#cheap shopfronts

[unitedshopfronts581]

Exploring the Future of Shopfronts: A Comprehensive Guide

In the dynamic landscape of retail, shopfronts serve as the face of businesses, reflecting not only their offerings but also their brand identity and values. As we navigate through the digital age, the evolution of shopfronts becomes increasingly intriguing, with advancements in technology and changing consumer behaviors reshaping the way businesses present themselves to the world. In this comprehensive guide, we delve deep into the future of shopfronts, exploring emerging trends, innovative designs, and the transformative impact on the retail landscape.

Embracing Digital Transformation

Seamless Integration of Online and Offline Experiences

The future of shopfronts lies in seamlessly integrating the online and offline realms, creating immersive experiences that captivate customers across various touchpoints. Digital signage and interactive displays will become standard features, allowing businesses to showcase their products in engaging ways while offering personalized recommendations based on customer preferences and browsing history. Moreover, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies will revolutionize the shopping experience, enabling customers to visualize products in their desired settings before making a purchase.

Mobile-Friendly Designs for On-the-Go Consumers

With the proliferation of smartphones and mobile devices, shopfronts of the future will prioritize mobile-friendly designs to cater to on-the-go consumers. Responsive websites and mobile apps will play a pivotal role in driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores, offering seamless navigation, real-time inventory updates, and personalized promotions tailored to individual preferences. By leveraging geolocation and beacon technology, businesses can deliver targeted messages and incentives to customers based on their proximity to physical locations, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Solutions

Green Architecture and Biophilic Design

In an era of increasing environmental awareness, shopfronts will embrace sustainable practices and eco-friendly materials to minimize their carbon footprint and promote environmental stewardship. Green architecture and biophilic design principles will be integrated into shopfront aesthetics, incorporating elements such as living walls, rooftop gardens, and natural lighting to create harmonious spaces that blend seamlessly with their surroundings. Additionally, solar panels and energy-efficient systems will be employed to reduce energy consumption and harness renewable sources of power, aligning with the growing demand for eco-conscious solutions.

Circular Economy and Ethical Sourcing

The future of shopfronts will also prioritize the principles of a circular economy, where products are designed to be reused, recycled, or repurposed at the end of their lifecycle. Businesses will adopt sustainable practices such as zero-waste packaging, upcycling, and product stewardship to minimize waste and maximize resource efficiency. Furthermore, ethical sourcing and fair trade initiatives will gain prominence, ensuring that products are sourced responsibly and produced under ethical working conditions, thereby fostering a more socially responsible supply chain.

Personalization and Customer Engagement

Data-Driven Insights and Predictive Analytics

In the era of big data, shopfronts will leverage data-driven insights and predictive analytics to understand customer behavior and preferences, enabling personalized interactions and tailored recommendations. Through customer relationship management (CRM) systems and machine learning algorithms, businesses can anticipate customer needs, anticipate trends, and deliver hyper-targeted marketing campaigns that resonate with their audience. Moreover, loyalty programs and membership perks will incentivize repeat purchases and foster long-term customer loyalty, driving sustained growth and profitability.

Interactive Experiences and Immersive Technologies

To enhance customer engagement and foster brand loyalty, shopfronts will embrace interactive experiences and immersive technologies that captivate the senses and create memorable moments. Interactive displays, pop-up installations, and experiential activations will invite customers to actively participate in the shopping journey, fostering emotional connections and brand affinity. Furthermore, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) experiences will transport customers to virtual worlds where they can explore products in-depth, try virtual clothing, or test-drive virtual vehicles, elevating the shopping experience to new heights of excitement and delight.

Conclusion

The future of shopfronts is filled with promise and potential, driven by technological innovation, sustainable practices, and a relentless focus on customer engagement. By embracing digital transformation, adopting eco-friendly solutions, and personalizing the shopping experience, businesses can thrive in an ever-evolving retail landscape, capturing the hearts and minds of consumers while staying ahead of the competition.

[unitedshopfronts11]

Enhance Your Storefront Appeal: The Ultimate Guide to Shop Front Doors

Welcome to the ultimate guide on shop front doors! Your storefront is the first impression your business makes on customers, and the right door can make all the difference. In this guide, we'll explore everything from design considerations to security features, helping you create an inviting and secure entrance for your store.

Designing Your Shop Front Doors

Designing the perfect shop front door involves more than just aesthetics; it's about creating an entrance that reflects your brand identity and welcomes customers. Here are some key considerations:

Choosing the Right Material

Selecting the appropriate material for your shop front door is crucial for both durability and aesthetics. From traditional wood to sleek glass, each material offers unique benefits and considerations.

Incorporating Brand Elements

Your shop front door is an opportunity to showcase your brand personality. Consider incorporating elements such as your logo, colors, and signage to create a cohesive and memorable entrance.

Security Features for Shop Front Doors

Ensuring the security of your shop front door is essential for protecting your business and merchandise. Here are some features to consider:

High-Quality Locking Mechanisms

Investing in high-quality locking mechanisms is essential to deter break-ins and unauthorized access. Look for options such as deadbolts or electronic locks for added security.

Impact-Resistant Glass

For storefronts located in high-traffic areas or prone to vandalism, impact-resistant glass can provide an extra layer of protection against forced entry and damage.

Installing and Maintaining Your Shop Front Door

Proper installation and maintenance are crucial for maximizing the lifespan and functionality of your shop front door. Here are some tips:

Professional Installation

Ensure your shop front door is installed by experienced professionals to guarantee proper fit and functionality. Improper installation can compromise security and energy efficiency.

Regular Inspection and Maintenance

Schedule regular inspections and maintenance checks to identify any issues early on and prevent costly repairs down the line. Pay attention to components such as hinges, seals, and locks.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

How can I choose the right shop front door for my business? Choosing the right shop front door involves considering factors such as your brand identity, security needs, and budget. Consult with a reputable door supplier to explore your options and find the perfect fit.

Are shop front doors customizable? Yes, many door suppliers offer customization options to tailor the design, material, and features of your shop front door to your specific needs and preferences.

What security measures can I implement to protect my shop front door? Investing in features such as high-quality locks, impact-resistant glass, and security cameras can help enhance the security of your shop front door and deter potential intruders.

How often should I schedule maintenance for my shop front door? It's recommended to schedule maintenance checks for your shop front door at least twice a year to ensure optimal performance and identify any potential issues early on.

Can I install my shop front door myself, or should I hire a professional? While some shop front doors may come with DIY installation options, it's generally recommended to hire a professional installer to ensure proper fit, functionality, and security.

What are the benefits of a glass shop front door? Glass shop front doors can enhance visibility, create a modern aesthetic, and allow natural light to enter your storefront, ultimately attracting more customers and improving the overall shopping experience.

Conclusion: Elevate Your Storefront with the Perfect Shop Front Door

Your shop front door is more than just an entrance; it's a reflection of your brand and a critical component of your business's success. By carefully considering design, security, and maintenance factors, you can create an inviting and secure entrance that enhances your storefront appeal and attracts customers.

[sonukumar44]

Unveiling the Wonders of Curtain Walling: A Comprehensive Guide

In the realm of architectural innovation, curtain walling stands tall as a testament to modern design and functionality. This revolutionary construction technique has reshaped the skyline of cities worldwide, offering a seamless blend of aesthetics and structural integrity. In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the intricacies of curtain walling, unraveling its significance and applications.

Understanding Curtain Walling

What is Curtain Walling?

Curtain walling is a cutting-edge architectural solution that involves the installation of a non-structural outer layer on a building's façade. This layer, often made of glass or metal, serves multiple purposes, including weather resistance, thermal insulation, and visual appeal. Unlike traditional load-bearing walls, curtain walls bear no structural load, enabling architects to create expansive, visually striking exteriors.

Components of a Curtain Wall

A well-designed curtain wall comprises several key components, each playing a crucial role in its overall performance:

1. Mullions and Transoms

Mullions are vertical members that provide support to the curtain wall, while transoms are horizontal elements connecting mullions. The strategic placement of these components ensures the stability and strength of the entire system.

2. Glass Panels

The use of high-quality glass panels is quintessential to the success of curtain walling. These panels not only allow natural light to permeate the interior but also contribute to the building's energy efficiency.

3. Spandrel Panels

Spandrel panels, positioned between the glass panels, offer a seamless visual transition and contribute to the overall insulation of the building.

Advantages of Curtain Walling

1. Architectural Versatility

Curtain walling provides architects with unparalleled flexibility in design. The absence of structural constraints allows for the creation of awe-inspiring, futuristic structures that captivate the imagination.

2. Energy Efficiency

The integration of advanced materials in curtain walling promotes energy efficiency by optimizing insulation and minimizing heat loss. This not only reduces environmental impact but also leads to substantial cost savings for building occupants.

3. Natural Light Optimization

One of the standout features of curtain walling is its ability to maximize natural light penetration. This not only creates a more pleasant indoor environment but also reduces the reliance on artificial lighting, contributing to sustainable practices.

Applications Across Industries

1. Commercial Buildings

Curtain walling has become synonymous with contemporary commercial architecture. The sleek, glass exteriors of modern office buildings owe their allure to this innovative construction method.

2. Residential Spaces

In the realm of residential construction, curtain walling is gaining traction as homeowners seek to bring a touch of modernity and sophistication to their dwellings. The infusion of natural light transforms living spaces into vibrant sanctuaries.

3. Retail Establishments

Retail spaces benefit from the transparency and visual appeal of curtain walling, creating inviting storefronts that attract customers and enhance the overall shopping experience.

Maintenance and Longevity

Routine Inspections and Maintenance

To ensure the longevity of curtain walling, routine inspections are imperative. Regular checks on seals, joints, and glass integrity help identify potential issues before they escalate, preserving the structural and aesthetic integrity of the building.

Durable Materials

Investing in high-quality materials for curtain walling is a long-term strategy. Durable materials not only enhance the structure's lifespan but also minimize the need for frequent repairs and replacements.

Conclusion

In conclusion, curtain walling stands as a beacon of innovation in the architectural landscape. Its seamless integration of form and function has transformed the way we perceive and construct buildings. From commercial skyscrapers to residential marvels, the applications of curtain walling are as diverse as the structures it adorns.

[queer-crip-grows]

Right-to-buy council houses without specifically only releasing housing that already had a replacement built was of the most notable ways of the *many* that Thatcher et al screwed the UK.

I’d love to have a law put in place that landlords either have to sign contracts to provide housing under council house-type contracts with rent controls to people on housing benefit etc, or sell to the local council at compulsory purchase prices.

Same for all the houses not being lived in - use to house people under contractual controls, or have to sell to the council housing central fund.

Personally I’d start converting all the office units that are no longer needed because so many people are working remotely now into housing too.

Same for the huge city centre shops - I’m not sure if the pattern repeats elsewhere, but I live near Glasgow and the city centre has basically died since Covid. No one is renting the huge retail stores and the place is full of unhoused folk, which is a fucking scandal. So convert them into housing; let the buildings see use, and let those folks get off the streets. Pets and kids specifically allowed too - get families out of one-room shelters and into proper homes of their own.

I’ve heard that there would be issues putting in water infrastructure, but given the place is literally crumbling already and usage in so many areas is so low that having workers digging up the streets to install water lines wouldn’t cause enormous disruption, the time to do this is *now*. Build rainwater catchment and purification systems on roofs too - we get so much rain in the UK it’s kind of ridiculous not to use it! Some of that could go directly to drip irrigation in gardens, but plenty could go right into the houses/flats too. And of course this would provide tons of jobs in construction, architecture, planning etc etc.

Install gardens and green spaces around the place while you are doing this - offer some at low rent, or to buy cheaply, to market gardeners, but specifically put spaces in for communal gardens with the idea of offering allotments and encouraging people to grow their own food.

Put solar panels on every roof and integrate spaces for smaller wind turbines amongst the houses too. Huge storage batteries in basements to make the new blocks as low-footprint and self-sufficient as possible power-wise.

It would be a *fantastic* opportunity to create genuinely accessible housing - office buildings and shops already have lifts and wide corridors ideal for wheelchairs and other mobility devices, so keep that in the design when creating housing. There is a hidden epidemic of houselessness amongst disabled people and older folk with mobility needs, so create low-rent council housing that specifically fits those needs there.

It would regenerate the areas - all the smaller shopfronts not suitable for housing conversion would fill up with people offering the things people in residential neighbourhoods need, with a guaranteed payer base. People on low incomes *use* all of their incomes on necessities, so small businesses selling those necessities will do well. Offer small businesses low rents to provide those necessities. Any that don’t fill up, offer to charities and use for council staff offering the aid and advice people transitioning into housing actually *need*.

Carers are generally low-paid - so this would be an opportunity to offer them cheap housing close to a huge client base in the new accessible housing. No need for low-paid, mostly-female workers to dash constantly between clients in cars. They could walk to work and walk in between clients, who would also no longer be trapped in inaccessible homes, so people who are not actually bedbound would hopefully be less housebound.

Put rooms in the blocks for communal and co-op activities to reduce isolation - with the lifts and wide corridors, even people who are functionally housebound are likely to be able to make it to a room in their own building, and even quite young children could get to those places safely on their own if their parents are working. Wraparound childcare, paid and informal, near where folks actually live.

City centre areas that are now largely dead other than unhoused people, with limited and decreasing zero economic activity taking place and a decreasing incentive for businesses to set up there rather than in out-of-town retail parks people need to drive to, would become vibrant communities with every incentive for businesses to set up there, particularly for the small businesses that still employ the majority of people.

It wouldn’t take a lot to extend this model to transform those out-of-town business parks that are currently largely empty either; nothing says the businesses that are still there would need to move, and they would have a huge new pool of potential employees living within easily walkable distance, though there would need to be oversight to make sure places like Amazon didn’t attempt to buy them up and turn them into company housing. There would need to be a little more investment to provide green transport links like electric buses and trains so that it would be easier for small businesses to move in to provide services, but given the tax income that would result and the reduction in pollution the investment would probably pay itself back within a decade or so.

[mrs-luigi-vargas]

Shopping Trip Detour

[AO3 Link]

It was a beautiful day in Toad Town, and Mario and Luigi had just finished their grocery shopping.

Bags loaded into the back of Luigi’s kart, the two of them had decided to wander around town for a little while longer before going home; it had been a while since the last time they’d visited. And the Toads made sure they knew it, too, waving at them and calling out to them and roping them into enough small talk to make their heads spin.

In a lull in socialization, Luigi examined the surrounding shopfronts. “That one looks new,” he remarked, gesturing to the colorful sign of what looked to be some sort of toy shop. He changed course towards it, and Mario followed behind him.

Peering through the window, Luigi contemplated the thousand-piece jigsaw puzzle and the little robot with its remote resting in its arms, and whether he could convince his brother to buy either of them for him. He glanced at Mario, considering. Mario was also looking through the window, but his focus was further inside, where the presumed shopkeeper was arguing with a person in a hooded cloak. The person was leaning over the shopkeeper threateningly; the shopkeeper was gesticulating wildly, face dark.

Mario pushed the door open. The sound of the little bell connected to it drew the attention of the squabbling pair. From where Luigi still stood outside, he saw the hooded figure turn for one last parting insult before pushing past Mario to exit the store. The shopkeeper yelled something unintelligible but no less angry after them.

While Mario dithered in the doorway, staring after that mysterious figure thoughtfully, Luigi squeezed past him to enter the store himself. The interior was quite modest — and mostly full of toys for much littler kids — but the sprawling active toy railway network hanging suspended by the ceiling was particularly impressive. Getting all of those toy trains up there to begin with must have been quite the ordeal!

As Luigi ruminated over the existence of extremely tall ladders, Mario went up to the shopkeeper to ask what that earlier patron was arguing with him about. The shopkeeper huffed, pointing at a figurine sitting in an unassuming display near the back of the store. “That uncultured idiot was talking about her like she’s some common doll he could buy for cheap!” he spat. “As if! She’s the rarest item of the series and the highest quality! Show her some respect!”

Luigi walked over to the figurine. A little plastic woman wearing a semi-elaborate gown stared dourly back at him through her glasses as she posed with a wizard’s staff, her hat barely fitting over her puffy hair. She was very pretty, but Luigi wasn't really sure she was worth the shopkeeper’s continued rambling about “scales” or “articulation” or whatever. There were certainly other things in the store he would rather spend his money on, at any rate. But when Luigi turned to whisper as much to Mario, he found his brother reaching into his pocket for his wallet.

“Eh?” Luigi goggled at him. “You wanna buy that?”

The shopkeeper crossed his arms. “Oh, yeah?” he said, going for an air of nonchalance and mostly failing. “That’s cool. But you’re not getting a discount just because you’re a celebrity.”

“How much is it, anyway?” Luigi asked, and then regretted asking because then the most absurd price for a vaguely fancy-looking toy left the shopkeeper’s mouth.

Mario rocked on his heels in shock. “But it’s just an action figure!” Luigi exclaimed.

“She’s not an action figure!” the shopkeeper shouted over Luigi’s immediate apologies for setting him off. “She’s priceless! I’m doing y’all a favor!”

Hesitantly, Mario began counting his coins. Luigi watched with bated breath. With a frown, Mario emptied his wallet. He didn't have enough.

“Too bad,” the shopkeeper said, not looking all that sorry. “Guess she’s not going home with you!”

Mario’s frown deepened. It tugged a frown onto Luigi’s face as well, and after a moment of watching his brother sulk, he sighed. “Alright,” he said, pulling out his own wallet.

Luigi counted his coins. Mario watched him with bated breath. While he didn't have nearly as much money on hand as Mario did, on account of being the one to pay for the groceries earlier, it was somehow enough to make up the difference. Mario beamed at him.

---

Sale made, the bros exited the toy store, their purchase dangling from Mario’s arm, both politely ignoring the shopkeeper’s tears about the loss of his “Darling Dami” — the name of the character the figurine was modeled after, apparently.

As they walked, Luigi asked Mario, “So why did you really buy that?” because Luigi knew full well that Mario had no idea of the show the figurine-lady was from, let alone anything about her specifically.

Mario only winked. With purposeful steps, he made his way towards the outskirts of town. Luigi followed behind him, full of questions but nonetheless letting his brother lead him to a clearing just outside of town, where that hooded figure that had been in the shop before them was grumbling about stupid Toad stores and their ridiculous owners. They reached into some hammerspace and pulled a broomstick longer than they were tall, and the motion of doing so knocked their hood off their head, revealing —

“Kamek?!”

Kamek started, whirling around to face them. “Wha — you?!”

Out of all of them, Mario was the only one who didn't look surprised. How in the world had he known?

Kamek was the first to recover, schooling his expression into something sardonic. “Two against one?” he drawled, brow raised. “That’s hardly fair.”

Mario shook his head. He reached into the bag on his arm and pulled out the box containing the figurine they’d bought.

Kamek’s face soured. “Oh, of course it was sold to you. Here to rub it in my face, then?”

Mario shook his head again. He put the figurine back into the bag and held it out to Kamek. Kamek regarded it warily.

“We bought it for you,” Luigi added, finally catching on to what Mario was trying to do. “No need to thank us!”

“I wasn't going to.” With a harsh wave of his wand, the bag was ripped out of Mario’s grip and settled on the end of Kamek’s broomstick. With one hand securing it, he gave the bros a long, considering look and then flew off, kicking up an unnecessary amount of dust that had the bros coughing and shielding their faces. They watched him shrink to a speck in the sky in silence.

“...You're doing my laundry for the next month.”

Mario made a face.

“That was all of my pocket money!”

Mario sighed.

[doodlemancy]

why is your canada shipping so expensive :( trying to buy 2 of the hard drive reminder cards and the shipping is more expensive than the cards themselves

hi anon, i'm really sorry about this AND i can fix it! but i do want to explain, because i think it's something people should know if they're buying from Etsy (and other small sellers running their own shops online). it's due to a combination of several things (for which there is a solution at the end of this ramble that may or may not make any sense): -those items are listed with Etsy's special tracked letter-rate shipping, which allows me to send small, flat envelopes under 1oz for cheap within the US. the tracked letter rate is not available outside the USA, and thanks to some back end stuff on Etsy i just end up having to show the package rate to international customers instead of what i'd charge for a stamped international letter. it's, um, less than ideal. -international package rates are just plain mean and rude to small sellers and cool people who buy from them! the base price of sending even a small a tracked package to canada is frankly absurd, like i can send a bubble mailer full of charms up to the washington border for $5 but if it goes into BC suddenly it's $11. international stamps are still less than 2 dollaroonis but god forbid you have a one-ounce 4x6 bubble mailer, get out your checkbook -Etsy forces you to provide tracked shipping for orders over $10. this confounds the entire issue of shipping even further. i *could* send stamped mail, but there's no way to set up a shipping profile that's like "regular rates for most people but international customers spending less than $10 can get it for stamped envelope price

-i also typically insure international packages because otherwise there can be badtimes and that's rolled into the shipping price so that's like a dollar of the bonkers price you're seeing lol

TL;DR shipping is goofy and it gets goofier when it crosses a border (and when Etsy fails for years to develop simple workarounds for common problems like this LKDSFGHFDSJK) HOWEVER: since these are flat items, and two of them won't go over the $10 "must have tracking" limit, if you send me a message over on Etsy (just hit that contact button on my shopfront), let me know you're Canada Anon, i can work around it, create a custom listing for you, and send them in a stamped envelope. they just won't have tracking. :)

[crowcaws]

Yet another reason to hate Harry Potter: three of the very few shopfronts in the Shambles in York are occupied by stupid fucking merch shops selling the same cheap shit you can get on eBay for half the price. One of the most beautiful and historic streets in the world turned into a gift shop :/

[jackhkeynes]

9th Lexember

epu "express"

epu /eˈpi/ [ɪˈpi] - (of a shop or similar) express, mini, providing a more limited but more focused service than usual; - cheap, good value, having a gratifyingly low price for the level of quality offered; - bitesize, mini, having been stripped down in complexity and/or size for easier immediate consumption;

Etymology: modern borrowing from French épu "express, direct, unhindered, available, at hand", first seen in Boral in the names of imported shopfronts such as Pannier, whose Pannier Épu establishments were much smaller but offered better deals than the main line.

Cognate with Boral speut "free, unfettered, clear", the word épu reflects Old French espeü, past participle of moribund verb espeïr "to free, untangle, prepare". from Latin expediō "I remove the shackles of, I carry out, I am profitable".

Jo n'ay scið l'eç scoclet epu plu pascr. /ʒo ne xɪθ lɛts xoˈklɛt eˈpi pli ˈpa.xr̩/ [ʝo ne ˈçɪh lɛs xʊˈklɛt ɪˈpi pli ˈpa.xɐ] 1s neg-have.1s can.p.pst def-p.px chocolate mini no.more eat-inf I can't stop eating these mini chocolates.

---

excerpted in translation from the scitation questions given in the Hulm Siebenhaus's winter 2021 N season and specifically from those for the avenue "Zwanzistewes Entwicklungen" (Advancements of the 20th Century), which tests the taker's understanding of major technological and societal developments during this period.

…causes of the 1937 Veldsvindung and pursuant general poverty.

Question 5 (20 minutes)

Answer the following ten questions in brief.

(i) Which of the fundaminal matters [chemical elements] which are tesqual—having a count of at most 94—was discovered most recently? Who first documented its material properties, and in what year?

(ii) The first then-called "house of odyssey" [cinema] to sell tickets to the public on a regular basis was established in which Riverine city [1] in 1912? Which kerther band [orchestra] was first to have a concert shown in odyssey here?

(iii) Which methodist at the Nadacou [2] Higher School successfully predicted the structure of heredian acid [DNA] in their 1929 paper, a full two decades before their prediction would be verified experimentally?

(iv) The 1968 parachthon tale Starsail, written by Rone [Rouen]-based author Ashford Pasquier, is responsible for coining the jargon term for which modern technology?

(v) Which brother-sister pair founded the Pannier market guild in 1903, which would go on to have a presence in 69 political regions by the year 2000? In which then-Drengot city did they do so?

(vi) In which year was the Lineball Global Turney first held in Mendeva, and who…

---

[1] Any of the band of city-states along the Danaw [Danube] which formed an alliance-federacy in the nineteenth century following the collapse of the Kingdom of Danaw.

[2] Capital city of Hasiny, a Mendevan [North American] polity on the Gulf Coast.

[theborderupdates]

Foreign Student Crackdown Could Force Hundreds of Colleges to Close

Up to 200 vocational colleges teaching foreign students could be forced to close by the Albanese government’s crackdown on student visas being used as a back door to secure jobs in Australia, a group of colleges has warned.

A letter drafted by a breakaway group of private vocational colleges, seen by The Australian Financial Review, says one in five such institutions could go bankrupt next year if proposed reforms to restore integrity to the system go ahead.

The letter, which is signed by a “group of private VET colleges”, estimates that about 200 small providers of the 1000 vocational colleges registered to teach international students are highly vulnerable to a proposal to suspend colleges if visas are refused to at least 50 per cent of students they have recruited.

A glut of colleges could “become distressed or in more severe cases collapse altogether” once the measure comes into force, it warns.

“If such harsh measures are implemented with the sector without justifiable clause [sic], there will be a widespread provider collapses [sic] which may impact on thousands of students and the entire TPS (tuition protection scheme) and the potential financial impact on the Australian economy will ripple for quite some time to come,” the letter reads.

The government has been grappling with a massive blowout in the number of temporary migrants, especially international students, entering Australia in the past year.

The number of student visa holders hit an all-time high of 660,765 at the end of June. That figure was 203,000 more than at the beginning of the year.

Shonky agents

While students are also providing cheap labour for unskilled jobs in hospitality, aged care and cleaning, the surge in numbers is putting additional pressure on the already-hot rental market.

It has also coincided with reports of corrupt and devious practices by shonky education agents, colleges and people using student visas as a back door to jobs.

Currently, about 90 per cent of visa applications from countries including India, Bangladesh and Nepal to study a vocational course are refused.

The draft letter argues the “abnormally high rejection rate of applications seem totally baseless”.

The reform needs legislative changes and would be in place next March at the earliest.

The draft letter blames the media for exposing corrupt practices, the regulator for registering 200 new colleges since the pandemic, with another 100 awaiting registration, and the government for introducing the changes.

‘Mickey Mouse programs’

“Providers are facing severe revenue shortfalls and unhealthy competition from the more unscrupulous providers in the market, thus making (the) entire sector unsustainable,” the letter says.

However, Phil Honeywood, chief executive of the International Education Association of Australia, said colleges that offered questionable courses, particularly in leadership and business, should be put under the most scrutiny.

“Such Mickey Mouse programs make a mockery of providers which are genuinely delivering training in skill shortage areas,” Mr Honeywood said.

Over the past three months, the federal government has announced a raft of changes designed to stop widespread rorting of the student visa system.

Among the issues the government is trying to bring a halt to are poaching of students from genuine education establishments to dodgy colleges, many of which are shopfronts with little or no teaching resources and provide a means for so-called students to access the jobs market.

The changes included requiring all prospective students to show they have at least $24,500 in savings, and closing a loophole that allowed students to jump from one course to another in the first six months, which drove a flood of students from high-quality universities into questionable colleges.

The vocational education regulator, the Australian Skills Quality Agency, was also given additional powers to stamp out unethical and dishonest behaviour by increasing scrutiny of suspect colleges. Education agents will be banned for receiving commissions for poaching students.

Government data shows the number of visa applications to study a vocational course was a record high of 136,000 in 2022-23. The previous record was 103,000 in 2019-20.

Source: FINANCIAL REVIEW

[unitedshopfronts581]

[sonukumar44]

Elevate Your Space with Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors: Unveiling Elegance and Functionality

In the realm of architectural sophistication, the pivotal role that doors play often goes unnoticed. However, for those seeking a harmonious blend of aesthetic appeal and practicality, the spotlight inevitably falls on the exquisite craftsmanship of Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors. These marvels of modern design not only redefine spatial dynamics but also serve as a gateway to a world where style seamlessly converges with functionality.

Unveiling Unparalleled Elegance

Craftsmanship Beyond Compare

Our Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors stand as testaments to unrivaled craftsmanship. Meticulously designed, these doors are a fusion of form and function, capturing the essence of contemporary elegance. Each detail is a brushstroke on the canvas of architectural finesse, creating a visual symphony that captivates the onlooker.

Sleek Lines and Timeless Appeal

Embracing the minimalist trend, these doors boast sleek lines and a timeless appeal that transcends design eras. The aluminum frames, adorned with precision, exude a sense of sophistication that complements various architectural styles, from the ultramodern to the classic.

Seamless Integration with Surroundings

What sets our Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors apart is their innate ability to seamlessly integrate indoor and outdoor spaces. The accordion-like folding mechanism not only allows for a wide opening but also blurs the boundaries between the interior and exterior, creating a fluid, open-air experience.

Beyond Aesthetic Allure: The Functional Marvel

Effortless Operation

Functionality should never be compromised for style. Our doors redefine convenience with an effortless folding mechanism that glides smoothly, requiring minimal effort. This ensures that the transition between spaces is not only visually stunning but also a practical delight.

Space Optimization

In a world where space is a premium, our Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors excel at optimizing every square inch. The accordion-like folding enables the doors to occupy minimal space when opened, granting you the luxury of expansive living without sacrificing valuable square footage.

Energy Efficiency and Sustainability

Elegance meets eco-consciousness with our doors. Crafted from durable aluminum, they are not only resistant to the elements but also contribute to energy efficiency. The innovative design minimizes heat transfer, ensuring your space remains comfortable while reducing your carbon footprint.

Choosing the Best: Why Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors Reign Supreme

Durability Redefined

Investing in doors that withstand the test of time is paramount. Our aluminum doors are corrosion-resistant, weatherproof, and built to endure the harshest conditions. Say goodbye to the worries of warping or deteriorating over time; our doors stand as stalwarts against the elements.

Customization Options

Acknowledging that every space is unique, our Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors come with a myriad of customization options. From finishes to colors, you have the creative freedom to tailor these doors to suit your personal style and complement the architectural nuances of your home.

Security Assured

Beyond aesthetics and functionality, security is non-negotiable. Our doors come equipped with state-of-the-art locking mechanisms, providing you with peace of mind. Rest easy, knowing that your haven is fortified against unwanted intrusions.

The Verdict: A Doorway to Unmatched Elegance and Functionality

In the realm of architectural elements, Aluminium Bi-Fold Doors reign supreme, offering a seamless blend of elegance and functionality. Elevate your living spaces, transcend conventional boundaries, and make a bold statement with doors that not only open but unfold an era of sophisticated living.

[mooneymarcussen15]

The Young Entrepreneurs Going Surfing

Basically, the business wants to take a look on their sales staff or service staff. Obviously, the staff would recognize the big boss or top management people they will were display up. The management in order to know regardless of whether the sales staff or service staff accomplish their work effectively. Regarding your phone, have a photo of the luggage so making claims will be easier. When you are like me, you know your bag is black but don't necessarily help you manufacturer or where the emblem appears close to the bag. Photos will teach. Trust me. Been there. Done that. After doing work in a cubical and dreaming about traveling around the world, are convinced already possess a pretty choice where would like to go on it. It's a personal choice and cho thuê laptop couple options amazing places to see and experience all your globe. If you do intend in the systems expend for your travels, primary reason factor kind where to spend time visiting is price range. cho thuê laptop hà nội Apple supplies a couple of options a person and your Raleigh laptop rental company with the 13" MacBook Air. Options model along with a a 1 particular.7GHz ULV Core-i5 processor, 4GB of RAM and 128GB of flash storage. If you're want higher performance, foods high in protein laptop for rent at Viet Nam pay inhale $300 and upgrade to at least one.8GHz Core-i7 processor and 256GB of flash of internal memory. Unless you have to be able to some bulky applications, just model of your 13" MacBook Air works like a charm. 2) Look out for where you place your totes. While there haven't been reports of bed bugs on airplanes, people have spotted these critters at airports near baggage incidents. Be mindful of a person set your luggage. It is surprisingly cheap to organise a multi level marketing as as an alternative to purchasing your typical franchise or 'shopfront' venture, could cost around $100,000. Inside addition to that initial outlay, additionally, there are laptop for rent at Ha Noi the normal overheads for instance rental, power bills and staff wages to contend by having. There are none of those expenses associated with this online home marketplace. The additional features you can learn in this release among the MacBook Air is the backlit keyboard, significantly powerful Core-i5 processor, the new Thunderbolt port and Most are Thunderbolt clearly show.

[sheathandshear]

Things about traveling in CDMX so far:

Mercados are everything. Fresh, cheap, delicious produce and dried goods as far as the eye can see.

AVOCADOS ARE SO GOOD HERE. Is this what they're supposed to taste like??!!!

Taquerías are also everything, as well as street food stands and the little old ladies who run them.

Wish my gut microbiome was a little more robust, though.

Coffee just... does not seem to be a big thing here? Am I missing something???

Neither does hard cheese, which hurts my soul.

Neighborhoods seem a lot less siloed here than in the US -- less rigid distinctions between residential/commercial, public/private, lots of restaurants and shopfronts that open right onto the street (or are on the street) whereas in the US they'd be behind a wall and a closed door. My neighborhood in the US is considered very "walkable" and in order to get any food that isn't 7/11 hot dogs you have to cross two major roads with basically nothing but sit-down restaurants and office buildings along the way.

It is so dang hard to find a very specific item though!

Public transit system is robust, extensive, cheap, and so confusing. But I love that the metro and metrobus line maps not only are color-coded for each line but have distinctive symbols for each station.

SO MANY DOGS. So many *barking* dogs.

Really glad I speak/understand at least some Spanish and read more, because depending wholly on people who speak English here would be a very limiting experience. Seems to confuse people when I tell them, "Sorry, I don't speak a lot of Spanish" in a very good accent, though. I have the accent! Just not the vocabulary. Or the grammar.

Whoever is advertising washing machines for sale on a loudspeaker at all hours of the day on repeat: please stop.

[chrismbr]

My turn to see the horror blandification wrought upon what was the finest #PoMo commercial interior in Melbourne: Cocks Carmichael Whitford’s 1987 Centreway Arcade remodelling. Fortunately the upper floor is fairly intact above the cheap low ceiling, but the individual stone shopfronts have been permanently swept away. Hurry to see the inferior but fun(fair) Paramount Centre while we’ve still got it! (at Centreway Arcade 259 Collins Street Melbourne) https://www.instagram.com/p/CoU2VaZyy2I/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[terrariumfiction]

The Tale of the Tattoo'd Pig - catchup

It's been a while since I've last posted because I've been suddenly and unexpectedly busy.

Working the British Art Show 9 as invigilator has seen my confidence grow a lot, and whilst I was attending Hardeep Pandhal's artist talk at KARST, I introduced myself to Tom Milnes, the project manager of AUP's Cornwall Street Project Space. I had seen that, through the Meanwhile Use scheme, AUP had been using this empty shopfront to showcase staff, student and alumni's work. At the last minute, Tom contacted me asking if I'd be up for filling a gap in their schedule. I had no work ready for an exhibition of this kind of scale, but I knew I couldn't say no to the opportunity to have a solo show.

Following the feedback I got at the end of last year (that I needed to more carefully think through my installation plans), I saw this as the perfect opportunity to practice installation and spatial presentation of work. In crits, everyone always encourages me to think big, and consider presenting my work in an immersive environment, which I finally had the opportunity to do.

(the previous exhibition, of work by AUP BA Fine Art students - a challenging gallery space to use well)

The Cornwall Street space is a challenging one in many ways: the room is an empty shopfront, its architecture acts sort of like a funnel and none of the walls are really appropriate for 2D work. The overhead lighting is horrible and blue. The carpet is also horrible and blue. I knew that people would only be able to enter the space on one evening - the opening - and that otherwise the interactions viewers would have with the work would be through the window.

My plan was to make an exhibition that could primarily be seen through the window, but could also act as a kind of set for a performance on the opening night - something that was immersive for viewers who entered the space, but also captivated people who were just glancing at it from outside.

The first thing I did was cover the floor in straw. Straw is very cheap to buy, and very quickly covered up the nasty blue carpet (this was important to me because blue as a colour in the context of faux-medieval storytelling represents wealth and nobility). It's also a sort of shortcut to making a space feel immersive: it brings with it a strong, musty smell; it dampens sound and adds a new sound of its own (rustling under feet); it changes the colour of the floor. I wanted to bring the world of the fiction out into the space - straw being a medieval material, and also a material that sits at the intersection of human and animal relations (bedding for livestock or pets, food, natural yet manmade). The abundant presence of a classically "outdoor" material in an ordinary indoor space created a kind of surreality to the exhibition as well. I knew it would attract the attention of passersby.

I bought a roll of cheap, brown fabric from the scrap store to hang on all the walls. The presence of hanging fabric suggests curtains, making the space feel theatrical, but also on a practical level it covered up the noisy and irregular walls.

Regarding the work I decided to present, I opted to centre the show around the chapter of Dinner Machine: The Tale of the Tattoo'd Pig. This chapter was one I had finished and polished last year, and from which I performed an extract at the final show. This chapter makes the most sense to perform live as it is primarily dialogue. Also, knowing this event would be organised entirely around this one reading, I felt I could perform the whole scene rather than just an extract, which was exciting.

So far this academic year I have been working on drawing comic pages of Chapter 1, which have been taking a long time and are not appropriate to show in this kind of way, so I decided to quickly make new work to show instead. I scanned and enlarged some of the marginalia doodles I had been doing, and scruffily attached them to large pieces of cardboard. I wanted them to appear somewhere between a cardboard standee and a piece of theatre set dressing.

This was pretty much my first time working on such a large scale, and working so quickly, but I don't think they ended up looking rushed in the same way my installation did at the end of last year. I think (hope) they appeared scruffy in an intentional way, but well considered. I hung them from metal hooks with butcher's twine.

Here's a link to a previous blog post about the imagery itself (the butt trumpets): https://terrariumfiction.tumblr.com/post/702731762011455488/butt-trumpets

I thought these would work well because they are so crude and juvenile; they are quite approachable images to a range of audiences, and are maybe an unexpected thing to see when walking through the city centre. I hid the most confrontational one (FUCK THE LORD - TRUMPET TOWARDS A REPUBLIC) at the back, which was pretty much too shaded to see from the street.

As well as these large, mechanically-reproduced drawings, I wanted there to be a smaller-scale piece of work as well, that would warrant closer inspection on the opening night. It was my plan to source some pigskins, tattoo them, and crudely preserve them (with salt and alkaline solution akin to the tanning process). The other materials I had used in the production of the work (paper, board, staples, thread, fabric) were all materials that go into bookbinding, and I thought that presenting a drawing work that was ink on animal skin would more firmly link these bookmaking processes and their visceral histories. I couldn't find any pig skins in the end, so did some drawings with a dip pen on textured paper. I cut and hung these drawings to appear like animal hides do when they're being turned into parchment.

These drawings more closely illustrate the chapter I was to be performing - showing copies of medieval images of slaughter. There's a weird cartoonish glee to the violence in these images, that I supplemented with contemporary cartoon language. I sort of wanted these drawings to appear like "flash sheets" - pages prepared by tattoo artists of smaller tattoos that can be readily purchased.

The text in the scroll on the top right image is from Umberto Eco's essay 'Dreaming of the Middle Ages'; I wanted these works to present (loosely) some of the critical contexts within which this project sits - ideas of neo-medievalism, ecological philosophy, etc. The annotation "BECOMING-WITH SAUSAGE", for example, playfully references Donna Haraway's notion of "becoming-with" discussed in Staying With the Trouble.

To give the work the uncomfortable presence of animal-made-material, I smeared the frame with lard.

Next post will be about the performance itself. Below, please find more pictures of the installation.