How We Can Use Technology To Improve Our Lives

by | Feb 17, 2020 | How To | 0 comments

How We Can Use Technology To Improve Our Lives | Uncustomary

Business Enterprises

Technology has revolutionized the way businesses operate, driving efficiency, innovation, and growth. From automating routine tasks to enabling seamless communication across global teams, technology empowers organizations to achieve more with fewer resources. Leveraging tech expertise such as IT services in Philadelphia can further enhance these benefits, providing local businesses with tailored solutions to meet their unique needs. Advanced data analytics tools provide insights into customer behavior and market trends, helping businesses make informed decisions and tailor their strategies for maximum impact. Cloud computing has redefined collaboration, allowing teams to work together from anywhere while maintaining access to critical data in real-time. Moreover, technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are transforming industries by streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and uncovering new opportunities for innovation. In today’s competitive landscape, leveraging technology is no longer optional but essential for success.

Organization

Being organized helps us to be more productive, feeling as though we aren’t on top of things that can bring us down mentally and physically. Double Booking ourselves, not only wastes time for us but waste time for other people as well. And being able to look at the diary that is up-to-date and not have to worry about clashing or apologizing to people for making a mistake can take a weight off your mind. Not only that but it gives you a sense of achievement that can only be gained from being organized and on time for things. Being organized, and making sure that you are on time for events, can be essential for success in many fields. Keeping people waiting for meetings or not turning up with the right equipment can put you at a disadvantage especially where colleagues or customer opinion counts. Being organized with your finances can also make a huge difference in your life. Knowing what is coming and going out of your bank account at any point is something that everybody should know. Surprise bills can then be dealt with effectively when you know where you are.

Relaxation

When you think about relaxation, technology, and mobile devices may not be the first thing that comes into your mind. It may not be the first thing that comes into your mind, but it is something that is becoming much more common with mobile and digital users. The Internet creates fantastic opportunities, for people with knowledge to share that with others. For example, yoga teachers such as ‘Yoga with Adrienne’ Can reach people that may never have heard of them otherwise. YouTube is full of people sharing knowledge and helping others with relaxation and exercise. Not knowing exactly what to do when it comes to relaxation isn’t a big problem, however having some help from other people and finding out what your options are are helpful and can put you on the right path when it comes to relaxation. There are many people who are passionate about relaxation, such as those who have suffered from mental health issues themselves and want to share the knowledge and information they have found to make themselves better. There is no excuse for not knowing something in 2020, with communities and information at your fingertips, you can find information and apps that will help you through breathing techniques, relaxation techniques, and everything in between.

Entertainment

Entertainment comes in all forms, there are theatre shows, films, music, and a whole range of things for us to experience and enjoy. Making sure that you are taking time for “play“ rather than working non-stop, can certainly improve your life dramatically. Many of us forget to take time for entertainment, and this is only damaging to ourselves. At the end of the day as long as you are taking time for yourself, and relaxing, you should feel good about yourself. Ultimately entertainment is personal for each individual. But having a Spotify playlist that suits your mood, and your own individual choices can enhance your life dramatically. It is well known that taking part in activities that you enjoy is great for our mental health, so working out what we enjoy, and doing more of that Is something that we can all do to enjoy our lives more.

Communication

Positive interaction with people we like love or admire is wonderful for improving our mood. Having a conversation with our relatives about their day, friends about their work and possibly even children about their schoolwork can greatly improve our relationships. Using a mobile phone with pay as you go Sim or monthly contract, can be very useful in this communication. We are also very busy, and many of us forget to take time to contact people we love, but it is essential. With technology we are able to use video calling, text messages, send photos via apps such as WhatsApp, plus a whole range of other options. Ultimately having an open line of communication with people that we enjoy communicating with, is a positive thing, so make sure that you are actively making time for this, where do you live with these people or not. Technology is there to help us with many aspects of our lives, and communication is of course up there with some of the most important ways.

Earn money

We will need to earn money to make a living, the bills add up, and we quite often need to make headway on paying an unexpected charge, or even to say for a holiday, whatever it is, it’s always good to have enough money coming in. So using technology to ensure that your nest egg grows, all your maintenance bills are covered, is something that we would all appreciate. There are now thousands and thousands of people that are in an income just via their mobile phones and laptops, creating a business from scratch isn’t easy, but it is much easier than it’s ever been. Making sure that you have a certain amount of security is essential. Especially if you have children. So logging into your electronic devices to create content, communicate with customers or employees, or even search for new opportunities during the day is one way in which technology can help you in money. There are many other opportunities to earn money such as creating apps or becoming a professional gamer. The world is your oyster in 2020, and this is something that many people are now realizing. Another way you can earn money via technology is to become an influencer. Those YouTube videos and TikTok accounts can and do bring in a healthy amount of money for many people. So don’t dismiss it as an idea without doing some research first

Learning

Education doesn’t stop the minute you leave school. There are plenty of people who have started brand-new careers, or a new interest once they have left school. There are online courses, distance learning opportunities and a whole world of opportunity waiting for you if you choose to take the plunge. What this means is that you can have plenty of education added to your CV, even through distance learning. The Open University, for example, is one way that many people choose to learn on the go. Logging on to the Internet and knowing exactly what other people do via tutorials, and opinion pieces, can help you in your own career, or quest for learning. I’m not only does learning to bring your opportunities, but it can increase your self-esteem and confidence dramatically as well. And who doesn’t need that?

Simplifying Everyday Tasks 

Of course, we have spoken about specific things that can be done, but in general, it can make life so much simpler. Simplifying everyday tasks with different pieces of technology can significantly improve quality of life. The likes of automated lighting, voice-activated assistance, and smart thermostats can add so much convenience. Digital planners can help to organize schedules effectively, too. It’s a good idea to look at the best internet providers in my area throughout all this as reliable connectivity will support a lot of these technologies. When you leverage these tools properly, you reduce stress and focus more on things that matter to you.

Travel

Davenham is a pastime that most of us would love to do tomorrow. So many people decide to take a gap year after finishing college or university for example and technology has revolutionized the travel landscape. Changing the travel landscape has been something of phenomena over the last decade. We no longer need to sit in an office to arrange our travel, we can do so directly through airlines and Airbnb and companies like them open up a whole world of opportunities when it comes to accommodation as well. There are many people around the world traveling and enjoying their time, whilst also staying connected with friends and family back home. This is my possible fire mobile data and Wi-Fi available in most places now. This creates opportunity, keeps connections in place, and improves a significant amount of people’s lives Travel adventures. Not only that, but the shared knowledge of people who have traveled before you to your desired destination, and being able to read the news about local areas, can really help you to understand exactly what people need to do. Not only due to a need to stay safe but to make the most out of the journey.

Ultimately whether it’s for relaxation, work, fun, or traveling, technology certainly makes a dent in all aspects of life. And if used correctly technology can improve our lives significantly. Just using it intentionally, and making sure that everything is done with confidence and understanding, should ensure that you don’t fall into any common traps when using technology.




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle