Reasons Why It Is Worth To Enroll In An Online PhD Program

Higher Ed Geek always strives to bring you the latest news and advice involving the role of education within the modern world. So, it only makes sense that we tackle the subject of online PhD courses. What makes them so popular and why do they represent great opportunities for advancement?

A More Economical Alternative

If money is a concern, you will be very happy to learn that online PhD courses are significantly cheaper than their real-world counterparts. With costs ranging between $4,000 and $20,000 dollars, even those on a limited budget will normally be able to make ends meet.

More Opportunities to Organize Your Time

As there are a growing number of institutions which offer online programs, you can enjoy a greater sense of flexibility. It is often possible to schedule the courses around your requirements, so those with full-time professions will still be able to obtain a quality education. This also helps to strengthen the learning curve; enabling you to absorb a greater amount of information when the time is right.

Preparation for the World of Teaching

Are you considering teaching as a profession? If so, online PhD programs can be excellent options. While you will be able to gain entry into public schools, a more advanced degree can open up additional doors such as positions as a university-level professor. Thanks to the prevalence of chat forums and immediate access to tutors, you can also learn powerful communication skills. Another factor to remember is that classes are becoming increasingly tailored to fewer students, so the level of attention that can be devoted to each individual has increased in recent years. Many credits can likewise be transferred into real-world institutions if necessary.

Additional Skills and Talents

Another lesser-known advantage of any online course is that you will naturally build your technical skills. Often referred to as a learning management system (LMS), these programs are becoming an increasingly important part of the digital world. Other traits which can be developed include:

• Understanding webinars and VoIP networks.
• Working with modern word processors.
• Sharing documents.
• Leveraging the power of digital audio/visual media.

Becoming More Resourceful and Independent

You truly are your own boss when registering for an online PhD program. You will therefore develop discipline and independence along the way. Such responsibilities will prove to be invaluable when you ultimately enter into the workforce. Many employers are eagerly searching for such traits and in return, you could very well find that a greater number of positions are available.

When you complete the training, be sure to speak directly with the specialists at Maxxima Group. Whether referring to occupational therapy jobs or a board-certified surgeon, this team offers flexible and high-quality staffing solutions which are specifically designed for the health care sector. Possessing a PhD will open up an untold world of opportunities and there is no better time than the present to begin this rewarding journey.

Why Are We So Polarized About News And Politics Now?

The central topic of our time currently is, what is increasing the gap between political movements and opinions right now? Why is it that unlike ever before, we as a society are increasingly heading toward mass disharmony and maybe even violence? Politics is the number one issue in many people’s minds as there are great changes taking place in the world. Europe has its own political landscape but in terms of outright conflict between the left and right, America is taking it to another level. There are people fighting in the street, namely two groups that can be defined as Antifa and Center-right coalitions. Fundamentally it's a question of values and policies. For the liberals, they want to see open borders, a destruction of nations and a system that is geared to identity politics. What you see on the right or the coalition in America is centrists, center-right conservatives, libertarians and classical liberals, wanting to keep nations and borders, a maintenance of law and order, and trying to drag out emotions from civilized discussion. Let's go into this a little more.

Source Gage Skidmore

Fighting the person, not the idea

Following the election of Trump as president, something curiously strange started to happen. This person who had been a public personality, a figure on television shows where he pointed his finger at people and said “you’re fired” was being accused of being racist, a fraud, an outlaw and sexual abuser. All of these allegations came at once and no one knew what to believe. He had been in the eyes of America as the classic New Yorker, business, and trade mogul that had billions thanks to his real estate deals.

The left, namely the Democratic Party, began to attack him personally and in a very public way. However, the question is why did they not attack the ideas he was standing on, and instead go for him personally? Well, Middle America voted for the Republican candidate because he promised more jobs and lower taxes. This after the premiership of Obama looked enticing and normal everyday people didn’t seem to care about those allegations and just wanted a better life for themselves. One could argue that the Democrats found it easier to paint their enemy as an uneducated monster than to look at their own ideas, see where they went off the rails in public support and try to see what they could try to offer voters.

Image by Josh Hallett

Who to believe?

US political polarization is taking a new form in that, what news outlets are ‘fake news’? There are so many to choose from and somehow many seem to be saying different things, what should the public choose to take seriously and ignore? CNN is the main hard-liberal news source that regularly goes after anything the 45th leader of the US does in office. On the other hand, Fox News seems to praise Trump on anything he does. They both have different viewing numbers and ratings, with CNN falling behind substantially over the last year or so. Fox News has been steady but due to both not really innovating and trying to hack their way into new media, are declining slowly.

Many news broadcasting companies will only have on certain experts in different fields, and both the left and right seem to pick people that corroborate their values. In essence what you have are echo chambers, where people on side totally say something different to the other. There seems to be no way to trust any of the traditional media news outlets.

Photo by Esther Vargas

Alternative media is rising

News anchors have become personalities themselves. Rather than report the narrative, they are trying to run the narrative. Alternative media sources are simply people that have never worked in the media but have knowledge, degrees, and great knowledge of certain subject matters and they produce videos that are viewed only online. On the left, you have YouTube channels like TYT, and on the right, you have channels like Steven Crowder. People watch their videos for a lot longer than news channels. And since all of their consumption is done online, people are able to pause videos and do their own research to see who is telling the truth. One of the greatest things about alternative media is that there are conversations and debates happening in the comment sections. Anyone with an account on YouTube can post and reply to a comment. Therefore you have people from the left and right, actually debating one another, rather than shielding themselves off from each other.

It's a fascinating time to see the changes the media is going through. Politics is getting so interesting. However, more and more people feel polarized and traditional media may not be helping the issue.

Make Sure That Bump On The Head Doesn't Cost You Your Career

Our parents showed so much concern for our brains when we were kids. Too bad that concern was put in all the wrong places. From a young age we were told not to watch too much TV because it would rot our brains. Or not to play videogames as they would transform us into mindless zombies. Or not to read comics because they weren’t “real” books and that they would herald the slow but inevitable decline into cognitive deterioration. While these have all been proven to be beneficial (or at the very least not harmful) to our brains, the other more wholesome activities they may have suggested were fraught with danger. There’s far more danger of brain injury or head trauma on the football field or the baseball pitch or even in the park than in any comic or video game, however violent they may be.

Image by Flickr

Nonetheless, the simple truth is that a head trauma can result in a traumatic brain injury that has long lasting or even permanent effects. Your cognitive function could be impaired, you could lose your job or your career and even completely lose everything that makes you so special and unique and… you. But life’s for living and the risk of head trauma is by no means a good enough reason to shut yourself out from the world. When that occasional bump on the noggin does occur, however, knowing what to do can go a long way in mitigating its effects…

Get someone you trust on site

Brain injuries can be exacerbated when ignored or left unattended and there are are manifestations of brain injury that someone else may be aware of while you are not. Therefore it’s important to get someone you trust on site. If possible get them to take you home and spend some time with you while you convalesce. Don’t allow yourself to be left alone unless you are absolutely sure that you’re okay. Ideally, you should try and stay awake for as long as you can and avoid going to sleep alone if you can.

Look for signs of brain injury

There are certain signs that might indicate brain injury. If any of these manifest, you need to get to A and E straight away. These include:

• Loss of balance
• Weaving or wobbling when walking
• Hearing loss in one or both ears
• Bleeding from ears
• Clear liquid running from nose or ears
• Nausea and / or vomiting

Give it 48 hours

Ideally you should be under observation, either by a medical professional or someone else you trust for the next 48 hours. In that time you should stay out of work especially if you work in a hazardous environment. Avoid stress and physical exertion and certainly don’t even think about getting behind the wheel. If you experience headaches, take an anti inflammatory like Ibuprofen or paracetamol for pain. Do not take aspirin as this can thin the blood and exacerbate internal bleeding.

Very often a little caution and vigilance can mean the difference between a nasty bump on the head and a permanently debilitating injury.

Exploring the Present Power and Future Facts of Online Gaming

When you look back to the 90’s there were limited options on where and how you could game. Computers and consoles were the primary gaming outlet that everybody used and that’s just what people dealt with. There were never any thoughts about gaming on the go or playing online; it was a winning formula. Nowadays the world of gaming has expanded its horizons hugely and online gaming is one of the most popular platforms there is. Whether it’s online card games or head to head battles, everyone now has access to compete against other players on the World Wide Web. It is true that the internet has been the biggest influence on the gaming world in the past ten years. The massive boost in online gamers is still on the rise and there is a valid reason behind it. Let explore the power of online gaming and what the future might hold for us.

The Vast and Varied Choices

The online world of gaming caters to all ages, abilities and interests. The multitude of genres is one of the most impressive elements of online gaming; people can dabble with new things and try out unexpected games they wouldn’t have explored before using a regular console. You will never be stuck for options when browsing online gaming libraries. You can find anything from this casino card games list to creative games you have never experienced before. Now is probably one of the best times to experiment with something new, so give it a go and you might just find a natural flair for a new gaming genre.

Image

On The Go Games

The number of smartphone users has catapulted in the last few years and that means a great deal to avid gamers. Being able to play your favourite mobile game when you are out and about is a real privilege, especially when you are trying to fill time on a commute to work or in a waiting room. There are literally thousands of apps that you can download from brain training games to puzzles, so the gaming world has opened up its doors to a whole load more users than there used to be. The target audience is much more widespread nowadays; children as young as three years old can play a puzzle game and eighty year olds are even playing Candy Crush!

Fantastic and Free

The online gaming world has given us the privilege of being able to try new things for free. Many of the top notch games will have a hefty price tag, there is no escaping that, but if you are looking for a fun and free game there are millions to choose from. Downloading a new free game to your phone is a daily occurrence for most smartphone users and it is an element of gaming that has allowed more people to try it out as a hobby.

Competitive Spirit

Another joy of online gaming is having the ability to play against your friends. The internet has allowed friends to connect online and play together even if they are thousands of miles away across the world. Introducing your friend to a new game is a modern day communicative form and it truly bonds friendships together for life. You don’t have to spend a fortune hanging out and doing expensive activities together; you can throw on your headsets, have a chat and immerse yourself into a new game that you both have a common interest in. You no longer have to battle against yourself or a computer; you can truly be challenged by real life, experienced gamers.

Image

Admittedly, gaming is now widely considered a natural part of modern society and the leisure industry. Millions of people enjoy playing a game every day and new developments are constantly making the gaming world a bigger and bigger thing to be a part of. Gaming is no longer seen as a ‘nerdy’ activity, whereby people hide themselves away in their bedrooms for months and months on end. There is a lot more understanding on the subject as more and more people are enjoying partaking in games every single day. Instead of gaming being an isolating hobby, it is now a lot more social, due to the catapulting popularity of the internet and online gaming. We don’t know what the future will hold for online gaming, but it can only get bigger and better than it already is. It is a fun activity enjoyed by people of all ages and its vast versatility is something that makes it truly unique.

What Is Holding Your Website Back?

https://images.pexels.com/photos/39284/macbook-apple-imac-computer-39284.jpeg?auto=compress&cs=tinysrgb&h=350

In 2018, there is no excuse for not having an effective website ad a good online presence. However, this can often be a lot easier said than done, especially if you have found yourself in a bit of a rut and you do not know where you are going wrong. If your website is failing to have the positive impression you hoped for, read on to discover what could be holding it back.

A lack of security – There is only one place to begin, and this is with security. Today’s customers are savvy. They know that there are a lot of hackers and fraudulent businesses on the web today. They don’t want to take any risks, and so your website needs to be a safe haven. How do you achieve this? Firstly, you need to make sure the payment method available to your customers is secure. Aside from this, trust signals, including security badges, work well. You should also make sure there are a number of different ways for people to get in touch with your company.

No responsive design – Mobile has surpassed desktop in terms of Internet usage, and so if you have not had your website optimized for use across all devices, this is most definitely what is holding you back. You are going to be missing out on tons of potential customers. Not only this but not having a responsive design will hurt your search engine ranking too.

You have used a free website builder – Free website builders can be very tempting. After all, they are free! Nevertheless, these websites are very limited in terms of functionality, plus they offer nothing in terms of branding. Your website will look like thousands of others on the Internet, which is never good. Not only this, but it is likely that you will have to cope with a plethora of performance issues. Your website will also take a long time to load because, with every design facet, there are dozens of lines added to the back-end code. Slow load times create a poor user experience and this also hurts your search engine ranking.

You don’t capture customer information – Finally, a customer will present you with an abundance of information whenever they enter your website, and you need to capture it. This is essential in terms of target marketing and boosting the experience your website provides. From finding out at what point people leave your website to zoning in on buying habits, there is so much to gain by capturing consumer details.

Hopefully, you have now got to the bottom of where you are going wrong with your website. If you have noticed any of the errors mentioned above, there is no need to panic, but you do need to get to the bottom of the issue sooner rather than later so that you can start seeing the improvements you hoped for in terms of visibility and, ultimately, conversions.

How To Make Your PC Last Longer

As a gamer, you will know how important it is that your computer lasts as long as possible at it’s best performance. There’s nothing worse than running through a game and your computer is only managing to kick out around 10 frames a second. Computers are expensive, so it’s understandable that you want to make it last a long time so that you can really get your money's worth out of it. Even if you’re not tech savvy and wouldn’t be able to tell a motherboard from a graphics card, it’s not difficult to make sure your PC lasts as long as you need it to. Take a look at these tips on making your PC last longer.

Photo by Simon Abrams on Unsplash

Clean it regularly

The side of your computer should be able to be taken off with a simple unscrewing by hand. You will more than likely find a very thick layer of dust inside your computer, which actually slows it down. If the fans can’t turn as fast as they need to, they can’t power the computer as fast; therefore making it slower over all. Gently dust inside your computer and the fans (obviously have your computer unplugged for this) and make sure that you’re doing this once every few months to ensure that it’s running as fast as it can be. Be careful with the components inside too!

Let professionals perform upgrades

It’s always a good idea to upgrade certain parts of your pc rather than buying a completely new one. Many computers these days have removable graphics cards and many other components too, so why not upgrade every once in a while to keep it running as it should? Check out this website that specializes in computer and technology repairs. It’s always a good idea to let the professionals carry out repairs and upgrades so that you can be sure that you’re not going to accidentally break your computer.

Keep drivers updated

Another main reason for your computer running slow might be because your programms and software isn’t up to date. Most applications and installs will alert you when there is a new update available, so make sure that you’re letting them update so that they can run faster for your pc. If you’ve got a graphics card like Nvidia, you will usually get a notification from that too when an upgrade is available, so keep an eye out every time you log on to your computer.

Have security on your computer

Finally, there are millions of viruses all over the internet that can be very harmful to your computer. Make sure that you’ve got an active anti virus on your computer so that you don’t put your computer at risk from attack. You can download free versions of antiviruses which work just as well against viruses and trojans.

Use this advice to make your PC last longer and your gaming experience even better than you’d imagined!

Hosting An Adult And Epic Games Night To Remember

Link to file

The World Cup is two days away. Whereas the jocks will be jumping with joy, we are less enthused. It’s soccer for God sake. It’s not even an American sport! One thing everyone has to admit though is that the WC is great for parties. Spain and Portugal are playing on Friday afternoon? Great, let’s all drink and watch the game. Those of us who aren’t soccer-mad don’t get the same privilege.

Still, it isn’t like we can’t throw a party, one that doesn’t involve soccer. And, it is going to be adult-themed and epic at the same time. Here’s what you need to know.

The Games

What to bring, what to bring. In short, it depends on the crowd. If there are sporty people there who prefer to sit and chill then exercise, then FIFA may be on the cards. But, if the audience is more traditional game orientated, then Halo and GTA and RDR never fail to impress. As a rule, mix it up so that there is a wide variety to keep you going throughout the night. And, make sure they are all interactive and involve more than one player. Otherwise, it gets boring sitting there watching other people play.

The Food

Gaming custom dictates that the host has to provide the grub. You’re not 12 years old any longer so forget about the strawberry laces and licorice candy treats. Instead, think like a party-planner and buy snacks that are mature and elegant. Yep, it sounds like a reach but it is possible! Https://ww.redbookmag.com has a range of 35 easy recipes if anyone needs inspiration. You probably won’t though as long as you stick to the classics. Finger food always goes down a treat, which is why sandwiches are the staple of any party. Of course, chip and dip are about the only appetizers that challenge its popularity.

Link file

The Seating

This is where it gets complicated because there are rules and regulations. Everyone wants to sit down, but the gamers need the best seats. Being comfortable while playing is a must. But, any chair won’t suffice. The trick is to use the gaming seat you have as the focal point. To go the extra mile, you can buy another one off of https://goturback.uk/noblechairs-epic-series-review/. Then, use the rest of the furniture to make sure the rest of your guests are comfy and relaxed. Don’t worry about not having a seat for everyone because people stand up and socialize.

The Drinks

We all want to have a good time at a gaming party. There is an issue, however: performance. If you and your friends are competitive, the idea of getting wasted might not appeal. After all, some guest will want to be at their best so that they can win. Still, it isn’t a party without booze so you should buy a selection of drinks. Beers and wine will keep the majority of people happy, while soft drinks should suffice for the players.

Now for the big question – do you think anyone will forget your game night?

Reasons Grown Ups Should Play Games More

Gaming has often been as a past-time of teenagers or older children. Sometimes for adults is can be seen as a bit of a guilty pleasure and not something that we want to own up to. They are the recreational equivalent of consuming empty calories, or so it can be seen. But in reality, there are many benefits to gaming, and adults need to do it more, if they’re not already.

Video game design is getting better and better, and they can almost be movie-like in the stories that they tell. So as long as you’re able to control and limit the time that you’re on it, much like the livedealer.org site, then a little isn’t going to hurt. Here are some of the reasons why gaming could be good for you.

image

Economical

Like you might do with an item of clothing, the price per use of games is pretty high. There is an upfront cost, similar to that of a concert ticket or a couple of movie theater tickets. But the game goes on and on, for as long as you want it to last. Even if it is a game that you can do until completion, you can do it again and again if you’d like. So the value for money with gaming is low, as far as a recreational activity goes.

Social

Back in the day gaming was seen as quite an isolated activity, with images of loners sitting alone in the dark playing games. But in fact, these days, it is a pretty social activity. Most games have a multiplayer function, so you can invite people round or have other family members join in the fun. There are even games like guitarhero.com that allow you to be a little more active, and interact with others. Those kinds of games are only going to be fun with other people around.

image

The Future of Technology

The gaming industry is always changing, and it can give us an insight into technology and what is changing. If you’re a gamer, you’ll see just how much of an impact virtual reality is having on us, and you can look at the possible opportunities for using that in everyday life. Even games that are traditionally seen as games for children, like Minecraft, are being used in testing for AI Bots. The future of banking and retail could be going along the lines of chatbots, so gaming offers insight into those kinds of thing.

Escapism

After work or college, when your mind has been so focused on certain things, it can be nice to come home at the end of the day and relax. Gaming, like movies or television shows, can offer an element of escapism. It can be a way for some people to relax, while still using your brain in a different way. When you combine gaming as a hobby, alongside reading, exercise, and other things, it is important to remember that it is OK to play from time to time.

How To Secure Concert Tickets, Every Time

‘Sold out’. Two words you never want to face when you’re trying to get tickets to see your favorite artist! Failing to get tickets to something you really want to go to is beyond disappointing, but fortunately for you, that doesn’t have to be the case.

Image: Pxhere

With some handy tips, you can beat the system to make sure you get your dream tickets. Take a look at how to secure concert tickets, every time.

Find out all the details

To make sure you’re prepared, you need to note down all of the key details. What date and time do they go on sale? How much will it cost? Which websites can you buy from? Make sure you know all of the answers and put some reminders in your calendar to stop you from accidentally missing the sale. Giglist is a good website to find out about the latest ticket sales, while Ticketmaster and Live Nation also send out regular mailers about concert announcements.

Keep an eye out for pre-sale

Pre-sale tickets can be much easier to get, so try to find out if there’s one happening in the days leading up to the main sale. Check out the artist’s website for fan club sales and sign up where possible. If you try to get tickets this way and fail, at least you’ll have the main sale to fall back on.

Create accounts in advance

If you don’t already have accounts with ticket vendors, create them in advance. This will save you a lot of time on the day and means you can log in before the sale starts so that all of your details are there. It will only take you a few minutes, but it will save you time and stress when trying to secure your tickets.

Get multiple devices at the ready

You’ll stand a better chance of securing tickets if you try on more than one device. Aside from your computer, try using a tablet and a phone to help you try for tickets. Apps are still relatively underused for buying tickets, so you could stand a better chance of getting to the front of the queue this way. Get everything set up around 15 minutes before the tickets go on sale to avoid last minute stresses.

Take advantage of auto refresh

Auto refresh tools can help you to get to the ‘Buy’ stage of the sale, but you need to be sensible with it. You can get an auto refresh extension for Chrome, which you should set to refresh every 10-15 seconds while you’re waiting for the tickets to come on sale. Keep an eye on the page, and as soon as you’re in - turn it off so that you don’t lose your tickets when it comes to the payment stage. Don’t hit refresh if you’re placed in a queue, as this will mean that you lose your place!

Bypass the CAPTCHA

Did you know that you can bypass the CAPTCHA codes at the checkout stage? This can save you a lot of time and hassle so that you don’t miss out on your tickets through not being able to identify all of the vehicles in an image on time!

Have payment details ready

Once you’re in the ‘Buy’ stage of the process, you’ll be given a bit of breathing space to finish the transaction. However, in some cases this might only be up to five minutes, so you need to check out as soon as possible. If your card details aren’t already stored in your account, have everything ready to make the payment simple and straightforward.

Check back later

If despite your efforts, there are no more tickets left, it might not be game over. Plenty of people abandon their baskets while some sellers will stagger the ticket allocations. Check back after half an hour and an hour to see if there are more tickets available - many people will have already given up so you’ll have fewer people to compete with.

Choose the resale option

If you’re unable to secure tickets at the time, there’s always the resale option. Resellers are focusing on creating safe, secure websites that guarantee your tickets and provide a better alternative to shady sellers. TicketOffices reviews put the site as one of the best, with tickets secured and validated and delivered in time for the gig. Always check out reviews before you buy resale tickets to make sure you’re not getting ripped off!

Now that you know how to master ticket sales, you can be the king or queen of concerts. Bookmark this page ready for the next gig announcement to make sure you’ve got all the help you need right in front of you. With all of your ticket successes you’re going to need some extra income for gigs, so check out this guide to earning some extra income online.

Share your ticketing tips with friends so that you can all try together - it’s much easier to get the tickets you want with a trick or two up your sleeve!

Organizing A College Graduation Party You'll Never Forget

Image source

So, you’ve completed your courses at college, learned lots of new skills, and now someone has put you in charge of organizing the graduation party. While that might sound like a lot of fun, it’s also going to involve a lot of hard work. That is why you should appoint a team of other ex-students to assist you with the process. There is some advice in this article that should point you in the right direction and ensure you don’t overlook anything critical. With a bit of luck, you will manage to plan the perfect graduation party after reading this post.

Booking some entertainment

You managed to pay your way through college, so you should have reasonable budgeting skills. They are going to come in handy during this process. You need to make sure you book some suitable entertainment for the graduation party, and that usually means contacting bands or DJs. You could even book both if you think it will add to the event and ensure everyone has a fantastic time. There are agencies you can find online for hiring entertainers, and so you should take a look at some of their websites before identifying the ideal bands or DJs. Hopefully, your college has a budget for the party, and you can use that money to help cover some of the costs. Otherwise, you might have to sell tickets for the graduation ball in advance.

Arranging the catering

The people who graduate with you will want to fill their stomachs at the party you arrange, and so it is vital that you spend some time researching local catering companies according to sites like https://www.thebalancesmb.com. In most instances, a buffet or hog roast is suitable because most people won’t want to sit down for a full meal. The attendees will want to spend most of their evening dancing, and so they won’t want to weigh themselves down too much. Get some quotes from different firms, and then discuss the situation with your appointed team become making contact and arranging your booking.

Hiring some luxurious transport

Most people will want to arrive at the party in style, and so you should consider the idea of arranging some upmarket transport. According to specialists from http://fllimoride.com/, the prices you pay for hiring a limo could vary significantly. For that reason, it is wise to shop around and obtain quotes from multiple firms. That way, you should have some ammunition for negotiating a better deal when the time comes. The best thing about limousines is that you can travel to and from the party venue with lots of other people, and you’re sure to turn heads when you pull up outside.

If you manage to cover all the aspects mentioned in this article today; you should arrange a college graduation party that you’ll never forget. Remember to hire a professional photographer too, so that you can document the evening and provide guests with some images in the weeks following the event. The graduation party could be the last time you see some of your college friends, and so you should make sure it’s as thrilling and memorable as possible. Good luck with everything!