Making the Switch: 5 Perks of Driving a Hybrid Car
Fuel efficient. Eco-friendly. Fun to drive.
Those are just some of the qualities that people look for in a car. When you take a hybrid for a spin, you will realize that it has all those and more, all in one cool and convenient package.
One of the leading dealers of hybrid cars in the area, South Dade Toyota, asserts that while driving a hybrid may seem like something that only environmentalists should be excited about, the truth is it brings so many advantages that will make you seriously consider switching to one.
Below are 5 perks that come with driving hybrid cars:
1. Driving Comfort – Performance-wise, hybrids are just as safe and smooth to drive as conventional cars. In addition, hybrid cars are notable for being extra quiet.
2. Savings –It’s all about fuel-efficiency. It is perhaps the best reason to switch to hybrid cars. The initial cost may be a bit steep, but newer models are becoming easier on the budget.
3. Energy Efficiency – Hybrid cars get better mileage than gas-powered cars. Be sure, however, to do your research as some models are better on the highway while others thrive in stop-and-go traffic.
4. Minimized Fuel Emissions – As tailpipe emissions are a major problem in the world today, you get to be part of the solution when you drive a hybrid that has up to 90% less emissions.
Hybrids are the cars of the future—if not today already. With so many perks that come with owning one, there is no reason you shouldn’t seriously consider it when you are out on the market for a new ride. If you are looking for a car with the least possible impact on the environment and then some, then a hybrid is definitely the vehicle for you.
Bring Back the Spark: Re-engaging Team Members
A company or workplace full of unmotivated and disengaged employees can be devastating to a business. Other than bringing negative energy to the office, they don’t do their jobs well and might also be driving customers away.
Disengagement in the office usually happens after a year or two, when both employer and employee expectation changes. Sometimes, employees start to feel unmotivated when the workload increases or becomes impossible. They may also feel disconnected when the company does not care about them.
If you feel the members of your team are starting to show signs of disengagement, it is important to act accordingly. You don’t have to fire people right away and hire new employees. The best solution is to re-engage team members and renew their commitment.
Reconnect
Team members may feel withdrawn when they think that their efforts are going unappreciated. It is best to start asking questions to make them feel recognized and cared for. You can also deepen the level of engagement inside the office by helping employees connect with each other outside of work. According to Brad Montgomery, motivational speeches and team building sessions work.
Listen
Unmotivated employees often feel that their opinions and insights are not valued. This is why it is your responsibility to talk less and listen more. When having a meeting, it is best to keep the questions open ended to encourage them to share thoughts. Give them a chance to ask questions or challenge a proposed idea. When they feel that you listen, they will be encouraged to perform well.
Be Informed
According to research, employees are unhappy at their jobs because of lack and praise and recognition. As a manager, you have to reacquaint yourself to the role of other to for a better understanding of their possible annoyance. Sit down and talk to your staff, and set a goal that everyone is comfortable with. It is never a good idea to enforce something without considering employees’ thoughts.
Always initiate a discussion with your team members to know about their plans and aspirations. You can help them understand their options to improve morale and encourage engagement.
Common Sense Plumbing Fixes
Regular maintenance of your plumbing network and fixtures can guarantee that your home is in a better condition. Moreover, a few simple maintenance touch-ups here and there can avoid facing serious problems with your plumbing and water supply.
A smart homeowner has with the basic knowledge to keep his home in the best possible condition. A simple DIY book or an online tutorial can help in fixing several minor plumbing problems in your home.
A minor caveat, perryplumbing.com notes, is that if you are unsure about your pipes, your plumbing, or generally don’t know how to begin, consult a professional.
Here are a few basic tips to help you keep in home in tiptop shape:
• Fix small leaks as soon as possible, before the problem gets out of hand. You should have basic knowledge to stop leaks from faucets and other installations.
• Make sure you do not allow materials that may clog the pipes to get into your plumbing network. Clogged pipes are generally more trouble than it is worth, and could affect the plumbing in all parts of your home.
• Exposed pipes require insulation, and if there are any pipes located near electrical sources, ensure that you put heating tape on them for safety purposes. Insulation can also help you cut down on energy and heating costs.
• Improper caulking near fixtures on windows, doors and vents could potentially damage them. Seal them correctly and check them often.
It is always a good idea to know how to fix minor setbacks on your own, as help is not always around the corner. Still, in areas like San Diego, plumbers are ready and on-call, so in cases where you want to fix the trouble right away, you can instead ask for their services.
A professional look at the plumbing in your home identifies and fixes all problems with your plumbing and the fixtures. This ensures that the plumbing network in your home functions well for a long time.
Federal or State Laws on Background Checks
As a student, job applicant, or background check subject, you may be wondering about the criminal history information that may appear on your background screening report. According to federal law, in determining the criminal history that can and cannot be included in a consumer report, non-convictions can be reported for seven years. Convictions, on the other hand, can be reported without limitation
Under State Laws
The same cannot be said, however, about the different state versions of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), the federal law regulating background checks. For instance, some states have limitations based on the projected annual salaries of positions sought. With the intent to regulate criminal history done on applicants with lower incomes, these limitations determine whether reporting restrictions can be applicable.
Under Federal or State Law
Potential complexities regarding this matter arise from determining whether to follow the federal or state law. If the state law should be followed, then which law from which state is applicable?
If you consider the following hiring scenario, you’ll recognize the legal complexities that most employers face. For instance, an applicant with a driving under the influence (DUI) arrest record in Illinois applies for a position with a firm based in Wisconsin, while still residing in Springfield, Illinois. In this case, what state law regarding criminal records reporting will be applicable if the laws differ?
In general, employers should not inquire about arrests, as convictions should be more their concern. With arrests as public information, however, they will appear if the employer performs a detailed background screening. In this case, a DUI arrest record can be a hindrance, especially if the position requires driving a vehicle.
Noll Law Office LLC explained that Illinois state law allows the process via the Criminal Identification Act when it comes to sealing and expunging the arrest record. Through this act and with the aid of a local DUI attorney, the applicant can have the record expunged if they were not found guilty or the charges against them were dismissed.
No matter which law an employer chooses to follow, the fact is it depends on their hiring process and corporate needs whether your criminal history affects your application. As such, learn about the company before applying, and be honest about your background information.
An Overview of Commercial Garden Maintenance
The backyard or garden is one the most useful and well-designed part of any good home. This is the best place to entertain family and friends in summer, a place filled with greenery and calm. With the fragrance of seasonal flowers floating and the cool breeze blowing through the shrubs, the yard can help you and your family unwind after a hectic day.
Tim Davies Landscaping has a few things to say about garden maintenance and development.
The Place Needs Care and Attention
Plants are living things, though, and like all life forms they need taking care of; but they are also decorative with a set expiration date, so you need to replace them when necessary. To keep a garden organised and clean, you need to maintain not only plants but the landscaping as well.
Still, you may not have the expertise and time to spend maintaining the lawns and the plants regularly, so hiring a good service provider is an excellent idea. The lawns and the flowerbeds need continuous professional maintenance to retain their appeal all round the year.
The Services They Offer
These service providers offer a number of options in maintenance. For example, they offer full backyard maintenance and development. They can convert a dry piece of land into a refreshingly beautiful landscaped backyard in no time.
They can cater to specific gardening needs such as supply of seeds, saplings, and fertilisers as well. In such cases, you have to take care of the plants on your own, but if you choose to develop the place then you have the option of hiring this company only for maintenance.
Pick the Company with Care
Sieve through the dozens of landscape designers and pick a good company that will suit your needs and the purpose for your gardening; make sure to talk to them about what you want, and they understand your ideas. To find one, use the Internet as great designers often list their services on online directories. A reputed and experienced company with a good track record is always the best choice.
Garden maintenance is a good way for homemakers and domestic-minded people to try their hands on plants and nature. Still, if you can outsource the job to experts who can develop and maintain the property, it would be a better idea.
The Wise Way to a Divorce Attorney
Divorce, or the dissolution of any marriage, can be a messy affair, especially if you are not careful with whom you choose to represent you. The process may not only be emotionally challenging, but financially draining as well.
Here are some helpful recommendations when it comes to hiring a divorce attorney:
1. Know what you need.
Each divorce case is unique. Some can be quite messy while some might have some semblance of mutual agreement. Regardless, you need to make sure the attorney you would be hiring has had experience handling a case similar to yours. It is also a good thing to consider your preferences when going through divorce attorneys.
2. Have a budget in mind.
Now, you have to keep in mind that hiring divorce attorneys can be costly. So, set aside a substantial amount for your attorney’s fees. Fortunately, according to ISM Law Offices of Ian S. Mednick, attorneys typically have different payment methods. There are attorneys who would charge you an hourly rate, especially if the kind of service you need is more consultative in nature. There are also those who would only bill you once they have won the case for you. Make sure you discuss this with your chosen attorney.
3. Check their background.
Before you make any decision, check how long the attorney has been in the business. While you’re at it, you should also consider his or her success rate. After all, you would want someone who has consistently won their cases. Now, just so you do not end up with nothing, make sure you make a shortlist of three attorneys you would like to work with. Check out what each can offer and then make a decision.
Once you have chosen which attorney to go with, disclose everything to him. This would include any affairs that you might have had, what you have been through, what steps you have taken to save your marriage, and even what properties you would want to keep under your name.
Enjoying Authentic Chinese Food
Chinese food may not have made great impact yet in the kitchens of average Australians, but they definitely tickle their palates. For instance, Australians seem to love the sweet and sour food, black bean sauce or even lemon chicken.
Not all food from China interested the locals, true, but the invasion is already underway.
Easy Preparations
The usual stir fry may soon become a permanent fixture in many households due its ease of preparation coupled with its nutritional value. Some of their exotic preparations are challenging to imitate.
Peng-you.com.au notes that another reason for this popularity is the role of Chinese restaurants in Australian cities, especially in cosmopolitan places like Brisbane.
Authentic Fare
Authentic cuisine from China can conjure up images of spicy peppers, loads of white rice, soy and other heavy sauces. In China, though, people are generally more adventurous with the kind of food they eat.
Some exotic choices are the squirrel shaped fish, yak blood cubes, live monkey brains and the roasted piglet. Chinese chefs serve authentic food ‘complete’; for example, chicken still have the feet, head and beak attached when served. The tails and heads of fish still remain, as well.
Restaurant Types in Australia
While not all this authentic fare is widely available in all restaurants in Australia, the authentic tastes from China are definitely possible in many restaurants. Some of these places have been in existence for nearly 25 years, setting a wonderful standard of authenticity and excellence.
Great Food and Wonderful Ambience
The quick and hospitable smile of the staff, the general décor of these eateries and the ambience are captivating. A quick look at the menu reveals dozens of old favourites and some never before tasted items.
Some restaurants even send their chefs to China to update themselves with the latest trending dishes. They return with newfound knowledge of the latest and exotic recipes. They introduce these items gradually, or else give them a local spin, into their mainstream menu.
Authentic Seafood
The authentic fares feature an amazing collection fish, scallops, prawns, lobsters, mud crabs, and so on. Most of these dining places also serve fine wine, beers and spirits that can complement the authentic cuisine.
Chinese food is one of the oldest and finest cuisines in the world. Western palates find the varied and rich flavour of this fare satisfying and worth going back for more.
So You Think You Can (Run a) Dance (Studio)?
Dancing is an art. And like any other form of art, it is often thought as something that can’t come practical; people believe that it can’t be a form of livelihood. There are, however, many ways to prove these naysayers wrong, and one of them is owning a dance studio.
Owning a dance studio is owning a business, so you need some entrepreneurial skills and strategies. It’s not going to be easy, especially if you haven’t handled any venture yet or you think you have no business savvy at all.
Here are some things that will help you run your studio in case you’re a business novice:
Resort to Apprenticeship
If you believe you have no entrepreneurial skills, but still want to go on with your venture, become an apprentice to a dance studio owner. There, you won’t only improve your skills, but also your people smarts and the ways of handling the different areas of the business. You will also become familiar with the common problems and how to solve them. Your mentor may even teach you how to use software, which streamlines certain processes, from companies like TheStudioDirector.com.
Give Back to Community
You’re in the initial phase of building your business. Before you fully go on with your venture, give your target audience some head start. You may organize an event where people can learn to dance for free. This won’t only give you some exposure, which is necessary for the business, but you also do something that people will surely appreciate. It also provides an opportunity to expand your network.
Other than the operational expenses, you need to focus on the marketing side of the business. Your studio needs to get known first so it can attract clients. If you have a sizeable budget, you may build a website that will help widen your customer reach.
Other than these things, you also need to monitor cash outflow. A lot of dance studio owners underestimate the value of accounting, and this miscalculation has led their businesses to failures. Don’t hesitate to work with an accountant if money becomes difficult to manage.
Finding the Diamond in the Rough for IT Service Providers
Almost all businesses will need th
e services of IT service companies for various purposes. This could be for support of IT devices and equipment, for computer hardware and software, or for any upgrades required. It is rare not to require their help in today’s digital world.
Still, hiring haphazardly may do more harm than good, so you should take care to hire the right kind of firm for your requirement. This is so to maximize their support, and to get the best services at cost-effective rates.
Kind of Support
You may need their services on a daily basis. The kind of support could be either remote or in-house. Do your homework before hiring an IT consultancy firm, however, especially if you will be dependent on them for all your IT issues.
For 24×7 support and presence, onepathsystems.com says you will have to look locally, but if remote support is enough then your choice will be wider. They can assign a dedicated professional who will be your point of contact.
Do Your Research
As befitting their jobs, most of these firms have good websites with all the details that you will need. To find a suitable firm you will have to understand your requirements precisely. This narrows down your options and makes the search easier and quicker.
Look at the layout of their websites, their clients’ profile, their testimonials and reviews to get a fair idea of their kind of service. Then you can shortlist some of them and contact them with your queries.
Interview Their Representatives
Talk to them individually and clearly explain the kind of business you operate. Understand how exactly they can help you with you issues. It is best to choose someone who will provide 24×7 support and are accessible when you need them. For issues that need them to provide support physically, find a local IT firm nearby.
Finally, draft the contract clearly specifying their responsibilities and read all other regulations they may specify before signing the agreement.
IT services provide all kinds of hardware and software support for businesses, but finding one is hard not because of lack of them, but quite the opposite. Sifting through the mediocre ones to find the diamond in the rough takes a little due diligence.
Basic Preparation when Cutting Glass
Cutting glass
is not as easy as it you might think. It takes more than a steady hand and having the right tools to achieve the best possible results. Using the basic glass cutter can help you get the right size and specific glass shapes. Here are some basic reminders when cutting glass:
- First, you need to find a decent working area. Make sure you have good lighting so you can work comfortably. Prepare the tools you need. Wear safety goggles at all times to keep your eyes safe from glass chips and dust. If you don’t have enough space for the project, it is best to look fora company offering glass cut to size in Perth.
- Use a high quality glass cutter that fits comfortably in your hand. Check the oil in your cutter before you start cutting. Make sure the oil lubricates the cutting wheel as it turns. You can also use a small amount of kerosene for the cutting wheel.
- Keep in mind that you need the right amount of pressure to use the cutter. Adjust the pattern templates at least 1 to 2 inches away from the edges of the glass. This gives you enough stability when breaking the glass.
- Mark the score from one edge to the other. Do not apply too much pressure when the cutting wheel crushes the glass. You may need to adjust the score line when skipping the gaps. Use markers to be more accurate when scoring.
- Never go back and forth over a score line with your cutter. If there’s something wrong with the initial score line, adjust it to at least ¼ inch and try again. Use both hands when breaking the glass. It is also advisable to utilise glass-breaking pliers for more leverage.
- Clean up rough edges using a glass grinder. Make sure to get the exact size as you pattern the template. Use a bench brush to clean the cutting area in-between cuts.
These are some of the few reminders when cutting a glass. Always consult a professional for better results and for your own safety.
