Brain Wave, Computers and gadgets

Everything You Need To Know About 5G

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We all rely so heavily on mobile devices these days, and all of those devices need to be connected somehow. That’s why the mobile industry is working on 5G, a new mobile network that promises to be faster than ever.

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You may have heard about 5G in the news, but you may not know what it is, when it will be available, and how it will impact you. This is everything that you need to know about 5G.

What Is 5G?

5G gets its name because it is the 5th generation of mobile internet networks. All modern phones are already equipped with 4G, which you probably use on a daily basis to access the internet when you are not connected to wifi. 5G will work in exactly the same way as 4G does now, but the big difference will be in the speed.

5G promises speeds of 10 gigabits per second on your phone. That is over 600 times faster than the speeds that you currently get on 4G, and it’s even 10 times faster than the average fibre optic broadband speeds that people get in their home. That’s a huge jump in speed and to put it in perspective, it will allow you to download a 4K movie in around 25 seconds.

When Will We Have 5G?

It is not yet clear exactly when we are going to get 5G everywhere but it has already been rolled out in certain places. However, there have been some hurdles that are slowing progress in some areas. Firstly, the Sprint and T-Mobile deal did raise some questions as it is up to the big providers to roll it out. But what a Sprint & T-Mobile merger means is that 5G is likely to come faster because the new T-Mobile Sprint combined company has committed to a 5G network that covers 97% of the US in the next 3 years.

The other potential hurdle is the relationship between China and 5G. Although Chinese providers like Huawei have already rolled out 5G in a lot of places, there are a lot of security concerns. US companies are currently trying to develop an alternative to the Huawei network.

How Will 5G Change Things?

The most obvious change that will come with 5G is the increase in internet speeds on your phone. It will make things so much more efficient so if you are running a business from your phone, for example, you will benefit in a big way. It will also make it a lot easier to stream movies on your phone wherever you are.

But 5G will also have a bigger impact on society as a whole. Things like driverless cars, for example, will rely heavily on 5G networks to send messages and data to one another so they can avoid crashing. Cities will make far more use of AI to control things like traffic lights, and it is likely that everything will be connected once we have a network that is capable of handling that.

Only time will tell just how 5G will change the world, but it will definitely have a big impact on our society.

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Brain Wave, Health and medicine

Why Don’t We See Advanced Technologies in Healthcare More Often?

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The world is full of unique and exciting technologies but rarely do we ever see them in practice. Big-name tech companies will announce all kinds of scientific discoveries, people will talk about their potential applications, then the media will report on it and get the world excited.

But then they just disappear.

This is actually incredibly common in the world of technology, especially when it comes to a highly-specialized industry such as healthcare. There are many reasons for this, but there’s also a silver lining when it comes to having more technologically-advanced healthcare options.

It takes a long time to adopt new technologies

The world is slow when it comes to adopting new technologies. In fact, it wasn’t until 2018 that the US military stopped using floppy disks (made all the way back in 1967) were used to coordinate nuclear launches. The healthcare industry is no different.

This is because the healthcare industry can’t just stop and allow its systems to be upgraded–it’s constantly working. For instance, pausing a hospital’s services could endanger the lives of hundreds of people, and without proper field testing, there’s no telling what could go wrong.

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Brain Wave, Entrepreneurship & Business Talks, Work at Home

Key Questions To Ask Before Running Your Business From Home

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Whether launching a new business or looking for ways to improve your existing firm, the home-based option is very attractive. The idea of avoiding the daily commute, reducing your overheads, and having full control of the brand offers huge motivation. However, you must avoid jumping straight in at the deep end and learn to analyze the situation from all perspectives. Otherwise, you could make a huge error.

Home-based ventures aren’t for everyone. Meanwhile, even those that are suited to this way of working must establish the right strategies for their businesses to thrive. The following questions should aid the cause.

#1. Can the business work from home?

Not all business concepts are suited to home-based endeavors. For example, you couldn’t possibly run a grocery store from your home. This list of home business ideas should provide inspiration and help you decide whether your concept is a winner or not. Of course, you’ll also need to consider other aspects. Such as geographic location to confirm that there is an opportunity for you to build a successful company. Chasing an unachievable goal is never wise.

After all, taking on a project that is destined to fail will prevent you from unlocking your full potential irrespective of how well you perform.

#2. Will I be able to stay productive?

While working from home does bring many benefits, the reality is vastly different to the image. You will require a high level of discipline while also finding ways to stop potential distractions. It is also necessary to check for reasons why your home office is failing. When your surroundings and frame of mind are under control, though, you’ll have a far better shot at success. Crucially, it’ll promote an increased level of consistency across the business.

Conversely, if the home isn’t build to encourage productivity, your output will fall. The detrimental impact that this can have on the venture will bring failure.

#3. Are there opportunities for growth?

It’s one thing to build a home business that satisfies your immediate goals. However, true success comes from hitting long-term targets. Therefore, keeping one eye on the prospect of expansion is crucial. Hiring remote freelancers can increase your workforce in an effective manner. On a similar note, pop up stores can help you reach offline audiences. Once again, though, it’s necessary to analyze the scenario. Otherwise, you could hit a relatively low ceiling.

Besides, this can form a significant step towards setting objectives and time frames. This in itself can work wonders for motivation levels too.

#4. What are the threats to my business?

When starting a business of any kind, it’s vital to recognize that problems can surface. Learning to cyber secure your home should be top of the agenda as virtual attacks could destroy your business and impact the family’s home lives. You will also rely on other companies for issues like deliveries or face fierce local competition for your service-based firm. A strong network supported by a vigilant approach to intellectual theft is also highly beneficial.

Keeping your business protected won’t only aid your pursuit of sustainability. It’ll also keep your mind at ease, which is particularly crucial when the office is also your home.

#5. How can I keep the business running when I’m not around?

Running a business is tough work, which is why semi-frequent breaks are essential. They are a chance to refresh your body and mind. Sadly, it does pose the dilemma of how the business will operate during your absence. If managing the business as a joint venture with a friend, there’s an easy solution thanks to modern tech and IM services. Depending on the type of venture, it may be possible to outsource the venture temporarily too.

If you’re a landlord, for example, property management companies can help. If selling products, you probably store them elsewhere anyway. So, automated sales software is the answer.

#6. Do I really want to do it?

Running your own business, particularly from home, can be very rewarding. However, it requires a lot of hard work and can be mentally draining. Moreover, there will be moments of insecurity and difficulties. You may be better suited to a traditional form of employment. Or, in today’s market, you can still work from home as a freelancer or remote-based employee. This removes the business elements, which can be very liberating.

For those with the natural entrepreneurial mindset, though, it isn’t only the best option. It is the only option. Better still, there’s never been a better time to embrace it.

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Brain Wave, Careers, Freelancing and Self-Employment, Education & Teaching

Could A Degree Help You Reach The Top Of The Tree?

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Do you have ambitions to climb the career ladder? Do you have a dream job in mind, or are you thinking about trying something different? If you’re looking to improve your career prospects, or you’re considering a new path, have you thought about getting a degree? The infographic below highlights a series of programs, listing potential career options and expected earnings.

For those who have a desire to lead and manage a team, the Bachelor of Science in Management is an excellent option, which could open all kinds of doors. Students cover everything from employment law and quality improvement to leadership strategies, and they can land jobs, for example, a purchasing manager with a median salary of over $60,000 a year.

Information has become increasingly important and influential for organizations and businesses in recent years. We are surrounded by data, and companies can take advantage of data analysis and research techniques that enable them to improve strategies, streamline operations and connect with audiences. A degree in Information Systems is likely to be extremely valuable. With this kind of qualification, you could secure a job as a computer systems analyst with an average wage of almost $80,000. Alternatively, if you studied for a Master’s, you could earn around $120,000 working as a computer and information systems manager.

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Brain Wave, Money matters

Getting Through The Financial Slump

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If you’re currently experiencing financial difficulties, it should be noted that you are not alone. Sadly, the knowledge that others are in a similar situation offers very little comfort. Your only focus lies with finding a way out of the predicament. The financial situation may feel a little dark right now, but there is light at the end o the tunnel.

Here are five potential answers to your financial prayers.

1| Relinquish Assets

If you are currently facing debt or a cash flow problem, it may be necessary to think about selling some items to raise funds. In severe cases, downsizing your property or downgrading your car can work. However, most people find that selling old clothes, electronics, and furniture can generate a few grand in next to no time. The use of online selling portals makes it easier than ever, although garage sales and pawn shops are still available too. Either way, as a one-off solution, this can be your saviour.

2| Reduce Outgoings

Cutbacks can be made in various aspects of your life. Whether used as a temporary measure or a route to improved financial management, now is the time to act. Trimming the fat from broadband packages and energy bills is a great starting point. Quitting cigarettes or expensive habits that do not add value to your life can be a smart approach too. When you spend less money per month, you should see a positive impact right away. Your savings grow and the pressures are lifted from your shoulders.

3| Gain A Business Sales Boost

If you manage a small business, taking it to the next level can be an ideal way to take your earnings to another level. Online retailers can consider using a pop-up store to complement their existing sales. Meanwhile, offering discounts to loyal customers can generate extra sales. If the profit margins per item or service are a little smaller, increasing the volume is the ideal solution. The short-term rewards are often followed by long-term stability and growth too.

4| Invest

Investments are an ideal way to grow your capital at a far quicker rate than most savings accounts will provide. When you purchase Ethereum in a convenient manner with real-time trading options, you maintain a lot of control. This is far better than working with traditional investments where you have to wait patiently to see what happens. The instant nature, along with immediate money transfers puts you in a flexible position. As long as you use this in a responsible way, success is assured.

5| Consolidate

Sometimes in life, it’s necessary to take one step back before moving in the right direction once more. The idea of consolidating your debts, via borrowing or greater organisation, can work wonders. It can clear some of the high-interest payments while also making the repayment plans far easier to maintain. This is your opportunity to reset the clock and start again. While it doesn’t change your finances, it puts them in a more positive position. From a mindset perspective, it can make all the difference.

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Brain Wave, Family and Home living, Life in general

Keeping Loved Ones Close to Your Heart.

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Even when your nearest and dearest are alive and well, it’s perfectly normal to have momento’s and pictures of them scattered around your home.

The sepia photo of aged Grandparents, and some kind of reminder of their cherished lives brings comfort to many, either when they live miles apart, or even if they live just around the corner.

Those school photos of gap toothed children and Grandchildren make you smile every time you look at them, and serve as a kind of growth chart. One year they had no front teeth, the next those gaps were filled. Faces filled out and they matured year on year.

And what about our animals. Indeed some people have more pictures of their animals than they do of their human relatives.

Yes we all like to keep relatives, and animals we love, close to our hearts, simply because they are so much a part of our family,history and heritage.

But what can we do when those same beloved people and pets are no longer with us, when they pass away through illness or natural causes, and we can’t reach out and touch them every day, how can we maintain some kind of closeness to them.

We will all lose a loved one at some point in our lives, and everyone has their own way of grieving. But to help bring comfort and closure, it is definitely wise to hold some kind of service to celebrate the deceased’s life, and for the mourners to gain some closure.

After death, the deceased can be buried in the graveyard attached to a church. A memorials.com stone can be erected with a small tribute engraved on it. This can be a comfort to relatives as they have a specific place to visit and to spend some time in reflection.

Some return to the grave often, taking flowers and chatting quietly to their loved ones. It’s a place to be peaceful and respectful.

For others, after a memorial service, a cremation takes place. Cremation is sometimes the only option depending on your faith and belief. After the cremation, the deceased person’s ashes can be returned to their families for safe keeping, or to be scattered in a special place at some time in the future. This could be in the sea, or somewhere that the family had enjoyed happy times together, and this then becomes the place that they can visit on the anniversary of a loved one’s death, to remember and reflect.

More and more people are now opting to preserve some of the ashes in some kind of casket which can be kept somewhere safe at home, so that the bereaved feels some kind of closeness.

For those that want to keep a permanent reminder necklaces and rings can now be made to contain a small amount of the loved one’s ashes, so that they can wear them on their body all the time.

There is no right or wrong way to deal with bereavement and preserving the ashes of a loved one is a very personal thing. But with so much choice available now, hopefully you can find the perfect solution for you which brings you comfort and solace.

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Brain Wave, Health and medicine

Navigating the Healthcare System

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When you’re ill or have a health problem, the last thing you want is for anything to make it worse. However, trying to deal with the healthcare system can only add to your problems. Navigating the healthcare system often takes a lot of work, from trying to find the right provider to dealing with insurance and even having to stay in hospital. If you want to be able to navigate the system better, try these tips.

Find the Right Provider

A good healthcare provider will be able to meet your needs at all times. They will keep you in the loop, and ensure you always know your options. However, finding the right provider can be tough. It’s important to take your time when trying to find the best healthcare provider for your needs.

Understand Your Options

It can be confusing when a medical professional is explaining something to you. Being unwell is often frightening, and making big decisions doesn’t come easily to everyone. You should be sure you have medical staff who take the time to explain your options to you but also do your own research to find out more.

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