What can’t we do with our technology devices these days? Our devices act like a window to the rest of the world. Phones and laptops have changed the way how people socialize, date, and build relationships today.
Online dating is a great option to consider if you want to meet people quickly and easily. By using mobile apps or websites such as Match.com, eHarmony.com and Zoosk.com, you can get instant matches with people who meet your criteria anytime, wherever you are. A Kaspersky Daily – a global cybersecurity company – study shows that 48 percent of people turn to online dating for fun; others hope to find sustainable relationships; and approximately one-in-ten (13 percent) simply look for sex.
Convenient but sometimes risky. Meeting strangers – face to face or online – can at times be a challenge. Meeting someone online involves certain information exchange which, if improperly handled, can be abused.
Every person has their own way of seeing online dating safety.
Even the companies which promote online dating sites and apps struggled to ensure appropriate safety to the targeted users. Although there is evidence that most of the damage associated with dating sites has reduced over time, approximately half of Americans still consider meeting someone online insecure.
According to a study carried out by Pew Research Center, around 53 percent of all Americans (including both those who have and have not had an online date) approve that dating sites and apps are a fairly or somewhat reliable way to date people, while a slightly smaller share (46 percent) think that these platforms are not too or not at all reliable for meeting people.
Those Americans who have never tried out online dating tend to worry about their safety. 52 percent of adults who have never dated online think that dating platforms are relatively unsafe; and so do 29 percent of those who have already experienced it before.
Women tend to be more likely inclined than men to think that dating sites and apps are not a safe way to meet someone (53 percent versus 39 percent).
According to the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network (RAINN), dating apps do not perform criminal background searches on users, so it remains up to each dater to evaluate how comfortable they are and how cautious they should be. According to the RAINN, as a user, you should keep in mind that if ever you are sexually assaulted or abused while dating online or while browsing, you are not the one to blame. Just date cautiously!
Sources: Kaspersky daily; Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network; Pew Research Center
The Tsingy of Bemaraha National Park represents an endemic treasure of Madagascar and a World Heritage Site of the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Located in the southern part of the Melaky region, at the northern border of the Menabe area, in the western center of Madagascar, this site offers a karstic landscape and a strongly jagged limestone massif. This magnificent reserve covers a total area of 152,000 acres.
Tsingy literally means “forest” and is another description of the widespread geomorphologic limestone whose formation constitutes one of the most amazing natural views of the Big Island and even the whole world. The two large rivers – the Tsiribihina and Manambolo rivers – run through the park, bordering the steep gorges and the sharp points of the Tsingy.
Where did the sharp point shape come from?
These regions remained beneath the sea millions of years ago. The corals and shells piled up and fused together to finally form a giant plate up to 200 meters thick. The ocean gradually receded and left the limestone in the open air to produce diaclases and canyons.
Then the rain started its long-term process of erosion on the surface and at depth. The sun hits the tops of the Tsingy – covering part of the limestone – which sometimes heat up to high temperatures while at the bottom of the canyons, it can be a lot cooler and encourage the vegetation as it strives to reach the light.
In 1990, the Tsingy was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and included in the Bemaraha National Park in 1997.
An endemic natural wealth
A considerable number of diverse and varied endemic species can be found in the Tsingy of Bemaraha Reserve. Besides, more than 85,000 acres of forest cover and superbly illustrate the main types of ecosystems, including habitats for many rare species.
Nearly 400 endemic animal species, 11 species of lemurs, six species of birds, two of local endemic amphibians, 17 species of local endemic reptiles – including the famous tiny chameleon, Brookesia pararmata – as well as a species of Rodentes, Nesomys lambertoni are sheltered in this reserve.
A must-visit spot in Madagascar!
Having of a tourist guide is mandatory for the discovery and exploration of these limestone cathedrals. A good pair of walking shoes, and comfortable and breathable clothing are also recommended for a more enjoyable visit. Various activities are offered during the visit of the Tsingy of Bemaraha reserve. For a more exciting experience, visitors can travel down the two large rivers by pirogue. For those who are keen on more physical challenges, they can go on trekking or mountain bike tour through the Bemaraha plateau.
Sources: United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization, Madagascar National Park, Madagascar Treasure Island
The New York Times estimates that more than 13 million families are headed by single parents in the United states. In most cases, single mothers are the ones who decided to make the big move. Even though their family is seen as unconventional and despite the struggles they face in bearing a family on their own, a large number of do not want to change their unmarried mothers’ status; many women decide not to rely on a partner to have a family. For those women, deciding to stay single does not equal choosing loneliness. It is a matter of building a strong family, showing perseverance, and above all, love.
Why choose to be a single mother?
Separation and divorce remain the principal reasons why women chose the single mother pathway. According to One World Education in Single Parent Families, 49 percent of marriages in the United States end up in divorce and 84 percent of custodial parents – those who acquire legal and physical custody of their child – are mothers. After going through a wrong marriage and broken dreams, many of those divorced moms realize that there would be more in their future. They firmly believe that they can raise their children on their own without men.
Chances are, some women unwillingly become single mothers due to an early death of their partner. They eventually choose to remain single as they prefer bettering and focusing more on the future of their beloved children rather than trying out a new romance!
A lot of women became or stayed single moms because they feel alone. After a long wait, many single women gave up the idea of the charming prince and decide to create the life they want for themselves alone. Physically, financially, and emotionally ready, these women start their journey of being mothers by either looking into egg retrieval and fertility clinics or seeking for sperm donors in a sperm bank. For these women, growing a child – that they want to share their life with – is challenging and complicated but turns out to be a transformative and joyful experience.
According to the US Department of Health and Human Services Children’s Bureau, about 437,000 children lived in a foster care in 2018. Adoption becomes the best alternative for a lot of single women – either divorced without any child or simply never met the right partner – to become moms. In this case, they offer to raise one kid or more from foster care and provide them a happy future.
After her divorce, Trelawney McCoy from Rochester, New York, mother of a single child, adopted eight children from foster care and has cared for more than 20 children in her house. “I just want to help a kid out, to help make them a better person and give them a chance to start a new life, all they need is a start”, McCoy said.
Source: New York Times
Travelling to Los Angeles would not be worthwhile without visiting the world-famous Hollywood Sign. Visitors even manage to hike the winding trails to enjoy the amazing view of the Hollywood Sign. The western boundary of Griffith Park opens up the chance to access the sign just below the crest of Mount Lee's 1,708-foot summit ridge. On the longest hike, a 45-foot-high aluminum lettering can also be climbed above and behind the sign. From that height, the view encompasses the DOOWYLLOH sign and the dream towers of downtown Los Angeles. However, be careful, you are not allowed to touch the Hollywood Sign!
The famous sign has become a landmark of its dominant film capital and a worldwide recognition of glamour and star power. The sign is made of massive white capital letters surrounded by a steeply sloping hill. Hollywood, also known as Tinseltown, is the capital of the American film industry. Located in the city district of Los Angeles, California, USA; the sign is located in downtown Los Angeles, northwest of the city center. Its boundaries include Hyperion Avenue and Riverside Drive to the east, Beverly Boulevard to the south, the foothills of the Santa Monica Mountains to the north and the Beverly Hills to the west.
Hollywood's first story
Since 1900s, inspired by Southern California's ideal balance of mild temperatures, sunshine, diversified terrain, and a strong labor market, the pioneers of movies have already envisioned Hollywood as a source of film-making ambitions.
By 1887, Hollywood was laid out as a property subdivision by Harvey Wilcox – a Kansas prohibitionist – whose conception of a society was inspired by his sobering philosophy. Then, real estate magnate H.J. Whitley, known as the "Father of Hollywood," turned Hollywood into a vibrant and prosperous residential community. Because of insufficient water supplies, in 1910, the Columbians of Hollywood supported a consolidation with Los Angeles.
Starting in 1908, many producers and film directors took the Hollywood Sign as their inspiration. A growing number of independent East Coast filmmakers moved there, and Hollywood eventually became the center of the American movie industry. As the television industry grew, Hollywood changed. By the early 1960s, the city had become home to a significant portion of the United States networks' entertainment programming.
Originally built in 1923, the sign first read "HOLLYWOODLAND" but eventually fallen into crumble and the "land" sector was suppressed in the 1940s during restoration. In 1978, a new sign "HOLLYWOOD" was installed announcing ongoing new homes in the area.
What more to see in Hollywood?
In addition to the work studios, Hollywood attractions such as the Hollywood Bowl – a natural amphitheater used for summer concerts under the stars – the Greek Theater in Griffith Park, the Chinese Theater in Mann – with footprints and handprints of many stars in its concrete forecourt – and the Hollywood Wax Museum are also among Hollywood's highlights.
Sources: Britannica, Hollywood Sign
Today, many people struggle with tension brought on by chaos and failure. Self-kindness which is an important aspect of self-compassion has been proven to restrict stress. All people, even ones who were mistreated and neglected in their childhood, are worthy of being treated with honesty, tenderness, and comfort. Overall, self-kindness means providing oneself patience, acceptance, caring and every mean of kindness, as well as generating feelings of care toward oneself.
According to psychologists, achieving self-kindness remains the key preparation for everything that life is about to offer us. “Practicing self-kindness can change our life massively”, says Juandri Buitendag, a counselling psychologist who created JB Wellness Dynamics, a London-based psychology therapy practice.
Another way of self-compassion was suggested by this counselling psychologist. Keeping a gratitude journal in which, we note three things we are grateful for each day, staying in the “here and now” and observing the little things help us to develop a more positive and stress-friendly state of mind. Buitendag also recommends us to properly control and filter our social media feeds since, according to her, social media may make us feel worthless.
As a result, we pay more attention to solutions when confronted with challenges. Although we face problems, we will gain the ability to view things more fairly and develop a way to solve them. The professor goes on to note that once we grasp this, we can bring about incredible change.
Pamela Wilson, the founder of BIG Brand System, says: “In all the greatest spiritual traditions, at their heart is tenderness, just to be kind inside, and then everything right itself. Fear rests. Confusion rests”
Sources: Psychology Today, Positive News
There are many health benefits of having pets at home. Research has proven people with pets visit their doctor less often, particularly for mild illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC), most households in the United States have at least one pet and the bond between people and their pets can increase fitness, lower stress, and bring happiness to their owners.
Here are the main health benefits of owning a pet:
Pets can support their owner’s mental health. There are times people feel lonely and having pets next to them can help them overcome loneliness. Life becomes increasingly complicated these days: there are loads of homework to return, assignments to finish, and things get in a rush in our heads. When such circumstance happens, petting, walking or playing with pets would be helpful to reduce stress and take a load off after a long and hard day. Harvard scientists observed that 87% of people who owned a canine or feline companion felt more serene once arrived at home.
Plus, having animals to care for improves the masters’ mental state by giving their life an additional sense of meaning and purpose. Since, small as well as big household pets need constant care: food, water, tank cleaning, tank temperature check. Providing those basic needs gives the owners a sense of responsibilities over another life. Having a lovely and friendly compagnie could frequently put a smile on anyone’s face! No matter how floppy ears and a big smile a dog has, nor how big bright eyes and tiny toes a gecko gets, having such animals brings happiness and a source of pride. Broadly speaking, domestic pets can help support people with more serious mental condition in ways other humans are not able to express.
Having pets may affect owners’ physical health. Pets also provide positive energy which supports their owners’ physical health. According to the National Center for Health Research, here are examples of physical health improvement people can get from their pets.
Sources: Psychologies, Lifehack
An unusual plant, the “Ravinala” or Traveller's Palm Tree is the emblematic tree of Madagascar. Ravinala belongs to the musaceae family – the same family as banana and palm trees – but also to the streliziacae family which includes plants from tropical regions such as South Africa’s bird of paradise.
The Ravinala generally grows to 15 to 20 meters; however, sometimes it can reach up to 30 meters. It remains a majestic tree which blooms all year round with its white flower – 3 sepals, 3 petals and 6 stamens – pollinated by bats and lemurs. On this plant, we can count up to 15 leaves that provide fruits similar to wooden bananas – like 6-pocket capsules – which contain a significant amount of floury seeds. Ravinala trees are found mainly in the eastern part of Madagascar and in areas where the ground tends to be cool and pretty humid.
It has been given the name Traveller’s Palm Tree because it contains a wealth of resources. The stems retain rainwater, and a thirsty traveler can quench his thirst by whipping the bark of the plant. The cavity within the lower branch – which is closed by the upper branch to serve as a funnel for each branch – stores drinkable water. The funnel in the shape of a small notch well placed enables water to pour down to these watertight cavities which can hold about half a liter of rainwater in under one minute.
Each section of a Ravinala tree is entirely usable for the inhabitants of the east coast of Madagascar. The base retains water which serves as a source of water for those who are thirsty. Its young leaves are edible, and its seeds are destined for oil production. Mixed and cooked with milk, ravinala seeds are particularly recommended for growing children. The inhabitants of the east coast of the island also use the leaves of ravinala to produce handicrafts and to conserve their food.
There is a chance that you come across traditional dwellings made of ravinala tree parts: the trunk helps to create the "rapaka" which are the planks used mainly for flooring; the stalk of the split leaves turns into the "falafa" and serve to make panels which, once joined together, will form walls; the dried leaves or "raty" are used as roofing tiles.
The Traveller’s Palm Tree constitutes a tremendous pride for Malagasy people. An image of Ravinala is found in the emblem of the Republic of Madagascar along with the head of a zebu and rice field. Many organizations, companies, or even small associations use the world "Ravinala" in their brand names to refer to Madagascar or insert a Ravinala sign on their logos or visual identities.
Sources: Tongasoa Madagascar, aujardin info
To reach the top national or international position, universities are rated in accordance with their learning environment. Four-fifths of the ranking are based on the university’s academic reputation, the strength of the research citations, the ratio of students to academic staff, the Industry income, and the international outlook.
U.S. News and World Report reveals this year’s best colleges in the US.
Princeton University, located in Princeton, New Jersey, tops the ranking. The campus covers an area of 600 acres with 5,422 undergraduate enrollments. Princeton University follows a semester based academic calendar in a suburban setting. It has no religious affiliation, and the student-faculty ratio is 5:1, meaning 5 students per teacher. Princeton University stands out from other universities in the following majors: Social Sciences, Engineering, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Public Administration and Social Services Professions.
Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts wins the silver medal. A total of 6,755 undergraduate students are enrolled at Harvard. They study following a semester based academic calendar. The campus is located in an urban area. With an excellent student-teacher ratio of 6:1 and Harvard’s most popular majors include General Social Sciences, General Biological and Biomedical Sciences, General Mathematics, Computer Science and General History. The campus extends over 5,076 acres.
Columbia University in the New York City takes the third spot. Within an urban setting, the academic year of Columbia University is based on semestral patterns. The Columbia campus measures 36 acres. They count 6,245 undergraduate students enrolled, with an exceptional student-faculty ratio of 6:1. Social Sciences, Engineering, Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Visual and Performing Arts are Columbia’s most famous majors.
The fourth position is a tie between Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Yale University.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology or MIT is a private institution located in Boston, Massachusetts. Unlike the first three universities, MIT applies a 4-1-4 system: two four month-long semesters, with a month-long mini session in between. With the lowest student-faculty ratio in this ranking, MIT is known as the leader in science and technology studies, with honorable mentions in Computer Science, Mechanical Engineering, General Mathematics, General Physics, Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The campus of MIT covers 168 acres and is attended by 4,530 undergraduate students.
The Yale University of New Haven, Connecticut has a semester-based academic calendar. Yale has a total undergraduate enrollment of 6,092 and a ratio of students to academic staff of 6:1. The main majors which build Yale’s reputation include Social Sciences, Biological and Biomedical Sciences, History, Engineering, Mathematics and Statistics. Based in the city, the campus size reaches 373 acres.
Source: US News and world report
The first Amendment to the US Constitution provides that everyone in the United States has the right to practice his or her own religion, or even no religion at all. The American government is prohibited to establishing or promoting religion anywhere in any way.
The free exercise clause of religious freedom allows people to worship or not, according to what they deeply believe. The American society is referred to be the most diverse in religion, people of all faiths and none are treated in equal like citizens of one nation.
In the US, good citizenship means to support religious freedom for all. Everyone and every group can take the responsibility to guard their own rights but not to disturb the rights of those with whom they strongly disagree. All faiths are allowed to proclaim their opinion of the truth, but they are barred to seek help in the government to either support their religious convictions or to discredit others’. The mutual respect for the religious freedom contributes to a civic virtue which help maintain peace in a religiously diverse society.
In all regions of the United States, the establishment and free exercise clauses of the first amendment to the US constitution prohibit American courts from substituting religious law for civil law.
Freedom of religion at schools.
American public schools are run by the government; that means public schools are expected to obey the First Amendment. Providing religious opinion within school subjects – religious history, literature, and philosophy – and promoting religious belief as part of the curriculum are not allowed in class. Prayers, spiritual readings, loudspeaker devotionals in class are forms of violating the First Amendment even if the prayer is not of any particular religion.
During graduation or celebration days, religious ceremonies or even short student-led prayers are unconstitutional in public schools. Otherwise, some students may feel excluded or think the school staffs find others’ belief better than theirs. Individual students are allowed to uphold their right to pray whenever they are willing to as long as they do not disrupt the classroom instruction.
Promoting religion at school is not constitutional but organizing bible clubs can be considered if, firstly, the activity takes place outside school hours; secondly, school officials are not involved in the organization; and third, the school makes its facilities available to all students’ groups. Therefore, all religious clubs can have access to the school buildings.
Sources: Teaching Tolerance, American Civil Liberties Union
In every entity, ethnic, community, or tribe, we have our own way of respecting elders. In Madagascar, the "Kabary”, a traditional speech performed by a trained professional – or a “mpikabary” – at every event is one way of honoring older audiences. A special kabary is compulsory during an engagement ceremony.
The Kabary is a Malagasy culture that Malagasy people have inherited from their ancestors also called “Ntaolo”. In spite of globalization and technology, Malagasy people have never skipped this valuable custom. In the Malagasy tradition, no wedding can be realized without the “vodiondry” ceremony and the kabary which comes with it. The kabary during the vodiondy is seen as a mark of respect for the lady's parents and family.
Each tribune of Madagascar has their own way to perform the kabary; but traditionally, at the beginning of the speech, the speaker or “mpikabary” dismisses the “tsiny”. The “tsiny” can be considered as potentially culpable actions that may lead to reproaches, such as speaking without having the permission.
During the “vodiondry” or engagement event, a representant of the family for both families may take the role of the mpikambary. They can also call upon professional mpikabary to give the speech. The vodiondry speech consists of two general parts.
The first part is held when the male's family enters the gate or the woman’s courtyard. The future groom’s family – also called “mpangataka” – requests to trespass on the woman’s residence. The man and his family do not enter the lady's residence straight away but wait until the lady’s family referred to as “mpanolotra” – grants them permission. This step proves the patience and the devotion the man feels for his future wife. For Malagasy people, a common myth holds that men manage to wait long time if they truly cherish the person they are about to wed.
Once the permission to enter is granted, the mpangataka – the mpikabary and the male’s family – walk through the door to get in and the second part of the speech begins. There, the male’s family representant rejects the “tsiny”. In Malagasy’s belief, it takes priority to turn the “tsiny” down to avoid misfortune. On completion of this step, the “Mpangataka” expresses his gratitude to the lady's family, for bringing them in, and pronounces good wishes to them. This second part represents the heart of kabary because the important things are said here. Throughout a stylish, sometimes funny, emotional, and committed speech, the Mpangataka confesses the romance that the young man feels, his intention towards the lady, and claims the lady's hand. For any family of young women in Madagascar, this part is a very honorable one.
In the engagement ceremony, the majority of the kabary is owned by the male's family because they seek to impress and honor the future bride's parents and family. A kabary during the Vodiondry ceremony can take long hours before the lady’s family agrees to give her in marriage.
The Vodiondry honors the lady’s parents and family, and the couple proceeds to the civil and religious marriages only after the Vodiondry.
Sources: The book “Kabary am-panambadiana” by the Mpikabary Jean Maurice Rasamoelina
An initiative by
Funding provided by
AmCham sponsors
Disclaimer:
This website was funded by a grant from the United States Department of State. The opinions, findings and conclusions stated herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the United States Department of State.
