Archives for November 2021

A Roundup Of The Latest Colorado Auto News

November 25, 2021 by

Colorado is perfect for adventurous drivers that want to taste the freedom of a winding mountain road. It is also home to one of the most prosperous cities in the Midwestern area, Denver. Automobiles had played a large part in Coloradan history since the late 19th century when the first Denver-built car was displayed at a bicycle show. Colorado was the home of the first truly successful electric car: the Fritchle. The Fritchle was a luxury electric car that debuted in around 1908. It was far more torquey than the gasoline vehicles it competed against but suffered from a poor battery life and a lack of charging points in most towns. It was designed with the upper-class Rocky Mountain socialites in mind and saw great success as a point-to-point hopper for partygoers and wealthy shoppers.

The automobile is still significant in the Rocky Mountain state. Here is a quick roundup of the latest auto news coming out of Colorado.

The Dawn Of Colorado’s Internet Of Roads

Colorado is pioneering a new system of smart highways. Funding has been released for 500 miles of high-tech connected highways in the state. This ‘internet of roads’ is based on the ‘internet of things’ concept. Essentially, vehicles, cameras, and traffic signals will all communicate with each other in order to make journeys quicker and reduce accidents on Colorado’s busy highway system. Automobile manufacturers already produce cars with the ability to connect to networks, so the work largely revolves around improving the highways themselves. Expect companies like Root Insurance to lower prices for some customers once the new smart highways are installed, and accident numbers decline.

Smart highways are already in place in some states. Wyoming currently has a small stretch of highway upgraded, and the results have been very encouraging. The project uses V2X technology – which stands for Vehicle To Everything. Vehicle to Everything communication between vehicles and highway sensors allows drivers to be warned of hazards in real-time, and also transmits data that can be used by other vehicle drivers. In theory, the more people that are equipped with it, the better the service on the roads will be.

Amazon’s Electric Vans Begin Delivering

The first wave of electric delivery vans have begun to work routes in the Denver metro area. Their limited 150-mile range means that they will likely stay within city limits for the foreseeable future. Denver is one of 16 cities that the ecommerce giant has selected in which to trial new environmentally-friendly vehicles. Although Amazon is electrifying its fleet very quickly, it will have its work cut out if it wants to reduce the negative effects that its business model has as a whole on the environment. The vehicles themselves are produced and designed by Rivian – a company that Amazon has made significant investments in. Rivian has been gathering interest in Colorado because of their focus on trucks and SUVs – the two most popular kinds of vehicles in the Rocky Mountain state.

Filed Under: News

Fun Gifts To Commemorate Your Graduation

November 24, 2021 by

Graduating from college is a significant accomplishment and one that should be commemorated. Spending years dedicated to studying to become an expert in your area of interest is not a small feat. There are many ways you can celebrate and commemorate college graduation. Here are a few fun and fantastic gift ideas for a recent graduate.

Holiday Ornament

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Unique Christmas ornaments are an excellent gift for a recent graduate because they are small enough to not get in the way and they will also be looked at and remembered every year. Have an ornament made for their Christmas tree with their name and date of graduation or picture, or decorated in the school colors. There are many ways you can personalize the ornament for the graduate. You could even get ornament sets highlighting the school they graduated from. You could also give blanket ball ornaments and DIY Christmas ornaments. There is nothing you can’t DIY with a bit of ribbon and hot glue. You can have the ornaments made into a wreath or other Christmas decor if they already have an excessive amount of Christmas tree ornaments.

Key Chain or Car Ornament

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A personalized key chain is an excellent gift because it is something they’ll see every day. A car ornament or bumper sticker from their college are also great gifts, and they commemorate the graduation and remind them how proud you are of their accomplishments. They are also fun ways to brag to others who will see the critical chain or car ornament when they are out and about. A key chain or car ornament also won’t take up a lot of space, so it won’t become clutter as they move on to the next step in their life.

The Next Step

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While this may not be affordable for everyone, buy them a gift to set them up for the next step in their educational journey, like a new laptop. Many universities offer online graduate programs for people to continue school while working. For example, online BCBA programs allow students to earn their master’s degree in behavioral analysis while exploring their career options. The online format offers the same course content, admissions process, diplomas, practical experience, analytic assessment, additional electives, philosophical foundations, conceptual issues, and supervised fieldwork as the campus option. Top performers will earn online graduate degree diplomas and have the same opportunities for meaningful work and the ability to pursue their personal goals as students who choose the campus option. The one thing they will need if going to school online is a dependable laptop. If they still have the computer they used through their undergraduate program, they are going to be excited to get a new one and touched by your generous gift.

Coffee Mug

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A coffee mug may not sound like a fun or exciting gift like a new laptop or custom Christmas ornament, but a coffee mug is handy and will be a constant visual reminder of their accomplishment. You can get a mug from the school they graduated from. Coffee mugs are perfect whether they drink coffee, tea, or hot chocolate, and they can be used at work or while they are working toward their next online degree program. You can also get coffee mugs personalized with names, dates, images, or mascots, just like the ornaments.

The goal of commemorating graduation is to show the graduate how proud you are of their accomplishment and recognize the hard work that went into their degree. People often look at college students like all they do is drink and party, but college is not easy. Students have to master time management, money management, and study skills quickly or else they won’t make it through a four-year program.

Filed Under: Tips

Should the Seller Get a Copy of the Home Inspection?

November 18, 2021 by

A home inspection is a general term describing the process of an independent inspector checking the condition of a house in New York to verify its quality and safety. The inspector goes through every part of the house, both inside and out, and compiles a report on their findings.

Getting a home inspection can be expensive, but it’s money well spent: you’re making one of the biggest financial decisions in your life. Here are 10 reasons to get a presale home inspection:

  • Inspections save money by preventing big mistakes

The largest benefit from inspections is that they could save you from buying an overpriced dump or falling prey to any number of costly repairs after your purchase. Homes might need new roofs because rodents have chewed up insulation; electrical wiring could turn out to be a safety hazard; there might be foundation problems. Inspections cost money, but the money you’ll spend on repairs after buying an overpriced dump can cost much, much more.

  • You don’t want to pay for someone else’s mistake

The home inspector does not work for you or the seller. They are working for themselves and your interest is in their best interest. This means they will give an unbiased report of the house’s status that leaves no question about it – even if this is unfavorable news for you.

  • A pre-sale inspection could save you from a lawsuit

If a property has a history of flooding and water damage, most likely the seller didn’t disclose this information during negotiations or they did not know. If you buy this property and find out the home inspection report did not mention the flooding issues, you could be faced with a lawsuit.

  • There are so many things to look for in a home inspection

The inspector will check over every aspect of the New York house, inside and out. They’ll check for water damage, mold growth, plumbing problems, electrical hazards, ventilation, insulation quality, structural integrity (foundation, roofing), presence of pests (rodents or termites), safety against fire hazards (smoke alarms), and more.

An inspector knows what they’re doing; listen to them when they tell you something is wrong with your possible new investment!

  • You can’t inspect everything yourself

You may have a knack for home repair, but you can’t check the pipes, foundation, or wiring yourself. Even worse, you might not even know what to look for when it comes to some of these things. You could end up making an expensive mistake if you don’t hire a professional inspector.

  • A pre-sale inspection ensures all problems are made public

The most important part of any negotiation is full transparency from both parties. The house has been inspected and both sides have agreed on repairs – now there is no doubt about the condition of your new property!

  • Home inspections weed out troublemakers during negotiations

When selling Queens New York houses, most sellers will let a home inspection pass without a fuss because they want to move on with their lives. They don’t want to waste time haggling about anything because they know the house has problems; you probably won’t even ask for repairs since you hired an inspector.

This is a much better deal than getting into negotiations with someone who thinks the house is perfect and refuses to make any changes whatsoever, wasting both your time.

  • Home inspections catch mistakes before closing

Sellers may be eager to sell their property after months of trying, but sometimes this means they’re not careful enough when inspecting the reports sent by inspectors. If the seller agrees on all terms and conditions beforehand, then you would just need to tell them if something was wrong – which saves plenty of trouble during negotiations!

  • Trust but verify: it’s a good motto to have

If the seller insists on a home inspection, you can trust they want a flawless report so they can continue with negotiations. But it’s still a good idea to send your inspector – just in case! You’ll look more professional and this will show the seller that you’re serious about buying their house.

  • It gives you time to decide whether or not to buy the house

An inspection doesn’t only give people reasons to walk away from negotiations, but also time to think things over before making a purchase. If something looks too bad with cash for homes, now is the time for buyers and sellers alike to make decisions with confidence.

Getting Home Inspections Despite the Cost

  • Sellers often agree on inspections if they know why they’re important

It’s easy for a seller to refuse an inspection, especially if they know it will cost them money. If you present them with the 10 reasons why home inspections are good, they’ll be more likely to agree on one – there is no reason not to!

  • The terms of inspections are set out in writing

This means that both parties will have similar expectations about what needs to be done. You can come prepared and ask your inspector exactly what problems need immediate attention before negotiations begin. This way, things go much smoother during talks since everyone knows what to expect from each other.

  • It proves that you’re serious about buying

People know that hiring their inspector tells the sellers that you’re serious about making a deal. You’re willing to pay for their time and expertise with a cash for house property on sale, so they’ll be much more likely to negotiate in good faith with you.

  • It is a non-biased opinion of your house’s condition before negotiations

It’s important to mention that inspections can interfere with how well people get along; this is why it’s best if both sides agree on what needs fixing before things start getting ugly during negotiations. This way there are no surprises and everyone knows what to expect from each other – like we said earlier: trust but verify!

  • Inspections cost money and aren’t free

Even if the seller wants an inspection out of convenience, it still costs them money they wouldn’t have had to spend without one. It’s a good way to make a point about the value of your time and effort, even if it is for something as simple as an inspection.

  • Inspections serve as a full-proof way of letting everyone know what needs fixing

This means that you won’t have to pay for another report after negotiations are done – which is great because inspections aren’t cheap! This will save both parties from potential betrayal – one common reason why people refuse inspections.

This way there are no surprises and everyone knows what to expect from each other. Seventh, you will have a better idea of what needs fixing before you purchase houses in New York which is why it’s best if both sides agree on what needs fixing before things start getting ugly during negotiations.

 

Filed Under: Home & Decor

What Are The Best Ways To Save Money On Gifts?

November 10, 2021 by

Buying gifts is something that many people love to do, and at certain times of the year, it’s even expected. However, if you love buying things for people ‘just because’ or you have a lot of people to buy for when it comes to Christmas, birthdays, and other occasions, you may find that it all starts to add up and become much more expensive than you’re comfortable with.

What is the answer if you don’t want to stop buying gifts? If you want to keep giving presents, the only solution is to look for ways to save money – read on for some useful ideas that might help you do just that.

Shop In Advance

One of the best things you can do if you want to save money when buying gifts is not to leave things until the last minute, but to shop in advance. In this way, you can take your time and look around for the best prices instead of panicking because you’re running out of time and just buying from the first store or website you see. You can even look for coupons and discounts if you leave enough time. By downloading a Mellow Cosmetics coupon code, for example, you can save money and buy something lovely that your recipient is going to adore.

Plus, the more time you have to look for a gift, the more likely it is you’ll be able to receive it in time. Although a lot of items can be obtained through next day delivery, one of a kind pieces, personalized gifts, or anything coming from a different country will always take longer, and that means that the earlier you order them, the more chance you’ll have of giving them to your recipient when you want to.

Give Something Homemade

Another way to save money when giving gifts is to make something yourself. Think about what you would have bought, and see if it would be cheaper to make it yourself – in some cases (although not all), it will be. Plus, giving a handmade gift that you have put time and effort into is always going to be received well – remember, you don’t have to spend a lot to give a great gift, you just have to be thoughtful about what you are giving.

Or why not just make something without looking around at what you might have bought anyway? If you have a particular skill such as baking, painting, poetry, or anything else, this can be used to make a wonderful gift. Even if you don’t think you’re particularly talented in the crafting department, you can still try, and the results might be better than you think. No matter what, a homemade gift will be well received and often much cheaper than buying something from a store.

Give Your Services

For some, their talents lie in potentially less creative areas, which means that, at first glance, making something homemade really isn’t a viable idea. Yet what about your other skills? Are you particularly organized? Can you clean a house brilliantly? Could you tidy someone’s garden or paint their garage door or anything else that’s needed around the house? By offering your services, you are saving the recipient money if they would have hired someone to do the work or time and effort if they were going to do it themselves. Either way, this is a thoughtful gift that helps everyone and doesn’t cost you much – if anything – at all.

 

Filed Under: Money Talk

3 Types Of Equipment You Should Not Attempt To Repair Yourself

November 8, 2021 by

If you own a business, there are likely many different types of equipment that you use. These pieces of equipment can make your life so much easier, but they can also cause problems, especially when they malfunction or cease to function completely. You may want to jump in and try to make any repairs that need to be made yourself, but the truth is that you really should hire a professional in some cases. Certain things can be dangerous or costly to try to repair on your own if you are inexperienced. Here are 3 types of equipment you should never attempt to repair yourself.

Chillers

Whether you are dealing with water cooled chillers, air cooled chillers, or a different type, it’s important to have a very deep understanding of how chillers work before you try to repair them. The reason for this is that this type of equipment can be expensive, and if you don’t know what you’re doing when working on it, you may have to end up buying a new chiller entirely. If there is a malfunction, call in a professional right away so that they can come and take a look and this could end up saving you a lot of money and stress in the long run.

Electrical

Should it break, any type of electrical equipment should always be dealt with by a professional electrician or an expert in that specific piece of equipment. This is for safety issues, as if you mess something up you can be electrocuted and die. Don’t risk your life trying to fix something and call someone who knows exactly what they’re doing. Trustworthy electricians are pretty easy to find. Just make sure to ask any questions you may have so that you feel more comfortable.

Transportation

Transportation equipment such as trucks, tractors, trailers, or forklifts should never be repaired by an inexperienced person, and there is no reason they should have to be. There are so many mechanics out there who will be able to fix your issues quickly, easily, and with very little stress. You should always have a mechanic on hand who specializes in the particular type of equipment you use the most and make sure you keep their number saved in your phone or taped on your fridge, because you will inevitably need it eventually.

Equipment repairs can be a huge nuisance and they can also be quite costly, but they are just one small part of running a business, and you have to be prepared for them. Just because they happen all the time though doesn’t mean you have to handle them yourself! Swallow your pride and don’t be afraid to call in the professionals when needed.

Filed Under: Business & Growth

The Most Popular Horse Breeds: Top 7

November 8, 2021 by

There are over 350 distinct horse breeds and ponies. Each horse has its own set of characteristics, ranging from working and racing to casual riding and equestrian competition. However, there are five specific breeds as well as five broad horse categories that stand out among the rest. Horses with “sporty” characteristics and outstanding temperaments are the most common. They can be employed for pleasure riding and competition, and many of them are appropriate for first-time horse owners.

1) American Quarter Horse

The American quarter horse is renowned for its agility, docility, and athletic ability. Originating from English thoroughbreds and Native American Chickasaw horses in the 16th century, it has the world’s largest breed registry. These horses are both in the show ring and on the trail.

2) Arabian

The Arabian is the world’s oldest horse breed registry, dating back to 3000 B.C. Its lineage dates back to 3000 B.C. when it was first bred. Every light horse breed, including Appaloosas, Morgans, and Andalusians, can trace its ancestry back to the Arabian. Some may not be able to handle it since it can be a rather boisterous horse breed. However, it is also generally a kind and loyal horse.

3) Thoroughbred

The most popular racing horse in North America is the thoroughbred. This breed is recognised for its agility, speed, and enthusiasm, making it a “hot-blooded” horse. A versatile equestrian multipurpose horse that may compete in other equestrian events besides racing, such as dressage and jumping. Take a look at the latest horse racing tips from Timeform, which includes a lot of Thoroughbred horses. Alternatively, it may simply enjoy its life as a companion animal for pleasure riding.

4) Appaloosa

The Appaloosa horse breed was created by the Nez Perce Indians for hunting and combat. It’s thought to be a mix of wild horses, American quarter horses, and Arabian horses. The hardy, adaptable horse is suitable for herding, pleasure riding, long-distance trekking, and more.

5) Morgan

The Morgan horse breed is well-known for its strength and beauty. The muscularity of the Morgan was employed to clear and till New England fields during the colonial era when it was designated the state horse breed of Vermont. It’s a popular horse today, both as driving and riding mount. It’s steady over difficult terrain and elegant in the ring.

6) Warmbloods

In the equine world, “warm-blooded,” “cold-blooded,” and “hot-blooded” are used to describe a horse’s disposition, size, and ancestry. Warmbloods with a European heritage include medium-sized horses such as the American quarter horse, Hanoverian, Cleveland bay, and Canadian. The combined characteristics of these horses, which include a touch of the fiery “hot-blooded” thoroughbreds or Arabians and the calm disposition of “cold-blooded” working horses, make them appealing. And this well-balanced character has made it a hit among horse enthusiasts.

7) Grade Horses

The term “fancy horse” is a horse of no particular breeding that is used to describe the mongrels of the equine world. Crossbreeds are different from mutts because they are the product of two known pedigreed horses who were deliberately bred. Horses with modest pedigrees and no high-level performance achievements may not be as outstanding as horses with famous pedigrees, but they can be just as versatile and dedicated. They also tend to avoid many of the hereditary disorders that purebreds are prone to acquire.

 

Filed Under: Talk Blog

Top Ways To Make Money From Things Just Lying Around The Home!

November 2, 2021 by

Now more than ever, it can be a real struggle to ensure you have enough money to pay for the cost of running your home, affording your children’s numerous extracurricular activities, not to mention the impending holiday season which will put even more of a strain on your finances.

With that being said, continue reading to discover how to source random, unwanted things that are just lying around the home that can be turned into instant cash and also clear some more much-needed space.

CDs & DVDs

Whether you still thoroughly enjoy listening to your favorite artists and bands on compact discs and have decided to shun the technological evolution of the mp3 and streaming, or moreover you have a large box of CDs gathering dust in the attic, any unwanted CDs you no longer want can be converted to cash through a number of available online websites.

Obviously, your old music albums are unlikely to make you a million bucks, unless you are incredibly lucky and fortunate, but you will be able to make some money that goes straight into your bank account.

Gift Vouchers & Cards

You will more than likely recognize the situation well; a close friend or family member gives you a gift voucher for a store you don’t normally shop in and you place it carefully in a drawer to give somebody else or try and use it a later date.

The beauty is that now, thanks to fabulously innovative online companies such as CardCrazy, you are able to sell your gift cards for a nominal fee which the company will then use, repurpose or sell back on themselves.

Spare Change

Set yourself a half hour timer on your phone and rush from room to room in your property searching for loose change and random coins in coat pockets, under and inside chairs and generally in every nook and cranny in the house.

Most larger superstores have a coin machine, usually located near the entrance, where you can pour your collected change into the slots and the machine will count the money and give it back to you in dollar notes.

You will be surprised at the sheer amount of change you will find and, as the cliché goes, every little helps!

Crafty Websites

If you are particular skilled or maybe you simply just enjoy creating small craft objects or creating bespoke and beautiful birthday and Christmas cards, then you might consider selling your creations on specialized handmade selling sites.

In the case of not being overtly creative or particularly crafty, you could perhaps start creating small food and drink hampers, tied with a ribbon, using unwanted consumable gifts that you no longer need. You could even buy food goods in bulk to do multiple hampers at once for less money.

Alternatively, you could always consider holding a yard sale or even attending an early morning car boot sale to both clear your home of unwanted clutter and make some extra money in the process.

 

Filed Under: Money Talk