Steve Volk's Blog, page 11

Top tips for drivers of large trucks

The winter holidays are not here yet, but that does not mean that you should not pay a visit to your relatives. Your loved ones will be more than happy to see you. After all, you do not need an excuse to drop by when it comes to family. It is impossible to fit your spouse and kids into a small car. The best option that you have is to accommodate them in a large truck. Well, a semi-truck. You will be sharing the road with all kinds of drivers, which is why you need to be extremely careful. Some safety tips can really come in handy. It is a good thing that we have compiled a list of things that you need to know.

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Make sure to wear your seat belt

Traffic Angel states that you cannot be too careful on the road. What do you know? They are right. Accidents happen all the time. Excessive caution is the best form of action. Even if you do not like wearing your seat belt, make sure to wear it. Buckling up is the most important thing ever. The seat belt will protect you and the passengers in the case of a collision. Put simply, this safety feature will save your life. Wearing a seat belt does not guarantee that you will not get into an accident. However, it will save your life. What if buckling up makes you feel a little bit uncomfortable? Safety comes first. Keep in mind that you are not travelling by yourself. You have got your entire family with you. Regardless of how inconvenient the seat belt is, wear it. You do not want to regret not having done it.

Pay attention to curves

You are not a professional driver. Far from it. You simply like getting behind the wheel. Driving a large truck is not the easiest thing in the world. However, it is not impossible. Slow down in turns and think about getting safety equipment. If you are unable to see the direction of travel, then you definitely need rear cameras. These are very similar to HGV reversing cameras in the sense that they help drivers back up and alleviate the blind spot. Attention needs to be paid to the fact that not all safety equipment is created equal. This means that not all of them are efficient when it comes to avoiding accidents. Look for a camera that allows you to see clearly and is user-friendly.

Keep your eyes on the road

Distracted driving is dangerous, but you do not need anyone telling you that. As hard as it may be, you need to concentrate all your attention on driving. In other words, keep your eyes on the road. Do not text your relatives and if a passenger keeps distracting your attention, gently remind them that you are not at home. Do not engage in secondary activities while driving. You will only endanger your life. And that of the passengers. Shut off your cell phone and do not get engaged in conversations.

Guidelines on how to decorate the office space

You spent at the office more than 8 hours a day, and it is not wrong to say that it is your home away from home. Here is the place where you create your business plans, and fight for getting a better position on the market. However, you should know that your office is also one important aspect from your business’ image. If you want everyone to be productive at the office then it is important to balance comfort and functionality. An office that looks great will inspire people to work more and there is nothing wrong to want to decorate your office. In case this is the first decorating project you handle, then you may need some guidelines.

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The first impression is the most important one

You work daily in this office, so for you its look may not be important, because you got used to it. But you should know that the persons who will visit you at the office can make a bad impression about your company if it is not organised and in a good condition. You have to ask yourself what your office says about your business and if it reflects your values. It is important the logo of your company to be easily noticeable when you enter the office, because it is part of your brand image. If you do not have a logo, then you should contact a company like Kiasu Print Pte Ltd, because they have experience in this domain and they can assist you.

Colours are important

The way your office is decorated reflects the work you do. For example, if you do a conservative work, you can use nude shades. If you do creative work, then it is nothing wrong to play with the colours, you can use vibrant shades and different painting models. You can use the same colour scheme on your business cards, and on the documents, you put the company seal. You should not forget to integrate the company’s logo and name in the design of the office.

Find affordable furniture items

If you will visit, the local store to buy office furniture you will notice that it costs a lot. But it does not mean that you do not have alternatives. You should check online because there are stores that have permanent discounts for furniture. Also, when it comes to the furniture items you will use, you should not consider only the office collections, you should check even the standard ones, because you may find items that may suit your preferences. In addition, you should make sure that the furniture items match the colour scheme you have used for the walls.

Clean the office

If you want your office to make a good impression, then you should start declutter it. No one likes to visit an office filled with stacks of documents, boxes and other office debris. You should not tell yourself that you would declutter it one day you should do it daily. Take a few minutes every day after the office hours and put the office clutter in its place.

 

Outdated conference room? Here’s how to give it a complete makeover

When you first founded your company, the conference room may have looked amazing, but the years passed, technology evolved and things got old. If back then everyone told you that you had a modern conference room, nowadays, everyone will recommend you to do a makeover. If you want to impress your clients and partners, then you have to remodel the conference room because this is the room where your meetings are held. A modern conference room will also help you improve your team’s productivity. There are some guidelines on how you can refresh an outdated conference room.

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Start with the conference tables

The conference table is the focal point in this room. If you have not changed it, and you have used the same one from the moment you have started the business, then it is understandable why it makes noises when you place things on it. Choose a new standing desk or conference table, and you will notice how the dynamics of your business meetings change. If you choose a standing table, you will also improve the body posture of the people who attend your meetings.

Install a magnetic whiteboard

If you meet with your team to brainstorm ideas for your projects, then this is an essential item to have in your conference room. Magnetic whiteboards are a new trend in office design because they help you promote communication and team spirit. All your great ideas should be written on the board to not skip them from view. They come at affordable prices, and are made from materials that guarantee you that they will last for many years, even if you use them daily.

Wireless technology

In the 90s, having tech devices in the conference room meant having many wires that would trap people every time they would enter the room. But nowadays you can take advantage of technology without having to deal with the wires. It is called wireless display technology and it gives your conference room a professional vibe. You will not have to waste your time trying to figure out what cables you have to connect, you will only have to make sure that your devices are compatible.

4k displays

When you present the project for the next product or service, you need to use multimedia to make the content more user friendly. Your presentations include videos, graphics and other similar elements and if you want your wireless technology to function at its highest standard then you should pair it with a 4k display. In this way, your PowerPoint presentations will be clear and the visuals will catch the viewer’s attention. It is more appealing to use this type of device when you are organising a business meeting because you show your interlocutors that you are a professional in your field. 4k displays are known for their high-definition and they shock image realism. Also, they come paired with superior audio features and this will definitely shock your clients, employees and partners in a positive manner.

If you want to refresh an outdated conference room, then these are some of the simplest tricks you can use to do it.

Student performances – the battle between private and public schools

Have you ever wondered if there is a real difference in the performances of a student who attends a private school versus the performance of a student that’s enrolled in a public school? Well, the differences are present and they are influenced by a multitude of factors. The major one is represented by the educational curriculum. The role of the teacher is also a paramount factor that can influence how prepared a student is at the end of the classes. This article should help you understand the differences between a private and a public school, so that you can make a choice in the end. Choosing the best Orange County private schools could dramatically change the future of your child. Here’s what you need to know:

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Private schools

In private schools, the accent is placed on the students individually, compared to public schools where the idea of a group is emphasized. When attending private schools, students are provided with more attention and care regarding their own personalities, skills and traits, so that the curriculum they select fits their needs and preferences. This is the only way to reach the maximum potential of the students and to encourage them to invest into their talents and passions. In public schools, standing out from the crowd is much more difficult because teachers don’t encourage that. In private schools, students get the chance to be recognized and appreciated for their efforts. Plus, the curriculum is extensive and it includes much more topics compared to the traditional one, encountered in public schools.

Public schools

In the case of public schools, there is no need of additional exams when entering. Public schools are free in most countries and the process of learning is mostly based on theory, not on practice. All the children are placed in the same types of classrooms and they are not differentiated by any criterion. Everyone is learning the same topics and goes through the same experiences, regardless of their individual traits, skills and talents. Public schools take advantage of gifted children by being accountable for student achievements, while in private schools the students get all the merit. Even though they are free, public schools are not the best option if you want to see student performances that are matched to your child’s talents and skills.

The choice is yours

You may not afford a private school, and that’s not the end of the world. Public schools are just as efficient as private schools in terms of how many things your child is going to learn. The only difference is how this theory is applied. As long as your child is able to blend in and adapt to any conditions, then both options will work just fine. Assess your financial situation, get to know what your child expects and make a choice that suits your individual case. Both types of schools are effective as long as your child is interested in learning as many things as possible.

Buying art – make sure you make a valuable investment

There are people who are buying art for pleasure but there are also people who buy art because they consider it a wise investment. In case you consider this a great business, then you should not buy your first piece of art until you do not do some research, because you can spend money on an instinct and the investment can go wrong. You have to make sure that there is a market for the pieces of art you want to buy, because the purpose of the business is to sell them in the future, when they will have a higher value. Not only art buying, but any other investment requires a lot of research in order to make sure that it is profitable. As a beginner you may consider overwhelming to navigate this market but with the right help, you will not have issues in investing in an asset that will help you increase your income.

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Check both the primary and secondary art investment markets

The majority of people are not aware that there are two key markets, one primary and one secondary. In case you want to purchase pieces of art directly from the artist or from a dealer, then you will do business on the primary market. The other purchases of the pieces of art are considered to be made on the secondary market. You can buy art from multiple sources, as art auction houses, galleries or private sales. It is advisable to buy the pieces of art from the primary market, like Kantor Viatcheslav does, and then try to sell them on the secondary market, because there their value increases.

There are different types of artists

If you want to be successful in this business then you should learn how to recognise a great artist. You should follow the example of Viatcheslav Moshe Kantor because he knows how to recognise a true artist. One option is to buy from an emerging artist, because they sell their works of art quite affordable during the early stages of their career. But you have the possibility to sell them more expensive in the future. In case you are passionate about art, and you want to buy the works of art to expose them in your house then you should consider the option of buying from an established artist.

Make the difference between originals and prints

In the majority of cases it is cheaper to buy a print than an original painting. The original is a unique piece of art, and this is why it is recommended to prefer this investment option. When it comes to prints there are some of them that are quite valuable, so if you are at the beginning of this business, then you should check the market, to see which one of them is a good investment. In case you purchase a print from a small edition, then you will be able to sell it with a good price on the secondary market. Ask for a professional advice if you do not have the needed knowledge.

 

Tips For Selecting The Right Plumber

A house can require plumbing at any time. There are various problems that can occur in your home for which you will require a plumber. Usually, older homes can get sudden leaks that can become problematic for the owner. Plumbers & Heating Engineers must be called for maintenance or replacement.

Usually, people take advice from their friends and family while calling a plumber. They sometimes also ask their next-door neighbors for their plumbers. There are plenty of plumbing companies out there. It is a difficult task to select one from the plethora. Selecting the right plumber is important because it can save you from further damages and loss of thousands of dollars. You should keep the following things in mind while selecting a plumber.

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Notice the Ad Carefully

            The first thing that a person notices about a company is their advertisement. While looking for plumbers online, carefully notice their advertisement or website. This is because a website or advertisement shows the professionalism of the company. It can give an impression that the company really cares about attracting customers. It also shows that the company will act professionally while working.

While noticing the website or advertisement, keep in mind to check the type of information the company is providing. See if they have mentioned all the necessary information that you need to know. Also, check if the company is licensed or verified. See if they have any emergency services. All these points are signals of professionalism.

Communication Skills

            If you want to guess the professionalism of a plumbing company, carefully notice the way they communicate with you. A good plumbing company will always make you their first priority. If you are not treated with respect on the phone, they will probably not take your task seriously. It is always a good idea to call the company first and notice how they communicate with you. If they respond quickly and promptly, then it is a good sign. They should provide you with all the adequate information that you need.

Timeliness and Cleanliness

            Good plumbers in Bishops Stortford will always keep you notified about the time their technician will arrive. They will give importance to your home and time. Their technician will arrive right on time. You can also expect the technician to protect your home from further damage. A good plumber will take all measures to protect your home. He will wear the required gloves and shoe covers. He will also have his tools placed properly in a toolbox.

Get upfront Pricing

A good and professional company of plumbing will always give you upfront pricing. They will provide you an accurate estimation of the cost beforehand. The company will deal professionally with any extra fees that might be required for your task. There will be no hidden charges.

Check Reviews

          In today’s technological era, you can easily check the reviews of any plumbers in Bishops Stortford. Checking review is extremely important. This is because you will get an insight on how the company has previously dealt with their customers. You will also be able to see if the customers were satisfied or not. By checking the review, you can easily guess the professionalism of the company.

These are some of the tips that you can follow to get your house fixed by the right plumber. By following these tips, you will not be fooled and lose money.

Common Foot Health Issues Women Deal With

Women in the struggle of balancing comfort with fashion often face multiple health issues. Their feet’s health is one of the most common problems women have because they prefer to wear shoes that look great but that are not comfortable. Some professions require women to wear heels when at work, like being a teacher, lawyer, flight attendant or office jobs. At the end of the day their feet hurt badly. Moreover, wearing ill-fitting shoes or high heels can result in various feet problems. It is important to preserve the health of our feet if we want to be able to do our daily activities. Taking good care of feet is essential because if we suffer from health issue concerning the feet, we are not able to work, or even move. If you suffer from one of the following feet health issues then you should see a Chiropodist in Leicester, to help you feel better.

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Bunions:

Bunions are one of the most pertaining feet problems that women deal with. A bunion is a lump that appears along the outside of the big toe. They form when the big toe is not positioned well and forced into other toes diagonally. The bone and tissues of the big toe become misaligned due to pressure on the toes, and as a result, the lower bones in the toe appear to bulge out. Bunions often form as a result of shoes that force the feet in unnatural shapes, or due to the biomechanics of the feet. Flat-feet people and those with low arches tend to develop bunions. Though some medications and bunions pads can relieve the pain, a surgery can only heal a bunion if once formed. Make an appointment to a health facility as Leicester Podiatry Clinic if you experience this health issue.

Morton’s Neuroma:

Morton’s Neuroma is a condition in which the nerve of toes becomes inflamed and enlarged. It happens in the ball of the foot because of tightening and compressing of the nerve. Morton’s Neuroma is developed due to wearing high heels or tight shoes, flat feet, high arches or overpronation are also the causes of this ailment. Swelling, tingling and pain in the toes and ball of the feet are the common symptoms.

Plantar Fasciitis:

Plantar fasciitis is a heel pain that results when a thick band of tissue that connects heel to the toes becomes inflamed and swelled. Women, who are overweight, flat-feet, wear improper shoes and keep standing for long periods of time are more prone to this condition. The stabbing pain of Plantar Fasciitis can be cured by taking painkillers and wearing insole that provides support to the nerve tissue.

Corn, calluses and blisters:

Corns and calluses form when the skin on the feet thickens or becomes swelled as a result of constant pressure. Corns are a lump of skin formed on the toes or top of the feet while calluses are developed on the bottom of the feet causing the skin to become cracked. Corn and calluses increase the risks of developing skin infections. Blisters also result from wearing tight shoes that put too much friction on the feet. Wearing comfortable shoes, applying creams on the skin and using pumice stone can help in reducing corn, calluses and blisters.

Myths about giving a child up for adoption

If you have not intended to get pregnant, then now you may consider the possibility to give the child up for adoption. The majority of women have second thoughts about it, because they hear different myths and they do not know which one of them is true and which one is not. Here are some answers to some of the questions that may overwhelm you.

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The paperwork is signed immediately after the delivery

This is one of the false myths people hear very often. The majority of countries have regulations that state that a new mom should not sign the paperwork during the first 24 or 72 hours. Therefore, you will have to check the local laws and see what they imply. The moment you have your baby is the moment when you are the most vulnerable, and it is important for you to be sure when you sign the paperwork. Therefore, you can relinquish the child when you consider that you are ready. No one will put pressure on you to do it sooner than you are ready.

The mom cannot take the baby home from the hospital

This is another false myth, because until the moment you will sign the paperwork, you will be the mom of the child, and you can take them home with you. It does not matter if you have an adoption plan, you still have this right until the moment you decide to relinquish the baby. There are exceptions when you cannot take the child home, like when you have an open child protective services case. This happens if you or the baby are positive when you were tested for drugs. It is advisable to check the steps involved by the process of infant adoption San Antonio in order to know what you should expect from.

The mom does not have the right to hire an attorney

Actually it is recommended to hire an attorney if you are pregnant and you want to give up your baby up for adoption. Adoption laws are different from a state to another one, and you should collaborate with a professional who has the knowledge and who can guide you through the process. It is advisable to hire an attorney when you consider that you have decided who the adoptive parents will be. And you should not worry about the fee, because the adoptive parents are the ones who will cover the costs. The attorney will also help you establish an agreement in case you want to visit the child in the future.

If the mom used alcohol or drugs during pregnancy she cannot put the child up for adoption

There are parents who do not mind to adopt a child even if the little one was exposed to alcohol or drugs, because they educate themselves on what they should expect from during the pregnancy months. But if you find yourself in this situation, you should make sure that you get prenatal care the moment you find out you are pregnant. It is important to inform the adoptive parents that you used alcohol or drugs, because if you hide them the truth, they will not trust you and there are little chances to continue the process of adoption.

 

Changing daily habits to encourage living a greener life

Are you unhappy with the habits you have that negatively impact the world? The environment seems to suffer tremendously considering the actions of people who live on Earth. Small changes in our behavior could represent a huge change for the planet’s future and implicitly for our health. Even though it might seem like what you are doing is irrelevant for the bigger picture, it is not. You’d be amazed how much of an impact just switching some of your bad habits with greener ones can have. Adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle right away and start noticing the differences in your life. In addition, you’ll start seeing a positive difference at the end of the month when you are paying your bills. Living greener means consuming less energy, so you will pay less money on electricity or water. Here are the habits you might want to change:

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Receiving paper mail

You are probably receiving a lot of paper mail. You should opt for e-mails instead of paper. This way, you can keep all your bills and important documents in the same place, properly organized, without fearing you are going to lose them. More than that, this small change can help save thousands of trees. Don’t forget to switch plastic bags to eco-friendly ones. You can also use custom Earth promos in case you own a company. It may seem like these changes have no direct impact on the health of the environment, but the truth is – if everyone would follow your example – the effects would be visible from the very beginning.  

Changing shower heads

Shower heads are responsible for wasting tremendous amounts of water. Luckily, you can find different sorts of shower heads on the market, that will help you consume less water while taking showers and will also prevent wasting water. Invest more in good quality shower heads to avoid further spending in the long run. Also, don’t forget to turn off the tap while brushing your teeth. Conserving water is beneficial both for yourself, by reducing your bill at the end of the month, and for the environment, by consuming fewer resources, and – implicitly – less energy.  

Changing light bulbs

Talking about energy, you can save some by changing light bulbs. Incandescent light bulbs are not as efficient nor resistant as LED ones. There are multiple types of light bulbs you can choose from, depending on the necessities you have to respect. Get informed about fluorescent lighting, halogen lighting, xenon lighting, LED and so on. The estimated lifetime of a light bulb depends on its type. It would be recommended to opt for LED for highest efficiency and saving energy.  

Using natural cleaning products instead of toxic ones

Another change of habits you can make would be switching toxic cleaning products with natural ones. You’d be amazed how effective they are and how much money you are going to save. Toxic cleaning products have a huge negative impact on the environment, especially when recycling them incorrectly, which is the most common problem encountered nowadays.

Survival vs Tactical Knives – Which One is More Useful in the Wilderness?

If you are the type of person who is more likely to remember their first trip into the wild rather than their first kiss, you have to make sure to always pack well when you are out on an adventure as chances are that you will most likely seek to disconnect from the world and stay there for a while. Obviously, the one thing you cannot go without when you are out in the wild as your life depends on it is the knife. But what type of knife is appropriate for these quite dangerous adventures? Is it the survival, or the tactical knife? Find out what is your best guess immediately!

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What you need from a knife when you are stranded in the middle of the wilderness

To be better aware of what type of knife you need in this type of a survival situation in the middle of the wild, you should first know how it should look like and what it should boast. In the following, we will describe in detail the type of knife that would be appropriate in this situation.

#1 – Flat spine

A 90-degree grind for the spine of the knife is ideal for situations where you are in the wild as you will be able to strike a fire-starting ferro-rod – note that with a beveled or a rounded spine this would not be possible. Seeing how you need to produce fire in order to cook and stay warm, this is an essential trait for the knife to boast.

#2 – Full tang

A full tang shows that the blade and the handle are made from a continuous piece of metal, thus not existing the chance for the two to break apart. Considering that you will use the knife for tough applications, you need this durability as it will give you a great advantage in the wild and dangerous environment.

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#3 – Sharp and pointy tip

A sharp and pointy tip on the knife not only provides you the benefit of feeling safe as you have a real weapon on your hands in case of an animal attack, but it comes in handy as it allows you to do practical survival activities like remove the scales off of fish, and so on. Other activities for which it comes in handy include – pulling out splinters, accessing live bait, drilling, prying, picking, gear and clothing repairs.

#4 – Fixed blade

The reason why a fixed blade is preferable should be more than obvious – because it is more durable and a lot more reliable than a folding blade. When it comes to the high demands of a survival situation in the wild, the fixed blade gives you that upper hand you need when cutting, thrusting, or prying into things.

#5 – Solid pommel

The bottom of the handle is another important element to look into as it must be able to be used for pounding and hammering without receiving any irreparable damage. If the pommel is properly designed, its surface preferably being flat in order to allow hammering, you will add a lot of applications to your list of capabilities in the wild.

Strongpoints of survival and tactical knives which makes them appropriate for this situation

At the beginning of the article, we promised that we would establish which knife is better when you are stuck in the middle of wilderness – the tactical or the survival type. To figure this out, however, we first need to list what recommends each type for this specific situation.

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Survival knives – What recommends them

As the name states, survival knives are the ultimate tools when it comes to applications in environments where you have to fully rely on a sharp tool to eat, create shelter, defend yourself, and scout. Great even for skinning and setting traps, a survival knife should be in your bag at all times if you are the type of person who loves getting into trouble and departing from civilization as it provides with the design and sharpness you need to handle living in tough situations for a long period of time.

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Tactical knives – What recommends them

Tactical knives are defined by the fact that they feel comfortable when you use them even in conditions of stress. Seeing how in the wild you might inevitably, at least once, be faced with an unexpected animal attack, for example, it comes in handy to have a tool with which to defend yourself properly even if your hands are trembling. Of course, depending on the design of the blade and handle of the specific knife you choose, it could be used for applications like starting a fire or chopping wood. But this is not its main purpose as it is a better companion in situations where you have to defend yourself or attack rather than when you have to make food and shelter to survive.

So…Which one is better to carry on you?

While both types of knives are more than OK to have on you when you go on a “wild” adventure, the better choice is clearly the survival knife as it is specifically designed to aid those who are trapped in tough situations and need help to resist throughout and get out of fine. Useful for a load of applications and situations, the survival knife is an adventurer’s best friend in the woods.