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How Secure is Your Money in Online Bingo

Sam Allcock
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How Secure is Your Money in Online Bingo

Online bingo has become one of the fastest-growing and most popular titles in the gaming industry. We all agree that most people now have more time in their hands than they have ever had before, and this is also responsible for the increased popularity.

Nonetheless, the more players that get on bingo sites, the more the concern for security over these betting platforms. This article gives comprehensive information on the security measures that these sites and players should take in online bingo.

Check for the license details

This is the first step of ensuring security. Look out for the site’s license and check if they are valid, current, and from an official regulatory body. The license is how regulatory bodies like the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority put the gaming sites in check. These are the strictest licensing authorities for remote gambling licenses and any Bingo site that falls under these licenses follows the UK’s 10-steps-to-cyver security.

Making payments to the Bingo sites will often come with a deposit match deal. When you deposit using a debit card or eWallet, the bingo site usually gives you’re a welcome bonus or new player bonus such as 200 free Bingo cards or play £5 for a £20 bonus. To save you the time of searching for websites with online bingo bonuses yourself, check out sites like Whichbingo that list all the top UK bingo promotions. You can also play other games at these sites such as video slots and virtual scratch cards which also come with the chance to use a bonus offer.

Identity verification

These licensed Bingo sites ensure that users verify their age and identity before they are allowed to play. They state these processes in their terms and conditions to ensure that only eligible gamers can sign up.

 The Bingo sites verify that players are above the required age and that they are in nations that do not have regulations against such activity.

Check the online rating

The online rating is the view of site users. It can also be an expert opinion of the Bingo site. It is important that you do not spend your money on websites with a low rating, which typically suggests poor customer service and security.

Look for extra security levels

The primary form of security that you would first notice is the secure HTTPS address. There is usually a padlock symbol at the start of the site’s URL on your browser’s address bar if the website is secure.

This security is fundamental and important, but there should also be extra security layers like the 128-bit SSL encryption. This encryption ensures that a player’s personal information is safe and is not vulnerable to third party interceptions and hacking.

Also, do your safety checks

The regulatory commission or association can only do so much to protect gamers, but the onus remains on you to also perform some safety checks. For example, the Bingo website and some other gaming platforms must have a physical space or office to the website where gamers can visit.

So, make sure that the website has a valid physical location. These days, you do not have to physically go to the address to be sure, as you can always use online maps.

Please go through the terms and conditions

Most players find it difficult to read the long pages of any online gaming site’s terms and conditions. However, it is highly advisable to read every word as it is the only way to know how a website operates and handles visitors’ information. Let it be known that no two websites have identical terms and conditions, so you need to read it to understand how the Bingo site differs from the rest and how they operate.

You can even find more information about the bonuses they offer and how to win, like free Bingo tickets, promo codes, or even free spins from the terms and conditions.

Explore other alternative payment methods

If you are uncomfortable connecting your bank details with a gaming site, there are other payment portals on the web that you can use instead. Some Bingo sites allow you to make transfers without putting out your bank details.

Conclusion

You can play online Bingo with no fear of being hacked or attacked, but you first need to be cautious and observe the precautions stated above. There are numerous sites to choose from as Online Bingo is growing astronomically on the web.

Top Reasons to Immigrate to Canada from the UK

Claire James
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Top Reasons to Immigrate to Canada from the UK

Moving abroad can be exceptionally overwhelming, considering all the forms and lengthy processes that come along with it. But as 2021 unfolds, Canada has announced new immigration programs, relaxed admission requirements, and higher immigration targets over the next three years. More than 1.2 million people will have the opportunity to relocate to Canada permanently by the end of 2023, and you could be one of them!  

But, with so many destinations to choose from, what makes Canada stand out from the rest? Here are some of the top reasons to immigrate to Canada from the UK.       

Why Canada? 

Canada is a vast beautiful country, the second-largest in the world in fact, with one of the highest quality of life globally. Although the UK and Canada both have a very high standard of living, they do differ in certain ways. Let’s take a look at just some of the reasons British immigrants are making the move to Canada from the UK.  

Cost of Living

Both the UK and Canada have a high cost of living. However, according to numbeo.com, the UK seems to be slightly more expensive than Canada. In a comparison between two of the most expensive cities to live in globally, Toronto (Canada) and London (UK), the food, rent, and transportation costs are actually higher in the UK.      

For example, an apartment in London, on average costs around CAD$2919.25 compared to CAD$2114.11 in Toronto, Canada’s most expensive city. Some of Canada’s smaller cities are, however, not as expensive, and once you’re living and working in Canada (read more here about working in Canada), you’ll find it much more affordable than if you’re simply converting pounds to dollars.    

Quality of Life

Although both the UK and Canada offer free education and healthcare, there are a few factors that push Canada’s quality of life to a higher level than that of the UK. For example, Canada is ranked 6th on the Global Peace Index, whereas the UK comes in at number 45 globally, making it one of the safest countries to live in.    

Canada is also one of the most beautiful countries to live in in the world, with vast rolling landscapes, rugged coastlines, and awe-inspiring lakes and mountain ranges to explore on your doorstep. And the best part is that you won’t have too much of an adjustment when it comes to chilly winter weather, and you’ll also be able to enjoy four glorious seasons when you immigrate to Canada from the UK.   

People

If Canadians are known for anything (other than ice hockey and maple syrup), it’s their warmth and welcoming nature. In fact, Canadians are so welcoming that an “apology act” was adopted to avoid being wrongfully held liable in court simply because of how often the phrase “I’m sorry” is used. 

Canada also has one of the most welcoming attitudes towards immigrants and believes that immigration is the key to development and growth, inviting over 400,000 foreigners to apply for permanent residence every year, including in 2021. 

What Are My Immigration Options?

If all of these amazing benefits sound like something you could get used to, you might be asking yourself what your Canadian immigration options are from the UK? First, you will have your choice of over 100 immigration programs and visas to choose from. However, one of the fastest and simplest ways to get permanent residency in Canada as a British immigrant is through the Express Entry system.

This is Canada’s primary immigration draw, for which applicants will need to create profiles containing information about their age, education, language skills (English and/or French), work experience (if any), and the ability to adjust to Canadian life. Candidates are ranked against each other and entered into Express Entry draws, which take place every two weeks. Thousands of the highest-scoring applicants receive invitations to apply (ITA) for permanent residency in Canada every month through these draws, enjoying processing times of as little as just six months!       

Do these reasons to immigrate to Canada from the UK have you inquisitive about Canadian immigration visas and programs?  

Discover what your best options are and get more information about the Canadian visa application process is by visiting CanadianVisa.org.              

Prisa Sells Its Radios In Argentina

ABC Staff
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Prisa Sells Its Radios In Argentina

Prisa sells its radios in Argentina after “management problems”. Among the three radios sold is Radio Continental, one of the most powerful signal and historical stations in the country. Carlos Rosales, treasurer of San Lorenzo, has signed the purchase.

Grupo Prisa sold the three radios it had in Argentina, an investment dating back to 2005 and with which the Spanish media group never felt comfortable.

Among the radios sold is Radio Continental , one of the most powerful signal and historical stations in the country. Prisa also sold two FMs, according to the businessman Carlos Rosales, treasurer of San Lorenzo, one of the big five in local football, which months ago Garbarino, one of the best-known electrical appliance sales chains in Argentina, bought.

Continental and the two FMs were owned by Grupo Latino de Radio , a subsidiary of Prisa. Details of the figures involved in the operation were not known.

Juan Luis Cebrián, then head of Prisa, admitted in 2013 to the newspaper La Nación that the purchase of Continental had not worked due to “management problems”, and added: “That was our fault.”

He also assured that the future of Prisa was on the American shore of the Atlantic, while admitting the difficulties with the government of Cristina Fernández de Kirchner for the editorial line of Radio Continental.

“We have created a new general direction to promote Latin American radio stations so that without losing their respective national autonomies, they have greater international synergy,” Cebrián added in that interview.

The new owner of Prisa’s radios in Argentina plans to promote FM, to which the previous owner did not pay much attention, and to sustain Continental’s current programming.

Prisa comes from months of turbulence, with the departure of its president, Javier Monzón , and a purchase offer by Blas Herrero, owner of the media group around Kiss FM. The offer of 200 million euros was considered insufficient by Prisa, which did not even study the interest expressed informally by those responsible for Vocento in acquiring the media of the group that controls El País or Cadena Ser.

Inside IR35 Or Outside IR35

Sam Allcock
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Inside IR35 Or Outside IR35

When it comes to ensuring that your contracts sit outside of IR35 you need to make sure that your working practices align with your clients. Contracts will need to be checked for each assignment, and they must contain the right information to ensure that they back your status as someone self-employed because this is the difference between being outside or inside IR35.

Deciding IR35 Status – Three Principles to Consider

It’s a complex situation when deciding whether IR35 applies to your assignment, but there are three principles to consider.

  1. The first relates to supervision, direction, and control and how your end client controls how, when, and where you carry out your contract.
  1. Secondly, substitution is another consideration, and you will need to think about whether you are expected to carry out the work yourself or send a substitute in your place?
  1. Finally, mutual obligation relates to whether the client is obliged to provide work and whether you are obliged to take it.

So, regardless of whether you work in the public or private sectors, these principles will stay the same. The onus will be placed on you to show that they do not apply to your working practices or your contract to be outside.

The Principles in Depth

Supervision relates to how your clients supervise your work, while direction will relate to how your client dictates how you complete the assignment. The control element is associated with how a client might dictate the work you do and how you do it.

If you want to be considered a self-employed contractor, then these clauses should not be included in a contract.

Substitution and whether you can provide a substitute is another test of employment. If you can send a substitute to complete the work and carry it out without your input, then it is likely that the contract will be outside IR35. In contrast to this, if the client only wants you and your skills and is not interested in a substitute, this could signify that you are not self-employed but an employee.

As far as mutuality of obligation goes, there are two main obligations to consider, and these are:

  • One party is obliged to offer work.
  • The other party is obliged to accept work if it is offered.

Essentially, a contractor has to move from project to project, with no obligation to continue working for a client once the work has been completed. What this means is that a contractor can also end a contract even if it is partially complete. In contrast, an employee can only work for one company with the obligation to continue working beyond the completion of tasks.

It’s also crucial to look at your contract and determine whether it permits you to take on additional projects. If the client is seeking exclusivity and stipulates that you must work a certain number of hours each week and take on work that they offer, you would be considered inside IR35.

Additional Factors That Influence IR35 Status

While the areas mentioned above are the main areas, other elements can impact whether you are outside or inside IR35.

How you are paid will impact your status. Commonly, a contractor is paid upon completion of the work, which is unlikely that of an employee whereby regular payments are received. If your contract indicates that you can only have a single client, you are likely an employee, while you should also use your own equipment and not that provided by the client.

The premises will also have an impact as that should identify where you carry out the work. At the same time, IR35 could affect you if you have any involvement in the corporate structure, and this can relate to being given access to their building whereby the pass does not label you as a contractor.

If your contract contains regular and guarantees work on a weekly or monthly basis, it’s going to look as though you are an employee instead of someone self-employed. Along with this, contractors are also required to rectify work in their own time, while professional indemnity insurance is another sign that you are self-employed.

If employee-like benefits are included within your contract, then you are going to be inside IR35, but Agency Workers Regulations will have an impact on those contractors who are using an Umbrella Company. As a result, Agency workers are provided the same benefits as those employees who are permanent.

Those contractors that become a part of the organisation in ways such as having staff report to them or being included in the organisation charts could fail IR35. Therefore, it’s important to make sure that they remove themselves from the inner workings of the organisation. It’s vital that the contract clearly indicates the intentions of both the client and the contractor. The work should be identified, but should the parties’ intentions not reflect those in the contract, HMRC will look beyond this.

There are a few other things to consider: having the ability to demonstrate that you are actively in business on your own. While you might not have staff or stock, you are likely to have an office or a website, and you might even be VAT registered, all of which will indicate that you are self-employed.

Your IR35 status is vital, and that can mean that it’s essential to obtain advice where necessary as this will provide peace of mind. Overlooking even the smallest of details could result in an inspection, and that could lead to you facing significant fines.

Can You Sue an Employer for a COVID-19 Death?

Sam Allcock
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Can You Sue an Employer for a COVID-19 Death?

The COVID-19 pandemic presents hazards to us all, none more so than workers who may be exposed to the virus during their course of employment. While this is an emerging field, many people are suing their employers due to coronavirus exposure. You may sue an employer over a COVID-19 death, though there are several hurdles to clear if you seek to obtain damages. Whether or not this is possible remains to be determined for many cases and often depends on the employer’s duty of care and the burdens they placed on their employees.

Current Wrongful Death Lawsuits Against Employers Due to COVID-19

There are several current lawsuits you may wish to know about if you intend to file a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of someone who you believe died as a result of COVID-19 contracted on the job. While more cases are being filed almost daily, some of the existing ones are the following:

In each of the above cases, the families of the victims argue that the employer was in some way negligent and disregarded their basic duties to protect their workers from the virus. While these cases have yet to be ruled on, establishing that an employer was negligent in this regard is likely a critical component of any successful case going forward.

What is a Duty of Care?

The law holds that employers are responsible for a certain level of care for their employees, and if they violate this duty of care, they may be held liable for any injury or death that is visited on their employees as a result of their negligence. Employers that knew of the dangers of the virus and took steps to withhold this information from their employees, denied them PPE, encouraged unsafe working conditions, or otherwise knowingly endangered their employees are especially vulnerable to wrongful death lawsuits.

However, given the novelty of the virus and its wide-ranging presence, proving that a worker contracted the virus on the job can be difficult if not impossible. This presents a massive hurdle to wrongful death lawsuits due to COVID-19 in the workplace. An experienced wrongful death lawyer can be a vital partner for you as you navigate this complex and evolving field to obtain compensation for your losses. Learn more on Onmyside.com.

How Do I Prove Wrongful Death in Louisiana?

In order to prove wrongful death in Louisiana, the guilty party must fulfill the following conditions:

  • There was a death of an employee of the company
  • The employee’s death is related to negligence on the part of the company or a willful desire to cause harm
  • The survivors of the deceased face a financial burden as a result of the worker’s death

It remains to be seen with what success families of COVID-19 victims can successfully sue the employers they believe are responsible for the death. Working with a lawyer who has handled previous wrongful death lawsuits can give you an advantage and may be what you need to obtain the compensation to which you’re entitled.

The loss of your loved one will be felt by you and your family for years to come. The emotional and financial toll can be incalculable, making it important to seek out ways to obtain compensation from an employer who you believe is responsible for your loved one’s death. If your loved one died from COVID-19 and you believe they contracted it in the workplace, do not hesitate to seek out a lawyer to explore your options to obtain compensation.

How to calculate labour costs: A small business owner’s guide

Sam Allcock
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How to calculate labour costs: A small business owner’s guide

Business owners need to deal with a number of major operational costs like rent, inventory costs, labour costs, and a few others, depending on the industry.

This article will focus on the last item in the list, and explore what labour costs really are and how to calculate labour cost. 

Business owners looking to stay on budget and maximize profits must accurately account for labour costs.

Otherwise, it’s easy to overspend or undercharge, and that’s no way to run a business.

However, many small business owners struggle with the challenge of keeping their labour cost low. So, what is involved in this labour cost calculation process exactly? 

What is labour cost, and why do business owners need to calculate it?

Labour cost is the total amount your business spends on employees, including pay for hourly and salaried workers, as well as employee benefits and taxes.

If you are a manufacturing or production-oriented business, then the amount you spend on labour costs also impacts your business’s prime cost like total cost of goods sold plus other costs. This is the metrics that many business owners use to examine their business’s efficiency and margins.

So, it is essential to remember that labour costs are far more than hourly or salaried wages.

But in fact, labour costs include such expenses as payroll taxes, overtime, employer national insurance contributions, bonuses, sick days, maternity and paternity pays, vacation days, insurance, benefits, meals, supplies, training costs and more.

Basically, you can consider anything even remotely related to employee wages as a labour cost. Here’s how to calculate labour cost.

How to calculate labour cost?

Calculating the total cost of labour is a little more complicated than simply adding up the total cost of all the payments. The following is a step-by-step guide to calculating the total labour cost of an employee.

  1. Calculate the gross payment 

For an hourly employee, the gross payment is simply the number of hours worked multiplied by the hourly rate. For a salaried employee, it is simply the salary an employee draws during a given period.

For example, when an employee works full time, they will potentially work 2,080 hours in one year (40 hours x 52 weeks). So you’ll start with this equation:

  • Gross Pay = Pay Rate x Gross hours
  • Gross Pay = £15/hour x 2,080 hours
  • Gross Pay = £31,200
  1. Calculate the additional labour costs

Add together the costs of each payment or benefit like Overtime wages for non-salaried employees, payroll taxes paid by the employer, bonuses, sick pay, vacation days, paid training, employer contributions to retirement accounts, employer-paid health and life insurance.

  1. Calculate the total labour cost

Add together the gross payment and any additional labour costs to find the total labour cost for each employee.

  • Total labour cost = Gross Pay + Additional labour costs

Depending on what you are doing, you may choose to calculate the total labour cost for a year, a week, or the predicted timeframe of a specific project.

The importance of total labour costs

Total labour costs have many implications for small businesses and small business owners.

Correctly calculating total labour costs can help you budget for upcoming projects and appropriately price your products or services.

It can also help you to plan ahead for how many employees you can afford to hire, how many projects you should take on, and which projects are worth your time.

If customers pay your small business on a per-project basis, it is critical to use total labour costs when generating estimates.

If you only include the gross labour costs in your estimate, you will under budget for labour.

When the project is complete, you will need to increase the cost of labour, which may disappoint your customer, or take the additional labour costs out of your profits, which will disappoint you.

Final thought

The dynamics of managing finances in a small business can be intimidating.

Hopefully, this guide on how to calculate labour cost gives you a more straightforward path towards managing the financial future of your small business.

Just keep in mind that calculating labour cost is only helpful to your business if those calculations are accurate.

So, if there is any uncertainty around your labour costs, including how much you’re paying in benefits or taxes, make sure to talk to accountants in Central London for further guidance.

Top Ten Dog Breeds with Predisposition for Hip Dysplasia

Sam Allcock
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Top Ten Dog Breeds with Predisposition for Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a deformity of the hip joint, where the ball and socket did not form equally. The result of this unfortunate disorder can be far-reaching and devastating for your dog, as well as for you, as the dog owner. The most severe cases result in partial or total paralysis of the hind legs of the affected dog. 

While many may think that hip dysplasia in dogs and puppies is only to be found in large breeds, this is not necessarily the case. Since dysplasia can also be linked to inbreeding, it can be found in smaller breeds, particularly those where certain physical characteristics are more sought after. 

German Shepherds

This breed is well known for hip dysplasia and in some cases, it can be linked to inbreeding. As one of the most intelligent, trainable and obedient breeds, they are sought after by the military and police, as well as pet lovers. 

They are popular show dogs and, as such, there is a very distinct requirement in the stance and coloring. It is these very specific requirements that have been linked to in-breeding in the past. Stricter controls have been put in place on breeders, which one hopes will curb the high incidence of Hip Dysplasia in these magnificent dogs.

Great Dane

This giant breed is well known for its almost horse-like appearance, but the sheer size of these magnificent dogs is also their downfall. There are various types, each one more beautiful than the next. 

Despite their size, these gentle giants make wonderful pets, but they are, quite literally, too big for their own good. The average lifespan of the Great Dane is between eight and eleven years. Most of these majestic dogs suffer from cervical spine issues, along with hip dysplasia. 

Rottweilers

Rotties, as they’re affectionately known by those who love them, are one of the most misunderstood breeds. They are often used as guard dogs because of their intimidating appearance; however, they are very gentle-natured dogs and make wonderful pets. They are, unfortunately, also predisposed to hip dysplasia. Heavy set for their height, these rather goofy faced canines are sadly also quite prone to hip dysplasia. 

Boxers

Also quite a tall breed, these flat-faced beauties have also shown themselves as being prone to suffer from hip dysplasia. However, they have been inbred by humanity in a bid to achieve the “perfect” undershot jaw and the perfect narrow hips and deep chest. Unfortunately, this search for “perfection” has cost Boxers dearly and this has shown up in their tendency to have issues with their hips (and their respiration) in later life.

Corgis

The first of the smaller breeds on the list, these endearing little dogs, made famous by Queen Elizabeth II, also appear on the list of breeds predisposed to hip dysplasia. Like Dachshunds, they are bred to be “big dogs on short legs,” which has created issues with their lumbosacral area and has been known to result in hip dysplasia. Because of the unique shape of these short-legged little canines, they have been known to develop problems a little younger. 

Pugs

Like Boxers, these “snub-nosed” dogs are bred for their appearance and, the shorter their snout, the more appealing they become. Unfortunately, this has also led to inbreeding, resulting in hip dysplasia. Being aware of the high probability of this condition and taking preventative measures can go a long way towards ensuring that your little flat-nosed friend can stay happy and healthy for longer. 

Bouvier des Flandres

Another giant breed, these dogs have faded from popularity due to years of inbreeding, causing major health issues, such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A couple of decades ago, these dogs were immensely popular because they are hypoallergenic (like poodles), but after years of inbreeding, they eventually became undesirable as pets due to health problems. 

Labrador and/or Retriever

These gentle, kind and loving dogs, originally bred to “retrieve” hunters’ kills, have proven themselves to be among the very best pets of all time. Particularly the bitches, have such a reputation for being wonderful “nannies” to human babies and are, as a result, very popular as family pets. Over time, they have shown a predisposition for hip dysplasia, easily identified in the uneven gait of the “senior” dog. 

French Bulldog

Another of the smaller breeds, this very highly sought-after breed, has been badly inbred over time in a bid to create the “perfect” specimen. These puppies sell for thousands of dollars and are the “pets of the stars.” The resultant skeletal issues have become apparent in recent years. 

Shih Tzus

This breed is another of the “designer dog” breeds and, as a result, has suffered the consequences of inbreeding. One such consequence is a distinct predisposition to hip dysplasia. These unusual dogs make wonderful pets, but you will need to take precautions to ensure your pet stays happy and healthy for longer, from early in his life.

Ways to Improve Your Property During the Pandemic

Sam Allcock
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Ways to Improve Your Property During the Pandemic

The coronavirus pandemic has shaped our lives for the past year, and while many of us thought we’d be ‘back to normal’ by now, there are still a lot of restrictions in place. Lots of people are living, working, and relaxing in their homes, popping out for the occasional bit of shopping but not much else.

While this way of living can seem isolating, it also presents a unique opportunity to focus on some property improvements that will benefit you in the future. Not only do you have more time in the day now that you’re not commuting for two hours, but you can also have tools and materials delivered; knowing that someone will be there to collect them. So, lets dive into some property improvements you can make during the pandemic.

Redecorate your walls

This is a simple way to improve your home and make it look fresh and clean again, but so many people put it off because they just don’t have the time to deal with the mess. Now we’re in lockdown, there’s no reason you can’t order a step ladder, a new tin of paint, some brushes and rollers and get to work. There’ll be plenty of time to cover our furniture and clean up any mess.

It’s amazing what a new coat of paint can do to a room that’s lost its sparkle. Whether you touch up the paint that’s already there or you add a brightly coloured feature wall, you’re sure to make your rooms look far more appealing than they did pre-lockdown. This is also a great activity if you’re planning to sell your home in the near future.

Get garden jobs done

There are always jobs to be done in the garden, whether it’s cleaning the guttering, painting the fences or fixing the leaky roof on the shed. Over time, garden jobs pile up and with temperamental British weather, we never get around to doing them. The freedom of extra time at home can be a great opportunity to start working your way through the mountain of outdoor tasks you’ve been putting off.

Your trusty step ladder is bound to come in handy again as you work your way around the garden getting things done. Having the extra height will allow you to reach the gutters, paint your fence panels and reach the shed roof with ease. So, don’t be afraid to dig your step ladder out of the garage or order a new one!

A clean and tidy garden space is sure to come in handy during spring/summer when we might be encouraged to meet with friends and family outdoors. Spending a bit of time making garden improvements will be rewarding now and appreciated over the next few months.

Reseal around the bath or shower

There are few things more infuriating than water leaking into places it shouldn’t around your home. Not only can water ruin the hard work you’ve put into decorating, but if it finds its way onto electrics it can also be a health and safety hazard.

For that reason, now is a great time to check the seals around your bathroom features. Mould is known for developing in the crevices of bathrooms and grouting is a particular hotspot. Re-sealing the bathroom will make it look clean and new again, while providing you with peace of mind that the water won’t cause unnecessary damages.

Restore old pieces of furniture

If you’re really keen to give yourself a DIY home improvement challenge, why don’t you consider upcycling some of your old furniture. With a few simple supplies, you can strip down and paint or re-varnish old wooden furniture to give it a brand-new appearance.

Why not dust off your old sewing machine and try your hand at some re-upholstering? You could create new pillowcases for your sofa cushions and rid your living room of those accidental coffee stains once and for all!

Giving the items you already have a bit of TLC is a great way to improve the look and feel of your home without forking out for lots of new furniture. Not only is this better for the environment, but it also gets your creative juices flowing and allows you to design your home in a way that you love.

Put up extra shelves and photo frames

Adding a few extra personal touches to your home during lockdown can be a great way to make your space more homely during these uncertain times. Take the time to plan out a photo wall and add photos of the family members you can’t see at the moment. Keeping photos of them around will lift your mood and make you even more excited to meet up again after lockdown.

Putting your books on display is a great way to encourage more reading. Reading is a great way to disconnect from the real world and get lost in a story for a few hours. Of course, if you’re not a huge fan of reading, you can use your shelves to improve your home’s storage and get rid of clutter.

These are just a few home improvements you can make during the pandemic so that your home is a more enjoyable space to be in! We all need a pick-me-up right now, and home improvements are a great place to start.

The Benefits of Double Sink Bathtubs For Your Home

Sam Allcock
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The Benefits of Double Sink Bathtubs For Your Home

When it comes to kitchen design, there is often much confusion about the differences between single and double sinks. The two types of sinks share many similarities, but there are also key differences to consider. Which one you choose depends on your personal preferences, budget, and other factors. Knowing the facts before you make your decision will help you make the best choice for your kitchen.

Both types of sinks have both advantages and disadvantages. For those of you that like to cook, you may find that the double sink is more convenient. However, with only a single sink, you may be lacking in the amount of room you require for food preparation. Whether you are deciding between the two or the single style, here are some pros put together to each sink to help you determine which would best benefit you.

One benefit to double sinks is easy to access to the dishwasher and faucets. With one side of the unit, you simply flip over the basin and you are ready to wash up. The flip side offers more room, but you do sacrifice access to the dishwasher or the faucets. If you want these tools easily, then the single option may be your best bet. Just be sure you always have an open window or door to allow for easy access to these items.

Another advantage of having two sinks is easy moving. If you have to move from under the top counter to the other counter over one day, it is easier to make all of the dishes and pots go from one sink to the other without causing any damage. The flip side to this advantage is that you may find yourself putting more than just the pots and pans on the counter while you are moving the furniture. With a double sink, you are sure to get the job done quicker and more efficiently.

Some disadvantages to double sinks are that they are expensive to install and if you are not planning to use them for very long, it will only take you about two days to install a single bowl sink. Also, when you are choosing the materials for the installation, keep in mind that one color generally prices better than the other. While red does cost less per pound than white or black, choosing the wrong color will make the project more expensive than necessary. The same goes for choosing a metal countertop over a stone countertop, although you will pay a little more for a metal countertop than for a natural stone countertop.

On the flip side of the argument that one-sided dishes are better, there are several pros to using double sinks. For starters, the design saves space since you can place more than one dish on the unit. For instance, you can place a pot on top of your water bowl and then a dishwasher on the countertop, which saves space. On an extreme, you could even use two separate pots, two utensils, and two dishwashers into one sink. Of course, this depends on what you choose as far as which items you put on the tops and which ones you place on the bottom.

A double sink may also be used for purposes other than washing and cleaning dishes. For example, you can put clothes in one basin and linens in another basin. If the clothes are stain-resistant, you can put them in the clean basin without having to rinse them first. This means you do not have to buy separate detergents for cleaning the dishes and for drying them after washing.

There are also benefits for you and your family. Since there are two sinks, you are less likely to accidentally drop any food, utensils, or liquids onto one side. This can cause it to become dirty quickly, especially if the dishes are placed on one side and washed immediately after use. Also, you will have the ability to properly dispose of any dirty dishes by rinsing them down the drain, rather than having to find a way to dispose of them in the sink.

10 Facts About Vasectomy Procedures that You Should Know

Sam Allcock
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10 Facts About Vasectomy Procedures that You Should Know

For a lot of men, the word ‘vasectomy’ can be a source of anxiety, which often stems from misinformation about the procedure. However, vasectomy is a safe procedure and is often recommended to couples who are searching for a permanent birth control method.

1. Vasectomy is generally safe

A vasectomy is a minor surgical procedure. It is designed to block the vas deferens in your scrotum, which are tubes designed to take sperm to semen. The vasectomy procedure is done through two tinny cuts on each side of the scrotum. Today, there is also the no-scalpel vasectomy which is done with a hemostat, which your surgeon uses to make two small punctures.

If you have any questions, book a consultation

2. The procedure is very effective in preventing pregnancies!

A survey in 2004 suggests that 1 in 1000 vasectomies fail, which makes the vasectomy procedure more than 99.9% effective. It is considered to be a permanent birth control method, so once it is done, you do not have to think about contraception.

3. Your sexual life will not be affected

This procedure will not affect your sexual drive, desire, or your ability to have and hold an erection. Everything including your orgasms will remain the same. But, it is important that you wait until you are fully recovered to have sexual intercourse.

4. Sterilization does not happen immediately after

Keep in mind that the sterilization of the semen will take time, which is also something your doctor will discuss with you during the consultation. . This means that you will need to take contraceptives for about 3 months after your vasectomy. You could have your semen checked for sperm count at a clinic for vasectomy in Eastern Suburbs to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

5. Vasectomy will not protect you from STIs

The only thing the vasectomy procedure is designed to do is to sterilize your semen. This does not mean that you will be safe from all sexually transmitted infections. In fact, the only form of birth control that can protect you from STIs are condoms.

6. You still produce sperm

Unlike what many believe, after the vasectomy procedure, your body will still produce sperm at a normal rate. But, your sperm will not come out of your body, instead, it will be reabsorbed, into the body. Although this might seem strange to some, this is actually how the female body functions as well.

7. It can be reversed!

You should not go into this procedure unless you are 100% sure that you no longer want children. With that said, you should know that there is a chance to have the vasectomy procedure reversed, in case you do decide to reproduce in the future. But, that does not guarantee success in conceiving a child.

Although the vasectomy can be reversed even years after the procedure, the longer it has been, the less likely it will be that the vasectomy reversal will actually work. A vasectomy reversal tends to be a safe procedure as well, and it rarely leads to complications.

8. The recovery from the procedure is relatively short

The procedure is done very quickly, from 20 – 30 minutes. It is usually done in the doctor’s office, with local anesthetics. More often than not, patients will be able to fully recover from vasectomy in about a week. One of the most important parts of recovering from the vasectomy procedure is rest.

9. It lowers the risk of prostate cancer

The research on this topic is mixed. Some research shows that having a vasectomy could increase your risk of having prostate cancer, while other research shows that there is no link. With that said, the most current findings suggest that having a vasectomy will not make a man more prone to getting prostate cancer. Thus, this should not be a reason for you to avoid a vasectomy.

10. Vasectomy is much safer than tubal ligation surgery

The vasectomy procedure has much lower risks when compared to tubal ligations (female sterilization). One of the main reasons is that the vasectomy procedure will avoid the risks which are associated with general anesthesia. In addition, a vasectomy is a much less invasive procedure and lowers the risk of infection and bleeding. However, both of these surgical procedures are seen as generally safe.

Talk to your doctor to learn more about a vasectomy

Both you and your partner should be involved in the decision!

Whether you should go through with the vasectomy procedure or not, is not something to be taken lightly. You should talk to your partner, and really think about whether this is the right choice for you. In case you are not completely sure about whether you will want to have children in the future, it is better to not go through with the procedure.  

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