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(NewsUSA) - More businesses and countries worldwide are embracing digital payments as a way to make e-commerce more efficient and create a smoother transaction experience for consumers.<br /> <br /> Digital wallets, such as uBUCK, offer a dollar-backed stable token built on Waves blockchain technology, one of the fastest blockchains available. uBUCK's technology allows for the management of both digital and traditional currency, and both online and offline purchasing power.<br /> <br /> "Piloted by an all-star management team, uBUCK is looking beyond carving out a niche to become a disruptive player in this ever-changing payments industry," according to the company's website.<br /> <br /> The uBUCK digital wallet allows for instant transfers of funds, and unlike some digital wallets, uBUCK is not limited to the United States. Transfers can occur globally, with no transfer fees and no cost to the end user.<br /> <br /> The elimination of transfer fees is one of uBUCK's strongest selling points, as it is an option for those who don't have traditional bank accounts, such as migrant workers looking to send money home, or for anyone else, such as parents sending money to kids at college who want to avoid the additional fees associated with some financial transfers.<br /> <br /> Users of uBUCK can transfer funds, make online purchases, or withdraw cash at an ATM, although reports on digital wallet use suggest that the expanded technology may ultimately replace the need for bank branches and ATMs.<br /> <br /> Sending money with uBUCK is a simple, four-step process:<br /> <br /> * Buy the voucher. Users download the uBUCK app and purchase a voucher.<br /> <br /> * Buy uBUCK cash. Users redeem a PIN to purchase uBUCK cash.<br /> <br /> * Select recipient. Users without a uBUCK account will be invited to the app via email.<br /> <br /> * Send payment. Users can then enter the payment amount, send, and confirm.<br /> <br /> "Our mission is to put honesty, transparency, and trust back into software," according to Ashik Karim, CEO of LiteLink Technologies, the parent company of uBUCK Technologies. LiteLink was recently featured in a Forbes magazine article, "10 Blockchain Companies to Watch in 2019."<br /> <br /> LiteLink is publicly traded on the Canadian Securities Exchange and OTC Markets. Their symbols are CSE:LLT and OTC:LLNKF.<br /> <br /> Ref: Electronics - in Blogs

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Bali is renowned not only for its stunning beaches but also for its breathtaking mountain landscapes that captivate visitors from around the world. Among these natural treasures lies Lake Wanagiri, a hidden gem that offers spectacular panoramic views in the highlands of North Bali. This enchanting lake is located in Wanagiri Village, Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency, Bali Province.<br /><br />Breathtaking Natural Beauty Throughout the Day <br /><br />Lake Wanagiri possesses extraordinary charm with its panoramic beauty that can be enjoyed at any time of day. In the early morning, visitors are greeted by thin mist that blankets the lake's surface, creating a mystical and peaceful atmosphere. During midday, sunlight reflects golden sparkles on the crystal-clear water surface, while the evening presents romantic sunsets with stunning sky color gradations. Even at night, this lake remains captivating with its clear starry sky, providing an unforgettable experience for every visitor.<br />The popularity of Lake Wanagiri as a premier tourist destination in Bali continues to grow thanks to its Instagram-worthy natural panoramic beauty. This lake has become one of the famous tourist attractions that not only draws domestic tourists but has also gained international recognition.<br /><br />Cool Highland Climate<br /><br />The uniqueness of Lake Wanagiri lies in its highland location, providing a cool and refreshing atmosphere that differs from typical beach destinations. The air temperature around this lake remains relatively cool throughout the day, with morning temperatures that can reach 15-18 degrees Celsius, offering natural coolness that is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of city life.<br /><br />Lake Formation History<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri was formed within a large caldera as a result of past volcanic activity. This geological process created a natural basin that was later filled with rainwater and natural springs, forming this beautiful lake. The position of Lake Wanagiri, which is aligned with other lakes in the Bedugul area such as Lake Buyan and Lake Tamblingan, makes this region a fascinating lake complex to explore.<br /><br />Wanagiri Village: The Best Spot to Enjoy Lake Beauty<br /><br />On the slopes of Lake Wanagiri lies Wanagiri Village, located in Sukasada District, Buleleng Regency. This village offers a strategic location with the most aesthetic views for enjoying the lake's beauty. From this village, visitors can witness spectacular lake panoramas from height, creating amazing photo opportunities.<br />Wanagiri Village not only offers beautiful lake views but also features various traditional warungs (local eateries) scattered along the slope edges. At these places, tourists can sit and relax while enjoying traditional Balinese tubruk coffee and local snacks with the stunning lake view as their backdrop.<br /><br />Supporting Tourist Attractions Around Lake Wanagiri<br /><br />The Wanagiri Village area holds various hidden gems that enrich the tourism experience. In this village, there are several enchanting waterfalls, including Banyu Wana Amertha Waterfall hidden within the protected forest, Banyumala Waterfall often called the twin waterfall with three different sections, and various other waterfalls that offer authentic natural experiences.<br />Banyumala Waterfall, which stands approximately 20 meters high, has become one of the main attractions with its unique structure that appears to be divided into three sections. This waterfall was first opened to tourists in 2015 and has now become a popular tourist destination frequently visited by international travelers.<br /><br />International Recognition<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri has gained recognition as an international-class tourist destination. Its spectacular natural beauty and Instagram-worthy photo spots have attracted the attention of international tourists from various countries. Many international travel bloggers and influencers have captured their precious moments at this lake, further increasing its popularity on global social media.<br />The combination of authentic natural beauty, cool mountain atmosphere, and adequate facilities makes Lake Wanagiri a perfect destination for spending quality time. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of nature while witnessing the lake's amazing panorama from various viewpoints.<br /><br />Accessibility and Transportation<br /><br />Access to Lake Wanagiri is quite easy to reach from various cities in Bali. From Singaraja, the journey to this lake takes approximately 1 hour, while from Denpasar it requires about 2.5-3 hours of travel time depending on traffic conditions. The road infrastructure leading to the lake area is already in good condition, allowing various types of vehicles to access this amazing tourist destination.<br />The route to Lake Wanagiri can be reached via Jalan Raya Wanagiri, which is well-paved. Throughout the journey, tourists will be treated to views of green plantation expanses and hills that soothe the eyes, making the journey to the lake part of an enjoyable tourism experience.<br /><br />Conclusion<br /><br />Lake Wanagiri represents an extraordinarily beautiful and comfortable tourist destination for spending vacation time. The combination of spectacular natural beauty, cool mountain weather, good accessibility, and various supporting tourist attractions makes this place a perfect choice for travelers seeking a different experience in Bali. For anyone visiting Bali, Lake Wanagiri is a must-visit destination to experience the natural wonders of the Island of the Gods from a different perspective.

(NewsUSA) - As energy costs rise, the "green" movement and conservation efforts have become popular topics. Energy-saving recommendations appear daily in the media, and consumers are being offered subsidies or state and federal tax credits to encourage the purchase of more efficient appliances. However, many homeowners fail to consider their water heater when it comes to going "green."<br /> <br /> Although today's water heaters are expected to operate for an average of 13 years, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends shopping for a new water heater if your current unit is more than seven years old. This allows an adequate amount of time for homeowners to research and select a water heater that best meets their needs instead of waiting until their heater breaks down and selecting the cheapest quick fix for cold showers.<br /> <br /> Consumers are increasingly turning to high-efficiency water heaters when replacing older units or during remodeling and building projects. While these models may cost more initially, savings in water and energy usage continue throughout the lifetime of the appliance, offsetting the price difference. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that these units use 10 to 50 percent less energy, benefits to both your budget and the environment.<br /> <br /> A recent study by the Gas Technology Institute simulated the residential performance of high-efficiency water heaters and conventional units. The Vertex from A. O. Smith, a hybrid, gas-condensing, residential unit incorporating tank-type and tankless technology, provided the best overall performance at average and high-volume hot water usage, which is the consumption of 64-gallons or more per day of hot water.<br /> <br /> Endorsed by long-time environmental champion Ed Begley Jr. of the HGTV series "Living With Ed," the Vertex provides sufficient quantities of hot water for shower after shower and operates at 90 percent thermal efficiency. Additionally, it is designed to meet the demands that modern lifestyles require.<br /> <br /> "Using more efficient combustion to produce hot water at lower operating costs and 90 percent thermal efficiency, the Vertex is a good choice for customers who want to save energy without skimping on hot water," said David Chisolm, A. O. Smith Water Heater brand manager.<br /> <br /> For more information on the A. O. Smith Vertex model, visit hotwater.com/resources/energy-star-qualified-products/.<br /> <br /> Ref: Gifts - in Blogs

Why do people put pressure on others to be themselves then get mad when they do just that? What's meant by "be yourself" if it's not meant to be something to encourage others to be more genuine rather than pretending to socialize the same ways as everyone else? <br /> <br /> Every time I'm told to be myself, I genuinely don't know what's expected of me. Do people want me to fit in with normal behaviors? If that's the meaning, then don't tell me to be myself, because I'm nothing close to normal.<br /> <br /> Me being myself is me explaining that I read Atlas Shrugged because of the fact most of the plot revolves around saving train companies from collapsing under the financial ruin of the country, not because of the commentary on Communism being bad, because I already knew that it didn't work, so I didn't need the politics of it. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is rambling about how the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the Doctor Who Universe makes sense together because they both have moments of time travel, the Stark Tower from the MCU got reused as UNIT Headquarters in Doctor Who, and they'd all get along if they met because they're fighting to save reality day in and day out. There's more in-depth reasons, but I'll spare the details for now. <br /> <br /> Me being myself is me being goofy and nerdy, not fitting in to a social standard that doesn't make sense to me. If I wanted to know if the weather was nice, I wouldn't ask someone who has a different perspective on what nice weather is, as I'm the odd one to prefer rain over sun, I'll just look out a window. <br /> <br /> All of that to say I don't understand why people say to just be myself then get upset if I'm too nerdy for them. If you ask for it, don't be surprised and angry that you got it.<br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span><br /> <br /> <span style='display:none' class='DO NOT REMOVE - THIS CATEGORY CODE WILL BE HIDDEN - IT IS NEEDED TO BE FOUND BY CATEGORY AND ONE-CLICK SEARCH'>Category: Discussion - in Blogs</span>

(NewsUSA) - Today most homeowners want to do right by the environment while also caring for the health and wellness of their own families. But they don't always know what measures they can take with the design, construction, and furnishing of their houses to achieve eco-friendly, health-enhancing results.<br /> <br /> "Many responsible consumers are uncertain what a 'sustainable' product or material is," notes Linda Jovanovich of the American Hardwood Information Center, www.hardwoodinfo.com.<br /> <br /> "It simply means the particular resource is self-replenishing - something we can use freely now without fear that its supply will run out in the future. Since American hardwood forests renew themselves almost twice as fast as they are harvested, the U.S. supply of hardwoods for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and millwork is sustainable now and for generations to come."<br /> <br /> As well as being plentiful and sustainable, American hardwood is carbon neutral: Growing trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and break it down into oxygen, which is returned to the air, and carbon, which is used to create roots, trunk, branches, and leaves. In short, the use of natural American hardwoods throughout a house helps with the long-term removal of carbon from the environment.<br /> <br /> Hardwood can also benefit a household's general well-being.<br /> <br /> When artist Hadley Williams renovated her family home in California's Bay Area, she asked the makeover team - designer Sherry Williamson, architect Andrew Mann, and builder Michael McCutcheon - for a clean-lined, ultra-eco-friendly residence. They wrapped all the floors, ceilings, walls, and casework in the gutted interiors with plain-sawn American white oak, achieving a beautiful balance among aesthetics, sustainability, and healthfulness.<br /> <br /> Since the latter was a priority, each and every building product used was screened for a comprehensive list of more than 900 chemicals of concern. Using solid timber helped avoid the unhealthy volatile organic compounds (VOCs) found in laminate glues. Thanks to those efforts, the house has been certified LEED Platinum - the U.S. Green Building Council's highest ranking.<br /> <br /> Architect Stephanie Horowitz of Boston-based ZeroEnergy Design is another expert at creating contemporary, environmentally sensitive, family-friendly homes.<br /> <br /> "We regularly specify domestic, sustainably harvested hardwood floors," she says.<br /> <br /> "When paired with a non-VOC finish, a hardwood floor helps maintain healthy indoor-air quality while allowing us to support local business and overall environmental health."<br /> <br /> Such was the case with a house she recently designed for a client who wanted an exceptionally healthy and comfortable living environment in a traditional neighborhood. By installing quarter-sawn white-oak floors, and selecting other durable materials and finishes with low or no VOCs and no added urea formaldehyde, Horowitz was able to achieve LEED-platinum certification for the house and, more importantly, ensure that its inhabitants can breathe easy.<br /> <br /> Visit www.hardwoodinfo.com for more about sustainability and healthfulness in relation to home applications and products using American hardwoods.<br /> <br /> Ref: Decoration - in Blogs

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