Food And Facebook Is Life

Who does not like food? Many of us only think about food on most days. It is a basic need and we don’t like starving ourselves, don’t we? Then, there is social media, the online craze that took over our lives for good. Can you still remember what life is like before Facebook came? For most young people, their memories are vague and they can’t really relate to life in the 80s, 90s and early 2000 when life was simpler and less complicated but may be considered a bit boring too by today's standards. With the advent of the web came exciting and novel opportunities that we never thought possible.

Not only did the Internet and social media improved communication lines but it also created a buzz that continues to keep buzzing until now. The life that we used to know vanished and was replaced by something more dynamic and continually innovating. New trends come and go but some surprisingly stay for such a long time. We are constantly surprised with new discoveries that set the pace of life. Social media has a lot to do with it as most people consider their smartphones as one of their most prized possessions. Imagine that. Hence, no wonder entrepreneurs now take their business online, because that is where everybody is. They change strategies because they’ll be left behind if they don’t adapt soon. Now, who would’ve thought we can also order our food through Facebook, one of the most powerful and influential social media platform in the planet?

Facebook users in the US can now order food using the social network’s site and app.

The company has been testing the functionality since 2016, and has now brought it to all users in the US, across iOS, Android and the desktop.

It’s an unusual new feature that’s designed to keep people on Facebook for longer, and it wouldn’t be hugely surprising to see it come to the UK in the future.

You can order a takeaway through Facebook by visiting the Order Food section in the Explore menu, browsing the options and hitting Start Order once you know what you want.

(Via: http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/facebook-food-delivery-order-takeaway-app-desktop-papa-johns-chipotle-five-guys-a8003606.html)

You no longer have to drag yourself out of bed to get, make or buy something to eat. Simply ordering through Facebook can get you through one meal and spare yourself from doing the extra effort that cooking or ordering outside often entails. But since it is a new concept, your options may be limited for now but if you aren’t a picky eater you can always survive one meal at a time without even getting out of bed. You’ll be able to see which restaurants are available depending on your location and know details about their menu and hours of operation for maximum convenience.

Starting Friday, Facebook users can order food directly from the iOS or Android app, or the desktop site.

For its new ordering service, Facebook has partnered with delivery companies ChowNow, Delivery.com, DoorDash, EatStreet, GrubHub, Olo, Slice, and Zuppler, as well as restaurant chains Chipotle, Denny’s, El Pollo Loco, Five Guys, Jack in the Box, Jimmy John’s, Panera, Papa John's, TGI Friday's, and Wingstop.

Seamless, one of the largest food delivery services in the U.S., is not one of Facebook’s launch partners for food ordering. And not every restaurant with a Facebook page offers delivery, so you might still need to go pick up your order.

Look for your dining options by going to the Explore menu (the three-line hamburger menu on the lower right corner of the screen on the app) or on Facebook.com and choosing the Order Food option.

(Via: http://www.travelandleisure.com/food-drink/facebook-food-ordering)

Nothing spells comfort and convenience like this. Food and Facebook is definitely a great match and has made our lives so much easier. There is a big catch, though. It only works for US residents as of now. So, just keep on dreaming for everyone who does not live on US land. But once this plan works, it will likely be used in other countries as well. Consider this as the alpha and beta stages. And this will probably be a big hit as many people are addicted to Facebook, and of course, we can’t live without food. Facebook is projecting a one-stop-shop image for its brand by providing users everything they can ever need and we can surely expect more great things (original or not) from them in the years to come.

The following blog post Food And Facebook Is Life was initially seen on https://www.podblaze.com/

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Disaster Strikes In The Most Unlikely Places

The world is our home but there are many things that happen in this planet that makes life doubly harder for all of us. At times, they are the works of nature but most of the time it is because of man itself. World peace seems like a distant memory right now as violence fills the daily news and many nations are still at war with each other. Is it really that difficult to put aside our personal opinions and look past our individual differences as we live our daily lives? Human casualties increase each year as incidents like suicide bombings, mass shootings, and other acts of terrorism attacks innocent civilians who are utterly clueless it is their last day on earth.

No amount of preparation can save you from such a tragedy. After all, you can never really tell when a psychopath decides to go on a killing spree out of nowhere and you happen to be at the wrong place and the wrong time that ultimately led to your demise. It is even more saddening if a lot of people had to die because of these senseless violent acts. The US happens to be a prime target both by foreign terrorists and even local sociopaths because it is a powerful nation and anything that takes place in its soil is of global importance – a great way to make a statement where the entire world will listen.

A top Australian event boss has warned there's nothing that can be done to prepare for a Las Vegas-style gun attack on home soil. 

AEG Ogden chairman and chief executive Harvey Lister told The Courier Mail despite continually updating the security measures at their venues, there's not a lot that could prevent a lone shooter attack.

'From the initial report we've received about this incident, all the planning in the world unfortunately wouldn't have prevented an attack like this from a nearby building,' Mr Lister said. 

The comment comes days after the tragic Las Vegas shooting which left 59 people dead and injuring 527.

Lone shooter Stephen Paddock used his sniper to open fire on 22,000 innocent festival goers from a nearby hotel before.

(Via: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4946722/Nothing-stop-Las-Vegas-style-gun-attack-Australia.html)

Big events whether outdoor or indoor require extensive planning on both the organizers side, the venue officials, and even the city officials itself especially if it is such a big venue that will attract lots of people and can go on for days like major outdoor concerts, the very same concert where a madman started shooting on concert-goers like crazy from his hotel room for 10 minutes or so. No amount of searching and scanning the concert-goers can predict that such a tragedy will befall them that night when the danger is actually so far yet so near at the same time.

Perhaps the most stark example of the crowd-building dynamic is in New York, where the city's 36,000-officer department regularly goes on high alert for such events as the New Year's Eve Times Square celebration, the Macy'sThanksgiving Day parade, Monday's Columbus Day parade, even some Yankees games.

For such events, the NYPD puts officers with body armor and high-powered weapons around the perimeter, sharpshooters on nearby rooftops to scan the windows of other buildings for threats, and cops with bullhorns on the streets instructing gawkers in nearby buildings to keep their windows closed.

They also have detectives ramp up security sweeps at hotels, particularly ahead of the holiday season. And the NYPD has a program to train thousands of private businesses and employees, from housekeeping staff to security, on how to spot explosives or tell a golf bag from a gun case.

(Via: http://time.com/4968705/las-vegas-shooting-police-security/)

Events organizers take a lot of precautionary measures to ensure the safety and security of people who attend big events like this one that is highly similar to the Las Vegas shooting where people are out in the open and are easy targets for a murderous maniac. It’s all the more reason for events organizers to coordinate with local law enforcers for backup support in case something terrible happens like a mass shooting, which is probably something that did not cross the minds of those who died and got injured that unfortunate day. The risks are always there but if criminals can see plenty of police officers roaming around events or even in their daily life, they may be discouraged to carry out their evil plans and rethink their actions, and in doing so, protect the lives of the public one day at a time.

Disaster Strikes In The Most Unlikely Places was initially published on The PodBlaze.com Blog

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Is It Too Early For Christmas?

Is there really such a thing as an early Christmas? And if preparations have started way earlier, does it really matter? It is a question most people find themselves asking once the year’s end starts looming on the horizon. It is not that we dread it but more of wondering whether how soon should we be preparing for the most wonderful time of the year. We don’t want to stress ourselves when we are already running out of time to finish all the Christmas preparations and holiday shopping at cool stores and put it much later because by then we’d have to compete with more people on getting the best deals and the lines are visibly longer too. You might not be able to buy the perfect gift as well as you only have limited options left. Worst, most products are sold at regular prices but you have no choice but to just buy them rather than leave empty-handed.

So, do you start preparing for Christmas now that the wind is colder and you can hear Christmas carols emanating everywhere? Again, it is up to you how prepared you want yourself to be especially that it is your home and your life. And you know yourself better. Are you the type to slack off and regret cramming once the deadline is up? Do you hate falling in long lines and mixing in with the crowd? Do you love great deals and more options to choose from? If that’s the case, there is no such thing as being a little too early with your Christmas preparations. Spare yourself the hassle of last-minute preparations and do things a little differently this time around.

It's a topic that social media goes crazy for - when to put up Christmas decorations?

When asking the holiday shoppers when they put up Christmas decorations and why, we received quite a few different responses.

Some just want Christmas all year round, others wait until after Thanksgiving. 

One family said it was because they were going out of town and needed to get it done. Another, says because she has kids she just puts a little up at a time when she has a free moment. 

(Via: http://www.cbs19.tv/news/local/how-early-is-too-early-for-christmas-decorations/492819260)

Social networking sites are perhaps one of the biggest milestones in this modern world we live in now. It has made our big planet unbelievably smaller and it has managed to bridge thousands of miles in distance and connected people of all race, color, and religion. And if you are among the majority who are constantly checking their social media news feed every once in a while, it’s hard to ignore the fact that Christmas is fast approaching when you can see it almost every time you log into your accounts. And the best thing about it is it does not just connect people but businesses have taken a new platform as well that is undeniably doing well these days.

"In a world full of stress and anxiety, people like to associate to things that make them happy and Christmas decorations evoke those strong feelings of the childhood, psychoanalyst Steve McKeown told Unilad. "Decorations are simply an anchor or pathway to those old childhood magical emotions of excitement. So putting up those Christmas decorations early extends the excitement!"

Another perk of putting up your decorations: It could help you make friends. The Journal of Environmental Psychology found that decorations show your neighbors you're accessible and people perceive people with holiday decor to be more friendly and cohesive. So if you're new to the block or haven't been able to break the ice with the new family across the street, it might be time to bust out the garland and red bows.

(Via: http://www.housebeautiful.com/lifestyle/a13795707/christmas-decorations-make-you-happy/)

If you find yourself asking these questions, then it is probably the right time for you to kick into action and start decorating your home and begin your foray in malls to find the perfect presents for everyone on your shopping list. Most people have fond memories of Christmas and if it makes you happy too, go for it. Ignore what other people say and live a life full of positivity and good cheer. It is even more crucial if you have kids since you are showing them what Christmas is all about and filling their minds with lots of beautiful memories that will last them a lifetime. Get moving and don’t wait for Thanksgiving to be over to get ahead of everyone in preparing for the happiest time of the year.

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Children Obsess Over Their Looks And It Is Not Good

Parents always tell their kids they are the most beautiful or most handsome child in their eyes. Well, it is true in a way because parents really see their children as precious gems that mean the world to them regardless of their imperfections. But we all know this is subjective and children will eventually have to confront the criticisms of others especially if they are not as special as they were led to believe growing up. Add to that the pressure and confusion of puberty as they discover more about their body and changes are taking place from head to toe that is worsened by their raging hormones.

Young kids actually do get depressed because of their looks. Adults may shrug it off and think of it as a passing phase but it is not always the case. Some kids subject themselves to self-harm or even commit suicide because they do not know how to cope with the issues they are facing in their young age that mostly stems from their body image. Looks matter for younger kids because they get teased, ridiculed, or bullied if they don’t look the part and this type of bullying has worsened because of the advent of the web and social media. Kids put a high importance on social acceptance of their peers as a big factor in their lives. If they aren’t accepted, their world gets smaller and they feel isolated from the people around them and it’s made more obvious by the various technologies we use today.

Negative body image issues are driving young girls in Northern Ireland to call Childline seeking help, advice and support.

Some youngsters are so concerned that they are even trying to change the way they look and the problem intensifies if they find themselves the victim of bullying.

Last year at least 40 girls in Northern Ireland aged 11 to 15 received counselling for worries about their body image while three sessions were delivered to boys. In a further 11 cases, the child’s gender was unknown.

But it means that girls are up to 13 times more likely than boys to receive support from the charity helpline for worries about their weight, issues with acne and general appearance.

(Via: http://www.belfastlive.co.uk/news/belfast-news/northern-ireland-children-body-image-13716692)

There are places in the world where kids find it difficult to open up to their family or close friends about their fears and insecurities regarding the way they look. It’s no laughing matter either because a child’s life is in danger without us knowing because of inner demons only they know they are battling with. By offering support even when not asked, adults can uplift a child’s spirit and help them overcome their body issues that may not always be lasting. This is especially helpful for kids this age (girls are at higher risk) often feel helpless and lack the knowledge and willpower to push forward despite the harsh words of other people.

Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen said: “It’s very sad and extremely worrying that girls in particular are so unhappy with the way they look.

“Without the right support and a general change in attitude across society there is a real danger these issues could intensify and continue into adulthood.

“It’s important all young people realise that everyone is different and everyone has the right to and be comfortable in their own skin. Childline will continue to provide vital support for any girl or boy who is struggling with a body image problem.”

(Via: http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/girls-younger-11-given-counselling-13718430)

Many are actually surprised to discover how big of a problem body image issues among young girls have become to the extent that they will call on Childline for support. Are their parents unaware of the struggles their children face each day? Why can’t kids open up to their family at home? Just how badly depressed they are and concerned over their appearance enough to prompt them to seek outside professional help? It’s sad that they equate their worth to the way they look, which isn’t the only universal standard for beauty. Your unique traits are what make you special and this has to be communicated to all the young kids both boys and girls, so they don’t get frustrated over petty things enabling them to channel their time and energy into more positive and fruitful endeavors.

Children Obsess Over Their Looks And It Is Not Good was initially seen on https://www.podblaze.com/

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Is There Still Hope For American Education?

Education is a powerful tool that has continuously shaped the world throughout history. Many brilliant minds became the great individuals that they are because they learned from great teachers who shared everything they know to their students and helped them grow as a person. And the same thing applies to all the generations of learners in the world. From ancient times to our present day society, education continues to be the driving force that shapes the world as a whole, and the world's interests.

In the world today, many nations look up to the United States of America not only because it is a strong and powerful nation but because it produces some of the best and brightest people in the world of business, the arts, and just about everything else. However, it all comes at a cost. Everybody knows just how expensive an American education is. Students accumulate a big amount of debt before they even graduate from university because tuition fee is expensive and they (their parents included) can’t just afford to put them to school without outside financial help.

President Donald Trump’s pick for the Department of Education’s second in command is a South Carolina army veteran and gun supporter, who has more education experience than his superior Betsy DeVos.

The White House said on Tuesday the president would appoint Mitchell "Mick" Zais as deputy secretary of education. Zais shares similar convictions with his boss, including support for parents choosing to send their children to charter, private or religious schools with public money—but there's one main difference: he's been doing it for more than 15 years. 

He has held more education roles than his superior, DeVos, who has never served as an educator or worked in education. DeVos has faced criticism from senators and education leaders who have said she lacks the credentials to lead the Department of Education.

(Via: http://www.newsweek.com/trump-picks-mitchell-zais-education-role-677772)

After President Trump’s unprecedented win of the presidency last year, things have definitely changed on how the country is run. Aside from the changes in policies and an uncertain future for the millions of Americans who did not believe in Trump’s capability of leading the nation to greatness, the cabinet secretaries will be replaced by the new president’s appointees. And as such, more policies will be changed on the corresponding departments that can affect the lives of every American on land. The public will also learn the priorities of the current administration but it seems that education is not at the top of its list.

“Due to last-minute scheduling issues that arose on both sides, Secretary DeVos’s study trip to Ontario has been postponed,” the U.S. Department of Education wrote in a statement Wednesday.

“Secretary DeVos looks forward to learning more about and highlighting the innovative and successful ways Ontario’s educational model is meeting the needs of students and families.”

A spokesman for Ontario Education Minister Mitzie Hunter said the government looks forward to welcoming DeVos “at a more convenient time to showcase our world-class, publicly funded education system.”

(Via: http://nationalpost.com/pmn/news-pmn/canada-news-pmn/controversial-u-s-education-secretary-cancels-visit-to-ontario)

It was supposedly a chance for the education secretary to learn more about the Canadian public education system and find out what policies they can adapt to improve that of the US but no, she missed out on the chance for reasons many do not really believe in. Many are also doubtful whether the new appointee by President Trump as the second in command in the department can make much of a difference knowing that the one in lead has no idea at all about what she’s doing or perhaps does not care at all. After all, most Americans have noted by now how much she advocates in diverting federal funds into the private sector from the public hands. Too bad it’s the young Americans who are the future of this country who suffer the most from this mismanagement of government funding and they lack the education they need to ensure that the US remains on top of the world.

Is There Still Hope For American Education? is courtesy of PodBlaze.com

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Sleep Deprivation Raises Alarm Bells

Sleep is essential to good health and staying functional and healthy throughout your lifetime. It is a restorative process that does a lot of wonder to people of all age and sizes. All of us can attest to that great feeling we feel when we have slept throughout the night and are feeling well-rested. It feels like you can take anything life throws at you that day and have more energy to burn too. Yet getting that good night’s sleep we all need is easier said than done these days. More and more people extend their day way out into the night or the wee hours of the morning simply because there are a lot of things vying for their attention simply drifting off to sleep just like that is occurring less and far in between as the days pass by.

More and more people suffer from sleep deprivation and it is not just affecting their health but their performance at work or school and their relationships with the people around them. The majority of the population no longer listens to their internal body clock that is supposed to direct their body on the normal sleep-wake cycle. Back then people retire to bed once the sun sets and arise when the sun rises but it is not the case in our modern life as it can still be as bright and lively as the day because of the many technologies that we have and therefore distract us from sleeping. However, take note that there are negative consequences to your frequent all-nighters and it will take its toll over time.

Modern lifestyles may no longer be constrained by sunrise and sunset, but light remains one of the most powerful influences on our behaviour and wellbeing. This realisation has fuelled a “sleep hygiene” movement, whose proponents point out that bright lights before bedtime and spending the whole day in a dimly lit office can dampen the natural circadian cycle, leaving people in a continual mental twilight – dozy in the morning, and too alert to fall asleep promptly at night.

Rosbash welcomes this new awareness. “It’s been overlooked for a long time as a real public health problem,” he said. “All of western society is a little bit sleep deprived and, when I say a little bit, I mean chronically.”

There is growing evidence that this decoupling from the natural circadian cycle can have long-term health consequences much more far-reaching than tiredness.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/oct/06/western-society-is-chronically-sleep-deprived-the-importance-of-the-bodys-clock)

We may not realize it now but out continued deviation from our body’s normal circadian rhythm have a lot of negative implications for our health. Frequent long flyers and shift workers are at risk. Obesity is not just the only complication to the latter but it likewise puts you at higher risk of more deadly and debilitating conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and even cognitive decline associated with dementia. Medical experts are worried that people will die earlier if they keep up their current lifestyle where they often lack sleep or not sleep during night-time, which is when humans should be asleep as designed by nature.

A lack of sleep also appears to hijack the body’s effective control of blood sugar, the cells of the sleep-deprived appearing, in experiments, to become less responsive to insulin, and thus to cause a prediabetic state of hyperglycaemia. When your sleep becomes short, moreover, you are susceptible to weight gain. Among the reasons for this are the fact that inadequate sleep decreases levels of the satiety-signalling hormone, leptin, and increases levels of the hunger-signalling hormone, ghrelin. “I’m not going to say that the obesity crisis is caused by the sleep-loss epidemic alone,” says Walker. “It’s not. However, processed food and sedentary lifestyles do not adequately explain its rise. Something is missing. It’s now clear that sleep is that third ingredient.” Tiredness, of course, also affects motivation.

Sleep has a powerful effect on the immune system, which is why, when we have flu, our first instinct is to go to bed: our body is trying to sleep itself well. Reduce sleep even for a single night, and your resilience is drastically reduced. If you are tired, you are more likely to catch a cold. 

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2017/sep/24/why-lack-of-sleep-health-worst-enemy-matthew-walker-why-we-sleep)

Sleep deprivation evolved to become an unspoken epidemic that affects most of us on a daily basis. Our preoccupation with technology, longer working hours, more stressful times, and basically our perception that sleeping is for the weak must all change if we want to live longer and healthier lives. However, it is not only an endeavor that must be taken by a single individual or a small group but as a community as a whole with the intervention of the government and major institutions. Laws must be put forth to regulate working hours, for starters, and that is just the beginning.

Yet, we can only dream of such a thing to happen as we all know how toxic our society has become. Hence, the will to change must start from ourselves and make it a point to get that 8 hours of sleep each night. It’s the only consolation you can offer your tired body after laboring so hard the entire day. Everything else can be set aside for the following night, even that shiny and glowing screen of your smartphone and your so-called active online social life.

The following article Sleep Deprivation Raises Alarm Bells was first published on The PodBlaze.com Blog

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