Public Education For All: Will It Just Be A Dream?

Progress is only made possible through education. You can learn everything you need in order to succeed in life in the four corners of the classroom. With rapid globalization, other countries are doubling their efforts in educating their youth especially that it is now common for workers of different nationalities to compete for the same job. You don’t usually have to worry about it during elementary and secondary years as citizens can still get public education especially if you live in America. Regardless of the many issues, we face today, we still remain to be one of the most progressive and powerful nations in the world. However, the youth and their families still struggle in sending their kids to college and in the university. The tuition fee is outrageously high and you can easily fall deep into debt with student loans before you even graduate with a degree you can be proud of.

It is such a shame that no matter how rich the US is, the American government still can’t afford to educate its youth for free when it can very well send all sorts of aid to other nations all year round. That is the problem raised by many parents and teachers right now. Apart from that, the existing educational system prevents teachers from realizing their fullest potential as educators because of conflicting policies that tie their effectiveness as teachers to school funding. Students and their parents are so obsessed in passing standardized tests that determine who is doing well at school and qualifies them to enroll in specific universities when these tests do not fully evaluate a student’s potential, what they have learned at school, and how well they will do later in life. Some can afford to pay for reviews and put their kids in private school so they have an edge over other students on these tests.

The ultimate dream of public education is incredibly simple. Students, ideally, would go to a classroom, receive top-notch instruction from a passionate, well-informed teacher, would work hard in their class, and would come away with a new set of skills, talents, interests, and capabilities. Over the past few decades in the United States, a number of education reforms have been enacted, designed to measure and improve student learning outcomes, holding teachers accountable for their students' performances. Despite these well-intentioned programs, including No Child Left Behind, Race To The Top, and the Every Student Succeeds Act, public education is more broken than ever. The reason, as much as we hate to admit it, is that we've disobeyed the cardinal rule of success in any industry: treating your workers like professionals.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/startswithabang/2017/12/06/how-america-is-breaking-public-education/#68959fe47f18)

Once a student enters their college years, they realize how what public education in their formative years lacks and puts them at a disadvantage among their more affluent peers. It also is a struggle to pay the high tuition fee itself not to mention the long list of books that do not come in cheap too. School supplies aren’t even included and then there is the dreaded concern about how to pay for costly housing since most students often come from out-of-state or live farther away from the school. You have to face all these issues all at once, which can be a big hurdle for many in completing their education when everywhere around them, there are financial constraints that prevent them from realizing their dream of getting a degree.

Is the U.S. educational system beginning to decay?

I don’t like to be alarmist, or give too much weight to any one test result, but last week’s release of 2016 reading test scores around the world is now the third major proof point that something is awry. The latest Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) — a reading comprehension test given to fourth graders in 58 countries and regions around the world — showed that U.S. performance is sliding in both absolute and relative terms. American fourth-graders, on average, had worse reading skills than they did five years earlier, in 2011, with scores slipping seven points on a 1,000-point scale. At the same time, other countries leapfrogged ahead of us. The combination meant that the United States slipped from 6th to 15th place in this international ranking. 

(Via: http://hechingerreport.org/third-indication-u-s-educational-system-deteriorating/)

There is always the option to enroll younger kids in public schools but it all changes when they grow up. However, there is also proof that shows public education to be not that great of a preparation for students for real life after school. A lot of students scored poorly in many basic skills like math and reading comprehension that used to be the competitive edge of most Americans. The US economy is also partly to blame for this performance decline as many parents now no longer have the time to check up on their children and ask how they are doing at school when they are too busy working to provide for all their family’s needs. There are problems in various school districts throughout the country and it needs to be seriously looked at by the higher-ups before we continue to lose ground on our edge in the global workplace, which is definitely what we are preparing the youth for in schools.

The following blog post Public Education For All: Will It Just Be A Dream? was originally published on The PodBlaze.com Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/public-education-for-all-will-it-just-be-a-dream/

How Can We Beat Climate Change

You can’t just turn a blind eye anymore. Climate change is happening now and no longer just a figment of our imagination. Our planet has endured enough and it is now showing drastic signs of our abuse and misuse of Earth’s resources. It even came sooner than expected and we only have ourselves to blame. Just look around you and you can see the answer. Technology is one of the major factors why all these things are happening. All the tech gadgets we are using uses up lots of fuel, something we may have not but may run out sooner. Remember that widely used energy today comes from non-renewable sources like fossil fuel. They aren’t just expensive but they may eventually run out in the coming years. What’s worse is that the combustion coming from the burning of these energy sources contribute to global warming, thereby leaving the planet hotter than ever as hot air is trapped in the planet’s atmosphere and consequently melts glaciers making the sea level rise.

Don’t feel helpless just yet. It is not the end of the world. We still have time to change our ways and salvage what little is left of our planet, so the future generation won’t have such a hard time in simply surviving and all. Of course, the little changes you do can make a big difference if done by a multitude of people. However, we need to level up our efforts if we want to contribute greatly to global warming solutions our planet so badly need at this time and day. There are certain industries that can also make a big contribution if they just make the ultimate sacrifice. Unbeknownst to many, the meat industry generates a lot of greenhouse gases. Aside from that, there are other equally alarming issues caused by livestock production such as air and water pollution. Over the past few years, we’ve also learned that livestock growers inject antibiotics to the animals to boost their profit. If the sin tax on (red) meat consumption is increased, people would reconsider their diet and perhaps reduce their meat consumption as well, which will have a profound effect on the industry.

“Sin taxes” on meat to reduce its huge impact on climate change and human health look inevitable, according to analysts for investors managing more than $4tn of assets.

The global livestock industry causes 15% of all global greenhouse gas emissions and meat consumption is rising around the world, but dangerous climate change cannot be avoided unless this is radically curbed. Furthermore, many people already eat far too much meat, seriously damaging their health and incurring huge costs. Livestock also drive other problems, such as water pollution and antibiotic resistance.

A new analysis from the investor network Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (Fairr) Initiative argues that meat is therefore now following the same path as tobacco, carbon emissions and sugar towards a sin tax, a levy on harmful products to cut consumption.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/meat-tax-inevitable-to-beat-climate-and-health-crises-says-report)

These are just some of those things you don’t realize right away as a mere spectator in the world. It is actually quite surprising to many to find out that just by patronizing meat products, we contribute to the hastening and worsening of climate change. 15% of all greenhouse gases come from the livestock industry. It may not sound big but when you look at it on a global scale, you’ll be blown to the extent of the damage we are unconsciously doing. It’s not as if our health don’t also suffer because we eat way too much meat than we need.

That’s why I’m joining 100 other MPs, across parties, to call on our pension fund to remove its investments in fossil fuels. Our words in Paris must be matched by our actions in parliament – our constituents expect nothing less. This starts, but by no means finishes, with where we invest millions of pounds through our pensions. But we need to open up this conversation beyond parliament to ensure a just transition to a green economy.

This campaign is the fastest growing divestment movement of all time, which has seen more than $5tn of assets divested across more than 800 institutions. Campaigning for our universities, workplaces, unions, and pension funds to divest is one important way we can help to build a more sustainable society. Parliament must play its part.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/dec/11/no-more-green-rhetoric-sustainable-future-vital-possible-labour)

We may be facing diverse issues right now but it should not distract us from the most important of all, climate change. All our problems pale in comparison to the danger and disruption it will cause if climate change continues to progress over the next few years. The only planet we call home may be gone forever along with us. We know that the problem rooted from us and it is only but right for us to correct our mistakes. Our over-reliance on fossil fuel may have allowed all these innovations to exist and flourish for years now but they can also be the means to our end.

Green technology should be developed and supported and everybody should look into possible energy source alternatives without disrupting the natural world order right now. Funds should be properly allocated and give priority to those showing promise in solving many of the world’s environmental issues and not be a part of the problem anymore. It may look bleak right now but we’ll be able to find that silver lining if we just all set aside our differences and work together in saving our home.

The article How Can We Beat Climate Change was initially seen on https://www.podblaze.com

source https://www.podblaze.com/how-can-we-beat-climate-change/

Transform Your Business Through Blogging

Many business owners often make the mistake of underestimating the power of the written content. They think most contents or blogs do not generate money. They are just a waste of time, effort, and the company’s resources. Well, times have definitely changed because words mean so much more and they certainly can bring in all the bucks. With the advent of the World Wide Web, a lot of things have gone digital and have been automated. Your business doesn’t stop simply because the sun is down and the moon is up and your store doesn’t necessarily have to be open 24/7 for it to keep on making money. It may sound like a sorcery in previous decades but this is the reality of our modern times. You can keep growing your business, making sales, and reaching out to your target customers any time of the day as long as you establish and maintain your online presence.

Smart technology enabled individuals and businesses alike to stay connected to the world on their fingertips regardless of time and distance. It is a new frontier that is proving highly beneficial to those who have the foresight to comprehend what all these changes mean to the global economy. And blogging plays a more pivotal role than ever in any institution or company because it communicates their message to the public at all times without fail as long as they are able to capture the words (and the message) they want to convey.

If you are marketing to businesses or consumers, you need to have blog posts in your arsenal. Yes, you will leverage other content marketing channels and communication mediums, but blogging should rank high on your list of content assets to develop.

Need some ammo to make the case? Let me give you three.

1. Stats don’t lie.

In a survey delivered to B2B marketers, respondents revealed that blogging (65%), social media (64%) and case studies (64%) were the top three marketing content and formats utilized. In fact, 80% of B2B marketers and 75% of B2C marketers say they include blogging among their current techniques.

On top of that, data shows companies that published 16-plus blog posts per month got about 4.5 times the leads than companies publishing zero to four monthly posts. And 53% of marketers say blog content creation is their top inbound marketing priority.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescommunicationscouncil/2017/12/07/dont-give-up-blogging-your-business-is-counting-on-it/#69fbaa4fd35a)

Remember that a big majority of the population is so active on social media these days. You can devise your blogs or contents to be posted on your company’s social media channels or provide a link that directs the customer to your website where they can see for themselves what your company is all about and read about all the things that you can offer on the table. You don’t have to be there all the time to answer customer questions. Just whip up some really helpful contents that will guide your readers (and hopefully, future customers) on just about every aspect of your business. You’ll be surprised how many of these curious onlookers were converted to actual sales because they found what they need through your blog or the amazing content you provide on your own site or social media account. By using the right words, you also make your site stand out among the web traffic and among the first ones that the public sees during regular browser searches.

If you’re also not yet sold on the idea, here are five reasons why you should seriously consider blogging for your business:

Show the personality behind your business

Because your customers buy into the 1% that makes your business different rather than the 99% that makes you the same as every other competitor, a blog can give you the chance to showcase your uniqueness in the way you write and the topics you choose to write about. By writing blog pieces that are related to what your business and employees are most passionate about, you can ‘humanise’ your brand, making it more relatable and ultimately more likeable too.

Connect with your customers

Your blog can add great value to the lives of your customers, and it can do so by addressing topical issues or sharing solutions to the problems they are faced with. Not only will it give you the opportunity to engage in discussions with your current customers, but it can also serve as a source for reaching and forming new relationships with potential prospects. The transparency and authority you show on certain subjects is synonymous with fostering trust and credibility in the eyes of your customers.

(Via: https://themediaonline.co.za/2017/11/humanising-the-brand-the-benefits-of-blogging-for-your-business/)

If you have the flair for writing, take advantage of it and showcase to the world what sets your business apart from the rest. If you are not that savvy with words, hire someone who is to convey the message you want to share with others and attract the kind of traffic that you want. Of course, you should always make it a point that all your materials are related to your business or the niche you are in and should be timely and relevant as well. Spice things up with seasonal contents that share the sentiments of the public or gain your authority in the filed by publishing contents that talks about your mastery of the product or service you are offering. Learn to strategize with the type of content you post and over time, people will flock to your site and your business because you provide them real value for their money, which is what makes a lasting impression to the public.

Transform Your Business Through Blogging See more on: The Pod Blaze Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/transform-your-business-through-blogging/

Technology Saves The Day: Special Needs No More

We may have a love-hate relationship with technology at times. We love how it made our lives convenient and colorful and virtually erased the word boredom in our dictionary. You’ll never run out of things to do with a smartphone in hand. You don’t even have to go anywhere outside of your room but still stay up-to-day on all the latest happenings and even be able to communicate to family and friends who are thousands of miles away from us. Yet, that is indeed the power of technological innovations. It is simply mind-boggling. Yet no matter how awesome it is, it has its drawbacks and probably just as many as its niceties. First of all, they cost money – a whole lot of it. They are high-maintenance as well. Upkeep and repair costs can seriously endanger your wallet. Electricity consumption likewise rises not to mention all of the dangers it poses to the environment. People get lazier too. We, as a whole, tend to rely on these tech contrivances to do things for us, hence we forget many important life skills that the young ones aren’t familiar with as well.

However, there is one group that also greatly benefited from the rise of technology – those with special needs. Back in the days, communication, (medical) care, transportation, etc. of the differently abled are almost next to impossible. If they are doable, they may come at a high expense. Fortunately, technology has solved many of these problems for them and made their lives just as comfortable and safe as the rest of the population who are perfectly normal and with no physical limitations. It has allowed them to communicate to the world alongside the rest of us and made way for safe travels and differently abled-friendly establishments both private and public. They are no longer highly dependent on other people to do things for them because they can now do it for themselves with little to no help at all since technology is always there to lend a helping hand. Many of them can even hold jobs to support their needs and finally become a part of the productive workforce.

“When you make way for the specially-abled, you automatically make for way others and create opportunities for revenue generation as well.”

Reiterating the important role of technology in enabling differently-abled people, Moses, who is visually-impaired, said, “Technological solutions have been a gamechanger in our lives, giving us control of our own lives. They have opened up job opportunities for people from the differently-abled community, opportunities that were not viable earlier.”

Adding to the discussion, Arun Cherian said,

“Technology has indeed been a tool that enabled many special-abled. However, the need of the hour is to provide high-quality, innovative, and helpful technologies at cost-effective rates. It is essential to ensure that there is a healthy ecosystem (through policies, subsidies, and CSR efforts) that sustains and helps these kinds of technologies roll out into the market.”

(Via: https://yourstory.com/2017/12/technology-specially-abled/)

We all love technology. Who doesn’t, right? You can spend hours loon in your smartphone watching one video after the other without a care in the world or what time it is already. However, price remains to be an issue even if competition is healthy in the market especially for highly-specialized gadgets that the differently abled needs to help them enjoy normal lives. That persists to be a major challenge for these people and will probably be until the next few years. The industry is still budding and far from perfect but that means there are also lots of room for improvement and other areas the expert can look into and build innovative devices that will address perennial needs of those with handicaps.

Special Needs

Special needs have for years been a critical issue in learning. The traditional classroom has in the past been unable to take care of students who have special needs. The rigid and highly standardized procedures that teachers and students must go through neglect learners with special needs. The accessible and interactive nature of online learning creates an enabling environment for students with special needs to have an equal opportunity at learning. Teachers can also use the various applications availed by technology to assist learners with special needs.

Technology has been able to transform and support education in numerous ways. The internet has made learning affordable and accessible to almost everyone who is willing to learn. Technology has allowed students to access world-class education to help them thrive in the 21st-century’s global economy.

(Via: https://ctovision.com/technology-transformed-education-21st-century/)

Aside from providing better and a more widespread access to learning by improving transportation for those with special needs, they also have the option not to leave their homes and take classes in front of their computers instead. With that, they can enroll in different modules or courses without the added hassle of everyday travel or commute. Online learning platforms even cater to different needs and the technology is still improving as of this time.

Whatever your limitation is, experts continue to find solutions to meeting your needs and providing you with an opportunity to be of equal footing to those with perfectly-abled bodies by harnessing the technology they need to break out of their limitations and make the most of their remaining senses to function as an individual. Whether it is in education or in the global workforce, those with special needs find more and more opportunities to develop to their fullest potential and not be hindered by whatever physical limitation they have.

Technology Saves The Day: Special Needs No More See more on: PodBlaze.com Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/technology-saves-the-day-special-needs-no-more/

Poverty Persists In These Modern Times

Unequal wealth distribution had always been an issue in our lives. Since time immemorial, there had always been conflicts and misunderstanding because some people had more than they’ll ever need while many suffer from hunger and poverty. Don’t be misled to believe that those times are way behind us now. We may live in a world full of technological innovations and advancements but poverty still lingers all around you. Some can afford to buy all those lavish and sophisticated gadgets while one family spends the night in the cold and without food to qualm their hungry stomach. If one thing is true, it is that wealth inequality is more apparent now more than ever since you can easily tell from the material things a person possess how well or badly they are doing in life. It really feels like a smack in the face when you see privileged individuals waste money on nonsense things and luxurious whims and fancies when a big majority of the world’s population can’t even afford to feed themselves and their family or put a roof above their heads. And you don’t even have to live in third-world countries to witness this first-hand as poverty is also a lingering problem in many progressive nations.

Whether it is in the US or in some parts of Europe, you can see homeless people begging for money and food but still the government seems is not doing anything about it. The economy is performing poorly. That is understandable and many people went out of work but to see a glaring number of people who are out of work and unable to provide for themselves keep on growing higher over the years is just plain grim. Perhaps things are more expensive now and other people feel the impact of basic commodities rising but it should not be an acceptable reason to justify the growing poverty line even in rich and powerful nations. Poverty is just the tip of the iceberg because along comes with it a myriad of other problems involving health, safety, and many others because people do drastic things during desperate times. (more…)

The following article Poverty Persists In These Modern Times was first seen on PB

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The Unexpected Benefits Of The Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana had always been stigmatized for the longest time. Back in the days, people will frown out at you if they ever heard you were smoking weed because that’s what most Hippies do. We all know it as the plant that gives you an unnatural high and has been the subject of countless arguments in the past but recent studies of weed are showing us a different side of it. Of course, innovation played a big part as a different breed of the plant is not being cultivated for its medicinal properties and not just a pick-me-upper that it was of yesteryears. The growing popularity of cannabis in the medical circle definitely caught the attention of both those who are pro and con for the marijuana legalization. People claim it has helped them battle chronic illnesses the modern pharmacology and science weren’t able to alleviate and address.

Studies have also been popping here and there giving us factual information on the bright side of marijuana and why it deserves to be legalized and offered to individuals who can find a good use for it in improving their health and prolonging their lives. Even recreational marijuana is not to be left behind and is passed by legislators in various states all over the country. However, the marijuana legalization also has other benefits that weren’t highlighted in talks involving this humble plant. As more people discover marijuana, the lower the numbers of those individuals engaging in prohibited drug use and even that of teens taking marijuana behind everyone’s back. Maybe its legalization showed them not to do it anymore in hiding and get it from legit sellers or pay a visit to their doctors to find out if they are eligible for medical marijuana, for instance. And if they don’t, then they just don’t have access to it anymore. That’s it.

Following legalization, the rate of adolescent marijuana use in Colorado has fallen to its lowest level in nearly a decade, according to new federal survey data.

State-level numbers from the National Survey on Drug Use and Health show that a little more than 9 percent of Colorado teens age 12 to 17 used marijuana monthly in 2015 and 2016, a statistically significant drop from the prior period. That's the lowest rate of monthly marijuana use in the state since 2007 and 2008.

And it's not just marijuana: Rates of teen alcohol, tobacco and heroin use are down sharply in the state, as well.

(Via: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2017/12/11/following-marijuana-legalization-teen-drug-use-is-down-in-colorado/?utm_term=.d225a80918f4)

Why take drugs and marijuana illegally when it is now legal, after all. The probable reasoning behind it may also be that there are fewer sellers now in the black market than there was in the past when they can openly open a marijuana business without having any trouble with the authorities. It makes sense when you look at it that way. You no longer have to inconvenience yourself devising various schemes because you can safely sell weed right under the authorities’ noses and nobody will ever question you for it. And as a result, teens and other under-aged minors no longer have resources where they can buy weed illegally and thus had to stop the habit unless they can secure means in which to buy it legally.

While legalization opponents have long argued that ending prohibition would lead to skyrocketing use by young people, that doesn’t seem to be happening.

Advocates, on the other hand, have maintained that regulating and controlling the cannabis market and instituting strict age restrictions would actually give teens less access to marijuana than they had when it was illegal and there were no checks for age at the point of sale.

In a Facebook post, cannabis consulting firm Freedman and Koski, Inc, which is run by Colorado’s former top marijuana official, said that the drop in teen use in the state “coincides with an increase in funding prevention programs from cannabis taxes.”

(Via: https://www.marijuanamoment.net/teen-marijuana-use-legalized-states-federal-data-says/)

At least, pro-marijuana legalization can add this little detail to strengthen their argument why cannabis should be legalized in more US states from now on. Whether it is for medical or recreational use, making it legal is a great way to monitor the market and discourage people from buying it illegally when they can purchase one in broad daylight if they pass all the eligibilities. And this move is a big boost to the economy especially now that the government can collect taxes from marijuana growers and sellers and businessmen selling marijuana-related accessories like dab pipes and oil rigs when before they couldn’t since it was sold underground. The growth spurt in this market has also opened up employment and livelihood opportunities to many people and thus allow them to earn an honest and decent living knowing that marijuana isn’t that bad after all.

The Unexpected Benefits Of The Marijuana Legalization was first seen on podblaze.com

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Special Needs Met By UberASSIST

Not all of us have the same needs. While there are general necessities we all require to live, some require even more than the average Joe. It is unfortunate that some people have to be born with a disability and cripple them for life but there are those who get injured and disabled in the course of their lifetime. Living life is a bit harder for them as they don’t have all the senses normal people have to help them get through life. They can somehow manage when they are at home but it is an entirely different story when they are out of the house.

The stigma associated with any disability aside from seeing the raised eyebrows of the people around them aren’t just the only hurdles these people face. Moving around is actually one of the biggest problems since many establishments do not yet have the facility to accommodate them. Fortunately, this issue is continuously being addressed over the years. Now, Uber is presenting those with handicaps a better way to travel with UberASSIST.

UberASSIST was launched in a partnership with Transportation For All (T4A), an organisation that provides disability equality training for Uber's drivers on how to assist those with different access needs. 

Those drivers would be equipped with better skills to assist passengers with physical, hearing and visual impairments as well as those who need assistance during their rides. For riders, uberASSIST would be just a button tap away. The price will be the same as a regular uberX ride, according to a press release from the app-based private hire company and pioneer in the "sharing economy".

Siripa Jungsawat, general manager of Uber Thailand, said that uberASSIST showcases how innovative ideas benefit society and provide passengers with greater choice and control in their day to day activities. With uberASSIST, passengers with access needs would enjoy greater independence and opportunities.

(Via: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/detail/Startup_and_IT/30328924)

While this initiative has only been launched in Bangkok, Thailand, it is baby steps to helping those with disabilities a stress-free way of traveling and going about their day without having to worry about commuting or traveling in a crowd especially in a country that is not as progressive as Thailand and commuting can be such a hassle even for a normal person. With the help of UberASSIST, Uber drivers will get trained on how to respond to the various special needs of individuals with disabilities without any markup on the price of the ride. Perhaps that’s the best news of all for everyone especially those with disabilities.

Uber's technology allows passengers to know their driver and vehicle details, estimate their arrival time, view their estimated fares before taking a trip, and allow them to stay in contact with their families throughout the ride through the "share my trip function". UberASSIST is not an ambulance service but is a new choice for passengers in need of assistance during their daily travels, whether they have special needs or are elderly passengers. There are 1.8 million people with disabilities and 12 million elderly people in Thailand. In market terms, this is a huge segment to capture.

(Via: https://www.bangkokpost.com/tech/local-news/1340535/assisting-those-in-need)

No man is an island. It’s like a cliché as old as time. So, we can’t just stay cooped up at home and not interact with the rest of the world. We all go out and make our days productive. The same thing applies to people with special needs. Some of them may be blind, deaf, mute, or physically have other types of disabilities but that does not mean they can’t enjoy whatever the world has to offer that many of us take for granted on a daily basis.

Let’s give a big shout out to Uber for going the extra mile and finding ways to make transportation safer and more efficient for those with handicaps because not all transportation companies will do that. Pressure on key associations will help. Maybe Uber will also implement this project in other countries and make an even bigger positive difference to this world because we can all live with a little less hate and more love, understanding, and tolerance of each other’s differences.

The following blog article Special Needs Met By UberASSIST is republished from PB

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Merry Christmas Or Happy Holidays???

The leaves are falling and the wind is colder, it only tells us one thing: Winter is fast approaching. If there is one more thing many of us look forward the most come winter season is not only the arrival of snow (which is usually nice a first until you have to get rid of them so you can get out of the house or experience getting stranded in a blizzard) but Christmastime. Unlike the general notion that Christmas is just for the kids, even adults actually look forward to the coming of Christmas. Gift-giving, making memories with the people you love over delicious home-cooked meals, and no work/school, what more can you ask for?

Yet people actually see this time of the year differently depending on your religious affiliations. And in a country like America that is a melting pot of all race and religions, many things are interpreted differently that can create issues when there shouldn’t have been in the first place when we should all be respecting other people’s rights to what they want in life. The most recent one that caught the public’s attention is the remark of President Donald Trump during the Values Voter Summit Friday last week when he said something that was taken out of context or probably not?

President Trump has once again turned a holiday greeting into a political football.

At the Values Voter Summit on Friday, as evidence of his defense of “Judeo-Christian values,” the president promised to roaring cheers from the crowd that “we will be saying ‘Merry Christmas’ again.” The onslaught of politically correct secularism will be stemmed, he suggested, and those wishing people “Happy Holidays” will be rebuffed as the godless elites they really are.

In a way, the president is right: Christmas is political. But not in the way he thinks.

(Via: https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/acts-of-faith/wp/2017/10/16/how-trump-botches-the-politics-of-merry-christmas/?utm_term=.80b9132f9176)

So, should we really be saying “Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays” instead? We don’t want to create a big divide as if we as a nation is not already that divided. We may only have two main political parties but our political beliefs have put a big wall among others who do not share the same belief as us. And with a president that is known to be notorious with his words and rather social media savvy (Yeah, he loves Twitter), he said something again that caused an uproar and painted a different picture to the incoming holidays.

Like, you can worship any god you want to in America. But there’s not one single religion that runs the country — or one single God we all believe in. Yes, that can get confusing sometimes considering the Pledge of Allegiance and the message on our dollar bills. But ultimately, our country was founded with the promise of ensuring religious freedom. So one person on Twitter decided to clear things up for the president by tweeting this perfect gem.

Trump doesn’t seem to understand that in America, you’re allowed to practice whatever religion you want. And despite his claim to the crowd at the Values Voter Summit, full of conservatives who don’t think health care should cover birth control or that same sex marriage is a constitutional right, “Judeo-Christian values” aren’t under attack. But Trump felt the need to lie anyway, in the name of getting some cheers and applause. Because of course he did.

(Via: https://hellogiggles.com/news/politics/trump-message-values-voter-summit/)

He may want to portray himself as a president unlike previous leaders the country had but his radical ways always put him in a bad light and show just who he really is deep down. First of all, he should stop tweeting already using his personal account. As a public official and the highest elected leader in the nation, there is an official channel where he can communicate with the people. Second, he may want to filter his thoughts and think first before uttering something especially write something online because the whole world is watching his every move and will dissect his every statement. He better leave speaking his mind on religious issues out as there is a supposed separation of the state and the church. It’s not only for the best interest of the country and himself but to avoid fuelling the public to scrutinize and oppose one another.

The blog article Merry Christmas Or Happy Holidays??? See more on: podblaze.com

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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

source https://www.podblaze.com/disaster-strikes-in-the-most-unlikely-places/

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/

source https://www.podblaze.com/children-obsess-over-their-looks-and-it-is-not-good/

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

source https://www.podblaze.com/sleep-deprivation-raises-alarm-bells/

Professionalizing The Marijuana Business

For the longest time, the use and sale of marijuana have been a major taboo in most societies. Nobody wants to be associated with someone using it or users try their best to avoid public detection and thus save themselves from public scrutiny and persecution. But over the past few years, marijuana is becoming more accepted in most states in the country and farming, sale, and use of it is even considered legal now. Hence, it no longer comes as a surprise if courses are being offered related to the marijuana business considering how popular it is now and society at large seems to be more accepting of it as well especially in the use of medical marijuana.

Recreational marijuana is growing in popularity too, which is why those who are interested to learn more about this humble weed can now do so in certain colleges and universities in the country. Even prestigious and ivy-league schools have caught up with the craze because it is likely to stay for long and not just a passing trend that comes and goes with time. In all honesty, the weed business is a multi-billion dollar industry that is expected to grow even bigger in the coming years as legislation are passed legalizing its sale and use. Not only is the profit from the weed business growing but there is also severe sales growth of paraphernalia related to its use, like water pipes and bongs. It’s like shopping for your next hobby now as there are more options to choose from since more and more shops are carrying them in their store inventory. (more…)

Professionalizing The Marijuana Business was first published to The Pod Blaze Blog

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The UK Economy Suffers Before Brexit

The world economy has always been on the edge for years now. An isolated issue somewhere in the globe can have a major impact on that nation’s economy, that of their region, or even to the world at large especially if it is related to wars and terrorism. Wherever you are in the world, the threat of violence is always there and innocent people are always the victim simply for them being in the wrong place at the wrong time. How well the economy is doing is often a good indicator as to how influential these disturbances in our surroundings are. For instance, a powerful country like the United Kingdom is facing its fair share of economic woes once it made the decision to separate from the European Union for good.

While preparations for the actual Brexit are underway, saying that the UK’s economy is unstable and highly volatile is such an understatement. As the fifth largest economy in the world, the financial problems they are facing may also have a big impact on the world at large. While local economists are worried about the implications of Brexit to the country, there is a group of economists spreading stories that the UK actually has everything to gain from this separation as the nation becomes more accessible to international trade. However, economists claim that while the UK may become more competitive globally post-Brexit, the odds are high considering that the nation does not have a strong economic framework in place to help them navigate this new and untested water of their independence.

According to leading financial authorities, the economy of the United Kingdom is in dire shape. If UBS is correct, then economic stagnation faces the United Kingdom in coming months. Volatility aside, the economic modelling process used by Swiss bank UBS indicates that UK growth has slowed down dramatically in 2017, and trends point to a continuation of this pattern. Post-Brexit, the PMI indicated a sharp decline in June 2016. Since then, the Purchasing Managers Indices gained sharply. There are two types of economic data that analysts can use to evaluate the performance of the economy: hard data with quantifiable facts, and soft data with sentiment.

(Via: https://www.smarteranalyst.com/2017/09/07/current-state-uk-economy-tackle-challenges/)

There are more to Brexit than meets the eye and perhaps everyone in the UK and in the neighboring European nations can only grasp everything there is to know once the separation is completed. For starters, entry and exit to both places will be far more taxing for citizens unlike now where everyone is free to come and go at will. Deportations may be common too and restrictions will likely be applied to all regarding study, work, and living arrangements. It is a big inconvenience to everyone and many are worried as to what the future holds since the looming Brexit will likely be inevitable to happen.

In closely watched surveys of economic activity, financial information company IHS Markit said Tuesday that the economy of the 19 EU countries that use the euro is heading for decade-high growth rates while the UK's is increasingly sluggish largely due to uncertainty surrounding Brexit.

The purchasing managers' index, a broad gauge of economic activity, for the eurozone was unchanged at 55.7 points in August. The index is on a 100-point scale, with anything above 50 indicating expansion.

Though output growth in the third quarter is slightly down on the second quarter, the firm said the single-currency bloc is on course for economic growth of 2.1 per cent this year, its highest since 2007, when the global financial crisis started to bite.

(Via: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/article/business/20170906/eurozone-economy-heads-decade-high-growth-uk-stalls)

The rest of Europe seems to be faring well despite the many issues individual nations are facing yet the UK faces a major uncertainty as to the many questions and doubts raised by Brexit still fills peoples’ minds. You can’t blame everyone involved since they will likely be directly or indirectly affected by all these changes. The UK may have high hopes when they considered the idea of separating from the entire of Europe but their economy is already suffering as early as now. Business confidence is going down with the continued slowing down of the services sector that happens to be driving 80% of the UK’s economy. Only time can tell what is in store for everyone concerned.

The blog article The UK Economy Suffers Before Brexit was originally seen on PodBlaze.com Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/the-uk-economy-suffers-before-brexit/

Health Issues Post-Hurricane Harvey

Humans have proven how resilient we are over the centuries. From our primitive ancestors to the modern humans walking the earth today, we have battled plagues, famines, wars, environmental changes, and so much more. Yet as resilient as we may seem to be, we aren’t immune at all to the many other organisms living on our planet and their impact on our health. It’s true we may have developed some sort of immunity or resistance but once our immunity levels go down because of stress, exhaustion or something else, getting sick is inevitable.

Our surroundings are a major factor to our health aside from our genes, lifestyle, eating habits, and exposure to certain allergens, irritants, germs, etc. Major changes in the environment can have a big impact on how well or sick we become. For example, exposure to mosquito breeding grounds in Asian countries can put people at risk of malaria or the dreaded Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever. Water contamination can lead to cholera or other gut issues. People get really sick. And what more - in the face of major natural calamities that not only displace people and destroy properties but can even kill you as well like hurricanes, for instance.

The hurricane has gone, but health concerns and disease risk remain for all who went through it.

Even healthy people, after Harvey’s destructive force, could face health hazards related to polluted air, contaminated water, infected wounds, mold, contagious diseases, carbon monoxide, and mosquitoes.

"Going back into the flood environment has risks," says Albert Rizzo, MD, senior medical adviser for the American Lung Association.

The cleanup itself can be hazardous, he says, exposing people to the dangers Harvey left behind. Being aware of the risks and taking precautions can lessen health problems.

(Via: http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/news/20170907/health-concerns-linger-after-hurricane-harvey)

We all know floodwater is something we should take seriously. Dirty floodwater brings with it various washed out dirt, germs, and chemicals from who knows where. You take the risk of getting sick from encephalitis or other deadly conditions when treading in dirty floodwater without any sort of footwear protection like water boots perhaps. The risk is especially higher if you have open wounds that will be exposed to the dirty water. Some people have to brave the dirty water, though, in order to be evacuated and cleanup may take weeks or months depending on the extent of the damage and how soon the water subsides.

Hurricane Harvey didn't just dump torrential floods on the Gulf Coast, it also muddied the region's water and air with toxic chemicals, smog-forming pollution and raw sewage, creating the potential for serious health risks.

At least 80 spills from inundated sewage and wastewater systems were reported across Texas as of this week, according to the state's Commission on Environmental Quality. About 36 industrial facilities reported toxic chemical spills as of late last week, according to an analysis by Environment Texas, an advocacy group. And oil refineries and chemical plants had released nearly 1 million pounds of deadly air pollutants, the Center for Biological Diversity, another advocacy group, said over the weekend.

Especially concerning are the high levels of smog-forming pollutants released by the nine oil refineries and hundreds of chemical plants in the Houston area, said Elena Craft, an Austin-based health scientist at the Environmental Defense Fund. 

(Via: https://www.usatoday.com/story/weather/2017/09/05/hurricane-harvey-floodwaters-brimming-raw-sewage-toxic-chemicals/632937001/)

Exposure to these contaminated waters, in this case, toxic chemicals, and sewage waste, is a major health risk in places in Texas that have been badly hit by Hurricane Harvey. Even the mere act of breathing can pose serious health risks too and you don’t necessarily have to wade through floodwater for anyone to get sick as at least a couple of carcinogenic chemicals have been released and can make people sick through simple inhalation and likewise result in breathing difficulties. Many chemical plants and oil refineries have been badly damaged by the hurricane making cleanup doubly harder for everyone involved especially the unfortunate residents who are now in the process of rebuilding their lives starting with fixing up their hurricane-battered homes.

Health Issues Post-Hurricane Harvey is available on PodBlaze.com

source https://www.podblaze.com/health-issues-post-hurricane-harvey/

Learn All About Coding In The Classroom

Children are great imitators. They often copy what adults around them do rather than practice what they are being preached. Aside from the innocence and playful nature of young children, they are also fairly fast learners and can easily absorb things that they are being taught. It’s why kids these days are quite tech savvy. They have been exposed to technology early in life and it seems like second nature for them to operate these sophisticated and high-tech gadgets.

And because it is inevitable for them to dabble with technology when they grow up, it is better to teach them young about the language of computing, computer programming. Also known as coding, it is an essential skill for young kids to succeed in a future dominated by technology. In the digital age, coding is the fundamentals that everyone should know by heart. The youth of today grew up in a world that is littered with tech gadgets. From home appliances, smartphones, computers and laptops, social media, and many others, they learn to manipulate these devices with ease. Learning how to code gives them an edge and a deeper understanding as to how the computing technology actually works.

Teacher Jamie Loveless’s project proposal “Computer Literacy in the Elementary Classroom” was awarded an Educator's Innovation grant from the Newfoundland and Labrador English School District (ESDNL).

In the proposal, Loveless detailed the potential that teaching coding to elementary students unlocks.

"Manipulation of previously created code, as well as the creation of new code, will allow for creativity, collaboration, communication, problem-solving, and logical thinking - all desirable attributes of 21st learners and educators," he wrote.

Loveless said he and substitute teacher Chad Spurrell have been building an interest in coding and robotics at Riverside Elementary over the years through hosting after school clubs as well as incorporating coding into more ‘traditional’ subjects such as math and science.

(Via: http://www.thepacket.ca/community/2017/6/22/coding-in-the-classroom--clarenville-teacher-awarded-educators-i.html)

If you think you are using too much technology right now, prepare to deal with so much more in the near future with technologies like artificial intelligence and supercomputers just looming on the horizon. While the content is still a big factor in running the world, the medium matters just as much. The world is quickly changing and young kids can easily adapt to this changing world if they learn to speak (or code) the language used.

Coding Kids – Summer Course project designed for kids and teenagers will introduce them other useful possibilities for using computers and phones besides playing and entertainment. Through the coding offered by the Center, the kids will be opened to a new world. This project will provide an opportunity for the children to obtain unique knowledge and skills for their development.

Coding Kids – Summer Course project has been designed for school children aged 9-11 and 12-15. The course for children aged 9-11 includes Introduction into IT and Computer Science, Coding Techniques and Creating Apps while 12-15 year-olds will study subjects, such as Intro into Computer Science, Programming in HTML/CSS/Javascript, Creating apps and Basic Databases. The duration of the program is 6 weeks. The lessons will be be held twice a week for free by instructor Gunay Kazimzada based on interactive methods at Barama Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center.

(Via: https://en.trend.az/azerbaijan/business/2768778.html)

A lot of the innovations we see today all started with an idea. What separates winners from the rest of the world is that they act on those ideas and not just keep on dreaming about them. Coding brings computing to life. One of the biggest hurdles in coding is the notion that it is hard to do. Well, everything actually has some level of difficulty depending on your level of familiarity or expertise on a given topic.

Most coding programs for kids are specially tailored for kids. It’s already a given. They will learn all about computer programming in a fun way and in an environment that encourages questions to be asked and actual learning to take place. They learn the dos and don’ts of coding and even about testing too after learning the basics. Kids can validate that they finally cracked the code if their skills are tested like any other skill out there. From understanding the basic concepts to learning how to code games, it will give their young minds even more reason to make a career out of coding when they grow up.

The following post Learn All About Coding In The Classroom was first published to PodBlaze.com Blog

source https://www.podblaze.com/learn-all-about-coding-in-the-classroom/