The United States Census Bureau reports that the current poverty rate in the country is 14.5%. That is, 14.5% of all Americans live in households that earn less than the federal poverty line. This equates to about 45 million people: men, women, and children. People who live in poverty cannot afford basic needs and rely…

Rates of sleeping disorders in Australia are at an all time high, and sleep deprivation is becoming an increasingly alarming issue in our developed world. In a society where being busy or having no time to sleep is the mark of a successful or influential person, it is hard to get people to understand just…

“O scathful harm, condition of poverty!” Geoffrey Chaucer, one of the greatest observers of human nature, was spot on when he wrote this in The Canterbury Tales, and anyone who’s ever had to face poverty directly knows how scathful it can be. Much has changed since Chaucer’s time in the 14th century but unfortunately, poverty…

Now that the economy has finally begun making a comeback from the recession (and it’s about time, too), it’s no surprise that more people are deciding to splurge and purchase a home themselves. It’s no surprise that when the economy dips down a bit, fewer people are willing to make big investments on things like…

The newest trend for weddings in 2015 is all about the personalized experience: spouses to be are really looking for that “wow” factor that makes the event unique for them and for their guests. Some clients seek out unique cakes, or fabric for their wedding attire. Others seek out unique menus that cater to gourmet…

The hospitality industry is catching on to a new item that might revolutionize the way you sleep. Some hotels are investing in a sleep system bed for their rooms, which is a type of adjustable bed. They claim it provides a better night sleep, as it supports your spine more effectively and relieves pressure on…

Each year, U.S. cemeteries and funeral homes bury about 30 million board feet of caskets, 105,000 tons of steel, 1.6 million tons of concrete, and almost 830,000 gallons of embalming fluids like formaldehyde. In total, 1.5 million caskets are used in an average of 2.4 million funerals every year in the United States. But each…

If you’re like many people, you probably want to help others but have no clue where to start. Approximately 70% of Americans give to charity each year, but for the remainder there could be a number of reasons why they don’t. While some of that 30% may themselves be recipients of others’ charity, there may…

It’s often been said that cleanliness is next to Godliness and it’s easy to see why. While this archaic expression has its origins in ancient Babylonian and Hebrew religious tracts, it’s still very much applicable and relevant today, even if you’re not a religious person. Understandably, it may seem difficult to find the connection between…

Searching for a new home can be daunting, especially in the current seller’s market where offers are increasingly competitive. In many areas, however, resales may not be worth the asking price when a brand new home is available instead. Modern homes have updates to everything from the windows and roof to the appliances and open…