The US Embraces KPop Music

For the longest time, it has been difficult for Asian artists to penetrate the Western world. Success in America, for instance, continues to elude them as Americans, in general, won’t give them the time of day or have no appreciation for their music or artistry at all. But that was before. Thanks to technology and rapid globalization, diversity is more widely accepted now and people start to appreciate other cultures than people did in the past. If there is one particular trend that is taking the US by storm, that is KPop. If you look at the numbers, they’ve been making waves in music charts, radio plays, and even digital and actual album sales in various US states.

South Korea, in general, did very well in importing the Hallyu wave a.k.a. the growing globalization of KPop. There are KPop fans now all over America and in other parts of the world. Fandoms grow in number each year as KPop idols gradually become household names outside of Korea. Even the Billboard has been overtaken by KPop idols with BTS in the forefront having stayed in the HOT 100 for a month where they even won the Top Social Artist this year beating Justin Bieber and Selene Gomez who are undeniably among the top superstars in the US today. BTS also recently released their recent comeback with a mini-album “Her” that hit #1 on the iTunes chart in 73 countries. It is a feat that not all Western performers are actually capable of doing but something that the group has been known to do more often now. They keep on making and breaking records. The music video for their recent title track “DNA” was viewed over 20 million times during its first 24 hours of release.

When people talk about America’s impact on K-pop, they’re usually talking about the music. From boy bands to hip-hop to rock, the origin of K-pop’s sound is thoroughly American. But it’s also likely that American TV largely influenced the multi-medium’s emphasis on visuals, whereby dance, fashion and “concepts” are inextricably tied to the definition of K-pop.

According to Dr. Suk-Young Kim, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, MTV was first imported to Korea around the same time as the birth of K-pop. “In the mid-'90s when [father of modern K-pop] Seo Taiji and the Boys became sensational hits, that's when music videos also started gaining traction in the Korean consumer market,” she explains to Billboard over the phone. (Notably, one of the Boys, Yang Hyun-suk, later founded YG Entertainment, the Big 3 company that jump-started the careers of chart-topping K-pop acts like Psy, BIGBANGand 2NE1.)

(Via: http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/k-town/7990486/korean-music-shows-mtv-trl-bts-history)

Many Americans join different fandoms of their idols and even got enamored with KDrama as well. In turn, this becomes a newfound obsession where fans can’t help but purchase related merchandise to make them feel closer to their idols. It is very clear now that Kpop has finally made it to US shores and they can only grow bigger and rise in popularity as they continue to break into the mainstream American entertainment scene.

BTS is once again proving their power as the top social artist; this time on Google. 

For the month of September, BTS ranked #7 on Google's most searched musical artist in the United States. Not only is BTS the only K-Pop act to make it on the top 20, but they've also ranked above popular Western artists such as Drake, Selena Gomez, Lady Gaga, Eminem, Miley Cyrus, and more. 

The boy group's phenomenal comeback with the new album 'Love Yourself: Her' and title track "DNA" are the suspected factors that led to their domination on the worldwide search engine. 

(Via: https://www.allkpop.com/article/2017/10/bts-enters-the-top-10-most-searched-musical-artist-on-google)

KPop’s popularity and influence can be seen everywhere and this is most apparent in social media where they have proven to be tech-savvy and followed by millions of their most loyal fans. Indeed, their striking visuals and multitude of talents have captured the heart of many Americans and it only kept them wanting for more. An annual KCon or Korean Convention is done yearly now where Korean idols are brought to the US to perform and engage in various activities with their US-based fans. Without a doubt, nothing is stopping the Hallyu wave and the US will definitely be seeing more of these Korean acts mainstream as the cultural boundaries have long since been broken.

de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 was first published to IPAction.org Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-us-embraces-kpop-music/

Recover Lost Data Of Android Users

There are generally just two types of the people in the world today, the few who are iOS users and the rest who uses Android gadgets. Apple fanatics would always say they deserve only the best and that iOS is the best there is in the land today but users loyal to Android might disagree. The latter says that iOS is too rigid whereas Android offers them the flexibility they want. Whether you are an iOS or Android user, you basically face the same issues all smartphone users do. The most notable of all has to do with data loss especially now that these handy smart devices can work just as good as any regular computer does and suffer from the usual tech glitches.

Admit it, losing your data is one of your biggest fears as a tech user. Even smartphones aren’t immune to this problem. You can easily lose all the files: contacts, messages, photos, and other multimedia files stored in your smartphone device because of problems you didn’t expect for like the device getting broken after a terrible drop, submerged in water, reformatted, etc. Imagine the feeling of losing months, or possibly years, of memories stored as digital files in that tiny sleek device. Then, you might also lose track of the people you know especially if all these data won’t be recovered at all.

To most people, one of the most crucial subsets of data is business and personal contacts. By default, Android syncs all the stored contacts in Google Drive, and even the ones you delete will not be permanently removed from the device’s memory.

To retrieve your contacts, just go to the Google Contacts website, click ‘More’ and then the option named ‘Restore Contacts.’ A list of options will be provided to you. Choose the timeline to which you like to roll back, and all contacts saved in that period will be restored on your phone.

While most Android users rely on the Windows operating system for their everyday computing needs, Mac OS X users can use Disk Drill 3 developed by Clever Files, which is fully compatible with Apple machines. The recovery process involves scanning your phone’s memory and SD card for deleted files to retrieve.

Android data recovery software programs are easy to use and simplified for most users. Plus, the desktop versions work much better when compared to apps.

(Via: http://www.tgdaily.com/web/audience/7-tools-that-help-you-retrieve-deleted-data-from-your-android-phone)

If you ever encounter or found yourself in this unfortunate situation, the best way to deal with this issue is to seek the assistance of a professional to ensure you don’t do more damage and still be able to salvage your now missing files. If you can’t afford to pay for one and you think you somehow have the technical know-how to remedy the situation, you can try any of those apps that are considered the most in-demand android phone data recovery tool because they are the most user-friendly.

Recovering deleted or lost data from an Android device is not something difficult to be done. You just need to follow the right steps and you will end up getting back all the files that you lost.

First of all, you will need to install a reputed data recovery application on your Android device. This is the most crucial steps because the app you select would determine whether you are going to end up with positive results or negative results. Therefore, you should carefully go through the online reviews and determine an app to be used. If you don’t have time to conduct a research for an Android data recovery tool, you can simply go ahead with the app that we suggested above.

When you have an Android data recovery tool installed on your device, the process of getting back your deleted files is pretty much self-explanatory. To begin the data recovery process, you will need to run a scan. Time taken for the scan would vary based on the amount of data to be browsed and the overall performance specs of your Android device. However, you will be provided with a list of all files that can be recovered at the end of the day.

(Via: http://www.tgdaily.com/technology/mobile/how-to-recover-deleted-videos-on-android)

Sometimes, common sense can go a long way when recovering lost data from your Android smartphone. Just don’t do anything rashly until you have enough time to analyze the situation and think about your next steps. Don’t make the situation more complex by causing more damage to your already lost files. Follow the indicated data recovery steps for your device and there is a big possibility you can get them back after some time. Just make sure to do your research well and choose the best recovery app you can get your hands on. The apps included in this article have good reviews too, so you may eventually use them when the situation calls for it, which is hopefully not soon.

The following blog article de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 is courtesy of The IPac Action Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/recover-lost-data-of-android-users/

Medical Marijuana: The New Painkiller

Not all types of pain are the same. Just like everyone has a varying level of pain tolerance, different health conditions trigger different types and intensity of pain as well. Simple cuts and bruises do not necessarily require you to take a painkiller but some do depend on how big and deep the affected area is. Bur for chronic pain that just won’t go away, patients often get hooked on the painkillers they are taking. The sad part here aside from the obvious addiction is that the dosage of their medicine had to be constantly increased as they become used to its effect and their tolerance to it likewise increases.

Here comes medical marijuana to the rescue. For quite some time now, people have been raving about the positive impact of medical cannabis to patients suffering from certain medical conditions especially the ones who suffer from chronic pain. Since medical marijuana became famous and have even been legalized in certain states, more people want to give it a try and it has consequently resulted in a decline in painkiller use.

Legalizing medical marijuana is controversial. Physicians have not always prescribed controlled substances wisely, as a look at our narcotic epidemic confirms. But marijuana is much safer than narcotics and, according to a recent study, might even save us money, by reducing people’s need for other, often more expensive medications.

Most notably, marijuana can be an effective part of comprehensive pain management. Millions of Americans suffer from chronic pain, caused by a wide range of disorders — inflammatory arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome and metastatic cancer, to name a few. Many medications that are used to manage such pain are expensive and carry substantial risk of substantial side effects. Marijuana can help alleviate pain, thereby reducing the need for those other medications.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/peterubel/2017/10/24/more-medical-marijuana-less-narcotics/#7837830078e2)

In a way, the reduction in painkiller use means fewer people are relying on these drugs in the management of their pain and they now have a more organic alternative to pain management that delivers the same result minus the adverse reactions. Unfortunately, the problem with marijuana use it is still a bit challenging to monitor usage and medical experts may not always tell who uses it properly and when does abuse begin. Remember that there are generally two types of marijuana, the ones loaded with THC and the other with CBD. The latter is used in medical cannabis preparations but there are still some variants that mix both compounds inside one preparation. THC is common on recreational marijuana and induces the natural high weed is known for.

Some medical marijuana patients in Illinois say the drug has allowed them to reduce or eliminate their use of other prescription medication, a new study reports.

The study by DePaul and Rush universities was small, with 30 participants, and involved only those who volunteered to respond to the topic, so researchers conceded the results might be biased in favor of marijuana. But it's believed to be the first peer-reviewed, published research of medical marijuana patients in Illinois.

And it provides direct anecdotal evidence of what has been suggested by previous studies, that marijuana may contribute to reduced use of opioid drugs, lead author Douglas Bruce said.

"One of the most compelling things to come out of this is that people are taking control of their own health, and most providers would agree that's a good thing,"

(Via: http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-medical-marijuana-illinois-study-painkillers-met-20171008-story.html)

There is no point in downplaying or ignoring the beneficial effects of medical marijuana because we all know it is good for our health when used properly. Nowadays, weed growers breed CBD-rich marijuana to meet the rising demands for medical cannabis as more and more states and countries outside of the United States recognize the potential of marijuana in promoting health and wellness.

There are different forms available in the market today. Some are sold as pills while there are cute gummy bear types that one can easily mistake for a sweet treat. Along with its growing popularity, the demand and sales for marijuana smoking related accessories spike up and many individuals learn the different ways marijuana can be used depending on the need.

The following blog article de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 was originally published to https://ipaction.org

source https://ipaction.org/blog/medical-marijuana-the-new-painkiller/

Towards The Direction Of Personalized Healthcare

There have been many breakthroughs and innovations in the field of medicine. The healthcare system that we know of today is incomparable to the medical practices observed and practiced decades to centuries ago. But let’s admit it, things are better the way it is now than it was before. If you watch old films or documentaries that show the medical practices in the past, you’d be shaken at the agony patients had to endure in the name of science.

Some think that the science of medicine that we know of today will be here for good but we are badly mistaken. We only have room for progress and at the rate things are going, technology has a lot to do with the direction medicine is taking and we can only aspire for better things to come our way.The medical practice today all boils down to patient assessment through the symptoms exhibited by patients, which may be interpreted differently depending on the physician and sometimes, underlying conditions can trigger different symptoms that will lead to misdiagnosis. Then, personalized healthcare will definitely be a welcome reprieve for all of us. In fact, it may also be the key to reducing morbidity and mortality rates that are constantly going up because of our unhealthy modern lifestyle.

Imagine a future in which, rather than using symptoms to identify a disease, your genes, metabolism, and gut microbiome inform how your individual health is managed. This is the vision of precision medicine.

Traditional medicine uses symptoms to diagnose diseases, and drugs to treat these symptoms. But precision medicine aims to turn this concept on its head.

By identifying the factors that predispose a person to a particular disease and the molecular mechanisms that cause the condition, treatment and prevention strategies can be tailored to each individual. 

So, how do we get from traditional to precision medicine? Advances in genetics and molecular analysis techniques have been a deciding factor, as has getting patients involved with managing their own health.

(Via: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319875.php)

Treatment will no longer be based on a patient’s symptoms but take a more tailor-fit approach that analyzes your genes, metabolism, and essentially the biomolecular makeup of your body. It is what precision medicine is all about and this can be turned into a reality with the help of the right technology. Eventually, it will empower patients to manage their own health. The question now is whether everyone can afford to enjoy this more tailor-fit approach to healthcare or will this be a privilege that only a select (rich and affluent) few can only afford?

Whether offering tips on basic genomic facts or exploring the practical implications of precision techniques for hospitals and health system, the MINC toolkit is meant as a "starting point for healthcare providers who want to promote genomic integration into practice to benefit their patients,” said Laura Lyman Rodriguez, director of the division of policy, communication and education at NHGRI.

It can help nursing leaders care for patients who are undergoing genomic testing and treatment and better prepare their workforce for fast-emerging clinical applications, she said.

(Via: http://www.healthcareitnews.com/news/tool-helps-nurses-smaller-hospitals-start-practicing-precision-medicine)

Precision medicine is already here. While it is not generally practiced mainstream, there are certain smaller health institutions that practice it to help medical experts (the health team) gradually get used to this approach in the clinical setting as well as provide inputs to the medical experts who are still continuously improving this practice. After all, technology continues to innovate and introduce a better way for us to do things. You just need to keep an open mind because things will definitely change more often than we can keep up with these updates but if it means saving people lives, then we’ll just have to be flexible enough to accept these changes and enjoy a better quality life that isn’t always highlighted by sickness or death.

de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 is courtesy of The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/towards-the-direction-of-personalized-healthcare/

The Frightful Five And Internet Innovation

The mere existence of the web has ended an era and started another; one that is defined by mindblowing technologies and a different way of life. Imagine what life in the 70s, 80s, 90s, and early 2000s were. If you weren’t personally living through these times, it is quite hard to relate to, right? Even when you watch old TV shows and movies, seeing how people lived during these times will make you wonder how they survived without getting bored to death. Yes, boredom is something that the Internet has virtually rendered irrelevant. How can you even say that you are bored anymore when you can do lots of things on the web and you won’t mind the hours ticking by.

If you think about Internet innovation or the continued advancements on the web today, America is almost always at the top of people’s mind because most big tech companies are found here. However, experts have noticed how these very same big tech brands seem to be dampening the Internet’s progress, thereby preventing the growth of small startups from stealing a piece of their pie. After all, business comes first. We may have seen many of the major breakthroughs made their debut on American soil but big tech brands end up monopolizing the industry in general.

There are multiple reasons why countries like the U.S. have accounted for the bulk of the world’s internet innovation over the past few decades. Simply put, the U.S. is an attractive market with a common language, common currency and common regulatory policy supporting private infrastructure investment, including wireless and wireline networks delivering internet connection. This is not the case in the European Union, where innovators have to contend with 28 nations, 24 languages and 17 currencies.

The U.S. is indeed an innovation hub. However, it’s on the verge of losing this advantage if it continues on with overregulation and doesn’t guard against piecemeal internet policy frameworks.

(Via: https://www.aei.org/publication/ensure-internet-innovation/)

If you look at the World Wide Web today, there are five companies that stand out among the rest whose power and influence spans continents and we'll call them as the frightful five. In a world like ours today that is defined by technology, smart gadgets, and the Internet of Things, it is easy to easy how these companies have built their empires that even governments pale in comparison to the extent of their ability to dictate society, our way of life, and the future of mankind. What many of you are not aware of is that these companies also own a bunch of other businesses that roughly got everything else covered that matters in this planet making it doubly harder for other businesses to thrive.

So what makes them frightful, first of all, is that they are very, very big. And they play a huge role - they all play sort of huge roles in our lives kind of personally and at a kind of society-wide level. So if you live kind of a modern American life, it's impossible to, you know, to live without all of them for most people. And more than that, they sort of are being asked to do and they kind of know more about us than any corporations in history. They're more - they've become kind of more like governments than companies with the amount of money they have, with the kind of power they have over democracy in society.

We're seeing that with the way that, you know, news on Facebook and Google affected the election, with their impact on the economy, you know, the way they're disrupting kind of how retail works, with their impact on jobs and inequality. And eventually, you know, they're all working on artificial intelligence. And their technologies will affect probably most of our jobs. Most of the ways that people make money now are going to be changed by technologies that these companies make.

(Via: http://www.npr.org/2017/10/26/560136311/how-5-tech-giants-have-become-more-like-governments-than-companies)

How do they trump innovation then, one might ask. Well, by dominating the market, they limit the opportunity for small businesses to prosper or for them to even have a fighting chance to get their names out there. The irony here is that they make money every single time these smaller businesses use their online platforms while the average entrepreneurs struggle to make ends meet and rise above the endless competition. You don’t even have to look far to understand how this monopoly works. All you need is to simply check out the web. There are many smaller tech businesses in there, true, but they still need to get their business heard using any of the frightful five as platforms. They may make money but the five still makes the most money as they earn from other people’s success as well, thereby killing not only innovation but these businesses as well.

The article de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 Read more on: The IPac Action Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-frightful-five-and-internet-innovation/

The Dark Side Of Substance Abuse

People often associate substance abuse to the abuse of illegal drugs that give its users an unrealistically high that consequently messes up with their brain and over time with their life. Doing drugs is cool at first. After all, mostly cool people do it. It gives the user a false sense of belonging as they continue to have pot sessions with fellow drug addicts who have lost their sense of direction and reality. It might be fun at the beginning as you relish in the unnatural high these illegal substances bring you but wait until their undesired effects kick in and you’ll regret doing it at all. Drug users look terrible physically as they are no longer able to look after themselves and they look like wasted versions of who they once were.

For years, we have seen drug junkies ruin their lives as they can’t seem to break away from their nasty habit. Drug addiction does not discriminate. It will not spare you from its bad effects whether you are a famous personality or just an average Joe. Celebrities have fallen out of the limelight and weren't able to stage a successful comeback after succumbing to illegal substances. Some even died either by suicide or because of an accidental overdose as they may also take other prescribed medications in conjunction with their drug use that unknowingly became a lethal combination that took their lives away. (more…)

de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2postlinkde482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2de482eb4182815e4397bda7e9c10d3fd88d8e09da808395d54f8dd885ae330e2 was originally seen on The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-dark-side-of-substance-abuse/

Why You Need To Learn Coding Now

The world is changing. That cannot be denied. If you just look around you, you’d notice how more advanced our society has become and tech gadgets seem to be sprawled all across town, even in the comforts of our own homes. There is even one or two inside your pocket and your whole world probably revolves around the use of smart technology because that is likely what the rest of the population does. Everybody is so active online that it has opened up a whole new world of possibilities for people whose technical expertise lies in the use of computers and anything tech-related.

If there is one skill that will prove handy in the years to come, it definitely has to be related to technology especially in the use of computers. Wherever you look, some sort of tech device is running a business, office, institution, or even in your own home. We need to learn to adapt to all these changes if we don’t want to be left behind because sooner or later, technology will run the world (as if it is not already doing it now). And if there is another skill you should master or at least know about, it is coding or computer programming. The possibilities are endless if you finally figure out how computers work from the inside and it can work to your advantage when expanding your career options.

A whole new tongue – the language of computers – will be what separates the educated from the ignorant masses of tomorrow. Understanding how to write code for computers is already becoming one of the most highly prized skill sets anyone can have in the global economy. Here’s why:

1. Code rules everything around me, cream get the money

All major tech companies, from Google to Facebook, aggressively compete to hire gifted young coders. In the Silicon Valley area, for example, some reports suggest engineering graduates from Stanford University expect their starting salary to be nothing less than $100,000-120,000.

“It’s fair to say that for school-leavers looking to maximise their potential income, few other skills open the door to as many well-paying and varied careers,” says Prof Rory O’Connor, head of the school of computing at Dublin City University.

(Via: https://www.irishtimes.com/business/innovation/coding-will-be-the-most-important-skill-in-the-future-1.3233019)

Learning the language of computers is no longer just a second-thought for many but a priority given that today’s world is highly reliant on these modern contrivances in getting things done. There are other reasons why coding makes for a great new skill to learn aside from its practical applications in life. For instance, it is that universal language spoken by all that knows no boundaries or prejudices. It’s what you know and is capable of doing that matters not who you are.

Computer science courses for children have proliferated rapidly in the past few years. A 2016 Gallup report found that 40% of American schools now offer coding classes – up from only 25% a few years ago. New York, with the largest public school system in the country, has pledged to offer computer science to all 1.1 million students by 2025. Los Angeles, with the second largest, plans to do the same by 2020. And Chicago, the fourth largest, has gone further, promising to make computer science a high school graduation requirement by 2018.

The rationale for this rapid curricular renovation is economic. Teaching kids how to code will help them land good jobs, the argument goes. In an era of flat and falling incomes, programming provides a new path to the middle class – a skill so widely demanded that anyone who acquires it can command a livable, even lucrative, wage.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2017/sep/21/coding-education-teaching-silicon-valley-wages)

There is a major downside, though, to the popularity of coding class/courses as it will eventually produce a large number of coders who’ll be looking for a job and we all know how the law of supply and demand works, right? The lucrative salary in this industry today may significantly go down if there is a surplus of skilled workers capable of doing the job at a lower income range.

If there is another positive note we can highlight about this aggressive initiative to educate the youth of computer technology is that it ensures they are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to meet the demands of our modern world and survive no matter the odds.

The blog article Why You Need To Learn Coding Now is available on The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/why-you-need-to-learn-coding-now/

When Giving Becomes The Problem

People do not hesitate to give and share their blessings if they only have more than enough. We may say that the world is a harsh place to live in now but there is still hope for humanity as people still do random acts of kindness and become a brother or a sister to others especially to those who have nothing. While not everyone is blessed to have more than what they need, many still respond to the call of charity. We may think that this is the answer to many of the world’s current problems but it has barely scratched the surface.

Despite the many internal problems faced by most progressive nations, they are often the first ones to extend a helping hand to any country that has survived the wrath of Mother Nature or any terrible tragedy caused by man. Unfortunately, some poorer countries take advantage of the help they receive from other nations that the mere concept of charity has forced people to resort to fraudulent scams like orphanage tourism in order to continually enjoy the steady stream of outside financial help and keep it coming for a long time. While tourists who volunteer in orphanages do not see anything wrong in what they are doing, this action actually encourages families to give up their children for money, which is just awful no matter where you look at it.

However, just this month Australia pledged to cut federal support for such organisations amid mounting concerns over “orphanage tourism”, where children are trafficked and sometimes forced into slavery in order to fill establishments that turn a profit from well-intentioned volunteers.

Tourism Concern, a UK organisation that campaigns for ethical tourism, has warned: “The rise in the number of tourists volunteering in orphanages is actually fuelling the number of ‘orphans’, and  causing unnecessary separation of children from their families.

“While we appreciate that aspiring volunteers offer their services for the best of motives, our view is that looking after vulnerable children should be undertaken by local, full-time, professional staff and not by short-term volunteers, no matter how skilled or qualified.”

(Via: http://www.independent.co.uk/money/spend-save/charity-donations-uk-caf-aid-foundation-harm-a7944986.html)

Certain parts of the world may enjoy the good life but there are places that are bedrocks of poverty, conflict and political oppression. People living in these places can barely survive each day and often rely on outside help for support and survival. Most of the time, they see an opportunity in the generosity of Westerners and come up with various schemes to make money even at the expense of the young and vulnerable members of the family – children. Now, it makes you wonder whether we are really doing charity right?

On the auction block to raise money to carry out its mission of assisting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities were yacht excursions, lunch with Bravo’s “Real Housewives of Miami” star Lea Black and a “power breakfast” during New York’s Fashion Week with a branding expert.

Why juxtapose calls to feed the hungry, house the homeless and cure cancer with champagne toasts and caviar hors d’oeuvres? As researchers who study charities, we understand why opulent bashes that raise money for good causes seem puzzling. These inherently contradictory events intended to help people in need double as vehicles for the rich and famous to show off their largesse.

(Via: http://wtop.com/business-finance/2017/09/let-them-eat-caviar-when-charity-galas-waste-money/)

Aside from the problems that arise because of charity among the recipients themselves, there are also countless issues pertaining to the lavish lifestyle lived by the people running most popular charitable organizations in the country and even in the world. Many of the charitable galas in the US are held at prestigious locations like 5-star hotels with lavish banquets full of delectable and pricey dishes like caviar. Considering that these organizations are trying to raise money hence the said event, the amount of money they spend on such galas is a big irony to the cause they are supposedly advocating for which is often more than what they actually raise during that occasion.

When Giving Becomes The Problem is republished from IPAction.org/blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/when-giving-becomes-the-problem/

Catalonia’s Struggle Continues

There are many places in the world that struggle with political strife for a long time now despite the many tech advancements we are now enjoying. It is such an irony that human beings still can’t reconcile many of their differences that end up in violence or even more violence. There really is no way out here without suffering many casualties. Freedom is often the cause that people are fighting for, which they can’t always get without bloodshed. Many countries in the Middle East suffered the same fate and are now but left in ashes and a picture of poverty and despair.

Even in Europe, a continent known for its power, affluence, and peace, conflict is still present and is a threat to the peace the region enjoys. Spain, for instance, faces the same problem faced by some countries that are politically oppressed and became battlegrounds of modern warfare. Catalonia has long since wanted to be independent of Spain but their pleas fell on deaf ears until now. European organizations appear to be at risk. Many protests escalate quickly and end up with street violence that disrupts the unity and stability enjoyed by most European nations.

The leader of Spain’s Catalonia region called Monday for help from European leaders in working out the region’s move to be independent.

The request comes a day after a violent crackdown by Spanish police trying to block Catalonians from voting on whether they wanted to separate from Spain.

Catalan leader Carles Puigdemont said he would file a complaint against Spanish police after officers fired rubber bullets, smashed into polling stations Sunday and beat back protesters with batons. Puigdemont urged Spain’s national police reinforcements to leave the area.

Spanish authorities said police acted professionally. And Spain’s interior minister said that the 5,000 extra officers sent to Catalonia would stay as long as necessary.

(Via: https://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/catalonia-asks-europe-to-help-resolve-its-fight-with-spanish-government/2017/10/02/dcb44088-a788-11e7-850e-2bdd1236be5d_story.html?utm_term=.ada65dd62710)

Spain’s resolute attempt in preventing Catalonia from gaining its independence continues to earn the ire and disapproval of Catalonians to think that the majority of voters actually want to separate from Spain for good. And it is not just the Spanish government that agrees with this decision. Other European nations also support it since they want to prevent the same thing from happening in other places in the region, which is likely possible if they let the Catalans get what they want.

Catalonia's pro-independence regional government said Spain is "the shame of Europe" for the way it has cracked down on the region's bid to hold a secession referendum.

Government spokesman Jordi Turull says "what the police are doing is simply savage, it's an international scandal."

The Catalan government's health service says 465 people have been treated in hospitals following clashes Sunday with police who were ordered by a regional judge to prevent the independence referendum from taking place. Turull said two of the injured were in serious condition.

He said "Today, Spain is the shame of Europe."

(Via: https://www.dailysabah.com/europe/2017/10/01/catalan-government-says-spain-is-the-shame-of-europe)

The Catalonians continue to fight for their independence and even if they call foul on the Spanish government, they still won’t be able to earn the support of neighboring nations so as not to set a precedent that others can follow and mitigate other coups from happening. What the Catalonians are doing right now is actually considered as the first official coup in the European Union’s history and that is really a major thing. Dissent is not new but it is not welcome either.

As Catalonia struggles to get what they want, they would likely face bigger challenges and they do not even have an assurance they’d get what they wished for with only themselves on their side. However, the Catalonian’s aren’t even the aggrieved party here all the time since they are at fault too. Many times they have broken the law and caused chaos in Spain rather than lend a helping hand for its progress. They can only wish to pull off the same thing as Brexit because they are poles apart and Spain won’t likely just let them leave without putting up a good fight.

The following article Catalonia’s Struggle Continues was originally published to The IPac Action Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/catalonias-struggle-continues/

Will Most Religion Ever Approve Of Same-Sex Marriage?

We can’t deny how the world has changed over the past century. Looking back on old photos of the not-so-distant past, it is easy to tell how time has changed in the way people look and the surroundings itself. If there is one thing that has surpassed the test of time, though, it is the people’s faith in their religion. Religion has been the most enduring of all and today’s people still profess their faith and stay true to its teachings. But over the years, we have also witnessed the many changes in people’s perspective. And now, same-sex marriage is already practiced in many countries but does one’s religion really support it?

Most organized religions actually condone same-sex marriage. Just the very idea of a person legally marrying the opposite sex is a ludicrous idea and goes against the teachings of the Church. So, it is but understandable if the Church does not plan on ever giving its go signal and openly condemns those who get married to anyone from the same sex. However, advocates of the LGBTQ community are saying that not allowing same-sex marriage is essentially a violation of a person’s human right to get married even if society, in general, is mainly a heterosexual community.

Conservative religious organisations and politicians have played a major role in preventing the introduction of same-sex marriage in Australia and hope to do so again.

John Howard cited conservative religious views when he banned same-sex marriage. Labor’s fear of losing religious voters to the Liberals contributed to concessions to the religious right, and saw it oppose same-sex marriage until 2011. Even then, Labor MPs opposed to same-sex marriage were granted an initial moral conscience vote that contributed to a parliamentary vote being lost under the Gillard government.

Now, Malcolm Turnbull’s fear of alienating the religious right in the Coalition has seen him agree to a plebiscite he previously opposed.

(Via: https://theconversation.com/talk-of-same-sex-marriage-impinging-on-religious-freedom-is-misconceived-heres-why-82435)

However, religious groups are making a noise once more as the number of countries, states, and cities supporting same-sex marriage has considerably grown over the years. It’s not that easy to stop them now as the public seems to be okay with it and tolerant of the growing number of married homosexual couples. Even famous personalities take advantage of this growing public acceptance and openly flaunt their marriage for everyone to see.

One thing is certain. The issues surrounding religious freedom in a society which recognises same-sex marriage will not be fully resolved any time soon. Some argue that these issues should be resolved before the public votes in a compulsory plebiscite or voluntary postal survey. I can see that opponents of same-sex marriage might want to insist on this, and that supporters of same-sex marriage might regard this as a time delaying tactic. I could vote “yes” in a survey while hoping and demanding that the parliament do the hard work on religious freedoms when considering amendments to the Marriage Act. It is important to appreciate that the legal and policy changes needed to protect religious freedom would not appear in the Marriage Act but in other statutes such as the Sex Discrimination Act.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2017/aug/17/religious-freedom-is-an-important-right-once-same-sex-marriage-is-legal-it-must-be-protected)

Different places follow different laws and they also have differing interpretations of the church’s teaching. It is a known fact how homophobic the Church is in general and how they can’t accept the very thought of someone marrying the same sex but not everyone agrees nowadays even if they belong to a religion that is not accepting of this novel idea. The law is full of loopholes itself and haven’t addressed certain aspects that remain the cause of debate today but only time can tell how the Church, the different governments all over the world, and the society at large will react and see same-sex marriage in the years to come – whether it will be part of the norm or something that will persist to be a source of conflict.

The following post Will Most Religion Ever Approve Of Same-Sex Marriage? Find more on: IPAction.org/blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/will-most-religion-ever-approve-of-same-sex-marriage/

Are Conferences Getting Old Yet Too Expensive?

You are never too old to learn something new. It can’t be any truer. It is even a requisite nowadays as the world becomes more globally interconnected and people from different parts of the world may even compete for the same job. Hence, education is the key to professional and financial success in later life. Even if you are a degree-holder, it is not often an assurance you’d be able to land the job of your dreams after graduating since many others take the same path too.

Attending academic conferences is a great way to boost your knowledge and skills and make you a more valuable asset to any company or organization. Fortunate for those who are sponsored by the academe or their offices for such lucrative post-graduate continuing education events but most individuals actually have to shell out a lot of (their personal) money in order for them to enhance their knowledge and stay updated on the latest news and trends in the competitive (and often changing) world of Academia.

Conferences have been held since the early days of academia. But their size has changed dramatically. The intimate gatherings of academics from a specific field have now been replaced with mega conferences, frequently featuring 1,000 participants or more. Stockholm World Water Week, which brings together scholars and practitioners, counts more than 3,000 participants.

These gatherings are fancier than ever. Academic conferences used to be in universities. Yet the last annual meeting of the American Association of Geographers, the world’s largest geography conference, was in the Sheraton Boston, a four-star venue. Many now also feature elaborate social programmes. Those who attend World Water Week must choose whether the cocktail reception on Monday night, the royal banquet on Wednesday night or the “mingle and dance” on Thursday night is the conference’s main see-and-be-seen event.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/higher-education-network/2017/aug/30/expensive-academic-conferences-give-us-old-ideas-and-no-new-faces)

What used to be the sharing of knowledge between a small number of people, academic conferences these days boasts of thousands of attendees and is proving to be a costly investment for those who want to further their education or career. When in the past the participants and the organizers didn’t care much about the venue themselves, today’s gatherings are often held in fancy hotel ballrooms or events hall that is equally expensive to lease themselves. No wonder people have to pay a hefty amount of money for registration just so they can attend these academic conferences.

I say that conferences are “relatively expensive” because alternative marketing mastermind groups are almost like retreats with a few dozen people and a handful of gurus and experts, and can run in the thousands. And while the conference attempts to cover absolutely everything you need under its roof, like breakfast/lunch and snacks in between, you’ll be footing your own dinner and any lodging for the duration of the conference.

Most conferences I’ve attended have been in the $800 to $1,200 range (and usually after using a promo code). Though much of the information you’ll pick up could be considered “invaluable,” I believe that there are times when conference costs are needlessly inflated. I’ve been to conferences that have had copious high-end snacks and drinks provided around the clock, and one that had an absolutely ridiculous flash mob in the middle of its networking happy hour. 

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2017/08/09/are-marketing-conferences-worth-it/#1d0cf8a01851)

There are various conferences you can attend to not just in the academe. In the field of marketing and business, there are a multitude of conferences as well that are just as expensive as the academic ones if not even costs more. Like the problem with academic conferences, they are held in posh hotels and venues that cost an arm and leg already not to mention payments given to the speaker. It is mainly the primary obstacle as to why many can’t afford to go to these conferences even if it can take them up the corporate ladders or eventually free them financially. After all, you have to plant first before you can sow and at the rate these conferences are being priced right now, it’s either fewer people can attend them or the public is forced to shell out more money in order for them to reach their dreams.

The blog article Are Conferences Getting Old Yet Too Expensive? Find more on: https://ipaction.org/blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/are-conferences-getting-old-yet-too-expensive/

The Things That We Do To Protect Our Data

In life, we usually know our priorities. We meet our basic needs first before going after luxuries if we want to be well and healthy all the time. It is not only our basic needs and commodities that must be met but a new breed of necessity that we can’t afford to live without now. Data, big or small, is precious. It defines who we are and are often the product of our hard work. However, cybercriminals are always after it or you may also lose data because of a technical glitch in your system whether it was your own fault or that of nature.

And as such, computer users go to great lengths to ensure their data stays safe no matter what happens because these data are often irreplaceable especially when no duplicate copy was ever made. Not all the time, though, data can still be salvaged depending on the circumstances on how it was lost yet there are ways for you to get it back and it mainly involves data recovery services that are usually costly and as already mentioned, not 100% reliable due to a lot of factors.

The Village of Lindenhurst is creating a computer network recovery program to protect data from hackers and natural disasters.

The board of trustees voted to adopt the Disaster Recovery Program on the recommendation of Village Treasurer Louise Schrader. The program has five components: critical data recovery; off- and on-premise backup; third-party vendor remote access; password changes and deletion of users; and financial program access.

Adept Technology Consulting Inc. of Hauppauge, already under contract with the village for other work, will monitor backups, updates and firewalls, and the village will keep backups of the servers. Adept will also confirm off-premise backups, which will be done daily and stored in a secure site run by mozy.com. 

(Via: http://www.newsday.com/long-island/suffolk/lindenhurst-program-to-protect-data-from-hackers-natural-disasters-1.14325957)

In today’s world, protecting your data should be everybody’s business like what the village of Lindenhurst is doing right now. While the rest of the world is procrastinating, they are doing something to protect one of their most valued possessions – their personal/ collective data. What they have come up with is actually a well-thought-out plan that has covered almost all the important aspects and may even be considered fool-proof whether the threat is manmade or brought about by Mother Nature.

THE SOCIAL NETWORK Facebook is reportedly developing its own take on Apple's Face ID tech to help users gain access to locked accounts.

Facebook doesn't have the best reputation when it comes to facial recognition, having previously been forced to suspend a mug-scanning feature for failing to comply with European Union data privacy laws.

Zuckerberg really wants access to your face, though, and is testing a new feature that will let users easily recover their accounts. 

Screenshots of the system have been posted to Twitter by The Next Web's Matt Navarra.

(Via: https://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/3018419/facebook-is-testing-face-id-style-tech-for-account-recovery)

Not only are individual people and small organizations working hard on data recovery measures to safeguard their data online or offline but even global brands like Facebook. It should not come out as a surprise either as they have the money and manpower to do initiatives like this and knowing how much data is stored and entrusted to them by the billions of Facebook users the world over, it makes perfect sense for the company to continually explore for and invest in solutions pertaining to all sorts of data issues.

With the advent of today’s current Apple technology involving facial recognition, Facebook is once again considering pursuing this project to help users unlock their locked accounts. It solves most challenges faced by users who forget passwords or whose account has been hacked by third parties. Two-factor authentication is becoming the norm today and it is proving to be a helpful tool for tech users to secure their devices and confirm their identity in case they end up unable to access their accounts whatever the reason may be.

The Things That We Do To Protect Our Data is courtesy of The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-things-that-we-do-to-protect-our-data/

The Dangers Of Traditional Medicine

It is inevitable for humans to get sick. We aren’t born superhumans after all, so we are susceptible to the myriad of diseases that plagues mankind for as long as we can remember. But because of our resiliency and creativity, we have managed to survive through the years. It is because we have developed what we now know as modern medicine and these medicinal concoctions have spared human life from morbidity and mortality over the ages.

Yet despite the many medicinal wonders that are now at our disposal, many still succumb to sickness and death. And as the number of chemical-based medicines abounds the market, people are looking for healthier and safer alternatives that can also deliver positive results. The resurgence of alternative medicine is growing in followers today and it is not entirely a bad thing as it gives people an option as to how they want to be treated. Some of these natural supplements, medications, and treatments are also effective, so it gives people even more reason to explore this aspect of medicine.

In many parts of the world, policymakers, health professionals and the public are wrestling with questions about culture and mental health services. Some have argued that African traditional medicine might be a more appropriate way to meet mental health needs in Africa. In some Asian countries like Pakistan, traditional healers are widely consulted for the treatment of depression.

One argument is that traditional medicine is more accessible and affordable than contemporary medicine. Patients find it easier to accept and this can be seen as an easy way out for governments in low and middle income countries that can’t provide other types of care.

But many Western medical professionals, even those in countries with a strong history of traditional medicine, have strong reservations. They don’t believe that such treatment has benefits.

(Via: https://theconversation.com/traditional-versus-contemporary-medicine-mental-illness-in-zimbabwe-82764)

People are also more inclined to try a more traditional approach to medicine especially when these practices are supported by their culture or religion. This is especially risky when dealing with mental health conditions as they aren’t easily treated by natural healing herbs or such. Others who are into holistic treatment also prefer alternative medicine since it encompasses the management of the mind, body, and spirit. It’s especially prevalent in nations or communities riddled with poverty, corruption, and violence where the majority are uneducated and don’t know any better.

Herbal medicines can cause kidney failure and liver damage in some consumers because they contain toxic chemicals or heavy metals, or react harmfully with other drugs, a study has found.

The finding comes from a paper published in the Medical Journal of Australia on Monday. Researchers led by the University of Adelaide reviewed the findings from 52 studies of herbal medicines and toxicology.

The lead author of the review, pathology professor Roger Byard, said the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) should require independent testing of herbal medicines before placing them on the market, and that legal action should be considered when products did not comply with regulations. The products should also be closely monitored once on the market, he said.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2017/feb/06/herbal-medicines-can-have-dangerous-side-effects-research-reveals)

The very nature of it being unregulated is already a big red flag for would-be buyers as nobody can really tell the components of these herbal medicines or the extent of its effects. It isn’t supported by sufficient clinical trials and studies that can ease our worries over potential side effects or adverse reactions. Those are just some of the valid reasons raised by medical experts regarding the pros and cons of supporting traditional medicine.

It does not ignore the fact, though, that there are many herbs and herbal treatments that have proven to be effective in nurturing and supporting human health but many have been just as bad. It’s the same with modern-day treatments. It is really hard to choose between the two. It all boils down to how you understand both treatment options and their impact on your health or condition. And of course, as much as possible try to consult with a medical provider that can assess your current condition and give his/her recommendations on the best course of treatment for you and you take it from there.

The following post The Dangers Of Traditional Medicine was originally seen on The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-dangers-of-traditional-medicine/

Women’s Sports In Trump’s America

The world of sports is not only a great way to stay fit and active but it can be a career for some too, especially the ones gifted with superior athletic abilities. It is also a lucrative industry that is racking in millions (even billions) of dollars not only in sports events and competitions but even in sports apparel, goods, and equipment. Men aren’t the only ones who excel in sports. Women who devote their time and effort in training for a specific sport can also become world-class athletes. There is even a special Olympics for the differently-abled that is also widely practiced now all over the world. Everyone has an interest for sports but only a handful succeeds and gets the coveted gold medal.

If you are an American woman athlete or whatever your nationality is, it is likely you may get discriminated by males or by the industry at large unless you have proven your worth by winning. But today, simply being a woman is an enough ground for discrimination. After all, we live in Trump’s America. And despite clearly winning the election, we are all aware about his penchant for airing his sentiments on Twitter and his other personal biases that are now reflecting on how he is leading the country to the unknown.

Hardly a month seems to go by without high-profile US athletes speaking out on non-sporting causes. Increasingly, the most passionate voices belong to women.

Take the recent basketball game between Seattle Storm and Chicago Sky. The team’s owners organised a pre-game rally in support of Planned Parenthood, the nonprofit that provides reproductive healthcare and whose funding is under perpetual attack from the Republican party and the Trump administration. Several players, including star Seattle forward Breanna Stewart, issued a video backing the event. The Sky centre Imani Boyette skipped warm up to attend.

It’s not that female athletes haven’t stood up for what they believe in before – just look what Venus Williams achieved for equal pay at Wimbledon. But as women’s sport grows in status and popularity, athletes’ activism – fuelled by social media – has taken off.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2017/jul/29/womens-sport-activism-and-political-protest-planned-parenthood)

Women now have a voice of their own. They can’t easily be silenced by other people and they’ll say whatever they have in mind in various platforms especially in social media that has become a favorite of many these days. The world may have changed but there are still some things that have remained the same and women can feel it (albeit subtly). It is still there. But fierce female athletes won’t let this pass without taking action especially when the government that should have their back fails to do its job.

Serena Williams says all women players "love" Andy Murray as he has "spoken up for women's rights and issues".

Murray's defence of his Wimbledon title came to an end at the hands of America's Sam Querrey in the quarter-finals on Wednesday.

In his post-match press conference, the 30-year-old was asked for his thoughts on Querrey, who was described by a reporter "as the first American to reach a Grand Slam semi-final since 2009".

However, Murray quickly corrected the questioner. "First male player," he shot back.

Williams, the winner of a record 23 Grand Slam singles titles - 12 of which have come since Andy Roddick was the last US man to make the semi-finals of a Slam at Wimbledon in 2009 - hailed Murray as a great champion of women's sport.

(Via: http://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/10948391/serena-williams-says-andy-murray-speaks-up-for-womens-rights)

Even high-profile women athletes are stepping up and fighting for women’s rights especially in sports and not let any more women be trampled further by domineering males or even of a society that remains to be sexist as ever. And under the leadership of an equally sexist president, the work is not yet over and women athletes have to speak up and fight for their rights because nobody else will do it for them.

For instance, younger and lesser known women athletes will feel motivated knowing that icons like the William sisters got their back. Now more than ever do they need to unite and show the world that they also deserve to be treated equally as their male counterparts and not as a lesser being. Sports are competitive enough but these are even more difficult times, so no amount of complacency is acceptable. Only female athletes understand what they go through, so they should make it clear to leaders the kind of treatment they demand to receive and not just accept whatever is given to them by others.

Women’s Sports In Trump’s America is courtesy of The IPAC Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/womens-sports-in-trumps-america/

Homebuilding Slump No More In San Diego

For quite some time now, the country has struggled in rebuilding America’s economy and saying it is more than just shaky until today is not at all far from the truth. Wherever you are in the nation, there is some sort of crisis felt by the people and many homeowners struggle the most in getting their acts together when jobs are closing and basic services aren't always given for free. Homes have become more expensive, which is actually good for existing homeowners but bad for prospective buyers as they can no longer afford to buy one for themselves and their families. And as such, people could not afford to build homes or buy ones because the cost of materials has skyrocketed and human labor does not cost cheap either.

However, it seems that business is picking up in San Diego where the construction of new homes has increased as of late. Other parts of the state and even of the country still suffer from the continued real estate slump but you can see some work in progress going around the San Diego area although not that much but definitely better than nothing. It sparks a ray of hope amidst San Diego locals despite the many factors making home building doubly harder like government barriers, a slowing market for rentals and houses, and land issues.

New home construction in San Diego County has picked up slightly but is still substantially down from the same time last year.

Building permits for all types of homes — condos, apartments and single-family homes — were down by 3 percent in the second quarter of 2017 compared to the second quarter in 2016, said a Real Estate Research Council report released Tuesday.

It is an improvement from the first three months that showed a 37 percent drop in residential permits, but not enough to make up for a slow start. In the first six months of 2017, the county has issued 17.5 percent fewer permits than the same time last year.

A lack of new homes pushes up prices because of fierce competition for a limited number of houses and condos. While higher home values are good for owners in most cases, it can make homeownership out of reach for many potential buyers.

(Via: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/sd-fi-building-permits-second-quarter-20170830-story.html)

The pattern will likely continue in the increasing requests for building permits especially for locals who do not mind going out of their way to commute each day to work and school from their new homes farther from the city noise. There are even new legislations on its way to hopefully address the housing problems that have been plaguing the entire state of California over the years as most people can’t afford to pay for housing.

“It’s really important now because we have a shortage of housing,” he said of the permits. “Rents are skyrocketing, single-family homes are skyrocketing. It’s just really expensive to live in San Diego and that’s hurting businesses because they are having a hard time attracting workers, and they need to pay them more so that increases labor costs.”

Gin also said building permits are a good leading indicator of the economy because so many jobs are affected, including real estate agents, construction workers and other people in the real estate industry. And new homeowners spend money on furniture and remodeling materials.

In June, there were 538 permits for single-family homes and more than 1,500 permits for multi-family (apartments and condos), said the U.S. Census Building Permits Survey.

(Via: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/real-estate/sd-fi-building-permits-usd-20170728-story.html)

The number of building permits issued by a local government is a good indicator in the field of real estate. If only a handful applies for such a permit, it means there aren’t enough homes to provide shelter to people thereby triggering a domino effect that will increase the cost of rent or prices of most homes. While the figures were better than ever in the first half of the year, industry experts can only tell for sure whether things have changed for good in San Diego if the numbers have picked up by the year’s end.

The following blog post Homebuilding Slump No More In San Diego is available on IPAction.org Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/homebuilding-slump-no-more-in-san-diego/

A Big Blow For Religion

Religion is at the very core of society – organized religion that is. It is even as powerful as the state. The church is even exempted by the state to pay taxes because of the separation of the powers of the two and the extent of the influence they have to society. Morality is still a big issue in our modern world, though. Some people can be so uptight when it comes to their religious beliefs and they would even give up their lives when necessary. That’s the case of religious extremists that eventually become terrorists. It’s probably the problem with the world today. Religion has been taken in the wrong context and interpreted however you like aside from being used to manipulate people to hurt others.

No wonder that even atheists openly attack organized religion in today’s world when it fails to uphold a strong sense of morality among the people and prevent the endless violence and persecution that sows hate and divisiveness among the people. If the church really wants to make a difference in this world, they can do so because they have the resources and the power to make a positive change in other people’s lives. But no, they don’t always act righteously. With all the money and assets of most churches, they can afford to save the homeless people from living on the streets and they can feed the hungry but they don’t and that is a problem most of us are noticing quite increasingly now.

Though the specific sect is never identified – the iconography and the late medieval time period suggest a generic Catholicism – the Church is the source of much of the misery depicted in the show, and is directly responsible for the inciting incident. When Castlevania opens, Dracula is a recluse living in voluntary exile. The skeletons on his front lawn indicate that he is still dangerous, but he does not present an imminent threat to the rest of Wallachia. His demon army is an outpouring of vengeful grief, summoned only after an unnamed Bishop accuses Dracula’s human wife, Lisa, of witchcraft and burns her at the stake for her alleged crimes.

In truth, the execution is the first hint at the show’s brazen anti-religiosity. Lisa is not a witch, but a compassionate doctor practicing modern medicine while attempting to kickstart the enlightenment. Unfortunately, the Church has established itself as the final authority on all matters both worldly and divine, and therefore tries to expunge chemistry, curiosity and anything else that would challenge its intellectual hegemony. The Church is portrayed as a political body that prioritizes fealty over service, rejecting anything that would benefit its citizens if it contradicts the existing dogma.

(Via: https://www.polygon.com/tv/2017/7/29/16062578/netflix-castlevania-religion-corruption-warren-ellis)

Even TV shows and movies subtly attack the church for failing to do its moral obligation of looking after its people and helping them lead moral and righteous lives. We don’t need to be perfect, we just need to be compassionate enough to help one another and put an end to all the violence. These shows actually have a point. They just show the reality many of us are too afraid to talk about out of fear of being persecuted and judged wrongly.

Religious people "cling" to certain beliefs in the face of evidence because those views are closely tied to their moral compasses, new studies have suggested.

Dogmatic individuals hold confidently to their faith even when contradicted by experts because those beliefs have "emotional resonance," researchers said.

In contrast, militant atheists struggle to see anything positive about religion because their brains are dominated by analytical thinking, scientists found.

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University in Ohio interviewed 900 religious and non-religious people in two studies examining personality characteristics that drive dogmatism.

(Via: https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/religious-people-beliefs-cling-contradict-evidence-facts-moral-compass-research-athiests-analytical-a7863446.html)

There are many times when religious individuals and the church have openly attacked others that question their beliefs and practices. No matter how legit the argument is, they choose to ignore and stand up for what they believe in even if they know it in their hearts that they are wrong. If the church truly symbolizes the house of God, they won’t just busy themselves in making themselves rich while the rest of humanity suffers. It’s no wonder why many people are starting to realize that religion isn’t their ticket to heaven when it can barely make itself useful in this world.

The following blog article A Big Blow For Religion is courtesy of IPacBlog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/a-big-blow-for-religion/

The Fight Against Climate Change

The planet is warming up at a scale never seen or experienced before. Changes are taking place at a rapid rate and they are not always a good one. The planet is definitely our home but it does not mean we are always safe from all the (raging) elements. There are times when natural weather systems act up and we end up on the losing end.  The truth is, human activities have triggered climate change. If you want proof, just simply take a look at the world around you. If you live in big cities, pollution is a common issue and there are fewer trees and plants as well as the land is utilized as residential, commercial, or even agricultural spaces. Even in rural areas, forests are going bald as illegal logging and mining are thriving more than ever.

While global warming and climate change have already arrived, it does not mean we can’t slow it down for our own sake (and safety). People die when Mother Nature runs amuck and properties get destroyed too not to mention our natural resources are fast depleting and they happen to be non-renewable too. It is easy to feel discouraged upon seeing the extent of the problem but that does not mean we should not do anything about it at all. Even in our own little ways, we can fight climate change by changing the way we live our lives one day at a time.

The greatest impact individuals can have in fighting climate change is to have one fewer child, according to a new study that identifies the most effective ways people can cut their carbon emissions.

The next best actions are selling your car, avoiding long flights, and eating a vegetarian diet. These reduce emissions many times more than common green activities, such as recycling, using low energy light bulbs or drying washing on a line. However, the high impact actions are rarely mentioned in government advice and school textbooks, researchers found.

Carbon emissions must fall to two tonnes of CO2 per person by 2050 to avoid severe global warming, but in the US and Australia emissions are currently 16 tonnes per person and in the UK seven tonnes. “That’s obviously a really big change and we wanted to show that individuals have an opportunity to be a part of that,” said Kimberly Nicholas, at Lund University in Sweden and one of the research team.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2017/jul/12/want-to-fight-climate-change-have-fewer-children)

The higher the population of the planet is, the more mouths there are that need feeding and the higher the demand as well for the world’s resources. Aside from that, more people generate more trash and the pollution level likewise increases most especially that of carbon emission. It actually makes sense to limit the world’s population and impose a one-child policy similar to what China has enforced years ago. Perhaps by limiting the number of children, a couple can have, climate change will not progress as swiftly as it does now.

“The Asia-Pacific is leading the way when it comes to building construction but energy efficiency standards are not keeping pace,” explained Dr. Jyuung-Shiauu Chern, lead shepherd of the Apec Energy Working Group. “Overall, we’re most concerned about increasing demand for cooling linked to rising temperatures.”

“We are taking new steps in Apec to help our member economies optimize local building codes needed to phase in more energy efficient projects. Improving these codes will ultimately reduce energy costs for residents and businesses while tackling emissions to fight climate change,” Dr. Chern said in a statement issued by Apec.

Energy consumption in buildings in developed economies is in many cases inefficient and wasteful due to continued use of outdated technologies and standards. Adding to concerns is the fact that building projects in developing economies are following suit.

(Via: http://business.inquirer.net/234028/designing-fight-climate-change)

It is everybody’s business to protect the environment. It is not just the government’s responsibility. After all, we all breathe the same air and live on the only planet that proves to be hospitable to human life. Are we seriously not going to take any action into salvaging what little is there left of the planet Earth if only for the sole purpose of the perpetuity of our kind? It’s true that climate change is a global issue and a difficult one to address at that but nothing is impossible if we all unite and help in the fight against climate change starting today.

The Fight Against Climate Change was originally seen on IPAction.org Blog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/the-fight-against-climate-change/

What It Takes To Be A Good Teacher

Teaching is perhaps the noblest of all professions. Whatever your career is, there are teachers that educate everyone about all the essentials to help us function at our best in whatever job we land after graduating. They’re the ones who teach us what we know of from an early age (aside from our parents) and help us better understand the various complexities of life. But not everyone is born to teach, it takes a real passion for teaching and the genuine desire to impart your knowledge to young minds hungry for new knowledge and skills.

You are perhaps wondering then what it takes to become a good teacher (if not the best)? And whether we like to admit it or not, teachers are instrumental in a student’s success or failure. But let’s face it that teachers alone aren’t the only ones who contribute to the child’s learning. The school itself, the rest of the faculty, the instructional materials, and the rest of the things that you can see within the four corners of the classroom and the school all influence a child’s education. But let us not ignore the fact either that teachers are at forefront of education and that they facilitate all aspect of a student’s learning from learning their ABCs until their post-graduate studies.

The key to successful education is to attract good teachers. We can try to do so by raising teachers’ salaries (as commonly advocated). But this strategy also seems to fail, partly because higher incomes go to both good teachers and bad, giving bad teachers as much incentive as good ones to become and remain teachers.

If not larger salaries, how about more rigorous screening? Every state requires that teachers be certified. Why not, then, just set higher certification standards for teachers so that we get better ones? This too sounds plainly right: just as we require doctors and lawyers to undergo specialized training and to pass examinations to qualify to practice, shouldn’t we make teachers do the same?

No. On the contrary. For two reasons. First, more stringent certification standards do little to keep out bad teachers. Second, such standards deter excellent prospects from entering teaching.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/omribenshahar/2017/07/21/teacher-certification-makes-public-school-education-worse-not-better/#3671e2b2730f)

Your personal and economic success relies greatly on a good and quality education. That is the reality of life. The US also gives importance to education since many American students now are performing poorly than students in other progressive countries on various tests. The teachers themselves lack the training, skills, and qualities of becoming a good and effective teacher. Many teachers actually prove they have mastery of the subjects they teach but lacking in their ability to aid and inspire students to learn whatever they need to succeed in later life and not simply pass the subject.

For all the noise, infighting and litigation over teacher evaluations and tenure, California currently has no definition for what a good teacher — or a bad one — looks like.

As one way to measure equity, the federal Every Student Succeeds Act requires that states report on whether disadvantaged students have a higher proportion of ineffective, out-of-field and inexperienced teachers than do their peers. But to report on that metric, the state needs to define, concretely, what an "ineffective" teacher looks like.

In materials prepared for Wednesday's meeting, the State Board of Education has proposed defining ineffective teachers as those who are improperly assigned or don't have full credentials. This language that mirrors the Local Control Funding Formula law, as well as a proposal from the California Teachers Assn. union. The definition would not include any measure of student performance, an omission that is drawing criticism from some.

(Via: http://www.latimes.com/local/education/la-essential-education-updates-southern-california-officials-proposed-1499818285-htmlstory.html)

It is quite alarming how the state of American education is deteriorating as modern life advances. Claims of under-qualified and ineffective teachers are everywhere and it is the students that eventually lose as they miss out on a chance to learn from the best. While the curriculum and the methodologies matter greatly, it is still the teacher’s delivery of the lessons that make a difference on how a student learn what they are supposed to know.

Making learning a fun activity helps a lot as students grasp classes better if they enjoy and learn at the same time. There is still room for improvement for teachers and they should not rest in enhancing what they already know because the times are changing and they must update themselves on what works in today’s world without sacrificing age-old principles that have shaped the world of education for the longest time.

The post What It Takes To Be A Good Teacher was first seen on IPacBlog

source https://ipaction.org/blog/what-it-takes-to-be-a-good-teacher/