Current Archives -

The History Of Covid-19

Article Editor on December 17, 2020

The COVID-19 is a Chinese coronavirus that began in a wet market in Wuhan, China in December 2019. In February the World Health Organization official gave this virus its name because of the crown-like spikes on its surfaces. It closely resembles the SARS virus that surfaced in 2002, but more deadly. Doctors like Cory Harow are always reading about the virus.

This is a virus that was common among animals and transmitted to humans. This virus at first was thought to only attack the upper respiratory system, but now we know it attacks the brain and other vital organs in the human body. The incubation period ranges from one to fourteen days. The most common symptoms emerge about 5 days after coming in contact with an infected person.

For the elderly, people with a weakened immune system, and people with underlying health issues this virus could be very serious and even deadly. It is worse for this group of people but as one knows, it has attack healthy people, sick people, those in nursing homes, the young, the old, and all nationalities.

Once humans are infected with COVID-19 they spread the virus to others by their droplets from a cough, sneeze, singing, talking, or handshake. The droplets enter one’s system thru the mouth, nose, or eyes. Lots of people are asymptomatic and are spreading the virus because one doesn’t know they have the virus. The virus can also be transmitted when an infected person touches a surface of some kind and someone comes along and touch that surface and then touch their mouth, nose, or eyes.

Some of the long term effects of this virus are blood clots, lingering heart problems, difficulty with cognitive functions, nerve pain, and extreme fatigue. These symptoms may linger for weeks and many times for months after being infected. There is so much that the experts have learned, are learning, and still a lot that is unknown about COVID-19.

The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO)are working together closely to help control this pandemic that has spread all over the world, in every continent. They are working with healthcare workers and their partners globally to learn all they can so they can assist countries, set up rapid response teams, and give them guidance on how to combat this deadly virus.

To help curb this epidemic stay at home as much as you can, wear a mask in public, social distance, and avoid gatherings. Also, wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available use hand sanitizer that has at least 60% alcohol to clean your hands. Regularly disinfect objects and surfaces that you or others touch frequently such as countertops, doorknobs, light switches, handles, phones, etc. Avoid poorly ventilated indoor spaces. According to Cory Harow, there is no treatment for this deadly virus but the good news is that now we have one approved vaccine in the United States and another one that should be approved in a few days.

Ryan Seacrest Explores Signs of our Current Times

Article Editor on July 22, 2020

Every period in history carries with it its own unique set of characteristics that set it apart from other times. Though this is always true, it does seem, to many, that our current time is especially packed with details that single it out. This has become a guiding topic of note in the recent work of Ryan Seacrest. As the radio and television host has continued his work to bring people access to topics of current importance, it was unavoidable that he’d touch on the specifics of the age in which we live. Below, we’ve taken an opportunity to highlight some of his efforts and shine a light on the unique nature of current world events.

Entertainment industry

Ryan Seacrest has been dubbed by some as the “Ultimate Hollywood Insider.” Through his work on shows like American Idol, On-Air With Ryan Seacrest, and Live with Kelly and Ryan, he has developed a reputation for being in the know on issues of importance within his industry. This has come, in part, from the constant contact he maintains with other entertainment professionals through friendships, professional events, and live interviews. Due to this high degree of knowledge, it makes sense that many of his insights would center around the entertainment industry itself, a topic of interest to large numbers of people around the world.

Of course, due to current quarantine guidelines related to the Covid-19 pandemic, the entertainment industry, like many other fields, has seen its status quo heavily upended. This is very apparent when it comes to the actual act of producing both film and television. These productions typically require a large number of people working behind the scenes to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Traditionally, production sets can include camera crews, lighting professionals, makeup artists, wardrobe designers, production designers, writers, directors, producers, on-set talent, and many other people working in tandem towards a common goal.

Clearly, these production paradigms are not able to exist within current quarantine guidelines which, in many areas, prohibit the gathering of large groups of people. While these guidelines might seem like they would make it nearly impossible to carry on with production at this time, many television shows have found ways to adapt to continue bringing their content to their fans. The radio host took some time recently to shine a light on these efforts in order to showcase how his industry is innovating to keep its work moving forward.

Bachelorette production

One show that has become a staple among American viewers in recent years is “The Bachelorette.” The reality tv show follows a main female contestant as she decides between a group of male contestants, selecting one for potential romantic interest. Though the show remains popular at present, it’s easy to see how such a program could be challenging to produce given present-day constraints. However, rather than let these constraints deter them, the show’s production team is getting creative in order to continue on with its mission.

In this case, the show has flown contestants out to the filming location in Palm Springs and is having them quarantine for two weeks to ensure all contestants are free of any signs of Covid-19. This will provide a controlled environment where production staff can then test contestants as they leave quarantine to ensure that they are safe to proceed to set. As a backup plan, the production team has also flown additional contestants to the location and is keeping them in quarantine as well. If one of the main contestants were to test positive for the virus, the production team plans to swap them out with one of the backup options.

This plan will also incorporate pared-down on-set production crews wherever possible, which has led some to wonder how the show will tackle the myriad of needs that go into typical production. Though it remains to be seen how this will unfold in practice, there is an assumption that the show will look a bit different than it has in years past in order to work within the constraints of its new reality. One aspect of the show that is likely to remain the same, however, is the “confessionals.” These economically shot interviews with contestants already work within the context of a pared-down crew, making them an ideal point of focus for the show as it seeks to push forward.

Broadcasting from home

Of course, Ryan Seacrest himself has continued his own shows throughout the quarantine so he also makes for a great case study as to how radio, film, and television productions can continue onward despite current constraints. The radio and television host has been recording from his home in Los Angeles, utilizing in-home equipment to broadcast with the same high-quality that fans have come to expect.

As one might expect, however, there are a fair amount of bumps in the road when transitioning to a new broadcasting setup, especially in the midst of the confusion that has accompanied aspects of the global pandemic. While this has caused a few on-air technical difficulties, it has also been the source of some light-hearted moments that have helped to provide levity during a time when many people are experiencing numerous challenges.

One such moment has come courtesy of an engineer that has been on hand to help the radio host with his technical setup, should he encounter any difficulties while broadcasting. The moment came during the recording of Live with Kelly and Ryan, when Kelly Ripa’s husband, Mark Consuelos, appeared in the background of her shot with his shirt off. That moment in itself was good for an on-air laugh, prompting Kelly to goad Ryan into taking off his shirt as well.

While the television host refused, his in-house engineer was happy to oblige. In a moment that is truly a sign of the times, the engineer flexed on-air, shirtless, while still wearing his mask. The turnabout gave Kelly a good laugh and had the engineer celebrating with a beer in recognition of his unique appearance on national television.

Giving interviews

While the television host is usually the one conducting interviews, he and his co-host, Kelly, recently appeared on Jimmy Kimmel Live! which gave another opportunity to see how the entertainment industry is evolving at present. The episode, which was guest hosted by Sebastian Maniscalco, featured the host quizzing Ryan Seacrest about his typical daily routine amidst all the changes that have been going on.

Seacrest gave a rundown of how he’ll usually wake up at 4:30 am in order to accommodate the disparate production schedule between his home on the West Coast and East Coast television realities. In order to support the demanding schedule, he joked that he’s careful to supplement with plenty of caffeine throughout his morning. The television host recounted that he’ll usually start with a tea before having a couple of cups of coffee and more tea if needed. He also noted that he has a green juice in the evenings, making some good-natured comments about the “fluid” nature of his diet these days.

Discussion during the interview also turned to the trials and tribulations of broadcasting television shows from home, with Kelly noting that internet usage is always a challenge. Since she has three to five adult children in the home at any given time, competition for the limited resource can be fierce. But, she joked, that the person on camera gets priority so she’s usually able to monopolize the internet while she’s filming.

Though the show’s future production schedule is still uncertain, the two television hosts did relay that there are preliminary plans in place for a return to in-studio filming. At the moment, the tentative plan is to return to these operations in September, though, like many other aspects of life these days, that plan is subject to change.

Back to school

On the topic of making plans for eventually exiting quarantine and resuming more normal activities, how and when to return to school has become a focus for parents around the world. Like the entertainment industry, many aspects of the educational experience moved to a virtual environment in the wake of stay at home restrictions. Though virtual classrooms were able to make the best of a difficult situation, many parents have reported a reduction in the quality of the learning experience for their kids, if for no other reason than the lack of focus that can accompany such a change.

As such, many parents and children are eagerly awaiting news of how a return to more traditional education methods will be accomplished. Though such a return is hotly anticipated by many, there is, of course, the ever-present need to so in a safe and responsible manner. How to do that has remained a question, but an emerging technology just may have an answer that can help. Ryan Seacrest and his co-hosts recently showcased the technology on their radio show.

The technology in question comes in the form of a lanyard that emits a warning when it comes within six feet of another lanyard. In practice, this would mean that if all the students at a school were wearing the new tech, they’d be able to be notified when they were within six feet of another student and could take corrective action to create enough space to effectively social distance.

Technology in practice

When discussing the technology on the show, the radio hosts debated the pros and cons of how the innovation might contribute to the ability of schools to resume teaching. The hosts agreed that it would likely be most effective with younger children, who may need more constant reminders of how much distance to keep between themselves and their classmates. This may be especially relevant at the beginning of the school year when students might be excited to see their friends and eager to reconnect.

The co-hosts did also discuss, however, how the technology only addresses some of the concerns that could crop up when considering a return to a traditional schooling environment. While classroom education could likely be conducted with students sitting six feet from each other, other activities that we consider normal for school life may prove more difficult. Recess, for instance, may not be feasible in its previous form under current social distancing guidelines.

Extracurricular activities represent another hurdle when it comes to the reintroduction of kids into their previously normal environments. For instance, many sports would likely be impossible to engage in while maintaining proper social distance between athletes. On this topic, the radio host gave the example of football, which requires a high degree of contact and would bring large groups of athletes within close proximity of each other. Another host mentioned that she was planning to keep her own children out of dance class for the foreseeable future, even though they were eager to return, since she couldn’t see a way that such an activity could be handled safely.

Levity in quarantine

Though the above concerns do loom for many people around the world as the future remains uncertain, many individuals are still finding plenty of reasons to laugh in their current circumstances. One example of this came from an interview Ryan Seacrest recently conducted with actress Tracee Ellis Ross. Star of the new film “The High Note,” Ross recounted a story that is all too relatable centered around toilet paper and the early days of quarantine.

“So when everything started, I usually keep a good stock, but I was like — We’ve got to get some toilet paper!” said Ross. “So on Amazon I ordered what looked like a 24-case of toilet paper and it took me 2 and half months to get it and it finally arrived. I’m not joking you, it was for a dollhouse. These teeny little rolls of toilet paper. I’ve never seen anything funnier.”

The story is all too relatable as toilet paper has become a major focus of many during their time at home. As more and more people stocked up on toilet paper during the beginning of that time, stores experienced massive shortages. When people then turned to the internet to make orders of toilet paper, plenty of stories emerged of people placing orders without noticing the fine print.

The radio host could relate to the predicament, stating that he too had had his own mixups when ordering items online. One example he gave was of an ice bucket he ordered that he was expecting to be able to hold a large number of items at once. However, when it arrived, he found the bucket was hilariously small. It barely fit a single water bottle. The actress could relate, also recounting an instance when she thought she was ordering a single packet of Jello but ended up with a 24-pack. The takeaway for both the host and actress was that they’d do well to read product descriptions more in-depth before placing an order, otherwise, you never know what could arrive.

This truth was underscored for the radio host when he recently ordered a red, white, and blue shirt online for use in conjunction with the fourth of July holiday. Though the shirt arrived in time for the festivities, the radio host had a surprise in store for himself. Having thought he had ordered a small or a medium, he opened his delivery to find that he had, in fact, ordered an extra small. He showcased his gaffe on-air, giving his co-host a laugh and proving that he had a sense of humor about it. It seems that the need for caution when placing online orders is ever-present in the radio host’s life.

Additional home-based activities

While talking with the radio host on the show, Ross also provided some additional relatable moments that fans were able to connect with. She spoke on the topic of her houseplants, which have become a welcome outlet for the pent-up energy many people are feeling while navigating stay at home orders.

On that last point, she showcased her handiwork on camera — a beautifully healthy fiddle leaf fig. The actress noted that she and the plant had become best friends and that she regularly engages it in conversation to pass her time at home. In return the plant had helped her unearth her latent aptitude for plant care, showing her that she did, indeed, have a green thumb. Though the plant was neglected prior to the quarantine, it has since thrived under her newfound abilities.

The actress also spent time on the show detailing her latest project, which is streaming on-demand. “The High Note” details the fast-paced world of the music scene in the entertainment industry. The release of the film serves as a welcome distraction for many looking to focus on events beyond their own homes.

The actress noted that the release could excel in this role, calling it a “feel-good movie.” “This is what it’s going to give you — some good music, some great fashion and some feel goods,” said Ross. “It’s a story about no matter the phase, the place, the time of your life, it’s never too late to go for your dreams.” A welcome message indeed as we all navigate a particularly turbulent moment in world history.

More about Ryan Seacrest at https://www.facebook.com/ryanseacrest/

Everyone is a Loser in the Undoing of the Iran Nuclear Deal

Jen Lambert on November 15, 2019

Months after United States President Donald Trump took office in 2017, he started to signal his intention to abandon the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, the so-called Iran Nuclear Deal implemented in 2015. By October 2017, Trump made his feelings officials by announcing that the U.S. would no longer be involved in the certification process, which follows evaluations by the International Atomic Energy Agency; since then, tensions between Iran and the U.S. have increased, and a fresh batch of economic sanctions have taken their toll on millions of cash-strapped Iranian families.

Since American and Iranian diplomatic relations are mostly adversarial, it was not surprising to learn that European Union leaders have voiced their concerns about Iran resuming uranium enrichment operations at Fordow, one of the most advanced nuclear plants in Iran, and we know this because of a recent inspection by the IAEA. While some geopolitical analysts have characterized this move by the Islamic Republic as being a bluff intended to upset the Trump administration, the fact remains that the enrichment of plutonium could be more than a provocation; it should be seen as a direct reprisal to U.S. policy.

It did not take long for the negative effects of the U.S. jilting the JCPOA to spread beyond the confines of Tehran and the District of Columbia. The Strait of Hormuz, a strategic waterway for transit of oil tankers, has become a flashpoint where ships are boarded, seized, and sabotaged. The Persian Gulf has once again become militarized, and there are proxy wars underway in Syria and Yemen, two Middle East countries where Iranian and American interests have interfered since the beginning.

Along with the U.S. dropping out of the JCPOA, a new and damaging round of economic sanctions have been imposed against Iran, and the greatest impact has been felt by millions of people trying to make a living in Iran. Authors such as Middle East Expert Amir Handjani have written about how Trump’s withdrawal from the JCPOA has mostly hurt the middle and low-income class in Iran, a country where wealth and income inequality have increased to the point of becoming a humanitarian concern.

It should be noted that the JCPOA is not completely dead. The intention of President Trump was not to jettison the Iran nuclear deal; in his mind, the U.S. was not getting what he calls “a good deal” from the JCPOA, and he believed that unilaterally dropping out of the program would force the Iranian government to renegotiate so that the White House would end up getting better terms. Not surprisingly, this move has largely backfired, and it has brought about economic and political losses for many of the parties involved.

The remaining parties in the JCPOA, the European Union, China, and Russia, have declared their intention to continue supporting the agreement, which is not an international treaty, but it is considered to be of great importance for maintaining a geopolitical balance in the Middle East. With impeachment proceedings underway in the U.S., there is a chance that the JCPOA can once again function as it should in the near future.

These Are the Most Reliable Cars, According to Experts

Jen Lambert on November 5, 2019

As more North American drivers become interested in electric vehicles, auto industry analysts are evaluating the dominant automakers in this segment for the purpose of establishing reliability models. As of 2019, Tesla Motors was the clear market leader in this segment, but reliability ratings published by Consumer Reports indicate that the flagship Tesla Model S has lost consistency in terms of how mechanically reliable it can be considered.

Reliability is one of the most important factors automakers seek to establish for the purpose of staying competitive. It takes at least a decade for automakers to develop into reliable brands, which means that Tesla still has plenty of room for improvement. Becoming known as a reliable auto brand is a difficult process, and losing this distinction can be as easy as rolling out a single model that can be described as a lemon.

Thankfully for drivers, reliability is something that has progressively improved over the years, but some models stand out as having been some of the most reliable in history. If you are shopping for used vehicles, auto experts recommend that you consider the following models:

Geo Prizm

When General Motors struck a partnership with Toyota in the mid-1980s, executives failed to make this a marketing point. From 1984 to 1988, the Chevy Nova was essentially a Toyota Corolla, and the same situation applied to the Pontiac Vibe from 2002 to 2010. The Geo Prizm may not have looked like a Corolla, but its engine, drivetrain and chassis were built the Toyota way. It is not surprising to learn that many Japanese-American drivers often scan classified ads in the hopes of finding an old Geo Prizm in fair condition. The only problem with this model is that GM skimped on the interior, which is not very comfortable and somewhat fragile.

Pre-1996 Volvo Models

The Volvo Group is not just an automaker; it has a long history of manufacturing military vehicles for the Swedish armed forces, and this design philosophy was applied from the 1960s until 1996. Quality, safety, and reliability were the hallmarks of Volvo passenger cars until the brand was acquired by other automakers. If you find a rear-wheel drive Volvo station wagon on sale, you should be able to thousands of miles out of it as long as you stick to a maintenance schedule.

Seventh Generation Toyota Corolla

Owners of classic Corollas like to rhapsodize about their cars being more reliable than old Sherman tanks, but auto industry analysts will tell you that Toyota really hit its stride in 1992; this is when executives decided to add size and weight to all models, but a more important decision was made in terms of quality production. Japanese automakers have always been masters of building reliable cars through efficient management, but starting with the E100 Corolla class, the sourcing and manufacturing processes were thoroughly revamped to perfection. In Europe, Corollas were sold as Toyota Sprinters, and their reliability made them highly sought-after by German drivers.

Women Authors to Celebrate This Women’s History Month

Bree on March 19, 2019

In honor of Women’s History Month, I’ve put this list of women authors that will inspire. Check out their books with strong female leads. These female protagonists take charge of their destiny. With courage and strength, these writers are creating stories that empower.

Debra Tash

In Debra Tash’s new book Last Call, Rebecca refuses to be another bystander as her freedoms are stripped away. This leading female character takes charge and starts a revolution. Last Call is a dystopian novel that warns us to be mindful of giving the government too much power.

Konni Granma

The Lonely Hearts Bar features Connie, a sharp, witty and wickedly talented student screenwriter. We follow Connie as she meets many important people in her life, all connected to a dusty old tavern outside of LA.

Yanique Beliard-Michel

Yanique’s memoir, Unique in America, will be released in April. The story of her growing up and coming to America packs a punch. Be inspired by her sacrifices, losses and strong will to provide the best life possible for her and her daughters. Pre order your copy and share in her triumph.

Barbara Morriss

Barbara Morriss specializes in mysterious love stories. Her latest novel, A Promise in Autumn releases soon. A Promise in Autumn is the struggle of a displaced Irish girl trying to find a sense of home. She falls in love with a protestant and wonders why her church does not recognize the marriage of two. Her resolve to be with the man she loves despite her the lack of support is inspiring.

Laurel Anne Hill

Laurel Anne Hill is a new up-and-coming young adult author. She has won numerous awards for her latest novel, The Engine Woman’s Light. This steampunk adventure follows a young woman as she discovers her destiny – to save the unwanted.

Laurie Finkelstein

Author Laurie doesn’t take life too seriously. Her novel, Next Therapist Please is loosely based off Laurie’s experiences, and you will see how her sense of humor and positive attitude has served her well. Laurie hopes to encourage other’s to break the stigma of mental illness, one laugh at a time.

Top reasons to get into rock climbing in 2019

Jen Lambert on October 6, 2018

High rock climbing and low down bouldering are being hailed as a ‘complete body workout’ by health experts. Then musculature of the entire body is put to the test when climbing up a rock wall or scuttling over a field of boulders. It’s true that cycling, running, swimming, and rowing , along with the usual tried and true gym workouts, will cover most areas of the human muscle system by using repetitive and consistent motions — but rock climbing mixes things up by making sudden imperative demands on different parts of the human body without any rhyme or reason that the brain can follow. This, in turn, increases the circulation of blood in the brain and ‘trains’ it to think outside of the box when it comes to physical activity.

And researchers are just finding out now that rock climbing is the best all around cardiovascular workout a person can get. Not to mention probably the least expensive and most pleasurable way to get it. Studies show that the irregular and unexpected movements of a rock climber increase his or her aerobic capability much more over a period of time than just a regular gym workout or even a series of marathons.

Perhaps the best part of all is that natural rock climbing can take place outdoors, far away from the madding crowd, which is a big boost for mental tranquility as well.

Cryptocurrency trading is becoming a profession

Jen Lambert on April 21, 2018

More and more people are joining the cryptocurrency industry with an aim of making quick money. As with every trading, cryptocurrency trading requires a thorough analysis of the market trends, proper research of what crypto to trade and when, patience to hold when the situation calls for it, and a high intuition instinct which can be in-born or acquired through appropriate continuous analysis of past and present events to form the basis of a predictable future trend.

Cryptocurrency trading comes with its fair share of risks with potential for great gains or huge losses. However, this can be minimized by treating this trade as one would any other profession.

Understanding the business

Today’s current lot of traders occupying this space are either the early adopters, the miners, the developers cum programmers or some very alert businessmen who had their ear to the ground on matters trade. It is this space that the professional hopes to occupy and make a heavy presence in.

Cryptocurrency came with its own language and vernacular which can be quite intimidating to any crypto newbie irrespective of how market savvy they might be. This is the first step – learn the language with its jargon. Trading involves buying and selling so an understanding of your wares is mandatory, in this case the crypto and trading platforms.

Crypto trading involves two processes. These are:-

Acquisition of base crypto currency which in this case is bitcoin by converting your fiat currency and if need be, converting bitcoin to alternative coins commonly referred to as altcoins.
Undertaking fundamental analysis and technical analysis. Fundamental analysis involves having timely information and its impact on the market so as to accurately predict the coin’s trend and make an apt decision. Technical analysis is finding certain patterns by studying charts which will provide crucial predictive information on the direction the coin is likely to take.

Consumer demand

Trading is made viable by the forces of supply and demand. While miners endeavor to do their bit to ensure there is continuous supply of crypto coins, the demand is created by consumers who have to put value in a product by way of trust and confidence in the product. Fortunately, the processes of creating bitcoins through the solving of complex mathematical puzzles and the hard-to-track-and-alter transactions have done just that – create a demand that supersedes supply.

The professional’s role in as far as consumer demands is concerned is to have a marked grasp about what triggers the pumps and dumps and how to take advantage of the situation.

Economics

Cryptocurrency is very prone to competition with innovative ideas popping up too frequently. A professional should be keen to follow these new developments which may cause consumers trends to shift.

To the professional, a monitoring of gains or losses made is crucial. This is done by valuing your crypto against the dollar. Secondly, to make a decision on increasing the coinage held, alternative coins should be valued against bitcoins and not dollars. A direct effect of crypto fluctuations is due to lack of enough market capitalization which is just a 0.00052 fraction of the world’s capitalization. This is quite negligible and causes prices to remain volatile.
Buying a dumped coin is feasible and cashing out as soon it is rises is prudent but the professional should determine when to do that. This is the concept of “buy low, sell high”.

Learn from others’ mistakes

It would be naïve to learn on your own time when we have so many examples of successful businessmen who have made it after fluking. Speculating should, however, be treated as a learning process to avoid falling into any pitfalls and unwarranted losses in the future. As Warren Buffet advises, learn from other people’s mistakes and you will minimize your losses. The saying that experience is the best teacher should not necessarily be your guiding phrase when dealing with cryptocurrency trading. Save time and money by avoiding what others did wrong.

Trading simulation

Because this is possible, it is advisable to start off trading using a trading simulator in all its aspects instead of doing so with actual money and standing the risk of losing it. This way you can detect all the loopholes that you would be likely to encounter in a real transaction and effectually learn how to avoid them during the actual trading. All the mistakes you make during simulation would translate into dollars in the actual trading thus the necessity to pass through this route.

Keeping a journal

It is not possible to be a master on all aspects of cryptocurrency. Keeping a journal on your trading activities for some time will give you an indicator of where your strengths lie and you can capitalize on these aspects to launch your trading career.

Trading psychology

One thing you will have to contend with when you launch out into a crypto trading career is the insinuation that if you can’t hold it, then you don’t own it. The fact is that crypto is a concept that is just gaining acceptance and not physical cash as we are used to having. A complete change of mindset has to take place to fully accept the currency as money like we do fiat currency.

It is also important to shut down emotions especially those of being a bit greedy. It is possible that we get into this trading out of a desire to get-rich-quick. It is however prudent to hoard expectations of losing not once but repeatedly even if not in succession. Losing is part of trading.

Fear is another psychological factor that can influence the way trading is conducted. This is especially true when there is a wave of some hyped up euphoria of a price pump. This fear is referred to as FOMO or Fear of Missing Out. Conversely, when the price plummets, fear may cause one to dispose before incurring more loses but that might just be ill advised as holding would be the sane way to operate.

In summary, it is no secret that many people are making cryptocurrency trading a profession just like many have on stock trading through stock exchange platforms. The basics to having an edge over the rest involves investing in education of this trading, developing the right mental attitude and being willing to take risks.

How to Make Your Tech Company More Efficient

Jen Lambert on April 12, 2018

For a tech business, innovation is essential. Only by providing the latest, forward-thinking products and services, can they hope to compete. This means securing the best talent and embracing new ideas.

There is one other area that could benefit tech companies: implementing new processes. This can make everyday tasks more efficient, boosting overall performance. As such, here are ways to make your tech business more efficient.

Review Processes

Firstly, improvements cannot be made without understanding the efficiency of current processes. Conducting a review will highlight any areas that require improvement, which in turn, will allow tech businesses to make changes where necessary.

Online Database

If employees regularly need to access information, build an online database. This will allow data to be accessed easily, from any location, whether in the office or in a meeting with clients. This has the potential to make tech business more efficient by saving time.

Utilise Automation

There are many processes that can be completed with little to no input from employees, through the use of automation. Consider which tasks can be automated as this could save valuable business hours, allowing employees to focus on core tasks.

Meeting Times

Meetings are important for tech business – they are a chance to impress clients and offer potential for growth. However, they can also be time consuming. Make them more effective by utilising video conferencing. This will reduce travel time and increase working hours.

Logistics Provider

Delivery is an important consideration for most tech businesses. Handling the process in-house can be expensive, both in terms of financial cost and business hours. Instead, a provider like InXpress offers quick invoicing, fast booking and convenient collection services.

Outsourcing

Every company has its strengths and weaknesses. For tech businesses, admin may be a struggle. As such, outsource to increase efficiency. Areas to consider may include accounting, data entry, customer service, marketing and HR.

Reduce Overheads

Efficiency means more than time. It also refers to money. To make your tech business more financial efficient, cut back where possible. You could hire instead of purchasing, go green by turning off equipment when not in use, or encourage telecommuting to reduce office size.

Increase Morale

A happier workforce is often a more productive one. There are many ways to increase morale in your tech business. This could include training so employees feel confident, reconfiguring office layout for better collaboration, or arranging socials to encourage better relationships.

Being efficient is vital for a tech business, as it can increase productivity, boost cash flow and ultimately, encourage growth. As such, try these tips to help your tech company.

Tony Kushner and Angels in America: An Artist-Activist in Action

Glimpse Team on January 10, 2017

Guest post by Paul Sukys

Some literary critics argue that the artist can no longer be content to simply create pleasing literary artifacts that exist only for their own sake. Such critics champion the activist writer who uses his or her art to reflect and perhaps even shape the social and cultural consciousness of a generation. On the other hand, the fact that certain artists are concerned with social issues does not relieve them of their responsibility toward their art. On the contrary, the artist-activist must pay close attention to his or her art or risk being labeled an agitator, or even worse, a fraud.

The split personality of the artist-activist has been actualized in a variety of different works. However, one of the most poignant contemporary settings for the presentation of this dramatic dual identity occurs within the chaotic universe of the AIDS crisis. One of the most celebrated of these literary works is the award winning, two part drama, Angels in America by Tony Kushner. This monumental work, which is set during the early days of the AIDS crisis, tells the story of that crisis from the perspectives of two persons with AIDS, plus several additional characters, all of whom share their bewilderment at the incomprehensible nature of the crisis and their struggle to cope with its chaotic implications. In Angels in America, Kushner has created a socially conscious play which dramatizes the plight of many persons with AIDS and compels the members of the audience to take notice of a problem they would just as soon, if not ignore, then certainly forget. Yet Kushner would not succeed in communicating this theme had the drama degenerated into a hard hitting polemic. Had he chosen the route of the polemicist, his voice might never have been heard (or at least not as loudly as it has been heard to date).

The play succeeds precisely because Kushner chooses not to abandon his art but to embrace it. This tact allows Kushner to create a believable central character who is more that an allegorical figure spouting philosophy as he “struts and frets his hour upon the stage.” The central character, Prior Walter, a former club designer, comes to life as a realistic hero lost within the chaotic world of the AIDS crisis. As a realistic hero, Prior acts very much like Camus’ hero, Meursault in The Stranger, as he, Prior, attempts to determine why he has been stricken with AIDS and condemned to the nightmare world that confronts every person with AIDS.

Prior, of course, unlike Meursault, is not trapped in a subjective world of irrational absurdity. Rather, he is immersed in a clearly identifiable, socio-historical moment. Prior is first and foremost a person with AIDS who must face the horrifying reality of his terrible affliction. To ignore or to downplay this crucial fact would be to dodge the central point of Kushner’s drama and would thus diminish its value. However, we must remember that Prior is also a victim of personal betrayal at the hands of his lover Louis Ironson, who abandons Prior in his hour of greatest need. The strategic addition of Louis to the plot, complete with its own set of emotional and social problems, transforms Prior’s crisis from a socioeconomic drama into one of deep personal loss. Prior can, in this way, be seen not only as an incarnation of social and historical forces that have converged at a particular existential moment in time, but also as an individual with whom the audience can identify and about whom the audience cares.

However, it would be a mistake to see Kushner’s addition of Louis and the abandonment of Prior as simple devices to trick the audience into identifying with Prior. To interpret that play in this way would be to overlook the subtle genius of Kushner’s art and would, quite frankly, demean the personality of Prior, whose quiet dignity makes him one of the most attractive and sympathetic characters to appear on the American stage in recent memory. No, Kushner is not involved in mere plot manipulation here. Rather, he has compelled the audience to understand that historical and social forces can make each of us act in ways that are either admirable or despicable, depending on our own inner character. The social and historical forces within the play do not deprive Prior and Louis of their ability to act freely. However, neither can these forces be ignored. Both Prior and Louis act within the context of the crushing events of the AIDS crisis, a crisis made worse by a society that refused to respond to the crisis in a timely and effective fashion. In this way, each of us is like Prior and Louis.

What Kushner has dramatized so effectively is that freedom is not a right as much as a privilege that we are permitted to exercise with few restrictions. We are free, for instance, to walk through the park on sunny day unimpeded, save for the occasional “keep of the grass” sign. We are free to do this day after day, until that one day when a jogger in front of us collides with a biker and is seriously injured. At that precise moment, our freedom evaporates and we are obliged to help a fellow human being in distress. What is more, we all know intuitively that this is the case. Of course, even then we still have the practical freedom to walk on by; however, and this is the point, that practical freedom has been superseded by the moral responsibility to help. Sure, we can still walk on by, but to do so abuses the privilege to act freely and marks that action as immoral, no matter how we try to convince ourselves otherwise.

The success of Kushner’s play lies within his ability to dramatize that moment of choice within the context of the AIDS crisis. Louis has been walking through the park unimpeded for years and when, at the precise moment when he witnesses the horrible collision that plunges his companion into chaos, he chooses to walk on by. In this way Kushner places the humanity of the audience in touch with the humanity of the person with AIDS, as well as the humanity of those who have “walked on by.” At the same time, the audience is acutely aware of the socio-historical context of the play and is thus conscious of how human nature is shaped by and responds to that historical moment. Thus, Kushner’s play is both immersed within the historical moment and sufficiently distanced from it. This dual image compels the audience to examine critically the cultural matrix from which the events emerge, while never losing sight of the knowledge of how they as individuals would have acted had they been on that stage and in that moment.

8 places you’ve got to visit in Australia

Glimpse Team on April 10, 2015

8 places you’ve got to visit in Australia:

Given the length of the plane ride, it is essential to make any trip to Australia worth your while. Thankfully Australia has a plethora of sights, sounds and experiences for travellers of all ages to enjoy. Whilst it would be impossible for you to take them all in in one trip, there are some things which simply cannot be missed. Here are eight spots you have got to visit in Australia:

Sydney

Climb the Sydney harbour bridge, take in an opera at that little known opera house, or if you’re lucky enough to be there for New Year’s Eve, be sure to take in the spectacular fireworks display.

Melbourne

Melbourne is home to the Crown Casino and Entertainment Complex which is the largest casino complex in the Southern Hemisphere; with Blackjack, Craps, Poker and Roulette on offer you will want to practice before you get there and play online games at Euro Palace to increase your chance of success! Or if you’re around in January, you might want to grab some tickets to the Australian Open, one of the four tennis grand slams.

Byron Bay

Known for its beaches which are perfect for surfing, Byron Bay is also a good spot for whale watching and is a popular resort for tourists and backpackers. It is the perfect location to top up your tan!

The Great Barrier Reef

See the incredible wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef. The biodiversity in this region has to be seen to be believed. It is the largest coral reef in the world and is home to the Flatback Turtle, Salt Water Crocodile and Indo-Pacific Humpback Dolphin. It is the perfect place to enjoy scuba diving or snorkelling if you’re feeling particularly adventurous.

Uluru (Ayre’s Rock)

At 348 metres high and a 9km circumference, Uluru (also known as Ayre’s Rock) is an impressive sight to behold. It is the world’s largest monolith, and its sandstone changes colour depending on the time of day from a light brown to a deep red.

Kakadu National Park

Kakadu National Park is a protected region, approximately 171km southeast of Darwin. There is so much nature and history in the area, it is a perfect place for wildlife lovers to visit.

Great Ocean Road

The Great Ocean Road is 243km along the south-eastern coast of Australia from Torquay and Allansford. There are lots of activities and sights to stop off of on the road, such as the Twelve Apostles, making it an ideal route for a road trip.

Tasmania

Known as the ‘Natural State’, Tasmania is a truly unspoiled natural beauty. It is the perfect place to go for walks to appreciate the landscape, and Cradle Mountain is well worth a visit. Whilst you’re there, be sure to keep an eye out for Possums, Wallabies and Pademelons!