Make It A Habit To Share Your Blessings

We all aspire to provide a good life for our families, especially for our children. It’s the reason why parents labor throughout the day, not only to put food on the table and send their kids to school but to afford to indulge them in some of life’s luxuries. Not everyone is financially well-off, though, no matter how hard they work. Different factors determine your status in life but if you are someone who has more than what your family needs, wouldn’t you feel better to share some of your blessings to the less fortunate?

Others don’t feel obligated to be generous to others but there are people who always feel compelled to give either out of pity or compassion. Whatever your reason is, you can’t deny how good it feels to brighten someone’s day or be able to make a difference in someone’s life. Whether you share in cash or in kind, what matters most is that you share the joy of giving and make a positive impact in a world that is increasingly hard to live in.

For the third straight year, Americans have hit a record high in their giving to good causes. Last year, according to a Giving Institute survey released June 13, donations or grants by individuals and philanthropies totaled $390 billion. The biggest increase, or 6 percent, went to animal-welfare and environmental groups.

Yet these measurements of altruism have a new problem. More people are not limiting the idea of supporting good causes to only charities, churches, or other nonprofits. In the past decade, another type of giving – called “impact investing” – has taken off. This involves people putting their values into action through financing of for-profit companies involved in social causes, from reforestation to prisoner rehabilitation – while also accepting smaller returns than other investments.

(Via: https://www.csmonitor.com/Commentary/the-monitors-view/2017/0614/Americans-expand-the-idea-of-giving-and-goodness)

Donations, big or small, have a big impact on the recipient of your goodwill. If you live in a progressive nation like America, you have not seen the extent of the problem with poverty that is faced by the rest of the world. Sure, you come across several homeless people in your commute to school or work but their condition is so much better than the poor citizens of Africa, perhaps, who are stick-thin as their country is ravaged by famine for a long time now. By sharing what little you have, these resources become a lot when pooled together along with the donations of like-minded individuals like you.

Women increasingly have the wherewithal to give -- and the inclination to give it. Yet there are gender differences between men's and women's philanthropic giving. Men are more likely to have personal and practical reasons for giving -- to get a tax deduction, for example. They're also more likely to focus their giving on fewer causes and to write a check. Women tend to get involved.

Among married couples, about 75 percent make joint decisions regarding charitable giving. But that proportion drops to about 50 percent in high-net-worth households, where women are more likely to make their own decisions and to be more strategic.

So how can women make the most of their giving? First off, remember that charity begins at home -- or, as Thomas puts it, "you need to get your life in order before you can afford to give to others." Keep track of your giving, and take advantage of tax breaks. 

(Via: http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/sns-201706011234--tms--kplngmpctnkm-a20170623-20170623-story.html)

The reason women are more likely to give to others is that of their loving maternal nature. In the US, you not only help the less fortunate in life with your donation but you also lighten your financial burden because of tax breaks offered by the government. So, take advantage of it. The extent of the poverty we are dealing with now may be beyond belief but it is not impossible to put an end to it if everyone works side by side in eradicating it for good by the sheer act of charity. If humans are capable of pushing technology forward to the level that it is now, we have a fighting chance of succeeding in this endeavor if we don’t let greed temporarily blind us to what is just and right.

Make It A Habit To Share Your Blessings was first seen on https://www.podblaze.com/

source https://www.podblaze.com/make-it-a-habit-to-share-your-blessings/

Back Up Your Computer Now More Than Ever

Computers are costly investments and they do a lot of things for us. From working on important files or paperwork for work or school to pursuing personal interests especially with the advent of the Internet and social media, most homes have a computer or two for us to be able to do all these things. And as more modern the world becomes, more aspects of our lives become digital. We have all sorts of tech files, from documents, photos, music, videos, etc. We definitely have embraced technology with both arms wide open.

By now, we probably aren’t clueless as well of the environmental issues we are facing because of global warming and climate change aside from the physical threats from cyber hackers that always threatens the security of our data on the web. So, backing up your computer is the most sensible thing to do in order to save yourself from all the hassles caused by lost or stolen files especially with the increasing ransomware attacks and natural calamities here and there. However, not everyone is savvy on how it is done and often ends up accidentally deleting or losing precious data without them knowing.

Disasters like Hurricane Harvey remind us that backing up our data is very important. They also point out the benefit of cloud and offsite storage for our backups. If you back up your data to a hard drive you keep in the house, that drive is just as likely as your computer to be damaged.

Backing up to the cloud keeps your data safe. If you don't want to use a cloud service, consider keeping a copy of your data at a second location.

Also worth considering are backup drives that are designed to withstand water and even fire damage. Companies like ioSafe make these and while they are more expensive that standard external drives, they can provide a good protection option that may be more convenient.

(Via: http://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/jaylee/article/Another-lesson-from-Harvey-Back-up-those-12164657.php)

You can never tell when Mother Nature will unleash its fury. And at the rate that climate change is progressing these days, we can expect for natural calamities to get worse over time. They will be far stronger than disasters of previous years and we must brace for it because there will likely be human casualties and homes will be severely damaged too. And that means everything inside your house is at risk of getting destroyed or flooded at any rate if you don’t prepare ahead of time and backup all your most important files when you still had time to do so.

Florida data center cloud services and hurricane storm clouds shouldn’t mix, so operators are taking steps to maintain normal customer operations before the arrival of Hurricane Irma, data center industry executives told Bloomberg BNA Sept. 7.

Cloud computing is often touted as a more secure way to manage data off-site and above the fray. But information stored in and accessed via the cloud always comes down to earth because it is maintained in data centers, including many in Florida right in the predicted path of Irma. Those centers are invoking disaster protocols to make sure clients will be able to access important corporate data regardless of what devastation the storm wreaks.

(Via: https://www.bna.com/florida-data-centers-n73014464296/)

There are various ways in backing up data and the more preferred method right now is to save data on the cloud. After all, it is pretty convenient. You don’t need to buy a physical device like flash drives or external hard drives in order to have a sort of storage system where you can transfer your files into for safe keeping. While we like to think of the cloud as somehow impenetrable, the data we store them has to be managed somewhere else after all. And with the growing threat of the incoming new hurricane, everyone is on their toes and preparing for the worst knowing how much destruction it has already caused in other places it has been to already.

No matter what data storage and the backup method you choose, it is also a wise decision to always exercise caution when browsing the World Wide Web. This article might help: https://harddrivefailurerecoveryblog.wordpress.com/. But if you want expert data recovery assistance, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals to ensure no data is lost whatever the circumstances may be.

The blog article Back Up Your Computer Now More Than Ever See more on: https://www.podblaze.com

source https://www.podblaze.com/back-up-your-computer-now-more-than-ever/

Travel Spices Up Your Life

One lifetime is not enough to unravel all the mysteries of this world but we can travel the globe and find the answers to life’s questions one place at a time. Others see travel as a great escape from reality but the truth is, it immerses us on what’s really real and happening the world over. You can never really say you have lived life to the fullest if you haven’t stepped out of your comfort zone and explored uncharted territories when you still had the time to do so. Many times people are discouraged to travel because of the amount of money you have to spend just to get from one place to another not to mention all those minor expenses in between.

Whatever your age is, take advantage of the opportunity to travel whenever you can. You don’t always have to stay in the most posh of hotels or fly first class. You can even survive on foreign street food and still feel you had the best day of your life ever. Prepare and plan beforehand but be flexible enough to welcome unexpected getaways or experiences that you’d end up cherishing the most later in life. Many people often say life is meant to be lived so don’t hesitate to go away on that adventure of a lifetime. Make new friends and learn a new language. Do crazy things without sacrificing your comfort or safety. It’s what living is all about and traveling is the perfect avenue to do just that.

The study of happiness is aimed at understanding how to live a fulfilling and meaningful life, but it can also deliver dividends for those times when we break from the ordinary and take a vacation.

Vacations are often fraught with expectations and self-created pressures, from feeling that you're not doing enough to worrying that you're spending too much money. But applying the science of happiness -- or the study of positive psychology -- to travel can help consumers sidestep some of those pitfalls, according to Jaime Kurtz, the author of the new book "The Happy Traveler: Unpacking the Secrets of Better Vacations." ($19.95, Oxford University Press.)

(Via: http://www.wtsp.com/travel/5-money-tips-for-savoring-your-summer-vacation/451508132)

You not only get to experience different types of cultures during your travel but have a deeper appreciation for life. A diverse group of people lives on the planet yet we all manage to coexist peacefully most of the time. It is but normal to worry about certain aspects of your travel but do not let it dampen your spirits and overshadow the sheer delight travel can give you. Just imagine all the beautiful new sights you used to see on the web or in books before and get to see it all for yourself now.

Look. Everybody is different. Some of us are privileged enough to travel far and wide, to all corners of the globe. Others are only able to do local road trips. There’s nothing that drives me crazier than somebody who spent their recent holiday trekking through the Amazon with nothing but a machete and a guide to edible plants hating on somebody who spent their holiday lounging at a resort by the pool or camping in the local mountains.

We all have different styles of travel. We all have different things that make us happy.

Travel is about enjoying life. It is about having fun, making memories, relaxing, and perhaps learning something new.

Let’s all stop trying to one-up each other with our travels. Let’s all stop hating on those who haven’t been able to go to the places we’ve been able to go.

There are a myriad of reasons somebody might not have gone on trips as “exotic” as somebody else. Maybe somebody doesn’t have the money to go on such an exotic trip. Maybe they are nervous about traveling somewhere that is really different from their home. I always encourage people to get out of their comfort zones and experience a bit of the world if they are able, but honestly, it scares some people.

And that’s okay.

(Via: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/lets-stop-with-the-travel-snobbery_us_59404720e4b0d99b4c920f5c)

Traveling is good for the soul. You can’t deny how good you feel once you step on a new country. However, not everyone has the privilege of roaming the planet for leisure. We’ve said it before. It’s like burning cash from the moment you leave home until you return but if you make sufficient planning and preparations beforehand, there are various ways to travel the globe without spending a fortune. Life is precious. Celebrate the gift of life by actually living and not just stay confined in the sanctuary of your home throughout your lifetime. See the world come to life in each country you visit and live a life without regrets for you have dared to leave the comforts of home.

Travel Spices Up Your Life was first published to The Pod Blaze Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/travel-spices-up-your-life/

The UK Experiences Climate Change Along With The Rest Of The World

The world is changing and the climate is worsening. It is pretty obvious by now as we witness and experience first-hand the worsening of natural calamities and disasters that not only destroys properties but also take lives. It seems like we can’t just ignore global warming and climate change any longer. If you look at the state of the environment right now, you’d likely heave a deep sigh and wonder what awaits the future generation. We can’t leave behind a legacy of pollution, depleting resources, and a planet that is increasingly becoming inhospitable to all living things.

You are not safe wherever you are in the world. Whether you live in big cities like London or far-away rural areas, there are dangers lurking around the corner. A few scattered rain showers can trigger landslides in high-risk areas, hurricanes can lead to storm surges and heavy flooding, and earthquakes can cause tsunamis. Just look at Antarctica. A big chunk of a glacier, bigger than the entire US, has completely separated from the continent and may eventually melt over time making the sea level rise. Even a first-world nation like the UK also faces their fair share of issues concerning global warming.

Squid and anchovies, more commonly eaten by Britons holidaying abroad, are being drawn into UK waters in large numbers by climate change, according to major new report that suggests the nation’s long-lost bluefin tuna is also returning.

However, global warming is harming sea birds, such as puffins, fulmars, terns and razorbills, as the fish they rely on are driven north or deeper as waters warm. The analysis of the impact of climate on the UK’s seas, which draws on the work of 400 scientists, found a steady rise in water temperature.

It also found a clear rising trend in sea level, leading to much more frequent extreme high water events. Improved defences and forecasting have prevented an increase in coastal floods, but the report warns that sea level rise around the UK is likely to accelerate.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/28/climate-change-drawing-squid-anchovies-and-tuna-into-uk-waters)

Issues like these are out of the norm and a clear proof that climate change is at work. And there are more deadly issues we need to face sooner or later aside from the presence of squids and anchovies in UK waters. We have disregarded Mother Nature for a long time and we are now paying for the error of our ways. Over time, these changes can have deadly consequences that we’ll regret not taking action against it now while we still can.

Seabirds around Britain’s shores face “an uncertain future” because of climate change with several species expected to become “extremely rare or even extinct” over the next century, according to a major review.

The report, which summarised research carried out by some 400 scientists over the last 10 years, warned puffins, terns, kittiwakes and fulmars were all struggling with the rising temperatures, while severe summer storms were having “strong negative effects” on breeding colonies of several species.

In addition to the rising sea temperatures — from usually below 11C between the 1870s and 1930s to more than 12C in 2014 — the water has also become more acidic and the number of times sea levels have reach extremely high levels has soared.

(Via: https://www.independent.co.uk/environment/british-seabirds-future-uk-waters-warm-up-temperatures-global-warming-climate-change-mccip-a7863451.html)

Not only should we be wary of environmental changes but also its effect on various living things, not only us humans. Various animal and plant life have vanished from the face of the planet mostly because of human activities. If we don’t change our ways, it won’t be long before many more become extinct, even us. Our modern technology won’t be able to save us from a certain doom since we also use up natural resources in fueling many of these industries and technologies. Let us all unite to prevent the hastening of climate change and all nations must work side by side in helping address this issue before we eventually run out of time.

The following post The UK Experiences Climate Change Along With The Rest Of The World was originally published on podblaze.com

source https://www.podblaze.com/the-uk-experiences-climate-change-along-with-the-rest-of-the-world/

The Challenges Of Cancer Treatment

We all hate hearing about the big C. It’s as if an ice-cold water was suddenly poured over you and it is now the end of the world (for you, anyway) upon hearing a cancer diagnosis. And in a way, it is true. Most cancer patients die soon after getting diagnosed or a few years later at most. But as our world continues to progress, it seems as if our health is also on the line. Many of the health ailments that we are battling right now like cancer are lifestyle-induced. Living a sedentary lifestyle, eating mostly junks, sweets, and preserved foods, and our preoccupation with gadgets that emit dangerous blue light and unnecessary radiation, among others all predisposes us to various diseases and ailments that we could have avoided if only we led a healthier and more active life.

On top of that, cancer treatment does not come cheap. And you don’t just get better after a single chemotherapy session especially if you are in the advanced or terminal stage already. After overcoming the shock and fear of getting diagnosed, the real battle can only begin if you have the money to burn for treatment. Medicines are expensive and both in-patient and out-patient treatments cost money too and not all the time it is covered by your medical insurance (if you have one). Many times a patient die because they couldn’t afford to get treated. A sad reality, but it is true. Doctors can’t always save the lives of their patients no matter their expertise because these diseases themselves evolve over time and become deadlier than ever.

The emotional and physical costs of cancer can be staggering. But the financial side of cancer is also a great burden, with many patients in the United States struggling to pay for treatment, new research reveals.

"The current health law has greatly improved access to meaningful health coverage for cancer patients, survivors and all those with chronic diseases," Chris Hansen, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, said in a network news release.

"Yet costs remain a challenge for those facing cancer. Our country and our lawmakers should come together to find bipartisan solutions that begin to address patient costs without sacrificing the quality of coverage," he urged.

(Via: http://cumberlink.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/treatment-costs-can-be-another-blow-to-cancer-patients/article_a657b00b-7b69-550f-ad59-9868e8a49fb2.html)

Anyone who gets diagnosed with cancer sure feels devastated. Not only is the uncertainty of their health and their life causing them unnecessary worries and anxiety and even make them lose sleep at night but the pain and many discomforts of the disease can’t be easily ignored as well. Up to now, no real solution to cancer has been discovered yet and most treatments focus on the palliative (symptomatic treatment) but still cost just as much money.

Patients and financial navigators also often have difficulty determining the cost of a procedure ahead of time, the report said.

Navigators told the researchers that even though most cancer treatment is now covered by insurers, patients often have medical management requirements. These can include prior authorizations or step-therapy, where a patient must take a less-expensive medication before receiving a more expensive one.

This places an additional burden on patients as they try to get timely and effective treatment, the authors of the report explained.

The report was a joint effort by the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network and the Georgetown University Center on Health Insurance Reforms.

(Via: http://siouxcityjournal.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/treatment-costs-can-be-another-blow-to-cancer-patients/article_a0f3090c-0df5-527e-b103-131a4b893e1a.html)

Modern medicine has improved a lot over the years but there are still many mysteries and controversies surrounding the practice. And in a big way, pharmaceutical companies also have to do with it. But regardless how much these global businesses influence the practice of medicine especially in the treatment of cancer, the bottom line here is that cancer patients have no choice but to decide whether to proceed or not with treatment if they can afford it. After all, treatment is not always a guarantee of survival.

Today’s world actually has a long list of arsenal to help them develop and manufacture safe and effective anti-cancer treatments but it hasn’t been done so yet. Let us put our hope that such a solution will be made available soon and at an affordable price too, so cancer patients no longer have to suffer and then consequently die because medicines are expensive and most of them simply can’t afford treatment on their own.

The following post The Challenges Of Cancer Treatment was first published on OnlineCloudBackupServices.com

source https://www.podblaze.com/the-challenges-of-cancer-treatment/