4 Accessories to Help You get the Most out of Your Flashlight

It might seem redundant to carry a separate flashlight if your phone has a built-in one. However, phone flashlights are only good for quick tasks such as finding something you just dropped on the ground or peeking under the couch. With advances in technology and the various kinds of flashlights now available, it is a good idea to carry a separate flashlight for situations when you need a more steady, bright, and long-lasting light. Not only can you find a flashlight to match your unique needs, but innovative accessories like the ones listed here can upgrade your flashlight in a matter of seconds.

 

Clamps

 

If you’re someone who works on their own vehicle, you know how important it is to have a light that holds steady. If you’re the person who’s been assigned the role of light holder, you know how quickly the mechanic-flashlight holder relationship can become contentious. With a flashlight clamp, you can position your light wherever you need it. The clamp will grip any surface and hold tight, keeping your light trained right where you need it and your flashlight safe and secure. It’s great for anyone who needs to manipulate a light source and have it stay in one place for an extended period of time.

 

Holsters

 

Holsters come in a variety of different styles, all designed for different uses. Shoulder holsters are great for tactical situations and for runners. Helmet holsters keep your light trained wherever your eyes are. There are even holsters that allow flashlights to be attached to the handlebars of a bike. You can invest in several different styles of holsters, all built to fit your favorite flashlight, meaning you won’t have to pick up a handful of lights that only do one thing.

 

Laser Caps

 

Need pinpoint accuracy? A laser cap will focus your flashlight’s beam and convert it into a laser. Laser caps are easy to attach and remove and come in many different colors. Pick the color that best suits your needs, whether it’s for hunting or tactical situations, or grab a bunch to alternate between colors. Pair a laser cap with a gun mount for a fairly inexpensive alternative to laser sights which can cost several hundred dollars. And, bonus: you’ve still got the flashlight to use instead of investing in a one trick pony that is only a laser sight.

 

Retractable Lanyard

 

Belt holsters are an option for carrying flashlights on the hip, but if you’re not crazy about clipping and unclipping, holstering and unholstering, then a retractable lanyard clipped to your waist will keep your flashlight close at hand. Use the flashlight, drop it, and be sure it’s still on your hip. It’s perfect for those on-the-go who need to be able to quickly switch between different light modes. And if you’re the type of person who tends to put your flashlight down somewhere and forget it, a retractable lanyard will keep your flashlight on your person.

 

The right accessories make any job easier and it’s no different for a flashlight. The right accessories will make your flashlight an efficient and indispensable part of your daily carry arsenal.

 

 

4 Benefits of Having a Watermaker on Your Boat

For years, most people have sailed without having a watermaker onboard. So, what makes it essential to have this device if you are a boat owner? Having fresh drinking water on a boat not only creates convenience, but it is also healthy for you. You can sail as far as you want and not factor in water supply when choosing a route. If you are undecided on getting one, here are a few benefits you are bound to enjoy. 

Gives You Some Independence

Most of the time, when planning a boat trip, you are limited to the number of things you can bring on board. Therefore, if you are going far, you have to plan how big a tank you will carry and the ports to pass by. However, you skip all these restrictions as the watermaker will ensure you have clean and fresh water throughout. This also makes choosing a sailing route easy. 

Saves on Space and weight

While sailing, not only will you need water for drinking but the wash down systems if you do not want to leave any watermark spots. With a watermaker, you do not have to carry large storage tanks for all those purposes. It is small and light, saving you space. 

It is Convenient

When using storage tanks, you have to calculate the amount of water you will need for basic needs and other things. A watermaker helps you avoid the hassle of doing calculations for water requirements. As long as you are on board, you can enjoy as much freshwater as you want.

Safe and Healthy Sailing

When you have an unlimited supply of safe water, you can drink as much as possible, which is essential for smooth sailing. Therefore, there are almost zero risks of you upsetting your stomach. With the above benefits of a watermaker, there is no reason why you should not get one. In addition, there are many models and sizes, allowing you to get something you like. 

4 Precautions to Take When Indulging in Water Sports

Chasing a hot summer afternoon away with scuba diving, jet-skiing, kayaking, canoeing, and other water sports can be an exciting experience. However, the chances of accidents during such events are pretty high, especially if you don’t understand the precautions you should exercise. Having the right sport boats and other equipment is crucial, but you should also know how to avoid accidents or how to save yourself from one. Read on to find out the precautions you should stick to during water sports.

Protective Gear

Wearing protective gear is essential in all sports. You need to guard different parts of your body from injury, including your elbows, knees, head, and legs. You should also consider having a life preserver or a floating tool when engaging in these sports. Additionally, non-slip shoes are the best option when indulging in any aquatic activity. 

Avoid Substance Use

Drug abuse and alcoholism are prohibited in all water sports, but some individuals still manage to sneak them in. The temptation to take a sip of alcohol or a few puffs of marijuana may be high, but it spells disaster. 

Teach Yourself How to Swim

Water sports and falling into the water go hand-in-hand. If you are not a good swimmer, you might find yourself in a tight spot. Fortunately, there is a wide array of professionals who offer swimming lessons for both adults and children. 

Do Not Be Alone

Experts recommend avoiding indulging in any aquatic activity alone. It may seem like a wise idea to take a dive into the pool alone, but always ensure a relative or friend knows where you are in case you may need help. 

Summer is a great season for water activities, but things can get rough for you or your child if you do not take the appropriate precautions. Water accidents can be fatal, which is why you should always protect yourself and follow the above-discussed points for your safety.

Mistakes to Avoid When Booking a Vacation Rental

Are you ready to take a vacation? If so, one of the first things you need to do is to decide on a location and then book where you will stay. While this may seem like a simple and straightforward process, mistakes happen. One of the best ways to avoid the most common mistakes is to know what they are.

Making Last-Minute Reservations  

Once you decide where you want to go, you should book your vacation home rentals Newport Beach CA. If you wait to do this, you may have to settle for a rental that no one wants. Or you may not be able to get a rental in a desirable location. If you want to make sure you get a quality rental, be sure to book early.

Failing to Check the Weather

What is the weather going to be like when you are visiting the area? If you are head to the beach, you need to make sure it’s not going to rain the entire time you are there. You may also want to consider going during the off-season, which will give you fewer crowds and better weather.

Not Asking for Details

You want to have a relaxing experience, right? Be sure to ask about the noise level of the neighborhood and if housekeeping services are included in the fee. Also, find out if the price advertised includes taxes. Other information to find out about is the size of the rooms and other amenities that are offered. Make sure you aren’t relying on the pictures posted online alone.

When it comes to finding and booking a vacation rental, be sure to keep the tips above in mind. This is going to help ensure that you find the right location for the right price. Also, by avoiding these mistakes, you will be able to enjoy your vacation even more. 

Gingerbread Houses of Haiti


“The Architectural style that beautified the landscape of Haiti”

 

The Gingerbread house style in Haiti gave a breath of color and freshness to an era that was somewhat gloomy and monotone, going against the architectural norms of its time and defying its critics even unto this very day.

 

 A Product of Innovation

Gingerbread Houses stemmed from innovation in saw cutting known as the Steam-Powered Scroll Saw, which could cut the wood into thin boards that could be shaped and fashioned into an array of floral and geometric designs, making it extremely accessible to middle and Lower-Class people of the time.

 

Before these advances in technology, Carpenter Gothic, from which Gingerbread Houses get their distinct look, was the latest style of choice for the wealthy and some fortunate working-class people.

 

Carpenter Gothic was the result of an American revival of European Gothic structures from the early 1800s in wooden form, incorporating Turrets, Pointed-Arches and Gables, mostly without much adornment on a timber frame.

 

Haiti Changed the Dynamic of the Gingerbread Movement

 

Hotel Oloffson

Built by Demosthenes Simon Sam of the powerful Sam family in the 1880s, Hotel Oloffson became the inspiration not only for the Gingerbread movement, but also for famous writers, actors, and musicians to come.

 

The Game Changers

Around 1895, Georges Baussan, the famed architect from Port-au-Prince who designed the National Palace of Haiti, traveled to Paris alongside his colleagues, Joseph-Eugene Maximilien, and Leon Mathon, to study French Architecture in the Ecole d’Architecture.

 

Here they would adopt the techniques they would later use to begin designing and constructing Gingerbread Houses in Haiti, introducing new weather adaptations like elevated ceilings with heat-dissipating turrets, ampler windows and doorways for natural airflow, and spacious extended verandas.

 

But it would be the vibrant and energetic blues, greens, yellows, and pinks, decorative frameworks, and one-of-a-kind artistic patterns, that would set the Trio’s architectural take on Gingerbread Houses apart from those in the international community.

 

Baussan, Mathon, and Maximilien are credited with building the vast majority of Gingerbreads that are seen in Haiti today, most notably:

 

The Peabody House

Nothing says “Authentic Gingerbread Grandeur” like Mathon’s 1912 design and construction of the Peabody House in Pacot, a true testament to the artistry of the masters. 

 

Maison Dufort

Also a Leon Mathon creation, the Maison Dufort is a wonderful example of using Clay, Brick, and uncut stones as a foundation for its upper wooden structure, which has been almost completely renovated to its former glory in 1910.

 

Making a Comeback

 

Up until the 1920s, Gingerbread Houses were still coveted structures among the people of Haiti, but with the arrival of new building materials like cement and iron beams, for example, the government mandated that all houses and buildings be made with these, as there were also fears of mass fires due to the Gingerbread’s wooden structure.

 

The architectural tenor had changed rather quickly.

 

But around the end of the 1940s, people once again began to model parts of their homes after the Gingerbread style.

 

As time progressed though, many in Haiti started to develop an anti-elitist sentiment towards the beloved Gingerbreads, equating them to colonialism and French dominance, however, that all changed after disaster struck in 2010 and a high magnitude earthquake rocked Haiti to its core.

 

While concrete and metal buildings and homes were left in rubble by the quake, only about 5% of Gingerbread Houses were severely damaged, prompting many to consider wooden houses for their resilience to tremors, and sparking a nationwide preservation movement.

 

Organizations Fighting the Cause

 

World Monuments Fund

Since its founding in 1965, the WMF (world monuments fund) has worked with governments and partner organizations like the World Monuments Watch, to preserve and reconstruct forgotten or abandoned historical sites around the planet, completing more than 700 projects in over 100 countries.

 

FOKAL

Working closely with the WMF, which provides additional funding, FOKAL focuses on the documentation of these historical sites, and the development of trade skills like carpentry and masonry in underprivileged communities to aid in local projects.

 

The Architects Foundation

In homage and celebration of the work of Viviane Gauthier, and her lifelong contribution to the Arts in Haiti, the Architects Foundation provides financial and marketing support for the Madame Gauthier Villa in Port-au-Prince, along with scholarships to aspiring architects for the reconstruction and conservation of this Historical Gingerbread House.

4 Common Pitfalls To Avoid When Leaving for a Vacation

As silly as it sounds, many people find themselves needing a vacation after returning from a vacation. Though this may be due in part to a full trip schedule, the process of coordinating all the logistics to get your adventure underway can be surprisingly stressful. Consider a few mishaps you can easily avoid so your trip starts off as peacefully as possible.

1. Forgetting Necessities 

The realization that you have forgotten something you need for your trip can be unpleasant. To make sure this doesn’t happen, create a packing list at least a week before you leave so you can add any items you don’t originally think of. Remember that some destinations, such as vacation rentals Bald Head Island, may not have towels and little bottles of shampoo like hotels do.

2. Bringing Luggage That Is Too Big or Heavy

Another nightmare you don’t want to experience is reaching the front desk of your airline only to discover that your carry-on is too large or your check bag weighs too much. Research these restrictions ahead of time and measure or weigh your bag accordingly.

3. Missing Your Flight

Missing a flight can derail your departure significantly. To make sure this doesn’t happen, consider arriving at the airport about two hours before your flight leaves. Additionally, ask a friend to drop you off so you don’t have to worry about finding parking or waiting for airport shuttles.

4. Losing Important Documents

Finally, make sure you keep your ID, passport, airline tickets, and reservation information in a safe spot. An interior pocket in your carry-on, for example, is a good place to keep key documents. Consider using your phone to store tickets and other information digitally.

By taking a few extra precautions before leaving for your trip, you may be able to eliminate potential headaches from your journey. Before you know it, you will be settled down in your hotel or rental house, ready to enjoy a well-deserved break.

How to Enjoy Flexibility in Managing Your Travel Tickets

Travelling does not only involve choosing a destination, booking a plane ticket, and accommodation. Proper planning of your travel prevents confusion and a last-minute rush while ensuring a hassle-free process.

However, a slight change in your planned schedule of events and conferences can cause significant inconveniences, especially when you have a flight to catch. Rescheduling, changing your cabin class, altering your destination, ticket cancellation, and requesting refunds can be a tedious and frustrating process.

The cancellation policy and extension of ticket validity for most airlines require that the traveler pays a change fee or not be eligible to receive a full refund on their booking.

Some of the other expenses that may arise include penalties, fare differences, or additional taxes, which require to be paid online before activating the changes made to the booking.

That should not be a problem anymore. You can easily adjust your booking and enjoy making free unlimited flight changes with Cathay Pacific.

It is an incredible service where you don’t need to physically visit the airline office to adjust your booking to suit your travel needs.

All the services are available online, offering you the opportunity to make changes to your flight itinerary and manage all parts of your trip from the comfort of your home or office.

You can use the ‘manage booking’ icon on the website or the airlines’ app, which is available on Google Play Store or Apple Store.

To book a flight ticket, visit the official airline’s website and key in the details of your trip, including the time and date. You can make any customizations you wish for your ticket, provided the booking is made in a week’s advance from the online platform.

Following the hit of the Covid-19 pandemic, the airline has adopted a system to allow for amendment of booked tickets which may be necessary following a changed conference date, for instance. To offer convenience and better adaptability, the airline offers a limitless measure of times to make changes to your booking without any additional charges.

The airline offers the possibility of altering your origin or destination and adding or removing stopovers. A change of the routes is also possible. In such cases, flyers can make changes to an equivalent or a cheaper flight without incurring any additional expenses.

When a customer adjusts to a new flight valued higher than the initial one, they are only requested to pay the top-up amount without any change fees being incurred. There is no restriction to pay the additional amount using the same credit card used for the previous booking.

In all cases, the fare rule stands, i.e., takeoff period, flight application, least/moderate stay, etc.

If the flyer had initially completed online check-in, they would be required first to cancel the check-in using the manage booking tool on the website then proceed to make the changes they need.

The timeframe for making changes on the airline’s website is usually 24 hours preceding the flight’s takeoff or up to 6 hours before the flight’s departure, whichever applies to your case.

The online platform offers flyers an opportunity to upgrade their flights using the option that is best suited to their specific purchase needs.

There is an opportunity for customers to reserve their seats on the online platform.

In case of system errors encountered when making the changes, there is a contact center to offer assistance in completing the process.

After completing the change request, a confirmation email is sent upon successful amendment to your booking, and the revised ticket is shared within an hour.

From the booking app, flyers have access to updates and any travel advisories that may be issued.

Besides the tickets, flyers can easily manage their baggage from the travel extras provided by the airline on the online platform. Significant discounts are available for prepaid extra baggage on the selected routes covered by the airline and are applicable up to 24 hours before departure.

It is important to note that changes are only applicable to bookings made directly through the airline’s channels.

With activated access to PressReader, you can download as many issues as you wish for offline reading during your flight.

Cathay Pacific is committed to giving you a better experience while ensuring your travel convenience.

 

The 4 main advantages of mailing business postcards

As a business, it’s always prudent to incorporate postcard marketing into your marketing campaign to optimize your advantages over competitors. These benefits may include readability, content, and also the cost of sending postcards. Direct mail services Tampa-located, and many other areas, often ensure the postcards are used to produce leads rather than purchases. The thing is, mailing of postcards is a two-step procedure. They’re meant to let readers know where they can get more information regarding what is being offered. Since postcards provide so little detail, you shouldn’t expect to sell goods directly from them, but they can generate good leads. Let’s dive in and look at the four main advantages of postcard campaigns.

Highly targeted

Unlike the ads in magazines and televisions, postcards are highly targeted in that each item mailed reaches its targeted audience. Mailing lists of individuals with specific purchasing habits or traits are used by marketers who want to mail company postcards to them for exposure.

Highly versatile 

Small business owners may use postcards to guide customers to their company’s website. Any business can request that readers dial an 800 number to hear their sales pitch. A small travel agency, for example, might send postcards to local businesses and then tell people to dial an 800 number. Most calls will be routed to simulated secretaries or receptionists.

After listening to a short, insightful message, interested parties may be asked to leave their name and phone number. Postcard recipients may be asked to return postcards after filling out their name, address, city, state, and ZIP code.

Attracts attention

Marketers that use postcards will quickly capture people’s interest. They can be read without needing to open the envelope. They may even easily read headlines and print to get the gist of the offer. Marketers often use color in postcards to draw attention.

Saves money

Marketers prefer postcards because they’re cheaper to mail compared to letters. Businesses may even save money on postage, address stickers, and the time it takes to collate several pages. Traditional direct mailers often send out promotional emails, brochures, and order forms, many of which are more expensive to print.

Greek Island Chic in Pyrgos, Santorini

Cast high in the Santorini hills, Pyrgos in Santorini gazes seductively over vineyards, distant caldera villages and the deep blue of the Aegean Sea.  It’s lofty position makes it the highest village of Santorini, the super model of the Greek islands.

 

What’s Special about Pyrgos, Santorini?

Away from the busy caldera towns, the vibe in Pyrgos is chilled, relaxing, and truly authentic. It really is a hidden oasis on this bustling island.  The charming village of Pyrgos is built amphitheatrically on the slopes of Profitis Ilias, the tallest point on the island of Santorini.  There are wonderful restaurants tucked away in its cobbled streets and squares filled with bougainvillea. You can watch the iconic Santorini sunsets from Pyrgos, dine in fabulous Greek tavernas and slip into relax and recharge mode.  Pyrgos is also well known for its beautiful luxury villas and cave houses, many with private mini plunge pools or heated jacuzzi. Check out this Pyrgos Villa for rates and availability.

 

Things to Do on Your Pyrgos Villa Holiday

When you choose to stay in Pyrgos, one of the highlights will be exploring the village. Wander through the pretty streets and up to the medieval castle of Pyrgos, the best preserved on the island. From the summit of the village, soak up breath-taking views across Santorini and out to surrounding Cycladic islands.

If you feel like some adventure, visit the lava islands in the sea-filled caldera. Take a catamaran or sailing boat; they close cruise past the volcano and stop for a therapeutic swim in the hot springs. You’ll also explore Santorini’s southern coastline stopping off or swimming and snorkelling in iconic locations such as Red Beach. Alternatively, hop on a boat from the old port in Fira and hike up the volcano.

You also have the chance to go wine-tasting since Pyrgos is surrounded by excellent wineries. One of the most popular wineries, Santo Winery is located on the caldera just minutes from the village. Here you can sample some of the island’s unique wines and soak up views across the sea-filled caldera all the way to Akrotiri and Oia, on the island’s northern tip.

If you’re interested in learning more about the prehistoric history of the island, then take time out to visit the prehistoric site of Akrotiri, a Minoan Bronze Age settlement. Also known as the Pompei of Greece, the Minoan city of Akrotiri was devastated by the volcanic eruption in 1627 BC, but the volcanic ash preserved frescoes, 3-storey buildings, and mosaics.

If you enjoy relaxing by the sea, then head over to south east coast and spend the day on the volcanic black sands of Kamari or Perivolos beaches.  You’ll have a pick of great beach bars with comfy sun loungers and even beach service. Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Aegean and kick back on your lounger and soak up some Greek sunshine.

Explore stunning Oia and then head to neighbouring Ammoudi for seafood by the sea.

Other activities such as horse riding, sea kayaking and diving are also popular choices. Your accommodation will be able to organise these for you.