Canada’s Stand On Cannabis Legalization

Times have changed and there are many things that used to be taboo that are now more widely accepted by the public. It is but expected as we can a lot of things have also changed in our environment. The landscape has changed and technology dominates the planet especially if you live in big, progressive cities. Aside from the physical changes, society does not think the same way it did a decade or more back. One thing that has definitely made a 360° turn is not only the use of marijuana but the fact that it is now considered legal in different states in the US and in other countries too. Maybe our hippie parents and grandparents are probably rejoicing right now at the turn of events but it was long coming. Marijuana, in itself, is not bad. There are other varieties that has a bad image because of the natural high it gives but there are other variants of weed that can make a big difference to our health.

Now we know that there are different types of weed. Many people are raving about the good ones known as medical cannabis, which has helped sick people get over their illness and has turned lives around without necessarily leaving them hooked up to the nasty side of marijuana. But like most things that used to be stigmatized before, the journey to social acceptance isn’t always an easy one. It is always a major struggle to change people’s mindset. The only edge of cannabis is that it is overflowing with positive testimonials from users that can attest to the beneficial effects of weed in their lives, especially their health. There are also studies aimed at proving the positive correlation between medical marijuana use and optimal health.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has said legalizing marijuana quickly, despite any challenges associated with doing so, was better than allowing the black market to prevail. “Young people have easier access to cannabis now, in Canada, than they do in just about any other countries in the world...the fact is it is bad for the developing brain and we need to make sure that it’s harder for underage Canadians to access marijuana,” he said at an economic conference in 2016. “The other piece of it is there are billions upon billions of dollars flowing into the pockets of organized crime, street gangs and gun-runners, because of the illicit marijuana trade, and if we can get that out of the criminal elements and into a more regulated fashion we will reduce the amount of criminal activity that’s profiting from those, and that has offshoots into so many other criminal activities.”

(Via: http://www.newsweek.com/marijuana-canada-stalled-quebec-724432)

In the US, both medical and recreational marijuana are being legalized in different states all over the country for a variety of reasons but mostly because congress is pushing for it to be legal. Well, not all states are in its favor and there are still many who disapprove of its use. It is the same thing in Canada. For the most part, the government legalizes its sales and use mainly to prohibit it from thriving in the black market. It is an added bonus that the good stuff, medical cannabis, proves to be a good adjunct management to certain medical conditions like chronic and degenerative ones.

The mere fact that the Cannabis Act passed by such a landslide in the House of Commons is huge. Before Canada starts worrying about the fate of Bill C-45 once it goes to the Senate, they should celebrate this victory.

Politicians in the country have been talking about federal cannabis legalization for years. Now, it’s finally getting closer to becoming reality.

If the Cannabis Act passes in Canada and proves to be successful, it would undoubtedly set a precedent. At least in the United States. Even though our current administration isn’t exactly pro-weed, our next administration might be more progressive and rational. After all, when it comes to social and political change, optimism is key.

(Via: https://hightimes.com/news/canada-moves-one-step-closer-marijuana-legalization/)

While it may seem like Canadian legislators are still torn whether or not to give the go signal for marijuana to be legal in Canada or not to the public and the rest of the world, the Canadian House of Commons actually passed the Cannabis Act without any fuss at all. It’s what you’d like to call a landslide vote and is perhaps to the liking of Prime Minister Trudeau who is a known advocate of cannabis. He is a man of his word and there are no gray areas with him. He took a bold stance of going all out in supporting its legalization even that of recreational use. Talk about liberal minds. From there, lawmakers had to identify specifics about its legalization to cover all important aspects like the age of those legally allowed to buy and use cannabis in the different Canadian provinces. It is the first and bold step to changing the public image of weed and we can only expect bigger things to happen to it in the near future, not only in Canada, but in other parts of the world.

The post Canada’s Stand On Cannabis Legalization was first published to HDBizBlog

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Climate Change Is Not A Hoax

By now, most of us know about climate change. It is not as if we just read it from somewhere or heard about a wild prediction perhaps but a reality we all face today. Yet as absurd as it may seem, there are people who think that climate change is a hoax and I am pretty sure you can name one with that type of mindset. There actually is a prominent public official right now who blatantly says what a hoax global warming is and you don’t have to go far to know who he is.

But kidding aside, climate change is a serious issue and we are once again reminded of Mother Nature’s power and wrath with the recent onslaught of Hurricane Harvey and Irma that left certain states in the country badly beaten and people confused as to how to begin their lives. It's had some people rethinking their priorities. No matter how you look at it, you just can’t ignore the correlation between climate change and the intensity of these hurricanes, something the country has not witnessed in years.

The aftermath of climate-change-fueled superstorms like Harvey and Irma is exactly the right time to talk about man-made global warming, contrary to Scott Pruitt’s whining that the discussion is “misplaced.” When the current administration is quickly and relentlessly reversing progress made in fighting climate change, silence is dangerous.

There is a scientific consensus that climate change played a role in intensifying the winds and rainfall associated with Harvey and Irma, worsening their devastation. From disbanding a federal climate advisory committee to rolling back flood-protection rules, the Trump administration is putting us on track for deadlier hurricanes that we’ll be even less prepared to endure.

(Via: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/opinion/trump-science-climate-irma.html)

Just look at the path of their destruction and it will be crystal clear to you how screwed up we have become because of our neglect and abuse of the environment. The problem is that the government is doing so little in addressing many of the environmental issues we are facing as if the mere fact of ignoring them will discredit them and make them go away. Most politicians stay cooped up in their fancy homes far from the dangers of most natural calamities while regular citizens get to suffer everything else, so they are pretty much disconnected from the reality many people live in nowadays.

Whether or not we see more tropical storms (a matter of continuing research by the scientific community), we know that the strongest storms are getting stronger, with roughly eight meters per second increase in wind speed per degree Celsius of warming. And so it is not likely to be a coincidence that almost all of the strongest hurricanes on record (as measured by sustained wind speeds) for the globe, the Northern Hemisphere, the Southern Hemisphere, the Pacific, and now, with Irma, in the open Atlantic, have occurred over the past two years. A stronger storm means not only more damaging winds, but a bigger storm surge as well, adding to the coastal flooding impact of sea level rise.

Furthermore, a warmer ocean surface means more moisture in the atmosphere. A fundamental rule of atmospheric thermodynamics known as the Clausius-Clapeyron equation indicates an increase of roughly 7 percent more moisture in the air for each degree Celsius of increase in sea surface temperature (SST).

(Via: https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/what-we-know-about-the-climate-change-hurricane-connection/)

These weather disturbances can be expected in a planet that is constantly getting warmer and with greenhouse gases that are exceptionally getting higher and higher. We don’t literally blame climate change to be the direct cause of, say, Hurricane Harvey or Irma, for instance, because these weather phenomena are bound to happen in a course of the year. However, climate sure has amplified these hurricanes and made them twice, thrice, four times, or even more, stronger than they ought to be if the circumstances were any different. Haven’t we learned enough by now? What we all need to do today is to unite in slowing down the progression of climate change because there is nothing else we can do about it now. We will all suffer if we don't act when we still had the time.

Climate Change Is Not A Hoax was first published on https://hdbizblog.com/blog

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Using Computers In Space

The use of computers is no longer new in our modern world. It is all around us and it basically makes the planet go round and round day in and day out. From your home to your school or office, computers are widely used and essential for tasks to get done. But if you think that computers are just a staple in the land, it is a must for space missions to use state-of-the-art technologies that not only defy gravity but make a lot of impossible things possible.

Space exploration is still a mind-blowing concept until now. Sending people into space and even exploring nearby planets in our solar system is a feat in itself and for years, humans persisted in pushing our technology further so we can reach farther planets and do more extraordinary things in space. In order to do so, high-tech computers are used that are capable of performing a myriad of tasks at once that an ordinary person isn’t capable of doing. Harnessing space technology is our only ticket to understanding the vast realm of space and what lies beyond what our naked eyes can see.

When SpaceX’s next mission launches on August 14, it won’t just be carrying supplies to the International Space Station (ISS). NASA has partnered with HP to perform a long-term experiment on how high-end, modern computers will perform in space compared with on Earth.

Space, as you may or may not know, is absolutely murder on electronics. Cosmic rays are sufficiently plentiful that astronauts since the 1960s have reported seeing flashes of light when their eyes are closed, and there have been no flashes within the capsule, shuttle, or space station. It’s believed that this is caused by cosmic rays passing through the retina. The ISS isn’t protected at all by Earth’s atmosphere, and while it still receives substantial protection from Earth’s Van Allen belts, the total radiation exposure that an astronaut on the ISS receives in a week is equivalent to what a human on Earth receives in a year. At one point, the ISS passes through the far edge of the inner Van Allen belt, and the crew receives 30x more radiation than they would otherwise during this interval.

(Via: https://www.extremetech.com/extreme/254089-iss-getting-powerful-computer-ever-sent-space)

Yet even if the world has been sending astronauts into space for decades now, we can’t deny that the risk is still there and they can die in an instant if something goes wrong. All the movements of the aircraft are controlled by computers from the moment they leave earth until they return. It’s the same even in manned missions. Computers play a huge role in the management of life support systems in space. Without them, no human being can survive in such harsh environments.

The idea behind the experiment is to use software and a custom-built enclosure to test a regular server computer’s ability to withstand cosmic radiation and solar flares. Normally, computers used in space flight and exploration are “radiation hardened” through expensive hardware, which can take years to develop, test and produce.  

The UK Space Agency’s Libby Jackson, a former space flight controller and director, told Professional Engineering that experiment is interesting because it could, ultimately, bring down the costs associated with computers in space. 

“If this works, it could make the hardware that we need to go into space more accessible and cheaper because if we can just use something that everyone else is using, we don’t have to specially build it.”

(Via: http://www.imeche.org/news/news-article/hardening-space-computers-with-software)

Computers are the key to successful space explorations. But a myriad of factors also affects the way these modern contrivances work outside our planet. Humans may be ambitious and come up with all sorts of antics to reach for their dreams but not without the right tools in hand. Space technology needs all the help it can get today especially that modern consumer gadgets are much better and far more advanced than the ones used in space. With this initiative by SpaceX and HP, they’ll be able to advance the use of computers in outer space and find out for real how modern computers and electronics fare when they’re not used on land but on the International Space Station.

Using Computers In Space is courtesy of https://hdbizblog.com/blog

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Trump’s Art-less America

The world would be a boring place if not for the arts. And when we talk about the arts, we are not just referring to paintings or other artworks and art pieces. The arts encompasses other branches that require people to express their creative skills and imagination such as literature, visual arts, and the performing arts. Getting lost in the arts now and then is a great way to de-stress and appreciate the beauty of this world without constantly worrying about more important life issues. We also get to appreciate other people’s talents that we rarely get to see during ordinary days.

In a country like America, people like to appreciate all forms of art. Just look at how lively the entertainment industry is, and we are referring to singers, performers, and artists that brighten up our lives. Even art galleries and museums are frequented by both tourists and local visitors alike, allowing the younger generations to appreciate what real works of art look like. But there is bad news and I am sure you’ve heard of it already - the federal funding for the arts has been reduced - greatly.

If the White House and Republicans in Congress do move forward with shuttering the two federal cultural agencies, it would be bitterly ironic—because those institutions were once radically reshaped to support the very kinds of programs that now face defunding. The NEA and NEH were founded in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s Great Society agenda. For that reason alone, they drew the ire of conservatives, but the resistance to art funding first coalesced in the early days of Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Republicans advocated the elimination of both agencies, but a special task force that included Reagan’s old Hollywood buddy Charlton Heston convinced the president not to ax their funding. Nevertheless, Reagan appointed chairs like Lynne Cheney, who was intent on ferreting out “anti-Western” scholarship and imposing new “standards-based” requirements to insert into school curricula.

(Via: http://www.motherjones.com/politics/2017/09/trump-wants-to-slash-americas-arts-budget-his-base-has-the-most-to-lose/)

Many are frustrated now on President Trump’s actions and start to doubt the state of his (mental) health because he is not really doing anything to fulfill his promise of making America great again. He is almost one year in office and he hasn’t really done anything substantial to fulfill that promise aside from his personal vendetta of getting Obamacare repealed and reducing the federal funding of state agencies he personally feels are of no use to him (and eventually getting them abolished too).

This, after all, may be the most arts-hostile president in modern American history. In “The Art of the Deal” he recounts that, as a second grader, he was nearly expelled for literally punching his music teacher in the face — not a glancing swat but a blow that, according to Trump, gave the teacher a black eye. Since his election victory, Trump’s cultural pugilism has many new avenues for expression. He has attacked individual actors, the cast of the Broadway smash “Hamilton,” and, repeatedly, television’s “Saturday Night Live.” Most notably, he has proposed a budget that would eliminate the National Endowment for the Arts. Meanwhile his own President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities recently resigned en masse, citing his “hateful rhetoric” in an open letter that stated forcefully “your values are not American values.”  

(Via: https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/music/2017/08/31/why-trump-takes-many-swings-arts/R09SlRHBXxpaw6o2TW1rRJ/story.html)

While the president does not see any practical use for the arts, it actually serves a deeper purpose that benefits the entire nation. It sharpens a person’s sense of empathy and encourages us to think outside of the box and have a different perspective on things seeing that we are generally just looking at artistic expressions that have no literal meaning. And don’t start arguing now that we don’t benefit from the performing arts too because we do benefit from them, even for just the entertainment they bring.

But if we let the president get his way, the nation will be reduced to nothing but a black and white landscape devoid of life where all you can hear are his endless rants on Twitter that aren’t just insensitive and biased but annoying too. But then, if you look at it in a different light, just seeing or hearing about him is a comedy act in itself, so, let’s just wait and see how the future unfolds.

The post Trump’s Art-less America is available on HDBiz Blog

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How Disasters Affect Your Mental Health

Life is not a breeze. It’s true that life is beautiful but it sure is not easy. You may be oblivious to the many woes of living in your childhood but you gradually realize how difficult it is to even just survive once you enter your teens and early adulthood. There is no turning back by then and you have to face adulting head on. And most of the time, we are actually able to get our act together. Things start to go downhill, though, once disaster strikes and you are forced out of your comfort zone at short notice.

Aside from requiring medical assistance from possible physical injuries sustained and needing financial aid in the rebuilding of their homes and in the provision of their basic needs, their mental health should not be entirely ignored too even if they do not verbalize their problems or show it to others. Most people think about nothing else but their family’s safety during emergencies and brush aside whatever hesitations they may have. However, they have no choice but to face the music later on and that’s when they realize they are not the same person anymore.

“Allowing people to talk through their conditions can help in the immediate aftermath of a disaster, when many survivors will experience shock and grief,” says Dr Florence Baingana, Mental Health Specialist at WHO Sierra Leone. “Allowing people to express their feelings and helping them to identify their coping mechanisms and coping resources can offer relief, and help prevent more severe conditions from occurring.”

The nurses engage the survivors in groups and in individual sessions with messages of hope and relief. They also conduct physical assessments and refer those with critical needs to existing services and resources where they can continue to receive help, including from the country’s three practicing psychiatrists. However, mental health needs also evolve, and some weeks after the initial shock has passed more severe disorders can often become apparent, Dr. Baingana explains.

(Via: http://reliefweb.int/report/sierra-leone/mental-health-critical-component-disaster-response-and-recovery)

People often show symptoms of distress during and after disasters although not everyone needs medical treatment for it. After all, everyone copes differently but that does not mean they should not receive the medical support they need in case they truly need it. It is doubly more important for these survivors to take care of their mental health because they need it in order to be able to rebuild their lives and pick up from where they left.

Immediately after a natural disaster, it’s normal to experience fear, anxiety, sadness or shock. However, if these symptoms continue for weeks to months following the event, they may indicate a more serious psychological issue.

The disaster mental health problem most commonly studied by psychologists and psychiatrists is post-traumatic stress disorder, which can occur after frightening events that threaten one’s own life and the lives for family and friends.

Following a disaster, people might lose their jobs or be displaced from their homes. This can contribute to depression, particularly as survivors attempt to cope with loss related to the disaster. It’s not easy to lose sentimental possessions or face economic uncertainties. People facing these challenges can feel hopeless or in despair.

(Via: https://theconversation.com/the-mental-health-impact-of-major-disasters-like-harvey-and-irma-83764)

Humans, by nature, are resilient. However, many people are starting to succumb to post-traumatic stress over the years. Perhaps, it is because we are facing stronger and more destructive disasters now that it has made coping twice as more difficult. Even regular days are unusually hot or cold depending on where you live in the globe. It is usually the thought of moving forward after suffering from a traumatic experience that puts a bigger mental strain to survivors especially when the damage is too much for them to bear. And with a disaster as deadly and destructive like Hurricane Harvey or Irma, the government should look into putting more emphasis on taking care of the mental health of the people so they are able to rebuild their lives despite the hardships they faced even without outside help.

How Disasters Affect Your Mental Health See more on: https://hdbizblog.com/blog

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It’s No Child’s Game For The Video Game Industry

There is always an opportunity if you just know where to look. If you can’t see any, then make one happen. That is the thinking of most successful entrepreneurs that have not only made a name for themselves in the business world but has achieved much more than any person can ever achieve in their lifetime. As long as you have the passion and willingness to work hard for your dreams, you can’t go wrong especially with the help of a little bit of luck.

Most people think that traditional businesses are the only ones that will make it big in the world such as basic commodities that are staples to everyday living. But no, you can also excel in other areas that aren’t the usual path taken by the majority. The video games market is huge now but it hasn’t always been the case. But you see, we all need to relax and unwind at times and this need has opened up an opportunity for some to tap and make money from. Over time, others have even become addicted to these games and if you see one today, most of these games look so lifelike that you’d get confused too.

The video gaming industry has transitioned from a group of backyard innovators to an industry of multi-billion dollar companies, hiring psychologists, neuroscientists and marketing experts to turn customers into addicts.

The latest trend is the creation of "whales", people so addicted to games that they spend their entire life savings to keep playing.

But the video gaming industry, today one of the fastest growing industries in the US, has more humble origins.

(Via: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-13/video-game-addiction-how-the-industry-is-learning-from-casinos/8941114)

Nowadays, gaming isn’t all about your usual video games but has expanded into the smart technology market too. Mobile gaming is all the rage now. While the classic and much-loved PlayStation and Wii’s are still pretty much on every child’s wish list, it is easier not to pass boredom and keep yourself entertained by playing mobile games on your smartphone. You can simply download the app and get lost playing games for hours if you have nothing better to do.

According to AmeriResearch.com , the global gaming market was valued at $99.0 billion in 2016 and is forecast to grow at a modest CAGR of 6.4% between 2017 and 2024, culminating to global revenue of $162.8 billionby 2024. The rising popularity of mobile games which can translate into satisfying a wide spectrum of users is an industry trend catching attention of Wall Street. A new report from industry analyst DFC Intelligencefound that mobile games revenue exceeded PC and console revenue for the first time ever in 2016. The emergence of mobile games has significantly lured a large number of users to play games on their devices significantly eliminating concerns related to contiguity and mobility. Gaming Companies in the market with developments and market performance of note include: Tapinator, Inc. (OTC: TAPM), Activision Blizzard, Inc. (NASDAQ: ATVI), Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ: EA), Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO) and Glu Mobile Inc. (NASDAQ: GLUU).

(Via: http://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/Mobile-Game-Revenues-Leading-Billion-Dollar-Gaming-Market-1002265573)

It is perfectly understandable if people are turning into video games and mobile games to help them cope with the stress of daily living. Gaming is not just a massive success to young kids and teens but even to adults too who want an avenue where they can forget about their life priorities even for a while and enjoy a good game or two. After all, all work and no play are no good at all. And it happens to be a billion-dollar industry today that helps make the world go round by allowing people to unleash the inner child in them and have a good time. Knowing how toxic and stressful the world today is, it is safe to say that video and mobile games aren't going anywhere because many need this outlet for them to stay sane when they're about to lose their grip on reality.

The post It’s No Child’s Game For The Video Game Industry was initially published to OCBG

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Is Too Much Christmas Carols Bad For Your Mental Health

We can’t deny how much we like Christmas. We look forward to it as soon as it is over and can’t wait for the next holiday season all-year-round. It’s like we have a subtle obsession with the holiday seasons and it is mainly because of our positive experience of Christmas in our childhood. Most children can remember the happiness they feel come Christmas morning when they see the Christmas tree full of presents ready to be opened while Christmas carols can be heard all throughout the house and that of your neighbors too. The sound of carols has a big impact on us as it reminds us of the feeling of that Christmas morning we have been reliving in our minds all these years and we take comfort in it knowing that the world is not as bad as it seems.

Unfortunately, there are some experts saying that listening to Christmas carols may actually do you more harm than good especially when you are repeatedly exposed to it months ahead of the holidays. Just what do the experts know about it for them to be able to say this? Do they have a solid proof that constant exposure to the sound of carols is actually harming our health and not the other way around? Well, we’re about to find out.

Employees working in stores that repeatedly play Christmas music could be at risk of their mental health deteriorating, experts have warned. 

Songs of the season can encourage customers to make impulse purchases by prompting feelings of nostalgia and warmth — which retailers like. 

But staff, who have to listen to the songs over and over again throughout their shifts, have to 'tune out', says clinical psychologist Linda Blair.

'Music goes right to our emotions immediately and it bypasses rationality,' she told Sky News. 

(Via: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-5075227/Workers-mental-health-risk-Christmas-songs.html)

It is so ironic right when the sound of carols filling the air is not working the way that it should be. Well, it may be a positive experience for consumers who suddenly feel an impulse to buy a gift or two for their loved ones but it apparently has a negative effect to the people working in that store or shop. They become numb to these songs and the essence of Christmas is eventually lost on them as the days drag on. During Christmastime itself, they already lose interest and Christmas will never be the same for them anymore.

Clinical psychologist Linda Blair told Sky News that Christmas songs can make us feel “trapped”. “It’s a reminder that we have to buy presents, cater for people, and organize celebrations,” she said.
Well, surely that can’t be too bad unless “Grinch” or "Scrooge" is your middle name.
Blair also shared that people working in shops during the festive season have to try and tune out of Christmas songs because if they don’t, they lose focus.
“You’re simply spending all of your energy trying not to hear what you’re hearing,” she said.

(Via: http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/christmas-music-could-harm-your-mental-health/)

Some stores have taken this warning seriously and turned off sounds of carols in the mall while some invited choirs and singers to perform and sing carols for the public, so the music does not sound so repetitive to the employees manning the store. The experts have actually coined a term for it, “the exposure effect”, which explains the relationship between us hearing a music we like and our subsequent reaction to it. Nobody discredits the joy these Christmas carols bring but if you keep on hearing them months prior the holidays, it sounds like an overkill already and you eventually lose interest on Christmas altogether and change your mind about it. Worst is that your mental health suffers because you work in a mall and you keep hearing songs of carols on repeat over the past few months or weeks.

Is Too Much Christmas Carols Bad For Your Mental Health was originally published to The HD Business Blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/is-too-much-christmas-carols-bad-for-your-mental-health/

Linux PCs No Longer Safe From Hacking

The web is full of amazing things that can leave you enthralled from sunrise to sunset. The lure of social media is so strong it is almost impossible to ignore it. Then, there are opportunities for work and business that you can take advantage that only the web can offer. We love posting pictures on social media and relish the likes we get from family and friends. Our digital machines not only serve as portals to the web but also as storage for our most important of files. But as the digital world continues to grow and improve, the threat of cyber criminals grows even stronger and more menacing than ever.

The world thinks that Macs and Linux PCs are immune to these attacks but as the days go by, we become more aware that this is not entirely true. These gadgets can also be hacked although not as easily as most Window-powered computers. Yet knowing how lucrative this market is and how affluent most of its users are, cyber criminals are busy at work in devising malware that can infect these high-end computers for profit.

WikiLeaks today revealed 3 new hacking tools built by the CIA that target Mac and Linux computers. The leaked hacking tools are supposedly related to the CIA’s so-called Imperial project.

The first hacking tool called Achilles, is probably the most interesting out of the three. Achilles can be used by CIA operators to essentially pack malicious applications with an actual macOS app (.dmg) for one-time execution. Once a user installs the infected file, the malicious app would run in the background without the user noticing its execution, and it’ll also self-destruct — leaving the actual application look untouched. The first version of Achilles was built back in 2011, tested only on macOS’ Snow Leopard (10.6).

The second and third tools are known as SeaPea and Aeris, respectively. SeaPea can be used by CIA operators to get low-level access to a Mac without the user even realizing, and the only way to completely get rid of the tool would require the user to completely format their main drive. Similar to Achilles, SeaPea was also developed in 2011 and tested on macOS’ Snow Leopard (10.6) and Lion (10.7). Aeris, on the other hand, is apparently built to backdoor Linux and affects Debian, CentOS, and Red Hat.

(Via: https://mspoweruser.com/cia-hacking-tool-exposes-myth-safe-mac-linux-computers/)

The world was shaken when WannaCry came like a thief in the night and crippled big companies and institutions for days. However, it mostly affected older versions of Window PCs. Yet, Macs also have Fruitfly, for instance, a malware capable of performing advanced surveillance on MacOS gadgets. This very same malware also wreaks havoc on Linux PCs. It is a good thing that a simple device update can save you from a major headache unless your gadget has already been infected.

Last month, a group of attackers exploited a vulnerability in the Samba file-sharing software to hack into Linux systems and install malware. The same group is now targeting Windows systems with a new backdoor program.

The newly discovered malicious program has been dubbed CowerSnail by researchers from antivirus vendor Kaspersky Lab. They believe it was created by the same attackers who installed cryptocurrency mining software on Linux computers in early June because it shares the same command-and-control server.

The June attack campaign took advantage of a remote code execution vulnerability known as SambaCry that affected all Samba versions released over the past seven years. Samba is a software package for Unix-based systems that implements the SMB network protocol. It is used to share files between computers on local networks.

(Via: https://www.forbes.com/sites/lconstantin/2017/07/26/creators-of-sambacry-linux-malware-also-have-a-windows-backdoor-program/#6bcf42d650bd)

Cyber criminals don’t stop in looking for vulnerabilities in systems that they can take advantage of and make money from. Linux is one of the latest victims as these criminals hacked the Samba file-sharing software in order to install malware into Linux that used to be so safe from cyber attacks alongside Macs but not anymore. By doing so, cyber-hackers can mine digital currencies like Bitcoins etc. through compromised computers they have taken control over. The frightening part here is the big possibility that these criminals can create more malware using this platform, a big reason to be worried about among Linux users who used to feel so safe and secured, unlike most Windows users.

The following blog article Linux PCs No Longer Safe From Hacking is available on HDBizBlog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/linux-pcs-no-longer-safe-from-hacking/

Surviving Sports-Related Injuries

Most sports games are highly physical. It entails years of training, practice, and knowledge about what moves work or not in the playing field. While athletes are trained to do their thing, accidents do happen and it is not uncommon for them to sustain various sports-related injuries because getting hurt is all part of the game. Whether in amateur or professional sports, the threat of sustaining an injury is always there and it is a risk all athletes take in every game they play.

It is not yet the end of the world once they do sustain an injury. While there are certain injuries that can spell the end of their careers for some like major accidents involving the spine, brain, and other sensitive internal organs, most injuries are minor and can be easily treated by first aid or a trip to the ER. Athletes that suffer a life-threatening injury are forced to retire early and give up their dreams of taking their career to the next level. Meanwhile, others try to find alternative careers in sports such as becoming a coach or trainer, perhaps.

The professionals with a sports medicine group can help prevent and treat injuries that affect the body’s flexibility, mobility and strength. And, just as important, these specialists can provide important information about how to exercise properly and make the most of your body’s physical capabilities and limitations, so you can pursue the activities you enjoy, safely.

Movement-related injuries

Acute injuries occur because of an incident, such as impact or a fall. These injuries might include a deep cut or bruise, an ankle sprain, a muscle strain, a dislocation or bone fracture. Acute injuries involve body trauma and should be treated immediately.

Chronic injuries — or “overuse injuries” — develop over a period of time, as a result of repetitive motion, such as running, overhead throwing, or extending a limb (such as swinging a tennis racket). Overuse injuries can also occur when you increase the intensity, duration or frequency of an activity too quickly.

(Via: http://www.dailyitem.com/news/lifestyles/sports-medicine-not-just-for-athletes/article_9e49b257-8ee2-5e23-a8a8-c14c0ac8900a.html)

Despite the risks, athletes don’t just easily give up their dreams of becoming a sports superstar because of a minor injury they sustained in the daily years of practice to hone their skills. Fortunately, we live in a day and age where many things that used to be impossible several years back are now made possible by modern science and technology. A fine example is stem cell treatment. It is still in its infancy but you can’t deny that this science has so much potential and can possibly be the answer to most sports-related injuries sustained by athletes in their line of work.

That's the environment now in which orthopedic sports medicine specialists must operate. Right now, everyone loves the phrase "stem cells." It means hope for people who haven't found any relief for an ailment, whether it is arthritis, spinal cord injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or Crohn's disease. Unfortunately, unscrupulous physicians are taking advantage of the hype and cashing in on these patients' desperation.

Having participated in multiple trials of stem cells for orthopedic treatments, I share some of this hope. For a few limited indications, such as femoral head and femoral condyle osteonecrosis, stem cells may already be worth trying. I have helped develop a concentrated bone marrow aspirate (Intraosseous BioPlasty, Arthrex) for the related indication of knee osteonecrosis. And I am now involved in clinical trials of stem cell therapy for articular cartilage resurfacing and repair.

(Via: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/882226)

Even outside of sports (both amateur and professional), talks about stem cell research not only sparks controversies but excitement as well. Who wouldn’t be excited at the possibility of not having to worry about any disease or condition in this world with the aid of stem cells, where every cell in your body comes from? Imagine, you can just regenerate new cells in the presence of disease or infections and become healthy once more. For someone who is at a higher risk of getting injured like athletes, this technology is not just handy but a life saver to allow them to pursue their athletic passion without fear of getting hurt, sick, or even die in the midst of a game.

The following article Surviving Sports-Related Injuries is republished from https://hdbizblog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/surviving-sports-related-injuries/

Fighting To Save The Planet

We live in really troubled times despite our guise that life is smooth sailing. We may enjoy plenty of modern conveniences but many aspects of our life are failing. Mother Earth is hurting and we only have ourselves to blame. The planet is overcrowded. Hence, there are more mouths to feed and more people who will require the use of the various resources naturally found on this planet. To say that the world is on the verge of collapse is an understatement yet most of us will just easily shrug this statement off, all the while making yourself believe that this is but a lie.

How mistaken we all are, though. We only have one earth to live and if we don’t act now and save whatever is left of the planet, we might lose our only home in the entire universe. Global warming and climate change are realities of our time and we feel their power whenever there are natural calamities that hit random places throughout the web throughout the year. Are we really willing to endure more just so we can stay comfortable at home when we might lose everything we have now in the next few years or so?

Singapore's conservation efforts received the stamp of approval from top primate expert Jane Goodall, who said these are steps in the right direction.

But despite the rising awareness of environmental issues in the country, more can be done to reduce the conflict between humans and animals, she added.

For instance, she said people must stop feeding the long-tailed macaques that are found in many parts of the island. Doing so introduces them to human food, and drives them to harass humans and enter their homes in search of food.

Dr Goodall said if people left them alone for two or three years, and no one was feeding them, young monkeys would stop associating humans with food.

(Via: http://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/singapores-conservation-efforts-get-thumbs-up-from-top-primate-expert-jane-goodall)

Let us applaud nations like Singapore that take environmental conservation seriously. Conserving the environment is not an easy task considering you need to enforce discipline to discourage everyone from doing anything bad against the environment and the animals living in the wild and you also need money to enforce the law and provide all the support such an initiative will ever need. This is especially more challenging to do in struggling third-world countries where the government is not even capable of providing even the most basic of needs of the people what more to protect the environment that is being exploited by its desperate and hungry citizens that only think about themselves.

Over the past two decades, architects and engineers have developed approaches to building design that greatly reduce the impact of buildings on the natural environment (“green” buildings) and their human occupants (“healthy” buildings). But these movements focus primarily on new buildings, which benefit only a relatively small number of people compared with the many who could be helped by making existing structures more habitable. Moreover, most people — including many of those responsible for ordering the construction and remodeling of buildings — are not aware of these advances. Many key features of green buildings — such as energy and water conservation, for example — are not immediately noticeable, and as a result, these simple but important practices are significantly underused.

(Via: https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/how-to-stay-calmer-more-alert-and-save-the-environment-bring-the-weather-indoors/2017/08/11/4da49836-6b09-11e7-b9e2-2056e768a7e5_story.html?utm_term=.acec5e94d800)

Not only are environmental conservation efforts solely focused on the wild but making lifestyle modifications that are more eco-friendly makes as much impact on the planet. Sustainability is a hot topic right now among land builders and developers because we can’t stop progress from happening but we can reduce the damage humans do at the expense of Mother Nature. We can still pursue our modern interests without compromising the environment. That’s what sustainable living is all about. We still have a shot in protecting the earth before everything is too late. With our concerted green efforts, we may be able to slow down climate change and pass on a healthy and livable planet to the next generation.

Fighting To Save The Planet was initially seen on The HD Business Blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/fighting-to-save-the-planet/

Is A Medical Job For You?

Most people think over and over about what career path they will be pursuing some day and it all starts with the course/major you take up in college. Education is the best preparation for your bright future in whatever profession you decide to practice. Most of the time, the youth are influenced by their family and friends by their career choice and they end up taking up something they aren’t really passionate about. There are various career choices out there and you can choose whether to work in conventional jobs in offices, institutions, or in the health care field or in newer and more in-demand specialties in the field of Information Technology and Computer Science.

If there is a career many admire but are at the same quite afraid of, it is a job in the medical field. The idea that you are dealing with human lives and one mistake can cost another person’s life is a frightening thought for anyone just starting out their profession but still, many students take up a health-related course for various reasons. Aside from being well-compensated, the satisfaction one can get from saving a person’s life is more than what they can ask for in life. It has become their mission and vocation to be an instrument for everyone to become healthy and well again.

If Damore is to be believed, women seek out jobs in “social or artistic areas” and are proven to be more prone to “neuroticism” and thus to “higher anxiety” and “lower stress tolerance.” It’s worth remembering that the rise of women in medicine over the last generation has taken place in a profession renowned for its exacting and rigorous training in basic sciences, bench science and gruelling clinical work. Although physicians may often get too much credit from the general public for the work they do (especially compared to other equally stressful, lower-status and, yes, female-dominated jobs in health care), the hours, stress and high stakes of medical training and practice are undeniable. If women as a group lack the qualities required to do the job, how are they thriving in medicine?

(Via: http://www.sltrib.com/opinion/commentary/2017/08/16/commentary-most-of-my-medical-colleagues-are-women-the-google-memo-writer-has-them-wrong/)

These days, more and more women are working in the health field – a field that used to be dominated by men. It clearly shows that a medical job is no longer gender-discriminating and that anyone who has a passion for helping the sick and serving the public can thrive in this work setting. Actually, men are more inclined to pursue a tech-related career today because there is a big demand for it in today’s modern world. Yet a health care-related work can’t just be ignored because people need someone to attend to their needs from conception to death and everything else in between.

Healthcare and Medical professionals are in demand, with job ads on Seek growing 9 per cent from April to June when compared to the same period last year. In Wellington, this advertising has increased by 23 per cent.

Janet Faulding, General Manager for SEEK NZ, said the Healthcare & Medical industry is one of New Zealand’s largest employing and fastest growing industries, underpinned by strong population growth and our aging population.

“The national average advertised annual salary across the Healthcare & Medical industry on SEEK is $72,339,” said Faulding.

“The largest advertising Healthcare & Medical sub-sector on SEEK is Nursing, with its many specialised areas, it comprises of around one-third of all jobs being nationally advertised across the industry,” she added.

One Nursing sub-sector showing consistent strength is Aged Care, with annual growth of 8 per cent year on year [Apr-June 17 v Apr-June 17].

(Via: http://wellington.scoop.co.nz/?p=101463)

It’s interesting that despite the advances in our technology, the demand for healthcare remains or even increases as more diseases and health conditions now plague mankind. Cancer that used to be a rare condition is now afflicting people of all walks of life and our lifestyle has a lot to do with it. With the morbidity and mortality rates constantly rising, we need more manpower in the health industry than ever. Germs are becoming more resistant to antibiotics leaving behind a long trail of sick patients that not only need medical attention but your tender, loving care.

Like any other job, it is a dirty job but somebody’s got to do it. You handle lots of modern equipment in caring for patients and not to mention you get puked at, yelled at, and overworked while multitasking a myriad of tasks where some are even no longer a part of your job description but making a difference in your patient’s life is priceless and a simple thank you can often ease all your stress and exhaustion away. Sign up for a medical-related course now because we need more angels in the sick room.

Is A Medical Job For You? was initially published on https://hdbizblog.com/blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/is-a-medical-job-for-you/

Does Your Child Need Some Spanking?

Parenting is a world of mixed emotions. From the moment the baby is born, a parent’s life isn’t just theirs anymore as another human being solely depends on them for survival and on just about everything else. And parenting does not end even when your children become parents themselves. It’s a continuous process that has no end, quite literally. While parenting can be described as an experience full of sugar, spice, and everything nice, raising a child is not just a simple walk in the park. You are rearing an individual who will soon make his/her mark in the world and how he/she was raised as a child will have a big impact on the person he/she becomes in the future.

Discipline is a controversial issue when it comes to child rearing as different parents have different interpretations of it. As parents, you can’t help but shower your child with love and kisses every time you see him/her but your child needs more than just your love to become a good and responsible adult in the future. There are different ways of disciplining a child but some are more controversial than the others. Spanking, for instance, is a method that raises the eyebrow of many and has been widely practiced in the past but not as much today especially in America where a parent can get locked up in jail when proven to physically hit his/her child in violation of a child’s inherent human rights.

Former Prime Minister Tony Abbott once said, "I think all parents know that occasionally the best thing that we can give a kid is a smack", but according to science, he couldn’t have been more wrong.

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin and the University of Michigan found that physical discipline during infancy can be detrimental to both behaviour and mental health in later years.

To find their answers, researchers studied the data of over 160,000 children over a 50 year period. They discovered that smacking, defined as an open-handed hit on the behind or extremities, led to anti-social behaviours, aggression and mental health issues in adulthood.

“We found that spanking was associated with unintended detrimental outcomes and was not associated with more immediate or long-term compliance, which are parents’ intended outcomes when they discipline their children.”

(Via: http://www.nowtolove.com.au/parenting/parenting-news/spanking-leads-to-mental-health-problems-39628)

There have been lots of studies suggesting that spanking does not serve a child any good. It only brings out the worst in a child and teaches him/her to harbor ill feelings toward their parents or elders, learn to keep secrets and grow up to be a mean and irresponsible individual someday. There are other ways to teach a child what is right from wrong and it does not really require a parent to raise his/her hand against the child. An open communication is important to let your child feel he/she can trust you all the time without compromising your parent-child relationship.

A new study finds that “spare the rod and spoil the child,” may not hold up in the lab as well as it does in the Bible. The University of Missouri study concluded that physical discipline, including spanking, of infants can have negative consequences on their outcomes even ten years down the line. However, these effects differed between European American and African American children.
The current research builds upon past studies regarding physical discipline on children, according to Gustavo Carlo, a lead researcher on the study and professor of diversity atUniversity of Missouri.
“I think we know in general that the use of physical punishment and harsh parenting seems to be detrimental to children’s development,” Carlo says. “But we don't know enough about what the long-term consequences of that are.”

(Via: https://www.riverfronttimes.com/newsblog/2017/08/10/spanking-children-can-lead-to-problems-even-10-years-later-mizzou-study-says)

Harsh discipline methods like spanking do a child more harm than good. Children develop aggressive behaviors later in life because of frequent spanking as a child when they could have been disciplined differently. They often turn out as bullies who feel better when they make the life of another child miserable. Imagine a future led by violent children who frequently got a spanking when they were little.

While parents don’t get a handbook on how to raise a child once they become a first-time mom or dad, it is not an excuse for them to take the easy way out and respond to their child’s actions without thinking about its consequences. The next time you feel tempted to spank your child, think about how you’d feel if you were in his/her shoes – how would you want your parent to respond to you?

Does Your Child Need Some Spanking? was initially published on HDBizBlog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/does-your-child-need-some-spanking/

UK Customs Check After Brexit: Reality Or Fantasy?

The whole world is already aware that the United Kingdom is already making the necessary preparations for the looming Brexit or the UK’s official separation from the European Union. This move in itself is unexpected when it was first brought to lights considering it has not been done before by any nation and it now raises a lot of questions as to life after Brexit. One of the issues tackled concerns UK customs check with Northern Ireland.

Customs issues aren’t that big of a deal before as most of these countries all belong to the European Union and therefore enforce laws that are beneficial for each other especially when it involves the trading of goods. But today, it has become an issue as there are now borders that must be maintained and new laws and regulations to be drafted and enforced once the UK officially leaves the European Union for good.

The UK government has dismissed claims that its plans for a new customs relationship with the EU are a “fantasy” as it restated its opposition to the reintroduction of checks at the border between Northern Ireland and the Irish Republic.

The Northern Ireland secretary, James Brokenshire, said the government’s plans to minimise customs checks with the EU after Brexit were realistic and that Guy Verhofstadt, the European parliament’s lead Brexit negotiator, was wrong to describe them as unworkable.

Theresa May used an article in the Belfast-based Irish News, a nationalist newspaper, to reassure nationalists living in Northern Ireland that Brexit would not see the UK turn its back on its “unique and special relationship” with Ireland.

(Via: https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2017/aug/16/uk-government-defends-brexit-customs-plan-eu-fantasy-northern-ireland)

The thought of having invisible borders is considered more of a fantasy, especially with Brexit looming on the horizon. Trading with other nations belonging to the European Union will no longer be the same and the United Kingdom must identify as early as now the issues that may arise regarding border and customs check to make appropriate preparations for it while there is still time to prepare. It is an issue of national importance considering how trading is vital to both nations – Britain and Ireland.

The British government has vowed repeatedly to end the free movement of people from the European Union when the UK leaves the bloc in 2019. But on Wednesday it acknowledged that, in one area of the country, it won't. 

Britain said there must be no border posts or electronic checks between Northern Ireland and the Irish republic after Brexit, and it committed itself to maintaining the longstanding, border-free Common Travel Area covering the UK and Ireland.

"There should be no physical border infrastructure of any kind on either side of the border between Northern Ireland and Ireland," Conservative British Prime Minister Theresa May said. 

That means free movement across the border for British, Irish – and EU – citizens. After Britain leaves the bloc, EU nationals will be able to move without checks from Ireland to Northern Ireland, and onto other parts of the UK.

(Via: https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Europe/2017/0816/UK-government-voices-opposition-to-Irish-border-posts)

Europeans and British people alike have been used to free movement and trade all over Europe for the longest time but this will soon come to an end once Brexit is successfully implemented. While it has its cons, some Britons consider this limitation in the movement to their favor and will give the United Kingdom more control in restricting immigrants and those who desire to study, work, or live in Britain. It has been evident with the votes from Britons who chose Brexit over staying with the EU.

For the benefit of everyone, many are suggesting a “customs partnership” between the UK and the EU in the wake of the Brexit to at least get rid of the problem of having goods checked every time their citizens cross the border. Everything is still a work in progress and both still have time in wrapping up all loose ends for a peaceful and less problematic transition post-Brexit. Fantasy or not, it’s hard to tell by now how things will change for everyone concerned.

The article UK Customs Check After Brexit: Reality Or Fantasy? See more on: The HD Business Blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/uk-customs-check-after-brexit-reality-or-fantasy/

Expanding Emergency Services Network

Our health is important to us because a healthy body allows us to do a lot of things. Not even money can save us from the brink of death because if it can, all the rich people will no longer die but they still do. Seconds to minutes matter when an emergency strikes. It’s all about the A-B-Cs – airway, breathing, and circulation. Unfortunately, not everyone has a medical background and can confidently act and respond during medical emergencies.

Emergency medical service networks come in handy during dire situations as they are instrumental in saving people’s lives. It is no longer a novel concept considering we have 911 for the longest time now. For those requiring emergency services, they can call certain numbers to ask for immediate assistance and people for which individuals with medical emergencies have benefited greatly from these types of services. This is especially more helpful as we become increasingly reliant on the use of modern contrivances in our daily lives.

Verizon Communications has unveiled plans to develop a first responder network that will compete with rival AT&T’s FirstNet.

The carrier claims to control around two-thirds of the police, fire, and other first responders market, according to US reports. It will run separate lanes of traffic to commercial line in order to prioritise public-safety services.

"We're serious about remaining extremely relevant in this space," Michael Maiorana, a Verizon senior vice president who oversees the effort, said in an interview with Urgent Communications.

"We believe our customers deserve a choice and that competition drives innovation and—ultimately—best price. Bottom line, we want to keep our customers, and we want them to have the best-in-class services that technology can provide."

(Via: http://www.capacitymedia.com/Article/3741819/News/Verizon-to-build-emergency-services-network-to-compete-with-AT-Ts-FirstNet)

The truth is, it’s actually no longer surprising to find out about such services being offered by private companies like Verizon since we can’t deny there is a need for it as the population increases and the technology needed to make these things work are now readily available. People use technology in their day-to-day now, so it is understandable if medical responders also use the same tools in reaching out to people in the provision of the services they offer.

A new system for alerting emergency services to the precise location of assault victims and incapacitated callers is to go live in the coming weeks.

Ireland will be among the first countries in Europe to activate the Advanced Mobile Location (AML) on android phones.

It works by automatically finding a phone's GPS co-ordinates and sending a text message to the call centre after a person rings 112/999.

Currently when an injured caller is unable to give a location the emergency services have to rely on the nearest phone mast, which could be up to 15km away.

Emergency call centres receive an average of 4,000 mobile phone calls a day.

(Via: http://www.independent.ie/irish-news/new-system-will-locate-callers-in-an-emergency-36040425.html)

Time is of the essence during medical emergencies. These centralized systems are great and efficient means to respond to any health-related crisis. Lifesaving measures can be initiated at once and people no longer have to wait to get to the hospital to receive medical interventions that only trained professionals can do. Not only sick people can benefit from these services but those trauma victims that suffer from accidents and other mishaps that nobody has foreseen.

Well, that’s why they are called accidents in the first place. Contacting an emergency medical service provided by your network is the next best thing any person can have and can give them total peace of mind for whatever little surprises life has in store for you especially if it is a potentially life-threatening one like in sickness and in injuries that require medical assistance.

The following article Expanding Emergency Services Network was initially published to The HD Business Blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/expanding-emergency-services-network/

Hate Music No More On Spotify

Many things may have changed in this world but some things still remain the same. Our passion for music remains a big part of our lives and a great way for people to bond and unwind. For those really talented individuals, they can use their musical talents to earn a living like most singers and performers do. And as technology progresses, the way we pursue our interests has also changed over the years as we have masterfully incorporated the use of tech gadgets in just about everything we do.

Online streaming is the trend these days and most people do it all from the comfort of their smartphones and other smart gadgets that are mostly WiFi-ready. It is easier to stream online now as Internet connections are faster and most establishments and homes have their own WiFi connections, so you can connect various devices to one router at once. No wonder the popularity of streaming has soared. Not only are movies and television shows are streamed but even music too. Spotify knows very well this market and has been one of the innovators in the online music streaming scene.

Spotify says it has removed an array of white-supremacist acts from its streaming service that had been flagged as racist "hate bands" by the Southern Poverty Law Center three years ago.

The move came after Digital Music News posted a story headlined "I Just Found 27 White Supremacist Hate bands On Spotify," bringing the content to Spotify's attention.

A Spotify spokeswoman told Billboard in a statement that while the music in its catalog comes from hundreds of thousands of record companies and aggregators all over the world, and those are "at first hand responsible" for the content they deliver, "illegal content or material that favors hatred or incites violence against race, religion, sexuality or the like is not tolerated by us."

(Via: http://www.billboard.com/articles/business/7905175/spotify-removes-hate-band-music-streaming)

And while these new technologies have their perks, they also do have their flaws. Most online portals are open platforms where everyone who has access to the web is free to post whatever they like. And that is a big issue, especially without regulation. For instance, racist songs were able to flourish all over Spotify from White Supremacist hate bands for quite some time now. Instead of allowing people to enjoy good music, they trigger conflict and incite violence among innocent Spotify subscribers and listeners.

"Spotify takes immediate action to remove any such material as soon as it has been brought to our attention," the service said in a statement (via Billboard). "We are glad to have been alerted to this content - and have already removed many of the bands identified today, whilst urgently reviewing the remainder."

A Spotify rep added that the music is provided by record companies and aggregators, and "that illegal content or material that favors hatred or incites violence against race, religion, sexuality or the like is not tolerated by us."

In 2014, Apple's iTunes took similar action with the SPLC's list of 54 white power groups, banishing the bands from its music. The SPLC also condemned Spotify for its "slow" handling of the matter.

(Via: http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/spotify-takes-steps-to-remove-hate-music-from-service-w498171)

Users of the app can also flag contents that are racist in nature to alert Spotify and have these songs reviewed before taking appropriate actions. The company should take this issue seriously considering they are a global brand and is used by people from all walks of life and from various cultural and religious backgrounds. Hence, it is a must to maintain neutrality at all costs or at least develop tolerance of each other’s differences especially in the world of music where people aren’t discouraged to express their opinions but somehow exercise some manner of understanding of one another. Music should be enjoyed and must not be used to make us hate each other, so Spotify should keep this up if they don’t want people to be swayed into not using their app anymore.

The following blog post Hate Music No More On Spotify was first published to HDBizBlog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/hate-music-no-more-on-spotify/

Raising Awareness To Save Mother Earth

By now, most of the people currently living on the planet are aware of the desperate state it is in because of negligent human activities that have hastened global warming and climate change among others. We can feel Mother Nature’s wrath now and then and lives are taken as well as properties are destroyed as natural weather systems have intensified due to our higher carbon footprint, abuse and misuse of the world’s resources and basically most of the things we do in our everyday lives.

Today, environmentalists are working double time to encourage everyone to make lifestyle modifications that will benefit the planet to ensure that future generations still have a livable world to live in in the years to come. Not only are these initiatives started by conservation and environmental groups but even by well-known personalities and public figures that show genuine interest in protecting the environment at all cost and using their position and influence to deliver their message to a wider audience.

After public attention towards climate change increased after Former Vice President Al Gore released ‘An Inconvenient Truth’, it is Johan Rockstrom’s highly influential article in 2009 called ‘A safe operating space for humanity’ which has had a substantial influence on the discourse of sustainable development, as well as my narrative. Rockstrom and his colleagues enlist nine ‘planetary thresholds’ which are nine ecological balances, whose resilience and ‘carrying capacity’ should not be tampered with.

With humanity and the planet Earth having passed the Holocene stage, a stage where all ecological systems and the Earth’s regulatory capacity provided conducive conditions for uninterrupted human development (such as availability of freshwater, regular temperatures, biogeochemical flows etc.), we are now at a stage called Anthropocene, where the main catalyst for global environmental change is human activities. When we consider the nine planetary thresholds, the three thresholds which have already been crossed (climate change, biodiversity loss and nitrogen cycle), we can imagine an extrapolated rendering of the “tragedy of commons” as described by Hardin, where humanity’s unperturbed carelessness with production and consumption will exhaust an already depleted planet Earth, which is the ‘commons’ in this case. 

(Via: http://www.businessworld.in/article/Planetary-Thresholds-and-Why-Pro-Environment-Discourse-is-Necessary/17-08-2017-124249/)

Most of the time, the ordinary person will no longer bother himself/herself with issues like this one because they are busy making both ends meet that the simple act of surviving got them preoccupied all the time. It is why it helps to have prominent figures speak up about these sensitive and timely issues that can very well equate to the survival or the end of the human race to inform every one of our moral obligation to do our part in saving the world.

A group of 60 Canadian and Chinese scientists and students are meeting in Windsor this week to discuss common water issues faced by both nations, such as the effect of intensive agriculture on bodies of water.

Canada has much to learn during the talks, largely because China has advanced policies for water conservation and pollution reduction, according to University of Windsor professor Doug Haffner, one of the organizers of the conference.

"[China's] water research, water management program is larger than Canada's whole GDP. They have resources to do experiments that we are not capable of doing here in Canada," he said. "It's much to our benefit to work with China on these issues."

Canadians have room to improve when it comes to reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and consuming less water, explained Chang-Qun Duan, one of the scientists in Windsor for the conference. 

(Via: http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/chinese-and-canadian-scientists-share-water-conservation-strategies-at-windsor-conference-1.4249985)

Saving the environment really takes the concerted effort of everyone. We should all set aside our individual differences and unite for a common goal – protect the planet with our lives because we only have one home that we can call our own in the vast realms of space. No matter what country you are from, we still breathe the same air and use the same resources, so it makes perfect sense that we work hand-in-hand in addressing the major environmental issues we are facing right now that are mostly actually our own doing too. After all, more hands are better than one. So, what are you waiting for? Stop being a passive observer and become an active participator in saving the planet from now on.

Raising Awareness To Save Mother Earth See more on: The HD Business Blog

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/raising-awareness-to-save-mother-earth/

AIMatter: Google’s New Acquisition

Technology continues to progress. You can see it in the devices now made available to the masses. Their features and specifications increases and gets better over time. It’s no wonder why the public has openly embraced all these new technologies and make use of them in their daily lives. It is unheard for a person to not own a smart gadget these days. Almost everyone is connected to the web, one way or another.

Big companies like Google knows the trend very well and like most companies that make money from people’s online activities like Facebook and Amazon, they have long since expanded their search engine services and now recently acquired AIMatter, a start-up company from Belarus that works on detecting and processing mobile images and is the maker of the Fabby app and its neural network-based AI platform.

Computer vision — the branch of artificial intelligence that lets computers “see” and process images like humans do (and, actually, often better than us), and then use those images to help run programs — is at the heart of how the next generation of tech is developing, and this week Google made an acquisition this week to help it along with its own efforts in this area.

The search and Android giant has acquired AIMatter, a startup founded in Belarus that has built both a neural network-based AI platform and SDK to detect and process images quickly on mobile devices, and a photo and video editing app that has served as a proof-of-concept of the tech called Fabby.

(Via: https://techcrunch.com/2017/08/16/google-acquires-aimatter-maker-of-the-fabby-computer-vision-app/)

The potential is endless when it comes to technology as long as you have the right tools and you act on them right away before anyone else does because sooner or later, someone else will. Some technologies may not always be the best as that of Fabby but with Google’s vast resources, it won’t take long before someone from their talented pool of employees discovers a really cool way to use their new acquisition to its fullest potential or possibly come up with something entirely new.

Google has been working on improving its own computer vision software for years, in hopes of better indexing the data hidden inside photos and video. This has a number of practical applications — for example, you might use computer vision to help search through hundreds of photos on your smartphone to find photos containing dogs, sunsets, or specific family members.

The goal is to eventually build computers capable of instantly and accurately identifying everything inside a photo, or a live video stream.

AIMatter raised an estimated $2 million in capital, and its apps, Fabby and Fabby Look, have been downloaded 2 million times.

(Via: https://www.bizjournals.com/sanjose/news/2017/08/17/google-acquires-aimatter-fabby-selfie-app-goog.html)

Google aims to take Fabby into something even better and not just an app in taking “designer selfies” that it is now known for. And while it is no Snapchat, it can really transform your photo by adding details to your appearance or change your background altogether. It wasn’t even disclosed how much Google spent to purchase the app or what the company intends to do with it but there is one thing for sure, AIMatter employees will not go looking for new jobs anytime soon as they will be absorbed by the merger. In reality, we are already using a few technologies that are inspired by artificial intelligence, so this move is expected from a tech giant like Google that wants to maintain its lead over the others.

Technology continues to surprise us as the years go by and it is no longer surprising why big companies like Google is pursuing artificial intelligence like many others when a few have already set the clock ticking and are hard at work in developing AI technology to make it a reality for all of us in the years to come.

AIMatter: Google’s New Acquisition was initially published to https://hdbizblog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/aimatter-googles-new-acquisition/

Bloggers Like Snapchat The Least

Our world is not just dominated by the Internet these days but by social media too. A single person can have multiple SNS accounts in one or more social media platforms. That is the norm today and many even set up business accounts or fan pages because they know that they can easily reach people through social media. There are those who create dummy accounts for the mere act of trolling and posting nonsense on the web.

Now, more forward-thinking individuals have found a different way to make money from socializing online through personals blogs they create. It can be anything, from a food blog, a travel blog, etc. They make money the more their followers grow and this money often comes from online advertisers. Blogging is actually a lucrative career right now when the majority of the population is hooked on social media and goes online too on a daily basis.

Tracking the flow of influencers across social media platforms is a good way to ascertain which services are gaining importance and which ones are losing their luster. In 2014, for example, some creators who had previously gotten big on Vine, such as Jerome Jarre, opted to spend more of their time and resources on Snapchat. Two years later, Vine was on its way out, and Snapchat was headed for Wall Street.

Snapchat’s post-IPO struggles have been well-documented (here’s some of our latest coverage), and a recent survey has revealed that the messaging app may be falling out of favor among influencers. Adweek surveyed about 600 creators, most of whom seem to be more interested in maintaining their activity on Instagram and personal blogs than on Snapchat.

(Via: http://www.tubefilter.com/2017/08/16/snapchat-instagram-influencers-adweek/)

Bloggers often have their niche platforms depending on their interests. More artsy individuals prefer Pinterest over Twitter. Travelers love Instagram and Facebook is a favorite by most bloggers because almost everybody uses it and you can easily establish an audience anytime soon. If there is something bloggers don’t really find beneficial for them, it is the use of Snapchat.

Lately, signs -- including the 22-percent drop in Snapchat downloads over the last two months -- are pointing toward a surge of influencers turning away from the platform.

In a study of 550 social influencers in May 2017, influencer marketing company Collective Bias found that almost 70 percent had paused certain social accounts to prioritize others.

Only one in three influencers (35 percent) have paused their use of Twitter, while 40 percent have paused YouTube, and almost half (46 percent) have paused their use of Snapchat.

Snapchat ranked among influencers as the most likely platform to be put on hold, with 46 percent indicating it would be their first choice to cut.

(Via: http://www.zdnet.com/article/are-influencers-turning-away-from-snapchat-new-study-data-says-yes/)

Basically, Snapchat allows individuals to take self-destructing photos and videos that disappear in seconds. People, especially the youth, can’t get enough of it at first but there’s really nothing special about it, which is probably why top social media influencers are dropping it or aren’t as active anymore. Even the app downloads have significantly decreased as of late making a lot of people wonder.

Influencers won’t have second thoughts dropping Snapchat if necessary and the majority of them are in agreement in saying that Snapchat isn’t the best platform in the next few years or so. Unlike Instagram that bloggers and other social media influencers are raving about as of late, the demand for Snapchat is gradually drizzling down alongside Youtube, although we can’t deny the appeal of the latter among people who love streaming movies and other videos online. Marketers and entrepreneurs can learn a lot from these changes as they will have an idea as to what platform to invest in and where they can reach the most audience that can be converted into actual sales later on.

The following post Bloggers Like Snapchat The Least was originally published to OCBG

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/bloggers-like-snapchat-the-least/

The Essence Of Volunteerism

Volunteerism is not yet dead. You can feel it every time there is a need for the people to unite usually in the face of an adversity or a crisis. And with the rampant use of social media and the Internet, volunteerism has elevated into a global initiative shared and supported by like-minded people throughout the world that not only think about themselves but more of other people who have so very little in life and living on the outskirts of society. Volunteers can make such a big difference into their lives and it is the reason why those who have more than what they need should not hesitate in lending a helping hand to those who almost have nothing.

The world is increasingly becoming more difficult to live in as things that used to be luxuries back then are now necessities in today’s modern world. From cars to smart gadgets to the need to connect to the web, people use them now in their daily lives from the moment they open their eyes until they retire to bed at night. And as such, more and more people find it harder to provide for their families especially those who lack the educational requirements imposed by most companies and institutions. They are stuck in doing dangerous and dirty jobs just so they can put food on the table but when calamity strikes, it is almost next to impossible to stretch their meager resources, thus the need for outside help.

Philanthropy is the word used to describe a concern for the welfare of other people, expressed through acts of generosity and kindness – particularly by donating money or volunteering to help good causes.

Every day in Australia, tens of thousands of people of all ages and from all walks of life give their time and money to make life more comfortable for people less fortunate than them.

And every day, thousands of organisations and groups – from sports clubs and churches to welfare groups and international aid organisations – rely on volunteers to help them make a difference in their local community or further field.

At a time when governments are channelling fewer funds towards welfare and service organisations, the role of the philanthropic individual or group is becoming increasingly important.

The good news is that small acts of generosity can make a very big difference, and there are many ways that young people can do their bit and show they care.

(Via: https://thewest.com.au/lifestyle/kids/acts-of-kindness-ng-b88518272z)

The importance of volunteerism is better taught at a young age. Kids should know why helping others matter and what they can do to make the world a brighter place to live in even in their own little ways. Whether at home or at school, kids should be taught ways on how they can uplift other people lives and make them feel like any other normal people through various volunteer works they can engage in at a young age.

In every community, there are issues that need to be addressed and people who address them through care, volunteering and donating. The Adirondack Foundation fills that role throughout this region, collecting funds to support a wide variety of needs.

In the past two years, the foundation has created the Generous Acts Fund and Adirondack Gives to help raise money for local causes.

The Generous Acts Fund is a flexible and perpetual fund that provides financial support to unmet current needs and invests its funds to address unmet future needs. It has awarded $165,000 in grants from its creation to the end of June 2016.

Adirondack Gives is the foundation’s crowdfunding website that lets users create and donate to online campaigns. It has been used to raise almost $200,000 since being created in 2014.

(Via: http://www.adirondackdailyenterprise.com/news/local-news/2017/01/the-power-of-donation/)

Each and every one of us has the capacity to give. Whether big or small, your donation means a lot to the recipients. Even better, you share your time and effort to volunteer work where you actually get to interact with the needy face-to-face and know their story. Sometimes, they do not need all material things. Other times, they need someone to talk to and listen to them and tell them that there is still hope in life.

Not all the time it’s the poor that benefits from volunteer work, even the volunteers themselves feel a deeper satisfaction in extending help to others and reaching out while the others only looked and couldn’t care any less. The community, and eventually the world, becomes so much better with the continued practice of volunteerism by people of all walks of life all over the globe.

The following article The Essence Of Volunteerism was initially seen on https://hdbizblog.com

source https://hdbizblog.com/blog/the-essence-of-volunteerism/