Ensure a Smooth, Clean Onboarding Process

Whether your business involves selling products or services, convenience is the name of the game. The easier it is to get started, the more likely prospects (or leads) will be to follow through with converting into happily paying customers. Enabling the opposite (obstacles that could make onboarding difficult) will only deter future customers, harming your revenue stream and word-of-mouth reputation in the process.

Gather Pools of Customer Feedback

Not all consumers are created equal and assuming so will be your downfall. Regardless of your business or industry, the more you know about your competitors and customers, the better. And what better way to do so than to get the intel right from the horses’ mouth? Some of the best methods for collecting customer intel?

Conduct Surveys: Sending surveys via email, direct mail, social media, etc. is a great way to ask direct questions and get direct feedback. It’s ideal for filling in the grey areas when unsure about product design, brand acceptance, etc. Your best bet is to offer some form of incentive for filling out – also, make them short and simple for more entries!

Focus Groups: For larger product launches or campaigns, it pays to gather samples of people to provide in-depth feedback. Some of the info may appear abstract, some direct – consider hiring some analysts to make the most of the information you gather.

Social Media Polls: Arguing with a co-worker over a small detail? Run a quick poll with a small ad spend behind it to get a single response from one, direct question.

If you’re serious about gathering quality customer intel, consider hiring a trusted market research firm.

See Customer Service As An Investment

There was once a time where having a customer service team was seen as a novelty. Not anymore! Pretty much regardless of your industry, trust there will be healthy competition at all price points, so fail to help your customers out and they’ll leave for a competitor without hesitation. This is particularly true in the social media era – a time where consumers look to Twitter and other networks for real-time assistance (minus the hold music).

Bottom line, it costs a whole lot less to keep your customers happy (and paying) than it would to maintain a revolving door of a customer base – trust us. Having to aggressively market and advertise for the *chance* of maintaining revenue pales in comparison to just keeping a loyal customer base present.

Set Up a Solid Loyalty Program

Like it or not, consumers want incentives for pretty much everything. They want to be rewarded and guess what – if you don’t do it, your competitors certainly will. The best choice? Set up a strong customer loyalty program, which creates a plethora of benefits for your business.

This works to encourage customer loyalty (increasing the value of each customer to acquire and keep), while providing an avenue to collect their shopping and spending habits, which can be used to personalize your long-term marketing efforts.

The post Tips to Improve Customer Retention appeared first on Newton Search.

Over the years, the manufacturing industry has braved various threats and risks and come out stronger and secure. It is an ongoing exercise, and the industry is still facing many existing and emerging risks. Here, I will give you an overview of six risks that the manufacturing industry is countering all around the world.

Widening Skill Gap

Widening the skill gap is the most imminent threat the manufacturing industry is facing, especially in the US and many other first-world countries. A 2018 study by Deloitte forecasts that there will be around 2.4 million positions unfilled in the manufacturing sectors between 2018 and 2028 in the US.

The reason behind this widening skill gap is very simple: millennials and Generation Z don’t regard the manufacturing sector as a good career choice. They are skeptical of the job stability and growth that the sector has to offer.

On top of that, the alternative presented by the tech and service sector with the promise of good growth and competitive salaries further shade the reputation of the manufacturing industry. In the meanwhile, seasoned skilled workers are aging and retiring. In view of all this, it is only logical that the manufacturing sector is going through a widening skill gap.
To bridge this gap caused by a lack of human resources, local manufacturing industries and groups have to go old school. They need to partner with local governments and educational institutes to commence apprenticeship programs for the youth. Also, they need to change their outlook, improve the work environment, and market themselves in a better light since they are up against the “cool” tech sector.

Product Recalls

Rules and regulations governing manufacturing processes have become quite stringent in the last couple of decades. Moreover, non-compliance with regulatory directives has become an unforgivable sin for manufacturing facilities. The unbending manufacturing regulations and swift action against their non-compliance have increased the instances of a product recall. A product recall is a major disrupter in any manufacturing environment. It can mess up the entire supply chain while costing a lot to the affected company and or facility. Besides direct monetary losses, frequent product recalls can also destroy the bottom line by inflicting outlays in terms of future sales loss, reputation damage, regulatory fines, and litigation expenses. The product recalls in the food industry alone cost up to $10 billion in both direct and indirect losses. The manufacturing sector has to be more diligent with the implementation of relevant directives, especially if they are supplying overseas contractors. They also need to employ real-time traceability to quickly identify and remove defective inventory from the supply chain.

Security of Smart Facilities

The manufacturing sector is gradually moving towards a smart future. It has been estimated that manufacturers will spend north of $250 billion on IoT technologies by the end of this year. While smart facilities will ensure quicker turnaround, streamlined supply chain, and intuitive quality control, they will be vulnerable to cyber-attacks. A potent cyber intrusion can bring a smart manufacturing facility to a screeching halt. Manufacturers adopting smart technology need to invest in improving cybersecurity in the same proportion for providing sufficient cover to their smart infrastructure.

Regularizing 3D Printing

3D printing can be a gamechanger for the manufacturing sector in both senses. On the one hand, it can boost the production rate and cut down costs. On the other hand, it can promote counterfeiting and poor quality production. Also, a manufacturing facility may have to face false liability claims because criminals will replicate counterfeit goods by leveraging 3D printing. They can make proprietary products at lower price points but with questionable quality.

Intellectual Property (IP) Protection

Protecting intellectual property has always been a challenge for the manufacturing industry. Tracking IP thefts and copyright infringements become impossible, especially when the supply chain and target market expand. As per one estimate, it has been estimated that IP theft in the US, which includes patents, trademarks, trade secrets, and copyrights, cost hundreds of billions of $$ to the economy.

Protecting intellectual property is certainly not a mean task. However, a manufacturing facility can devise a more robust and effective IP protection regimen with strict scrutiny of its supply chain. It includes a more detailed identification and validation process for suppliers and improved end-to-end visibility. Minimal reliance on outsourcing entities is also essential to minimize the chances of IP theft.

Pest Problem

For homeowners, a pest might not be more than mere nuisance. However, a manufacturing facility has to pay high costs if it fails to curb this problem before it blows out of proportion. Pests can’t just ruin the reputation of a business but also stop the manufacturing process. It is common for facilities to stop the entire manufacturing plant because a rodent got stuck in the blower.

In many cases, product recalls occur because the traces of pests are found in a given product. The constant presence of pests can infest the manufacturing facility with diseases that are not good for the employees working there. To get rid of the pest problem and make sure it doesn’t occur, a manufacturing facility must get its premises fumigated and disinfected by any experienced pest control service.

With more diligence, strict quality measures, and continuous technological integration and adaptation, manufacturing facilities can take care of all the risks discussed here except for widening skill gap. It is one thing not in direct control of the manufacturing industry. A large-scale manufacturing revival tied to various economic factors and government policies is needed to address the skill gap issue and should be a top priority for all parties.

The post 6 Risks Manufacturing Industry Facing Right Now appeared first on Newton Search.

Check Your Airline’s Baggage-Fee Policy

The first thing you need to check before you begin packing is the weight limit you’re allowed to carry with you. If you’re traveling by air or any such means that require you to follow a strict baggage guideline, this step can save you from paying huge extra charges.
Moreover, if you’re off to visit a place where you’ll be unloading some of your items (like gifts), you shouldn’t face any problem on your trip back. However, if you’ll be bringing back souvenirs, it’s best to make sure you’ll be able to pack them based on what your luggage weighs after you’re done packing for the trip.

Follow the 3-1-1 Rule

This helpful rule was put in place by Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA). The 3-1-1 rule applies to carry on luggage. It’s important to know because you can get your items and/or luggage confiscated during the screening process if you don’t follow through with it. The 3-1-1 rule is associated with how you pack the liquid and gel items such as shampoos, deodorants, and cosmetics) in your carry on luggage. There are special considerations for medications and baby nutritional related items such as formula. Here’s what it says:

• 3 – Each liquid must be enclosed within a container of 3.4 ounces or less.
• 1 – All the liquid containers must be packed inside one clear, quarter-sized, plastic bag.
• 1 – There should be only one see-through plastic bag for carrying your liquid essentials.

Organize a Capsule Wardrobe Outside Your Suitcase

Now that you’re aware of the rules and regulations that every traveler must know to avoid delays and mishaps, let’s move on to the essential packing tips that help you pack smarter for your trip! Most people pick out what they’d like to wear during their trip, laying them down in the suitcase one-by-one. However, that’s precisely how you overpack your suitcase, making a complete clutter.

Fortunately, there’s a solution to avoid this travel packing havoc. Instead of picking out things based on what you like and dislike, layout your preferences on a surface where you can inspect all your items in one place. This includes all your shirts, jeans, shorts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, scarves, and shoes. Now, start organizing a capsule wardrobe to create complete outfits, eliminating the items that you can’t match with other pieces. For example, there might be a particular pair of jeans that you can’t wear with more than a t-shirt or two. Or, there must be some shoes that you love, but they only go with one outfit. Moreover, it would be best to pick out neutral colors first, like white, black, blue, and brown, so that you can make your capsule wardrobe more easily. Plus, don’t forget to pack one outfit that you can pull off at all kinds of fancy gatherings and clubs. For instance, women should always pack a mini black dress that can be dressed up or dressed down for any occasion.

Fun Accessory Tip – Pack Scarves

Different scarves can completely transform your outfit even when they’re worn with the same clothes repeatedly. These wardrobe accessories take close to no space in your suitcase and work as an exceptional all-rounder on your trips.

Roll Your Clothes and Pack Them First

The best way to make the most of your space while preventing your clothes from creasing is using the rolling method. For your tops, lay them facedown, fold their sleeves, and then roll from the bottom up. As for pants and shorts, put their legs together and roll them from the waist down. Furthermore, it is best to put the rolled clothes in your suitcase before anything else, as they can fit more nicely with the suitcase lining.

Use Packing Cubes

Packing cubes are the next best thing you can invest in if you want to pack smarter. These blocks keep all your items organized, as you categorize all your tops, bottoms, and other essentials in different sections. Plus, these cubes are so lightweight and thin that you wouldn’t have to compromise your baggage weight limit or the precious suitcase space.

Layer Up

There are always some essentials that weigh a lot more than you can afford to carry in your suitcase. For example, a heavy fur coat, chunky boots, or a thick sweater. Layer yourself with the heavy items when you’re off to the airport and then shed them to the overhead luggage area once you’re safely seated on the plane. This way, you’ll be able to save space and overcome the weight limit.

Place the Heavier Items Wheel-Side

Keep the weightier (solid) items, like shoes and books, on your suitcase’s wheel-side. This placement will help it stay stabilized when you’re carrying it in an upright position.

Bring Some All-Size Plastic Bags and a Mini Iron

Include some all-size plastic bags in your travel packing list, as they exceptionally help you store wet swimsuits, dirty laundry, or other such things during your trip. Additionally, if you think there’s a need, you can carry a mini iron in your suitcase. The best thing about this item is that it’s usually lightweight and small enough to even keep in your handbag.

Keep the Small, Expensive Essentials on Your Person

While keeping your identity card and passport on your person is essential, you also wouldn’t want to lose your expensive Rolex if your luggage gets lost. Avoid such mishaps by keeping your small, expensive essentials with yourself in your carry on bag.

Note: Don’t forget to pack the important medications and daily supplements in your handbag as well.

Give these ten travel packing tips a try for having a wonderful time on your trip without making a chaotic mess of your suitcase!

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Scaffoldings are always the first thing installed when starting any construction project or maintenance work. While it is only a temporary support system for the workers to conduct their work, scaffolding is important for construction in more than one way. Here are seven reasons why the use of scaffolding is considered of paramount importance when it comes to working in the construction industry:

Easy Accessibility

Working on a construction site becomes way more challenging when the building has some areas that have limited or no access. That is one of the major problems that scaffoldings address by providing workers a clear passageway to all parts of the structure. This is especially important when the under-construction site is a tall building where a supporting platform is more than essential.

Scaffoldings provide a secure channel to the construction workers, providing an entrance to any area in the building without having to worry about the disarrayed structure. Moreover, the scaffolding’s interconnected layout ensures the builders can have full access to each part of the area for easily performing their tasks like painting or plastering.

Firm Footing and Balance

After the accessibility factor, the biggest advantage of installing scaffoldings would be the exceptional balance that they provide to the builders who are actively working on the site. There are several tasks to be performed where the construction workers must be at their quick pace while working on the building. That’s only possible when they have a firm footing and a stable balance. Using a high quality scaffolding never fails to deliver in this aspect.
Thanks to the solid, flat surface that the scaffolds offer, the builders can comfortably balance themselves in different positions. It is a necessary facet of the job as it helps them posture themselves in the required strategic positions and specific angles needed to carry out their work efficiently.

Maximum Safety

Safety is among the primary reasons why scaffolding is important for construction. Working at dizzying heights always carries an element of risk and danger for the builders. This means that it is necessary to provide them with a safe and secure construction setting to perform their tasks without worrying about falling. Not only does it ensure the health and safety of the builders, but it also protects the people below the scaffolding. Moreover, this structure provides the workers with a secure medium to transport their materials without getting injured. And to top it off, scaffoldings also work as an excellent barrier to catch all the loose debris, creating a safe working environment for everyone involved.

High Productivity

While this is not as prominent a reason to install scaffolding into a construction site, enhanced productivity is an advantage that is way more useful than many other factors. These structures indirectly give you a greater benefit of efficiency, significantly speeding up your overall job. When a construction builder is offered a safe working space with easy access to different parts of the building and a solid foot balance, the productivity automatically elevates tenfold. As it is a highly demanding job that requires excruciating physical efforts and time, scaffoldings provide the kind of advantage that proves to be exceptionally helpful for the workers until their work is fully finished.

The Bridging Act

An unfinished building involves several activities where the construction workers might need to take a considerable time out of their schedule, making their way to a certain point safely. This could be an unnecessary waste of energy and time for the builders.
Scaffolding makes it easier for the workers on-site, saving their extra time and energy by offering several bridging points, reducing the long distances that need to be covered. Along with these benefits, it’s also worth mentioning that the bridging points also prove to be helpful for making the construction process simpler.

Easy Assembly and Dismantling Process

Despite what many people assume, it doesn’t take a lot of time to assemble or dismantle the scaffolding structure. The simple process saves the builders a significant amount of time constantly working through a tight deadline and doing their best to complete the projects within the required time limit. Simply put, the construction builders minimize their pre-construction and post-construction time when they decide to install scaffoldings onto their working site.

The Scaffolding’s Lifespan

By now, you must have realized why scaffolding is important for the construction industry and why not using them isn’t taken lightly in the industry. However, there is another bonus advantage to these structures – increased safety at construction sites. Typically, good-quality scaffolds last a very long time, whether they’re made of wood or steel. This makes the scaffoldings a highly durable accessory for finishing the job more competently and securely every single time.

The post 7 Reasons Why Scaffolding Is Important for Construction appeared first on Newton Search.

Many visitors to Las Vegas are dazzled by the bright lights and unique architecture at some of the casinos. Sticker shock quickly sets in as they review menus online. Unless you are a whale, a high-roller upon whom the casino staffers dance attendance, room service is out. Many hotels offer a discount on their buffets, but true gourmands quickly tire of steam table entrees and the monotony of waiting on long lines just to eat. Some visitors never experience daylight, and that’s a shame. This desert oasis has much to offer in the way of dining destinations, most on Las Vegas Boulevard (of broken dreams); some are off the beaten track. Here are the top choices for dining out in Las Vegas, without spending all of your winnings!

Ramen Katanaya

San Franciscans know this spot well, it originated on their home turf. A satellite establishment opened just a stroll from Lake Como’s Dancing Fountains. How cool is that? And who doesn’t like ramen? Nobody. And where else can you dine quickly and well for under $10? Low prices, variety, and fresh ingredients are the draw. Understandably this tiny dive can get crowded and the wait times long, but learn to eat just before or after the rush and you’ll be just fine.

Urban Turban

Quality Indian eats in the desert. Fresh veggies and proteins, spicy or mild menu options again, classic entrees cooked to order. You’ll dine like rajahs for under $10 a head.

Yard House

East coast visitors will be looking for a deli lunch and Yard House is happy to comply. They offer a half sammie or pizza with soup or salad for under $10, a beer brings the total tab up to $15. For a taste of home with a spin on it- their Caesar salad is made with the green of the moment kale (next year it will be mustard greens, you heard it first) as well as that old fave- the turkey club this is the place for you!

Five50 at Aria

The title comes from the price of a slice at this takeout counter so ‘how much’ should not be an issue. These pies are artisanal and the slices minuscule but you won’t mind. A pizza addiction is a real thing and so are these pies!

Bruxie

If you have the kids in tow (why? why?) Bruxie is your destination. There’s a kid’s menu, and if you have to shove something into them in the afternoon, Bruxie’s frozen custard and/or waffle fries will do the trick. Be sure and try their Chicken and Waffle sandwich for under $10. You’re welcome!

https://www.juicestandard.com/

Again, if you brought the next generation with you, or should you eat clean, The Juice Standard is your kinda place. Found inside the Cosmopolitan, expect fresh and bottled juices, avocado toast, and pudding made from chia seeds. Ala cart options range from $7 to $15. Fresh. Ain’t. Cheap.

Shake Shack

Another beacon of familiarity on the strip here’s a sight for sore eyes when you are craving a burger and a shake. Their malteds are superior offerings and the burgers, topped with your choice of options is less than $7. For real. It’s hard to spend more than $15 a person and your wallet will thank you.

Hash House a Go Go

Brunch for $15 per person, prepared while you wait, an extensive menu with every protein and carb-laden breakfast treat imaginable, and portions that would satisfy a lumberjack. Off the Strip on Sahara Avenue with nary a wait line. You’ll like it here!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/vegenation-las-vegas

Yup. In our quest to find something for everyone, consider this Downtown Vegas hideaway. It features jackfruit tacos, cauliflower masquerading as chicken, and a whistlestop tour from Thailand through the Azores on its menu. Hard to spend more than $12 here and that’s gravy!

https://www.yelp.com/biz/komex-fusion-las-vegas-2

Possibly coming to a strip mall near you in the near future, in Las Vegas, the darling indie cuisine of the moment is Korean Mexican. Go for it. KoMex is healthy, spicy, and deeply satisfying. If you like to keep your tacos and burritos pure, the restaurant offers separate Korean and Mexican menus. The most expensive item on either is $10 and it’s all freshly prepared.

https://www.yelp.com/biz/in-n-out-burger-las-vegas-12

When it’s time to graduate from McDonald’s, try In N Out Burger. Their burgers are made from fresh beef and cost less than fast-food chain hockey pucks, that’s why. A solid, if not nutritious meal can be had for under $10. Num, num!

Haute Doggery

Lest you think we prefer cats, I mean burgers, over dogs, here is an upmarket version of everyone’s favorite bite. Insite, the Linq these dogs are named for celebrities and include tube steaks made from high-grade Kobe beef. Oh, and no item is over $8. Eat hearty!

SkinnyFATS

Here the majority of menu options cater to those with special dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegan, low carb, etc. It does not forget regular folks, but turnabout is fair play, they will have fewer choices should they decide to tag along. Prices hover around $15 per person.

Well, there you have it. When the casino buffet line pales and your hide could use a shot of vitamin D, go outside and take a walk or a short ride to a dining destination that meets your dietary cravings and budget!

The post Dining Out in Las Vegas Without Breaking the Bank appeared first on Newton Search.

NAME: Chayo
LOCATION: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd, LINQ Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

When it comes to sauces and seasoning, Chayo is one of the best Mexican places we’ve been to, period. They consistently have great happy hour deals and the atmosphere is always fun for locals and visitors.

NAME: Strip House
LOCATION: 3667 Las Vegas Blvd, Planet Hollywood & Casino
CUSINE: Steak House

Oh man. Nothing short of a delicious steak house with multiple locations across the country, but the Vegas Strip location is arguably the best. It’s obviously not a cheap place to eat, but you get fairly generous portion sizes with really good sides. and yes, their chocolate cake is really good!

NAME: El Gringo Loco
LOCATION: 3555 S Las Vegas Blvd, Flamingo Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

On the move? El Gringo Loco has delicious food and a strong selection of beers that you can take with you along the strip, so you can stay fueled for your adventures. Or you can stay, they have some solid breakfast for cheap, same with lunch. The food is just as good no matter where you are.

NAME: Off The Strip
LOCATION: 3535 Las Vegas Blvd South LINQ Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Italian

For a nice, but casual dining experience, you can’t really go wrong with Off The Strip. Located on the ground floor of The LINQ is an array of delicious Italian cuisine that will please any party. We’re big fans of their pasta dishes and even bigger fans of their desserts. Their cheesecake is especially good to the point you’d think you were in New York!

NAME: Carlos ‘N Charlie’s
LOCATION: 3555 Las Vegas Blvd South, Flamingo Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

When you have a quality product and offer value, good things will always come and that’s exactly what you’ll get with a visit to Carlos N’ Charlie’s! Absolutely delicious food and generous portions will always keep us coming back. The big winner? Their nacho platter is amazing and they give competitive happy hour offers (and large glasses of beer).

NAME: The Still
LOCATION: 3400 Las Vegas Blvd, The Mirage Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Sports Bar

This massive sports bar is filled with great drinks, delicious wings and tons of fun! They’re known for their super dynamic energy because there’s always something going on, whether it’s sports-related, or contest-related.

NAME: Diablo’s Cantina
LOCATION: 3900 S. Las Vegas Blvd, Luxor Hotel & Casino
CUSINE: Mexican

Diablo’s Cantina is where you go for savory meats (we come for the burritos). Overall, their Mexican cuisine consists of gourmet platters with fresh ingredients that only master chefs can gather and execute. Everything is custom and designed to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. They would never disappoint.

NAME: Nacho Daddy
LOCATION: 3663 Las Vegas Blvd, Miracle Mile Shopping Mall
CUSINE: Mexican

We love restaurants where you can get breakfast, lunch and dinner without compromising a thing. Guess what? You can get just that over at Nacho Daddy! They also offer 2-for-1 drink deals during the week, so you can always get a good bang for your buck!

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Despite some of the most frigid winters anywhere, Danes are rated among the happiest people on earth. A born skeptic, this writer noted that happiness is relative, there is no barometer or unit of measure to determine the accuracy of that statement. Also that Hygge, (derived from the Norwegian word for ‘well-being’) is not unlike other European-based concepts such as gemutlich in Germany, and gezelligheid in Holland. That said, lifestyle editors and trendsetters are always looking for the next big thing, and in recent years, that has been Hygge. The British, said to be stiff and formal, adopted and adapted the concept several years ago. From there this trend has emigrated to the U.S. where it is quickly taking hold. Why? There are numerous reasons, and in this article we’ll explore a few as well as provide pointers for those interested in simplifying their lives to the point where they can achieve a new level of contentment.

The chief reason for the rise of Hygge in the States is that anyone, regardless of social class or financial station, can achieve it. Since the economic downturn of 2008, the nation has not yet entirely returned to the same buying power it had prior to the crash. Having to make do with less, however, does not have to be a burden. Hygge demonstrates that there can be joy in developing an appreciation for what one has, the simpler things, and not allow the pursuit of expensive and desirable objects govern who we are or become. This concept is seen most often in our home and apartments and is expressed by its furnishings. From simple throws and decorative pillows used to snuggle up in front of the ubiquitous fireplace. If a flaming hearth is not available, at least a few candles provide the correct ambience if not sufficient warmth.

Hygge is making headway in the kitchen, too. Most Americans traditionally have family and friends over for a ‘big feed’ such as a backyard barbecue that includes a major protein such as beef, chicken or pork, and at least two to three courses. Entertaining ‘cozy’ means having a few people over to share a bottle of wine, a pot of chili, and maybe a homemade dessert instead. As Nancy Fuller, a show host on the Food Network puts it, “Simple is best…and always includes family.”
Why Hygge, Why Now?

Credit the concept of remote workers to the rise of homes with fireplaces and directed heat sources to warm the place where activity (or inactivity) occurs. Note that the trend towards repurposing items echos the tradition of handing down items in families, such as garden tools, or a piece of furniture such as a sideboard or a cherished piano. Embracing the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, Marie Kondo, the professional home organizer, advises her clients to declutter their spaces by keeping items that “spark joy” and selling or donating the rest. Used and secondhand clothing is huge with websites such as ThredUp and Poshmark that allow items to be sold for profit. And it is no wonder that the internet’s largest websites are resellers of household merchandise and handcrafted goods such as Amazon and Ebay.

The great thing about Hygge is that few is any of us will have to invest in additional possessions. If anything, Hygge is about paring down our furnishings, our cupboards, our wardrobe, and our lives to the simplest formula. What are the main elements that make your nest a Hygge home?

• A fireplace or source of warmth and/or soft light. It can be a space heater or a candle.
• Pillows and a lap robe. For snuggling up and reading, taking a nap, or to compensate for lowering the thermostat.
• Hot tea. The ritual of making and drinking tea in itself is relaxing, prompts us to slow down and to become more mindful of our actions.
• Mittens instead of gloves. Keeps your hands warmer and can be handmade from a worn-out, old beloved sweater.
• Homemade treats. Dust off old family recipes for chicken and dumplings, chocolate cake, and lentil soup. using kitchen small appliances like a crock pot is NOT considered cheating and will quickly fill your home with wonderful aromas everyone can enjoy.

Caveat: Hygge is not about isolationism nor having a flop day. Get up at intervals, take a walk outside, call a friend, or invite someone over. Be a hermit in your next life!

To sum up, Americans have been ready for Hygge for a long time. From our increasingly more casual workwear, to our weekend pursuits that usually involve binge-watching, we as a nation are learning to decompress from the workweek. We are learning to derive our pleasure from simple meals, companionship, contemplation, and conversation. Maybe the best takeaway from the concept of Hygge is, “It is not what you make, it is what you keep.” Looking at it this way, for those living the less-complicated Hygge lifestyle, truly “less is more”.

The post Have You Hygged Today – Explore the Danish Art of Living appeared first on Newton Search.

There are many reasons that you might want to track a phone number. By this we mean calls that have been made to or from another person’s cell phone. Do you need to check up on who your kids are communicating with? Are you uncertain about someone? https://wgno.com/2015/08/20/ashley-madison-cheaters-list-now-searchable-online-2/? Or a relatively-new relationship you’re in? Do you think someone is hiding important information from you? Maybe you are tracing a retail phone order to see what was purchased. Or you just want to make sure your family and best friend are safe. Whatever your reason or need to know, the technology is available for you to find out.

As we mentioned earlier, that are many, many completely legit scenarios wherein you’d want to know more about a caller even if the call was not made to your cell phone. For example, have you ever received phone calls from numbers that you are not familiar with? Does that freak you out? Well, now you can know who the person is behind that mysterious number, thanks to modern technology. Whether you want to discover where these calls are coming from, block annoying spam calls, or keep your friends and family safe, you can rely on these techniques.

Step One: Establish Which Phone Number You Would Like To Track

Determine which incoming/outgoing number you want to track.

Step Two: Perform A Cell Phone Number Search Query

Once you have the number that you want to track – you can perform an online search. You can choose from a ton of different online services that let you search for the phone number that has piqued your interest. There are reverse lookups, yet many phone number lookup services will not provide the name and location for many cell phone numbers as readily as these did in the past. This is partially due to the fact that cellphone usage has grown exponentially over the last couple of decades. Along with this growth privacy measures have been legislated. Also cell phone tracking services that were once free now charge for information.

Step Three: Begin Tracking The Location Of Said Phone Number

Here is where you can bring it all together. You can track the select number’s location by using certain spy apps to access their location via GPS. The GPS isn’t an exact science, but you can count on them being within a 50-foot radius. Once the app is connected to the mobile device, you’ll be able to access phone calls, emails, and other valuable nuggets of information.

When going about tracking a phone number, it is always best to be above board. Parents of minor children are entitled to monitor their underage children’s activities to protect them from potential predators and others. For your mate, it is a matter of trust, and perhaps it would not be best for your relationship to spy on their cell phone activities. Think about it, would you trust someone who did not trust you? Whatever you decide, proceed with caution and we wish you the very best of luck!

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Phonographs and Stereos

The first phonograph attributed to Thomas Edison (what about Alexander Graham Bell?!) sound capture was initially so startling, that members of the clergy damned it from their pulpits. The cause of that commotion was the first edition record player, where grooves etched on tin foil placed on a rotating cylinder produced sounds which were then amplified through a speaker shaped like a morning glory. It was the disembodied voices that critics found disconcerting. By the time the first record player that featured dual (“stereo”) speakers, was implemented, sound quality had been vastly improved. Today, thanks to Edison/Bell’s invention, we have recordings of famous personalities of their day, from Caruso, and Theodore Roosevelt, to Einstein. And without phonographs and Sun Records, would anyone have ever heard of Elvis?

Radio and TV

Our grandparents and great grandparents turned to radio and TV for their news, information, and entertainment, usually in the form of variety shows. These programs would include a comedian, dancers, an orchestra or band, as well as headliners such as Frank Sinatra. Often coordinated with the leading ‘top of the chart’ vinyl record sales of the time, programming was scheduled, and there were no recording devices such as DVDs to capture performances.

Electrified Instruments

The electric guitar was invented during the Great Depression, however it was not until the 1960s that the likes of Chuck Berry and Bob Dylan took it mainstream. Electrified instruments took music out of intimate clubs and concert halls into arenas and stadiums, taking sound well beyond the range of acoustic instrumentation.

Synthesizers

Digital music made by computers never really took off in the United States, but since the 1980s, Europeans and the Japanese have loved it. Synths created new soundscapes for performers and composers alike. Robert Moog and the Beatles utilized this idiom, which quickly superseded the need for a recording studio and allowed anyone with only a few pieces of relatively low cost equipment, the ability to explore this new medium.

CDs

Today those quaint iridescent disks make nice Holiday ornaments, but 35 years ago, these were the latest technology. Read by lasers and played on portable devices, CDs were essentially albums you could tote along with you, however clumsy, and superseded tapes for recording music and events.

MP3/iPod

In the 1990s, along came Steve Jobs with the iPod. And the Apple Store which featured single tune downloads for only 99 cents! Imagine! The rise of the MP3 player has made individual songs available to all, without the expense of buying an album (?) or CD with tunes you didn’t want. Creating your own soundtrack or party mix from a wide range of artists and musical tastes quickly became a consuming interest. Best of all, your entire music library was contained on one, easily-accessed, palm-sized unit. Life couldn’t get better than this, right?!

YouTube

It is hard to believe that the first YouTube video was uploaded in April, 2005. An angel-funded enterprise that sprang from a garage-based home office, this site that allows new artists to simply upload their recordings for immediate release. Countless artists have gone this route and found new audiences and income for their efforts.

Streaming Music

Think about it. Today we all have our personal scores playing in the background as we go about our daily lives. Streaming Music has made this possible. Apps such as Pandora, Spotify, Apple Music and many others allow downloads within seconds at a fraction of a cent per listen. Streaming was a first seen across school campuses, then in urban areas, and now in many workplaces. It is known that music increases job satisfaction and productivity. With streaming the cost of owning/playing music has been greatly reduced, and the pleasure derived from its spontaneity has increased the number of music lovers exponentially.

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Stone Brewing
Location: Escondido, California
Favorite Beer: Fear. Movie. Lions Double IPA

More than just a respected craft brewery, Stone offers a very wide selection of beer! They have a really cool (one of our favorites!) tap room, which is open from 11AM – 9PM. There are tons of tables and the design has a unique modern feel, making it a top hang-out spot. There’s an outdoor and indoor area, providing tons of space, which we feel other breweries should definitely learn from.

Ballast Point Brewing Company
Location: San Diego, California
Favorite Beer: Manta Ray

Ballast Point is one of California’s oldest breweries. Established in 1992, it resides in San Diego and has become a top destination for beer enthusiasts, artists, and lovers of the outdoors. They do a lot for their community, so the vibes are always very positive, which is nice to see from such a large business. Their distribution is national now, most of those breweries become a little less laid back, but not Ballast.

What can we say about Ballast Point’s “Little Italy“. The kettle room is a really cool place to enjoy gourmet dining with a group of friends. Perfect for events!

Russian River Brewing Company
Location: Santa Rosa, California
Favorite Beer: Pliny The Elder

If you like barrel-aged beers, Russian River is the spot for you. They don’t do tours in their downtown location, but as far as we’re concerned, that doesn’t stop visitors from enjoying a unique experience! They also have a new Windsor location under construction.

To top it all off, they have a little pub with food that goes GREAT with their beer. It’s nothing too crazy but their cheesy garlic bread, pliny bites, and so on are the perfect inexpensive addition to a fun day at a nice brewery. In closing, don’t go to the brewery without stopping by the pub!

Alpine Beer Company
Location: Alpine, California
Favorite Beer: Hoppy Birthday

It’s the sanctuary for Indian Pale Ales. Alpine is HANDS DOWN our favorite brewery in not only California but the entire west coast. Located in the beautiful mountains, just outside of San Diego, Alpine is THE destination for hoppy beers.

Firestone Walker Brewing Co.
Location: Paso Robles, California
Favorite Beer: Twenty-One

When Firestone Walker said “beer runs deeper than blood”, they weren’t kidding. These guys put their heart and souls into their brew and we can’t help but respect it. Similar to Russian River, Firestone specializes in aged barrel brew. They take longer to make, but are damn worth the results! We see this style of beer making growing in the near future and these guys will be among the pioneers of the whole thing.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Location: Chico, California
Favorite Beer: Torpedo Extra IPA

Sierra Nevada is one of those larger breweries that are better for tours and tastings, rather than a hang out spot. That doesn’t mean you can’t take a load off, Sierra Nevada has their “Big Room” for sitting down with friends and brew and the “Torpedo Room” for events. Whether you’re a fan of large spots or intimate hangouts, Sierra Nevada is a great place to explore the wonderful world of craft beer.

Heretic Brewing Company
Location: Fairfield, California
Favorite Beer: Evil 3

Heretic is a super chill place that offers free tours on weekend afternoons. Combine that with their $5 beers at “The Confessional”. Now we have to get into the food situation. Depending on availability, you can choose between small snacks and the awesome food trucks that come around. We advise going with the food truck. The times aren’t always the most consistent to our knowledge, but they’re usually there during the day. All in all, Heretic offers a fun spot for people of all ages.

Knee Deep Brewing Company
Location: Auburn, California
Favorite Beer: Breaking Bud

This is a good spot for getting unique beer. They definitely have their own distinct style for their blends and flavors that kind of trickles down into their brand and brewery. Their hours are good, usually open from early afternoon to 9 or 10 and they have most of their beers available on tap. So whether you’re looking for a matinee or a fun night out, you can find it at Knee Deep. They also have events like live music and such, so it’s a fun place you can go to more than just once.

In addition to grabbing some good brew, you can grab some burgers, hot dogs, or pizza at one of their food trucks. We’ve yet to find a brewery with a bad food truck, so that’s what we call the whole package.

Uncommon Brewers
Location: Santa Cruz, California
Favorite Beer: The Whiskey Thief

We think Uncommon is the best spot in Santa Cruz. The beer is excellent, and environment is very chill, so it feels very inviting. But the best part is the food because Uncommon goes above and beyond for good eats for a little step up from a food truck. While you try different beers, you can head over to the Oasis Tasting Room and Kitchen. Everything from the burgers to the soup is delicious for very reasonable prices.

Moonraker Brewing Co.
Location: Auburn, California
Favorite Beer: The Holy Hermit

Moonraker Brewing is a relatively new, award-winning brewery in Auburn. It’s only about 2 years old, but they have made quite a name for themselves as a premier craft brewery, especially their Indian pale ales! Their barrel room is a fun spot to try new beers on tap, which tend to change.

But what makes them more impressive is the food. They have different vendors that come in, ranging from seafood to lamb, barbecue, Mexican and so on. We recommend visiting a few times and enjoying different kinds of eats. There really is something to be said for certain beers going with certain food, kind of like wine.

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