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To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment.

 

When we do the best we can, we never know what miracle is wrought in our life or the life of another.

 

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.

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Seven rules for pre-season training in rugby

Is it really that time of year already when the Rugby World Cup is hitting the screens? Yes, pre-season training is on the horizon, and how we all love that!

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Unfortunately, we cannot all be as lucky as the Wasps FC Ladies team whose director of rugby, Giselle Mather, decided that her squad should go to France for pre-season.

You are likely to be heading to sessions with the aim of losing any weight added during the off-season and getting back up to speed with endurance and strengthening sessions.

Coaches will have been looking at programmes and rugby drills, such as those found at https://www.sportplan.net/drills/rugby, with a view to honing fitness and skills ready for the new season. The game relies on different qualities, so here are seven rules your coaches will be following:

1. Clear objectives

There are many aspects of the game to concentrate on; therefore, coaches will want to set out a clear programme designed to cover all the bases and keep players engaged in what can be an uninspiring build-up to the action ahead.

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2. Gradual build-up

Throwing players into intense sessions from the outset can produce injuries, which is why a steady increase in their workload is a better approach. Building up fitness over a short initial period is the preferred plan, with match fitness coming once pre-season games are underway.

3. Speed

Introducing speed and plyometric work early in the programme will pay dividends later in the season. These activities generate fatigue and have to be carefully monitored and spread through the whole pre-season if they are to be effective.

4. Ignore the ball

Although players may hate it, put the ball to one side and concentrate on fitness. Players do not lose their skillset overnight, so there will be plenty of time to carry out play drills later in the programme.

5. Body shape

Pre-season is the time to lose any body fat accrued over the summer and build up muscle tissue by steadily increasing weights programmes.

6. Avoid injury

Players can overdo things early in training and aggravate old injuries, which is why coaches should design individual programmes.

7. Recovery

Allow your body to recover naturally rather than employing recovery modalities – save those for in-season.

Throw yourself into training with these restrictions and you can look forward to a great season!

 

Do you know the three stages of personal finance?

Financial planning theory suggests that the balance sheet applies to three different phases of life. A balance sheet shows what somebody owns and owes and usually has two sides: assets (cash, a bond, pension fund, car) and liabilities (debts, obligations). The equity is the difference between the value of your assets and the value of your liabilities and each side should match the other. If your assets are less than the money you spend, a review of your financial situation is necessary.

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1. Asset accumulation

This first phase covers your 20s and early 30s when you are full of energy and starting to earn. Accumulating wealth means you are beginning to think about saving for your future. Many people start a family and purchase a house and car; however, their liabilities also increase. Many of those who buy expensive houses and cars take out loans; what’s more, you may have expenditure on education and holidays.

2. Capital appreciation

This life segment occurs between your mid 30s and late 40s. By now, many people have reached a stage where they specialise in a subject and may be at the peak of their career with a sizeable salary.

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This is the right time to contemplate paying off your liabilities; by clearing a number of debts, you will be closer to living debt-free. On the positive side, assets bought during the last phase are now increasing in value and are likely to grow over time. The right asset is going to pay dividends; the wrong asset will cost you funds.

Top-flight financial advisor software from providers such as https://www.intelliflo.com/financial-adviser-software will help to make your financial situation clear.

A Forbes article investigates finances for different life stages.

3. Capital distribution

The last phase sees people retiring and starting to enjoy incoming money from the funds set up during previous life stages. Most people in this age group are no longer accumulating wealth; instead, they are enjoying the fruits of their hard work. Indeed, many people are lucky enough to be debt-free. Assets are owned outright and loan instalments are unnecessary.

With today’s medical advances, people are living longer than ever and you may enjoy 30 years following retirement; therefore, astute financial planning is paramount. A qualified financial advisor can supply a plan to navigate this and all life stages.

 

Infinite scrolling: three design tips

If you are considering embracing infinite scrolling as a core feature of your website’s design, there are a number of things you need to know about the impact of this approach.

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There are plenty of major examples of sites that have put infinite scrolling to good use, including popular social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Unfortunately, it is equally easy to find users of such services asking how to disable this feature on help forums, which suggests it is not appropriate for every site.

Here are three design tips that should allow you to deploy infinite scrolling successfully.

Content equality

Infinite scrolling is a great way of making sure that all on-page items, usually in a list form, receive the same level of exposure and thus have an equal opportunity of catching visitors’ interest; however, by eliminating any kind of hierarchy, you need to make sure that each piece of content is relevant and related to the next, if only tangentially.

This means that when deploying infinite scrolling in an e-commerce environment, you may need to consider how easy it is for visitors to rediscover products after they have scrolled past them. Retaining category distinction and comparison capabilities is worthwhile, even if you choose to give people the option to display all available products on a single page.

Visual advantages

Infinite scrolling is best combined with content that is not solely text-oriented, particularly on sites that are not necessarily directly involved in the social media bubble. When it comes to presenting a large number of high-quality images, this design decision is easier to make. You also need to be aware of how the design of your website may or may not affect your search rankings. It is always best to consult with an SEO services in London business such as https://www.elevateuk.com/seo-services when looking for ways to enhance your search rankings.  Touchscreen devices will work well with this approach to web design as a result of these benefits, which is worth keeping in mind if you are targeting a mobile audience.

Assess site goals

Be aware that goal-oriented sites will not necessarily suit infinite scrolling; if there is no end, visitors will never get to where they want to go.

If, on the other hand, a site is intended to present content that helps people to pass the time and has no specific endpoint, other than perhaps promoting a brand, then it could be ideal.

Make sure you brace yourself for an economic shock

The financial crisis of 2007 has left a lasting impact on the financial world, from how large institutions do business to the way ordinary individuals manage their money on a daily basis.

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Gone are the high interest rates savers used to enjoy. Getting on the property ladder has become almost impossible without schemes like ‘help to buy’, and regulations surrounding the finance industry have gone through a major overhaul to prevent a repeat of the conditions leading to the collapse 10 years ago.

Equipping the finance industry for the future

But it’s not just financial regulations that professionals such as independent financial advisers need to prepare for. One such example is the https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/guide-to-data-protection/guide-to-the-general-data-protection-regulation-gdpr/ General Data Protection Reform, thata came into effect in 2018. While not directly financial in nature, it will still have a significant impact on how customer data is held in their systems.

Like many regulations, GDPR is designed with customer protection in mind, and IFA software developers are hard at work ensuring that financial advisers are provided with the best tools of the trade. That leaves advisers to do what they do best – advising their clients on how best to navigate the financial uncertainties on the horizon emerging from Brexit, whether it’s inflation, interest rate rises, or growing consumer debt.

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Being prepared

Independent financial advice helps individuals improve their resilience from any future economic shock. These include getting the best from investments and savings – building up a ‘rainy day’ fund that will keep you going for a few months should income be disrupted, for example. Minimising outgoings doesn’t just mean looking at your weekly or monthly budget but can extend to getting the best deal on investments, reducing interest payments, and switching utility providers for better rates.

With interest rates having nowhere to go but upwards, preparation for what will be an inevitable increase in mortgage and other loan repayments is essential. This brings us to the possible correction in house prices. For many first time buyers, a property value drop of 10% could find them with negative equity, where they owe more than the property is worth. They may end up having to move house quickly and while it is important to get it done you will want to make sure its done right.  A good suggestion is to use a professional who can provide you with Conveyancing Quotes to help with all the details from beginning to end and these can be located at sites like https://www.samconveyancing.co.uk/conveyancing-quote

It’s essential, then, to ensure we keep up to date with what’s going on in the financial world and find the right financial advice to stay smart and ahead of the game.

From past to present Ultra low emission cars sales quadruple

Could the UK’s car buying public finally be coming to terms with the benefits of ultra low emission vehicle ownership? Judging by new car registration statistics, it looks very likely. While new car sales continue to rise steadily in the UK, with May marking 39 consecutive months of growth in the sector, the ultra low emission category is undergoing a substantial spurt.

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ULEV growth quadruples

In the first five months of 2015, nearly 12,000 new ultra low emission cars were registered compared to 2,838 in the same period last year, demonstrating growth of about 400%. Plug in hybrids make up the bulk of sales, using the convenience of a petrol engine to make up for the range limitations of electric power.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) attributes the sector’s new found popularity to motorists’ desire to reduce the costs of car ownership as much as to be environmentally friendly. Car buyers are also responding to the wider variety of choice available in the sector, with 20 ULEV models on the market now, whereas four years ago there were only six to choose from.  Consumers are also seeing more technology being installed in to cars when purchased and more options to have as extras like Vehicle Tracking  on cars or vans which is available from links including www.vehicle-accessories.net/vehicle-tracking/

The top five

The best selling ULEV in the UK is the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, a plug in hybrid SUV which is capable of travelling 32 miles on electric power alone, after which drivers can recharge the battery by switching to petrol engine power via a button on the dashboard. The Outlander PHEV is the best selling plug in hybrid in the world and more than 10,000 of them have been sold in the UK alone since its launch in May last year. Prices for the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV start at £33,304.00.

The second best selling ULEV in the UK is the Nissan Leaf, an all electric supermini producing zero emissions. The Leaf has won a slew of awards since its release in 2011 and boasts a range of 120 miles on a single charge. Prices start at £21,490.00.

The BMW i3 is the third best selling ULEV, bringing all electric power to the premium sector. It is the first zero emissions car from the German firm and matches the Leaf’s 120 mile maximum range, while BMW is also now offering a range extender version with a small petrol engine. Prices start at £30,980.00.

BMW’s second entry into its ‘i’ range and the UK’s fourth best selling ULEV is the i8 plug in hybrid sports car, a sleek looking two door coupe capable of reaching 60mph in 4.4 seconds. The i8’s impressive driving dynamics have seen it reported as a game changer in the ULEV market, often criticised for uninspiring design and performance. It costs £99,845.00.

Coming in fifth place is the neat looking Renault Zoe, an all electric supermini boasting a 130 mile range. Prices for the Zoe start at £18,443.34.

January sales can save you time and money

The January sales will soon be coming as this year is going very quickly, but that doesn’t mean just buy willy nilly, you have time to organise yourself. . Read on as we give you some tips for smart shopping during the sales.

Top reasons to get Double Glazing

There are many reasons why we would choose to get double glazing and as soon as you do the benefits are almost instant.  Here are just a few things we could think of that you might be interested to hear or you might relate to.

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One of the reasons for double glazing is to keep the warmth in and the cold out.  It works both ways as in the summer, the hot air will stay out and the cooler air can stay in.  Because of the way the windows are built it shouldn’t allow for any gaps and it offers double protection. You can imagine the difference in your house if all the windows were double glazed as you could gain around 4-5 degrees. The best place to start is to go to a Double Glazing in Cheltenham company at sites like https://www.firmfix.co.uk to get quotes and to see what windows or doors are available.

Another reason to get these windows is noise levels.  If you live on a main road then traffic levels can often pick up at peak times all you end up hearing is engines, horns, people talking on their hands free and if your on a bus route they are extra loud.  The same occurs if you live anywhere near a train line due to the constant incoming and outgoing services it can be quite a headache, especially if they have to use their horn.

Adding value – Getting double glazing can often add value to your property especially if it was only single glazing throughout.  You could achieve the difference between a few thousand pounds and a quicker sale. It can make the difference between an individual choosing a property and not.

When you have had them installed make sure to get the company to register them as soon as possible as it may be a structural change to the house.

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Sometimes if you get all your windows done at once the companies will give a little discount so it makes it more worthwhile to do the whole house.

It will lower your energy bills which in a climate where everything is getting dearer will help save as much money as possible. You will soon see a return on your investment when your heating bill comes through the door.

Another great reason is that it will stop your windows fogging up which can be a real pain, especially in the winter.

What shirts can you wear with a navy suit when going to an event

The navy suit is perhaps the most hard-working item of clothing you will ever own. Most men will wear it for business, where it is classic and formal, but less severe than black or dark grey and less tricky to style than light grey.  This is quite a nice article of clothing to wear to your works yearly big business dinner through an Events Agency Dublin company found at links like https://davisevents.ie It also works well for formal social occasions and can be dressed down for a more casual look.

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To decide what shirts to buy to go with your navy suit it is easiest to say first what not to buy: black and dark blue are obviously a terrible idea, but so too are dark shades of most colours, including burgundy or dark grey. Most lighter shades will look great. However, good shirts are not cheap, so which shirts will give you the most versatility?

Plain colours

Not surprisingly, your first choice should be a classic white shirt. The crisp, clean contrast with the navy is always stylish, but without the harshness of black/white. The other advantage of white is that it works with every colour tie in every pattern – it’s pretty much foolproof. However, nobody wants to wear a white shirt every day, so you should definitely try a light pink. One of the most flattering shades for every skin tone, the navy suit undercuts any pastel sugariness to make this a winning combination. Light blue gives a fresh, contemporary style to a navy suit, but make sure it’s light enough. Pale yellow can look wonderful, but not for everyone, so try before you buy.

Don’t skimp

Unfortunately, sometimes men make the mistake of thinking that it won’t matter if their shirt is poor quality or a poor fit because no one will see it under their jacket. Avoid this by choosing a brand with a good reputation.

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Patterns

Stripes, checks, plaid, any of these can go well with a navy suit. These can include darker colours too, although you should probably still try to make sure that overall the shirt is a pale shade.

Informal shirts

A navy suit can look great with a collarless shirt or a t-shirt, for non-work wear. Esquire magazine has some interesting looks here http://www.esquire.co.uk/style/fashion/advice/a12880/5-ways-to-style-out-your-navy-suit/.

Finally, remember the shirts you choose will also work with other items in your wardrobe, so don’t think they’re just for work!

Pneumatic v mechanical conveyors: the considerations

The advent of conveyors using vacuum technology has allowed enormous increases in the efficiency of industrial, pharmaceutical and food processing industries. These conveyors allow complex, multi-part processes to be automated and they also enable the bulk transport of materials such as granules or fine powders that can’t be mechanically transported.

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How does vacuum conveying work?

Vacuum conveyors (you’ll also find them referred to as pneumatic conveyors) have four main parts: a source of air, a device for feeding in the material to be conveyed, a conveyor line and a separator. The separator divides the air from the material being moved, so that when the material arrives at its destination, the air stays in the system and the material is deposited as required, without a lot of air coming out with it.

This is in contrast to the mechanical conveyor which needs a motor, pulleys, sprockets and many other moving parts which are all prone to wear and tear and need maintenance. Both systems need pumps but vacuum pumps are lighter and more compact so they have a better energy efficiency performance. In some cases metal bonding adhesive such as that supplied by https://www.ct1.com/product-applications/metal-to-metal-adhesive/ can be used to rectify any issues with the machinery.

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Where vacuum conveyors win out

A vacuum system becomes more cost-effective, the longer the distance that it has to move the materials. It costs the same to have a vacuum system moving material 30 metres as 500 metres. This isn’t true for mechanical conveyors, that have a “per metre” cost on top of the engine, and which need rollers and other parts all the way along the conveyor.

Vacuum transport is of course, much more suitable for fine powders which can represent a risk to workers if the powder becomes suspended in air. Similarly, drug ingredients that would be toxic, or food ingredients that must not be contaminated, can be safely moved by vacuum because the system is closed. Another great advantage of vacuum conveyors is that the materials inside them can be kept safe from humidity, cold, heat or other atmospheric conditions that might adversely affect the material.

As manufacturing processes become more complex and sophisticated, and energy costs rise, vacuum conveyor technology looks set to become the option of choice for moving materials in a processing environment. Fast, clean, safe and energy efficient it’s becoming the standard conveying method for many manufacturing processes.