it up, without variety this can get boring.

These two tips are all you need to keep the healthy diet and lifestyle going!

How to ensure your workplace is COVID-safe

Georgia Packer
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How to ensure your workplace is COVID-safe

As the world continues to grapple with the coronavirus pandemic, all public and private spaces must be always made to be COVID-safe. Each region, country, and state jurisdiction has its own set of orders and regulations, designed to combat the spread of the highly-infectious disease. If you operate a business and are unsure how to minimize the risks of adding to the spread of COVID-19, then check out the guidelines below.

Physical distancing

Known as social distancing or physical distancing, individuals must maintain 1.5 metres between each other. This means that in all corporate office spaces, each worker must have 1.5m distance from all other people. The same applies to the hospitality sector, including restaurants, cafes and cinemas. Fitness centers, including gyms and aquatic centers, must also acknowledge the 1.5m rule.

Mask wearing

In many places, mask-wearing is mandatory or strongly recommended; however, this is consistent across jurisdictions. For example, all people in metropolitan Melbourne must wear a face mask or covering when in public, in shopping centres or on public transport. In New South Wales, however, mask-wearing is not mandatory, albeit it is strongly recommended when using public transport. Public and private spaces should encourage mask-wearing where social distancing cannot be followed.

Hygiene requirements

All public spaces should be equipped with adequate sanitary equipment, like hand sanitizers. Stores and public spaces are to be cleaned often, so if you work in an area that has public interaction, all desks, chairs and equipment should be cleaned thoroughly and often.

Signage and posters

For large businesses, it is worth having signage and posters stationed around the office. This will remind people of what they need to be mindful of and how they can make sure they are always following the COVID-safe rules. These posters are free to download off government websites – simply visit your local government website for access and more information.

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