Metal detectors are electronic instruments used to detect foreign bodies such as metal items hidden within objects or buried underground. First found around 1960, metal detectors ever since have had several uses in various industries. Check out some of the most popular uses of metal detecting devices.

Security Screening
Prior to the rectangular gantry now standard at airports, magnetometers were the first metal detecting devices used sometime in 1970. Metal detectors both hand held and walk through, are of great utility at public places and sensitive areas to ensure security and evade potential threats from carrying weapons like guns and knives. These are mostly used to avoid illegal and unauthorized entry of metallic objects at airports, metro stations, malls, prisons, courthouses, hotels, clubs etc. Handheld devices precisely locate the presence of metal objects on a person and are extremely portable, easy to use and efficient.

Archaeology
First used in 1958 by a military historian to detect firing lines at a battle, metal detectors began to be used extensively in archaeology. Most archaeologists now, however, discourage the use of metal detectors by seekers of artifacts and site lovers as their activity usually disrupts archaeological sites. Since ordinary seekers find objects without archiving or recording its context, the cultural and historical significance of the object is lost. To resolve this issue, many countries impose certain rules on hobbyists and ordinary people using metal detectors on specific sites.

Industrial metal detector
Developed by Bruce Kerr and David Hiscock in 1947, industrial metal detectors were first used by Mars Incorporated to inspect mars chocolate bars for adulterated items. Later industries dealing with pharmaceuticals, food, beverage, textiles, garments, plastics, chemicals etc. incorporated metal detection as a compulsory safety measure in the production process. Food manufacturing industries use metal detectors as a precaution to check for metal shards from broken machinery in food items during production and packaging. Metal detectors help spot foreign objects in food items before it is packed. Garment factories make use of metal detectors in sewn garments to ensure that all garments are free from any traces of metals like needles, broken needles etc. When contaminated objects undergo metal detectors, an unequal disturbance is felt in the device that further creates a small electronic signal and some amplification. Once that happens, a mounted device is signaled to remove foreign products from the production line. All this happens automatically to avoid uninterrupted manufacturing process in big factories.

Hobby
Metal detectors are used in a big way as various types of hobbies as well. Coin shooting, prospecting, treasure hunting and beach combing are some of the popular activities that use metal detectors to locate lost, hidden and distant objects.

Collecting data manually can get tedious. It gets more challenging when you have to collect and report weather data of greater area (such as states or counties when compared to a small town or a city) to a central location which will be broadcasted for the residents of those locations. Automated weather stations were developed for this sole purpose.

Auto weather systems are intended to save labor or collect data from a remote location. they have wireless communications as their integral part as they send recorded weather data through mobile or satellite technology. The automatic weather system may or may not report real time data depending on whether or not it has Argos system or global positioning system. They have the facility of saving the data for later recovery.

Automatic weather systems are normally installed on electricity poles or masts (these arrangements generally measure wind speed or the level of solar radiation). The components of an automatic weather system is the Data logger. It logs the data for future references. The main function of a data loggers is, measuring and storing the information from every sensor. Calculating the data (such as minimum, maximum and average). A data logger can store the data in its own memory or an external memory (maybe a SD card). They communicate with their (remote) server using different protocols, GSM GPRS or CDMA or RS232 to name a few.

Automatic weather stations that have solar panels are connected parallelly with the rechargeable batteries. The solar output is at its optimum for 5 hours a day. Mounting and position plays a vital role in power generation.

Weather predictions have improved since the past decade as today’s weather stations use mathematical equations and powerful computers that collect humongous data that helps it predict weather with better accuracy.

Personal automatic weather stations are generally for entertainment and educational purposes. The data collected by some of them are aired on radio or posted on the internet. Personal radio stations might differ in the readings and accuracy as the ones collected by meteorological departments, as the instruments used might have been calibrated or placed in a different way.

In totality, weather stations play an important role in keeping a vigil on the changing weather and alerting the concerned authorities to take necessary measures.

Weather stations are observatory posts that monitor and record weather forecasts, climate, meteorological, and atmospheric conditions of a city or a state. Weather station can either be on land or sea, based on the what geographical area it is intended to monitor.

Weather stations at sea measure the atmospheric conditions and climate using ships. They measure certain different parameters such as sea surface temperature, wind speed and wind period. Weather buoys measure parameters such as sea surface temperature or wind speeds.

The weather stations use different type of sensors such as hygrometer, which measures relative humidity, barometer that measures atmospheric pressure. Anemometer measures wind speed and thermometer that measures temperature.

Weather stations of bigger capacities have ceilometer that measure the cloud height (from the surface). Visibility sensors that measure the extent of visibility when its foggy or when it is raining. Rain gauge measures the liquid equivalent precipitation. Disdrometer is used to measure the (rain) drop size distribution. Some other sophisticated instruments are also used that measure unusual parameters like ultra violet index, leaf temperature, soil moisture and soil temperature.

Weather stations at snowy areas have ultrasonic snow depth sensors that measure thickness of the ice that might have formed in a lake or any other waterbody. Pyranometer measures the amount of solar radiation.

If the weather station has instruments that need to be in direct exposure of atmosphere, they should be covered or sheltered in a ventilated box. Instruments such as thermometer are kept away from direct sunlight as it might record false temperature other than atmospheric temperature. Hygrometers are kept away from direct wind as they might record false humidity readings.

Based on their geographical locations, weather stations can be of many types, some of them are;

Dedicated ships
Dedicated ships came into existence during world war II. They were introduced by International civil aviation organization (ICAO). 13 of them were deployed in the ocean in 1948. Of the 12 left in operation, 9 were deployed in the Atlantic Ocean and 3 of them in Pacific. These dedicated ships were later replaced by satellites and Ocean Buoys.

Ocean Buoys
Called as weather buoys or dedicated buoys, they collect data from oceans, lakes or whatever waterbodies they’ve been deployed in. Moored buoys and drifting boys have been in use from the year 1950 and 1970 respectively. Moored buoys are connected with the sea beds either using nylon chains or polypropylene. They are 1.5 meters to 12 meters large and are comparatively bigger than drifting buoys. Dedicated buoys generate less errors in weather forecasting as compared to dedicated ships.

Personal weather stations have instruments to measure various weather parameters that are operated by an individual, group, organization or an association. These personal weather stations come with digital consoles that display the updated weather data and some of them are interfaced with personal computer.

Even though we hardly use traditional methods for healing, Mother Nature has blessed us with an abundance of beautiful medicinal plants. It always good to have a natural alternative to your everyday health woes and worries. Coming with a variety of qualities, these plants help nurture and heal our bodies from any sorts of injuries or sicknesses.

Here are few of the most powerful medicinal plants that you can use to stabilize and advance your health.

Thyme
Apart from its high demand for culinary purposes and beautiful fragrance, thyme is an amazing herb that is antibacterial and antiseptic in nature. The oil extracted from this is known to provide quick relief from cough. So, next time you are tormented because of sore throat, incorporate some thyme in your tea. Thyme also regulates the blood pressure, healthy cholesterol levels and improves the immunity holistically. It soothes flaky and dry skin as well.

Catnip
Catnip is widely known as an effective detoxifier for the human body, you can use it during fevers to facilitate sweating as well for calming your nerves. Apart from this, it also aids in soothing the digestive system and treats migraines too. If you’re suffering from pain in tooth and gums, you can use catnip to relieve yourself from the discomfort.

Sage
Sage is popularly known for its healing properties, which is rich in antioxidants and fights against inflammation and bacterial infections. It also helps maintaining a healthy digestive system and provides relief from stomach cramps. Sage is also known for its anti-ageing properties and can be used renew skin cells.

Ginger
A common ingredient in the Asian cuisine, ginger is known for relieving motion sickness and nausea, especially for pregnant women. It also effectively deals with indigestion, you can have it incorporated in your health drinks. It beneficial for people suffering from diabetes and heart ailments, as it prevents the blood from clotting. A cup of ginger tea everyday will elevate your overall immunity tolerance against bacterial and fungal infections.

Lavender
The fragrance of lavender is not foreign to us, and therefore it is used widely in aromatherapy. But apart from its sweet smell, lavender is rich when it comes to healing properties. It can treat skin disorders as well as slow down aging. A few drops of lavender oil can instantly add radiance to your face. It also treats burns and cuts excellently. If you happen to suffer from sleeping disorders, depression, anxiety or excessive hair fall, lavender oil is a must have product in your medicinal closet.

Our body is a natural marvel and it is at its best form when it is surrounded by nature. And horticultural therapy facilitates to recreate that missing connection.

So, what is exactly horticultural therapy?
A horticultural therapy, unlike the regular therapy uses plants and gardening activities to engross an individual to accomplish specific recovery objectives, with the help of a qualified therapist. This form of therapy uses physical presence of flora to induce the human body to feel healthier, which eventually leads to an improvement in the mental state. The main aim of horticultural therapy is to aid the person to accept their inhibitions naturally and help them resolve whatever ordeals they are dealing with. It is an effective healing technique which can bring a purpose and a sense of belonging to the person.

How does it work?
This therapy encourages people to take up planting and gardening activities which creates a positive and a fulfilling ambience. It increases outdoor activities, concentration, motor skills, and regulates the heartbeats and blood pressure as well. Besides fostering psychological and physiological benefits, it also aids the person to boost communication in a social setting. There are certain group activities conducted which are specially designed to bring people together, which promotes the ethic of collaboration, friendship and respect. And obviously as horticulture is an opportunity to learn a new skill, it increases cognitive capabilities, happiness and self-esteem.

Who can participate in a horticultural therapy program?
Horticultural therapy is valuable for elderly, disabled, felons, and people suffering from mental disorders or terminal illnesses, and also for individuals recovering from physical trauma. But anyone can participate in the horticultural therapy to escape the maddening stress and tensions of the routine. It’s effective and safe for people of all background and ages. Apart from the fact that it uses plants to re-establish a sense of spiritual harmony, horticultural therapy is extremely inclusive about its learners. You will find that this therapy is practiced in various sorts of social settings such as hospitals, senior citizen homes, correction centers, rehabilitation homes, botanical gardens, foster homes, etc.

Are there any educational courses to be a professional horticultural therapist?
Unlike the past, horticulture in the present has evolved on a drastic level. There are many channels which have opened to make horticulture an accessible recovery program. If one is aspiring to become a horticultural therapist, there are many college programs and certifications for which one can enroll. As a horticultural therapist, individuals will get an opportunity to work in retirement centers, schools, hospitals, correctional programs, etc.

The ancient Chinese philosophy of fengshui has found its way into modern homes and work spaces. This is mainly because its implementation harmonizes the spirit of a place. The use of plants for the order and the arrangement in homes is a great way to increase a positive flow of energies as well as for attracting good vibes.

Here are some plants that you can incorporate in your space to enhance the synchronization and serenity of living.

Silver Crown
Blessed with silver luster on its leaves, the silver crown is regarded as the luckiest plant in fengshui. It attracts good luck and fortune for its owner. This plant can be placed in your house or in your office space to boost prosperity.

Money Plant
It isn’t uncommon to see a money plant in houses, gardens and office spaces. And why wouldn’t one see it everywhere! It is said that the money plant boosts wealth, abundance and prosperity for the owner.

Jade Plant
Known as the friendship plant, this auspicious shrub is considered as an incredible addition to your space. Its succulent structure looks magnetic and acts magnetic for luck, relationships and money. Just make sure that you don’t soak it with excess water.

Peace Lilies
This mesmerizing plant with white flowers is not only aesthetically endearing but also beneficial to your health. It absorbs toxic matter from indoors and improves the air’s quality for breathing. You can place this in your bedroom or in room where you where you exercise and meditate.

Lucky Bamboo
These plants might be hollow from the inside but they have an immense amount of substance and wisdom. The hollowness of a lucky bamboo facilitates the easy movement of positive energy. This can be a perfect gift for someone who has just got a new home.

Chrysanthemum
These spellbinding flowers symbolize ease and optimism. They diminish the level of depression and anxiety in a household. Chrysanthemums are known to bring balance and stability for a person, by increasing happiness and good luck.

Make sure that you remember the specific needs of the plants while buying. You don’t want to water it too much or keep it in the sunlight unnecessarily. Such uninformed actions can lead to the falling and drying of the leaves which counters the purpose of having a fengshui plant. Place it in the correct position to channel the energies in house for the best possible outcomes.

Having plants in your home can gently enhance the mood of your space. It is not just aesthetically pleasing to the eyes, but has plenty of benefits for human health.

If you’re thinking why you should include plants in your home, don’t think hard! Here are a few reasons why they should be nestled along with your furniture and decorations.

Reduces Stress
Do you remember being on a nature trek or driving through road canopied by woods on both sides? Memorize how peaceful and refreshing you felt. The point is having a plant in your vicinity can change your vibe and emit positivity. Even when we happen to be in our homes, we are constantly harrowed by responsibilities and work. House plants can make the ambience tranquil and your mind relaxed.

Cleans the air
Plants assist in purifying the air by absorbing toxins like formaldehyde which can be found in your furniture and fabrics, as well as in cigarettes. Plants improve the bad air standards indoors and lowers carbon dioxide levels. They are known to help sustain a better room temperature by increasing humidity levels at a healthy range.

Lowering illness levels
Due to their ability to absorb toxic matter and release oxygen, plants lower the risk of illnesses in homes. Sick individuals are often able to recover more quickly when they have plants placed in their room. They also observe a lesser rate in uneasiness and exhaustion while they are in a room with plants.

Helps diminish noise
Plants tend to absorb and deflect sound waves, which helps lessen the background noise intensity. If you live in a loud neighborhood, house plants will be an amazing addition to your space.

Improves sleep
There are certain plants which release oxygen during the nighttime as well. This will aid in having a better and a peaceful sleep. People having sleeping disorders can experiment by placing house plants in their bedroom.

Elevates productivity
House plants due to their powerful presence can increase concentration levels and productivity. This soothing quality of a houseplant is not only useful for your home, but also for classrooms and workplaces.

Visually appealing
A houseplant can add fresh and natural colors in your home decor, which are instantly calming to the eyes. You don’t have to worry about them fitting in, as they easily blend anywhere. Place them besides a sofa, a desk or a window, they will just elevate the beauty of your furniture.

Before making a purchase for a houseplant, just remember to make sure that there is no scope for allergies. Also check if the plants you’re planning to buy are toxic or not for your pets.

If you have recently moved in to a rented apartment, getting a gas connection may be a bit cumbersome and expensive. Electric stoves act as a good alternative to traditional gas stoves in such scenarios. There has been a decade long debate about which cooking medium helps you save more, gas or electric stove. Most people may point towards gas as being more economical in saving money and energy while others would remain loyal to electric inductions for cooking. Read on to find why electric stoves work the best even if you are a novice in cooking!

The biggest merit of induction or electric cooking is that you don’t need to keep oscillating your burner flame from high to medium to low, almost every other minute. That’s right, if you have already tried your hand at cooking on a gas stove, you can very well identify with the feeling of utter frustration when you have to constantly adjust the flame to ensure that the food items required to be sautéed or fried don’t burn. With electric stoves all that you need to do is pay a little attention to the right temperature and trust your instinct!

Another amazing advantage of an electric stove is that it gives you the liberty to walk away and attend to other chores while your pot of tasty meal is being simmered. Electric stoves work according to your estimate and calculation and thus enable you to multitask! You are somehow not allowed this luxury on your gas stove as they need some supervision. While cooking on gas, you may have to stand by your dish to overlook while your meal and you simmer in the heat.

Electric stoves have various features depending on the model that you opt for. Certain induction plates have a number of food item options that help you cook without fretting about regulating temperatures. Meal specific options reduce your part of estimating the time your food would take to cook or the temperature at which it should be cooked. Electric stove is also helpful in preparing food that is cooked just right. That means you can simply avoid the days you have to compromise eating under cooked or overcooked meals!

At first, electric stoves, to loyal gas users may seem annoying as they take a while to get heated up. The best part, however, is that going electric can reduce the risk of your sleeve catching fire! What’s more, you would forever get rid of the anxiety of having to recall whether you switched your gas stove off before leaving the house!

The need for an amplification in musical instruments in the early half of the twentieth century, led to the invention of the magnificent electric guitar. Electric guitars have a wide range. Thanks to the little quirks and variations in pickups, bridges, fret sizes, neck radii, tone woods and tuners, every strum plays and sounds hugely different. To a newbie these nuances may not make sense, but to an experienced hand they make a world of a difference. If you are a newbie who gets puzzled by variety, here’s a basic run down of the types of electric guitars.

Hollow body guitars
These originated in the 1930 and had an electrified hollow roundish body. Hollow body guitars are broadly a blend of acoustic and electric as they have both a sound box and a couple of electric pickups. This however is not anything like an acoustic-electric guitar (which is mainly an acoustic guitar with additional pickups or other modifiers added by the player or the makers). The tunes that this kind of a guitar produces are mainly clean and warm. Genres like pop, folk and blues suit hollow body guitars the best.

Semi-hollow body
Introduced by Gibson in 1958, these guitars had a solid block of wood running through the center of the body. They also had double cutaways and strikingly thinner bodies. This structure created ‘hollow’ wings on the side that created harmonic, warm and soothing music. These were majorly created so that they could compete with the blaring horns in noisy places. These guitars majorly suit jazz guitarists and country music singers. These guitars are generally lighter than most of their electric counterparts.

Solid body guitar
Solid body guitars are made without sound boxes and rely totally on electric pickup systems that receive vibrations directly. These electric guitars are the most versatile and are instrumental in creating new genres of music like heavy metal, country music, blues and rock. These guitars have their bodies made of woods like ash, alder maple, mahogany, rosewood and the like. The most common type of solid body guitar is made up of ash and alder.

All these guitars have their characteristics features and nuances that make sense to individual players based on their sensibility, style and genres. However, to a novice these differences may be insignificant. If tweaks and nuances fancy you, go ahead and try your hand at learning any one of the guitars and experience the difference for yourself!

We have grown up listening to our favorite rock artists strumming away on their expensive guitars, melodies and tunes of yesteryear’s that we keep shut up in a box of memories. In that very box, in addition to the fond smells, sights and sounds of younger days are some long forgotten, half fulfilled desires.

These desires have something to do with the rockstar and his expensive equipment- his electric guitar! As a child, many of you must have harbored the desire of owning a guitar. Some enthusiastic and passionate ones among us may have also taken the leap of faith and bought one. If you weren’t lucky enough to get one when young, go ahead and rekindle your teenage romance with the enigmatic electric guitar and escape into the bygone awesome days of freedom and harmony! If you are a budding musician hoping to make it big, read on to know all about getting the right pick!

Almost every guitar player who picks up the hobby, most often than not, does so after seeing her/his favorite artist look awesome with their best buddy (the electric guitar) on stage. Although, you may want to buy the very same guitar, it is important that you consider your long-term intent and utility. To fulfill the aesthetic purpose, you could turn to your choice of artist for inspiration and decide the look (of the guitar) you want to go for. This would help you choose easily from a wide range of guitars and you would be a step closer to getting the desired pick.

A beginner who wants to buy a guitar must make sure that it is properly sized, sounds great and matches perfectly with your taste and desire. Full sized electric guitars vary immensely in size and weight. The right pick would be the one that comfortably fits you. Make sure the neck of the guitar feels comfortable in your hands.

For people with some hands on playing experience, considerations vary slightly. It is important that you do some pick-up, bridge and intonation examinations before buying. With experience comes a desire for quality, therefore, it is only wise to pay more for the guitar that is right for you. Chances are high that you have a choice of guitar already in your mind, if you do, you must just go for it.

The biggest consideration before buying any musical instrument is to identify the utility you want to draw from it. Once that is set, you are free to choose the one that satisfies your aspiration!