How Driverless Cars Will Transform the City and Your Home

Jen Lambert on June 6, 2018

City planners are now thinking about how emerging technologies will integrate into so-called smart cities, and driverless cars are set to become a crucial component of that infrastructure. You’ve probably heard a lot about how self-driving cars will change your experience on the road, but the changes to come go much deeper than that. Autonomous vehicles will fundamentally alter our cityscape and architecture to conform to the new patterns of transportation that will come about.

The fact that Uber is investing big in self-driving cars indicates the industry desire to transform the personal automobile culture into a shared, service-oriented model. No longer will people own their own cars and drive them around. Rather, they’ll call up a robo-taxi for a ride and get picked up within minutes.

Urban planners know that cars today sit parked 95% of the time, but that will change when the cars drive themselves. Even if someone owns their own self-driving car, they can put it to profitable use by loaning it out when it would otherwise sit unused. Fewer cars hanging around parked most of the time means fewer cars in general and a much lesser need for parking space.

Existing parking lots and garages will be relocated outside city centers, and space they formerly occupied will be repurposed for things like parks, shopping centers and high-density residential and business buildings. Space currently used along streets for parallel parking can be turned into more lanes for self-driving cars or bicycles, or changed into walkable green spaces.

Fleets of shared self-driving cars will be in high demand, and if optimized appropriately, will have little need to park. They’ll simply go to their next job or hover a short distance outside the city center.

You will no longer need a garage near or attached to your home. More people will turn their garages into an extra bedroom, living room or a rental unit. Driveways will become more yard space or covered paths to the street for pickup and dropoff. In general, the new residential architecture will return to the garageless styles of the pre-automobile era.

With the ability to work or sleep while moving down the road, commute distances will increase, which opens up new relocation possibilities. Small, quiet bedroom communities 100 miles or more outside cities might become the new exurbs.

Automobile safety has long been a major concern. “Millions of Americans are injured or killed annually in car accidents,” says Newsome Melton Law Firm. Proponents of driverless cars say the rate of accidents will drop when computers rather than people dominate the road, but the roads themselves could also change to help reduce injuries and fatalities. When the vast majority of vehicles on the road are self-driven, streets might be transformed into dedicated, walled-off corridors for safety, with intersecting pedestrian bridges and tunnels.

City planners typically design with 30-year projections in mind, which puts them squarely in the timeframe of a fully driverless society. If planners aren’t thinking about the driverless city now, the results will be less than ideal because ready or not, the self-driving cars are coming.

Top 5 Professional Employer Organizations

Jen Lambert on June 6, 2018

Many businesses are experts when it comes to their products and services, however many business owners are lost when it comes to managing employees and handling payroll and taxes. For those business owners seeking assistance, their fears can be put to rest when they hire a Professional Employer Organization or “PEO” for short.

 

According to Entrepreneur, a Professional Employer Organization is, “a company that technically ‘employs’ the workers of several other companies and oversees all HR-related functions. In addition to less paperwork for the owner, better rates on health care and worker’s compensation insurance are often offered.

 

In a PEO model, the business owner retains primary control over the management of the business and work performance of the employees. The owner pays the PEO for the costs of payroll, taxes, benefits, and administrative fees, and the PEO handles all the paperwork and the details.

 

To simplify the process of finding a PEO that’s right a right fit, we have identified the top five best PEO’s for consideration. For busy business owners, hiring one of these PEO’s will help take the stress out of HR and allow more time to invest in making their business the best it can be.

 

Startups

For businesses just getting their feet on the ground, Oasis Outsourcing is the way to go. Although the initial contract period is one year, businesses may cancel their contract within the first 90 days and receive a full refund if they aren’t satisfied. No employee minimum and the ability to mix and match services makes this option a safe bet for businesses who want a risk-free trial of a PEO.

 

Extremely Small Business

For extremely small businesses, TriNet is a great place to start. Offering short-term contracts and services that grow with your business, this is a great option that has the potential to grow with a company. There is no employee minimum, and the pricing structure is based on a per-employee basis.

 

Small Business

For small businesses, Insperity is an affordable option. Offering the ability to pick and choose individual services is a great feature, allowing business owners to design their own system. No long-term contracts are required, and a team of experts is provided for collaboration and consultation.

 

Mid-Size Business

For mid-size businesses, Paychex is a smart choice. Services are priced on a per-employee basis, regardless of how many employees the business obtains. This flat, pre-employee fee provides access to all of their professional services.

 

Best Overall Options

To save even more time, take advantage of Net PEO. Not just a single PEO, this company connects business owners with one of a number of PEOs that operate within their network. After an initial assessment, the company will be matched with the best PEO suited to their needs.

 

Best Customer Service

For great customer service, ADP TotalSource comes highly recommended. With their flexible pricing, no long-term contracts, and web-based payroll software, this company has a lot to offer in a PEO.

Fun Summer Activities

Jen Lambert on June 5, 2018

The abundance of time and choices that accompany the onset of summer can leave some of us feeling overwhelmed. It can be tricky to balance the wants and needs of your family or friends with so many places and activities available out there. The bottom line is that there is no reason for you to have a boring summer, and with careful planning, everyone can feel reset when autumn rolls back around. Consider traveling, installing a pool, making your own backyard fun, looking locally, and volunteering to create variety in a summer itinerary. There are plenty of options out there for you, and don’t forget to take your family and friends along for the ride!

Travel Fun

Consider traveling as an adventurous summertime option. Flying is always a fast option but planning out a road trip to your destination means sugary snacks and jamming out to your favorite tunes. Finding a new place to explore expands your world and a road trip provides tons of fun along the way. A different city offers a variety of new activities that you don’t usually have the opportunity to experience. Take advantage of this by finding what is unique about the area and see how it can fit your group. For example, an activity like surfing lessons in Waikiki can be done solo, in a group, or with your family at different levels of experience. Don’t be afraid to ask locals or do online research on what is popular and what is not as well known to make the most of a trip far from home. Find fun food places to sample local cuisine. From airfare to gas prices to entrance fees, traveling and attempting new activities can be expensive. Use websites that find the cheapest airfare for your travel dates, and find deals for those group outings. Saving money along the way will help you in the long run.

Install a Pool

If you’re looking to stay much closer to home but still have a great time this summer, consider installing a pool in your backyard. This option can provide so much fun for summers to come. With so many options, like above or inground swimming pool construction, it should be easy to find the best fit for your backyard situation. A bigger pool welcomes more family and friends to hop in and join the fun. Add-ons like a fun slide or diving board also add to the entertainment value that this summer addition can give you. This close-to-home option has a higher up-front cost but pays for itself in at-home and outdoor fresh air entertainment. A pool is the perfect venue to have a cookout for your Fourth of July or birthday party for your children. The theme is always summer fun, and a pool is the best way to beat the heat. Set up for the perfect summertime get-together with plenty of treats and exciting games to please the crowd. Parties and celebrations are always a blast, but a lazy afternoon to swim is perfect for a more low-key day.

Backyard Fun

Other options for fun that is close to home include setting up activities that can fit into your backyard. Be prepared for DIY crafts that your wallet will be happy about. If your family or group of friends want to watch a popular movie, you can create the coolest outdoor viewing experience for them. Use a projector and set up a screen using a white sheet. Provide the snacks and check your audio to complete the big-screen event. You don’t have to go far to enjoy camping. Your backyard is just far away enough to bask in the starry night sky while still enjoying the pleasures of indoor plumbing. In the morning, have some water fun in the sun with games like a water balloon or water gun fight. Don’t be afraid to cool off in a silly way.

 

Local Attractions

Don’t forget about local attractions in your own city or state that you might tend to overlook. These inexpensive options can still be loads of fun. Act like a tourist in your own hometown and visit or revisit locales for summer fun. For example, a tourist attraction in Halifax, PA could be the go-to place to visit even as a local. There’s no reason to ignore these. Even local eateries with foods that are unique to your area could be worth checking out again through the eyes of a newcomer. If you are joined by your family or group of friends, get their suggestions for different places. Attempt to be as inclusive as possible by accounting for any disability or discomfort of your family or group. Try places like sensory friendly activities in Lansing, MI to better meet the needs of those around you. These activities will ensure that everyone in the group enjoys themselves to the best of their abilities.

 

Volunteer

A fun and cost-free option for the extra free time that you or your family might have in the summer is volunteering. Teach the kids while reminding yourself of the importance of paying forward all the good in your life by helping those who are less fortunate. Find an organization or rotate between multiple groups that need volunteers. This can be in a variety of settings from a nursing home, a local soup kitchen, or an animal shelter. This bonding activity will help you newly appreciate your own lives. Donating time that would have been otherwise spent lounging around adds value that you can’t find anywhere else. Other options that have educational value are helping at a national park, your local library, or a museum. These sorts of publicly-funded places often need help organizing materials or setting up for events.

Whichever options you are able to work into your summer will be sure to provide an abundance of memories and fun photos to look back on for years to come. Overwhelming as they may seem, there is no shortage of possibilities for your sunny days. Establishing a budget, especially for the costlier activities that include travel, is important in order to make a successful and frugal trip. Maintaining an understanding of the bigger picture by lending time to others is also an important life lesson that can be a part of your summer. Supporting your local attractions with renewed purpose will establish a fun summer tradition.

The Best Digital Camcorder Buying Tips

guest contributor on June 2, 2018

The pace of change in the video recording industry is so fast that buying a decent camcorder can be challenging. There are so many models and features in modern digital camcorders that customers are often left confused on which model is ideal for them and what features are important and what isn’t.

 

This article will help you to understand all that you need to know about camcorders and what model suits your best for you personal and professional requirements. We will also discuss the technical jargons when buying a camcorder. But before we delve in – let me remind you all the opinions discussed here are my own and this buying guide only focuses on camcorders that are highly rated by Techwhippet.

Let’s get started:

 

Memory Cards

Most camcorders today use flash memory as its storage format. These camcorders record directly memory SDHC flash memory cards. Aside from external memory cards, there are dual flash camcorders with built-in flash memory. These camcorders can record video to its internal drive. Flash memory is the primary format of storage because it doesn’t have any moving parts and uses less power resulting in longer battery life for your camcorder or digital camera.

 

4K Ultra HD Camcorders

The camcorder industry is rapidly changing. At first, it was Standard Definition (SD). Then the consumers were given the taste of Full HD camcorders. Now, it is 4K camcorders. 4K camcorders have four times the resolution of normal Full HD camcorders.  Cinemas project movies at 4K resolution, so if you’re recording videos at 4K, then in a sense, you’re a movie theater in your hands. TV manufacturers are also transitioning to 4K, so if you want to make your videos future proof, there isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t invest in a 4K camcorder.

 

Video Quality

Most camcorders can shoot decent videos in bright sunlight or in places with plenty of light. It is in low light conditions where most camcorders, as well as digital cameras, struggle. However, camcorders with larger video sensors tend to outperform than camcorders with smaller ones in low light conditions. The larger the image sensor is, the more light the camcorder can capture, which results in more detailed videos. But, camcorders with larger sensors are expensive. So, if video quality, colors, and details are important to you, always buy a camcorder with a larger sensor. A camcorder with a larger sensor will always have better and improved low light performance than camcorders with smaller sensors. Camcorders with larger sensors also provide better depth of field and dynamic range. The largest image sensors you can find on consumer camcorders today are 1-inch.

 

Professional Video Quality

If you don’t want to compromise on your video quality, then you should choose a professional quality video camera.  Professional video camcorders are much larger than consumer camcorders. It’s because the video sensors and the lenses are bigger. This helps as larger sensors will provide higher quality videos and the large lenses offer improved low light performance and light gathering. These camcorders also come with interchangeable lenses, wireless or separate microphones, and many other options, which aren’t available on typical cameras/camcorders.

 

Image Stabilization (IS)

Image stabilization is an extremely useful technology that reduces the blurriness in the video which you can get in low light conditions, riding in a vehicle, walking, or using a zoom lens.  As most people record using handheld camcorders, this is a valuable feature to have. Image stabilization also helps improve video quality when using the zoom lens to its full magnification. Optical Image Stabilization (OIS) is considered to be better than Electronic Image Stabilization (EIS).  Expensive, high-end camcorders have better image stabilization than cheaper camcorders.

 

Optical Zoom Vs Digital Zoom

Digital zoom is inferior to optical zoom. Digital zoom is the electronic representation of optical zoom. With digital zoom, you can lose resolution when cropping the image. You do not lose resolution with optical zoom. So, when purchasing a camcorder, always consider optical zoom.  The top-rated camcorders have 10x optical zoom which works great for most purposes.

 

Built-in Wi-Fi

Most camcorders have built-in Wi-Fi which allows you to transfer your pictures and videos from your camcorder to your computer, TV, tablet, or smartphone wirelessly. In addition, you can also connect your camcorder to the internet through Wi-Fi and upload your photos and videos to Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social media sites.

 

Electronic Viewfinder (EVF)

Viewfinders were common on camcorders before, but these days it is rare to find one in most consumer camcorders unless you get a professional model. The biggest benefit of viewfinders is that you can see your subject while recording outdoors in the bright sun as it is difficult to see the LCD as it is washed out in those light conditions.

Microphone

Most camcorders have built-in microphones and record in stereo sound. If you aren’t satisfied with the sound quality of your camcorder, you can buy higher quality microphones.

Night Vision

High-end camcorders have the ability to video in dark conditions using infrared light. Various models from Canon and Sony provide you with this feature.

LCD Size and resolution

The LCD screen in digital cameras/camcorders is where you can view the menus as well as compose your videos. Most camcorders have touchscreen LCDs which is more easy and intuitive than manual buttons. The larger the LCD screen and resolution, the better.

Built-in Video Flash/Light

Many camcorders have a built-in flash for taking still pictures and video light for recording videos in low light conditions. There is also an option to attach external flash units and lights in most camcorders as accessories.

Manual Focus

Most people rely on their camcorder automatic focusing during recording. However, there may be situations where you may need to manually focus the camcorder such as low light, macro, indoor shots, or recording through the glass. All professional camcorders have manual focus capabilities.

Video Resolution

Camcorders can record in 1080p, 720p, 60p and 120p resolutions. 1080p is the currently the highest quality you can record. Remember, the resolution isn’t everything. You also need to keep in mind the frame rate of the video. Normal video is recorded at 30fps. FPS stands for frames per second. Movies are shot at 24fps (24p). Some camcorders can record at 60fps, which make the videos extremely smooth and the footage can be used for slow motion.  With the adoption of 4K Ultra HD, some camcorders can shoot 4K videos as a high as 60p.

Author Biography

Fredrick Nicholas is a well-rounded blogger who has a wide variety of interests and specializes in doing in depth research for tech. He notorious Write, Editor, Blogger. Love to blogging. He currently is a blogger for https://techwhippet.com in a genuine effort to provide the best quality content to his readers.

Gantry Systems: The Workhorse of Modern Industry

Jen Lambert on May 31, 2018

Like almost every aspect of life, the way we work and build things for our own convenience and necessity has evolved throughout the years. Thanks to science and technology, the simple tools and beasts of burden that we relied upon in the past have now been replaced with advanced, reliable, and more precise gadgetry and machines. One such product is the gantry system, which has earned the unofficial moniker of “workhorse of modern industry.” Why? Let’s take a quick look behind its workings and applications.

What is a Gantry System?

A gantry system is a system of motorized rails that can move a mounted piece of hardware or device across a single plane of movement, usually horizontal. This is not always the case, however, because gantry systems in precise motion solutions do offer precision movement in three separate planes, such as machines involved in finer tasks, like 3D printing and automated parts inspections.

This precision movement is achieved through the combination of motors installed in the rails as well as the rails themselves; the range of movement of the motors is inherently fixed to the rails. As such, there is no risk of deviations in the movement so long as the gantry rails remains rigid and fixed, and that the hardware mounting platform also remains fixed onto the gantry system itself.

The Benefits of a Gantry System

This particular trait of gantry systems – where the degree of movement and precision is inherent on the rigidity and overall size of the rails – makes it very easy for a gantry rail to be scaled up or down as befits the size of the task its needs to perform, or the size of the tool/hardware it needs to manipulate. Need to manipulate something huge and heavy and across longer distances? Simply create a bigger gantry system, one with more powerful or numerous motors, as well as the rails to fit.

This scalability we see in gantry systems is being utilized in industries of all sizes – from those that require precision micro-movements such as 3D printing, to the big ones that require a lot of heavy lifting, such as construction and naval freight.

It’s also the reason why we don’t see other types of mechanized work platforms, such as the robotic arms we see in car assembly lines, being scaled up in the same way – the technology and engineering that would allow such a feat does not exist yet. Even if it did, the cost would be prohibitive, and the weight of the materials involved in the construction would make it fall apart. On the other hand, not only is a gantry system much more affordable, the rails that give it its precision and degree of movement also help it give the machine a lot more stability and reliability.

All these benefits make the gantry system such a versatile and flexible machine – making it truly worthy of the nickname “workhorse of the industry.”

What Are The Applications of Gantry Systems?

Since gantry systems are nearly infinitely scalable and precise as a motion solution, and you can mount anything onto it to give it precise movement, they have a lot of industry applications. These include the following:

  • PC board assembly
  • Material dispensing
  • Paint application/spraying
  • Material handling
  • Palletizing
  • Pick-and-place machines
  • Water cutting
  • Plate welding
  • Friction welding
  • Packaging and sorting
  • Tray loading and unloading
  • Automated inspections

Due to its versatility and effortless scalability, the humble but reliable gantry system continue to see widespread use, even in this day and age of advanced and sophisticated robotics. Without gantry systems, today’s industries might not have gotten to the point of prosperity that they currently enjoy.

How Using Customer Data Can Help Improve Your Business

Jen Lambert on May 31, 2018

With good reason, a number of business owners now ask, “what will a data-driven approach mean for our customer relations?” The fact is, data and customer relations are more closely linked than you could imagine. This proves especially true in a time where customers are immersed in a wide number of trends, and interact with businesses much differently than they did before—now with the option of shopping online, participating in rewards programs in-store, and buying specialty products that are less generic and off-the-shelf, to name a few.

Any difficulties cropping up with regard to customers? Any opportunities that you are afraid to miss? How do real-time data analytics and integration link to the area of customer relations management (CRM)? How will using real-time customer analytics improve your business, and why is an intelligent platform like this worth investing in? Read on to learn the particularities of managing high volumes of customer data and utilizing these for the good, and growth, of your business.

Real-Time Analytics: Where Data Comes into Play

To begin, a working definition of real-time analytics technology is to be supplied: real-time analytics pertains to the use of data and related resources the very moment that it is captured by the machine system. Real-time analytics also goes by the terms of dynamic analysis, real-time data integration, and real-time intelligence. “Real-time” denotes the immediate responsiveness of a computer system to its user; given that, it is easy to conjure up scenarios for where this kind of technology is crucial, such as in banking and finance, law enforcement, or even weather monitoring in times of disaster. For example, in the food/restaurant industry collecting all of this real-time data can be difficult. With great POS software, data and the tracking of it can be stored right on the spot.

This technology has also branched out to businesses in the iteration of CRM. Real-time customer analysis data records, in an up-to-date manner, what customers’ responses are to business components such as products and pricing, and can measure patterns such as the time that a customer has spent interacting with a product in a commercial zone. That enables your enterprise to make informed responses to customers even within the day, as even a day’s worth of data can prove complex and full of important details.

In other words, in the area of CRM, real-time analytics technology will help manage large data sets about myriad customer behaviors, and can be easily integrated into crucial business decisions.

A Better Business: Innovative, Dynamic, and Responsive

An upgrade to an intelligent platform for your customer relations, then, yields several concrete benefits.

The first is that your business will have a solid and up-to-date basis for innovative decisions. This means, data will reveal what new products and services can be launched to the public, and the right timing to do so; what loyalty programs you can roll out based on your customers’ numbers; what special offers and promotions you can make public; and what unique advertising strategy your business can take—what messages and through which channels—in order to market smarter.

The real-time data that pertains to past purchases and customer behavior within establishments is crucial not only to profit generation, but also to the business’s internal operations. The platform could make your team more dynamic and responsive. Accurate customer data is the best kind of feedback for your staff’s performance. A bird’s-eye view of even the subtlest of factors can spell greater success for your team: a firm basis to improve their own service, and a more nuanced way to connect with the business’s customers.

Ultimately, analytics and customer data can marry to take your business to new heights. Your business’s customer base is a prime asset, and one that will always need your constant attention. The many influences that play on customers—from their purchasing habits, to their propensity to return to the store, to their interactions with your staff—are all obtainable through empirical data; it is up to you to use the technology available to keep your business healthy and ready to cater to everyone.

Important Design Principles for Bicycle-Friendly Roads

Jen Lambert on May 30, 2018

Cyclists and pedestrians accidents make up over 25% of road fatalities. As vehicle roadways multiply due to population increase, investigators calculate that by 2030, on-street accidents will become one of the most prominent causes of death.

Massive action needs to be taken to circumvent the trend, and implementing proven design principles may be the first step in reducing bicycle accidents. “Designing a network of roads for cyclists entails the understanding that different considerations should be made for cyclists that are distinct from the behavior and needs of pedestrians or vehicles,” remarked Jim Parrish, bicycle accident lawyer.

Particularly, designers of highway blueprints should be aware that cyclists have requirements regarding how much space on the road they use, how well they can maneuver the equipment, and the range of speeds for which they can travel. It is also important for designers to keep in mind that bicycles are powered by the rider’s muscles, which is why riders want to reduce the lost energy that can occur from riding around tight corners, steep hills, or having to stop the bike.

Effective street design can reduce the rate of bicycle accidents through the following measures.

Consider user experience. Bicycle routes should be tested at different times of day the to ensure that they are safe both at night and in daylight. Cyclists should be consulted at various points during the process of route design and development. When possible, bicyclists should have an advantage regarding priority and directness.

Lower speed limits. Drivers who are traveling extremely fast have a higher chance of seriously injuring or killing people or animals that may inadvertently be hit. Other methods of calming traffic include elevated pedestrian walkways, sidewalk extensions, and speed bumps to reduce speed.

Locate problem areas and focus design solutions. Known locations that tend to cause danger should be prioritized in repairs or adjustment, and resources should be allocated to focus on the areas that need it the most.

Aim to develop for the target user. Designs should be developed in order to appeal to cyclists who may not be as confident in addition to more seasoned athletes. Adequate space should be allocated in regards to width, making safe right turns, and smooth transitions to cycle tracks. Visibility and condition of the road surface are other areas to keep in mind.

Emphasize standards and continuity. Quality signs must be placed at the beginning and end points of routes to ensure safety and coherence. Complex engineering decisions should be made early to prevent issues from arising late in the design process. Final designs should include specifics regarding expenses and maintenance needs. The design must be able to function successfully in varied weather conditions and in poor visibility.

Roadways should be developed in a way that can aid in the protection of cyclists. As research has shown that well-planned and calculated design can protect cyclists, continued efforts by developers should be made to send the message that cyclists are equally important as engine-powered traffic.

5 Things You Should Know About Filing for Divorce in Ohio

Jen Lambert on May 27, 2018

No matter how far along you are into your marriage, the process of divorce will be characterized by stress, unfamiliarity, and uncertainty. Even if this is the most appropriate decision at the time, it is still an extremely hard one to make.

Before filing for a divorce in Ohio, it is important to set realistic notions that will satisfy both parties. The only way to do this is through adequate planning and proper understanding. However, this might seem impossible in a divorce. How can this be achieved?

In Ohio, there are basic laws on divorce that you have to consider. It is important to note that these laws and their interpretation may differ from one state to another. If both you and your spouse can reach a conclusive agreement, the process will be quite simple.

But if there are a lot more details than you can handle, you should both consider getting legal help. Enlisting the services of divorce lawyers Dayton Ohio could be the key to helping you come to an amicable settlement. Before starting the process, here are 5 things you should know about filing for divorce in Ohio:

  1. Dissolution and Divorce are Different

Marriage dissolution occurs when both parties are able to collaborate and agree on a legal structure of separation. This means that both parties have agreed to a settlement and legal separation.

On the other hand, a divorce occurs when the two parties cannot agree to the terms of separation. As a result, the matter can only be settled in a court of law. In Ohio, divorce is supported in case of adultery, bigamy, extreme cruelty, negligence,  and imprisonment among others. However, it is important to note that their outcomes are similar.

  1. Child Custody

The legal system in Ohio believes that both parents should have access to their children. This means that it allows joint custody. It also follows less stringent statutory laws concerning child support and spousal alimony. The system requires both parents to support their children.

It’s also important to note that the court may ask your child about their desired parental rights allocation and responsibilities. The ultimate goal is to protect your child’s best interests.

  1. Know Where You Will Live

When two people are going through the process of divorce, Ohio law courts do not allow you to stay under the same roof. So you will have to consider where your children will stay during this period. Your first step should be to come up with a plan of action that will guide you in terms of accommodation, employment, and any other support required.

  1. Division Of Property

Division of property heavily depends on knowing whether to classify it as marital or separate property. Marital property is described as that property acquired together within the period of marriage. In Ohio, such property is distributed equitably among the divorced partners.

Separate property is that which is acquired before or during the marriage, but ownership is attributed to only one spouse. According to Ohio law, it is not subject to equitable division. Assets are considered as separate property if a prenuptial agreement was signed.

  1. Your Actions can Influence the Outcome of Your Divorce

When going through a divorce, there are a lot of things to keep in mind if you want to achieve positive results. This means that your plan of action should include a comprehensive list of the steps you need to take, as well as the mistakes to avoid. For example, if your spouse finds out that you are hiding assets, this may negatively affect your divorce. Therefore, it is important to consider all your currents actions to ensure a favorable outcome.

Impacts Water Damage Can Have on Appliances

Jen Lambert on May 22, 2018

Appliances can be ruined rapidly when exposed to water damage from a flood or other natural disaster. The severity of the damage mainly extends to whether or not mold or sewage found its way into the appliance. Other impacts include which components of the appliance were forced underwater and how long they were submerged.

 

In the interest of dependability and safety, even if the equipment dries out completely it may still need to be replaced to operate properly again in the future. However, the following precautions should be taken while evaluating the situation.

 

Be Cautious of Leaking Gas Lines

Though a homeowner’s initial thought may be to assess the severity of the damage, this may not be safe as appliances can shift and may cause harm to gas or electrical lines. This can be highly dangerous.

 

A homeowner can recognize that their gas lines may be damaged if they recognize an odor that resembles rotten eggs. If this occurs, the home should be vacated immediately and it is best to call 911.

 

Turn Off the Electricity

If standing water is found in the home and the electricity is still running, the utility company should be notified immediately to have the power shut off. Homeowners should also avoid turning on lights, light open flames by means of a gas range or by lighting candles, and operating electronic devices, as these could cause the leaking gas to start a fire.

 

Have a Professional Examine the Damage

“Many homeowners don’t know how to proceed in the situation and turn on appliances after leaving them to air-dry. This should be avoided at all costs as someone could be shocked if there is any wetness remaining in the unit,” explained John Stahfest, owner of a refrigerator repair service in Tacoma.

 

The best course of action to take if appliances have been flooded in any manner is to wait and see if the water moves out of the area and then unplug the power cords. This should never be performed while one is standing in any amount of water. Appliances should not be plugged back in until a professional has inspected them.

 

Avoid Turning on Heating or Cooling Equipment

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has noted that mold could be spread throughout the home if HVAC systems are turned after re-entering an area that was previously submerged under water. Mold growth can be prevented with a heavy-duty cleaning. Once the HVAC unit has been evaluated and is safe, it can help with moisture removal.

 

Be Wary of a Refrigerator’s Water and Icemaker

The refrigerator’s water and icemaker are attached to the water line, which means that the water filter in the refrigerator will need to be changed. Also, be sure to dispose of any ice that was made in the unit. The dispenser should be rinsed for 3-5 minutes, the icemaker should run for a period of one hour, and the bins within the unit should be sanitized.

The History of Disney World

Jen Lambert on May 18, 2018

Walt Disney World is the happiest place on earth.  If you have ever been there, you can attest to the magical experience that Disney brings to families.  The Disney company now stands as one of the largest in the world with connections in television, entertainment, sports, and merchandise.  The most notable location of the Disney company is Disney World itself. But as with any giant success, it started out as a dream. And with any dream, there is a lot of work that went into making it a reality.

Walt Disney Himself

Now the history of Disney World starts with Walt Disney himself.  Walt Disney grew up in the small town of Marceline, MO.  His father was a family-oriented person who wanted nothing more than to support his three children.  And Walt himself was no stranger to arduous work. At the age of 8, him and his brother Roy got a paper route to help bring in extra money for the family.  After serving in WWII, Walt moved to California to pursue his dream of becoming a cartoonist. He was a man who believe in dreams and was famous for saying “if you can dream it, you can do it.”  This belief was tested.

You have heard of Walt’s most famous cartoon creation, but his first try at it ended in failure.  Originally, Walt created not a mouse, but a lucky rabbit named Oswald. However, through a loophole in a contract, he lost all the rights to Oswald, which forced him to start again.  On his train ride home, he began sketching a mischievous little mouse, one we would come to know as Mickey.

Mickey Mouse

Mickey Mouse was the spark that lit the fire that would become the Disney company.  After starring in his first smash cartoon, Steamboat Willie, the Disney production company gained a name for itself as a studio who brought sight and sound together.  That little mouse was the gateway to creating the first full length animated movie, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves, and many more films to come.  But there were still grander ideas and dreams that Walt was ready to make come true.

Disneyland

Walt settled down with the love of his life, Lillian, and they had two daughters together.  Every Saturday Walt and his girls would go on an outing, which inspired his latest idea. What if there could be a place where children and adults could enjoy their time together?  Something beyond a carnival or a fair, but a true theme park. Thus, the idea for Disneyland was born.

Now this project would be a major undertaking, but Walt decided to do it right.  He continuously aimed for perfection and a way for guests to be 100% immersed in this world while being able to leave the real world behind for a bit.  With the magic of Mickey Mouse as his guide, his brother Roy helping with the accounting and auditing services, and some help financially from ABC, the world’s first theme park was opened in Anaheim, CA on July 17, 1955.  Disneyland featured some of the classic attractions we know and love today such as the spinning teacups, The Jungle Cruise, and a classic carousel.  

“The Florida Project”

While Disneyland proved a remarkable success, Walt could not stop dreaming.  They had limited space to grow in California, so Walt and Roy began exploring new options, one of which was the state of Florida.  The state can already boast many extraordinary places to see on Florida’s Gulf Coast, so what if he moved a little inland?  Central Florida was swampy, hot, had mosquito problems, and a significant risk of lightning strikes, but where many saw problems, Walt saw opportunity.  After buying the land in secret over a course of several months, he bought an area totaling 42 square miles to begin what he called “The Florida Project.”  A space with this much potential could hold all of Walt’s future ideas. Beyond the classic Magic Kingdom, his first endeavor was to create an Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or EPCOT.  An actual living area of the future.

Sadly, Walt would not live to see Disney World open.  After dying from lung cancer, Roy Disney stepped up to complete the excellent work his younger brother started.  The park opened on October 1st, 1971, dedicated to Walt by Roy. At the ceremony, Roy proudly brought Mickey Mouse up to the podium with him, because it was the closest thing he could get to having his brother there.  Walt may not have been there in person, but his never-ending pursuit of impossible dreams has left a legacy of greatness and created magical memories for so many children and families alike.

The Disney Attitude

Since Walt Disney World’s opening in 1971, the park has only grown.  Disney World now consists of four unique theme parks, two water parks, Disney Springs shopping area, over 25 resorts, golf courses, and ESPN’s World of Sports and boasts 70,000 cast members working there every day.  Everyone working on property is a cast member rather than an employee because every person who wears a Disney name tag is helping to create a magical experience for the guests. They all learn the unique traditions and values of Walt Disney and continue his work of making the world a happier place.  

Innovative Ideas Today

Not only is Disney World working to make the world a better place, but their new and innovative ideas are creating a cleaner world as well.  The overall organization recycles by not using garbage bag and exploring laundry wastewater recycling options.  Also, to take care of their mosquito problem, rather than introducing pesticides into the park, there other animals brought that eat mosquitoes to get rid of them.  

Disney also brings in a significant percentage of their cast members through the Disney College Program and the International College Program.  Students at traditional universities or accredited online education programs can spend a semester learning how to make magic for guests in the most magical place on earth.  And they get college credit!

Disney World and the Disney company are now leading the entertainment industry with new and innovative motion capture and animation skills.  They will continue to grow and expand and spread joy and magic. But as Walt Disney would say “it was all started with a mouse” — a mouse and a dream.