If there’s one thing that defines today’s era, it is the dominance of technology especially that of the Internet. As the web continues to flourish, platforms like social media became household’s name all over the world. Even countries plagued by poverty have room for social media in their lives. It has even become an addiction for many who can’t last a day without tinkering with their smart gadgets and browsing their social media news feed not to mention posting their latest selfie for the day. Aside from the rise of technology, one thing that has captured our attention for years now is the spread of terrorism in various parts of the globe. These religious extremists are often Muslim rebels who cause havoc and terror using their religion as a lame excuse. Millions have died and been displaced because war continues to ravage countries like Syria, for instance. For people living far from the war-zone, we wonder how we can put an end to terrorism without necessarily fighting these extremists in actual combat. Is it possible to use today’s technology against them?
(Via: http://www.abc.net.au/worldtoday/content/2016/s4692415.htm) There’s now such a thing as online extremism. It’s actually how the terrorists themselves recruit new Jihadist fighters from far-away nations like in Southeast Asia where the Islamic State seemed to have a growing list of supporters fighting for them and brazenly raising their flags to insult the government. If they can use technology to their advantage, we can certainly make it work for us too to possibly put an end to the threats of terrorism once and for all.
(Via: https://www.reuters.com/article/us-internet-extremism-idUSKBN19H20A) Facebook already started with this initiative after being pressured by politicians to remove extremist propaganda used by Jihadists in the online recruitment of new members. It was shortly followed by Google that likewise removed violent terrorist posts on Youtube. Then, Twitter accounts that promoted terrorism was also suspended in an attempt to cripple terrorist propaganda and prevent them from orchestrating more terror attacks that target innocent civilians. This counter-terrorism forum will make social media technology unfriendly to extremist groups, so they lose a cost-effective and efficient platform to reach out to twisted people like them. The forum will also adapt to the changes in terrorist activity especially that terrorists will eventually find another way to communicate with one another outside of these social media channels. Many are hoping that this move can significantly impact terror groups, so they have fewer resources to plan their terror attacks and commit violent crimes against humanity. The post Social Media’s Fight Against Terrorism was first published on The SoulVisual Blog via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/social-medias-fight-against-terrorism/
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China is the second biggest economy in the world next to that of America. Despite being clouded in mystery and remained in isolation until several decades ago, the Chinese were able to catch up fast with the rest of the world and become a force to reckon with that it is today. Not only does China have one of the biggest land space and highest population on the planet, many of the products sold in other countries are actually “Made in China” too. The Chinese definitely are competitive and they don’t stop just by being a big economic giant. They continue with their quest to develop innovative technologies that can make a big impact on human lives someday. And knowing that computers are at the heart of any technology, China has just recently launched the fastest supercomputer in the world that only uses local chip technology and even hardware (semiconductors). The decision to use and create exclusive Chinese materials is partly influenced by the US move to ban the exportation of high-performance computing chips to the Chinese just the previous year.
(Via: http://english.eastday.com/Business/u1ai8573069.html) Supercomputers are actually vital in carrying out scientific researches and in promoting national safety and security and often perform a variety of tasks that only a supercomputer is capable of doing. It can even be an effective medium to finally address cybersecurity issues, nuclear technology, and other big data applications – sensitive yet timely issues faced by our modern world today.
(Via: http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20170621-meet-the-worlds-most-powerful-computer) The Chinese government is steadfast in its efforts to end reliance on foreign or imported technology and develop their own ideas and innovations using materials designed and created by the Chinese themselves. Not only will they be able to customize the materials they need but likewise reduce costs since everything will be done locally. While the US initially tried to bully China by denying it of access to resources they need to pursue their tech ambitions because of allegations of nuclear testing activities, the Chinese were quick to get back on their feet. And now, it seems that their move actually backfired on them as China is taking the lead in the field of supercomputers and have learned to be independent of Western influence in procuring needed materials like computer chips, etc. The US is not even close to creating a technology nearly similar to what China has accomplished so far. Everyone in the tech world is quite impressed with this latest Chinese supercomputer that is also followed by another Chinese supercomputer in the second lead. The US has a lot to catch up on and by the time they do finally catch up, the Chinese could possibly develop a far more superior technology that equals no other. Chinese Supercomputers Wow The World was initially published to https://www.soulvisual.com/blog via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/chinese-supercomputers-wow-the-world/ Casinos have been around for years as the wealthy and the elite’s way of destressing and unwinding that often also involves a lot of cash. Ordinary people can’t easily step inside these posh casinos if they don’t have the cash to burn. It’s like an adult playground for adults who can afford to pay the hefty price of admission and of the pricey chips too. Casinos basically exist because of the various games of chance and the lavish hotels, posh shopping centers, lighted fountains, entertaining musical shows, etc. are just additional features that help in attracting people to come and make the gamble of their lives. Only a handful of patrons come out rich from casinos. Most people lose a lot of money, even millions, and they would keep on coming back for the chance to win their lost money back. The casino or the house is the only sure-fire winner in every game because of their statistical advantage that is known as “vig” or the rake but it all depends on what game is played and how much the bets are. Big spenders are given comps or free goods or services that can be anywhere from free hotel rooms, show tickets, dinner, limo service, etc. as a reward. The casino façade itself is often mind-blowing with famous replicas of global landmarks that make for picture-perfect locations for people who want to have a good time.
Casinos make big money, bigger than other industries out there. It seems to keep on flourishing despite the fluctuations in the economy and problems faced by many traditional businesses both big and small. And Europe is set to enjoy a bigger gambling playground once the casino resort in Cyprus becomes a reality. It’s the perfect location for any year-round getaway because it is not just a casino but a resort with many other amazing attractions that the entire family can enjoy.
This new European attraction is a big gamble in itself as the industry faces fewer patrons from the majority of the younger generations (Millennials) while their loyal patrons are all aging and becoming more sickly to come out at night and play. Casino owners are trying to find ways to lure people back to play at the tables and slot machines. The new casino in Cyprus is expected to bring some new energy back into the dying industry and invite more people to give gambling a chance while at the same time having the time of their lives in this big and lavish resort. The post Cyprus: New Home To Europe’s Largest Casino is available on www.soulvisual.com via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/cyprus-new-home-to-europes-largest-casino/ It is as if we are not facing enough problems today but the growing threat of dwindling energy resources is something we can’t just put off any longer. Efforts to fund and transition to the use of more environment-friendly power sources should be put into effect right now while we still have a lot of time on our hands. It may be costly and require a lot of work but we should look into these options now before we face a crisis in our midst that we won’t be able to handle. The most logical solution to this energy issue is to tap into renewable energy resources. The funny thing about this somewhat lapse of judgment on our part is that our ancestors have been using them since the beginning of time we all wonder where humanity has gone wrong through the years. The sun, the wind, and the water have fueled ancient civilizations of the distant past but why can’t all of us follow their lead? Man is still to blame.
And outrageous laws like this make the transition from fossil fuel to renewable energy like solar power an unpleasant thought for many consumers throughout the globe. It is as if the actual work itself in equipping a home or institution with solar panel isn’t challenging enough. Mind you, solar panels are expensive too and consumers should receive incentives for making such an environment-friendly move to harness solar power instead of getting penalized with hefty tax increases.
If the government does not appreciate your efforts, Mother Nature does. Take advantage of lower prices for these panels now and lower your home’s energy consumption and carbon footprint in the process.
No matter how much progress states like California and New York had made in increasing solar energy use, it may take a sharp blow from the government itself with budget cuts in different sectors that President Trump does not consider important.
(Via: http://www.vox.com/energy-and-environment/2017/3/16/14943826/trump-budget-proposal-climate-change) The world is suffering because of man’s neglect. We abuse many of its resources for years now and it is high time we start taking measures to protect and save it from further harm and degradation. Over time, it is us who will suffer once nature unleashes its fury on us as global warming and climate change intensifies the effect of common calamities like drought, hurricanes, flooding and more. Installing solar roof panels may be insignificant for some because it just augments your household energy needs but its benefits can be enjoyed over time. We have to think of the bigger picture. Let us preserve the planet we now have for the benefit of the future generations. The following blog post The Struggles Of Going Solar is available on SoulVisual via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/the-struggles-of-going-solar/ A parent’s life changes once kids come into the picture. It is no longer just about yourself but about that cute and tiny human being whose entire life now depends on you. Your kid becomes the center of your world and you try to parent the child the best way you know how. While most households are made up of a father, a mother, and the kids, many families right now are led by single parents. Divorce is no longer as controversial as it once was but just as traumatic for any child. But parents must learn to set aside their differences if they truly love their child and will put his / her best interest in mind. Co-parenting is not easy. It means you have to deal with (or even be friends with) the person who used to be your lover but became your worst enemy (most likely). You have no choice but to do that for the sake of your child.
Children will often hide their feelings and lie to adults when asked how they feel about their parent’s divorce.
That just goes to show how affected kids are in the case of a divorce. Parents should swallow their pride and not deprive their kids of a chance to spend time with the other parent no matter how hard it may be.
Regardless of how the relationship ended, both parents must make an effort to co-parent for the child’s sake. While mothers often get custody, a child’s relationship with his/ her father can also determine how well the child turns up in life.
(Via: http://www.lifezette.com/momzette/shared-parenting-after-divorce-gains-new-attention/) Children will grow up according to how they are raised. And how a child turns up as an adult is a shared responsibility between both parents even though they have already parted ways. A lot of conflict among the teens and young adults right now could have been avoided if their parents were able to establish a healthy and close relationship with them as a child. Divorce shouldn’t have stopped them from being good parents and role models to their children. The post Co-Parenting After Divorce was initially published on SoulVisual via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/co-parenting-after-divorce/ The world is far from perfect and this social injustice makes living in an imperfect world doubly harder. Simply surviving is not that easy because it is a challenge to even afford food, shelter, and even an education for many people in the world today. And things become even more difficult in the face of disaster when people lose everything that is familiar in their lives – their home, personal belongings, and even personal space where they can relax and feel comfortable. One of the worst things humans can face is a fire accident. They say it’s better for you to be robbed 10 times but not be ravaged by fire not even once because you’ll lose everything important to you in a snap. That’s how disastrous fires can be. The most controversial fire-related incident that happened lately is that of the Grenfell Tower in London. It was just several weeks ago when the 24-floor residential tower was ravaged by fire and eventually displaced several families and killed 79 unfortunate individuals. It’s a good thing that help came fast. The survivors received all sorts of help in the various drop off points when many of London’s communities united to support everyone affected by this terrible disaster. Even religious and preservation organizations stepped up and offered support despite the differences in their beliefs and traditions.
(Via: http://www.cityam.com/267376/charities-assisting-grenfell-tower-receive-extra-funds) The victims chose from various items of clothing, food, toiletries, etc. on the streets given by generous and compassionate people to help them rebuild their lives. Many charitable institutions and NGOs were among the first to offer support and the victims will be receiving even more monetary help from the government.
These charities have set up various ways to collect fund and continues to encourage people to donate. Many heeded the call and came with loads and loads of food and clothing soon after the incident happened but weeks after, they say that it’s better for the public to donate in cash because it can make a big difference as the victims start anew. Each family is also set to receive £20,000 in cash courtesy of the government to help them turn a new chapter in their lives and no longer feel like the helpless homeless people that they are ever since the fire broke out - £10,000 of which is to be given right away for those who sustained injuries and the other half to help them start a new life. Charity Floods Grenfell Tower Victims is available on SoulVisual.com Blog via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/charity-floods-grenfell-tower-victims/ People are born with autism. And for years now, only palliative management is offered to autistic patients. There is no known treatment for it yet. However, the experts continue their research in finding the best management for autism and help them lead normal lives. And we don’t even have to look far. The legalization of medical cannabis is a hot topic in and out of the Congress. Legislations are being passed or not by various state legislators as to whether or not medical marijuana will be legalized in their respective states. But many already resort to cannabis use under the radar especially to those patients who are desperate for a cure with or without the go signal of their doctors. And now, autistic patients can benefit from it too.
(Via: http://edition.cnn.com/2017/03/21/health/autism-injury-deaths-study/) We can never tell which pregnancy can lead to autism. Autistic people require more intensive caring as most have a hard time doing activities of daily living such as self-care, which makes living with one even more challenging. So, you can’t blame families caring for an autistic child/ person to explore their options – even that of the uncharted path.
(Via: http://times-herald.com/news/2017/03/cannabis-oil-expansion-approved-in-legislature) Although still lacking in sufficient trials and studies, the use of medical cannabis show some promise in treating people diagnosed with autism.
(Via: https://www1.cbn.com/cbnnews/health/2017/march/see-why-these-christian-moms-want-their-kids-on-pot) Desperate times call for desperate measures. Families with autistic children will move mountains to help them overcome their autistic tendencies and give them a chance to live like a normal person. And you can’t blame them if they try novel concepts like medical marijuana because most conservative autism treatments failed. All the circumstantial evidence that prove medical cannabis can help with autism is enough for many to give it a shot. After all, they won’t lose anything. And if they get lucky, medical cannabis might also work for them as it did for many other people who vouch for it. The post How Can Cannabis Help People With Autism? is republished from SoulVisual via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/how-can-cannabis-help-people-with-autism/ While most homes and industries rely on good old electricity for power, a good number of people are taking initiatives to harness the power of renewable power sources (e.g. the sun, the wind, and the water). While most can be used for free, you may need to shell out some money at first to ensure your home can convert these energy sources into usable power. With the continually rising costs of energy and the fear that fossil fuels will eventually run out, it makes perfect sense to tap into other energy sources like the sun to fuel our electrical needs, whether at home or at work. And solar power is the perfect energy alternative for a city like San Diego that enjoys the sunshine all year round.
The experts may have their doubts as to how long this solar power demand will keep on going up, but for now, the numbers look pretty promising.
(Via: http://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/business/energy-green/sd-fi-solar-growth-20161201-story.html) Even schools are now equipped with solar panels for an efficient use of solar energy while educating the country’s youth without harming the environment.
And San Diego is one of the major cities in the U.S. that has spearheaded this solar campaign with much success over the years. More San Diego roofs are now equipped with solar panels to harness the energy from the sun that has been there all along.
(Via: https://www.proudgreenbuilding.com/news/san-diego-school-district-to-add-solar-at-24-sites/) If there is any trend we can be proud of, it is the use of this planet’s renewable resources. Our population keeps on growing and we need to look for an energy source that won’t dwindle over the years. It is the type of investment everyone should be investing in because the payback is more than two-folds the investment. In the end, it is also a great way to help the environment and lessen the abuse it has to endure as technology progresses and the human need for energy is growing. The post San Diego Turns To Solar Energy For Power Read more on: www.soulvisual.com via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/san-diego-turns-to-solar-energy-for-power/ Technology progresses quickly. The hottest computer or smartphone now will be obsolete a few years from now. So, it is not surprising to learn that experts predict the future of quantum computing. Although not yet available for public use, quantum computers are already accessible to a select few for further research and testing. They should also help with data issues. Present-day computers are only but a shadow of what quantum computer can offer mankind. We can finally be free of the many technological limitations that we face each day. Think of artificial intelligence – it is just one of the things you can associate with quantum computing. But is it the only way to go for everyone? How sure are we that our lives will improve and prosper once quantum computing takes over the world?
Quantum computing does sound tempting and perhaps can truly benefit people in ways that we can only dream of. And many are really excited for quantum computing to hit the market. Our lives will surely change – although it is too early to tell whether those changes will be for the good or bad.
(Via: https://futurism.com/a-quantum-computing-startup-plans-to-push-the-tech-faster-than-ever/) Computer experts can’t contain their excitement over quantum computers and for good reason. And best of all, we don’t even have to wait a lifetime for it.
(Via: http://www.nature.com/news/commercialize-quantum-technologies-in-five-years-1.21583) The experts are gearing up to fixing all the glitches before the quantum big reveal. In five years’ time, we can get a hold of our own quantum computers at home and we’ll see for ourselves what all the fuss is about. Until then, we can only imagine how life will be like with quantum computers in our midst. The Future Lies With Quantum Computing was initially seen on SoulVisual Blog via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/the-future-lies-with-quantum-computing/ Travel is expensive. It is a given. It is also the first stumbling block everyone should overcome when they decide to go somewhere new – near or far. Money can make or break any of your travel plans, so preparation is the key. Start saving money as early as possible and set aside a travel fund that is strictly for travel only. Make sure your travel plans include the budget for your plane flight, accommodation, food, and pocket money. But of course, it should be a given that you already prepared for the right set of clothing and shoes including pocket-sized toiletries well ahead of time.
(Via: http://www.uloop.com/news/view.php/230536/5-Things-First-Time-Travelers-on-a-Budget-Need-to-Know) Do not be afraid to travel as far away as you can manage as long as you have prepared for it. Planning ahead of time can help you save money, time and effort, so you have nothing left to do but to enjoy the experience and create lots of wonderful memories of your trip.
Another great way to help you travel on a budget is to pack only the bare necessities, so you don’t have to worry about paying for (expensive) excess baggage.
(Via: https://money.good.is/articles/money-saving-world-travel-tips) And when possible, travel to a certain destination during off-peak seasons so ticket prices are low and the place is not that crowded.
(Via: http://www.reviewjournal.com/life/travel/7-travel-expenses-you-can-easily-avoid) Traveling has its pros and cons but as long as you know what you want and make preparations months ahead, it is possible to realize that dream vacation of yours. Sticking to a budget may be a bummer for some but that’s real life. Most of us aren’t made of money and just being able to travel (especially abroad) is a blessing in itself. Take these tips to (mind and) heart and you’ll no longer be stressed all the time you are on the road. Not all the time everything you planned will happen as it is, so give yourself a break and make the most of your vacation. Looking back you’ll realize that those little surprises are what stands out the most in your memories and you won’t have it any other way. Traveling on a Budget Read more on: SoulVisual.com via https://www.soulvisual.com/blog/traveling-on-a-budget/ |
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