Opinion

The world of Harry Potter houses

Almost everyone has heard of the Harry Potter books written by JK Rowling and even if you haven’t read them yourself you have probably seen the films or have children that enjoy the delights of the adventures of Ron, Hermione and Harry.

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As happens in most schools, muggle or wizard based, each of the students across each year and placed into a specific house where their achievements both in academic fields and sports along with any misdemeanours either earn or cost them points. In Hogwarts these four houses are Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Slytherin. On their first day at the school the year one and any new students are all placed into their houses during a ceremony, using what is known as the sorting the hat. The hat is placed on the student’s head and then announces which house it thinks the student would be best placed in.

The houses are also forms of accommodation, similar to the ones Student Accommodation Gloucester company http://studentaccommodationgloucester.co.uk/ but minus all of the magic and intrigue. Each of the houses has its own dedicated dormitory as well as a common room. It is in this location that the students will relax of an evening with their friends and enjoy some much-needed leisure time as well as providing a private study space. Each house also has its own dedicated table in the great hall that the students will sit at for their meals and other special occasions. Interestingly these tables are made up of one long table for each house with a long bench situated on either side for the students to sit on.

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Another common element for each house is that they have their own dedicated Quidditch team which is usually made up of the best broom flying students in the house. Early on Harry becomes the youngest seeker to join the Quidditch team. Much like any team sports, Quidditch forms a part of the Inter-House Quidditch Cup which sees the houses compete against one another, with the biggest rivalry being between Gryffindor and Slytherin.

Each house is given a teacher as its head and also a house ghost. Here is the breakdown for each house:

Gryffindor – Teacher is Minerva McGonagall and the house ghost is Sir Nicholas de Mimsy or “Nearly Headless Nick” as he is more affectionately known.

Hufflepuff – Teacher is Pomona Sprout and the house ghost is the Fat Friar.

Ravenclaw – Teacher is Filius Flitwick and their house ghost is the Grey Lady.

Slytherin – Teacher is Severus Snape and their house is the Bloody Baron.

Why the Right Office Lighting Is Vital

We spend about a third of our lives at work, so it’s important that the working environment facilitates a productive workplace. Lighting is an important factor: dim lighting may cause drowsiness (logical when you think we are programmed to sleep when it gets dark). It may have other effects too.

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Problems

Aside from the obvious – that being that lighting is essential for health and safety reasons, so we can see where things are and not trip over – lighting has an impact on health and productivity.

There are some obvious problems with poor lighting: headaches, eye strain and even musculoskeletal problems because people sit in awkward positions so they can see when the lighting is poor. If you are in doubt about what to do, consider contacting one the many office fit out companies around for advice about ways to improve lighting.

It’s not just insufficient lighting that is the problem. Harsh lights and glare cause their own set of problems; fluorescent lights can cause eye strain. And let’s not even talk about those annoying flickering lights. Visit Mobius at work for more information on office fit outs and further information.

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Keep It Natural

Wherever possible, use natural light. It has been proven that humans unconsciously look for natural light. It helps prevent depression, helps people be more productive and reduces eye strain. Something else rarely considered is the age of your employees. According to the Dementia Services Development Centre, older employees need more light to see properly than their younger counterparts.

What Else?

  • Consider the positioning of monitors and lights so you can reduce glare. If all else fails, provide anti-glare screens.
    • Enable dimmer switches so that lighting can be dimmed to a suitable level. Remember that what is suitable for one person may not be suitable for the next. You may have to consider providing anti-glare glasses or glasses with tinted lenses to some employees.
    • Computer screens should face away from windows (for security as well as lighting).
    • Ensure you have adjustable blinds.
    • LED lights are useful if they are close to where employees work – they don’t generate heat and don’t give off UV radiation.When in doubt, take advice from the experts. It is so easy to make lighting adjustments, and it could improve your productivity.

What is the story of the sofa?

Whatever it is to you – a couch, a settee or a sofa – it will undoubtedly be one of your most-loved pieces of furniture. Where did the story begin for the sofa though? Do you know the history of this piece of furniture that we rely on every day? The story of the sofa is longer than you might think.

During the mid-20th century, a journalist suggested that those who call it a sofa were upper class and the terms settee and couch were used by those form the lower classes. There is no real evidence that this remains the case and it doesn’t really matter what you call this wonderful piece of furniture that sees so much of family life that it is practically a member of the family.

The words we use to describe this form of seating come from different languages and have slightly differing meanings. The word sofa derives from the Arabic word ‘soffah’ meaning a raised section of floor with cushions and rugs. The word couch has its origins in the French language with ‘coucher’ meaning to lie down. Settee comes from the verb ‘to settle’ and implies that one should settle down and get comfortable.

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Nobody really knows for certain when sofas were first made, who might have invented the idea or where the first sofas were used. What we do know is that this style of seating has been around for many thousands of years. In the distant past, they were synonymous with wealth and stature, as the rich were the only ones who could ever afford to relax in such luxury.

Sometime during the industrial revolution of the 1800s, manufacturing such seating became easier and more accessible. Sofas became cheaper to produce and as such, started to appear in the homes of the middle classes. What we recognise today as the living room settee was being to take shape during the industrial revolution. This gave birth to a whole new industry and manufacturers were keen to develop new ways of improving comfort. For example, springs were added to sofas in 1850, making them instantly more comfortable.

It would still take almost another century for the sofa to become a necessity in most homes. The 20th century saw the true rise of the sofa for the common man, when almost every household would recline of an evening and initially listen to the wireless, then later watch the television. The mid-20th century saw huge leaps forward in innovation in design and production, giving us many iconic pieces of furniture such as the Florence Knoll Sofa for example. Get your replica Florence Knoll Sofa from Pash Classics.

The huge variety of sofas today is amazing when you consider that they used to be the preserve of the rich and famous. They come in all shapes, sizes, materials and colours. Then there are all the variations on the traditional sofa, such as the futon, the sofa bed, the chaise lounges and the day bed.

The elements needed for a fire to exist

Fire is both something that we depend on in order to heat our homes and to cook our food, as well as being something that we need to protect ourselves from. Having a fire breakout at home or in the workplace is most people’s worst nightmare. Fire spreads incredibly quickly and it is due to this and many other reasons that it is important that businesses have training and advice from Fire Safety Consultancy Bristol companies in order to identify any particular risk areas and to put in place procedures that should be followed in the event of a fire.

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Fire is possible as a result of something that is known as the combustion triangle or the fire triangle. This is something that is taught to children in their science lessons at school. Understanding this triangle not only helps you to understand how fires occur but can also help you to eliminate one.

The triangle essentially shows the chemical reaction that needs to take place in order for a fire to be created. There are three elements that need to be present, a fuel source, heat and oxygen. These all need to exist in order for the fire to light and equally by removing one of these elements you can extinguish a fire. By taking each element in turn it is possible to understand the existence of fire in more detail and this knowledge has then been used to develop fire safety products and is used alongside more in depth knowledge and training to support the fire service.

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Fuel – this is essentially an y material that will burn and can include items such as paper, wood, coal, charcoal and any other flammable or combustible material. These materials will all have different burn rates and temperatures due to their make-up and natural moisture content.

Heat – Heat is what causes the materials to ignite. Any combustible material will release what is known as flammable vapours and when heat is present these will combust. It is the heat that maintenance the presence of the fire and causes it to spread. The heat effectively removes the moisture from the fuel source as it pre-heats the fuel and the air that surrounds it.

Oxygen – All fires need oxygen to be present in order to stay lit. When oxygen is removed from the air surrounding a fire it will die out very quickly. It has been noted that fires only need air hat is made up of 16% oxygen in order to remain alight. This is the oxidising part of the chemical reaction that takes place.

As already mentioned, in order to put a fire out one of the above elements needs to be removed. When heat is removed the fire will cool down and go out, when fuel is removed the fire will smoulder before going out and finally when oxygen is removed the fire will effectively suffocate.

Date Smart for Busy Professionals

Busy young professionals often spend so much time building their careers that their love life can suffer. The key to success is to learn how to date smarter. Being short of time doesn’t mean dating gets thrown out the window as there is always time for that special person. Dating smarter means making the most of your free time. Here are some tips for dating smart:

  1. Meet someone locally with a location-based dating app

For those short on time, it’s much more convenient to meet someone who lives locally or works nearby. With such a hectic schedule, there isn’t time to commute to spend time getting to know somebody. Some dating apps use geolocation technologies and real-time updates to display people that you have already crossed paths with. The apps can also tell you how many times you cross paths, allowing you to see just how many single people could be living right next door or even in your place of work.

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  1. You don’t have to go out to date

Working long hours, many people feel too tired to go out in the evenings. If you’d rather spend a date-night at home, that’s ok too. As long as some effort is still put into date night to show you care, it’s fine not to take your date out to wine and dine. You can still make a great and romantic impression with a special night in. As with any new relationship, it’s important to practice safe sex. Get yourself checked out before getting intimate. For STI testing London, visit checkurself.org.uk/plus/

  1. Date during your lunch break

For young singles who work close to each other, why not make one lunchtime break a week into a lunch date? Everyone has to take a lunch break, so why not put it to good use? It’s something to look forward to half-way through the day.

  1. Find someone with similar lifestyle

Busy entrepreneurs and professionals must choose their partner wisely. Ideally, it should be a person who operates a similar lifestyle. Problems could well be in store if you’re missing for 14 hours a day and your part-time working partner is sat around bored. Relationships will work better if you both work similar hours. You’ll be willing to relax together at the same time without any feelings of guilt creeping in.

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  1. Avoid needy daters

Needy daters are the ones who worry about all the small stuff. The first time you cancel a dinner date due to work commitments, they will convince themselves that you’re cheating or not interested. You’ll need someone who tends to be a bit more laid back and easy going. Someone who isn’t hanging on your every word and movement but is happy and busy doing their own thing.

  1. Combine work and your partner

It can be a good idea to incorporate your relationship into your work life. Why not invite them along if you need to spend the weekend at a conference for example? Share ideas, talk to them about projects and ask their opinion. If you’re busy, then let them be busy with you.

 

How to help your car last longer

Cars are a big investment, probably next in line to your property. Therefore, it makes sense to do whatever it takes to protect that investment as much as possible. Here are some tips for helping your car last longer:

  1. Regularly change filters

Both the air and oil filter become blocked over time, so it’s important to renew them regularly. Ideally, they should be replaced as part of your regular servicing. Washing the air filter also helps to prolong its life. Be sure to check the advice in your car’s manual.

  1. Take it smoothly

Try to keep in mind the concept of ‘mechanical sympathy’ when you drive. By practising this, you will reduce wear and tear and get more mpg to boot. Try to be as smooth as possible when steering, changing gear and pressing the pedals. Always stay vigilant and look ahead to avoid the need for sudden braking. By accelerating and decelerating smoothly, you can save a lot on fuel costs.

However, if you never fully rev the engine, carbon deposits can accumulate in the valves and other parts, affecting efficiency and possibly causing misfiring to occur. Once a month, take your car for a good run up the motorway to avoid this issue.

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  1. Regularly check fluid levels

Many drivers neglect to consider that fluids are the lifeblood of an efficiently running vehicle. Engine oil levels should be checked once a fortnight. Coolant levels should also be checked at the same time, as well as windscreen washer fluid. Letting your oil reserves drop too can have a terrible effect on the engine.

  1. Keep it covered

Even those of us with garages don’t often use them for storing our cars. The majority of households choose to leave their cars parked on a road or driveway when not in use. As cars have become bigger and more resistant to corrosion over the years, this has become an acceptable practice.

However, keeping your vehicle covered has a number of benefits. It keeps it dry, free from dirt and reduces the risk of damage, theft or vandalism. It can also reduce your insurance premium. If you have no garage, consider the benefits of a Bespoak Oak Carport from http://www.bespoaktimberframes.co.uk

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  1. Pay attention to tyres

As the most important safety feature on a vehicle, ideally you should be giving them the once over once a week. It will save you money and ultimately, your life!

Tyres that are under-inflated use up more fuel. You’ll need to check the pressure, condition and tread on each of your tyres. For such a small surface area, as the only part of the car touching the road, it’s vital the rubber is in excellent condition.

  1. Servicing

It makes sense that to prolong the life of your vehicle, you should have it serviced regularly to keep it in tip top condition. Service schedules are based on miles or time, such as every 10,000 miles or once a year, for example. A minor service should be carried out annually, with a more thorough service every 2-3 years.

The investment will most likely save you money on repairs and/or potential breakdowns in the future. You’ll keep your vehicle maintained and reliable, while prolonging its health and value.

 

Orange chicken with protein quinoa

Orange chicken with protein quinoa

Orange chicken with protein quinoa. Fitness and gym lovers are more interested in recipes that contain a healthy dose of protein. Orange chicken is a classic of Asian food, which together with quinoa and vegetables becomes a very healthy and nutritious food. We reveal today an easy recipe to make, in a very short time and perfect to take you in a lunch box to work.

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How to treat electrical burns

An electrical burn can be extremely serious; a high voltage shock can stop someone’s heart. It’s important to know what to do if someone experiences an electrical burn either at work or at home. Here we give a brief explanation of the steps to take.

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Be extremely cautious of electricity

If you encounter a work colleague who appears to have suffered an electrical injury, be careful of the risk to yourself. Touching the person, or the electricity supply may result in an injury to you. Call for help, another colleague may have first aid skills or may be able to help.

Begin by finding the electrical source and turning off the power if possible. If you can’t turn off the power, use a piece of dry wood (or other non-conductor) to move the source away from the person.

If the person has been struck by lightning, or had an accident with a high voltage source, call 999 immediately. Electrical control components such as power supplies and transformers carry high power Click here. Stay well clear of high voltage cables and this BBC article is eye-opening https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-34973207.

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Check for symptoms

Check for burn damage to the person’s skin, but remember that electrical burns may cause internal injuries that are more severe than they may appear on the surface. Also, there may be entrance and exit wounds.

If the person is suffering from serious burns, or any of the following symptoms, call 999 immediately:

– Cardiac arrest or irregular heartbeat
– Muscle spasms, contractions or seizures
– Unconscious or trouble staying awake
– Problems being able to breath
– Feeling disorientated

First aid

If the person is unconscious, check their breathing:

– If they have stopped breathing, or are not breathing normally, carry out CPR before calling 999.
– If they are breathing normally, put them into the recovery position.

Cool the burned skin with running cold water (not ice) and then cover loosely with a clean sterile dressing or bandage. Do not allow tape to stick to the skin.

Make them comfortable by removing any constricting clothing or jewellery. Keep them warm but be careful that a blanket or clothing doesn’t touch the burned skin. Don’t use cream or ointment and don’t give them drinks.

Remembering and carrying out the above steps may save someone’s life, or reduce the consequences of a serious burn.

6 More Outdoor Games to Play with Children

Now your children are in the full swing of summer and outdoor play, you may be eager to keep them interested in the great outdoors. Staying active and getting some fresh air will improve their health and their mood – and probably yours too!

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Larger pieces of equipment, such as trampolines and childrens wooden climbing frames, can be a good investment and grow with your children.

The NHS recommends children aged five to 18 years of age have a minimum of 60 minutes of physical activity every day. Having permanent play equipment in the garden will encourage children to take advantage of a sunny day and go outside.

Children can be encouraged to be more active by making the garden more appealing to them. If you have a playhouse, children can continue to enjoy the garden even when the weather disappoints. Contact a company, such as https://www.niclimbingframes.com/, to get ideas for playhouses and other garden structures.

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For more impromptu fun, here are more great ideas for outdoor fun.

Bean Bag Hula Challenge

Place at least two hula hoops on the grass. A player stands in each hula hoop armed with bean bags. Players then attempt to throw bean bags into an opponent’s hoop while defending their own hoop from incoming enemy bean bags.

Sand Play

Children can spend hours playing at the beach, and that fun can be recreated at home with a bag of sand and an unwanted box.

Garden Pick-up Sticks

Much the same as the traditional game of pick-up sticks but bigger. Take some large sticks, ideally bamboo sticks, and paint them different colours. Players then take turns to remove a stick while trying not to disturb the other sticks.

Hula Chain Challenge

A hula hoop is placed on a player’s arm before the team holds hands to form a circle. The team must move the hula hoop fully around the circle without breaking the link.

Pinata Water Fun

Fill balloons with water and hang them outside, as you would a regular pinata. Then choose how to burst them, as either a forfeit, a timed challenge or another great idea!

Floaty Soapy Boat Races

Take some bars of soap and get imaginative with materials to turn them into boats, which can be raced with each other in water.

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How to deal with a broken or shattered window

A broken window can be inconvenient, messy and even dangerous; however, accidents happen and it makes sense to know how to deal with a shattered window.

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Assess the mess

Is the window completely smashed or simply shattered but still stable in its frame? You may need to secure the window or clean up the mess. Look for glass shards everywhere in the immediate vicinity – nobody wants to find a piece when they sit on a cushion.

Stay safe

Next, you will need to make everyone in the house aware that there is broken glass around. Ditch the slippers for boots or shoes and wear tough gardening gloves to deal with any large pieces of glass. You can even cordon off the area to minimise the risk of injury.

Call an emergency glazier

For security reasons, you will need your window repairing as quickly as possible. Call emergency glaziers in Leicester or wherever you live and explain the situation. You should always get a series of quotes or ask friends or family who have had similar problems to recommend someone. Discuss a time frame in which they will come out to repair the damage.

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Secure the area

If your emergency glaziers in Leicester won’t be able to repair the window immediately, you will need to secure it yourself. The best way to protect your property against the elements is to cover the window with a large piece of plywood.

If you don’t have a piece of wood handy, a heavy-duty tarpaulin will do the job. If neither are available, tape up the pieces of glass using duct tape or gaffer tape to make them as secure as possible.

If you are using a solid covering, it is wise to remove any remaining shards of glass. Make sure you wear heavy-duty gloves and either remove each piece carefully by hand or use a pair of pliers to do the job.

A thorough clean-up

Now you need to clean the area thoroughly. Start by double-bagging large pieces of glass and putting them somewhere safe and out of the reach of children. Carefully and slowly sweep and vacuum hardwood floors to avoid scratching and brush carpet fibres to loosen any small shards. Use a piece of tape to pick up glass fragments and finish with a thorough vacuum.