How to DJ On a Laptop, Even for a Beginner

March 18, 2020

There was a time when DJing would require a whole host of specialized and expensive equipment for even the most basic of setups! Thankfully, today things are a bit different.

Thanks to technology, all you need to get fully up and running for a proper DJ session is a laptop, some software, and artistic intuition.

While we can’t help you with the latter, we can, however, equip up with all the information you need to turn your laptop into a fully mobile rave machine. Here’s what you’ll need.

A Fairly Decent Laptop

The fact of the matter is you won’t be able to take your dad’s 12-year old single-core Dell laptop and expect it to run all of the software and plugins you’ll need to entertain a picky crowd.

Having the right laptop and maybe, more importantly, the right OS is crucial to have a setup that will be able to supply beats all night long without so much as a microscopic hitch.

Processer wise you’re going to want to have an i5 or an i7 at the bare minimum preferably with at least 4 physical scores if not more. Some of the applications can get fairly resource-intensive so having 16GB of ram at hand is another plus point. You can get by with 8, but more technical DJing software like Traktor might leave you hankering for more memory.

Then comes the age-old question of Mac vs Windows. Most DJ’s as we know use MacBooks as their laptop of choice for audio production. Why? Well, the simple fact is that MacOS just handles audio processing better and is a lot more stable. It’s CoreAudio drivers allow for plug and play of devices and runs rings around Windows ASIO in terms of stability.

This is not to say that Windows is no good either, with a few tweaks you can get ASIO up to par with MacOS’s CoreAudio. There are quite a bit more free software and plugins available on Windows as well. To dive deeper into this debate you can check this article out about Mac vs Windows for music production at NetBookNews.

So don’t go out and buy a new laptop just for the sake of it, as long as what you already own is relatively modern and powerful. It should be just fine. If you do need a new laptop, you can learn more about some of the best laptops for music production at NetBookNews.

The Best DJ Software

Take one quick Google search and you’ll find dozens of software available. There are a few favorites out there among DJs. However, the key thing to remember is what works for them won’t necessarily work for you.

So do your research, test some out and find the one that best fits your style. The top two choices currently on the market are.

Traktor Pro 3 – Native Instruments ($99)

Available for both macOS and Windows, Traktor Pro has become somewhat of a benchmark for DJ software. Having been on the market for over 10 years, its been constantly updated and optimized to become a powerhouse for live music sessions.

Veteran DJs describe it as reliable, powerful and loads of fun to use. It doesn’t matter what you throw at it from 4 decks mixing to dozens of lopping patterns, it’ll handle it no problem. With version 3 you get a clearer, sharper and more efficient UI alongside a plethora of other features that make the entire process just that little bit easier and more simplistic.

It even comes equipped with a plane’s Elastique Pro V3 time-stretching and pitch-shifting engine. Yes, we know that made no sense at all, what it translates to is a far more pleasant sound that isn’t as gritty or tinny as previous versions and competing for software.

Native Instruments also manufactures there own mixers, so you get seamless integration if you decide to expand your DJ arsenal within their product line.

Serato DJ (Free Trail – $299)

Another software that has just as loyal of a fanbase is Serato DJ available on macOS and Windows. While it may not be as widely adopted as Traktor Pro it comes with its own range of features and advantages.

Firstly it has all the essentials you’ll ever need from a DJ software to get started, it features the lowest latency amongst all its rivals and is compatible with an extensive range of hardware.

Other features include a sampler that allows you to load in 8 samples each within four banks, as well as effects powered by isotope. Serato Pro comes with 13 effects as standard however you can up that by purchasing the FX expansion pack.

Serato also has a diverse range of pricing options from subscription-based packages to one-time purchase options. You can even purchase the full DJ Suite that includes DJ Pro, Serato Play, Serato FX, etc all for $299.

If that’s a bit too rich and you can get Serato DJ lite, it doesn’t have all the features unlocked but its a great way to learn the basics if you’re just starting out.

Where Do I Purchase Music From?

If your thinking about downloading the audio from YouTube or ripping it from some old CDs you have lying around, then don’t! Formats such as MP3 or WAV are “lossy” formats. That means they’ve been compressed, sacrificing quality for smaller file sizes.

Sites such as Beatport allow you to download tracks in a lossless format, in addition to that, it’s got a top ten chart as well. So if you’re struggling to find a track, this is a good way to get some inspiration.

Other sites such as Juno Download, Boomkat, Traxsource and Bleep are just as good. You can even search around on SoundCloud to find some free tracks from up and coming artists.

Conclusion

As you can clearly see, DJing is no longer only for the experienced and the wealthy. Thanks to the magic of tech you can now start producing music from the very comfort of your own home with just your laptop.

Engineered Wood Flooring: Why Is It Perfect for Homes and Offices 2024

Дмитра Врачарић

March 18, 2020

Have you ever taken a look at the Engineered Wood Flooring? If not, then you should. It is made of hardwoods that are quite strong. Different wood layers are glued together to form a hard structure that is quite durable and is called engineered wood flooring.

Why should you install this flooring at your home and office?

Well, in this article, there are a few points discussed below that will explain to you why it is highly recommended to be used in homes and offices.

What is the cost of the flooring?

The price of the engineered wood flooring can be a little costly, but when you add the installation price to the maintenance cost, it is quite less in comparison to any other flooring. As a result, it allows you to upgrade your property by investing a small amount, according to flooring365.co.uk.

Does the wood flooring hold up?

The warranty of the wood flooring ranges between 10 to 20 years under normal conditions. It means that you can also have one or two pets at your home even after installing this flooring and it will last for a period of 10 to 20 years without any wear and tear. Some companies also provide a lifetime warranty while purchasing these products.

How to store an engineered wood floor?

Store in a covered and dry place.
Do not leave directly on the ground. It is recommended to use pallets at least 8 cm high, due to the possible humidity of the base.
Never leave the boxes upright or supported at only two points, as this would deform the pieces.
This type of floor must be acclimatized to space where it will be installed, so it must be left in place for at least 72 hours before being installed.
For daily cleaning it is recommended to use a soft, clean and dry cloth. If there are some stubborn stains, you can apply a specific product for the varnish promptly with a soft cloth on the stain and then a clean, dry cloth.
Wait at least 12 hours before putting the furniture on the floor.
Immediately clean the floor when a liquid spill occurs, as well as the direct entry of water can be from rain through the windows and doors.

How to maintain the engineered flooring?

Polyurethane coating can be used to coat surfaces, protecting them from scratches and helping to resist water damage. Check some of the best floor polyurethane reviews on woodwhiz.com.

For daily maintenance of engineered wood flooring, mopping with the help of a clean cloth would be sufficient. For effective cleaning, you can also opt for vacuum cleaning once a week.

How to install an engineered wood laminate floor?

If it is to be installed in a newly built location, it must be structurally complete and closed, including exterior doors and windows, so as not to increase the moisture content within the space.

Tools and accessories to install

Broom or vacuum cleaner.
Hygrometer (humidity meter).
Tizer.
Taco to hit.
Meter of measures.
Safety glasses.
Circular saw.
Miter saw.
Masking tape.
Rubber mallet.
Ruler.
Metal plain.
Adhesive.

Glued Installation

Engineered wood floors can be glued directly to the slab or substrate; for this, the surface must comply with the cleaning, humidity, and leveling conditions.

Floating Installation

A leveling product should be applied since the floor must be very even. This leveling must not tolerate imperfections greater than 3 mm, measured with an aluminum ruler over a length of 3 meters.

Cutting

When cutting a wood panel, a square must be on hand to mark the lines straight. If you use a jigsaw, you must put the drawn face of the board down. If a circular saw or handsaw is used, the drawing should be facing up.

The jig tends to fall out of the cut line. Therefore, you must hold the panel with the press and firmly grasp the saw with both hands. Try cutting with a wide blade, as the edges of the panel are less likely to break.

Wooden Floorings In Basements

Because of the moisture level in the basement, many wooden floorings are not the best option for basements. But engineered wood flooring can be installed in basements also. The wood has a natural tendency to contract and expand in the humid condition is reduced to a great extent. The thinner profile of the board helps in providing better flooring, but you need to do it accurately.

Dance Floors

Engineered wood flooring can be installed on the dance floor also. They provide a smooth surface that helps the dancer to perform without falling. They are dimensionally stable and also do not deform or wrap in any case. They can bear wear and tear, and the durability of this flooring is also of top class.

Practical tips

Check the humidity of the slab where the engineered wood floor will be installed. Slab humidity measurement is carried out with appropriate instruments (hygrometer). It is not convenient to install the product if the device has a degree higher than 40% relative humidity.
The concentration of excessive weight per cm2 on any wooden surface is not recommended.
Felt strips should be placed on furniture and rugs should be used under furniture with wheels.
One week before the installation of engineered wood flooring, the use of the heaters should be discontinued entirely and kept off until at least one week after installation.
The surface temperature cannot exceed 26ºC.

Security advice

Try to use all the necessary tools and security elements according to the specifications of each manufacturer. Keep in mind the use of gloves, masks, and goggles to make the cuts.

Final Word

Engineered wood flooring is a much better alternative compared to any other flooring and is much cheaper also. The manufacturing of the product provides better stability and is ideal to be used in many places. Because of its multiple advantages, the popularity of engineered wood flooring is continuously increasing. As a result, it also helps in providing an organic look at an affordable rate. So, you can opt for engineered wood flooring in a lot of places.

Online SMS: 5 Pro Tips For Success 2024

Billy Voss

March 18, 2020

Receive-SMS-Online-Australia — Source: technews2day

SMS itself has been around since the mid-’90s but due to the explosive rise in mobile technology and mobile usage SMS has become even more relevant to businesses who are looking for a direct one to one marketing channel to help them generate leads and sales, promote events and even to communicate with their internal teams.

With the rise of the online SMS sites the technology was able to shift gears and make mass text messaging possible and now businesses are using SMS services to send thousands or hundreds of thousands of text messages instantly to mobile users.

With 98% open and read rates and 30%+ click-through rate you can why businesses are using this tool especially when you compare it to email which typically receives a 20% open rate and roughly 3-5% click-through.

Very rarely will you find a marketing channel that intrinsically comes packaged with impressive engagement rates like this, when you think about how tough it would be for a veteran marketer to get anywhere near those numbers, especially consistently.

Even so, there are still rules to SMS that can make your SMS campaigns even better.

1. Get your timing right

As with all advertising and sales timing is essential.

For example, a restaurant sending out a lunch special after lunch will bomb in spectacular fashion but if you get people right before they tend to start thinking about lunch then your success will be much higher.

The trick is to find the time during the day, week, month or year where your customer is beginning their buying process so you can intercept them and have an opportunity to win that customer over.

2. Be transparent

The problem with most marketing is that often times important details are left out or written in small print which typically results in customer service headaches and refunds.

Before a person opts into your text messaging list let them know exactly what they going to receive and how the relationship is going to work so there are no surprises that trigger negative feelings towards your brand.

By telling them what to expect beforehand you’ll be getting the highest quality leads opting in.

3. Always include an opt-out

People tend to get a little nervous when they receive a text message from business and there is no way for them to prevent future messages if they no longer want to be part of the program.

Having an opt-out option available inside your SMS messages dramatically increases the trust factor you have between your business and your subscribers.

This also removes any legal headaches that may arise.

4. Keep Your SMS Messages Structured

Your typical SMS message has only 160 characters so you don’t have a lot of room to work with.

In actual fact, this is a major benefit since it forces you to get your message across quickly with zero fluff.

Here are some tips on how to structure your message

Include your business name –You can do this by using a Sender ID or by mentioning it at the start of the message.
Personalize – This isn’t a hard rule, but it’s a good idea to include the recipient’s name at the start of the relationship. The truth is, once the relationship has been established there’s little need to include their name, just give them an offer.
Relevant offer – This is a hard rule. Consumers are incredibly protective of their mobile numbers and are quick to block businesses with irrelevant messages. Make sure that your messages always have something good to offer that is relevant to the recipient’s needs.
Conditions – Include a link to any special conditions for an offer.
FOMO – If you’re making an offer give them a deadline which can be time-based or quantity based – we humans tend to be quite lazy so you need to make them aware that they could miss out if they do not act.
Tell them what to do – We’ve covered a lot of ground so it would be a waste if we didn’t tell them how to get the offer we outlined. Mention your URL (use a link shortener), tell them the location, etc.
Opt-out – Include an opt-out at the end of the message.
Segment your list

If you’re a business who sells different solutions this means that you’re going to be serving different types of customers who have different goals.

If you’re a hair salon then a 50% off blow wave might be good for the women on your list but your male subscribers will instantly be wondering why they’re receiving that offer.

For this reason one of the best practice principles to employ is making sure that you are separating these people into their own relevant groups.

By keeping people grouped together in this way it does 3 key things

Reduces unsubscribes, complaints and being labelling as a spammer because you’re only sending out relevant offers that you know your subscribers will be excited to know about; this in turn..
Increase conversion rates; and finally…
Makes it easier for you to come up with tightly focused offers

Conclusion

Marketing is a tough game so you need every advantage you can get an online SMS messaging gives you a lot out of the box especially in terms of super high open, read and click-through rates.

Using online SMS is a fantastic way to generate highly qualified leads for your sales team or generate sales or even recover abandoned carts for an online retail store.

Emails go unopened, phones go unanswered, banner blindness is getting worse, ad costs are skyrocketing but SMS is one of the very few communication channels that is actually come down in price and has arguably the highest open and read rates of any other marketing channel.

This makes online SMS an incredibly powerful promotional tool to help businesses generate leads and sales for pennies per text.

How to Choose the Best Payday Loan Company Online in 2024

Abdar Grincoli

March 18, 2020

Choosing the best payday loan company is not an easy task, and choosing the right company to work with can be hard too. However, if you research online and find a few payday loan companies that seem reputable, this can be the way to go.

You have to be careful of the payday loan companies that are out there today. Some are not legitimate at all, and their goal is to take your money without asking questions or giving you a clear explanation of how you will be paying them back. Be very careful when deciding which company to go with, especially with all the competition out there now.

Some loan companies that we recommend are BBB

Some of those that are recommended are Better Business Bureau accredited. We’re very happy about this because the BBB and other people’s reviews can tell you a lot about a company, including whether they are the best payday loan company for you.

A company that is going to pay back your loan on time, or give you a good interest rate is a company that has the best reputation. Of course, many of those companies don’t follow the industry’s guidelines and it is up to you to make sure you choose a company that has been around for a while.

If you want to use the internet, you will find a lot of information about the best payday loan companies out there. With all the options and information you can access, it may be hard to choose a company to go with, but the best way to decide is through the consumer’s viewpoint.

Look at other people’s opinions on the subject before you make your decision

Consumer opinions are something you should consider when choosing a payday loan company. It can also be helpful to consider what your credit score is, and how you will be able to handle paying back your loan when you get your next paycheck. Like what you have read so far, to find out more about this, click here.

Another thing to think about when choosing the right company is how much money you can really afford to borrow, because this is another important consideration. Also, a borrower should choose a company that will understand how to manage payments, because this is the one thing that keeps many borrowers from repaying their loans.

Not being able to pay back can be very stressful for some people

Having to deal with cash advances and not being able to pay it back can be very stressful, especially if you are worried about your credit score. Remember, use this only for emergencies, so when in a pinch, you need to be sure you know how to get a loan, because a company that is lacking in customer service isn’t likely to be the one you would choose.

When choosing a payday loan company, you will have many options to choose from. You can also choose a lender who can send the money directly to your checking account or make an installment loan payment.

Having your payday loan company send the money directly to your account allows you to manage your finances, which is a benefit, especially when you have a high credit score. However, this is not something you can do whenever you have money in your account, so make sure you are in a situation where you can pay back your loan.

A payday loan company should provide information about their fees, in order to get a general idea of what they expect to happen. They should also have a website that will help you manage your finances and give you information about how to pay back your loan.

Finding the right company can be a tedious process, but it will help to pay attention to what a few consumers have to say about the payday loan companies they’ve used. If you take the time to check out all the company’s websites, you will see that there are many different payday loan companies to choose from.

Find out the causes for the ongoing popularity of these loans

Because you get money back for payday loans that you have borrowed. The rate of interest is 0% per month, which makes it the cheapest payday loan in India. In fact, you will receive a lot of interest because you will get paid back in 4-5 days.

I have been using this online payday loan for over 10 years now. But, I am no expert. I would like to thank all the readers who helped me. We are all one family. You have all made this possible.

I have a lot of readers who like to send me feedback and tell me about their experiences, which helped me to find the right payday loan for me. As a result, I am providing you with the best information available online.

Conclusion

Hopefully this article will help you in choosing the best service available out there. It is clear that this can be a very stressful process, especially when you do not have much time and you desperately need some money. We would like to hear your opinions in the comments in the comment section and share your thoughts, experiences (both positive and negative) so we could have some insight from you, our readers.

Why Video Marketing is So Powerful for Business – 2024 Guide

Kane Dane

March 18, 2020

51625662_l — Source: Business 2 Community

Video marketing is one of the most effective ways to increase online sales, attract new customers, and promote a product or service. This is something that has been getting a lot of attention lately. And not because it’s a trend – but because it shows good results. According to many expert predictions – this will be continued in 2024.

What is Online Video Marketing?

When we speak of this marketing format, it makes the most sense to talk about marketing on Youtube. Most often, commercials are presented with a “Trueview In-stream” where the viewer is broadcast before the video and the viewer being given the option to turn off the advertisement after a few seconds. Advertising is charged to the advertiser only if the viewer has watched at least 25% of the advertisement. Although viewers will not be thrilled with the ad – Google calculations say that 21% of users will watch the video until the end. However, there is one big plus for that part of the market that will skip advertising. It only takes a few seconds for the brand to remain in the minds of consumers. In a few seconds, every visitor to whom your ad aired will have to watch it.

Use The Maximum From The Video

Just like Adwords and Facebook ads, this type of marketing also offers the ability to target and broadcast ads to the right audience. Also, the costs are lower because they only charge for those ads that are at least partially watched by the user. This type of advertising is perhaps the most effective form of “launching” a brand into consumer awareness. Analyzes show that a person remembers 20% of what they hear, 30% of what they see, and even 70% of what they see and hear! If we add the fact that as many as 2/3 of Internet users in the world use Youtube to watch videos, the conclusion is self-imposed – this is a marketing channel that should be used to the maximum!

Do You Need The Help Of Professionals?

Although many people think they can do everything themselves – in practice, this is not the case. You can check Visme for all help you need If you want a video that will truly represent what you are doing, you will need the help of professionals. Have you prepared adequate video material? If so, the work is just beginning.

Teams of professional companies like l7pic, based on research and experience, will give you an idea of the optimal budget needed to start your new visual campaigns. They can help you determine the best type of advertisement. They will also advise you on choosing the channel and target audience to which your video will be broadcast. Companies like this are here to help you track the flow, results of your campaign, daily. They are here to help you streamline your visual campaign in the most effective way.

Reasons Why You Need To Turn To This Type Of Marketing

Video is fast becoming one of the most profitable digital marketing tools and should not be taken lightly. So, if you own a business that sells products or services, it is certainly advisable to consider including video content in your promotion. And here’s why.

1. It is important for SEO optimization

If you include video in marketing content, you will significantly improve the SEO of your website. In translation – your chances of being ranked high in Google results by posting a video increase by a whopping 53 times. YouTube is the second largest search engine after Google and is also owned by Google, so video uploaded on this platform will significantly affect your ranking. At the same time, video on your site increases the amount of time visitors spend on it and signals to search engines that you have very good and quality content.

2. Video increases engagement

When it comes to social networks – video is one of the basic ways that you can increase the engagement of your users. As a percentage – there is a much greater chance that the audience likes, shares, or comments on a social media post if it is in video form. For example, keep in mind the Facebook autoplay option – which makes the video even more interesting and capable of capturing user attention over textual content.

3. Consumers love video

Estimates say that in the past year, video content alone accounted for nearly 80% of total online traffic. Over time, this percentage is increasing. Also, they are much more likely to view more of your video presentation – than they are to read your article, blog post or product description. In simple terms, video is simpler and easier to consume, thus more actively enticing and lazy audiences. So, good video marketing can reach a much wider and more diverse audience.

4. It will increase the memorizing of information

Combining audio and visual content into video formats – significantly increases the chances of your audience remembering the information you are marketing to them. From what people hear, after only a few days, only 10% of the information will be withheld. In visual content, this figure is slightly higher and amounts to 20%. But if a user sees and hears your presentation at the same time – they will remember as much as 80% of the information after a few days.

5. This format will enlarge your sales

One important fact is that video can help you win significantly more customers. Studies show that a large percentage of potential buyers are more likely to purchase if they have watched a video presentation. Video content is especially helpful in detailing how your product is used and exactly what it does. These results are no surprise, given that vision is the most dominant.

6. It will improve connectivity with your audience

Numerous marketing campaigns are aimed at arousing emotions for the potential consumer. They have a positive effect on the decision to buy your product or use your services – but they also leave a mark in its subconscious. With video, you can easily connect with your audience and make them gain confidence in your brand. Through it, you can tell your story and form a much more intimate and intimate relationship with your customers.

5 Incredible Leonardo Da Vinci Inventions

Kane Dane

March 17, 2020

When most people talk about Leonardo da Vinci, they never fail to mention some of his most famous works like Bacchus, Mona Lisa, and Annunciation. However, as a true man of the Renaissance, da Vinci’s talent, knowledge, and skills went far beyond art since he was also an inventor and engineer among many other things. Armed with brilliant intellect, never-ending curiosity, and a love for both art and science, Leonardo was probably one of the most diversely gifted people to have ever lived with his paintings, drawings, and inventions inspiring numerous future generations of engineers, scientists, and artists alike.

Many of the artist’s inventions never became a reality while he was alive since they were way ahead of their time, however, they have served as both an inspiration and foundation for some of the most incredible innovations we still use today. Simply looking through the extensive notebook collection, it is evident that Leonardo truly had a passion for several things, especially the laws of nature which inspired many of his unbelievable creations.

So if you are curious and would like to learn more about da Vinci himself, as well as about some of his best ideas and creations, here is everything you need to know.

A Brief Biography

The artist was born in Tuscany, Italy, in 1452 and received minimal education during his childhood, only learning basic reading, writing, and math. However, what was obvious from a very young age was his artistic talent and he started an apprenticeship when he was only 14, learning from a renowned artist Verrochio everything about painting techniques, color, drawing, and art in general.

He ended his apprenticeship after 6 years and became a master artist, opening a workshop of his own, even though he kept working with his mentor for an additional 6 years.

Even though he is best known as a painter, he wasn’t a very prolific one, producing less than 25 paintings in his life. And here’s a fun fact – for him, the Mona Lisa was always a work in progress since he was reaching for perfection while painting it. Because it was never considered finished, the painter never sold or parted from it.

Interestingly, a lot of his engineering creations were primarily made for military use, although he was known to be completely opposed to war. He passed away at the age of 67, continuing his studies in various fields until the end.

Many of Leonardo’s inventions were never patented since they weren’t made into actual machines or devices, but today, there are many companies that can help inventors do this. Firms such as InventHelp can aid people to submit their product ideas or inventions to various industries and can help with the patent application as well, so make sure to visit this website for more input.

The Inventions

1. The Parachute

Da Vinci strived to create a machine that could take humans up in the sky, so it is only logical that he also designed something to get them to ground safely in case of an emergency. Unlike parachutes we see today, his was made of linen, had the shape of a pyramid, and a wooden frame too.

You might find it interesting to know that the parachute was tested in 2000 by a professional skydiver. And although it was discovered that its shape offered a smoother ride, the wooden frame was found to be the problem since it posed a danger of injuring or crushing a person once they reached the ground.

2. Diving Suit & Equipment

There were no limits and borders when it came to da Vinci’s ideas, so it should not be surprising that he was hired to come up with a creation that would allow soldiers to move and breath underwater, as a way of sabotaging enemy ships by cutting holes at the bottom of their hulls.

Just like with many other of his creations, the diving suit was not needed at that time and was only tested during the initial, planning stages. The suit consisted of a mask, goggles, and was completely made from leather. It also featured cane tubes that were attached to the mask and that supplied divers with air from the surface. Using a balloon, the divers controlled the descending and ascending.

Interestingly, da Vinci also played around with the idea of storing air underwater, his suit baring uncanny similarities with the diving equipment that is used today, meaning it was about 400 years ahead of its time.

3. Armored Vehicle (A Tank)

Five centuries before tanks were developed and successfully used in 1916, da Vinci developed the armored vehicle, a battle machine many consider to be the prototype and predecessor of the modern tank. It was meant to be operated, more specifically pushed, by up to 8 men and could carry guns or cannons.

Taking inspiration from a turtle’s shell, it came in the shape of a cone, built from protective, thick wood and metal plates. Due to its shape, it could fire from any direction, making the vehicle practically indestructible. Although it was also supposed to be able to move in any direction, the gear system was faulty, something today’s engineers believe wasn’t due to a mistake in the design. According to many, Leonardo purposely built a faulty system since he was a strong opponent of war.

4. The Aerial Screw

By now, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that another one of Leonardo’s ideas inspired a future concept and modern-day invention. Just taking a swift glance at the aerial screw, you will see the uncanny resemblance to a contemporary helicopter.

The twisted linen surface and its bottom construction were meant to be held and spun around by a person, compressing air, and inducing flight in the process. However, scientists have concluded that the device would be impossible to operate since people couldn’t produce enough muscle power to keep it in the air.

5. A Robot

What da Vinci created in the 15th century wasn’t the type of robot we know today, but something called an automaton – a machine that could move and operate on its own. Known as the mechanical knight, the humanoid machine was supposedly able to move its arms, sit, and stand all on its own thanks to the wheels, cables, and gears it was meant to be built with.

In 2002, based on da Vinci’s preserved sketches and notes, scientist Mark Rosheim managed to build the artist’s automaton, proving that it could, indeed, do all the things da Vinci claimed.

Conclusion

Leonardo will always be one of the most renowned artists to have ever lived but should be recognized for his brilliance, ingenuity, and artistry in many other fields as well. He was someone who had dedicated his entire life to creating amazing ideas and inventions, something that has inspired numerous people and is admired today.

The creations mentioned above are just a small portion of everything Leonardo has designed and invented during his life and they can all be found in his notebooks and private journals where the artist drew and wrote about them all the time.

Checklist For Opening A Restaurant In 2024 – Learn The Essential

Billy Voss

March 17, 2020

Opening a restaurant isn’t a very straightforward thing and it actually involves taking care of a lot of things. Learning the essentials is nothing short of mandatory, and we’re going to give you those essentials in the form of a checklist.

This checklist won’t have things such as stockpiling on ingredients or anything, but things such as legal matters. Since this article is only about the essential things prior to opening a restaurant, we figured it would be a smart thing to divide the article into monthly subheadings.

Without further ado, let’s begin.

6 Months Out

By this time, you’ve probably come to the conclusion that you want to open your very own restaurant. Congratulations as this will be your business, and you need to think about a few things first.

A business plan should be the first thing on your mind. A business plan is the most important first step to make since it accounts for EVERYTHING associated with your business.

This includes anything from your location to how you’ll be making money, to what you’ll be serving, etc.

During this time frame, it’s important to also secure a lease for your business or buy an existing building or restaurant. But this doesn’t stop here.

Afterward, you will need to secure a business license by applying at your city council or other institution, apply for a liquor license if you’ll be serving, and acquire a signage permit.

All of these things take a lot of time finalizing, so it’s important to do them at this time frame.

5 Months Out

When you’ve done all that, the next thing to do is to settle into your new building or establishment. Here, you’ll need to do a few things such as take care of the exterior. Even dine-in restaurants that want to make menu adjustments simple and attractive can benefit from signage solutions from https://www.rssts.com/digital-menu-boards/.

Since it’s too early to buy the necessary interior, at least you should put up a signage and start working on some window lettering. This is completely optional, but it’s the least amount of work you should do with the location.

3-4 Months Out

During this time frame, it’s important to take care of other things associated with your business.

For starters, you should almost immediately apply for health permits that could include numerous documents and appointments with local health inspectors.

Also, you could start working on your interior by purchasing chairs, tables, chandeliers, maybe a bar table, etc. The kitchen should be the main focus when doing so since you’ll need to acquire the necessary equipment that will allow your chefs to prepare food for the customers.

When on the subject of chefs, this is the time where you should be thinking about hiring personnel. While we advise against hiring the actual person, what you could do is formulate the job description and be ready in the coming months to make it public and hire potential employees.

Your restaurant will have numerous positions, and these positions need filling in.

Safety should also be a topic you should explore during this time frame. As each state has different regulations in terms of premises safety, you should do some research regarding what those regulations are.

For starters, your state might require your establishment to have the necessary tools to combat a potential fire hazard. As a general rule of thumb, you should hire experts to create an entire evacuation planner in case of any emergency, and you can find ones at evacuation-planner.com

2 Months Out

Once you’ve created the job applications, it’s now time to consider employee needs and how many shifts you’ll need to maintain operations.

If you want to run a successful business, you’ll need to hire quality personnel at a higher cost of wages, or train newcomers in cleaning, safety, cash handling, and the most important one, hospitality.

This also comes at a cost, so we suggest you choose the path that suits you better.

Next on the list is to make some friendships with food vendors and sign agreements for ordering food with those same vendors. These people will be the lifeblood of your business since you won’t be able to prepare any food if you don’t have the necessary ingredients.

5 Weeks Out

Times are very exciting and you’ll be opening for business in no time, but you’re not done yet.

Now is the time where you’ll need to dedicate more of your time to ensure everything runs smoothly.

First on the list is to determine food production needs which accounts for what needs preparing beforehand, what can be made in batches, and what needs to be prepared upon ordering.

This is also the fine when you’ll be creating your menu and the prices for each meal and beverage. Check more on restaurant-menu.net.

Your refrigerators will need to be operating at all costs, so it’s important to grab a few thermometers to regulate the temperatures. Also, you’ll need to set up the opening date as well as operating hours.

Most of your focus needs to go into marketing your establishment so people can find it.

3 Weeks Out

During this time frame, you’ll need to create your social channels where you can also market your establishment. Important ones include Yelp and Facebook.

Finishing up with the kitchen supplies should also be a priority during this time, as well as, setting up inventory spaces and formulating the recipes.

Since you’ve probably hired employees by now, you’ll need to specify the direction of the business, the importance of their professionalism, and their dedication to making this a success.

1 Week Out

It’s only a week before you open and touching upon a couple of things is necessary.

First off, do a full inspection of all kitchen equipment and make sure they’re operational. Also, make sure that your silverware, plates, and glasses, are in place and set up the branding station.

You should also finalize the menu and have it ready to hit Facebook.

An important thing to do is to perform a test run, which you can think about it as a small party where friends and family can visit your establishment and act as customers. This is important as it uncovers potential issues that could be solved before you open.

10 Must Have Smartphone Gadgets in 2024

Дмитра Врачарић

March 17, 2020

Today, it is unimaginable for most people to live without their smartphones. With the fast development in the tech industry, we can see new and better phones every year, with improved features and better performances. With attractive smartphones, we also have many accessories, such as phone cases, Bluetooth speakers, headphones, and much more. The market is full of various products that could make it easier to use our smartphones or to improve some features.

You can find many websites that are reviewing various products such as smartphone gadgets, like ahjoo.com, where you can see what are the newest products which are related to smartphones. In this article, we are going to introduce you to some of the best smartphone gadgets that came out on the market in 2024.

1. Razer Gaming Controller for Smartphone

With high-end performances, there are many games with amazing graphics, and mobile games have reached the same popularity just as PC games in recent years. Many gadgets could improve the gaming experience, and one of those products is a Gaming Controller from Razer.

This controller is very easy to connect with your phone, and it also supports both iPhone and Android devices. It has two pads for directions and eleven additional buttons. With Razer Gaming Controller, you will have the best experience of playing games on your smartphones.

2. Wonder Cube Pro

Many smartphone gadgets represent a combination of various accessories, and Wonder Cube Pro went one step further since it managed to combine almost all necessary additions for a smartphone. This small cube contains a charger, phone stand, data cable, torch, memory, and emergency power.

This cube has a very attractive design, and it goes perfectly on a key chain. The price of this all-in-one product is around 50 dollars. Furthermore, it has a great amount of memory, 128 GB, and a quick charger.

3. Aukey Wireless Power Bank

One of the best latest features on new smartphones is wireless charging, which is currently a feature of phones in the highest class. Also, we expect that in the next few years wireless charging will become a standard feature of every phone.

The latest power bank from Aukey, PB-Y25 is a wireless power bank with a fast-charging option, and 18 watts of power. Also, the capacity of this power bank is 8000mAh, which is enough to provide you with two days of charging.

4. J Lab Wireless Earbuds

There is a trend currently, where most phone companies are removing the AUX cable and force people to use wireless speakers. The marker is full of various Bluetooth speakers that differ in price, quality, battery life, and many other features.

The J Lab earbuds represent cheaper wireless speakers that could still provide you with a proper quality of sound and a minimum of six hours of music with an additional 18 hours in the charging case. The price of these earbuds is around 50 dollars.

5. Lumicharge Desk Lamp

The Lumicharge LD represents a combination of various accessories for your smartphone, such as wireless speakers, phone charger, desk lamp, USB-C port, and a digital timer. Also, you can insert a battery in it if you want to use Lumicharge as a wireless speaker or a lamp.

This device can charge two phones at once, and you can use voice control with Google Assistant or Alexa with a mobile app for this device. The price of this product is around 100 dollars.

6. ChargeTech Power Bank

If you like hiking, kayaking, or any other type of recreation that is in nature far from cities, one thing is necessary, and that is a good power bank for your phone, especially if you are planning to be far from any source of electricity for a few days.

The Power Bank from ChargeTech is big enough to deliver a full week of power for your smartphone, with its 27000mAh capacity. This power bank can also charge laptops, tablets, cameras and other devices. The charging power is 85 watts.

7. MagMount Qi Smartphone Holder

Even though most new vehicles have installed personal PCs or board computers in them, many people find it much easier to use their phones for navigation, music, and other features. However, if you are using your phone in the car for these functions, you will need a proper holder that would assure your phone to be steady during the drive.

The holder for smartphones from MagMount represents a combination of a holder and a wireless charger. Also, it is very easy to attach your phone to this device. Nevertheless, this holder has protection from overheat and overvoltage and it is completely safe to use it all the time.

8. Sounwill Bluetooth Keyboard

Smartphones are the main source of communication today and many people are using them for emails, video chats, sharing documents, and much more. With the capability to replace PCs and laptops completely, it is useful to have some additional accessories like keyboards and mousses.

The Bluetooth folding keyboard from Sounwill represents a great solution for people who don`t like to carry their laptops around. This accessory is easy to carry because of its ability to fold. Also, it is thin and has enough battery to use it for a whole working shift.

9. Ulanzi Smartphone Video Rig

With advancements in technology and constant upgrades of smartphones, today we can see that some smartphones have cameras that are so good that you could make some films with them. Also, some additional devices could improve the quality of video and sound of your clips.

The video Rig from Ulanzi is a device that could help you to create high-quality videos with your smartphone. This device is comfortable for use, and it can improve your skills of filming.

10. HyperSonic X Power Bank with Earbuds

With lots of functions that we can use on our smartphones, it is always useful to have an additional power bank, since lots of phones are not able to survive throughout all day if you use them too much. The X Power Bank from HyperSonic is the latest product of this kind, which also has extra earbuds.

This power bank has 8000mAh capacity, and it can charge both wired and wireless batteries. Also, there are wireless earbuds inside of this power bank, and a display where you can see the battery percentage.

Best Home Window Styles 2024 – Tips for Making Your Home More Beautiful

Iva Aris

March 17, 2020

When you are planning to change the windows of the house, you have various choices available. But besides the different types of windows that are available, you also need to think of many other aspects as well. The type of window can change everything about the house. If you choose the not-so-perfect windows, it will transform your home into something that you never liked.

Moreover, choosing the windows should not only depend on the type and the appearance of the windows. You need to pick the perfect window based on various other factors. Here are some of the elements on which you need to choose the right window for your house.

1. Choose the window based on ventilation

Most houses do not have a lot of ventilation. If you pick the one based on the need for freshening, you will love your home for sure. The flowing wind will cool down your home during hot summers. Moreover, you will have more natural light that will freshen you up. Furthermore, a bit of ventilation will add a lot of value to your house.

2. Think of the interior

Now that you have picked the ventilation point, you need to match the window with the interior as well. So, now you have two things to do. Pick the window having maximum ventilation and the window that can match the exterior.

3. Color

Most of the windows are wooden. But the brightness can be customized based on your need and the need of the interior. You need to pick out the color of the window that can match with another color of the interior. If your interior does not match with the color of the window, it may look odd.

4. Architectural style

You also need to pick the window based on the structural design. If you choose something that does not match the architectural design, you will end up not liking the interior and the architectural design of the house. In the end, you will want to re-do the whole house. That is not possible to re-do the house thoroughly. So, it is better that you make sure you pick the window based on the style of the home.

5. Make the window the focal point

The window has to be the focal point of the room. It is the place where most of the ventilation happens. So, you need to make sure that the focal point of the room is centered at the window. It will give your room a better look with more light and better ventilation.

So, there are a lot of types of windows that you can choose from. But you need to make sure that you pick the right choice for the window based on the need. Moreover, windowscanada.com recommended the Aurora windows installer. This installer will help you out with the window installation. Furthermore, they will help with the picking of the window that is the correct choice for you and your house.

Popular Window Styles

Open, they are the connection to the outside world; they offer views, natural lighting, and ventilation. Its design, color, and measurements greatly influence decoration. Remember this, if you are going to change the windows of your house.

1. Charming Balconies

The windows and balcony shutters give a stately air to the interiors. They are majestic, as long as their carpentry is kept in good condition. If it has deteriorated over time, there are companies specialized in restoring them, which can also make replicas.

2. Classic Windows in a Dining Room

A wall with a window arouses more interest than another without views or natural light. When distributing the environments, it is vital to have the windows as a reference point. That was done in this dining room, facing a bay window of classic aesthetics. Noteworthy in its shutters: that only the upper part is mobile, an option when you want to hide the pavement of this type of balcony from the inside, which usually has a little visual and decorative interest.

3. Panoramic Windows

Gaining natural light and enjoying the panoramic view is possible by turning a wall into a glazed façade, which provides thermal comfort and acoustic insulation. It is necessary to choose double glazing with an air chamber, a model that incorporates at least one Reinforced Thermal Insulation glass, such as the SGG Climalit Plus, from the Saint-Gobain firm. An additional advantage: the cost of heating and air conditioning is reduced.

4. Open Sky Windows

Sloping roof windows transform a dark loft into a living space, with natural light, ventilation, and views, and expand the useful area of the house. There are as many window options: openings and dimensions, as dormers and degrees of inclination. In this attic space, it has gone further, because there is a combination of four windows, from the Velux brand. Above, the usual ones, which allow the view of the sky: the GGL models with rotating opening and the GGL projecting; but in the lower part, with two vertical sill windows, you can see the horizon, which achieves visual depth and breadth.

5. Ultra Fine Aluminium Windows

Architecture trend: skinny profiles, to enjoy more of the views. And also, sliding opening, so as not to reduce useful surface. It incorporates breakage of the thermal bridge, guarantee of insulation in aluminum joinery.

6. Country House Windows

This window retains its country essence with an earthen shelf, and even without having large proportions, it is a focal point. The color of its carpentry, a light green tone, its shutters with three panels and its leaves with bars, make it become an element with more decorative value. In harmony with it, the original latches and hardware; similar, in brass and with beautiful vintage or rustic designs, in Ortiz Hardware Store.

7. Window Headboard

With symmetrical panels and adequate dimensions, this window gives greater prominence to the bed. It is a solution to consider when you think that a window is an obstacle to distribute the furniture, on the contrary! The symmetrical decoration that visually arranges the ensemble also stands out.

8. Skylight Windows

Narrow and not too big, a skylight window is almost always installed near the ceiling. It does not usually offer a spectacular view, but it does provide natural lighting and air renewal. The facade skylights must be in good condition to avoid rain seepage and loss of thermal comfort. Installed in an interior partition, with a practicable leaf or as a fixed glazed opening, they are the solution for bathrooms and other rooms without a window. The one in this room has a folding opportunity, the most suitable, and translucent glass to achieve privacy.

9. Barrel Windows

Windows of this style give a classic and refined air to townhouses, country houses, and villas. PVC sliding windows can occupy large glazed surfaces; this kind of window is compatible with the roller shutter drawer and, due to its design, with double-beveled sheet profiles, it combines well with all types of interiors. Also, it is available in a wide variety of every day and metallic colors and different wood finishes.

How Can a Commercial Video Production Company Help Your Business

Billy Voss

March 17, 2020

Video-Production-Company-Services-Market — Source: oceanesolutions

With the rising use of smartphones, customers nowadays expect high-quality when it comes to content marketing – especially since newspapers and billboards are not enough. This is one of the reasons why smaller, medium, and larger companies started turning towards video production businesses to communicate their brand’s message.

If you want to tell your own story by using recorded footage, then you might find this article quite helpful. The text below is going to feature some advantages of hiring a commercial video production company, as well as some things that you should consider before opting for the said company. Let’s take a closer look at the article:

First Things First – What is it Exactly?

Simply said, video production is well, the process of recording and creating a video. Whether you are looking to make a business overview, a product or service demonstration, or a video that can boost your brand awareness, there are literally thousands, if not millions of things that you can do by recording these footages.

When you think about it, there is no tool that is more powerful than videos, especially since you’ll be in charge of the entire concept, which means that you can choose how a particular thing will be displayed, as well as what feelings you want to evoke in people watching the content you posted. However, before you start making these footages, there are some things that you must consider.

What Can a Commercial Video Production Company Help With?

The first thing you should know is that commercial content plays an incredibly important role in company growth and it is one of the best ways to represent, as well as sell your products and/or services. As you already know, producing a video that is high in quality can be an extremely daunting task, and that is why you might want to opt for a company that will help you create footage for your business. So, what are the reasons why you should choose to hire these professional companies?

If You Do Not Know Where to Begin – one of the most common reasons people opt for hiring these companies is that they do not know where to start, and a commercial video production company will be able to give you some starting tips and ideas that you can then realize together.
If You Have a Specific Budget – if you have a tight budget or a specific one, it might be a bit difficult to figure out what is the best way to use those funds. However, hiring a company means that you can get the most out of what you are paying for. Additionally, you’ll know exactly what you can get.
You Do Not Have a Team For Creating Content – if you do not have a marketing team that can create the content you need, then you should definitely choose to hire these services. The people working for the production company can create, manage, direct, and edit everything on their own. If you want to see what services you can opt for, check out l7pic.com for additional information.

The Advantages That You Can Gain

There are hundreds of advantages that you can gain from opting for these services. However, the most common and beneficial ones include:

1. It Can Drive Traffic to Your Website

Did you know that video content accounts for 2/3 of the entire Internet traffic? Yup, it is true. Now, you might be wondering – but what does this situation mean for my business? Well, it means that if you are not using and implementing content wherever you can, you’ll probably lose a lot of potential clients, as well as traffic to your site. And, by having more traffic on your site, you can easily increase your sales, which in return increases your overall revenue.

2. It Gets Shared More, Meaning That You Can Gain New Customers

If you do not implement interesting footage into your online marketing campaign and efforts, you won’t get as many shares as you want. And, according to various research, a short clip is seven times more likely to be shared than images or links. This means that the footage you record needs to evoke a specific feeling in your customers, which can in return inspire than and encourage them to share the clip with their social media following. This can lead to more clients, as well as increased brand awareness.

3. Your SEO Ranks Will Be Higher

Using the services commercial film production companies offer will lead to an increased ranking in the search engines. This means that people do not have to search endlessly for a clip they want, instead, they can easily find your business by searching for specific keywords implemented in your description or title. This can also help you get ahead of your competition.

4. It Has The Power to Change The Potential Customers Into Loyal Ones

As you already know, the goal of any advertising campaign is to convert customers. And, videos can do this – efficiently and powerfully. In fact, based on the data from a recent study, if you implement a clip on your landing page, you can convert traffic into customers by 80 percent! This simple strategy will double your customers, and with the customers, your sales and revenue.

5. It is Compatible With The Smartphone World

As previously mentioned, people use their smartphones every day for a wide range of reasons. One of those reasons is to access websites and content. And since people carry their phones wherever they go, they’ll also regularly watch clips as well. Hence, you should definitely ensure that you incorporate at least one or two clips on your landing page, as well as other pages on your website.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various things a commercial video production company can help you with. They will not only record and edit the video, but they will also give you various ideas that you can use for visualizing your content. So, now that you know what these businesses can provide you with, do not waste any more time. Instead, start searching for a commercial video company that will be able to turn your idea into a reality.