As the years go by, most of us get used to driving in all kinds of weather conditions from the typical hot and sunny days of the summer, the rainy downpours of spring and autumn to the snowy backroads of the winter months.

However, regular practice comes negligence, and many of us can feel overconfidence while driving in less than desirable conditions without even thinking about it. However, this dramatically increases the risk of an

accident taking place, which, of course, is something you’re going to want to avoid.

To help keep you safe and refresh your memory, today we’re going to explore six key tips you’ll need to remember to help you drive safely while out in the rain.

#1 – Keep Your Distance

While you might be used to driving up close behind other cars; when it gets to the rainy days you’re going to want to fall about and increase your distance. When the rain starts to fall, the roads can get very slippery which will increase your stopping distance making it more likely to have a crash if you don’t hold back.

#2 – Don’t Slam Your Brakes

Hand in hand with the consideration above, always make sure you’re gradually applying the brakes on your vehicle, rather than slamming them down at the last minute. This can easily cause your car to skid or hydroplane depending on the conditions of the road, which can cause an accident.

#3 – Use Lights on Low Beam

While it might be the middle of the day, rain, especially heavy rain, can dramatically impair any driver’s vision and makes it incredibly difficult to see anything ahead. To eliminate this problem, always drive with your lights on low beam.

If everyone can see everyone else, this makes all drivers a lot more aware of what they’re doing and helps to minimize the risk of a collision taking place.

#4 – Apply Awareness at Junctions and Intersections

Including all the other points we’ve listed here, when you approach a T-Junction, turning or intersection, make sure you’re even more aware than usual when it’s raining. Approach slowly and keep looking in all directions to ensure it’s safe.

It’s also incredibly important to make sure you’re not assuming the actions of other drivers and keeping an eye out for them. A novice driver might not be experienced enough to drive in the rain and may shoot across an intersection without being able to stop.

Never assume and always make judgments based on what’s happening. If you do find yourself in an accident situation, always enlist the help of car accident attorneys who can help you fight your case properly.

#5 – Avoid Still/Standing Water

We’ve all seen the viral videos of someone getting stuck while trying to cross a large body of water and you may always think, “What was that guy trying to do?”

However, while this may sound easy to avoid in the day, it’s much more difficult if you’re driving at night, so always keep your wits about you.

#6 – Drive Slower

This may seem like an obvious point, but you’ll be amazed at how many people don’t listen to it. When the roads are wet and slippery, traveling at high speeds dramatically increases the risk of hydroplaning or skidding off the roads, as well as being much more likely that you’ll lose control.

Summary

As you can see, there are lots of things to remember when it comes to driving in the rain that can help keep you safe. Most importantly, be aware and minimize distractions, watch the road and make the safest decisions possible.

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Pets are really awesome and important creatures that anyone can have. Dogs can provide company, security, and a source of happiness as well. While they can hardly take care of themselves, leave alone knowing the relevant products to do so, they’re lucky to have you. And you better not disappoint them. After all, friends take good care of their friends, right? Looking after your dog can be challenging when you hardly know which products can be good for their wellbeing. Lucky for you, here is a list of the 8 awesome products that will help you through. Please read on.

1. Dog Bed

When you’re tired from whatever things you’ve been doing, you’ll always come home to your bed to relax and lay your stress off. This is what your dog deserves as well. And you’ll agree with me that a less comfortable and less conducive bed only adds to your stress and boredom, right? You should get your dog a bed that can keep her warm and cosy while she gets the nap. You may decide to get them a bed that matches your home décor or any that fits your lifestyle. There are different types of dog beds available, such as waterproof dog beds, that you can get for your dog to help them have a better experience.

 2. Identification

Your dog can easily get lost for different reasons. And there’s no doubt you’ll feel bad about it. You’ll hardly have peace throughout the day when you think that he’s out there alone, somewhere. And anything bad could happen to him. It’ll be worse if he has nothing that can be used to identify him and perhaps you as the owner. Which is why it’s vital that you provide your dog with some identification. You could choose either microchips or identification tags. You can even decide to use both for convenience. On the tag, you can include details of your dog’s name and your contact information. Or just your contact information – home phone, cell phone, or office phone – alone for the safety of your friend. The microchip, which is injected between the dog’s shoulder blades will contain your contact information which will be revealed when the code is scanned.

 3. Toys

Pets love to play all the time whether with you, with other pets, or on their own. And your friend is no different. Therefore, toys are an important item to consider for his sake. Toys exist in different types – fetching toys such as flying discs and balls, plush toys such as stuffed animals, chew toys such as hard-rubber toys, and critical thinking toys such as treat-dispensing devices. You should be keen when selecting the toys to bring to avoid bringing the wrong size. Some toys will also get destroyed and you’ll need to remove them from the dog’s containment to avoid any possible harm on them. Choose which toys to give them at each particular time.

 4. Shelter

Your dog probably needs to have some shaded area where he can retire to after basking in the sun or when it’s cold or raining. The shelter will also provide a conducive environment for him to sleep at night. You need to get your friend a warm and cosy shelter where he can be safe and relaxed. This is his home and it should be a place where he feels most safe. There are different options that you can go for depending on your dog’s needs and age.

 5. Grooming Supplies

Grooming your pets is very essential both for their benefits and yours as well. Remember, you’ll be staying with your dog and, perhaps take him with you for a walk. This can be quite embarrassing for you if he’s not properly groomed. Plus, he can cause some inconvenience when interactive with any member of your family – untrimmed toenails, bad breath, or bad odour. You need to brush his teeth, clean his ears, and trim his toenails among other grooming requirements. It’s, therefore, important that you have relevant grooming supplies with you at any given time. Have things like nail clippers, cotton balls, shampoo & conditioner, toothbrush & dog toothpaste, ear cleaning solution, comb, blow dryer, conditioning spray, towels, slicker brush, and bristle brush.

 6. Food and Treats

Just like you and every other living creature on earth, your friend will regularly need to eat and drink. The food and treats are essential for their health and proper functioning of different organs. If your friend is still small, she’ll need food and treats with high-calorie demands for the body to develop healthy skin, organs, and bones. Puppies require special diets formulated for their growth and development. But this doesn’t mean the diet requirements are only for puppies. Even your adult friend requires proper dieting at all times. Ensure to always be keen on the type of food and treats you provide them and at what intervals for feeding them.

 7. Food and Water Bowls

Besides getting food for your friend, you’ll need somewhere to place the food and perhaps water. And the best way you can enhance this is by providing them with food and water bowls. With the availability of different types of bowls – plastic crocks, stainless steel or ceramic dishes, and glass bowls – the selection of which type to use is very sensitive. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages. Take plastic bowls and crocks, for instance. While they’re the least expensive option, they can easily harbour residue and bacteria more sore if there are scratched or dented parts on the surface. This may require you to replace the bowls on a regular basis. Glass bowls and ceramic dishware can be a better option but they’re normally costly, heavy, and easily breakable. Stainless steel bowls, on the other hand, are the best choice you can go for but they’ll cost you a lot.

 8. Collar & Leash

Without a collar, you can hardly place identification and license tags on your dog. This is what will hold the tags with his and the owner’s details. The collar will be attached to the leash which keeps him from running away and is vital when you’ll be walking him around. The leash gives you control when training him or during the walks. It should, therefore, be significantly strong and durable. An adjustable type of collar can be a better option for convenience, but you’ll need to ensure it fits snugly. You may remove the leash once the dog is inside to prevent related hazards.

Conclusion

Dogs can make really good friends with humans. And this bond can be sealed through providing them with essential and effective products. These products are some of the must-haves that you can include in your list to help you enhance your relationship with them and to appreciate their wellbeing. However, there are other important products that you can include in your checklist as well. You can look out for other relevant themed blogs about different essential dog products. For now, good luck with taking care of your friend.

For organizations in which team playing is more than just a suggestion, tactical and morale patches have been used as an identifier for hundreds of years. From alma maters to military clothing, these patches have served as ways to show your brotherhood and association with a particular group around the world.

Morale and tactical patches are used as a spirit builder amongst members of teams and are usually worn on clothing or gear belonging to those members. They are most commonly found in military groups and law enforcement but can be designed to create a bond between members of any group.

Sometimes they are referred to as tactical patches, and sometimes as morale patches. The terms are often used interchangeably, but there is a difference in each type of patch.

A Bit of a History Lesson

Morale patches have been in use for over one hundred years, since before World War I. They were used by the British Army before they even hit the United States but quickly gained popularity as a way to easily differentiate between ally and enemy.

Back in World War I, the US Army’s 81st Division Wildcats created the first Morale patched used in America. It was used to help the troops in the 81st Division build morale and had a domino effect of quickly spreading to other divisions. Before long, it was a requirement that each division has their own moral patch consisting of something created by and unique to them.

Morale patches, being used to “build morale,” tend to have an ironic or humorous bent to them. They may have an image or an expression that lends itself to an inside joke amongst a particular unit or division that only those members understand. Morale patches aren’t authorized by the military as part of the official uniform, but you can still find them on military clothing and gear quite often.

Once considered to be a morale booster for the military, these patches caught on quickly in the public sector. In the 1920s, patches began being used as collector’s items, with military patches identifying different divisions to be traded and collected by the public. But soon, civilians caught on to the benefits of using morale patches and they began being used throughout the world in companies and groups to boost employee and member morale outside of the military.

Whereas when they were first initiated for use, patches had to be painstakingly embroidered and then added on to the clothing or gear they were intended for, the Industrial Revolution quickly changed that process.

Morale patches were only worn by the wealthy who could afford to have them custom-made but after the Industrial Revolution brought about mechanical sewing and embroidery machines, they could be produced on a wide-scale for much less cost. Suddenly, morale patches were everywhere.

So What’s a Tactical Patch Then?

By definition, the word tactical means, “relating to or constituting actions carefully planned to gain a specific military end.” In other words, tactical patches can only be military related, but morale patches, on the other hand, apply to any patch worn with the intent of creating an identifying insignia to a specific group.

Ironically, for something to be tactical, it has to be characterized by a purposeful manoeuvre. It is skilful, logical reasoning behind the movement that has a specific plan of action intended to gain an advantage or take the group to the intended final conclusion. Tactical patches fit that description quite clearly: The patch itself is skillfully designed to create a plan of action that brings the members of the team together as a whole unit.

The first tactical patch is credited, once again, to the U.S. Army’s 81st Infantry Division during World War I. They created the first shoulder sleeve insignia or a tactical patch worn on the shoulder. The design contained a silhouette of a wildcat against the olive Army colour’s background. The wildcat supposedly represented the creek that meandered through the 81st’s training post in South Carolina, beginning the history of unique symbolic references required for each future tactical patch.

Tactical patches slowly turned into morale patches over the next decades, and as microprocessors became more affordable and widespread, custom patches were easily produced and replicated. What used to have to be hand-embroidered became simply attached by Velcro. Morale patches were now known and used worldwide for an abundance of different reasons, but all with the same basic purpose of uniting people with the same cause.

You can read more about the history of tactical patches here.

Using Morale Patches

Morale patches don’t have to be regulated since they are not officially sanctioned anyway. However, there are some basic rules that most developers of these patches suggest when you are creating a custom morale patch.

First, be sure you use velcro. Sure, you can take the time to stitch the patch onto your clothing or your gear, but using velcro gives you the benefit of removing the patch in a hurry, being able to change the location where you wear it, and keeps it from the wear and tear of constant washing or regular daily use.

Next, choose the branch, unit, or group that you are creating the patch for and the design that you want to use to symbolize this individual network of people. Again, the idea behind morale patches is that the design is something that is unique to your group.

After you come up with the symbol, create a motto or catchphrase that you want to include. Morale patches are generally humorous, but this is not an absolute requirement. However, the point is to increase morale, so humour tends to be a great, universal way to do this.

Finally, decide whether you want to use a stitched or PVC patch. Stitched patches are mostly durable but show signs of age and use. They’re also susceptible to water damage. PVC patches are also durable, but last longer and are water-resistant. The choice ends up coming down to your preference in the overall aesthetics and how long you want your patch to last.

Morale and Tactical Patches for Team Players

Whatever your group identifies with, a morale patch is always a great way to show mutual association and build morale in one easy step.

Alzheimer’s and dementia affect many older people’s memory or thinking skills. The conditions can be extremely distressing for family members having to witness the deterioration of a loved one’s mental health first-hand. As relatives get older, some people become concerned that their behavior indicates a deeper problem although not everyone knows what to do if that turns out to be the case.

Although the most obvious thing to do is to call a doctor to discuss a dementia care plan although this is unwise until you have collected enough evidence of a potential problem. When it comes time to consult with a physician, it is always better to be armed with as much information on what you’ve observed in your older relative’s behavior.

Research shows that there are eight particular behaviors that indicate the presence of Alzheimer’s or dementia which are noticeable in people likely to be developing either one of the conditions.

1. Signs of Poor Judgment

Behaviors or decisions that imply the person is making bad choices such as unusual spending patterns or failing to notice safety issues others have concerns about. Many people struggling with dementia or Alzheimer’s can become a threat to their own safety as a result of the illness, such as driving erratically.

2. Reduced Interest in Leisure Activities

When people get older, they naturally have reduced energy levels. However, they are still likely to be just as interested and involved in their favorite activities and hobbies as always. If there’s no physical health issue preventing the person from enjoying these past times, there may be a deeper reason why they suddenly lose interest in them.

3. Repeating Oneself

Many people start to repeat themselves when they get older although sometimes, this behavior can become extreme which is a common sign of a deeper issue. However, it is important to know the distinction between someone who is repeating themselves because of their age and a person with developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

4. Difficulty Learning a New Skill

Technology advances at a rapid pace and some older people can struggle with the simplest kitchen appliance or gadget. If there’s a sudden decline in an older person’s ability to fathom new things, this could indicate developing Alzheimer’s or dementia.

5. Forgetting the Year or Month

Many people with Alzheimer’s or dementia have no problem remembering facts from when they were children, but they often struggle with short-term memory. Losing track of the day of the week isn’t uncommon for people who no longer work but if an older person forgets what year or month they’re in, this could mask a growing problem.

6. Difficulty Managing Money and Finances

Even if an older person has always managed their own finances successfully their whole life, when things slide they may be struggling. Having problems paying bills on time or being unable to balance the checkbook could be a sign there’s something wrong.

7. Problems with Appointments and Commitments

People who are developing dementia or Alzheimer’s sometimes lose track of scheduled appointments or plans. They may start to forget birthdays or other important dates in their lifetime including their wedding anniversary. When older people suffer from either of these mental health conditions, they often become disconnected from the way life was before they got ill.

8. Daily Struggles with Memory or Thinking

Older adults often take longer to remember things than younger people. This is because many of the brain’s functions slow down as people get older. However, if you’re elderly relative often seems confused about events and becomes more confused the more they think about them, they may have developed Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Alzheimer’s and Dementia for Loved Ones of Sufferers

It can be very distressing to have an older person develop an illness as concerning as Alzheimer’s or dementia, particularly if it’s a parent. Sufferers often become so different to the person they once were that many loved ones feel a sense of loss long before they pass away. Although recognizing the signs may not prevent the illnesses from developing further, there have been a few advances in the treatment of both Alzheimer’s and dementia.

As with all other mental or physical health conditions, it is important to note the regularity of symptoms and whether the above-mentioned patterns of behavior are becoming more acute. Essentially, both dementia and Alzheimer’s are progressive illnesses that develop over time, albeit a relatively short period to the person’s age. In essence, dementia and Alzheimer’s are both natural forms of brain decay which happens as a person gets older. In the same way that babies develop very quickly at the start of their lives, at the other end of the spectrum late-onset illnesses can also result in rapid deterioration.

Another common symptom of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s is that people respond to what is said to them in unusual ways. Some may develop a habit of laughing in response to all statements, whether they are funny or not. This can be annoying for those close to them, particularly as the conditions become more serious although their behaviors are no longer consciously driven. Essentially, although the person looks exactly the same as the man or woman others know and love, they are likely to behave in very different ways than people are familiar with.

One thing to bear in mind is that people with Alzheimer’s or dementia are not “suffering” in the true sense of the word. They may not feel any physical pain or even any sense of loss over the past they no longer remember. Although it is natural for their loved ones to feel hurt that they are no longer remembered by their elderly relative, the sufferer is not likely to be aware of anyone’s suffering. In other words, they aren’t intentionally behaving the way they do out of a conscious effort to alienate themselves. Alzheimer’s and dementia are now very common illnesses that have really be borne out of our improved life-expectancy and in many ways they cause by the brain’s natural deterioration through aging.

Disruptive clothing companies are popping up in nearly every sector of the fashion industry to save consumers money and to save the planet. You have more options than ever before pertaining to the ways in which you buy clothes, their sources of origin and to make money off your wardrobe. These five tips for getting better deals on clothing will help you get more out of your money while still looking good.

Discounts and Promo Codes

Many clothing companies and retail websites offer seasonal discounts and promotional codes so that you can save money during checkout or in the store. These marketing techniques are often used to encourage people to spend more money or as a way to say thank you for shopping at their store. Some sites, like this site, offer a wide array of discounts and promo codes to use during checkout for nearly all clothing companies.

Be sure the sale price is actually a deal and that they have not raised the price and attached a sale to make you think you are getting a bargain. Always shop around, even with sales, to verify market prices. Keep in mind that outlet stores are not always a good deal either. They often sell items at full price and lure you into thinking you are getting a deal. If you are a woman, take the time to scan men’s and children’s clothing as women’s clothing often costs significantly more. You can find basics such as tennis shoes, t-shirts and sweatshirts for far less in other sections to use with your discounts and codes.

Sell Old Clothes

Your closet and the closets of your loved ones might be a gold mine. You can make money of the clothing you no longer wear or need. The same is true of closets filled with toys and accessories. You can sell these items online, to for-profit thrift stores or at garage sales. When you sell it yourself, you do not have to pay a commission to the business who does it for you. Try not to sell something just because you want something new.

Be sure you need an item of clothing before you buy it, and do not get rid of clothes simply because you plan to lose weight. You still need clothes that fit today. You may not lose the weight you want in the timeframe you desire as it is much harder than people often realize. And your clothes will last longer if you wash them in cold water on the gentle cycle and dry them on a clothesline. Repair holes and tears to keep wearing them for years more. Hem your own trousers. And create clothing lists like grocery lists so you only buy the items you need as another way to save money.

Subscriptions and Rentals

Subscription and rental services are on trend at the moment. A subscription service allows you to pay a monthly fee for new clothes each month. You return them at the end of the month before the new clothes are shipped. They clean them for you. These services are ideal for people who constantly buy new clothes and only wear them a few times, those who want to be up-to-date with the latest trends at all times and those who simply do not have time to shop. These companies offer personal shoppers and have outfits that work for all body types.

Clothes for rent are also gaining in popularity. This might be a suit, tux or a dress for a special occasion. It might also be higher-end clothing for events and special dates during which making an impression is of the utmost importance. On the other hand, many professionals now recommend that you do not rent a tuxedo for a wedding, but rather you should buy a suit that you can easily wear more than once. Many wedding parties will buy suits for the grooms rather than to rent a tux as it ends up being far more economical in the end.

Thrift Stores

A huge movement is disrupting the fashion industry to eliminate clothing waste. One of the best ways to eliminate waste in fashion is to buy clothes at thrift stores. These stores have been primarily charity based in the past. A surge in for-profit thrift stores is on trend to sell your clothes to and buy used clothes from for a fraction of the price of new clothes from retail stores.

It is important to know the difference between a thrift store and a vintage store. A vintage store will have collectable and rare pieces that cost significantly more than everyday items. A thrift store will sell clothes, typically only a few years old, for a fraction of the original price. Thrift stores are a great place to buy basics and workout gear. You can even find excellent pricing on dresses, suits, jackets and sweaters if you look hard enough and visit with relative frequency. Keep in mind these places are first to come first serve without any extra sizes. Top items go fast.

Websites Clearance Pages and Discount Stores

Discount stores are also different from thrift stores in that they sell brand new clothes at a lower price that are often from name brand stores. They can sell these originals at a fraction of the price in many cases because they did not sell in stores, they are irregular items or the items are out of season.

Do not forget to check website clearance pages. Most clothing retailers offer deep discounts on a clearance page. These pages are often filled with last season’s looks, items that were purchased in excess and unpopular sizes. You can find great deals if you check this page regularly.

You can get better deals on clothes with these five tips. If you want to save even more, be sure to shop during the off-season for lower prices and avoid dry clean only clothing. You do not have to spend a fortune to look good as long as you know what you are doing.

In a world where gender stereotypes are, thankfully, becoming a thing of the past, the average male is finally free to unleash themselves on the world. Traditionally, men who put the extra care and attention into their physical appearance have either been seen as having done so in order to show off their rock-hard physiques for the ladies or as a bold expression of their femininity and sexuality.

Thankfully, this worldview has slipped away. Men are now just as able, and just as likely, to make beautification a part of their day-to-day ritual, for no reason other than a welcome boost in self-esteem. It doesn’t matter what kind of man you are, how you define yourself, or where on the wide spectrum of masculinity you find yourself, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t be looking to feel your best wherever you go. However, it doesn’t matter just how much you would like to reinvent yourself, you still need to find a starting point from which to do so. The following health, fashion, and beauty tips are all things that any man can decide to do when they feel that that the time has come to make these changes.

Start a Workout Routine

This is what separates the men from the, well, slightly more muscular men. A workout routine should be at the heart of your efforts to improve your physique and your health. When many people picture a male workout routine, they are imagining a testosterone-fuelled room, filled with various equipment to punch, lift, and swing around the place. In reality, most workout routines are more basic than this. Certainly, if you are new to workouts then you are going to want to start with something a little bit easier. Your workout routine can, and should, develop as time goes by. Don’t try and dive straight into a series of exercises that are going to be too much for you. Have a look here for an example of a good routine for a beginner to get started with. This will introduce you to the world of physical exercise without going overboard.

Stop Smoking!

Yeah, we get it, we really do! It doesn’t how many toxic fumes and cancer-causing death molecules you’re inhaling, smoking is cool. But while the sight of a cigarette dangling lazily from the corner of your lips, upturned in a knowing smile that says “yes, I smoke. And yes, it is damn cool” might look amazing in a black and white photograph, the modern woman tends to be much more discerning. The sad fact is that smoking just isn’t cool anymore. Asides from the fact that it will gradually eat away at your physical wellbeing, smoking can have a serious psychological impact on those who are trying to better themselves. Getting in shape is a tough challenge anyway; you don’t need to add the difficulties of breaking a habit like this on top. One thing that many smokers find to be tremendously helpful as they work to finally break the habit is to use an e-cigarette. E-cigs deliver users the hit of nicotine that their bodies physically crave but do so in the form of a harmless vapour. Grey Haze is one such company who, through their UK ecig store, sell the kits you need to get started with vaping, alongside a selection of flavours to load their devices with.

Start Eating Well

Eating well. It’s like brushing our teeth. On the one hand, we know that to not do so would be incredible and pointlessly foolish, but on the other hand, it’s a very small amount of time that we could otherwise have spent finding the perfect emoji for our latest off-the-cuff thought. Changing to a much better lifestyle and, therefore, getting your mind and body in the best state they can be, is all about making a lot of small changes over a prolonged period of time. Don’t try and immediately put yourself on a brutal diet or Olympiad workout regime. Instead, make small and gradual changes to these three key areas. This way, you will find that big change creeps up on you without you even realising it!