Category Archives: Tips and Ideas

How Artificial Intelligence Is Shaping the World of Web Design

We hear a lot about artificial intelligence and how it is set to revolutionise the way we use data. The world of web design is no exception to this, and it can help to deliver a much more personalised web experience for the consumer.

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Despite concerns about how data is being used, research indicates that consumers want a more personalised online experience. This means sites learning what their visitors want and delivering information and offers that are relevant to their needs.

AI in Design

But can AI help in the design process too? Yes it can. There are already tools that can build a website based on analysis of the content – selecting appropriate colours, layout, fonts and so on. The developing cognitive ability of AI means that it will undoubtedly help designers in their work. If, for example, you want a picture of a dog on your site, an AI system can have knowledge of what a dog looks like and be able to select an appropriate image.

This technology is still in its early stages, however, and if you’re building a site for your business, you may still want to turn to the expertise of a Yorkshire web design specialist such as https://www.etempa.co.uk/ to do the job for you.

Understanding Context

One of the key aspects of using AI in the web development process is that it’s able to understand the context of what’s happening. This means that it will not just select a photo – it will select one that is going to fit with the rest of the design based on colour, shape or other factors. It can also indicate when there might be a better image than the one chosen by a human designer.

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AI can also help police the consistency of a design. It can point out elements that don’t fit well with the rest of the site and suggest alternatives that will work better. It may even be able to fix issues automatically by adjusting tones or font sizes as appropriate.

Whilst it’s unlikely that AI will ever fully replace the role of the human designer, it can help to free them up to show their creative side by taking away many of the humdrum tasks like matching style elements and optimising code.

Which five DIY jobs are most commonly abandoned?

Many households can be found guilty of starting a DIY project but not finishing it, with weekends and bank holidays seeing the most DIY projects started. There are numerous reasons why individuals start DIY; however, the main ones are self-satisfaction and saving money.

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The top most abandoned DIY projects are:

Electric works

A DIY job involving electrical implications should always be handled by a professional. If an electrical job is carried out incorrectly, it could cause a fire, injury, or – in the worst-case scenario – fatalities. Some electrical jobs need to follow legal guidelines and will need to be signed off by the building control department of your local authority. In these circumstances, it is easier to use the professionals, who can sign off this element themselves.

Ensure that you have an electrical installation condition report (EICR), which needs to be updated every 10 years. This will make sure your electrics are fit for purpose and safe.

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Plumbing

It is important to know what you are doing when it comes to the plumbing within your home. If a plumbing job goes wrong, you risk severe flooding, ruining your home/possessions and causing long-term damage. Plumbers in Dublin such as https://www.plumberservicesdublin.ie/ can identify several jobs that are generally perceived as easier plumbing tasks, such as sinks, toilet and showers.

For jobs that involve boilers or central heating, a professional should be relied upon. A trustworthy plumber should be sourced to go through the correct checks and balances.

Installing white goods

Installing white goods is one job that a competent DIYer could do themselves; however, should the job require gas work, a Gas Safe-registered professional should be sourced.

If you plan on undertaking an installation yourself, ensure you read the manual of the product and understand what is required.

Tiling

Timing is the main deterrent where tiling is concerned. This is a job that seems easy but often gets abandoned due to time restraints. Tiling can create or uncover a list of problems, such as screeding issues and unlevel surfaces.

Woodwork/carpentry

Carpentry is a skilled trade. Unless you have experience in this profession, it is best to call upon an expert. Jobs that appear simple can quickly become complicated if dealt with incorrectly, such as when you are fitting heavy doors and find the frames are not straight.

Why choose readymix concrete for your next construction project

Pre-mixed concrete is a great option for construction projects as it is easy and convenient, while it is also potentially very high quality, so you will get a good finish for most projects. This type of concrete is manufactured by specialists using technology that helps to blend the perfect mix. Read on for more benefits to using pre-mixed concrete.

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Ready-mixed concrete is a popular choice for many construction projects. There are various benefits and the most obvious one is convenience. The pre-prepared mixture means you can easily use it immediately as it is perfectly blended to suit your requirements.

A perfect mix

Modern mixers are electronically controlled so that the ingredients are blended to exact proportions ensuring a perfect finish every time. This means it is high quality and you have a guarantee that the mixture is exactly measured with the water and aggregate.

The concrete will also be free from any rogue parts of defective materials, which could be a problem with concrete mixed elsewhere. The consistency of quality is important and this is assured with a professional readymix option.

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Professional advice

The suppliers of readymix are experts in the product. They know exactly what is needed for accuracy and can visit the site to measure and give a realistic quote related to how much concrete you need for the job. This kind of professional service will minimise waste, and therefore, cost and speed up the process.

Another way to get expert advice is to look online at the Concrete Society, which has advice about technical aspects of concrete, as well as training and education options, a bookshop and membership opportunities.

The greener option

Readymix concrete, such as that available from http://www.monstermixconcrete.co.uk/readymix-concrete.php and other suppliers, is less polluting than other options. This is because pollutants are kept to a minimum, such as dust from cement. This makes it a healthier option and kinder to the environment. There are also energy savings as larger mixers are greener than smaller ones, making them more efficient, saving energy and in effect, lowering electricity bills.

Increased lifespan

The concrete from a pre-prepared mixture will last longer than other varieties. It is hardwearing and more durable, meaning you can enjoy decades of wear from readymix. It is also the most convenient option as it can be delivered directly to the site.

12 Interesting Ways to Relax

Relaxing is perhaps one of the most effective methods to get on the path of success and think clearly about what we do with our lives, and how we can improve it.

This year I have been exploring ways to relax in order to have the necessary tools to calm down in times of stress.

The best way to deal with stress is to prevent it, but when we are in a tense moment it is good to know some relaxation technique to change our state quickly. We suggest visiting Best Facials in Manhattan.

Meditation

Meditation is a way of giving a rest to your busy mind with constant worries. To meditate is simply to stop thinking, to stop focusing on yourself to concentrate on experiencing the world around you.

Try now, try to be 1 minute without thinking anything, just looking at an object that you like or with your eyes closed. Listen to your own breathing to make it easier for you to concentrate. At first, it will cost you to spend more than 10 seconds without thinking, but the more you practice the easier it is. How did you feel?

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Take a few minutes to think about nice things. Take a temporary vacation in your imagination. You can be in Paris, sitting in a restaurant in the Eiffel Tower, having the best wine in the world with the person you most want just to close your eyes.

Imagine situations that you would like to live or remember the best moments of your life.

For your mind, imagining it is the same as experiencing it live, so what you visualize will change your current state.

Yoga

Modern yoga (for those who do not know it) is a set of physical exercises designed to bring harmony and flexibility to your body. Doing a few minutes of gentle yoga is a great exercise for your body and your mind.

To relax you can also use any other physical exercise. Although physical exercise may seem more painful than relaxing, your body generates endorphins that leave you deeply relaxed after exercise.

Go for a walk

Strolling combines the benefit of physical exercise plus sunbathing and fresh air.

It also forces you to look at the landscape, something that distracts your mind from any worry you may have.

Listen to music

Spend some time enjoying your favorite music. No matter the style, any song that moves you even though it’s Heavy Metal is good for relaxing. If in addition to this you add singing and dancing you already have a complete relaxation session.

Laugh

It does not matter how you do it but laughs. Laughing is the best remedy for stress.

Quick ideas to laugh:

  • Watch a series or comic movie
  • Explain a joke to your friends
  • Make a joke to a friend
  • Parody a song
  • Play with the effects of your webcam
  • Watch funny videos on the internet

Breath deeply

Oxygen relaxes we have all tried it and we know from experience. Oxygen is free and is everywhere, so take advantage of it.

My favorite breathing method to relax is to make 4 great inspirations and expirations. Try it now. Take a deep breath and breathe out little by little. Do you see the difference? If you are not relaxed yet, repeat it.

Giving A Massage

3 messages for 3 different occasions:

  1. Professional massage
  2. Couples massage
  3. Self-massage

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Create With Hands

Focusing on creating something that you really like frees your mind of unnecessary tensions.

What do you like to do? You can try painting, scale models, DIY, cooking, making jewelry, sewing, making card castles, collecting Legos, recording stop-motion videos, recreating monuments with play dough or anything else that is imaginable.

Take care of your garden

Having a garden or orchard is a rewarding experience for the 5 senses.

If you can not have a garden for reasons of space, potted plants add a decorative and relaxing touch to your home.

Hot or Refreshing Bath

From a quick shower to a long bath, anything goes to relax. If taking a bath with foam and fragrances of eucalyptus or lavender does not relax you is that you are made of stone

You can also look for a gym that has a jacuzzi, thermal pools, and a sauna.

Play With Children Or Company Animals

Without a doubt, one of the best ways to relax…

Warning: Use sparingly as children have a lot of energy and can leave you exhausted.

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Why your company needs an office cleaning contract

Is your workplace looking sorry for itself? Have you been weighing up the pros and cons of hiring a cleaning contractor? Read on to find out why a cleaning contract is exactly what your workplace needs.

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Happiness and morale

Numerous studies over time have proved that humans are happier when they are working – or living – in a cleaner, tidier environment. Even some of the ancient feng shui principles are based on the idea that clutter slows you down, physically and mentally. A good cleaning contract can therefore keep morale and efficiency at an all-time high.

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As a species, we sadly judge books by their covers, which means we judge offices, shops, factories and restaurants by their levels of cleanliness. How clean – or how dirty – your workplace is will have a direct impact on the way stakeholders, such as the public, customers and clients, see your business. There is also no hiding from their views, with opinions happily shared on Yelp, Facebook and so on. A dirty or messy public-facing workplace can easily become public knowledge in no time.

Health, safety and hygiene

A seriously good reason to hire a cleaning contractor is to improve the health, safety and hygiene in your office. Sick days lost through viruses, slips or falls can all be prevented when you have cleaner work surfaces, floors and desks. Cleaners can also help to reduce dust and clutter in the office, which can fast become a fire risk.

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A cleaning contractor is more likely to get the job done to a higher standard than cleaners you employ in house, as they have their reputation to protect. This ultimately means the health, safety and hygiene of your work premises will improve overnight. Dirt can also harbour in places we don’t always reach, especially in carpeted stores or offices in which shoes are worn inside. This is why it is important to appoint contractors for both ad-hoc jobs and regular ones; for example, those looking for commercial carpet cleaning in Cheltenham should consider a reputable firm such as https://www.clean-able.co.uk/.

The benefits of appointing a cleaning contractor are varied and vast. From improving the hygiene, health and safety of your workforce to improving your image and the moral of staff, isn’t it time you signed a new cleaning contract?

What are the changes to the GP Contract for 2018-19?

With effect from 01 April 2018, several changes have been made to the General Medical Services (GMS).

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According to NHS England, the new agreement is part of the body’s longterm investment in GP services. In the current financial year there will be a 3.4% uplift in financial investment, amounting to just over £256 million. This will rise to over £12 billion a year by 2020/21.

The changes affect several areas:

1. Financial

  • There is 1% uplift in pay (amounting to over £102 million), and a 3% uplift in expenses.
    • The amount per practice allocated by the Global Sum Formula will increase from £85.35 to £87.92 per weighted patient.
    • The value of a Quality and Outcomes Framework point will rise by 4.1% (from £171.20 to £179.26).
    • Practices now have the ability to advertise fixed-term for GP locum jobs to provide temporary cover for absent staff. The maximum weekly payment for workers filling locum jobs has also increased to £1,751.52 a week. This is positive news for providers of locum staff, such as http://www.thegplocumagency.co.uk/.

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2. Contractual

  • There is a new requirement for GP practices to use the NHS e-Referral System for all new referrals to external consultants from October 2018.
    • There is a new target for GP practices to have at least 10% of their patients registered for online services; practices that fail to meet this target will be required to work with NHS England to better promote online services.
    • The National Quality Requirements are set to be replaced in October 2018 with new Key Performance Indicators.
    • NHS-commissioned practices will no longer be able to advertise GP services which are provided by private providers, if practices are supposed to be providing such services on the NHS.

    3. Patient-related

  • GPs now have the ability to remove a patient from the violent patients register, if a patient has been flagged as violent in error.
    • GPs will be able to share relevant patient data with social care providers, provided that certain safeguards are met.

    While the BMA describes the changes as ‘minimal’, the General Practitioners Committee has informed that it is working to introduce ‘major’ changes in the 2019 financial year, including a ‘wholesale review’ of the Quality and Outcomes Framework, options for revitalising the partnership model and new staff initiatives.

Google is shortly to release a new Gmail look

A redesigned Google Gmail interface will reportedly be released over the coming weeks. What are the main changes that users can expect, and what does all this mean for your business?

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What’s changing?

Aside from a sleek new look, the main change is introducing easier access to other Gmail apps, such as the calendar. New features will also be rolled out, such as an email snooze option that removes a message from your inbox until a pre-selected time. There’s also an interesting ‘smart reply’ feature that suggests a response to a message by scanning your emails. Anyone who has used the mobile app will be used to these features.

A further feature that has been widely reported is the dramatic-sounding ‘self-destruct’ option! This essentially allows the user to set a time at which an email is deleted. Other changes of note include a confidentiality mode that restricts what the recipient can do with your message, such as print, forward the email, or copy and paste the contents. The revamp will also reportedly include a feature that allows the sender of an email to request that the recipient confirms their identity before they can access the message.

What does this mean for you?

First and foremost, it means that if you’re a Gmail user, you can shortly expect to see some changes to the interface. These aim to make your experience more streamlined and efficient, as well as boosting security. However, on a broader note, the fact that Google is implementing changes also highlights the importance of continual evolution of your online presence, security features and web strategy. Whatever the size of your business and its geographical reach, it’s worth seeking out national or local help, such as Lincolnshire web design agency, https://perspectivedesign.co.uk/, to find out if your website is as good as can be, or whether some changes could improve your visitors’ experience.

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When you regularly access a particular website or application, it can be hard to adjust to a new layout. However, the consensus seems to be that the changes to Gmail make tangible improvements to the interface. If your website has had the same look and features for a number of years, maybe it’s time to follow in the footsteps of Google and look into whether a revamp is in order.

What is Block Management?

If you’ve ever wondered what block management entails, it’s a bit like managing a business. Looking after a block of flats or apartments takes specific knowledge and experience and is often best left to a property management company to deal with.

Leaseholders will have a strong interest in the management of their building, how it is being handled and who is doing the handling. A property that’s badly managed can have a long-term effect on how people live and enjoy their homes and even future value.

Landlords are normally responsible for the general overseeing of a property, but landlords can vary. It might be a solitary person, a local authority or a management company. It’s normally the landlord who is responsible for the overall management of the building. This could be an individual person, a company or a local authority. It is more common for an individual landlord to hire a management company to look after the property on their behalf as it’s often too big a job for one inexperienced person. For a professional Block Management Company in Gloucestershire, visit http://www.completepropertygroup.co.uk/property-block-and-estate-management/

Why hire a block management company?

A group of more than one properties requires dedication, time and a professional approach that is much better served by a specialist company. A property management specialist will be knowledgeable in tenant and landlord law, health and safety laws, accounting and building construction.

The managing company take their direction from the landlord and not the leaseholders, but a professional agent will always be mindful of the tenants needs and issues. The job can involve anything from making sure all is in good working order, like the lifts to dealing with gardens and accounting. They play an essential role in the experience of both leaseholder and landlord. The leaseholders pay service charges to cover the costs accrued by the management company in maintaining and servicing the building. That is why it’s important to have an experienced and highly professional agent.

What you should look for in a block management agent:

  • Highly Knowledgeable
  • Have a wealth of experience in understanding leases and tenant/landlord legislation
  • Be able to guide leaseholders in their obligations and their rights
  • Always be committed to best practice and high standards of customer care
  • Always comply with industry codes of practice
  • Have an accessible and independent complaints process
  • Be open and transparent
  • Be able to supply extensive accounting options including service charge collection, expenditure and budgeting
  • Make good decisions in how service charge money is used

New private rental minimum room size legislation proposed

A more spacious home tends to be a more enjoyable home, and the Government intends to introduce legislation to monitor the minimum amount of space in private lettings in an attempt to reduce overcrowding. There are now new regulations governing HMOs, or houses of multiple occupation. In an HMO, there may be at least three tenants who are not part of the same household but may share facilities such as a kitchen or a bathroom.

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Minimum bedroom sizes

Part of this new legislation covers the minimum sizes of rooms where tenants sleep. A room where two adults sleep will have to be at least 10.22 square metres. A room in which one adult sleeps will have to be at least 6.51 square metres in size, and a room for a child under the age of 10 will have to be at least 4.64 square metres in size.

Changes are coming

This legislation is expected to pass into law during the early part of 2018. The Department of Communities and Local Government said that the rise in demand for HMOs had given some unscrupulous landlords the opportunity to provide sub-standard housing that leads to overcrowding, undesirable tenant behaviour and a general lack of standards for health and safety.

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The Government also plans further measures to get tougher on landlords who are not considered to be serving the needs of their tenants properly. For more on what may happen to landlords that councils believe are exploiting tenants, see this report from The Guardian.

Renting out property seems to keep generating more rules to make it more complicated for landlords. However, one tool that has emerged to make things simpler is property inventory software. If you are interested in finding out more about the possibilities of property inventory software, it’s time to take a look at what an expert in the field, such as https://inventorybase.co.uk/, has to offer.

Many landlords manage their properties properly, so they will have little to fear from these new regulations. However, for those who think it is fine to crowd vulnerable people into tiny spaces with inadequate facilities, a reckoning may be coming. The effects of poor housing also spread to neighbours and those living nearby, and no one should have to endure the effects of sub-standard accommodation.

What you need to know about fire safety for your business

You might have heard that you should be doing a fire risk assessment, but what is this and why is it so important? Basically, the reason this assessment is so important is its designed to lower the risk of a fire breaking out inside a building. With some very high-profile fires recently, this is more imperative than ever. It doesn’t just look at the structural safety of a building but examines its contents as well. It also takes into account the building’s layout and how it is used.

All businesses and public structures, whether they are bars, churches, shops or office blocks must have a fire risk assessment carried out if they are used for non-domestic purposes.

The legislation involved stipulates not only that an assessment must be completed but also states who can complete one, who is responsible in the event of a fire, procedures for evacuation and how this information is supplied to employees or members of the public. Failure to comply can lead to large fines and even imprisonment.

It is not a task that can be done lightly, as the law states the assessment must be both suitable and sufficient. Not all properties are the same, so a suitable assessment must be tailored to the exact requirements of each individual building. An assessment also needs to be amended and updated whenever any changes occur in the use or layout of the building.

A risk assessment can be completed by anyone who is deemed competent, but unless you have specialist knowledge, it’s wise to call in the professionals. For a thorough fire risk assessment Gloucester, visit http://keloscape.co.uk/fire-risk-assessment/

An inexperienced person could miss potential hazards, leaving risks not being properly assessed. This could prove devastating and even fatal in the event a fire does break out on the property. That is why it is imperative that a full and professional assessment is carried out from the beginning. It’s important to use only certified and trusted risk assessors for the legal requirement of having a risk assessment.

There are some specific rules with regards to your assessment:

It must be regularly reviewed, with the ideal scenario being once every 12 months following the first assessment. Every five years, a new assessment must be carried out. This needs to take place sooner if the fabric of the property has changed, the purpose has changed, or the occupants have changed. Such changes can have a big impact on fire safety planning, so a review must be completed in these instances.