NH Forge

NH Forge

Gregory

7 Reasons to Use Precast Concrete (And One Reason Not To)

by

The construction industry is fast paced and always evolving, but some things remain the same. One, the need for safe, reliable, and cost-effective materials for large construction projects. Precast concrete meets this need and also delivers more value – read on to discover how precast concrete makes a difference to the modern construction industry.

Modern precast concrete is a form of construction material where the concrete is cast in a mould and cured in a precast plant, rather than on-site. The precast concrete is transported as a whole and erected directly at the construction site. There is no need for curing at the project location. There are many advantages to using precast concrete.

  • To Save Time

Probably the advantage that first comes to mind is the time saved. Using precast concrete minimises the risk of project delay which can be hugely costly and damage the reputation of the construction firm. The casting of the concrete can be completed while other work is ongoing on site.

  • To Guarantee Quality

With precast concrete, the temperature, curing, formwork, and design of the concrete can be closely monitored at all stages of the casting process. This ensures a minimum of errors and the overall quality of the construction project is improved.

To Guarantee Strength and Capacity

The use of precast concrete ensures that the construction materials are of the upmost strength and maximum load-bearing capacity can be achieved. This results in a number of benefits to the overall success of the construction project.

  • To Save Money

All projects must run to a budget. Using precast concrete helps to reduce time and therefore increase overall productivity. The project runs to time and budget, without sacrificing safety or efficiency.

  • To Minimise Maintenance

Every project must have longevity. In order to minimise wear and tear, precast concrete is used to maintain durability. This material is linked to increased service time and a lower overall maintenance burden. It is durable and resists impact and corrosion.

  • To Maintain Aesthetic Appeal

Precast concrete blocks provide a smooth, uniform, aesthetically pleasing finish. And since precast concrete is available in a wide variety of finishes, no two projects will look the same.

  • To Improve Safety

Last but not least, precast concrete helps improve site safety. There is no need for traditional casting and formwork and no storage of raw materials. Precast concrete improves the safety of the construction platform, which will always be a benefit for workers and the public.

And One Reason Not to Use Precast Concrete…

Given the number of advantages listed above, there really isn’t one compelling reason not to use precast concrete. However, every project is unique, and the use of precast concrete requires careful consideration. If your construction project is likely to be modified in the future, then precast concrete is possibly not suitable for your requirements. But in most cases, this type of concrete represents a sound option that works to ensure the overall success of the project.

 

Guinness Chocolate Puddings: A Dessert With The Taste Of Ireland

by

There are many things which we associate with the country of Ireland. One of them is St. Patrick’s Day, which for many people is celebrated as keenly (and in some cases, more keenly) than their own national saint’s day. In some cases, it’s not even a day anymore – there are businesses in Canada who observe entire St. Patrick’s weeks, and spend a whole seven days painting everything green and waking up each morning with a stout-induced hangover!

If St. Patrick’s Day isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the Emerald Isle, then chances are you’re picturing characters from Irish myth and legend. That means banshees, leprechauns, rainbows, and pots of gold. While leprechauns were originally gruesome and terrifying characters, they’ve become a little tamer over the years. You’ll often see them anywhere there’s a casino; the mobile slots game ‘Rainbow Riches’ is one of the most popular of its kind in new slot sites. In fact, the Irish theme is one of the most popular of all the mobile slots genres, tempting millions of players into taking a spin of the reels. It’s not just mobile slots in online casinos or sister sites either; anyone who’s seen the ‘Leprechaun’ series of horror films can testify that the characters are still capable of giving you a scare.

One thing that often gets overlooked when we think about Ireland, though, is the cuisine. People are often hard-pressed to think of any Irish dish other than Irish stew. While it’s a fine stew (especially when done right, which is harder than it looks), it’s not the kind of dish people are likely to get overly excited about. That might lead you to believe that Irish food is boring. To that, we have one response:- Guinness chocolate puddings.

It goes without saying that all kinds of chocolate pudding is delicious, but adding Guinness into the mix takes it to the next level. The Irish stout – which is so widely drunk around the world that it’s now more popular in Nigeria than it is in its home country – might not necessarily seem like the most obvious cooking ingredient, but when it’s used properly it can bring a richness and a warmth that few other alcoholic ingredients are capable of – and so it’s only right that we share the secret with you here!

What You’ll Need

The good news here is that making this delicious dessert isn’t going to take you all day. Preparing everything shouldn’t take you more than half an hour at most, and it cooks in 20 minutes. You’ll need to leave it to chill for an hour before cooking, but this is a recipe that will be ready to eat within two hours of starting to make it. The mix we’re about to describe is sufficient to feed four people. You’ll need:-

150 grams of butter (unsalted);

200 grams of dark chocolate (the darker, the better, but go for at least 70% cocoa), chopped;

3 eggs (large);

90 grams of golden caster sugar;

90mls of Guinness (you could alternatively use another Irish stout, but why would you?); and

Double cream or clotted cream (an optional serving choice).

You’ll also need four 5cm ramekins, and an electric whisk.

How To Make It

This is a simple, three-step process, and you don’t need to be a wizard in the kitchen to get it done. As long as you know how to operate an oven, you should face no problems here!

First, butter the ramekins and put them aside for now. Take the remaining butter and chocolate, and pour them all into a heat-proof bowl. Add a pinch of salt along with it. Take a small pan, fill it with water, and bring the water to the point of simmering (not boiling). Set your bowl of ingredients over the plan, and stir it until everything has completely melted. Once that’s done, take it off the heat, and leave it to cool.

While that’s cooling, it’s time to move on to the eggs and sugar. Place them into a suitably-sized mixing bowl, and use your electric whisk to beat them until they’ve turned pale. If you don’t have an electric whisk, you can do this manually, but it might take you a while! Stop whisking when the mixture has approximately doubled in volume. You should notice a trail beginning to form when the beaters are lifted out of the mixture, which is a sign that you’ve reached the right point. When you’re satisfied with the mixture, gently and carefully fold in the butter and chocolate in with it. Follow that up by pouring in the Guinness, and fold that in, too. When everything’s all together in the mixing bowl, divide it equally between your buttered ramekins, and place them in your refrigerator to settle and chill for one hour.

The last stage is the cooking! Heat your oven up to gas mark 6, or 200C. If you have a fan-assisted oven, go for 180C instead. Have a baking tray on the top shelf of your oven to heat up as the oven warms. Once you’ve reached the desired temperature, place the ramekins directly onto the baking tray, and bake them for twenty minutes. Once they’re done, we recommend allowing them to stand for a minute or two before serving them. This is where the cream comes in; if you like cream, add a healthy spoonful of it on top of the pudding before serving. If you don’t, then serve them naked – they still taste great without it!

Normally when we offer recipes to you, we suggest that they’d go well with a certain color or flavor of wine. That would be inappropriate here though; the only drink you should be pairing with this pudding is a hearty pint of Guinness! This is a dessert that’s perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, Christmas, or just because it’s a boring Tuesday and you fancy giving yourself or your family a treat. You’ll never think of Irish cooking the same way again!

We hope you love this dessert as much as we do; and if you do, why not share it with a friend? Thanks for stopping by to check out our recipe. We’ll be sure to bring you more great cooking ideas soon!

 

LEDs Generated from Miracle material Can revolutionize Light and displays

by

In solarcells, the economical called perovskites are proficient at turning photons. Today, perovskites are turning into tables, turning electrons to light using an efficacy on par with all their business organic light diodes LED display in cellphones and flat screen TVs. And at a glance of the way that they’d one day be tapped, researchers reported a week ago at Science Improvements which they’ve used a 3D printer to blueprint perovskites for used at full-color displays.

The result increases hopes which the monitor screens and giant displays into the long run will include these low-cost crystalline materials, made from ingredients that are standard. Friend warns that the perovskite displays are not yet commercially viable.

The substances at semiconductor LEDs, for instance, variants, require processing to make sure that the semi-conductors are all pristine. Contrast can, perovskites prepared by simply mixing their compound components. Merely there is a heat treatment required to re install them. And though the crystals wind up with imperfections, then these flaws do not ruin the substances’ means.

Generally in perovskite LEDs, electrodes sandwiching the material that is light-emitting send rates charged electrons and positively charged ion vacancies. Out the exemptions are filled by electrons and present up a little their energy After the charges match at the middle of this toaster.

This photon’s color is dependent upon the compound components of the perovskite, allowing investigators to listen to along with by altering the recipe of the perovskite. Even the Cambridge group perovskite LEDs glowed near-infrared depending upon their cosmetics. Ever since that time, other bands and the club have made the complete range of colors.

The first perovskite LEDs video wall, converted just 0.76percent of electrons to photons. That is because charges have stuck at the borders between your crystallites making the material . But that obstacle has been overcome by teams. Late this past year at Character Photonics, as an instance, Buddy’s group reported by the addition of a light-emitting plastic coating which will help steer clear round the face flaws, it’d made reddish perovskite LEDs using a efficacy of 20.1 percent.

A team led by chemist Edward Sargent at Canada at the University of Toronto chose an alternative approach spiking its recipe that was perovskite . The cubes blocked the flaws from devoting charges, leading to a green perovskite LED using 20.3% efficacy, the team declared in Character . That remains under the efficacy of several LEDs, but is still adequate for several applications.

Researchers led by Feng Gao, a physicist in Linköping University at Sweden, reported on 25 March at Nature Photonics they developed just one more means to attack the flaw problem. They targeted at that the inclination of beams at perovskite crystallites’ borders to snare electrons that were passing. Using a additive which jumped to the guide, they paid down the ions’ appetite for electrons and also created a near-infrared LED that’d 21.6percent efficacy.

The pace of developments in the previous five years was”quite unique,” Friend says. Not one of these apparatus that are perovskite survives more than roughly 50 hours, also well below the hours. After a couple dozen hours isn’t evident why the crystals falter, Gao states. But short life times plagued ancient LEDsthat he also notes. By protecting their apparatus from humidity and air Along with solar panel — manufacturers have solved wellbeing problems. “I am positive that this area may also grow fast, and perovskite LEDs could improve,” Gao says.

If they do, then the job from investigators led by Jennifer Lewis will point out new approaches for building displays. Whilst the”ink” taking the nano-wires passed through the printer nozzle, then shear forces coordinated themLewis states. The orientation of this nano-wires gave light from each LED a favorite oscillation, or polarization.

Due to his or her model displays, Lewis’s team did not cable each LED into electrodes; as an alternative, the investigators subjected the full display to ultra violet (UV) light. The uv-light strikes their condition and electrons apart . They are able to recombine with exemptions and light that is visible. However, as the light has been polarized, her coworkers and Lewis might use filters to restrain it.

The investigators used three perovskite formulas to make displays by which each pixel comprised a reddish spot side by side. By rotating a filter, the investigators match a color or can mix colors.

However he also adds,”This task jumps ahead ten years later on and shows exactly what cool things we may perform ”

Written by:

DYNAMO LED DISPLAYS – The UK’s Leading LED Display Specialists!

 

Event Planning 101 – 5 Tips to Keep in Mind

by

Let’s face it, planning for any event can be stressful. After all, not only is there the sheer number of tasks that need to be accomplished at any given time but more often than not both time and money are limited commodities too. Fortunately, there are ways to make the process easier. So, in the interest of saving you money, time and trouble on your event, here are a few tips that you should keep in mind.

Concert, Confetti, Party, Event, Club, Fun

  • Begin as early as possible

There’s no denying that event planning is often a massive undertaking. As such, the more time that you have on your hands, the easier it will be to achieve all your objectives. So always begin as early as you possibly can. In this way, you will reduce the stress of having to rush the process. More importantly, having more time means that you will nail down all the details with minimal problems.

  • Research your options

From acquiring catering services to securing a good location for the event from the likes of https://www.thewowhousecompany.com, it’s good standard practice to always research your options before deciding. And while it may sound like a tedious task that you would rather be without, doing so will allow you to find good deals and inexpensive alternatives that will help you stay well within your allotted budget.

  • Learn to delegate

Since planning events can be a monumental endeavour, it’s crucial not to try and shoulder all of the tasks on your own. Instead, learn to delegate and share the responsibility with others. After all, not only will it allow the team to remain invested and engaged in their work, but it will also alleviate the stress from the workload and, as a result, boost overall productivity and efficiency.

  • Plan for contingencies

With a multitude of factors involved in planning an event, it’s not uncommon for unforeseen problems and unexpected issues to arise. As such, it’s a general rule of thumb always to plan for contingencies. From looking for substitute caterers or vendors to alternate venues, time invested in creating a back-up plan can pay dividends in preparing for any problems that you might encounter. And as a result, guarantee a successful event.

  • Prioritise tasks

With several objectives that need to be met within a limited timeframe, it’s good standard practice to prioritise all the tasks that need to be accomplished. After all, approaching the event in an organised manner will not only help you maintain a consistent level of productivity throughout the process, but it leaves less to chance as well.

There’s no denying that planning an event presents a staggering number of challenges that, if left unchecked, will cause more than just a few headaches. But by following the tips mentioned above, not only is the process bound to be easier, but you’ll also minimise the possibility of problems from occurring too, and as a result, maximise the chances of achieving the desired outcome.

 

 

Don’t Give Up on Your Marriage Until You Try Couples Counseling

by

It’s not easy being in a marriage. Even if you got married for the right reason, you could still end up feeling terrible. At some point, you will discover each other’s negative qualities. You might even regret marrying the wrong person.

selective focus photography of couple hugging

When you’re no longer happy with each other, getting a divorce is always an option. Before you take that path, you might want to try couples counseling first. There’s still a chance to salvage the relationship. Don’t give up right away or else you’ll be throwing away everything that you built together.

A bump in the road

You might feel bad about your partner now, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that love is no longer present. It’s still possible for you to love each other, but the situation you face makes it even more daunting. If you can go to a counseling session, you will eventually get through the difficult time and be stronger.

Clarify the problem

Another reason why you seem to hate each other is that you tend to ignore the issues. You sweep issues under the rug and hope that everything will change. In a counseling session, you have no choice but to bring everything out. You can’t allow yourself to hide your feelings. When you can finally express how you feel, you might find it easier to move forward.

Understand the consequences 

Getting a divorce means that you need to go through a lengthy legal process. You also have to consider your children who could be in the middle of the struggle. The counseling session will make you understand these consequences. You don’t have to change your mind, but you can at least prepare yourself for what’s going to happen next.

Separate on good terms

Divorce can be messy in most instances, but it doesn’t have to be. You can settle things peacefully, and counseling can help you. When you go through this process, you will realize that there’s no point in having a messy divorce. You might be unable to salvage your relationship, but you can still end up on good terms.

Prepare yourself for a different life

Couples therapy is there to allow you to reconcile with your partner. It doesn’t have to end with you staying married. If you should go your separate ways, you have to accept it. You can’t force yourself to stay together when you’re no longer happy.

However, you also need to start preparing yourself for the dark days ahead. It might be sad being in an unhappy relationship, but it could also be the same when you’re alone. Imagine being married for a decade or so, and you suddenly have to live alone. The counseling session will help you cope with what you will face as you move forward in life.

You have an idea about what’s best for you, and you need to try everything first before deciding to end your marriage. Check out Counseling Oak Park if you need help now.

 

To read more on topics like this, check out the blog category.

 

Lamb & Feta Skewers With A Hint Of Spice: A Greek Recipe

by

As you know, we like to bring you mouthwatering recipes from around the world every now and then on this page. Today we’re turning our attention to Greece – which is a country which perhaps isn’t as well-represented when it comes to restaurants as it should be. Yes, there are many Greek restaurants out there, but not In anything like the same numbers as Italian, Chinese, Thai or Japanese restaurants. That’s a shame – especially if there isn’t a Greek restaurant in your area. Not to worry though – we’ve got all the information you need to make a great-tasting Greek dish of your own at home!

When you look at Greece, there are primarily three things that it’s known for. In no particular order, they are:-

  1. History. Greece is one of the most historically important ancient nations in the whole world. As well as once having an empire, we owe Greece for the invention of many things the world now takes for granted. Where would the world of sport be if it weren’t for the Olympics – which were invented in Greece? The ancient Olympic Games started in Athens in the year 776 BC. When the modern Olympics began, they also started in Greece, this time in 1896. If sport’s not your thing, how about the concept of democracy – the system of government that most civilized countries rely upon? That, too, was invented in Greece over two and a half thousand years ago. If you ever find yourself getting angry at modern politicians, remember to blame the Greeks for putting them there!
  2. Myth and Legend. From the serpent-headed Medusa, who could turn you to stone with a simple stare, to the winged Icarus who fell into the sea while flying too close to the sun, Greek myths and legends are full of fascinating, colorful characters. Although the tales are thousands of years old, they’ve been brought alive and told once more many times, and they’re still relevant today. Hercules was last on our movie screens in 2014, for example, and mobile slots websites are full of slots casino which take their inspiration from Greek legends. There are some obvious choices, such as the ‘Zeus: God of Thunder’ mobile slots game which is based on the most famous Greek god of them all, but other characters are also represented. ‘Magic of Pandora’ is a mobile slots game based on the woman who, according to myth, brought sin into the world. ‘Medusa Megaways’ is all about that petrifying Gorgon. They’re at mobile slots websites, they’re in the cinema, they’re on TV – they’re everywhere!
  3. Food. That’s why we’re here today, and that’s perhaps what Greece is most famous for now (other than its beautiful beaches and vacation destinations). When we think of Greek food, we think of lamb, and yogurt, and feta cheese. We think of olives, and pasta, and fish. We also think of wine – but that might just be us. Whether you want to choose a bottle of wine to go with the meal we’re about to show you is entirely up to you! Today’s recipe is all about lamb and feta, brought to life with a spicy kick and then skewered for convenience. Here’s how you go about making it.

What You’re Going To Need

Making this recipe will take you 25 minutes from start to finish, so it’s a great choice if you’re looking for something quick and tasty! The ingredients are:-

500 grams of minced lamb;

300 grams of basmati rice (brown);

300 grams of cherry tomatoes (cut in half);

50 grams of feta cheese;

85 grams of black olives (quartered) ;

12 wooden skewers;

1 red onion (large, and half-sliced, half-grated);

1 cucumber (diced);

1 large cup of parsley (chopped);

1 large cup of mind (chopped);

1 lemon (juiced);

1 tablespoon of olive oil, and

1 tablespoon of harissa.

How To Make It

This may seem like quite a lengthy list of ingredients, but it’s easy to make once you’ve assembled everything you need. There are only three steps, and if you follow them to the letter, you can’t go wrong.

  1. Immerse all of the wooden skewers in a bowl of water, and leave them there for thirty minutes. While they’re soaking, consult the cooking instructions on the back of your packet of rice, and cook them using the recommended method. When it’s cooked, give it a quick rinse with cold water and then drain it thoroughly before setting it aside.
  2. Heat up your grill. While it’s heating up, put your lamb mince into a bowl, and mix it with the feta cheese, the grated half of the onion, the harissa, and any seasoning you wish to add. Make twelve sausage shapes from the mixture (you should have more than enough mixture to do this with), and thread the resultant sausages onto the skewers. Place them onto a banking tray (important note: this should be a non-stick baking tray!), and grill them for between six and eight minutes. Turn them regularly during the grilling process, and keep a close eye on them. When they’ve turned slightly brown, they’re ready.
  3. Mix all the ingredients you have left over with the brown rice, and again add further seasoning if you see fit. The rice and the rest of the ingredients are a bedding for your hot skewers to sit on. You’re now ready to serve. Fill some small bowls with the rice mixture, add the skewers on top, and either enjoy them yourself or impress your guests!

All the spice in this recipe comes from the harissa. If you or your guests have a liking for spice, you could increase the amount of harissa in the recipe to give things a little more kick and zing. Be very careful though – harissa is a very hot chili paste, and shouldn’t be trifled with. In practice, it’s better to be safe than sorry when putting it into food!

We hope you’ll find these lamb skewers as delicious as we did, and we’ll see you back here soon for another great recipe idea!

 

Stress Management: How to Breathe Life into a Tiny Apartment

by

When it comes to living in a small apartment, most homeowners tend to feel boxed in. It can get notably worse coming home from a challenging day at work, only to be greeted by an apartment that feels more like a jail cell than an open house. Stress management is not easy by any means, and it can be made worse by living conditions such as a small apartment.

Fortunately, you do not have to resign yourself to feeling stress every time you come home. There are ways to make a small apartment more inviting, which can go a long way toward reducing stress. After all, your house is supposed to be the place where you can let the stress melt away as you prepare yourself for the coming day. Here are just a few ways to breathe life into a tiny apartment.

Ensure that your apartment gets enough natural light

While most apartments tend to have windows in the right place, it does not mean that it will sufficiently light up your apartment. It is true that you can purchase lights, but what about the daytime? People tend to underestimate how depressing it can be to live in an apartment that is not sufficiently brightened by natural sources.

You can help alleviate the situation by purchasing mirrors and placing them in areas where they can best reflect the sun’s light during the day. It is a cheap solution that can provide a substantial impact.

The benefits of rounded, glass furniture

It can be challenging to make a tiny apartment feel more spacious, but it is not impossible. The best way to go about accomplishing it is by using rounded and glass furniture. One of the reasons why homeowners feel boxed in is all of the edges present in a tiny home. Making use of rounded furniture from diiiz.com can help make things feel less constrictive. On the other hand, making use of glass furniture will allow you to see more of your apartment – which in turn will help make things feel more spacious. While it might cost a pretty penny to replace furniture, the result might surprise you!

Breathing life in the form of life

Last but certainly not least, one of the best ways to make a small home feel more inviting is through the use of house plants. While house plants generally offer the same benefits no matter how large or small a home is, the latter tends to benefit from plants heavily. If you are not particularly confident about maintaining plants at home, you can go for fakes and still accomplish the same thing. That said, purchasing real plants has the added benefit of purifying the air around your home.

While living in a small apartment can feel depressing at times; it does not have to be a miserable experience. Following the tips above can help make your apartment much more inviting, which in turn will reduce your stressors.

 

Security Implications of Poor Code Signing Practices

by

Many modern businesses develop code in-house as part of the products and services for their customers. These applications can vary from simple web applications designed to allow the customer to easily manage their accounts with the organization via the Internet to desktop applications that represent a significant part of the company’s offerings to the customer.

Regardless of the type of software developed and used by the organization, application security is a significant concern. In many cases, the organization’s software is the primary way that the customer interacts with the organization. If there are functionality or security flaws in the application, it can negatively reflect on the company and may even be the cause of lost customers or sales.

The concept of code signing is nothing new and is extremely valuable to improving application security. However, many organizations have poor code signing practices, opening them up to attack by hackers trying to take advantage of their good name to hide their own efforts to spread malware. Understanding the risks associated with poor code signing practices and taking steps to improve them is an important aspect of good application security.

What is Code Signing?

Code signing is what makes it possible for users of an application to verify the creator. The developer creates a digital signature using a secret encryption key known only to them. They then provide a public encryption key that, along with the file itself, can be used to verify the signature. The assumption is that, since only the owner of the secret key knows what it is, only they can generate a valid signature, so you can trust the software that the signature verifies.

One example of when you’ll see code signing occur is when you’re trying to install software on your phone or computer. On an iPhone, you can only install an app if it’s been signed using keys issued by Apple. This allows them to maintain control over what is installed on their devices. On Windows computers, the OS will warn you that the developer of the application cannot be verified if there isn’t a trusted signature, ensuring that you are caught by surprise by unsigned code. If code is signed correctly (and the creator is someone you trust), this is a strong mark in favor of the program being safe to install.

Beyond the signatures on the original program, code signing is also invaluable to securing the update process. It’s not difficult for an attacker to send a malicious update to a piece of software. However, most software uses signed updates, where the update is protected by a digital signature that could only be generated by someone with knowledge of the secret key. If the software will only accept and install signed updates, the bar is much higher for attackers attempting to insert backdoors or other malicious code into legitimate software. Code signing is what makes automated updates over the Internet possible and secure.

Implications of Poor Signature Security

Despite the importance of strong code signing practices and security for application security, many organizations have a weak strategy for protecting the secret keys used to sign their code and software updates. A recent survey found that only 28% of organizations had a well-defined process in place for signing their code. The remaining 72% of organizations (and all of their customers) are vulnerable to attacks where hackers attempt to gain access to code signing keys in order to sign malicious software updates. Since over a third (35%) of organizations don’t even know who is “in charge” of their code signing key, the bar isn’t set very high for hackers.

And those hackers are definitely making an effort to gain access to those poorly protected certificates. A report published in May 2018 described the tactics of a set of Chinese hacking groups operating as a team. In general this group targeted gaming studios and other tech companies that develop computer software for sale. One of the members of the group would perform the initial scouting for other groups, and, after obtaining access, search for storage drives and other places where the secret key used for code signing might be located. If they managed to steal keys, they would have the ability to load malware onto clients’ computers while hiding behind the legitimate code signer.

Improving Application Security

For software developers, the security of code signing is important for multiple different reasons. The first is that attackers taking advantage of poor code signing key security may manage to corrupt their supply chain. Most software has third-party dependencies, and a signed (but malicious) update to these could negatively impact the application itself. For this reason, it is important to develop a security plan that manages the possibility of corrupted dependencies within the organization’s software.

Finally, developers of valuable software might be targeted by groups attempting to steal and misuse their code signing certificates. If successful, an attacker could corrupt their application code on their customers’ machines through signed malicious updates. To protect against this, organizations need a comprehensive security strategy. Beyond defending the code signing keys, it’s also important to implement detective and protective mechanisms for the code itself. This requires a degree of visibility beyond that of traditional, perimeter-based security solutions, so organizations in this situation should research and deploy runtime application self-protection (RASP), defensive software integrated into the product itself, to ensure their application security.

 

5 Things You Should Know About Travelling To Greece

by

If we went back in time a few years, we’d find that Greece was once a great deal more popular as a tourist destination than it is right now. The last decade hasn’t been a happy one for Greece when it comes to how it’s perceived on the global stage – a sharp recession followed by an internationally-funded bailout has generated a lot of unwanted press. That’s taken some of the shine off it as a vacation destination, which is a shame because it’s one of the most beautiful countries in the world.

If you’re considering a vacation to Greece – and you really should – then you’ll find the Greeks will be very happy to see you. Tourism is a huge part of their economy, and as the country rebuilds itself it’s going to extra mile to make sure visitors feel welcome, and then go home and tell all their friends about how great it is. That way, they’ll want to come as well! It’s also a little cheaper to go than it may have been in the past – lower demand has meant lower prices, and so right now is a good time to take advantage before they shoot up again.

Before you set off to Greece and its enchanting islands, though, there are a few things you ought to know about the country. We’ve condensed them into five fast facts, so consider this a handy reference guide!

History And Modernity Are Fused Together

Greece is famous all around the world for its ancient myths and legends. We’ve all heard about Mount Olympus, and the great Greek god Zeus. Many people will have fond memories of Ancient Greece being their favorite subject when they were at school. That fascination has evidently followed people into adulthood; if you go to a mobile slots website or the related casinos, you’ll find various mobile slots based on Greek myth. Zeus has several mobile slots named in his honor. There’s even a mobile slots game based on Pandora! Just like with the mobile slots, though, modern Greece has fused the old and the new together.

Many of the structures of Ancient Greece are still standing – the Parthenon being the best-known and most mysterious (did you know it contains no straight lines or right angles?) but in many cases, the modern towns and cities have grown up around the old monuments. Don’t expect them to be standing alone in an open field – there’s probably a McDonald’s around the corner!

It’s A Bit Smoky

If you’re a smoker, firstly you should quit. Secondly, you’ll probably love Greece. If you’re a non-smoker, you might be in for a bit of throat irritation. There are more smokers in Greece than there are anywhere else in the European Union (and possibly the world). There have been various government initiatives aimed at reducing the smoking rate, but the issue is that Greeks don’t seem all that interested in giving up.

Smoking is theoretically banned in all indoor spaces, although in rural areas you’ll likely find nobody enforces or pays any attention to that ban. In busy outdoor spaces, you’ll probably be followed by the smell of smoke wherever you go. Make sure you take plenty of changes of clothes, and consider a face mask if it particularly bothers you.

Greek Retailers Prefer Cash

In the major Greek cities (for example Athens, which we’ll go ahead and assume is one of your planned destinations), you won’t have to look very far for an ATM. Almost everywhere else, you will. Some of the islands you might want to visit won’t have an ATM at all. Even if they did, they wouldn’t be much use to you; many traders and retailers only accept cash. You’re unlikely to have a problem with large, global brands, but if you want to get a taste of Greek culture and shop at authentic Greek stores, you’ll need to carry cash on you at all times.

If it’s not clear whether a shop or venue accepts card payments, make sure you get clarification on the matter before you attempt to make any purchases. If you waste a merchant’s time by trying to proceed with a purchase you can’t pay for, you may find out that the stereotypes of Mediterranean temper are well-founded!

Drive At Your Own Risk

You might find that the driving style of Greeks is a little more aggressive than you’re accustomed to. If they think you’re moving too slowly, they’ll have no qualms about overtaking you. That overtake might happen on either the right or left side. Motorcycles seem to operate according to their own rules, and weave in and out of traffic without warning (and there are a lot of them). If you’re not accustomed to it, it can be very stressful.

Because of the stress of driving, you might prefer to take a taxi, but you should also be aware of taxi etiquette, too. It’s not unknown for a taxi driver to pick up a fare while your ride is already underway. If the driver can figure out a way to drop you and your new friend off along the same route, they’ll do it. If this happens, don’t worry – you’re not expected to split the fare. Your driver will have a separate tab running for each of you. In a lot of ways, it’s a more efficient way of running taxis than is the norm in the USA!

They Don’t Get Drunk

Greece is the nation that gave the world ouzo. Because of that, you might think they drink ouzo like the Russians drink vodka, and that a Greek bar is, therefore, an exceptionally rowdy place. The Greeks do love a drink, but they’re especially good at knowing their limits. You will rarely see a drunk Greek anywhere. They’ll eat, drink, and be merry, but merry is as far as the majority of them go.

As you’re in their country, you’ll be expected to conduct yourself in a similar manner. The Greeks don’t take kindly to public drunkenness. Years of exposure to British and American bachelor parties on the islands have made them even more wary of this than they used to be. Enjoy a drink on your vacation, but do so in moderation. You’ll be more likely to remember your spectacular trip that way!

To read more on topics like this, check out the travel category.

The Benefits of IOS Over Google Play

by

For those who use the iPhone the technology used to drive these products provides several advantages over Android. The key app purchase area is either the app store for iPhone or Google Play for Android. The question you might have as a new investor is which is better and why. Here is a comparison of the two.

If you are purchasing a new smart phone and you what to trade forex or CFDs, chances are that you will be using one of two operating systems, which are Google’s Android or Apple’s iOS. These two platforms accounted for nearly all the new operating systems on smartphones shipped in 2018. Microsoft has thrown in the towel on its Windows Phone, BlackBerry makes Android devices now, and there are very few other options worth considering. The number of apps on Google play in 2018 was 2.7 million, while ios had 2.2 million apps.

Traditionally, iOS has been a more lucrative platform for developers, so there has been a tendency for new apps to appear there first. In the US iOS still leads the way, but developers elsewhere are increasingly targeting Android as the first place they introduce new applications. The Play Store still has a higher percentage of free apps in comparison to the App Store. But the best mobile games still land on iOS first according to many surveys.

Organization

Between the two stores, there are millions of apps and games and neither Google’s Play Store or Apple’s App Store organize their stores perfectly. The Play Store is easier to search compared to the ios store and you can queue and install apps from the web browser on your PC or laptop. The Play Store has an advantage as it provides a no hastle refund policy within two hours of purchase. There are some questionable apps in both stores, but Apple is generally stricter about blocking certain types of apps.

More People on Their Products

One of the most popular applications is the mapping application that is offered for free by Google and Apple. Apple Maps did not have a great start, but it has improved significantly. Key features are similar, you can download maps for offline use, get accurate estimates based on current traffic conditions, and find turn-by-turn directions for driving or walking. One thing that Google Maps offers that Apple Maps doesn’t is cycling directions. Overall, the scale and quality of Google Maps is unsurpassed. It has more points of interest and it is generally more detailed than Apple Maps.

Which is better for Trading?

Both applications provide a great trading experience. Your preference as to the phone or tablet you like to use should take precedence over the operating system. Both systems offer excellent trading applications and few brokers offer only one operating systems. You will find that the majority offer both ios and android.