Times have changed a lot that gays and lesbians no longer have to hide in the dark (or in the closet) anymore. Most of them are now free to express their gender choices and even cross-dress if they are confident enough. Those who are in relationships with one another even get to get married for real because some US states and countries now allow that to happen. Best of all, it is legal too. Indeed, the LGBT community is doing better now than they did before but underneath, problems still exist. Even though their lives are better now, there are still challenges that the LGBT community continues to face until now. LGBT activists speak up on behalf of the gay community to voice out their sentiments and ensure that the people in authority know about it and they can include such changes in the policies they make. While gays and lesbians live better now, some are still discriminated and had to endure some sort of violence (verbal or physical) now and then.
In some places in the US, serial killings of gays have flooded the news not long ago that it became a cause of alarm for the entire LGBT community. In far away places of Bangladesh and Nigeria, gay men are also being detained. Other similar cases are happening in various places all over the world that the LGBT community is calling for everyone to unite in the face of extreme and violent oppression and make their voices heard.
(Via: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/06/politics-lgbt-pride-resistance-trump-1/) Gay pride is no longer just a celebration but more of an opportunity to protest. It’s more than just being out and proud but fighting for their inherent human rights that the rest of humanity enjoys. However, like everything else, this is easier said than done especially if you live in America. With a president like Donald Trump, you can’t expect to live a normal life as a member of the LGBT community. He isn’t the type of person to support such causes and it is easy to see how disconnected he is from the gay community as a whole. In reality, these issues fail in comparison to the threats of war and terrorism that we all now face. However, it does not mean that they don’t have any bearing at all because we are still talking about people’s lives even if many people consider them queer. Nobody should be above anyone for we are all created equal. Of we only keep this in mind, there won’t be any problem achieving world peace at all for everyone regardless of their gender identity. Not A Good Time For LGBT Activists Find more on: KeatingEconomics.com Blog via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/not-a-good-time-for-lgbt-activists/
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We safely and comfortably live in our own little bubble until disaster strikes. By then, all our daily routine is put to a halt. The thoughts of school, work, and other life pursuits become insignificant. Whether in your home life or in businesses, it is always imperative to set up a business disaster recovery plan of sorts. You can’t just afford to be careless especially that many nations are at war and even Asia is not spared. The threat of an impending nuclear war remains because North Korea continues to hold its ground and resists being intimidated by many Western nations. And that is not the only issue we have that involves war or conflicts between Asian nations. Making such preparations is even more important if you own a business, big or small. Ensuring data is backed up, and servers can be recovered is key. There is a lot at stake and you can’t afford to lose a business you have grown from scratch. And considering that we use technology in almost all of the things we do, a disaster business plan similar to what many progressive Western countries have should also be considered by many Asian entrepreneurs because it is better to be safe than sorry, after all.
(Via: http://www.brinknews.com/asia/megacities-in-asia-responding-to-risks-securing-prosperity/) Moreover, the threat of natural calamities continues to be a constant threat to both individuals and businesses each year aside from armed conflict and terrorist activities. Add to that the dangers of global warming and climate change that has made these natural disasters worse and leave irreparable damage at times aside from claiming countless lives can make you lose your business in a snap.
(Via: https://www.mobileworldlive.com/asia/asia-news/gsma-outlines-key-steps-to-digital-future/) You wouldn’t want to start from scratch in the aftermath of a disaster or a nonsense war. Businesses need capital in order to work and you likely spent a great deal of your time, effort, and money in starting your business only to see it ravaged by calamities both natural and man-made because you didn’t have the foresight to prepare for it when you still had the time. While coming up with such a plan isn’t a walk in the park, it should not be ignored either or risk suffering big business losses you’ll be regretting for years. Computers are now the lifeline of businesses because most transactions have gone digital. The first thing that often suffers when computers are damaged is the hard drive, which happens to be where all your precious data is stored. https://sites.google.com/site/datarecoverychanel/ can help you come up with a disaster recovery plan, so you no longer have to go through the hassles of data recovery, which is the common issue faced by business owners in disaster-prone areas and war-torn nations. Always remember that disaster planning should be a part of your business’s operation procedures and not as a mere afterthought. That’s how you transform a small business into a mighty empire. The following post Threats Of War Trigger Planning For Asian Disaster Recovery See more on: Keating Economics Blog via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/threats-of-war-trigger-planning-for-asian-disaster-recovery/ Children are a vulnerable group. They rely on their parents and guardians for support. But their health and well-being suffer as more parents struggle to juggle work, home, and other responsibilities. As a result, kids are left to amuse themselves with their gadgets or watch television to pass time. Most kids also have to deal with the issues they face daily on their own since their parents are often not around to guide them or listen to their stories. We may take it for granted but neglecting children and not giving them the attention they need can make them more prone to different health issues. Both parent often works to provide for the family, so younger kids are usually left at daycare while older kids are free to do what they want, even engage in vices. Over time, it can lead to health and safety problems or even poor performance at school, worst, mental issues for those who have a hard time coping.
Moreover, child abuse issues are also on the rise, which is starting to alarm many. Cases of child abuse leave these children scarred for life.
Although rarely talked about, it is perhaps time to talk about children’s mental health because it is a growing threat to the community as suicide rates also keep on growing. Even people in authority who are supposed to offer help and support fail to do that. Hence, children take solace in their loneliness and feel even more depressed and suicidal.
(Via: http://www.bbc.com/news/education-39267193) Children all over the world, not just in the United States, experience bullying, harassment, and other forms of abuse that wreaks havoc with their mental health. Parents should step up and establish a warm and open relationship with their children right from the start so their kids grow up to be responsible, confident, and happy children who can take care of themselves in the outside world, even on their own. Health Issues Affecting Children was originally seen on https://www.keatingeconomics.com/ via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/health-issues-affecting-children/ To get ahead in life, it’s either you get lucky with business or in the lottery. You won’t get rich by just working a regular 9-5 job and we all know that by now. Competition in the workplace is tough and you can work for decades without getting the recognition you deserve. It’s the exact opposite of being an entrepreneur. In the business world, you reap what you sow. There are a lot of variables, though, but the bottom line is that you have the choice to keep moving forward or not. As an entrepreneur, you will take full responsibility for the decisions you make that pertains to your business. It’s that simple. No more passing on the blame to other people but be prepared to reap the rewards of your hard work too. With continued globalization and rapid technological advancements, always be on the lookout for opportunities and grab them as soon as you can. Even traditional businesses can’t continue to resist change when the portal used by all now is the Internet. That’s where everybody is – your customers. Countries like America and Europe may be first world nations but many Asian countries continue to enjoy upward growth as well despite the many issues with the global economy and lingering threats of war.
There is a big market waiting to be discovered in Asia. While there may be some limitations on countries like China, you can always find a way to make things work if you dream just big enough. However, that does not disregard the fact that poverty is a major issue in most Asian countries that should likewise be taken into consideration when putting up a small business of your own.
Small businesses drive growth and innovation in a lot of Asian countries and are big contributors when it comes to economic growth. Many Asian governments aspire to grow their economy because only then will they be able to distribute the nation’s wealth and support their citizen’s prosperity. Wealth can only be shared to all people of the land with economic success. And at the rate that businesses are sprouting all over Asia, it is no wonder that major key players in the international business arena are actively considering and pursuing business in Asia as well. You can explore Asia by flying with http://www.freedomairguam.com/. Technically a US territory, Guam is just a stone throw away from most Asian nations, so you’d feel at home touring the continent by flying with them. The world is getting smaller by the minute and whether you are in the US or somewhere in Asia does not matter because everyone will still mind their own business as they pursue their interests in life. What’s important is that you take all the necessary precautions and take calculated risks when dealing with setting up a small business of your own because you don’t want your money to go down the drain just like that because you failed to anticipate problems and solutions for them before it is too late. The following blog post The Future Is Here For Small Businesses in Asia is republished from www.keatingeconomics.com via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/the-future-is-here-for-small-businesses-in-asia/ Health care is a basic service that the government should provide to its citizens. Healthy citizens can function productively and help in improving the economy. The people are also less likely to succumb to diseases in case of outbreaks because their immune system can fight off the infection with ease. But over the years, health case costs are continually on the rise. Medicines, vaccines, and doctor checkups are becoming more expensive than ever. The big pharmaceutical companies continue to thrive as the health care system suffers from more budget cuts. Even health insurance has far less coverage but is more expensive than before. Now, what happens when disaster strikes, like an outbreak perhaps? Are the government and the various health institutions prepared for such a scenario? Will they be able to control it and prevent further cross contamination or will we witness a bloody end? It is a scary reality as bioterrorism remains to be a threat from enemies of the state. American citizens can also get infected during travels in affected areas throughout the globe.
(Via: http://www.cbsnews.com/news/study-says-world-underprepared-ebola-level-outbreaks/) In the event such an outbreak hits the U.S., will there be a large casualty? The answer is likely yes if the health care system does not receive the support and funding it needs from the government.
And the country’s population is also at risk of getting sick from the more common and widespread infections and diseases we have faced over the last few years.
(Via: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article137303703.html) Even medical professionals are worried about the long-term consequences of these drastic measures to the poorer citizens of the country who relies on the government for support.
(Via: http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/health-and-medicine/article137303703.html) It is too early to tell the effects of these policies being enforced by President Trump and the Congress. The health care system affects every single person in the country. People’s lives will be affected once the system can no longer provide the services they need because they do not have the money to fund it. The blog article Budget Cuts: Health Care Will Suffer In Case Of Outbreaks See more on: Keating Economics Blog via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/budget-cuts-health-care-will-suffer-in-case-of-outbreaks/ For most parents who aren’t wealthy enough, a good education is the only gift they can give their children to help them get ahead in life. With quality education comes better opportunities to succeed in life. It is why many will do their best to get a college degree despite the odds because most good companies won’t just hire anyone who isn't qualified for the job. The problem is that a good education does not come cheap. Aside from the hefty tuition fees, you also have to pay for other miscellaneous expenses that can accumulate over time. While you can go to school for free in public schools, parents who only want the best for their kids often opt to send them to private schools instead. And these days, going to public school may just be as costly as private schools without sufficient federal funding. Yes, it’s a big possibility looming on the horizon now and it is making many parents and students across the country worried sick.
(Via: http://www.al.com/news/index.ssf/2017/06/trumps_education_budget_diffic.html) K12 education will suffer the most with a 13% budget cut estimated at $60 million but the entire education system will get hit by these budget cuts. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos has a hard time defending why the need for all these budget cuts that will also affect federal funding for teacher support. If Trump wishes to push for these budget cuts, will he really be able to make America great again at the expense of many of his constituents? Even the “Forgiveness Program” will cease to exist, a program that urges graduates to work in the government so their student debt will be paid off after rendering ten years in service.
For those against this budget cut, they see this move as a way to promote for education privatization and the initial steps to entirely abandoning public education for good. It is a big problem for low-income families who can barely make both ends meet but still try their best to put their children to school. Even with the help of vouchers and support from the local government, they would still have a hard time doing so. These policies question the existence of public education in the first place. If Trump gets his way, he’d make people work hard for everything they get from the government even if it means sacrificing the quality of education young Americans gets. No More Budget For Quality Education Find more on: Keating Economics Blog via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/no-more-budget-for-quality-education/ Greed is so powerful it can make people forget about their sense of humanity more often than not. Many times we only think of ourselves, which is actually not a bad thing but problems arise once you start trampling on the rights of others as you protect your own. And corruption is a fine example of how greed gets the best of a person. You don’t have to go far to see corruption at work. Just look at the government and see public officials from the lowest to the highest position making the most of their positions for their benefit and not of the people. It is a sad reality that governments in most societies are riddled with corruption and it affects the delivery of basic services. The people suffer the most when their government leaders only preoccupy themselves on getting rich and not in really extending public service to the people who need help the most. Conflict and political unrest are not uncommon in such societies because people won’t just keep their mouths shut when they see their leaders not doing their job right.
(Via: http://www.justjared.com/2017/04/20/jennifer-lawrence-speaks-out-about-corrupt-government/) These corrupt government officials often ignore the needs of their people just to make more money from the people’s taxes and improve their personal lives. Some do it discreetly while others are so blatant in stealing money from the people.
The money these corrupt leaders steal can make a big difference to the lives of their constituents and the future of their country. Progressive nations make it a point to take care of their people but you’ll see millions of people living in poverty in countries ruled by corrupt leaders. They live in makeshift shanties on the side of the road, under the bridge, or any vacant lots where they can find shelter for a short while or for the long term. They aren’t protected from the elements and they often live for days without eating. If the government’s resources are used properly, they shouldn’t worry about food and shelter at the very least. Fortunately, it has become easier now to speak up against corruption and even public shame corrupt officials with the help of social media. One powerful post can touch people’s emotions and make your post go viral in an instant. While we often don’t have that much power to oust a public official from public office, raising awareness about their crimes can empower people and help them vote for the right person come next election. You’d seldom come across honorable leaders nowadays. Make sure to take voting seriously so that the right people are put into office and put a stop to corruption once and for all. Corruption Is The Leech That Kills Societies is available on https://www.keatingeconomics.com via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/corruption-is-the-leech-that-kills-societies/ International relations have been on the edge ever since the U.S. announced its travel ban that mostly affects citizens from most Middle East countries. President Trump delivered his promise of taking the country’s safety and security seriously by limiting the numbers of foreigners living in America, especially the ones coming from nations with known terroristic activities – in short, Muslims. The travel ban created such a buzz throughout the globe and people can’t help but voice out their own opinions. Overall, people are not happy and it is hurting U.S. international relations. Not only that, it also has a negative effect on a lot of U.S. tourism.
And truth be told, the damage has been done no matter how noble Trump’s intention may be and its aftermath can be felt over the years to come.
(Via: http://www.voanews.com/a/us-travel-restrictions-raise-job-worries-in-tourism-industry/3769595.html) The first travel ban may have been blocked in court but it will not stop President Trump from realizing his goals.
(Via: http://www.cnbc.com/2017/03/16/asian-travel-to-the-us-appears-uninterrupted--for-now.html) While the new administration is determined to prevent the access of foreigners from high-risk countries into the U.S., the threat is also palpable among citizens of the said banned nations who are already living in the United States. They may end up deported back home. Some of them seek refuge in the neighboring country of Canada while tension is still high in America.
(Via: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/2017/03/travel-ban-safe-place-170317054411606.html) It is hard to tell what the next few years in America will be like under the Trump administration. It is very likely that bridges will be burned and more tension will be felt both in and out of the country. But for now, maybe we should give the new president a chance. He only wants the best for our country and our people. If only he is guided on how to become a good president at the least to spare us from all these worries, it will definitely be appreciated by all. President Trump should always remember that he is now the leader of a powerful nation and everything he says or does will reflect America in general. The following blog post Foreigners Not Happy With The U.S. Travel Ban Read more on: https://www.keatingeconomics.com/ via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/foreigners-not-happy-with-the-u-s-travel-ban/ The new millennium opened up a plethora of opportunities to everyone who is gutsy and talented enough to get out of their comfort zones and embrace all the changes in this world. You are no longer restricted to having traditional 9-5 jobs. Now, the possibility of working from home is normal and you can earn as much as those with managerial positions in traditional businesses. What’s more, some of these home-based jobs can be done whenever you want as long as you get the job done. Aside from more technical positions that are very much in demand on the web, blogging has also evolved from being a past time to a real paying job. Social media and WordPress are platforms that enabled ordinary people to share their story to the world and earn money from it. Those who are gifted with words can turn this into a profitable hobby. Your new mantra in life now is “do something you love and you won’t work a single day in your life”.
There is a lot of potential on the web especially if you are among the first to discover it. Even now when there are far too many online bloggers you can barely remember their names, there is still a chance for you to make money from the stories you write. You’re not just limited to traditional pen and paper format but photos and videos make your blog more appealing and increase your followers over time.
Among the benefits of blogging include:
(Via: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gary-dekmezian/why-do-people-blog-the-be_b_8178624.html) Not only do blogs benefit the blogger themselves but even businesses that these blogs promote. Blogging is a great way to build your audience and followers, and of course, there is money where there are people, right? This is the new age version of advertising straight to the right market – the people who follow those blogs because the stories interest them.
At a fraction of the price, businesses can enjoy the same benefits of traditional advertising. Most people go online daily now, so you know you are doing the right thing when people start noticing your blog.
(Via: https://smallbiztrends.com/2016/10/benefits-of-blogging-small-business.html) This is the new age. Conventional wisdom does not usually apply because innovation is the name of the game. Blogging is just like that. This former hobby is now racking up mileage for businesses and money for entrepreneurs. Bloggers, too, don’t go home empty-handed. Aside from monetizing the blog, you can also enjoy a steady stream of freebies from businesses who wants you to feature their products on your next blog. So, it’s a win-win situation for any blogger after all. Blogging In The New Millenium Find more on: https://www.keatingeconomics.com/ via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/blogging-in-the-new-millenium/ The times are changing and many of us have a hard time coping with the demands of daily life. Social norms have also evolved, which has also affected gender roles. Depression is a rising health threat as the majority of the population feel that their efforts are not enough. We may all appear okay on the outside and post the good side of our days to social media but deep down we are hurting. The bad part about this is that many refuse to seek help even though it is obvious they are struggling on their own. Stress is a major precipitating factor to many of today’s health conditions. From anxiety attacks to epilepsy to cancer, we can all blame stress for putting us at a higher risk than before. And more recently, the experts also discovered the relation between mental illness and a predisposition to having a stroke later in life.
But why is that so? Why are we more predisposed to getting a stroke if we continually suffer from stress?
(Via: https://knowridge.com/2017/03/mental-illness-might-increase-stroke-risk-study-shows/) What’s even more surprising is that a person suffering from mental illness is at the highest risk of suffering from a stroke within the next couple of weeks after getting hospitalized.
(Via: http://www.webmd.com/stroke/news/20170223/study-links-psychiatric-disorders-to-stroke-risk#1) Health professionals say that even previous patients acknowledge the link between their stress levels and their stroke attack.
The takeaway is this:
The bottom line is that stress is a major factor in your mental health and the risk of having a stroke. Life may be tough for most of us but you can always adapt stress-busting practices for your own sanity. If you are clueless on how to relieve yourself of stress, a simple deep breathing exercise works wonder. Do not let yourself get carried away with your worries. Problems are only temporary. Help is available in case you need one. It may not be in the form of an expensive visit with a shrink, a friend whom you can talk to and provide support when you need one is just as good. Mental Illness Can Put You At Higher Risk of Stroke was originally published on KeatingEconomics.com via https://www.keatingeconomics.com/mental-illness-can-put-you-at-higher-risk-of-stroke/ |
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