Category Archives: Reviews

Which Famous Boss Would You Work for?

1 David Brent

Britain’s favourite and worst boss, bumbling Brent is the boss that wants to be a friend as well as a boss, and considers himself more of a comedian and entertainer! Unfortunately, he is so keen to be liked by his employees, that he forgets that he is actually the boss and eventually ends up getting fired from his job! With Life on the Road out back in August 2016, it was a chance for all Brent fans to catch up with what he has been up to since! I think he would be the best boss and let you have fun as long as you did your work.  He might even let you have smoking and vaping breaks if he likes you and would probably like the flavours of juices you can get from the Gloucester Vape Shop who do free same day delivery from sites including https://www.lazyjuice.co.uk/.

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2 Alan Sugar

The owner of Amstrad, and of course the line ‘You’re Fired’ from the TV show the apprentice, Lord Sugar started out at 16, when he left school to start a small business selling aerials and electronics. Amstrad was probably what he was most famous for (before he started The Apprentice of course!) Lord Sugar is also a keen pilot!

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3 Richard Branson

The founder of Virgin, Sir Richard Branson is also famous for his round the world balloon flights and daredevil antics. He owns Necker Island, which he bought to impress a girl (now his wife!) He now has his sights set on the stars with Virgin Galactic in the pipeline!

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4 Simon Cowell

The real ‘Mr Nasty’ of television, Simon Cowell famously turned down the Spice Girls years ago! But that hasn’t stopped him becoming one of the richest men in the UK, with his show the X Factor about to enter its 12th year, he shows no sign of slowing down! He became a dad in 2014 to son Eric, hopefully he has inherited his dads’ business sense, but not his style of trousers!

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5 Mr Burns

The much feared boss of Homer Simpson Montgomery Burns is the worst boss on the list to work for by far! Power crazed and evil Mr Burns (assisted by his assistant Mr Smithers), is driven by money and greed and has no concern for anyone else! Who can forget the time he wanted to skin all of Bart’s puppies to make a fur coat, or, when trying to be nice actually became more evil by killing off the local sea life!

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5 tips for skiers when Planning skin protection

You are more likely to get sun damage from skiing than you are from sitting on the beach because of the high altitude and the fact that the snow reflects the damaging UV rays. In addition to causing wrinkles, sunburn and other skin damage, over-exposure to UV rays can result in skin cancer. The following tips outline some steps you can take to protect yourself.

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Facial work

Any facial work you are having done you will want to give it plenty of time to heal as high pressures could cause damage or even infection.   If for example you gave work from a Botox Cirencester way you don’t then want to go climbing potentially knocking it or even causing it to over pressurise.
Use High-SPF Sunscreen

Choose a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor of 30 or higher. A sunscreen that contains a moisturiser such as glycerin or lanolin will help to protect your skin against the harsh winter conditions, strong winds and bitter cold.

Apply Before Skiing

Apply your sunscreen half an hour before you hit the slopes and remember to reapply it at regular intervals. It is helpful to carry a travel-sized sunscreen with you and reapply it every few hours and immediately after sweating. Lip balm should also be regularly reapplied. The NHS reports that according to The Guardian, damage to skin cells from UV rays can continue hours after exposure.

Be Generous

Apply your sunscreen generously to all areas of skin that are exposed. Make sure that you include your ears, the area around your eyes, your neck, under your chin, your scalp and your hands. These areas are often missed. Be sure to apply a lip balm with an SPF of 15 or higher because your lips can be very sensitive to the effects of sun.

Protect Your Eyes

Your eyes need protection against the sun. Goggles or sunglasses should offer 99 per cent UV protection. Choosing a wraparound style will also help to protect the skin around your eyes, reducing the likelihood of crow’s feet developing.

Protective clothing

Wearing a hat or helmet adds protection against the sun, protects your scalp, and protects against the cold. Ski masks also help because less skin is left exposed.

If you take all these precautions and your skin does end up suffering from sun damage, all is not lost. Clinics offer treatment to reverse the damage. In London Obagi skin treatment is available to treat sun-damaged skin in the same way as a chemical peel.

Keeping your skin healthy and moisturised can protect it from damaging UV rays.

Are the Police Doing Enough to Stay Ahead Of Cybercriminals?

Technology now plays a part in almost half of all reported crimes.

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Cybercrime is a seemingly ever-increasing phenomenon. As a result, the cybersecurity industry has grown at a phenomenal rate over the past decade, and there is a now a huge shortage when it comes to qualified staff.

Police are gradually beginning to use technology more in the field (as witnessed by the increased use of the body worn camera), but are they doing enough to tackle and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to cybercrime?

Businesses such as Mortgage Advisor Gloucester company  https://www.palmermortgages.co.uk/mortgages/ work hard to ensure that all of their systems are compliant and take client data security incredibly seriously just as banking and medical institutions do.

The Scale of the Problem

According to an official survey, there were over two million offences recorded under the category of ‘computer misuse’ between October 2015 and September 2016. These incorporated any instances of unauthorised access to personal information (including hacking) as well as the spreading of computer viruses or malware and incidents such as distributed denial of service (DDos) attacks.

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So What Steps Are the Police Taking?

Those forces who can afford it are also increasing the training they provide officers about new crime trends and technology, and Reform are also pushing the Home Office to create a digital academy specifically to train specialist officers in dealing with digital crimes.

In 2015, the East Midlands Police Force collaborated with De Montfort University to help its officers obtain a better understanding of the cybercrime threat and how to profile and identify those responsible.

In August of this year, the West Midlands Police Force appointed its first ever Digital PCSO – one of only four in the country. The role involves offering advice to the general public, schools, businesses, and community groups about cyber-security and how to stay safe online. This also marks a switch to a more proactive rather than reactive approach.

Despite a number of police forces bringing in their own innovations to tackle the threat of cybercrime, budget cuts mean that the funds to bring in the required expertise to help are simply not available. This means that many forces are reliant on expert volunteers. According to the independent think-tank Reform, some 12,000 such volunteers are needed to boost the fight against the cybercriminals.

Girlfriend on eBay is Advertised as ‘Noisy Dishwasher’

A prankster advertised his girlfriend for sale on eBay as a ‘noisy dishwasher’ after she complained about having to wash the dishes too often.  If this was just one of the many household jobs that need doing it might be nice to get a Domestic cleaning Cheltenham company found at sites like https://www.baytreecleaning.com/frome to come in once a week and do it for you so it allows you to relax.

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Karl Goddard, who lives in Southampton, posted the advert about his girlfriend Gabby Whitlock on the popular auction site while they were waiting for a meal to arrive in a pub. Gabby had remarked on it being nice she was not expected to do the dishes – which, she said, was unusual in their household.

Karl, a civil engineer, told Gabby he would sell her because she was annoying him – and as a joke actually placed the advert.

Sold as Seen

The eBay listing said Gabby was a ‘dishwasher’ which was for sale due to it becoming noisy. The advert also said that no refunds would be accepted, and the ‘dishwasher’ was ‘sold as seen.’

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Luckily Gabby, who is a carer, saw the funny side of the prank. She did, however, express her annoyance that the photograph her boyfriend used on the advert was not a flattering one.

Despite the advert simply being a joke, some people did bid for the human dishwasher – the auction reached £520 before eBay removed it because it violated their rules.

According to eBay, there are certain things you can’t sell on auction sites – and this includes anything illegal (such as fellow human beings).

Still Together

Perhaps surprisingly the couple, who have known each other for 10 years but been dating for around a year, are still together – and Gabby still mainly does the washing up. She did admit, however, that Karl does most of the cooking – and that she, too, is not above pranking him on occasion.

Maybe the pair would be best getting a proper, mechanical dishwasher to prevent any further arguments over this often tedious household chore.

Restaurants, hotels and other commercial businesses sensibly use commercial dishwashers in order to ease the strain of dishwashing which would otherwise be placed on their staff.

This not only ensures all dishes are properly and thoroughly cleaned – thereby making sure they are as hygienic as possible – but also means no member of staff has to complain about being stuck with the same, time-consuming job day after day.

Make your event memorable by hiring a rodeo bull

If you have an event coming up, why not consider hiring a rodeo bull to make it memorable? These mechanical bulls can offer lots of fun and entertainment and hiring one of these from a rodeo bull distributor might even make you the talk of the town.

If this was organised as part of a big private event it would be the envy of others. Riding a rodeo bull is often regarded as a male testosterone exercise and this type of activity would compliment a stag do very well.

If you are looking to create a permanent event space that you can hire out for corporate and domestic events you might want to look at contacting a Lighting Specialists such as  https://encapsulite.co.uk/ who can add another dimension to your space with some incredible lighting solutions to compliment your space and vision.

Read on for more some useful information about these rides.

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Origin

In 19th-century America working cowboys developed a series of skills to help them to manage cattle and other livestock more effectively. They would test their skills against one another and in 1872 the first formal rodeo competition was held in Wyoming. The term ‘rodeo’ refers to a public exhibition of cowboy skills. According to cjonline.com, rodeo shows keep growing in popularity because they offer affordable entertainment for the whole family to enjoy. Mechanical rodeo bulls simulate the rodeo experience and are designed to look, feel and move like real bulls.  So if you are your group fancy being cowboys for the night this would really make a fun nights activity.

Safety

There are risks when it comes to riding mechanical bulls, although injuries are rare, and it is standard practice for people to sign a waiver confirming they have acknowledged any potential risks. Operators should be fully trained in the safe operation of the ride and should be attentive at all times. The bulls themselves are designed to be as safe as possible and come with inflatable safety mats to cushion riders’ falls. As explained by the Health and Safety Executive, fairground rides such as mechanical bulls are statistically very safe and you are more likely to get injured travelling to a fairground than on any of the rides.  So if you are planning on a night out and haven’t had to much to drink at this time you should be pretty safe.

Adaptability

Manufacturers have designed these bulls in such a way that their speed and movements can be tailored for different users. Many mechanical bulls come with two modes: automatic and manual. The automatic mode, for example, offers a number of pre-set programmes, each designed for participants of different skill levels. The manual mode is controlled by the operator, who uses a joystick to determine the bull’s movements. No two rides are the same.
Hire a rodeo bull for your next event and everyone will be sure to have an exciting and memorable time! These rides are fun, safe, and can really liven up your event.

Is your roof Winter-ready?

Winter is a difficult time for our homes, particularly our roof. With extremely cold temperatures, heavy rain and howling winds likely, the last thing we want is the sudden drama of a leaking roof in the middle of winter. That’s why it pays to get your roof ‘winter-ready’ with some quick work to provide peace of mind when bad weather sets in.

Conduct spot checks for leaks in areas where there may be weaknesses, such as where the chimney meets the roof and skylights or Velux windows. Have a walk around your home and look for areas that can be damaged or wear out – things that you probably will not see during the summer.

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Noting the fascia is important as well, as potential problems can occur from weak areas or damp. This should get checked in early autumn, so that any problems can be corrected before the start of winter. If you have any doubts, contact a Cheltenham Roofing like http://stormroofingltd.co.uk/

Make sure you check your gutters. When the autumn leaves fall, they can quickly clog roof gutters and drainpipes, blocking the flow and causing water to build-up where you do not want it. If rainwater is not being directed away by an efficient drainage system, the area can be weakened and saturated, causing leakage and moisture.

The leaves stuck in the gutters and on your roof will decompose, block the drainage and cause dry rot damage which can go unnoticed for a long time.

Any excess debris, dirt and mulch should be cleaned from gutters and damage or visible holes must be repaired. This is a difficult and messy job so you might want to call in a professional. If you have a flat roof then it is important to check your drains are not clogged because you need to have a very efficient drainage system to prevent potential leaks.

Any loose tiles need to be secured or replaced immediately.

Walk around the interior of your home as well and look for every little stain on the ceiling. You may have seen a small stain that is almost invisible and ignored but small stains, if left untreated, could become a major problem. The last thing you want is a leak and damage to the interior so sort out the problem as quickly as you can to save money and hassle in the long run.

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If your roof is old but never causes you problems, it’s still a good idea to have a routine inspection by a professional roofing company at least every 5 years. Even newer roofs should be regularly checked for signs of damage. A professional roofer will be able to tell you how much life is left in the roof before you have to think about having a replacement.

Five facts to know about duct tape

Duct tape is one of those uber versatile items that can be found in any toolbox, and used to hold all kinds of things together that would otherwise fall apart. It’s tough, it’s useful and it’s sticky. It is used in a variety of commercial and domestic uses and will be a staple in any handyman’s bag, Whether looking at rental properties as a part of the items identified on a Property inspection app such as https://propertyinspect.com/ or working in another domestic setting you can be sure that duct tape will feature somewhere. But there are more essential things to know about the handyperson’s best friend.

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Battle ready

Duct tape was invented to help soldiers. They used to receive ammunition in boxes sealed with inefficient paper tabs. A concerned mother pressed the government to develop a strong and waterproof tape that would protect ammunition but could be removed fast.

Water repellent

Originally the tape was called duck tape as it repelled water, just like water flowing off a duck’s back. Duct tape has three layers: glue, fabric, and a plastic coating on top.

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So sticky

Duct tape’s amazing levels of stickiness are the result of physics and intermolecular forces. It has a pressure sensitive adhesive that is really strong but also easily removed. Different adhesives work in different ways. Scientists have even been inspired by slug mucous to develop a new adhesive for wounds, according to this report in The Guardian.

Space saving

Duct tape helped save the astronauts on Apollo 13. When they had to transfer to a small lunar module after an explosion in the main vessel, duct tape and cardboard helped them filter out carbon dioxide and survive the experience in a tiny space where the carbon dioxide produced by their own bodies was their biggest threat.

No ducts

Despite its flexibility, one thing duct tape can’t be used for is holding ducts together in construction work. This is one area where duct tape is not recommended. If working with ducting, it would probably be better to get new duct than try and patch old duct together. Flexible duct in a range of hardwearing substances can also be useful in domestic and commercial settings.

It would be hard to imagine modern life without duct tape and its many applications. Duct tape isn’t just handy on this planet either. After its starring role in helping the astronauts from Apollo 13 survive their ordeal, duct tape has become a staple in space.

Reclaiming your Furniture Successfully is important

Vintage and retro furniture is classically designed with a timelessness that continues to appeal to a wide range of people. So once you have your new home through a Letting Agents Cheltenham company which you sourced from links including www.meandyouestateagents.co.uk Vintage furniture provides a unique and authentic aesthetic for the home.

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Furniture constructed from reclaimed wood is becoming increasingly popular due to its charm, rough-and-ready aesthetic and sense of authenticity. Consumers are also now on the hunt for bargains like never before, with reclaimed and second-hand furniture becoming extremely desirable.

Here are some top ideas for successfully using reclaimed furniture and creating a chic, vintage look for your home.

Choosing the Right Variety of Wood for Your Desired Style

The type of wood you choose for your furniture will affect the general vibe and aesthetic it brings to your room. This requires you to carefully select the specific wood species, think long and hard, and consider many different varieties before choosing your furniture.

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To view lots of different varieties of reclaimed wood and furniture, go to a reclamation yard.
Repurposed teak in furniture is a popular choice thanks to its charm and incredible versatility. Teak has a warm tone and unique grain in its wood, which makes it a perfect choice for adding warmth or a sense of cosiness to a room.

Choose the Same Variety of Reclaimed Wood in Your Home

Keeping continuity within your home is vital in order to form a uniform and harmonious aesthetic throughout your entire premises.

This consists of focusing primarily on one variety of wood and one form or style. However, this does not mean you cannot mix it up and create your own, unique aesthetic. Your aim should be to create a continuous look throughout your home that creates a neat, clean and simple style.

Choose Real Vintage Pieces and Avoid New Vintage Styled Items

It is important to be careful when choosing authentic vintage furniture and ensure it’s not reproduction vintage style instead.

One way to find out whether it is genuine is the wood’s age. Furniture created in a vintage style is crafted from new wood rather than seasoned, old timber.

New wood fashioned into vintage-style furniture is often distressed using sanding and chemicals to age its appearance, which can fool you into believing it is a genuine piece of vintage furniture.

Now top that! Some vintage wedding cake topper inspiration

With the rise in popularity of vintage-inspired weddings, it can be hard to make sure your wedding stands out from the crowd. Add something a little different to your big day with a vintage wedding cake topper to match your vintage theme. Here’s a run down of the best from fashion’s most fabulous decades.

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1920s

The 1920s were all about art deco, and art deco is all about rich, bold colours, geometric lines and intricate patterns. Choose classic his-and-hers models standing under an art deco arch in black or white with a touch of gold to get a taste of that Great Gatsby opulence.

1940s

If you’re going for a 1940s style vintage wedding theme, look out for antique toppers in antique shops and auctions. You’ll often find the couples in whimsical, romantic tableaux, with the brides in feminine dresses standing below arches of flowers.

Ask your hairdresser to style your hair in victory rolls for that post-war celebratory feel and add streams of bunting to your venue and, of course, lashings of ginger beer and victoria sponge to the spread!

1960s

In the 1960s, fashion got a little bit groovy, with shorter hemlines, higher beehives and a whole palette of bright colours. Reflect this in your wedding with a cake topper to match. While toppers are traditionally in pale colours, don’t be afraid of adding colour.

Alternatively, track down some of the cute doll-like toppers that were also popular in the 1960s. These chubby-cheeked toppers resembled cherubs all dressed up in classic top hats and tails, and they will add a dash of fun to any wedding.

Today

These days, it is possible to take the best parts of your favourite decade and create the vintage wedding of your dreams. Talented craftspeople can style toppers in the likeness of you and your partner and add vintage fashion and decoration to match. You can even forgo the models altogether and top your cake with flowers, lettering spelling out your names, or objects that mean something important to you and your spouse.

With all these ideas to choose from all you have to do is pick the right one for you, choose the location of your special day like Wedding Venues Northamptonshire found at kelmarsh.com/weddings-at-kelmarsh-hall Whether you go for antique toppers or choose ones that are inspired by your favourite decade, cake toppers are a great way to make your vintage wedding truly memorable.

How heat remediation may help to build a more sustainable future

Dealing with pests in an eco-friendly way that can also help sustain the soil’s quality and the health of the habitat is tricky, but the technologies involved in heat remediation are helping to make this an achievable aim rather than a pipe dream.

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What is heat remediation, and what are the advantages it offers compared to traditional methods that are causing some to herald it as the best hope for the future of the industry?

Taking on pests without the adverse effects

Taking advantage of heat and other techniques can allow for some truly impressive results. In fact, some experts argue that this could allow us to deal with issues as significant as climate change.

On a smaller scale, heat remediation can have huge benefits in a domestic or commercial setting where pests are proving to be a problem within a given structure.

In the past, pests have been taken out using dangerous chemicals that are harmful to all forms of life and thus have nasty side effects associated with their use. Switching to heat remediation as an alternative means that critters can be exterminated simply by increasing the temperatures beyond levels in which they can survive.

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This not only removes environmental concerns with pest extermination, but it also means that there is no risk of people or property being damaged.

Improving soil quality

Heat treatment of manmade premises is one thing, but pushing through positive changes in a natural setting is another matter. With soil remediation services, this is precisely what is possible.

Soil remediation services can help to combat contamination caused by hydrocarbons, and there are a lot of different processes by which the heat is applied.

Thermal desorption, for example, is available as either a low- or high-temperature solution that helps disrupt contaminants and allows them to be removed from the soil efficiently.

Pyrolisis and vitrification are higher-temperature examples, requiring heat of anywhere from around 400 degrees Celsius to in excess of 1,000 degrees Celsius.

Soil treatments can even include the injection of hot air or steam to enhance the speed with which the polluting materials degrade and thus dramatically reduce contamination timescales.

The versatility and effectiveness of heat remediation are making it a high-tech solution to some of the world’s most significant problems.