Top 12 Blogs For Travel Bloggers
This is a list of creative travel blogs that I read and follow. They are written by independent travel writers, the list include those that I consider as heavy-weights in travel blogging. These bloggers are associated with large travel sites/blogs but their focus is on living a unique life (getting to see the world around them) and be an insightful writers. All of them are fun and inspirational to read.Blog: Everything-EverywhereWriter: Gary ArndtGary has been on the road since 2007 as a professional traveller. On the blog you’ll find interviews with leading figures in the industry like Laura Bly from BlyOnTheFly.com. The posts are factual yet personal as they include Gary’s insights and reasons for visiting each of the destinations. Everything-Everywhere is the top travel blogger on Twitter according to its Klout score.Most recent post: This Week In Travel – Episode 152Blog: Nomadic MattWriter: Matt KepnessMatt offers practical and tactical advice about how to travel better, cheaper and longer. The blog gives down-to-earth details about the best ways to explore the world. The blog is more of a collection of useful tips rather than a chronicle of Matt’s adventures although there is a travel guide section with info gathered from Matt’s travels since 2004. The site includes videos and a list of resources.Most recent post: How To Travel Anywhere For FreeBlog: Go-See-WriteWriter: Michael HodsonTravelling since 2008 he circumvented the globe without getting on a plane. The blog includes Michael’s adventures and experiences as he goes through each of the travel destinations. Dubai travel is included in the long list of destinations you can read about and there is a section of travel destination tips. The blog is a personal journey of a solo adventurer exploring the world.Most recent post: Visiting One of the World’s Highest LakesBlog: Fox NomadWriter: Anil PolatChosen by the Huffington Post as one of the top travel writers to watch Anil is a full time traveller but a gadget geek as well, so the focus of the blog is often on the technical aspect of travel. He often visits countries which are off-the-beaten-track and gives practical advice about how to cope in places like Yemen and Iraq. On the blog you’ll find destination tips, tech posts, resources and insights into green travel and culture.Most recent post: The Landmarks To Look Out For When Flying Into IstanbulBlog: Legal NomadsWriter: Jodi – A former Lawyer from MontrealShe has been travelling and eating her way around the world since 2008 and the blog focuses on food, culture and her adventures. One of the plus points about this travel writer’s blog is that it is ad-free (except for Amazon links) which makes it a very clean-cut blog to look at. This is a good blog to watch if you’re into food related travel, the blog is on the MSN list of top travel blogs.Most recent post: Thrillable Hours: Doug Barber, Co-Founder of MinaaBlog: Almost FearlessWriter: Christine GilbertOne of the top ranking travel & leisure blogs written by a mother traveling with her family since 2008, this blog has beautiful photography and the blend of family, self and travel. The family travel focus can be seen by the blog sections – life, kitchen, photos and kids. You’ll find some useful destination tips but more general life insights.Most recent post: How I Spent 10 Years To Get Where I StartedBlog: Camels and ChocolatesWriter: Kristin LunaOne of the top travel writer blogs according to Elliott.org and other “top” lists due to the well written text. The writer is a professional journalist, has interviewed the stars and in addition is a travel addict. She covers a long list of travel destinations recording her adventures with the occasional travel destination tip thrown in. The blog boasts many photos of the travel writer in the various travel destinations.Most recent post: Photo Friday: Columbus, OhioBlog: Johnny VagabondWriter: WesAnother of the Huffington Post picks for best travel writer blogs, the charm of this blog is in the well written descriptions of the writer’s adventures. Wes is traveling around the world on a tight budget and taking brilliant pictures as he goes. The writing is engaging, intelligent and entertaining as well as giving you plenty of info about the travel destinations.Most recent post: A Love Letter from the PhilippinesBlog: 48 Hour AdventureWriter: Justin MorrisA very useful and highly practical blog where each post is dedicated to a 48 hour plan of what to see and do in various travel destinations. What makes this travel & leisure blog standout is its no-nonsense usable quality. You’ll find a “48 hours in Dubai” post if you’re interested in Dubai travel, listing sites, how to get around, orientation and plenty of large photos.Most recent post: 48 Hours in ReykjavikBlog: Global GrasshopperWriter: A team of travel writers Gary and BeckyUnlike many of the blogs on this list it is not a chronicle of any one person’s travels but rather a collection of inspirational travel stories and travel destination tips written by travel writers. For example you’ll find “top 10″ lists, cool hotels and beautiful places as well as the section for travel snobs!Most recent post: 10 of the Best Travel DestinationsBlog: Travel Business SuccessWriter: Tourism Tim WarrenSince 1994 Tourism Tim Warren works to inspire, guide & connect tourism pros’ to realize their dreams. From Michigan to Mongolia, Baja to Bolivia, “Tourism Tim” Warren has helped 1000′s of small start-up tour operators to international business development agencies increase sales, arrivals and profits via his book, online courses and webinars. An entrepreneur at heart, he enjoys helping current & future travel entrepreneurs succeed financially following their passion of a profession in tourism.Most recent post: 5 Travel Website Sales TipsBlog: Y Travel BlogWriter: Caz & Craig MakepeaceCaz & Craig originally from Central Coast of Australia alongside their daughters have been travelling round the world. Y Travel Blog was started in April 2010 as a way to share personal travel tips and stories to help others live their travel dreams. There consistency, dedication and global travel knowledge makes their travel site one of the best.Most recent post: What a Day at Famous Hyams Beach Looks Like
The Movie “Sicko” and the Health Care Debate
Michael Moore’s movie Sicko, is apparently designed to educate the American public regarding the issues of health care. The movie presents a comparative analysis of the health-care systems in America, Canada, France, England and Cuba. Michael Moore and his film crew actually visited all the countries discussed in the film, interviewed health-care professionals, and patients, and presented the fact in understandable details.Based on the film, health-care in America is very controversial. It is also a highly contested area in the legal and administrative arenas. The film shows how the health-care industry operates with hidden agenda, which is based on profit making. As a result, the average citizen is denied access to health-care payments for frivolous reasons. Such actions at times resulted in the unfortunate death of individuals being denied insurance coverage, or a family member who desperately needs the coverage to pay for medical bills not being covered.The film shows various former employees of the health-care industry providing information on what they used to do for their respective employers. The information is depressing. The actions of the insurance companies as portrayed by the former employees are ruthless, based on capitalistic motives, and show a lack of sensitivity for the health and welfare of others who are sick.One must consider the impact of the film on politicians. It actually computes in monetary terms the value of how much the health-care industry spends annually to buy politicians and get them into its corner. With the winning over of politicians, the health-care industry is then able to obtain votes and influence the passage of legislations in its favor which affects Americans across the spectrum.The film heightens ones awareness regarding the ongoing battle over healthcare coverage, and in particular, the health care debate and proposals by each candidate regarding where he or she stands on the issues. It shows the benefits to be derived from having a health-care system that is universal, and how it improves the quality of life for citizens of that country.The following is my poem regarding the health-care system in America, entitled This Land:This Land-America!This land we fought and died forAncestral legacy buried in its midst;This land we shed our blood forDescendants suffering in its midst;This land we cried and bled forFuture generation will be ticked;This land we stood and prayed for-Lord help and keep us on Your list!General ReactionsSicko is a present day reality of America’s broken health-care system. It is beyond any reasonable comprehension to acknowledge the fact that the wealthiest country in the world is not even rated in the top 25% of countries world-wide for providing health-care to its citizens. This realization is just deplorable! It is an injustice to humanity to know that Americans are dying in the streets on a daily basis because America does not have an efficient and effective health-care system to provide for its citizens.One could assume that the ruthless practice of the health-care industry is designed to further continue the unjust act of covert genocide on certain segments of the American population. The system impacts African-Americans and other minorities the most. It is a further reflection of how capitalism and monopolistic practices by the upper class continue to act in a repressive manner to alienate those considered inferior by unjust standards.The timing of the film could not have been better especially being released before an election year. If watched by Americans, this film should provide them with enough information to make an informed decision on where they should cast their votes on the health-care debate. Americans have suffered enough under the current unjust practices of the health-care system. It has stripped their pockets book, bank accounts, home mortgage equity, and other finances to pay for coverage the insurance companies should have been held liable for but refused to pay.The following is my poem about the health-care system taking care of our people.Taking Care of Our PeopleLet’s take care of the sickThey are dying in our streets;Let’s take care on the homelessThey are sleeping in the streets;America has money to spareLet’s spend on the sick their share;Build homes for the homeless,Lift up humanity to where-America is truly the Land Of The FreeAnd proud to be: The Hand Of The Brave!
The Importance of Education
For most of the countries the age group between 15-25 years consists of an average of 16%. And this young group holds the role of development of a country. If the policy makers and stake holders can work hand in hand and execute the one key element in the most effective and poised way, then these youths can be the blessing of a country. And that key element is Education. If they fail in that, then it leads to the total disaster of the country’s social, political and economic aspects. There is nothing more dangerous than unemployed, uneducated or undereducated young people. The aims and objectives of education have transformed drastically through each generation. Education should never be something that is static. It should be able to cater the needs of the people according to the society they live in. This can be easily understood by differentiating traditional education system and modern education system. Education is not a privilege of a particular community or group of people. Today almost all countries have accepted the truth that it is the Civil right of a citizen to get education. But here comes the real question, does this right to education is implemented in real meaning. To make this happen and to make this worthwhile to the people, the education system of each of these countries has to ensure four aspects. Let us find out what these aspects are.
Extensiveness
Effectiveness
Equality
Employability
The policy makers and education stake holders should consider many factors while implementing the structure and purpose of education, particularly the demography of that particular country. They should be able to cater education to all citizens who fall in the bracket of that age group. Thus the educational system of a country should be extensive as per the demographic requirements. The kinder gardens, schools, Universities should be established in proportion to the population ratio. Not a single aspirant should be denied the right to education due to the lack of educational infrastructure. So, Extensiveness has become the name of the game. There comes equality, for centuries education was confined to only a particular community or some group of people. A large number of people were excluded from the opportunity to get the chance for education. There have been changes in that attitude after long struggle. But still it is a key factor – Equality for education. All citizens irrespective of any kind of social, economic and political barriers should have access to education that they deserve. We have to ensure that excluded groups are getting chances to get involved in the process of education. Or else it is the greatest failure of the entire nation known as global family. It is the responsibility of the country to ensure that, GER (Gross Enrollment Ratio) works equally proportional to the specific age group of that country. Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) or Gross Enrollment Index (GEI) is a statistical measure used in the education sector and by the UN in its Education Index to determine the number of students enrolled in school at several different grade levels (like elementary, middle school and high school), and use it to show the ratio of the number of students who live in that country to those who qualify for the particular grade level.Even though most of the countries were much focused in key aspects like extensiveness and equality in education, there is one crucial thing that they have ever failed or never focused much – Effectiveness. The quality of the education they were imparting. The quality of education became secondary to the quantity of the options that were given to the students. If the education is without a purpose, then how it can meet the needs of the people, so there arises the question, why this education? This can lead us to large mass of educated but unemployed people. Where we are going to utilize them or how we are going to work this out. If the education of a country never caters to the needs of the economic needs of a country or the skills expected by companies or organizations, then all these efforts to enrich the educational system will be futile. Various educational thinkers have always questioned the accountability of the education that was provided. Most of the employers have expressed their concerns that the most of the graduates are unfit for the job. There are job opportunities, but there is lack of skilled employees for the particular position. So there arises the question, what we have to teach them or make them capable of. Here the only solution is, the skills of individuals should be identified, and they should be given the chance to excel in their trade. And also the policy makers have to take into consideration what the employers require, what skill sets they expect from their candidates. Unless these are taken into consideration, our educated group becomes worthless for themselves and for the world. This should never happen.
Guide To The Types Of Home Loans In Australia
Mortgage managers, banks, credit unions, brokers, insurance groups all offer a seemingly endless choice of loan options – introductory rates, standard variable rates, fixed rates, redraw facilities, lines of credit loans and interest only loans, the list goes on. But with choice comes confusion. How do you determine what the best type of home loan is for you?First, set your financial goals, determine your budget and work out how long you want to pay a mortgage for. You can do this yourself or with your financial advisor or accountant.Second, ensure the organization or person you choose to obtain your mortgage from is a member of the Mortgage Finance Association of Australia (MFAA). The MFAA Member logo ensures you are working with a professional who is bound by a strict industry code of practice.Third, research the types of loans available so you can explore all options available to you with your mortgage provider. Some home loan choices are:Basic Home LoanThis loan is considered a no-frills loan and usually offers a very low variable interest rate with little or no regular fees. Be aware they usually don’t offer additional extras or flexibility in paying of extra on the loan or varying your repayments.These loans are suited to people who don’t foresee a dramatic change in personal circumstances and thus will not need to adapt the loan in accordance with any lifestyle changes, or people who are happy to pay a set amount each month for the duration of the loan.Introductory Rate or ‘Honeymoon’ LoanThis loan is attractive as it offers lower interest rates than the standard fixed or variable rates for the initial (honeymoon) period of the loan (i.e. six to 12 months)before rolling over to the standard rates. The length of the honeymoon depends on the lender, as too does the rate you pay once the honeymoon is over. This loan usually allows flexibility by allowing you to pay extra off the loan. Be aware of any caps on additional repayments in the initial period, of any exit fees at any time of the loan (usually high if you change immediately after the honeymoon), and what your repayments will be after the loan rolls over to the standard interest rate.These loans are suited to people who want to minimise their initial repayments (whilst perhaps doing renovations) or to those who wish to make a large dent in their loan through extra repayments while benefiting from the lower rate of interest.Tip: If you start paying off this loan at the post-honeymoon rate, you are paying off extra and will not have to make a lifestyle change when the introductory offer has finished.Redraw FacilityThis loan allows you to put additional funds into the loan in order to bring down the principal amount and reduce interest charges, plus it gives the option to redraw the additional funds you put in at any time. Simply put, rather than earning (taxable) interest from your savings, putting your savings into the loan saves you money on your interest charges and helps you pay off your loan faster. Meanwhile, you are still saving for the future. The benefit of this type of loan is the interest charged is normally cheaper than the standard variable rate and it doesn’t incur regular fees. Be aware there may be an activation fee to obtain a redraw facility, there may be a fee for each time you redraw, and it may have a minimum redraw amount.These loans are suited to low to medium income earners who can put away that little extra each month.Line of Credit/Equity LineThis is a pre-approved limit of money you can borrow either in its entirety or in bits at a time. The popularity of these loans is due to its flexibility and ability to reduce mortgages quickly. However, they usually require the borrower to offer their house as security for the loan. A line of credit can be set to a negotiated time (normally 1-5 years) or be classed as revolving (longer terms) and you only have to pay interest on the money you use (or ‘draw down’). Interest rates are variable and due to the level of flexibility are often higher than the standard variable rate. Some lines of credit will allow you to capitalise the interest until you reach your credit limit i.e. use your line of credit to pay off the interest on your line of credit. Most of these loans have a monthly, half yearly or annual fee attached.These loans are suited to people who are financially responsible and already have property and wish to use their property or equity in their property for renovations, investments or personal use.All In One AccountsThis is a loan which works as an account where all income is deposited in the account and all expenses come out of the account. The benefit of the All In One Account is its ability to reduce the amount owed and thus the interest payments while providing a one-stop finance shop where your loan, cheque, credit and savings accounts are combined into one. Normally these loans will be at the standard variable rate or slightly higher and may incur monthly fees. Be aware that if the account is split into the loan account, with credit, cheque and ATM facilities placed into satellite accounts, you will need to check your access to funds, how many free transactions you receive, and what associated fees the loan may have.These loans are suited to medium to high income earners.100% Offset AccountThis loan is similar to an All In One Account however the money is paid into an account which is linked to the loan – this account is called an Offset Account. Income is deposited into the Offset Account and you use the Offset Account for all your EFTPOS, cheque, internet banking, credit transactions. Whatever is in the Offset Account then comes directly off the loan, or ‘offsets’ the loan amount for interest. Effectively you are not earning interest on your savings, but are benefiting as what would be interest on savings is calculated on a reduction on your loan. The advantages are similar to the All In One Account. These loans normally have a higher interest rate and higher fees due to their flexibility.These loans are suited to people on medium to high income earners, and to disciplined spenders as the more money kept in the offset account the faster you pay-off your loan.Partial offset account and an interest offset account are also available.Split LoansThis is a loan where the overall money borrowed is split into different segments where each segment has a different loan structure i.e. part fixed, part varied and part line of credit. Often called designer loans, you benefit from one or more types of loans. Splitting the loan offers a saving on stamp duty and other charges.These loans are suited to people who want minimize risk and hedge their bets against interest rate changes while maintaining a good degree of flexibility.Professional PackageThis loan is available at a minimum amount to people on higher incomes or people of a specific profession if they meet certain requirements. The benefit of this loan is being able to borrow higher amounts with a high degree of flexibility and a discount on the standard variable interest rate. The level of discount is dependent on the size of the loan, and the duration of the discount depends on what’s negotiated and can sometimes apply for the life of the loan. Generally these products combine all fees into the one annual fee. Lenders of this product usually provide a lot of added values such as credit cards, discounts on their insurance and investment products.Tip: If you don’t need the additional extras other loan types may offer a better interest rate.Non Conforming LoanThese loans are only available from non-bank lenders where interest rates are higher due to the greater risk and shorter life of the loan. The advantage is they are available to people who don’t fill the traditional lending institution criteria. There are two types of Non Confirming loans:1. A Low Doc Loan usually has a slightly higher interest rate and fees than the standard interest rate and will have a maximum borrowing amount and/or will usually only lend 70% of the value of the property. After demonstrating the ability to meet the payments the interest rate will often revert to the standard rate.These loans are suited to people who do not wish to disclose their income or have the inability to show a true income i.e. if you are self employed.2. Sub-Prime Loans usually have a much higher interest rate and fees than the standard rate and usually require you to use an asset as security. They are based on a sliding scale in accordance to the level of risk of loaning the money. Refinancing is available once the borrower can establish a good payment record.These loans are suited to people with poor credit histories.Other Loans and Products in the Market Include:Construction Loans: For those building a home when you don’t need the entire amount from the start – you only pay interest on what you’ve spent over the stages of construction.Bridging Loans: For when the sale of an existing property takes place after the settlement of a new property – when you want to buy a new home before selling the old one, where the funds from selling the old home are paid straight into the loan for the new home.Consolidation Loans: Enables you to use your mortgage to consolidate other debts such as credit cards, personal loans, car loans etc. – interest rates on the mortgage are usually cheaper than personal loans.Reverse Mortgage Loans: For those who want to use the equity in their home to supplement retirement income. The loan can be paid in a lump sum or in individual installments and the lender recoups the payments from the sale of the property when the borrower sells the home, moves out of the home or dies.