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America's 15 Coolest Ghost Towns to Visit

Rich and diverse history of religions: Millenniums-long deception

Religion has been an integral part of human society for thousands of years, shaping cultures, beliefs, and values. From ancient civilizations to modern times, religion has played a major role in shaping the course of human history. But what is the history of religions, and how did religions develop over time? Religious beliefs can be traced back to the earliest civilizations, such as the ancient Egyptians and Sumerians, who worshipped gods and goddesses associated with natural phenomena such as the sun and moon. These early beliefs were often polytheistic, meaning that they worshipped multiple gods, and were often tied to a specific place or location. As civilizations evolved, so did religious beliefs. In India, Hinduism emerged as a complex and diverse religion that incorporated a variety of gods, rituals, and practices. In China, Taoism and Confucianism developed as two distinct philosophical and religious traditions. One of the major turning points in the history of religions was the advent of monotheism or the belief in one God. This was a major shift from polytheistic beliefs and is seen in the Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. These religions, which originated in the Middle East, would go on to have a major impact on world history and the development of western civilization. In addition to the major world religions, there are also numerous indigenous religions, which are tied to specific cultural and geographical locations. These religions often involve unique beliefs, rituals, and practices that have been passed down through generations and reflect the unique cultural heritage of a particular region. Religions always have been a source of conflict and division throughout history. Wars have been fought, and people have been persecuted for their religious beliefs. However, despite this, religion continues to play a significant role in the lives of millions of people around the world, providing comfort, guidance, and a sense of community. The history of religions is a rich and diverse tapestry of beliefs, practices, and cultural traditions. From ancient civilizations to modern times, religion has been an integral part of human society, shaping cultures, beliefs, and values, and, unfortunately, continues to play a significant role in the lives of millions of people around the world. Religious Traditions of Ancient Times Religion has been a part of human society since ancient times, shaping the way people lived, thought, and interacted with one another. From the polytheistic beliefs of ancient civilizations to the monotheistic religions of today, religious systems have played a significant role in shaping humanity’s history. In ancient times, religion was deeply intertwined with every aspect of daily life. People believed in gods who controlled the forces of nature, and they made offerings and prayers to these deities in order to appease them. This helped them to feel a sense of control over their lives and the world around them. Religious Traditions of Actual Times Some common arguments are made against religion Lack of empirical evidence: One of the main criticisms of religion is that there is no scientific evidence to support many of the claims made by religious texts and teachings. This leads some people to believe that religion is based purely on faith and is not rooted in reality. Contradictions within religious texts: Some people point to inconsistencies and contradictions within religious texts as evidence that they are not truly divine or inspired by a higher power. The role of power and control: Some people argue that religion is often used as a tool by those in power to control and manipulate the masses. They claim that religious leaders use religious doctrine to maintain their power and influence over others. Lack of logical consistency: Many religious beliefs and practices are not logically consistent or do not stand up to scrutiny. Personal experience: Some individuals may reject religion based on their own personal experiences and observations, finding that their own beliefs and values do not align with what is taught by religious institutions. It’s important to note that these are just a few of the reasons some people might reject religion, and everyone’s experiences and beliefs are unique. If there is any all-powerful and omnipotent force, then it did nothing to prevent this post from being written.
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How can I save on long-term care insurance?

The tips below will help you save money wisely, but don’t rely on price alone. Key factors in choosing a policy Company financial stability – Because you may not collect for decades to come, be sure to buy from a company that has been around for some time and is financially stable. You may want to look up, from an independent rating agency, the financial strength ratings of a company you’re considering. Percentage of income – Keep the premium for your long-term care insurance policy to 7 percent of your income, or less. For example, if your monthly income is $4,000, the long-term care insurance premium should not be more than $280 per month. (This is what the National Association of Insurance Commissioners recommends in its Model Regulation for Long-Term Care Insurance.) Another expert advises that the income to use in this calculation isn’t your current income, but your expected income in retirement since that’s the income from which you’ll be paying premiums for most of the policy’s existence. Other ways of saving Find out if long-term care benefits are available through a group policy from your employer. Employers might subsidize the cost, lowering what you must pay. Check whether you can add long-term care benefits as a rider on an existing life insurance or annuity policy. These “combination” arrangements can save because the insurance company gains operational savings that it can pass along to you. Buy a policy with the longest waiting period you can afford. For example, choosing a 90-day period instead of a 30-day period can cut the premium by 30%. However, if you do need long-term care services, you should save some money to pay these costs until the waiting period ends. If both spouses of a married couple are considering buying long-term care policies, look into buying one joint policy for both of you. Such a policy pays when either one needs care and can pay for both, if necessary, up to its benefit limits. If you’re still looking to trim the premium further, consider buying a policy that will pay most, but not all, of the average nursing home costs in your area. For example, if a nursing home room now costs $120 per day, buy a policy that pays $100 per day. However, be sure to buy an inflation-protection provision. Check with several companies and agents, comparing both benefits and costs. As with other types of insurance (and many other purchases), comparison shopping can save you money. Just be sure you’re comparing policies with similar provisions and companies with comparable financial strength and service records.
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Should I buy life insurance on my child’s life?

The main reason for buying life insurance on anyone’s life is to replace income “lost” or pay for expenses caused by the death of the insured person. If your child dies, there’s no lost income, but there will be funeral, burial and related expenses that could run to thousands of dollars, which might cause a financial hardship to the parents of the deceased child. Another reason for buying life insurance on a child’s life is to guard against the possibility that, when the child is older, he or she might not be able to buy life insurance because of intervening illness or other circumstance. Still another reason for buying life insurance on a child’s life is part of a program to teach the child financial responsibility. Typically the insurance is whole life insurance, ownership of which is transferred to the child when he or she turns 21. Most insurance advisors recommend that families spend their insurance budget to buy life and disability income insurance on the parents first, before considering insurance on children’s lives. Death of a parent, particularly an income-earner, could have financial consequences that are devastating compared to the financial effects from a child’s death.
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Shark attack, Little Bay: The victim wouldn’t want the shark to be destroyed

The family of a diving instructor killed by a great white shark in Sydney insisted he would not want the animal to be destroyed. Simon Nellist, 35 – described as a ‘kind, considerate man who loved life’ – died just 100m from horrified beachgoers at Little Bay on Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Nellist, who grew up in Cornwall, in the United Kingdom, was due to marry his fiancée Jessie Ho this summer. His aunt Jacqui Seager, 62, said yesterday: ‘I don’t think Simon would want the shark to be killed. He loved nature. ‘He swam with sharks before. This isn’t the first time he’s gone out and seen them but he would still go out swimming. That’s brave. ‘I don’t think he ever thought they would hurt him. Sadly, this time it managed to get to him. ‘It’s absolutely horrendous. We are all in shock.’ Photographer Mrs. Seager, of Maidstone, Kent, added: ‘He swam most days. This is just a freak accident. It shows you can’t take life for granted.’ His death at Buchan Point on Wednesday forced authorities to close most beaches. Special ‘drum lines’ – aquatic traps using baited hooks to lure and capture large sharks – were set up in the water. However, they are controversial because sharks have died in them. They also often catch other wildlife. Mr. Nellist had hit out over their use saying they ‘protect no one’ and ‘need to go’. His death comes weeks before ‘smart’ drum lines were reportedly due to be installed which could have prevented the tragedy. Mother-of-three Mrs. Seager said: ‘He told his mum he was going to travel to Australia and that was that. He loved it so much that he stayed. ‘He met his girlfriend Jessie out there. They’re around the same age and instantly hit it off. They’ve been together for years. ‘She is totally in bits, as are his parents. I spoke to them last night and they are beyond belief. ‘They will never get through this – ever – as this is something you keep with you for life. I just feel so sorry for them. ‘They are planning to get out there as soon as they can but need to sort visas out. ‘Everyone was going to fly out there to see him get married in June or July but sadly it is now in much sadder circumstances.’ Mrs. Seager stressed: ‘Simon always loved the sea. He was always very close to it. He loved wildlife and the world. ‘He had a real love affair with nature. He was a very kind and considerate man who just loved life. He was a strong guy and did two tours of Afghanistan. ‘His mum said how could he return from the frontline unscathed to then go to Australia, go out for a swim, and get killed.’ Mr. Nellist served with the UK’s 34 Squadron, based at RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire. His shocked parents Mike and Rosemary, of Helston, Cornwall, declined to comment yesterday. Experts believe the shark which killed Mr Nellist on his daily swim was at least 10ft long and might have mistaken his wetsuit for a seal. He had been training for a swimming event on Sunday but it has now been canceled. Dr. Chris Pepin-Neff, of Sydney University, said such shark attacks were incredibly rare, with just ten or 12 of its kind in 30 years around the world. But he added: ‘It’s not crazy for sharks to bite humans thinking we might be prey.’ Mr. Nellist’s friend Della Ross described the diving community’s devastation, saying: ‘Everything that is connected to Simon is connected to the ocean. ‘The news hit us like a truck because he was one of the people who make this Earth lighter.’ Read more at DailyMail.co.uk
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8 questions to ask before buying auto insurance

Make sure your car coverage reflects your needs and budget The vehicle you own, your personal priorities and your budget all factor into your unique auto insurance needs. Before comparing policies and insurers, evaluate how you use your car and what risks you face to figure out what options make the best sense for you. 1. How much do you drive? Do you absolutely need your car every day—for instance, to commute to work or drive the kids to school and activities? Do you drive 100 miles a month or closer to 1,000 or more? Make sure your policy reflects how much you use your car. If you don’t drive a lot, you may want to opt for mileage-based insurance. 2. Will you be using your car for work? If you use your car not just to get to work, but to perform tasks for which you get paid, commercial auto insurance is a necessity. A personal auto policy will not provide coverage if you transport paying passengers through a ride-share service, deliver pizzas, drive as a courier or use your car for other commercial activities. 3. What type of car do you drive? Insurers have mountains of data, and they know in precise detail what types of cars, makes and models are more—or less—likely to incur claims. A flashy sports car with a powerful engine may be more likely to be stolen and its bodywork costs will be more than on a mid-sized sedan—and your insurance will be priced accordingly. Some types of cars—such as modified or classic cars—require special insurance. By the same token, you may receive discounts if you have a “safe” car—one with the latest safety features and a good safety record. 4. How much do you love your car? If you love the way your vehicle looks and take pride in its appearance, you’ll likely want it fixed perfectly—or replaced with the same model—if it gets damaged. That means you’ll probably to consider the fullest range of insurance—including collision, comprehensive and glass coverage. On the other hand, if you drive a beater, see cars merely as transportation and want to save on premiums, you might prefer to limit your policy to liability. 5. Where do you live—and park your car? Where you live will impact your insurance rates—and it may be a factor in what coverage you purchase. For example, cars parked on the street in urban areas face a greater risk for theft or vandalism, so comprehensive coverage might be a good option. You may discover that your premium rates are lower if you move from a city to a suburb. 6. Who else will be driving the car? Generally, your car insurance will cover other occasional drivers. However, if other drivers live with you and use your car—whether a spouse, a teen driver or a housemate—they should be listed on your policy. 7. What are your legal obligations? Nearly every state requires that you carry minimum liability coverage for your car. At the very least, you need to make sure your policy complies with state mandates. However, the levels of required coverage are generally pretty low. Keep in mind that, if you are involved in a serious accident, you may be sued for a large sum of money. Depending on your assets and financial risk tolerance, to be safe, you’ll probably want to purchase a higher level of liability coverage. 8. Is your car financed or leased? If you still owe money on your car or have to return it in good condition when a lease expires, you’ll likely be required to insure the car for its full value—and even for any gap between what you owe and the car’s market value. Collision and comprehensive will cover damage to your car—and supplemental gap insurance will cover the rest. Keep in mind that your insurance options and costs will also be affected by your age, gender and driving record. Be aware too that your credit score can also impact your insurance rates. Once you’ve looked at your needs and priorities, and understood how insurance options will match them, you’ll be better prepared to make an informed decision about the types and levels of coverage to buy.
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