Month: April 2016

Atlanta Apartment Buildings

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A self contained housing unit that occupies only a part of a building is known as an apartment in the US. A similar housing unit in the UK would be referred to as a flat. Some apartment dwellers own their apartments while some people choose to rent the apartment. Apartments are of various types. The smallest ones are referred to as studios that mainly consist of one large room with an attached bathroom and a small kitchen that is incorporated into the large room. There are one, two and three bedroom apartments, as well, and even in rare cases, a four-bedroom apartment. Typical features common to all apartment buildings are buzzers for individual units, separate mailboxes, and appliances.

The availability of facilities like cable television, a telephone connection, air conditioners, storage space, parking space and the like will determine the rental rates.

If you are out apartment hunting in Atlanta, the main areas that you will be looking at can be classified as Central Atlanta, East Atlanta, Far East, Far Northwest, Far West, North Atlanta, Northwest Atlanta, South Atlanta, Southeast Atlanta, Southwest Atlanta and West Atlanta. Eleven zones in all.

A few of the well known apartment buildings in Atlanta are Alexan Leiox on East Paces Ferry Road, Gables Paces Northside Parkway Northwest, Oakwood Atlanta West Peachtree Street NW, Post Renaissance Central Park Place, Post Peachtree Hills Peachtree Hills Avenue to name a few.

While evaluating an apartment one should keep in mind one’s requirements and compare it with available facilities. If the apartment is to be shared it would be advisable to have an adequate number of rooms in addition to the common areas like the kitchen and living room. Other features to be evaluated would be air conditioning (if available, as well as how much it will cost to run it), appliances like a stove, dishwasher, washer/dryer units and the like. The community features offered in apartment buildings like a clubhouse, gym, fitness center, elevator, business center, garage, parking space, health facilities, laundry, pool, and other amenities will influence the price of the apartment.

The Tips for Flu Prevention

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The Tips for Flu Prevention

1. Get vaccinated.
The best way to prevent oneself from contracting the flu is to get a shot. It will not give the person the flu. It will likely keep the person from getting it. If they do; however, it will be a more mild case than if they had not gotten vaccinated.

2. Wash hands frequently.
For those who come in contact with surfaces in public places, particularly those with high traffic, frequent hand washing will help reduce the risks of contracting the illness. Use warm, soapy water and wash hands vigorously for a minimum of 20 seconds. Rinse well and use a clean towel or air dryer to dry them thoroughly. Use the towel to turn off the faucet, when possible.

3. Do not touch the face.
People should refrain from touching their faces with their hands, especially after coming in contact with a frequently used surface.

4. Be a preventive employer.
Employers should encourage their workers to get a flu shot. Contacting medical staffing agencies to set up in-house flu vaccinations will lower the risk of employees contracting the flu and will prevent them from having to leave the premises to get the shot.

5. Stay home sick.
Employees with the flu should stay home when they are sick, rather than come to the office and cause customers and other employees to contract the virus.

6. Avoid close personal contact.
Keep a safe distance from people who are ill with the flu. Those who are sick should make a conscious effort to stay away from others when they believe they have the virus.

7. Know the risks.
Take the flu virus seriously. More than 36,000 people die from influenza each year. About 14,000 are hospitalized with complications from the illness.

8. Know the symptoms.
There are many different signs and symptoms of the flu. When a few are present, consult a medical health care or home elder care provider for an examination. Watch for sudden, severe onset of headache and/or extreme exhaustion. A fever between 102 and 104 degrees F can last from 3 to 4 days. Other possible symptoms may include coughing, sneezing, sore throat, runny nose and muscle aches.

The Art of Hiring a Contractor

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I will be submitting articles on hiring contractors to problem solving typical to not so typical home repairs and improvements homeowners come across. If you have questions, please feel free to submit to this article and I will try to answer your questions. However, for today I would like to discuss Home improvement contractors and the things to look for when hiring one.

In a prior life, I was a home improvement contractor for a number of years and have experienced situations from the other side as a contractor. There are things that a homeowner can look for when hiring a contractor. These things are obvious. First, notice punctuality, Secondly, look at the vehicle that the contractor arrives in. Is it in disrepair?

Think about it a contractor that cares about his business would invest in a vehicle that shows he is serious about business. Now I am not saying he has to show up in a 50,000.00-dollar vehicle. It should be presentable. Next, does he shake your hand when introducing himself? Ask questions, look for tell tale signs. References, a good contractor has a following. Is he licensed? Is he insured?

Taking time to notice these things should help in your decision in hiring a home improvement contractor. Remember there are good contractors out there sometimes all you need to do is ask questions. Only you the homeowner can avoid hiring a wannabe contractor. NEXT: Tales from the Home improvement contractors point of view.

Curate and Control Your Online Reputation

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Shakespeare, in Act 2 of his circa 1603 play Othello, said it best: Reputation, reputation, reputation. It is the original personal brand and one of the defining realities of our lives. For Solopreneur consultants and other self-employed professionals, reputation governs the number and quality of projects made available to us and therefore, reputation impacts our income and the kind of life we’re able to live. It pays, in more ways than one, to cultivate a peerless reputation and guard it vigorously.

In the internet age that is especially so, in both the personal and professional sectors. Mistakes and mischaracterizations made in digital formats are extremely difficult to dodge, ignore, deny, or correct. One’s online reputation is the ultimate flypaper. Take steps to ensure that what sticks to your name is all good.

Images

Along with Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest are the sites where images of you are most likely to be posted, by yourself and others. When cameras are around, meaning whenever anyone has a cell phone, which is about 24/7, make sure that your behavior represents you and your brand well.

There’s nothing wrong with being photographed in an obviously casual gathering. Just make sure that you (or others) are not in the midst of activities that could be misconstrued and reflect poorly on you sometime in the future. If you regularly appear in photos that you know or suspect will be posted to social media sites, counteract with a photo of your own that shows you at work, paid or volunteer. Balance your accounts, so to speak, and show that there is more to you than non-stop partying.

Content

Create and regularly post original content that makes you look smart, professional and successful. On your LinkedIn account, announce when you will attend a symposium, serve on a panel, teach a course or workshop and definitely broadcast the good news if you’ve recently earned a professional certification or advanced degree.

If you’ve presented a webinar, request the replay and turn it into a podcast for your website and YouTube. If you write a newsletter or blog, link it to your website and LinkedIn. If you’re on Twitter or Instagram, produce streams of high-quality feed and images that convey the competencies and values that you want to be known for.

Twitter, Instagram and Facebook can feature glimpses into your personal life as well and it could all be for the good, as long as you are strategic about what is revealed. Your volunteer work is always a safe bet. Training for a marathon or even a fun and casual volleyball or softball league would be excellent. Your parent’s wedding anniversary party would make another good personal aspect to include in your online narrative. Be aware that narrative is the operative word. Create the story that you want to be told, in a manner that makes you look wonderful.

Search

About every three months, search your name and your company name in engines such as Bing, Google and Yahoo and see what comes up in the first 50 listings. Are you happy with what you see? Try keywords related to your business along with your city and check your professional reach in a more profound way.

If you find that your business has been reviewed in a negative and inaccurate way, contact the reviewing site and request that the offending post be removed. If customers have offered criticism that just may be constructive, address the matter. Apologize and offer your side of the story. Make amends if possible. By doing so, you’ll add to your credibility and customer service reputation.

It’s been reported that 70% of U.S. employment recruiters have rejected potential job candidates when something about them that was considered unsavory appeared on social media. Solopreneurs should assume that prospective clients will do the same. Maintaining and monitoring your online reputation has never been more important.

Enjoy All the Advantages of Affordable Venetian Marble

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If spending got in the way of acquiring the super marble and granite looks and feel, read on about Venetian marble. Since recycling is everywhere in our fight to preserve the environment, salvaging natural marble brings us this solution to many dreams. Instead of the rather expensive cultured marble and granite, why not opt for the man-made Venetian marble?

How is Venetian marble made?

The reprocessed marble undergoes a procedure of pressing and heating with polymers and pigments. The result is a very strong, non-porous surface. Made of slabs in the factory, fabricators cut and polish it, ready for installation. You get VM in several attractive colors and enchanting edges for a fairyland feeling. Designs come to life in dreamy settings!

Among the Venetian marble, advantages are easy installations with little maintenance headaches, resisting bacteria and staining. Immense durability makes it appropriate for floors and shower enclosures, backsplashes and countertops.

Installations without seams

Without 48″ restrictions, Venetian marble is the first 60″ wide manufactured marble. With few seams, install it quickly and easily with little waste. Don’t you desire the most environmentally sustainable product?

Attractive color options too

Natural rock comes with many surface pits and marks from the wild underground through sustained earthly processes. Engineered stone is quite regular in coloration and surface consistency through the slab. Seams are minimal as a result and they suit applications where color regularity is preferred. Tibetan Beige and Coco Emperador are popular choices unless you opt for the more traditional colors like the Vanilla Sky and Melange.

How to maintain Venetian marble?

Compared to the conventional tile and natural stone surfaces, These marble premium surfaces present no maintenance issues. Simply wipe with wet cloth and even sponge and paper towels would suffice. If heavy stains occur, you need to use a mild soap. A neutral pH cleaner could also be used. A nonabrasive scrub pad will preserve the surface and result in many years of service with no hassles. A marble sealer is advised for additional protection. This marble being very durable, use it for backsplashes and countertops to provide the smart marble and granite look with a long life.

Venetian marble would introduce a great natural stone fantasy into the home or business at reasonable expense. Since many options exist, some are bound to meet your expectations, fancy, lifestyle, and budget. Survey our vast range of premium surfaces to make the best decisions.

Affordable Rental Apartment

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One important consideration while shifting to a new apartment is to care about your security arrangements. Less attention to your safety can put you in a big trouble that can also cost your life and such risk is too big to take for your family. Even you desire to give your kids a secured atmosphere where they can spend a quality time before they move to their universities. Hence, it is in your hands to give a comfortable and luxurious life to your kids and family.

If you are planning to buy or rent an apartment, you can find out an affordable and burglary-proof apartment in New Port Richey. To find such apartment, all it takes is a little research on your part, to make your family and your possessions safe.

If you haven’t moved to an apartment, you can research different apartments within your preferred location. Your search shouldn’t be restricted to your apartment but it should cover the neighborhood areas to be sure that you are not moving to a high crime zone. This can be revealed by finding the local crime rates and incidents of break-ins.

It is essential to take precautions by those who have already moved in a rental apartment. You can start taking precautions to make sure that you are living in a secured apartment. You can protect yourself by having blinds and curtains to cover your large windows but do remember that you don’t leave them open while you move out of your apartment.

There are many other common sense precautions that you can take to protect your apartment. So, be alert and be cautious while signing a rental apartment for your family.

Why TMT Bars Are Better Than Traditional Bars (HYSD)

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When it comes to construction, it is very important to choose the right one. Construction becomes stronger and longevity depends on choosing the right type of building materials.

A few notable points before you take your decision for choosing the Steel bar.

TMT Bar

Thermo Mechanically Treated Bar
It is hard in outer-base and it is softer in core.
Highly weldable and corrosion resistant
It manufactures with hot rolled steel wires, which passes through water.
Highly Ductile
Ideal for all kind of Construction and Structures

Traditional Bar (HYSD)

High Yielding Strength Deformed bars
These bars have more yield strength
HYSD bars are not weldable as TMT bars and also non-comparative in terms of Corrosion résistance
The HYSD bars manufacturing process involves are both Hot and Cold.
Less Ductility
HYSD is also used for all kind of construction and structures but it is less recommended because of the less flexibility

So, what do we understand by HYSD

HYSD = Torsed/twisted steel (TOR Steel Bars)

HYSD = Cold Twisted Deformed Steel Bars (CTD Steel Bars)

HYSD = High Yield Strength Deformed Bars (Of course!)

AND, TMT Bars

TMT bars are manufactured by the quenching and tempering process which becomes the perfect for any construction because the outer surface becomes cool faster than the inner core. For this process, it becomes perfectly ductile. This technique is called Thermo Mechanical Treatment for which it becomes strong and flexible.

Advantages of TMT Bar

Earthquake proof

It provides the perfect combination of Strength & Flexibility that increases the longevity of the structure. It protects structures from an Earthquake.

Ease during the Process

It reduces construction and fabrication time because of its better Ductility and Bendability. Pre knit netting helps to eliminate the manual binding time.

Fire Resistant

It comes with high thermal stability unlike HYSD. It highly fire-resistant and protects buildings from fire.

Corrosion Resistant

Its manufacturing process makes the bar anti-corrosive. Water Treatment during its formation prevents it from coarse carbides generation unlike HYSD bars.

Elongation

TMT Rebars are highly recommended to use for weld joints without any strength reduction due to having less carbon in it.

Rib Strength

External rib across the entire length gives superior bonding strength during RCC (Reinforced Cement Concrete).

Environment-Friendly

Superior Tensile Strength and elongation cause great saving which helps to reduce transport cost. It also saves 17% to 20% over normal bars.

TMT bars are always recommended and considered to be of all construction and while you are making your dream home as well. It is the backbone of all prestigious and valuable construction.

Practical Prevention of Osteoarthritis

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Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease caused by gradual wear and tear of joints. Though the exact cause of osteoarthritis is not determined but many factors may contribute to the development of this disease. They include age, sex, hereditary, nerve injury, muscle weakness, obesity or occupation. But there is something which you can do to diminish your risk of getting osteoarthritis.

Practical Prevention of Osteoarthritis:

Keep your weight down: Research suggests that obese people are at risk of osteoarthritis and that weight loss prevents or delays osteoarthritis from occurring. Obese people posses a significant risk of developing osteoarthritis by putting unnecessary strain on the joints. Study shows that people who loose 11 pounds cut their risk of osteoarthritis to half.

Get enough calcium and vitamins C and D: One of the best ways to avoid bone osteoarthritis is the proper intake of vitamins especially calcium and vitamin D. Calcium is the major component of bone, and is therefore crucial to maintain bone density whereas vitamin D helps in absorption of calcium.

Intake of sufficient amount of calcium in diet: Adult should have a daily intake of 1,000-1,500 mg per day through diet and this will reduce the chances of getting osteoarthritis.

Take precautions at work: Researchers have linked osteoarthritis with repetitive tasks and with jobs that involve kneeling or squatting, especially when lifting heavy objects.

Strengthen muscle and joints through exercise: Exercise can help reduce joint pain and stiffness. Light to moderate-intensity physical activity may prevent or delay the process of bone degeneration.

Avoids sports injury: Avoid sport injury by taking proper precaution while playing or doing exercise. Precautions that you should take while exercising include using proper equipment and protective gear; cross training or varying your activities; taking a break if something hurts or you feel tired; and getting prompt care for injuries.

Business Intelligence

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Business Intelligence

Read the following points below:

1. Companies are aggressively moving to computerized support of their organizations. Can you list at least 2 of the factors driving this move?

• Speed and efficiency.
• Legibility and accuracy.
• Self-sufficiency.
• Cheaper research and development.

2. The definition of Business Intelligence (BI) is:

BI is an umbrella term that combines architecture, tools, databases, analytical tools, applications and methodologies.

What does “umbrella” term mean?

The definition of Business Intelligence (BI) encompasses various software applications used to analyze an organization’s raw data. The discipline entails many related activities, including data mining, online analytical processing, querying and reporting

3. Sometime we say that the term Business Intelligence (BI) is “context free”. What does this mean?

The term business intelligence is “context free” in the sense that the expression means different things to different people. For this reason, we have seen researchers advancing different definitions for business intelligence.

4. Describe what a data warehouse is and how it might differ from a traditional database used for transaction processing.

A data warehouse is a central repository for corporate data and information that an organization derives transaction data, operational systems and external data sources. Although these two may look like they are similar, they exhibit several differences with regard to usage pattern, architecture as well as technology. A traditional database is based on operational processing while a data warehouse is based on informational processing.

A data warehouse focuses on storage, filtering, retrieval and analysis of voluminous information.

A traditional database is used for day to day operations while a data warehouse is used for long-term informational requirements.

5. What is the difference between a data warehouse and a data mart?

A data mart is a subset of a data warehouse that relates to specific business line. Data marts are managed by a specific department within an organization. On the other hand, a data warehouse involves multiple subject areas and assembles detailed information from multiple source systems.

6. What is meant by “Big Data”?

Big data refers to a huge volume of structured, semi-structured and unstructured data from which viable information can be extracted. This kind of data is so voluminous that it cannot be processed using outmoded database and software techniques. Big data helps organizations to improve their operations and be in a position to make quick and smart decisions.

7. Data mining methods are divided into supervised and unsupervised methods. What are these and how are they different?

Supervised data mining method has to do with the presentation of fully labeled data to a machine learning algorithm. On the other hand, unsupervised data mining methods conduct clustering. Data instances are divided into a number of groups.

Unsupervised data mining methods do not put emphasis on predetermined attributes. Moreover, it does not predict a target value. Instead, unsupervised data mining finds hidden structure and relation among data.

Supervised data mining methods are appropriate when there is a specific target value that I to be used to predict about data. The targets can have two or more possible outcomes, or even be a continuous numeric value.

Supervised data mining methods the classes are known in advance while in the other the groups or classes are not known in advance. In supervised data mining methods, data is assigned to be known before computation but in unsupervised learning Datasets are assigned to segments, without the clusters being known.

8. When we consider KPI’s (key performance indicators) we distinguish between driver KPI’s and outcome KPI’s. What is the difference between the two (give a couple of examples of each)

Key performance indicators provide a framework on which organizations can value their progress. Outcome KPIs which are also referred to as lagging indicators measure the output of previous activities. On the other hand, driver KPIs/leading indicators measure the activities that have a significant on outcome KPIs. Driver KPIs have a significant effect on outcome KPIs, but the reverse is not necessarily true.

9. A BSC (balanced scorecard) approach for BPM (business process management) is well-know and widely-used. Describe the strengths of a BSC approach.

BPM entails activities

BPM involves activities like automation, remodeling, monitoring, and analyzing and improving business processes.

Cost efficiency

This is one of the most palpable benefits of BPM approach. It cuts down on costs and increases revenue. BPM adds crucial value in the long run by allowing businesses to compete globally. BPM technology equips a business to switch gears and respond to changing business environment appropriately.

Agility

Change is inevitable in business and a business must be ready to undergo sudden changes at any time. BPM accords a business the flexibility of making changes at minimal costs.

Improved productivity

BPM automates several elements within regular workflows. Process improvements such as eliminations of drawbacks, elimination of redundant steps, and introduction of parallel processing are achieved through BPM. These process improvements allow employees to focus on other important activities of their business since the core support functions would have been handled.

Better visibility

Basically, BPM uses advanced software programs to facilitate the automation process. These programs enable process owners to keep abreast of their performance. Apart from guaranteeing transparency, BPM keep track of how processes work without the need of monitoring techniques and extensive labor.

10. A closed-loop process is often used to optimize business performance. Briefly describe what a closed-loop process means.

A closed-loop process, also referred to as feedback control system is a management system that promotes a well-organized base of preferred outcomes and system feedback. This process is designed to achieve and maintain the desired output in comparison with the actual condition.

Downtown Atlanta Apartments

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Downtown apartments in Atlanta are a recent addition to the downtown area’s lodging options. Downtown Atlanta, the central business district of the city of Atlanta, maintains furnished and unfurnished apartments that are convenient for business travelers, relocated employees, and those in a transit stage of building a house.

For many years, downtown Atlanta was only a business center. The Summer Olympics in 1996, and the major revitalization campaigns have imparted a modern look to this region. Downtown Atlanta has undergone many renovations and modifications to maintain its attractiveness. Many housing facilities were added in the consecutive years, and it has become the location for a number of skyscraper apartments.

Downtown apartments are specifically designed to support the city’s new retail businesses and cultural ventures, and they add style and elegance to the streets. Almost all apartments are located close to deluxe hotels and state-of-the-art conference centers. Luxury apartments are recent additions to this downtown area. Apartments catering to individual preferences such as price, location, nearby school districts, nearby shopping areas, restaurants, churches, pools, and exercise facilities can be selected.

Apartments are built in garden-style and town-home floor plans, with attractive facilities and amenities. Furnished and luxurious apartments are equipped with facilities such as air conditioning, balconies, fireplaces, and high-speed internet.

Rental apartments are accommodation options fit for any budget and lifestyle. Studies reveal that the market for downtown apartments has increased in recent months, with more people opting to stay in apartments rather than individual houses.

Downtown has both new and renovated apartments for rent and for sale. You can select from private or public-private partnership apartments, which are available with varying sizes and rental rates. Centennial Place, City Plaza, and Lofts at Muses are some of the downtown Atlanta apartments.