FeaturedMore

Google’s new translator tool that speaks just like you

Google calls their newest invention the “Translatotron” and it simultaneously translates what you say by copying your voice, tone and cadence.

Translation programmes

Up until now, Google has been the most famous translator on the Internet. By typing in one word you are directly forwarded to it. Google even included a tool that can translate text to voice, text to text and voice o text. However, the voice tool always has the standard “Google” voice, which speaks like a robot and is very monotonous.

A communication barrier

What usually happens with regular translation programmes is that a lot of communication gets lost in the “process”, so to say. In other words, these kind of tools translate sentences word for word, meaning they don’t capture the essence of slang, expressions and other aspects of spoken communication. If it’s sometimes already hard enough to speak to others, imagine if you had to depend on such translation tools.

Google’s Translatotron

Thus, what is so exciting about Google’s new invention, is that is does exactly this: it imitates your voice tone and the cadence of your sentences, which is fundamental in verbal communication.

The system is based on a sequence to sequence model, and works with spectrograms (used to copy voices). The creation is able to retain vocal characteristics from the transmitter, making their speech more natural.

Find out what it sounds like

If you are interested in what these voices might sound like, you can find it here. In the link you will be able to find original voices, conventional translations with the current systems and the results obtained with the application.

Other translation tools

It’s worth to mention that there are currently other systems, like Vbestlife and Ashata, which follow more or less the same pattern of simultaneous translation, but don’t imitate voices yet. They are available for a wide range of prices that goes from just 25 euros, up to 200.

Photos: Pixabay and Unsplash

The ultimate diet to save our planet

The worry about the Earth dying is increasingly present. Slowly but surely, we become more and more aware of what we have done to our planet, and scientists are beginning to say we only have 20 years left to save it. We are destroying our planet, and only have one generation to do something about it. Will a diet be able to do so?

The latest solution

According to not more and not less than 37 scientists who have participated at the EAT-Lancet commission, this diet could prevent 11 million deaths a year. They have been investigating, for a long time, about what would be the best way to feed ourselves while still being respectful with our planet.

Enough with the red meat

Apparently, the key to this diet is a reduced percentage of meat. One hamburger or steak a month, and just a couple of chicken and fish servings a week. The reason behind such small amounts of meat is that animal agriculture is responsible for more greenhouse gases than all of the world’s transportation systems combined.

The rest of the diet consists of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes. These should fill half a meal.

What the diet consists of:

According to the diet, we are only allowed 31 grams of sugar a day, and 50 grams of oils (a day) like olive oil. This is what we should ingest in a day:

Legumes: 75 grams
Nuts: 50 grams
Eggs: An egg and a half a week (13 grams)
Fish: 28 grams
Dairy: 250 grams
Meat: 14 grams of red meat, and 29 grams of chicken
Vegetables: 300 grams
Carbohydrates: 232 grams of bread or wholegrain rice, and 50 grams of starchy vegetables (like potatoes)
Fruit: 200 grams

Spread the word

The biggest obstacle for this diet-based solution would be the most obvious one: get a vast part of the world to completely change their diets, which seems to be an almost impossible task.

It is very difficult for a person to change their diet, but there is a reason behind this, and we have our primal instincts to thank for. Long story short: we perceive this change as a threat to our safety, because food is a part of survival.

This perceived threat to our safety, in turn, provokes a sense of fear, leading us to running out of “willpower” to follow through on our diets. Thus, if it’s difficult for one person to change their diet, let alone almost the entire world.

The biggest challenge

What the challenge of this diet seems to be, is taking meat (especially red meat) almost completely out of our lives. Both North-America and Europe would have to let go of all the red meat they consume.

The solution to red meat consumption could be rising taxes to make it more expensive, preventing people from being able to afford such foods. However, this might just not have positive consequences.

Christopher Snowdon from the Institute of Economic Affair, states that taxing food would be “the next battleground for the nanny state”.

In addition, South-East Asia would have to go on without fish, and Africa without starchy vegetables. This is not exactly an easy task to fulfill.

How the diet will help our planet

This “heroic” diet would be able to prevent 11 million deaths a year because both cardiac arrest and some types of cancer would be reduced. On the other hand, greenhouse gases would also decrease, because, as we have already stated before, a big portion comes from food production.

Food production is not the only threat for climate change

According to Frank M. Mitloehner, professor at the California University, meat production seems to be just as responsible for climate change as transport. This means, that even though fruits and vegetables contribute to a reduced emission on greenhouse gases, the fact that we still have to carry them from one place to another highly contributes to climate change.

So which is worse: excessively consuming meat or transport?

At the end, both are equally harmful.

Photos: Unsplash and Pixabay

Why your lunch break is the perfect time to work out

It’s a no-brainer that regular exercise is good for both our mental health and our physical health. However, it is often difficult to make some time for it in our busy agendas.

What we usually end up doing is either waking up earlier in the morning to exercise, which is something that no one likes; or exercising really late in the evening, when we’re usually already exhausted, and which causes us not to sleep as well.

The right moment to exercise

What now turns out to be the perfect time to train is during lunch. So if you’re one of those who just can’t seem to find the time to exercise, keep reading. Here’s why it’s better to exercise during lunch breaks than at any other time of the day.

1. You’ll boost your endorphins and become more creative

Training in the middle of the day will help you feel energized, as your endorphins will suddenly be given a kickstart. Even just going for a walk will help your digestion and lower your blood sugar. It has also been proven that if you’ve lost inspiration, going out for a walk might just give you the creativity you need.

2. You’ll improve your efficiency

Several studies prove that exercising during lunch time causes you to become increasingly productive during the afternoon. It doesn’t have to be an extensively planned workout routine; with just +/- 15 minutes of training you will improve your concentration, as well as your problem solving skills, because it can have a great meditative effect.

3. Socializing is essential for your health

Besides being extremely positive for your physical health, it can help you improve your mental health through socializing. Social dynamics are essential for mental stability, and going out for a quick run can be the perfect opportunity to strengthen the friendship bonds with your co-workers.

Plus, it is easier to communicate face-to-face than through emails, and will prevent misunderstandings. Keep in mind that even answering your mobile phone outside in fresh air has a positive impact on your mental restoration.

4. No more eating at your desk

It often happens that we stick around at the office during lunch because of built up work and we just can’t seem to stop what we’re doing to have a proper lunch. However, taking a break is just as important, and you are 100% entitled to it.

In addition, it is actually unhealthier than you might think. What happens when we eat at our desks is that we’re more likely to store body fat when we stay seated the whole day.

Plus, working out actually helps you regulate hunger. When exercising, certain hormones that helps us recognize the sense of fullness are secreted, meaning that we won’t be as prone to reach our for snacks when we go back to working.

5. You’ll have the rest of the day to do other things

Regularly exercising during lunch time means you will not have to cancel plans because you have to go to the gym again. Having free evenings means having more “me-time”, which is also essential for a healthy mind, and a healthy body.

6. You’ll be less likely to suffer from diseases

A sedentary life is highly linked to suffering from all sorts of diseases like cardiovascular diseases, diabetes or even different types of cancer. When working out regularly, chances of suffering from such diseases decrease by up to a 30%.

To achieve this percentage, it is key you exercise 150 minutes a week, which is 30 minutes a day. However, this doesn’t mean you have to carry out a full work out for thirty minutes every day: even going for a stroll is enough. The point is to move a bit every day.

Photos: Unsplash and Pixabay

10 tips to gain muscle before summer gets here

Summer is getting closer and closer, and many already started their “bikini body” plans quite some months ago, but you still feel like there’s not the slightest hint of muscle on your own body. If you’re worried because you are still stuck in the same sedentary lifestyle, and stuffing your face with whatever ultraprocessed foods you have in your fridge, worry no more.

We are here to save you. You are still on time to achieve the summer body you have always wanted.

We all like to show off some muscle on the beach when summer shows up around the corner. If you are worried that you don’t look as toned and muscly as you would like, it’s time you follow these 10 tips to look beach-ready.

1. Maximize muscle production

How? The key to success is increasing your protein intake. Michael Houston, nutrition professor at the Virginia Tech University, states “protein synthesis is fundamental“. In other words, eat more protein-filled foods, like for example, eggs, chicken breast, milk, etc.

2. Increase your daily calorie intake

Apart from needing a higher protein intake for muscle production, you also need a higher calorie intake. Despite many being frightened of this fact because they think they will get “bulky”, a higher calorie intake is essential when building muscle because we need to find ourselves in an energy surplus in order for muscle to be produced.

“You can gain muscle strength simply through exercising the muscles more, but usually to gain muscle mass, what you need to do is up your calorie intake“, this is how accredited practising dietitian and sports dietitian, Chloe McLeod explains it.

3. Focus on the biggest muscle groups

If you’re still a rookie, it’s probable that almost any exercise you do will increase your protein synthesis. But if you’ve been at it for years, you will build more muscle mass focusing especially on your chest, back and legs. A good tip is carrying out exercises like squats, deadlifting, bench presses… It’s important you do a couple of series with around 10 repetitions, resting for a minute between each series.

4. The importance of liquids

A study carried out in 2001 by the Texas University concluded that those who drank a shake packed with amino-acids and carbohydrates before training had a higher protein synthesis than those who didn’t drink said shake.

Exercise increases blood flow, so drinking such shakes before training can lead to a higher amount of amino acid intake by the muscles. Also, Kevin Tipton confirms that “liquid meals are absorbed quicker”.

5. Rest when you have to

It has been proven by several studies that training with weights results in protein synthesis for up to 48 hours after you’re done. Your muscles grow with rest, not with exercise. So remember to rest when you need to, and don’t overdo your training; it is not necessary and will just lead to exhaustion and injuries.

This includes sleeping well. It takes roughly eight hours per night for proper muscle recovery to take place. This is because, during your sleep, your body releases human growth hormone. This helps muscles grow and keep stress hormone “cortisol” in check.

6. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates do have a role in building muscle, however, according to Dr. Larry, it’s just a minor one. The important thing is to realize the importance carbohydrates have on your own body, as each body responds differently to them.

Be careful with carbohydrates, though, too many of them can overwhelm your metabolism. The best carbohydrates to focus on should always be low fat, like for example: sweet potatoes, brown rice, broccoli, lentils and beans, etc. The servings should still be kept to a minimum, if you wish to increase muscle mass. It’s important you make sure you’re eating the right kind of carbs at the right time of day.

7. Eat every two to three hours

Houston points out that “if you don’t eat frequently enough, you can limit the speed at which your body synthesizes new proteins“. Mario Fanzolato recommends eating four to five times a day. However, you shouldn’t stuff yourself if you don’t feel like eating; don’t force yourself if you’re not feeling hungry. It can be counterproductive, as it will make you feel sluggish.

Photos: Pixabay and Unsplash

Amazon sells “kit” to build house in under 8 hours

Allwood Solvalla | 172 SQF Studio Cabin Kit, Garden House. Source: Amazon

In this technological era we live in, it’s possible to buy practically anything we desire. From the simplest stuff, to the weirdest, most unimaginable gadgets, it’s all just one click away.

From A to Z

Amazon is one of those retail giants that basically sells anything, and sends it anywhere. The American company is specialized in electronic commerce and cloud computing services at different levels. They sell everything from electronics, to fashion, to books, to anything you can think of, really. This is exactly what their slogan stands for: “From A to Z”.

A brand new product

Amazon has now come up with a way of saying they actually do sell anything. Their latest innovation is selling DIY “kits” to build yourself a small house in less than 8 hours. So if you feel like saying goodbye to your regular sedentary life, and leave behind your napping days, this is the perfect project for you.

Your backyard is the perfect place to set up a small house for your children or guests. It can be your “me-time” space, or even a place to meet up with your friends. There are many, creative uses for this garden house.

The Allwood Solvolla Studio Cabin Kit

The DIY backyard guest house comes with everything you need to set up the 172-square-foot home. It has 86 square feet of indoor space which you can fill with any furniture or decoration you desire.

The material provided to set up the house is quality nordic wood, allowing the small house to have an elegant and modern design. The kit includes step-by-step instructions and the only things you need to provide yourself are tools most of us have at home.

Building the structure

The mounting of the structure is made in such a way that it would only take a full day for two adults to set up. Plus, if you would wish to take your new house to the next level, the structure is built in such a way that the floor can also include a plumbing system.

Possible plumbing system. Source: Amazon

What the garden guest house doesn’t include, though, is a bathroom, but according to the Allwood Outlet “adding one is not difficult”. This is because Amazon also provides indoor bathroom kits.

The expenses

Ordering the kit off Amazon would cost $7,250, which would just provide you with the materials to build the basic structure. If you wish to include other utilities like electricity or plumbing, the extra expenses are not included and you would have to take care of it yourself.

Photos: Amazon

8 travelling tips that will change your life

Even just thinking about the preparation needed for travelling can already be tiring enough to keep most people from actually going. Leaving your home often means sacrificing comfort. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

It’s finally time to go out there and live your life. Meet new people, learn new languages, take pictures of the most amazing places… You will not be able to wait to go on your next trip.

Planning ahead

Thorough planning is essential to safely go off on a trip, as well as to be a step ahead of the inconveniences that may come up. Most of us pack our bags the day before, if not the same the day we leave, but the less you take to make up your suitcase, the higher the possibility you left something behind.

However, planning is often not enough. This is why these trips and tricks are essential to get the most our of your vacation. And you probably didn’t even know about them.

1. Disposable tissues to prevent your clothes from getting damp

If you are worried about the humidity inside your luggage, don’t forget to pack a box of tissues. They will absorb any humidity in your clothes and inside your suitcase. It’s a great tip to make sure your clothes don’t give off any funny odors and stay fresh until you arrive at your destination.

2. Roll up, don’t fold

If you wish to manage your suitcase space efficiently, this trick is perfect for you. Instead of folding you clothes when preparing your suitcase, the best way to pack up your clothes without taking up any extra space is rolling them up. It’s also a great way to prevent your clothes from getting all wrinkly

3. A jewellery-filled pillbox

Taking jewellery with you when travelling can be a real pain in the backside. You never know where to put them, and it is very likely you’ll lose some, if not all. This is why using a pill box to keep your jewellery in is a great idea. You will know exactly where they are at all times, and it is very unlikely you’ll lose any.

4. Scan everything you can

Especially when visiting a different country, it is essential to have your documents with you at all times. However, keeping papers like a passport or a driver’s license on you all the time can be risky. Losing them would really give you a hard time.

An excellent solution to this is scanning all of the important documents, and keeping them on your phone or tablet. This way, you’ll make sure you’re not taking any risks and you’ll still be documented.

4. A shower cap for you shoes

Packing your shoes seems to always be a problem. No one wants their clothes filled with dirt, but no matter how you tuck them in, it always ends up happening.

A good tip to prevent shoe-dirt on your clothes is keeping your shoes inside a shower cap. This way you’ll keep your clothes clean and protected, with no extra effort.

5. Ok Maps, I’m lost!

When going on international trips, you don’t always consider the option of buying international roaming plans, either because it can become very expensive or you just can’t be bothered. In the end, we always end up depending on Wi-Fi signals.

However, this can become very tricky if we don’t know our way around the city. We often need GPS systems like Google Maps to guide us. This can be a real headache if we haven’t hired an international roaming plan.

If you do need to find your way around, a useful app to do so is Google Maps. You can even use it without having Internet access. What you will have to do before leaving your Wi-Fi space, is type into the app where you will want to go during the day and then typing in “Ok Maps”.

Then, the app will ask you if you want to download the information on the whole area and you will automatically have all of the info you need within a finger’s reach.

6. 3×2 on plane seats

A great trick to obtain more space when travelling by plane, is choosing your seats correctly. No one likes to spend hours and hours stuck to a stranger.

If you are not travelling on your own and you need two seats, a great idea to get more free space is reserving, in a row of three, the seat next to the window, and the one at the aisle. This way, it will be very likely no one will get the seat in the middle, allowing both your companion and yourself to have more (free) space.

In case someone else were to reserve the seat in the middle, you can still politely ask to switch places. They will most probably not have a problem changing seats.

7. An end to undesired spills

How often has it happened that you kept a liquid inside you suitcase and at the end of the trip is had spilled all over your stuff? If you don’t want to find yourself in the situation of having to clean up this sticky mess, you will like this tip.

Open up the liquid-containing recipients and cover the openings with cling film. Then, put the lids back on. This way, the pieces of cling film will work as hermetic sealings and you won’t have any surprise spills.

8. In case you forgot your charger

Don’t worry if you forgot your charger at home, it has probably happened to all of us at least once in our lives. It’s very annoying when this happens, however, what most don’t know is that it usually has an easy solution.

Most hotels have boxes filled with chargers at the reception, so you can just go ahead and ask for one that’s suitable for your device. With this tip you won’t have to worry about running out of battery and you’ll most likely be able to charge your device in your room.

Photos: Unsplash and Pixabay