Wood Floors, Are They Better For The Environment Than Carpet Flooring

WHY CHOOSE CARPET?

Always in style, cost effective, and safe, carpet tile flooring has been a go-to flooring option for many hotels. Most commonly found in guest rooms and heavy-traffic areas like lobbies, corridors and meeting rooms, carpet tile offers a variety of benefits that make it a popular choice among hotel owners and interior designers. Our infographic above outlines the benefits of carpet tile flooring installations in hotels:

Carpet tile is a popular hotel flooring choice due to the fact that it looks good, it is fairly easy to work with and maintain, and it has some great safety benefits. Here are additional benefits:

  • It is cost effective
  • It is an effective noise insulator
  • It is available in a wide range of designs and styles
  • It’s good for oddly shaped rooms
  • Carpet tiles will always be in style
  • The traction of carpet tile keeps guests safe from injury, as it is slip resistant
  • It’s good for high traffic areas
  • Carpet tile is easy to install, and can easily be replaced

 

The Benefits of Carpets

Every person has a way of decorating their floors. Those living in hotter countries are more likely to install tile or hardwood floors, but those in colder climes may fit their floors with rugs and carpets. There are reasons for this, and most of us don’t even realise them! You can find out about these reasons in the following article, and maybe even a tip or two about dealing with carpet stains.

Visually Pleasing

A great rug can complete the décor of your room. Whether woven, flat weave or embroidered, rugs are made from the point of view of aesthetics. A rug that features a range of colours and patterns can help bring light and vibrancy to a room. A decorative rug complements your furnishings, and even become the center of attention if it is made in an unexpected shade.

Insulating

Most people would prefer hard floors because they are easy to clean and great for stain removal! However, it does not offer insulating properties. Hard wood floors can become really cold when the temperature dips – if you have hard floors at home, you could add a rug for some extra layers and warmth. Since the fibres of the rug are compressed and packed together, they trap heat in the winter and maintain cool temperatures in the summer, which is why they are popular in colder climates.

 

Health & Environment friendly

As fine dust is held between the fibres of our carpets, the air and so will your lungs be healthier. Tests have proved that in rooms with wall-to-wall carpets there is up to 50% less fine dust in the air.

Easy to clean

Modern technology enables us to offer you a carpet with an optimal resistance to wear, dirt and stains for use in most interiors. Simply vacuum your carpet on a regular basis.

Enjoy the softness and warmth

There is nothing quite like the cosy feeling that carpet gives you. Your living room or bedroom floors are never cold to the touch and walking barefoot is a pleasure.

Works as a noise reducer

Sounds transmitted through ceilings, walls and floors are annoying. Our carpets absorb these noises better than any hard floorcovering. Textile floorcoverings clearly reduce the transmission of noise, both in the room where the noise is generated & in the adjoining rooms. Walking on a fitted carpet is 22 decibels less noisy than on a

 

Slip Resistance

Wall to wall carpeting is an inherently slip resistant floor covering that, when compared to hard non-impact absorbing surfaces, reduces the risk of slips and falls and the severity of injuries when accidents occur. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups – the elderly and children.

Acoustics

Carpet is the only floor covering that can significantly reduce impact and reverberation noise, creating a quieter environment, better social interaction, increased privacy, better speech intelligibility and cognition, and less stress.

Carpet is much more efficient in noise reduction than any other flooring surface.

While there are other sound absorption alternatives such as acoustic ceiling tiles and panels, they do not reduce floor impacts and for this reason cannot achieve the same overall reduction in noise levels.

 

What Are The Types Of Carpet Flooring?

Many factors like carpet density, color, style, pattern, pile and more will go into your decision for your perfect carpeting. Here is a rundown of the types of carpet that are out there:

Fibers:

  • Nylon is the most prevalent carpeting material and is used in about 75% of all manufactured carpeting. Why? Because it is versatile and easy to care for. Nylon carpet is very soft and cozy but also sturdy, and impervious to stains. The extremely buoyant fibers can be invigorated by steam-cleaning to bring back their original beauty.
  • Polyester carpet fiber holds vibrant colors and is quite fade-resistant and are non-allergenic. It is often made from recycled plastic bottles! People who are interested in being eco-friendly like this option for that reason. Its main disadvantage is that it is disposed to flattening under heavy weight, making it not-so-great for areas that a re high-traffic.
  • Polypropylene is almost as soft as nylon but not as resilient and is highly stain-resistant but is prone to holding onto oils which accumulate grime. It is commonly used in carpets that are loop-style – such as Berber – which we will talk about more in a bit.
  • Wool carpeting is a long-lasting material and, hands down, the softest carpet. However, low-grade wool is disposed to discoloration and high-grade wool is expensive. For this reason, some manufacturers combine wool with synthetics to get the best of all worlds.

Piles:

  • Uncut carpet pile is sometimes called “loop pile” or “Berber pile.” It is uncut carpet pile that leaves the entire yarn loop intact on the surface of the piece. They are very hard-wearing, easy to clean, and resistant to stains, and don’t show dents caused by footprints or vacuums. For this reason, they are perfect for high-traffic areas – including commercial spaces. The key disadvantage of an uncut pile is that it is less soft and padded than cut-pile carpet.
  • Cut pile is soft, inviting and easy to clean and can be made unique by altering the angle of the shearing that cuts the loop, or by means of different treatments on the fiber before and after it is interweaved into the backing. But it is easier to see foot marks and vacuum trails and is not as durable as uncut carpet pile.
  • Saxony pile is made of individual strands standing upright to create a plush surface. The downside to this style is that strands are easily crumpled down by feet and susceptible to wear-and-tear and staining. Saxony is not suitable for high-traffic areas.
  • Frieze cut pile consists of individual strands tightly curled erratically across the surface of the flooring. The style is very durable and hides dirt and stains well.
  • Plush carpet pile is also sometimes called “velvet cut pile.” The fibers are short and densely-packed that create a luxurious carpeting. Regrettably, this flooring style is prone to scuffing and showing footprints.

How Do You Select Your Wedding Videographer

How to Hire a Videographer for Your Wedding

One of the best ways to capture the magic of your wedding day is to hire a professional videographer. To find a great video professional, watch videographer’s wedding videos online to look at examples, read reviews online, or ask people you know for referrals. When you find a video professional you might want to hire, make a list of questions to ask them and make sure your styles mesh well together.

Finding Potential Videographers

  1. Ask for video professional referrals from family and friends. If you have friends that were recently married or that are also planning a wedding, ask them if they know of a good videographer to use. Family members are also a valuable resource when it comes to gathering information about potential wedding video professionals.
  • Ask them to write down or send you the video professional’s website, email address, or other contact information.
  1. Consult your wedding planner for suggestions, if possible. If you hired a wedding planner, they can be a great source of information when it comes to choosing a video professional. Ask your wedding planner if they know of any great wedding videographers in the area that you might like and that are within your budget.
  • Your wedding planner may be able to get you in contact with the videographer they’ve recommended so you can talk and meet with them beforehand.
  • Since your wedding planner will be incredibly involved in your wedding, they’ll have a good idea of the kind of aesthetic and qualities you’re looking for in a wedding video.
  1. Check out the websites of videographers. Each video professional will likely have their own website that shows lots of examples of videos they’ve previously created, as well as more information about themselves. Do an online search for wedding videographers near you to pull up the websites of different options.
  • Watch the videos that the videographer posted on their website to learn more about their taping and editing style.

 

Researching and Meeting with Potentials

  1. Watch videographers’ wedding videos online to help you decide. Many videographers post the wedding videos that they’ve created on sites such as Vimeo. Do a quick online search to find examples of wedding videos by different videographers, looking for ones whose style you like.
  • Type “wedding videos” along with your city into a search engine to find wedding video examples to watch.
  • Look for important aspects in each video, such as good lighting and audio, nice song choices, and smooth transitions.
  • For example, some videographers create wedding videos that are more cinematic while others create videos that are similar to documentaries, so decide what kind of video you’re hoping for.
  1. Read the reviews for potential wedding videographers. Wedding videographer reviews will give you an opportunity to read what other couples have to say about the videos that were created for them. When you’re reading the reviews, look for whether or not people were pleased with their videos, if the videographer was helpful, and whether they got the video in a timely manner.
  • Type “wedding videographer reviews” into an online search engine, adding your city as well if desired.
  1. Meet the videographer in person before hiring them, if possible. This is a great way to ensure that you’re comfortable with them, as well as ask any other important questions and generally get to know them. Try to set up a date and time to meet them before you hire them as your videographer.
  • If you can’t meet them in person, ask if you can Skype or FaceTime them instead.
  • Since the wedding videographer will be following you around all day during your wedding, it’s important that you feel comfortable with them.
  1. Ask the video professional questions about their work and process. Ask them questions such as, “What is your videography style like?” or “How would you describe your editing process?” Make a list of questions that you’d like to ask the videographer beforehand so that you make sure you have all the information you need.
  • Other questions might be, “Do I get to choose the song that goes in the video?” or “How many weddings have you filmed?”

 

Booking a Videographer

  1. Try to book a photographer and videographer from the same company. This not only makes it easier on you, but you will likely end up with a much more coherent and seamless wedding video. Ask your photography studio that you’ve already decided on if they also shoot videos, or look for a photographer and videographer package if you haven’t chosen either yet.
  • You may be able to spend less money by choosing a package with a videographer and photographer from the same company.
  1. Hire the videographer at least 8 months before your wedding. Wedding videographers tend to get booked quickly, especially if you’re choosing a popular one. Try to choose a videographer as soon as possible so that you ensure you’re able to get all of the information you need and book them in plenty of time.
  • For example, if you’re getting married in May, book your wedding videographer in September or October of the previous year.
  1. Be clear with the videographer about what type of video you’re envisioning. This includes which events they should record, as well as the style and tone you want to capture. While some prefer raw video, you may choose to edit the footage at a later date to create a finished product. Talk with the videographer so that they have a clear picture of what matters to you most in the video.
  • Some people choose to tape only the ceremony, while others extend taping to the reception and pre-wedding events, such as the rehearsal dinner and engagement party.
  • Be aware that a professional video can take months to produce.
  1. Review the contract carefully. Make sure it spells out how you should pay and the total amount due, any deposit required, cancellation policies, precisely what events the videographer will tape, how many hours the videographer will tape, and how many cameras the service will operate.
  • The wedding videographer will likely offer several different packages for you to choose from, allowing you to choose different things in your final contract.
  • Price usually depends on the number of hours you want a videographer to work, how many cameras and video professionals will be involved, and whether you want any special services, such as a video montage or special editing.

 

Here Are A Few Tips To Help You Out.

How much should I spend on a wedding videographer?

Hiring your entire film crew – AKA your wedding photographer(s) and videographer – typically takes up around 8-10% of the total wedding budget you’ve created. Remember that not all videographers are priced evenly. An entry-level videographer usually runs for around 500 to 2000 dollars, a professional will run you about 2000 to 3500 dollars and a seasoned pro could cost you anywhere from $3500 to upwards of $10,000. With a bit of luck you may be about to find a prodigy swimming around the entry-level pool, so remember to do your research and leave no stone unturned.

Should I tip my wedding videographer?

Your wedding videographer won’t be expecting a tip, so don’t feel obligated to shell out any extra cash. However, it’s always nice to throw a little appreciation their way, especially if you think they’ve done an awesome job. If you do plan on tipping them, follow the same rules as you’d follow with your photographer: keep the tip around 50 to 200 dollars and skip the tip if it is the owner of a business operating the camera (as they’ll be receiving most – if not all – of the general videography fees).

 

When should I hire my wedding videographer?

Get the process underway as soon as possible – especially if you’re looking to book someone during the peak season (the summer). Okay, maybe not immediately after you get a ring on your finger, but pretty soon after. Once you’ve locked down your venue and wedding date, it’s time to start hunting. You don’t want to find yourself videographer-less a few months before your big day!

When should I expect to receive my wedding video?

This all depends on your wedding videographer’s editing speed and schedule. If your wedding is during the peak season and you’ve hired a particularly busy videographer, it may take some time (anywhere from a month to 6 months is average). You may want to ask them this when hashing out your contract details.

Tips For A Trouble Free Interstate Local Moving

Local Moving Guide

An In-State or local move is any move of household items, which take place from the origin to the final destination within the same state. The cost of a local move is usually determined by hourly rates. The hourly rate may vary depending on the amount of labor needed to complete the move. It is best to receive on-site estimates from movers that come to your home and determine how many men, hours, and packing materials are necessary for your relocation. The estimate given to you from the mover should include the total cost for packing, insurance, and labor, as well as conditions based on the origin address and the destination address. If you are not sure of the exact location you are planning to relocate, your price may be subject to a change based on the final destination conditions such as stairs, long carries, and access for a semi-trailer.

One of the more important things you should do before you move is to have complete knowledge of your new neighborhood, and the route to your final destination. With local moves timing is everything. Also check your new area for the availability of suitable parking for the truck so that the movers can load and unload the truck comfortably. Always check the restrictions of your building/complex, or for the need to schedule an elevator or to provide certificates of insurance.

Proper Packing

There are three different ways to pack up your household items. You can do it all yourself, have the local moving company partially pack some of your items, or you can have them pack everything. If you have anyone else other than the local moving company pack your items understand that the local moving company is not liable for any of the damage that occurred inside of the boxes during your move.

Choosing When To Move

Picking the time of year, month and day of the week can be very crucial in your move. Most people choose to move during the summer months when their kids are out of school or during vacation. Moving companies need to hire seasonal help to meet this increase in moving demand. This means that inexperienced movers are often hired during these busy months. This problem also exists during the end and beginning of each month when everybody’s lease is up, and on Fridays when people take off of work. Also, if your move should only take about half a day, hiring movers for first thing in the morning is always recommended.

 

A Practical Guide To Interstate Moving

Moving your household possessions and relocating to a new home is one of the most important activities that you will undertake. Thats why its important for you as a consumer to become familiar with the moving industry and to better understand your rights and responsibilities when you move.

While most trucking companies are now required only to receive the proper authority to operate and to be registered with the Department of Transportation, interstate movers must meet two additional requirements. First, movers must publish their tariffs (a tariff is the movers price list for performing moving services) and make them available for inspection by any consumer who asks to see a copy. Second, movers are required to participate in a Dispute Settlement Program and to offer neutral arbitration as a means of resolving disputed loss and damage claims and certain types of disputed charges.

Most people who use a professional mover never have a problem or need to file a claim. And the vast majority of claims that are filed are resolved to the consumer’s satisfaction in a timely manner. However, problems do sometimes occur that cannot be easily resolved.

Why You Should Use A Professional Mover

Professional movers provide a valuable service by moving thousands of people to new homes each year. While almost no move is ever completely stress-free, when you use a professional mover, all of the heavy lifting will be done for you. Movers will pack your possessions, load them into the truck, drive the truck to your destination and unload and unpack your shipment at your new home. Movers can also provide you with warehouse storage, move your piano up and down flights of stairs, transport your automobile, and service your appliances to insure their safe transportation

If you are considering moving yourself, especially if you will be moving interstate, you should ask a lot of questions and compute the actual costs of self-moving before you sign an agreement with a truck rental company. The information in this part of the Consumer Guide will help you to calculate self-move costs and give you a basis of comparison when evaluating the price and value of professional moving.

 

Local Movers

Does the thought of moving from one place to another give you headache? Have no worries! We help you find professional local moving companies to relieve you of your troubles. Not only this, we also assist you in getting needed resources and handy information so that you have an easy and convenient local move. If your move is within a radius of 100 miles and does not cross any state lines, it is a classified as a local move.

Moving to a different home can be very stressful. However, hiring experienced local movers reduces the burden of shifting. Get all your household items transferred efficiently and on time. With professionals at work, you just need not worry.

With the increasing competition in every industry, it is not easy finding appropriate professional movers that are both time and cost effective, in addition to being efficient. Nothing to fret! We are here to assist you in finding the right local movers suited to your requirements.

You need to follow just three simple steps to receive free moving quotes from us. In the first step, select the type of service as Local Move. In the second one, enter your origin and destination. In the third step, fill in your particulars. We will then send you competitive personalized quotes from the top local movers in your area. You can compare the rates and services offered by the various moving companies and select one that suits you best.

 

MOVING GUIDE

We can assist you with your upcoming move by taking care of all the details. Because there is so much to plan and organize, it is important that you trust a moving expert

The key to a successful move is planning. Planning and organizing your move will help you alleviate the stress of moving, and avoid any surprises. The relocation process takes anywhere from 90-120 days. During this time, you will need to plan and organize your move. The more organized you are, the less stressed you will be. When using a professional mover, be aware that the summer months are the busiest, so be sure to contact your agent 30 to 45 days prior to your preferred move dates so that you are not disappointed.

MOVING WITH CHILDREN

A move can be especially taxing for children. Here are some helpful tips to ease their concerns and make your move easier:

Get them involved – this will help alleviate some of your child’s stress about moving to a new place

Let them pack their own special box belongings

Discuss their fears and worries about the move

Be sure they are not there on moving day, as they may become upset that their things being loaded on the truck. We suggest that they spend the day with family or friends to minimize their anxiety about the move. Proper planning will help your children in the transition to you new home and community.

MOVING YOUR PETS

Pets cannot be moved on the moving truck. Be sure that they are not present on moving day as they might get in the way. Also, arrange for your pet’s transportation in advance. You might want to visit your veterinarian to obtain your pet’s health records, to update their tags, and to obtain tranquilizers to calm your pet during transport.

 

Your Residential Moving Guide & Checklist

Whether you’re moving across town or across the country, relocating your entire household can be a complicated and stressful experience. We’ve researched the best of the best and compiled a detailed moving guide and checklist to help make sure your local or interstate relocation is smooth and easy from start to finish.

Wherever life is taking you, we will help make your household move simple and smooth. Let our friendly experts guide you through every stage of the process, from planning and packing to setting up your new home. We have the latest tools, tips and techniques to make your move as painless as possible.

Get Compensation For Many Types Of Injuries Using A Personal Injury Lawyer

What Personal Injury Lawyer Should You NOT Choose?

Obviously, you might think me a little biased if I explained why we are a good choice if you have been seriously injured, especially if you or someone you love has suffered a head injury, or been the victim of a reckless trucking company or premises owner. But, I thought it might be useful if I could give some tips of types of plaintiff’s attorneys, or injury lawyers, that you might avoid. It is important to note that I know many excellent and honest attorneys in this practice area, but with every field—there are always some to avoid.

Avoid Cheesy Gimmicks

First of all, avoid anyone who with seriousness and gusto, declares themselves a law “animal,” refers to themselves as a tool (although, ironically, this description might fit), or utilizes any other gimmicky name. The problem is not so much in the name, but might be the business model that they choose. Often, with these firms that use billboards all over town and non-stop commercials, they are reaching a wide swath of people and bring in many cases. They often have call centers just to handle the number of incoming calls. This is not a problem if the law firm is only taking on a certain number of cases. But unfortunately, many times these attorney’s take in a large number of cases and use the “style of business” referred to as “churn and burn.” Meaning, they take in a lot of cases and settle them quickly for less value than the case is probably worth if it had been worked up right.

Hire Someone Who Is Willing To Fight, Rather Than Settle

As a result, the attorney still makes a good amount of money because he or she is moving so many cases—but each individual client will make less, as their case will have been settled for less than its actual value. And, of course, the insurance companies are never stupid when it comes to paying out their money, so they are well aware of which firms practice like that. Since they know these law firms are not willing to fight it out, they know they can give them low-ball offers and get away with it. In fact, insurance companies keep stats on each attorney they deal with, how often they go to trial, how often they win, and whether they are willing to take low offers.

Don’t Settle for Less Than What Your Case Is Actually Worth

Another issue with many of the firms you see advertising constantly is they are what are referred to as “settlement mills” in our business. This is related to churning and burning cases but just refers to the fact that they only settle cases and do not take anything to trial. This might seem like a great thing at first. Who doesn’t want to settle their case and avoid trial? The problem is the cumulative effect of settling so many cases. The insurance companies know that you are not willing to take it all the way to trial, so they can offer less money than they would to an attorney they know has no problem taking it to trial.

So, what happens in the cases where they do not get enough money offered to even talk their unsuspecting client into taking the settlement? Your case usually will just be dropped or possibly referred to another firm. This other firm might or might not have the resources and time to work your case right. And, of course, they are starting behind the ball as they are late in the game picking up your case.

 

Things to Consider Before Hiring A Personal Injury Lawyer

Personal injury claims apply to a wide range of situations and types of accidents. You may have been injured by a slip and fall on someone’s property, in a car accident, or by being bitten by stranger’s dog. If your injuries are serious, you should hire a personal injury lawyer to handle your claim.

  1. How Find a Personal Injury Lawyer

As you search for a lawyer, start by asking friends and colleagues for references. A referral service can also help you to locate a reputable law firm. However, make sure that you always check the online reviews of attorneys to ensure that the firm doesn’t have a shady past.

If any attorneys contact you wanting to represent you in your personal injury claim after you have suffered an accident, keep in mind that it is illegal for attorneys to solicit business in this way. Ambulance chasers should be avoided at all costs.

  1. Understand Your Personal Responsibilities

As a client, you have many responsibilities. Seek necessary medical care and remain in compliance with your doctor’s recommendations – your health and well-being are the top priority. Ensure that your medical bills are properly submitted to your health insurance company. Keep your lawyer updated on the progress of your medical care and treatments. Finally, be honest and candid with your attorney. Your lawyer can only help you as much as you let him or her.

  1. Request the Paperwork Needed for Your Case

In order to represent you in your personal injury claim, your lawyer will require a significant amount of paperwork. Gather these important documents, including:

Medical records (related pre-existing conditions and test results);

Accident/Collision report, if the police were involved;

Pictures (take pictures of all injuries and property damage)

Details about the incident (date, location, time, weather/road conditions);

Car Insurance policy information for yourself and the other party;

Breakdown of your lost income/wages resulting from the accident.

The better prepared you are for your case, even before you have consulted a lawyer, the better off you’ll be.

  1. Time Is of the Essence

Lawsuits have strict time limits, known as “statutes of limitations.” If you delay, you may be forever barred from seeking compensation for your injuries. Act promptly and do not wait to file your claim!

 

Key Qualities To Look For In A Personal Injury Lawyer

What are the qualities I should look for in a personal injury lawyer?

The best personal injury lawyers view law as a helping profession and not merely as a business.  Many of the outstanding personal injury lawyers I have met are motivated by the opportunity to solve problems for injured people and their families. Good lawyers will do what is best for their injured clients and their families. Often this means working very long hours and taking a case to trial, and if necessary, to an appellate court.  Some cases simply cannot reasonably be settled for an amount that is fair to the injured person.

The very best personal injury lawyers have earned the respect of their peers in their profession.  These lawyers who have been identified as the top of their profession by Best Lawyers in America.  Lawyers are listed in this national publication only because judges and lawyers familiar with their work have identified them as among the best in their field.  Lawyers who spend large amounts of money on TV and other marketing ventures cannot buy their way into this publication.

Choose a lawyer with extensive experience in the courtroom. The lawyers with the experience, knowledge and talent to present your case to a jury are the lawyers who are in the best position to settle your case without the need for a jury verdict. Be careful. Many of the lawyers who spend a large amount of money marketing on TV have no reputation for success in the courtroom. Insurance companies and the lawyers who defend insurance companies, not surprisingly, know the lawyers who always settle their cases. They also know who will do whatever work is necessary to achieve a just result for those injured because of negligence.

Choose a lawyer who cares about you and is available to educate you and answer every question you may have during this difficult time in your life.

 

Experience

Whether your personal injury case is a dog bite or a car accident you want to make sure you are picking a lawyer with experience in personal injury cases. A lawyer with experience in these specific types of cases will have the expertise to provide you with sound advice and help you reach a resolution. Personal injury lawyers have experience dealing with insurance companies and medical experts so they can focus on your claim while you place your efforts on recovering.

Reputation

The success record and reputation is another essential factor to consider when selecting a personal injuries lawyer. Do not be afraid to ask how many cases your lawyer has won or look for testimonials. Online review sites are another great way to find reviews on the performance of the lawyer you are considering and help you spot any potential red flags.

Personality

When you meet with a personal injuries lawyer, their personality should make you comfortable and you should find it easy to communicate with them. You will be working with this person throughout the duration of your case, and you want to make sure you are selecting someone that will be easy to work with. If you do not like the personality or communication style of your lawyer, it may make it difficult for you to work with them and open up about all the details of your injuries causing a negative impact on your case.

 

How You Can Find The Best Personal Injury Lawyer

  1. Ask Lawyers You Already Know.

Although you may have never needed an attorney before, you might know some attorneys socially. In this case, it doesn’t matter if the attorneys that you know are your best friends or the parents of another child at your child’s school. In most cases, caring and compassionate attorneys will be happy to help you with a referral.

Even if they don’t work in personal injury, most lawyers have extensive networks of other lawyers that they know. Many lawyers are also a part of specialty organizations, like female attorney groups or legal alumni associations.

An excellent way to start your research on finding a personal injury lawyer is to ask lawyers you already know who they trust. If the attorneys you know don’t know any personal injury lawyers, it’s still likely they’ve heard good things about some through reputation. Asking lawyers you know is a great way to get a few names.

  1. Ask Friends And Family.

If you happen not to know any attorneys, you may wish to ask friends or family if they do. Unfortunately, personal injury cases aren’t so uncommon. You may know someone who has needed a personal injury lawyer themselves.

If your friends and family have been lucky enough never to need a personal injury lawyer, they may know other types of lawyers that they can introduce you to so that you can start your search with recommendations.

  1. Call Your State (Or City) Bar.

All state bar organizations, and sometimes city bar organizations, have an attorney referral service. In most cases, this is a number that consumers can call to describe what type of lawyer they need.

Either an automated system or an actual person will be able to direct you to licensed personal injury lawyers in your state.

How To Find A Certified Electrician

Electrics: The Basics

Designing and installing a new electrical system in your home is one of the more complicated elements of the overall building project. Most renovators, faced either with historic electrics untouched since the era of Bakelite’s dominance (if not before) or, perhaps worse, ‘improved’ and amended over years of previous owners’ marginal projects (closed off faceplates and switches that don’t work being classic signs) will also be keen to bring things up to date.

For those of us who didn’t listen much in physics classes, the world of electrics can be quite scary and for most, the services of an electrician are essential. However, it is critical to approach the specification of a new electrical system with a few key bits of knowledge, such as:

How an electrical system works, the rules regarding electrical work, and what you would like it to do.

Information on systems that go beyond the basics.

Typical cost expectations.

Electrics is one of the more dangerous elements of a home construction project. Each year, on average, 10 people die and 750 people are seriously injured as a result of electrical work — so approach any attempts at DIY seriously

The Basics

Electrical systems start with, and from, the meter, which belongs to the electricity board. From there it goes to your consumer unit (also known as a distribution board or fuse board) which has a main switch, and to the lifesaver RCD (Residual Current Device), and then it feeds all the circuits in your house via a miniature circuit breaker — MCB (fuse).

RCDs really are lifesavers: they trip out on leakage, not overload, meaning they cut off the flow of electricity automatically when they sense a ‘leakage’ – or imbalance – of electric current from a circuit. Whatever’s going into the circuit, carried on the live and neutral wires, must remain balanced as it flows through and returns — or the RCD will trip.

 

A guide to the electrical safety certificate

Nobody likes a dodgy landlord: someone happy to charge their tenants rent, but cutting corners when it comes to maintaining their property, leaving it below standard and in disrepair – because, after all, they don’t have to live there.

government has introduced a number of measures in recent years to reduce this kind of behaviour – for example, landlords can no longer look after the deposit themselves, in case they pocket the lot should a dispute arise. Also, landlords need health and safety checks to ensure all the basics meet certain standards; in terms of electrics, that means acquiring an electrical safety certificate.

The Electrical Safety Council is the governing body that writes the necessary guidelines. It also publishes helpful literature, such as The Landlord’s Guide to Electrical Safety. By applying the guidelines and earning a certificate, this is proof for tenants that all the electrics within a property are of a good standard and safe to use upon moving in.

The certificate is a requirement by law and, if asked by the authorities, a landlord must be able to produce the paperwork within seven days. Regular checking of the electrics is recommended, but only a legal requirement in certain properties.

Sockets and appliances

An assessment for a landlord’s electrical safety certificate makes the distinction between fixed installations – wiring, switches, sockets, light fittings – and appliances, including TVs, refrigerators and toasters. Any appliances provided by the landlord must be included in these checks, to ensure they work and that there’s no risk of injury. They must also carry at least a CE marking: the manufacturer’s claim it meets EU standards.

 

Electrician

How to become an electrician

You can get into this job through:

a college course

an apprenticeship

applying directly

College

You can take a Level 2 and 3 Diploma in Electrical Installation, which may help you to find a trainee position with a company.

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

Direct Application

You may be able to move into electrical installation work if you’ve got experience and relevant qualifications from a related industry, for example building services or electrical engineering.

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools

knowledge of building and construction

maths knowledge for understanding technical plans

to be thorough and pay attention to detail

problem-solving skills

the ability to use your initiative

the ability to work well with your hands and use equipment safely

customer service skills for working with colleagues and clients

to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

Day-to-day tasks

Your work will depend on what type of electrician you are, for example:

installation electrician – install power systems, lighting, fire protection, security and data networks in buildings

maintenance electrician – check electrical systems to make sure they’re working correctly and safely

electrotechnical panel builder – make and install control panels that operate electrical systems in buildings, like heating or alarms

machine repair and rewind electrician – fix and maintain electrical motors and transformers found in industrial equipment

highway systems electrician – install and maintain street lighting and traffic management systems

 

How to Become an Electrician: Career Guide

It doesn’t matter what your situation may be, or what occupation you may have, you need the power to perform your day-to-day functions. Because electricity is such a vital utility to have for all of us, this puts electricians in high demand; so much of the world depends on them daily.

Electrician – Job Description

The term Electrician is referring to the occupation of an individual in which they perform work on electrical equipment around our homes and neighborhood. This can entail installing new electrical boxes or replacing parts in your current one, upgrading or maintaining these boxes or other vital pieces of electrical equipment.

Because of the nature of the work that is being performed, electricians should know the ins and outs of power, lighting, and electrical control systems. Every job that an electrician performs will require looking at the specific blueprints from the city for that particular property, understanding where everything is located and what needs to be done, and then to physically perform the necessary actions on the electrical box and other electrical equipment.

Some electricians are more skilled in specific areas, and as such will specialize in those. For instance, one electrician may be skilled in highway electrical systems while another may be more suited to perform work on residential properties.

it is also important to learn all that you can to diversify your skillset; this will make it easier for you to go from job to job without fear of not knowing how to perform a specific action or work on a specific piece of electrical equipment.

Duties

Plan electrical systems for new buildings and future developments

Fully read and understand blueprints, diagrams, and technical documents to perform the job correctly

Set up and install electrical systems such as wiring and lighting; making sure that these are up to code for new and old buildings

Form and connect electrical circuits

Complete both the installation as well as the future maintenance of electrical panels and products. This can include the act of inspecting said products; such as circuit breakers and transformers

Maintain the desired functions of electrical products; this includes, but is not limited to repairing, replacing, and upgrading outdated and malfunctioning equipment.

 

Installation and maintenance electrician

Install, maintain and repair electrical systems in industrial, commercial and domestic environments

An installation and maintenance electrician installs, maintains and repairs electrical equipment and systems, from switchboards to renewable energy technologies, in industrial, commercial and domestic environments. As an apprentice, you may also contribute to the design of electrical systems. You’ll be able to set out jobs from drawings and specifications to the requisition of the necessary installation materials.

During this apprenticeship, you’ll specialise in one of two occupations: installation, as in working on the installation, testing, commissioning and maintenance of low voltage (less than 1000v) electrical and electronic devices and appliances; or maintenance, where you’ll maintain electrical and electronic installations. In this role, your duties will include the supervision of the equipment, its maintenance and necessary repairs.

Home Inspection 101 For The Home Buyer

TIPS FOR SELLERS BEFORE A HOME INSPECTION

Selling your beautiful home comes with a host of chores, tasks and steps that all go towards getting it ready to move. Most of the things you do are geared towards making your home appealing to a buyer, but what about after you’ve got that offer?

Once you’ve got an interested buyer, they will want to have a home inspector take a look at your property. What should you do to sure that the process goes smoothly? In this guide, we’ll discuss eight of our top tips for sellers before home inspections. A home inspection isn’t something many potential buyers skip. Here are some tips to make the process smoother.

THINK ABOUT CURB APPEAL

We’re sure your Realtor told you how important curb appeal is. Making that first impression is huge when a buyer arrives. But a different kind of curb appeal can make your home’s inspection a breeze.

Make sure there is 4-6 inches of clearance between the siding and any landscaping materials.

Cut back any vegetation to ensure about a foot of clearance between it and the house.

Visually inspect the siding and trim, if you see any damage, go ahead and have it repaired beforehand.

Repair missing caulking and trim and fix any exposed nail heads.

Check the operation of any exterior doors, locks and deadbolts. If you see a gap, have it filled properly.

Remove any stored items that are kept against the side of the house.

CHECK YOUR ROOF & GUTTERS

receives its fair share of rain and wind, so making sure that your roof and gutters are in good working order is a huge priority for buyers. Make sure to:

Clean the roof of any debris with a blower or  pressure washer.

Repair any damage and replace any missing elements correctly. Temporary fixes like mastic or caulk will be noted as a defect.

Clean the gutters thoroughly

Ensure the downspouts and other drains are free of obstruction and are flowing properly. Also, make sure the run off isn’t pooling next to the house.

 

Home Inspection Tips for First Time House Buyers

First time buyers who put a contract on a house are doing something very exciting. It is your first home, and you are about to take part in the American dream! But as soon as you submit the contract, you should order a home inspection. A home inspection is essential to ensure that the home is in good condition, and that you are not going to have some unpleasant surprises down the road that cost you a lot of money. But not every home inspection is the same. To ensure that you get a good home inspection that tells you everything you need to know about your new home

Research the Home Inspector

Home inspections are great but they are only as good as the inspector doing the work. Too many home buyers and sellers just take whatever the name is of an inspector that they find or is recommended. If you are going to pay several hundred dollars for a home inspection, you want the inspection to be done right.

Some important questions to ask the inspector are:

How many years have you been inspecting homes?

How many home inspections have you done in the last five years?

What type of certifications and training do you have?

What did you do for a living before you were a home inspector? It is good if the inspector was involved in contracting or the building trades.

Attend the Inspection

You may not have to attend the home inspection, but you should. Just reading the inspection report is not usually enough to give you the complete picture. If you do not actually see the inspection going on, you may not have as good an understanding of potential home problems. Some home inspectors will actually turn down inspections because the potential buyer or seller is not there or does not want to be there. A good inspection can take several hours, so you should put aside plenty of time for this essential job. The results of the inspection can tell you whether you should really buy the home or should consider another, so showing up is important.

Read the Inspection Report

If you pay $400 for a home inspection, it is not going to do you much good if you do not read the report! You should spend at least 30 minutes going over the report, ideally with the inspector available for any questions or clarifications. It will help if the inspector uses very clear and concise language in the report. A good inspection report will state in simple language anything that is wrong with the home, and what is needed to fix it.

 

A home inspection checklist for buyers

Having an offer accepted on your dream house may seem like cause for celebration, but you’re not done just yet. You’ll need to get that home and its property inspected before you can pop the bubbly, and there are plenty of problems that could be hiding. This isn’t about peeling paint, which will be both obvious and pretty easy to fix, but about big ticket items that can affect the livability of the property.

Oil tank

If you’re buying a house that is heated using oil and intend keep it that way, this might not be a big deal. However, if the house is heated with gas, the home might once have been heated by oil and you should find out if there is an oil tank on the property.

HVAC system

“A standard home inspector will confirm that a home’s heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning system (HVAC) is functional at the time of inspection, but will make no guarantee that it will keep working once you purchase the home,”

Roof

Roof problems are responsible for 39 percent of homeowners insurance claims, according to Trulia. “Find out how old the roof is and if there are any issues,”

Structural integrity of the chimney

“Chimneys can be a very costly enterprise,” says. Your inspector should look for signs of damage to the chimney lining on the inside, faults in the masonry around the chimney, and corrosion

 

Home Seller’s Guide to Home Inspections

Home sales are almost always contingent upon passing a home inspection. Though inspections typically occur after a buyer’s offer is accepted, there are several advantages to having your property inspected before you even put it on the market.

Get a Pre-Listing Home Inspection

No home is without faults, even those that are freshly built, so it’s important for you as the seller to understand that your home will likely have a few problem areas.

For example most commonly, home inspectors cite issues like chipping paint, threadbare carpets and extremely hot attics, all of which often go unnoticed by the sellers who’ve lived there for some time.

With the exception (perhaps) of the overheated attic, these minor cosmetic flaws can be fixed easily and at a relatively low price. Major issues, however, arise when an inspector discovers cracks in a home’s foundation, faulty plumbing, problems with heating and ventilation and bad electrical wiring.

Prior to your pre-market inspection, check your property for any indications of damage such as staining under kitchen and bathroom sinks, buckled or sloping floors and charred or discolored wall outlets.

 

What You Should Expect from a Home Inspection

If you’re buying a new home, then sooner or later you’ll need to have a home inspection done. While not usually required, obtaining a home inspection is common practice in real estate and is almost entirely done for the benefit of the purchaser, even if they’re paying for it out of their own pocket.

A home inspector is a qualified person who will take a detailed look at your home and alert you to any safety hazards, hidden damage, and the expected life span of various mechanical appliances throughout the home. A house inspection may give you some negotiating power to reduce the price or request repairs of any identified issues before continuing with the sale.

What to expect during a home inspection

A house inspection is a routine process during which a home inspector takes a look at the house. Once you are under contract on a home, you’re ready to hire a home inspector. Based on what the home inspector finds, you can decide to back out of the contract without a penalty, or you can proceed with negotiations.

Meeting your home inspector at the property.

It’s always a good idea to meet your home inspector at the subject property. This way you can get to know them and ask them any questions. After the inspection, the home inspector can talk you through any issues that he/she uncovered while going through the house.

Your home inspector should inspect every nook and cranny.

A good home inspector will check out every part of your house. They’ll go in the attic. They’ll go into the basement. They’ll check every door and window, and even the roof. The home inspector will also run your water to check for potential plumbing issues. A home inspection will typically last two to three hours or more — depending on the size of the home.

The Secret Of Successfully Acquiring An Accountant Practice With Little Out Of Pocket Expense

How Is Being Accountable Important to an Employer?

In the business world, accountability and ethics go hand in hand. In fact, accountability is often included as a core aspect of a company’s code of ethics. As an employee, accountability means the willingness to answer for your actions. By taking responsibility, you send a powerful message to your employer about your character.

Shows Responsibility

When you display accountability, you show your boss that you are a mature and responsible individual on whom he can depend. This makes him feel secure. He does not want an employee who refuses to own her conduct. For example, your boss may assign you to an important project, and it takes you longer than you expected to finish it. He checks on your progress, and you explain that you are still working on it. A more accountable action would be not to wait for him to inquire about your progress. Instead, go to him before the project runs late. Explain the delay and give him an estimate of when the work will be complete.

Saves Time and Money

When an employee fails to take accountability, time is wasted as those involved try to locate the problem. This time is better spent working instead of playing detective. If you are assigned to a team of four, and three team members work to move the project forward while the remaining member slacks off, the project may not be completed on time. If the irresponsible employee refuses to take accountability, more time is lost as your manager investigates to identify the problem. The employee’s refusal to be accountable results in wasted time, and ultimately, money.

Promotes Trust and Integrity

Trust and integrity are integral to forging strong business relationships. Your accountability shows that you have integrity and that you can be trusted. If your boss does not trust you, this may manifest itself in various ways, such as micromanaging or anxiety because he fears you will slip up. If you are accountable, his doubts about your ability to do the work are removed and he no longer feels the need to supervise you as closely.

Displays Effective Leadership

In the workplace, employees and managers are held accountable for their behaviors. A manager who takes accountability and leads by example is an effective leader that employees will follow.

Strengthens Ethical Decision Making

Customers stay loyal when they trust your communications and are confident that you have their best interests at heart. This is a major win for your employer because it enhances the company’s revenue and reputation. When all levels of the organization are educated on the company’s stance on ethics and accountability, all employees are aware of the values and principles that must be followed. When faced with decision making, they know that making the ethical choice is expected of them.

 

Why Do We Need Accountability?

There are numerous benefits when accountability is being implemented, four of the most crucial benefits are:

Accelerate Performance

Accountability evokes a sense of concern about your workflow. This also makes you more attentive to the smaller details of your assignment/s, whatever they may be. Due to extended attention you put into a task, your end result is perfect – something you feel confident in. Your confidence in your plan, or strategy, can easily be the deciding factor to overcome any obstacle. Solve every problem and complete your job with the best outcome.

Sets up for Milestones

Accountability helps you understand your ability. It helps you track how close you are to reaching your goals, and allows you to keep track of the steps you must take before becoming stronger in a field while setting milestones for the future.

Accountability enables you to define what success feels like and set milestones to measure your progress along the way. You gradually step up to perfection.

Makes You Consistent

When you start doing something, many distractions steal your focus from achieving your initial goal. Many people fall for these temptations, ultimately losing sight of their goals and going astray from their primary objectives. Accountability will hold your hand, and prevent you from giving in to these temptations.

Keeps You Happy

When you are on the road to success, every milestone brings you happiness along with a sense of accomplishment. You feel as though a weight has been lifted from your back. You feel stronger and valorous. This makes your future experiences even richer and more pleasant.

 

How to Improve Accountability?

First of all, as a leader, it’s your job to understand what makes each of your employees motivated enough to complete a job with efficiency. Every employee has a distinct drive. They are motivated in different ways. One way may work for one employee while being completely useless for another.

It’s your job to find out what maximises the motivation for each of your employees, then use this information to position them for success. Some effective ways to improve accountability include:

Setting Expectations

Setting your expectations is crucial to measure performance and to also hold your employees accountable. When you set an expectation, they work towards reaching and overcoming it. People are always motivated by a challenge. Therefore, it’s a psychological way to set up a challenge which creates a window for motivation to jump in and also overcome a set target.

Provide Performance Feedback

It’s very important to provide your employee with actionable and regular feedback – both positive and negative. Positive feedback creates a sense of accomplishment in the employee and further improves their ability so they work harder to achieve their goals.

The constant contact they have with their superiors will strengthen their sense of being valued within the workplace. Factors like timeliness, attendance, day-off requests and efficiency at work should be used in the flow of performance feedback.

Establish a culture of trust

By establishing freedom at work, you can improve workplace efficiency and also accountability. This applies majorly on the present generation of work force. A survey concluded that the present generation of millennials feels more motivated to work when they are empowered to control and set up their own schedules of work. Also, allowing your employees authority over their work schedule is the first and initial step in having them take ownership of their work.

 

Accountability results in stronger adherence to compliance.

Accountability is crucial when it comes to employees being compliant with both established and new company guidelines, laws, regulations, and standards. People who understand the consequences of failing to adhere to specific guidelines are more likely to follow them, and entire teams that feel the weight of those standards will work together to meet them.

When members of an organization are held responsible for their actions, it creates a healthier, happier, and safer working environment where everyone can focus on work instead of dealing with colleagues’ inappropriate actions or behavior. This also can reduce the number of potential lawsuits or fines your company could be faced with.

 

Balancing Accountability and Autonomy

Earlier I mentioned the need to monitor employee productivity, but the idea is important enough to expand upon it. Just how do you track someone’s productivity? Do you monitor their every action, making sure they’re always on-task and getting results?

I wouldn’t advise it. Being on top of your employees like that is a recipe for disaster, and is likely to cause even more distrust in the workplace. No one wants to be micromanaged. Plus, the second you have to leave on business they’re back to their old habits. So it really doesn’t fix anything.

The key to accountability is to passively track work without being overbearing. Have employees create to-do lists (whether they write them down or you implement a software solution) for the things they’re directly responsible for. Then leave them alone. Autonomy can be a productivity booster in the right situation, and accountability means nothing without it.

When you’re micromanaging that’s not accountability. Part of accountability is responsibility. Let them make mistakes. If they’re slacking, give them feedback on it. If their lack of work is a consistent problem, that’s when you address it.

Accountability matters because not having it means no one can be held responsible. Creating accountability, then, is about creating a culture where people value responsibility, and where people understand that accountability involves a certain degree of autonomy. Accountability is important, but when implementing it into your workplace, make sure you’re giving employees as much as you’re asking from them.

What Is Necessary In Veterinarian Services

Reasons Why You Should Choose A Holistic Veterinarian

They practice holistic medicine. Holistic medicine is a way of treating a patient by using natural methods such as acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and diet, to treat the whole patient. Holistic veterinarians not only look at symptoms like a regular veterinarian would, but also look at diet, the environment, stress, genetics and past history. With this all this information they can treat the whole problem, not just fix the complaint.

The treatments they use are more natural. The types of treatments used are safe and natural substances such as herbs, vitamins, homeopathics and even foods. They are safer for the animal, the animals respond well to them, and they have little to no side effects.

They are very knowledgeable. Not only has your holistic veterinarian gone through the traditional medical training that a regular veterinarian goes through, they have also gone through additional training and certification in things such as acupuncture, chiropractic, homeopathy and herbal medicine.

They practice complementary medicine. Most holistic veterinarians provide treatments and therapies that are a complement to what your regular veterinarian is doing. They can also use traditional diagnostic tests such as lab work and x-rays to help formulate a diagnosis. Occasionally holistic vets will recommend surgery or drugs in combination with the natural therapies, if they think that will be the best form of treatment for your pet.

Your pet is going to live longer and feel better! While holistic medicine can treat many different conditions, its main focus is in preventive medicine and keeping the body healthy and in balance. All this will make for a happier, healthier, less stressed pet!

 

How to find a holistic veterinarian that utilizes a natural approach

Choosing a vet is hard, especially if you want to find holistic veterinarian that utilizes a natural or integrative approach.

Although it can take more work and time than it does to find a conventional vet, if you do your homework and think through what you are truly looking for before you start your vet search, you can find a clinic and practitioner that will provide your pet with care you feel confident about for the pet’s entire lifetime – and that’s huge.

So what is the best approach to finding a holistic veterinarian that really clicks with you and your pet? Follow the steps below.

Think through the following factors and decide what you prefer/need in each category.

Cost

You need to think through cost in the short term and long term.

On the one hand, going to a holistic veterinarian can save you money in the long run because you are treating the whole dog and looking at the root cause of any issues, not just treating the symptoms.

You may pay more in the short term for appointment fees and supplements, but your dog may avoid larger more expensive problems down the road like surgery or prescription medications.

On the flip side, you may simply not be able to afford certain vets: I’ve been to vets that had prohibitive appointment fees, and when they investigated an issue, wanted to run every test in the book to find out what was going on.

At that point in my life, I just couldn’t afford what they recommended. In that case, I opted to go to a vet that was conventional, but was open to trying more natural things, I just had to do the research and talk to him about it.

He also respected my choices to vaccinate certain dogs less frequently because of health challenges they were facing – that was a huge factor for me.

It’s hard, but you have to find a balance. In general, you get what you pay for, but not always – sometimes you get more, sometimes you get less.

Expertise

Think about what type of holistic medicine you want to have access to, and investigate if the vet office you are considering offers it.

Different holistic vets specialize in different modalities, so know what each office you are considering offers. Examples of different specialties include:

  • Homeopathy
  • Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (acupuncture, herbs, and foods)
  • Herbal Medicines
  • Flower Essences
  • Osteopathy
  • Chiropractic
  • Nutrition/Nutritional Support
  • Reiki
  • Tellington Touch

 

Philosophy

You want to have an idea of what your philosophy is and what you are looking for in your vet’s philosophy.

Holistic vets range from integrative (using both conventional and holistic treatments) to having a narrow specialty (for example only homeopathic or only Chinese medicine), to really off the beaten path of what we’re used to.

For example, at one point in my life I tried a natural practitioner who said she could tell what my dog was trying to say to me and wanted me to say reaffirming things to my dog to help him heal.

This was so, and I mean SO, beyond my comfort zone it wasn’t even on the same PAGE as the rest of my comfort zone.

This type of approach made me extremely uncomfortable – so not a good match for me – but a good learning experience on doing your homework before making appointments.

 

Choosing the Right Holistic Veterinarian

When I was searching for a holistic veterinarian, I started with referrals.  I asked friends and people on Facebook who they liked in the area.  There was one veterinarian who received loads of high praise, and I fell in love with him when I took Rodrigo to see him.  However, the distance was too much, and it didn’t work out in the long run.

So I was on the hunt again, and I learned three things:

  • Some holistic vets aren’t familiar with or condone raw feeding as a diet option.
  • Some holistic vets still promote regular, unnecessary vaccinations.
  • Some holistic vets are expensive when compared to traditional vets.

 

So what is holistic veterinary medicine and what can it do?

Holistic is derived from the word whole, and refers to the treatment of the whole organism, rather than the treatment of individual body parts, or the removal of symptoms. Conventional or Western medicine tends to concentrate more on the removal of symptoms. Holistic veterinary medicine encompasses many modalities, including conventional medicine where it is required or appropriate. Modalities such as acupuncture, homeopathy, herbalism or nutrition are better referred to as complementary rather than alternative, as they can complement more traditional methods not just be last resort alternatives. It is required that the practitioner treating animals with whatever holistic method be first and foremost a licensed veterinarian. This is because veterinarians are rigorously trained in the diagnosis of disease and the practice of veterinary medicine and can determine the best approach for an individual patient. For example a broken leg often requires surgical intervention, although homeopathic remedies can subsequently be used to increase healing, and decrease pain and inflammation. This is an example of true complementary medicine, where the best of all worlds is available. Holistic veterinary medicine includes many modalities and the following is a brief overview of the most commonly used .

NUTRITION

The key to good health and a healthy body is directly related to what is put into that body, and this applies to both animals and people. Good nutrition is the basis of a healthy pet. It is essential to feed as healthy a diet as you can. Many commercial pet foods include by-products and also chemicals that are known to have serious side effects. By-products include chicken heads and legs, tumors, diseased organs, and many other things that are not considered good for human consumption. If you wouldn’t eat it why should your pet? Chemicals to avoid include BHA, BHT and ethoxyquin, as well as any artificial coloring or flavoring. Ideally a natural home prepared diet is a lot healthier, providing that an appropriate vitamin and mineral supplement is added. With cats it is essential to add the essential amino acid taurine to their diet, as lack of this can lead to blindness. Foods that are good to feed include natural whole grains, such as brown rice, organic vegetables, and meats such as chicken, beef or rabbit. There are many good books that suggest detailed diets and some suggestions are given below. If it is not possible to prepare a diet then a good quality commercial pet food should be considered. Look for a food that is preserved naturally and keep away from artificial additives or by-products. Read the labels, and don’t just look at the bag, as this can sometimes be misleading. Many good natural pet foods are available, but even so it is good to add some natural foods in with the pet food, such as some left over vegetables or meat. Try and give as natural a food as possible and your pet will start to look and feel more healthy, vibrant and energetic.

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese method of treatment that most people have heard something about. It is based upon the concept that the body has meridians, or energy lines, running along it, and when the body is out of balance the energy lines are blocked or deficient in some way. The use of needles at appropriate acupuncture points will rebalance or redirect this energy and balance the body. The acupuncture points have been mapped over thousands of years by the Chinese and now have even been identified with modern scientific techniques. Some of the effects of acupuncture include pain relief, a strong sense of well-being, decreased inflammation and increased blood flow to the area being treated. By appropriate use of acupuncture, conditions such as hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc collapse, arthritis and nerve damage can be treated successfully. Additional benefits can include longevity and this refers to an increase in both the quality and quantity of life. Many old dogs treated with acupuncture live longer than average and enjoy less arthritis and increased energy and it is a joy to watch them respond. Acupuncture certainly offers a viable alternative to the use of pain killers and steroids, as well as surgery and has few, if any side effects when used appropriately.

HOMEOPATHY

Homeopathy is a system of medicine that was developed in Germany by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann in the late eighteenth century. It is based on the Greek words meaning similar suffering and the concept that a substance that causes a symptom in a healthy patient will treat that same symptom in a sick patient. A single homeopathic remedy is chosen to treat the whole animal, including their mental, emotional and physical symptoms. This is in contrast to conventional or allopathic medicine where symptoms are suppressed or removed by the use of drugs such as antibiotics or pain killers. Of course there are certain life threatening situations where antibiotics are essential, but homeopathy actually stimulates the body to heal itself, and strengthens the immune system, and consequently leaves the body in a better state of health than before it became sick. It can treat many conditions effectively, and it is said that there are no incurable disease, just incurable patients. What this means is that many diseases can be treated, which conventional medicine cannot cure, but some patients are so sick and suppressed that they will never be truly cured, though they may be helped and given some comfort. People and animals that are treated all their life with homeopathy are overall healthier and live longer, because their immune system is continually being strengthened and challenged rather than suppressed and weakened.

Scorpion Control Should Be Left To Professionals

Pest Library

Area sees its fair share of pest problems, and knowing which pests you’re dealing with when you find one in your home or business is helpful for several reasons. Our pest library provides helpful information about our areas most common pests, including what they look like, if they are a cause for concern, and how to get rid of them.

Scorpions

Scorpions thrive in dry, desert-like conditions making a place where home and business owners often run into them. Some of the more common species in our area include the desert bark scorpion, giant desert hair scorpion, brown scorpion, and wind scorpion (sun spider).

No matter the species, avoiding contact with scorpions is important. They are a type of stinging pest and will use the stinger found at the end of the tail to defend themselves. The venom a scorpion possesses is strong enough to cause an allergic response in people. If ever stung by a scorpion, seek medical attention immediately.

While scorpions do prefer desert conditions, they also require moisture. During the heat of the day, these critters hide either in an underground burrow or under things like woodpiles, rocks, landscaping ties, or under trash cans. At night they emerge to hunt for crickets, spiders, cockroaches, and other small prey. Moisture and cooler living conditions often draw scorpions to a home.

If the weather is very hot and dry, they will move inside through cracks in the foundation or exterior walls, holes screens, or gaps around windows and doors. Once inside, they move to the damp, cool areas of a home like bathrooms (sinks and tubs), kitchens, and basements. Scorpions tend to travel in groups, so if you spot one in or around your home, know that more are lurking nearby.

 

Scorpion Stings & Treatment

Most of the scorpions that enter homes are not poisonous; but if you are unsure it’s usually better to assume that they are poisonous. Of the estimated 1,400 species of scorpions, only about 20 to 25 can inflict potentially fatal stings. Scorpion stings are most serious in young children, older adults, and pets.

scorpion stings are mostly harmless and the majority of healthy adults don’t need treatment for scorpion stings. Their stings are painful – similar to bees or wasps. A person who has been stung may feel a painful, tingling, burning or numbing sensation at the sting site.

The sting usually causes discomfort that ranges from moderate to severe depending upon the individual scorpion and the person’s reaction to the venom. An ice pack applied to the affected area will relieve some pain and the symptoms should decrease over time. A person who is stung by a scorpion should be watched closely for adverse allergic reactions.

only one species (the bark scorpion), found mainly in the desert Southwest, has venom potent enough to cause severe symptoms. Scorpion stings can pose a medical threat especially to the young, elderly, and pets. Get immediate medical care for any child stung by a scorpion.

If you are experiencing any of the following serious symptoms go to the Emergency Room immediately:

Breathing difficulties;

Difficulty swallowing or talking;

Dizziness;

Drooling/Salivation;

Extreme or persistent pain;

Hyperactivity;

Muscle twitching or thrashing;

Numbness that spreads to entire extremity;

Paralysis of area or extremity;

Unusually high or low blood pressure;

Vomiting;

Weakness;

 

BE IN THE KNOW! HERE ARE A FEW IMPORTANT FACTS ABOUT SCORPIONS

chances are that sooner or later a scorpion is going to cross your path-or living room floor. Either way, you are going to be anything but excited and may feel disgusted or even scared. And while your initial reaction may be to go ahead and take care of the scorpion problem by burning down the house, you should take a step back and evaluate what other options of scorpion control are available to you. Plus, how much do you really know about scorpions?

Scorpion Species in Mesa and Beyond

The bad news is that there are several scorpion species that call Mesa their home, however, the good news is that most of them aren’t dangerous and/or poisonous.

The striped-tail scorpion is, according to the Desert Museum, the most common scorpion. It can be found virtually anywhere from the desert to the mountains, sea level and beyond. It gets its name from the distinct dark ridges on the underside of its tail. It measures about 2 inches in length and likes to hide under rocks during the day like most Mesa scorpions do.

One of the less common scorpions in the Mesa area is the giant desert hairy scorpion. While it is an active and aggressive scorpion, its venom is not very potent and thus it is not really big on our scorpion watch list.

The Bark Scorpion is one of the most common scorpions in Mesa and surrounding areas. Unfortunately, it is only the most dangerous one and the only species that is willing to climb walls and trees, making it a frequent visitor in your home. And because they like to be upside down, people often get stung from a scorpion that is on the bottom of something.

 

Scorpions to Snakes: Here’s What Not to Do if Stung or Bitten

When spring and summer arrive, soon you might start to hear about snakes sunbathing on trails and scorpions skittering about. These crazy critters can add a little bit of suspense to your day if you encounter them.

Scorpion Stings

Do Not Panic

Most patients can safely observe for and manage symptoms from a scorpion sting at home.

Do not apply ice to the sting site

Instead: Ice may feel good when applied but once removed, the pain will return with worse intensity. Instead, use a cool compress. Use several small towels and soak them in a bowl of ice water. Apply one of the cool compresses to the sting site and rotate it with another freshly cooled towel from the bowl as needed.

Do not try to trap or retrieve the scorpion for identification

Instead: This puts you at risk for another sting. You can instead kill the scorpion and dispose of it if it’s inside your home. “The identification won’t alter what symptoms to look for or what treatment options you have,”

“While bark scorpions are a smaller relative to other species of scorpions, “baby scorpions” are not more harmful or deadly. The age of the scorpion doesn’t determine the extent to which symptoms will occur, just the species.”

 

Why Are There Scorpions In My House? Here’s Why – And How to Get Rid of Them

Just the name alone is enough to invite a shudder to run through your entire body – scorpions. The exact creature that is guaranteed to be in a creepy movie or thriller, either as an obstacle for the main characters to pass on the way to find an exit or as a tool to pressure someone into a confession of some sort.

These creatures have been around for millions of years thanks to their skills of survival which allows them to adapt to various weather changes, conditions, and climate changes. But what is it that attracts scorpions to your home and once they have taken up unfortunate residence; how can you get rid of them? Let’s find out

What is a Scorpion?

Scorpions are members of the aforementioned Arachnid family and are closely related to the insect population. With almost 2,000 different species, it is a fortunate thing that only approximately 30 or 40 species of scorpions are poisonous to humans. While most scorpions still have venom running through their stinger at the end of their tail; the venom isn’t enough to fatally harm an adult. They typically dine on insects but have proven to be greater than average when it comes to adapting; as they can slow their metabolism in times of a food shortage. When a scorpion slows its metabolism, it can survive on one insect per year but still possess the speed and strength needed to take down prey.

Scorpions have shown during field studies an incredible set of survival skills, with a tool to counter any problem they encounter, from frozen conditions to a lack of oxygen and food. The only true weakness per say that they have, would have to be the need of soil for survival. As a burrowing creature, they must have loose soil to hide, sleep, mate, etc. Scorpions are described as a hard-shelled arthropods with eight legs and a tail. Some of the species can even glow in the dark due to ultraviolet light entering and then reflecting off the shell. The tail is a curved shape that is broken up in individual segments and ends in a barb or stinger point.

An Abundance of Moisture in the Home

If moisture levels are high in your home due to natural circumstances, such as you live in an area that is prone to flash-flooding or flooding due to the seasonal changes, you might see scorpions throughout the residence looking for water. One of the top reasons a scorpion will enter a home is to primarily search for water and then food.

Shopping For Auto Parts Engine Rebuilding

Signs That Your Engine Needs an Oil Change or Maintenance

What Is Engine Oil?

Engine oil is a thick fluid that provides lubrication and cooling for your car’s engine. All auto engines need oil, but the type and weight (thickness) of that oil varies from engine to engine. It also varies by when your engine was manufactured. Newer engines have stricter requirements for fuel economy and oil consumption, and that means narrower clearances within the engine. Most modern engines use thinner oil than they would have 10, 20, or 30 years ago.

There are two primary types of engine oil – mineral oil and synthetic oil. Mineral oil is a petroleum product, derived from crude oil, just like gasoline. Synthetic oil is developed in a laboratory, instead. There are also blends that mix the two oil types together.

Generally, mineral oil is cheaper, but does not last as long. Synthetic oil is more expensive, but reduces demand for natural resources, and lasts a great deal longer (several thousand

miles in most cases).

Why Is It Important?

Engine oil is important for several reasons:

  • The most important reason for engine oil is lubrication. It keeps all the moving parts protected, and prevents them from rubbing against one another. Without oil, metal-on-metal wear would destroy your engine in a very short time. Engine oil creates an atoms-thin layer between moving parts, preventing full contact and prolonging engine life.
  • The second reason for engine oil to be used in your car is cooling. Most of the cooling needed is supplied by the coolant system (radiator, thermostat, water pump, etc.). However, engine oil does provide some supplemental cooling for areas of the engine where coolant cannot reach.
  • Engine oil is also responsible for helping to clean the engine, removing debris like metal finings and other potentially damaging deposits.

 

Warning signs that you should bring your vehicle into an auto shop to refresh the oil.

  1. Excess Vehicle Exhaust

Modern vehicles generally do not release visible exhaust from their tailpipes, so if you see what looks like smoke trailing behind your vehicle, the change can indicate a serious issue. Commonly, excess exhaust indicates that the motor oil has become too old to function properly.

Exhaust changes can also point to engine problems like cracked gaskets, so be sure to have this symptom checked out as soon as possible.

  1. Falling Oil Level

Topping off your oil occasionally can help extend the period of time between oil changes. However, if your oil level seems to fall quickly and constantly, your oil system has likely developed a problem.

In this situation, you may need additional repairs on top of an oil change.

  1. Increased Engine Noise

Motor oil lubricates your engine so that all the parts work together smoothly. When the oil becomes thin, old, or poorly textured, you might hear the issue every time you drive.

When driving with bad oil quality, your engine may make a knocking sound while the vehicle is in motion. Oil issues can also cause other noises, like ticking, which we’ll discuss in the last section.

  1. Irregular Oil Texture

All oil becomes darker as it runs through engines, sometimes almost immediately, so color isn’t always a reliable indicator that you need an oil change. However, over time, oil can pick up small particles of grime that make the liquid gritty.

When you check your oil levels, check the consistency as well. If your oil seems to have a lot of grit in it, you may need to replace it.

  1. Low Oil Level

While you can top off between oil changes, you should pay attention to the level you find the reservoir at. If it’s been too long since your last oil change, the oil levels may read well below the minimum.

If you notice this low of an oil level, have your car serviced right away. Driving with extremely low oil levels can cause permanent engine damage and increase your risk of stalling or breaking down, especially in warm weather.

 

More Mileage Than Usual

If you recently returned from a long road trip or a long-distance business trip, you may need to take your car in for an oil change right away. Any time you put significantly more miles on your car than you usually would, you should anticipate needing an oil change sooner than usual as well.

Persistent Check Engine Light

The “check engine” light on your dash can come on for a number of mechanical reasons. If your car doesn’t have an oil change light or if your oil situation is extreme, this is the light you’ll see. A mechanic can read the signal of the light and help you determine if you need an oil change to resolve the issue.

Shaking While Idling

The high level of friction present in your engine when the oil needs to be changes can affect your ride quality. Specifically, when your car is idling, you may feel abnormal vibrations or shaking motions. Avoid idling as much as possible until you can have your oil changed.

 

How to know when to replace motor mounts

The primary purposes of an engine mount are to secure an engine into machinery and to absorb any shocks and vibrations when the machinery is operating. The anti-vibration properties of engine mounts are essential for preventing damage to the engine and for improving operator comfort (where applicable). But what happens when engine mounts need replacing? And how do you know when they need to be replaced? We answer both of these questions in this post.

What Happens if I Don’t Change my Motor Mounts?

No matter the quality of engine mounts, they begin to wear down after usage and eventually require replacement. Not replacing an engine mount that is past its prime can inflict damage to the engine, cause discomfort for operators and potentially be a safety risk if the engine isn’t secured.

How long do motor mounts last?

Usually, engine mounts should last between at least 5-7 years depending on the application, but we recommend getting them checked over regularly when the vehicle is being serviced, or when any other work is being carried out.

When to replace engine mounts

Being aware of these different signs of a worn engine mount will help you to identify when they need replacing:

  1. Increased Vibrations

If you start your engine and notice that it is making more of a noise than usual, and can feel more vibrations than usual, this is a key sign of a worn engine mount that may need replacing. If an engine mount is damaged, its anti-vibration properties weaken. An increase in vibrations leads to the engine making more of a sound than usual – something that can be extremely damaging to an engine if it continues for a long time.

  1. Rocky Start

Upon starting a machine, you may notice an excessive lurch that doesn’t feel or sound healthy. This is a common indicator of a worn or damaged engine mount. This lurch often steadies into a constant vibration, but you may then also experience a lurch when turning the ignition off.

  1. A Bumpier Ride

Often, an engine mount that needs replacing can cause a jolt when changing gears on an attached transmission. This jolt or thump can also be noticeable when travelling at faster speeds due to the engine working harder. If your machine doesn’t feel as smooth as usual, this can often be down to a damaged engine mount.

  1. Impact Noises

A worn engine mount can often lead to ‘clunks’ and ‘bangs’ within its surroundings/engine bay. This is as a result of the engine moving around more than normal and making contact with other components, which in turn can cause impact sounds that become quite noticeable.

  1. Visual Wear

With use, the metal part of an engine mount does change in appearance. However, if you can see any significant corrosion, cracks or warps to the part, excessive wear will likely be occurring to the rest of the mount. If you notice any cracks or flaking to the rubber aspect of an engine mount, this can potentially limit its performance depending on the severity of the cracks and the route cause. The effectiveness of engine mounts relies on their form and shape; any changes to this can be damaging to the engine. If you do notice any of these signals, you should look into replacing engine mounts as quickly as possible.

 

Signs Your Car’s Oil Needs Changing

Changing the oil in your car is usually a quick and painless procedure when performed at a modern automotive service center. Lubricating oil in your vehicle is something that is vitally important to its well-being. Good, clean oil improves the performance of your car and extends the life of the engine, so why do many people delay in replacing their oil until there’s a visible problem?

A lot of drivers rely solely on mileage as a gauge of when their oil needs to be replaced, but other factors come into play as well, such as the quality of the oil, the age of the car and how the car is driven. Fresh, clean oil optimizes your vehicle’s performance by lubricating parts and keeping the engine clean and healthy. However, over time, the fluid breaks down and has difficulty performing its duties. Once this begins, your car likely will exhibit at least one of the warning signs below.

  1. Check Engine or Oil Change Light

The most obvious alert that there’s an issue with your oil will come from the car itself. The oil change light in your vehicle will illuminate when there’s not enough oil in the system, so check the dipstick to see what’s happening. In worse cases, the check engine light will illuminate. This is your car warning you that things have gotten so bad that the engine is at risk of damage due to problem parts or lack of lubrication.

  1. Engine Noise and Knocking

Oil provides a protective layer between engine parts, avoiding metal-to-metal brushing and keeping the engine quiet. If your oil isn’t doing its job properly, the engine noise will increase. In severe cases, you may even hear knocking or rumbling sounds that signify your engine is tearing itself apart bit by bit through lack of lubrication.

  1. Dark, Dirty Oil

Clean oil is amber in color and slightly translucent. As it is used, it becomes filled with particles collected from the engine and turns darker. It will not be obvious when this begins to happen, so you must be vigilant and check your engine oil at least once a month. To do this, remove the dipstick and wipe it off before returning it to the oil tank. Now take it out a second time. If you cannot see the dipstick through the oil, it is time for an oil change.

  1. Oil Smell Inside the Car

If you smell oil inside the car, it can often signify an oil leak. If you also smell gas or exhaust fumes, the vehicle may be overheating. Either way, you will want to schedule maintenance immediately.

  1. Exhaust Smoke

Some translucent vapor will always come out of your car’s tailpipe, but if this changes to smoke, it’s time for an engine check-up. You may have faulty engine parts or an oil leak.