Who pays for the news? – Find out more about inside secrets

Have you ever thought about why/how the news is free? When you listen to the radio, have you ever thought that if you are not paying for it then why is it freely provided for you? How does MSNBC live stream is easily accessible for us. This is a very interesting matter that has so many different aspects to it. When you watch the news or listen to the radio you do not have to pay for any of the programs.

Event newspapers are offered to people at a very cheap cost although it takes a large amount of money for companies to produce those newspapers. The answer is advertisements. When you are broadcasting any sort of TV/ Radio program you need to buy “time” from the media to broadcast your shows. But who owns the media? Advertisements in between the shows you watch or listen to are the reason that those programs are free. The reason why companies do this is that what they get in return is far greater for them than the programs that they give you.

The interesting part is that people think that TV or radio is for their benefits but in fact, TV and radio is the medium that advertisers use to reach to people and the programs and TV shows in between are just there to keep you watching or listening.

How advertisements work

Have you ever watched a news channel and an advertisement kept popping up? This is the simplest way of advertisement that they keep replaying an ad for you. The first times you see it you do not pay attention. The second and the third time you get pissed off because it is interrupting you. After the third time automatically you start to listen to the ads.

Most of the time after a couple of times when we see an advertisement we would go and purchase that product or service. And if we didn’t do that, the next time we are in a shop and we see the brand that kept popping up on our screen is the brand we would like to go to. We all know the feeling of hating an advertisement but keep singing or knowing the words. This is a way of marketing for many different companies. Some think and believe that the TV is not programs interrupted by advertisements, TV or any other media is advertisements interrupted by programs. So channels like MSNBC live must buy time for their programs and mostly the advertisements will provide the budget.

It is more complicated than this as so many other factors are included in this matter. Some news channel use funds that they receive from the people and some of them are run by the government.

Serving the audience or profits

Knowing who is paying for a news channel tells a lot about the company. For example, in MSNBC live streaming the content that they create or the news they talk about can show you if the channel is serving the audience by giving them the news or this channel is just trying to keep their advertisers satisfied for their own sake.

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Bone Conduction Technology: A New Pathway of Hearing

Who doesn’t like music? Well, that’s just a rhetorical question. Everybody likes music, one genre or the other. It’s just how our world works. We usually have earphones tucked in, volume full blast and we’re lost in our own imaginary music videos. Don’t worry, it’s universal. You’re not the only one.

With the advancement of music industry, science and technology, a crossover invention can be expected, honestly. Here comes bone conduction technology. I’ll tell you a secret; when we first heard the term, our minds instantly went to medical jargons. We thought it would be some sort of medical equipment. Oh boy, were we wrong. But with a little bit of research, test and trial on our part, we instantly became fascinated with this medical sounding bone conduction technology, partially because wow! The human body is a wonder and partially because who would’ve thought bones worked that way too.

How Does Bone Conduction Work?

Normally, fully functioning ears work with ear drums. Sound waves are vibrations in the air that travel to our ear and through to the eardrum where the eardrum feels the vibrations against its walls and interprets them into a different type of vibrations transferred to the cochlea deep inside the ear which lets us hear the sounds. Even this simple and small concept is fascinating in itself but wait! There’s bone conduction technology now.

Bone conduction completely ignores the eardrum. Poor eardrums get sidelined by the more powerful bone conduction technology. Mostly these devices or gadgets (normally headphones) take over which was basically the role of eardrums. The bone conduction devices interpret the sound waves into the vibrations fit to be sent to the cochlea and transfer them through the bones in our face, namely the cheekbones and the jaw bones to the cochlea itself which lets us hear the sounds. The technology clearly bypasses the use of the outer and middle ear and the sounds are directly chained to the inner ear.

Beethoven Was Hearing Impaired?

Have you ever thought of how the famous German composer Ludwig van Beethoven composed all the musical masterpieces when he was hearing impaired? Well, it’s largely and historically believed that Beethoven discovered the bone conduction technique by attaching a rod to his piano and fixating it between his teeth to feel the vibrations and hear the music himself.

Classy, that guy. Created masterpieces upon masterpieces despite being completely deaf.

Bone Conduction, Where?

Bone conduction technology works primarily for various groups of people in a wide range of products; hearing aid alternatives, ordinary gadgets like headphones and even deep sea diver equipment depending on the sensitivity and making of the device itself.

Initially, the bone conduction got its early usage in military communication where ambient awareness was a necessary component for survival and the bone conduction headsets provided a communication channel just as well as they opened the airways to the ambient noises for a more aware and active prospect. Later on, the bone conduction technology got its roots into hearing aid alternatives and people suffering from conductive hearing loss caused mostly by damaged eardrums started seeking assistance of bone conduction which helped them hear better bypassing the eardrums entirely. As technology grew, the deep sea divers got introduced to bone conduction technology as well for under water, the bone conduction worked tremendously for it is something whales and various other sea animals use for communication. Wonders, man, wonders!

Nowadays, the technology is also widely used in ordinary headphones just as much as sports gear. Cyclists, runners etc. prefer using bone conduction headphones as to be aware of their surroundings to avoid accidents and take in their surroundings as well.

Is it Beneficial?

When it comes to benefits, the one crucial and widely marketed benefit that bone conduction technology has and the products around it have is the ambient awareness. Since the earphones do not directly plug in as earbuds, the sounds around us are not blocked out which creates both a sense of connection just as much as the awareness of what is happening around us. It is useful around organizational environments where you can take calls, play music and listen to podcasts while being around people and interacting positively.

Another useful thing about products surrounding bone conduction is the comfort level. Earbuds fall out, headphones get uncomfortably painful after a little while. The bone conduction headphones do not. They sit comfortable and lightweight around your head without being a pain.

What are some of the best bone conduction headphones you ask?

One of the most widely used and functionally best bone conduction headphones are the AfterShokz Trekz Titanium Mini headphones. However your praises will fall short. The headphones are durable for long term use, comfortable to wear hours on end and with a battery life that is to die for.

Tested, we can say, they are extremely lightweight, you don’t feel anything when wearing them. The sounds and pitch are on point. There’s the Bluetooth connectivity that gets you going and playing music for ages. It comes with a 2 year reliable warranty. The design itself is attractive and trendy; a bonus point.

The device creates the perfect balance between ambient noise and the sounds you play to give you a safe but enjoyable trip.

For outdoors, the runner’s’ best friend is this device. The Discover Devices team of device analysts did a pretty detailed review on these things; one we religiously believed and got this one for a day to day use.

The bone conduction technology is quite possible one of the best discoveries and the inventions surrounding it are surely a masterpiece in itself.

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What is Cushing Syndrome? | Symptoms, Causes and Treatment

Cushing Syndrome is a rare condition that is caused by overproduction of cortisol hormone. Cortisol is a stress hormone that is produced in the adrenal glands. This hormone is very useful especially when you are dealing with stressful conditions. It is produced in bursts in the morning with few in the evening. When the body has too much of this hormone, the excess hormone can throw off other body’s systems. Although most of the instances of Cushing Syndrome can be cured, the symptoms may take a longer time to ease up.

This condition is very common in women than in men and it usually affects people from 25-40 years. Some of the patients develop this condition because the adrenal glands have a tumor that leads to the release of too much cortisol. Several other people develop it because they make too much of ACTH which initiates adrenal glands to produce too much of cortisol.

Causes of Cushing Syndrome

As I had already stated, this condition is caused by too much production of cortisol which is produced in the adrenal glands located in your liver. The most common cause is linked to medications called glucocorticoids which are in other words known as Steroids or prednisone. These medications are prescribed for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and lupus. Studies show that taking too much of them for too long can cause Cushing Syndrome.

The other common cause is the existence of tumor in your Pituitary gland which is found in the brain. Also if there’s a tumor in the adrenal glands, there’s likelihood of this condition developing. Although this isn’t a condition passed in families, there are some rare cases where it develops because there’s a gene problem in the family.

Read also, What is Facial Plethora as it is closely related with cushing syndrome so you could have a better understanding of the condition.

Symptoms

The fact is that people with Cushing Syndrome don’t develop the same signs and symptoms. For this reason, you need to analyze them closely because your condition maybe different from another person’s. However, some of the most common symptoms includes;

  • Acne
  • Rounded rosy face
  • Weight gain
  • Thinning skin
  • Tiredness
  • Sleep problems
  • Depression and anxiety
  • Kidney stones
  • Irregular periods in women
  • Extra hair growth on the body and face
  • Osteoporosis

If you notice any of the above symptoms, then it’s time to visit your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Children with this condition are likely to be obese and grow slowly.

Treatment

First of all, the doctor will have to carry on some tests to detect the existence of Cushing syndrome and later the cause. If the overproduction of cortisol is caused by the steroids you are taking, then the doctor will see if you can stop taking them. If the condition is caused by a tumor, then the doctor will recommend more tests to determine the location of the tumor and corrective measures taken. A surgery to remove the tumor may be done. The other way is that the doctor can shrink the tumor using medicine or radiation. On your part, eat well because a healthy diet can ease some symptoms of Cushing syndrome.

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How to avoid loose skin as you lose weight

No one ever tells you the truth about losing weight. Your social media is probably flooded with before and after pictures of people that have shed pounds by following a healthier lifestyle. It sounds great, but, with every major change that your body undergoes, there can be some frustrating consequences. A common problem people are faced with after losing weight is the skins inability to bounce back. Loose skin from weight loss may feel like a major setback to your fitness goals, but that is not to say that it can’t be remedied. Whether you’ve already begun your weight loss journey or are about to commit to a fitness regimen, there are a couple of things you should know to avoid that saggy skin.

Why do we get loose skin?

Your skin is an organ that stretches out and expands according to the amount of fat that has been accumulated in a certain area. Once you’ve gained a considerable amount of weight, it will often not snap back into place, especially if it is lost at a relatively rapid rate. There are a myriad of factors that can affect the firmness and ability of your skin to tighten after weight loss. Some of these may include age, how much weight is lost, how quickly the weight is lost, hydration, sun exposure, or the fact that some people are genetically pre-disposed to have looser skin. Many of these factors affect your skins natural production of collagen, a protein that helps to restore dead skin and maintains its firmness. Once it is stretched out to a certain point, it begins to damage the collagen and affects its overall elasticity so it will not shrink back with you.

 

How can you prevent it?

As you lose weight, it is important to keep your skin in mind, and following certain methods, you can help it bounce back. Experts have recommended losing weight at a slower pace (to give your body more time to adjust to the change), building muscle, and making sure to stay hydrated. An effective method to prevent that sagginess can be found in creams and serums with ingredients to help heal and support the firmness of the skin. Putting together the best ingredients for you may make a drastic difference in its health and can minimize the effects of weight loss. Several have been tested for their effectiveness in restoring your skin naturally. Below is a list of some excellent ingredients to try out and the reasons why they’re creating a craze in the beauty world.

JOJOBA

It’s likely that you’ve seen jojoba listed on the ingredients of your favorite shampoo or creams. But what does it do? Jojoba is a wax that is extracted from the seed of the plant of the same name. It contains phytosterols, compounds that encourage collagen production and slows down the process of aging skin, making it a vital tool in your arsenal of ingredients to tighten and minimize loose skin. Jojoba is incredibly moisturizing and very quickly absorbed. Remember, age and environment affect the skins ability to produce collagen and can negatively impact its firmness. When you use products like jojoba that maintain hydration and helps collagen receive water, it can significantly influence how your skin bounces back.

AVOCADO OIL

Hydration is a crucial element in supporting collagen production, and avocado oil is perfect to minimize the effects of damaged skin. Avocado oil moisturizes the skin and is used to relieve eczema, prevent stretch marks and protect against the sun (one of the main factors of collagen degradation). It seals in moisture for long-lasting hydration and contains vitamin E, potassium and healthy fats like oleic acid that can be deeply absorbed by the skin to moisturize, hydrate and improve the function of cells.

HYALURONIC ACID

Hyaluronic acid may not sound like something you’d want to put on your skin, but in reality, it is a substance naturally found all over the body that functions to fill up space between tissues. It helps to regulate moisture and is located in the highest concentration in skin tissue. It is safe to use and may drastically maintain the health and appearance of your skin. It is often added to serums and creams because of its effectiveness in improving wrinkles and lines found around the face. The craze is not just hype; thousands have seen the positive benefits hyaluronic acid has had on their skin so adding it to your creams may be just what you need to firm up those areas you need help with.

ROSEHIP OIL

Rosehip oil is made from the seeds of the rosebush. It contains vitamins like A and C that firm up the skin and are commonly used to treat wrinkles and prevent premature aging. Rosehip also contains high levels of fatty acids, particularly Omega-3 and Omega-6. These are generally absorbed by the body through our diet. They are available in foods such as fish oil, walnuts, oysters and plant oils and are essential because fatty acids are the building blocks of the skins surface layers. Applying it directly to your skin can help improve its durability and the likelihood that the skin will strengthen and tighten in the long run.

There are hundreds of remedies to help with saggy or loose skin after weight loss. It just takes the right combination of diet, exercise and skin care ingredients to help your skin look its best while you work on transforming your body for the better. If you are interested in creating your own serum or skin cream, check out the company Organation that specializes in providing the best ingredients (including all of those mentioned above) to create your own custom product that will work for your unique needs. With all of these tools in your arsenal, it’s easy to jump onto that new diet with the confidence and knowledge necessary to fight saggy skin, so you’ll look your best no matter what.

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CFA Program exam – Level I

This is the first step in a three part series which enables you to get the most respected investments related qualification in the world. While there are many competing qualifications for every profession (e.g. national level professional bodies for accountants and doctors), there is only one for Financial analyst/Investment profession. UK, Canada, China and every other country’s investment profession is dominated by the same one certification i.e. CFA Program offered by CFA Institute, USA. You can learn more about the program by visiting website of FinQuiz – Approved Prep Provider by CFA Institute.

Fees for Level 1

A one time enrollment fee of $450. Exam fee is approximately $650 for each exam level. Total cost comes to $2400 ($450 + (3x$650)). This makes it far cheaper than any MBA program. On top of this, you can continue to work and earn while studying for CFA Program. Note: Above mentioned fees assume that you register on earliest registration deadlines as fees increase 30-50% as exam approaches. Many candidates mention the low cost and the freedom to continue to work as big factor in their decision to opt for CFA Program.

Registration

You register online on the website of CFA Institute. Level I exam is offered twice a year – June and December; and candidates are expected to register about eight months before the exam.

CFA Exam Registration document requirement:

Candidates register by providing details of their passport which should be valid on the exam day.

Exam test centers

CFA Institute conducts exam in test centers across many states and many countries in the world. You can change test center location after the registration by filling out a simple form and submitting it to CFA Institute.

Exam dates

Exam is conducted on first Saturday of June and December. There are few exception to this. Exam is conducted on first Sunday in Asia Pacific region for candidates of exam level 1. Religious alternate days are also available.

Topics

CFA Program curriculum for exam level 1 has ten topics. These include financial statement analysis, corporate finance, portfolio management, equity investments, fixed income investments, derivatives, alternative investments, quantitative methods, economics and ethics. Not all ten topics have equal weights. Some topics are tested with more questions than others. For example: Ethics. Candidates with prior backgrounds in business are able to immediately recognize familiar topics like NPV, IRR, GAAP and Dividend discount model etc.

Requirements

You need to have sixteen years of education to register for CFA Program. OR Four years of full-time work experience (in any field). OR Fourteen years of education plus two years of full-time work experience.

Study material

CFA Institute provides you with curriculum (around six books of 300 pages each for exam level 1). Candidates get access to practice questions and mock exam as well. Past exam papers for levels I and II are not released by the Institute. CFA Institute has approved few commercial third-party prep providers. The list includes names as Wiley, Kaplan, Bloomberg, Fitch Learning, PWC Academy.

Why CFA Program exam is so popular?

There are quite a few reasons for world wide popularity of the program.

Nature of work of financial analysts

Financial analysis work is more suitable for self study learning because it does not involve large teams. A single person with access to electronic research tools and software can do the work. Work is more like of a technician or craftsman and does not involve organization of large number of resources. There is little need for university style learning environment The work requires basic understanding of few subjects and detailed of others. Reading books without need for professor guided assignments and projects gives you all the knowledge needed.

Lack of national standards

Unlike accountants and doctors, financial analyst operate without any national level work standards. This allows presence of a single global certification. Also, global nature of banking allows and sometime requires frequent relocation of human resource. Having one global certification makes every ones life easier.

Dynamic nature of curriculum

CFA Institute updates curriculum every year based on feedback from professionals. This results in additions and deletion of chapters every year. Text book style learning material – which is revised once a decade or so cannot work in financial analysis profession.

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