Sometimes a new buzzword, catchphrase, or motto hits the scene unexpectedly and within short span of time, the popularity of the term surges. This is especially true among youth and young adults since they are likely to echo the words spoken by their favourite celebrities or influencers. If you belong to the IT community, there’s a good chance that you have thrown the term ‘cloud computing’ around and you most likely have a decent understanding of it. However, do you truly know what it entails?

There is still quite a big deal of misunderstanding and confusion that surrounds cloud computing, but cloud courses can help you decipher what this emerging field is all about. When you enroll in one of these training courses, you will understand what this new virtual technology is all about and you’ll learn skills that will help you be successful with it. Cloud computing skills have grown in desirability, and many employers seek professionals who possess these skills. Therefore, taking a course will amount to a win-win situation if you decide to pursue the knowledge.

Identifying the Cloud

As you already know, the word ‘cloud’ is a cliche metaphor for the internet. When the word ‘computing’ is attached, the term then refers to use of virtual servers that are available on the internet. These virtual servers replace physical servers in order to reduce costs, space, and most of all, improve efficiency.

In addition, cloud computing puts new demands upon IT professionals that involve organizational changes. This includes the need to train new personnel, license new software, and add new capabilities. This is the essence of web 2.0 technology- the increase reliance of virtual infrastructures instead of the clumsy, physical systems that were relied upon in previous generations.

Why is it So Hard to Define

One of the reasons cloud computing is difficult to define is the fact that it can affect all aspects of business. This can include the back-end of enterprise systems or the very way systems are implemented, so there are many ways one can describe a cloud infrastructure.

For those with deep technical knowledge of the field (we can refer to them as geeks), they often associate cloud computing with things such as utility computing, autonomic computing and peer-to-peer computing. For those who are not that knowledgeable about the subject, they may see cloud computing as a platform that relies mainly on people-to-people interactions via the internet without the need for third-party suppliers.

Is it New?

Although cloud computing has become all the rage over the last few years, the technology isn’t really new. What is new, however, is the delivery model. Unlike the previous generation of Web 1.0 technology, this Web 2.0 model focuses on end users and their ability to carry out what they want and need to do. The focus could be on individuals or communities, but the purpose remains to achieve these tasks without IT support.

More and more companies are starting to rely on the use of cloud computing infrastructures, and this makes it a good idea for IT professionals to enroll in cloud courses. These training programs make it easy for those in the industry to understand how these infrastructures operate and how they can be successful in them. This includes you as well.

Cloud Courses Open the Gates to the World of Virtualization

If you decide to embark on a training program that exposes the world of virtualization, you will learn how vast it can be. Most importantly, cloud courses introduce you to skills that have become and continue to be more vital in the changing IT landscape.

A Sample of What Cloud Course Introduces You to:

• SaaS – This is an acronym for Software as a Service. With this type of cloud computing, there is the deliverance of a single application through a browser to a multitude of customers (typically in the thousands) using architecture that is multitenant in nature.
• PaaS – This is an acronym for Platform as a Service. This is a variation of the above-mentioned Software as a Service that delivers developmental environments as a service. With this service, you can build applications that run on your provider’s infrastructure. These applications are delivered to your users through the internet from the provider’s servers.
• Utility Computing – This is a form of computing that focuses on the packaging of computer resources. These resources could include computation or storage services. Many corporations have made use of this form of technology including Amazon and IBM.

What Cloud Courses Can Do for You:

• Clear Confusion – The first thing that cloud courses will do for you is enlighten you about what virtualization truly entails. That includes the technical side of things, but also the collaborative process and administrative systems that support virtual infrastructures.
• Get You Licensed – This one is a big deal. As already mentioned, an increasing number of companies desire professionals who have skills that can support cloud computing structures. A cloud training course is a very advantageous qualification to have now, and it can carry you quite far in your career, whether it means a promotion or a new job altogether.

See Cloud Computing for What it Really Is

If you have been using the ‘cloud computing’ term lately without truly understanding what it’s about, why not clear the air? In this increasingly digital and virtual world, the need for non-physical infrastructure will continue to grow, and people like yourself can be at the forefront of their management. Cloud courses can help ground you in the emerging field and give you the skill set necessary to work within the framework with confidence. With this very confidence and knowledge, you can be sure that your encounters with cloud computing will be successful ones!

As a business owner, you might look at your typical marketing firm as a creative powerhouse. In many cases, it’s true that their thinking caps are wired to come up with those ideas that lead to mouth-watering products, but the most successful ideas go beyond the obvious. If for example you have noticed that some agencies win award after award, or continue to produce ground-breaking work, then you may conclude that they have some special formula. They do.

That formula is actually a personality trait and just about every child has tons of it- that is, curiosity. The desire to know about something in the fullest detail possible is what drives marketers to produce good work. Therefore, you should search for a marketing agency in Toronto that values not only creativity, but also, curiosity. Their desire to know everything about you, your business, and what you offer is what could lead them to develop that killer idea that puts your brand in the coveted sweet spot.

Why Marketers Need to be Like Toddlers

If you have children, whether they are still very young or grown up, you’re most likely familiar with those moments where they hammer you with question after question. Perhaps they wanted to know why the sky is blue or why water is wet? As they grow older and become more aware of the world, they start to ask more complicated and sometimes awkward questions. However, you most likely cherish their ‘interrogative’ moments and view it as a sign that they’re growing up.

But when it comes to business, are you the kind of person who wants to work with those who ask as few questions as possible. Perhaps you want to work with someone who listens well and understands the task at hand with little supervision. It’s not too much to ask for, but it may in fact be the wrong thing to ask for.

The More they Ask, the More You Sell

Children ask a myriad of questions because their brains are soaking up information. They’re like little scientists who learn by means of observation and experiments; questions allow them to fill in the gaps that they otherwise can’t fill in themselves. If you have ever been impressed by how a youngster is able to explain a concept or puzzle with accuracy, there’s a good chance that they learned the answers by means of a question. Likewise, a marketing agency that invests time in asking the questions is one that is likely to uncover the insights that will drive your product or service to excellence.

Questions Can Lead to:

• Accidental Discoveries – Maybe your product or service has a surprising benefit, advantage, or appeal that you may have not noticed in the past. That discovery could be the launch pad that sends your sales sky high. An agency that spends the time to ask you questions may be the ones to stumble upon these new insights.
• New Opportunities – Maybe you have a product or a service that is growing a bit stale in one market. However, a marketing agency may discover a growing trend in a niche market, such as a group of people who use your product or service for something completely different than the original purpose. Their research, combined with their questions can help you find these new opportunities, so that you can capitalize on them for business success.
• Hidden Problems – Another area where the curiosity of a marketing firm comes handy is that of potential risks. For example, you may be confident that the market you are going to enter is one that you can conquer. However, by means of thorough questioning, a marketing firm may learn that your product or service may not be ready for that market or may have some weaknesses that will keep it back.
• Interesting Angles – Perhaps your product or service has a unique look or feel to it. This may very well be the unique angle or selling point that will help you overtake your competition. Sometimes, you may overlook the freshness that your product or service actually brings, and the brief you provide may not touch upon those factors. However, the curiosity of a marketing firm may uncover the hidden gems your product has under the surface.

With these points in mind, do you see why it is important to work with professionals who ask you lots of questions? The very questions that may seem obvious, irrelevant, or even silly, are the ones that may lead your marketing agency to providing you with those brilliant creative and strategic ideas you long for. So next time you feel a hint of irritation for being questioned, remember, that some pretty excellent ideas may be come out of it.

A Lesson from a Mad Man

Instead of diving into a moral and existential analysis of Mr. Don Draper, let’s take a very brief look at a real-life advertising icon – David Oglivy. He was a world-renowned copywriter, and he valued not only creativity and excellence, but he placed a strong value on curiosity and knowledge. He spent much time researching his audience and asking questions about his clients and their audience. It was this way of thinking that allowed him to produce some of the most memorably ad campaigns in history, such as the iconic Rolls-Royce campaign.

Don’t Resist a Few Extra Questions

If you have a ‘go-go-go’ mentality when it comes to work, you might want slow down and re-evaluate your thinking. While productivity is key for success, you need to work with those who are willing to take a little longer to gain a true understanding of your business and what you want to accomplish. The only way they can accomplish this is by means of questions, and you should therefore seek to work with a marketing agency in Toronto that exhibits such curiosity. It is this mindset that often leads to the discovery of powerful insights that can take your product or service to heights that would not be possible otherwise. So don’t view an excess of questions as a lack of intelligence or poor listening skills, but rather, view them as the foundations for a successful brand.

The forces of nature are incredible, and if you’ve even seen a documentary or news coverage of a natural disaster, you know the damage they can cause. If you have been in the middle of a natural disaster, you know firsthand what can happen. Whether it was a tornado, earthquake, or hurricane, there is little one can do to prevent them from occurring. Unfortunately, the damage can be catastrophic and can lead to a major upset in your daily routine.

Although you cannot stop a natural disaster in its tracks, you can take steps to protect your assets if your home sustains damage. In order to do so, you should contact a property lawyer who can help you find the resources you need to keep your property in good hands if a natural disaster takes place. By making the effort to protect your property with the help of the law, you’ll find that you and your family will feel more secure even when nature brings uncertainties.

Caught in the Middle

There are a few things to consider when it comes to the matter of protecting your home from natural disasters. First of all, you have to take a look at where you live. It’s a well- known fact that there are some areas which are prone to certain natural disasters. These regions usually have geographic features that bring about severe weather, and they are often seasonal. You might happen to live in such a region, and it is something you should pay attention to since it can save you and your family from hardships in the future.

Natural Disaster Trouble Spots

An easy way to determine the vulnerability of your area is to pay attention to weather forecasts, and also, reading about past activity online. There is plenty of information out there if you want to inquire about natural disasters risks, and doing so will help you determine if you need to contact a property lawyer.

Does Your Geographic Location Involve the Following?

• Fault Lines – If you live near a fault line, you are at an increased risk for earthquakes that can range from subtle to catastrophic. Examples include the San Andreas Fault line in California, the North Anatolian fault in Turkey, and the Saint Lawrence rift system in Quebec.
• Flatlands (Tornado Alley) – Areas of flatland are prone to severe thunderstorms that can produce tornadoes. Frequent and sometimes devastating tornadoes roll through the American Midwest, in the region that is known colloquially as “Tornado Alley”.
• Tropical Coastlines – In regions near coastlines with warm waters, there is the risk for hurricanes and storm surges. Also, tsunamis become a risk if you live near waters that are on tectonic plates since their movement can lead to undersea earthquakes.
• Volcanoes & Mountain Ranges – Mountain ranges present their own risks. If you live near an active volcano, there is the risk of an eruption. Also, if you live in a colder region, weak snow layers can trigger avalanches that can threaten your home if you live nearby.
• Low Sea Levels – An example of a city that sits at a low sea level is New Orleans. One of the reasons why Hurricane Katrina was so catastrophic was due to the city’s low elevation. Likewise, if you live in an area that is below sea level, there is an increased risk for flooding.

Tools to Help You Identify Local Risks

• Websites & Brochures
• Weather Forecasts
• Community & Board Groups
• New Bulletins
• Neighbours

How Does the Law Protect You From Complete Loss?

A property lawyer can use their expertise to ensure that your home is protected in the event of a natural disaster. While policies and processes may vary, there is always a way for you to receive some kind of protection, so there is never a need to worry that you are on your own. However, you should always conduct your research before you proceed with the matter.

Prevention Will Always be the Best Route

If you are buying a house, recently bought a house, or have lived in your home for years, you should try to obtain coverage now, before an event takes place. When a disaster hits, there is very little, if anything you can do to salvage your home if you are uninsured. Therefore, if you make the effort to establish an insurance plan ahead of time, you can rid yourself of this burden.

A Property Lawyer Helps You Choose Coverage by:

• Explaining Basic Insurance Policies – A lawyer will explain terms and conditions regarding the basics of homeowner’s policies, and they’ll point out the differences of standard insurance policies and secondary coverage policies. This will help you choose the right insurance plan based on the risks around you.
• Recommending How to Obtain Insurance – A lawyer will also give you insights and tips on how to acquire your insurance. This will help you overcome the inconsistencies, find affordable pricing, and it will help you choose the most practical insurance plan for your home.

A Note of Reassurance

Sometimes, insurance companies may engage in unfair practices which could leave you stranded if a disaster strikes. Therefore, a property lawyer can step in so that you receive the coverage you are entitled to.

Unethical Practices of Insurance Companies:

• Insufficient Compensation for Damages
• Unfair Denial of Claims
• Denying Compensation for Clean-Up Efforts (removal of mold caused by water damage)

If you become a victim of unfair practices by means of an insurance denial, a certified property lawyer can help you fight back to makes sure that your rights are honoured.

Act Before Nature Attacks

The sooner you make the effort to secure your property, the easier it will be for you to obtain the necessary coverage. It can take time to process these coverage plans, so it is wise not to wait. With the help of a property lawyer, you can find a coverage plan that is practical and affordable for the risks presented by your geographic region. While it’s true that you cannot prevent a natural disaster, you can at least prevent a total loss of your assets and property. By doing so, you and your family can have peace of mind even if the threat of disaster looms.

In today’s world, many people pay the bills with their 9 to 5 job, then take care of their passion in their off hours. Everyone has different careers and different passions – some people work demanding jobs that pay them the big bucks so that they can go yachting in their free time. Other people work low key, low hour jobs and have relatively inexpensive hobbies. There’s a perfect balance for everyone. One hobby that’s gaining steam and popularity by the day is brewing. Brewing, also known as homebrewing or microbrewing, is crafting your own recipes for beer at home. Don’t worry – this isn’t illegal moonshine. This is actually a great way to become a veritable gourmand of different draughts and drafts. This hobby is quite the opposite of a shady, low down way to get your jollies. It’s a fun way to balance enjoying alcoholic beverages and spending time with friends with crafting new recipes, perfecting family favorites, and enriching your personal skills. However, when you’re first starting out, you’ll want to make sure you make the right choice in your equipment. Some is too expensive, and some isn’t pricey enough. Some of the brewing pots you will look at will be too large, and others too small. Luckily, just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears, you’ll be able to find brewing kettles that are just right! You may even find yourself with a collection of different sizes to fit any social event. Read on for the full run down on a beginner’s guide to different brewing kettle sizes for different social gatherings!

A Size for Every Brewer and Every Occasion: What Are My Options?

When you’re first looking at brewing kettles, you might be a little overwhelmed at all of the options. This is an understandable response. There are different sizes, materials, and other quirks that separate them and make each one different. Luckily, size is one of the most obvious differences that even the most novice brewer can easily grasp. Here are the most common sizes you’ll be contending with on your brewing journey.

Small Pots Can Still Leave Everyone Satisfied

The ten gallon can come with one coupler, two horizontal couplers, or two vertical couplers. This gives you five gallons of brew, which is sufficient for a smaller gathering but will leave guests of a big bash thirsty. If you want to increase your output without going crazy, then a fifteen gallon might be for you. These smaller brewing pots make manageable brews and are great for novices who are just dipping their toes into the brewing pool.

Mid-Range Pots Are Still More Than Enough for a Party

If you want to move up to a medium size instead of a smaller pot, then you have plenty of options. A twenty gallon or twenty five gallon sized pot hit a happy medium between a smaller starting pot that can serve a smaller clique and an enormous kettle that can slate the thirst of an army. These smaller pots come with vertical or horizontal couplers, giving you room to have your personal preference. If you’re looking for brewing pots that are not too big and not too small, start your search in this range.

A Larger Pot Can Serve All of Your Friends (And Their Friends Too!)

If you look at the previous categories of brewing pots and shake your head in dissatisfaction, then it’s time to go with something big. A forty five gallon pot can suit the wildest desires of even the most experimental, audacious, and ambitious brewer. Be warned – if you end up using this kettle regularly, you’ll probably have visitors banging down your door every evening! Brewing pots are the key to happy guests and friends, so use them wisely!

Having the Right Amount of Brew Can be the Key to a Perfect Evening

There are many factors that go into each and every successful social gathering. Having the right music on and the right guests are major bonuses, as well as having a great host and the right location. If the guests have a high percentage of vegetarians, don’t put out bacon wrapped steak appetizers! One of these factors is having enough drinks for everyone. When you leave some guests thirsty, it leaves a sour taste in their mouths. Whisk those black clouds of dissatisfaction away from any social gathering by being able to provide the right amount of brew. Your parties will be better, your guests will be more sociable, and you’ll be the hero of your social scene! On the other hand, if you end up with a collection of brewing pots that are much too large, you can end up with some issues too. You’ll waste ingredients and money, and you’ll have to grapple with transporting heavy equipment for no real reason. Too big is just as bad as too small, so choose your kettle for the occasion wisely!

When you’re working to pay for your hobbies, you might be tempted to start (and end) your brewing kettle collection with just one. However, you may find that this is a mistake down the road. Brewing kettles, while expensive, are not so pricey that you can’t diversify your collection. When you’re brewing for different groups of people, having different sized brewing pots is a necessity. As previously mentioned, you might end up just like Goldilocks and the Three Bears. Some kettles are too big, some kettles are too small… but some kettles are just right! The key is identifying which pot is right for which occasion, as one size doesn’t fit all. With some time and experience, you’ll soon be an expert in identifying which kettle will satisfy your guests without being a waste of effort and brew. Best of luck in treating your social scene to amazing draughts and experimental new recipes!

Eye injuries and eye complications happen to many people all the time, the resulting damage can be as simple as down time for a couple of months to even an unfortunate loss of vision. These tragedies can be very costly not to mention troubling for people regardless of the severity of their problems. It goes without saying that the loss or impairment of a person’s vision will have a large impact on their day to day lives. Without proper eye sight people will not be able to live in the same fashion which means the potential for loss of work or even reduced quality of life. When an eye injury is the result of negligence and there is a responsible party it is important to contact a personal injury law firm to see if there is a case to seek compensation via a settlement.

Common Eye Injury Problems

There can be quite a number of circumstances which result in eye injury or damage which are caused by negligent third-parties. Let’s talk about a few of them so that you can learn a bit about these scenarios, remember these are all conditions which a victim would be eligible to contact a personal injury law firm to seek a settlement for their injuries.

Misdiagnosis Resulting in Eye Injury

There are some cases where eye damage can be diagnosed incorrectly and thus treated incorrectly. In all cases this is a tragedy but in some situations this can even cost an unfortunate victim their vision.  One specific condition is called a wet age-related macular degeneration (wet AMD), when patients have this condition they must seek treatment promptly. This condition results in the leaking of fluid into retina causing scarring and damage to the retina which ultimately results in loss of vision.

In order to treat wet age-related macular degeneration it is important that special drugs are injected directly into the eye which can put a stop to any further deterioration – however this treatment must be conducted as soon as possible otherwise the condition can cause severe eye damage. When doctors fail to diagnose or incorrectly diagnose this problem it results in a tragic eye injury. This problem is often found in the elderly. If you or someone you know feels they have been a victim of a misdiagnosed case of wet-age related macular degeneration it is imperative you seek the services of a personal injury law firm to get to the bottom of the situation.

Sub-Standard Eye Clinics Resulting in Loss of Vision

Another very common way that people experience an eye injury is via substandard medical care such as negligent doctors and nurses. It is incredibly unfortunate that this is the case, but alas it is so. Some eye clinics have proven themselves to be less than reputable and when people visit these sorts of places their visit can tragically result in damage to their vision via an eye injury.

These sort of issues are typically cause by improper follow up care as well as lack of proper treatment. Misdiagnosis is also a common issue with these clinics. It is always a good idea if a person suspects that their eye doctors and care practitioners are not doing their job appropriately to contact another eye clinic and or their family doctor to ensure that their procedures are up to par. In the unfortunate incidents that an eye injury has occurred, regardless of the severity, it is always extremely important to follow up with a personal injury law firm.

Get Your Life Back

Often times an eye injury can be life changing. In the worst cases people who went from vibrant active lives are now forced to relearn their environment and way of living without the benefit of sight. This is an incredible process and utterly life changing requiring extensive resources to not only rehabilitate emotionally but to physically improve and alter their living arrangements to accommodate. The process is not a simple one, and it can easily be an expensive one. Seeking the services of a personal injury law firm to bring those responsible to justice by seeking an appropriate settlement is the only responsible course to take.

Not only will this allow those who have suffered from such an injustice to live their lives much easier, it will also serve to bring awareness to the substandard care of negligence that resulted in their eye injury.

Do you live in a neighbourhood where everyone has the same setup in their backyard? Perhaps everyone has the same style of patio such as a wooden deck that is some variation of brown or maybe burgundy. Sitting on top of that are same types of furniture, such as a glass table and plastic chairs around them. To add to that clicked setup, everyone has the same barbecue grill! What gives?!

If you’re seeking to stand out as being different and unique from your neighbours, then you should consider buying a patio dining set that adds intrigue to your backyard. Making the effort to add a dining set that is different from the rest of your neighbours can really show off your personality, and it can give you the creative edge you have been searching for!

The Power of a Spectacle

When you think of the word spectacles, what comes to mind? The first thing you probably think of are a fancy pair of sunglasses or designer prescription glasses. And while the term spectacles applies to them as well, they can also describe other things that draw undeniable attention. Can your outdoor furniture have the appeal of these spectacles?
For example, certain types of architecture can be considered a spectacle, due to the inventiveness of the design and the overall concept of it. This is emphasized even further when the building has a great size. Take for example the Burj khalifa in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is currently the world’s tallest man-made structure standing at 829.8m (2,772 ft), and it has a whopping 163 floors! It features a unique Y-shaped floor plan, and the design was apparently influenced by a species of flower known as the Hymenocallis. The sheer height and innovative design of the Burj Khalifa makes it an impressive piece of architecture that often receives praise and awards.
Then there’s the zany world of advertising. Although the majority of advertising goes unappreciated, and even ignored, there are spectacles within the advertising world that are simply hard to ignore. One such advertising effort was the 2007 spectacle called “The HBO Voyeur Project“, which was created by the ad agency BBDO in New York. To show that HBO was the king of storytelling, they created eight short films in which they projected onto the side of a building. The projections created the visuals of eight fictional apartments, where stories involving murder, romance, and cheating played out. The response was incredible, and the campaign went on to win several awards, and earned millions of impressions and praise from the media.
So what does all of this have to do with your furniture? It’s true that you may not be able to build some kind of towering structure with it, or get millions of people to see your life story. But you can certainly make your backyard entertaining with the right patio dining set.

Since When Was the Purpose of Furniture to Intrigue Others?

Although the primary purpose of furniture is to provide comfort for seating and sleeping purposes, society has viewed furniture design as a decorative art for millenniums. From the stone age and times of the ancient Egyptians, there are records in the form of murals and carvings, which depict people making use of furniture. Some archaeologists have even unearthed the remains of actual furniture dating back thousands of years, and many of them feature unique designs. This shows that the culture of furniture design has been around for a long time. So even though the purpose is to provide comfort, you can still create an impressive set with the right furniture, and that includes a well-crafted patio dining set.

Why You Should Try to Stand Out

Sometimes we don’t appreciate things because we might not see something special about the things we have. A backyard is easy to neglect, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing what everyone else is doing. If you have a natural creative flair, you will always have qualities about you that are different, and that’s why it may be worthwhile for you to try something creative with your dining sets. You just might surprise yourself with how vibrant your patio will look compared to your neighbours.

Finding the Inspiration

You can find the inspiration to try something unique with your patio dining sets, by simply keeping your eyes open. There are numerous places you can find ideas for sets and pieces, and some of them may fit your backyard perfectly. Here are some of the places you can find this inspiration:

• Blogs & Websites
• Social Media Sites (Facebook, Pinterest)
• YouTube
• Magazines and Catalogues
• T.V. Shows
• Visiting Friends and Family Members

There are probably plenty more places to look, but these are some great places to start!

How to Create Spectacles Out of a Patio Dining Set

There are no right or wrong ways to create an interesting and intriguing balcony design. Your choice of patio dining set can be unique in many ways, and this means there is the potential for you to create a look that is unique to your tastes! It all boils down to your creativity, and willingness to experiment.

• Pick weird shapes. People usually associate certain items with certain shapes because that is what they are used to. But go for something its anything but ordinary, and you will definitely earn the attention of your neighbours.
• Play around with the arrangement. The way you arrange your patio dining set can also create a major impact if you do it in a way that is unusual.
• Fiddle with colour. Colour plays a huge role in the way a furniture set looks, so if you pick a scheme that no one else has, you will be on your way to something interesting. This might not seem like a big deal, but it will surely capture the eyes of those who still use the glass tables and white plastic chairs!

Go Wild with Your Patio Dining Set

If you are looking to be a rebel when it comes to your backyard, choose a patio dining set that grabs attention because of its originality. Furniture isn’t all about function, and just like the clothes hanging in your closet, you have the right to pick something that has an equal amount of style as it does substance. There may be a few individuals who will give you some raised eyebrows, but you will probably have tons more people who will admire your bravery and creativity. So go ahead, and aim for owing a patio dining set that makes your backyard into a local spectacle. You won’t regret it!

There comes a time in many companies marketing decisions where they must either face the decision to hire a full service marketing agency, or set up their own in-house marketing operation. This may include assigning the task to pre-existing employees or even taking on a new hire. Many people will end up wondering whether or not their money will be better spent investing in an external marketing firm or by hiring someone from within. There are some exceptions but for those who are interested in the most bang for their buck they should really be looking for an external marketing firm, curious why? Read on.

Better, Faster, Stronger Results

One clear advantage of hiring a full service marketing agency is that they provide results with much more efficiency and speed than an in-house marketing team. Most of the time, smaller marketing agencies have a small core team that worked together exclusively for quite a long time. The sort of experience that these teams develop in this environment reduces delays in decision making which enables teams to reach execution much sooner. After the initial campaign-development stages, an elite marketing team that the go ahead to do what they do best can produce some truly remarkable results during execution.
The truth is that hiring a marketing agency is like hiring on the SWAT team to get the job done, highly specialized professionals that have honed their marketing abilities.  Often times, when you hire an agency to perform the work for you, you are acquiring a skill set you may not have the budget to justify hiring.

Conflict of Interest

A significant problem that business owners will face when setting up their own in-house marketing operation will be hiring and assigning tasks. For those decision makers who have little or no marketing experience it can be incredibly difficult to determine whether or not the marketing efforts of an in-house campaign, executed and managed by in-house staff, will truly be effective or not. Even when hiring someone with so-called marketing experience, the incentive for that person may not always be to provide results, rather they may simply be interested in obtaining a pay cheque. This can obviously be an issue when your goal is marketing your products or services.
When contracting with a full service marketing agency the company’s reputation is on the line. You can expect that a marketing agency will not only have an experienced, talented team but also will do their best to ensure that they are producing results for their clients.

The High Cost of In-House Marketing

When considering your marketing budget, an in-house operation can actually end up costing a lot more than hiring on an agency to take care of your marketing efforts for you. How you might ask? Well consider the management and oversight required to manage your entire operation from within. The time to track, manage, and delegate tasks can quickly become an added chore list in your daily operations. This is a problem people face when taking on new tasks within their business operations, and marketing is exactly the sort of task that can quickly soak up time. Additionally, consider the total cost hiring a new employee; salary, benefits, payroll burden, computer/smart phone, office space, office supplies, cost of office utilities, etc. The list is quite extensive when you consider the total cost of hiring new employees versus simply outsourcing your marketing to a marketing agency.
Hiring a full service marketing agency will allow business owners to stay focused on the tasks that they do best; without the headaches of managing subordinates, considering new hires, their performance, and their total cost.

One Skill vs. Many

Another very important consideration to make when hiring on marketing personnel will be their skill set. In order to properly consider what skills will be required for the task then you will also need to know exactly how your marketing campaign will be executed. This means some research on your behalf and time spent investigating the skills and history of those applying for your position. All of this work is required to acquire a single individual who may only be specialized in one area of marketing. Then it may be necessary to hire on another who has a skill set which can complement the first. Obviously, this is a task in itself and you haven’t even begun marketing.
Hiring a full service marketing agency will eliminate this issue completely. When hiring an agency to handle your marketing they come fully prepared with all of the skills necessary to deliver results for their clients.

A mural is a piece of artwork that is either painted or directly applied on the ceiling, wall, or any other permanent surface. In this artwork, the artist incorporates harmoniously the architectural elements of the space given into the picture. He or she also works in cooperation with the designers, community representatives, as well as art commissions. This characteristic distinguishes a mural artist from other types of artists falling under the broader category of Fine Artists such as painters, sculptors, as well as illustrators. Mural art has been in existence since the late 19th century, continues to this day to be well received, and enjoyed by many. For those who are interested in pursuing their enjoyment of murals at home, hiring Toronto mural painters is a commonplace and affordable endeavour.

Mural Artists Explained

A muralist is ultimately a painter and requires materials like paint, paintbrushes, paint sprayers, sealers, drop cloths, pencil, or charcoal among others. The artist uses a type of paint that best suits the site where the mural is to be created. For example, a muralist will need a paint type that can withstand the extreme elements if working on a project on an exterior wall. In addition, the paint should go hand in hand with the painting style to reflect the message being put across. That is to say, a hip urban undertone can be created with spray paint, for example, much like graffiti. These artists paint some of their work on large canvases attached to the wall.

Working on a project, a mural artist first comes up with a concept or idea about how he wants the mural to appear keeping in mind the clients’ needs. He then draws the good idea on paper. The first outline can be painted or drawn on canvas for the muralist to fill in the other details. This requires a combination of various techniques. When the job is done, it can be protected with a cover of sealer coat.

The Power to Transform Spaces

The artist must be able to transform the environment and the community at large. He should challenge and inspire the viewer’s apart from merely adorning the place. Enormous public mural projects painted on a site will usually take as long as several months to be completed. Thus, the community is able to witness a day-to-day creation of the artist. The role of a mural artist is to create an authentic artwork by the use of a wide range of techniques and media. The artist working on a project is expected to do the following among others:

1. Confer with editors, clients, art directors, writers and other parties interested as far as the artwork nature and content to be produced are concerned.
2. He must study the various techniques to learn how to apply them into the artistic endeavors.
3. The artist should be able to keep a portfolio of artistic work in order to demonstrate his styles, abilities, and interests as well.
4. At the end of it all, he should submit preliminary or completed artwork plans for approval and thereafter incorporate any changes that may arise.
5. For a unique and fantastic piece of work, the muralist should monitor the trends, events as well as other circumstances. He should research on the specific disciplines by attending art exhibitions and reading art publications in the subject area. He can then develop his ideas keeping current on the world’s art activities.

Mural Techniques

The techniques that mural artists employ vary considerably from job to job, and from artist to artist. Primarily the techniques include:

• Enlarging artworks via projection or grid-based techniques
• Painting utilizing airbrush or spray paint
• Training in the use of lift equipment to reach hard to access places

Of course, this is simply an uninspired list of the basics that mural artists must have some training in. Since there are such a wide variety of talents and methods applied in, any given mural it is important to seek out those artists that you feel compelled and intrigued by. A few quick internet searches will usually put you on the track to finding out more about your favourite artists’ style.

Municipalities are not always as vigilant about keeping main sewer lines fully maintained. This is a serious problem for homes and buildings that may be vacant for a single day. Wastewater from main sewer lines flood basements bringing untold damage unless a backwater valve is installed to avoid a backup. In residences, backwater valves detect and prevent these kinds of backups. For homeowners, installing a backwater valve in Toronto to the sewer line or main drain in the basement provides security and reassurance.

Does Your Home Or Building Have A Backwater Valve?
Backwater valves have been used in large industrial facilities for a number of years to control backflow. Ideally, backwater valves should be installed with new home construction. If this is not included, check with the building contractor for information on installation or your preferred plumbing contractor. For existing homes, installation will require the services of a professional plumbing contractor.

A Backwater Valve – A Simple Device for Freedom from Backups
There’s been an increase in flooding in various low lying areas of the country. A simple device like a backwater valve will stop water backups by blocking the flow of sewerage and water before it enters the main interior sewer and drain lines. Today’s backwater valves are constructed from sturdy PVC. There are several models of backwater valves to consider:

• Check Valve
• Flap
• Gate

The simplest mechanical operations of backwater valves are check and flap which have automatic closures that prevent water from flowing inside. A gate valve operates manually. Check and flap models do not require any additional manual assistance as in the case of the gate valve. All three models are provided with tight seals to prevent leakage.

Tips on Backwater Valves
Certain older homes built before the 1970’s have sewer lines that lie below the manhole in the street in front of the home. Many were not equipped with backwater valves. Older homes located in low lying areas inevitably end up with backups due to lack of proper municipal maintenance or to higher rain incidences. To stop water backup, the installation of a backwater valve is recommended by plumbing experts. Check with the local municipality for specific compliance regulations before installing a backwater valve. Many plumbing contractors work with municipalities to maintain local compliance for backwater valve installation. A backwater valve is an insurance no home should be without.

When it comes to home brewing there are a few absolute must-have items, one of those items is a brew kettle. Essentially, a brew kettle is a huge pot that allows the boiling of wort; it is most typically made out of stainless steel, aluminum, or an enameled steel material each with it’s own distinct characteristics. They range in price and quality substantially; from DIY brew kettle solutions such as modifying an old keg which can cost under $100, up to more specialized brew kettles which can run in the area of $620. Let’s examine a few of the common aspects of brew kettles a little more in-depth.

Pot Size

The size of a brew pot can vary considerably and will depend upon the needs of the individual who is doing their brew. If a person is planning on doing smaller batches such as in the area of 5 gallons and plans on doing most of their beer making from extracts they will be able to get by with brew kettles as small as 4 gallons. However, it would be well advised for them to keep an eye on their wort through-out the boiling process in an effort to avoid boil overs – it can be quite a headache indeed to clean this sort of mess up. For those that are interested in all-grain brewing, it is advised to look at a minimum brew kettle size of 7 gallons or else it will be necessary to divide the wort into multiple pots.

Brew Kettle Material

There are basically three materials you can find brew kettles made out-of, each has its own strengths and weaknesses but a stainless steel pot is generally considered to be the best option. For those on a budget, aluminum and enameled steel pots will be a good solution.

Stainless Steel Brew Kettles

There are many advantages of stainless steel and very few drawbacks; in fact the only real drawback of stainless steel is poor heat conductivity which can be a problem if you are relying on a home electric heat source. But stainless makes up for that with better pot strength, ease of care, aesthetics and generally is just a more durable material – your investment will be around for quite a while if you choose a stainless steel brew kettle.

Aluminum Brew Pots

Firstly, there are some unfounded rumors about aluminum brew pots producing metallic tasting brew – this is mostly due to a pot not being properly prepared before use. An aluminum pot must have water boiled in it for at least 20 minutes prior to its initial use. This is to help the aluminum form an oxidized layer between the metal and the contents which will stop any metallic flavour being imparted on the wort. The major drawback of aluminum is the material strength; even a 6mm thick aluminum pot will dent easier than a .8mm thick stainless steel pot.

Enameled Pots

Enameled pots come in a variety of colours, many people suggest that it’s best to avoid these types of pots altogether as if they happen to chip you will not be able to stop the metallic flavour from entering your wort. They are quite affordable though, comparable to aluminum pots.

There are many places to find a brew kettle, both online and offline. If you are interested in obtaining one for home brew purposes you’re advised to do your homework, luckily there are quite a few good forums out there to learn from. Always remember, if you can afford it, it’s better to make a solid investment today then spending more down the road – so I strongly suggest that you consider a stainless option if you are in the market for a brew pot.