Basic Swimming Pool Cleaning Equipment

February 26, 2020

Having a swimming pool in your own backyard is a dream come true, but you also have to consider the responsibilities that come with it such as cleaning it, adding the right chemicals, pumping the water, etc.

The swimming pool is probably the place where most of your family is spending their time, right? It is where they have the most fun during the summer and it is the place where they can cool down. However, you cannot expect that it will stay clean after so many uses. You do not want it to fill with any unwanted bacteria that may make your children sick. A clean backyard will also give an impression to your guests that you are responsible and take care of what needs to be done.

So, if you want to ensure that your pool will always stay clean you will have to take some time off the week to clean it. But, you can’t do that with your own two hands only. You will need to equip yourself with the right tools if you want efficiency.

Here is some of the best swimming pool cleaning equipment to get rid of germs, dirt and other things that may ruin your relaxing experience.

Test strips

Just because there are no leaves or visible dirt in the water does not mean that it is clean. You will need the right tool to make sure that the water is properly maintained and safe for your family or your guests. This is why we recommend that you test it at least once a week. Having a tight schedule of testing will help you build a habit to add the required chemicals on time to prevent a build-up from algae or bacteria.

Of course, you still have the option to call in services to help you test the water, but do you really want to spend extra money just so a company can do what you could have already done? That’s just wasted money.

This is why we recommend that you buy at least a dozen test strips that can last you for at least three months. They are quite easy to use and will give you all the required information you need to keep your pool well maintained. You will get information about the pH levels, about total alkalinity and cyanuric acid and the total amount of chlorine. Or bromine, if you use that instead of chlorine. You also have the option to get yourself a liquid test kits which are more advanced and give you a bit more information, but there’s no need to use these kits as often. Once in three or four months is more than enough.

How to use them?

Using a test strip is very easy. Just dip it in the water and hold it for at least ten seconds. The strip will start changing colors. You will also get a guide that will help you understand what the colors mean. Compare the strip with the guide and you will quickly know what your pool needs or doesn’t need.

Pump and Filter

It is well known that you cannot have a swimming pool if you do not have a pump and a filter that will constantly pump the water into circulation. This circulation is what prevents bacteria from developing, algae from growing and it is what cleans it from debris. Sure, you might be using a pool net to grab all the leaves and bugs that fall into the water, but the filter is what keeps most of the debris out of it. So, make sure you have a powerful enough pump and a durable filter. If you are looking for a high-quality hybrid filter, click here.

Filter cleaner

If you want to keep your pool healthy, then you will have to keep your cleaning equipment healthy too. Throwing in robot vacuums, brushes and a pump inside will not take care of anything. You still have to do a few checks at least a few times throughout the month.

The constant circulation of water clears the water from any debris, but it also clogs up the filter (which is a good thing). You have to check the filter at least once a week to clear it from any dirt and grime. However, sometimes, cleaning the filter might seem like an impossible because all of that dirt is stuck deep inside of it.

Fortunately, there are chemical products out there that can remove any excess residue which will improve the efficiency of the filter.

Just pour this chemical on the filter and then give it a quick wash with water and it will clear up in seconds.

Algae Brush

Naturally, there are times when you simply have more important stuff than maintain your own swimming pool. It might be easy to use a water test strip, add the chlorine and do some basic cleaning, but that will still take you at least a few hours. Sometimes, you won’t be able to spare even a few minutes.

Leaving your pool without enough chlorine for a longer period will result in algae growth and once they start spreading, cleaning them might seem impossible without the right tool.

However, with an algae brush, you will be able to scrub them off in just a few swipes. These brushes have stainless steel bristles that will be able to rip through anything. Make sure that you scrub every inch of the walls, the bottom and the corners to ensure that every piece of algae has been removed. If you do not clean it properly, the algae might spread again in no time.

Pool cover

If you do not want to deal with hundreds of leaves and bugs that have fallen into the pool then you should consider getting a pool cover. Just put it on top once you and your guests are done swimming and then you can just take it off the next day. All those bugs and leaves will be stuck on the cover, you won’t have to use the next to fish for them.

10 Beneficial Hobbies for Web & App Developers in 2024

Abdar Grincoli

February 25, 2020

photo-1546900703-cf06143d1239 — Photo by Joshua Aragon on Unsplash

Web programming is hard work. It is a constant, long-term struggle with new problems, deadlines, and stubborn customers. All programmers, without the slightest exception, face a situation when there is an impossible task that takes hours, days and sometimes months to solve, because the answer is always slipping away. All of this can make the work unbearable and lead to burnout. Yes, despite all the advantages of programming, it can be tedious. The ability to cope with the stress of work is a significant thing.

Many of us have noticed that the answer comes in unexpected moments when we are engaged in entirely different kinds of activities. That is why we have created a selection of exciting and useful hobbies for developers.

1. 3D-modeling

Photo by ZMorph Multitool 3D Printer on Unsplash

The development of technology leads to the appearance of devices that were not available on the market before. Today everyone can buy a small 3D printer for a low price. The creation of 3D-models allows you to spend time interestingly and to distract from problems with code.

Such a hobby will involve an abundance of mathematical calculations and logic operations. The necessity to see the model in perspective will develop your imagination. All these features are essential for a programmer. Give this hobby a try, and maybe it can turn from entertainment into a useful habit.

2. Card Games

Many successful programmers are fond of poker, blackjack, or similar games, and this is no coincidence. It is necessary to have a good memory for counting cards. Mathematical and statistical mind tilts are essential for estimating probability, and attention is needed to gather information from details. To win, you have to add a large portion of strategy, a pinch of cold blood, and a bit of luck. The listed qualities can be found equally in software development.

Go, and chess are standard games for developing mental qualities. You will have to choose the right strategy and continuously adjust it based on the opponent’s moves. In the course of the game, you will learn to think ten steps ahead.

3. Cooking

Photo by Maarten van den Heuvel on Unsplash

Cooking is the closest programming analog and can be a great hobby. Initially, cooking the simplest dishes seems to be an impossible task. Poor choice of ingredients, heat treatment conditions, or wrong spices choice can result in tasteless food and wasted time.

Accurate measurements are crucial, steps must be taken in the right order, and small deviations can have catastrophic consequences. It sounds a bit like programming, don’t you agree? And by the way, Elon Musk adores baking.

4. Photography

For a programmer who has no professional connection to the visual art, it is difficult to imagine the number of small details in the picture. It is essential to consider all of them to get only one quality photo.

A photographer, in a sense, can be compared to a programmer – professionals have a task and a vast field of activity. There are many ways to solve a problem, an infinite number of functions and variables, and a small number of basic rules. Photography requires a lot of attention and allows you to develop creative and logical thinking.

5. Gardening

Gardening may seem like a hobby more suitable for housekeepers and seniors. But it is also an excellent option for developers. Gardening teaches you how to troubleshoot and adapt. Sometimes the plants look beautiful, and the next morning they are sick. Why is this happening? The problem may be hiding in the lack of nutrients, poor lighting, and so on. You need to understand this and then solve the problem.

Gardening also teaches you to be patient and persevering. What you plant today can take weeks, months, or even years to grow. The same can be said for many programming projects. Through gardening, you will learn that daily passion is the key to long-term success.

6. Writing

Developers and specialists in this field often write articles, blog posts on IT and related topics. A subject interesting to you may as well be interesting to someone else. So why not start a blog? For example, you can become a writer for writing service such as EssayPro. Your articles will cover a significant number of matters including IT education, startups, business and marketing trends.

Writing skills help to keep documentation for your projects more efficiently, and also to perceive writing code as a creative process. Additionally, it is an excellent way to capture memories that can’t be achieved by a camera. You cannot photograph your thoughts and emotions.

7. Competitive Orienteering

Sport orienteering is the ability to determine the location and direction using a map and compass. The skills involved (using the compass, reading the map) develop different brain areas. Plus, you are engaged in healthy physical activity.

Fresh air, emotional relaxation, and hiking are great ways to relieve tension and refresh your brain from work-related problems. Most likely, when you return, a problematic code will be solved within minutes or hours.

8. Puzzles

A quite enjoyable way to spend your free time is solving puzzles. However, it is entirely passive and monotonous, so you should use this option only as an additional hobby. There are many variants of paper puzzles. All of them can help you improve memory, develop motor skills, and teach you logical thinking.

Some puzzles are more active – these are quests in real life. You can create a quest room or go to one to participate. There are road quests, online versions, and others. Boredom will be dispelled instantly.

9. Sports

We often associate sports with things like losing or gaining weight, but exercising has far more benefits. Many people find solutions to their mental health issues in working out. Engaging in sports allows you to maintain not only a physical condition but also the ability to solve problems.

Once you start, you will immediately discover all the advantages of constant training. And this is not only getting rid of excess weight but also improving sleep, physical shape, and mood in general. Participating in sports will help you train both your body and mind, keeping both sharp and active.

10. Musical instruments

It has been proven that music has a positive effect on the right hemisphere of the brain, which is responsible for creativity. In contrast, learning to play instruments, memorizing new tunes, and introducing complicated methods of play have an impact on the left hemisphere. Besides, music has a positive effect on your concentration. Because when you are distracted, it is impossible to play complex parts.

Also, in the 21st century, you do not even need an instrument to play. The abundance of all kinds of applications for musicians dramatically simplifies the process of mastering a certain instrument. In turn, as an app developer, you can improve any of them in your favor.

Final Words

Searching for new activities within one area limits your ability to do other exciting things. If you break away from technology and go hiking to take pictures, or try out an original recipe, it will make your life more enjoyable. A new hobby will free you from the pressure that you do not even realize because you are used to it. Do something new without waiting for the burnout to happen. Give in to these hobbies with the same passion as learning technology, and you will notice how your perspective changes.

Why Are ASMR Videos Becoming So Popular?

Daniela Meyer

February 25, 2020

The great epidemic in the cyber world in recent years is the so-called ASMR videos, which at a click, guarantee a sense of excitement and pleasantness, and you must have at least once relented in the face of this “sinful” pleasure. Do you know what this is about? Or you’re just still pretending?

ASMR As New Internet Discovery

With the advent of the internet and social platforms, we are witnessing daily the emergence of new trends that are rapidly expanding and dictating lifestyles. In the past few years, the term ASMR has appeared in the headlines of numerous YouTube videos. This unusual trend is not easy to describe, but it has nevertheless reached millions of views on short videos in the short term.

It Helps In Overcoming Insomnia Problems

It is thought that ASMR can trigger a whole range of visual motives, sounds, and touches, visuals. Rain on the window, chopping nuts, combing your hair, tap water, a coffee grinder are many triggers that cause people to ‘feel’ rolling down the spine, and it is described through this trend. Perception is the process of creating an idea of something from the environment. Hearing and touch have proven to be essential for intellectual and emotional development from an early age. ASMR is described as a psychological response, an experience characterized by tingling through the body, triggered by some external stimulus. With sounds like this, you will certainly be far more relaxed and many claims that they have managed to cope with insomnia with this method.

Relaxation Methods

Relaxation methods and massaging methods vary from culture to culture, but also depend on one’s perception. Thus, for some, the sense of touch and hearing are more pronounced than the other senses – so any stimulus through them is a stimulant for comfort. ASMR is an English abbreviation for autonomic sensory meridional reflex. It sounds complicated, but it can be described more simply as a feeling of comfort that runs down the spine when massaging, combing hair, certain vibrations and sounds, and the like. The trend that has quickly attracted attention has caused a lot of controversies, and what it is really about is read below.

Good Vibrations

Essentially, ASMR is pleasant vibrations in our brains, which are then transmitted to the whole body and stimulate the feeling of relaxation of the whole organism, euphoria, happiness, comfort, calmness, etc. They occur in response to “triggers,” which can be tactile but also audible and visual. Sound triggers are sounds that encourage most people, such as whispering, nibbling, rustling paper, the sound of waves, rain, etc. For the reaction in the body to be triggered, it is necessary for the stimulus to be repeated, to have a steady pace, and for the volume to be appropriate, stable and uniform. Visual stimulants are, for example, watching a massage, brushing your hair, nail polish, slow hand movements, blending colors, etc. There are more and more such videos on the Internet and you will surely find something that soothes you.

YouTube Sensations

Many will agree that today’s music, because of its explicit vocabulary and assaulting musical instruments, causes discomfort and nervousness. Therefore, we are increasingly turning to silence and other forms of hearing organ use for relaxation. ASMR can be classified as a kind of meditation because it provides a special and a new experience, and stimulants do not have to be direct – so you do not have to be touched to experience such a feeling. This has been confirmed by numerous videos that play with the concept of stimulation through the sense of sound. The key element used in ‘brain massage’ is the microphone, which is used in combination with brushes, cutlery, and other aids. Some display a combination of sound and touch, while others use only auditory stimulants that relax the viewer.

Yes, It Does Exist

Some people adore these videos, some seem the least bit weird.
There are many hours of content related to this phenomenon on the YouTube platform. Individual ASMR mornings number more than a million subscribers – such as ASMR Darling and Gentle Whispering ASMR. The most popular use professional microphones, for example, those in the shape of a human twist, or 360 ° technique. Some of the interesting facts are that these videos are mostly made by women, and watched by men. Also, the length of the video is unusual – some of them can even last up to several hours. ASMR also connects to immersion and loss of feeling for time – so it may not be as boring as it sounds. If you are still unsure what this is and whether it can happen to you – check out one of the videos that can help you resolve this dilemma.

Relaxing Or A Type Of Voyeurism?

But what happens when a sound that causes pleasure at the same time “triggers” some other feelings in the body, such as the desire for a certain taste? In response to this question, South Korea comes to Mukbang, which some people call gastro-voyeurism. It is an audio-visual experience in which the host eats and interacts with companions in parallel. Just in between these two trends, this video was created that combines the whispering and infectious nibbling of your favorite chips – can you resist?

Is ASMR Orgasm For The Brain?

It can be defined as a very pleasant feeling, quite similar to the mild tingling that arises in the back of the head and goes down the neck and spine. Some people also describe it as internal itching on the head and body, brain orgasm (braingasm), brain massage, meditative trance. Don’t be fooled by the term brain orgasm. ASMR is mostly a completely ase*ual phenomenon – though of course, it may not be the case with all people. Many of them use it to reduce anxiety or treat insomnia.

Why Are ASMR Videos So Popular?

ASMR videos are the most popular on Youtube these days. What is it about and why has this video category attracted millions of users worldwide? Numerous studies published in scientific journals claim that ASMR evokes the same feeling of excitement or excitement as when listening to your favorite music, for example. However, it should be emphasized that this feeling occurs only in persons who have identified themselves with ASMR and only while watching the video. The emotions that occur when receiving ASMR sounds are euphoria, happiness, a sense of comfort and calmness. Therefore, it is not surprising that they are increasingly being used to combat insomnia, stress, and anxiety.

How to Start a Personal Trainers Blog in 2024

Дмитра Врачарић

February 25, 2020

Friendly bloggers talking while sitting on their yoga mats — Source: onblastblog

We live in the world of the Internet and advanced technology, right? Each segment of every business field has changed. Consumers or potential clients have different demands than before. You can’t keep your business online and remain competitive in today’s world.

Are things different when we talk about personal trainers?

Well, things are quite the same. You need to transfer your business to the Internet world. More precisely, running a personal blog would be a perfect choice. When people want to improve their body and health, they usually start by exploring the Internet. They will find probably millions of blogs that are analyzing the same subject. Because of that, you need to be aware of the competition that is waiting for you online.

Even if you are the best personal trainer ever, that won’t ensure success. More important thing is to know how to attract people and sell your services to them. Many small details look irrelevant at first glance. However, those tiny details determine who is going to be successful or not.

Follow our tips and find out how to start a personal trainer’s blog in the best possible way.

Pick the Right Domain Name

We will start with the basic thing. The domain name is actually the name of your website. Your domain name must be somehow attractive to the visitors. You have three different options when we talk about this subject.

The domain name can be your name. For instance -“johnsmith.com” would be an example of that. Yet, this move is a bit risky. You are not a well-known personal trainer yet. Making a brand of your name would be a great choice if you know how to promote yourself in the right way. So, if you pick this choice, you need to previously improve your knowledge.

Yet, a safer option would be to pick a creative domain name. We won’t give examples here, but it is necessary to use something that people can easily remember. For example, “improveyourbody.com” would not be a good choice. There is a huge number of the website under a similar or same name. You won’t split from the masses in that way.

Choose the Right Platform

Well, there are a couple of ways how you can run your blog. First of all, you can code the entire website. However, for something like this you need to possess programming skills. We believe that this is not your expertise. Fortunately, there is an alternative that you can use.

The biggest part of online personal trainers uses Word Press to run their personal blog. We do not have the intention to promote this platform. However, there are several different reasons why WP is popular among people.

The first reason is – simplicity. You don’t have to possess any advanced coding skills. You can install the theme that comes with different features that can make your website more effective. Despite that, if you want to add some additional stuff, then you should install different plugins. These plugins can make your website a lot more effective and user-friendly.

Yet, there is one thing that WP can ensure you. Let’s use an example. The visitor sees an attractive domain name. Because of that, he would want to click on it and check which content you share on your blog. However, before he checks the content, he will see the design of the entire website. Well, that is a crucial moment for you. If he doesn’t like what he sees, there is a big chance he will get out without checking the content.

WordPress give you themes that are not only effective; they are also well-designed. Keeping the visitor won’t be a problem.

Write Content Properly

Okay, we won’t give you advice on which subjects you should cover. We will let you research the needs of your potential customers and share your knowledge in the best possible way.

However, it matters how you share your knowledge. Our suggestion is to always use engaging heading. That is the first thing that the visitor sees. The title needs to explain which pieces of advice the visitor can expect.

After that, the meaning of subheadings is equally important. Your content needs to be divided. You can do it in the way how we wrote this article. First of all, do not use long-form paragraphs. The paragraph should not contain more than 150 words. Despite that, your sentences should not be longer than 20 words. This will make the entire article easy-to-read.

Boost Your SEO

Do you want to be on the first page of Google? Well, then you have to boost your SEO.

SEO or Search Engine Optimization can be improved in several different ways. Logically, the purpose of this move is to promote yourself in the best possible way. Different factors influence your position on Google.

First of all, keyword placing is the first step you should go through. When a person wants to find something on Google, he usually types in the search box certain phrases. Well, thanks to different keyword research tools, you can easily find those words and phrases. After you find them, you should include them in the content in natural places. Of course, the tools will show you how many times you should repeat them through content. It is not the point to over-use them.

Despite that, link building is another factor that boosts SEO or your blog posts. There are two types of links that you should include in your blog posts – internal and external links. Internal (or inbound) links are those that are connecting your blog posts. For instance, you can place a link to another blog post that would be useful for the reader. The external (outbound) link is the one that leads to another resource. For instance, it leads to a post that confirms a current statement that you shared with the readers.

We believe that Google’s algorithm seems complex to you. Because of that, you should hire someone that could help you with SEO performances. Many SEO agencies such as dadkhah.dk will help you boost your SEO through high-quality links

Importance of Payroll Services in an Organization In 2024

Daniela Meyer

February 25, 2020

Any business with more than one staff member requires a system for processing payroll. Paying employees consistently without any delay does not only affect their morale – but it also reflects an organization’s financial stability. Furthermore, it’s a requirement for labor and employment legislation compliance. While payroll processing involves a complex process, acquiring payroll services can help streamline and centralize this crucial HR function.

What is payroll processing?

In essence, processing company payroll refers to the administration of financial records of employees, including wages, deductions, salaries, bonuses, and net pay. The records have to be kept and maintained by organizations as a requirement by local legislation.

In the United Arab Emirates, the common pay period is once every two weeks. Private companies, especially established ones, give payments to all of their employees biweekly. Another common pay period is weekly, which is most common for businesses in the region with hourly workers.

Establishing the payroll period of a company is a fundamental process when it comes to the management of company payroll. A payroll period organizes the process, as well as foster consistency for all employees.

Impact of Proper Processing of Payroll to Businesses

Proper payroll processing, including strict adherence to a payroll schedule, has an impact on a business, which includes the following:

• The morale of employees – an organization that makes late payments makes its employees question the financial integrity of the business. If the employees feel that their job isn’t secure or stable, they are likely to underperform. The most likely result is also a decrease in workforce productivity, as well as the quality of the business. This factor includes their total compensation with benefits and bonuses.

• Elimination of fines and penalties – late payments of wages in the United Arab Emirates result in hefty fines for the business. This includes inaccurate processing of payroll. Hence, it is important for an organization to ensure the right amount is paid to employees.

Regardless of the size and number of employees of the organization, proper payroll management is crucial. For businesses with fewer employees, processing payroll may be manageable. New business owners that are not well-versed with the process may realize the entire procedure is challenging as it involves various legislation requirements that are to be complied with. That being said, most businesses in the region outsource their payroll processing to ensure that they are fully compliant with applicable labor and employment laws.

Outsourcing payroll processing with payroll services is the best solution for small businesses and startups, specifically those who must implement a proper payroll management system as they are growing. Payroll services may cover the basics or include time and attendance tracking. More and more businesses in the UAE have understood the roadblocks payroll services eliminate, which includes fines and penalties by authorities from inaccurate and late paychecks.

Five Reasons to Acquire Payroll Services in UAE

We have already discussed what payroll management or processing is. Now, we will look at the solutions that help in streamlining payroll processing: payroll services. Payroll services that are carried out by a team of payroll specialists will not only ensure compliance with legal requirements. They also simplify the method of paying employees. The following are the main reasons why you should hire experts in taking care of your business’ payroll process:

• Compliance – experts can help ease an organization’s compliance worries. Having to be up-to-date with all legislative updates is near impossible with the busy schedule of entrepreneurs. However, it is but a crucial part of payroll processing. A business owner can’t let anything that is relevant to compliance slip as that brings forth the risk of facing severe fines and penalties. With a dedicated team for your company’s payroll, you will rest assured knowing that you are always processing payroll on time and accurately while being fully compliant.

• Generation of reports – payroll services with reporting can help you in better understanding your organization, as well as your employees. As all crucial information of your staff is maintained and kept by the payroll team, you will be able to keep track of every detail. As experts can general payroll reports which are insightful, you will be equipped in making informed decisions regarding employee compensation. A good example of this is data on employee turnover. The data will reveal issues such as low employee engagement, which you can remedy before the problem gets out of hand.

• Optimization of payroll processes – repetitive tasks related to payroll can be mundane for most employees, which results in human errors. Experts in payroll processing mitigate the issue and make sure that payroll information is all accurate. More importantly, crucial data are protected, which means there is no risk in payroll data loss. With a reputable firm for payroll processing, business owners even get a graph on financial data which helps in forecasting payroll expenses, including potential salary increase calculations. An expert team can help you determine how payroll expenses impact the financial status of the company to make adjustments, as necessary.

• Reduction of errors – the processing of payroll in-house isn’t only time-consuming, but it’s also prone to mistakes as mentioned earlier. Take note: payroll processing involves taking into account vacation leave, overtime pay, benefits, and salary structures. this makes payroll processing very complicated. More importantly, fixing mistakes is time-consuming, stressful, and incredibly costly. By trusting exports with the task, errors are prevented before they cause problems. You will avoid displeasing employees and authorities when employees report errors in paychecks. You will save costs since penalties and fines for errors in company payroll are often more costly compared to hiring a dedicated team of specialists for the task.

• Saving valuable resources – companies spend too much time each pay period in processing payroll. Not surprisingly, the majority of business owners say it’s the worst aspect of running a business. From leave requests and employee claims to overtime submissions, tasks related to payroll pile up very quickly. The repetitive duties are most certainly inefficient use of valuable company resources including time. Outsource payroll processing so you can better focus on growing and strategizing for your business.

If you wish to know more about payroll services in UAE, consult with a team of payroll specialists from payrollmiddleeast.com.

How the Jones Act and General Maritime Law Protect Seamen

Daniela Meyer

February 25, 2020

If you’re involved in an offshore injury, the Jones Act and General Maritime law provide protections for you. Seaman and oil rig workers should be familiar with “maintenance and cure.”

Maintenance and cure are two benefits offered to injured seamen no matter who is at fault for the injuries sustained.

All offshore workers are entitled to maintenance and cure benefits.

Understanding Maintenance and Cure

The Jones Act and Maritime Law allow a seaman to seek benefits until they meet maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI means that the person has recovered to a point where they will recover no longer. The injured party is essentially recovered to the point that a doctor discharges the patient from their care.

MMI may be a full recovery, or it may be a partial recovery. The only thing for certain with MMI is that the doctor doesn’t think that the patient will improve any further.

MMI is achieved by maintenance and cure.

Maintenance

Maintenance is provided by the employer and is the seaman’s room and board during recovery. Since the seaman is going to be working offshore, the employer would have provided room and board had an injury not occurred.

The law ensures that the employee is able to maintain room and board through their employer.

Maintenance will also include:

Household expenses
Mortgage or rent payments
Utility bills
Taxes

Maintenance will not include bills that are not a necessity, such as a cable television or Internet access. The keyword to know under maintenance is “household.” Since maintenance deals with the household only, it will not cover additional bills that accrue, such as a person’s car payments.

Cure

The cure is the second benefit that is given to seamen. The cure will include all of the medical expenses that the seaman needs that are deemed:

Reasonable
Necessary

Transportation to receive the treatment is also covered under cure. The cure is essentially workers’ compensation for seamen. The seaman will not have to pay anything out of pocket towards his or her medical bills that are work-related.

Maintenance will be paid weekly or bi-weekly, and the employer will pay all of the worker’s medical bills directly.

Of course, employers found loopholes in the law and would pay very low rates for maintenance. Employers would be only paying a few hundred per month towards maintenance and not consider the actual bills of the employee. The employees that did not have all of their maintenance covered took employers to court.

The courts decided in favor of the employees to ensure that employers could no longer use these loopholes. Employers did not want to pay for a high cost of living, but the courts ruled that maintenance must cover the employee’s household costs despite the area that the employee lives in. If the employee’s household expenses are $3,000 a month or $300 a month, the employer must pay the expenses accordingly.

Unions May Impact Cure and Maintenance

Seamen that are represented by a union may not have all of their expenses covered. If a seaman is part of a union, the contract that the union has with the employer may put a limit on the maintenance benefits that the person may receive.

For example, if maintenance is capped at $700 a month, but the employee’s household expenses are $2,000 a month, the cap will be the enforced limit.

According to flemingattorneys.com, there are always exceptions to the rule, and lawyers may be able to find holes in the union contract that would eliminate the $700 cap. Some contracts may only be applied in a certain region of the country, and federal law may rule that the maintenance cap be lifted.

Seamen that have a maintenance cap that doesn’t cover all expenses may want to seek the guidance of a lawyer that specializes in offshore injuries.

Recourse Beyond Maintenance and Cure

Seamen that are already getting treatment and enjoy these benefits can and should still talk to an offshore attorney. Employees that are injured offshore may be able to seek:

Punitive damages
Recourse for the injuries

Maintenance and cure will provide benefits, but there is still a chance that the injured party may not recover fully from their injuries. A lawyer that is well-versed in offshore injuries will be able to alert the injured party of any recourse they may pursue to be made “whole” again.

The circumstances around the injury and how it occurred will determine what type of damages can be sought as well as if the seaman is entitled to punitive damages.

How to Create a Photo Collage and Keep Your Memories

Дмитра Врачарић

February 25, 2020

We live in a world of images. Together with the development of advanced technology, picturing became some sort of routine for people. You can see many pictures on different social media every single day. The only thing you will need to have to make a nice picture is a decent smartphone. Most of them today come with high-quality cameras.

Yet, even within those pictures, some of them are not basic pictures that you can make every day. These pictures represent memories that we want to keep for the rest of our lives.

You probably think that we here talk about weddings or the birth of a child. However, these two moments are the most common ones. Even the basic picture that you took with your beloved person can be some sort of memory, right?

Well, we usually want to raise the quality of these pictures. More precisely, many people want to upgrade those images with amazing collages. If you plan to publish those images on your social media, that won’t be a huge problem. For instance, Instagram offers some options to change some details on your photo.

However, we believe that the options that Instagram offers are a bit limited. Despite that, they won’t mean anything to you if you want to put that image into the frame. In that case, you will need to use some of the photo editing tools. For instance, Fotor photo editor gives a lot more options and we suggest you check this tool.

Still, if you are not an expert for photo editing, then you should hear a couple of advice that will explain to you how to create a photo collage properly.

Add Contrast

Well, this is probably the first thing that you need to do. For example, let’s imagine that you took a picture somewhere outside. At that moment, there was a lot of snow around you. Yet, you were wearing a white jacket and it seemed like you camouflaged. In that case, contrasts can help a lot.

For example, the background of the photo can be a bit darker than you. In that way, you won’t look like a chameleon.

Use Strong Shapes, Colors, and Lines

Strong colors, shapes, and lines will raise the quality of your memory. First of all, it is necessary to select and focus on one element. In this case, that will be you (and persons next to you). In that way, the main attention of the picture will go to both of you.

When you do that, it is important to add stronger colors. For example, this especially counts if the sky is part of your photo collage. You can improve the strength of the color and the entire picture will get a higher level of quality.

Adjust Lighting

Well, this is specifically important in two different cases. Let’s say that you took a picture over the day. Yet, the position of the sun was on the opposite side of you. Because of that, your face(s) turned out too bright. Despite this, the sun had the same impact on the background as well. In that case, you will need to reduce the level of lighting.

On the other hand, let’s imagine that you took a picture under the tree. You wanted to avoid the previous situation. However, no one guarantees that the quality of the picture will improve. If something like this happened, then you should do quite the opposite thing. You should raise the lightning of the picture with your photo editor. In that way, your faces and the entire background will look much better.

Blur the Background

Okay, this piece of advice is good for a certain group of images. Let’s imagine that a certain image means a lot to you, but the background of the picture is awful. Well, you won’t be able to crop the entire background, right? In that case, you should blur it.

There is one more reason why this photo collage is going to be a better choice. A person or people on the image will be in the main focus. No one is even going to invest a lot of effort to check the background. The first thing that people will notice is people in the picture.

Adjust the Edits to Your Style

This is especially important if you plan to create an attractive photo collage. People usually look for inspiration in the images of other people. Well, that can send you in a completely wrong direction.

Let’s imagine that you wear a suit in the picture while your girlfriend wears a dress. This is a picture that has style, right? Well, you can’t use, for example, retro design for this sort of image. You need to edit it in the way to make the picture look more luxurious.

Crop the Image Properly

Let’s say that you went to see some historical buildings together with your family. Logically, you would want to include the building in the image. However, it is not the point that the characters on the picture be too “small”. At that moment, the main focus goes to the building.

Of course, we do not want to say that people should cover the entire surface of the image. The picture becomes more charming when there is a nice background behind you. However, find the balance between the two options that we mentioned.

Don’t Over-Edit

Well, this is a very common case that happens to people that are not professional graphic designers. They tend to make their memory even better, but they mess up things in the end. The reason for that is simple – they over-edit the picture.ed

That’s not the point of using photo editing tools. For example, all these pieces of advice that we gave you won’t mean a lot if you overuse them. It is okay if you are focused on minor details as well. Still, the main purpose of editing is to make the picture clear and natural.

For instance, people sometimes use too strong colors. Their faces do not look natural. Check the image twice after you edit it.

Experiment Things

No one says that you need to limit yourself to only one type of editing. You can always try to make different versions of the picture. It is important to practice. Sooner or later you will find the style that suits you the most.

Luxury Travel in Tanzania 2024

Abdar Grincoli

February 24, 2020

Tanzania is a wonderful country that attracts more and more attention from tourists because of its extraordinary beauty and many interesting things to see. There are many ways you can go and depending on your budget you can choose cheaper options or opt for luxury travel. Of course, if you can, always give yourself the opportunity to join a safari that will be tailored to your preferences and wants, even if that means investing a little bit more. You can be sure that once you go there, you will realize it is worth every investment.

Things to see

The main reason why tourists choose to visit Tanzania is the amazing wildlife and the sights that cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. Depending on the safari tour you choose, you will see different places that definitely deserve your attention. Here are a few destinations that you shouldn’t miss.

Tarangire National Park is in sixth place when it comes to the sizes of national parks in Tanzania. It got its name by the Tarangire River. The wildlife is amazing since animals gather around the water, especially during the dry season. Bird lovers find this area priceless because, with 550 bird species, it is definitely worth exploring. Some of the species are endemic, meaning that they cannot be seen anywhere else in the world but here. If you want to see some of these species, make sure you stay near the Tarangire River, the swamps and acacia glades. Here you will see animals in their natural habitat which is pretty amazing and fascinating by itself. Having a guide who will tell you more about the animal species and the sites you can see around you will definitely help you understand Tanzania better and enjoy it more.

The great thing about this area is that it’s not crowded and you will have the privacy you need and a chance to enjoy the surroundings at your own pace. Listen to nature and enjoy the whole experience as much as you can. If you wish to learn about the Masai tribe, they are pretty near in the Masai steep. If you notice people wearing orange robes, then you will be in the right place. Make sure you ask for advice from your guides or come with them, so you can be sure that there are no misunderstandings with the locals. It is a wonderful way to learn about the way these people live and step out of your comfort zone. You will be able to see how people live and learn something new. It can help you broaden your views and open yourself up to new experiences.

Ngorongoro Crater is particularly interesting because it is more than two million years old. It is a volcanic caldera, located in Northern Tanzania. Here you will find numerous animal species such as lions, hyenas, buffalo, the zebra, and many others. Ever since 1979, it is named UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, there are many members of the Masai tribe in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you’re interested in learning about history, you should know that this is the area where Homo Hablis (handy man) was discovered. This finding is the reason why many scientists believe that Africa is the place where the first human species originated.

There are two weather seasons in this area – a rainy season that begins in November and ends in April, and a dry season that begins in May and ends in October. The rainy season is the time when animals are young. When you go to see Ngorongoro Crater, you will probably get the chance to see predators in action, especially if you’re patient enough and lucky to witness such an amazing sight. On the other hand, during the dry season animals gather around water. Considering that there are lots of things to see and do, it is important to have an experienced guide who will show you the right places and give your precious advice about how to stay safe. If you wish to go to a safari, visit SafariByZ for more information.

Lake Manyara is known for its magnificent scenery, lions that climb trees and flamingos. With so many zebras, elephants, giraffes, impala, and so many other species you will be completely blown away and won’t even know where to look. Their enormous baboon herds tourists eagerly wait to see. Once you go there, you will feel like you’re seeing a postcard with pelicans and pink flamingos standing in the lake, and it will be pretty clear to you why this lake is one of the main places tourists want to see in Tanzania. This lake is shallow and its contracts and expands depending on the season to reveal the vegetation beneath it. Tourists usually spend four or five hours trying to see all and the animals on the move.

Serengeti is the place you shouldn’t miss since it is one of the most significant African parks where you can see the migration of wildebeest. It is the UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is definitely worth the visit because of the breathtaking views and the amazing animals. The best time to visit is during June and July because the migration of wildebeest occurs during this time. Once you visit, you will realize why Serengeti is famous for being a perfect place where you can see and feel the untamed wilderness and get the chance to dive into it.

It is important to prepare yourself before going to Tanzania. Make sure you pack lightly, but bring with you all the things that you may need. Depending on your plans, organize your time well. Always have some money with you in case something unforeseen happens. Keep in mind that you will need to be in good shape when you go, and so you can use all the available time exploring and learning something new about Tanzania. After you make all the preparations, the only thing left to do is to enjoy this magical country!

Cashback Explained, And Why You’d Be Foolish Not To Use It with Lyoness

Дмитра Врачарић

February 24, 2020

Shopping and Cashback concept, Money refund, Woman hand holding smartphone with button get started the cashback. — Source: iStock

Have you heard of cashback before? If not then it is high time that you learn a little more about it and takes advantage of the chance to save megabucks using this brilliant idea. Cashback sites such as Lyoness offer its members some of the best offers out there and you’d be crazy not to take advantage of it.

There are many ways in which you can use the internet to make some monster savings on your grocery shop and of them, all cashback is by far and away from the best and the place where you can really save a sizable amount of money. I have no doubt that many of you would like to have some extra cash on the hip each month, and perhaps you thought that buying cheaper goods was the way to do it. Well, using cashback is the perfect way to do it so that you don’t have to change the products that you buy you just have to change the way that you go about getting them.

What on Earth is Cashback?

Cashback is actually very simple, despite what many people think, and it is the offer of a certain percentage of money back when you buy certain items. Let’s assume that a bottle of shampoo is on the website with an offer of 50% cashback, you then go to the store and buy that bottle of shampoo, upload your proof of purchase to the website and then you can count on receiving half of the cost back in cash. These websites are not connected to the grocery stores, they are working with the companies who manufacture the goods individually in order to bring you these great offers.

How to Use It

When you decide which cashback site you are going to use, you will have to sign up for a profile and you will also have to pay a membership fee in order to get access to the promotions. Don’t panic about having to pay this fee as the money you will save on your first shop alone will be enough to cover the cost. All you do once you are signed up is to check out the offers, find something which you like and then go out and buy it. In order to prove purchase, you simply need to upload a photograph or a scanned copy of your receipt, and then the money will be credited back into your account on the cashback site.

Now that you understand what cashback is and how you can make the most of it, let’s take a further look at why you would be foolish not to take up the opportunity of making these savings.

Best Deals

Because the cashback sites work directly with the companies who are producing these products they are able to offer sizable discounts, the likes of which a grocery store is not able to negotiate becasue of the volume of goods which they would sell. If you are currently using coupons or taking advantage of other offers that a grocery store has, then the offers which you find on the cashback site will completely blow them out of the water and ensure that you are making savings that far outdo any other method.

Same Products

The products which you are going to find on the cashback site are not bizarre and left-field products, on the contrary in fact and they are products which you are probably buying each and every week as it is. This means that you could very easily be paying top dollar for products at the store when it really isn’t necessary. You’ll be amazed when you first sign in to your account to see all of the products which you have been buying for a while, that have mega savings on them which you may very well have been missing out on.

Because it is so Easy

On the face of it, cashback sounds pretty complex, but as soon as you get your head around it you can see just how simple the process is. This is why you can’t afford to miss out becasue, in order to get your money back, you don’t have to do very much at all. Some sites even have phone apps that you can use that will make the process even easier for you, giving you no real excuse not to take advantage of this brilliant opportunity to save money.

You have already lost enough time which could have been used to save some money on your grocery shop, don’t miss the chance again to start saving using cashback sites, once you do get started, you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it earlier!

9 Best Skin Care Masks for Acne in 2024

Дмитра Врачарић

February 24, 2020

Having acne is something normal and everyone has struggled with them at some point in their lives no matter their age, complexion type, and whether they have an extensive skincare routine or not. It is a problem that can be linked to several things from genetics and hormones to one’s diet and can often affect an individual’s self-esteem and the way they perceive themselves. Luckily, today, there are numerous beauty products that are made to help you deal with the issue such as toners, creams, and various treatments. However, people might often overlook a product that is very simple to use but can greatly help them get rid of the pesky spots – face masks.

These wonderful products can take care of nasty breakouts and, with regular use, minimize them too,s thanks to the ingredients they are made from. Moreover, they can cleanse your skin, reduce pores, exfoliate, remove access oils, and much more.

They come in several forms that include peel-off, sheet, clay, gel, sleep, cream, and charcoal masks. Each type has its pros and cons, although, in recent years, sheet and charcoal ones have become extremely popular. Additionally, companies do not only produce them for acne and breakout treatments but many other skin-related issues as well.

If you are struggling with acne and would like to give these products a try, it might be hard to pick one since there are so many great brands to choose from. The truth is, you will probably have to test a few out before you find one that is most suitable for you and your complexion type. So, to help you get started, here are some of the natural skin care products on the market.

1. Chamomile Concentrate Anti-Blemish Mask (Aesop)

You will find no fancy ingredients listed on the label of this product, quite the opposite. Made from natural, yet very effective plants such as chamomile, rosemary, sage, and tea tree, it will help you get rid of the bacteria, reduce irritations, as well as any excess oils and inflammations. With regular use, it should take care of your problems very quickly and efficiently.

2. Umbrian Clay Masque (Fresh)

The product is rich in minerals and is suitable for everyone. It contains special Umbrian clay, as well as chamomile and sandalwood oil all of which can help balance, cleanse, soothe, and clarify your complexion. It also closes pores, controls oils, and makes the skin softer and its texture smoother too.

It can actually be used in 3 different ways, as a detox mask for removing impurities, spot treatment, as well as a daily cleanser.

3. Super Purifying Charcoal Facial Mask (Garnier)

The Garnier sheet mask’s primary ingredients are charcoal and algae extract and it is great to use if you want to draw out any impurities that might be clogging your pores. Charcoal is known to deeply purify the skin, so by regularly applying the product 2 to 3 times a week, not only will your issues start disappearing but your complexion will start looking fresh, healthy, and radiant as well.

Garnier actually offers several types of masks you can use, ranging from moisturizing your complexion to heavy acne treatment.

4. Mega Greens Galaxy Masque (Glossier)

It contains kaolin clay, leafy greens, as well as superfruit antioxidants, all of which are meant to detoxify, deep-cleanse, and nourish your complexion. They provide extra vitamins, balance, purify, and refine your skin while getting rid of excess oils, impurities, and minimizing pores in the process.

It is important to note that the product is suitable for all types, but especially for individuals with sensitive skin since it is paraben, fragrance, and cruelty-free, vegan, and allergy-tested.

5. Charcoal Rescue Masque (Dermalogica)

Perfect for normal to oily complexions, the product is meant for revitalization, detoxification, and brightening. Besides charcoal, it has ingredients such as sulfur, volcanic ash, sea salt, and bamboo extract and it provides additional benefits like physical and chemical exfoliation, soothing properties, and minimizing the appearance of pores. The mask also helps reduce signs of aging and brings color and glow to your complexion.

It has no paraben, fragrance or gluten and it is especially great when your skin needs quick rescuing.

6. Therapeutic Sulfur Acne Treatment (Peter Thomas Roth)

The key ingredients are 10% sulfur, aloe vera, kaolin, as well as bentonite clay. It is great for clearing up acne and preventing them in the future, removing blackheads, absorbing excess oil, and calming and hydrating one’s complexion.

Interestingly, this cream mask can also be applied to the chest and back if necessary. It helps treat heavier breakouts and starts taking effect just after a few uses.

7. Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow (The Body Shop)

This dermatologically-tested product is great for someone who needs extra skin purification since it is packed with a number of natural ingredients such as bamboo charcoal, organic tea tree oil, and green tea leaves. It will not only get rid of unnecessary oil, irritation, and inflammation but also eliminate other impurities and refine and revitalize in the process too.

It is completely natural and vegan, meaning there are no parabens, silicone, mineral oils, or paraffin.

8. Radiance Renewal Mask (Paula’s Choice)

Now, this is a product that works while you are asleep since it is a night mask. The formula is great for individuals whose skin is sensitive and prone to heavy breakouts. It is great in soothing inflamed areas, besides hydrating and refining your complexion overnight. Moreover, it also improves skin tone and the appearance of wrinkles or fine lines.

9. Out Of Trouble (Origins)

If you struggle with mild acne then this mask is just right for you. All it takes is to spread a layer of it over your face, wait 10 minutes, and then rinse it off. It contains zinc oxide, sulfur, and camphor which are great for eliminating pimples, redness, oils, as well as soothing the skin. It should be applied at least once a week, although it can be used more often if needed.

Conclusion

Face masks are easy to use, very effective, and can greatly help you deal with your acne problem. Include them in your skincare routine, be persistent and do not give up, even on days when you are too tired, and you will start seeing your skin clear up and start glowing in little to no time.

1...632633634...679 Page 633 of 679