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Why Are Prices Going Up?

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Have you noticed the changing cost of basic necessities? It seems like every time you go to fill up a tank of gas or buy food you are paying more than you did last week. High inflation is catching everyone’s attention, but the question remains: why are the prices going up so much? 

The Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic, or COVID-19 pandemic, plays a key role in recent global inflation. Since many countries were disrupted by key workers being off sick – or by preventive measures taken by governments, this only added to serious supply chain problems.

Limited Supply of Fossil Fuels

Closing down pipelines and fossil fuel production also plays a critical role in inflation. Since the government put additional regulations on certain businesses or even shut down projects related to fossil fuels, the cost of gas and diesel has increased by roughly 43.6 percent when compared to the previous year. Increased fuel costs result in higher prices on goods.

The limited supply of fossil fuels does not only impact gas prices. It also affects the cost of utilities on a home, food on store shelves, and even furniture and bedding. Since gas and the byproducts of making gas are used in a variety of household products and items, you can expect higher prices at the store.

Problems in the Supply Chain

Supply chain problems that began with the pandemic contribute to inflation due to simple supply and demand. Since the supply chain for many goods is delayed by months, it is harder to find certain items in stores. The high demand for the items combined with the limited supply results in higher prices for the products. 

The War in Ukraine

The war between Russia and Ukraine contributes to inflation in the United States and around the world. Since the war started, Russia and Ukraine have not been part of the global market in relation to commodities. 

In the case of Russia, the war has resulted in lower supplies of metals, oil, and gas. Since the country was a major supplier of fuel and metals, it is causing a low global supply and driving up prices. Ukraine is a major supplier of wheat and corn, which is driving up food prices. 

While the limited supply of commodities plays a role in inflation, it is not the only problem caused by the war. The war in Ukraine is complicating the supply chain throughout Europe. It is amplifying the problems with the global supply chain that started with the pandemic by slowing down the transportation of goods. 

Inflation is a complex problem that stems from multiple factors. Regulations from the government, changes to the tax code, increased government debt, the global pandemic, and a fuel shortage play a role in the high inflation rates. By understanding the cause of increasing prices, it is possible to take measures to address the problems and prevent further ballooning in the future.

How To Safeguard Your Health While Flying

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Flying has never been something most people look forward to doing. It’s uncomfortable, inconvenient, and even hazardous to your health! According to research, about 20 percent of flyers develop cold or flu symptoms after a flight. But sniffles and a sore throat are a minor inconvenience compared to the more severe health issues that can occur.

Does this mean that you should forget about flying? No. The risk of developing severe health problems due to flying is very low. But, understanding why many people get sick and what you can do to prevent it will help you stay healthy next time you fly. 

Why Do People Get Sick on Planes? 

Despite what you may think, it is not the recycled air that causes post-flight flu. Planes have some of the most advanced air filter technology available. Like anywhere else, most germs on a plane are from surfaces. The long-term exposure to these germs combined with jet lag and lack of sleep can cause your immune system to fail. 

Six Tips For Protecting Yourself While You Are in the Air

Wash your hands frequently. You should be washing your hands regularly anyway, but doing it on a plane is more important. Yes, hand sanitizer can kill germs, but getting up and washing your hands in the bathroom is better. Walking to and from the bathroom gets your blood flowing and can prevent circulatory problems from developing.

Wear a mask. The pandemic may be easing, but that doesn’t mean you have to give up your mask. Even if you are vaccinated, masks can help protect against many common viruses you can pick up on board. Even if the air is cleaned frequently, it won’t stop the guy behind you from coughing on you throughout a six-hour flight. 

Wipe down your fold-down tray. Many of the germs you encounter on a flight are right in front of you. Tray tables are some of the dirtiest places onboard. By giving it a good wipe as soon as you sit down, you will eliminate a significant source of germs. 

Hands out of the seat-back pocket. A seat-back pocket is an excellent place for you to store your laptop or shove a water bottle. But it was also a convenient place for the passenger before you to throw used tissues and other items you don’t want to touch. 

Stay hydrated. Severe dehydration can cause a decrease in the immune system, kidney damage, and breathing problems. Stay hydrated. That means drinking a small glass drink of water every thirty minutes while in the air. If you are on a long-haul flight, you may consider packing some electrolyte powder in your carry-on.  

Move (as much as you can). Getting the blood flowing is a great way to stave off the aches and pains of flying. Besides walking up and down the aisle, try doing some stretching and isometric exercises in your seat.

 

 

 

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Scotland

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Heading to Scotland? Some tourists are perfectly happy to get the full tourist experience, but if you prefer a more authentic visit, your itinerary may look a bit different. Check out five ways to get to know the real Scotland. 

1. Visit a few lochs besides Loch Ness 

A loch is simply a lake or body of water that is at least mostly surrounded by land. And, Scotland is known for some of the most gorgeous lochs you can imagine. If you want to get to know the real Scotland, however, there are lochs far more rewarding than Loch Ness. Loch Ness is no doubt a nice place to visit—hey, who wouldn’t want a chance to catch sight of Nessie (aka The Loch Ness Monster)? But, if you want to set your eyes on some even more picturesque bodies of Scotland water, consider others like Loch Maree in the Highlands or Loch Awe near Dalmally. 

2. Check out small towns outside the main tourist attractions 

Certain Scottish cities are known as major tourist attractions, such as Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Aberdeenshire. These cities no doubt have a lot to do and see: museums, castles, bus tours, you name it. However, if you want to get an inside look at what life in Scotland is truly like, trek your way to some smaller, less-visited towns. Pittenweem, for example, is a seaside village north of Edinburgh. Here, you can stroll the streets, check out the fishing harbor, and buy fresh fish right from the local fishermen. 

3. Grab food from smaller cafés and eateries 

Scotland has some pretty amazing food, even if names like Cullen skink and neeps and tatties can sound a little odd. You’ll have no trouble finding amazing dining opportunities in just about any town. But food favorites can also vary from town to town. So, if you want something a little more cozy and local, check out the smaller cafes and eateries. For example, The Ceilidh Place in Ullapool is a quaint little place with a menu full of local ingredients. 

4. Book a stay in a bed and breakfast 

Scotland is full of inns and hostels, both of which can give you a chance to mingle with other travelers. However, if you’re looking to get to know the real Scotland, book a stay in a bed and breakfast instead. These more private accommodations put you in a residential environment in an authentic Scotland home. Plus, guests at B&Bs are more likely to be locals, and you get the chance to enjoy some local home-cooked food. 

5. Check in at neighborhood pubs 

Local pubs tend to be full of friendly locals. While some pubs are hot spots for tourists, such as Deacon Brodies Tavern in Edinburgh, the best way to find and mingle with the locals is to visit those establishments that are a little less noteworthy. You can find small pubs tucked into many neighborhoods in Scotland, and most are not all that large or flashy. Just the same, walk in and order a dram and the locals will likely strike up a conversation. 

How to Avoid Treating Yourself as an Object – and Why This Is So Important

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Do you objectify yourself? Most people would automatically say no. Nevertheless, treating yourself as an object instead of a person is easy to do if you’re not paying attention. If you treat yourself as an object, you live your life with the idea that something about your physical appearance is your means of obtaining something or achieving a goal. For example, you are attractive, and this is your means of maintaining a romantic relationship. The problem with self-objectification is if you fail to achieve, this can lead to self-loathing, shame, and self-deprecation. So, how do you avoid treating yourself as an object? Below are five good tips. 

1. Recognize your worth beyond what you look like

If you are only ever acknowledging the value of your physical appearance, it is easy to forget to appreciate everything else you bring to the table. Think about the skills you carry and why people should value you. Maybe you’re highly compassionate, a hard worker, or goal-oriented and driven to achieve. These things will still exist no matter your outward appearance. 

2. Respect yourself as a complex human being 

Humans are complicated in every respect. We have emotions, joys, frustrations, nuances, and unique personalities. When you objectify yourself, the complexities that make you human often get viewed as inconveniences. Maybe you don’t usually show emotion for fear it makes you less attractive, or, perhaps you’re hesitant about getting silly because you think it makes you look less distinguished. The more you can allow yourself to be authentic in your own skin without fear of changing physical perceptions, the better off you will be. 

3. Refuse to let others treat you as an object 

If others are treating you as only a means to an end, or an object that delivers only what they want, you can slip into the role of the same mindset. For example, if someone only wants to hang out with you because you are attractive, this is pure objectification. Remove people from your life that only look at you as someone who can do something or be something that benefits them. 

4. Dial down on the self-criticism 

We are all our own worst critics. If you are treating yourself as an object, you are likely criticizing yourself over things that you truly can’t control. For instance, if you gain a few pounds and can’t wear your fave jeans, you can be really hard on yourself to a point that you feel a lot of shame and guilt. When you recognize the link between objectification and self-criticism, you may be able to dial back negative self-talk that you truly don’t deserve. 

5. Allow yourself to feel unattractive 

Some people spend so much time and energy keeping up appearances that being in any other state feels uncomfortable. Do what you can to change this tendency. Try running errands without full makeup or visiting a friend in your gym clothes instead of a suit and tie. Gaining a bit of comfort in your own skin without physical enhancement can help you find appreciation for who you are instead of what you look like. You will start to see that people can treat you well even when your outward look is not where you think it should be. 

5 Signs You’re Becoming a Genuine Coffee Snob

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Upwards of 150 million Americans drink at least one cup of coffee every day. While that’s stunningly more than half the adult population, too many people drink subpar coffee straight out of a can. If you’re reading this article, you likely take a bit more care when it comes to your coffee, and this is likely something that’s significantly improved your quality of life. Are you becoming a coffee snob, though? If most or all of the following are true for you, you might just have crossed the line into full blown Java elitism.

1: You’re Willing to Spend Over $20 for Less than One Pound

The average cost of a pound of coffee hovered around $6, even with inflation in the spring of 2022. That’s a relatively small price to pay for a hot caffeinated beverage before heading off to work. So, why would anyone consider spending more than four times that amount for less? The answer is: Quality.

To the coffee connoisseur, bulk, canned, and freeze-dried, products are akin to fast food. It can rev up the body with energy at the risk of your health and developing the palate of a hog. If you think paying top dollar for good coffee is worth every penny, welcome to the club.

2: You Know (and care) About the Difference Between Expresso and Espresso

Coffee aficionados deftly know and use technical terms all their own. Only a plebeian would call the delicate warm espresso drink “expresso.” The moment hearing this mispronunciation irks you enough to correct someone, you just might be a coffee snob.

3: A Barista Knows You by Name and Your Preferred Beverage

Much like barflies, coffee drinkers also become regulars. When someone frequents the local watering hole, the bartender gets to know them and their beer, mixed drink, or shot, of choice. A bartender typically knows their limit as well. Frequenting a coffee bar mirrors this phenomenon. The barista will typically greet the coffee enthusiast by name and brew up “the usual.” But if the barista cuts you off or takes away your keys, you are definitely a coffee snob.

4: You’ve Driven More than 25 Miles for a Cup of Coffee

Driving more than 25 miles for a select coffee requires some uncommon calculations. The person must decide the round trip of upwards of 1 hour is worth the time. They have to decide the gasoline or electric car recharging expense is reasonable against the experience.

Given that a cup of even good coffee runs only a few dollars, this process stands outside the ordinary way most people think about time-money usage. If you think driving a fair distance just to have one coffee and then return home makes sense, it’s entirely likely you’re a coffee snob.

5: You’ve Attended a Cupping

For those still aspiring to become coffee snobs, a cupping is an event where people experience new blends, bean types, and discuss the flavors and notes of each brew. Everyday people make dinner reservations to avoid wait times or try an exclusive restaurant. Coffee snobs attend cuppings where elite drinkers gather to share knowledge and integrate beans into a personalized blend.

A cupping typically lasts 2-4 hours, and attendees pay a premium to participate. If you haven’t attended a cupping, it may be the next logical step to evolving into a coffee snob.

5 Positive Steps to Better Mental Health

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Good mental health is so important! Maintaining good mental health contributes to your happiness and personal well-being. Ultimately, having good mental health can help you maintain good quality of life. Good mental health doesn’t always come naturally – many people must work hard to achieve and maintain good mental health. Below are five things you can do to enjoy good mental health. 

1. Make Friends

Humans are social creatures who need to see other people in order to be happy. Making friends and maintaining in-person social connections gives many people a sense of fulfillment as well as happiness.

Making friends isn’t something that happens without putting some effort in, especially if you’re an adult. Some suggestions:

  • Get involved in community activities and social groups.
  • Download and start using friendship apps.
  • Make casual connections with people and then pursue deeper relationships by talking about commonalities and making an effort to get together.  

2. Exercise and Stay Active

Getting regular exercise can improve your mood and your self-confidence. It’s also good for your physical health, which is directly tied to your mental health. Some tips to make exercising a regular part of your life:

  • Make an exercising routine. Set aside specific days and times to exercise. If you have a hard time holding yourself accountable to your exercise routine, get an exercise buddy who will exercise with you. 
  • Start slowly and build up to a more intense exercise routine if you’re out of shape.
  • Exercise naturally throughout the day. For example, if you’re going to a store that you can easily reach by foot, then walk instead of taking a car.

3. Meditate

Meditating helps lessen anxiety and gives you a sense of peace and tranquility. Meditating is easy to do and even just a little meditating throughout the day can make a big difference in your life.

Set aside time each day to meditate, either at the beginning of the day or near the end. If meditating doesn’t appeal to you, consider another activity that focuses on mindfulness and creating a sense of peace. Yoga is a good activity for this.

4. Talk to a Therapist

Therapy isn’t just for people who struggle with their mental health. Therapy can help everyone! Talking to a therapist can help you work out everyday problems that cause unhappiness and uncertainty. Find a therapist who offers good advice and feedback when you discuss everyday issues. Find a therapist and build a good relationship slowly. 

5. Protect Your Leisure Time

Working too hard is bad for your mental health. Give yourself time to relax at the end of every day, whether you’re reading a book, talking to friends, watching television or turning on a movie. Protecting your leisure time will help you relax and alleviate feelings of anxiety. 

Check In With Yourself Regularly

Taking time to check in with your own mental status on a regular basis can help you gauge the state of your mental health. Check in with yourself on a regular basis by asking yourself how you’re doing. If you’re feeling sad or unhappy, ask yourself why. Work through these issues with your therapist as well. By performing these regular check ins, you can help maintain overall positive mental health. 

5 Famous People Who Died Broke

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Fame – it’s not all it’s cracked up to be, at least for some. Despite becoming household names, after a lifetime in the spotlight, plenty of well-known folks go to their graves essentially penniless. Here are five examples of famous people who die broke.

Number one – Michael Jackson

He was the king of pop, the man behind the moonwalk and hits like “Thriller” and “Billie Jean.” Jackson’s passing by overdose in 2009 was among the most shocking celebrity deaths of all time. Despite a career that made him one of the top-selling musical artists in history, he was spending tens of millions of dollars more per year than he was making on expenses like maintaining his 2,600-acre private estate Neverland. Jackson died hundreds of millions in debt.

Number two – Judy Garland

She took us over the rainbow as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz,” but that still couldn’t prevent her from ending up penniless before she died. Garland endured a difficult life despite her fame, suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues. By the end of her days, she was millions in debt, owing money to many different creditors. Like Michael Jackson, Garland died from an accidental drug overdose. She was just 47 years old.

Number three – Corey Haim

The teen icon rose to fame with a series of hit films in the late 1980s and early 1990s with frequent collaborator Corey Feldman. But like many younger actors, Haim dealt with trauma from his early years and struggled with drug addiction throughout his life. When Haim died of pneumonia in 2010, Feldman said that Haim had been so broke by the time he died he couldn’t even afford a car.

Number four – Vincent Van Gogh

Today, Van Gogh’s paintings sell for tens of millions of dollars. They are among the most valuable pieces of art in the world. But when the Dutch painter died by suicide in 1890, he was not a commercial success at all. Van Gogh struggled through a life of poverty and mental illness, and still managed to create some of art’s most influential works. However, his rewards have come posthumously, as he died essentially broke.

Number five – Joe Louis

In his prime, Louis was one of the most feared and famous athletes in history. He held the world heavyweight boxing championship for a dozen years in the 1930s and 1940s and even served in the U.S. Army during World War 2.  Louis made millions throughout his career, but the majority of it was siphoned off by dishonest handlers and much of the rest was given away to family and friends. By the end of his life, he faced significant tax trouble and died more than a million dollars in debt.

There you have it – proof that even the most famous among us can have it all and lose it all by the time they check out.

Everything You Need to Know About DDoS Attacks

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These days, it seems you can’t venture anywhere on the web without threats lurking around every corner. And each day, you hear about a new data breach, virus, or some other threat to your security and data online. 

When will the madness end? Well, probably never. As long as people are sharing sensitive information on the Internet (such as Social Security numbers and payment data), hackers will try to take advantage. 

Still, there’s one type of online threat that many people have never heard of, but that’s been gaining traction over the last several years. It’s the DDoS attack—and anybody with a server, website, or even an email address could be at risk.

What is a DDoS Attack?

Specifically, DDoS stands for “distributed denial of service.” In simplest terms, a DDoS attack aims to slow down a server or crash it altogether by essentially flooding it with fake web traffic. These types of attacks can wreak serious havoc, especially on websites that rely on steady uptime to generate revenue through direct eCommerce sales or even ads. In fact, one study has found that major server outages for the top five eCommerce sites in the United States total about $3.5 million per hour.

Unfortunately, DDoS attacks have grown not only in their frequency, but their size as well. Attacks of several hundred gigabytes per second are no longer uncommon, rendering some “DDoS protection” software unable to keep up. Meanwhile, it seems that nobody is safe from the threat of a DDoS attack; from major corporations to small non-profits and everything in between, attackers will target any and all vulnerabilities.

How to Protect Yourself

With all this in mind, what can you do to be proactive against DDoS attacks? While there’s no way to guarantee you’ll never fall victim to an attack on your site or server, there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk. 

Start by making sure you’re using a server or hosting platform with build-in safeguards against these kinds of attacks. Many hosting companies offer DDoS protection as part of their hosting packages. If you can upgrade your protection to guard against even larger attacks, do so.

Meanwhile, be aware of the signs of a DDoS attack. Most often, victims of DDoS attacks will notice problems accessing their website. The site may be slow to load or it may fail to load altogether. In other cases, you may still be able to access your own site, but you may receive reports from others that they cannot or that the site is loading very slowly. If this occurs, you’ll want to contact your hosting company as soon as possible so they can look into it further.

Don’t Become a Victim

Hopefully, you never have to worry about a DDoS attack causing downtime on your server or website. Unfortunately, these attacks are becoming a very real threat across the web. By being aware of what DDoS attacks entail, you can better protect yourself!

The Insider’s Guide: 5 Ways to Get to Know the Real Ireland

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If the sum of what you know about Ireland is “When Irish Eyes are Smiling” and kissing the Blarney Stone, then you’re in for a surprise when you arrive in Ireland.

But it’s a pleasant surprise. Here are some tips for finding the authentic Ireland.

Jive to the Music and the Dance

There’s simply no way to separate the country from its music and dance, so just give in to it when you have a chance. And chances are, you’ll have plenty of opportunities. It doesn’t matter if your voice doesn’t match the quality of a noted Irish tenor. It’s the spirit of it, after all. Dublin is a great place to experience Irish music and dance — and don’t be surprised if you find yourself humming those haunting tunes as you fall asleep at night!

Head for the Country

Dublin, Cork, Kilkenny, Galway, Waterford, and Limerick are all worth seeing, but it’s the wilder, “less traveled” parts of Ireland that will capture your heart and leave a lasting impression on your soul. Spend some time, if at all possible, just walking the hills, exploring the craggy seaside cliffs, and wandering the back roads. Surf in the cool water of the Atlantic, or follow a dirt path until the road ends. Pull on your boots and follow a muddy riverbed until you find the headwaters, then stop for a picnic lunch. This is the “real” Ireland.

Book a Stay in a Cozy B&B

Forego the chain hotels, and seek out an off-the-beaten-track, small, family-owned pension or bed and breakfast in a small town. Settle in for a few days of peace and an adventure that will score a “10” on the pleasure index. Rent a bicycle, or walk. Strike up conversations with locals. You won’t regret it!

Put Aside the “Normal”

Embrace “wellness” in Ireland — a renaissance is currently underway. Visit a spa to tailor a treatment regimen to your personal preferences — indulge yourself with a sauna experience, aromatherapy, a steam room and whole-body workout, a dip in a natural hot spring followed by an invigorating massage, or a treatment with essential oils. It’s just another way to immerse yourself in local culture and “go Irish,” no matter how long or short your visit may be.

Indulge Your Inner Foodie

If you’ve ever thought that Irish food is bland and tasteless, a visit to the country should change your mind after just a couple of meals. Contemporary Irish chefs have rewritten the rules and the recipes. You’ll discover a new tradition that has its roots in organically grown, eco-friendly production — savor the taste of fresh beef and poultry, locally sourced, organically grown produce, cheeses, and breads that offer a new twist on tradition, and innovative dishes and menus that will have you clamoring for more!

Then, of course, there’s the beer and Irish Whiskey — be sure to visit a traditional Irish Pub — not for the spirits alone, but for the spirit that is sure to draw you in!

 

https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/irishcentrals-top-ten-theme-vacations-in-ireland-121624979-237386571

https://blarneycastle.ie/pages/kiss-the-blarney-stone

https://www.tripsavvy.com/irelands-largest-towns-and-cities-4174513

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 your palate and 

Save Time And Money: 5 Meals To Bulk Cook And Freeze

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If you’re looking to save money and don’t have much time to spare in your evenings, bulk cooking could be the answer for you. Buy cooking meals in larger quantities and then freezing them into individual portions, you can have instant ready meals during your week, save cooking time, and even take advantage of bulk discounts. Here are some examples of meals that lend themselves to bulk cooking and freezing.

Crockpot Meals

You can freeze just about anything you make in a crockpot, including chicken and dumplings, American Chop Suey (goulash), beef stew and more. Make your favorite for dinner, except fill a six-quart crockpot. After the meal cools, pack enough for the family or individual servings in airtight containers, vacuum-sealed bags or zippered freezer bags.

Casseroles

You can also freeze your favorite casserole. If you do not make casseroles that often because you can’t eat them in one sitting, you can make them to your heart’s content – just freeze the leftovers in meal-size packages. You can freeze baked macaroni, shepherd’s pie, mac and cheese and even meat casseroles, such as pork, beef and chicken pot pies.

Stir Fry

It’s more difficult to freeze stir fry and have it come out good when you reheat it, but you can still freeze part of it to save time and money. Stir fry a bulk portion of the meat you are using. Divide the meat and broth into meal-sized containers. When you’re ready to use them, thaw them out, cook the veggies, and then add the meat. You can also purchase stir fry vegetables and keep them in the freezer – that will save you a lot of prep time. Buy a few large bags and divide them up into meals size portions. Vacuum seal the veggies and meat separately, then put one meat and one veggie in a zippered freezer bag. You’ll only need to pull one bag out of the freezer for the whole meal.

Turkey

If you’ve ever had a taste for turkey at some point other than Thanksgiving, you know that buying turkey breast costs much more per pound than it does to buy a whole turkey. When turkeys are on sale, pick up two or three of them. Put the extra turkeys in the freezer.

When you’re ready for turkey again, cook a turkey. Cut all of the meat off the bones. Divide it up into meal-sized portions for the whole family or individually. Put the leftover turkey in the freezer – you won’t have to go through the thawing and cooking process for a whole turkey later in the year.

Fried Chicken

You love fried chicken, but it’s a hassle to make. It makes a big mess, so you don’t make it that often. Between work and taking care of the family, you just don’t have the time to make it and clean up after. Instead, when chicken goes on sale, buy it in bulk. You can freeze some for later. Pick a day when you have a few hours. Fry enough chicken for several meals, then freeze it in airtight containers. You only have to heat it up in the microwave or the oven when you have a taste for fried chicken.