Lifestyle
Alongside taking care of other people and the planet, make sure you take good care of yourself. The Lifestyle section at the Optimist Daily has solutions for everyday wellbeing on topics like food, beauty, fashion, and the latest trends. Curious about caring for houseplants, eating plant-based, or parenting tips? It’s all in there.
Africans are now living 10 years longer than in 2000
This is remarkable news about Africa. According to new data from the World Health Organization (WHO) life expectancy on the continent has increased considerably. In 2000 the average African was expected to live to 50; in 2015, an African was expected to live almost 10 years longer. The WHO report Read More...
One of the world's most expensive countries is debating giving away money
The Swiss are discussing paying people $2,500 a month for doing nothing.The country will vote June 5 on whether the government should introduce an unconditional basic income to replace various welfare benefits. Although the initiators of the plan haven’t stipulated how large the payout should Read More...
A crowdfunded venture fund with $150 million virtual capital challenges investing as we know it
Digital money driven by the power of the Internet is going to upset traditional finance much like the online sharing economy is transforming the taxi and hotel industries. Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin are the first examples of a wave that’s gradually building and that has the potential to Read More...
A very smart shower that cuts water and energy usage by 70 percent
Ever thought lives could be saved by engineering a new type of shower? Peter Brewin and Nick Christy probably didn’t think so either, but it appears to be a nice side effect of their water and energy efficient shower design. How? Well, it turns out many casualties in the U.S. Army are soldiers Read More...
Bringing everyone online would lift 500 million people out of poverty
Internet access means access to opportunities as people find ways to sell their products and services. So connecting everyone to the internet would lead to a substantial growth impulse for the world economy. According to a new report getting the 4 billion people—who are not yet connected—online Read More...
$1 billion Apple sharing economy investment in Chinese Uber rival Didi Chuxing
Apple has invested $1 billion in Didi Chuxing, the car-hailing app that has a greater market share than U.S. rival Uber in China. Didi Chuxing provides more than 11 million rides a day and claims to have 87 percent of the Chinese market share. Apple CEO, Tim Cook, said that the move would help Read More...
The sun: The ultimate BBQ
Summertime often equals campfires and BBQ parties. However, what serves as a luxurious and enjoyable pastime for the lucky few, is actually serious health-hazard for most. Globally, over 4 million people die every year from household air pollution mostly due to cooking over burning wood, animal Read More...
Smart earplugs put a waterfall in your ear
Earplugs are nothing new. They're found in the ears of workers on airport tarmacs, kids at concerts and in many a bedroom where one partner uses them to drown out the snoring of the other. But earplugs that use electronics to help drown out the world around are, in fact, a relatively new invention. Read More...
New tool allows investors to easily get their money out of gun stocks
Many Americans are horrified about the ongoing mass shootings in the U.S. They turn to social media to decry the nation’s lax gun regulations and the influence of the National Rifle Association on the political process in Washington. Here’s a simple way to fight the easy access to guns in the Read More...
Three ways for children to try meditation at home
There are many apps, classes and books to guide children in meditation, but it is easy (and free) to start at home. You don’t need props like chimes or incense. The more meditation becomes integrated into daily living, the more successful it will be. Here are some exercises to try. 1. Elevator Read More...