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3 Tips For Staying Safe When Biking On The Road

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Biking is a great way to stay healthy while also getting some vital fresh air and vitamin D. But depending on where you live, biking on the roads in your area might not be as safe as you might like it to be.

Regardless of this, there are things you can do to help minimize the risks you take on when road biking. To show you how this is possible, here are three tips for staying safe when biking on the road.

Stick To Bike Lanes or Bike Paths When You Can

To be as safe as possible, Sophia Breene, a contributor to Greatist.com, recommends that you stick to bike lanes or bike paths whenever you can. In many areas, bike paths are areas of the road that are very separated from the vehicles on the road. Because of this, you’re much safer from cars when on a bike path. However, many bike paths have speed limits that you might not want to adhere to, and bike paths also can be shared by all types of people, from those biking with their little kids to people walking.

On the other hand, bike lanes are generally a lane right next to typical traffic lanes that are meant to ensure road bikers have a safe area to travel and are given their fair share of the road when close to cars. While not as safe as a bike path when you’re talking about avoiding getting in an accident with a vehicle, bike lanes are still a safer place to bike when on the road with cars.

Keep Your Ears Clear

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your road bike, you might be tempted to pop in your ear buds and listen to some music or your favorite podcast while putting some miles behind you. However, according to Oli Woodman, a contributor to BikeRadar.com, shares that listening to anything with headphones makes it much harder for you to be aware of what’s going on around you.

With something playing in your ears, it will be much more difficult for you to hear car horns honking, sirens coming toward you, or other signs that could signal you of danger.

Assume The Worst

Because you’re so much more vulnerable than the cars you’re sharing the road with, it’s important that you know how to be defensive when you’re driving and ensure that you’re putting your own safety first.

Some of the best ways to do this, according to Jen Schmidt, a contributor to Active.com, is to never give drivers the benefit of the doubt when you’re on the road. If you always assume the worst and act in accordance to that, you will be able to avoid many tricky situations you might otherwise find yourself in.

To help you stay safe when biking on the road with other vehicles, consider using the tips mentioned above next time you take your road bike out.

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

What is Test and Tag – Complete 101 Guide

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You may have heard the term from electricians or IT specialists, as well as computer repair shops where they practice a test and tag method. In this guide we’re going to give you the Test & Tag 101 and show you the right way to do it, as well as explain what testing and tagging is, and provide some quality examples.

For more information, please visit https://www.electricaltesting.com.au.

What Does Test & Tag Mean?

Test & tag is actually a process of troubleshooting and checking. It normally applies to electrical appliances, but may also apply to things like computer when it comes to IT and computer repair technicians. What it is a two-part testing and troubleshooting technique. Basically, you inspect the part or appliance for physical damage, and then test it with an appliance tester of some sort. For electrical items, they’ll use something like a voltmeter to make sure that the electric components work correctly.

In computers, it may be something like a hardware troubleshooter or inspector to ensure that your power supply or motherboard is working correctly. When it’s all said and done, the person testing the appliance then puts a tag on the item or the cord to show that it’s been tested, along with information like who did the test, when the next test needs to be done, as well as the date of the test.

Why is This Step Necessary?

The main purpose of the test is to make sure that a product is safe so the person using it won’t be susceptible to electric shock. Australia also has a standard code in which there are regulations that apply specifically to items that need to be tested and tagged when it comes to appliances to ensure the safety and welfare of others.

Who Should TO Test and Tag?

There are numerous industries that need to have certified professionals test and tag their equipment. Construction, demolition, and mining crews are required for example to keep their appliances tagged and have them inspected approximately every few months. Other jobs that require it may be tree trimming services, as well as others. Some office equipment needs to be tested and tagged as well.

Different Equipment to be Tagged

Literally anything that has a cord is supposed to be tagged. There are two classes, the first being composed of items that are considered earthed appliances, like coffeepots, irons, toasters, and other industrial but professional items, while others are made of double insulated appliances, from hair dryers all the way to power tools. Most of the time brand new equipment doesn’t actually need to be tested, but needs to be inspected for physical damage and tagged. After that it requires testing and tagging.

Conclusion

Australia has certain standard requirements that every item needs to meet in order to be used in a professional workplace of any sort. That being said, it’s important that you have a quality control specialist to ensure that your items are in working order, no matter what the job is.

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3 Tips For Keeping Yourself Safe When Riding A Motorcycle

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Being on the road, in general, can be a dangerous activity to participate in. From inclement weather to distracted driving, a car accident can happen at any moment and for any reason.

For many people, they look for any way to reduce the risks that they open themselves up to when behind the wheel. In many instances, this means steering clear of motorcycles.

But while motorcycles and the people who ride them might have a reputation for being dangerous and reckless, there actually are plenty of ways that you can reduce the risks of choosing to drive a motorcycle over any other kind of vehicle. To show you how, here are three tips for keeping yourself safe when riding a motorcycle. 

Only Ride A Motorcycle You Feel Confident On

Being on the road when you’re scared, nervous, or feel out of control can be dangerous for any type of driver. But when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s more important than ever to feel confident in your abilities to maneuver your machine safely.

As part of this, Consumer Reports shares that you should only ride a motorcycle that you know you can handle. Motorcycles come in varying sizes and power ranges. If you’re not experienced on a larger bike, you could be putting yourself and everyone else around you at unnecessary risk. So if you’re going to ride a motorcycle, make sure you choose to drive one that fits your body and your skill level. 

Always Wear The Right Gear

According to Michael Padway, a contributor to MotorcycleLegalFoundation.com, every rider should commit to following the mantra ATGATT, meaning All The Gear, All The Time.

By wearing all your gear each time you get on your motorcycle, you will never be leaving yourself open to vulnerabilities. So whether you’re just going for a quick ride around town or are heading out onto the open road, make sure you’re always decked out with your helmet, jacket, gloves, boots, long pants, and more. 

Be A Defensive Driver

When you’re out on the road, the safest thing you can do both for yourself and for the other drivers around you is to always be on the defensive. Especially when you’re on a motorcycle, it’s important that you be very aware of your surroundings and what the cars driving near you are doing.

Aaron Gunderson, a contributor to SafeWise.com, shares that part of being a defensive driver means you never assume anything when you’re on the road. Always turn your head to check before changing lanes or turning. And if you get the feeling that a driver near you doesn’t see you, be sure to give them a wide berth. 

If you’ve decided to use a motorcycle as your main form of transportation, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you stay safe when out on the road.

How to Choose a New Shower Cabin

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When it comes to bathroom construction or renovation, the first thing that many homeowners think of is the shower. If you’re one of them, you’ve probably already imagined how you want your bathroom to look and the vibe that you’re after. Besides, the shower is the bathroom’s heart because it’s where you prepare to face a new day. So, it’s one of the major parts of your home that you want to focus on.

If the design elements align with the luxurious bathroom you’ve always dreamed of, every day will be a great day.

Avoiding common mistakes

Homeowners often make the mistake of making decisions about the shower enclosure at the last minute. If anything, it should be the first as it takes up a huge chunk of the total budget.

More often than not, fixtures, hardware and tiles are the first things homeowners decide on, which messes up the budgeting during the early part of the project.

If you’re doing a bathroom renovation project, you may want to keep in mind that the shower enclosure is the primary design element that reflects your style and luxurious taste.

Making the choice

Glass shower cabins are becoming popular, especially with small bathrooms, because they give the optical illusion of having a bigger space. Having one installed also gives a luxury spa vibe in your home.

But what do you need to ask yourself to make an informed decision when shopping for a shower enclosure?

  • How will I know it’s the right choice? The perfect shower cabin will look like it’s a natural part of your home and not like something that you put in there because it looked good in the catalogue. It should give you the feeling that it was custom-built for your bathroom. Also, while the price is a major deciding factor, you want to consider the quality and its long-term value.
  • DIY or get a contractor for the job? The answer to this question is, it depends. It depends on what kind of shower cabin you buy and if it’s custom-built with the features that you want. Simple, out-of-the-box shower enclosures should be easy to install on your own. On the other hand, you may want to hire a professional for the installation of intricate designs and cabins equipped with custom features.
  • Classic framed or modern frameless? The style depends entirely on the look that you’re after. The glass thickness may vary, and you can also choose the shape and size of the opening. Framed enclosures are more flexible when it comes to installation, while frameless can give you more options when it comes to customising the final look. Either way, both options will complete the look of your bathroom.

Renovating and designing your bathroom is an exciting process. But this can only be done successfully if you know the look that you want and you allocate your budget for materials correctly. Remember that the shower cabin may take up a huge part of the expenses, so it’ll be better if it’s one of the first things you decide on.

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

Rainbow Riches Slot Game

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The legendary Rainbow Riches is a slot game that has, by now, wholeheartedly entered the pantheon of greats, be sure to check it out Rainbow Riches at Easy Slots. You just cannot argue about that, go give it a spin or two over at Easy slots if you don’t believe us. The critically acclaimed developers Barcrest have created what could just be the stand out online slot of the century. Certainly nothing matches Rainbow Riches for popularity, and the main reason is that it is just so incredibly good. You won’t find many other slots that channel the simplicity of the mid 2000s with the chance of eye watering winnings, that’s for sure.

About Rainbow Riches and the Slots Bonus Features

Rainbow Riches, as you may have gathered from the title, is a quintessentially Irish themed online slot. In fact, it could well be attributed the title of founder of the Irish theme in the online casino sphere, as it has inspired a whole load of similar games over the years. The symbols and aesthetic, therefore, are all reminiscent of Ireland – it’s rainbows, leprechauns and pots of gold galore here. As for the game format, Barcrest have opted for a fairly conventional 5 reel and 10 pay line configuration, offering 18 ways to win (not including the variety of bonus rounds on offer).

Rainbow Riches really comes into its own when you consider its bonus rounds and features, as this is where the serious money can be won. Of all these it’s Pots of Luck that you will really want to keep your eye on. This is the main bonus round, and is reached through the Pick Me bonus feature (you’ll have to encounter 3 leprechaun hats to reach this one). Once through to the Pick Me gamblers will need to choose a mystery symbol, if this is the Pots of Luck one then lucky you, you’re through! Pots of Luck offers three pots of various money amounts, one of which will become yours.

About Barcrest and other Online Slots by Them

Barcrest truly are incredibly long-standing players in the gambling business in general. After their inception in 1968 the company have gone on to create some of the most iconic analogue and digital slot games of all time – both in terms of physical machines and their modern online variants. It is impossible to overestimate their experience and importance to the industry; without Barcrest you could not say that the online casino world would be where it’s at now. For confirmation just look to some of their other titles:

· Wild Knights King’s Random

· Monopoly Bring the House Down

· Legend of the Pharaohs

· Black Magic Fruits

Some serious pedigree in those four titles alone, and that’s only scratching the surface!

Rainbow Riches: The Verdict

Barcrest’s scintillating example of online slot based entertainment would not hold the status it does throughout the gambling world if it were not an incredible title. And this fact is only accentuated when you come to play it. Its design is simultaneously fun and simple – a no thrills approach that leaves ample concentration to be given to the marvellous bonus rounds and features. Top marks.

If you liked this article, you can read more just like it on the 60Degree blog, here.

3 Ways To Make More Money From Your Rental Apartment

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If you’ve chosen to invest in real estate, you’re likely always on the lookout for ways that you can see an even bigger return on your investment. Luckily, for people who choose to purchase an apartment and rent it out to tenants, there are quite a few ways in which you can maximize this investment opportunity.

To help you find some ways that might work for your exact situation, here are three ways you can make more money from your rental apartment.

Get The Right Tenants

One of the best and easiest ways that you can make more money from your rental apartment is to get the right tenants into the space. You’re losing money each month that you have a vacant apartment rental. So by getting good tenants in there, you can maximize your profits.

To ensure you’re able to get the right tenant from the get-go, Kelly Gurnett, a contributor to The Penny Hoarder, advises that you take the time to thoroughly screen tenant applicants before renting to them.

If you simply go with the first people who apply so you can get someone in the space, you might not have had the time to check that these people are responsible, trustworthy, have all the other makings for good tenants. When you do find the right tenants, they’ll get their rent paid on time, maintain the property, and present minimal problems for you.

Offer Additional Services

The more valuable you can make your rental property, the more you can ask for when it comes to rent. Aside from increasing the actual value of the property, you can make the apartment more valuable to tenants if you offer them additional services or conveniences.

According to G. Brian Davis, a contributor to BiggerPockets.com, some services you might consider offering could include property-related services like lawn maintenance or regular deep cleaning. Other options could include services that are more for the convenience of your renter, like babysitting, pet care, or various concierge services. Keep in mind, however, that you should only offer these services if they make financial sense for your investment.

Increase Rent With The Market Or Apartment Improvements

One easy way you can start making more money off of your apartment rental is to start charging more for rent. While this can be a fine balance to strike, especially if you already have tenants in the space, there are some things you can try to make this transition a little easier for your tenants to swallow.

If you’re going to consider raising the rent, Blake Hilgemann, a contributor to Money.com, recommends being strategic by increasing the rent either as the housing market becomes more expensive or as you make upgrades or improvements to the property. By doing this, your rent increases will be much more justified.

If you’re wanting to find ways to get more value out of your apartment rental, consider using the tips mentioned above to help you do just that.

 

Why Having a Family Doctor Matters

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There are many definitions and interpretations of family doctors or primary care providers. The World Health Organization defines primary health care as an overall approach to health and well-being considering the needs and preferences of an individual, his or her family and the community as a whole. It addresses important aspects including mental and social health as well as other health determinants such as the environment and economy. Primary health care comes from a commitment to equity and social justice. However, figures show that fewer adults in the country visit their primary care doctors. Here are reasons why you should visit your doctor.

Improves health outcomes

A few studies back this claim as they demonstrate that having a regular family doctor reduces mortality, hospitalizations, and health care expense. It is effective in addressing poor health, making it a good investment for it decreases health care costs. It improves threats to health such as epidemics and bacteria resistance.

Builds your health history

Knowledge of family medical history is important not just in diagnosing an illness but also in preventing future diseases as your physician can catch symptoms of serious conditions early on. Most family practitioners treat a range of conditions and you can get primary care from them at any point in your life. When the doctor knows your family history of illness, it helps them make accurate diagnoses.

Provides holistic care

A family doctor is trained in addressing a little bit of everything and treating a patient in one central location, regardless of if you are experiencing a physical or emotional problem. Providing holistic care means treating you based on your family, personal experience or other major aspects of life. It is the goal of family doctors to nurture patient-centered relationships, giving integrated care over a person’s lifespan.

Better level of comfort

If you have a trusted primary care provider, you can have someone you feel comfortable with to talk about your health concerns. The more you visit your doctor, the better your relationship will be. By having one person to go to for your family’s medical conditions, you skip the need to adjust or feel awkward on the first visit. You need not even discuss everything that happened previously because previous illnesses are recorded.

Referrals you can trust

When you need a specialist for more serious health conditions, your family doctor is the best person to refer you to someone who fits your needs or even your personality. They know the best doctors around to help you with your health care.

Family doctors have extensive training in major areas including pediatrics, internal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, surgery, neurology, community medicine, and other areas. They can treat you better than you think. They can help manage chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart ailments, and cancer. The list goes on of what they can do. Your first goal is to find the right one whom you know you can trust. Choose wisely, just how healthcare companies choose the right physician recruiter to handle the sourcing for them.

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

5 Tips For Increasing Your Employees Efficiency

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As an employer, you want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your employees. After all, you’re paying them, so it’s normal that you want to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your money.

If you’ve recently been seeing a dip in your employees’ productivity, it may have you worrying that it’s something you’re doing wrong. However, rather than focusing on what’s going wrong, try to focus your energy on how you can make things right. Here are some of the most effective ways to boost your employees’ efficiency and increase team morale.

Give Them The Right Tools

Regardless of what your industry is, it’s vital that your employees have the right tools that they need to successfully complete their tasks. Just like a painter can’t paint a masterpiece with a cheap paintbrush, you can’t expect your employees to do great work without the right tools.

As an employer, it’s critical that you make sure that your workplace is designed for efficiency. Otherwise, production time will be much slower. When your employees are working slowly, that means time is lost. In the world of business, time lost is money lost. The idea is to get them to be as efficient as possible in the shortest amount of time possible.

Set Clear Guidelines

Your employees will do their best work if they have a clear idea of what they should be doing. By clearly setting your expectations from the beginning, there won’t be any grey area about what your employees are expected to do.

Before assigning your employees tasks, make sure that they’re SMART. Smart, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.

Provide Breaks

A lot of employers make the mistake of assuming they will get the most out of their employees by making them work longer. However, many studies prove that employees are actually much more efficient if you allow them to rest in between tasks.

People need time to take a break and gather their thoughts before moving on to the next project. Exhausting your team only leads to poor performance and slower work speed.

Discourage Multitasking

A lot of people are used to multitasking throughout the day. It may seem like you’re getting more done by doing more at once, however, in reality, this isn’t the case. In fact, you’re putting minimal effort into each task in an attempt to get it finished. However, when you focus entirely on only one task at a time, the end result will be much better. Focus on quality over quantity if you have to choose.

Encourage Teamwork

Your team will work much faster if they rely on each other. Encourage teamwork by engaging in team building activities regularly. Teamwork increases communication and an overall better atmosphere in the workplace. Happy employees mean busier employees!

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

How to Make your Business Premises More Customer Friendly

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In addition to making sure your business looks good, you need to ensure the premises is customer friendly. You may run a very successful business but if your premises is unkempt people will not want to visit it. Do not worry, we have a few tips that will help you make your business premises much more customer friendly.

Put Plants Here and There

Plants and flowers can make your business premises, particularly the reception area much brighter. While some businesses are happy to use plastic plants they soon start to look old and worse for wear. Bring in some real plants and flowers so that they can be seen and enjoyed by your potential customers. Don’t forget to water them so they thrive.

Clean the Exterior of your Building

You need to make sure that the exterior of your building is clean and tidy. A Power washing company can help to make your building look cleaner and fresher. Don’t forget to sweep up any leaves so they don’t pile up near the entrance. When the exterior of your building is clean it will look much more inviting. Try to clean the exterior of your building at least once a month so that it continues to appear looked after.

Keep the Reception Area Clean and Tidy

If clients or potential customers are going to be spending time in your reception area you need to keep it clean and tidy. No-one wants to wait in a dirty and messy area even if it is just for a few minutes. A clean and tidy reception will also say a lot about your business. Make sure desks are not cluttered, that there’s adequate lighting and the carpets or tiles are in good condition.

Paint your Premises

If your premises is looking a little worse for wear you may want to consider painting it. Paint the interior and the exterior if you wish. A fresh coat of paint can breathe new life into the whole building. What’s more, is your employees and your clients or customers will appreciate it. Newly painted premises tells people that you care.

Work on your Windows

Many businesses fail to keep an eye on their windows. While they may be cleaned once a month they aren’t likely to be painted very often. Paint your window frames if they are in good condition. If the frames are starting to rot you may want to consider hiring someone to either replace or repair them.

You may also want to think about what you put next to your windows. Do you want potential customers to see stacks of files or would you prefer them to see plants? Create a good impression by changing the view your customers have of your premises.

You can make your business premises more customer friendly. Just use the above tips and everyone who comes through your door is more likely to feel comfortable being there. A little bit of work can make all the difference.

 

5 Ways to Make your Home More Weatherproof

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We never know what Mother Nature is going to bring us. We do know that during the summer we’re likely to get sunshine and the winter is likely to bring us rain or even snow. So how can we make our homes weatherproof so they can stand up to everything Mother Nature throws at it? Here’s how:

1. Repair your Walls

If sections of your wall render are cracked you need to mend them. The render is what protects your bricks and ensures they last longer. They also ensure your home is less susceptible to wind and rain.

If the wall render is cracked you will need to have them checked out by a professional. This is because they could be caused by structural issues.

If the cracks in your wall render are small you could mend them yourself. Using exterior polyfilla you could fill the cracks yourself if you’re confident enough to. This will help your walls to stay protected against the elements.

2. Check your Roof

From the ground look up at your roof. Try to determine if there are any missing or loose tiles. You may also want to have a look at your chimney pots to ensure they are secure. Don’t forget to check your aerials too. If you think your roof is damaged or you’re worried about it you may need to call a professional in. A new roof doesn’t have to be too costly but if part or all of it needs replacing it’s better to let the experts do it.

You may also want to make sure that your roof has adequate ventilation so your home is not too hot during the summer months.

3. Clean your Gutters

Clean your gutters at least twice a year. Debris and leaves can get stuck in them and cause a buildup of water. The water is then unable to flow properly and it could run into your home. Water that has become trapped and frozen can expand and damage your guttering in the process. Using a mesh or leaf-guard filter can prevent debris and leaves from building up.

4. Get Rid of Those Draughts

Cold air coming in through the gaps in your doors and windows can make your home seem very cold. Add a draught excluder to the bottom of your front door. When it comes to windows you could add some self-adhesive foam around the frames as they can make a big difference.

5. Check your Windows

It’s important that you check your windows at least twice a year. Window frames can rot and become worse in the cold winter months. Hire a professional to get rid of any damaged wood so they can fill the hole. Make sure you also check the condition of any window surrounds. If your windows are in desperate need of repair you may want to consider replacing them instead.

Use the above tips to help you make your home more weatherproof so it can stand up to what Mother Nature throws at it.