Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online
Yell Business has released a new research into how small businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19 and how the pandemic is changing the way businesses and consumers communicate. The new study reveals the scale of the challenge that business owners have faced in recent months, with three
Town expansion is not always due to more people moving into the location. Rather, it can because there is a higher need for more homes, more jobs and more roads because it’s become a popular tourist destination. It could also be because you’re close to a city and you need
So if you’re anything like me, you probably were disappointed by Trump’s performance in the first Presidential debate. While I do believe that Trump had won on substance, the substance is usually secondary to optics. That’s just the nature of politics. The debate was a disaster on all fronts. Trump
As a parent, you are always on the lookout for tips and information on managing all the affairs surrounding parenthood. Admittedly being a parent can be tricky, so it helps to access information about how to navigate it while maintaining your sanity. A mommy blog is a beneficial resource for
If you notice that your basement or roof is wet, it is time to call a waterproof contractor. Since your home is your greatest asset, you must hire the best contractors to do the repairs. Finding the most reputable waterproofing company can be daunting, especially if you have never required
The Government has opened a consultation on mandatory installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in England. While the consultation, which closes on 11 January 2021, primarily focuses on social housing it also covers aspects of the private rented sector and is an opportunity to make the case for reform
Homeowners or buyers wishing to settle down in a ‘forever home’ can look to these six simple considerations when creating a house to call a home. A ‘forever home’ is a property that suits requirements in the short and long term – so it needs to be a flexible space
Land-based casinos are ever-evolving to keep up with the latest glitz and glamour trends The gambling industry has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of decades. Improvements in technology have helped drive online growth but have also given more scope to land-based casinos to use technology in
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like
Accelerated online learning is fast becoming the preferred choice by students and professionals. Education allows you to prepare yourself for your future career. You can also improve your skills and advance your career with the help of an accelerated online degree. It’s an excellent investment for your future. Accelerated online learning is a term used to describe what many people refer to as ‘enhanced e-learning.’ Many people believe that they can take classes in an online environment, so they don’t need to be physically present. While some colleges also offer on-campus accelerated online learning, most people take virtual classes because the only requirement is a stable Internet connection. In a traditional classroom, individuals are required to be physically present because that’s how the classroom system works. Students are taught by a teacher, who’s in a classroom with them, listening to questions and guiding them through the lessons. When students are unable to attend classes physically, it’s extremely difficult to continue learning. This is where online courses or virtual classrooms become useful. With the help of a computer, a person can take a class via the Internet and not have to attend class in a physical classroom. As a result, students learn at a much faster rate because they have a great deal of control over their learning environment. Another benefit of choosing online classes is that many people find that they can complete the classes on their own schedule and at their own pace. It means students can work out a schedule that allows them to work and study at the same time. Online Courses Versus Accelerated Online Learning Enrolling in online classes and taking up accelerated online degree programs have similarities and differences. Both methods allow an individual to take lessons through an e-course. While there are degree courses that can be done online, some may opt for e-books or modules delivered through e-mail. To access an e-course, the student goes online and logs in to a knowledge management system or other platform assigned by the service provider. Aside from sharing the same mode of instruction, which is over the Internet, both offer a convenient and hassle-free way to learn. Here are the benefits of online learning: Flexibility: When you are taking a course online, you can fit your busy schedule around it. Instead of having to plan your vacation or school breaks to help accommodate traditional classes, candidates can opt to study when they want to. Individuals who work long hours can use the flexible schedule to take classes when they have free time. Accessible: Students taking online courses can attend their classes from wherever they are. Online education allows students to take classes in the comfort of their own homes There is no travel time required to commute to and from school. You cannot obtain this flexibility from a traditional school. Lower expenses: Taking online classes means lower fees since you’re not going to use any of the physical facilities or structures of the school. You need not worry about spending on transportation or meals, just like when attending your classes in a traditional school platform. Equal opportunity: Technology has made it easier for everyone to pursue an education no matter one’s social and financial status. So, now that you know the benefits you’ll reap from online learning, you may be wondering what accelerated online education is. To make an informed and educated decision, first, you need to understand what accelerated online learning is. Second, its best to understand what differentiates accelerated online learning from the typical online courses. Third, you will learn the various factors that you should consider in choosing an accelerated online learning course and provider. What Is Accelerated Online Learning? Online learning has gained popularity recently as an alternative method to traditional education. It allows you to complete your degree program from a distance, and at the same pace as you would if you’re attending an on-campus program. Accelerated online learning programs have several advantages over traditional programs. First, accelerated online degrees can be completed in as little as two years, compared to a typical four-year degree program. It translates to not only time saved, but also reduced expenses since you won’t need to pay for transportation fees going to and from your classes. Also, the cost of textbooks and other supplies will be greatly reduced, making your educational experience affordable. Second, accelerated online courses are a lot easier to take than traditional courses. Students who can’t get their work done on time because of their busy lives will appreciate this type of learning. You can complete the course in between work hours and on weekends, which means you won’t miss a day of class or, worse, an entire semester. As long as you pass the exams, you’ll finish your degree in less than two years. This is comparable to the time that it takes to finish the same course through a traditional on-campus college. Third, because these types of classes do not require physical presence, students who are busy working and raising a family can still finish their degrees while keeping a job. Those who work outside their homes will appreciate this convenience since they don’t need to go to an actual campus to complete their degrees. It gives them a chance to spend more quality time with their family, as well as have more free time to pursue other goals and passions. A benefit like this may make those who already have jobs a bit more open to the idea of an accelerated program. Fourth, accelerated online learning promotes increased job security in the workplace. In today’s economy, there is a growing demand for qualified people to fill available positions. By investing in accelerated online learning, you can enjoy a variety of benefits, including competitive pay, more job security, increased productivity, and career advancement opportunities. Accelerated courses give students a real-world understanding of their chosen careers. They can increase job opportunities for you by offering training in key areas, such
Yell Business has released a new research into how small businesses have adapted to survive in light of Covid-19 and how the pandemic is changing the way businesses and consumers communicate. The new study reveals the scale of the challenge that business owners have faced in recent months, with three quarters (76%) of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) introducing a new service because of Covid-19. The tradesperson industry was found to be one of the most adaptable sectors, with 90% of tradespeople surveyed having introduced a new service. Of those new services: 41% started taking online bookings 40% started doing online video consultations 36% started home delivery services 33% online video tutorials 27% introduced contactless payment systems Nearly half (46%) of tradespeople who introduced a new service said that it was crucial for them to be able to survive the pandemic. 85% stated they plan on continuing the service post Covid-19. Who’s getting the message? The research also identified how the global pandemic has accelerated changes in the ways businesses are communicating with their customers. A massive 93% of tradespeople have introduced new ways of communicating in 2020 with instant messaging platforms coming to the fore. 26% of tradespeople have started using Facebook to communicate with customers as a result of Covid-19 and just over one in five (21%) have started using WhatsApp. 20% of trades have started using Twitter followed closely by Instagram at 15%. 14% have also implemented chatbots. Whilst a phone call and email are still ingrained as the most popular communication methods for tradespeople and their customers alike, the most effective marketing communication tool used by tradespeople during the pandemic was found to be SMS texting. When asked whether the tool had been either ‘very’ or ‘somewhat’ effective since March’s national lockdown, 58% of businesses stated that it had. WhatsApp (51%), a Facebook page (50%), paid Facebook ads (49%) and Facebook Messenger (48%) followed. Getting the message in an instant The emergence of instant messaging tools such as Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp and other social messaging platforms as vital communication tools for tradespeople was identified in the research. 58% of tradespeople surveyed said that instant messaging is key for business success post Covid-19, whilst nearly half (48%) stated they had seen an uplift in enquiries thanks to using instant messaging services during the pandemic. 38% said that they had seen an uplift in repeat business and 37% saw an increase in sales. Choosing the correct channel to communicate with customers was found to have far reaching benefits for businesses in the sector too. Yell’s research revealed that over a third (36%) of consumers would be more likely to buy from a business that communicated with them on their preferred channel. 28% of consumers would be more likely to recommend the business to a friend and 24% would be more likely to spend more with that business. Conversely, if an SME communicated with a customer on the wrong channel, 37% of consumers wouldn’t use that business again and 18% would even leave a bad review for the business. Optimism in the face of adversity Despite the challenges brought on by Covid-19, businesses in the tradesperson sector remain positive for the future. 81% of business owners state that they are optimistic about the success of their business in 2021 and, on average, 84% said they were more prepared to deal with another lockdown. Claire Miles, Chief Executive Officer of Yell commented: “The last six months have been incredibly tough for tradespeople but it’s heartening to see that the majority of the sector remains optimistic in the face of adversity. Our diverse local businesses are the cornerstones of our community, which is why it’s crucial that now, more than ever, Yell continues to champion small businesses and provide the digital tools and insights needed for them to thrive. Our research highlights not only the sheer adaptability of tradespeople but also their ability to find the right way to communicate change to their existing and potential customers. It’s clear that during these uncertain times, instant messaging services have been a real lifeline to businesses in the sector who have had to adapt and adjust their models quickly. Instant messaging, as we are aware from our own developments with Apple in this area, facilitates timely and conversational communication between businesses and consumers and as the findings show, many businesses will still be relying on these services to succeed post pandemic.”
Town expansion is not always due to more people moving into the location. Rather, it can because there is a higher need for more homes, more jobs and more roads because it’s become a popular tourist destination. It could also be because you’re close to a city and you need to compete for jobs and tourism. Whatever the reason, town expansion is something contraction companies and local authorities are very concerned about in the new world of Covid-19. So how can either of these particles respond to modern challenges? Expensive vs expansive When cities become expensive, they stop becoming expansive. This is why many people in the industry fail to realize, cities like New York and London are not actually expanding rapidly outward. They’re building upward, with more and more skyscrapers. This is because the edges used to be suburban and they have been facing challenges. More and more people are moving away from the city. At least those that do not work in the city or don’t need to. More and more people who have to work in the city are moving in but they don’t have enough money for a house and don’t want to live in the suburbs. Thus, the outer edges are losing residents as the inside is growing. It’s growing but it’s not expanding. Local authorities need to do more to keep local families in the suburbs. Infrastructure requirements One of the things that holds back expansion is the lack of resources that the new residents need. If something as simple as water cannot be found in abundance, the expansion will grind to a halt or it simply won’t take off. Using a water bore drilling service, they can find where the water is, what kind of quality it is, how much of it there is and how you can utilize it. This is important for both construction companies who don’t have this capability as well as local authorities who are accountable to their constituents. It only takes a quick consultation to find out where you are and what you need. Then, with their over 20 years of experience, Adams Drillers will arrive on the scene and get to work. When you can supply the new homes with freshwater, this is when expansion can continue safely. Road network access Many Americans are still commuting to work via the highways. Despite massive developments for trains and airports, the majority of those in employment prefer to drive. They may only have that choice but many prefer it. Without access to the wider road network, you cannot hope to expand properly. Despite there being good developments practically, without transportation requirements being met, you will have a lack of home buyers. Thus, for every new town or borough, you should have an easy way to access the highway. Covid-19 hasn’t changed the challenges that city and town expansion projects have always faced. They have just been made more intense, as the need to retain homeowners in the suburbs has become a priority.
So if you’re anything like me, you probably were disappointed by Trump’s performance in the first Presidential debate. While I do believe that Trump had won on substance, the substance is usually secondary to optics. That’s just the nature of politics. The debate was a disaster on all fronts. Trump came off as rude and abrasive (even more than usual!), and Biden said nothing of substance. It didn’t help that sometimes it felt like the moderator, Chris Wallace, was debating Trump instead of Biden. I don’t think that debate swayed anyone. People who support Trump will still vote for Trump, and the absence of stories about Biden’s hairy legs gave enough of an inch for Biden supporters to claim a win. The status quo remains unchanged. The sun still rises in the east, sets in the west, and Sloto Cash online casino continues entertaining players. It was a poor showing on all sides. The Vice Presidential debate, on the other hand, was a whole different ballgame and was probably the most substantive debate I’ve listened to in a long time. To be honest, I’ve never really thought much of Vice President Mike Pence until this point, but this debate has proved that Mike Pence can hold his own in a debate, and even throw some punches. So let me break down what I found to be the most important aspects of the VP debate. The Setup The debate was between current Vice President Mike Pence and Vice President Candidate Kamala Harris, for the length of ninety minutes, broken up into sections of ten minutes for debate on any particular subject. It was relieving to see that Harris and Pence were far more civil than Trump and Biden had been. They kept the interjections to a minimum, and my only complaint is that Pence tended to go over his time quite a lot. His delivery could have been a little more concise, but the candidates were otherwise cordial with one another. The Substance Now let’s get to the meat of the debate. Kamala Harris said nothing. She was very evasive around every topic, and she outright refused to answer anything definitive on certain very important points. She would play for time and talk about everything under the sun except for what she was being directly asked, and the moderator just let her do it. Okay, so, I’m obviously biased (A conservative writer writing for a conservative site- who’d have thunk?). However, I really do think that Pence smashed this debate. Every answer he gave was based on the policies that have been enacted under the Trump administration. He cited results, rather than bleat empty promises and vague ideals. He hit Harris and Biden out where it hurt. Allow me to get specific: Court Packing One of the most important political events to happen in the past couple of weeks was the passing of Justice Ruth Bader Ginsberg. Since Justices are lifetime appointments (and the temporary Justice appointments during Senate Recesses are basically irrelevant), everyone and their grandma has a vested interest in whoever gets appointed to next to the court. It’s basically going to change the dynamics of the supreme court for possible the next fifty or more years. Now, since the Republicans control both the Executive Branch and the Senate, they can essentially put whomever they want onto the court. It doesn’t hurt that the Democrats enacted a “nuclear option” back in 2013 which makes certain types of votes only require 50%+ majority, rather than two-thirds and that in 2017 this got extended to supreme court nominations. So since it seems likely that Trump’s pick, Amy Coney Barret, is going to be put onto the court, left-leaning media pundits have floated the idea of “packing the court”. Rather than waiting to replace a current justice with someone more favorable, they could instead simply add more justices to the court, and basically stack the court in their favor. In other words, they could cheat the system. The problem is that Biden and Harris have been suspiciously quiet on the issue. Biden refused to answer definitively during his debate with Trump, and when Pence demanded an answer from Harris, she pivoted not once, not twice, but three times when asked directly about the subject. And I think her silence says more than any of her words. Keep in mind that the moderator never pressed her on the issue, never asked about it, and it was Pence who demanded an answer. The Green New Deal: Yay or Nay? The second most telling part of the debate was Harris’ inconsistent stance about the Green New Deal. In case you’re not familiar with it, the Green New Deal is a five-page long manifesto that demands nearly every aspect of your life to be turned over to the government in the name of Environmentalism. It’s hardly even a matter of caring for the environment. The deal is awful. Estimates of the cost run up into the trillions of dollars. It would require the US to stop using Coal, Oil, and Nuclear- which is ironic because nuclear is easily the cleanest and most viable alternative to fossil fuels. It would ban clean, safe, and cheaper fracking. It would annihilate the airline industry (the safest form of travel, might I add!). It would kill the economy, and by extension, it could very well result in literal human deaths (studies have shown that bad economies result in higher suicide rates, increased winter deaths, and other such indirect ramifications). In other words, it’s very important to know where Biden and Harris stand on the policy. The problem is that they’re both liars. Harris in the debate said that they will NOT enact the Green New Deal. Their campaign website, however, says otherwise. Biden and Harris have both individually said, on camera, that they will ban fracking and enact the Green New Deal. In the debates, however, they both are now saying the complete opposite. They were either lying before or are lying now, and Pence rightfully called her out for
As a parent, you are always on the lookout for tips and information on managing all the affairs surrounding parenthood. Admittedly being a parent can be tricky, so it helps to access information about how to navigate it while maintaining your sanity. A mommy blog is a beneficial resource for plenty of parents around the world. These blogs share all kinds of information from health and wellness, financial issues to home management tips. For context, here are some ways in which a mommy blog can be beneficial. Provide information on financial issues Meeting the demands of a family can be challenging, especially now with the Covid-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is important to be able to access money when needed, especially in case of emergencies and life-threatening situations. To be honest, children can be very susceptible to catching infections and prone to having accidents. Some of these can be serious and demand medical care, which may be quite expensive. These unforeseen events place a lot of pressure on parents to be able to meet these needs. Mommy blogs can help alleviate this as they tend to be a good source of information on how and where to access these funds. This can be in the form of quick loans from various institutions. For instance, if you need money fast, 1AP Capital can help you access loans fast, and at the best interest rates in the market. 2. Create a social support system Mommy blogs are perhaps one of the best places for parents, mothers especially, to meet others in their situation and assist each other. This can be through sharing experiences and receiving assistance in handling challenges such as postpartum depression. In these forums, mothers understand that their feelings are not isolated to them. They also get motivated by the experiences of those who have successfully handled the same challenges. Mommy blogs offer support systems for various topics such as depression, bringing up children with disabilities, financial tips, and tricks to save money. These blogs also provide useful tips on home management and self-care following motherhood. Occasionally they provide expert information on how to handle changes that occur after being a parent. This can be on topics such as weight loss and fitness programs, and nutrition. 3. Baby care tips and tricks Parenting can be nerve-wracking, especially for first-time parents. Mommy blogs are the perfect sites to visit to get all the information that may keep you up at night as a parent. They discuss child milestones, colic in babies, and even how many times your child should poop and pee. They help alleviate the worries that parents have and provide useful tips such as how to relieve babies from gas and get them to eat their vegetables. They also provide vital pointers on some things to be on the lookout to avoid accidents. Baby proofing tips and techniques are quite popular topics in these blogs. 4. Great chance to make new friends. Mommy blogs are usually one of the best places to make new friends. This is not only for the parents but for the children as well. Stay at home, parents have a way of meeting new people with whom they have a lot in common, which can develop into meaningful relationships. They can result in playgroups for the children and result in creating a community. Mommy blogs can also help by creating awareness on sensitive topics that may not be easy to address. These platforms may raise awareness on issues such as living with disabilities, bringing up children who are differently-abled and creating awareness around them, and focus on creating a positive change. 5. Form good networks and conduct acts of charity Mommy blog creators can also organize events that bring together different people. Some of these events may be for charitable occasions such as providing care to the elderly in the community. This is a good way of giving back to the community. They can also be commercial where the blog or blogging community’s followers can sell their goods or offer each other services. They are also good forums to share information such as emergency contacts and refer medical specialists to those who may need their services.
If you notice that your basement or roof is wet, it is time to call a waterproof contractor. Since your home is your greatest asset, you must hire the best contractors to do the repairs. Finding the most reputable waterproofing company can be daunting, especially if you have never required their services before. However, do not worry. Here are five tips for hiring waterproofing services. 1. Insurance and Certification. Your potential company must prove to you that they are insured. Depending on where you live, waterproofing contractors may require a building permit. As such, to avoid having trouble with the authority, ensure that your waterproofing company has these permits. An insured company assures you that you will not incur the cost of any risk that may arise during the repair. Your waterproofing company should also be adequately specialized in waterproofing work. The company should equip all their staff with the required knowledge in waterproofing. A qualified company will know how to work sort your roof or basement problems without causing other additional issues. As such, ensure that your waterproofing company is certified by all the necessary professional bodies. Estimates. Take estimates from multiple waterproofing companies to choose the one that meets your budget. While this may be time-consuming for you, the estimates will give you a broader understanding of the services. Multiple estimates also enable you to compare the quality of work and help you make an informed decision. Do not go for the cheapest estimate blindly. The chances are that a cheap contractor just wants your money. Experience. You want to work with a company that has been in the industry for a long time. Such companies have repaired multiple basement and roofs, and they understand almost every problem. A company that has been operational for at least ten years has the right experience for your job. Companies with long years of experience also have the right infrastructure to complete your work. Even after hiring the most reputable waterproofing company, you may still run into problems within the warranty period. Local contractors are more credible, and you can approach them at any time. Local contractors will also respond quickly because they have a reputation to keep. As such, consider hiring a local waterproofing contractor Customer Service. Good customer service is a sign of an excellent waterproofing company. A reputable contractor will not shy away from providing a good work warranty and ensuring that they will help if you run into problems later. A good contractor will also advise you on the safety and maintenance measures or your home. Online Reviews. Before hiring a waterproofing contractor, go online and read online reviews of the company. Here, you can see what the previous clients have to say about the company. You can narrow down your search by eliminating the companies with a bad reputation. You can also ask for oral reviews from people who have worked with the companies. If you have a leaking roof or basement, contact this waterproofing company for the best affordable services.
The Government has opened a consultation on mandatory installation of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in England. While the consultation, which closes on 11 January 2021, primarily focuses on social housing it also covers aspects of the private rented sector and is an opportunity to make the case for reform of existing regulations, where they could be improved. This consultation follows on from the government’s social housing green paper which was published in August 2018, the social housing white paper that was published in November 2020 and the government review of carbon monoxide alarm requirements that concluded in January 2019. This consultation is launched alongside the social housing white paper and forms part of a wider package of measures designed to ensure that people are safe, and feel safe, now and in the future. It seeks to bring greater parity between the rental sectors in respect of safety. The proposal is to amend several pieces of existing legislation so that carbon monoxide alarms are mandatory in all private and owner-occupied homes in any room with a fixed combustion appliance, for example a boiler, cooker or water heater. Gas cookers are excluded from this requirement. The regulations apply to all properties, including houses, flats, and HMOs (houses in multiple occupations). The property owner must ensure that smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are installed. In rented properties, the landlord guarantees these sensors are installed and working correctly at the start of a tenancy. Tenants are then responsible for testing the detectors regularly and reporting any faults to the landlord. The property owner or landlord can be fined if a property does not have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors installed. In addition to this, failure to comply with the regulations can also lead to legal repercussions. Therefore, ensuring that smoke alarm installation is attended to before occupying a home is crucial. Propertymark will be responding to the consultation process and we are encouraging members to respond individually as well as feeding into our collective response through your regional representative, whose details can be found on the website. The consultation proposes that:
Homeowners or buyers wishing to settle down in a ‘forever home’ can look to these six simple considerations when creating a house to call a home. A ‘forever home’ is a property that suits requirements in the short and long term – so it needs to be a flexible space to fall in love with. Whether future plans are growing a family, downsizing and retiring, or making a return on investment, it’s important to consider how a living space can be shaped to meet specific needs and goals. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdown has prompted many to consider whether it’s time to move to a new house or start improvements on current properties. When it comes to making your home work for you, the property experts at Stormclad have shared their thoughts on achieving your ideal ‘forever home’. John Evans, managing director of Stormclad, said: “With everyone spending more time in their own homes, now is the ideal time to either carry out exciting upgrades on existing properties, or search for your next home, to improve your quality of living. “Here at Stormclad, we have more than 20 years’ experience in helping our customers transform their houses into dream homes. Whether it’s deciding what can be done to a current property now, or assessing whether a new property has the potential for extensions and improvements in the future, we wanted to share our tips on ways you can add value and quality features to your home, that will last the test of time.” Here are six things to consider for your ‘forever home’ 1. An extension to create space Adding an extension is undoubtedly one of the biggest changes you can make to your home – whether you’d like to extend the kitchen, add a utility or study room, or an extra bedroom – there is plenty of scope for you to enhance your home with the additional space an extension provides. An extension will almost always add value to a property, so it is well-worth the investment once you have done your research and secured planning permission. If you are looking to buy a new home, consider whether there is potential to extend the house at some point in the future. Local estate agents will be able to offer you advice, and you can also look to other properties in the neighbourhood to see whether they have benefited from an extension, so you know that you have the option, if you decide it’s something you want. 2. Maximising the space available For the interior of your home, consider where you can create spaces of value for yourself and your family. In these uncertain times, with many people staying at home and working remotely, it is important to create suitable, comfortable spaces for yourself and your household to ensure a good living quality for everyone. Quiet, tranquil spaces for relaxation and reading, a study for working, and a well-maintained garden are just a few suggestions when considering how to ensure your property is a ‘forever home’. 3. Outdoor space An often under-utilised area of the home is the garden – whether you’d like to transform it into a children’s play area, a space for your pets or an alfresco dining and relaxing spot, there are easy ways you can improve your outside space for the long run. If you want a dry outdoor space for your summer barbecues or winter fire pit, then consider adding a veranda to your property. Whatever the British weather has to throw at you, adding a veranda to the exterior of your home provides a stylish shelter from the sun and the rain. 4. Invest in upkeep and quality appliances One of the easiest ways to ensure your house is a ‘forever home’ is to commit to a regular maintenance regime to keep everything running smoothly and looking and feeling fresh. Adding a new layer of paint, deep cleaning carpets and investing in new blinds or stylish shutters are just some of the ways you can update and refresh your home quickly and easily, so that it remains a place you enjoy being. If you’re moving into a new home, these are simple steps you can take to stamp your own personality on a property straight away. It is also worth investing in quality fixtures in the home – appliances and electronics such as ovens, fridge freezers, tech, heating controls and dishwashers are worth spending a little extra money on as their quality means they will last much longer than cheaper alternatives. 5. Money-saving double glazing Windows are one of the areas most prone to heat loss in the home, with single paned windows capable of emitting around 84% of a room’s heat. To safeguard your home for the future, consider investing in double glazing to retain heat in your property and save money. Installing double glazed windows will retain the heat in your home by trapping a layer of air between two panes of glass which stops the air from circulating, resulting in a decrease of heat loss across the window. With modern double-glazed windows, the space between the panes is often filled with denser argon gas which will slow down heat loss even further. Older windows can look outdated, so replacing them with a durable frame such as aluminium, will transform the look of your home outside and in and continue to look smart over time. 6. A spacious conservatory A brand-new conservatory extension is a great way to add a light and airy room to your home. The versatile space is ideal for a whole host of uses, and can function as a dining room, playroom, living area or home office. This option may suit you and your family more than choosing a traditional extension, as it provides a space with a different feel to the rest of the home and helps to bring the outdoors in with plenty of natural light.
Land-based casinos are ever-evolving to keep up with the latest glitz and glamour trends The gambling industry has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of decades. Improvements in technology have helped drive online growth but have also given more scope to land-based casinos to use technology in improve the games offered, as well as the environment for the punters. There has been substantial growth in the online casino industry, with increasing revenue across the globe. It is estimated that the online gambling industry was worth just under $67 billion in 2020 and is expected to reach just under $93 billion by 2023. At the same time, there have been revenue reductions across land-based casinos. In Las Vegas, there was growth in revenue between 2009 and 2017, and revenues had started falling by a staggering 8.9% by January 2018. Similar figures were seen in the UK, where casinos saw small rises of just 1% in 2017, and 3% revenue losses. Nonetheless, there is still a huge amount of money generated by land-based casinos. In 2017 there was over $72 million generated in tax revenue in Las Vegas alone, and those designing casinos have huge budgets to work with when designing new building and new areas within existing casinos. The competition from online Casinos With the rise of online casinos, land-based venues are now facing huge competition. Offering a range of different games for all sorts of players, 888 Casino is one of the major players, they offer live casino games, which enable you to interact with the dealers as you might at a real land-based venue, on top of this they have thousands of slots and a great selection of table games, giving this online casino the advantage over many venues. Online casinos can make their customers feel special in the same way you might receive comps at any venue. A VIP club can reward frequent players with exclusive content, prize draws and giveaways, as well as free vouchers and cash bonuses. At online casinos, VIP events happen throughout the year, including an annual Christmas party, concerts, and exclusive weekends away in different European cities. The different levels of VIP status help make players feel rewarded and special when playing online. The developers work hard to help recreate the feel of a casino accessible from the comfort of the players own home and being able to play online give payers additional flexibility of being able to play from any location, and on the go. Land-Based Casinos Nothing quite beats the glitz and glamour of land-based casinos, with elegant cocktails on demand, the clinking sound of machines, and the excitement of socialising with others. However, thanks to their online competitors, land-based casinos have had to take a new innovative approach to attract and keep customers, such as these impressive casino designs around the world. Everything from the layout of the slot machines, the pattern on the carpet, to the use of natural lighting has become an exact science, and architects are innovating to create ever more comfortable and attractive locales. Many land-based casinos have grown to become full-blown resorts to offer something different to what can be found online. Alongside the traditional gambling games, many venues now include shopping centres, spas, bars, restaurants, and tend to be based in large, cosmopolitan cities, offering something for everyone. Hotel de Paris and Place du Casino, Monte Carlo, Monaco Place du Casino in Monte Carlo offers players all the thrills and glamour you’d expect in a classic casino. Perhaps one of the most glamorous locations to have a casino, and featured in several Hollywood films like the James Bond franchise, Confessions of a Cheat, and The Red Shoes, the Place du Casino is elegant and sumptuous, featuring floor to ceiling marble, Grecian style columns and marble table-tops. Located inside the Hotel de Paris, the imposing chandeliers of the grand lobby lead to the elegant marble staircase of the casino, which features a range of games such as poker, blackjack, and baccarat, as well as slot machines and a cocktail bar. Additionally, this hotel provides exclusive access to some of the most beautiful Mediterranean beaches a private country club, golf club, and the thermal spas. This was one of Princess Grace’s favourite hotels, and in 2019 was restored to its former glory following a US$280 million-dollar refurbishment. The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino The Guitar Hotel at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino is undoubtedly an iconic venue. It has 638 luxury guestrooms and suites and is designed to look like back-to-back guitars. It certainly attracts plenty of attention as it spans 450 feet in the sky and is covered in glass panes. It resides in South Florida so you’re most likely to see it doused in sunshine, which only adds to the spectacle. The structure was designed by Hard Rock International’s famous architect, Steve Peck of the firm Klai Juba Wald Architecture. It took a total of 10 years to design and build, but it was certainly worth the wait, it even features a spectacular light show at night! Casino de Genting, Pahang, Malaysia The Casino de Genting in Pahang, Malaysia, is the only legal land-based casino in the country, and there has been no expense spared when designing it. There are five hotels, including the First World Hotel and Plaza, which, at 7,351 rooms holds the world record for world’s largest hotel. Additionally, there is a theme park, shopping mall, restaurants, night clubs, bars, and a waterpark, making this the ideal holiday destination for gamblers and their families. The site has also hosted award ceremonies and TV shows have been filmed there. Sun City, Rustenburg, South Africa Sun City casino is decadently designed with a safari theme to offering something different. Renowned for being the resort that has it all, here there are manmade beaches, waterfalls, pools, two world class golf courses, as well as nightclubs, bars, and restaurants. At the heart of this, is the casino,
Although most people are currently working from home due to the coronavirus pandemic, it seems likely that a high percentage of people will return to the office at least in the coming months with many employers keen to have workers together in one location. So, what might this look like in the office as we emerge from the pandemic? Socially Distanced Workspaces One of the most important steps that employers need to take when it comes to the office is creating socially distanced workspaces. People need to be at least one metre away from one another, which will also be intelligent after the pandemic as it could reduce illness. Obviously, this is a challenge which is why many businesses may have to have some people WFH and some in the office and rotate. Health & Safety Health and safety will be critical as we emerge from the pandemic and business will want to do all that they can to provide a safe and healthy work environment for staff. Staying compliant with changing regulations will be vital and is likely to include things like proper ventilation, regular cleaning, availability of hand sanitiser and the use of contactless technology. New Equipment & Technology Following this point, businesses may need to invest in new equipment and technology that will enable them to carry out their operation safely. Many businesses have had to adapt as a result of COVID-19 which may require large investments in tech and equipment such as remote working tools, contactless solutions and augmented reality. This can obviously create a financial challenge, so a business cash advance could be a smart way to get the capital that you need to replenish the business for a post-COVID-19 operation. Employee Management Businesses will also need to consider the way in which they manage staff when they return to the office. It will create a challenge, but trying to enforce social distancing, reducing meetings and making sure that people are greeting each other in a safe manner will all be key moving forward. It is likely that people will start to return to the office in the coming months even if this involves WFH a few days a week. Businesses need to take action to make sure that they are providing a safe work environment for their team so that they can protect the health of employees and the public as a whole – the above are a few changes that will need to be made to create a suitable office space for staff.