Giving to charity is one of the most selfless things you can do. In times as turbulent and uncertain as these, it is more important than ever that the organizations created to protect and support the less fortunate are themselves being supported and funded by those who are able. To help highlight these organizations, this article will give a handful of examples of non-profit organizations that are deserving of your support.

What They Do

Non-Profit Organizations are the purest example of human giving, and because of this, they often deal with the primal human desire to protect, feed, and home those who most need it. 

Feed the Needy

A major focus of many charitable organizations in the United States is the need to feed those who cannot afford to feed themselves. Hunger is a terrible blight in certain parts of the U.S. and it is only through the efforts of these giving souls that many people in the U.S. eat at all. Through the money provided to them and the efforts of volunteers, many who would have otherwise starved have been saved, and many who might have been held back from life by their own hunger have been given the freedom to become what they were meant to be. Despite this, many fail to receive enough nutrition and are struck ill because of it.

Protection

Civil liberties and social security are easy to take for granted in the course of your day-to-day life, but it is important to remember that the freedoms and protections that the American people enjoy on a daily basis are the result of diligent and constant work. The world is a dangerous place, which is why organizations such as The Foundation for the Defense of Democracies are so incredibly important.

These organizations work tirelessly to safeguard national security and protect the lifestyles that the American people have come to expect. Through in-depth research and careful analysis, the FDD has a major hand in identifying illicit activities across the U.S. and providing policy options that serve to strengthen the national security of the U.S.

As a non-profit organization, the FDD relies on the donations of citizens to continue its vital work. The scholarship and insights offered by the organization require time and resources, both of which can be costly. However, their contributions to national security cannot be understated, and the scope and detail of the work they engage in are what makes these contributions possible. As such, any donation made to the FDD is a donation made to national security.

Give Shelter to The Homeless

Shelter is one of the most important things any person could ever ask for, and yet many in the United States have to attempt to get by without this basic need. A lack of secure, clean, and contained shelter inherently places the homeless at an impossibly steep disadvantage in almost any pursuit. When you don’t even have the option of liberties that most take for granted, how do you begin to attempt to pull yourself back from the precipice? From hot water to an internet connection, the facilities available to us in our homes are instrumental to our very way of life. Imagine for a moment what you could possibly do to try and pull yourself out of homelessness without the myriad advantages of your homely comforts. Many charities seek to remedy this issue; however, through the concerted effort of volunteers and workers alike, the homeless of America are given a chance at cheaper, more affordable shelter one house at a time. However, even with the constant efforts of these charities, more and more people are thrust into homelessness each year, and only the efforts of these giving souls give any hope to the majority of the homeless in America.

Give Creativity a Chance

Creativity and art are important. Among the many things that can be learned from the events of this year is the clear lesson of how heavily people depend on creative products. From TV to music, the arts are an instrumental aspect of human expression and are all but vital to allow for proper stress relief. This is why organizations dedicated to supporting and inspiring students in the development of their creative and expository writing skills are so vitally important. This is a process that encourages and assists in the development of skills that lead to compelling and engaging works of literature, television, cinema, and so much more, and without it, we would be robbed of so many potential masterworks of cinema, music, and every other kind of creative work. These organizations live and die, not only on the generous donations from people like you, but also on the efforts of their incredible volunteers. People can serve as tutors, mentors, and role models for students and help to guide creative minds through the development of their skills.

How You Can Help

There are a number of ways you can help these charities in their vitally important works:

Donate

As so many will tell you, money makes the world go round, and this is especially true for non-profit organizations. They do not generally charge for their services or work only when it is profitable for them to do so, and because of this, they need constant donations to be able to operate. Donations are the lifeblood of charity, and without your donations, a charity would be dead in the water.

Volunteer

Many charities depend on so much more than simple monetary donations. They depend on the willingness of the populace to lend a hand and help whenever and wherever they can. If money is the lifeblood of charity, volunteers are its body. As only through volunteers are charities able to reach out and deliver the incredible works that make them so vital to the betterment of society.

Tell the World

The donations of one person, no matter how wealthy, would never be able to sustain the works of a charity. Charity is the work of the people, and it is only in letting others know about the charities that you support that you can truly allow these non-profit organizations to reach the heights that they must to make a real difference.

Concrete is a material used for various construction related purposes. It is made of cement, sand, and some other aggregates. It is a fine powder-like substance that is mixed with water to make a paste. This paste hardens with time. Concrete is mainly used in construction and is a fundamental and essential ingredient in the process. It also has other applications, as seen in decorative concrete, exposed aggregate concrete in the making of pavements, and other aesthetic enhancements to a main building/structure.

History

The use of concrete can be traced back to Mayan times, with references found at Uxmal ruins. Many improvements were made to it over the ages by different civilisations around the world. These included making it waterproof and making concrete that sets underwater. It was widely used throughout history because of its ease of production and working. 

With the onset of the industrial era, concrete as we know it today started to take shape. The know-how of making portland cement was figured out, and reinforced concrete was also discovered during this time.

Things to Look Out for

Great care is taken when concrete is set in unfavourable conditions. Extreme weather can take a significant toll on the consistency of concrete. In particularly cold conditions, one should raise caution as the chemical reactions are affected by the temperature dip. This affects the strength of the structure. The formation of ice should be prevented by all means. Setting concrete underwater is also a challenging task.

Cement is one of the main ingredients in concrete. It is the reason why heat is released when concrete is allowed to set. This has a massive impact on building large structures as the heat emitted will be more. In such cases, cooling mechanisms are set up to prevent damage to the structure. The use of roller-compacted concrete is also very advantageous in such cases as the amount of heat released by it is less than conventional concrete. 

Applications

• Concrete roads are very efficient. Petrol consumption lowers significantly with the usage of concrete roads. It also lasts much longer than other materials. 
• Typically, concrete’s surface has pores and is not very pleasing to look at. Designs are often made on the surface to mask this bland look. Stamped designs are made by stamping a pattern onto the wet concrete and letting it set. More advanced techniques like chiselling are also used to create designs.
• It also has a lot of aesthetic applications. Decorative concrete is the use of concrete to make the structures more appealing to the eye. The use of exposed aggregate concrete is one such example. The main advantage of decorative concrete is that it’s easily available and can be customised to a great extent. The addition of other materials to it results in an even wider variety of options to choose from. Concrete can also integrate with any design and can be used for decorative purposes in all projects. The use of concrete in such cases is also very practical because the result is a visually pleasing structure and a durable one. Exposed aggregate concrete can also be used in the making of driveways. It can withstand most traffic.

Hydrogen (H2) is the first element present on the periodic table. Hydrogen is a flammable, colourless, tasteless, and odourless substance. There are many uses for hydrogen. It is produced by isolating it from water and petroleum derivatives. It is made by heating gaseous petrol with steam to frame a combination of hydrogen and carbon monoxide called syngas. After that, it is separated to produce hydrogen. 

Many companies, like Coregas, are present across the world that offer hydrogen.

Hydrogen is a specialty gas and an energy transporter that can be used to store, move, and convey energy delivered from different sources. 

Hydrogen was discovered in 1766 by Henry Cavendish. The name is derived from the Greek “Hydro”, which stands for water, and “gene”, which stands for forming. Hydrogen is tasteless, light, and reacts effectively with other compound substances making it an important reactant for the synthetic and oil businesses.

Modern Applications of Hydrogen 

1. Aviation and Defense 

Hydrogen is mainly used in the aviation industry. NASA started utilising hydrogen as rocket fuel in the 1950s, and it was the first to utilise hydrogen cells to power the electrical systems on spacecraft. Hydrogen is well-known for its tendency to produce lower emissions. 

2. Public Transport

Hydrogen cells are being used in various modes of public transport such as buses and trains. Many cities have successfully implemented it. Chicago, London, Vancouver, and Beijing have successfully implemented hydrogen-powered buses. Germany is the first nation to implement hydro-powered trains. New models with the latest technology will be coming up in Britain, France, the USA, South Korea, and Japan in the next five years.

Hydrogen that is utilised in fuel cells will produce electricity directly onboard a vehicle with an engine. These vehicles release only water and are known as zero-emission vehicles. 

Primary energy is utilised to produce hydrogen. Few such examples of primary energy include some renewable energy sources, oil, carbon, coal, and natural gas. 

3. Agricultural/ Chemical Industry 

Hydrogen is an important raw material that is utilised to make ammonia(NH3). It is also known as azane. It is an essential element in fertilisers that are used in agriculture. Ammonia is economical, and it is an environmentally friendly refrigerant.

4. Petroleum Industry

Hydrogen is an essential element in processing raw petroleum into refined oils such as gas and diesel. It also eliminates the impurities like sulphur and is helpful in methanol creation.

5. Welding 

Oxyhydrogen lights, which are utilised vigorously in welding, are powered by a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. By taking care of these gases step by step, a hot torch is made that can melt steel.

Hydrogen is the lightest element that is present on the periodic table. It is the most abundant compound that is present in the universe. Hydrogen can be delivered from an assortment of homegrown assets, like gaseous petrol, atomic force, biomass, and sustainable force like solar power and wind. These characteristics make it a fuel alternative for transportation and power generation applications. Hydrogen is utilised in vehicles, in houses and has many more applications in our day-to-day activities.

Nowadays, hydrogen fuel is produced through various techniques. Natural gas reforming (a thermal process) and electrolysis are the most common techniques that are being used. Apart from these few other techniques that are used are solar-driven and biological processes. This specialty gas is widely considered a promising fuel for the future because of the environmental friendliness and easy availability.

For about as long as there has been competition, there’s been wagering on competitive events. In Europe, sports betting enjoys a longstanding and active tradition. For Americans, the phenomenon is just sweeping the nation as more states legalize online betting. To the first-time punter it may seem intimidating, but in truth the basics are quite simple. 

Bookmakers

To place a bet, one needs an account with an online sportsbook, or bookmaker. Commonly referred to as ‘bookies’, these are commercial operations that offer betting opportunities. 

They determine ‘odds’, or a numerical representation of the likelihood of an outcome. In simpler terms, odds are how much a bookmaker thinks something will or won’t happen. How high or low the odds are determines how much you stand to win if your bet is correct.

Bonuses

Perhaps the best way to get started is to redeem an attractive welcome bonus. The most common bookmaker bonus you will encounter is the deposit bonus. Having your first deposit matched 100% up to $100 is the usual fare. 

With your bookmaker account open and your bankroll already boosted, you’ll be prepared to predict the outcomes of your favourite sporting events. 

Reliability

Creating an account with an online bookmaker starts with finding a reliable operator. There are unfortunately many scammers in the world of online sports betting, but the good news is there are many bookmakers proven to be trustworthy. 

Through a quick search engine query you’ll find a bookmaker legal in your country, and simply check their website for a logo from a certified licensing authority. Licensing authorities are third-party regulators that ensure a bookmaker deals fairly with their customers. The best licenses are from the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. Never sign up to a bookmaker who doesn’t have a license.

Verification

Once you’ve created an account, you may be asked to verify your identity. This is a part of the bookmaker’s license to operate. If you’re asked for your name and address, a passport or bank statement, this is for the bookmaker to prove you are of age and reside in a country which allows sports betting.

If you’ve chosen a trustworthy bookmaker, your data will be safe with them. Typically it may take a few days before your account is thoroughly verified. Once it is, you’re free to deposit, wager, and payout when you’re finished playing.

How often do you find yourself completely drained after a Zoom meeting? If this is happening to you quite often then consider yourself part of the gang. A lot of people these days are surviving with Zoom fatigue, this can also be called virtual fatigue. 

This particular state refers to the exhaustion people feel after any kind of video conference or video call.

While it is not a formal diagnosis, Zoom fatigue has become real. Kyrstal Jagoo, a Master’s in Social Work and mental health therapist, thinks that the Zoom fatigue feels similar to what burnout and exhaustion manifest.

The Exhausting Digital World

The digital realm has been around for a while now. But the pandemic has given a whole new meaning to this phrase. While there are definite benefits of being connected to the tech and digital world, due to the coronavirus outbreak, its darker side heavily affected us.

Before the outbreak, people were habitual of staying connected with their friends, family, and colleagues over digital means but after work from home, public restrictions, and the fear of being infected through in-person interaction, they became a lifestyle.

So with the benefits are costs. Here is a look at how Zoom fatigue looks like:

For people working in a service-based career, work-based burnout is nothing new. However, the visual work lifestyle has generated a new meaning of work burn that has severely affected the mental and physical health of employees.

Yet, many of us are continuing to work from home in the same condition as if nothing has happened. The traditional exhaustion in the previous days included feeling apathetic, reducing work performance, and general exhaustion.

But the key signs of pandemic-induced burnout are different.

Following are the things that come in this:

• Difficulty concentrating.
• Difficulty in managing relationships with loved ones.
• Frustration and irritability throughout the day.
• Muscle tension, fatigue, insomnia are some of the physical symptoms.

Zoom fatigue can get even more stressful when it is topped with having slow internet service at home and inadequate home office supplies.

While one of the responsibilities of the organization is to provide the essentials to employees working remotely, having high-speed internet service at your home on your own is not that difficult. Hughes Internet, for instance, offers the best Hughesnet Packages for households across America. 

Once you have high-speed internet service at home you might feel at ease at attending video calls and working quickly and effectively.

How to Deal With Zoom Fatigue

For better or worse, this current work-life routine is not going anywhere. However, there are a few options you can take back some of the control of your life and reduce the on-going fatigue.

Feel OK to Tap Out

There will always be meeting that you can not get out of, however, there is are going to be some that are easy to escape. The key is to find out which ones are worth attending and which are meant to tap out from.

Other than this you do not necessarily have to be on a video call at all times. Some days you can excuse the attendees and connect your audio which is far easier to control than video conference.

Get Proper Eyewear

Proper eyewear is essential for those working from home. Staring at a computer screen all day is not only exhausting for your body, it can also wear down your eyes. Instead of suffering through this fatigue, get proper eyewear that allows you to concentrate without pain. An optometrist can provide Calgary eyeglasses for you if you think you need a stronger prescription to get through the day headache free.

Schedule Zoom Meetings When Necessary

One hard part about Zoom meetings is the unnecessary expectations of being professional.

While working from home there will be numerous times you feel zero need for connecting with the team members on Zoom. However, the company protocol might force you into scheduling them all the time.

The easier way to reduce this pressure is by taking control of the scheduling. Make sure you only schedule meetings when it is extremely necessary.

Do Fun Things

Zoom isn’t only about creating mental pressure on employees, instead, it can be used for fun things as well. For instance, Zoom has a lot of fun features such as playing a game together or watching a show together, or more.

This might help the application quell the negative associations users sometimes feel toward the app.

Zoom for the Betterment

There are a lot of ways through which you can reduce the on-going stress around keeping yourself connected with Zoom.