How the UV index is calculated

Exposure to ultraviolet radiation (UV) is a normal part of being outside in the sunshine. A certain amount of UV exposure is important to the production of vitamin D by the human body, but excess exposure can cause health disorders ranging from sunburn to skin cancer and cataracts. According to the World Health Organization, approximately 66,000 deaths occur each year from melanoma and other skin cancers. In an effort to educate the population about UV exposure, authorities have developed a UV index to help people understand the risks and take precautions to limit overexposure.

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How the windchill factor works

When you go outside on a windy winter day, the cold air seems to take your breath away and it feels even colder than the thermometer would lead you to expect. This is the physical manifestation of the phenomenon known as windchill. During the last century, scientists have developed ways to quantify the effect of this factor on human activities.

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The anatomy of a coral atoll

Coral reefs are structures built by millions of tiny organisms that create an environment favorable to the thousands of varieties of fish and other sea creatures that make their home on the reef. The reef structure builds up over time as individual coral polyps die, leaving behind a residue of calcium carbonate. New corals grow on top of the residue, slowly creating a wave-resistant framework. Algae, sponges, and other creatures symbiotically contribute to the reef as it develops.

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Saving gas, electricity, and water in the kitchen

Your kitchen is one of the most energy-consuming places in your home. The good news is that there are many ways to increase energy conservation without complicating the process of preparing and storing food. With some planning and forethought, you can achieve a real reduction in your kitchen use of gas, electricity, and water.

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The Importance of financial record keeping

Individuals and businesses need records to help them evaluate the past and plan for the future. Comprehensive and easily accessible records allow you to assess your financial position and make adjustments when necessary. You can clearly see the importance of good financial records when you consider the scenarios where records are used.

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Popular computing terms that have fallen out of fashion

If you are old enough to have worked with computers in the 1980s, you may be very familiar with some of the early versions of computer equipment. In comparison to today's sleek designs, these behemoths were large, awkward, and notoriously undependable. If you were born after 1980, you will probably have no familiarity with these items.

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Simple steps to start getting rid of debt

There is no better time than today to begin reducing your debt. Any money you owe will cost you even more money as long as you carry an outstanding balance. Take a fresh look at your debt situation and consider two basic strategies for improving your position - pay off old debt faster and avoid incurring new debt.

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How payroll adjustments affect your take-home pay

Knowing how much money will be in your paycheck at the end of the pay period is not as simple as understanding how much you earn per hour or in salary. There are many different deductions and adjustments that you may find on your pay stub, some mandatory and some voluntary.

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Exotic pet laws in Florida

According to the State of Florida, ownership of certain types of animals requires a demonstration of responsibility, either in the form of a liability bond or a license fee. Florida seeks to curb the purchase of exotic creatures while they are small and manageable and their subsequent release into the wild when they are larger and less controllable. Non-native animals can cause environmental havoc when they are released into places where they have no natural predators.

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Key strategies for financing retirement

Preparing for retirement is important, but it doesn't have to occupy all your attention. Make a plan and follow through with it so you can approach retirement age with a relaxed attitude about the years ahead, without foregoing your enjoyment of your life today.

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