How To Hide Tabs On Drupal 8 Content and User Pages

11 November, 2017 | Drupal Development | 26 seen

In Drupal 8 there is a quite easy way to to hide tabs view both on content and user pages. The best there are no hook, modules or complicated theme rewrites involved.

In today's short Drupal tutorial series I will provide a simple workaround out of the box on how to hide tabs both on content and user pages in Drupal 8.

Also see: Theming Drupal 8: How to Hide Site Name

What at start seems like a simple issue, might turn out to be a imminent problem. The truth is - it's super simple, but still a little bit complicated if you come with a Drupal 7 background. 

For hiding tabs in Drupal 8, we will need to go to the block layout page:

Search for a block Tabs , click on Configure button and from the bottom click on Remove block.

That simple. Hope it helps!

Top Hotels and Apartments in Triopetra, Crete

10 November, 2017 | Hotel reviews | 6 seen

Triopetra in Crete, is among the most abandoned places I've traveled lately, if they wouldn't have a sea and a lovely beach, I would compare this place to the remote and almost abandoned desert village in Georgia, Udabno.

During our about one month road trip around the island of Crete, we stayed at Triopetra Notos hotel for one night on June 11, 2017. According to Booking.com website there are not many hotels located in Triopetra, but during our short visit here, I did found a few new construction sites in the area, which might mean - Triopetra could gain some popularity in the future.

Right now, there is nothing much to do or see in Triopetra, except get remote abandoned feeling and take some amazing sunset pictures.

Please note: hotels listed below may contain links to Booking.com, by clicking on links on this page and by making a reservation on Booking.com site, I might earn an affiliate income, at no cost to you.

Triopetra Notos Hotel 

This property is 1 minute walk from the beach. Offering accommodations with air conditioning, Triopetra Notos Hotel is located in Triopetra, just 38.6 km from Balíon. Rethymno Town is 27.4 km from the property. Free WiFi is available and free private parking is available on site.

The accommodation features a TV. Each unit is equipped with a private bathroom with a shower.

Georgioupolis is 38.6 km from Triopetra Notos Hotel, and Agia Galini is 12.9 km away. The nearest airport is Souda Airport, 59.5 km from Triopetra Notos Hotel.

Price: ~ EUR 58 Book this hotel on Booking.com

Paterakis Studios 

This property is a 18-minute walk from the beach. Located in Triopetra, Paterakis Studios features free WiFi, a garden and sun terrace. Balíon is 37 km away. Free private parking is available on site.

All units include a sitting area. Some units feature a dining area and/or balcony. There is also a kitchen, fitted with a microwave, toaster and refrigerator. A stovetop and coffee machine are also available. There is a private bathroom with a shower in every unit.

Rethymno Town is 27.4 km from Paterakis Studios. The nearest airport is Souda Airport, 59.5 km from Paterakis Studios. 

Price: ~ EUR 65 Book this hotel on Booking.com

​Holiday home Triopetra 

Holiday home Triopetra is a vacation home is located in Triopetra in Crete and and is 37 km from Balíon. The property features views of the pool and is 27.4 km from Rethymno Town.

There is a sitting area and a kitchen. A TV is provided. Other facilities at Holiday home Triopetra include a barbecue.

Georgioupolis is 37 km from Holiday home Triopetra, and Agia Galini is 11.3 km away. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 59.5 km from the property

Book this hotel on Booking.com

Villa Triopetra

Located in Triopetra, this air-conditioned villa and is 37 km from Balíon. The property is 27.4 km from Rethymno Town and features views of the pool.

The kitchen has a dishwasher and an oven and there is a private bathroom. A TV is featured. Other facilities at Villa Triopetra include a barbecue.

Georgioupolis is 37 km from Villa Triopetra, and Agia Galini is 11.3 km from the property. The nearest airport is Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, 59.5 km from the property. 

Book this hotel on Booking.com

Hurma Cafe Shop in Tbilisi

8 November, 2017 | Restaurant reviews | 25 seen

Hurma cafe shop is a recently opened hipster style coffee house serving not only great coffee lattes, but also smoothies, delicious brunch and all day breakfast for a very affordable prices.

Located close to the Tbilisi Philharmony on Petre Melikishvili street 21 on the opposite side to the Tbilisi Hard Rock Cafe. This place is run by Russian/Ukrainian girls (at least that's what I understood). Despite being opened just recently, I noticed mostly foreign visitors here. Yeah, who I'm to complain, right?

That said, welcome to another great Tbilisi restaurant - Hurma cafe shop!

Menu at Hurma Cafe shop in Tbilisi

One of the rare places in Tbilisi offering Breakfast all day. Although I should mention that in recent years there have been a lot of improvement with brunch offer in Tbilisi. Prices for a brunch menu here are really low compared to other brunch places in Tbilisi. The prices will probably grow in the future, but for right now - enjoy!

Hipster style interior at Hurma Cafe shop

Looking for a rustic, industrial, kitschy place in Tbilisi? Come to Hurma Cafe shop. Ukrainian/Russian entrepreneurs have thought about all possible details. Indeed, it's a kitschy place!

Goodies at Hurma Cafe Shop

About Getting Residence Permit and Residence Card in Georgia

7 November, 2017 | Living in Georgia | 39 seen

Recently I was contacted by a blog reader asking about how to get a permanent residence status in Georgia, after buying an apartment in Tbilisi.

I decided to come up with a longer answer in a blog format, as I believe I will hear this question more and more, as Georgia is becoming a hub for expats from all around the World. For other readers questions please see: Questions and Answers section

The good starting point for getting more information about residence permit in Georgia is the official website of The State Commission on Migration Issues. See: Residence permit and residence card

Residence permit authorizes the right of a foreign citizen to enter and stay in Georgia or transit the territory of Georgia during the term of validity of residence permit. It also authorizes a holder to invite another foreigner to Georgia.

To obtain a residence permit, a foreign citizen must either personally or via authorized representative apply to any territorial office of the Public Service development agency, branch of the Public Service Hall or Community Centre, or apply online via the distance service of the Public Service development agency: https://services.sda.gov.ge. an application and enclosed documents submitted to authorized entities must be in Georgian. However, an application completed in English and/or Russian may also be processed. moreover, a foreign citizen’s passport may be submitted to the Public Service development agency without a Georgian translation if the personal data in the passport is provided in Latin transliteration (alphabet).

Georgia issues the following residence permits:

• Work residence permit is issued to persons coming to Georgia for entrepreneurial or labour activities as well as to freelancers;
• Study residence permit is issued to persons coming to Georgia to study at authorized educational institutions;
• Residence permit for family reunification is issued to family members of a foreigner holding a residence permit and/or person who has been granted a status of a stateless person in Georgia. Family members include: a spouse, child, and a parent, also an underage or incapacitated person being fully dependent and/or being under their care (guardianship);
• Residence permit of a former citizen of Georgia is issued to a foreign citizen whose Georgian citizenship has been terminated;
• Residence permit of a stateless person is issued to a person whose status of stateless person has been established in Georgia;
• A special residence permit is issued to a foreign citizen who, based on a reasonable doubt, might be a victim of human trafficking. Such instances are specified in the Law of Georgia on Combating Human trafficking. a special residence permit is also issued to a foreign citizen who has written endorsement from a member of the government of Georgia, asking to issue a temporary residence permit to the person. it can also be issued to a foreigner subject to expulsion, after 5 years since he/ she was granted the right of temporary stay, and to the citizen of foreign country who has a status of Compatriot residing abroad;
• A permanent residence permit is issued to a spouse, parent, and child of the citizen of Georgia; also to a foreign citizen who, holding a temporary residence permit, has resided in Georgia during the preceding six years. if the person lived in Georgia for educational purposes or medical treatment or spent some time working at the diplomatic mission or at an equivalent representative office, this period cannot be counted towards the pre-requisite six-year term;
• Investment residence permit is issued to a foreign citizen who invested at least Gel 300 000 in Georgia. this provision is prescribed in the Law of Georgia on Promotion and Guarantees of investment. in such cases, residence permits are also issued to the investor’s family members, which include a spouse, underage dependent, and/or fully dependent incapacitated person;
• Temporary residence permit is issued to a foreigner, who according to the Law of Georgia on elimination of domestic Violence, Protection of and Support to its Victims, has been recognized as a victim of domestic violence;
• A short-term residence permit is issued to the person – and his/her family members – who, according to the rule established by Georgian legislation have the right to immovable property (except for agricultural land), with the market price above USD 35 000 equivalent in Gel.

A foreigner legally staying in Georgia and having any of the above-listed residence permits, has the right to receive the other type of residence permit in case he/she meets the requirements set for receiving the latter.

Study, work, family reunification, special, temporary and short-tem residence permits as well as residence permits for former citizen of Georgia or stateless person are issued with the right of temporary residence, for 6 years. these types of residence permits are issued for the term ranging from six months to one year first, and may be extended thereafter for the term of up to 5 years.

Investment residence permit, permanent residence permit, and residence permit of stateless person are issued for an indefinite term. a residence permit of stateless person is issued for an indefinite term only to those persons whose Georgian citizenship has been terminated through renunciation, or to persons who had permanently resided in Georgia by 31 march 1993, were not recognized as citizens of Georgia and after 31 march 1993 maintained their permanent registration in Georgia.

A residence permit is issued by the Public Service development agency within 30 days after receiving a complete set of required documents. However, the permits can be issued in accelerated manner; for detailed information on the fast-track service visit the websites: www.sda.gov.ge; www.psh.gov.ge.

The Public Service development agency issues an e-residence card to a foreigner who holds a residence permit in Georgia. the residence card is an identity document certifying an identity of a foreigner living in Georgia, his/her citizenship and a place of his/her residence in Georgia.

Note: Within a month after receiving a residence permit in Georgia, a foreigner shall apply for a residence card at any territorial office of the Public Service development agency, branch of the Public Service Hall, or Community Centre.

Residence permit will be terminated if a foreigner fails to apply to any authorized entity for a residence card within the period of 6 months.

Additional information on residence permits and residence cards is available on the websites: www.sda.gov.ge; www.psh.gov.ge; www.centri.gov.ge.

Why Bitcoin Price at $7,174.50 ain't no fun, But I'm still buying it?

5 November, 2017 | Crypto | 56 seen

Bitcoin price has raised above $7,000 mark at the start of November 2017. It might sound like a great deal for the early day bitcoin investors, but for those who are opting in the cryptocurrency game just now, this might turn into a negative experience in the short term.

About 5 months ago I experienced my first FOMO (fears of missing out) and decided to invest in bitcoins (and few other altcoins). I quickly developed the so-called dollar-cost averaging approach and decided to acquire 3-4 altcoins once in a month until the end of 2020.

Remember your capital is at risk, never invest capital you cannot afford to lose!

I remember I bought the first bitcoins (satoshi's) for the price of about $2,700 in July. Now a couple of months later in November, I bought a few satoshis already at $7,100 price level. Bitcoin price has increased more than 2.6 times in just 4 months.  If you invested $10,000 in July, you are having about $26,000 in November.

Sadly I didn't make a 10K Investment in bitcoins back then, actually, my total net worth portfolio just recently has reached $10,000 value. Instead, I keep investing month after month in bitcoin EUR50  (USD 58.10) per month using dollar cost averaging.

Affiliate link here: If you are just planning to acquire your first bitcoin, consider to register at coinbase.com with this link, once you buy or sell $100 (€85) of digital currency or more, we will both get $10 (€8) of free bitcoin.

Dollar cost averaging bitcoin chart

As of writing this, the current total bitcoin value in my portfolio has have grown by 93% in just 4 months

Sure I feel glad about such performance, but also I feel worried, as I understand this bull trend will end sooner or later and the value could decrease. 

There is an easy explanation why Bitcoin price keeps climbing, it's because of the hard forks, with the upcoming Seagwit2x hard fork being the top driven force in November. Nobody knows for sure what will happen after this fork:

After years of debate on the best path forward, a new code proposal called Segwit2x is set to put the cryptocurrency – the world's largest by value – to the test. And while it boasts significant support from miners and businesses, it remains unclear whether the new code will change bitcoins' rules, or if another new cryptocurrency will be created (one already being branded bitcoin2x by some).

Source: Bitcoin or Bitcoin2x? News & Guides to Navigate November's Fork

Speaking of me, I keep being optimistic in the long run, but very uncertain about the upcoming months. I keep believing that we will see Bitcoin price at $10,000 soon (probably even in 2017), but also I feel that price could drop drastically. Also, I feel that dollar-cost averaging approach is one of the best ways to invest in cryptocurrencies.

What about you, think Bitcoin price could reach $10,000 or it will drop? Leave a comment, readers and I would love to hear!

Minimum Wage Set to Rise in Baltic States in 2018

4 November, 2017 | Macroeconomics | 5 seen

During the past few years, there have been some positive improvements for raising the minimum wage in all three Baltic states (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania). In 2018 minimum wage is set to rise in all Baltic states again. Estonia will a have a minimum wage of EUR 500; Latvia - EUR 430 and Lithuania - EUR 400.

That' s a pretty decent leap if compared with 2016, when minimum wages were set at EUR 430 in Estonia, EUR 370 in Latvia and just EUR 350 in Lithuania. See: Minimum Wage Set to Rising in All Baltic States in 2016

Despite a pretty decent increase in the Baltic States, minimum wages here are still among the lowest in the European Union. See: What's Minimum Wage in European Union 2017

During the past years I've been closely monitoring minimum wage developments in the Baltic states, here are few articles from history:

• Minimum wage in Baltic states
• Minimum Wages in the Baltic States 2015
• Minimum Wage Set to Rise in All Baltic States in 2016

Why do I care so much about minimum wages in the Baltic states? Simple, as I've been building dividend paying stock portfolio exclusively from the Baltic stock market (Nasdaq Baltics), one of mine goals is to reach a monthly dividend income level in the same level as a minimum wage.

Currently, I'm competing against Latvian minimum wage set at EUR 380 in 2017. Current best dividend income month has been July 2017, when I made just a bit above EUR 100. In general, when planning next years investments I must keep in mind this increase. Tough. But that's what I'm loving being a dividend growth investor  - a healthy competition. See: dividend income

If you are looking for EUR 500 dividend income monthly from the Nasdaq Baltics which would equal to the minimum wage in Estonia in 2018, you should invest in the local equity market about 50,000 - 70,000 EUR.

As my current net worth has just recently cracked $10,000, it could take me about 5-6 years to get there. But now I should forecast, what would be the minimum wage in 2022, in Latvia, for example. Looking through the historical increases over the years, I forecast minimum wage in Latvia in 2022 set at around EUR 580 (on average EUR 30 increase per year)

Now, knowing that, I should focus on EUR 580 monthly dividend income, to keep up with developments.

Why do I believe that minimum wage in Latvia in 2022 will be set at around EUR 580?

• First of all, it should, existing minimum wage rates IMHO are way too low to compete in the global arena, sure it's great seeing a minimum wage increase to EUR 430 in 2018, but that shouldn't stop here. 
• Second, about 2 years ago I forecasted minimum wage for Estonia in 2018 set at EUR 500, and here you go:

I forecast that by 2018 minimum wage in Estonia will be set at least EUR 500

Now, let's see will my forecasts about minimum wages will be true for Estonia and Lithuania for 2022 as well, here are my humble forecasts

• Estonia: ~ EUR 675 
• Lithuania: ~ EUR 525

A good read about a possible EUR 1,000 minimum monthly wage in Estonia, is published here: Agreement on Estonian minimal wage reached for 2018, I will publish just an excerpt here:

Among the Estonian politicians and businessmen, who have urged to introduce the minimum monthly salary of 1,000, there is former banker and Hansapank founder Indrek Neivelt and former Centre Party chairman Edgar Savisaar.

Now, what about you? Do you have any comment on minimum wage developments in the Baltic states? Do you use minimum wage as an indicator for your investments? Leave a comment, readers and I would love to hear!

October 2017 Dividend Income Report - $72.97

2 November, 2017 | Investments | 11 seen

Welcome to the sixth (#6) dividend income report, covering earnings I've made from dividend-paying stocks, peer to peer lending (both fiat and cryptocurrencies) in October 2017. 

October was a very sad month - my dear granny passed away at the age of 87. Grandmother was like a mother to me taking care and giving advice in my childhood, teenage years and adult life.  My granny gave me first lessons in the finance world when I was like age  6 or something, she taught me about compound interests, deposits, bonds, and stocks. She was one of the smartest persons I ever know. I miss you a lot, our distant phone conversations in 3:00 in the morning...I miss you, and I know one day we will meet and play checkers again. Rest in Peace!

October, in terms of a passive income, turned out better, as I thought before, and generated me a dividend income of total $72.97. In fact, October now is the second best after the month of July.

Unexpected dividend payment from Estonian Nordecon (which I thought as one of the worst investments in 2017, just a couple of months before) helped to boost total dividend income.

As usual, I was doing nothing much, just investing in great companies, playing a little bit with cryptocurrencies and lending out money via peer to peer marketplace. Most of the October was on autopilot, just at the start of the month I deposited some chunk of money to Mintos.com peer to peer lending marketplace, and at the end of the month - purchased additional shares of Linas Agro Group on Nasdaq Baltics.

From the crypto-investments, there was a Bitcoin fork for which I kind of prepared, but due to the circumstances missed to cash in free Bitcoin Gold coins. See: Another Bitcoin Hard Fork Planned (Bitcoin Gold) - My Approach to Survive It, also it should be noted (though it's not covered in the dividend income report series) - Altcoin Market was literally bleeding, see: Bitcoin Price Increases Altcoin Market Bleeding. 

Despite another turbulent month in crypto investments, all the hype with Bitcoin forks helped to boost my investments by 28.53%. 

Affiliate link here: If you are just planning to acquire your first bitcoin, consider to register at coinbase.com with this link, once you buy or sell $100 (€85) of digital currency or more, we will both get $10 (€8) of free bitcoin.

About Portfolio October 2017

At the end of October, I've invested a total of $10,830.08 what already greatly exceeds my initial plan for investments in 2017 and equals to 126.50% from this year's planned investments. Also, I've reached 1.12% from my ultimate one million dollar goal by the time I will turn 60 (in 2045). October was the first month when the total net worth reached $10,000. Isn't it just amazing, in just 10 months I've built a pretty decent portfolio worth now more than ten thousand. Sure, 10K is nothing much for a wealthy retirement plan, but it is a good starting point. And you know what? It just generated me a passive income of $72.97.

For the sake of this and all future dividend income articles, I've converted all final/total currencies to the US dollar, though I've investments in GEL, EUR and USD currencies.

Net Worth October 2017

For the past 10 months, it has been a steady value growth resulting in a total of +3.42% value growth for the entire portfolio at the end of October. Here is the breakdown by positions:

• Mintos.com peer to peer lending: -2.38%
• Stocks: +4.07%
• Mutual funds: +6.22%
• Crypto investments: +28.53%

Despite mintos.com being the top performer in terms of dividend growth (loan repayments) in October, the total value of it has decreased for the third month in a row, and here is why - Georgian Lari currency lost its value against EUR. This is the thing that worries me a lot, as Lari has been a troubled currency for the last 3 years already (at least). For the first time, GEL/EUR rate climbed above 3. (as of writing this 1 EUR = 3.04). As I have investments more than 5,000 in GEL such rates push down the total value. I feel very troubled regarding next Winter months.

Both individuals and entities can invest through Mintos. Individual investors must be at least 18 years old, have a bank account in the European Union or third countries currently considered to have AML/CFT systems equivalent to the EU, and have their identity successfully verified by Mintos. At the moment, US citizens or taxpayers cannot register as investors at Mintos.

Affiliate link here: Sign up to Mintos.com here. By using this affiliate link for registration both you and I will receive — 1% of our average daily balance which should be paid in 3 installments for the first 90 days.

Having a diversified portfolio helps, and it definitely helped me last October. Despite negative returns in some of the portfolio positions, the total value growth is with a positive +3.42% sign. Awesome.

Investment portfolio October 2017

I keep investing in - stocks, peer-to-peer lending, mutual funds, cash, and cryptocurrencies. The vast majority remains invested in Nasdaq Baltics and Mintos.com peer to peer lending loans (in EUR and GEL currencies)

About Investments in October 2017

Last month I invested additional:

• Nasdaq Baltics stock market: EUR 375
• Cash: EUR 402.45
• Cryptocurrencies: EUR 175 
• Mintos.com: EUR 236.33

Total investments in October: EUR 1188.78

From money invested in Baltic equity market I bought following shares:

• Linas Agro Group  (LNA1L ) - 550 Shares

This, Lithuanian company promises dividend payment in November. Actually, I planned to participate in Madara Cosmetics IPO this month, but after a fundamental and technical analysis, I decided to not, instead choosing Linas Agro Group. See: Why I'm not investing in Madara Cosmetics (MDRAUC)

Interest income in October 2017

From investments in stocks, peer to peer lending marketplace Mintos.com and from cryptocurrency lending on Poloniex.com I got following income last month:

• Energijos skirstymo operatorius: EUR 13.68
• Nordecon: EUR 11.70
• Mintos.com: EUR 35.94
• Poloniex.com: EUR 1.98

Total: EUR 63.30 / USD 72.97

Monthly income to the date

During the past 10 months, dividend income from my portfolio have produced a whopping $439.61, or 4.05% year to the date yield

Monthly income chart by October 2017

Right now it looks I won't crack $100 anytime soon and if, then most probably in December, as I already hold few stocks with historical dividend payments in December.

Goals for October 2018 Dividend income

A year from now I'm looking for a humble  $120 dividend income in October 2018

Audio & Video Transcription Service by Caucasus Translations

31 October, 2017 | Living in Georgia | 7 seen

Caucasus Translations is a professional translation and localization agency located in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The leader in the translation and content localization business in Caucasus and Central Asia. Agency employs more than 300 translators across the globe to provide cost-effective, accurate and native translation solutions for companies in almost all industry verticals in about 40 countries.

Today I'm glad to announce that here at Caucasus Translations Tbilisi department, there have been established audio & video transcription department.

As for the last couple of weeks, I've been involved in building office's infrastructure, configuring servers and setting up transcription software,  I decided to share few photos from this new department:

Caucasus Translations ready to assist with audio&video transcription service

The team of highly experienced transcription professionals works with the latest and top-notch software here. Confidentiality and data security are among top priorities here.

Lobby hall at Caucasus Translations

24/7 guarded building, with restricted access to the office

Panoramic view

As always, I couldn't resist and made a panoramic photo here. See: How To Stitch Panoramic Photos with Adobe Photoshop (Photomerge)

Caucasus Translations provides high quality and affordable translation and localization services between English and other major languages to clients worldwide. Our capabilities in Caucasus region languages, especially Georgian, Armenian and Azerbaijan are well-known in the language services industry. Learn more at https://www.caucasustranslations.com

Why I'm not investing in Madara Cosmetics (MDRAUC)

30 October, 2017 | Investments | 23 seen

MADARA Cosmetics also known as MADARA, is a Latvian manufacturer of organic skin care products. The ingredients include biologically certified blossoms and herbal extracts from the Baltic region.

Since October 17, 2017, there is an ongoing IPO for Madara stocks on First North Baltic Share List. IPO will end on November 3rd. Also, there is a small hype with this IPO in Latvia and seems after this IPO will end, it will attract a lot of new first time investors to the Baltic stock exchange (Nasdaq Baltics), mostly from Latvia. Which is great, and hopefully more people will start to explore and invest in other listed companies.

As a strong investor in the Baltic region (Dividend-paying stocks and peer to peer lending) investment opportunities in Madara Cosmetics have been on my radar, probably since the Spring of 2017, when I first heard about upcoming IPO, planned for the Q4 of 2017

Once IPO was announced and I familiarized with the prospectus I had ambivalent feelings regarding investing in this company.

I did the most basic fundamental analysis I could - I asked to almost all Latvian females I know - what are they thinking about products of Madara Cosmetics, and the answer was staggering - despite all of them knows Madara brand, none of them are actually using it. An alarm bell for me.

Second - pretty high price for the Baltic market - EUR 6.25 per share. In general, I'm fine with the price, on the other hand, I'm paying about EUR 9.3 - EUR 11 for well known and established companies in the Baltics with great dividend history, for example - Latvijas Gāze, Tallina Vesi, Olainfarm. See: Dividend Paying Stocks In Nasdaq Baltic Market By Yield

Third - by reading comments from Baltic investment experts, saying:"Those who use Madara Cosmetics products which are not cheap, can afford to invest in not so cheap shares" (Article in Latvian here)

Personally, for me, it was the third point that leads me to stay away from participating in Madara Cosmetics IPO. For evaluating is the stock price cheap or expensive we can use P/E ratio, For the sake of justice it should be noted (from the same article):

Based on the 2017 operating forecasts, the projected P / E could be around 16, which is not cheap for the Baltic States, for example, AS Olainfarm has P/E 12 while AS Grindeks 7. Of course, these companies are not fully comparable with Madara Cosmetics, adds the expert. Globally, for example, the L'Oreal P / E index is 26, while Oriflame is around 18. Thus, Madara's shares are cheaper or slightly cheaper compared to the industry.

Anyhow, as I'm a strong buy&hold dividend stock investor when looking through Madara Cosmetics dividend policy, I indeed find it too expensive, according to the prospectus company has paid in dividends following:

• 2017 - EUR 0.0311
• 2016 - EUR 0.0373
• 2015 - EUR 0.0140

For the price of EUR 6.25 per share getting dividend return at EUR 0.0311 gives about 0.5% dividend yield, which for me isn't interesting anymore. Sure, the dividend could be increased with time. But for now, taking into consideration all the hype with Madara Cosmetics in Latvia, high price, and low dividend yield - I better stay away.

Luckily for me (and just because it all happens at the end of October), there is a dividend paying stock for November in the Baltic's - Linas Agro group (Agriculture), giving a dividend yield at 1.12%. So once I had a chance to compare apples with oranges (cosmetology with agriculture) - I decided to go with agriculture. Learn more about my monthly dividend income progress.

How to Prevent Copying Files to USB on Windows 10

29 October, 2017 | Servers | 222 seen

Lately I've been working as a system administrator and helping out a lot to a small company setting up office computers. It involves purchasing office computers, setting up operating systems, configuring LAN and of course security.

As these are topics I face on my everyday working day (though i feel more server guy) - I decided to write down my notes, as with time, things can be forgotten.

Just recently we faced an issue on port forwarding to enable Remote Administration, see: How To Setup Port Forwarding for TP-Link Wireless Router (Radmin).

As company is working with sensitive information (data) - it was agreed - we should enable another layer of security - preventing copying files from HDD to USB devices.

In general there are several way of achieving this, as the rule of thumb here are the two most popular options:

• Using the Registry
• Using the Group Policy

For this tutorial I will stick with the Group Policy option (for other use, see this guide: How to enable write protection for USB devices on Windows 10)

How to enable USB write/read/execute protection using the Group Policy

If you're running Windows 10 Pro, Enterprise, or Education, you can access the Group Policy editor to deny write permissions to removable storage devices.

To enable write protection using Group Policy, do the following:

1. Use the Windows key + R keyboard shortcut to open the Run command.

2. Type gpedit.msc and click OK to open the Local Group Policy Editor.

3. Browse the following path:

4. On the right side, double-click the Removable Disks: Deny write access policy.

Local Group Policy Editor

Double click on:

• Removable Disks: Deny execute access
• Removable Disks: Deny read access
• Removable Disks: Deny write access

Optional - you can leave some of the rights intact, for example deny only copying to USD drive, or deny only execute from USD drive. By denying execute, read and write access we are tighetning security to the maximum regarding USD devices.

5. Select the Enabled option to activate the policy.

6. Click Apply.

7. Click OK.

8. Close the Group Policy editor.

9. Restart your computer to complete the task.

Next time you (or someone) will try to insert USD device, Access is Denied message will appear:

USB - Access is Denied

If you need to revert the changes, just follow the same steps, but on step 5 make sure to select the Not Configured option.

How To Setup Port Forwarding for TP-Link Wireless Router (Radmin)

28 October, 2017 | Servers | 53 seen

In today's article, I'll share quite an easy tutorial on how to configure TP-Link Wireless N Router WR840N for a LAN to allow connections from the internet using Radmin software.

For the ease of this article, I will not cover in depths details how to configure Radmin, for that follow official guidelines (or leave a question in comment form). Today we are talking about port forwarding in router setup and firewall settings for Windows 10. Despite I'm providing details for TP-Link Wireless N Router WR840N, the further written should apply for the most routers.

Port forwarding / Virtual Server

Visit your routers admin dashboard, for TP-Link routers 192.168.0.1, log in with username and password (if default, then admin: admin)

Locate Virtual server, under Forwarding

Port forwarding on TP-Link Wireless router

Click on Add New:

Virtual Server

By default Radmin is using port 4889, if you are OK with that, enter 4889 in Service Port field, IP Address, enter your Static IP, leave the rest to default. Click Save.

Now, if you are going to use Radmin for more than just one PC, you should add and configure each new server with the different and unique port. For example PC - 1 port 4889, PC-2 port 4890, PC-3 port 4891 and so on

Configure Firewall for Windows 10

Now, you should add an exception to Firewall, for Windows 10, open Control Panel -> System and Security - > Windows Firewall

From the left pane choose Advanced settings

Click on Inbound Rules and New inbound rule

Inbound rule wizard

Choose Port, click on Next

Enter port number, for Radmin default - 4889

Allow connection

Leave defaults for the next window

Name: Give it a name, for example, Radmin

You are done.

Now test your settings, if everything done right, you should be able to connect with Radmin over LAN. If you encounter any issues, leave me a comment.

Webdesign Update for CaucasusTranslations.com Translation & Localization Agency

27 October, 2017 | Drupal Development | 12 seen

Caucasus Translations is a professional translation and localization agency located in Tbilisi, capital of Georgia. The leader in the translation and content localization business in Caucasus and Central Asia. The agency employs more than 300 translators across the globe to provide cost-effective, accurate and native translation solutions for companies in almost all industry verticals in about 40 countries.

Our corporation with Caucasus Translations agency started back in 2011. During the time I've helped not only to build a website but also have helped with configuring servers, applications and just recently building an office for their transcription department in Tbilisi. See: Audio & Video Transcription Service by Caucasus Translations

Frontpage of CaucasusTranslations.com

Originally, this website was built back in 2011 on Drupal 7 CMS. See: Website for Translation Agency - CaucasusTranslations.com

With latest redesign changes, responsive design was implemented.

The site is available in 5 languages (English, Georgian, Russian, German and Latvian) - and it can easily be extended to more languages.

Customers can request a free quote via a webform on site. So do can potential translators submit their resumes via webform.

Visit https://www.caucasustranslations.com to learn more, or contact me for your upcoming webdesign upgrade.

How To Learn Night And Long Exposure Photography

25 October, 2017 | Digital Photography School | 14 seen

Night photography together with a landscape and HDR photography is one of my favorite photography techniques.

Over the years I have mastered my night photography skills from completely ruined and completely dark photography to tack-sharp and well exposed night photography.

Here is what I've learned during the past couple of years - a decent DSLR camera is highly recommended, though I believe you could achieve fairly decent results with a point & shoot camera. You will be truly amazed by results DSRL can proceed. Don't worry, an entry-level DSRL cameras are not expensive nowadays, you can perfectly start your DSRL journey under $500. In fact, for the past 2 years, I have been shooting with Canon EOS Rebel T5.

• Top 15 Best Selling DSLR Cameras 2017

A sturdy tripod, you could probably cheat around it, but to get a tack sharp images tripod is more than welcome. I'm using a MeFOTO Aluminum Globetrotter tripod, which can be turned into a monopod with ease (you can get one for about $250)

For learning more about Night Photography please read following articles:

• ISO Settings for Night Photography
• 6 Tips For taking awesome night photography

Metis Tbilisi Restaurant Review

24 October, 2017 | Restaurant reviews | 26 seen

Metis is a French-Georgian fusion restaurant bar offering a twist of exotic flavor, centrally located in Tbilisi Old Town (Shavteli street 8). Seems that this Tbilisi restaurant has opened just recently (Summer of 2017), but it already has gained popularity among local Georgia expat audience. 

It was on a sunny Saturday afternoon after we finished some photo shooting at Sameba cathedral (see: Panoramic Photography From Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral) we decided to visit exactly Metis. So we did.

I was pleasantly surprised to learn that Metis restaurant has a brunch menu from 10:00-16:00 for GEL 29. I remember the time we spent our Saturday mornings in Tbilisi trying to find the best brunch offer and here you go - a brunch menu from Metis in the heart of the city. Amazing.

Metis has an amazing rooftop terrace offering great views over the Mtkvari river - Sameba and the Presidental Palace building are clearly visible

Rooftop terrace at Metis restaurant in Tbilisi

This time they had a fish style brunch menu, kind of Caribbean cuisine brunch menu, fish soup, mussels,  rice and other goodies. 

Caribbean cuisine in Tbilisi

Tomato - mango salads was something new for me and I literally fell in love with them. I keep wondering if someday I will travel to Cuba, will I get there such? Also, brunch menu included mussels. I love mussels, but seems I tried them for the first time in Tbilisi (I have tried in Batumi and of course in Turkey, but first place in Tbilisi I know about serving mussels) 

Salmon tartar

Delicious!

Panoramic Photography From Tbilisi Holy Trinity Cathedral

23 October, 2017 | | 6 seen

Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, commonly known as Sameba (Trinity in Georgian) probably is among the most known Tbilisi tourist attraction sites and of course, it's the main cathedral of Georgian Orthodox Church.

For me it's always been interesting to look at Sameba from two points of view - it's third highest Orthodox cathedral in the world and it symbolizes Georgian national and spiritual revival. See more: Sameba - Holy Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi. Time after time, when inspiration arrives I head to the Sameba just to make interesting photos. Sameba is great for architecture and of course panoramic shots. 

In today's Piece of Life series - two panoramic shots from Sameba, made at the end of October 2017

Sameba

Stack together 3 handheld shots using Adobe Photoshop. See: How To Stitch Panoramic Photos with Adobe Photoshop (Photomerge)

Panoramic view towards Tbilisi from Sameba

How about you? What are your favorite places for photography in Tbilisi or your city? Leave us a comment!