Smart CEO’s, Presidents, and especially business owners, have found a way to strategically use their benefits package as a means to drive greater productivity and innovation while getting a significant burst in employee morale.

What have these savvy executives figured out that the rest haven’t? They have discovered and acknowledged that workplace stress is directly linked to lower productivity, higher turnover, worker’s compensation claims, and ever increasing medical insurance due to stress-related expenses and they have added a vacation benefit offered by Rovia called DreamTrips to their corporate benefits program which allows their employees the opportunity to take amazing vacations at even more amazing prices.

These forward looking decision makers understood they would gain from these six critical points:

Productivity. Independent studies indicate that employers can expect for every dollar they spend on vacation benefits they will get three dollars in return in increased productivity.

Recovery Reduces Medical Expenses. World class athletes across the globe realized that recovery was as important, if not more than, intense training and a customized diet. Without proper recovery the body and mind cannot perform at superior levels and will eventually breakdown. Common sense dictates employers need to be proactive in their employee’s wellness.

Innovation. Being exposed to different cultures and new scenery change often alters the mind towards innovative thinking and inspires significant breakthroughs. What does one good idea or new product mean to your company’s bottom line?

Loyalty. Almost all companies claim that their people are their best asset. Very few actually demonstrate it. A vacation benefit package creates a loyalty and appreciativeness the likes that business has never seen and gives the business an advantage for talent acquisition.

Prestige. When a company offers a unique and high quality benefit the entire organization is perceived in a greater light. Leaders have the opportunity to get a leg up on the competition and have an edge in talent acquisition.

Sense of Worth. When a company expresses their appreciation for a job well done by offering a vacation benefits package, they enhance their relationship with the employee. The employee gains a sense of self worth in the process.

With the economy showing signs of improvement, smart business leaders are using this exceptional new fringe benefit to the greatest advantage by showing their employees they have been appreciated.

Cross-linked polyethylene molecular chains (PEX) are formed into plastic tubing that can be used to solve a variety of plumbing and heating problems. Since its invention in the 1960’s, PEX has been widely used in Europe. In the past 10 to 15 years, it has become increasingly popular in the United States. The material has been touted as more flexible, less expensive, and better at withstanding extreme temperature than copper or CPVC pipe. PEX pipe can withstand temperatures as high as just below boiling (200 degrees Fahrenheit, 12 degrees less than boiling) and as low as just before freezing. PEX-a is the most flexible type of PEX and is able to expand in freezing temperatures and then return back to form, whereas copper pipe will burst, causing huge problems in your system.

Three grades of PEX tubing are manufactured, each made through a different production process. PEX-a, made with the Engel method, is known to be the strongest and most flexible of the three grades. PEX-b, made with the Silane method, is also relatively strong and flexible. PEX-c, made by the electronic beam method, is a more brittle material, making it more difficult to work with. Regardless of what grade you choose, there are PEX products such as tube cutters and PEX uncoilers that make the material easier to manage during installation.

Important details to know when buying PEX tubing:

1. Will you be using the tubing for a plumbing or heating application?

2. What size tubing will you need? The available sizes typically range from 5/16″ to 4″. Some applications require specific sizes; for example, only Quik Trak can only be installed with 5/16″ tubing.

3. Do you want to color code your plumbing system for easy reference? Red, white and blue tubing are available for this purpose. There is no difference in the functionality, but red is typically used for hot lines and blue for cold.

4. What length of tubing will you need? Tubing can typically be purchased in coils of 50-1200 ft. The amount of tubing needed will depend on the size of the area you are installing and the loop lengths.

5. What grade of PEX material will you need? PEX tubing comes in three material grades PEX-a, PEX-b, and PEX-c as mentioned above. If you are in a region that gets very cold, you should use PEX-a to prevent the risk of your pipes bursting in case the pipes freeze. You will also need to use PEX-a if you choose the ProPEX Expander system because only PEX-a is flexible enough to return to form and create a secure fitting after being expanded.

6. What tubing type is needed for your specific application? The three tubing types are oxygen barrier, non-oxygen barrier, and aluminum PEX. Oxygen barrier tubing is typically used for heating applications, and helps to prevent iron components, such as cast iron pumps, from rusting. The main benefit Aluminum PEX, or PEX-AL-PEX, is that it holds its shape when bent. PEX-AL-PEX is typically used for high-temperature applications, such as baseboard.

When working on a PEX project, whether it is for a heating or plumbing system, you will need a variety of products in addition to PEX tubing. PEX fittings (specialized parts designed for connecting PEX to PEX or PEX to copper) and PEX tools (tools designed specifically to work with PEX products) will be crucial to the success of your heating or plumbing project. You will also need a PEX radiant heat manifold or PEX plumbing manifold as well as insulation, thermostats other installation parts. controls such as thermostats, and heat insulation could also be purchased. Radiant heat and PEX plumbing starter packages can also be found online to make it easy for DIYers to get everything they need for their project in one place.

Plumbing and heating problems have been solved using PEX products for decades. These products are made with a polymer material that is flexible, less expensive and better able to sustain extreme temperatures than copper or CPVC pipe. There are many choices to consider when planning your project and it is important to choose parts that are compatible with all the other parts you have chosen and with your system. Consider PEX tubing and PEX products for your next heating or plumbing job.

Often times I look at people and see so much potential. I see the people they surround them selves with and look at what they do with their spare time and am saddened by the reality of the potential waiting to burst out, but yet will never come.

Who we are now is based on past experiences and decisions that we have made and the influence we have received from others, but we can’t dwell on the past if we want to accomplish great things. Sometimes we need to make tough choices and make some changes in the friendships we have. At least we have to rethink who we are getting advice from.

Most people wouldn’t go to a person that has been divorced 3 or 4 times and ask for marital advice. But time after time, when we are thinking about going in a new direction, whether in life or business, we look to those people around us that have stayed in the same pattern they are in for years. I never understood this but I have seen it in so many individuals.

If we are going to make a change in our life, it requires effort and surrounding ourselves with new people of influence. Find someone that has changed for the positive in any area and they will tell you that someone helped them through it all, that without that person they would have failed miserably. Look around at the people you associate with. Are they constantly learning and researching new ideas, expanding their minds and keeping up with new technology. Are they looking to have a positive impact on the people around them or are they filled with unending sarcasm and belittling of anyone that tries to change or make a difference.

I remember a story of an old man and a young boy walking down the beach early in the morning. the tide had receded and there were many young starfish left on the beach, that would die once the sun rose high enough and got hot enough to dry them out. The young boy, was throwing the little starfish back into the ocean as they walked down the beach and at one point the old man said, “I know you’re trying to help, but look ahead down the beach, there are hundreds maybe thousands that are washed up on the shore. What your doing isn’t making a bit of difference.” The boy looked at him as he threw another one back in the ocean and said ” i made a difference to that one” and he smiled and continued.

Are you hanging around with people that think change is to hard and things will never get better, or our you surrounding yourself with people that have eyes of a child and think anything is possible.

Jesus said; “I tell you the truth, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, will never enter it”

It takes faith to believe in what we can not see. Have faith and seek out people that are looking to make a difference and you will be amazed at how you too, will accomplish what you want.

A plumber is an expert in a variety plumbing services. Plumbers have the tools, education, and expertise to diagnose a problem and make a quality repair. They can even offer advice on how to care for the plumbing system properly and safely. There are many type of services that are offered by professional plumbers that homeowners and businesses that people should be aware of because there are different types of plumbing emergencies. Below is a list of the plumbing services that are normally offered by a plumber:

Full Service Residential Plumbing: There are a number of problems that can occur in a home plumbing system that plumbers are able to repair. For instance, cracked pipes, burst pipes, slow flowing drains, backed up sewer systems, low or no water pressure, toilet clogs, problems with the hot water tank, and drain clogs are problems plumbers can resolve. Plumbing components they can service include: faucets, kitchen sinks, laundry centres, toilets, drain pipes, garbage disposals, bath tubs, sewer lines, septic tanks, septic drain field, bath sinks, gas meters, water softeners, and water heaters. Understanding how the plumbing system and its component work is essential because sometimes a problem occurs in one part of the plumbing which could be indicative of a larger issue affecting your entire plumbing system. A plumber can determine bigger problems in the system and make the correct repair.

Commercial Plumbing Services: Plumbers are able to service commercial plumbing systems efficiently. They have the technology, tools, and equipment to deal with complicated plumbing systems such as video camera inspection of the water pipes. They can also respond to a plumbing emergency in a timely manner as well as offer a preventative maintenance inspection program. A commercial plumbing and drainage professional has the expertise and experience to provide businesses with a comprehensive analysis of their plumbing system and fix any problems correctly the first time. Along with the services provided for residential homes, commercial plumbing services can include: hydro-scrub services, video inspections, auto injection systems, and back flow prevention.

Complete Drain and Sewer Service: The drain and sewer systems need to be properly and maintained and if there is a problem, they need the expertise of a professional plumber. Services a plumber can offer include: septic tank pumped, pipe repair, washer line issues, clogged drains, toilet problems, floor drain issues, grease trap care, remove tree roots near septic tank, video inspections, trenches and repairs, septic tank and drain field problems. They can even provide maintenance products such as grease eating bacteria, bowl and urinal cleaners, natural bacterial additives.

Plumbers provide an essential service for homes and businesses. With their knowledge and expertise, they can help homeowners and businesses maintain their plumbing systems properly, advise them on proper maintenance practices, and provide emergence services in a timely manner. Anyone who has had a plumbing emergency knows the value of calling a plumber. When you hire a plumber, you will have peace of mind knowing your plumbing system is in safe hands.

Pipe insulation is a great option for plumbing and heating projects whether you are using copper piping or PEX piping. To choose which type of pipe you want to use, you should first learn about the materials that the two pipes are made from.

Copper, an element found in nature, is reddish in color and metallic. It is a rather soft and malleable metal. You may hear about the high thermal or electrical conductivity of copper. That is another way of saying it is a very good conductor of heat and electricity. Silver is the most electrically conductive metal, but copper is a close second. There are a wide range of copper tubing types available: Type L Copper Tubing, Type K Copper Tubing, and Refrigeration Soft Copper Tubing. These Copper Tubes are sold in copper tubing coils.

PEX piping is longer-lasting, less expensive and easier to install than copper piping. It also has a much lower expansion rate, which reduces noise as your system heats up, and makes it less likely to burst if the pipes freeze. When planning a project for either a plumbing or heating application, you can choose between PEX and copper;if you choose PEX, you will then have even more choices to make, including a fitting system. There are now more than 20 different brands of PEX piping for plumbing systems on the market. A few example brands are Rifeng, AquaPEX, HydroPEX, Viega, Watts, Zurn, etc. Typically, red PEX piping is used for hot water while blue PEX piping is used for cold water. Examples of PEX piping for heating are ThermaPEX, Rifeng, and Uponor hePEX.

After choosing between copper piping and PEX piping, you should then consider installing pipe insulation. This is a great option for either type. A good rule of thumb is to treat your PEX Pipe installation the same way you would copper pipe.

Both PEX and copper pipe lose a significant amount of heat to the air. As hot water passes through, the conductivity of the material pulls heat away from the water and then the air pulls that heat from the pipe. Energy is also wasted when frost forms on cold water plumbing, chilled water and air-conditioning lines. Whether your project involves your heating system, hot water plumbing or cold water plumbing, pipe insulation is a great, affordable way to utilize heat that is being wasted and reduce your energy bills. Not only does pipe insulation help lower your energy bills, but it starts at just a few dollars for a 6′ length, depending on the diameter needed.

There are two popular types of insulation, Therma-cel and Insul-lock, designed to limit heat loss, condensation and frost formation. Therma-cel is a flexible, polyolefin, thermal insulation. Therma-cel Pipe Insulation also slows heat loss on hot water plumbing. This insulation may be used with copper or PEX pipe. Insul-lock is another type insulation that works the same way but is pre-slit and self-adhesive, making it extremely easy to install. It is non-porous and non-fibrous to resist mold growth and guarantees a strong, durable seal without the risk of messy adhesives.

Good luck with your piping project. Hopefully, you have learned more about the differences between copper piping and PEX piping and the benefits of installing pipe insulation.

New York car buyers can benefit from a car loan, since it gives them an extended amount of time

to pay for their car. If their income increases, then the fixed cost of the loan will decrease as

a percentage of their total income.

We witness and era of machineries, automatic means to make our life easier, along with a burst of the automobile industry, as man’s most comfortable and easiest way to commute from one place to another. t would seem that cars multiply as days go by, and at first glance, many would say that everyone can afford to buy one. Their prices vary considerably; if some are highly expensive, there are a whole lot more, for the average consumer, which can be bought. However, many cannot buy one because of inadequate cash, and no matter how cheap, it still remains unreachable, and not for few. For them, the car loan is the helping hand and the key.

Many researches have agreed that buying a car with the help of a loan, remains the most profitable way to purchase a car, as opposite to traditional car finances, or car dealers, which are rather expensive and even risky. Certain costs may be kept hidden from you, but will reveal themselves when may be perhaps too late. If you fail to pay a few months in a row, the car will be seized and they are not joking. Another factor why the car loan is better than any other method of finance is that it gives you the freedom of haggling with the price of the car, even when finding the actual loan, as well. The dealers offer packages, which you are not obligated to accept. Thus, car loan offers a cost-effective means of getting the favorite car in your name.

Enlightenment feels as though you’ve just woken up from a long sleep. You feel more alive than you ever have. Interesting enough, it seems like no time has past at all. As all time (past, future and now) exists in the Now. All questions about time have been answered.

Every breath you take is an exhilaration of the Divine. The bliss which exudes and emanates from your soul seems like an expulsion of Suns which are continuously bursting in billions and billions of more suns. The Suns are so radiant in their full glory and expression, to attempt to articulate the quality negates the purity of even one burst of the suns grandeur.

Enlightenment is when you see every person, place or thing as yourself. Enlightenment is when you are totally connected with everything.

Enlightenment is when you see everything inclusive of you.

Enlightenment is when you have the deepest reverence, respect and love for all life.

Enlightenment is when you have the deepest compassion for any one suffering, yet you’re are lovingly detached as you know it’s a beloved illusion.

Enlightenment is when you send the highest aspect of love to the one suffering.

Enlightenment is giving up the need to prove anything by the mind. In fact, the mind will only get one so far in the attempt of enlightenment. Eventually one has to go beyond the mind, and take an unknown leap to unfamiliar territory. While the territory seems unfamiliar, when the ocean of Grace and Love washes one soul, there are no words for explanation. Words become useless as one basked in the love which is more profound than anything experience on earth.

What’s amazing about this Grace, it’s beyond any Grace conceivable to man or woman. The Grace is so profound it cannot be put into words. The Grace is so encompassing, the nature of it’s mere mercy and compassion can not be measure on a scientific scale. The deep peace and grace must be experience in meditation to even capture a fraction of this beautiful description.

Enlightenment is feeling the expulsion of energy which reverberates from each soul which transfigures into various forms of light at varying degrees of light vibrations, which then explodes into brilliant suns, which far exceed any dimension the mind could comprehend. The beautiful process of the brilliant beams of light always flicker, emanate, oscillate at speeds unknown to the human mind. One must experience this within to understand the true essence of Awakening.

Meditation is so wonderful. To experience this unyielding bliss, all one has to do to do is silence the mind, surrender and be still.

Tracy Quantum

Don’t fear the Fizz, Pop Rocks Candy is safe, sound – and delicious!

Hard to believe it, but are still some people out there that are afraid to eat Pop Rocks candy or will never eat them with a serving of Coke. If you are one of those people, then I am writing this article especially for you. Years after the rumors have gone, the retro candy treat lives on.

Pop Rocks, the carbonated popping candy, was invented by chemist William A. Mitchell while working for the General Foods Corporation in 1956. Mitchell was also responsible for such innovations as Cool Whip, powdered egg whites, Tang, and quick-set Jell-O. He created the popular treat by mixing sugar, lactose, corn syrup, dye and artificial flavoring. The ingredients are heated, allowed to melt, and then carbonized. Bubbles form as the mixture is cooled. As you eat the candy, the bubbles burst, creating the signature popping sensation.

Contrary to urban legend, Pop Rocks candy does not contain an acid/base mixture (such as baking soda and vinegar) which produces large volumes of gas when mixed through chewing and saliva. Everyone remembers the rumor about Mikey from the Life cereal commercials. Mikey was reported to have died due to a stomach “explosion” after eating the candy and cola mixture. The rumor was and is completely false and the former child actor who was in the commercials, John Gilchrist, is alive and well.

If you have been craving the truly unique Pop Rocks candy experience, but were too scared, Don’t Fear the Fizz any longer! They have found their way back onto the candy scene; however, due the explosion in candy sales, they can still be hard to find. With their resurgence has come a wide variety of flavors, such as blue raspberry, watermelon, fruit punch, bubble gum, strawberry and occasionally the classic cherry flavor. They are even available now in sugar free! Sugar-Free strawberry Pop Rocks taste like their sugared cousins, only without the sugar. The are also available as Dips, which come with a lollipop to dip into the popping candy. Now, you just can’t beat that for good, clean, old-fashioned fun!

Water is essential for life and we need to consume it in order to stay healthy but when too much is taken it is known to kill. That was driven home when dizziness and unwell feelings have had me involuntarily taking it easy. At times my legs were too heavy and tired to walk while my arms feel like they are being dragged from their sockets. My only respite has been doing more in the garden with frequent brakes.

During the cold winter months it is natural to turn to the good leafy green vegetables and the oft promoted super foods. It was with great pride and joy that my patch sports them in abundance. Bok Choy, which grows so quick one can pick leaves everyday while it thrives. Kale, which never seems to be a trouble to grow, and spinach, which is my favourite.

From around the start of winter they became my staples every night. Knowing the benefit they give with their super abundance of essential elements and vitamins a short burst of heat in the micro-wave had them ready to eat.

Following the nightly meal, it is a treat to pamper my stomach with yoghurt and blueberries. Delicious and moorish even the cats front up to lick the plate. Almonds have been another staple recommended by dieticians for a healthy gut.

So with all this goodness inside why is my body letting me down. Tired aching muscles, nausea feelings and then the dizziness that has often sent me spinning towards a chair.

Doctors, Naturopaths, PT trainers and others all suggested different causes. From stones in the ears to a damaged shoulder everything was suggested but nothing seemed to fit.

As a spiritual person it is normal for me to consult the Spirit for answers and they came thick and fast. Looking at the Bok Choy waving its lovely leaves amidst the other great foods it hit me. What is it about that vegetable that could make me sick.

It has been like poisoning whereby my brain becomes cloudy and then my body feels wobbly. Led to the Internet the riddle was soon solved.

While bok choy, kale, spinach, etc. are super foods with components to block cancer growth and even prevent diabetes, they contain a high amount of potassium. Symptoms of too much of that element exactly matches mine. Lethargy, nausea, and dizziness are part of it. Almond milk and nuts are also full of it, as too is milk and other staples, including eggs.

The danger of an abundance of potassium leads to heart attacks and other things. The lesson that too much good healthy food can actually kill you has been learnt. The Great Spirit has once again protected me, as it does all who are spiritual. All one needs do is ask it as a friend for answers and it rarely lets you down.

Stigmas are abilities that are usable when you equip stigma stones in the stigma slots available on your character. You can equip 1 at level 10, and up to 8 at level 50. Your character is not ‘complete’ without a good set of stigma stones.

A basic set of stigma stones are sold at your class trainer, but the more advanced ones are random drops from mobs, that usually sold at the trade broker. Unless your lucky enough to acquire all your required stigmas from mobs, you may end up paying a hefty price for some of the rare stigma drops. It is therefore useful to have knowledge of the best stigmas to aim for your build. Three of the top ones are.

Ambush

This stigma teleports you behind your target, dealing medium damage, but also stuns them for 3 seconds. Stuns are the bread and butter of assassins, and is a great opening move in pve and pvp. However, you need to understand that the stun part of this attack is a magical attack. So opponents with high magical resists will cancel out the effect. Also, with a 40 second cooldown you will not be able to use it twice.

Aethertwisting

Resists two magical attacks for 8 seconds, with a 1 minute cooldown. Although at first this seems a mediocre stigma to have, it is actually quite a powerful pvp skill. Not only will you be able to resist magical attacks and crowd control spells from casters (root, stun, etc), but many melee attacks are also magical based, such as the Ankle Snare stigma skill of gladiators.

Flurry

This stimga increases your attack speed by 20% for 30 seconds, and has a 2 minute cooldown. This is great for generating burst damage, which is makes it a great skill to have in pvp and pve as it increases your damage immensely. However, a more important advantage is that you will be able to carve your runes a lot quicker. This means that you will be able to kick off some stuns earlier in the encounter. Stuns helps Assassins win battles, so get this stigma as soon as possible.

There are other stigma skills worth using, but they are more dependent on your playstyle, solo ganking or grouped based pvp. Others are more effective against casters, or melee opponents such as blinding burst. These however are the stigmas you should acquire after the base 3 stigmas mentioned.