We Are Augustines

We Are Augustines

Jarred

Top picks for killing time while travelling

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Whether it is the sunny beaches of Miami, the tropical vibe of Bali or the cool feel of Ibiza, there are some seriously awesome places you could visit. From a short break to a longer trip abroad, travel can help you recharge your batteries and get a break from normal life. But how do you handle the long journeys getting to and from your destination? These can often be a bit dull and it is therefore key to find something interesting to do when moving about. Many people, for example, will play online casino games as these are fun and may even see you win extra spending money. If you play with a Betfair online casino bonus code you can access more money to play with for free.

While playing online casino games is a fabulous way to kill time when travelling, it is always worth having a few different options up your sleeve. What else could you do in order to pass the time?

Try out an adult coloring book

Drawing in general is a great activity to have in your pocket to kill travel boredom but why not ramp it up a bit and keep a few adult coloring books to hand? All you need is a few colored pencils or felt tips and you are good to go. The great thing about this tip is that coloring books for adults come in many different styles and themes now so you can find one you really like completing. You will be surprised at how absorbing it is and just how quickly it makes the time pass!

Update a travel journal

Whether you travelling out to your destination or travelling back, writing in a travel journal is a great way to kill time. As all you need is the journal itself and a pen, it is also an inexpensive way to go about it. Taking the time to update it on the journey out will help you get in the holiday mood while writing in it on any journeys you make while away is the ideal way to capture those happy memories. Of course, the trip itself might be so busy that the journey home is the perfect opportunity to spend a few hours filling in all those pages you have not gotten around to yet. By the time you arrive back, you will have a journal as a cherished memento of your break.

Listen to music

One of the most popular things you can do to kill time when travelling is listen to music. Most people now will have signed up with a streaming service like Spotify – this means you can use your smartphone or tablet to keep entertained. Just remember to pack your earbuds too so you don’t annoy everyone around you! As well as listening to music, why not take the time to set up some new playlists? This can take a while so travelling is the ideal time to get them done. Whether you set some up for the trip itself or for working out when you get back, this is both fun and worthwhile.

Catch up on TV shows and movies

Your tablet or smartphone is also handy for watching TV shows and movies. Very often, we are so busy in our normal lives that it is easy to get behind on that hit new show or the movie everyone is talking about. Having a few hours with nothing to do is therefore a great time to rectify this. You will not only pass the journey time quickly but also be fully up to date with the coolest shows and films your friends are watching.

Chat to people

This is a simple way to kill time when travelling but it is also one of the best. Once you are deep into a good chat with friends or strangers, you will be surprised at how fast the time goes. Chatting to people you don’t know is also great for getting a new perspective on things, finding out new information and discovering some handy traveler’s tips. So, the next time you are travelling alone or get stuck in a seat away from your friends, don’t be afraid to speak to whoever is next to you.

Make the journey as good as the destination

When it comes to going away on holiday, the actual travelling involved can sometimes seem like a real chore. This is a shame as it can taint your memories of the trip and leave you bored or frustrated. If you need a few ways to stay entertained when traveling, the above should help.

Telling Stories Through Photos

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Photos are a great way to preserve memories and tell stories. Traditional albums are no longer your only option. Photo books are great. They save on space, they are convenient and easy to access. The following are some qualities that may help you distinguish good photo books from bad ones.

1. It Should Have a Specific Purpose

Your photo book should have a clear purpose. Do not stuff random photos in it. You may use your photo book to document specific events such as weddings, a baby’s milestones, or a family trip. If you need to document different memories, you should use different photo books.

2. Proper use of White Space

Even though it is important to have enough white space, do not overdo it. Even though you have the option to make your photo book long, it is not always necessary. You can have a good photo book without too much white space. A short yet detailed photo book saves you money and it is more captivating.

Resist the temptation to include all your good photos in a photo book. Use photos that best capture the message you intend to convey.

3. The Paper should be Good

A good photo book is printed on high-quality paper. If printers use low-quality paper, the entire photo book may look wrong. Low-quality paper does not hold ink well. It may look messy and dull. The adhesive should be of high quality as well.

4. Simplicity

A good photo book should be simple. Do not go overboard with your colors, photos, or designs. If there is too much going on, it may take attention away from the story you are trying to tell. Pay attention to the clarity, lighting, and brightness of your photos. You should only include the necessary photos.

5. Variety

If a photo book has too much of the same thing, it might get boring. The variety will make your photo book interesting. You don’t need to use the same background on every photo. Use different backgrounds that complement each other and do not shy from experimenting with different layouts.

6. It Should Appeal to Emotions

A good photo book should appeal to your emotions. It should tell a story. If a photo book has random or impersonal photos, it may not appeal to the senses. Customizing your photo book may give it the personality and uniqueness it needs. When designing a photo book, you should not be afraid to show your creativity. It is what will set the book apart from others.

Do you need help designing a photo book? You should consider working with Mixbook.com. It allows you to customize a photo book for any occasion. You can upload photos from everywhere including your Instagram, Facebook, computer, and SmugMug.

Mixbook is free and it allows you to start as many projects as you need. You will only pay for your printed books.

Everything is completely customizable. You can choose the size, cover style, and format that works for you. You even have the option to add your own logos and stickers.

If you are unhappy with your order, you can return it. Mixbook is popular because it is easy to use. You don’t need any special training to use it. The customer service is amazing and it is convenient.

 

How Expo Marketing Exceeds The Expectations of Their Clients

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Businesses that are in need of trade show booths use these booths to get leads and sales at trade shows conventions. However, they need a booth that is going to attract the attention of prospective clients by being eye-catching and looking good. That is why trade show booth design done by companies like ExpoMarketing makes the difference especially in large trade shows that have a lot of companies with booths at them. ExpoMarketing has a large variety of trade show booth ideas that their clients booths stand out from the crowd. Their dynamic designs helps their clients get the attention and business of their prospective customers by making their brand experience one that their customers will never forget.

What sets ExpoMarketing apart from other marketing companies is that they share their brand story graphically and visually. They also take the time to understand their trade show and business marketing goals. After they understand exactly what their customers want, then their team of expert designers suggest ideas for the booth, materials, and graphic messaging that tells the story of their brand with passion and a purpose. From concept and layout to flooring, lighting, furniture, and graphics that will catch the eye of a business’ clients, their design team is experienced and creative and they transform the brand of every one of their clients into a display into one where that will attract the attention of people that attend trade shows. The trade show attendees will not be able to resist viewing their clients display over and over again and learn more about their company and what they do.

ExpoMarketing will help you attract foot traffic and connect to the people that visit your booth at trade shows by creating a display with colors that will catch their eye and graphics that present the brand style of their customers products with flair and personality. They also incorporate creative marketing slogans and even drawings, giveaways, and promotions to attract new customers if their clients want to use these ideas to attract the attention of potential customers.

Since it takes a long time to properly create a trade show booth because there is a long list of deadlines and obligations to meet, ExpoMarketing sticks with their clients for the long haul and long period of time which is usually a year before the trade show that they will be in takes place. By planning a unique and appealing booth, obtaining a prime booth space, and taking the time to look at the stylistic, organizational, and planning options available to them, they will have a trade show booth that will stand out on the trade show floor.

ExpoMarketing also helps their clients with maintaining social media business profiles. They can help them create countdown posts to their trade show display exhibition and create creative posts that can include a contest like their prospective or current customers taking a picture at their trade show booth and the winner gets a prize from them. Companies need to be friendly and a company that their customers can relate to as well on social media.

Not only does ExpoMarketing help their clients attract customers before the trade show and during it, they also have a blog with a lot of helpful information for their clients on it. Their blog is full of helpful resources, comprehensive guides, and budgeting tools. They also exceed the expectations of their clients by living out their company logo with every one of their clients: “Your Brand. Your Message. Your Booth. “

5 common mistakes when buying land in a foreign country

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For years, the appeal of owning land abroad has dominated the aspirations of many, but as more people make this dream a reality, a number of frequently made mistakes have come to the forefront.

Unlike buying property, which is relatively straightforward in comparison, the acquisition of land abroad can be not only costly but also fruitless for well-meaning but ultimately, uninformed consumers. Buying with a specific purpose in mind can lead to sever disappointments but by understanding the mistakes of those that have gone before, you could sidestep these potentially expensive landmines.

1. Not doing a proper title search

A title search in the UK is very simple to undertake. Your conveyancing solicitor will do this for you, but when purchasing land abroad, you might come up against different legislation and simply forget. The simplest way to avoid this is to ensure you instruct someone in the country you are looking to invest in, as well as back at home, and be sure that you choose someone bilingual and fluent in your language, too. Mistranslated documents are rarely accepted as a reason for mistakes.

Unscrupulous sellers could rely on foreign investors not going through all of the proper channels, and as such a name could be missed on the deeds, leading to years of land disputes and expensive legal proceedings.

2. Not checking permissions

When you have located the perfect piece of land, it would be a huge mistake to simply go ahead with the purchase without ensuring there are requisite permissions in place for what you are hoping to do. Moreover, you need to be absolutely sure there are no restrictions, otherwise you could be the proud owner of land that you can do absolutely nothing with.

It is vital to make sure that you are not buying land that cannot be built on or that has strict permissions in place. If you are hoping to build an impressively large home, for example, and the land you are looking at is earmarked for nothing more than a small cottage, you are unlikely to get permission to change the intended building.

3. Paying in the wrong currency

Buying land can be simple if searches are carried out and planning permissions are checked, but extra diligence is needed when it comes to actually parting with your money. For example, it’s worth paying close attention to what currency exchange rates are doing, as you might be able to save yourself a significant amount by either paying on a particular day or looking to use a more favourable currency.

You could instruct a broker to do this for you, but be aware that this will incur fees. If you are looking to save money during the process of purchasing land, using an online exchange and transfer service could be a more prudent move.

4. Not having a survey

You wouldn’t commit to buying a property, regardless of the country it was in, without a comprehensive survey, so why risk it when it comes to land purchases? This is a mistake so many people make in a bid to speed up the exchanging of contracts – but it can leave you in a perilous position down the line.

A survey will be able to tell you if there are any less-than-desirable aspects to your land, such as a hidden well, unfavourable soil conditions or anything else that could make future building difficult or impossible. Don’t fall into the trap of buying land just because it is a reasonable price – it might be hiding something beneath the surface.

5. Not checking deed boundaries

A plot of land marked out with boundary tape is one thing, but seeing it in black and white, on formal deeds, is another. It is surprising how many buyers assume that the land they see with their eyes is what they will actually own, so always ask to see the deeds, complete with clear boundary marks and check how that corresponds with what you have seen. Also, be clear about every boundary and what your land butts up to, including any planning permission that is in place for neighbouring plots.

Buying land overseas is an exciting investment opportunity, as long as you acquaint yourself with the requisite information beforehand. There’s little point in securing a plot that cannot ever be built on or has such stringent restrictions in place that you can’t fulfil your construction aspirations, especially if you pay too much for it as well. A little information will go a long way in land purchasing and could save you a great deal.

How to save money on your big festive food shop

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If there’s one thing sure to fill you with dread, it’s doing the big Christmas food shop. Jam-packed stores, stressed customers and people fighting over the last bag of cranberries. In the USA, people spend more than US$150 on putting the festive meal on the table, but if you’re smart and do a little forward planning, you can make big savings. Here are some great tips on how to spend less but still put on a great spread this Christmas.

1. Make a list – and stick to it

It’s easy to be seduced by tempting food and drink offers when you’re doing your Christmas shop. The easiest way is to make a thorough plan of what you’re going to cook over the holiday season, and stick to it. Be realistic, allow for a little more for each person (people like to overindulge at this time of year), but go food shopping armed with your list, and don’t grab those extra goodies, no matter how tasty they look. By sticking to your list, you’ll save yourself a considerable amount of money.

2. Plan meals around leftovers

It’s a certainty that there will be leftover food after the big day, so when planning your festive menu, bear this in mind. Think curries, stews, vegetable hash browns, and so on. Turkey curry is great spooned over jacket potatoes, for example – these jacket potatoes from McCain are a great time-saver, if you have guests over. They only take five minutes, leaving you to spend time with friends and family, not slaving over a hot stove. Christmas leftovers always go a long way.

3. Go food shopping on Christmas Eve

This is a serious point! There’s no doubt, the shops will be busy as people rush to buy last-minute things on 24 December, but it’s also the best chance of finding some bargains on the shelves. Stores usually close on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, so many of them will mark down items on Christmas Eve, as they’re keen to sell them rather than be forced to throw them away. If you don’t mind the odd elbow in the ribs, get stuck in and see which bargains you can find!

4. Economise where you can

This is a tough call. You have friends and loved ones, and you want to look after them and show them good hospitality, but you don’t have to blow your bank account to feed them well. Let’s start with the turkey. Do not spend a small fortune on the turkey – this is one meal where you’re going to serve plenty of sides, and there’ll be a lot of different flavours going on. No matter how good the turkey, when you consider they’ll be vegetables, gravy, cranberry sauce and stuffing fighting it out, this is one battle the turkey won’t win.

5. Make some dishes yourself

There’s a reason why pre-bought sides are expensive – they’re convenient and save you time. But to be honest, some of them are very simple to make. For example, it’s easy to slice up some Brussels sprouts, and toss them with chestnut pieces and smoked bacon, and it will cost a fraction of the price of pre-bought versions. The same goes for gravy and stuffing – both are dead easy to make, and are another handy way of saving some money at this time of year.

6. Drinks

Retailers are smart – they know that families will be stocking up at Christmas time, so they discount some lines heavily. Take advantage of the buy-one-get-one-free offers, or generous discounts on single bottles. Don’t get too fussy over brand names – as long as you have a good stash of beer, wine, spirits and soft drinks, your guests are not going to go thirsty. And you don’t have to serve the very best throughout the day – it’s a fact that after a couple of glasses, your ability to tell a good wine from an average one drops noticeably! Here’s a handy guide if you’re planning a big Christmas party.

Planning for Christmas can be a stressful time, it’s true, but it doesn’t have to be. Nor does it need to be super-expensive, if you follow these tips. At the end of the day, Christmas is about spending quality time with family and friends, not about spending ludicrous sums of money in a bid to impress. Whatever you decide, have fun, and happy holidays!

How to Get Water Out of Your Home Fast

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Whether caused by a burst water pipe or a rain-driven flood, standing water in your home is always bad news. It can destroy anything it touches, including personal possessions and even the very structure of your house.

In this scary situation, you always want to call a water removal specialist to assist the clean-up. These companies have tools that can ensure the space is thoroughly dry afterwards, as well as the industry knowledge to assess whether structural damage has occurred or dangerous mold has begun to grow.

But you don’t need to wait for a professional to start removing standing water from your home. “The sooner the better” always applies when it comes to having water where it shouldn’t be. As long as you’re sure that there are no live wires pushing electricity through the water, use one or more of the following strategies to begin removing it.

Before you start, take a few photos to document the extent of the damage. This will be important if you intend to make an insurance claim, and can also help your water removal specialist understand the extent of the damage.

1. Bailing with buckets

The fastest way to get started is simply to bail water out with buckets. It will be a time consuming process, but only requires willing hands and a few large containers. One way to make the job go faster is to set up a human chain of volunteers to pass the buckets along. Be sure to have your helpers rotate positions in the line every so often so that no one gets fatigued by doing all of the bending or dumping.

2. Wet/dry vacuum

A wet/dry vacuum, also called a shop vac, can suck up water through a hose. This saves you some heavy lifting, but the tank will still need to be emptied repeatedly throughout the process. Hauling the heavy vacuum out to a safe dump spot and back can be tiring. Luckily, most shop vacs are on wheels, but that might not help if the ground outside is sodden by rain.

3. Homemade siphon

Siphons can be tricky to get started, but if you succeed, the water is drained by suction and won’t require much effort beyond monitoring it to make sure it keeps working. We will describe a couple of different methods to create a homemade siphon using a garden hose or any other flexible tube that’s long enough.

Suction method: This is what people usually think about when they imaging staring a siphon. To do it, fully submerge one end of the hose in the standing water. Pull the other end out to where you want the water to drain. You’ll need to apply suction to the free end of the hose long enough to get the water at least halfway through the hose. However, since garden hoses are seldom opaque, you won’t know when you get to that point and may need to pull the water all the way out to be sure the siphon starts properly.

Using your mouth is one way to apply suction and this works pretty well for shorter siphons. But when you’re talking about a long garden hose, the effort could easily exhaust a person. There is also the risk of getting some of that standing water in your mouth; this is dangerous because all kinds of water-borne toxins may be present.

If you have an air pump that can pull as well as push air, try using that. Your wet/dry vacuum might also be able to do the job provided you can get an airtight seal around the end of the garden hose.

Submersion method: Another way to get a siphon started is to entirely submerge your hose in the water. Watch for the bubbles that indicate the hose is taking on water. This method will only work if the hose becomes completely full of water with no remaining bubbles.

Once the hose is full, crimp one end of it by folding it over and hold on tight. Make sure the other end stays fully submerged as you move the crimped end to your chosen drainage spot. Once you release the crimp, water should begin flowing. If it fails, it is likely that there are air bubbles somewhere along the line.

Remember that gravity also plays a part in a successful siphon. If you are able to position your siphon so that water drains to lower ground than the standing water, it will work better and faster. Of course, depending on the location of your flood, this might not be possible.

Provided you can do so safely, it is always wise to begin bailing out standing water as soon as you can. Just remember the cardinal rule of dumping that water: it must flow away from the house. Water dumped right next to the home is likely to seep back in.

The other important component of the process is ventilation. Once the bulk of the water has been removed, open windows and run as many fans as you can to speed up evaporation of moisture that lingers in corners and has seeped into the walls.

A water removal specialist will have industrial water pumps and high powered fans to do the job thoroughly. It’s always best to have a professional complete the job, and if one can get to you within an hour (or you’re unsure if the water is electrified) feel free to wait.

But if the flood occurred due to weather, chances are high that the company will be very busy. In that case, use one of the methods above to get started on removing the water. The sooner it gets out, the less overall damage you will have to repair in the aftermath.

 

How to Improve Your Nursing Skills Effectively

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We are far past that era where people perceived nursing to be a dormant profession. These days people are pursuing their careers solely in this field. Believe it or not, but the whole healthcare sector is incomplete without nurses.

Do you think everyone can become a nurse? No, it’s only for those people who are willing to make a lifestyle change, intending to serve people. Empathy is the most crucial aspect of this profession; anyone who lacks that, may not be the right fit for it.

You may think you’re doing a fantastic job as a nurse. But there’s always room for improvement. Here’s how you can improve your nursing skills effectively.

Effective Communication

Nursing doesn’t mean you do your own thing. It involves listening and communicating effectively. This is the most vital nursing skill for every nurse. Under this role, you are interacting with the patient face to face all the time.

Rude, unapologetic behavior is not taking you anywhere; instead, if you behave this way, you need to consider another career option. You must communicate effectively, especially when it comes to explaining medical prescriptions and procedures.

Moreover, you should be a ‘good listener,’ as patients are in a wobbly state – they want someone to listen, and you must be there for them. Similarly, you must talk to them effectively, avoiding any jargon. This is not a hard-core skill; all you have to do is, be professional and calm while talking to the patient or their families.

Learn to Deal with Technology

The essence of technology has been successful and is evolving in every sector, just like in healthcare. It’s moving at a swift pace, making it crucial for all the nurses to cope with technological trends. The internet has taken the world by storm, just a few more years, and you’ll see healthcare and technology incorporate more than ever.

This makes it vital for all the nurses to have some familiarity with technology and to accommodate patients in the best possible way. Even now, a few hospitals have started using gadgets, allowing them to monitor medical dosage through apps. You can have a look at BSN to DNP online for further guidance.

Patients are now able to monitor all their health records online through websites – for instance, blood test reports are uploaded online. If you fail to gear yourself with technology, then you’ll fall back in this profession.

Pay Attention to Detail 

At times, signs which look minor can be a threat to a more prominent disease. Everything begins with something trivial, which doesn’t receive enough attention. Rather than ignoring what the patient is saying, pay attention to every detail. For instance, – a patient might complain of chest pains, and you ignore it considering it’s because of constant coughing.

You have to be friendly with your patients. No one wants to talk to a person who’s not interested in listening. Remember, some patients have a habit of hiding things. You should be able to judge a patient by their body language. It’s enough to know whether something is wrong or not.

Many patients seeking an early discharge portray they have recovered. Paying attention to small details allows you to catch every lie.

Develop Critical Thinking Skills

Alongside being a nurse, don’t you think you’re a problem solver too? Patients come in explaining their issues, and you try your best to solve them, may it be through treatments or informing the doctor. Problem-solving requires critical thinking skills, rather than immediately responding, it’s essential that you think – keeping in mind all the information, details, precautions, and outcomes.

Every day your profession exposes you to various and different sorts of situations. Usually, you’re short of time when it comes to deciding. Here is where your critical thinking skills come to the rescue, helping you make the best decision. However, never hesitate in consulting a senior doctor, rather than rushing any matter regarding a patient.

Manage Time Effectively

Surprisingly, this world doesn’t have enough nurses. Being a nurse, you need to acquire the skill of managing time because it’s crucial for the environment you work in. A patient can lose their life or can be saved due to the difference in some minutes. If you are unable to manage your time properly, then this is something you need to learn and acquire over time.

It can be hectic to cater to every patient while managing time on the same hand. You can grab a planner and schedule everything out for the day. It would make things simpler. Moreover, it can allow you to spend equal time with every patient rather than hurrying from one department to another.

Never Stop Learning

Beginning with your nursing career is just the start of your learning experience. You may love what you’re doing, but it can’t stop you from learning more. After all, learning never stops, and it’s essential for growth and success in everyone’s life. By this, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you should get another degree.

Instead, learning implies basic things and gestures. Looking at how your co-worker interacts with patients is also a part of learning. Moreover, every hospital offers nursing programs, orientations, an ideal learning opportunity for all nurses out there. Believe it or not, you always get to learn something or the other.

Putting it All Together 

For patients, more than a nurse, they perceive you as their friend who stands by their side when they need someone. However, with time, you must focus on improving your skills. If you’re wondering how? Have a look at the ways we mentioned above and try to incorporate them into your daily life so that you improve nursing as a field altogether.

 

Margaret L Salmon MD – The Benefits Of A Better Sleep

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How much high quality sleep do you get per night? The statistics of those who don’t shows that the majority of people don’t get the recommended amount sleep or they don’t get the high quality sleep which is required. Margaret L Salmon MD is a good friend of mine and someone who helped me greatly to understand the importance of getting enough high quality sleep each and every night. I have to be honest when Margaret first began to talk to me about the benefits which I could expect from working on a better sleep routine I didn’t really believe that this would be the case. Having spent some time on nailing a healthier sleep routine however, I now realize just how right she was. If you are able to get 7-9 hours of high quality sleep each night, these are the benefits which you will be able to count on.

Long Lasting Energy

In the past I used to have a lull in the middle of the afternoon towards the early evening, during this time I’d feel tired and sluggish, and far from my best. I used to also have a hard time getting motivated in the morning and I now realize that both of these issues was because I wasn’t getting enough quality sleep. I now have energy from the first thing in the morning and it lasts all day, I still get tired, but never sluggish or to the point where my productivity is lowered.

Concentration

During the hours that you sleep your brain is resting some areas and it is processing data in other areas. Both of these functions are absolutely necessary in helping your brain to be at its best, and this is one reason why you must try to get the recommended hours of sleep each night. I have found that my ability to concentrate and organize have increased massively since I have been sleeping better and I feel much sharper than I have done in a long while.

Skin Quality

A surprise benefit which I found once I was sleeping better was the quality of the skin, especially on my face. Much of this is because I am giving my body the chance to rest and repair damaged cells, a vital function in the quality and appearance of the skin. As someone who has spent untold fortunes on moisturizers and skin treatments, this is a benefit which I really love.

Stress

We all have stress in our lives but it is our ability to handle it which dictates how it affects us. Since sleeping better I have noticed a massive reduction in how stressed I feel by certain situations and how much more in control I feel when compared with before I started to improve my sleep pattern.

If you aren’t getting enough sleep then these are the benefits that you are missing out on.

 

Bharat Bhise HNA – What Are Ethical Hackers and Why Do Businesses Need Them?

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Cybersecurity is a hot topic right now and many businesses around the world are waking up to the fact that they must lock down their systems and ensure that they are not hacked. It is for this reason that my good friend and cybersecurity expert Bharat Bhise HNA has been doing a roaring trade with his security business, and especially the ethical hackers who work for him. Bharat saw this opportunity many years ago and since the hacks of Visa and Sony Playstation, his client list has been growing and growing. So what are ethical hackers, what do they do and why do businesses require their services? Let’s take a look.

What is an Ethical Hacker?

Simply put an ethical hacker is someone who knows their way around computer systems very well and knows exactly how to try and break in to them. They are hired by businesses to try and break into their systems. Think of an ethical hacker like a robber who you pay to see if they are able to get past your alarm system.

What do They Do?

Quite simply an ethical hacker will be hired once a company has put its new cybersecurity in place, or by a company who are designing the cybersecurity software. The hacker will then be tasked with posing as a criminal and trying to breach their system or systems. If an ethical hacker is able to get past the system then it the software must be changed, to ensure that no more holes in the software or network exist.

Why Do Businesses Need This Service?

The consequences that a cyberattack can have on a business are enormous and highly devastating. Should a business fall victim to a hack it could have huge amounts of data stolen which include personal information about customers and staff, business secrets and financial accounts. As if this wasn’t enough the secondary issues are that the reputation of a business is destroyed and nobody wants to trust them, not to mention the loss of money in fixing the issue and the impact of lost days on the business as the computer systems are offline.

Businesses will use the services of an ethical hacker to make sure that their security is water tight and to massively minimize the risk of a real hack. It is for this reason that ethical hackers must be very highly skilled as they need to offer the same abilities as those of a criminal hacker. It is far better for a business to realize that there are holes in their system before there is an attack, than discovering after all of their data has been stolen.

Ethical hackers come from a wide range of backgrounds and sometimes they are ex criminals who have decided to use their abilities to do some good, rather than for nefarious intentions. Thanks to these men and women, businesses can be sure that their security systems are up to scratch.

 

Alexis Fecteau – Who Will be Relegated From the Premier League?

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I often invite guests on to my weekly soccer podcast and at the beginning of the season I had industry expert Alexis Fecteau on the show, where we discussed who we thought would be relegated from the Premier League this year. Alexis and i generally agreed that Sheffield United, Norwich and possibly Newcastle would be the teams to go down, yet just 11 games in things look slightly different to how we thought. I called Alexis last week to talk about this, and we are both at a loss as to how things will pan out at the bottom come May, we’ve recalculated, and here is what we think.

Norwich

Norwich look to be the only team who we predicted to go down who have actually not surprised us, well not much. Norwich looks pretty good in the first 5 games of the season, with Todd Cantrell running the show and Teemu Pukki surprising everyone with his finishing ability. The scalp against Man City was huge, but since those first 5 games the Canaries have really been struggling. Norwich currently prop up the table and they have shown too much which convinces me they’ll escape.

Watford

Watford really loo look doomed and I actually picked them to push for a top 10 finish this season, a pick which now looks rather stupid. The loss of Troy Deeney to injury is huge but beyond that Watford just don’t look cohesive. Manager Javi Grazia was fired after a handful of games which saw Quique Sanchez Flores rehired to try and change Watford’s fortunes. Whilst they do look better under Flores, the team lacks a lot of quality and that I believe will ultimately be the undoing for the Hornets. Watford may be fighting until the end, but we believe that it will be a fight that they’ll lose, and Championship football will beckon.

Toss Up

In terms of the final places we are hovering between Southampton and Aston Villa, and we are leaning more towards Southampton. The 9-0 defeat at the hands of Leicester on their home turf would have been a major blow to the confidence of the Saints and whilst they do have goals in that team, they are very poor defensively which could be their undoing. Aston Villa look too good to go down and with players like McGuinn and Grealish you get a sense that there is something building there, they just need to start getting results.

Final mentions for Everton who could very well be the shock of the season in a relegation fight which nobody predicted. Also a mention for both Brighton and Sheffield United who are currently occupying positions 6th and 8th in what has been a phenomenal start to the season after many, myself included, predicted them to get relegated at the end of the season.

What are you thoughts on who goes down? Let us know in the comments.