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What is Project Management and How can it be Beneficial?
Project management is an umbrella term that covers planning, task management, risk management, etc. And the person responsible for overseeing everything is a project manager – from execution to completion.
Whether you’re building a website or pursuing any other task, you need to manage a project. In a nutshell, management involves the following:
- Planning
- Build-up
- Implementation
- Closeout
Planning
When you mention planning, the first thing that comes to mind is scheduling. It’s about defining the fundamentals, problems to solve, and the team to get involved. First, you should pinpoint what you want to fix. To increase the chances of success, you must look beyond the symptoms. If you’re not careful, you could end up wasting time and money. And you don’t want to create a problem that is too simplistic or complex.
Define the project objectives
The most challenging task for any stakeholder is setting the expectations into coherent and manageable goals. Once you have set them, you can explicitly state whether the expectations have been met. However, you should revise the objectives in the planning phase. Don’t forget to gather all the information you need.
Determine the scope
Most projects fail because they take more than the budget. If you underestimate time and money, a significant part is likely to be overlooked. To avoid surprises down the road, you should determine the scope and develop estimates. Also, you should create a work breakdown structure to:
- Highlights the tasks and work that need to be done
- Break down tasks and subdivide them further
- Estimate how long the project will take
With thoughtful planning, you can determine the skills you need for a specific project and what needs to be done.
Prepare for tradeoffs
Don’t let critics get in the middle of critical activities. The key to project management success is to establish a level of quality that meets the needs of your critics. What’s more, you should keep everyone informed of what you expect in terms of cost, quality, and time.
Buildup
This is a crucial step in the management process. It involves bringing your team together, setting estimates, and schedules. Your task is to assemble the skills needed and get the right professionals for the job.
Assemble the team
In any project management task, the skill level matters. This is where you breakdown the structure used during the planning phase. You should bring people with specific skills to tackle the project. Another important thing to put into consideration is budgeting for training.
Assign tasks
Now that you have a team to work with, you should list the team and talk to every person about what needs to be done. This approach helps to build cohesion and communication.
Create a schedule
Now that you have the resources and time, it’s time you get down to work. But most projects come with fixed dates – regardless of the resources available. To ensure you create a schedule that works, you should pay attention to the deadlines and check when the deliverables will be ready.
To meet the goals of your Calaveras County project management, the dates should not be changed. You can work backward from any drop-dead deadlines.
Kick-off meeting
This is where you hold a special meeting with everyone on board. You should go over the details of the meeting and review the timeframe. Besides that, clarify the roles of responsibilities.
You should also encourage other team members to pinpoint where problems can occur and suggest any improvements. And you should take them seriously. You may be surprised that some team members have more experience than you do. Be sure to adjust the activities and estimates accordingly.
Develop a budget
What does it take to develop a budget? This is an important area in management. What does it take to do the actual work? Generally, you should break down the costs into the following categories:
- Travel
- Personnel
- Training
- Supplies
- Overhead
- Space
- Research
Once you have entered the figures into the standard categories, you can ask the project manager if there are any costs you may have forgotten. Some of the costs that are often overlooked are legal, accounting, and support. Don’t overlook licensing and insurance?
It’s worth mentioning that a budget is always the best guess. Therefore, you should expect members to deviate from original estimates. Also, you should stay flexible within the limits of time and the total money available.
Implementation
While the implementation phase is the most gratifying, it can also be frustrating. The details can be tedious and overwhelming.
Monitor the process and budget
Whether you have a normal control process or you just want to do regular check-ups, you should maintain a bigger perspective. That way, you won’t get engulfed by the details of your project management. And because there’s no single approach that works in all project activities, you should have a system that works for a specific case.
Another area that is often overlooked is changes in data and information. You should look for signs where you can initiate corrective action. Make sure your project management team can respond quickly when need be. If the team doesn’t respond timely, more problems could arise. Also, be sure to watch the real numbers as they roll in. Project management is all about explaining why some numbers occur. Some of the costs that are unavoidable include:
- Fluctuations in currency
- Consultant fees to resolve any unforeseen problems
- Costs due to changes in schedule
Report
Throughout the project, the stakeholders want to know the progress. You should consult them and give regular updates on the status project. This is a critical part of project management. You never know – they can be very resourceful when real problems arise.
Hold meetings
Every week, you should hold meetings with the team – for good reasons. You can get immersed in project details and forget the important activities. When you meet periodically, you will stay focused. This is essential to your project’s success.
Project management is about setting goals. So, every time you meet, you should have a metric to gauge your performance. Most of the meeting should revolve around:
- The production numbers
- Revenue goals
- Metrics that gauge performance
Another agenda for the meeting should be checking whether you have achieved the targets or you missed them. You can ask the project designer to gather information on a biweekly basis. This will help to double the output. To keep the momentum going, you should follow up the to-do-list. If there’s some success, don’t forget to celebrate.
This helps to rekindle the team’s enthusiasm, and you can focus on larger objectives.
Manage the problems
Ask any person who is skilled in management, and they will tell you that some problems can have far-reaching consequences. The most common issues are:
- Scope creep
- Time slippage
- People problems
- Quality issues
Don’t forget to pay attention to emerging problems like loss of enthusiasm, irritability, and increased tension. When you spot such issues, you should get to the root cause of the problem. If you’re not careful, a small irritant can lead to a disaster.
Closeout
The way you handle the end matters. How do you make big things happen?
Evaluate project performance
Before you close the project, the team must meet its goals and those of the stakeholders. Also, you should compare the progress and everything that you agreed on from the beginning. This will give you an idea of how well the project performed. After that, you should discuss the findings and reach a consensus. Make sure everything is clear such that they can use the same yardstick to measure success.
Close the project
This is where you wrap things up. If the project was successful, it’s time you celebrate. And if the project took longer than you expected, you should not let the cost overtake the estimates. You should always recognize the team’s accomplishments.
Post evaluation
In every project management, you should debrief with the team. A post-evaluation is the time to discover new things, not blaming each other. If you don’t open the window to the team members, they may try to hide the problem. The goal post-evaluation is to come up with ways on how to handle things better.
How project management can be beneficial
Project management is everything you do to complete a specific task. If you’re the team lead or project manager, you should know that every project requires basic planning. Not to mention, you should create reliable processes. Some of the key things to keep in mind include:
- Project scope
- Deliverables
- Stakeholder expectations
Here are the benefits of project management
Improves productivity and reduces the workload
The ultimate goal of every project is to improve efficiency. With good planning, you can create templates and processes that you can count on. They help to mitigate risks and improve efficiency. Besides that, project management helps to mitigate risks automatically. Some of the ways you can improve efficiency include:
- Breaking down the project details into simple tasks – due dates, task dependencies, etc.
- Create a project plan – it should include all the information from stakeholders and timelines.
- Create a change policy – if the clients want to make some changes, you should ensure there’s something they can refer to.
- Get your teams feedback – you should ensure the team can assess the plan and update it
- Use the best methodologies for tracking
Improves customer satisfaction
As a project manager, you’re responsible for keeping everyone happy. And this is a tricky thing to do. If you can add a little magic to the mix, you’ll meet and exceed customer satisfaction. In the initial stages, you should be careful about the objectives you want to achieve. Be sure to set clear deliverables.
There are many tactics you can use to boost customer satisfaction. The first thing you should do is to communicate effectively. In the initiation phase, make sure the clients understand the objectives, and you can meet their project expectations.
The next action is to monitor risks and mitigate them. Once you create the breakdown structure, you should prepare a plan and make sure you don’t go above the budget.
And finally, prepare the necessary documentation. Some of the documents you should prepare are a project charter, change policy, project business care, and project initiation document.
Project management boosts collaboration
In every project, the team should know what needs to be done. When every team member understands their duties, the project will run smoothly. So, how do you improve collaboration with project management?
You should also define everyone’s role accurately. And once you delegate the tasks, make sure everyone understands them. You may want to check with them periodically and offer the appropriate feedback.
You should also create communication plans for your stakeholders. What drives them? In addition to that, you should analyze the clients and top management. This will ensure no one is left in the dark.
Helps with problem resolution
Project management can help to resolve the current problems. After all, there are so many issues involved. As you use this approach, you should know how to face every problem with ease. There’s a structured way of organizing work and identifying problems before they wreak havoc on your project.
How do you resolve problems with project management?
- You should establish the risk management process
- Note the areas that need change
- Create communication plans and stick to them
- Update your project and make the necessary changes
Improves performance
Project management helps to improve performance and track the results of your project. If you can measure a project, that means that you can improve on it as well. Without a well-structured process, you can leave every member of the team wondering what went wrong. Apart from that, you should ensure you have the tools to track and measure the results.
With proper management techniques in place, you can create a tool for task management and reporting. If you spot any problems, make sure you come up with a solution to make improvements. Don’t forget to create a document that highlights the solution to all the problems.
Gives a competitive edge
Project management is not just a tool to use within a workplace – it helps you secure a spot in the competitive marketplace. Of course, it allows you to map a strategy to stay ahead of the game.
If you’re a project manager, you should approach every project with some planning. You should see project management as a roadmap that can take you from point A to B. it’s also a roadmap to boost efficiency and save costs.
You can now embrace project management in your organization.
What is Abatement and Why is it Important?
Tax abatement is typically the act of authorities, mainly the government, of forgiving tax payments for businesses over a certain period. It is utterly a deferral exemption that is outdone at a later stipulated date. The abatement amount is calculated as a tax payable percentage or dollar amount on the parcel getting the Abatement. A state can grant Abatements to businesses to enhance economic development, improve infrastructure, construct public places, and rehab blighted zones.
Abatements are now prevalent, and it’s one of the most efficacious tools for attracting businesses in some states. Given that a state decides to choose abatements to attract business opportunities, it will have to force the neighboring states to adopt the same policy. If not, they will lose businesses and firms as they tend to flock where they are exposed to more benefits. Consequently, the decision of the business’ location becomes contemplation, on where the company will not only best operate but also receive most handouts.
Understanding abatements and how they function
The full or partial Abatement of property tax offered for some parcels comprises the state’s economic programs’ components. The Abatement is aimed at advancements and not land. That ay policy drafters use them in augmenting attractiveness of specific investment locations, rehab spots, and economic developments.
On most occasions, tax abatements are constrained to one parcel. They are offered after bureaucratic and political reviews. Since the abatements are limited to rehab spots or real estate, they come with benefits such as a double albeit taxation rate and a less financial strain of a full doubly rating system.
It is these dual rating consequences that establish abatement utility as an incentive for development. Even though all these abatements differ between developments and land rather than the uses of the property. This is the typical case with many states’ classification systems, thereby creating differential relief exceptions.
How do the tax abatements work?
Abatement is an improvisation on tax strategies used by governments and tax authorities to promote certain investments in capital equipment. They are usually discretion subsidies given on a case-to-case basis to a specific company. They are often offered as entitlements endowments, which is a typical case with the multiple enterprise zones.
· Chattel abatements
Abatement is a taxation strategy used by various authorities to encourage specific activities, such as capital equipment investments. A tax incentive is a type of tax abatement.
Tax Diminutions are habitually used in assets. Various states have chattels tax diminution suites that jettison or pointedly lessen assets levy expenditures on chattels for years or even spans. These suites aim to lure buyers to locations with inferior demand. Other states may offer abatements in a designated location, while others may offer them state-wide. Some cities may also limit abatements to low to middle-class property managers. However, many suites lack return restraints.
Moreover, you may also an already abated property or even buy one eligible. Thereon you can make the necessary improvements and personally apply for an abatement. However, buying an already abate property is much easier as you will find the heavy-lifting at present done, and yours is to move in.
Tax diminutions, archetypally, won’t utterly exclude the tax bill that you have to pay for your property. It will still be required from you to pay for the property value before its advancements. However, the savings can be significant. For example, the OR housing Bureau claims that its tax abatement programs save property owners $170 in a month and about $2200 a year. The total savings, therefore, amount to $21,000 in 10 years period. In the absence of Abatement, they will spend $3,100 in a year. It’s consequently sufficed to say that tax abatements are there to lessen economic strains.
With tax abatement, a property must remain occupied with the same owner to ensure qualification consistency. Should the property be sold from owner-occupant to other occupants, the Abatement will remain with the property. The abatement duration does not start over after the property changes in terms of ownership. If the stipulated abatement period was ten years and the previous owner had used 8 years, for you, it will only suffice for only two more years.
To find out about property tax abatements in your area, you have to search for the related area with the property you want to buy on the internet. Thereon you can check and see if the related area governments provide property abatement. If it’s in a large city, you have to search the city and vicinity name with the real estate listings along with the property abatement name. Erudite real estate agents will always enlist these features when listing the properties.
Significant Takeout
Tax diminution is the tax relief granted by the state’s government or municipalities of specific real estates and some lucrative business opportunities.
Real estate tax attenuation may abate property taxation for a specific duration and give trade enterprises breaks. Real estate tax abatement alleviates a home’s property taxes for a period of time or grants tax breaks to businesses. Abatement aims to promote the development and economic advancements within the state and the community in general.
Two Examples of Tax Abatement
Frequently, local authorities are surged to engage and attract customers within their community. To meet this desire, the government can choose to allow Abatement, which is typically in the form of partial and temporary reduction of business taxes. An example of this is the Ratner steel company, which was enabled to buy a $2.5 M steel cutter. In this case, the Abatement means that the company will not pay taxes for the first year’s equipment. In fact, its tax payment starts after five years. Consequently, the company gets to expand its portage and even create extra job opportunities.
The other form of tax abatement is property abatement. Should you doubt your property evaluation, resulting in over taxation, you can seek Abatement through local tax assessors. Other states also grant property tax abatement to property owners who promote the historic appeal in their related locations. Moreover, properties containing non-profit businesses also get Abatement based on the managerial tax-exemption status.
Why is Abatement substantial?
Naturally, the government can only grant business tax abatement if the business is important to the community. It is not uncommon to find factories or warehouses, and new retail locations are given tax relief. In return, they make significant investments in the city.
If the corporation that gives tax abatement receives the property abatement, it also creates a retail location in the related area. Consequently, it ends up making job slots. To an extent, it alleviates public goods by promoting convenience in the city. Suppose Target Corporation is given tax abatement on real estate taxes. As a result, the company creates various retail within the local community. Consequently, more job slots are created. Additionally, it increases public goods by making the city more convenient.
Other benefits of Abatement include
1. They create and strengthen business networks.
An already established business can expand once a new business is opened. The high number of patrons enables other companies to develop like Nashville Abatement by improving capital investments and employing new personnel.
2. They increase tax revenue.
During the business’ tax abatement period, the government still gets revenue from other expanding businesses. When the abatement period is over, the government also taxes the now expanded business. Additionally, the newly employed personnel also spend their wages at local retail stores. This boosts the sales tax receipts, which may construct new homes, increasing property tax receipts. It is much advantageous as it occurs without the government increasing the amount of tax rates.
3. Creates positive tax receipts progress after the Abatement’s expiration
After a business is deep-rooted in the community, the created facilities, advancements, and expansions are well taxed. Revenue from the expanded business is more compared to smaller firms. Consequently, this makes a long-term revenue source for the local authorities.
4. It’s a flexible tool for economic advancements.
Abatement is portrayed to be a flexible choice if juxtaposed with other economic growing equipment as infrastructure advancements and other building ventures can become ongoing costs. In this case, should Abatement be void, it will be economically unfeasible for investors to build and expand their faculties.
· How do states adopt policies?
The adopting of economic advancement policies is based on tax abatements as well as tax incentives. The police coerce the states to contemplate what they must do to encourage sole sectors’ growth. Once a verdict is reached, the state’s economic development director drafts the policies.
As long as the business is content with the drafted abatement policies, the business owner, state manager, and economic director make agreements pertinent to the state council. These policies are all about enabling the state to set limits to make the state council think before crossing.
However, states are susceptible to break even after granting the abatements. The forgone amount through tax revenue on the business and other operational expenses must be exceeded with the tax revenue elevation from the economic impact of the business.
Should the state decide not to make exceptions on the drafted policy, the tax abatement shall be offered under the stipulated policy. In this case, the stipulated terms can be that the business should avail a certain number of job slots or increase the value of properties within the state. If the number of job slots and property taxation is high, the tax ablation percentage also goes high. Despite all these, the percentage of tax abatement decreases with time (agreeable period), and eventually, the business begins to pay tax.
· Potential downsides of abatements
Well, tax abatement lowers your property taxes, makes you do business in a new or rehabbed property. However, that’s not a reason if to blur the drawback side. It’s lucid that a few things can go wrong.
The primary cause for concern is on the tax abated properties that are based in non-optimum neighborhoods. The main target for tax abatement is to urge people to move and develop these areas. However, that draws a big question mark, and the working of the revitalization, on the other hand, is uncertain. Given that the neighborhood fails to improve, your property value ceases or remains flat. In return, it perpetuates difficulties with selling, and it can be possible because of your more significant losses.
Should you extend your residence period in these areas after the abatement period, increasing house expenses will be inevitable. It’s, therefore, imperative to monitor the deadline and make plans for an extension. When selling the property, you will have to list it at a lower price to increase taxes.
Furthermore, tax ablation does not give you an insight into the property tax expenses. In fact, your tax bill can be phlegmatic during the abatement time.
As you are partly paying your property tax, variations in the tax rate or even property reassessment could negatively impact your tax bills. Even though you are being taxed a lower amount, you should check on the changes over some time, and they may sum up to large bills. Some property value changes could also positively impact taxation, which can be to your advantage.
In conclusion to drawbacks, the local authorities may denounce your Abatement. The common underlying reason for this is usually when an individual becomes delinquent on property tax payments. To be responsible and to ensure consistency on abatement, you must pay taxes and ensure you don’t skip any. Should be your mortgage company paying taxes for you, check all the monthly statements keenly to ascertain if the bills are being paid.
The Bottom Line
Tax abatements are the perfect equipment for economic developments. They show that the city is pro-business and, at the least, is trying to step up and spur developments. On the property abatement, it has made significant taxation reliefs. In return, the real estate sphere is growing. The total impact of Abatement is positive on economic growth. Its chances of fading are minimal, and it will be there until other alternatives rise. Given that one city offers them, others will follow suit and create an economic-competitive society.
What is Hot Stick Testing and Why is it so Important?
What is a hot stick?
An active electric power supply is very hazardous. Line crew should be kept safe when performing service tasks during hot stick testing. This line personnel works in energized high-voltage power lines. A risky mission, therefore, they require the best protection. Mostly, the line power status is always unknown. They need to be protected from electric shock by performing hot stick testing. Its central importance is the welfare of the technicians.
A hot stick is a tool that provides safety to the line crew. The testing process is used to determine a live wire status before the workers indulge in their tasks. It’s a high quality, fiberglass and foam-filled long pole that maximizes mechanical and insulation strength.
Line crews for cable companies require this testing process in their line of work. The fiberglass is the key feature that provides an excellent insulator. It doesn’t conduct electric currents down the device.
Types of a hot stick.
There are two types of devices for hot stick testing:
• Telescoping
• Shotgun.
Telescoping.
Telescopic testing is perfectly designed for speed, long reach, safety, and convenience. This hot stick is made of hollow sections. These sections are covered with fiberglass for high dielectric and greater strength that meet OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards. Its retractable ability makes it an ideal tool that can be in any compact space.
Shotgun.
This hot stick is made of a sliding lever mechanism. During hot stick testing, helps a technician to open and close the hot shotgun stick. For this reason, the user easily attaches it to a detachable ring and closes it. This type of hot stick got its name from the pump-action shotgun. They both look almost the same.
WHEN AND HOW TO USE A HOT STICK.
Hot stick testing helps isolate and insulate the technician from the blast, electric shock, or arc. Typical procedures that will require this testing procedure:
· Voltage measurement
· Any modifications or repairs to energized equipment
· An operation of cutouts and disconnects
· An application of safety grounds
The hot sticks testing depends on the task to be performed and the location of the technician. Generally, any time the hot stick procedure is happening, the line crew should put on protective clothing. Besides a face shield and rubber gloves, flash suits are the most recommendable. However, before the process, a thorough inspection should be conducted to ensure no physical damage is observed. That has a significant impact on the insulating ability, thus posing a threat. In case of permanent damage like a split or a crack, it is advisable to replace it.
What is hot stick testing?
According to OSHA, all fiberglass-reinforced products (FRP) should be electrically every two years. The only reason that can stop the process is when the device has not been repaired. The technician should ensure the tool has no defects since during hot stick testing, they pick contaminants, making them less safe and more conductive.
A tool should have a contaminated surface or internal conductivity during the testing process to fail the dry test. There has never been a hot stick testing that ever failed this dry test, even using hot rods that were chosen due to surface abuse or heavy scarring. On the other hand, heavily scarred sticks can fail the wet tests, despite cleaning and even applying silicone oil or wax.
In case a hot stick surface wet-out after water is applied, it shows that the device requires maintenance. Silicone or waxing may help in case the stick is still in excellent condition.
During the wet hot stick process, applying too much water causes a false failure due to water collecting along the stick’s bottom. However:
• The testing is recommended after every 24 months.
• FRP tools will require a wet hot stick testing for a minute at 75,000 Volts per foot. The process verifies the device’s integrity and its whole working length.
• An alternative Watts-loss, performed at a very low voltage, is also an acceptable hot stick testing method.
• Never perform a wet hot stick process on wood devices. This is so wood tools are advised to stay far away from water.
To optimize the effectiveness and safety when dealing with high-voltage electric lines, technicians must understand how to do hot stick testing keenly.
Here are the most beneficial ways of hot stick testing techniques to inspect before working with activated lines:
Hot stick calibration.
Hot sticks testing calibration and maintenance ensure that they are efficient. According to OSHA standards, hot stick testing and inspection should be done periodically. Frequent inspection and calibration guarantee reliability and accuracy of the hot.
Testing and Maintenance.
• Daily scheduled and checks routine inspections.
It would be best if you inspected and tested your hot stick before and after use. Checks are done if the surfaces have any cracks, scratches, dents, burn marks, excessive wear, blistering or electrical tracking. In addition to that, the process regularly ensures the volts are at the required level.
• Regular Cleaning.
Cleaning protects the device from surface contamination to keep the technician safer from electric shock. Use disposable silicone wipes to clean and remove moisture on the surface for the hot stick procedure. It should be done before and after using the stick.
• Wax your hot stick after cleaning.
Using fiberglass wax, apply only two after every clean to retain its finish. It will maintain a glossy feel and protect your device. This is important to the safety of the technician and the use during the process.
• Handle with care.
Ensure the device is not contaminated. Handle the hot stick carefully from getting in contact with dirt; it can cause defects.
• Store your hot stick correctly.
Protective bags and tubes are readily available to store your hot stick tool in a secure and safe place, even when transporting them. Store in storage racks to keep them in excellent condition.
Hot stick cleaning.
Every hot stick device should be clean before and after use daily. They should be visually inspected and wiped properly before any task is undertaken. Any contamination or defect will adversely impact the mechanical integrity or insulation qualities of the hot stick testing. After every service, inspect and clean your device as prescribed by OSHA.
According to OSHA, every live-line device will be visually inspected and wiped clean for any defects before and after use each day. Technicians’ safety comes first; hence hot stick procedure is imperative. Keep it tidy to ensure the surface has no contaminants. The contamination may be brought by:
• Conductors and carbon tracking
• Wind, rain, snow, and other weather states
• Storage grease or daily dirt and greases from
For hot stick cleaning, a silicone wiping cloth is used to wipe the device after the process. This adheres to OSHA rule since the tools are not cleaned in any case; they shall be at service. The silicone film on the sticky surface will repel contamination and water to ensure dielectric properties are maintained. It will be safe enough during adverse and wet conditions.
On the other hand, if the contaminants are more challenging to get rid of, using a hot stick cleaner can be the solution. But if it still doesn’t clean the surface well, an all-purpose cleaner is recommended.
Refinishing.
The extended hot stick procedure period leads to scratches, nicks, scrapes, and exposure to other elements. Here, wiping out the surfaces might not improve the appearance of the device. However, it does not mean it should be discarded unless it’s mechanically faulty.
This is whereby the use of a refinishing kit comes in. The equipment helps restore it to a new condition. A refinishing kit takes at least 24 hours of drying time. It is an excellent opportunity to refinish your hot stick testing tool with downtime during the rainy season. At the same time, refinishing your hot stick device, it is advisable to disassemble them.
Disconnect tools, heads, and other parts. After which you use a sand-paper to get rid of old finish and surface scratches. Then you clean and wipe dry the hot stick tool to rid any contaminants or dust with an item of lint-free clothing. Spray the stick with a cleaning solvent to remove any residue.
The refinishing kit will only work well with fiberglass hot stick devices. Once you have done the refinishing process, apply two coats of wax to your hot stick equipment to slow down contaminants’ formation. It becomes more comfortable to maintain and clean—the lifespan of the fiberglass increases.
Hot stick visual inspection.
It is necessary to keep hot stick procedural tools safely to avoid disasters like cracks and chips. Most technicians have been trained to inspect their hot stick devices before they get to work keenly. They keep track of the tools’ condition and check on any visible damages.
• Hot sticks must be cleaned and visually inspected daily before and after use.
• Store the hot stick tools away from ozone, sunlight, or chemical or substance that threaten the device.
• The hot stick devices must be transported in special storage tubes or bags.
• This visual inspection’s main reason is to identify any mechanical functionality, damage, or insulated integrity.
• Technicians must check for any defects before and after use.
The critical point is to listen to your instincts. In case you have any burning questions concerning a hot stick testing tool integrity and safety, that device should be thrown far away from service until further testing and inspection. In other cases, the device can be repaired or refinished. It is always advisable to retest after every repair.
Inspecting gloves is crucial when working with tools.
The gloves you use during the hot stick process are crucial. Properly inspect and clean those rubber gloves; it saves lives. The gloves defend you from the electric shock. Any volatile chemical or physical damage degrades it to the extent of offering little protection.
During the inspection, you use your rubber gloves to look for:
• Splits, cuts, or holes
• Cracks
• Grooves
• Creases
• Blooms or swells from chemicals
• Punctures
Cracks
These blemishes are caused by ozone exposure. Natural rubber will provide excellent protection, but it starts to degrade and crack if exposed to ozone. Always learn to keep your gloves in an approved storage container.
Splits, cuts, or holes
It would be best if you always looked out for cuts, splits, or hole blemishes. They are brought by cable ends, wood splinters, and hot stick tool edges.
Grooves
In the hot stick process, grooves cause heat exposure or rope burns. Those leather gloves must be remarkably intact to avoid damaging the rubber gloves.
Creases
With hot stick tools, you will come across creases that appear after the gloves are left inside out for long. Some are stored while unnaturally folded. For best results, leave the cuffs beaded out to get rid of creases.
Swells and blooms
These are from oil exposure or chemicals. Always wipe off oils and chemicals on the hot stick procedural tools. Otherwise, the usability of the rubber gloves will be degraded.
Punctures
If you want to know how to inflate your rubber gloves properly, check for inner pictures or leaks, follow the steps below:
• Hold the edges of your gloves.
• Stretch and roll the bead onto itself.
• Put the glove on your body, roll the bead as you press down to ensure air doesn’t escape.
• Ensure there are no leaks. Any minor hole could allow electricity through.
• In case there are no leaks, release air, then turn the rubber glove inside out. Entirely turn the fingertips before you begin inflation. It makes sure they don’t pop out when bead rolling, not to allow enough pressure to build inside the glove.
• Continue listening to the process of the leak as described earlier for the interior of your glove.
In conclusion, this should always be tested before every use of rubber gloves. More so, wearing those gloves during hot stick testing is essential for your safety. Every linemen’s welfare is paramount. Therefore, be careful with the integrity of your hot stick testing line tools.
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Fort Lauderdale News January 2020
Great White Shark Caught on new year’s Day.
A group of fishermen just off the coast of Fort Lauderdale were totally surprised when a Great White Shark took their bait on New Years Day. Ten fishermen on the charter boat had not caught a thing for over three hours when suddenly a 13ft Great White Shark grabbed their bait and started an 80-minute battle to land it. The estimated weight was over 1,000 lbs.
January 02-2020
Rising Sea Making the sewage leaks in Fort Lauderdale Worse
Following six sewerage spills from rapidly decaying pipes, more than 126 million gallons of raw sewerage has been released into canals and rivers. Global warming makes decaying sewers worse in coastal communities, as the rising sea levels are pushing corrosive saltwater into the pipes and occasionally pushing groundwater up above ground. Commissioners have agreed to invest more than $65 million in trying to solve the problem.
January 09-2020
Fort Lauderdale News February 2020
Spirit Airlines Expands its Florida Operation
In a bid to brand itself as “Florida’s Hometown Airline,” Spirit Airlines are adding more flights to the existing Fort Lauderdale airport and introducing a new route to Oakland. Spirit is the only one of the major airlines based in Florida.
February 09-2020
26-year-Old Canadian Woman Dies from Dengue Fever in Fort Lauderdale
The 26-year-old Canadian caught Dengue fever in Jamaica and was flown to Fort Lauderdale for treatment. She had been attending a friend’s wedding in Jamaica when she fell sick. Dengue Fever is a Mosquito born disease that is common in some parts of the world.
February 13-2020
Fort Lauderdale Faces a $1.8 Million Penalty
Following a series of massive sewerage leaks, Fort Lauderdale faces a $1.8 million penalty after sewage discharges that allowed toxic sewerage to discharge into the city’s waterways. The State of Florida has responded by slapping the city with a massive fine for allowing this environmental catastrophe to occur.
February 18-2020
Fort Lauderdale News March 2020
Cruise Industry in South Florida Hit Hard by Corona Virus
The cruise industry is in chaos following the announcement by the State department that people should not book cruises during the Corona Virus scare. Some of the biggest effects will be in Florida, where ports like Fort Lauderdale receive huge financial benefits from the cruising industry. Over 422,000 are employed in the USA in this industry, and more than 33% are from Florida. With no end in sight, there is a concern for the future of some cruise companies.
March 09-2020
Corona Virus Has Put an End to Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale
Usually, Fort Lauderdale is a major destination for Spring Break. In 2018 Miami was in top place as No1 destination for Spring Break, for Lauderdale won Booziest’s title. However, in recent years there has been opposition to the wild parties, and it is said that they are driving trade away from the beaches. This month the Mayors of Miami Beach and Fort Lauderdale issued a joint ruling to protect the population from Corona Virus that forces bars to close at 10 pm and restrict themselves to half capacity, with a top limit of 250 revelers. They both also shut down the most popular parts of the cities’ beaches.
March 18-2020
Fort Lauderdale News April 2020
Spirit Airlines to Receive $330 Million Aid From the Federal Government
Spirit Airlines started the year, so optimistically is close to receiving $330 million state aid to help stop the collapse as part of the government aid following the Corona Virus Pandemic. The airline\s closure would have a massive effect on South Florida and hit many jobs in Fort Lauderdale. The airline industry has seen a 97% drop since government restrictions to fight the virus.
April 21-2020
Food Distribution Still Needed for Families Across South Florida
Thursday, Fort Lauderdale News saw food distribution continuing across South Florida to alleviate the hardship caused by the Pandemic. Many people have been out of work now and have no paychecks coming in. Many people waited for hours to collect the food offered, some people waiting since 4 am. The food is being supplied by an organization called “Feeding South Florida.”
April 23-2020
Fort Lauderdale One of the Worst Hit Cities by Corona Virus
A massive 22 million jobs have been lost in the USA due to the Pandemic so far. 20 cities have been identified as being the worst hit, and Fort Lauderdale comes in at number 20. The job losses in fort Lauderdale are mostly tourist industry related. There are worries that even after the Pandemic recedes, that recovery will take a long time.
April 30-2020
Fort Lauderdale News May 2020
Long Lines Still Occurring at Food Distribution Sites
Long lines continue to be seen at Food distribution points around Fort Lauderdale. People are beginning to line up before 5 am. There are people with all types of vehicles coming to get the food. People from all types of trade and professions have been thrown out of work, and there is a need from all sectors of society.
May 07-2020
Carnival Cruises Announce Limited operations Beginning in August 2020
Some good Fort Lauderdale News at last. After halting operations because of the Pandemic, Carnival has now announced that limited cruises will recommence from Miami and Galveston. Although no date has been announced for any Fort Lauderdale cruises, it is seen as a sign of hope that trade may soon begin once more.
May 08-2020
Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show
The Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show’s economic impact has been remarkable and has had more impact than the Superbowl. The 2019 show showed an increase of $857 million over the 2015 show.
May 26-2020
Forecasts of a Busy Hurricane Season Ahead
Forecasters at Fort Lauderdale have announced in Fort Lauderdale News that the 2020 hurricane season may be notable. They are expecting between 13 to 19 named storms to arrive. With the Pandemic in full force, authorities still suggest that people in evacuation zones should make arrangements to stay with friends and family rather than make their way to official shelters, which may not be the healthiest place to be during the Pandemic. At least three of the predicted storms are expected to be major hurricanes.
May 22-2020
Fort Lauderdale Announced State of Emergency
Fort Lauderdale announced the State of Emergency and introduced a curfew following civil unrest in the city. The curfew goes into effect on 31st May and prohibits all pedestrian and vehicle traffic within the city boundaries. Only emergency workers and a few other exceptions are exempt.
May 31-2020
Fort Lauderdale News June 2020
Fort Lauderdale Police Officer Had History of Using Force
The Fort Lauderdale Police Officer who was suspended for shoving a protester has a history of using force/ Steven Pohorence has drawn his firearm at least once a month since he was hired, but he has never fired it. Pohorence was captured on film, shoving a female protester who was sitting down.
June 04-2020
Former Miami Dolphins Star Dies in Fort Lauderdale
Jim Kiick, a former member of the famed 1972 undefeated team, died in Fort Lauderdale at 73. He is remembered as being part of the “best backfields in NFL History.” He made the American All-Star Team in just two seasons.
June 20-2020
Fort Lauderdale News July 2020
Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant Ends After 30 years.
Every December for 30 years, the Fort Lauderdale Christmas Pageant has been held. Like many events, it will not be held in December 2020, but the First Baptist Church has decided that it will not return in 2021 or ever.
July 02-2020
Kangaroo Captured After Hopping on Fort Lauderdale Streets
Fort Lauderdale Police captured, arrested, and placed a leash around the kangaroo’s neck before placing it in the back of a cruiser. Police have no idea where the Kangaroo came from, but it seems healthy enough and is handed over to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission in whose custody it remains.
July 16-2020
Three Women were Arrested after Fight with Spirit Airlines Staff
Three women passengers on the Fort Lauderdale and Philadelphia flight. The Philadelphia residents were filmed throwing items, including phones and plates, at the airline staff. They also punched and kicked the staff several times, causing them minor injuries.
July 16-2020
Viking Announces They are Back with 2021-2022 World Cruise
The World Cruise from Fort Lauderdale operated by Viking is back, and Viking has announced 2021-2022 World Cruise details. The cruise takes 136 days and has overnight stayed in 11 cities around the world. The cruise hosts 80 guests. This is seen as a hopeful sign by the Cruise industry based in For Lauderdale.
July 30-202
Fort Lauderdale News August 2020
Trump Commutes Sentence of Advisor
Roger Stone, a long-time friend and associate of President Trump has had his sentence commuted for crimes related to Trump’s alleged Russian connection. The issue is extremely divisive, with Trump supporters saying there never was a connection but opponents insisting. The President’s intervention closes the case against Roger Stone. The case was being tried at Fort Lauderdale Courthouse.
July 10-2020
South Florida Women in Sex Trafficking Case
Two women, a nineteen-year-old and her 21-year-old friend were both in jail after being arrested for trafficking two fifteen-year-olds. Both of the fifteen-year-olds had been reported by family members as missing. They were caught after a sting operation at a Fort Lauderdale hotel. When questioned, the first 15-year-old claimed that a man had forced her into prostitution but later admitted that it was one of the two women.
August 27-2020
Fort Lauderdale News September 2020
Fort Lauderdale Bars Reopen
After months of withdrawal from their favorite bars, Fort Lauderdale bars were packed following the announcement from governor Ron DeSantis who lifted all restrictions on bars and restaurants in Florida. It was an unexpected announcement that was aimed at relaunching the State’s economy. The announcement also ended all fines related to COVID-19 and stopped local authorities from capping bar capacity at less than 50% of normal.
September 26-2020
An investigation into Fort Lauderdale Resident for Claimed $40 Million Theft from Trump Election Campaign Funds
Brad Parscale, a Fort Lauderdale resident, is being investigated to steal between $25 million and $40 million from trump’s election funds. He is also accused of taking another $10 from the Republican National Committee. Parscale has been committed to a hospital after an occurrence at his home. His wife had fled the family home, dressed in just a bikini, saying that her husband had just tried to kill himself.
September 29-202
Fort Lauderdale News October 2020
Fort Lauderdale Homes are Missing Vote Biden Signs
A thief in a white van is going around and stealing Vote Biden signs from people’s front yards. When the thief was caught in the act, he admitted it was him and begged that they tell nobody. He also offered $20 to each house owner if they didn’t tell anyone. They declined to accept the bribe and told the authorities.
October 13-2020
Firefighters Mow Lawn of Veteran
In Fort Lauderdale, firefighters and paramedics assisted an 80-year-old veteran, who retired from Premium Appliances Fort Lauderdale store to mow his lawn after they had been called to his house and treated him for heat exhaustion on October 12th. This is the kind of attitude that is inspirational and shows how many good people there are around.
October 15-2020
Fort Lauderdale News November 2020
Fort Lauderdale Neighborhood Still Has Flooded Streets
We reported back in January how the ancient sewerage services of Fort Lauderdale has caused untold damage through the release of vast amounts of sewerage into the waterways and flooded some street. In November, we are still reporting that some streets in Melrose Park, Fort Lauderdale, still have flooded streets following Tropical Storm Eta.
November 11-2020
Fort Lauderdale Science Museum Reopens
The South Florida science museum plans a limited reopening at weekends in December and a full opening in January. The popular attraction. The museum’s second time has reopened since the Pandemic began, and the museum insists they will follow CDC guidelines.
November 30-2020
Best Ways to Keep your House from being Robbed
You can’t be too careful when it comes to protecting your family, assets, and your items of value. Nonetheless, there are multiple ways you can use to keep your house from being robbed. House break-ins can be devastating. It creates a state of paranoia, your privacy gets violated, and above all, everything of value that you hold dear is at stake! It’s an absurd experience; however, house robbery can be prevented. Herein are ways of protecting your house from inside and outside. Whether you are on vacation, too, this guide will come in handy!
Ways of protecting your house from outside
When it comes to house robbery prevention, the exterior layout of your house can work to the advantage of the burglars or work against them. Of course, your primary target is to create difficulties for the robber to get in, but how so? Here are easy ways of protecting your house from outside.
1. Take a walk around your house and explore the possible vulnerabilities.
Use a thief to catch a thief! How? It would help if you had a burglar’s eyes in detecting spots susceptible to house invasions. Sufficed to say if your eyes can spot weaknesses on the windows, a thief will use it, so secure and strengthen it. And should you be unable to identify the weak spots, use the cops to your aid?
Moreover, when looking for weak spots, try to identify precious items that are visible from outside. Don’t tempt burglars the more or give them multiple targets. Instead, you should disguise items that can attract them. These small adjustments can keep away burglars and prevent a potential home robbery.
2. Trim shrubs on the entrances
Shrubs on your house’s entrance can be hiding spots for burglars. Should you not trim it, you will fall victim to a home robbery. Eliminating hiding spots will work against your enemy; they won’t have good vantage points to do surveillance on your house. Without proper surveillance and the right hiding spots, the chances of a house robbery being successful are minimal. Moreover, since you are working against the thief from getting into your house, you can plant thorny shrubs on a window or bar them with spikes.
3. Create the right fence.
If you lack one, doing the installation will perform the tasks of keeping you safe from a home robbery. You can use an open chain-link or metal fencing that is inserted into concrete. If you are using solid fences, burglars will easily climb, so consider putting sharp pointed tops on them. And you can integrate it with electricity at night. If you are uncomfortable with the ugly outlook, take a look at barbed-wire fences.
4. Install motion sensor lighting
Having motion sensors installed around your house and, more specifically, on entrances will keep an invader away even before getting near the house. You should therefore add lighting with motion sensors in dark spots of your house. If you are renting an apartment, talk to your landlord about the installations.
5. Make a good relationship with your neighbors.
In neighborhoods where people live in a utopia, house robberies are less to none. They can easily spot a stranger since they are familiar with each other. So why don’t you build a good relationship with your neighbors? Neighbors can also be valuable assets when it comes to offering an extra eye on the outside. They will be around when you are engaged in different locations and alert you should there be ongoing suspicious activities.
Together with your neighbors, you can light the entire street and even form a neighbor watch program. With the program, you can contact the police to give you a lecture on how to detect a suspicious stranger. Thereon you can know what to do if you spot one. A neighborhood that can tell when a burglary is in progress is well forearmed. Once this is into the attention of potential thieves, they will keep their distance.
6. Lock your gates, garages, and fences
Is it worth to invest in a high-quality padlock? Yes, and if you doubt, you will get certain after falling victim to a house robbery. If not being used, your garage should always remain locked as some can be used to access your house. With gates, locking them will prevent stalking burglars from accessing your house.
Ways of protecting your home from inside.
In as much as you have protected your house exteriorly, you can’t be too confident if the same is not done on the inside. For this reason, you should ensure that the security inside your house (the targeted zone for a house robbery) is enhanced. Below are some ways of enhancing your house security.
· Always close your windows and doors.
An open door or a window on the exterior of your house can be a burglar’s warm entrance. You should keep them shut, even if you are inside the house. When it comes to enhancing your house security from within, you should update window locks. Burglars always identify weak spots (on windows) from which they can access your house. The exterior door, on the other hand, should be secure with deadbolt locks. If your door opening mechanism is by sliding, you should put vertical locks in place or wooden rods to prevent them from being lifted.
Above all this, you should never leave your door open when you are away, even if it’s for a short duration. More also, lock your doors consistently when it’s raining. Burglars don’t take-offs due to non-conducive weather changes; beware lest you become a victim of home robbery!
· Get the locks renewed if you are renting a new place.
As a renter, you should ask the landlord to change the locks. You should trust no one. For this reason, even if the previous tenant returned all the keys, you are not sure if more copies were made and distributed to malevolent hands. I live in West Palm Beach and I hired a locksmith West Palm Beach FL to change my locks – and I am so glad I did. Remember, it’s best to be safe rather than paranoid about a stranger getting into your locked house and hence a house robbery.
· Keep the property of value in safe or lockboxes.
Should your safe be small and bot pinned on the wall or floor, consider bolting them on the floor. If you choose to mount it on a wall, ensure that it’s not readily displayed. More also, you can drill a hole inside your wall and stash the safe in it. A house robbery is not planned according to your house layout since the perpetrators are not familiar with your house’s layout.
Consequently, they will get away with easy to find things, and if your safe is not pinned, you will suffer the consequences. Should you opt for a safe, only issue the passcode to trusted parties (a family member or a loved one). You should not leave copies of written passwords in an open location.
· Don’t stash your spare key on flower vases outside or on mats.
Of course, thieves are smart enough to look under the mats and flower vases! You should be smart and leave your keys with a trusted neighbor. If your
neighbors are far from you, consider using a lockbox that’s far away in a discreet zone of your asset.
· Do a security system installation.
Security systems feature multiple components with different functions. The most significant ones are the outdoor motion detectors and sensor alarms attached to exterior doors or garage doors. The outdoor motion sensor also alerts neighbors of a home robbery; hence it’s multipurpose.
On the other hand, security cameras will keep away house invaders since they’re a symbol of a well-secured house. Apart from alerting the neighbors, alarms can be in line with police patrols and 911. It’s all up to your advantage if you want to minimize house robbery vulnerabilities.
Protecting Your Home While You’re on Vacation
At most, what we all know is that robberies escalate in holiday seasons. It’s an optimal time for any burglar since no one is inside the house; the robbery becomes even more comfortable! Even though your house is vulnerable during these times, you still have to make your house safe. You have to make burglars go through difficulties and eventually give up. Here are some ways you can protect your house when you are on vacation.
Repeatedly, check all the windows and doors before your departure.
Since you won’t be around anytime soon, it’s imperative to ensure your house is well-locked. You also have to leave the blinds and curtains (some) unclosed to give the burglar an illusion that you are house. There is a high tendency of thieves targeting a closed house with dropped curtains and binds.
Communicate to your neighbors to create a semblance of live-in while you are away.
Having your neighbors do your trash cans, pick any of your delivered packages, and check your mailbox can also keep burglars away. Should these measures not be taken, the piled mailbox and non-used trash bins will attract potential robbers. Given that you will be away on an extended vacation, you should tell your neighbor to leave footprints or car tire tracks from your house. With the illusion that someone is in the house, a house robberycan be well prevented. Also, paying someone to do your lawn and trim your fence when you are on extended summer vacation will work against burglars.
Above all, leaving your keys with a trusted neighbor instead of stashing them under a mat will be a wise move. Leaving the key behind will help during emergencies, but it’s far more essential to prevent house robbery. Your neighbor will have to check your house regularly to see if anything is bizarre.
They can also check if door alarms are functioning as well as the lighting systems. It will be wise to provide a means by which you can be contacted while you are away. As a home robbery preventive measure, this act/relationship should be cultivated among neighbors, and so to speak, you should always do the favors when your neighbor is in need.
Set your light timers
You should choose a few rooms that can be seen from the outside and make sure they remain lit. Once done, any potential house robber brushing through the neighborhood will know that you are inside the house. The outdoor lights, specifically on entrances, should also be switched on by timers every night or evening. And for a fact, a well-lit and bright house will keep house robbers away and attract good guests.
Disengage your garage’s automatic opener once you have locked it.
Here is yet another straightforward but always forgotten way of keeping your house safe when you are on vacation. In as much as garage doors seem impenetrable, there are automatic ways of opening them from outside. You must take extra steps to secure them. Since you are out on vacation, you will not need the automatic opener anytime soon. Why should you not disengage it and fortify your security further?
Keep the vacation details to yourself.
It’s not an uncommon thing to find posts on social media concerning personal vacation plans. Sufficed to say it’s a trend, and if you are not aware that you are exploiting your vulnerabilities, you will probably go down the same road. Online stalkers from social media can use such posts to their advantage and rob you when you are away. You should, therefore, avoid telling your social media friends that you are away from home.
On the other hand, you should not leave the “not at home” message on the phone answering machine.
To sum up, house robbery may never be outdone in society, but it does not mean that you have to stay vulnerable. Why do you have to live in a paranoia state when you can follow the above steps and ensure that you are well protected? Call these steps into action, and reduce the chances of a crook getting into your house by 50 %.
Best Styles and Techniques for Restaurant Design
If you want your restaurant to give you more space and a modern feeling, you should keep tabs on the latest design trends. But choosing the lighting plan or color pallet is no easy feat. But don’t fret, you’ve come to the right place. In this post, we’ll discuss the best styles and techniques for restaurant design.
Let’s dive right in!
Restaurant styles
Rooftop dining
Whether the temperature is warm or cold, rooftop dining has become a common restaurant trend. And let’s face it – most customers enjoy dining outdoors. Besides, customers can get beautiful views that elevate experiences. If the rooftop space allows for a sunset view, you should not let it go to waste.
You can also use umbrellas or plants to liven up space. Other details like décor and ambiance can make a big difference. And to ensure the atmosphere is cool and relaxing, you can add a swimming pool in the available space.
Mixed and matched furniture
These days, you can decorate your restaurant with furniture sets. While some people follow a specific trend, most of these spaces can combine elements from multiple styles, periods, and places.
When you start decorating your restaurant with furniture, you open an opportunity to add smaller pieces, objects, and antiques. Some of the tips you can use to mix your furniture include:
- Limit color palette – the easiest way to make your dining room look coherent is choosing a variety of styles.
- Pay attention to space – you can add contemporary art to add interest in your space
- Use the power of repetition – your restaurant will look more polished if you mix different styles. For example, nautical pendants can be placed over the table naturally to create continuity.
- Choose an inspirational piece – the curves of the coffee table can be repeated with rounded chandelier globes, curvy chairs, or fish scale pattern.
Plants and green spaces
The concept of displaying greens in the outdoor sitting area has brought a new meaning to the outdoor space. It not only brightens up space but also brings the feeling of rejuvenation. There are many benefits of green spaces like:
- Aesthetic
- Green space brings a sense
- Gives a sense of social space
- Brings a space for playing, meditation, and resting
For example, the Amara Restaurant Miami can capture a paradise-like ambiance using organic materials. It has incorporated shades of blue and plenty of interior vegetation. Some of the elements in restaurant design create a typical Miami Beach house.
Adding wood elements
More restaurants are gravitating to the elements of indoors and outdoors to carry out a more natural feel. You can use a wooden textured lamp, bud vases, or wooden chairs to make the restaurant easier. Still, you add wood elements like benches, a new hostess station, etc.
Show-stopping lighting
This is a crucial aspect of restaurant design. Most restaurants use task-style beams and ambient illumination to bring show stop lighting. A restaurant could have commercial space, but customers want to feel at ease in their surroundings. You’ll find restaurants that focus the lighting on food with low-level lighting.
Handmade tableware
Artisan goods have made their way in restaurants as part of their design. Most restaurants have taken a step further to support small businesses and shops that make handmade plates, glassware, utensils, and more.
Use of high-grade furniture
Another common restaurant design is the use of high-grade furniture. The use of carefully-selected chairs, tables, and ascent pieces cannot be underestimated.
For instance, David Collins Studio features furniture pieces that resonate with the ethos of a chef. Another good example is Kerridge’s Bar and Grill. It features comfortable bar stools. This restaurant also has chesterfield-inspired banquettes. But that doesn’t mean that dining chairs and tables are different.
With elegant console tables, the vase can be a helpful reminder that the furniture extends beyond the chairs and tables.
All-occasional seating
Many restaurants allow for versatile lounge and sitting options. You can also get interior design trends that serve multiple purposes. Some of the sitting options available include getting lounge chairs with overflowing pillows.
Another common restaurant design is the use of communal seating styles. Some restaurants have an individual booth for more intimate seating. Since the social norms and preferences change, the design and function vary.
To ensure the functionality focuses on dining and not just functional seating, you should use a thoughtful approach.
Local flavor
A major shift in restaurant design is the use of local flare. Some restaurants use antique finishing that is created within the community. The design could feature local artist work, antique furnishings, and materials sourced from the local environment.
Open kitchens
An open kitchen has become a non-traditional alternative and allows customers to watch behind the scenes. Just like having food in concept-prepared kitchens, customers want to have their own experience. If you’re getting ready with a restaurant design, you want to be part of the experience.
Flooring
Most commercial restaurants are now using luxury vinyl tiles and planks. It’s a great option for restaurants dining rooms, lobby areas, and other rooms where customers place their orders before seating.
Because vinyl is durable, it can withstand daily wear, spills, and messes. What’s more, it’s simple to use and maintain. Best of all, it can be placed with minimal disruption.
With LVT, you can choose a large variety of restaurant designs, textures, and colors.
On-the-run plus dining in
Most eateries are no longer sit-down restaurants. It’s estimated that 30% of restaurants use third-party delivery services. Ordering pickups and online ordering have become part of restaurant design. With such kind of convenience, you should have a seat at the bar.
Users can opt for an option and specify the pickup time. You can make an order and wait for a designated spot. If you’re in a rush, you don’t have to order in-person.
Social impact
Social media has made a shift in dining establishments. This means that visitors can get a feel of the restaurant before they step on the door. You can also look at the design aesthetic, you can have a separate social media account.
Texture, texture, texture
A common design trend shows a greater focus on mixing and layering different textures. The texture can easily be incorporated with a unique finishing. You can also pair the various fabrics mixed with concrete lighting fixtures. To complete the space, unique décor, wall treatments, and artwork.
The texture is part of adding texture to the design. It’s highly functional, drives traffic, and has strong aesthetic qualities. You can use options like natural water, and other obstruct finishes. Still, live wall treatments water features to enhance your dining spaces. You can use lobbies with textured and natural visual.
Avant-garde design
There are many interior design styles you can use in restaurant design. With Avant grade design, the local cuisine with classic style. The local cuisine can be served using rougher materials. In some restaurants, the menu suits the interior walls – solid wood furniture, dim lighting, and brick walls. Another feature is the great ice black counter creates the perfect scenario for a dinner date.
Techniques for Restaurant Design
There are many things to consider to determine how suitable your space appeals to the budget customer. Here are a few techniques to follow:
Divide the space
The shape of the property will determine the factors that influence and divide space. When viewing a property for the first time, you should examine the space wisely and choose ideas in front of the house. You can also make a mental image at the end of the result. If you think it has potential, you can get a picture of a mental image of the result.
Focus on restaurants’ theme
In any restaurant design, the theme matters. Keep in mind that it’s the decorating that makes your space cool and unique. To ensure your space is appealing to the target guests, you should create an appealing theme and a list of things customers like. Some of the questions you should incorporate in your restaurant design theme include:
- What sports are they into?
- What colors attract them?
- What style of music appeals to them?
- What kind of jobs do they have?
Still, you can go for a classic rock theme. If your customers love glamor and luxury, you should go for them too.
Strive for comfort
While you can use different colors to attract customers, it has nothing with making your customers comfortable. Why not strive to make your customers comfortable? Some of the recommendations can include:
- Avoiding wobbly tables
- Spacing the tables to make them easy to navigate
- Use the right lighting to create a better mood
- Setting the mood to a level that invites
- Make sure everything is clean
Add a bar
You can improve the experience in your restaurant by adding a bar where customers can wait while waiting for service. If you have a large room that suits your guests, a full bar can take a lot of space for your dining.
Waiting area
You can include a waiting area as part of a restaurant design. The waiting area should accommodate the required number of customers you expect in your restaurant.
Layout/setting
The layout of the seats should allow fresh air to circulate in the restaurant. Generally, the seating arrangement will depend on the amount of space you want to create for your customers. Today, casual restaurants focus on creating more seating capacity while fine restaurants emphasize ambiance.
Décor
Elegant décor will not only boost the general theme of the restaurant but also adds to the atmosphere. Generally, good color lighting represents luxury. The theme should be in line with the colors you want to select. Most family restaurants are designed with vibrant colors that add hues. If you’ve decided on a historic theme, you can include distinct historic paintings, art, vintage furniture, and more.
Restaurant Design Tips
Settle on styles and themes
If you’re just getting started, a restaurant that features red and white tablecloths is believed to be Italian. Similarly, a Chinese restaurant design emphasizes minimalism and simplicity. You can also go for a movie-themed design – the sky is the limit.
Choosing the colors
If you want to have the best styles, you should choose the colors wisely. Depending on your needs, you can choose shades of red, brown, green, blue, purple, etc. A fine dining restaurant can also have warm earth tones like deep red or brown. Most people use white to make your space feel bigger.
Focus on the restaurant design layout
The best way to make use of the available space is to focus on layout. You should ask yourself a few questions:
- Is the atmosphere sophisticated?
- Will the restaurant have an outdoor setting?
- Do you want to create a cozy atmosphere?
- Do you want a space where you can create additional seats?
Designing a menu that identifies your brand
A restaurant menu cannot only be limited to decorations only – it can be part of the architecture. You can also get a list of the dishes you sell. You should make sure the design is part of the concept and should have a sizable on-page menu.
Use light to create an intimate atmosphere
The mood of the restaurant matters a lot. When you do interior design, low light can contribute to an intimate atmosphere.
Restaurant bathroom design
In any restaurant design, the bathroom comes to the center stage. This is where the level of attention flourishes. For instance, stone and marble will give a luxurious finish that can add warmth. Another fundamental area is lighting. When you undo all the hard work, you can get the perfect ambiance during dining.
Since lighting is so important, you should strive to add the perfect level of ambiance. You can use eye-level scones that give flattering illumination without the shadow that comes with overhead lighting.
Restaurant design to create a more natural environment
Most restaurant designs include the concept of wooden assents to create an inviting aesthetic. You can also create a warm but inviting atmosphere that makes customers feel at home. It’s worth mentioning that restaurant trends keep changing, so you must stay up-to-date to ensure customers keep coming back for more.
Final thoughts
Over the last few years, we’ve witnessed several restaurant design trends. But one common characteristic is the freedom of expression and originality. We see fewer cleanup spaces and a trademark of minimalist architecture. The current trends are aiming for wooden textures, great staircases, leather furniture, to mention a few.
The Biggest Court Cases of California in the Last Decade
Overview
The US has received its fair share of big cases, and California Court Law is no exception. A big case is defined as such due to the big number of following, perhaps a big amount of money involved, and the sensitivity of the issue in question. Issues such as abortion tend to divide the public down the middle. One’s stand on abortion depends on various factors such as religion, culture, socialization, and one’s beliefs on what liberty is.
Similarly, issues such as racism are complex and deep rooted. For example, a white person could easily be accused of racism when as a matter of fact, he is not. Similarly, black people have been disenfranchised and have historically been excluded from the economic and social mainstream opportunities. The Tuskegee experiment is a testimony to how deep racism and social injustice can go.
California is a favorable state to live in. The people are generally liberal. People come from all over the US, and all over the world, to try their luck. Hollywood and Los Angeles is a symbol of rising from an ordinary status to a global icon. In addition to that, the state is known for having immense business opportunities in different sectors of the economy. Some such as agriculture and entertainment do particularly well.
With the immense educational, business, and social opportunities, comes the possibility of conflict. Individuals and businesses in California, upon not agreeing on various critical issues, go to court. Now days in Los Angeles you can simply hire a Los Angeles ADR attorney and keep yourself out of court, but that has not always been the case. In other words, going to court signifies the failure of dialogue.
This article will look at the biggest court cases in California in the last decade.
Courts in California
The California Supreme Court is known for being diverse and conscious of different demographic and cultural groups. Variables that define the diversity of the court include political preferences, race, and sexual orientation. The California Supreme Court has been credited for coming up with a significant number of unanimous decisions. This gives the outcomes of such court cases more legitimacy and less controversy.
Besides the Supreme Court, the court case in California is generally strong. An increasing number of people trust the court system in seeking justice and compensation. In short, people who feel aggrieved can fairly seek the intervention of the court.
The Biggest Court Cases of California in the Last Decade
People v. Diaz
The People v. Diaz was decided on July 30, 2008 by the Court of Appeal, Second District, Division 6, CA. The main argument of the court case is on legality, or lack of it thereof, of getting information from phone text messages when a person is arrested.
In the case, a person is arrested and taken to the nearest police station. When the arrested person is being interrogated, an officer reads the text messages from the phone of the arrested person. He finds an incriminating message written 6 4 80 (an informed officer interprets this as the sale of ecstasy).
With that scenario then, there are a number of issues which arise from this particular case, and these include the following:
-Diaz invoked the Fourth Amendment stating that the search and seizure was unreasonable.
-There were feelings that a mobile phone could contain very person information which is of personal nature (and not related to crime)
The argument of the Supreme Court, California, was that the seizure of the mobile phone was not unlawful. The court stated that there were other incidences where a person was arrested, and the objects confiscated in order to preserve evidence. In other words, an arrest could as well allow a search.
United States v. Ronald Rodis
Two men from Orange County, California, duped the public by stating that they could modify their mortgage terms, and they did this by posing as a successful and reputable law firm. The two men were Ronald Rodis and Charles Wayne Farris.
By the end of the court case, Ronald Rodis had no option but to surrender his practice license. He had lost any legitimacy any way and with his image tainted, he had not met the minimum standards required for practice. In addition to that, he was sentenced to 41 months in prison. Moreover, Rodis had to pay a restitution amounting to $3.8 million.
Charles Wayne Farris received a 47 months prison sentence and was ordered to pay a restitution amounting to $3.5 million. Farris was working as the Managing Director of the law group. Because Farris is not a lawyer, he had to rely on the credentials of Rodis who was a lawyer, and had a valid license.
The two defendants had set up Rodis Law Group. They had realized many people were struggling with mortgage payments in the year 2008 and 2009. The two offered home owners an opportunity to negotiate their terms of payment in order to ease their burden of payment. Little did they know that they were creating more problems.
Depending on the severity of the case, the defendants would charge a cost in the range of $3,500 and $5,500. In the year 2008 and 2009, many home owners were facing the harsh reality of foreclosure, and they needed urgent assistance in order to save their property.
Rodis made use of radio adverts in order to reach out to as many homeowners as possible. He stated that his law group had experienced attorneys who would help in lowering the interest rates of the home owners and in some cases, lower the principal amount.
The reality on the ground was that they were not in a position to assist the struggling homeowners, and they were just defrauding them. It was just a tele-marketing operation. It was all a lie, all along. It is estimated that by the end of the scheme, 1500 people had fallen victim to their fraud, losing a total of $9 million.
The defendants did not disclose the name of the true owner of the scheme, even after much persistence from the authorities. The mastermind and the true owner of the scheme was Bryan D’Antonio who had previously carried out a medical billing fraud. He received a jail time of 97 months after pleading guilty to the fraud.
California v. Murray
The court cases revolving around celebrities receive a lot of attention. In fact, such celebrities record an increase in sales at that particular time of the court case, and when the case is fresh in the minds of the people. Such court cases are followed, not just in the US, but also globally.
The court cases revolving the fans are compounded by the influence of fans that stand in support of their celebrity. In most cases, such fans wait outside the court case and wait for the outcomes of the proceedings. The fans expect a judgment in the favor of the celebrity and they try to influence the outcomes through sensationalism. Whereas American judges can survive the onslaught of the fans, it is not the same in some countries where judges are threatened.
On June 25. 2009, the world came to a shock when it was reported that Michael Jackson had died. In that night, Michael Jackson was intoxicated with benzodiazepine and propofol. The medics arrived at the scene, treated the celebrity, but he soon died at Ronald Reagan, UCLA Center.
The person of interest in that case was Conrad Murray, his personal doctor. A computer forensic expert from the DEA obtained some evidence from Murray’s iphone. It was found out that Michael Jackson had a lot of trust in Conrad Murray to an extent of trusting him with his life, and could let him make any decision he deemed fit.
Michael Jackson had a very busy life. He was booked for shows, not just in the US, but all over the world. His life was full of rehearsals. Whereas the success in his music career was not in doubt, it took a heavy toll on his personal life. For example, he faced many nights of insomnia.
This is where Conrad Murray came in. He had to make the pop star sleep and get enough rest for the purpose of upcoming engagements. Murray told the court that Michael Jackson had to take drugs in order to sleep, and depended on this as much. In the aftermath of the death of Michael Jackson, Murray was taken to a court in Los Angeles, California.
Murray defended himself by stating that he had made attempts to wean off Michael Jackson from depending on sleeping pills. The jury deliberated for 8 hours. Consequently, Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter and was to serve 4 years in jail. His license in Texas was revoked, and his licenses in Nevada as well as California were suspended. Murray served two years of the four, thereby benefiting from parole. Joseph Jackson, Michael Jackson’s father, filed charges against Murray claiming wrongful death, but would later drop the charges.
Attempts to protect Murray were made by his attorney throughout the proceedings. Whereas the attorney thought of appealing the court verdict, a lot of emphasis was placed in reducing the jail term that Murray was facing, and the attorney succeeded in this.
The death of Michael Jackson continues to elicit a lot of emotions to the present day, with the American and global community torn down the middle. On one hand, there are those who argue that Murray was simply doing his work, and that it is Michael Jackson, himself, who asked for sleep aid. On the other hand, there are those who cry foul over the possibility that Conrad Murray behaved unprofessionally.
The Golden State Killer
The investigations started way back in 1970s when California received various complains involving crime. By this time, the crime incidents were attributed to different people. As it is the case anyway, a suspect is going to make a mistake, and his name will start popping up in the list of suspects that authorities prepare and update. The following were the characteristics that define the most likely suspect:
-White male
– 5 ft 10 or thereabout
-Blood type: Type A
-Strong physical agility
-Brutal sex
-Preference for prostitutes
-Hates women
-Probably understands how the law enforcement works
In most cases, serial killers start their crimes at a time when the technology is not overly sophisticated. But by the time they mature in their acts, the technology is advanced. In the case of Joseph DeAngelo, the authorities uploaded a DNA profile, and Joseph DeAngelo was the main suspect. With authorities strongly suspecting him, they collected his DNA sample from a garbage can, and another DNA sample from his door’s handle.
The arrest of Joseph DeAngelo would come in 2018 after years of dodging the authorities. Joseph DeAngelo made a deal with the prosecutors to admit to murders in order to be saved from a death penalty. For his cooperation, he received life in prison instead. The judgement was read by Judge Michael Bowman. In his case, there is no possibility of applying for parole. Joseph DeAngelo apologized to “everyone Ive hurt.”
The case of Judge Michael Bowman is an example of the many cases in the US which involve serial crimes. Such crimes are difficult to manage as they often involve a sociopath. Such individuals have mastered the art of getting away with crime.
Such crimes are described as being performed by people who are without a soul. For example, in the case of Joseph DeAngelo, he blamed an inner person known as Jerry who pushed him to commit the murders. He says that he tried to get him out of his life, without any success. The acts of serial killers gravely affect the lives of individuals, and by extension, their families.
Conclusion
The significance of landmark and big court cases is that they set precedence. The cases that come after often cite such cases. Another significance of the landmark court cases as that the sanctions given as a result of wrong action are an act of deterrence. In other words, future crimes are prevented. Overall, big cases in California offer a research and learning platform of the issues which affect the people of California the most.
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