Lifestyle

You may or may not allow smoking in your rental properties, but what about vaping with e-cigarettes?

Almost 1 in 20 US adults vape, so it’s a valid question to ask, because many current and future tenants likely use e-cigarettes.

While many rental properties won’t allow smoking (and in many cases it depends on the state laws), vaping isn’t always as straightforward.

The simple answer: It depends on what you want and whether there are any laws in the locality prohibiting vaping in a rental property.

The problem is that people are torn on the matter. For example, the owner wants to protect other tenants from smoke, but many vape smokers don’t think the vape smoke can hurt anyone else.

Still, the landlord has the right to prohibit tobacco smoke of any kind. Not only that, but the smell of vape smoke could be unpleasant to other residents, and the steam might contain chemicals that can leave residue, causing stains to materials in the home, or harm to other people.

Cleaning up vapor residue can be a strenuous process and requires work on the tenant’s part because the carpets and other fabrics will need deep cleaning to remove the residue. That could mean more money during the cleaning process for the landlord. However, if it’s stated that the tenant isn’t allowed to vape in the apartment, then the tenant is liable and could also be breaking the lease agreement.

Still, if vape smoke causes damage in any way, then that will either cost the tenant or landlord more money during the cleaning/move-out process. If you decide to allow vaping, then you might include or mention an extra cleaning charge in the lease agreement as a result. This can protect you from other charges as well as state these charges to the tenants and hold them liable. Ensuring everyone is on the same page and making things as clear as possible is key.

Depending on how big the complex is and local laws, you might even be able to offer a designated smoking spot, but that’s entirely up to you, and you have to abide by the local laws.

Another reason you might prohibit vaping is because it can be a fire hazard.

A counter argument is that vape smoke is odorless, and it’s also difficult to detect.

Whatever the case, it’s still not clear how harmful second-hand vape smoke is, although there’s evidence stating it’s harmful. This is why it’s a good idea for landlords to ban vaping in rental properties. To be transparent, these types of rules can be stated somewhere in the rental application or landlords can ask whether the future tenant is a smoker.

You always want to be upfront with your tenants and make sure there aren’t any gray areas. Not only that, but you want to have reliable tenants, and one way to secure desirable tenants is during the application process. As an example, if you don’t want people to smoke in your rental properties, then it needs to be stated clearly. You can also run a comprehensive tenant screening to weed out undesirable tenants from desirable ones based on your target audience and what you’re looking for in a tenant.

No matter where you stand on this issue, the main thing to keep in mind is state laws. If your state prohibits smoking in any form, then it needs to be stated clearly that vaping isn’t allowed in your rental properties. This should be closely monitored while more research is done on vaping and whether or not laws and regulations are created surrounding it.

Above all else, the choice ultimately is yours.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

Renting has been seen as the ‘second best’ choice next to buying; for some reason, people think that you only rent because you can’t afford to pay for your own home. But whilst this is true for some, there is now a shift in attitude towards renting in the UK, and more people are opting for renting as a long-term option as opposed to buying. There are now more reasons why renting may well be a good deal for you, especially when you would like to save money and attain more freedom and flexibility in your choices. Here are the main reasons why renting may be a better option for you.

• It offers flexibility

If you decide to rent, you can be more flexible in your lifestyle and your lifestyle choices. Renting allows you to stay flexible and have more freedom, as most contracts run for about a year, which means that after that contract, you can decide to extend your rental arrangement with your current landlord, or you can move to another place or another area altogether. Essentially speaking, with renting, you are not tied down to a piece of property for a long time. If your circumstances or situation changes, you don’t have to worry about the property – you simply have to pack your things and move to another location if necessary or if you so decide. Renting gives you the freedom to try living in a different area, for sure, but it also gives you the freedom to change jobs or careers, try out different layouts or flats, and find the best way of living for your needs.

• It offers quality

Another fact about renting that not many of us think about is that it can give you access to a higher quality home – something you may not be able to afford at all if you decide to buy. For example: if you don’t have the budget for the deposit for a nice home, then you will not be able to live in it at all. This isn’t true with renting – with renting, you can have access to a nice place as you don’t have to worry about coming up with a deposit for the home. All you need is a deposit for renting it, which is often way cheaper, as the expert letting agents from www.clifftons.com can confirm. Also, there are now numerous properties made specifically for rental purposes, so they are designed with the renter in mind.

• It offers easier budgeting

When you rent, you can have an easier way of budgeting your money as well. Think about it – you know exactly how much rent you need to pay per month, and there aren’t often any additions to this. If you have a landlord who manages your utilities, then you know precisely how much those bills are as well. On the other hand, if you own property or if you’re a homeowner, you could be faced with some unexpected expenses, such as repairs and maintenance work. Even if you have a consistent mortgage payment per month, you could still end up spending on unforeseen expenses just because you are responsible for running and managing your own home. If your boiler breaks down, for example, no one can take care of this but you – you don’t have a landlord to arrange for it to be fixed.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Writer’s block is something that happens to every writer no matter how good and experienced you are. I know some writers think of writer’s block a myth; an excuse to not write. Unfortunately, it is a real issue that can affect even the best of us.

There are many ways to get around writer’s block but going to a new place and finding the perfect environment to reignite that creativity are the most effective solutions to try. In this article, we are going to pick Belfast as the perfect destination for conquering your writer’s block.

Why Belfast?

Belfast is gorgeous. The city has a unique charm to it. The landscape around Belfast is incredibly beautiful. On top of that, you have plenty of things to do while exploring the city. You will definitely get your writing mojo back in Belfast.

Great Victoria Street is a particularly charming part of the city. Here, you can find the famous saloon known as The Crown Bar. It was built in the 1880s and it is a must-visit every time you are in the city.

The Ulster Museum and the nearby Botanic Gardens are also great places to visit if you are looking for inspiration. The museum features a massive collection of art, with themed displays and exhibitions available for visitors at certain times.

When should I Visit Belfast?

Belfast is generally pleasant all year round, but the best time to visit the city is in the summer. April through October is the period you want to look into, with August – peak summer – being the nicest month of them all.

Belfast never gets too hot, so even peak summer in the city is immensely comfortable. You still get that soothing ambiance the city is known for – and its unique charm to fully absorb – but you also don’t need to wear layers to stay comfortable.

You even have the option to go on an extended holiday in Belfast. That actually brings us to our next question.

What is the Best Way to Enjoy Belfast?

By renting a serviced apartment. Living closer to the action, being able to see the beautiful city from the apartment window and having the option to stay longer without breaking the bank are among the benefits you will be able to enjoy when you stay in a Belfast serviced apartment.

It’s not difficult to find the perfect property to rent either. All you need to do is browse through the options available on https://dreamapartments.co.uk/serviced-apartments-belfast and you will find a suitable apartment for your trip to the city in no time.

Serviced apartments come with the amenities you need to stay comfortable. You get a functional kitchen and access to areas like Dublin Road and Bank Street, along with a chic interior that will keep you inspired for as long as you want to stay in the city.

Belfast is the perfect city for conquering your writer’s block indeed. The city and its charm will inspire you to write your best work yet. Give it a try and experience it for yourself!

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

After months or years of hard work, you’re finally about to finish the program you chose to study online. It will be a huge accomplishment, especially if you make sure that you finish what you started. Before receiving the certificate or diploma of completion, you need to determine the next steps so you can make the most of this opportunity.

Start applying for jobs

If you wish to pursue a career in the field that you chose to study, it’s not too early to start applying for a job. You’re about to finish your program soon. You might as well begin submitting your resume to appropriate employers so they can include your application in their final considerations.

Get a license

For some professions, even if you already finished a course, you still need to get a license before you can practice. For instance, if you want to be a nurse, you need a license, so you get recognition as a professional nurse. If you have finished one of the online rn programs, you could start reviewing for the license test and understand what you will go through to obtain it.

Expand your network

If you have worked in a different field for a long time, the people you know might be only within that industry. Since you decided to shift careers, it’s crucial that you also try introducing yourself to other networks. It will give you the chance to land a job soon or forge partnerships with other people for possible research in the future.

Decide if you will study further

If you finish your program online, you will realize that everything is possible. As long as you study hard and manage your schedule well, you can do anything. If you enjoyed the experience, you could decide to further your study in the future. Perhaps, you can take a doctoral degree or a post-doctorate fellowship if you think you will have enough time to do it. As long as there are online programs available, you can always further your education.

Plan your next vacation

You sacrificed quite a lot so you could finish your program. You had sleepless nights and weekends without parties. Now that you’ve completed the process, it’s time to celebrate. You can invite your relatives and closest friends to join you as you celebrate. Before you embark on a new educational journey, you might want to take a break first and have fun with the people you missed. You also owe it to them to go out and party because you refused several invitations while you were studying.

It doesn’t take much time to complete an online program. You might not even realize how quickly it passes. Eventually, you will get through the process and succeed. Online learning opens doors to many people who want to further their knowledge, but don’t have enough time to attend regular classes. You’re lucky if you’re among them.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

Monopoly is a game we all know and love, or at least know and ‘love to hate’. Few games so positively destructive to household peace and relationships have managed to achieve and maintain such enduring popularity in popular culture. There’s simply something of abiding charm in the board game’s blend of chance and strategy, where a player’s careful purchasing, trading and development can be lost in an instant from an unlucky roll of the dice.

Yet despite the game being such a classic family favourite – so instantly recognizable and so embedded into popular culture – it seems the unusual history of the game is widely unknown to most. This is especially puzzling considering the fascinating story behind its origins. Whether you love some Monopoly amongst friends on a rainy day, or consider it one of the most tedious board games ever made, you have to marvel at the game’s unexpected past and its continuously innovative re-inventions.

Lizzie Magie & the Ironic Origins Now Lost and Forgotten

Arguably the oddest part of Monopoly’s history dates back to its very start; the reason the board game came to be created in the first place. In 1903, a woman named Lizzie Magie created and self-published a board game she called The Landlord’s Game. This game was – in all meaningful respects – the same as the game that we today call Monopoly. Yet Lizzie did not set out to create the game as an idle past-time – rather she intended The Landlord’s Game to be an educational tool that illustrated the unfairness of unchecked capitalism that leads to land monopolism. She subscribed to the economic philosophy of Georgism, which states that value created by land should not be owned by individuals but should instead be owned collectively by society.

To this end The Landlord’s Game came with two sets of rules – one anti-monopolist (where all players were rewarded when land generated value) and one monopolist (like today’s game where individual players are rewarded). Her intention was to show to people through playing her game that monopolies are inherently unjust and lead to economic disaster that is essentially randomly assigned to the players. When the game later ultimately passed to Parker Brothers (today incorporated into Hasbro), only one of her two rule sets was included – the monopolist one. There’s an almost comedic degree in irony to be found in that these rules that have charmed and excited us ever since, and that a game that was originally intended to teach us about the perils of monopolies is today enjoyed by players ruthlessly pursuing them.

The Parker Brothers Era: Plagiarism, Re-Branding & War Escape

In the 1920s and 1930s, despite Lizzie Magie retaining the patent for her game, several versions of almost identical games were distributed by various game producers across America. Most successful was Charles Darrow, who named his rendition Monopoly and sold such an impressive quantity of games that Parker Brothers was convinced to purchase the rights from him. It was not an immediate easy sell, however. Parker Brothers initially rejected the game because of what they listed as over 50 ‘fundamental errors’, mostly revolving around the game’s length and complexity. Yet, the impressive sales and popularity of the game saw Parker Brothers reconsider. After a shady series of events in which Parker Brothers first helped Darrow patent the game in his own name and then purchase that patent from him, Parker Brothers ended up with the rights to Monopoly in 1936.

From then on, Parker Brothers distributed the game far more broadly, expanding its reach both within America as well as into Europe and beyond. The game quickly became enormously popular all over the globe. In fact, it became such a hit in the United Kingdom that it was famously used in World War II to aid Allied prisoners of war escape. John Waddington Ltd., the British manufacturers of Monopoly, worked together with the British Secret Service to produce special copies of the game which contained, amongst other things; genuine money, real maps of Germany, and compasses. These special game versions were then given to the prisoners through charitable organizations operating in Nazi Germany and Occupied France in the guise of being regular copies of the game.

Modern Editions for Modern Times

More recently, Hasbro incorporated Parker Brothers in 1991 and gained the rights to Monopoly. Hasbro took Monopoly to the next level by expanding the number of versions and editions offered for sale. Since their takeover Monopoly has grown to become an even more visible brand and has successfully been injected into all manners of trendy and popular franchises. All kinds of TV shows, movies, locations and video game editions exist today, meaning you can enjoy versions of Monopoly based around Game of Thrones, Las Vegas, and countless other subjects of pop cultural interest. Overall, Hasbro has released well over 1,100 themed editions of the famous board game, with the original game available in over 47 languages.

Even more recently, the scope of Monopoly has been extended further still, with licensed app and browser versions available through storefronts such as Google Play Store and social media sites like Facebook. The so-called ‘online social game’ adaptation of Monopoly, created by Evolution Gaming is primarily free play and suitable for children, yet in a modern transition which is in lieu with the game’s theme of wealth, a series of Monopoly slot games have been developed for online casino sites. On that note, Hasbro have lent the Monopoly brand to an edition of the DreamCatcher live casino game, entitled simply ‘Monopoly Live’.

Fresh takes like the above ensure that we will continue to enjoy bankrupting our near and dear ones long into the future with the pervasive Monopoly franchise. The game’s enduring popularity may well mean we’ll see its concept taken even further in new innovative ways in the future – perhaps a virtual reality Monopoly game, in which you can walk those very street on which you’re buying property, shake hands with business partners and end up in jail? In any case, it seems the original caveat of Lizzie Magie’s game is lost as its forewarned perils have become an ubiquitous reality…but don’t let that stop you from enjoying the infamous board game!

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

A lot of young professionals are attracted to the idea of giving up their office career and working from home. However, many of them still have their fears and doubts about working from home which prevents them from resigning. To have a home-based job, whether it’s on a part-time or full-time basis is a significant decision to make. Before taking the big leap and changing your occupation, you need to do your research and advanced planning. However, before you lose hope or dismiss the idea of being a home-based employee, here are some valid reasons why you should be one.

You are assured of your comfort all day

One of the significant disadvantages of travelling to the office every day is it can be very inconvenient, especially if you do not have a car. When commuting you get to absorb all the dirt and the dust particles from other vehicles plus it makes you sweaty before you arrive at the office. If you have a home-based job, you can choose where you set up your workstation, in any part of your house. Look for companies like Air Conditioning Surrey to install a split type air conditioning unit to ensure that you are comfortable working any time of the day.

You can work flexible hours

Many people, especially working mothers, love to experience being in charge of their daily routine. Some employers allow their staff to set their preferred working hours as long as they can meet their deadlines. If you need to bring your kids to school in the morning and run some errands in the late afternoon, then working from home is the ideal set-up for you. If you would like to start a new hobby or start a new business, then you can make this happen if you can handle your time effectively.

Gives you time to take care of kids

Most parents who have corporate jobs feel guilty about not spending enough time with their kids. They often miss many milestones, especially if they have toddlers at home. Working from home allows you to spend more time with your kids: you can teach them to do their homework, take them to parks for a play date and even cook their favourite food as often as you would like to.

More savings in the bank

Aside from spending long hours on the road, commuting can also impact your daily budget. A significant portion of your salary goes on transport costs. Plus, there is your food allowance, which might be very costly. There are times when you will get invited to eat in restaurants with your boss and colleagues. When you are working at home, it will be easier for you to stretch your budget for food. You can prepare a meal for the whole family instead of paying for lunch out.

Being home-based has more advantages than disadvantages.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

Anyone who has had experience in home improvement knows how expensive it can be, especially with large-scale renovations. From the price of equipment and materials to labor costs, it’s not uncommon for these projects to require a substantial commitment of financial resources. Fortunately, this does not always have to be the case. To this end, here are a few things that you should avoid when tackling home renovation projects.

1. Avoid impulse buying

One of the most common mistakes that eager homeowners make during renovation projects is buying on impulse. No matter how substantial the budget may be, purchasing the tools and items needed on a whim is an easy way to make costs spiral out of control. Instead, it’s a better approach to do research first and carefully consider all available options. In this way, you will increase your chances of finding better deals like Paula Deen furniture and inexpensive alternatives, saving you money as a result.

1. Avoid under budgeting

Contrary to what some might believe, under budgeting can ironically end up with a home renovation project costing more than it should. After all, cutting corners with cheaper materials or taking on tasks that would normally require the expertise and skill of a professional can lead to mistakes that will undoubtedly be a lot more expensive to rectify.

1. Avoid rushing the process of bidding

There’s more than just a good chance that a home renovation will need the services of contractors. As such, it makes sense to avoid rushing the process of bidding. Being patient will pay off not only by helping you acquire the right support that the project needs, but also in the advantage it yields in using the bids received as good leverage to drive the costs down even further.

1. Avoid spontaneity

While it may not be the most exciting part of a home renovation, it’s always better to carefully plan the project instead of taking a more spontaneous approach. After all, most renovations often break the budget primarily because of a lack of planning. By being meticulous and leaving no stone unturned, you’ll be less likely to gloss over crucial details and make changes in the middle of the process that will set the project back further.

5. Avoid overlooking permits

With how overwhelming home renovation projects can be, it’s not surprising to be tempted to disregard the permits that they require. However, this is not worth it. Tedious as it may be, permits exist to ensure that not only do you avoid encountering costly problems but also prevent any potentially dangerous accidents from occurring too.

More often than not, home renovations are as costly and complicated as we make them out to be. By carefully planning out the project and making sure that there are no loose ends, not only will the project run smoothly, but you’ll avoid a lot of potentially expensive mistakes in the process as well.

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

 

When a person says bingo, what springs to mind? For many, visions of overweight women flapping their “bingo wings,” smoking and drinking to excess in a dirty and rundown establishment in town would appear. But nowadays, this couldn’t actually be further from the truth. The lottery-like game has worked hard to shed its past image, and now attracts a much wider demographic of clientele. In fact, a lot of men and youngsters now enjoy playing this classic social game of chance.

It’s Changed a Lot since the 1980s and 1990s

The golden age of bingo is regarded as being throughout the 1980s and 1990s, and it was during this period that bingo halls were at their peak. This all changed after the turn of the century, though, and factors like smoking bans led to the closure of a lot of establishments. As one of the most popular and longstanding pastimes in the world, bingo wasn’t going to go down that easily. Instead of fading away, it came back reborn in the internet age.

Now, most bingo is played online. And the current sites are trying to shed bingo’s previous image. Instead of catering for women and the elderly, modern bingo sites are aiming to attract a wide range of different people. In 2015, it was found that over 50 percent of players were aged between 18 and 44, with a lot of millennials starting to play. There are also more men playing today.

It’s More Varied than Ever

One of the reasons for the success of online bingo is the fact that the gameplay is more varied. There are traditional ways of playing bingo to appease older players, but there are also some elements which are designed to attract the youngsters.

For instance, the Lucky Pants bingo games include 75 and 90 ball bingo variants but also a number of other instant-win offerings. These include progressive jackpot games like Dazzling Dosh and Speed Cash. There are also popular slots like Gonzo’s Quest and Game of Gladiators. Featuring games like these can help bingo sites to attract online casino players.

It’s a Good Way to Meet Women

One of the biggest reasons that men should consider taking up bingo is the fact that it can be a great way to pick up women. Online bingo sites now have chat features so people can socialize. This can be a good way to break the ice and get talking to a woman before meeting her in person. Alternatively, modern bingo halls are on the rise again as a good place to frequent at the weekends. It can be easier to meet women in places like that than it would be in a bar, because you already know that you share a common interest.

Men no longer need to look at bingo as a game for women. There are now more male players than ever, and there are some serious benefits to playing.

 

 

Vikings Go Berzerk, an online slot from Yggdrasil Gaming, one of the most notable games in their catalogue actually. A slot that plays out over 5 reels and 25 paylines, this is a game that gives you all the chances in the world to live out all of your wildest viking fantasies (whilst letting you keep all the loot too). If you played Vikings Go Wild then you’ll be happy to learn that this is a sequel. You can go and play Vikings Go Berzerk at Easy Slots now!

 

Viking slots appear to be all the rage nowadays, with every developer having a go at crafting their own version for punters to play and enjoy. If you want to reach the pinnacle of viking-infused slot entertainment then you will want to check out Vikings Go Berzerk for reasons that we are going to get into later in the review!

Yggdrasil Gaming: the developer behind Vikings Go Berzerk

A Malta-based developer with more ideas than you can shake a stick at, it’s Yggdrasil Gaming, one of the best developers in the world right now! Why we think they’re the best comes down to their track record with some of their previous titles. Every slot they put out has something interesting about it, and gives one plenty of chances to come out on top too.

 

Vikings Go Berzerk is one of the developers leading titles, as is the original game too. If you are looking at getting into some of the other slots provided by this developer then there is more than enough to play. We’d recommend checking out the following:

 

– Beauty & The Beast

– Big Blox

– Double Dragons

– And many, many more!

The Gameplay of Vikings Go Berzerk

The vikings were known to be a very surprising group of folk, always keeping you on your toes in battle! Well, this slot is no different, full of exciting gameplay and a few other interesting bonuses that will no doubt go a long way in making you some serious cash from only a handful of spins. Since this is a Yggdrasil title, you should expect nothing but the best here, trust us on this one.

 

– GOLD CHEST: On reel 5 you should definitely be looking out for the gold chest symbol, a symbol that has massive financial opportunity if found! Matching this symbol will net you between 10 to 400x times your initial stake!

– FREE SPINS: Land 3 or more of the free spin symbols on the board and you will be given multiple free spins in return. Free spins offer punters additional multipliers that will definitely play a part in hitting those high notes when it comes to scores.

Final Verdict on Vikings Go Berzerk

Vikings Go Berzerk is a fantastic online slot experience, one that puts you right in the shoes of some of histories most notable warriors! The bonuses here are incredible, and the gameplay can move as fast, or as slow as you desire. The fortunes favour the bold here, so play with confidence! 9/10

To read more on topics like this, check out the lifestyle category.

The process of buying and installing an enclosure for your bathroom shower is not as straightforward as it seems. It is essential that you consider some things before making your purchase wisely, to get the most out of your money. Here are some shopping tips to help you look for the best enclosure that will suit your needs and wants.

What is the purpose of a shower enclosure?

A shower enclosure is otherwise known as a shower cabin. It comes in different shapes and sizes that separate your shower area from other parts of your bathroom. It is a good idea to invest in a shower enclosure that will serve as a divider in your bathroom and give you some privacy in case someone enters the bathroom. It also prevents water spills that can cause you to slip or get into an accident.

Things to consider before shopping for a shower enclosure :

Current bathroom space

Enclosures come in different sizes for different bathrooms. Before proceeding to buy one, it is best to take the exact measurements to ensure that you get the right type of shower cabin for your bathroom. Take into consideration the length, width and height of the enclosure, which is very important, especially if you have a small bathroom.

The location of your shower

There are different shapes of enclosures available in the market. The type of cabin that you should choose depends on the position of your shower. If your shower is located beside a wall, then it is recommended to get a D-shaped or a square type enclosure. If your shower is in the middle of the bathroom, you can opt to get a round shape or a square cabin.

If you plan on renovating your bathroom, it is best to retain the same spot for your shower. Doing this will save you time and money because you do not need to worry about hiring people to fix the plumbing.

The material of the enclosure

When shopping for a shower cabin, it is essential to choose high-quality products that will last for a very long time. It is necessary to consider the thickness and the material of the glass enclosure. If you have kids and elders living with you, consider getting an enclosure made from tempered glass. However, the thicker the glass is, the more expensive it is.

Cleaning up should be convenient

Another thing that you should consider when looking for the perfect enclosure is its maintenance or aftercare. Choose a glass that is easy to clean with only soap and water. Residue and grime can build up fast, especially if the water has a high mineral content, as it can quickly put a visible stain on your glass doors.

Choosing the perfect shower cabin for your bathroom should be given more planning than other renovation projects. Do not settle for the first option that you see, take some time to choose from different styles and models that are available in the market.

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