5 Practical Tips to Drain Your Toilet

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January 20, 2020

If you’re planning to repair or replace your toilet, you might need to completely drain the tank and bowl. Or if you just want to give your toilet a thorough cleaning, you’ll still need to drain the tank and bowl. Sounds complicated, right? But you shouldn’t worry that much, because there is always a solution to every problem. The best way to do this is to combine multiple techniques and everything can be done in just a couple of minutes. Keep reading to find out how!

1. Shutting Off the Water Supply

The first and the most important thing you need to do, before anything else is, shut off your toilet’s main water supply. Then flush it thoroughly. Doing this will remove a significant amount of water from the bowl and tank. Sometimes this is the only step you’ll need to do, and if you are lucky enough, all of the water will go, and you will have an empty toilet, ready to be cleaned, replaced, or fixed.

But it’s important to note that this method is only applicable if your toilet doesn’t feature a clog. If it’s clogged, you’ll need to try something else, and one of those things you can try is plunging it.

2. Plunging

You can also opt to plunge your toilet bowl to drain any remaining water. The motion produced by the plunger forces water out of the toilet trap. This method is particularly useful for eliminating any remaining water in a toilet that’s clogged.

Flushing a clogged toilet makes it harder for you to empty the bowl as it might overflow.

Start by turning off the water supply. Then place the plunger over the toilet’s drain opening. Plunge the toilet to get rid of any water held inside the trap. Plunging will also generate some pressure that’ll remove any existing clogs. Also, be sure to do a gentle first plunge. This is important because if you do it hard it will force the air back around the seal and that will end up in a huge mess and water all over the bathroom and you will be soaked.

Once you’ve done that, go ahead and flush your toilet. This will go a long way in emptying the toilet tank. But there is a possibility that your clog is making a huge problem and that it can’t be fixed with plunging and flushing. If that’s the case you’ll need to do something else.

3. Siphoning

Siphoning is another popular technique of removing water from the toilet. All you need is a short and highly flexible hose. This technique is very simple, but it includes you getting into contact with a lot of dirt. So if you don’t like the idea of you being covered in unidentified dirt, be sure to wear safety equipment, or opt for another technique.

Wear some rubber gloves as you’ll be required to dip one of your hands into the toilet water. Fill the hose with water. Then plug both pipe openings with your fingers to make sure that the water available within the hose won’t escape. If water escapes, the hose will be filled with air, something which could end up breaking the siphon.

Remove your fingers from the openings of the hose and water will start flowing freely from the toilet bucket. Just make sure that the end in the bucket stays at a lower position than that in the toilet to pave way for siphoning.

4. Sponging

Upon emptying your toilet using the above methods, some water may still be left behind. You can dry the toilet completely through sponging. Take an absorbent sponge and clear up any residual water.

Always wear gloves when sponging the toilet. And once the sponge is fully soaked in water, squeeze it to your bathroom drain or bucket. This can be a bit boring because it’s a bit of a slow process and you need to do it until there’s no more water left.

5. Vacuuming

You can also do wet-dry vacuuming to remove water from your toilet. This technique is only convenient for draining clean toilet water. Please remember to never vacuum dirty toilet water. To get into the wet mode, you’ll have to detach the vacuum filter. When vacuuming, avoid overfilling the bin as this would lead to water spillage around your house as you move the heavy vacuum. Also, this technique is much easier and faster than sponging.

Other useful tips

It’s gonna be messy – Even if you are super careful it’s going to be messy, and you will certainly spill some water. So be sure to lay down some old towels or some cloth around the base of your toilet. This way any water that spills will be soaked up.
Cut off the water supply – We already mentioned this, but we need to do it again because it is very important. You always need to cut off the water supply before you do anything because if you don’t do it your toilet won’t drain properly. That can also cause a serious water leak and a real mess in your bathroom.
Don’t throw things into your toilet – If you want to avoid clogging your toilet you shouldn’t throw things that are not supposed to be thrown into a toilet. The toilet is not a garbage can, and you should especially explain that to your kids if you have them.
Don’t use chemicals for unclogging – Chemicals can sometimes work, but most often they are very slow, and they don’t do the job. And chemicals are just not good and you will end up with a drain full of corrosive water.

Conclusion

Before replacing or repairing your toilet, you’ll need to drain it completely. And there are several ways to do it; vacuuming, siphoning, sponging, and plunging. For a quicker fix, you’ll need to combine multiple methods. Plus, you need to get it right with the new toilet you purchase. For quality toilet equipment, try the EasyMerchant shop today!

Miranda Kerr Net Worth 2024

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 19, 2020

Miranda Kerr is a famous model, known for being the first Australian Victoria’s Secret Angel. Read further to learn all about her life, career, and income.

Early Life

Miranda May Kerr was born on April 20, 1983. She grew up in Gunnedah, New South Wales. Her parents, Therese and John, had another child named Matthew.

During her stay in Australia, she rode horses and raced motorbikes. She describes that part of her life as the one where anyone could just be themselves.

The Kerr family moved to Brisbane so the kids could have a proper taste of city life. After graduating at All Hallows’ School, Miranda studied health psychology and nutrition.

Career

Back in 1997, the then 13-year-old Kerr won the Dolly Magazine model competition. The shoot done for this occasion sparked some controversies as she was photographed in her bathing suit. Due to this, many were worried that the girl was the victim of pedophilia.

She signed to Chic Management. The contract allowed her to work with brands such as Lisa Ho, Finetti, Levi’s, Alex Perry, Blumarine, Roberto Cavalli, and more.

In 2006, the model appeared on Project Runway, which is a popular TV show. She modeled for one of the contestants, Daniel Vosovic. Around the same time, she signed a contract with Maybelline.

Some might even recognize her from Kanye West and Pharell’s music video for their single “Number One”.

Her fame exploded once she started working for Victoria’s Secret. As previously stated, Kerr was the first Australian VS angel. She became the face of their PINK campaign in 2006. During the next four years, she appeared on their runways, which were screened on four continents.

She had a brief appearance on “How I Met Your Mother”, alongside several other fellow models. She became the face of Clinique fragrance and replaced Megan Gale as the new face of David Jones.

During the summer of 2009, the model posed naked for Rolling Stone Australia, trying to help raise awareness for the endangered koalas. In an environment and health light, we should note out that she also launched a brand of organic skincare products with George Moskos.

In 2011, while she was six months pregnant, Kerr was featured in Vogue Australia. That makes her the first pregnant woman to model for Vogue. Two months after giving birth, she went straight back to work, taking part in Paris Fashion Week. That same year, Harper’s Bazaar took nude photos of the model during their photoshoot.

2013 was somewhat of a rough year for the model. Both David Jones and Victoria’s Secret decided not to renew contracts with her, stating that she had quite a “difficult reputation”. However, the model’s camp noted out that the woman was just not able to commit the necessary time for the brands.

She quickly replaced them with Swarovski, as she was named the face of their that year’s fall campaign. In early 2014, she partnered with H&M and was featured in campaigns for Wonderbra and Reebok. She walked for Sonia Rykiel, both opening and closing that show.

During the last few years, the model has been working with Jeremy Scott, Louis Vitton, Riccardo Tisci, and Buick. She also took part in Australia’s Next Top Model.

Personal Life

If you look up her relationships, the Internet takes you back as far as 17 years ago, when Miranda was engaged to Adrian Camilleri, who was a finance broker. The man, later on, went to jail as he was found guilty for fraud, and the two cut all ties.

Then, she dated the singer of Tamarama, Jay Lyon. The two dated from 2003 to 2007; therefore, they had enough time to collaborate. The model starred in their music video for a song named “Everything To Me”.

Several months after their breakup, Kerr jumped into a relationship with Orlando Bloom. The two got married in July 2010. On January 6, she gave birth to their son, Christopher Blanchard Copeland Bloom. Two years afterward, the two had announced their split.

She was spotted with eleven years younger Justin Bieber, which caused the young superstar to get psychical with Bloom. It was never revealed if anything happened between them, so we can only speculate about the two.

More recently, she dated Evan Spiegel, the co-founder of Snapchat. The two got married in 2017 and have a son together named Hart Spiegel. Back in October 2019, she gave birth to their second child, Myles.

Miranda Kerr Net Worth 2024

Our sources estimate that Miranda Kerr’s net worth as of 2024 reaches the number of $50 million. Apart from her modeling career, most of this money comes from various endorsement deals.

Benefits Of Having A Home Spa

By

Billy Voss

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January 19, 2020

After a long and exhausting day, we all need relaxation. However, very often we do not have enough time to visit wellness centres. For those of you who have a bit of spare space in your home – the ideal solution would be a home spa. Exercise, healthy food, spa treatments, rest and time to relax will help you regain energy.

Balance Of Spirit And Body

As usual, as the end of winter approaches, and the beginning of spring, we all fall into thinking about the changes we want in our lives. The best life change we can afford is more care for our health. When our health and mind are balanced, there are few other things we cannot accomplish and achieve.

The importance of relaxation is increasingly emphasized and explored, as stress is a common problem in modern man. Stress is also the biggest cause of all other types of health problems, so it should be reduced in all possible ways.

Wellness Center In Your Home

Going to wellness treatments in the last few decades has become a standard way of dealing with accumulated stress and relaxation after a hard day’s work. Consequently, many people also wished to have a spa in their homes.

That way they would not have to waste time going to the spa or share it with a large number of strangers. Today it is very easy to make one such space, even small in size. As it is a relaxing space, where, besides hygiene, the need for health is primarily expressed – nature must be the main inspiration for the interior design of this space. If you want to find anything for your home, you can visit SteamShowerStore.

Colours And Materials

For a home spa, relaxing colours such as soft white or beige, light blue or green are ideal. This pallet will look good in combination with any shade of wood that will give off heat, or in combination with natural stone. Various tropical herbs will certainly help with the relaxation, and for anyone who believes in the healing power of colours, we suggest showers with the increasingly popular chromotherapy. The home spa will include candles as well as a must-have bowl for aromatic oil. Carpets made of natural materials such as cotton may also be found on floors, but thicker woollen variants should be avoided.

Experts Are Needed

Whether it’s a spa pool, a larger jacuzzi, a Finnish or even a Turkish sauna – every home spa will require you to give up one part of your living space. When choosing the exact position, it should be kept in mind that it requires adequate installations. Therefore, before commencing any work, we advise that you consult with experts who will inspect existing installations and meet all the necessary technical requirements for the final installation of a home spa. Creating such a space is no problem, but professional help is required.

Enjoy Your Pool

You have decided to create your private spa to enjoy. Opt for a hot tub or a pool to enjoy all year round, outdoors or in your home, as they are suited for both outdoor and indoor use, regardless of the season. The size of the space most often depends on the type of pool you will choose. You can choose a classic skimmer or, say, a hydro-massage pool.

Skimmer pools are predominantly intended for private – home use for their performance. They have a basic filtration system consisting of a filtration pump and a filter, while in the semi-professional variant, a sand filter contributes to better water filtration. Massage pools are larger, of higher quality and more powerful massages, and have water heating and filtration systems so the water stays in for a long time.

For those of you who are considering this option, it is a good idea to look at this website and try to find the one that works best for you. The priorities that professionals take when producing and installing these pools are durability, functionality, and design.

Salt Rooms

With its simple and modern design, the salt rooms will fit perfectly into your home. Combining mineral salts, gentle warmth and modern design – salt rooms can be the perfect choice for your home wellness.

Heating cables are most often integrated into the benches, floor or walls of the salt room, which provides an optimum temperature of about 30 degrees Celsius and humidity of about 40%. That is a microclimate in which mineral salt is naturally ionized.

Finnish Saunas

Finnish saunas are an indispensable part of home wellness. You can hire a company that designs saunas to fit your space and uses the highest quality materials with the options of your choice. Such an approach to wellness involves an aesthetically flawless sauna, which is tailored to your needs and desires.

Accessories such as aromatherapy with the essence of a bio sauna or the gentle RGB lighting that accentuates the lines of the sauna, the lightweight audio system you choose – will make all your senses enjoy.

Steam Baths

Besides the relaxation area, the steam baths will also serve as a shower for everyday use, so this is a practical product. In addition to the functionality, the steam bath can offer you exclusive design in only two squares.

Steam baths are generally made to fit your space and with the choice of materials to your wish. This kind of space will give you exceptional design and elegance that all your senses can enjoy.

Infrared Saunas

Infrared saunas are supplied with infrared heaters that produce rays like the sun, only without the negative ultraviolet rays. Unlike a traditional Finnish sauna that indirectly heats the body by air or steam, the infrared sauna with its warm rays directly passes through the skin, producing many of the health benefits.

Tepidariums And Warm Benches

The basic function of a tepidarium is to relax the whole body and muscles, especially before and after using the massage pools, Finnish sauna and steam bath. Tepidariums are usually made with an integrated heating grid and with a thermostat to achieve a relaxation temperature of 37-40 degrees Celsius.

7 Significant Ways to Become More Eco-Friendly and Preserve the Environment

By

Gordan Himerdooff

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January 17, 2020

Choosing eco-friendly alternatives is no longer a lifestyle choice but has become a necessity as many areas are affected by droughts and flooding. There is no quick fix to helping to reduce our impact on the environment. Still, when we all take the appropriate steps to lessen our impact, the cumulative effect can only be suitable for the situation in the long-term.

1. Restrict Electricity Usage

Everything in our homes now needs electricity to function, which is increasing in use each year. You can get a much better understanding of the amount of power you use (and save) by installing a smart meter, which gives you real-time data on how much electricity your home consumes. Shop smart by choosing products with lower electricity usage such as LED bulbs for your lights and smart refrigerators, which can save you money and help reduce the impact on the environment. Use timers to help ensure that you don’t have appliances burning electricity when not in use.

2. Conserve Water

Limit your dependence on water by reducing how much you need to run your home and try to reuse water whenever possible. According to Jim’s Mowing, you can save runoff rainwater in water butts for watering your garden, and this will also give you enough water to keep a good-looking garden even when water restrictions are in place. Smart showers will still give you a great bath but will also reduce how much water is needed for your daily washing activity. The other main appliances which use a lot of water are washing machines and dishwashers, so look for models that require less water to run their cycle, and you’ll watch your water bills reduced dramatically.

3. Recycle Goods

Most local authorities have excellent recycling facilities where most of your daily garbage can be recycled. Check which items can be recycled to ensure you are throwing away as little as possible; many products that were once discarded can now be recycled or reused. Go a step further and look at unique ways you can recycle or repurpose items you would typically put in the trash. Only buy products that you know can be recycled after use to limit how much waste needs to go into landfill sites. When items break, try to look at how you can fix it before deciding to replace them as many of us buy throwaway things that last for a while and that, once broken, are often replaced by a newer item.

4. Buy Local Products

One of the most significant adverse effects on the environment is the transportation needed to ship items all around the world. However, while this is necessary for some things, there are many you can buy from local producers (especially food). By buying locally, you are not only reducing the carbon footprint needed to get the products to you, but you will also be helping local businesses to flourish at the same time. Of course, it’s not only food that we can buy locally, but you can also look at other products that are manufactured near you and choose them over the sometimes cheaper alternatives that are produced in other countries.

5. Use Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Many of the cleaning products we use have chemicals that cause damage to the environment. Check the labels to find the products that use natural ingredients as these will work just as well at cleaning and have little or no impact on the water in the sewage systems.

6. Grow Your Own Fruit and Vegetables

For those of us who have gardens or space to have a vegetable patch, it is a great idea to start growing your own. Start with simple items such as herbs and everyday vegetables that we use. By increasing the amount of your fruit and vegetables, you lessen the need to transport things that perish quickly. Furthermore, you will not only help to reduce the carbon emissions to transport items but will also reduce food waste, which has become a massive issue with supermarkets.

7. Insulate Your Home

A poorly insulated property loses heat or cold air dramatically faster than a well-insulated one. Some local authorities give grants to allow you to spend money on making your home better insulated, as this is seen as a significant contributing factor to energy waste. Although insulating a home is not cheap to start with, the amount of energy you save will significantly reduce your energy consumption in the very hot or cold seasons, which in turn will save you money while helping the environment.

We all need to act today to start reducing our waste and lessening how much energy and water we consume daily. You may not be able to re-insulate your home straight away, but you can make the small changes that will help to gradually reduce your carbon footprint and help to ensure that the environment is still in good shape for our children in the coming years.

8 WordPress Tips to Make Your Website Secure in 2024

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 17, 2020

8 WordPress Tips to Make Your Website Secure in 2024 — Source: tech

A website in a simpler definition can be referred to a collection of pages which are connected to the world web page, and it contains information given by specific individual which can be traced using the uniform resource locator. This type of page is designed using several procedures such as purchasing a hosting plan, choosing a suitable domain, comprehending an exciting theme, create the pages on the world web, and later publishing the information.

Many people make websites for monetary or commercial purposes, such as online marketing and advertisements. One cannot benefit from the website if the site is prone to hacking and leaking of private information to the web browser. Therefore, it’s the responsibility of the webmaster to ensure the information released to the browser is confident and secure.

Safety Measures to be deemed

The safety measures to be considered include the following:

1. Ensure the website has the Secure Socket Layer (SSL) certificate

Commonly known as the secure socket layer is described as the encrypted padlock, which gives a connection between the web user and the server. Its main objective is to protect private information such as passwords and login details from been hacked. Similarly, it secures confidential information between the involved parties. Therefore, the information shared cannot be accessed by other users. Many SSL providers are now offering SSL certificates at cost-effective prices. You should buy a cheap SSL certificate from SSL2BUY or a similar service.

2. Use of wildcard certificate on domains

Wildcard SSL certificate is one of the best SSL certificates that secure subdomains of a primary domain and if a WordPress site has many subdomains then a wildcard SSL certificate will work like a magic plus cost saver. A website holder does not have to pay much money on each subdomain security.

3. Use of complex passwords

In every internet platform, one must have a password where many tend to choose a pattern or name which they can easily remember. But on the website platform, one is required to use a complex password that contains different characters. This helps to prevent cracking from computer geniuses and makes it difficult from guessing, thus protecting the information. Similarly, the account owner should manage the passwords regularly. This can be done by changing passwords frequently, making it difficult for hackers to realize the trend used to make passwords.

4. Use of emails rather than username

Email is connected to the personal details of the user and therefore gives uniqueness of safety as it’s difficult from guessing. If one attempts to use it, the owner gets notified and sends an alert to the server. The use of username is rarely recommended because it involves names and numbers, which are easy to guess.

5. Disable editing

Once one chooses a suitable theme for the site, one is required to disable the file editing profile on the dashboard. This is recommended because some hackers may gain access to the site and draw all the information. Several cases have been reported on the malicious spread of information where even the site owner is unaware of. This may affect the flow of advertisers or even blockage from marketing in certain countries.

6. Adjust the Uniform Resource Locator (URL) Logins

Many website admins do not change the logins provided by the server leaving the site vulnerable to external attacks like hacking and in personification. Therefore, it’s recommended for a website owner to change the URL provided by the admin and add some unique characters like questions, exclamation marks, or even many commas; this makes the URL login look different from the given one thus increasing the safety of the site.

7. Login attempts

Most of the popular websites consist of a maximum of three attempts where one fails through the efforts; he/she is temporarily banned or even blocked from using the site even for three months. Some sites also act of alerting the involved security system, and you are reported as a spam. Limiting the attempts reduces the probability of hacking and detect fraud on the site. On a business website, this serves as a benefit where the investors who advertise on the platform feel secure to market their products freely.

8. Selection of Hosting Company

A website requires multiple layers of security therefore when you choose a hosting provider, you should take care of security aspects. Initially, many website holders think of cheap hosting providers, but it could turn into a nightmare as sometimes, there could be data deletion and the URL redirection issue. However, paid hosting can attribute multiple layers of security including enhanced website speed. Security features include daily malware scans, 24/7 support, firewall, DDoS protection, spam filter, virus protection, etc. Many security plugins can help you in this case.

In conclusion, one cannot make a useful website if he/she doesn’t consider the safety of the site. One should be well versed with the advancement of technology to ensure that he/she can trace security inconveniences on the website.

Executive Vehicle Rentals for Your Business Trip: Must-Know Tips

By

Daniela Meyer

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January 17, 2020

Companies and business partners will trust and respect you more if you are impressive. And one of the easiest ways to stand out is to use an executive vehicle. The best thing is that you do not have to buy a Rolls-Royce or Bentley if the cost is too high, but you can rent one anytime it is necessary.

Numerous rental companies such as sprinterrentalsusa.com are now offering a range of executive vehicles for rent with the aim of helping the corporate and business world to fulfill their dreams. Before you can select such a company, there are a few things that you need to know.

Choosing the Right Car for You

When you are in the corporate world, it is always good to know what you really need. There is that luxury car that you have always wanted to drive to a business meeting or any other corporate event. Look at the following options that are available for such functions.

· Rolls-Royce Phantom – this is just one of the many executive models produced by Rolls-Royce. Those who rent one get to enjoy luxurious and comfortable interiors where they can use their laptops and tablets from the back and also stand out everywhere they show up.

· Bentley Mulsanne – this is a vehicle in its own world of luxury. It is equipped to serve any business person perfectly. What many do not know is that Bentley vehicles are equipped with GSM cards to access the internet on the go to meet your business needs.

· Mercedes-Benz S-Class – this model is one of the most luxurious from this brand, and its target users are chauffeur-driven business people and top corporate officials. However, with rental options from reliable companies like MilaniRentals, any person can enjoy one. It has ample space in the back and facilities for business on the go.

· Ferrari Enzo – if you want to feel sporty and cooler than any other driver on the road, a flashy and more powerful vehicle like the Ferrari Enzo is the automobile to rent. Your business allies will respect the fact that you like fine things, and cutting a deal is not as hard as you might think. With a Ferrari and an Italian designer suit, nothing can stand in your way in making the best business impression. For this car, it is best to drive yourself around when doing your business errands.

· Armored Porsche Cayenne – if you feel like it is a good idea to add an extra layer of security, Porsche will take good care of you with their bulletproof vehicle series. The Cayenne is one of their best, and you can rent it out from a reputable rental company. Apart from the security that you need when traveling for business in a new destination, this SUV delivers a lot more. Expect to enjoy a luxurious interior, powerful engine and the smoothest ride ever. This SUV also allows busy business people to work from the rear seat, which has a stand.

Features to Look for

As you continue to look for the best executive car for your business trip, features play an important role. In addition to personal taste in the style and design of an executive car, business people need to continue working even when they are on the move. The good thing is that most of these vehicles have a spacious cabin. The roomy interior provides an ample environment for working on your laptop or tablet.

Again, the interiors of executive vehicles also allow people to entertain their potential business partners or any other person with whom they want to strike a deal. In this case, you may want to rent a car with a champagne cooler and stands.

With all these, the vehicle you choose should have a track record of comfort, safety and privacy to ensure that your business trip is as convenient as possible. No hitches should occur especially when you are in a foreign country.

Fuel efficiency is key. We all know that luxurious vehicles are often gas guzzlers. But we are in a world of technology. Probably, you have heard about hybrid vehicles and how they save fuel even in powerful vehicles. Also, there are many other fuel efficiency technologies that have cropped up everywhere. Mercedes-Benz is now using BlueTEC to save fuel while BMW is using its EfficientDynamics technology.

If you consider luxurious vehicles with such technology, you can rest assured that the business trip will be as economical as possible. At the same time, the vehicles will give you the class and comfort that you want.

Other Considerations to Make

Types of roads to use – if you already know the region of your business trip, knowing the status of the roads will be very easy. Cities and areas with poor roads are better visited using SUVs and sedans with higher ground clearance. This means that you may have to ditch the Ferrari for the Porsche Cayenne even if it is a model that is not armored.

The number of passengers – obviously, three of you cannot fit in a Ferrari. A five-seater vehicle like a Mercedes-Benz S-Class will suit you better. Choose your car carefully because it will play a significant role in making your business trip a success. But the good thing is that reputable rental companies can switch the vehicle for you if your needs change.

Privacy – Some luxurious vehicles take the privacy of a business traveler very seriously. Apart from tinted windows, some have curtain-like filters that add an extra layer of privacy. Therefore, people from outside will not keep gazing at you as you pass by. These vehicles are ideal for prominent business people who want to travel discreetly or have sensitive business discussions in the vehicle.

Conclusion

The final thing you probably want to look for is the price of the rental car. If you are an entrepreneur with a tight budget, look for an executive vehicle that will not exceed your budget. With all the options on the market, there is always a good deal.

How to Use Blockchain in Virtual Reality

By

Daniela Meyer

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January 17, 2020

Virtual reality technology has now been incorporated into many other sectors in addition to entertainment and communication. People now want to interact with the services they receive in a more realistic way. This is why innovators are using this simulation tech in gaming, movies, conferencing and even in the marketing of products among other things.

Cryptocurrencies, on the other hand, use a technology called blockchain that has penetrated many sectors in the world to introduce better and safer ways of handling data. Surprisingly, virtual reality technology can reap many benefits from blockchain technology particularly in improving safety and speed. Through the use of specialized software and devices, VR users can now enjoy enhanced services that are engineered using blockchains. So, let us look at various ways in which the blockchain concept is used in VR.

Virtual Worlds That Are More Secure

VR is now heavily used in interactions between people in different locations in a more realistic way. Some users might be vulnerable to hackers especially if they are discussing sensitive matters or exchanging financial information. However, verification of data using blockchain algorithms has stepped in to offer new layers of safety for the users. Virtual worlds are now safer although a few more steps might be necessary for the verification.

STEM Technology Experiments

Science, technology, engineering and math experiments include challenging concepts that have been difficult for even experts to crack. Today, blockchain technology has been incorporated successfully for experts to collaborate in real-time, make changes and ensure that everything is successful. Experts can access decentralized platforms that are secure and efficient enough for faster and more accurate research. Experts have also been training newbies in STEM using a decentralized platform where everyone’s input is seen in real time. With this, it is also possible to have virtual classes from any part of the world.

Controlled Advertising in Gaming

Well, all virtual gaming creators usually get some of their income from ads. This is why you have some ads when playing your FIFA game or any other. However, users would rather not be bombarded with spam ads that can spoil any VR game, especially the online options. However, blockchain technology keeps this in check through the appropriate verification of data.

Sale of VR Music Online

Musicians can now smile because VR and blockchain technology have merged to benefit online music sales. Well, this goes beyond the uploading and downloading concept. Customers can quickly experience the music video they are about to buy before they make their decisions. On the other hand, musicians can update details of the music and videos in real-time. This makes it easy to collaborate with fans and get feedback as well.

Virtual Commerce

If you have interacted with cryptocurrency at Nakitcoins, you probably know that it can buy you various things. With virtual commerce, buyers take advantage of virtual shops where they can buy what they want and pay using various options. Blockchain technology, therefore, applies in many ways here like facilitating the use of actual cryptocurrency, and the concept is used to make virtual shops safer.

Solving Difficult Concepts

Blockchain is again seen as the appropriate solution for difficult concepts. Through the integration of various algorithms, experts can deliver simplified tutorials and educational materials in the form of diagrams, images, and videos using the VR concept. Therefore, the integration of VR and blockchain is an excellent idea that has been welcomed in many sectors that need to educate their followers.

File Format Solution

Many people have realized that VR is the next big communication channel. People grasp information better when it is presented in a striking way like VR. However, there is a need for a universal file format that will be accessible through any VR device or software. And this is what can happen when blockchain technology is used. The technology allows a standardized way of sending information to all VR users.

Benefits of Blockchain in VR

Now that we know many areas where VR has incorporated blockchain technology, it is time to go through some of the benefits they enjoy. As you will notice, sectors like the crypto industry have already benefited directly because they created blockchain to suit their specific needs.

VR has not been adopted as expected. The innovators are still looking for ways to give it a push. To add value to it, blockchain has now become the necessary catalyst. As mentioned in the above cases, people can now smile as they receive better VR services in different sectors. According to research by the US military, setting up VR training centers will give people an opportunity to understand its potential and benefits particularly when brilliant technologies like blockchain are added.

Those sectors that have distributed their VR-based platforms just as blockchains are distributed can attest that making progress is not only easy but can be very fast. The fact that only one change by an authorized person is needed for all platforms saves time for operations. Notably, VR concepts in marketing, e-commerce, research and other decentralized applications are now transmitted in real time.

Another big concern is the security in these sectors. But it is worth noting that the blockchain concept includes a default security layer. People who make changes in the system must have them confirmed, and their actions can be traced for accountability. Therefore, malicious people will have a hard time trying to penetrate such a system. In fact, it is possible to add more security protocols without altering the operations of the entire system. This actually makes it even better.

With blockchain, system owners can have their identity recognized and give themselves certain rights to make changes. This way, they will also regulate how their invented system is working. The good thing is that the changes they make are visible to all other collaborators.

Conclusion

As you can see, the merging of these two major concepts has enabled innovators to develop many interesting solutions. The end users are the main beneficiaries of this. The future has even more to offer, and we can only wait to see what will come next.

Ongoing Challenges of Electrical Energy Storage

By

Daniela Meyer

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January 17, 2020

The world is undergoing what has been identified as a “grand energy transition” from solid, high-carbon energy sources that are unsustainable to virtually limitless renewable, low-carbon energy sources that are clean and sustainable. And there is absolutely no doubt that energy storage will be a key factor in this transition.

As global acceptance of the need for renewable energy continues to increase, so too does the need for acceptable, affordable electrical energy storage (EES). Apart from anything else, energy storage is a necessary component required for excess energy to be sold to the grid, as well as to ensure that whatever renewable energy is produced, but not used immediately, can be utilized at peak times if and when the grid is struggling to cope with demand.

The International Energy Association (IEA) has used a large-scale simulation World Energy Model (WEM) to provide medium to long-term projections regarding energy since 1993. While it doesn’t try to forecast what is going to happen in the future, it does explore the different possibilities based on what could happen.

Research shows that the installed capacity of EES is increasing at an exponential rate globally, and any experienced electrical engineer, like ones from ny-engineers.com, will acknowledge this.

What he or she may not know is that, according to the IEA, energy storage is one of the very few technologies that are on track in terms of the IEA Sustainable Development Scenario (SDS) that aims to transform the global energy system as quickly as possible to help limit the rise in global temperatures caused by climate change.

Importantly, the SDS as a whole is not on track to achieve the energy-related outcomes required specifically in terms of:

Achieving universal access to energy by 2030
Reducing the severe health impacts that result from air pollution
Tackling climate change

This was confirmed in a WEM report released in November 2019, which extended the SDS to 2050.

The Sustainable Development Scenario

The IEA SDS, which is part of the WEM, maps out various ways that sustainable energy goals can be met in accordance with the Paris Agreement developed to deal with the mitigation of greenhouse gas emission, and signed within the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in 2016. As such, the SDS supports broader development efforts that focus on cleaner air and access to energy rather than most other scenarios that focus on decarbonization.

The ultimate aim of the SDS is to achieve “a cleaner and more inclusive energy future” and pioneer the transformation of our largely noxious global energy system to meet the needs of a Sustainable Development Scenario. Its vision is pragmatic and ambitious and is presented in the form of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that address the energy-related outcomes mentioned above. Additionally, it has a strong emphasis on affordability and energy security.

Of course, the very fact that universal access to modern energy is right at the top of the SDS agenda will inevitably lead to an increase in carbon dioxide emissions, but the report states this will be minuscule – only 0.1% – and will easily be offset by decreased methane emissions when the use of traditional biomass stoves is substantially reduced.

All-in-all, the global transition to a low-carbon economy will result in a much more efficient energy system that will rely less on fuel combustion and shift more and more to renewable energy. While the IEA’s initial 450 Scenario, published way back in 2008, relied on carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS) and nuclear, the current SDS relies heavily on solar and wind power. The projected goal figures have virtually reversed from CCUS and nuclear generating about 7100 terawatt-hours (TWh) and wind and solar generating 3600 TWh in the initial report, to 8100 Twh for wind and solar and 3900 TWh for CCUS and nuclear in the most recent one.

Additionally, the predictions are that renewables-based power will more than double between 2019 and 2050, which will, in turn, require additional investment on battery storage and electricity grids. This is one of the major reasons that the ongoing challenges of electrical energy storage are so important.

The Importance of EES in Energy Transition

According to the IEA, the utilization of energy storage reached a record level in 2018, nearly double what it had been in 2017. While governments and energy utilities continue to create grid-scale storage, behind-the-meter (BTM) storage, primarily in the form of lithium-ion batteries, nearly trebled during this time as costs for battery storage have decreased.

The World Energy Council discussed the role of storage in the energy transition in its Energy Storage Monitor Latest trends in energy storage – 2019, and its importance is undeniable.

To understand this, it’s important to realize that renewable energy resources like the sun and the wind provide intermittent supplies of energy. Quite simply, the wind doesn’t blow all the time and the sun doesn’t shine all the time. This means that the production of sustainable energy doesn’t always correspond with demand.

Improved technology for storing electrical energy so that it is constantly available to meet universal demand would represent a major breakthrough in the effective distribution of electricity.

In fact, as the global shift to sustainable energy gains increasing momentum, energy storage has become a key component that will enable the so-called grand transition. It doesn’t take rocket science to realize that as we rely more and more on renewables, and less on fossil fuels like coal, oil, and natural gas, we need to increase the capacity to store the renewable energy produced so that it is available when we need it.

In essence, consumers will become less reliant on a secure, stable supply of electricity from a utility provider if they can store backup energy in their home and office environments. But for the integration of renewable energy storage to succeed, strategies are going to have to change.

The Missing Link For a 100% Renewable Energy Market

Having seen just how important electrical energy storage is for the grand energy transition, it becomes clear that low-cost energy storage is the missing link. Without it, we’re unlikely to ever achieve a national, let along global, 100% renewable electricity market.

There are several initiatives and actions that are helping to drive down these costs, including:

Regulatory reforms that have, to an extent, helped to stimulate the development of international energy storage markets which have already reduced costs through increased competition and cost advantages.
Increased global demand for electronic goods and electric vehicles which has resulted in increased investments in the manufacture of battery-packs.
A decrease in the cost of hardware required for efficient energy storage, including inverters.
Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) costs which have decreased as companies offering mechanical engineering services and various energy-related solutions in this sector have gained more experience and streamlined their processes.
The fact that as the costs of utility-scale storage costs have continued to decrease so too have the long-term costs of supplying electricity to the grid from lithium-ion batteries.

According to the World Energy Council, annual revenue from electrical energy storage connected to utility-scale solar and wind power is expected to be at least $9.6 billion by 2026. It is anticipated that the revenue for BTM installations will amount to even more by this time, with estimates of more $13 billion.

However, the reality is that even with rapidly decreasing costs, EES systems are still relatively expensive and unless consumers get government support or low-cost financing, they need to make a significant investment upfront. This continues to be a significant challenge.

Why You Should Have a Roadworthy Certificate

By

Дмитра Врачарић

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January 16, 2020

It is that time of the decade again where you finally have the will and money to get yourself a brand new car. But, you open up your bank account and realize that you simply do not have enough to get a new vehicle again. Not only is your bank account showing you a lower number, but the prices of new vehicles have skyrocketed since the last time you were in a car salon. Some sedans that used to cost $20,000 to $25,000 with all the bells and whistles, it now costs over $30,000 and that’s without any extra features.

Unfortunately, automotive industries constantly raise their prices to compete with other brands. So, what do you do in such a situation? Do you decide to stay with your old one for a few more years to get some more money? No. You should not give up on your dream which is why you should buy a used car. Check out all the online marketplaces and all the local car dealerships where you can find the perfect model.

So, you finally found an ad with the perfect brand, model and color for you and all that remains is to meet up with the person, give it a test run and pay up. However, before you transfer all the documents to your name, you should ask whether they have a roadworthy certificate for the vehicle. It is actually needed by law that every vehicle must have some kind of an inspection certificate or you may be fined. So, if you do not want to pay thousands of dollars on fines, make sure to ask the person selling whether they have such a document.

Keep in mind, the person you are buying from will try to dissuade you that there are no laws for such a document even though that is not true. Just because they are selling the car that does not mean that they can avoid paying for the right documents.

Always look for sellers who have all of their paperwork sorted. It is not your job to go through this long procedure to get a certificate, and it is certainly not your job to pay for it. Not only will you have to spend extra money on this vehicle, but there may also be defects that are not easy to spot. In other words, they might be hiding information from you which is why they do not have the document.

However, if you have already bought your favorite four-wheeler and you now realize that you do not have a roadworthy certificate, you will probably need to get one.

How to get a Roadworthy Certificate?

Before we get in detail about the benefits of this document, it is important that we help you understand how to get one.

The first step is to take your vehicle to a licensed mechanic who will be able to properly analyze its status.

There are multiple checks included before you get your certificate and those include:

Suspension

The suspension is a very important part of every vehicle and it has to be in perfect condition, always. It is the main part after the engine that keeps the wheels spinning. It also reduces the shock to the chassis of the car while driving over bumps or holes. So, if you want the inspection to go well, make sure that your suspension is in good condition.

Tires

Without the right tires, a car can have trouble gripping the road while driving at higher speeds. This is especially true when the road is wet or if its raining or if there is snow/ice. You need to have a nice set of tires that still has enough grip if you want to successfully pass the inspection.

Brakes

This is also one of the most important parts of a vehicle. It is what ensures the safety of both yourself, your passengers and pedestrians. If your brakes are not in good shape, there is a good chance that they may fail while driving which can be very dangerous. Your ability to stop is very important.

Lights

Make sure that all of your lights are working. The headlights, fog lights, brake lights, indicators and so on.

You need to do all of this to ensure that you are mobile roadworthy and you can do so at sabsafetycertificates.com.au. After you go through a few more steps of inspection, you will get your roadworthy certificate and you can be on your way home.

Benefits of a Roadworthy Certificate

A lot of people believe that this document is not a mandatory requirement and that there aren’t any benefits from it. This is simply not true. Not only you are legally required to have a roadworthy certificate, but there are also a few benefits from it.

Better resale value

If you decide that you want to sell your vehicle, you will probably need to go through all of your documents. The more facts and information you have about the history of your four-wheeler, the bigger the price. You will also find that a lot more people will be interested in your sale. With this certificate, you can show people that your vehicle is in good condition and that it is completely safe. This is something that will ensure your sale, so why not get it?

Insurance and registration

Sure, you might have to pay extra to get this document and you will have to go through the hassle of the inspection. You will also have to ensure that everything goes along well. However, after you get it, you will have a much easier time obtaining different documents. If you want to insure your vehicle, companies will immediately accept your application because they can easily see that it is in a good and safe condition.

Naturally, when you first buy a brand new vehicle or a used one, you will have to register it, if it is not already. It is illegal to drive a car that is not registered. But, believe it or not, a lot of states and countries today require that you have a roadworthy certificate. IF you do not, you will not be able to register the car.

Get More Clients – a Marketing Guide for Realtors

By

Дмитра Врачарић

-

January 16, 2020

There are five marketing ideas in the Real Estate industry that you might not have ever done or never heard of. These 6 ideas have helped hundreds of realtors and you can be another success story. You can make your business get off the ground with these ideas, and your clients will be very happy to do business with you.

Idea #1: Send Weekly Emails

The first advertising thought for you as a realtor that you should start doing is simply sending weekly emails. Send the emails around an equivalent time of the week to your database for as long as you’re in business. This can be the core foundation that’ll keep business together. It can keep you relevant with everybody in the Real Estate business.

This is a simple way to remind them that they can contact you about anything relating to the terms of Real Estate. You can go over the top property listings and make sure that everything is good to go.

According to learn.roofstock.com sending these weekly emails will grow deeper relationships for you without you needing to put in the extra work of getting back to every one of these individuals. When it’s reliable, it shows how trustworthy, persevering, proficient, and knowledgeable you are.

That’s what clients want to see.

Idea #2: Facebook Live

The second showcasing thought is something that almost everyone uses, which is Facebook live. The average number of Facebook Live videos that are used by Realtors is three or four times per month. It gives huge exposure.

When you go on Facebook Live and create a quick, little video. Your video can just be expressing gratitude towards everybody for the help, showing love, and how much you care about everybody. Also, you can do a cash or prize giveaway.

For instance, most people giveaway gift cards to their favorite stores and restaurants. You can challenge your viewers by saying things like, “To win, you should simply leave a response, leave a “like”, and offer this video post to others.”

Using Facebook Live with your business or personal page is a great way to reach out to all of your clients and potential new clients. Have the mindset to help them in finding the right value on a property and reminding them that they don’t need to go through the process alone. Don’t forget your live video should be on all of your Facebook pages, so that way your friends and family can see what you have been up to lately.

You’re going to boost the excitement from all those clients on that list from your database and your custom audience. Every time somebody shares the video; the perspectives start moving increasingly elevated to the point where you’ll be receiving thousands of likes, comments, and shares.

If you need to make the most of your Facebook live videos, then make sure that you mention your name, your company, your phone number and any other necessary information in the description section of your post. Feel free to mention the winner of the giveaway as well.

Idea #3: Custom Facebook Audience

The next advertising thought for your Real Estate business that you should start doing is taking your whole email database of the entirety of your customers, all your recent clients, internet leads, and any other remaining listings that you have and make a custom Facebook crowd.

What Custom Facebook Audience does is it creates a dedicated crowd that you can name. It very well may be customers from your current Facebook audience. At the point when you run Facebook advertisements, you can run promotions directly to those customers and your ad budget will be going just to those individuals in their Facebook channels.

That ‘s huge on the grounds that you realize that each dollar you place on Facebook promoting will go directly to individuals that definitely know you or have known about you or in your database. You’ve probably already sent them emails in the past relating to your Real Estate, but there hasn’t been much attention.

Creating this kind of audience is enormous on the grounds that it assembles brand acknowledgment. They see your email and they’ll eventually recognize you on Facebook. In the event that they’re not checking into their email, but they’re getting on their Facebook account, they’ll immediately notice that you’re on Facebook as well. This is a great possibility where most of you are losing profits in Real Estate because your Real Estate business is not being seen on Facebook.

Idea #4: Instagram Stories Advertising

The fourth marketing idea is simply operating ads in Instagram stories. This idea is really huge right now, and it’s going to continue growing. People are really into watching different stories.

There are over 800 million users on Instagram and 300 million of them are viewing the narratives. It’s growing to the point where there’s some undervalued consideration in light of the fact that Instagram is as yet giving it a shot. This is a brand-new platform in the market. When new features and platforms are starting out, the advertisements are created by users to promote their business.

That’s when you truly need to exploit creating these Instagram stories and ads. Don’t let the beginner’s stage be the reason why you don’t take advantage because you can potentially miss out on helping people find decent property value on a house. You can make those narratives in the Facebook Advertising Platform.

Idea #5: Connect Your Instagram & Facebook Together

The fifth and final Real Estate promoting thought that you most likely never knew about is combining your Facebook Real Estate Business Account with your Instagram account. This thought is one of the most common ways that Realtors promote their business. If you’re not finding interest in using your personal Instagram profile, then feel free to make a second Instagram page that’s only for your business towards Real Estate. Once you change your Instagram status into a business account, interface it to your Facebook Real Estate business account.

This works great because, at the point when you’re operating those Facebook advertisements to your custom crowd, who are now your customers, you can, at the same time, run those equivalent promotions on Instagram to similar individuals.

This is astonishing on the grounds that now in the event that somebody, whose one of your clients, checks into their email messages, then that’s good. However, there’s a greater chance that they won’t check their email and they’re online with Facebook. That means that they’ll see you there too. Let’s say they don’t check their email message and they’re not online with Facebook. But they’re online with Instagram, they’ll eventually find you on that social media platform. In the event that they open their messages on Facebook and on Instagram, they’ll find you on both platforms, which means double the views.

You can make a big impact on this because as you run the Facebook promotions towards your Instagram account each day, you’ll have something sent to your clients relating to your Real Estate business.

Keep in mind that your emails and ads don’t always have to be about Real Estate. You want to build a great relationship with your clients. You can talk about a highly recommended restaurant or what event/party to go to.

Idea #6: Direct Mail Marketing

Wait! I know I might have lost you, an old traditional marketing tactic among all of this digital marketing? Absolutely. What could be more impactful than a postcard that offers a free instant home valuation on their home? There is one company that does offer this, wisepelican.com, and it tends to be right almost right on the money. You will also get their real email if they try to redeem it as a lead. Also with direct mail marketing you are very targeted in who sees your brand, which is a great way to dominate a subdivision.

Conclusion

As a realtor, you have to be presentable as much as possible. What’s amazing about today’s generation is that we don’t have to be in-person with the client all the time. Plus, you don’t knock on every door just to get your business off the ground. With today’s technology and social media platforms, we can connect with others without hassle or distraction. It’s great to connect with others who have the same interest as you do except you might need to guide them through the process. Be noticeable, be consistent, and always satisfy your clients.