4 Facts You Likely Didn’t Know About Board Games

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June 2, 2020

It’s raining outside, and you and your family are stuck in the house conjuring up a plan to make your Saturday a little bit better. You can venture out because of the weather, and it seems silly to just sit around and watch television all day so there must be a better option. It’s days like this that the board game was created for. Great fun for all the family and depending on the game can last for hours and hours. Tournaments can be created, strategic plans hatched, and to top it all off, it brings everyone close together. But there’s a side to board games I’m sure you don’t know, here are some interesting facts you likely didn’t know.

Monopoly

If you’ve never heard of monopoly then where have you been hiding? This game is a classic that can take an age to complete, full of strategy and collusion, Monopoly is a game in which you try to dominate a real estate board by buying, selling, and building on properties to try and earn the most amount of money possible. Once you get going it’s great fun, there are a few house rules to follow but also many different versions you can follow. You can make it as fun, or as complicated as you like!

As for some fun facts, the longest monopoly game ever recorded was 70 days straight. Now that’s some serious gaming! Another fact is that during the second world war, special editions of the game were used to help prisoners of war escape by including maps, compasses and other items hidden amongst the game.

Scrabble

This is one mighty brain teaser! Such a fun game for everyone as long as you’re over a certain age, placing 3 letter words for the entire game isn’t going to get you many points. The main aim of this game is to place words you create from randomly picked letters, you have 7 in total and have to make the largest word every time. You can use other players’ words on the board as long as it makes sense. There are some other rules like no names and no places, but other than that the entire English dictionary is yours to play with! Some people struggle to begin with and find it difficult until their vocabulary has built up a little. There’s nothing wrong with learning so click here for a little help with any letters you may be struggling with. Once you’ve learned it you won’t have to use it again.

There are other online tools too. For example, Unscrambled Words is great for when you need a little extra assistance coming up with Scrabble words. All you have to do is enter the letters you have to work with and let the tool generate a list of words that start with, end with, or contain the letters depending on what you need. You can even select the appropriate dictionary so if you are playing in the UK or the US, you’ll get valid Scrabble words.

Scrabble wasn’t originally called scrabble, the first-ever name was Lexico, followed by criss-cross word before settling on Scrabble. It was invented by an unemployed architect and once upon a time was a television show.

Checkers

A great game of skill that requires concentration and foresight into what the other player might do. Checkers is a game that’s played on, you guess it, a checkedboard, and the objective for the two players is to ‘hop’ over the other person’s counters and capture them. It’s a great game to pass the time and some think it’s a simpler version of chess.

Little did you know, however, that there has been a checkers board dating back to 3000 BC, meaning it was most probably invented by ancient civilizations. Some other sources have traced its origins back to the Egyptians.

Pictionary

What a classic. The game involves a pen, some paper, a stack of cards containing objects to draw, a timer, and a group of people. You take it in turns by looking at a card and receiving an object to draw, then you set the timer and draw the object you have been given whilst all the other people in the group try and guess what is being drawn. The winner is the first to guess correctly. It’s a brilliant party game that gets better as the night goes on.

Pictionary doesn’t come from a party background, however, it actually was invented by a waiter who when bored would pick words from the dictionary and draw them for his coworkers to guess. It was around the same time that Trivial Pursuit became popular so he turned it into a game and made the first 1000 sets in his apartment.

There’s always more you can learn about things, it just takes a little time to research. Board games have an incredible history behind them and it’s worth taking a look from time to time. You never know you might find the secret to winning whilst taking a look!

Important Things to Consider When Hiring a Digital Marketing Agency

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 2, 2020

Digital Marketing Agency — Source: medium.com

The business landscape has changed dramatically since the dawn of the digital age. The current markets for most businesses are geared towards digitalization due to the sweeping trend of internet access and online activities by people across the globe. While businesses and companies can choose between an in-house marketing team or a digital marketing agency.

There are certain advantages that the latter can offer, and these can be included in some of the important things to consider when hiring one.

Consider an Agency’s Advantage over an In-House Team

Choosing one over the other can be considered as a company’s preference, but let’s focus on the advantage of hiring an agency here. While the main reason why companies choose to establish an in-house team is due to cost savings, a digital marketing agency offers cost efficiency, which means getting the most out of the money you spend. You can check out brandlume.com as part of your top choices when it comes to an agency with a wide variety of marketing services that are handled by experts and professionals. When the agency you are hiring consists of experts and experienced professionals in the marketing field, you can be assured of the quality of the project. This means you spend less time monitoring their progress and you can put your mind at ease while focusing on your company’s core functions.

Look Into the Certifications and Expertise

Whether you have an idea about marketing or not, it is important to look at the certifications and expertise of an agency. Keep in mind that you are entrusting one of the crucial determiners of your company’s success to this agency, so it is only right to check on their key competencies and the certifications they obtained. Check for the agency’s areas of expertise and how they equate to the areas of your business that need expert marketing touch.

Check for the Agency’s Reputation

The internet can be a reliable resource when it comes to checking for a reputable agency to hire. When checking for an agency’s background, check on the client and customer feedback about the agency. The agency itself should have a dedicated site page or space where the feedback information can be found. If you need an unbiased feedback source, there are third-party agency information sites you can check for such information. Reviews can also be reliable pieces of information you can check on a marketing agency’s reputation. The agency you are considering should be transparent about this and should have a page with links to these reviews. Again, third party agency review sites can offer great insights about agency-client relationships. Thus, keep an eye for these valuable pieces of information and avoid agencies that do not have this information.

Explore Options When it Comes to Cost

We’ll touch back on the cost side of things when it comes to hiring a marketing agency. Contrary to the common belief that hiring marketing agencies is expensive, these agencies actually offer flexible rates and methods of payment. Companies can choose from hourly rates, flat rate or resource allocation arrangement. This means that companies have the option to choose which best meets the allocated budget and suits their payment preferences. Choose an agency that is transparent about its costs and is open for negotiations regarding the cost, service and roles the agency will handle.

Assess the Agency’s Commitment

Contracts are an essential part of an agency-client agreement. Typical marketing agency contracts can be six months to twelve months. Contracts may have definite terms when it comes to honoring what is stipulated in them. However, these contracts often include an “out clause”, which means you can terminate the contract for a specified number of day’s notice. Most commonly, the contracts have a 30-day out clause, but this can be extended or reduced, depending on the agency. Choose an agency that has an optimal or extended out clause as such an agency tends to be more committed and invested in its clients.

Consider an Agency’s Awards and Recognitions

There are many awards and recognitions granted to marketing agencies, and when you are looking for an agency, you might as well include this criterion. There are numerous private and government institutions that conduct evaluations on various agencies. These evaluations may be based on case studies, client audit reports, customer satisfaction surveys and other means of assessments. If the agency you are considering has won several awards, it means that it has firmly established itself in this line of business and that you can be assured of its quality of work.

Study the Agency’s Client Base

The advantage of knowing the agency’s client base is it allows you to know the different industry lines that the agency has been catering to. It would be a big plus if an agency has had a successful transaction or project with other clients that are in the same line of the industry as your business. For example, if you’re a tech company, you’ll want to look for a tech marketing agency with experience. Also, knowing the business size of an agency’s typical client base can let you estimate or compare your own business size and see if they are capable of handling similar-sized clients. Agencies that are able to acquire high-profile clients reflect their high-profit margin and their capacity of producing top-tier talents and resources.

Look Into the Length of Service

This generally refers to the longevity of the marketing agency. You will need to ask questions like “How long has the agency been handling digital marketing?” or “Is the agency capable of growing along with my business?”. These are some of the key questions that can be determined through how long the agency has established its line of service. While it is ideal that you should choose an agency that has a considerable length of service, there is also much potential in a good agency that is just starting out and still on its way to making a mark on the industry. Having a long-term partnership with an agency through the different growth phases of your company allows the development of a strong client-agency relationship where your marketing agency can grow along with you.

Assess the Agency’s Software and Tools

While there is no need for you to delve deep into the technical stuff about the software and tools used by a marketing agency, it is still necessary to make a general assessment of them. The most important consideration is the communication tools that will be used. Both you and the agency will need to regularly keep in touch for updates, reports, revisions and other important matters to discuss. When it comes to software, having an idea on how the agency goes about with its projects, what part of their process is fully automated and how the tools they are using generally work can give a sense of reassurance that your projects will be done efficiently. It is also ideal if the agency can give a background about the tools or even provide training and access to use the tools and operate their software if necessary, with the latter depending on the coverage of your contract with the agency.

More businesses and companies are realizing the value of having a dedicated and capable agency to handle the marketing side of their operations. With a well-coordinated and managed marketing being aligned to your business operation, you are ensuring the success and sustainability of your business in the foreseeable future.

Saving Time and Money with Mobile Auto Glass Services

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 1, 2020

Windshields play a huge role in ensuring the safety of drivers and their passengers. The windscreen keeps you protected from the wind as well as the harm that may be caused by flying debris such as dust particles, rocks, and insects while allowing clear vision on the road. Some windshields also come with a coating to protect your eyes from UV damage. But the unexpected does happen and from time to time, vehicle windscreens get shattered or broken. When this occurs, it renders your vehicle unusable since driving it in this condition can put you and other occupants in the vehicle in harm’s way.

This means that to get your car back up and spinning on the road, windshield repair is paramount. Needless to mention, new windshields need to be installed by a professional. When yours gets shattered, you can either get your car towed to the mechanic’s shop or call a reliable mobile auto glass service to your rescue. In most cases, the latter is more convenient for various reasons. This having been said, here are a few ways mobile auto glass services can help save time and money for you.

They Come To You

The best thing about mobile auto glass services is that the professionals come to the site or scene where the incident happened. Whether you need a shattered windshield replaced or you need a UV coating installed, you don’t have to drive to the garage or get your car towed there. As the auto glass repair pros at http://www.autoglasscentersusa.com/ reveal, this saves you both time and money. In addition to windshield repair and replacement, these professionals also handle side car window repairs and replacement on demand, saving you a lot of frustration. They address the problem quickly yet professional on the spot and before you know it, you’re back on the road in no time.

Save Money on Gas

These services are also beneficial in that they allow you to make cost savings on gas. For instance, if your car’s windshield just received impact and sustained a huge crack, you may be able to drive it effortlessly to the repair shop. But why waste money on gas when a mobile repairman can come to where you are? This is not to forget that as earlier mentioned, you may not have to spend money paying a tow truck if it’s just the windscreen that has been damaged. Even if it happened on the road, you can just park your vehicle on the side and dial an auto glass mobile service.

Use Auto Insurance

In some instances, car insurance may cover for the repair costs involved after windshield damage, partially or wholly. This is especially if it’s caused by harsh weather conditions like hail. However, most insurers insist on working with auto glass shops with negotiated rates. This means that drivers or car owners can make money savings by letting reputed mobile auto glass services handle the mess.

Research Prices

There are probably more than a few auto glass replacement services in your area or the area where your car’s windscreen/rear window gets shattered. The thing is, these service providers may have different prices for different services. Another great way to save money with mobile auto glass services is to perform quick research and compare prices. Some even provide attractive discounts that will spare you a few bucks but make sure you prioritize service quality over cost savings. Moreover, mobile service providers are often cheaper compared to brick and mortar auto repair shops.

Avoid Driving With a Shattered Windscreen

If your windshield gets damaged completely, driving the car can be a terrible mistake. For starters, it can impair your vision while driving, which puts you and other road users in danger. If you manage not to get into an accident, you can rest assured the cops will stop you and take action on you. As a driver, you don’t want to put yourself or others at risk, neither do you want to get in trouble with law enforcement. For this reason, getting a damaged windshield repaired as soon as possible can save you a lot of harm, time, and money in this respect.

On a parting shot, the benefits of having your windshield and car windows in good condition speak for themselves. They help ensure a smooth and comfortable driving experience at all times. If your car’s glass gets damaged, fixing it using mobile auto glass services can help save a lot of time and money while ensuring your safety is restored.

How to Choose the Best Material for Pool Resurfacing

By

Billy Voss

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June 1, 2020

The surface layer of your pool has become rough and worn out? Then, it’s definitely time to ‘change clothes’ and freshen up your favorite, cosy nook in the backyard. Insufficient information and inexperience impose the need to inquire about it better before the works start. Which material to choose and why – it’s an eternal dilemma. Your friends say one thing, your manufacturers persuade you to do something else, often only in order to convince you to buy their product.

In order to help yourself make a decision, you need to consider many factors and, above all, find out about the choice of materials that are generally used. Then, according to your possibilities and the existing conditions in the yard, you decide on what would suit you best. It’s basically all up to you – and you need to do it right if you want it to look smokin’ hot and be functional, too.

Let’s talk about some of the most popular and most commonly materials used in resurfacing first.

Plaster is one of the cheapest options for recovering, and for that reason, people usually choose it rather than other alternatives.

However, given the lowest price, it also provides the shortest lifespan and after a few years, you may have a problem as it will require rework… again.

As PoolResurfacingChandler.com states, you’ll know that it’s time to do so when you notice small cracks, stains or similar changes in your existing plaster The good thing is that repairing is easy – you just reapply it and paint it in the desired color.

Pebble stones are usually applied in combination with mortar. Resistance to unwanted dirt and stains is probably the major benefit that comes out of this option, which makes maintenance much easier.

Of course, it also makes it more popular, as nobody wants to bother much about this. For all those who want to have the impression of swimming somewhere in nature, for example on the river, this will do a marvellous job.

Concrete is generally considered a traditional choice in this situation. Longevity and quite a decent resistance to destruction are its basic features.

The aesthetic quality is negligible compared to the previously mentioned plaster and pebble, but at least you can choose the desired color of concrete.

Arranging the interior of the pool in such cases is often just one of the to-do points on your checklist. During resurfacing, its environment is usually remade as well and then brick, wood and various types of tiles can also be considered.

Non-slip and safe

This point should be considered first if the first thing you want to take care of is your health and wellbeing. We all know how fatal the injuries caused by slipping and falling might be – breaking body parts or hitting the head hard on the floor can even lead to death.

For that reason, just try to secure yourself in time with a non-slip rim around the pool. And especially if you have small children. Here, pebble stones would probably be most suitable due to their rough surface.

Flat, not rough, without bumps

Hiring a master to do this job is not a negligible item as the quality of the completed task will depend on their skills. The entire surface must be well leveled, without any protrusions that might bother you while swimming or just chilling in the pool.

You know that feeling when you grab the edge of the pool and it scratches your hands as the material seems to be too rough? Don’t let it happen! This is the opportunity to choose wisely and avoid such inconveniences.

Price

Think about how willing you are to invest in this – if you only want to renew the old and worn concrete base or you want to do it because you’re tired of its old ‘look’. You must answer this question first to know exactly what you’re looking for. And after that, consider your budget.

Be aware that the second option is usually more expensive, as there’s an aesthetic aspect which requires more funds. As we previously stated, some materials are cheaper than others, but if you want to decide well, take into account all pros and cons and guide your search according to that.

Color

The choice of color will undoubtedly affect the outcome since the whole aesthetic experience will be enhanced by this factor. The choice of the perfect color will rest your tired eyes – for example peacefully blue, enough to imagine yourself in the crystal clear sea at some exotic destination. Or gray, as a neutral shade.

Depending on the producers, you may come across a narrower or wider choice, but most of them include shades of these two colors – graphite and silver-grey, aquamarine, sapphire blue, etc.

Ability to reflect heat

Do you like to walk barefoot around the pool in the summer? Ouch, it burns! Yes, this is exactly the moment we want to draw your attention to – you don’t want to wait for this moment to come to find out that you’ve made a mistake.

Try to avoid this situation by getting a substrate made of heat-reflecting material. Sun absorption should be kept to a minimum and one of the ideas is to choose a darker color and keep the surface cooler on hot days. If you’re resistant to this and more durable, well, ignore this part of the text.

Consult experts

Don’t make decisions on your own at any cost. It’s always good to listen to different opinions – this proved to be a good recipe for perfect results: after talking to friends, seek advice in some other places.

Consult with experts who have many years of experience in this business. Nowadays various companies offer free consultations which can be very useful if you don’t know where to start. This definitely makes the activity of finding materials for this occasion less challenging and tiring.

Consider the resistance of the material to chemicals, mold, and weather

And lastly – ensuring the long life of the material after the restoration is a priority. Therefore, inquire about its durability and properties. You certainly don’t need something that will wear out quickly and cause you a new expense in a very short time.

Adequate maintenance is crucial – and it often includes almost inevitable use of chemicals. The substrate must be able to absorb a large amount without any consequences. Rarely does anyone decide to build an indoor pool and it’s often placed in a yard. In such cases, another must would be its resistance to frost.

8 Reasons Why You Should Buy a Car Insurance for Your Newly Purchased Car

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 1, 2020

Buying a new car is a big decision. You may do your research about the different types of models, its features, and its price and choose the best car that suits your needs. But, your research must also include selecting the right insurance policy for the vehicle. Read on to know more about why you must purchase insurance for your newly purchased car.

No matter the type of car you purchase, be it a standard vehicle or an SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle), it is paramount that you insure the car before driving it on the road. In India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, all car owners must purchase an insurance policy; it is a legal requirement. Driving without valid insurance is illegal, and it can attract a hefty fine. Apart from complying with the law, you must purchase insurance for your new car to keep your asset protected from risks like accidents, natural calamities, theft, etc.

In India, most insurance companies offer two types of insurance policy – Third Party Insurance and Comprehensive Insurance. The former is a basic policy and mandated by law. Under the policy, the insurer is liable to compensate for the loss occurred to the third-party’s vehicle and physical injury resulting from an accident involving your insured vehicle. The comprehensive policy, on the other hand, offers a broader coverage and it protects against third-party liabilities as well as damages to your car.

Now that you are aware of the types of car insurance policies you can buy, you must know the benefits of purchasing insurance for your new car.

1. Protection against accidental damages

Depending on the type of insurance policy you hold, you get protection against damages caused by the accident. If you have third-party insurance, the insurer will compensate for the losses you may cause to the third-party’ vehicle. If you have comprehensive coverage, the insurer is liable to pay for the damages to the third-party as well as to your car.

2. Protection against theft or total damage

Car theft can cause immense emotional stress as well as financial strain. If you have a comprehensive car insurance plan, you shall receive compensation (equal to the IDV of the vehicle) from the insurer. Similarly, if your car gets damaged beyond repairs due to an accident, the insurer will compensate for the loss equal to the IDV. The IDV or the Insured Declared Value is the maximum amount the insurance company pays in the event of car theft, and it is determined at the time of purchasing the insurance.

3. Protection against natural calamities

Natural calamities like rain, storm, earthquake, floods are unpredictable and can occur at any time causing severe damage to life and property. If your car gets damaged due to any natural calamity, your car insurance policy will come in handy to fix the damage and get compensation for the repairs.

4. Add-on covers

When you buy a comprehensive car insurance policy, you have the liberty to purchase add-on cover, which is an additional coverage option that extends the scope of your regular policy. It also allows you to personalize your policy to suit your specific needs. Some of the popular add-on covers that people purchase include, zero depreciation cover, roadside assistance, engine protection cover, no claim bonus protection, return to invoice, key replacement cover, engine and gear box protector, downtime protection, etc.

5. NCB

No Claim Bonus is the reward offered by the insurers for not filing a claim during the policy year. The benefit offered is in terms of reduction in the premium amount or increase in the sum insured upon renewal of the policy. The NCB keeps increasing for every year of not filing a claim. So, if you do not file a claim for five years, then upon renewal of the policy, you may get a 50% discount on the premium.

6. Increases the resale value of the car

While purchasing a car insurance policy for your new car, you may not be thinking about resale. But, after a few years, when you wish to sell the car, you would surely want to get good value. And, one of the best ways to fetch a good price while trying to sell your car is to have a comprehensive insurance cover. A higher-IDV (Insured Declared Value), and a policy with add-on covers will signify to the buyer that you really care about your car and maintain it in top condition, and you can quote a higher price while selling your car.

7. Obliging with the law

In India, as per the Motor Vehicles Act, all car owners must mandatorily have at least a valid third-party insurance cover always. Driving without a license is an offence, and it can attract a hefty fine. So, when you purchase insurance for your new, you not only protect your car from damages but also comply with the law. While it is mandatory to purchase a third-party cover, experts recommend buying comprehensive insurance as it helps you get wider coverage. Although the premium for a comprehensive cover may be slightly higher, it is a worthy investment considering the amount you can save in the event of an unfortunate accident.

8. Peace of Mind

Lastly, when you have car insurance for your new vehicle, you can have peace of mind knowing that your priced asset is sufficiently protected against accidental risk.

A lot of insurance buyers in India think of car insurance as a compulsion, but you must consider it as an investment that provides you several benefits as mentioned above. So, if you have recently purchased a new car or if you are planning to buy one, make sure that you get an insurance cover at the earliest. There are many reputed insurance companies in India like HDFC Ergo that offers a wide range of plan to suit the various needs of the customers at a competitive premium. You can compare the various plans and choose the one that best suits your specific needs.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Sale and Leaseback Financing

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 1, 2020

The term sale and leaseback is a transaction where the owner sells their asset to a person or a company and then leases it back immediately from the company or the person that bought it entering a long-term lease agreement. Using sales and leaseback frees up cash for the business, and it will help you measure the cost of financing, acquiring, disposing, and maintaining your assets more effectively. This is a strong alternative to conventional financing, and many companies, such as Skydan Equity Partners, offer this program. It can be beneficial for both buyer and the seller. The seller receives a lump sum of cash quickly, and the buyer acquires a lower-than-market-value purchase price along with a long-term lease at an attractive yield. It this post we will discuss all of the possible pros and cons of a sale and leaseback.

What companies or properties are good candidates for sale and leaseback financing?

Properties with single tenants
Property types such as office, retail, medical, and industrial
Companies with a long and provable operating history as well as a healthy balance sheet
Companies willing to enter into leases of at least ten years at the current market rate
Companies willing to enter a triple net lease and agree that the tenant will be responsible for any and all operating expenses

The advantages and disadvantages of Sales and Leaseback

There are several advantages and disadvantages to sale and leaseback deals. Consider them carefully to ensure you are making the correct decision for your business and commercial property.

Some of the seller advantages:

Converting equity into cash – With sale and leaseback financing, the seller regains the use of capital that would otherwise be tied up in property ownership. At the same time, the seller will retain possession and the continued use of the property during the lease term. Sellers typically receive much more cash with a sales and leaseback option than with conventional mortgage financing programs. Sale and leaseback transactions yield up to 100% of the real estate fair market value, compared to just 60% to 80% when using a typical outright sale.

A sales and leaseback are most advantageous where the property is sold at a small gain or a loss because capital gains tax is reducing the cash from the sale.

The alternative to conventional financing – The seller can generally structure the initial lease term for a time that will meet its needs without the call provisions, the burden of balloon payments, refinancing, or some other issues of conventional financing. The seller would also avoid the substantial costs of traditional funding like the appraisal fees, points, and some legal fees. Also, the overall economic situation can restrict access to capital markets. This happened in the aftermath of the financial crisis where loans were issued more conservatively than before. It made sale and leaseback transactions a valuable alternative to the more expensive mezzanine financing due to not having a dilutive effect on the seller’s equity.

Improved credit standing and balance sheet – The seller replaces a fixed asset with a current asset. In case a lease is classified as operating, the seller’s rent obligation is typically disclosed in a footnote in the balance sheet. That will result in a seller’s current ratio increase, or the existing assets ratio to current liabilities. This usually serves as the indicator of a buyer’s ability to service his short-term debt obligations. The seller granted a lease will be able to amortize the proceeds from this transaction on their income statement boosting reported earnings, which can positively affect their financial ratios and margins as long as legal requirements and accounting practices concerning sale and leaseback transactions remain unchanged.

Premium pricing – Historical evidence shows that a real estate that is subject to sale and leaseback with a dependable rent rate can have up to 13% higher value compared to those that are not subjected to this transaction. This is due to the expected higher cash flow of such property because the long-term lease agreement works against the usual periodic vacancy due to tenant fluctuation, which is common in property markets.

Some of the buyer advantages:

A property tax structured sale and leaseback transaction will prove the buyer with plenty of benefits and advantages.

High return rate – The buyer will receive a higher return rate with sale and leaseback than with a conventional loan. Moreover, the buyer will have the ability to circumvent state usury laws that are limiting the interest rate charged with traditional financing.

Secure and predictable return rate – Long term net lease will enable the buyer to estimate the expected future return rate accurately. The extended term of the lease also provides the buyer with protection from downturns in an inflation hedge and the real estate market.

Avoiding usury problems – With this type of arrangement, the buyer will be able to prevent the state usury problems that are encountered by the lenders when money is tight. The seller and the buyer can establish any mutually agreed upon rent level.

The Disadvantages of Sale and Leaseback

One of the disadvantages is that you’re not the owner of an asset until you purchase it at the end of the lease. This is a minor and temporary disadvantage because you’ll still be having the benefit of using the asset.

A Sale and Leaseback can be a bit more complicated than a regular one. Depending on your situation, it may take a little bit more time to finalize the agreement. This is especially true if your bank has a General Security Agreement (GSA) over your company. That way, a sales and leaseback agreement will require a signed waiver from the bank.

In case you’re looking for a new source of cash, so you’re considering sales and leaseback financing options, it’s essential to take into account both advantages and disadvantages to determine whether it would work for your commercial property. It is also a good idea to examine other possible options, and avoid common pitfalls by consulting your commercial property agent and instructing the help of financial and legal advisors.

7 Ways to Innovate How You Are Traveling

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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June 1, 2020

Ways to Innovate How You Are Traveling — Source: Medium

Preparing for travel requires paying attention to all the details including your flight itinerary, things to pack, culture, and proper etiquette of the destination. You also need safeguards if you are traveling to places experiencing political disorder or natural disasters.

Prepare your documents weeks or months before the scheduled departure date such as visas depending on where you are traveling to. Consult your physician for necessary vaccinations. For instance, adaptabletravel.co.uk advises that you contact the foreign office or state department to get specific information regarding travel alerts and other warnings that can make your travel dangerous and unstable. Get as much information as possible to help you in case there is a crisis to help you make an informed decision. For instance, if there is an earthquake and you can’t access your pertinent documents or get back to your hotel room. What does this mean? When you go for meetings or on a sightseeing outing, remember to take your passport with you. Carry the embassy contact information with you always and ensure your phone is fully charged.

1. Prepare a Good Travel Itinerary

Have a well-thought itinerary that reflects your aspirations. Consider your priorities and goals and confirm your appointments in advance. Space them comfortably to ensure you can attend to them all. Even spacing ensures you have an enjoyable and more productive agenda focusing on your goals in all the meetings.

A flexible schedule ensures there are no unexpected delays in transportation and opportunities like luncheon invitations. You can leave a copy of the itinerary with a trusted friend or colleague so that they know where you are every day. Give pertinent information such as medical insurance and passport copies. You can also leave an emergency contact list with the travel planner.

2. Inquire About the Culture

Invest time in learning the culture, customs, and history of your destination. You can attend cross-culture training or seminars. Brush up on their attitude towards punctuality, negotiation styles, proper use of titles and names, or gift-giving customs. For instance, the Japanese consider it rude for you to be late for the business meeting, but lateness is acceptable for social occasions. In the Middle East, it’s common to engage in some small talk before the beginning of a business meeting.

3. Learn Etiquette and Protocol Practices

Go ahead and study the general etiquette and protocol of the destination you are visiting. Know the proper way to manage appointments and great your counterparts. Check the normal business hours and workdays. For example, in the Middle East, they work from Saturday to Thursday and it’s uncommon for lunch in most countries to last for two to four hours. Inquire about foreign holidays, religious customs, business manners, and dietary practices, or acceptable dress code.

Misunderstandings over body language or gestures can be embarrassing and complicate your business. Therefore, find a local to help you with local customs so that you are well-informed about the ins and outs of that country.

4. Learn That Native Tongue

Business associates always love sincere attempts. You don’t have to learn the whole language but at least know something and hire a translator if you are uncomfortable speaking the language. You can learn a language using apps and online programs.

5. Check Travel Advisories

Government-issued travel advisories concerning safety can affect your schedule in that country or location. Travel advisories can be in relation to political unrest, natural disasters, crime or war outbreaks, and health emergencies. Your traveling decision should be based on solid information and always have a backup plan if things don’t go right. For instance, know where the nearest consulate or embassy is in that place and ensure it is functioning and fully staffed.

6. Protect Yourself

Have travel insurance on a trip-by-trip basis or a yearlong policy. This helps you out during a crisis like medical evacuations. The insurance mitigates financial loss you can incur. Remember, different destinations have different risks so ensure you choose a business travel insurance that covers you well in any circumstance. Check if you require another policy to cover y injury and medical costs.

7. Stay Connected Always

An adapter or plug helps you change your notebook, PDAs, or cell phone when you are overseas. Contact your mobile network service provider before leaving to give you international options for such trips. You can choose a temporary plan that is compatible with the host country. Consequently, the phone should be able to make international calls.

You can also use Skype for international calls and communicate using WhatsApp. You can also buy a local phone for making international calls as it may be affordable.

Ensure you plan your trip in advance before traveling to cater for every eventuality. Safety is vital and get information concerning travel advisories issued by the embassy or foreign office. Familiarize with local culture, etiquette, and language to know the dos and don’ts. Have an amazing traveling experience.

How to Choose a Personal Injury Lawyer Wisely

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

June 1, 2020

The days that follow after you’ve been injured in an accident, either on the road, at work, or on someone else’s property can be extremely tough. In addition to physical pain and perhaps disability, injuries from these accidents can also put a great toll on you emotionally and financially. There are medical bills to be paid and other expenses to be met, not forgetting that depending on the extent of your injuries, you might not be able to work, which means lost wages. Exclusive Leads Agency, is well know for helping attorneys find new clients that have experienced these kinds of hardship.

It’s important to note that drugs and cosmetic products like foundation can also cause (topical) injuries. If you click here, you will discover some of the safest skin-nourishing foundations currently on the market today. In addition to giving you an even, smooth, and radiant look, by choosing a good foundation, you can avoid injuries and the need for a lawyer in the first place.

All the same, however, the person or entity found at fault with negligence is often insured, meaning that their insurer is supposed to compensate you for your pain, suffering, medical costs, lost wages, and other damages. But dealing with insurance companies can be overly hectic if you decide to go it alone. Most of them hire adjusters whose strict role is to minimize compensation payouts as much as they can. For this reason, having the right personal injury attorney on your side becomes paramount if at all you want to get the fair compensation you deserve. Here are some crucial tips on how to choose a personal injury lawyer wisely.

Consider Their Experience and Specialization

When in search of a good personal injury attorney, you will of course start by doing some research to come with a few potential candidates. As you compare them to choose the best, the experience is one of the most important factors to consider. Well, it might sound a bit harsh, but the truth is, inexperienced lawyers who are jacks of all trades with no line of specialty will rarely win court cases. It is, therefore, extremely important to choose a lawyer whose core area of practice is personal injury. He should at least have some expanded knowledge and experience in this field so that he or she knows the specific strategies to employ in your personal injury case.

It’s important to also get information about the lawyers’ background experience, including how many personal injury cases they’ve handled and how long they’ve been in practice. Most importantly, you’ll want to dig deeper and determine the specifics around the lawyer’s cases. For instance, does he normally handle car accident injury cases, work injury, or product-related injuries?

Check Their Reputation

Who wants to hire a lawyer who has been caught up in scams? Working with a lawyer who has a well-grounded reputation will always raise your chances of winning your case in court. Ensure your lawyer is someone who has earned respect from judges, other lawyers, and the different insurance companies. It also helps to check reviews online as well as the lawyer’s website and social media pages to see what others are saying before hiring them.

Assess They’re Winning Records

While choosing a lawyer, you may want to look into the past cases this lawyer has handled to determine how well he or she is likely to handle your case. Look out for his case curve… is it always going down or up in terms of winning? Who wants to work with a loser anyway? Some lawyers will always win whereas others will always lose. You need a lawyer who has first-hand experience and knowledge in insurance rebuttal to ensure he argues your case to the maximum for that most-awaited win at the end of the hearing.

Get Referrals

You may know of a friend who’s at one time been involved in a personal injury case. So you can always contact them or check out from your family members for contacts of a good personal injury lawyer. If you get a good word about the lawyer, you can consider him and plan for a consultation. However, don’t over trust the recommendations. Instead, first engage with the lawyer to determine if they’re up to the task, which brings us to the next important consideration. Gauge their communication skills.

Nothing can be more irritating than a lawyer who is a ‘know it all’. Yes, he may be a professional, but your word or advice in the case should have equal weight and you have all the rights to chip in and to be listened to. Therefore, as you choose a lawyer, go for someone whom you can communicate with, a good listener who will listen and follow your wishes on how you would like the case to be approached. Communication with your lawyer is key as it will have a major impact on your case… it can either make your case stressful or successful.

Finally, don’t jump into a train without inquiring about the fee. Inquire from your lawyer, how much he expects from you and whether he would prefer you to pay in advance or after the case is settled in court. Some of the best lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means that you only pay if they win the case. These are some of the wise points you need when choosing a good personal injury attorney.

Autism and the Gift of Hyperlexia

By

Billy Voss

-

June 1, 2020

Autism is one of the most common diagnosis in children that are 5 years old or younger. This indication has many different symptoms and depending on the ASD type, some signs may be seen as gifts.

Experts say that hyperlexia is a gift that some of the autistic patients can receive and here we are going to talk about the common symptoms, statistics, and how these conditions are diagnosed.

Autism Statistics

It is said that autism is a condition that has been around for centuries. However, it took many years for researchers to start diagnosing this disease. In the past, the people were usually misdiagnosed with other conditions, and it made the treatment process harder.

Researches show that the cause for this indication is genetics and when the parents are older, the children are more likely to be diagnosed with autism. This disease is harder to diagnose in women because girls are better at “masking”.

Masking means that people have the ability to copy the way others behave, including emotions. Girls are better at masking than boys, and because of that, girls usually get diagnosed at a later age. Some statistics show that women may not get diagnosed until they are in their late 50s and sometimes even older.

This year the reports show that one in every 200 children is diagnosed with a form in the autism spectrum disorder or ASD. At the moment Honk Kong has the highest rate of ASD in children with about 400 diagnosed children out of 10,000. When it comes to the United States, that number is 200 children in 10,000. The majority of the diagnosed are boys with about 4% and less than 1% are girls.

This does not mean that girls are less likely to get the condition, but they are usually harder to diagnose, and because of that. Nowadays there are many facilities that focus on the research of the symptoms that girls show from the earliest ages, and how that can help in future diagnosis and treatments.

Autism Signs

There are a lot of symptoms children show that can lead to a diagnosis. The reason why we call it a spectrum disorder is because some people may exhibit more symptoms, and some of them may only show the slightest traits.

People who are better at masking and can mimic the behavior of others are less likely to be diagnosed. Unfortunately, when there is misdiagnosis or when their families don’t believe them, it can lead to other conditions like anxiety and depression.

Some of the symptoms may include difficulties with social interaction, communication, and hypersensitivity. Patients say that their brain works in a different way and that sometimes they don’t feel the need to eat or use the bathroom. Because of that, they need to be reminded that they are hungry, thirsty, and what they need to do to take care of themselves.

About half of the children diagnosed with a form of ASD have IQ scores above average, and 25% have normal IQs. It is said that hyperlexia can be one of the early signs in autism in children, but sometimes that condition or gift may not be connected with ASD at all.

Hyperlexia

The word hyperlexia comes from Hyper, meaning better than, or above and Lexia that means reading. So, this is a condition when a person has a better understanding or knowledge of words and languages. Children who have above average reading skills that are not common to their age may be diagnosed with this condition.

The children who’ve been diagnosed with this condition may learn to speak earlier than their peers and they will have a better way of communicating with others. It is said that this condition may be perceived as a gift, and in most cases, patients have an above-average IQ.

This condition may also be one of the earliest signs of autism since half of the people diagnosed with ASD have above average intelligence. If you want to learn how these conditions are connected, you can read more about a specific case where a little boy exhibited above-average reading skills and was later diagnosed with autism.

However, statistic shows that these two conditions are not always related and that your child may get diagnosed with only one of the indications.

How is hyperlexia diagnosed?

If you suspect that your child may be hyperlexic then the first thing you need to do is schedule an appointment with your pediatrician. They can access it and let you know if there are more tests that need to be done.

They will ask you about the development of your child if there are any other symptoms that they exhibit and you will need to carry all of the medical documents with you. Make sure you write down any medical history and to let the doctor know if your child was diagnosed with a type in the ASD.

The next step in the diagnosis process is when the team of medical professionals will rule out any other possible condition and possibly, make a hyperlexia diagnosis. They will look for signs like behavior difficulties, the child being able to learn new languages with ease, above-average interest and knowledge of words and other languages, and possible difficulties in learning or understanding the mother tongue.

Sometimes children that are diagnosed with ASD may exhibit symptoms of hyperlexia, and sometimes the second condition may not be related to autism. No matter what the diagnosis is you should be supportive of your child and be there for them.

When you hear that your child has a condition that there is no cure for, many parents feel helpless. You should always know that sometimes things that seem like issues are blessings in disguise. You should try and educate yourself about the conditions and what you can do to help your child lead as normal life as possible.

There are a lot of people who have this condition and they live long and healthy lives. You can get in contact with other patients or parents and talk to them about the things you are experiencing. Talk to your doctor about the things you can do to help your child.

10 Annoying Things Every Gamer Hates

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

June 1, 2020

AndroidPIT-Razer-Phone-Gaming_02-w1400h1400 — Source: cnet

Gaming is the largest part of the entertainment industry, earning more than music and movie scenes combined. The biggest revolution in gaming was when the online servers became available, along with the various consoles and additional equipment. Video games are constantly evolving, and some of the most recent titles have improved near-realistic graphics and gameplay.

Some of the most popular games are League of Legends, Call of Duty, Counter-Strike, GTA, World of Warcraft, but there are also numerous other titles played by millions. In case you are playing the most popular MMORPG, World of Warcraft, visit mywowgold.com, where you can find a way to upgrade your hero much easier by buying gold.

On the other side, there is a great chance to get annoyed, especially when you are playing games in multiplayer mode. There is a variety of players when it comes to their behavior, experience, collaboration, and other abilities. Most of the gamers have experienced some sort of frustration while they were playing, and there are many reasons that could affect that. Here are the most annoying things that every gamer hates.

1. 12 Years-Old Gamers

Imagine this situation, you came home from work and decided to take a break by playing your favorite video game. But the server of that FPS or strategy that you chose is full of annoying kids who are constantly threatening you, cursing you, bragging, and a lot more. This situation can ruin both the game and the rest of the day. Maybe the best solution is to try to find an online room with less chance to have kids there or create one with your friends and avoid being annoyed by teens at the peak of their puberty.

2. Lagging

One of the worst things that could happen while you are playing games online is a lag. We know that the level of frustration in this situation is unspeakable. Also, there are a lot of videos where we can see how some gamers got so angry for this, that they even broke a keyboard, speakers, and some other objects in their rooms. Sometimes the server became too crowded, and this can happen. In that matter, you should know that there is nothing you can do about it, so at least you can try to calm down.

3. Cheaters

Cheaters are the worst part of the gaming community. They often find some ways to break the rules or hire AI bots to play instead of them. For example, there is a cheat in Counter-Strike, where the player can pass through walls. If you find that you are playing against the cheater, just agree with other players that he should be banned from the game.

4. Campers

If you are playing FPS, that you must hear of the term campers. Those are the players who hide in some corner and wait for you to show. It is very hard to play against this sort of player, but that is their way, and there is nothing to do about that. We know how annoying it is when everybody just wants to play a little action, but that one guy is ruining it with this method.

5. Loot Boxes and Play to Win Games

A lot of modern games, especially ones for smartphones, are implemented in the loot box system, where you need to buy various upgrades if you want to be better. The annoying part is that no matter how good your skills are, someone who bought different upgrades could easily beat you. Most of the gaming community doesn’t like these games since they are unfair.

6. Pausing an Online Game

People who are using the Pause option are usually hated by the gaming community because it is highly frustrating when someone hits the pause button in the middle of some action. The developers are aware of that, and there are many games with a limited number of pauses that players could use in one game. For example, in Dota 2, each player could pause the game only 2 times.

7. Companies That Are Lying About Their Video Games

There were a lot of cases in the past where developers and companies were making announcements about their games, and how those titles are going to win the market. However, some titles showed a complete failure and disappointment for many who bought them. Some of the biggest most recent failures are No Man’s Sky, Fallout 76, Warcraft 3- Reforged, Postal 3, and tens of other titles got much better promotion than the actual quality and story of the game.

8. Unexpected Second Boss Battle

Developers are often hiding different quests, Easter eggs, bonuses, and much other stuff in the game, which makes them much more entertaining to play for a longer time. However, there is also an annoying part when it comes to surprises, and that is a second boss in some quest. In most cases, your character is probably down with health’s, or you are lacking ammo, but you have another tough opponent right after you thought that your mission is complete. The worst-case scenario is to lose against the second boos, and need to play the same mission or level all over again.

9. Lazy Teammates

People who are not cooperating well are especially frustrating in games like League of Legends and Dota 2, where you are playing 5 vs. 5, and every player in the team can be crucial for the victory. Some people would rather hide away from the opponent, and collecting various things to upgrade their characters, while the rest of you is struggling to win as a team.

10. Never-Ending Discussion over PC vs. Consoles

There is a lot of games that you can play on consoles like Xbox and Play Station, along with PC. However, we can see that many people are constantly arguing over which console is better or is PC better for gaming than them. If you just want to enjoy your favorite video game, just avoid this sort of discussion. In the end, it is a matter of personal choice when it comes to the selection of a proper gaming station.