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What to Expect from a Commercial Gas Service Provider

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Finding a reputable provider of commercial gas services London offers to install the gas lines for your business can be hard. If you chose an inexperienced team to do the job because it will save you money, chances are you will end up spending a lot more and compromise the safety of your employees and customers. As a business owner, you are responsible for the safety of everyone who works in your company and anyone else who walks into your establishment for business. Always go with a qualified and reputable company; they might be a little more expensive, but it is essential to only allow professionals to handle your gas and heating requirements.

Installation

If you are looking for a company to install new gas lines in a new building or one that you just acquired, go with the one that has years of experience in the industry. Your chosen installer will take care of laying the pipes around the establishment and make sure that everything is in working order before you commence your business operation. Choose a system that will benefit your business the most.

Upgrade

An existing gas connection that no longer does the job signals an upgrade to a much better and more user-friendly gas connection. Older gas systems no longer provide the needs of an establishment, as the pipes are too old, and the system is outdated to keep up with the demand. You may also become more environmentally friendly with a new system, as companies utilise materials that are safer for the environment.

Update

Older gas systems may be more difficult for you to access the valves, meters, and the like. An update to the existing system means that the service provider can change the positions of valves, gas service points, and meters for easier access and use.

Maintenance

You should hire a company to provide maintenance for your business’ gas system. Everyday use can affect the performance of the system, and only a qualified professional can work on the maintenance of the pipes, furnace and other elements of your system. Do not attempt to do a DIY maintenance job as it is not for untrained individuals. A qualified professional will check all elements to ensure that everything is working correctly, and they will tell you if some things need replacing or repairs. Opt for a yearly maintenance check, except for emergency situations such as when there is a gas leak. You must contact your service provider right away if there is a problem, to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being.

When dealing with gas systems – whether at home or in business – always go for quality. What you are dealing with is gas, heating and cooling systems, things that should not be taken lightly. They benefit people in various ways, but if they are not on par with operating standards, they can pose a significant risk to people who handle them and those in and around the establishment. It is never a waste of money to go for a reputable service provider who has vast experience in the business if it ensures your safety and well-being and that of everyone around you.

To read more on topics like this, check out the business category.

6 Top Criteria to Choose a Paper Writing Service Capable Of Providing Academic Assistance of High Quality

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Are you trying to pick the right content writing services but don’t know how to pick out the best from the crowd?

You just found the right place to get your problems solved!

In this educative piece, we are outlining great tips that would help you pick the most reliable paper writing service provider that would provide you with academic assistance of the highest quality.

Before you master the art of picking out great content writing service providers, you must develop your skills and be able to write amazing short stories.

Do you need help sharpening your short story writing skills? You’ve come to the right place. If you want to improve your writing skills, writing short stories are your best bet to do that. Short stories help you work on your writing skills generally and improve your general writing skills and also to try out your creativity.

In this article, you will learn how to improve your writing skills and craft short stories with ease. There is something you have to know before going into the main content.

Short stories are usually writings with 10,000 words or less. There are micro-fictions which are 500 words or less. There are also short stories that contain up to 20,000 words.

Most well-celebrated authors you know all began their writing careers with writing short stories. You can get your long awaited break into the literary works by mastering the short stories writing process. Another thing is that you can start building your audience from this stage.

A good number of readers opt for short stories to long stories because they are very easy to read. Thus, working on short stories gives you’re an opportunity to make a good impression on your audience.

A mastery of short story writing skills will help you develop your skills generally and get you ready for other complicated projects.

Short stories don’t follow the traditional writing process for a novel.

Thankfully, with short stories, there is no need to go through the process of outlining all the minor and major details in a story. You don’t have to develop the character profile step to step; neither will you have to go through the process of outlining the minor events in the story. A short story is best for a quick writing project.

Most of the events in a short story will happen instantaneously and will be full of surprises until the end of the story. That doesn’t mean you don’t plan for your project. What you need to create is just a few events and a few characters to generate a flow. The amount of work and creativity required to write a short story is less than the one needed for a long story.

Now we have the less important stuff out of the way, let’s get down to writing a short story like a professional.

Write in a sitting

Once you start writing a short story, your goal is to write the draft as fast as possible. It is possible to write a short story in a sitting and three months or less to write a novel. As long as you have a good storyline, you don’t have to bother much on your plot.

When writing your draft, assume yourself to be an archeologist looking to discover a city buried under the earth and that the draft is your first discovery.

Good dialogue is vital

Good dialogue is very vital in any creative writing. It is only when you have an in-depth knowledge of your characters that you can effectively write like a professional dialogue. Each of your characters in your short stories must have a distinct voice.

You can effectively assign a different voice to your characters if you ensure that their dialogues are a direct representation of who they are.

When starting a dialogue, use the tags ‘he said’ or ‘she said.’ As much as you can, try to avoid words like ‘she announced’ or ‘she spoke intensively.’

Write about Death

Death is a natural occurrence and death should be included in any good story. Most good short stories have death as part of its theme. One other thing is that death theme makes your story stand out from death. Check out the likes of The Lord of the Rings and The Hunger Games.

Include suspense and drama

What makes your readers continue reading your story is suspense. Suspense grabs the reader’s attention and makes the reader eager to read through. To achieve great suspense, the fate of the protagonist must hang in the balance. Try not to reveal the next scene or happenings to your readers.

Edit like a professional

Most professional writers have to go through three or more drafts to get content that is good enough for the public. As you continue to edit, you publish out some of unwanted or extra scène and plot.

Share your work

After the editing process, you need to share your story with the public. The aim of writing in the first place is to get readers and build an audience. So try to share your content as soon as possible.

With these skills, you can see when a content writing service provider is about to rip you off and do something about it.

The Challenges & Opportunities in Casino Industry

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In the age of mega-mergers, it is normal to see that a company like Apex, its holding his own against the big companies. The manufacturing part of Apex is a segment that looks towards the skill-based slots, and Apex is right where it matters. However, it’s still a long road to make a substantial impact in the American market. In addition, Apex was able to partner with Harrah’s Cherokee. Usually the tribal casinos are the first to jump and welcome the first movers on the technical-innovation front.

Last Months for Apex Gaming

The last 18 months have been extremely busy and special for Apex Gaming. Kubi Ozer, Global Sales Director and CFO of Apex, said that people at Apex places a great emphasis on innovation, and the company’s motto is to take gaming to the next level. They are always listening and learning in order to understand the information, and then they develop it and implement it. These moves helps them create new solutions that brings quality and excitement for players.

We all imagine that this is not an easy job. The past 18 months have been productive. An example of this work is their exquisite EVO3 games platform, that contains an outstanding services system, iDROP as well as the Dragon Eggs game and others. Apex gaming will continue to listen to their operators and players and will never rest on their laurels. The key of achievement is continual development.

About Some Apex Games

Besides Dragon Eggs there is Leonardo’s Code, and both games proved to be very popular in Europe, and seems to appeal to the imagination of the players. Naturally, the games have great graphics with corresponding sound. There is much more than meets the eye for both games.

For example, the player has different ways in reaching a goal, either by cracking Leonardo’s Code or by getting the egg before a dragon comes. The games feature different levels, which gives them a special appeal. This appeal is something that players really enjoy.

Kubi Ozer mentioned that Apex has many satisfied partners and players around the world. Another example is the automated roulette, which is a modern, extremely versatile and flexible roulette. The game can also be found and played on their EVO platform. What is especially very convenient for the players, is the ability to switch between roulette and slot games in the Apex Player Station. Land-based casinos are pretty limited in switching between virtual games, it requires a platform. However, online casinos already have a platform based on server where you can switch between free slots, table games and roulette.

The Apex Player Station is one of the few platforms where players can make a switch between games. The station can also link up to 4 different roulette wheels, who are both live and automated. This type of features was allowed in some places, based on jurisdiction, and it has proved to be very popular.

The Partnership Between Apex & Harrah’s Cherokee

The Harrah’s Cherokee are very impressed by the iDROP system. Their Director of Table Games, Ron Hager mentioned that the iDROP has brought many benefits. Kubi Ozer said that Ron is a stalwart personality in the industry and has an experience of decades in table gaming.

Harrah’s Cherokee is one of the most popular casino outside of Las Vegas. Receiving such a glowing approval means that Apex was able to listen to its partner properly. And because of this they were able to create solutions that brought quality and solve real problems.

Originally they had given the iDROP to Harrah’s Cherokee, however Ron asked the company to do some important adjustments. The company listened and this marked the birth of iDROPe. The result was a very happy partner and a better product for the industry.

Today, Apex gaming is very grateful for receiving such a large approval from the players and partners. This points to the fact that the iDROP family has revolutionised the security of games, which is managed at live tables and brings measured quality for operators, croupiers and players.

What Appeals the Most

The management team of Apex Gaming is very positive, focused and driven. The company is a family-owned company, and their philosophy isn’t just a statement, it is alive and it is put into practice. They all work as a team and they all work hard to achieve common goals. This is the company’s strength and sometimes working for Apex is special.

They are also familiar with an exciting journey not only for the next level of gaming, but for the company as well. Apex has grown into the industry and Kubi Ozer believes that if there is an index of “Best companies to work for in gaming”, he is sure that Apex will be among the top ones. As a company, Apex places much emphasis on flexibility and creativity, in order to create local solutions.

Join the discussion on this topic with We Are Auguestines by visiting our contact page.

Signs Telling You It is Time to Purchase a New Car

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It is not easy deciding to purchase a new car given how expensive it could be. You do not want to end up in piles of debts because you forced yourself to take out a car loan or devoted your entire savings to afford one. However, at some point, you will realize that it is in your best interest to consider buying a new car. These signs will tell you that it is time to do it.

You have enough savings 

If having a brand-new car is one of your ultimate dreams, you need to work hard for it. You need to allocate a portion of your monthly income for car savings. When you already reached your goal, it is time to consider buying one.

You found the perfect model

If you are an avid automobile fan, you know what makes a good car. If you see the right one which checks several boxes on your list and it is within the price range that you can afford, it is time to buy it. You will regret not pursuing it when you knew it was the best choice for you.

You already compared several options

You need to take time comparing various car models first before you decide to buy one. If you already looked at different options and found the one that has everything you want, it is time to buy. You do not want to pick the first vehicle you find. You need to keep searching and comparing until you find the perfect fit for you.

You found appropriate car financing 

Maybe you cannot afford to pay the entire value of the vehicle in cash. It is okay if you can opt for car financing. The problem though is that some of the rules are quite unfair. Sometimes, the repayment scheme is tough, and the interest rate is too high. If you find a financing option that is within your reach and you are happy about it, you can get the loan now and start driving your car.

You have a growing family

When you were single, it was easy for you to use any car that you wanted. You might have even decided against driving since you could use public transportation any time you wanted. However, it is not a choice now that you have a family. It is inconvenient if you still use an old vehicle which is not safe. It might not even fit everyone in your family.

The car is on sale

With new models, it can be quite tough to bargain with the car agents since they are popular, and the features are stunning. However, if you found one that looks great and has excellent features, you cannot let go of the chance. You need to buy it now before someone else does. Given the features and the discounted price, you surely will not be the only person seriously considering it.

It is time to ask for help from Wyoming Car Dealers and start shopping for the best car that is perfect for you.

If you want to learn more about our blog, please click here.

Top 3 Best & Economical Espresso Coffee Machines

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Are you on the quest to find out the best and most economical espresso coffee machine in the industry today? We got you covered. Below we’ll unveil the best 3 that’s currently out in the market.

This list is derived both from average consumer and industry expert reviews. Here we go:

Breville BES870XL Barista Express Espresso Machine

If you seek the best espresso machine in the market, then the Breville Barista Express Espresso machine is what you’ll find. The Barista Express by Breville is everything you need for barista quality coffee, in a compact footprint, transforming the humble bean to imposing espresso in under a minute.

This espresso coffee machine allows you to effortlessly grind the beans right before extraction, and with its interchangeable filters plus a choice of automatic or manual operation, you’re sure to have authentic café style results all the time.

Gaggia Classic Semi-Automatic Espresso Maker

If you want the best entry-level semi-automatic espresso machine currently available, then perhaps the Gaggia espresso maker is for you. This machine allows you to create your own cafe-style espressos and cappuccinos in an instant. Get frothing milk in seconds using the pannarello wand, and make custom lattes a fun, easy experience.

The commercial-style 58 mm portafilter includes a commercial basket for quick shot pulling and a thick crema for both pre-ground coffee or ESE pods. The Gaggia Classic is a multipurpose machine packed with premium commercial features and is built to last for years.

De’Longhi EC155 15 BAR Pump Espresso Maker

Who doesn’t like delicious espresso made just the way, right? The thing is – it’s not always easy. Not so with the DeLonghi pump espresso and cappuccino maker. This model lets you brew ground espresso or E.S.E pods using the specialized patented dual filter holder. The choice is truly made to order. The two separate thermostats let you enjoy espresso or cappuccino at the perfect temperature.

If you really love cappuccino, you’ll enjoy using the easy-to-use swivel jet frother that allows perfect drinks every time. Other model highlights include self-priming operation to eliminate long start-up preparation, removable water tank and drip tray plus a high-quality stainless-steel boiler that ensures many years of sumptuous espresso.

But what makes a great espresso machine?

Great question with an equally interesting answer. To answer this, we go to the 4 key elements that make coffee “café quality.”

1. Dose – 19-22 g dose for full flavour

If you’re wondering why it’s hard to emulate café bought one in your home, that’s because most other automatic machines only use 11-13 g of ground coffee, which is below the usual dose to create that rich, full-bodied taste of premium ones.

2. Temperature – Precise PID temperature control

The difference between ashy and balanced-tasting espresso can go as little as 33.8° F. The Infuser utilizes digital temperature control (PID) technology that detects and reduces any fluctuation during extraction, guaranteeing the temperature is kept at its optimal range, every time.

3. Pressure – Low-pressure pre-infusion and 9 bar extraction pressure

The golden-honey cream in your coffee is achieved only through the right pressure at the right time. The Infuser makes use of low pressure, pre-infusion to consistently soak and develop the ground coffee, bringing a sweet and velvety extraction.

4. Steam – Manually steaming milk to a silky micro-foam texture

To acquire that silky-smooth texture in the coffee milk, you require the perfect steam pressure to draw in the air and form thousands of tiny bubbles. This is the job of the steam wand for the Infuser, which turns milk into a velvety micro-foam, which is vital for latte art.

End Note

Now that you know the top 3 best espresso coffee machines as well as the factors that make a great espresso, the choice is yours to pick the right one for your needs. You can view the espresso coffee machine range at Domayne to speed-up the selection process so you can enjoy a warm cup of joe the next time you create your bespoke espresso.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

The Most Common Cell Phone Problems and What to Do About Them

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Every second of every day, two smartphone screens break in the United States. There are 5,761 damaged screens an hour. That’s 50 million owners with phone problems each year.

Screen damage is rampant, but it isn’t the only issue. Phones crash and freeze. They get crushed and land in toilets. They overheat or slow to a snail’s pace.

When your whole life is on your phone, you need it 24/7. It’s vital for business communication and social connections. 

Don’t give up on your phone if it’s not working. Many problems are easy to fix if you know how.

Keep reading to learn the most common issues and how to resolve them. 

1. Slow Response Time

If you update the operating system and apps on your phone it can slow down response time. This happens when internal storage fills up.

Below are three ways to speed up performance.

Close or Delete Unused Apps and Photos

Apps running in the background use valuable RAM space. Close any open apps you aren’t using. Turn off unneeded location services. 

Delete apps or software you no longer need. Move photos and videos to cloud storage, then delete them from your phone.

Clear the Cache

Check the cached data in your apps. Cached data is files, images, and scripts a website or app stores on your phone. 

Go to Settings > Apps and choose Clear Cache. If you want to automate the process, install a cache cleaner app. It clears the cache on the operating system and all the apps with one click.

Check Internet Speed

If the problem is slow internet speed, check your signal. Alternate between data and Wi-Fi to see if one has a stronger signal.

If you’re on a weak network there isn’t much you can do. If you switch to data, keep tabs on your data limit to avoid extra charges.

2. Frozen Phone Screen

One of the most common problems is a frozen screen. Sometimes, all it takes to fix it is to power off your phone and turn it on again.

If your home button isn’t working you need to force a shutdown. Hold the home button and the sleep/wake button down at the same time. 

Take time to clean up your phone. Clear the cache, close the apps you don’t use, and move content to an external storage drive.

If your screen continues to freeze, check for a virus or malware.

3. App Crashes

There are many reasons an app crashes. If you’re running too many apps at once you could be out of memory.

The app or your phone may need an update. If you don’t need an update, a glitch could be the culprit.

Determine if the problem is with one app or several different apps. If a single app crashes, delete the data related to that one app.

First, clear the cache to erase temporary files. If cleaning the cache doesn’t solve the problem, back up your data before the next step. 

Uninstall and reinstall the app for a fresh start. This clears any data related to the app from your phone. It also ensures you have the latest version.

If reinstalling the app doesn’t solve the crashes, contact the app developer. It could be a bug or incompatibility problem. You can find contact information for most apps online.

4. Entire Phone Crashes

Phone crashes are more serious. If you downloaded a new operating system it may be buggy. If you didn’t update the OS, it’s harder to figure out the cause.

Restart your device to clear the active apps and the temporary memory. Force a shutdown if it’s frozen.

Look at storage space. Delete unneeded apps and data to increase available storage. If that doesn’t work, back up your info and use the factory reset.

If the problem persists it could be faulty hardware. An older phone may become incompatible with current software.

Call or visit a professional repair shop for guidance.

5. Cracked Screen

How long can you use a phone with a cracked screen? Besides the risk of cutting your fingers, your phone is vulnerable to moisture. 

Apply clear packing tape to the screen for a temporary fix. You can buy a DIY kit and fix the screen at home. If it’s under warranty take it to an authorized repair professional.

After it’s fixed, protect your phone from future damage. Buy a screen protector. Invest in a quality case to cushion it in a fall.

6. Water Damage

When you take your phone to the beach, on a boat, or into the bathroom, it’s in danger. Water and electronics don’t go together.

If your device gets submerged wipe away the excess water. Turn the phone off and put it in a baggie filled with uncooked rice. The rice will absorb extra moisture.

Now, take it to the closest phone repair shop. Let the pros assess the damage.

They’ll take your phone apart, then dry or replace parts as needed.

7. Phone is Overheating

Overheating can damage your battery and screen. Never store your phone in direct sunlight or other hot spots. Try not to use it while it’s charging.

If your phone is hot, reduce the screen brightness and close apps you aren’t using. Take a break from energy-demanding apps like Facebook or Pokemon Go.

Delay downloads and updates for when you’re not using your phone.

Consult a pro if you try these fixes and your phone stays hot. The heat may mean there’s a defect.

8. Short Battery Life

Short battery life is a major frustration. The first step is to check for battery hogs.

Change your settings so apps and location services don’t run in the background.

Reduce the frequency of updates. Lower the screen brightness and timeout settings. Use battery saver mode.

Mismatched chargers and/or charging cables can affect battery life.

Older phones may need a new battery.

Get Professional Help for Your Phone Problems

Not every phone problem responds to a DIY fix. If you can’t find the answer to your issue above, call these professionals for phone repair. 

Don’t ignore signs of trouble. Keeping your phone at peak performance makes your life easier.

Check out more ways to save time and money on our lifestyle blog.

 

 

STDs Are On The Rise: Know Your Risk

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Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are more common than you might think. In fact, one in two people will contract an STD before age 25. The Center for Disease Control reports that 20 million people will be diagnosed with an STD each year.

What can you do to stay safe? Self-education and safe sex are the most powerful tools you have to prevent getting an STD. America’s younger generation, particularly millennials, are at the highest risk of an STD. Thanks to apps like Tinder, “hookup culture” became a norm that made people more sexually liberal and explorative than they have in a long time.

Nowadays, all someone has to do is log onto their phone and swipe right a few times to find a new sexual partner. While many people have enjoyed the ability to explore their sexuality so freely, it’s come at a major cost to people’s health.

STDs Aren’t Just From Intercourse
You don’t have to go all the way to contract a sexually transmitted disease. Oral sex can also spread many different types of infections including genital herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HPV and HIV.

Many STDs can be spread through oral sex even when a partner shows no symptoms. In fact, many STDs have no warning signs, so people may carry something for months or even years without knowing they’re infected.

How Often Should You Get Tested For STDs?
A good way to practice safe sex is to be regularly tested for STDs. This doesn’t just protect your own health but also the health of your partner(s).  You may wish to get tested more frequently depending on your sexuality and number of partners, but a good rule of thumb is to make sure you’re tested at least once a year for the most common STDs such as HIV, Phyllida, gonorrhea and syphilis.

Talk Before You Go to Bed
Open communication is the most important aspect of any intimate relationship. Talking with a potential partner before you’re in the bedroom will make it much easier to ensure that you’re making the best decision for you. Consent and self-disclosure are both important parts of a healthy sex life. They build trust, intimacy and protect people’s health.

Always Use Protection
You should use a latex condom every time you engage in any penetrative sexual act. Both vaginal and anal sex poses a risk of STDs, and you should never let someone pressure you not to use protection simply because they find it less enjoyable. You make the rules governing your body and your sex life, and you should always act in your best interest. Make sure you carry condoms with you so that you are always protected. One slip up during the “heat of the moment” can stay with you for a lifetime.

Get Vaccinated
You can get preventative vaccines for Hepatitis B and HPV. Talk to your doctor about your options and whether the vaccines are the right choice for you.

Author Bio: Paige Jirsa– I work with https://stdtestingfacilities.com/, which provides users same day STD testing in a discrete and proficient manner.

9 Terrible Signs Its Time To Change Windows In Your Home

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Your home is the project that never ends. It feels like there’s always one project or another that needs completing and they all cost money.

One of the home repairs we all need to make from time to time is window replacement. With a cost of up to $1,200 per window, though, how do you know when it’s necessary?

You can stop guessing once and for all. Here are the signs that it could be time for new home windows.

Signs You Need New Home Windows

New windows might be expensive, but leaving damaged windows in place can cost you even more. Here’s how to know if it’s time for a replacement.

1. Your Windows Are Leaking

Aside from an actual crack in the glass, a leaking window is the most obvious sign that you’re due for a replacement. It’s a sure sign that something isn’t sealing right.

Keep in mind, though, that you may not need to replace the whole window. In some cases, it’s a simple matter of recaulking around the window. Other times the frame is warped and that’s creating a crack that lets in water when it rains.

Some puzzled homeowners find water around their windows even when it isn’t raining. That water comes from condensation on your windows. Condensation tells you that your window isn’t sealing out the outdoor temperature well and it’s time for a repair or replacement.

2. You Can Feel the Air Coming Through

As we learn on https://firstplacewindows.com/, winters are the easiest times to notice that your window needs to be replaced. On a cold day, place your hand near the window. If you can feel cold air coming through, it’s time to buy new windows.

You don’t have to wait until winter to do this test, though. You can do the same thing on a windy day, checking to see if you feel the wind through the window.

3. Your Windows Don’t Operate Smoothly

If you’re struggling to open or close your window, it may not be a sign that you need to hit the gym. It could be telling you that you’re due for a new window.

Over time, window frames can become damaged or warped. That shifting shape makes it harder to open or close the window. Over time, it can cause larger problems like leaking air and leaking water.

4. Your Energy Bills Are Rising

We all see our energy bills shifting throughout the year. Depending on where you live, your pricey season could be winter or summer. Paying closer attention, though, could alert you to a problem.

Compare your energy bills from the past few months to your energy bills from the same months last year. If they’re rising and your energy provider hasn’t raised their rates, you may need new windows.

High energy bills are a sign that your heating or air conditioning is leaking through the windows. That leakage requires your HVAC system to work harder to keep your home comfortable and this costs you more money.

5. Cold Surfaces

This is another easy winter test: touch your windows when it’s cold outside. If they’re cold, it’s a sign that your window’s seal isn’t working at its best.

Keep in mind that this test is only valid for double pane windows. Single pane windows will always be cold to the touch when it’s cold outside because they’re less efficient by default.

6. You Want to Sell Your Home

If you’re getting ready to sell your house, you probably have a long list of projects. You want to make your home look as attractive to buyers as possible. Some improvements can even raise your value by more than you spent.

New windows are a great step to take during this process. For one, they make your home look more modern and polished.

On top of that, more and more homeowners consider efficient windows to be a “must-have.” If your home already has them, it makes it more attractive to buyers.

7. Your Windows Are Foggy

Have you ever woken up in the morning and been unable to look out your window because of fog between the window panes? If so, it’s time to consider a window replacement.

That fog happens when the seal between the panes of your double pane window is failing. The indoor temperature and outdoor temperature hit each other, fogging up your windows.

In some cases, a professional can fix this problem with a repair rather than a full replacement. Still, it’s always a sign that you aren’t getting the seal you need.

8. You’re Hearing Too Much

When people think of windows, they think of them as temperature barriers and physical barriers. It’s easy to forget that they’re meant to be noise barriers, too.

If you’re hearing a lot of noise from outside your home, it may mean that your window isn’t sealing well. That could mean a problem with the window itself or the frame.

For some homeowners, noise itself isn’t enough of a reason to replace their windows. That’s valid, but it’s a sign that you need to be on the lookout for signs that your window is letting air and water through as well.

9. Water Damage Near the Windows

Homeowners tend to assume that if their windows are leaking water, they’ll know. It’s not always as obvious as you think.

Instead of assuming, look for signs of water damage near your windows. This could include rot in your wood, dark staining on hardwood floors, warped wood, water stains, or mold.

All these could be symptoms of a sneaky leaking window that needs to be replaced.

Keeping Your Windows Up to Snuff

Your home windows serve more functions in your home than you may realize. They block temperature, moisture, pollutants, and noise. They’re also security measures and cosmetic features to boot.

Replacing your windows in a timely manner is crucial to keeping your house in tip-top shape. The red flags above are important warning signs no homeowner should ignore.

For more ways to make your home more enjoyable and comfortable every day, read more articles on our lifestyle blog.

College Entrance Schemes of the Rich and Famous: Bribery and Corruption in Academia

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In mid-March, colleges across the United States were swept up in a scandal that threatened academia’s integrity. The New York Times revealed several wealthy families were paying millions of dollars to get their kids into select schools. The scandal spanned beyond typical high-profile college donations.

Instead, they were paying millions for fake college entrance scores and fake credentials to earn spots on college sports teams. The logic was that as long as their students were on a sports team, the college had to accept them. Several ‘college admission consulting’ firms were working on behalf of families to get their children in.

The most scandalous part of the whole story was that the whole system was business as usual. Anybody with enough money seems to be able to buy their way into college, regardless of merit or ability. 

The revelation’s fallout is still impacting colleges today. Keep reading below to learn how the scandal may impact you or your college.

Regular Students Must Go Through Extra Steps

The college bribery scandal revealed that the rich truly do have a system all to their own, which makes their lives infinitely easier. Whereas regular students must submit and deliver mountains of paperwork, wealthy families merely needed to arrange a meeting with a firm. Then, the firm would arrange everything from college entrance exams to relevant experiences.

Regular students must usually send essays and exams through the mail, themselves. They had to pay for everything themselves, and research details about the cost of mailing applications while paying for everything.

Most of them tried to impress admissions officials and were sure they would get in. Yet, nothing they can do will ever beat the way money talks.

It’s a tense and nervewracking process, throughout which people wonder if they may have a future. Yet, for the rich, they could walk right through the doors of an Ivy League school without worry.

The System Is Rigged For The Rich

The scandal established that there is a legitimate system working to differentiate the opportunities available to upper and lower classes. College is a time when people decide what they want to do and who they want to be. And people can only make those decisions based on the possibilities they see for themselves.

If a person doesn’t think it’s possible for them to be successful in politics or business, they won’t pursue it. It doesn’t matter if they have a natural talent for business or have demonstrated a strong capacity for politics. If they never have the chance to capitalize on those abilities, they’ll never pursue it.

College is when people find out who they are and who they can be. If the upper and lower classes have different arenas to do that in, then they will always be unequal. Keep reading below to learn why.

Connections Are Made In Colleges

Beyond simply providing an education, a person’s time in college is a time to make connections. It’s when students can meet other people and forge the relationships they’ll need to advance their careers. In a perfect world, these relationships would form based on each person’s character and merit.

Yet, in modern academia, those relationships are evidently created out of wealth alone.

When the wealthy only mingle with the wealthy, then they will always be the only ones with the connections needed to enter politics or businesses. The scandal revealed that good connections come at a cost, despite the assumption that everyone should have equal opportunities.

Pay To Play Includes Research And Nonprofits

Many students end up realizing they want to be a researcher during college, after studying with scientists. Yet, when some colleges only accept the wealthy, the kinds of research available to students become tainted with money.

It’s commonplace for researchers to take sponsors from a variety of sources. It’s a point of controversy in the research community if these sponsors may compromise the integrity of what they do. When colleges only take students from wealthier families, their integrity is absolutely compromised.

Colleges may limit the kinds of research students can do, based on who donates to it. Donors to the college may also try to sway the way research is done to benefit their businesses. When colleges so willingly entangle themselves in bribery scandals, their research is affected.

College Entrance Exams Are Being Faked

The scandal revealed that college entrance consulting firms are doing more than just consulting. They would actively edit student’s entrance tests to ensure they earned high marks. The firms would organize students to take tests with proctors who would change answers or edit essays.

Although these practices are downright illegal, there are more legal ways of getting kids into Ivy League colleges. Sometimes, firms would fake a student’s athletic reputation to boost their chances of getting onto college teams. They would also contact coaches to influence their decisions, often by bribing them.

Although none of the firms’ practices would absolutely guarantee a student’s acceptance, it would unfairly sway the odds in their favor. And the firms would do anything to improve a student’s odds of getting in.

Everyone Wants The Best For Their Children

It’s true that everybody wants the best for their children. Most families would do anything to give their children the best opportunities in life. People just want what’s best for their children, and families have different levels of resources to give them it.

Yet, it crosses a line when wealthy families take spots in colleges from students in lower classes. It’s different when colleges accept students based on their wealth rather than their merit. Just because someone wants the best for their children doesn’t mean they can’t be held accountable for their actions.

More people are being named as part of the scandal, and they are all facing ridicule in the public eye. Yet, they’ve dealt with ridicule before, after spending so much time in the public eye. Their cases are making their way through the courts while they continue their lives, out of prison.

The biggest revelation of the scandal is that there isn’t a way to hold the wealthy accountable for their actions.  

The Rich Are Ridding The Rest Of Opportunity

When a person earns a college degree, they earn the opportunity to compete in a variety of ways. They get to compete in the labor market with their unique skill set. They get to compete in politics by developing unique perspectives on policies. And most of all, they get to compete in society generally through a refined character.

If those opportunities aren’t available to someone based solely on their level of income, then something is desperately wrong. University is expensive and college entrance exams are hard, but they should also be worth it. Yet, scandals like these rob it of its value.

To keep learning about the scandal, and how you can get involved to prevent future ones, keep reading here. We stay at the forefront of business and news to keep you informed about the world.

Roger That! 7 Expert Tips on How to Improve Communication in the Workplace

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Has a communication breakdown led to the loss of a client or a project failure at your office? In today’s fast-paced business landscape, this will happen from time to time.

However, if the overall communication process at a business is lacking, it can have a number of long-term effects. These include low productivity, higher employee turnover, and poor organization.

Fortunately, there are a number of things you can do you enhance the way your team interacts. The results may surprise you.

If you’ve been wondering how to improve communication in the workplace, keep reading. We’re going over seven important tips.  

1. Encourage Internal Dialogue

All employees at a business should feel free to express their concerns and opinions. Upper management has a responsibility to ensure that all staff members understand this.

It’s also important that each department has regular team meetings. This ensures everyone is on the same page with regard to business news, upcoming projects, or policy changes. These meetings should also serve as an open platform for anyone to discuss issues or share tips.

Another great way to encourage stronger internal communication is to develop a workplace language. This can include slang or industry jargon that only your team members use when communicating with each other.

Finally, promoting open collaboration will help improve the level of communication in any workplace. Employees should feel they can vocalize their ideas and work with each other to find more efficient ways to get things done.

2. Promote Constructive Feedback

If an employee receives criticism without proactive suggestions, they’re bound to start feeling defeated. This can lead to employees keeping things to themselves instead of opening up.

To prevent this from happening, set a policy that emphasizes constructive feedback. This is especially important for upper management.

Employees should also provide constructive criticism when working in a team environment. This will help encourage collaboration and let them feel free to share their ideas.

Management should ask staff members to provide feedback on the workflow in the office. This can allow them to discover new ways to improve productivity and product quality. 

3. Listening Is Key

Communication is a two-way road. If you’re not listening to what your co-workers are saying, you’re not having a productive conversation.

Make sure everyone in your office understands the importance of listening. Creating a work culture where everyone listens will improve the quality of each interaction.

Good listening skills will also ensure that details don’t fall between the cracks. Project success will increase, and internal conflicts will stay at a minimum.

Listening is also very important on the client level. In fact, if customers feel their voice isn’t getting heard, they’ll leave your business and go to your competitors. 

If you feel there’s a listening problem in the workplace, there are plenty of training courses that can help. Holding an office-wide communication seminar could work wonders.

4. Following Up Is Critical

Things can move fast in an office environment. Employees are bound to miss vital details from time to time. Unfortunately, this is detrimental to the communication process.

Recapping meetings or conference calls with a follow-up is critical. It ensures that everyone is on the same page.

This applies to departmental meetings or one-on-one discussions. Each person should get a quick rundown of what was discussed before it fades from their memory.

In large meetings, designate one person to take notes. After the meeting, they should create an overview of the discussion and send it to everyone involved.

This is a key component to good project management and can be helpful in all situations. Keeping everyone on the same page with a follow-up will save time and prevent confusion.

5. Utilize Technology

Today, there are countless tools that aid in the business communication process. There’s no reason not to take advantage of them.

Inner-office chat programs are commonplace now. These are essential for project-based teams that need to stay on the same page while working.

Speaking of projects, there are plenty of project tracking programs available that can keep all team members in the loop. These tools are essential if you work with offsite team members or outsourcers.

You may also consider interactive tools that allow for group conferences, training sessions, or presentations. You can check out tools like these at www.plant-tours.com and decide if you’d like to integrate one into your workspace.

6. Interact Outside the Office

If co-workers only have a professional relationship, their communication skills won’t advance. Getting to know each other outside the office is a great way to promote healthier interactions.

Promoting office outings is the perfect way to let your employees get to know each other. The best part about this is that it’s fun.

Many businesses engage in team building activities away from the office. Employees have the opportunity to let their guard down while also learning helpful business skills.

Even something casual like an after-work happy hour or office lunch is effective. Staff members will realize quickly that they don’t know their co-workers very well.

You’ll see the result when they start to communicate more effectively back in the office. Employees will also find their jobs more enjoyable when they know their team personally.

7. Resolve Issues Immediately

When a problem arises between employees, it’s best to resolve it right away. If issues persist, tension builds and you risk internal conflicts.

The best way to deal with inner-office problems is through open communication. Remaining as transparent as possible will benefit both parties.

Upper management needs to allow both employees to voice their concerns. Getting opinions out in the open is the best route to an amicable solution.

Once an issue gets resolved, all parties must understand the importance of continued communication. If the problem doesn’t go away, it’s time to rethink roles and make some changes. 

Understand How to Improve Communication in the Workplace

If you want to ensure continued growth, healthy inner-office communication is imperative. Not only will it help your bottom line, but it will also boost the job experience for all employees.

Use the tips discussed above on how to improve communication in the workplace and watch your productivity soar.

Check out more articles for business information and tips today!