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  • Hidden Dublin: 10 Secret Tourist Treasures in Ireland’s Capital

    Trinity College, Temple Bar, the Guinness Storehouse – it could only be Dublin, one of Europe’s tourist hotspots attracting around four million visitors a year.

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    But with a host of hidden treasures, any of which would make great corporate days out in Dublin, here are ten of the best.

    The National Leprechaun Museum

    If you’re enchanted by the legend of the leprechauns then this will be number one on your list of hidden Dublin’s attractions.

    The Forty Foot

    Brave the cold water – naked if you dare – and dive into this glorious swimming spot at the southern tip of Dublin Bay. Then head for the James Joyce Tower and Museum where the opening scene of Ulysses is set.

    Croke Park

    There is nothing more Irish than the thrill of a hurling or Gaelic football match at Croke Park. Check online on their website for upcoming fixtures.

    The U2 Wall

    A fan made labour of love, this wall daubed with tributes to Ireland’s greatest rock band is a must see. Any U2 fan will want to be photographed here.

    Grangegorman Military Cemetery

    Not as spooky as it sounds, with something for the history buffs (the cemetery houses WWI graves amongst others) to those looking for a relaxing vibe for a picnic.

    Kilmainham Gaol

    Another one for history lovers. The Gaol has a rich and terrible history and gives a real feel for the Irish struggle for independence.

    The Little Museum of Dublin

    A tiny gem, housing publicly donated artefacts that tell the history of the city in the 20th century.

    City of a Thousand Welcomes

    What better way to see the hidden treasures of the city than with a native Dubliner? 3,000 Dubliners have signed up to act as ambassadors and unofficial tour guides. Dublin is a city awash with events, and a number of sites like http://davisevents.ie/blog/festivals-events/ and many others have full listings.

    Howth Loop Cliff Walk

    For the price of a train ticket you can enjoy this spectacular walk. On a clear day you can see as far as Wicklow Head.

    Dublin Literary Walking Tour

    You can’t leave Dublin without walking in the footsteps of its literary greats – Joyce, Swift, Stoker and Wilde – seeing where they lived, loved and wrote their masterpieces.

  • The national living wage and its impact on the hospitality industry – early analysis

    There is some good news in Britain’s hospitality sector, as new figures reveal that its workers are paid 27p more than the National Living Wage on average, at £7.47 an hour. The research was carried out by Fourth Software, and shows that hourly sales in the industry have continued to rise by 10pc over the past 2 years, but the percentage of revenue that pays salaries has only risen by 0.6pc.

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    The pub sector is the highest performing, which saw its sales per hour grow by 13pc and its costs reduced by 1pc. This compares to the restaurant industry, where hourly sales rose by 5pc, with a cost base increase of 0.6pc.

    Good wages for good staff

    The authors said that, with the exception of the pub industry, the hospitality sector was working hard to pay premium wages that were above the National Living Wage, in a bid to offer excellent service through high quality staffing. They pointed to the pub industry as being particularly interesting for its recent advancements in cost management through rota software, flexible shifts and a large number of young staff.

    Whether perfecting a post mix machine recipe from https://empireuk.com/post-mix-products/post-mix-carbonated-soft-drinks/ or learning how to wait silver service, this legion of workers is crucial to the success of the hospitality industry.

    Challenges ahead

    However, figures from CGA Peach have found that 65pc of hospitality industry leaders think the government’s target of implementing a £9 per hour living wage by 2020 is simply unfeasible, particularly as calculations suggest that real pay could rise to as much as £9.45 by this point. This is combined with a range of challenges for the industry that will include increasing wage competition from the retail sector, a shortage of chefs, Brexit-related uncertainty and living wage rises for the under 24s. This means that those operating in the industry will need to focus on operational efficiencies.

    However, there may be gender issues too for the hospitality industry to review, with male staff being paid £7.53 on average for this year, compared to women at £7.40. This is particularly notable in the restaurants industry and may be attributed to more men working in the kitchen, where they are paid more, to compensate for the lack of tips that serving staff earn in front of house.

  • The Most Popular Procedures in Cosmetic Dentistry

    Cosmetic dentistry procedures are becoming more popular in the UK following an ongoing trend in the US for the perfect smile that is not reserved just for rich celebrities. For all those with crooked, yellow, missing or gappy teeth, there are numerous cosmetic dentistry applications and procedures available for everyone.

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    What Is Cosmetic Dentistry?

    Cosmetic dentistry aims to improve the appearance of the smile by altering the colour, shape, size, position or alignment of the natural teeth. Here are some of the most common cosmetic procedures available in the UK

    Porcelain Veneers

    These ultra-thin ceramic overlays are bonded on to the natural tooth and give an aesthetically natural look with light-reflective properties and stain resistance. They are an excellent, simple and relatively non-invasive choice to cover chipped or crooked teeth and can be provided by a dentist in Dublin.

    Teeth Whitening

    The American Dental Association reports that teeth whitening is the most commonly requested cosmetic dentistry procedure. Discoloured and stained teeth can be returned to a natural pearly white using one of three options: whitening toothpastes with special stain-removing and polishing chemicals to improve the whiteness of your teeth; home whitening kits, such as the Colgate® Max White Professional system offered by Docklands Dental; or an in-office bleaching carried out in the dental surgery using a combination of hydrogen peroxide bleaching and a specialist laser to enhance the whitening effect.

    Dental Contouring

    This procedure is perfect for those who have cracked, overlapping, crooked or chipped teeth and can be used to alter the position, length or shape of the tooth to match its neighbours. This is extremely popular and can be completed in just one session.

    Dental Bridges

    Unlike the old-fashioned removable false teeth that used to be common, fixed dental bridges are used to replace missing teeth. The false tooth is held in place by two permanent crowns on existing viable teeth, making it a permanent fixture in your mouth.

    Orthodontics

    This can be standard (one to two years) or accelerated (six to nine months) and usually requires surgical removal of some crowded teeth to create room to move and straighten the remaining teeth. Metal or tooth-coloured braces are fitted around the whole of the mouth to either pull or push the teeth into the correct alignment.

  • 10 Unusual Wedding Venues to Consider in Hampshire

    When looking to create your perfect wedding, the venue is perhaps the first aspect you consider. Once you have decided on this, you can think about what décor would look best and how many guests would fit in the venue. There are many excellent ideas for wedding venues, from churches and hotels to castles and other outside venues.

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    For guests looking for an exciting venue, Hampshire is one of the most popular counties for tying the knot. Not many people know that Elizabeth II spent her wedding night in Broadlands, Hampshire, at the property of Prince Phillip’s uncle, Earl Mountbatten. So this stunning county has the royal seal of approval! Here are some other wonderful options:

    Clock Barn

    Clock Barn is a wonderful hideaway in the Hampshire Downs countryside. It is just 15 minutes’ drive from Winchester and has seating for 192 guests. This barn is full of period features and the surrounding countryside makes the perfect backdrop to a wedding connected with nature.

    Highfield Park

    Highfield Park is another great choice among Hampshire wedding venues, as it offers a countryside setting alongside a stunning 18th century mansion. The ornate staircase and atrium roof give wonderful photo opportunities and the historic grandeur of the property will create quite an impression on your guests.

    Horsebridge Station

    Horsebridge Station is a renovated Victorian railway station in Hampshire’s Test Valley. Set in 2 acres of stunning lawns, this is a venue with a difference, offering something really exciting and unique.

    The Tithe Barn

    This farm building is filled with old world charm, set in 300 acres and with huge stone arches and balcony. This beautiful and imposing building offers a spacious venue for a countryside wedding.

    When looking for a Hampshire wedding photographer, such as Az at Lemontree Photography, the venue can make all the difference to your photos. A pretty setting can lift your photos from the ordinary to the spectacular. Whether you choose a historic setting, modern glamour, rustic charm, a quirky location or a traditional hotel, the right photographer can turn your setting into an unforgettable set of wedding photographs.

    Other unusual wedding venues in Hampshire include Oakley Hall, St John’s House, Southdowns Manor, Langrish House, the Elvetham, and the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl, where the hotel has been incorporated into a cricket stadium.

  • Designer Radiators: Making Your Central Heating Stylish

    The right radiator choice makes a surprising finish to your home, whether you’re looking to extend, renovate or simply upgrade your existing decor. Thanks to a huge range of modern options, there are more shapes, finishes and styles than ever, and radiators themselves are still highly popular for heating homes.

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    However, with the increased use of skirting and underfloor heating, manufacturers are now pulling out the stops to make radiators more of a statement piece, from art-led cutting-edge pieces to traditional and cast iron radiators.

    Light Designs

    Chrome finishes are great if you’re looking for a light and bright feel, and they can really lift a living space and make it feel more airy. You’ll find various colours and finishes, whether you want a dark grey chrome, a high silver effect or maybe a warm chrome.

    Extra-Tall Finishes

    These are very handy for freeing up wall space and have modern, simple lines. They are also great for smaller vertical areas, as long as there is a solid partition wall to hang them from. Another bonus is their excellent warming capacity for larger spaces.

    Natural Finishes

    Look for wooden cases that provide a very Scandinavian finish and look extremely on trend – great for a calm interior space and for something slightly different. You can find wooden finishes in different shades and with treatment or untreated finishes – from white birches through to dark oak shades.

    Aluminium Models

    Modern aluminium radiators look very industrial and chic and can provide a room feature all of their own. They are also very hard-wearing and excellent at conducting heat. You’ll find some good examples of aluminium radiators from Apollo Radiators.

    High Art

    Look out for radiators featuring designs and patterns for a high-art finish that doubles up as a design feature for your home. Some of these can be custom-made to suit if you have the budget.

    A radiator installer can assess your space and advise on the best possible options available. Don’t be afraid to try something different, but remember to consider your overall interior design so that the ultimate radiator you choose either complements an existing decor scheme or sets the tone for it. Modern industrial radiators look superb, for example, but may jar slightly with a country classic interior, so always consider the broader overall look and feel.

  • The Secret to a Good Social Media Marketing Campaign

    How to Create a Solid Social Media Campaign:

    Social media is the new word of mouth! An age where social media announces its presence around everything we see, hear, feel and even express, it is unlikely that it won’t be. And this online medium has brought about a renaissance in today’s business and promotional environment with powerful tools that have by far helped millions of businesses reap maximum benefits by connecting the brand to its target audience. (more…)

  • Outsourcing Services Can Benefit Companies Adopting New Capabilities

    Many companies today are severely restricted by the absence of capital to invest in a business in order to expand its capabilities. Whether the business is newly established or simply looking to expand its capabilities into new markets, a lack of capital can critically hinder the growth or expansion of such a company. Creating the necessary infrastructure either for a newly established company or for an expanding company is an exceptionally costly process but by outsourcing such services a business can ensure that its continued growth or expansion is viable. (more…)

  • The Top Ten Renewable Energy Sources for Reducing Carbon Emissions

    Renewable energy uses natural sources to produce power that is more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

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    Nuclear Power

    Although nuclear power doesn’t generate high levels of carbon, there is debate surrounding whether it can be classed as a renewable source of energy. Supporters maintain that it is sustainable, while critics are concerned about the storage of nuclear waste and radioactive contamination. Utility Dive reports on the current debate regarding the role of nuclear technology.

    Tidal, Wave Power and Hydroelectricity

    The power of water is being used in multiple ways. Tidal and wave power both harness the power of the ocean to generate power. As the ocean is a predictable force, it is a reliable source of energy. Hydroelectricity is produced through the process of hydropower, which is a general term that encompasses the use of gravitational forces of flowing or falling water to generate power.

    Geothermal Power and Compressed Natural Gas

    Geothermal power is created using the Earth’s natural heat. In comparison to plants that use coal, emissions from geothermal plants are around 95 per cent lower. Compressed natural gas is an alternative for diesel, gasoline and propane. Not only does it produce fewer harmful emissions, it is also safer in the event of an accident because it disappears quickly.

    Biomass

    One of the oldest forms of renewable energy, biomass uses animal waste and plant material. It can be used to produce heat through a combustion process, or it can be converted into biofuel, such as biodiesel.

    Solar Power

    Solar power is one of the most accessible forms of renewable energy. Solar panels in Northern Ireland, as in many parts of the world, are increasingly popular. A quality Northern Ireland solar panel supplier should be able to provide panels that save on energy bills whilst reducing carbon emissions.

    Wind Power

    We have harnessed the power of wind for centuries. In terms of impact, wind farms are one of the most environmentally friendly energy sources and their popularity is increasing worldwide.

    Radiant Energy

    Radiant energy is a natural energy that uses gravitational and electromagnetic radiation and comes in at under one per cent of the cost of electricity. Common examples of things that use radiant energy are microwaves and mobile phones.

  • Power bonding in construction: the essentials

    Adhesives are widely used across the construction industry. The most common uses include laying carpets, fixing ceramic tiles, sealing wood, heating and ventilation and in roofing. (more…)

  • First absorbable stent for coronary disease is approved by the FDA

    As the leading cause of premature death in the UK every year, and with over 2 million Britons living in its shadow, coronary heart disease is a familiar condition to many individuals, families and health care practitioners.

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    What is coronary heart disease?

    This term refers to a condition where the arteries which carry blood to the heart are damaged by a lining of fatty deposits. In turn, this hampers blood circulation. The most popular long term treatment for this condition is an angioplasty.

    The drawback of traditional treatment

    This procedure involves a surgeon inserting a stent, which is a small mesh tube, into the affected artery to artificially widen it, and restore natural blood flow patterns. Unfortunately, in some cases scar tissue forms on the stent in the following years, undoing the progress made.

    An exciting alternative?

    The unveiling of a second option, a stent which is absorbed into the body over a three year period, means patients have the opportunity to choose between a permanent metal device and this new one.

    The new device, known as the ‘Absorb GT1 Bioresorbable Vascular Scaffold System’ is made from poly(L-lactide). Over a three year post-surgery period, it gradually releases a drug called Everolimus to fight the formation of scar tissue, before being absorbed into the body.

    Is it safe?

    US Food and Drug Administration approval, (known as the FDA 510k clearance process), is required prior to launch. This acts as a safeguard, by assessing new products to confirm they are as safe and effective as comparable existing (legally sanctioned) equivalents. This process is traditionally quite long, but there are options to reduce the waiting time by employing a specialist company such as www.fdathirdpartyreview.com, who are accredited by the FDA to assess and reviews submissions on their behalf.

    According to the key resource and leadership portal, Health Management, all ten members of the Circulatory System Devices panel agreed that the device was effective, and final approval was granted, after 9 of the 10 panel members voted that it was safe to use, and that the ‘risk/benefit profile’ was within adequate parameters.

    No surgical procedure is without risk and side effects, but this device marks real progress in the treatment of coronary heart disease.