The Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia has consistently been rated one of the top ten little hotels for years. There are no signs to point you in the right direction, but when you see the white building with flags flying you will know that you have arrived at the Inn. A stately Dalmatian with a string of pearls around its neck will greet you as a member of the staff takes your bags leading you to a little alcove for refreshments of biscuits and Herbal Tea.
The smiling face in the portrait of Brillat Savarin, from the 18th century, hangs high above the fireplace seeming to give his approval. Through French doors is a lovely courtyard with tables lovingly set with crystal and silver, giving you a hint of what is to come. The stunning collection of art and antiques, flowers everywhere, sumptuous fabrics and wall coverings tantalize the eye.
The delectable little Inn, established in 1978, was the creation of Patrick O'Connell and his partner Reinhardt Lynch. Just for some reassurance of this quality Inn, it was the first enterprise to be awarded five stars for their accommodations and five stars for its restaurant from the Mobil Travel Guide. AAA awarded the Inn its highest rating, the 5 Diamond Award, for both accommodation and food. It is the first Inn ever to receive that award from AAA.
The brilliant London stage and set designer, Joyce Evans, created the gorgeous 15 bedrooms and suites without ever coming to America. Almost all of the furnishings where purchased in England. She then numbered each item and shipped them to the Inn. Once at the Inn they were put together like a giant puzzle. The suites are two stories with balconies and views of the beautiful gardens.
Recently they added the Mayors House. This lovely accommodation has a private courtyard, two fireplaces and the bedroom has a beamed ceiling. The Inn adds just the right touches to make the magic of the place. Huge bouquets of flowers will fill an armoire in the reading area of one of the rooms. Or a canopied sofa will be covered in exotic fabrics in vivid colors. Every single room is unique and beautiful to the last detail.
It is like a dream when you step into the dining room. Absolute pure luxury awaits you. Each table is very romantic with silk lampshades in a rose color floating overhead. Reinhardt Lynch is the host and he keeps a watchful eye as Patrick's dazzling creations arrive at the 30 cozy tables. If you can believe it, each course outdoes the last one. The Sommelier will marry a wine with your ordered meal from the wine cellar containing over 14,000 bottles of wine. The Herald Tribune as dubbed this restaurant one of the top ten restaurants in the world.
Craig Clairborne has honored the Inn with the classification of the best in the world. Patrick, while classically French trained, believes in healthy, imaginative meals or as he puts it, "the cuisine of today." For the past 14 years the Zagat survey has rated it number one in all categories.
The Inn installed a new kitchen in 1998 and many refer to it as the most beautiful kitchen in the world. There is an enormous Vulcan range that was built to order in France topped with a huge hood of brass. They even have two tables in the kitchen which they call the inner sanctum, where patrons can watch the action.
The service at the Inn is impeccable with an eye to detail. Travel & Leisure readers always rate it as the world's best. You can partake of breakfast in the sunny Terrace room by the garden or have it sent to your room. A wonderful touch is that the staff will pack you an exquisite picnic and map out a scenic route through the countryside where you can view some of the best scenery in the country. Just make sure you return in enough time for the afternoon tea.
The Inn at Little Washington has won top honors from all the organizations that judge food and accommodations. They have been consistent, year after year.
Just across the street from the Inn is a recently renovated old tavern that was built in 1740. No longer a tavern it now serves as The Inn Shops. There are 5 beautifully decorated rooms that offer everything from tableware to delicacies from the Inn's kitchen. All of the 5 rooms retain their original identities from the 1800's. Food provisions of all sorts are offered for sale in the old kitchen. Things like jellies and jams or spices. The original dining room offers glassware and china. The old general store has become an art gallery. In the old Tavern Room you can choose from period pieces, silver or pewter.
The Inn at Little Washington is a must see. When you are in the Washington, Virginia area why not treat yourself and be a guest. You won't be sorry.
December 20, 2006
December 19, 2006
How to Fascinate a Man
Not surprisingly, this woman has not been able to sustain a love relationship. She recently published a book about how she's given up on men and will devote herself exclusively to her cats.
I suspect her lack of success with men is due to her belief that women are programmed to put their lives on hold until a man calls. But women who are lucky in love absolutely do not do this. They do not assume that a guy might be "the one" for them based on a single date-- or even on a series of dates.
Instead, they say four magic words to themselves: "We'll see what happens." They go about their lives as usual. If the guy calls, great. If he doesn't, well, obviously he wasn't "the one."
The best assumption you can make early in a relationship is that a guy is not the one for you. Act accordingly. This doesn't mean you're rude to him, play games, or deliberately not return his calls. It does mean that you treat him as a potential friend.
You treat him as you would have him treat you, but you don't rearrange your life to hang out with him. You certainly don't break plans with your friends. If you find yourself wondering if or when he's going to call, take yourself to a movie. Go the the bookstore. Put the guy out of your mind until he's done something to deserve being in it.
The bonus? If you treat him as if he's not the one until he proves otherwise, you'll fascinate him. Men can smell desperation (the same way you can smell desperation), and it's a turn-off. A happy woman with a full life is devastatingly attractive.
Be that woman. Hold out for the wonderful man you deserve.
I suspect her lack of success with men is due to her belief that women are programmed to put their lives on hold until a man calls. But women who are lucky in love absolutely do not do this. They do not assume that a guy might be "the one" for them based on a single date-- or even on a series of dates.
Instead, they say four magic words to themselves: "We'll see what happens." They go about their lives as usual. If the guy calls, great. If he doesn't, well, obviously he wasn't "the one."
The best assumption you can make early in a relationship is that a guy is not the one for you. Act accordingly. This doesn't mean you're rude to him, play games, or deliberately not return his calls. It does mean that you treat him as a potential friend.
You treat him as you would have him treat you, but you don't rearrange your life to hang out with him. You certainly don't break plans with your friends. If you find yourself wondering if or when he's going to call, take yourself to a movie. Go the the bookstore. Put the guy out of your mind until he's done something to deserve being in it.
The bonus? If you treat him as if he's not the one until he proves otherwise, you'll fascinate him. Men can smell desperation (the same way you can smell desperation), and it's a turn-off. A happy woman with a full life is devastatingly attractive.
Be that woman. Hold out for the wonderful man you deserve.
December 18, 2006
Venus Eclipses Mars
Women are public faces for corporation to individual. They work as a bridge between world outside and organization they work for.
Small business to large corporate hour’s, Government department to NGO, nobody can ignore the role of “personal Relationship (PR)” in developing a good image among its constituency. PR makes them look good. It presents their best part of profile. So times, they do damage control. They keep the memory of organization press in public mind.
Crux of the story is PR is an integral part of a business. But do you know majority of PR executives are women. Ever wondered why?
Men may be more logical and sensible, but women are good at persuasion. Get the below facts.
1.Women are instinctively homemakers, handling the travails of life and living. They are more emotional, which play a big part in persuasion.
2.They are great at using better words to express themselves. Here they win hands down. Any part of life is governed by proper selection of effective language and words. Women quite easily win over men in this part of life.
3.The ability to communicate effectively with clients, perceive their requirement and limitations, are aspects on which women excels.
4.Women presence instill trust and sincerity among the clients and people interacting. Which encourages confidence building, sharing information openly?
5.Women are more open to any idea than men. They keep their mind open for any challenging idea or adverse attributes. They are more flexible in accommodating the new ideas.
6.Men are usually goal-centric. They are after a agenda more or less. In this process they may tend to become more and more hard taskmaster which is essentially no-no in PR profession of soft skills and accommodating attitude.
Women out do men in almost any kind of human interaction. People may say that their feminity play a major role over that. But let those people keep complaining. Venus has eclipsed Mars already.
Small business to large corporate hour’s, Government department to NGO, nobody can ignore the role of “personal Relationship (PR)” in developing a good image among its constituency. PR makes them look good. It presents their best part of profile. So times, they do damage control. They keep the memory of organization press in public mind.
Crux of the story is PR is an integral part of a business. But do you know majority of PR executives are women. Ever wondered why?
Men may be more logical and sensible, but women are good at persuasion. Get the below facts.
1.Women are instinctively homemakers, handling the travails of life and living. They are more emotional, which play a big part in persuasion.
2.They are great at using better words to express themselves. Here they win hands down. Any part of life is governed by proper selection of effective language and words. Women quite easily win over men in this part of life.
3.The ability to communicate effectively with clients, perceive their requirement and limitations, are aspects on which women excels.
4.Women presence instill trust and sincerity among the clients and people interacting. Which encourages confidence building, sharing information openly?
5.Women are more open to any idea than men. They keep their mind open for any challenging idea or adverse attributes. They are more flexible in accommodating the new ideas.
6.Men are usually goal-centric. They are after a agenda more or less. In this process they may tend to become more and more hard taskmaster which is essentially no-no in PR profession of soft skills and accommodating attitude.
Women out do men in almost any kind of human interaction. People may say that their feminity play a major role over that. But let those people keep complaining. Venus has eclipsed Mars already.
December 17, 2006
Judging People From Appearance
Based on the choice of clothing women can be divided into two categories: those who dress for others and those who dress for themselves.
The amount of clothes people have does not matter in the slightest. However, it is easy to judge a woman based on the amount of quality clothes in her wardrobe. Linen clothes do not make an exception as linen is one of the most ecological of all existing materials.
Lithuania has a very old flax cultivation tradition. Flax is closely associated with women here, to the extent that flax used to be called the women’s plant and women’s existence was closely related to that of flax. Women used to spin flax, weave linen and use it for a good many household chores. They used to die linen with all sorts of natural colours using cherry leaves to produce blue, flax flowers to produce red and apple tree skin to produce green.
The role of women as artists should not be underestimated either. They all wore self made linen clothes that reflected their spiritual and creative visions. The bed covers, table cloths, and towels exhibited at contemporary ethnographical museums continue to fascinate us by the impressive techniques used to make them as well as artistic qualities such as the subtle harmony of ornaments and colours.
One should not believe that linen clothes are worn only where the material itself is produced. Having long spread all over the world and valued for its hygienic qualities, linen is more and more widely used by clothes producers. Today one has a choice between original designer models and mass produced trousers, skirts and tunics. Many think that linen clothes can only be worn in summer. Contemporary technologies allow for the production of mixed materials, such as especially highly valued combination of wool and linen. Linen makes it resistant and wool makes it warm. Trousers or suits made of this material are perfectly suitable to wear in winter too.
Every time you think of treating yourself to a new piece of clothing, remember that it is not the quantity, but the quality that matters. Don’t forget, you are first judged by your appearance…
The amount of clothes people have does not matter in the slightest. However, it is easy to judge a woman based on the amount of quality clothes in her wardrobe. Linen clothes do not make an exception as linen is one of the most ecological of all existing materials.
Lithuania has a very old flax cultivation tradition. Flax is closely associated with women here, to the extent that flax used to be called the women’s plant and women’s existence was closely related to that of flax. Women used to spin flax, weave linen and use it for a good many household chores. They used to die linen with all sorts of natural colours using cherry leaves to produce blue, flax flowers to produce red and apple tree skin to produce green.
The role of women as artists should not be underestimated either. They all wore self made linen clothes that reflected their spiritual and creative visions. The bed covers, table cloths, and towels exhibited at contemporary ethnographical museums continue to fascinate us by the impressive techniques used to make them as well as artistic qualities such as the subtle harmony of ornaments and colours.
One should not believe that linen clothes are worn only where the material itself is produced. Having long spread all over the world and valued for its hygienic qualities, linen is more and more widely used by clothes producers. Today one has a choice between original designer models and mass produced trousers, skirts and tunics. Many think that linen clothes can only be worn in summer. Contemporary technologies allow for the production of mixed materials, such as especially highly valued combination of wool and linen. Linen makes it resistant and wool makes it warm. Trousers or suits made of this material are perfectly suitable to wear in winter too.
Every time you think of treating yourself to a new piece of clothing, remember that it is not the quantity, but the quality that matters. Don’t forget, you are first judged by your appearance…
December 16, 2006
Deck Up Your Tresses With The Finest Hair Accessories
The face had its share of pampering; the arms and legs had it too. It’s time now for the lovely tresses to be a little cosseted, a little fancied up. And with the exquisite line of hair accessories in the stores these days, you could not have more to do for your locks. The Rapunzels of the world are in for a good time if they are planning to add value to their falling hair cascades. Good news is that this fantastic range of hair decorations can be worn by women with short hair as well.
Hair accessories are many and varied, with items ranging from wood to vintage Swarovski crystals. And there is a hair accessory item for every occasion—be it a wedding you want to dazzle in or dinner parties to make heads turn or some casual get-together you want to make memorable. There is a diverse line of accessories tailor-made for all occasion—there are gorgeous barrettes, bobby pins, circlets, hair claws to chic bun slides and ponytail holders, from elegant clamps and forks to classy headbands and more.
The latest and quite fashionable addition to all these is, perhaps, the swish hair sticks. It’s quite an age-old tradition to hold up the hair with sticks. Now the fashion is back in a new flavor. The best part is that these hair sticks go with a casual everyday bun just as much as they go with dressy updos fit for proms and parties. Some hair sticks are ornate, being fitted with stunning jewels, crystals, art glass, gemstones and beads; and some are trendy and simple, made from wood and natural bone. The wood hair sticks are usually carved from rosewood, palm, ebony or bayong. These look especially smart and swank when it comes to everyday wear and casual occasions. And there is yet another flavor to hair sticks—the tribal flavor! Like most tribal jewelry, these tribal design hair sticks are ethnic and sometimes admirably detailed. You can do your hair with a single hair stick or go for a pair to cross them across the bun. Do not worry about the price-tag—you can surely bring a stylish hair stick home without burning a hole in your pocket. The prices range from something as affordable as $3.50 to some handsome $20 or more at http://www.crystalmood.com/. You just need to pick up the best deal.
Just in case you are wondering if these slender sticks can keep your knot or bun in place, here’s a quick assurance for all first-timers. No matter what shape you want to give your hair, these are designed in a way so that they keep your bun or French twist firm and steady without loosening up.
Not just hair sticks, anytime you want to pamper your tresses and win the onlookers’ admiration, you will find loads of hair jewelry waiting for you to be picked up and flaunted. And if not for yourself, these hair accessories make the finest gifts too. So why wait? Give your mane the main attention and enjoy collecting kudos!
Hair accessories are many and varied, with items ranging from wood to vintage Swarovski crystals. And there is a hair accessory item for every occasion—be it a wedding you want to dazzle in or dinner parties to make heads turn or some casual get-together you want to make memorable. There is a diverse line of accessories tailor-made for all occasion—there are gorgeous barrettes, bobby pins, circlets, hair claws to chic bun slides and ponytail holders, from elegant clamps and forks to classy headbands and more.
The latest and quite fashionable addition to all these is, perhaps, the swish hair sticks. It’s quite an age-old tradition to hold up the hair with sticks. Now the fashion is back in a new flavor. The best part is that these hair sticks go with a casual everyday bun just as much as they go with dressy updos fit for proms and parties. Some hair sticks are ornate, being fitted with stunning jewels, crystals, art glass, gemstones and beads; and some are trendy and simple, made from wood and natural bone. The wood hair sticks are usually carved from rosewood, palm, ebony or bayong. These look especially smart and swank when it comes to everyday wear and casual occasions. And there is yet another flavor to hair sticks—the tribal flavor! Like most tribal jewelry, these tribal design hair sticks are ethnic and sometimes admirably detailed. You can do your hair with a single hair stick or go for a pair to cross them across the bun. Do not worry about the price-tag—you can surely bring a stylish hair stick home without burning a hole in your pocket. The prices range from something as affordable as $3.50 to some handsome $20 or more at http://www.crystalmood.com/. You just need to pick up the best deal.
Just in case you are wondering if these slender sticks can keep your knot or bun in place, here’s a quick assurance for all first-timers. No matter what shape you want to give your hair, these are designed in a way so that they keep your bun or French twist firm and steady without loosening up.
Not just hair sticks, anytime you want to pamper your tresses and win the onlookers’ admiration, you will find loads of hair jewelry waiting for you to be picked up and flaunted. And if not for yourself, these hair accessories make the finest gifts too. So why wait? Give your mane the main attention and enjoy collecting kudos!
December 15, 2006
More Good News About Booze
A new medical study has provided more good news about booze. There is an ingredient in red wine that apparently really does prolong life, at least, the life of mice.
How do we know? In a recent study, mice that were fed all kinds of artery-clogging foods and fattened up were given huge doses of the elixir, while other mice were just fattened up. Despite being obese, the cardiovascular systems of the lucky mice on the regimen remained healthy – so healthy the researchers, at no less than the Harvard Medical School, rushed to publish their findings even before the study was complete.
The work, which was done along with the National Institute on Aging, determined that heavy doses of the ingredient in red wine called resveratrol, lowers the rate of diabetes, liver problems and other fat-related health problems. While it’s too soon to know if the same ingredient works in humans, some scientists were excited by the findings and even called them "spectacular."
But don’t reach for a second bottle of juice too fast. To get the amount of the ingredient that the mice were given, you would have to drink 100 bottles of red wine a day, an amount beyond the capacity of even the most delirious wino.
Yet there is hope. The promising ingredient is available as a health supplement, and without a prescription.
Of course, the usual drawback applies. It’s not available at a dose that would really make much of a difference. For that salubrious event, you’ll need a prescription. Since we all know how promptly the FDA approves new therapies, we can expect that the first prescription will probably be written for one of our great grandchildren.
How do we know? In a recent study, mice that were fed all kinds of artery-clogging foods and fattened up were given huge doses of the elixir, while other mice were just fattened up. Despite being obese, the cardiovascular systems of the lucky mice on the regimen remained healthy – so healthy the researchers, at no less than the Harvard Medical School, rushed to publish their findings even before the study was complete.
The work, which was done along with the National Institute on Aging, determined that heavy doses of the ingredient in red wine called resveratrol, lowers the rate of diabetes, liver problems and other fat-related health problems. While it’s too soon to know if the same ingredient works in humans, some scientists were excited by the findings and even called them "spectacular."
But don’t reach for a second bottle of juice too fast. To get the amount of the ingredient that the mice were given, you would have to drink 100 bottles of red wine a day, an amount beyond the capacity of even the most delirious wino.
Yet there is hope. The promising ingredient is available as a health supplement, and without a prescription.
Of course, the usual drawback applies. It’s not available at a dose that would really make much of a difference. For that salubrious event, you’ll need a prescription. Since we all know how promptly the FDA approves new therapies, we can expect that the first prescription will probably be written for one of our great grandchildren.
December 14, 2006
Form Of Argument Used By Terrorists Not In Aristotle’s Rhetoric
As the body count mounts in Iraq, it has become evident that the terrorists, along with the homicidal sectarians, have developed a new form of argument that is not found in Aristotle’s Rhetoric.
The philosopher’s civilized inclinations never prompted him to include, among such acknowledged forms of argument as Argumentum ad Populum and Argumentum ad Hominem, the terrorist oratorical mainstay, Argumentum ad Homicidium. In other words, argument by murder.
We might also note that Aristotle neglected to include it even though he himself had to flee threats against his life by his former, and apparently much disgruntled student, Alexander The Great.
How does the terrorist and sectarian argument proceed? By killing as many people as required to horrify the American public enough to demand that our troops leave Iraq. Is there a fallacy in the approach? Yes, and a rather large one.
They have soiled themselves with the blood of their own people. After they triumph, which they are likely to do, they cannot bring back to life those they have killed nor cheer up the families of the dead, who will continue to mourn, and detest those who caused their sorrow. Remorse will also be the lot of the perpetrators. They have murdered, and, as the result of the iron bar of natural justice, they have become murderers. There is no escape.
We know how low they will go. They will kill however many people they must to achieve their goal. Of course, that brings up another fallacy in their method of argumentation. Among the families of the murdered are people who will argue back with the same tactic. So it seems that the argument is circular. It will spin on until enough of the people who practice this form of argument learn that Argumentum ad Homicidium is a two-way firing range.
Is it too much to hope that one day they will pick up Aristotle’s fine little treatise and learn the more congenial forms of rhetoric?
The philosopher’s civilized inclinations never prompted him to include, among such acknowledged forms of argument as Argumentum ad Populum and Argumentum ad Hominem, the terrorist oratorical mainstay, Argumentum ad Homicidium. In other words, argument by murder.
We might also note that Aristotle neglected to include it even though he himself had to flee threats against his life by his former, and apparently much disgruntled student, Alexander The Great.
How does the terrorist and sectarian argument proceed? By killing as many people as required to horrify the American public enough to demand that our troops leave Iraq. Is there a fallacy in the approach? Yes, and a rather large one.
They have soiled themselves with the blood of their own people. After they triumph, which they are likely to do, they cannot bring back to life those they have killed nor cheer up the families of the dead, who will continue to mourn, and detest those who caused their sorrow. Remorse will also be the lot of the perpetrators. They have murdered, and, as the result of the iron bar of natural justice, they have become murderers. There is no escape.
We know how low they will go. They will kill however many people they must to achieve their goal. Of course, that brings up another fallacy in their method of argumentation. Among the families of the murdered are people who will argue back with the same tactic. So it seems that the argument is circular. It will spin on until enough of the people who practice this form of argument learn that Argumentum ad Homicidium is a two-way firing range.
Is it too much to hope that one day they will pick up Aristotle’s fine little treatise and learn the more congenial forms of rhetoric?
December 13, 2006
What If Everybody Promised Not To Kill Anybody For Just One Day?
Now, here’s a radical idea. As we see the body count pile up in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Africa, along with the daily occurrences of murder worldwide, including right here in the gun-toting USA, we ask ourselves, wouldn’t it be wonderful if everybody would promise not to kill anybody for just one day?
Imagine, an entire 24-hours without a single person being killed by another person? One day and one night without having to see a tearful human being lamenting the murder of someone they love.
A complete rotation of the earth without enduring one murderer inanely presenting himself or herself for justice to be done.
Could a day so blissfully murder-free even convince a would-be malefactor or two not to go ahead with a planned murder scheduled for the next day?
In these spiritually barbarous, though technologically advanced, times, it would, of course, be far too unrealistic to hope that everybody would promise not to kill anybody for two days in a row. How could the human race, still woefully uninformed about the merits of locating inviolable sanctity in life itself, restrain its murderous inclinations?
While Marx said “Man is a wolf to man,” even that dour economic theorist did not understand to what extent man is the primary cause of man’s tragedies.
Which brings us to the cheerful conclusion of our proposed “murder takes a holiday.” If we stopped shooting ourselves in the foot, we might even feel like dancing.
Imagine, an entire 24-hours without a single person being killed by another person? One day and one night without having to see a tearful human being lamenting the murder of someone they love.
A complete rotation of the earth without enduring one murderer inanely presenting himself or herself for justice to be done.
Could a day so blissfully murder-free even convince a would-be malefactor or two not to go ahead with a planned murder scheduled for the next day?
In these spiritually barbarous, though technologically advanced, times, it would, of course, be far too unrealistic to hope that everybody would promise not to kill anybody for two days in a row. How could the human race, still woefully uninformed about the merits of locating inviolable sanctity in life itself, restrain its murderous inclinations?
While Marx said “Man is a wolf to man,” even that dour economic theorist did not understand to what extent man is the primary cause of man’s tragedies.
Which brings us to the cheerful conclusion of our proposed “murder takes a holiday.” If we stopped shooting ourselves in the foot, we might even feel like dancing.
Queen Exiled to Italy!
Ousted by the Republican party after a closely fought referendum(51%) in which the Monarchy is declared an anachronism, the Queen and Prince Consort decide to live out their exile in Italy. The former UK is now known as New English Republican Dominions (NERD). Follow their daily adventures as they come to terms with the complicated political and social mores of Italy while keeping in touch with events and personalities back home.
Get details on Italian tourism, events and Italian recipes on :- www.queeninitaly.com
Queen and TomKat
Tom Cruise's wedding seemed to be getting a lot of attention in the NERD press- much more than in the Italian papers.
The town of Bracciano was beseiged by paparazzi and one ex-English resident of the town had written to the Middle England Bible complaining that they would like their town back.... please Tom!
But some residents were cashing in on the event,even renting out their balconies with a view of the castle for a mere $1,000 for the day! Tom of course was in full control - he had put a million dollar gagging order on the catering staff so that no details of the wedding feast at one of the most famous restaurants in Rome would be revealed.
"But who cares what they are going to eat?" protested the Queen.
"Well, I suppose a waiter could get a nice tidy sum for revealing the menu to a journalist and steal Tom's thunder" mused the Press Secretary. "But he didn't succeed in getting the airspace closed over Bracciano - the helicopter traffic is deafening", he laughed.
"The Scientology wedding ceremony is rather interesting- he promises or acknowledges that 'girls need clothes and food and tender happiness and frills, a pan,a comb and perhaps a cat!" exclaimed the Queen.
"And she promises or knows that 'young men are free and may forget their promises" chimed in the Press Secretary.
Prince Consort snorted "So, if Tom is unfaithful, she can beat him over the head with the pan, use the comb to get him out of her hair and console herself with the company of the cat!"
Next morning the Press Secretary announced to no one in particular
"She's absolutely furious!"
"Who?"the Queen asked puzzled
"The Mayor of Bracciano, the town where TomKat tied the knot" said the Press Secretary.
"Tomcat is a male cat" said PC with great emphasis.
"But that was not clarified in the Scientology wedding ceremony - 'perhaps a cat' - sex not specified" said the Queen.
"Anyway,why is the Mayor so upset?"
"First, she did not get an invite to the wedding and the Mayor of Rome did -so sour grapes there. Secondly , the town was besieged by paparazzi, traffic blocked and then TomKat did not even make an appearance or go on a walkabout- it could have really put Bracciano on the map and the residents might have got a little thrill- you know'Bracciano becomes a Hollywood Suburb'" said the Press Secretary.
"Instead, nobody appeared in the town - everybody arrived surrounded by bodyguards, portcullis up and all the town got to see were a few lousy fireworks and as it was a foggy evening, these were damp squibs. No flowers sent to the Mayor, no telegram of thanks" he continued. "And she was going to make them Honorary Citizens of Bracciano!"
"You know, I think the Mayor is right" the Queen said thoughtfully " They should have done a walkabout - I would have done - I have always respected my subjects- I mean people in general" she finished lamely.
The residents were pleased at least that when all the stars arrived, it was raining!"the Press Secretary laughed.
"At least Mrs Beckham's hat was useful - she was wearing what looked like a flying saucer !" sneered PC.
Get details on Italian tourism, events and Italian recipes on :- www.queeninitaly.com
Queen and TomKat
Tom Cruise's wedding seemed to be getting a lot of attention in the NERD press- much more than in the Italian papers.
The town of Bracciano was beseiged by paparazzi and one ex-English resident of the town had written to the Middle England Bible complaining that they would like their town back.... please Tom!
But some residents were cashing in on the event,even renting out their balconies with a view of the castle for a mere $1,000 for the day! Tom of course was in full control - he had put a million dollar gagging order on the catering staff so that no details of the wedding feast at one of the most famous restaurants in Rome would be revealed.
"But who cares what they are going to eat?" protested the Queen.
"Well, I suppose a waiter could get a nice tidy sum for revealing the menu to a journalist and steal Tom's thunder" mused the Press Secretary. "But he didn't succeed in getting the airspace closed over Bracciano - the helicopter traffic is deafening", he laughed.
"The Scientology wedding ceremony is rather interesting- he promises or acknowledges that 'girls need clothes and food and tender happiness and frills, a pan,a comb and perhaps a cat!" exclaimed the Queen.
"And she promises or knows that 'young men are free and may forget their promises" chimed in the Press Secretary.
Prince Consort snorted "So, if Tom is unfaithful, she can beat him over the head with the pan, use the comb to get him out of her hair and console herself with the company of the cat!"
Next morning the Press Secretary announced to no one in particular
"She's absolutely furious!"
"Who?"the Queen asked puzzled
"The Mayor of Bracciano, the town where TomKat tied the knot" said the Press Secretary.
"Tomcat is a male cat" said PC with great emphasis.
"But that was not clarified in the Scientology wedding ceremony - 'perhaps a cat' - sex not specified" said the Queen.
"Anyway,why is the Mayor so upset?"
"First, she did not get an invite to the wedding and the Mayor of Rome did -so sour grapes there. Secondly , the town was besieged by paparazzi, traffic blocked and then TomKat did not even make an appearance or go on a walkabout- it could have really put Bracciano on the map and the residents might have got a little thrill- you know'Bracciano becomes a Hollywood Suburb'" said the Press Secretary.
"Instead, nobody appeared in the town - everybody arrived surrounded by bodyguards, portcullis up and all the town got to see were a few lousy fireworks and as it was a foggy evening, these were damp squibs. No flowers sent to the Mayor, no telegram of thanks" he continued. "And she was going to make them Honorary Citizens of Bracciano!"
"You know, I think the Mayor is right" the Queen said thoughtfully " They should have done a walkabout - I would have done - I have always respected my subjects- I mean people in general" she finished lamely.
The residents were pleased at least that when all the stars arrived, it was raining!"the Press Secretary laughed.
"At least Mrs Beckham's hat was useful - she was wearing what looked like a flying saucer !" sneered PC.
December 11, 2006
The Oregon Tale: Traveling the State
Oregon is a place that isn’t known for vacations: it’s not a large tourist attraction or an ideal spring break destination. It, quite simply, isn’t famous. Because of this, it’s one of the most modest of regions. If someone were to ask Oregon if it was a nice state, in its own humble manner it would probably answer, “Well, I’m definitely top 50.”
Despite not being known as a hot spot, Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not only does it possess the naturalness of the Northwest - the land is paved with a tapestry of greens and browns - but it also maintains a sense of freshness, as if God is endlessly spraying it with Febreze. A place that quite simply has it all, Oregon is filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, plains, and even an ocean.
There are few places in Oregon where you won’t find beauty with the exception of the far eastern plains (Oregonians naturally refer to this area as “Idaho”). The state itself is filled with limitless majesty and endless things to do. The following is a list that will merely get you started.
The Enchanted Forest - Just outside of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is one of the most unique amusement parks of all time. In an era where parks are trying to obtain the highest roller coaster or the fastest ride, The Enchanted Forest has stayed true to its roots.
Located in an actual forest, this amusement park is perhaps one of the only ones around that is geared toward younger children: teenagers need not apply. It contains rides and attractions based on fantasy and storybook characters. Among some of the themes featured are Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the Old Lady who Lived in the Shoe, and Hansel and Gretel. For kids who are a little older, there are also bobsled rides, a haunted house, bumper cars, and water rides.
The Oregon Coast – The Oregon coast isn’t a place where you will find a slug of college party kids or girls aspiring to go wild; instead, this coast isn’t your typical coast. In lieu of beach volleyball and bikinis, this coast has bonfires and clam chowder. The waters are often cold, too cold for swimming on most occasions, and people are just as likely to wear a winter coat as they are a tank top.
Because it is free of the typical coastal behavior, this coast evokes a sense of calmness and sereneness that other beaches can not possess. Going here for twenty minutes makes you feel as if your troubles could drift away, possibly carried off by a hungry seagull who mistook your worries for a piece of bread.
Oregon’s coast stretches for almost 400 miles, from Astoria (oh yes people, home of the Goonies) to Brookings. This vastness provides people with several things to do. From looking at lighthouses to shopping in boutiques, from whale watching to deep sea fishing, the Oregon coast is perfect for those with eclectic tastes. People may find enjoyment taking a scenic drive or staying at a beachfront hotel. Others may find certain attractions - such as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Sea Lion Caves in Florence - more appealing. No matter what you find to do, you’ll find that the Oregon Coast is a sure, or shore, bet.
Mt. Hood - Mt. Hood might not be the Alps or the Rocky Mountains, but you probably won’t mind. Home to four ski areas - including the only ski area in North America that is open year round - Mt. Hood is filled with volcanic slopes, valleys, and rivers. Perhaps the furthest thing from skiing, fruit growing is also something this region is famous for. From grapes to apples, from blueberries to pears and apricots, the only thing you can’t grow here is bored.
After a day on the slopes or a day of harvest, many travelers find their experience continues at the Columbia River Gorge, right nearby. This is arguably one of the most magnificent places in the nation: it’s as if verses of America the Beautiful were written with this gorge in mind. Containing Multnomah Falls, one of the 77 waterfalls in the area, visitors here can‘t help but ask, “Niagara who?” Six hundred and twenty feet high, there are only three other waterfalls in the country that are higher.
The Willamette Valley - For people who like wine, otherwise known as people who are breathing, the Willamette Valley is a great place to visit. Located roughly 100 miles south of Portland, this valley is filled with rolling green hills, country lanes, and covered bridges. It reminds people of a simpler time of life, when neighbors said hello, people helped each other, and farmers' markets existed instead of Wal-Mart’s.
Three quarters of Oregon’s wine comes from the Willamette Valley: this is a valley known not only for some of the best Oregonian wine, but some of the best wine everywhere. Over 200 wineries are located here, waiting to offer the thirsty traveler a little taste of Oregon in the form of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
The Shakespeare Festival - Where art thou Good Theater? Tis in Oregon. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, located in Southern Oregon, is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit theaters in the country. Tony Award-winning, this festival operates on an eight and a half month basis, producing eleven shows at a time in three theaters. Annually, this theater is home to over 780 performances and 360,000 patrons. For those who like literature, there is no better place to see Shakespeare’s words come to life.
Oregon is one of the best places to go for a laidback, unique vacation. It offers people a chance to experience a variety of things in an eclectic environment. Simply put, it is an Oregon trail of fun.
Despite not being known as a hot spot, Oregon is one of the most beautiful places in the world. Not only does it possess the naturalness of the Northwest - the land is paved with a tapestry of greens and browns - but it also maintains a sense of freshness, as if God is endlessly spraying it with Febreze. A place that quite simply has it all, Oregon is filled with mountains, valleys, rivers, lakes, plains, and even an ocean.
There are few places in Oregon where you won’t find beauty with the exception of the far eastern plains (Oregonians naturally refer to this area as “Idaho”). The state itself is filled with limitless majesty and endless things to do. The following is a list that will merely get you started.
The Enchanted Forest - Just outside of Salem, the Enchanted Forest is one of the most unique amusement parks of all time. In an era where parks are trying to obtain the highest roller coaster or the fastest ride, The Enchanted Forest has stayed true to its roots.
Located in an actual forest, this amusement park is perhaps one of the only ones around that is geared toward younger children: teenagers need not apply. It contains rides and attractions based on fantasy and storybook characters. Among some of the themes featured are Alice in Wonderland, Mother Goose, Humpty Dumpty, the Old Lady who Lived in the Shoe, and Hansel and Gretel. For kids who are a little older, there are also bobsled rides, a haunted house, bumper cars, and water rides.
The Oregon Coast – The Oregon coast isn’t a place where you will find a slug of college party kids or girls aspiring to go wild; instead, this coast isn’t your typical coast. In lieu of beach volleyball and bikinis, this coast has bonfires and clam chowder. The waters are often cold, too cold for swimming on most occasions, and people are just as likely to wear a winter coat as they are a tank top.
Because it is free of the typical coastal behavior, this coast evokes a sense of calmness and sereneness that other beaches can not possess. Going here for twenty minutes makes you feel as if your troubles could drift away, possibly carried off by a hungry seagull who mistook your worries for a piece of bread.
Oregon’s coast stretches for almost 400 miles, from Astoria (oh yes people, home of the Goonies) to Brookings. This vastness provides people with several things to do. From looking at lighthouses to shopping in boutiques, from whale watching to deep sea fishing, the Oregon coast is perfect for those with eclectic tastes. People may find enjoyment taking a scenic drive or staying at a beachfront hotel. Others may find certain attractions - such as the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and the Sea Lion Caves in Florence - more appealing. No matter what you find to do, you’ll find that the Oregon Coast is a sure, or shore, bet.
Mt. Hood - Mt. Hood might not be the Alps or the Rocky Mountains, but you probably won’t mind. Home to four ski areas - including the only ski area in North America that is open year round - Mt. Hood is filled with volcanic slopes, valleys, and rivers. Perhaps the furthest thing from skiing, fruit growing is also something this region is famous for. From grapes to apples, from blueberries to pears and apricots, the only thing you can’t grow here is bored.
After a day on the slopes or a day of harvest, many travelers find their experience continues at the Columbia River Gorge, right nearby. This is arguably one of the most magnificent places in the nation: it’s as if verses of America the Beautiful were written with this gorge in mind. Containing Multnomah Falls, one of the 77 waterfalls in the area, visitors here can‘t help but ask, “Niagara who?” Six hundred and twenty feet high, there are only three other waterfalls in the country that are higher.
The Willamette Valley - For people who like wine, otherwise known as people who are breathing, the Willamette Valley is a great place to visit. Located roughly 100 miles south of Portland, this valley is filled with rolling green hills, country lanes, and covered bridges. It reminds people of a simpler time of life, when neighbors said hello, people helped each other, and farmers' markets existed instead of Wal-Mart’s.
Three quarters of Oregon’s wine comes from the Willamette Valley: this is a valley known not only for some of the best Oregonian wine, but some of the best wine everywhere. Over 200 wineries are located here, waiting to offer the thirsty traveler a little taste of Oregon in the form of Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Pinot Gris.
The Shakespeare Festival - Where art thou Good Theater? Tis in Oregon. The Oregon Shakespeare Festival, located in Southern Oregon, is one of the oldest and largest not-for-profit theaters in the country. Tony Award-winning, this festival operates on an eight and a half month basis, producing eleven shows at a time in three theaters. Annually, this theater is home to over 780 performances and 360,000 patrons. For those who like literature, there is no better place to see Shakespeare’s words come to life.
Oregon is one of the best places to go for a laidback, unique vacation. It offers people a chance to experience a variety of things in an eclectic environment. Simply put, it is an Oregon trail of fun.
December 9, 2006
Making Toothpaste: A Fun Activity for Kids
Are you looking for a fun activity that might be educational, too? Looking for a fun way to get kids to brush their teeth? Are you looking for just a fun activity? If you answered yes to any of those questions, then you might want to try your hand at making toothpaste.
Materials Needed:
bowls
baking soda
salt
water
food flavoring extract
spoons
sandwich bags
Place baking soda, salt, and water in separate bowls. Assist the children in placing 4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of water in individual sandwich bags. Add a drop of food flavoring extract, such as peppermint, mint, or orange. Let the children mix their own toothpaste in the sandwich bags.
This activity is appropriate for children aged 6 and up. Always be sure to provide adult supervision. Whether you are a parent or a teacher who would like to utilize this activity, please also make sure that none of the children are allergic to any of the ingredients used in making the toothpaste.
The educational benefits of this activity include engaging students so they will apply math concepts such as measuring, counting, and critical thinking. Some sample questions to ask the children: How many teaspoons did you use all together in making the toothpaste? Does the salt and the baking soda taste the same? How does the toothpaste taste? A variation of flavoring extracts can also be used. The kids could compare the different flavors, and then graph accordingly.
For more family involvement, the kids might be allowed to match the type of flavoring with flavors sold in stores when the kids accompany parents during grocery shopping.
Whether "Making Toothpaste" is used as a family activity or a classroom activity, its overall objective remains the same: to have fun. So, regardless of the reason why you might choose to use this activity, please remember to have fun with it.
Materials Needed:
bowls
baking soda
salt
water
food flavoring extract
spoons
sandwich bags
Place baking soda, salt, and water in separate bowls. Assist the children in placing 4 teaspoons of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of water in individual sandwich bags. Add a drop of food flavoring extract, such as peppermint, mint, or orange. Let the children mix their own toothpaste in the sandwich bags.
This activity is appropriate for children aged 6 and up. Always be sure to provide adult supervision. Whether you are a parent or a teacher who would like to utilize this activity, please also make sure that none of the children are allergic to any of the ingredients used in making the toothpaste.
The educational benefits of this activity include engaging students so they will apply math concepts such as measuring, counting, and critical thinking. Some sample questions to ask the children: How many teaspoons did you use all together in making the toothpaste? Does the salt and the baking soda taste the same? How does the toothpaste taste? A variation of flavoring extracts can also be used. The kids could compare the different flavors, and then graph accordingly.
For more family involvement, the kids might be allowed to match the type of flavoring with flavors sold in stores when the kids accompany parents during grocery shopping.
Whether "Making Toothpaste" is used as a family activity or a classroom activity, its overall objective remains the same: to have fun. So, regardless of the reason why you might choose to use this activity, please remember to have fun with it.
Acne: A Skin Condition Common Among Teenagers
Acne is a skin condition that many individuals have. Despite the fact that individuals of all ages can develop this common skin condition, there is one group of individuals who are more likely to develop it. That group is teenagers. Teenagers are more at risk for acne, especially when they begin to hit puberty. For that reason, there is a good chance that you may be the parent of a teenager who has an acne problem, whether that problem is large or small.
If you haven’t already noticed, times have changed. Unfortunately, this has led to appearance concerns among many teenagers. Although you might not necessarily think that acne is a big deal, it may be to your child. That is why it is extremely important that you talk to your child about their acne, especially if they have a severe case of it. Acne may go away on its own, but it might not. If your child constantly has problems with acne, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
When seeking treatment for your child’s acne problem, you will likely find that you have a number of different professional options. Most primary care physicians, also commonly referred to as family physicians, should be able to treat acne. This treatment will often include an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication. The type of action taken will likely depend on how severe your child’s acne problem is. In addition to their primary care physician, you may also want to take your child to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
Aside from being prescribed medications or given another treatment plan, you and your teenager will likely learn more about acne. Your healthcare provider, whether it is your primary care physician or a dermatologist, should provide you with information on acne. This information should not only include how to treat it, but how to manage acne outbreaks, as well as how to prevent them. Although this important information should automatically be explained to you, it might not be. When it comes to treating acne, it is important to learn more about it; therefore, if it is not automatically explained, you need to ask.
Regardless of which type of medical professional you are speaking with, a primary care physician or a dermatologist, you will likely learn, as mentioned above, that acne is not uncommon in teenagers. It fact, it has been stated that over half of all teenagers will develop a problem with acne, at one time or another. You may also learn that acne not only includes zits, but it also includes blackheads and whiteheads. You should also learn how and why acne develops. It is even possible that your healthcare physician may have also determined an exact cause for your child’s acne problem, such as unclean skin, clogged pores, or greasy health and beauty products.
As you can easily see, you and your child can learn a lot by meeting with a healthcare worker. Despite the fact that you are advised to seek professional assistance, it may not be possible. Whether you are without insurance or you cannot afford a doctor’s visit, your child does not have to suffer from acne. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be able to help reduce or completely eliminate the number of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that your teenager has. While prescription medications may work more effectively and quicker, over-the-counter medications are great alternatives. These relatively low-cost medications can be purchased from most department stores, drug stores, or grocery stores. The amount of time it takes for your child’s acne to clear up, if it even clears up at all, will all depend on what type of product you are using.
Since acne is relatively easy to treat, at least from your standpoint, you are advised to take action. Whether your teenager complains about their acne or if you think a problem may be in the process of developing, you are advised to get them the help that they need. Whether that help comes from a medical professional or an over-the-counter medication, your teenager will likely be please that action was initiated.
If you haven’t already noticed, times have changed. Unfortunately, this has led to appearance concerns among many teenagers. Although you might not necessarily think that acne is a big deal, it may be to your child. That is why it is extremely important that you talk to your child about their acne, especially if they have a severe case of it. Acne may go away on its own, but it might not. If your child constantly has problems with acne, it may be a good idea to schedule a visit with a healthcare professional.
When seeking treatment for your child’s acne problem, you will likely find that you have a number of different professional options. Most primary care physicians, also commonly referred to as family physicians, should be able to treat acne. This treatment will often include an over-the-counter medication or a prescription medication. The type of action taken will likely depend on how severe your child’s acne problem is. In addition to their primary care physician, you may also want to take your child to see a dermatologist. A dermatologist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions.
Aside from being prescribed medications or given another treatment plan, you and your teenager will likely learn more about acne. Your healthcare provider, whether it is your primary care physician or a dermatologist, should provide you with information on acne. This information should not only include how to treat it, but how to manage acne outbreaks, as well as how to prevent them. Although this important information should automatically be explained to you, it might not be. When it comes to treating acne, it is important to learn more about it; therefore, if it is not automatically explained, you need to ask.
Regardless of which type of medical professional you are speaking with, a primary care physician or a dermatologist, you will likely learn, as mentioned above, that acne is not uncommon in teenagers. It fact, it has been stated that over half of all teenagers will develop a problem with acne, at one time or another. You may also learn that acne not only includes zits, but it also includes blackheads and whiteheads. You should also learn how and why acne develops. It is even possible that your healthcare physician may have also determined an exact cause for your child’s acne problem, such as unclean skin, clogged pores, or greasy health and beauty products.
As you can easily see, you and your child can learn a lot by meeting with a healthcare worker. Despite the fact that you are advised to seek professional assistance, it may not be possible. Whether you are without insurance or you cannot afford a doctor’s visit, your child does not have to suffer from acne. There are a number of over-the-counter medications that may be able to help reduce or completely eliminate the number of blackheads, whiteheads, or pimples that your teenager has. While prescription medications may work more effectively and quicker, over-the-counter medications are great alternatives. These relatively low-cost medications can be purchased from most department stores, drug stores, or grocery stores. The amount of time it takes for your child’s acne to clear up, if it even clears up at all, will all depend on what type of product you are using.
Since acne is relatively easy to treat, at least from your standpoint, you are advised to take action. Whether your teenager complains about their acne or if you think a problem may be in the process of developing, you are advised to get them the help that they need. Whether that help comes from a medical professional or an over-the-counter medication, your teenager will likely be please that action was initiated.
Top 10 Xbox 360 Games Your Kids Want For Christmas This Year - Guaranteed!
Xbox 360 was the number one smash hit for Christmas gifts last year. The reasons are obvious: more visual effects, better console, incredible action, and excellent game choices. This year again teens will be playing Xbox 360 games with their friends, comparing games at school, and buying, renting or swapping the new Xbox games out this year. Here are some of the top picks for Christmas 2006, in a variety of categories, such as action, adventure, shooters, sports, and role-playing. Something for everyone.
1. Gears of War - Shooter
Now this is what next-gen gaming is all about! I've logged over 13 hours of game time so far, and haven't even finished it, but that's because I'm milking this baby for all it's worth. The campaign experience is one to be savored, as there probably won't be anything like it again for quite some time. Gears of War is one of those titles that comes around every couple of years and raises the bar so high that it almost spoils every game released in the next six months.
This third-person shooter thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the earth.
Gears of War is about teamwork in a big way. All game modes, levels and scenarios are designed specifically to encourage cooperative play, whether it be with A.I. partners or human players (with A.I. teammates designed with specific strengths, weaknesses and personalities). Also, voice recognition will be available for players, and voice chat to discuss strategy with your friends.
2. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - Shooter
The face of war has changed with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Enemy lines are blurred and there is no clear opponent. New enemies and threats require a new type of warfare and a new kind of soldier. Enter the Ghosts.
In 2013, the U.S. Army will implement its Integrated Warfighter System. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices, and enhanced survivability features into a fully integrated warfare combat system. Equipped with cutting edge weapons and communications systems, you will find yourself, one of the Ghosts, immersed in a detailed universe which is warfare of the future.
One gamer exclaimed, "This game is a pure showcase of next gen gaming. the graphica are downright gorgeous and this actually helps to immerse you into the story. and the story is riveting enough to actually make you care about mexico city... do your self a favor and buy this game."
3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - RPG
Like earlier games in the Elder Scrolls series, Oblivion is designed to present a living fantasy world that gamers experience on their own terms. The game is populated with over 1,000 NPCs, each leading a fully realized life, following regular schedules according to their individual wants, needs, and positions. Players are encouraged to interact in the world as they choose, as noble heroes, greedy villains, or anything in between. The game's main story and its sidemissions provide plenty of fast-moving adventure.
Advised one fan: "This Game Is Like Crack. Massive enivornment; Beautiful graphics; Great ambient music and sound; Totally engrossing gameplay. This game is unbelieveable. If you like RPG's in the SLIGHTEST, buy it."
4. Fight Night Round 3 - Sports
Easily beating the competition, Fight Night Round 3 brings the most intense boxing videogame experience ever to the virtual boxing ring. Film-quality graphics establish Fight Night Round 3 as one of the best looking and playing Xbox 360 sports games ever produced. The graphics feature devastating punch impacts unparalleled in any game or film.
Outside of the ring, gamers can establish intense rivalries through pre-fight events and trash talk, putting more purpose and passion behind their every hit. The visuals in Fight Night Round 3 are so excellent that they actually enhance the gameplay. The gameplay has been revamped from what was already an excellent experience in Round 2.
5. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent - Action
The bestselling Tom Clancy's "Splinter Cell" game takes on an entirely new direction. You play as a double agent for the first time ever in Splinter Cell Double Agent. You'll take on the dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where your choices of whom to betray and whom to protect actually affect the outcome of your game.
Experience the relentless tension and gut-wrenching dilemmas of life as a double agent. Lie. Kill. Sabotage. Betray. But above all, save and protect the innocent. How far will you go to gain the enemy's trust? As covert operative Sam Fisher, you'll infiltrate a vicious terrorist group and seek to destroy it from within. Carefully weigh the consequences of your actions--kill too many terrorists and blow your cover. Hesitate and millions will die. Do whatever it takes to complete your mission, but get out alive.
6. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy - Action
The war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance has left the galaxy far, far away a huge mess! But luckily with LEGOs, rebuilding is easy! Play through the original trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, as all three movies are re-created using LEGO bricks. You can play as one of 50 different characters and can even get out of vehicles and ride on various creatures.
Our recommendation: If you liked the first Star Wars game, this one should definitely be on your list. If you've never played the first game, then this one must be on your list! So really, there isn't any reason not to own and play this game.
7. Madden NFL 07 - Sports
With Madden NFL 07, innovative rushing controls allow you to control the running game like never before, with all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.
For the first time, in a football video game, you can step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback to smash through, jump over, or tear away from any would-be tackler as you head for the end zone.
One fan raved, "Overall it was exactly what i was looking for, ... the new features are all fun, and the individual camera view for every position in superstar mode gave u a feeling of really playing as the character. This will be a great game to play alone or with a group of friends."
8. Dead Rising - Action
Dead Rising follows the harrowing saga of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a clue, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has been overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety, but it turns out to be anything but.
In the intense struggle to survive the endless stream of zombies, players have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob. The variety of stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players encounter other survivors along the way, and by helping them, acquire valuable clues as to what has happened and how to survive.
I couldn't say it better than one fan: "Thousands and thousands of zombies to kill in a myriad of ridiculous ways; tons of things to see and try throughout the mall; great sense of style; a plot that manages to be intriguing without intruding too much on the action; and fantastic sound effects."
9. Saints Row - Action
Welcome to Stilwater, an open-world city with attitude, a city controlled by rival gangs, a city you are about to take over in Saints Row. As a low-level thug in the Third Street Saints, you'll do whatever it takes to get the money and build the respect and power you need to muscle your way to the top. Be careful, though. Your actions have consequences within the game, and around every corner lurks a new threat.
Numerous vehicles are available to "borrow," pedestrians can be slugged or robbed at gunpoint, and there are an assortment of missions to advance the game's primarily storyline. Some features include: fun, responsive driving controls; excellent on-foot shooting action; impressive presentation, featuring amazing explosions and great audio; and a well-written, well-acted story to compel you to keep playing.
10. Hitman: Blood Money - Action
On the run from rival assassins, Agent 47 hops a plane to take care of business stateside in Hitman: Blood Money. Players will guide Agent 47 through a number of locales, including New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as he performs hits. It's up to the player to determine the manner in which a hit is executed, but the "rookie training" mode can show amateur assassins how to help targets have "accidents," by pushing the victim over a ledge or pinning him underneath a heavy object.
The amount of money earned from completed jobs varies depending on the cleanliness and professionalism of the hit. Agent 47's paychecks can be spent in a number of ways including bribing reporters, customizing weapons with one of 15 upgrades, or paying pedestrians for information. Open-ended stealth action gameplay lets you sneak around, or run and gun; beautifully crafted mission set pieces seem appropriately big and complex; large variety of realistic weapons; and great combination of action and strategy.
1. Gears of War - Shooter
Now this is what next-gen gaming is all about! I've logged over 13 hours of game time so far, and haven't even finished it, but that's because I'm milking this baby for all it's worth. The campaign experience is one to be savored, as there probably won't be anything like it again for quite some time. Gears of War is one of those titles that comes around every couple of years and raises the bar so high that it almost spoils every game released in the next six months.
This third-person shooter thrusts gamers into a deep and harrowing story of humankind's epic battle for survival against the Locust Horde, a nightmarish race of creatures that surface from the bowels of the earth.
Gears of War is about teamwork in a big way. All game modes, levels and scenarios are designed specifically to encourage cooperative play, whether it be with A.I. partners or human players (with A.I. teammates designed with specific strengths, weaknesses and personalities). Also, voice recognition will be available for players, and voice chat to discuss strategy with your friends.
2. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter - Shooter
The face of war has changed with Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter. Enemy lines are blurred and there is no clear opponent. New enemies and threats require a new type of warfare and a new kind of soldier. Enter the Ghosts.
In 2013, the U.S. Army will implement its Integrated Warfighter System. IWS combines advanced weapon systems, satellite communication devices, and enhanced survivability features into a fully integrated warfare combat system. Equipped with cutting edge weapons and communications systems, you will find yourself, one of the Ghosts, immersed in a detailed universe which is warfare of the future.
One gamer exclaimed, "This game is a pure showcase of next gen gaming. the graphica are downright gorgeous and this actually helps to immerse you into the story. and the story is riveting enough to actually make you care about mexico city... do your self a favor and buy this game."
3. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion - RPG
Like earlier games in the Elder Scrolls series, Oblivion is designed to present a living fantasy world that gamers experience on their own terms. The game is populated with over 1,000 NPCs, each leading a fully realized life, following regular schedules according to their individual wants, needs, and positions. Players are encouraged to interact in the world as they choose, as noble heroes, greedy villains, or anything in between. The game's main story and its sidemissions provide plenty of fast-moving adventure.
Advised one fan: "This Game Is Like Crack. Massive enivornment; Beautiful graphics; Great ambient music and sound; Totally engrossing gameplay. This game is unbelieveable. If you like RPG's in the SLIGHTEST, buy it."
4. Fight Night Round 3 - Sports
Easily beating the competition, Fight Night Round 3 brings the most intense boxing videogame experience ever to the virtual boxing ring. Film-quality graphics establish Fight Night Round 3 as one of the best looking and playing Xbox 360 sports games ever produced. The graphics feature devastating punch impacts unparalleled in any game or film.
Outside of the ring, gamers can establish intense rivalries through pre-fight events and trash talk, putting more purpose and passion behind their every hit. The visuals in Fight Night Round 3 are so excellent that they actually enhance the gameplay. The gameplay has been revamped from what was already an excellent experience in Round 2.
5. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell Double Agent - Action
The bestselling Tom Clancy's "Splinter Cell" game takes on an entirely new direction. You play as a double agent for the first time ever in Splinter Cell Double Agent. You'll take on the dual roles of covert operative and ruthless terrorist, where your choices of whom to betray and whom to protect actually affect the outcome of your game.
Experience the relentless tension and gut-wrenching dilemmas of life as a double agent. Lie. Kill. Sabotage. Betray. But above all, save and protect the innocent. How far will you go to gain the enemy's trust? As covert operative Sam Fisher, you'll infiltrate a vicious terrorist group and seek to destroy it from within. Carefully weigh the consequences of your actions--kill too many terrorists and blow your cover. Hesitate and millions will die. Do whatever it takes to complete your mission, but get out alive.
6. LEGO Star Wars II: The Original Trilogy - Action
The war between the Galactic Empire and the Rebel Alliance has left the galaxy far, far away a huge mess! But luckily with LEGOs, rebuilding is easy! Play through the original trilogy, Star Wars, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi, as all three movies are re-created using LEGO bricks. You can play as one of 50 different characters and can even get out of vehicles and ride on various creatures.
Our recommendation: If you liked the first Star Wars game, this one should definitely be on your list. If you've never played the first game, then this one must be on your list! So really, there isn't any reason not to own and play this game.
7. Madden NFL 07 - Sports
With Madden NFL 07, innovative rushing controls allow you to control the running game like never before, with all-new jukes, cutbacks, and the distinct running styles of your favorite backs.
For the first time, in a football video game, you can step up as the lead blocker to create a hole, and then take control of the tailback to smash through, jump over, or tear away from any would-be tackler as you head for the end zone.
One fan raved, "Overall it was exactly what i was looking for, ... the new features are all fun, and the individual camera view for every position in superstar mode gave u a feeling of really playing as the character. This will be a great game to play alone or with a group of friends."
8. Dead Rising - Action
Dead Rising follows the harrowing saga of Frank West, an overly zealous freelance photojournalist on a hunt for the scoop of a lifetime. In pursuit of a clue, he makes his way to a small suburban town only to find that it has been overrun by zombies. He escapes to the local shopping mall, thinking it will be a bastion of safety, but it turns out to be anything but.
In the intense struggle to survive the endless stream of zombies, players have full reign of a realistic shopping center, utilizing anything they find to fight off the flesh-hungry mob. The variety of stores in the mall offers players an endless supply of resources including vehicles, makeshift weapons and more. Players encounter other survivors along the way, and by helping them, acquire valuable clues as to what has happened and how to survive.
I couldn't say it better than one fan: "Thousands and thousands of zombies to kill in a myriad of ridiculous ways; tons of things to see and try throughout the mall; great sense of style; a plot that manages to be intriguing without intruding too much on the action; and fantastic sound effects."
9. Saints Row - Action
Welcome to Stilwater, an open-world city with attitude, a city controlled by rival gangs, a city you are about to take over in Saints Row. As a low-level thug in the Third Street Saints, you'll do whatever it takes to get the money and build the respect and power you need to muscle your way to the top. Be careful, though. Your actions have consequences within the game, and around every corner lurks a new threat.
Numerous vehicles are available to "borrow," pedestrians can be slugged or robbed at gunpoint, and there are an assortment of missions to advance the game's primarily storyline. Some features include: fun, responsive driving controls; excellent on-foot shooting action; impressive presentation, featuring amazing explosions and great audio; and a well-written, well-acted story to compel you to keep playing.
10. Hitman: Blood Money - Action
On the run from rival assassins, Agent 47 hops a plane to take care of business stateside in Hitman: Blood Money. Players will guide Agent 47 through a number of locales, including New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas as he performs hits. It's up to the player to determine the manner in which a hit is executed, but the "rookie training" mode can show amateur assassins how to help targets have "accidents," by pushing the victim over a ledge or pinning him underneath a heavy object.
The amount of money earned from completed jobs varies depending on the cleanliness and professionalism of the hit. Agent 47's paychecks can be spent in a number of ways including bribing reporters, customizing weapons with one of 15 upgrades, or paying pedestrians for information. Open-ended stealth action gameplay lets you sneak around, or run and gun; beautifully crafted mission set pieces seem appropriately big and complex; large variety of realistic weapons; and great combination of action and strategy.
Barbie Doll - The Perfect Figure?
While no one will argue with the popularity of Mattel's Barbie Doll, one area that has raised its fair share of controversy over the years is her figure.
Many parents from around the world have argued that Barbie's ultra-slim figure represents a ridiculous standard for a body shape. They say that many girls grow up thinking that they must have the same figure as Barbie or there is something wrong with them. While I don't take that radical of a stance, I will say that it would be quite difficult to measure up to Barbie's standards.
If you take the measurements of Barbie, she would be over 7 feet tall, weigh around 125 pounds, and have a shape of 32-20-42. Of course, no woman could maintain a figure like that, but this is where the controversy stems.
In addition, Barbie has a very long neck. In fact, her neck is nearly twice the size of the average woman. Her feet are also another source of criticism with many saying that Barbie's feet are only half the size of a normal womans due to foot binding. That is the practice of preventing your feet from growing by constricting them.
Some have went as far as saying that the Barbie doll has caused their children to become anorexic from trying to maintain Barbie's figure. I think that may be a little extreme, but I can see both sides.
In recent years, Mattel has given in a little bit on this issue and widened Barbie's waist a bit. This took place around the year 2000. Barbie now has a more proportioned waist.
Regardless of what Barbie's figure looks like, or who is right or wrong on this issue, the real winner in this debate is Mattel. The added controversy and publicity only helps to fuel sales. I wonder why no one talks about Ken's figure?
Many parents from around the world have argued that Barbie's ultra-slim figure represents a ridiculous standard for a body shape. They say that many girls grow up thinking that they must have the same figure as Barbie or there is something wrong with them. While I don't take that radical of a stance, I will say that it would be quite difficult to measure up to Barbie's standards.
If you take the measurements of Barbie, she would be over 7 feet tall, weigh around 125 pounds, and have a shape of 32-20-42. Of course, no woman could maintain a figure like that, but this is where the controversy stems.
In addition, Barbie has a very long neck. In fact, her neck is nearly twice the size of the average woman. Her feet are also another source of criticism with many saying that Barbie's feet are only half the size of a normal womans due to foot binding. That is the practice of preventing your feet from growing by constricting them.
Some have went as far as saying that the Barbie doll has caused their children to become anorexic from trying to maintain Barbie's figure. I think that may be a little extreme, but I can see both sides.
In recent years, Mattel has given in a little bit on this issue and widened Barbie's waist a bit. This took place around the year 2000. Barbie now has a more proportioned waist.
Regardless of what Barbie's figure looks like, or who is right or wrong on this issue, the real winner in this debate is Mattel. The added controversy and publicity only helps to fuel sales. I wonder why no one talks about Ken's figure?
Skateboarding In The Eighties To The Present
Skateboarding traces its roots to the seventies but it really reached the peak of its popularity in the mid-eighties to the present when major skateboard manufacturers propelled it to new heights. First, they started with half-pipe and vert ramp skateboarding. The manufacturers upgraded the boards to make their decks very wide and to equip them with larger and wider wheels.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
As the years went by, the focus shifted to street skateboarding, which brought about a few changes in deck shape and wheel size. With the growing popularity of street skating, new stars rose to prominence, such as Mark Gonzales, one of street skating's pioneers. Gonzales is recognized as one of the first skateboarders to ollie up a curb and to clear a set of stairs. By this time, manufacturers had shifted their focus to maple plywood over more exotic composite materials. Concave decks were now everywhere.
Today’s current generation of skateboarders usually ride on boards that are about 7¼ to 8 inches wide and 30 to 32 inches long. The wheels now are made with a hard durometer (approximately 99a), which provide a faster ride because it reduces the drag on surfaces that are hard. Wheels are now smaller and the boards are lighter, which makes it easier to make difficult tricks. Today’s wheels are only about 48 to 58 mm in diameter and they are as light as they have ever been thanks to advances in skateboarding technology. Meanwhile, the majority of decks are made out of Canadian Maple and the industry standard is the 7 ply because of its increased strength and durability.
Historically, most keen observers of the sport note that the styles of skateboards changed a lot from the 1970s but have been mostly the same since the dawn of the nineties. The shape of today’s contemporary skateboards assumes the design of freestyle boards from the eighties, with a symmetrical shape and a narrower width than previous skateboards.
These observers also note that the popularity of ramp or vert skatebaording was overtaken by street skateboarding in the nineties. With today’s freestyle techniques, the practice of skateboarding has risen to new heights and new stars are emerging all the time. But throughout it all, the ollie has remained as the base of many of today’s tricks.
A Guide To Paying Back A Student Loan
A borrower has certain responsibilities to take care of, once a loan is negotiated. In order to keep your loan in good standing, it is important to fulfill all your obligations. A lapse in making a single payment indicates delinquency. You could get into the default record if you continue to ignore your loan repayments. If you face any trouble in arranging funds for paying back your student loan, you need to contact the organization that provided the loan. There are chances that you may qualify for forbearance, deferment or any other form of payment relief.
In most of the cases, student loans do not require repayment until after graduation. Many fresh graduates do not find a suitable placement very quickly. However, after graduation, there is a six months grace period before the repayment schedule begins. Even though a student may identify a good job, he could initially be underpaid, leading to issues with the repayment of the loan.
There are several strategies that could be adopted to help you repay the loan. Student loan lenders and service providers offer several repayment options. You should check with your creditor to gather details on any such available plans. Repayment plans offer the following options:
- Graduated repayment: The payment is lower in the beginning and increases steadily over a period of time.
- Standard repayment: Interest payments and principals are due each month, throughout the repayment term.
- Income sensitive repayment: A percentage of the borrower’s monthly income forms the basis of calculating the monthly repayment, although this plan applies for certain account borrowers.
- Extended repayment: This incorporates lower monthly payments for an extended period of 25 years.
- Loan consolidation: You can consolidate several loans into one new loan, with a low interest rate and easy finance management opportunities.
- Prepayment: This can reduce your total cost of borrowing because most private student loans allow you to make payment of a part or your entire loan before the scheduled payment. This can be done anytime during the life of the loan.
In addition you should check:
- Your state might be offering programs that reduce or even cancel your loan if you perform certain services like, nursing or teaching. You can get in touch with the state agency for postsecondary education, to check if there are such programs available in your state.
- There are religious and civic organizations that provide certain benefits and aid in repayment.
- Your personal expenses may need to be analyzed and kept minimum. Try to keep your living expenses low initially.
- It is possible to apply for forbearance, deferment or any other payment relief programs.
Deferment: It is the temporary suspension of the loan payment if you re-enroll yourself in a school, are unemployed or facing any economic hardship.
Forbearance: This is also a reduction or postponement of the loan payment, temporarily, while you are in any financial difficulty.
Other forms: These may include graduate or income sensitive loans.
If you are facing financial difficulty and it is impossible for you to repay the loan immediately, you can always take refuge in these options. They not only help you to repay your loan easily, but also help you maintain a good credit report.
In most of the cases, student loans do not require repayment until after graduation. Many fresh graduates do not find a suitable placement very quickly. However, after graduation, there is a six months grace period before the repayment schedule begins. Even though a student may identify a good job, he could initially be underpaid, leading to issues with the repayment of the loan.
There are several strategies that could be adopted to help you repay the loan. Student loan lenders and service providers offer several repayment options. You should check with your creditor to gather details on any such available plans. Repayment plans offer the following options:
- Graduated repayment: The payment is lower in the beginning and increases steadily over a period of time.
- Standard repayment: Interest payments and principals are due each month, throughout the repayment term.
- Income sensitive repayment: A percentage of the borrower’s monthly income forms the basis of calculating the monthly repayment, although this plan applies for certain account borrowers.
- Extended repayment: This incorporates lower monthly payments for an extended period of 25 years.
- Loan consolidation: You can consolidate several loans into one new loan, with a low interest rate and easy finance management opportunities.
- Prepayment: This can reduce your total cost of borrowing because most private student loans allow you to make payment of a part or your entire loan before the scheduled payment. This can be done anytime during the life of the loan.
In addition you should check:
- Your state might be offering programs that reduce or even cancel your loan if you perform certain services like, nursing or teaching. You can get in touch with the state agency for postsecondary education, to check if there are such programs available in your state.
- There are religious and civic organizations that provide certain benefits and aid in repayment.
- Your personal expenses may need to be analyzed and kept minimum. Try to keep your living expenses low initially.
- It is possible to apply for forbearance, deferment or any other payment relief programs.
Deferment: It is the temporary suspension of the loan payment if you re-enroll yourself in a school, are unemployed or facing any economic hardship.
Forbearance: This is also a reduction or postponement of the loan payment, temporarily, while you are in any financial difficulty.
Other forms: These may include graduate or income sensitive loans.
If you are facing financial difficulty and it is impossible for you to repay the loan immediately, you can always take refuge in these options. They not only help you to repay your loan easily, but also help you maintain a good credit report.
A Guide to Banking for Students
A bank serves as a financial institution, providing complex financial services, right from the maintenance of deposits to extending credit. A little guidance and initiative help students to improve their personal credit record.
Banking offers the convenience of not having to handle large sums of money, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. Moreover, most of the financial institutions enable you to earn interest on your money deposited in a particular account.
There are a number of bank accounts and financial plans that are specifically designed for students. Today, students handle allowances that take care of all their financial requirements and if judiciously saved, could save them from debt in the future too. It is essential for students to select the right bank.
Tips to select the right bank for students:
The following tips would help students in selecting the best bank for themselves:
- Services offered: It is essential to opt for a bank that meets your specific requirements and serves you efficiently.
- Convenience: Before selecting a bank, you should check the location, working hours and your accessibility.
- Insured federally: Always look for a bank that is insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDCI insures most banks. It indicates that even if the bank goes bankrupt, you would get your money back, up to $100,000.
- Bank fees: There are bank fees associated with the bank accounts. They charge fees on dropping below the minimum balance, overdraft protection, issue of checks and many more.
Requirements in setting up your banking services:
Financial institutions require you to submit certain important documents, for opening a bank account. They are as follows:
- Your social security number
- A photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport or student ID
- Proof of address
- Your signature on a card or form that is maintained by the bank
Essential banking services for students are as follows:
There are student and graduate accounts, with a number of attractive fringe benefits, designed especially for students. Students struggling to excel in their chosen fields usually cannot afford to pay back the money they borrow, within the expected time frame. Banks offer them the facility of special accounts, designed to increase their loyalty to the financial institution in good time.
Some of the essential considerations to be made, before opting for banking services are:
- Student accounts: A student account offers advantages like vouchers and discounts on branded articles and department stores.
- Overdrafts: Overdrafts enable you to pay your university fees without carrying liquid money. Therefore, it is essential to pick an account with an interest- free overdraft limit.
- Overall package: Though, the overdraft limit is necessary, you need to study the overall bank account package offered. You need to check the fees and charges applicable for certain services.
- Support: Before opening a student’s account, you need to ensure that your account provides you with dedicated support at time of crisis.
You should select a banking service only after conducting substantial research and analyzing the banks credentials.
Banking offers the convenience of not having to handle large sums of money, thereby minimizing the chances of theft. Moreover, most of the financial institutions enable you to earn interest on your money deposited in a particular account.
There are a number of bank accounts and financial plans that are specifically designed for students. Today, students handle allowances that take care of all their financial requirements and if judiciously saved, could save them from debt in the future too. It is essential for students to select the right bank.
Tips to select the right bank for students:
The following tips would help students in selecting the best bank for themselves:
- Services offered: It is essential to opt for a bank that meets your specific requirements and serves you efficiently.
- Convenience: Before selecting a bank, you should check the location, working hours and your accessibility.
- Insured federally: Always look for a bank that is insured. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or FDCI insures most banks. It indicates that even if the bank goes bankrupt, you would get your money back, up to $100,000.
- Bank fees: There are bank fees associated with the bank accounts. They charge fees on dropping below the minimum balance, overdraft protection, issue of checks and many more.
Requirements in setting up your banking services:
Financial institutions require you to submit certain important documents, for opening a bank account. They are as follows:
- Your social security number
- A photo ID, like a driver’s license, passport or student ID
- Proof of address
- Your signature on a card or form that is maintained by the bank
Essential banking services for students are as follows:
There are student and graduate accounts, with a number of attractive fringe benefits, designed especially for students. Students struggling to excel in their chosen fields usually cannot afford to pay back the money they borrow, within the expected time frame. Banks offer them the facility of special accounts, designed to increase their loyalty to the financial institution in good time.
Some of the essential considerations to be made, before opting for banking services are:
- Student accounts: A student account offers advantages like vouchers and discounts on branded articles and department stores.
- Overdrafts: Overdrafts enable you to pay your university fees without carrying liquid money. Therefore, it is essential to pick an account with an interest- free overdraft limit.
- Overall package: Though, the overdraft limit is necessary, you need to study the overall bank account package offered. You need to check the fees and charges applicable for certain services.
- Support: Before opening a student’s account, you need to ensure that your account provides you with dedicated support at time of crisis.
You should select a banking service only after conducting substantial research and analyzing the banks credentials.
Where To Find Best Arcade Games
Arcade games, historically, emerged as early as the late 1920's where you could find theme parks which combined mechanical form of gaming machines and a great fun atmosphere. This was the beginning of modern gaming. The first video game machines appeared in the and were mainly coin-operated. To play the game, you sloted in your coin or token and when that run out the game ended. You then had to purchase further tokens if so desired. Now, most video game machines use solid state electronics to operate. Scores and bonuses are all electronically controlled.
Atari, which started in 1972, was now dominating the market with popular arcade games such as Pong (electronic version Ping Pong), Pacman, Space Invaders, Battlezone, Donkey Kong and the Galaxian. Video arcade games started appearing everywhere including shopping centers, public houses such as bars, supermarkets, college dormitories, bowling alleys and dedicated amusement parks. However, with video arcade games located in seedy places like casinos and gambling houses, their reputation waned. The sales of arcade games further took a hit with the advent of home video game consoles in the early nineties. People rather preferred to buy or rent out the exact games they used to play in these amusement parks and enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes.
With this decline in fortunes, dedicated arcade games businesses started to suffer and many had to close down or diversify. Diversification involved offering other attractions such as rides with arcade games being only a small part of the business and at least offering arcade lovers to still indulge in their passion. Most of these centers are so different, they are no longer what they used to be.
Playing arcade games is now even easier. With most dedicated venues closed due to advances in the gaming console technology and the internet, you do not need to uproot yourself and find a physical venue. If you are into gaming consoles, all you need is to buy or rent your game and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. On the other hand, if you wish to play free arcade games with a bit of social interaction, you can choose from many internet gaming platforms where you can play as well as chat or interact with other game lovers in the forums.
In spite of the many milestones arcade games have come, the basic essence of the "arcade" is still present in most modern games. Most arcade games offer the game lover different levels of play, starting with the easiest. Once that level has been mastered or maximum points have been scored, you are allowed to move to the next level. Each higher level is progressively more difficult. You stay in the game if you stay "alive" or your "virtual" tokens get finished. Obviously, physical tokens are not needed for online arcade games but the general theme is always present. Newer games such as Street Fighter I and King Fighters offer a two player game mode which futher enhances the gamers experience.
Arcade games have survived, mainly because they are so addictive and they offer a good recreation time for kid, teens and adults alike and they are likely to be with us for a long time to come.
Atari, which started in 1972, was now dominating the market with popular arcade games such as Pong (electronic version Ping Pong), Pacman, Space Invaders, Battlezone, Donkey Kong and the Galaxian. Video arcade games started appearing everywhere including shopping centers, public houses such as bars, supermarkets, college dormitories, bowling alleys and dedicated amusement parks. However, with video arcade games located in seedy places like casinos and gambling houses, their reputation waned. The sales of arcade games further took a hit with the advent of home video game consoles in the early nineties. People rather preferred to buy or rent out the exact games they used to play in these amusement parks and enjoy it from the comfort of their own homes.
With this decline in fortunes, dedicated arcade games businesses started to suffer and many had to close down or diversify. Diversification involved offering other attractions such as rides with arcade games being only a small part of the business and at least offering arcade lovers to still indulge in their passion. Most of these centers are so different, they are no longer what they used to be.
Playing arcade games is now even easier. With most dedicated venues closed due to advances in the gaming console technology and the internet, you do not need to uproot yourself and find a physical venue. If you are into gaming consoles, all you need is to buy or rent your game and enjoy it in the comfort of your own home. On the other hand, if you wish to play free arcade games with a bit of social interaction, you can choose from many internet gaming platforms where you can play as well as chat or interact with other game lovers in the forums.
In spite of the many milestones arcade games have come, the basic essence of the "arcade" is still present in most modern games. Most arcade games offer the game lover different levels of play, starting with the easiest. Once that level has been mastered or maximum points have been scored, you are allowed to move to the next level. Each higher level is progressively more difficult. You stay in the game if you stay "alive" or your "virtual" tokens get finished. Obviously, physical tokens are not needed for online arcade games but the general theme is always present. Newer games such as Street Fighter I and King Fighters offer a two player game mode which futher enhances the gamers experience.
Arcade games have survived, mainly because they are so addictive and they offer a good recreation time for kid, teens and adults alike and they are likely to be with us for a long time to come.
Accessorizing Ideas For Your Prom
With prom just around the corner, most high school students are trying to make serious plans in order to make this night memorable for them and their dates. Most girls can hardly wait to show off their beautiful dresses or get a look at their guys dressed to the nines. For this special occasion, learning about current fashion trends provides a bit of an edge in choosing the proper dress and accessories for this very special occasion. While many will spend hours, days, even weeks agonizing over the best or most beautiful dress, when the truth is there is so much more to prom than the dress you will wear.
If you have already found your perfect prom dress, that's great but the work doesn't end with the selection of your dress. You must first make sure you find the perfect shoe to wear with your dress. While fashion is important, the most important aspect of finding the perfect prom shoe is comfort. It doesn't matter how great the shoe looks if you can't dance in it. Heels are a wise choice for prom as they emphasize the shape of your legs and "force" you to use better posture. Just make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
You will also want a small delicate purse of handbag for prom rather than your overstuffed every day bag. Your purse for prom only needs to be large enough to hold emergency funds, stockings, lipstick, cell phone, camera, and a few safety pins. If you can, try to find a purse that matches your shoes and dress.
Now that the biggies are out of the way you can concentrate on the small touches that make prom night special: your jewelry. You will want jewelry that matches the personal theme you are trying to set for the evening. If you are going for elegance you will want understated simple jewelry, if you are going for a fun theme with bright colors you might want to find jewelry that is fun and perfect to match your mood. Most importantly, select jewelry that you will wear again at some point in your life. Your jewelry is the icing on your cake for the prom so you do not have to overdo it in order to make an impact.
If you feel a little exposed in your prom dress or are worried about a chill in the air as the night wears on, you can opt to wear a shawl or wrap that compliments your prom dress. This can be a beautiful addition to your prom attire, especially considering that it is not exactly appropriate to wear a jacket for warmth. Your shawl or wrap is an excellent choice for added modesty as well as warmth on your prom night.
If you have already found your perfect prom dress, that's great but the work doesn't end with the selection of your dress. You must first make sure you find the perfect shoe to wear with your dress. While fashion is important, the most important aspect of finding the perfect prom shoe is comfort. It doesn't matter how great the shoe looks if you can't dance in it. Heels are a wise choice for prom as they emphasize the shape of your legs and "force" you to use better posture. Just make sure they fit well and are comfortable.
You will also want a small delicate purse of handbag for prom rather than your overstuffed every day bag. Your purse for prom only needs to be large enough to hold emergency funds, stockings, lipstick, cell phone, camera, and a few safety pins. If you can, try to find a purse that matches your shoes and dress.
Now that the biggies are out of the way you can concentrate on the small touches that make prom night special: your jewelry. You will want jewelry that matches the personal theme you are trying to set for the evening. If you are going for elegance you will want understated simple jewelry, if you are going for a fun theme with bright colors you might want to find jewelry that is fun and perfect to match your mood. Most importantly, select jewelry that you will wear again at some point in your life. Your jewelry is the icing on your cake for the prom so you do not have to overdo it in order to make an impact.
If you feel a little exposed in your prom dress or are worried about a chill in the air as the night wears on, you can opt to wear a shawl or wrap that compliments your prom dress. This can be a beautiful addition to your prom attire, especially considering that it is not exactly appropriate to wear a jacket for warmth. Your shawl or wrap is an excellent choice for added modesty as well as warmth on your prom night.
Choosing The Best File Recovery Solution
All file recovery solutions are not created equally. But, choosing one specific software or service company can be overwhelming from the sheer numbers available. For starters, why do some file recovery software cost as low as $29.99, while others range as much as $400? Before addressing these details, and how to choose the best file recovery solution for your situation, let's make sure your files have the best chance to be recovered.
Safety First...
If you are reading this article on the computer you are trying to recover files from, do the following steps immediately (Your computer is always running in the background, and could be overwriting the data you are trying to recover):
1. Close any important documents that are open.
2. Print this article to follow off-line.
3. Unplug your computer (Do not turn off your computer, unplug it now.).
Note: Unplugging the computer stops the computer from running all together. Turning off or shutting down your computer might make the computer go through a process that could overwrite data - your files.
What not to do...
1. Do not run the system recovery disk from the computer manufacturer. This software is designed to get your computer running again with no regard to your data. In other words, it is not designed as a file recovery solution. Just ask the manufacturer if there is a possibility that you could lose data. Yes, is always the answer.
2. Do not install file recovery software on the computer you are trying to recover files from, for this could overwrite the files you are trying to recover. You must have a secondary storage device (i.e. hard disk drive, USB device, etc.) to install the program and to recover the files.
Note to Advanced Users: Even if you are trying to recover a particular partition, and already have a separate partition to install the file recovery software on, do not do it. Since there is possible corruption within the file system at this point, you run the risk of overwritting the partition and files you are trying to recover during the installation process. Better safe than sorry. Install the program on a secondary drive.
File Recovery Software...
Which file recovery software you choose depends on what has happened:
1. Have you accidentally delete a file that you want back?
2. Have you lost a file, or found it damaged upon opening it?
3. When starting your computer, has it failed to boot to the desktop,
invoking a blue or black screen, or an error message (write that message down)?
Accidentally deleted files can usually be recovered by File Undelete software, which lucky for you is the cheapest solution at about $30 USD. If you cannot locate a file afer running the program, the file system (where the files lie) may have been altered, deleted, or damaged. This means, File Undelete software cannot work, and you should use a "complete" file recovery product.
Lost or damaged files require a "complete" file recovery software, which usually costs about $100 USD. (Professional grade recovery software which include multiple recovery functions costs as much as $400). If you cannot locate a file after running the program, or if your computer failed to boot to the desktop, you may need File Recovery Services.
File Recovery Services...
A good rule of thumb at choosing a file recovery service company is, if they develop and sell file recovery software - not just sell them, they should have reliable in-lab services (After fifteen years of developing file recovery software, and knowing who is who in the industry, I can attest to this point). Also, full-scale recovery companies only do file recovery and computer forensics. So, ask a computer related question like, can you install a network with thirty computers? Yes means hang up the phone. Remember, you always get what you pay for and nobody works for free.
In conclusion, the saying in the industry is "file recovery is not, if it will happen, but when will it (and will you be prepared)." Prevention is the best solution. So, to ensure the safety of your files in the future (not to mention the hassle of having to go this process again) consistently do the following:
1. Back-up files daily to a secondary storage device, not on the main hard disk drive where you originally saved them.
2. Defrag your computer regularly. Doing so will increase the probability of a successful recovery if you ever encounter this problem again.
3. At least once a month confirm your back-up is working properly. This is a common problem.
Safety First...
If you are reading this article on the computer you are trying to recover files from, do the following steps immediately (Your computer is always running in the background, and could be overwriting the data you are trying to recover):
1. Close any important documents that are open.
2. Print this article to follow off-line.
3. Unplug your computer (Do not turn off your computer, unplug it now.).
Note: Unplugging the computer stops the computer from running all together. Turning off or shutting down your computer might make the computer go through a process that could overwrite data - your files.
What not to do...
1. Do not run the system recovery disk from the computer manufacturer. This software is designed to get your computer running again with no regard to your data. In other words, it is not designed as a file recovery solution. Just ask the manufacturer if there is a possibility that you could lose data. Yes, is always the answer.
2. Do not install file recovery software on the computer you are trying to recover files from, for this could overwrite the files you are trying to recover. You must have a secondary storage device (i.e. hard disk drive, USB device, etc.) to install the program and to recover the files.
Note to Advanced Users: Even if you are trying to recover a particular partition, and already have a separate partition to install the file recovery software on, do not do it. Since there is possible corruption within the file system at this point, you run the risk of overwritting the partition and files you are trying to recover during the installation process. Better safe than sorry. Install the program on a secondary drive.
File Recovery Software...
Which file recovery software you choose depends on what has happened:
1. Have you accidentally delete a file that you want back?
2. Have you lost a file, or found it damaged upon opening it?
3. When starting your computer, has it failed to boot to the desktop,
invoking a blue or black screen, or an error message (write that message down)?
Accidentally deleted files can usually be recovered by File Undelete software, which lucky for you is the cheapest solution at about $30 USD. If you cannot locate a file afer running the program, the file system (where the files lie) may have been altered, deleted, or damaged. This means, File Undelete software cannot work, and you should use a "complete" file recovery product.
Lost or damaged files require a "complete" file recovery software, which usually costs about $100 USD. (Professional grade recovery software which include multiple recovery functions costs as much as $400). If you cannot locate a file after running the program, or if your computer failed to boot to the desktop, you may need File Recovery Services.
File Recovery Services...
A good rule of thumb at choosing a file recovery service company is, if they develop and sell file recovery software - not just sell them, they should have reliable in-lab services (After fifteen years of developing file recovery software, and knowing who is who in the industry, I can attest to this point). Also, full-scale recovery companies only do file recovery and computer forensics. So, ask a computer related question like, can you install a network with thirty computers? Yes means hang up the phone. Remember, you always get what you pay for and nobody works for free.
In conclusion, the saying in the industry is "file recovery is not, if it will happen, but when will it (and will you be prepared)." Prevention is the best solution. So, to ensure the safety of your files in the future (not to mention the hassle of having to go this process again) consistently do the following:
1. Back-up files daily to a secondary storage device, not on the main hard disk drive where you originally saved them.
2. Defrag your computer regularly. Doing so will increase the probability of a successful recovery if you ever encounter this problem again.
3. At least once a month confirm your back-up is working properly. This is a common problem.
Temporary Internet Files
Summary: Temporary Internet Files explained. There is also information how to delete temporary internet files and corresponding index.dat files.
What are Temporary Internet Files?
Temporary Internet Files are, in fact, the cache of the Internet Explorer. This means that when you load a web page with Internet Explorer, it is saved on your computer so that if you later decide to open the same page again, it will open a lot faster. Temporary Internet Files improve speed of web browsing and also make possible so called offline browsing, which gives you the ability to open the web pages from cache even when you are not connected to the Internet.
Despite all these positive things about Temporary Internet Files, they have one big drawback: they compromise your privacy. Everyone with access to your computer can look into your Temporary Internet Files folder (location of this folder is discussed here) and see the sites that you have visited in the past. You can manually delete the contents of Temporary Internet Files folder (explained here) but this will not erase all traces of the pages because a special file called Index.dat is placed in this folder and it will still preserve the names and even the dates of your first visits to many pages.
Where is located Temporary Internet Files folder?
The location of the Temporary Internet Files folder depends on the version of Windows and whether or not you are using user profiles.
If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 then Temporary Internet Files are in this location (note that on your PC they can be on other drive instead of drive C):
C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\
If you have Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 95 then index.dat files are in these locations:
C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\
C:\Windows\Profiles\\Temporary Internet Files\
Note that on your computer the Windows directory may not be C:\Windows but some other directory. If you don't have Profiles directory in you Windows directory don't worry - this just means that you are not using user profiles.
How to delete Temporary Internet Files?
To delete Temporary Internet Files manually, do the following things:
1. Start Internet Explorer and click Tools menu, then select Internet Options... from this menu. This will open the Internet Options window.
2. Click General tab and then find in the section Temporary Internet Files the button Delete Files... and click it. A new dialog box opens.
3. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the Delete all offline content check box if you want to delete all Web page content that you have made available offline.
4. Click OK to delete the files. Note that if you are doing this for the first time, the deleting can take a large amount of time, so be patient.
WARNING! This will most probably delete all visible items in the Temporary Internet Files folder (except cookies) but a number of invisible traces may remain in the index.dat files. The only way to be sure that you are getting rid of all traces for good is the usage of specialized privacy protection program like Mil Shield - a powerful privacy protection program that was designed specifically to clean and shred the Temporary Internet Files. Additional benefit is the ability to preserve the tracks from some chosen by you sites (selective cleaning), which makes your browsing more comfortable and safe (it is rather suspicious to always have empty history, cookies and Temporary Internet Files - it is better to leave some tracks from "innocent" sites). Mil Shield also cleans all other tracks as index.dat files, cookies, history, cache, AutoComplete records, UserData records, history of recently used folders and documents and many more.
More information about the article: http://www.milincorporated.com/a-temporary-internet-files.html
What are Temporary Internet Files?
Temporary Internet Files are, in fact, the cache of the Internet Explorer. This means that when you load a web page with Internet Explorer, it is saved on your computer so that if you later decide to open the same page again, it will open a lot faster. Temporary Internet Files improve speed of web browsing and also make possible so called offline browsing, which gives you the ability to open the web pages from cache even when you are not connected to the Internet.
Despite all these positive things about Temporary Internet Files, they have one big drawback: they compromise your privacy. Everyone with access to your computer can look into your Temporary Internet Files folder (location of this folder is discussed here) and see the sites that you have visited in the past. You can manually delete the contents of Temporary Internet Files folder (explained here) but this will not erase all traces of the pages because a special file called Index.dat is placed in this folder and it will still preserve the names and even the dates of your first visits to many pages.
Where is located Temporary Internet Files folder?
The location of the Temporary Internet Files folder depends on the version of Windows and whether or not you are using user profiles.
If you have Windows XP or Windows 2000 then Temporary Internet Files are in this location (note that on your PC they can be on other drive instead of drive C):
C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temporary Internet Files\
If you have Windows Me, Windows 98, Windows NT or Windows 95 then index.dat files are in these locations:
C:\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\
C:\Windows\Profiles\\Temporary Internet Files\
Note that on your computer the Windows directory may not be C:\Windows but some other directory. If you don't have Profiles directory in you Windows directory don't worry - this just means that you are not using user profiles.
How to delete Temporary Internet Files?
To delete Temporary Internet Files manually, do the following things:
1. Start Internet Explorer and click Tools menu, then select Internet Options... from this menu. This will open the Internet Options window.
2. Click General tab and then find in the section Temporary Internet Files the button Delete Files... and click it. A new dialog box opens.
3. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the Delete all offline content check box if you want to delete all Web page content that you have made available offline.
4. Click OK to delete the files. Note that if you are doing this for the first time, the deleting can take a large amount of time, so be patient.
WARNING! This will most probably delete all visible items in the Temporary Internet Files folder (except cookies) but a number of invisible traces may remain in the index.dat files. The only way to be sure that you are getting rid of all traces for good is the usage of specialized privacy protection program like Mil Shield - a powerful privacy protection program that was designed specifically to clean and shred the Temporary Internet Files. Additional benefit is the ability to preserve the tracks from some chosen by you sites (selective cleaning), which makes your browsing more comfortable and safe (it is rather suspicious to always have empty history, cookies and Temporary Internet Files - it is better to leave some tracks from "innocent" sites). Mil Shield also cleans all other tracks as index.dat files, cookies, history, cache, AutoComplete records, UserData records, history of recently used folders and documents and many more.
More information about the article: http://www.milincorporated.com/a-temporary-internet-files.html
Save Time and Money with Online Coupons
With a little effort, the right online coupons can save you a lot of money. There are several wonderful websites that offer online coupons for major stores online. Some of the biggest retailers distribute coupons to their affiliates, which pass the savings on to the online consumer.
It is worth the time to search through these coupon sites to find the best deal, depending upon what it is the buyer is looking for. Get free shipping, a percent of your online purchase off, spend a certain amount of money, and get a certain amount off of your purchase, free items with purchase, and many sites offer printable grocery coupons as an added bonus. The savings can be substantial, and the smart shopper will come away feeling great!
It might be easy to go directly to the retailer, and buy what you are looking for, but invest a little time, and your savings can be substantial. Take note of those coupon codes, click on the links, and find what you need. With the money you save, you can buy additional items. No need to find a parking space, or battle the mall shoppers. With the holidays coming, it’s nice to know that online shopping can save both time and money.
It is worth the time to search through these coupon sites to find the best deal, depending upon what it is the buyer is looking for. Get free shipping, a percent of your online purchase off, spend a certain amount of money, and get a certain amount off of your purchase, free items with purchase, and many sites offer printable grocery coupons as an added bonus. The savings can be substantial, and the smart shopper will come away feeling great!
It might be easy to go directly to the retailer, and buy what you are looking for, but invest a little time, and your savings can be substantial. Take note of those coupon codes, click on the links, and find what you need. With the money you save, you can buy additional items. No need to find a parking space, or battle the mall shoppers. With the holidays coming, it’s nice to know that online shopping can save both time and money.
Stylish Living Room Ideas From Our Home To Yours
Decorating our home has become a labor of love for us. By far, our favorite room to decorate has been our living room. This space has become the centerpiece of our home, in addition to being the room we spend the most time in. We've used color, a mix of traditional and contemporary furniture, wall art, and eye-catching accessories to create a stylish living room design that is still functional and comfortable. We hope by giving you some ideas from our own living room we'll spur your creativity and point you in the right direction to making your living room your favorite room.
Paint
When we moved into our house, the walls were off-white. Not bad, definitely versatile, but not for us, and definitely not for our furniture and accents. We used our favorite wall color, Sherwin Williams Latte , and...WOW!!!! The room just popped! When your paint colors complement your furniture and accents, and your furniture and accents complement your paint colors...you win. Your style starts working for you.
Maybe you live by the water and nautical fits your style. In that case, blues, whites, greens and yellows may work for you. If you live in a downtown loft, you may want an industrial look with white and silver elements. If you're in search of the perfect country look - try some softer, blues, reds, browns, and maybe some yellows.
We choose a neutral color scheme for our living room. Brown is Jen's favorite color and I love all the tones and colors you can mix into a neutral scheme - like red, gold, bronze, maize, and orange. Next we're going to mix in a bit more black.
After the color was set, we had to think about what to put on these walls...
Wall Decor
Just so happens that in one of our previous homes, the walls were about the same color. It was time to sell and there was this empty space above the mantle. What would be just right there? Wrought iron? Something black and white? Some professional wall art?
We had the color scheme...our favorite latte, a little red, a bit of of gold...we knew the size...then we saw it in the framed art and wall decor section at Kirkland's. The frame was the perfect thickness...the colors were just right and the size looked like it would fit pefectly above the mantle. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
With all the online resources these days, it's really easy to find pieces that go with your colors, before you even leave the house.
Lighting
When it came to add lamps to our decor, we had to figure out the answers to some pretty important questions.
Where was our primary light source? For us it was recessed lighting over the mantle. In other words, not alot!
Did we want to separate a TV watching area and a reading area? Not really, because there just wasn't enough room.
What kind of lighting did we want to use? Add a light to the ceiling fan - table lamps - floor lamps? Eventually we combined table and floor lamps with a style somewhere between mission and contemporary. Believe me, these two styles go together better than you might think.
Furniture
Our living room has two focal points, the fireplace and our TV armoire. Unfortunately, the armoire ended up next to the fireplace, simply because of the cable jack. It does work there quite well, but ideally we would have liked to move it around to some different places to get a feel for where it worked best. Just goes to show you that sometimes you have play the hand you're dealt.
As for the rest of the room, our favorite piece is our sofa table. It's not behind the sofa, though. We use it as an anchor piece against one of our walls. There are lamps on both ends and it's filled with photos of both our families. It's always a great conversation starter.
I hope what you've gotten out of this article is that style is not confined to a single term; like contemporary, traditional or country. Style is your state of mind and what appeals to you.
My wife and I aren't professionals. We just know what we like. When we run into a problem, we face it, break it down, and decide what looks best. With good information and a little bit of time to spend, you can make your living room "the" room that everyone talks about when they come to visit.
Paint
When we moved into our house, the walls were off-white. Not bad, definitely versatile, but not for us, and definitely not for our furniture and accents. We used our favorite wall color, Sherwin Williams Latte , and...WOW!!!! The room just popped! When your paint colors complement your furniture and accents, and your furniture and accents complement your paint colors...you win. Your style starts working for you.
Maybe you live by the water and nautical fits your style. In that case, blues, whites, greens and yellows may work for you. If you live in a downtown loft, you may want an industrial look with white and silver elements. If you're in search of the perfect country look - try some softer, blues, reds, browns, and maybe some yellows.
We choose a neutral color scheme for our living room. Brown is Jen's favorite color and I love all the tones and colors you can mix into a neutral scheme - like red, gold, bronze, maize, and orange. Next we're going to mix in a bit more black.
After the color was set, we had to think about what to put on these walls...
Wall Decor
Just so happens that in one of our previous homes, the walls were about the same color. It was time to sell and there was this empty space above the mantle. What would be just right there? Wrought iron? Something black and white? Some professional wall art?
We had the color scheme...our favorite latte, a little red, a bit of of gold...we knew the size...then we saw it in the framed art and wall decor section at Kirkland's. The frame was the perfect thickness...the colors were just right and the size looked like it would fit pefectly above the mantle. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
With all the online resources these days, it's really easy to find pieces that go with your colors, before you even leave the house.
Lighting
When it came to add lamps to our decor, we had to figure out the answers to some pretty important questions.
Where was our primary light source? For us it was recessed lighting over the mantle. In other words, not alot!
Did we want to separate a TV watching area and a reading area? Not really, because there just wasn't enough room.
What kind of lighting did we want to use? Add a light to the ceiling fan - table lamps - floor lamps? Eventually we combined table and floor lamps with a style somewhere between mission and contemporary. Believe me, these two styles go together better than you might think.
Furniture
Our living room has two focal points, the fireplace and our TV armoire. Unfortunately, the armoire ended up next to the fireplace, simply because of the cable jack. It does work there quite well, but ideally we would have liked to move it around to some different places to get a feel for where it worked best. Just goes to show you that sometimes you have play the hand you're dealt.
As for the rest of the room, our favorite piece is our sofa table. It's not behind the sofa, though. We use it as an anchor piece against one of our walls. There are lamps on both ends and it's filled with photos of both our families. It's always a great conversation starter.
I hope what you've gotten out of this article is that style is not confined to a single term; like contemporary, traditional or country. Style is your state of mind and what appeals to you.
My wife and I aren't professionals. We just know what we like. When we run into a problem, we face it, break it down, and decide what looks best. With good information and a little bit of time to spend, you can make your living room "the" room that everyone talks about when they come to visit.
Home Decorating Using eBay
You almost have to be from another planet these days to not be familiar with the term 'eBay". The growth of online auction houses and eBay in particular has been phenomenal. At last count eBay has almost 150,000 registered users, 50,000 categories and over 400 million listings.
If you are considering redecorating or just starting to decorate your home, it could be almost impossible not to find whatever it is you are looking for. In fact, you may find many new ideas and items of interest you never even thought about. This may send you off in an entirely new direction you hadn't ever considered.
Shopping for home decorating items on eBay should be an experience you should have at least once. It is as if a world wide bazaar was spread out at your feet. If you had access to Aladdin's lamp, you would not get a wider array of goods available to you. If you are new to eBay, start with small, inexpensive and easily shipped items.
There are two keys to an enjoyable eBay shopping experience:
Question, question, question
Research the vendor
Question until you are satisfied
The descriptions and pictures are often very detailed and accurate. However, you still may have unanswered questions. Don't hesitate to contact the vendor and ask questions until you feel you have all the information you need to make a bid or purchase.
As you look at other various similar items, notice the information given in the description. This will give you an idea what type of information should be included in the description. If there is some information in a similar description that is not included in the description of the item you are considering, don't hesitate to ask for that information.
Believe me, the vendors only want to satisfy buyers. They do not want the hassle of returned merchandise. You may be surprised to learn you can get more product information from an eBay vendor than you can obtain in a nearby retail store.
Research the Vendor
The second most important key is to research the vendor. To find a member, click on the "Advanced Search" button. From there click on "Find a Member" button in the left column and enter the seller's eBay user ID/name. You will be brought to the seller's "About Me" page. From here there are all types of information available for your research.
You can also click on the item you are interested in.
This will bring you to the description page. In the right hand column is the info about the seller. The name, number of comments (listed next to the star), and feedback info is there. The most important information you will be looking for is customer feedback. A feedback rating in the high 90's will assure you will have excellent customer service and be satisfied that your purchase is exactly as it was pictured and described.
When you make a decision to jump in and get your feet wet at eBay, these are the two most important points to remember in order to enjoy the experience and have maximum satisfaction with your purchase.
Once you receive your purchase, look it over carefully to be sure it was presented accurately and you are satisfied with your purchase. Most vendors will bend over backward to keep their buyers happy and returning with more business. The high rating they have worked hard to achieve is important to them. They certainly don't want any negative feedback bringing that rating down.
Follow these guidelines and you can confidently purchase any item you could possibly want for your home decorating project. So go ahead, take the plunge into the world of online auction bidding and buying. Redecorate with style and amaze your family and friends with your one of a kind decorating items and rare finds.
You may find you are having such a great time that you may never shop for your home decorating items in a retail store ever again!
If you are considering redecorating or just starting to decorate your home, it could be almost impossible not to find whatever it is you are looking for. In fact, you may find many new ideas and items of interest you never even thought about. This may send you off in an entirely new direction you hadn't ever considered.
Shopping for home decorating items on eBay should be an experience you should have at least once. It is as if a world wide bazaar was spread out at your feet. If you had access to Aladdin's lamp, you would not get a wider array of goods available to you. If you are new to eBay, start with small, inexpensive and easily shipped items.
There are two keys to an enjoyable eBay shopping experience:
Question, question, question
Research the vendor
Question until you are satisfied
The descriptions and pictures are often very detailed and accurate. However, you still may have unanswered questions. Don't hesitate to contact the vendor and ask questions until you feel you have all the information you need to make a bid or purchase.
As you look at other various similar items, notice the information given in the description. This will give you an idea what type of information should be included in the description. If there is some information in a similar description that is not included in the description of the item you are considering, don't hesitate to ask for that information.
Believe me, the vendors only want to satisfy buyers. They do not want the hassle of returned merchandise. You may be surprised to learn you can get more product information from an eBay vendor than you can obtain in a nearby retail store.
Research the Vendor
The second most important key is to research the vendor. To find a member, click on the "Advanced Search" button. From there click on "Find a Member" button in the left column and enter the seller's eBay user ID/name. You will be brought to the seller's "About Me" page. From here there are all types of information available for your research.
You can also click on the item you are interested in.
This will bring you to the description page. In the right hand column is the info about the seller. The name, number of comments (listed next to the star), and feedback info is there. The most important information you will be looking for is customer feedback. A feedback rating in the high 90's will assure you will have excellent customer service and be satisfied that your purchase is exactly as it was pictured and described.
When you make a decision to jump in and get your feet wet at eBay, these are the two most important points to remember in order to enjoy the experience and have maximum satisfaction with your purchase.
Once you receive your purchase, look it over carefully to be sure it was presented accurately and you are satisfied with your purchase. Most vendors will bend over backward to keep their buyers happy and returning with more business. The high rating they have worked hard to achieve is important to them. They certainly don't want any negative feedback bringing that rating down.
Follow these guidelines and you can confidently purchase any item you could possibly want for your home decorating project. So go ahead, take the plunge into the world of online auction bidding and buying. Redecorate with style and amaze your family and friends with your one of a kind decorating items and rare finds.
You may find you are having such a great time that you may never shop for your home decorating items in a retail store ever again!
7 Tips to Keep Your Hardwood Floor Looking Its Best
Many people choose hardwood flooring because it is easy to maintain and keep looking great. True, you will not have to worry about hardwood staining if you spill grape juice on it, as you do with carpet. However, there are a few things that you need to remember when you are dealing with hardwood. Once you have spent a great deal of time and money on your beautiful hardwood floor, you will want to keep it looking fantastic. Many people choose hardwood flooring because it is easy to maintain and keep looking great. True, you will not have to worry about hardwood staining if you spill grape juice on it, as you do with carpet. However, there are a few things that you need to remember when you are dealing with hardwood.
1) The most important cleaning tip for hardwood is preventative maintenance. By cleaning your floors regularly and sweeping or vacuuming dirt and debris, you will save yourself a lot of time and expense in the long run.
2) Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Although you will not have an instant stain when you spill on hardwood floor as you do with carpet, you may expose your hardwood to staining if you do not wipe up spills in a timely fashion. Once stains have a chance to set into the hardwood you may have to refinish the floor in order to get the stain out.
3) Sweep your floor everyday or as needed. It is important to sweep up any dirt or debris off of your floor as necessary so that the dirt doesn’t scratch the wood. This will vary from house to house of course. If you have a high traffic home, you may need to sweep a few times a day. Although, you may only need to sweep every few days.
4) Use a hardwood cleaner once a week to keep your floor looking its best. Hardwood floor cleaners are available at any home improvement center or at a flooring center. They are quite easy to use, and with a little preventative maintenance, you will thank yourself in the future. Simply spray the cleaner on and use a cloth or hardwood broom to buff the floor gently.
5) Never use water and soap when cleaning your hardwood. Hardwood is not like linoleum or even laminate flooring and you cannot use a bucket of sudsy, soapy water to clean it. In fact, you can damage your floor if you try to mop it in a traditional style. Because wood is susceptible to water damage, you want to minimize the contact that your floor has with water. Water will seep into the cracks of the boards and can cause swelling, discoloration and deformation of the boards.
6) Protect your floor from furniture scratches and gouges. It is a very good idea to place felt on the bottom of all of your furniture in order to protect it from scratches. This is particularly important for furniture pieces that move a great deal such as your kitchen chairs. But it is a good idea to protect all pieces equally. You can purchase felt at the local hardware store, and cut it to size to fit the bottom of every piece of furniture that you have.
7) Polish your floor regularly. If you have a hardwood floor with a wax finish, you may want to wax it on a regular basis to keep it looking shiny and new. The waxing process will also will also help buff any scratches out of your floor as well. Every wax product is different so it is important to read the directions carefully and also consult the manufactures guidelines of your flooring before applying any wax product.
With a little bit of preventative maintenance and some common sense, you will be able to keep your hardwood floor looking fabulous for many years. There are only a few simple steps and rules to follow when dealing with hardwood flooring because it is actually one of the easiest flooring types to care for.
1) The most important cleaning tip for hardwood is preventative maintenance. By cleaning your floors regularly and sweeping or vacuuming dirt and debris, you will save yourself a lot of time and expense in the long run.
2) Wipe up any spills as soon as they occur. Although you will not have an instant stain when you spill on hardwood floor as you do with carpet, you may expose your hardwood to staining if you do not wipe up spills in a timely fashion. Once stains have a chance to set into the hardwood you may have to refinish the floor in order to get the stain out.
3) Sweep your floor everyday or as needed. It is important to sweep up any dirt or debris off of your floor as necessary so that the dirt doesn’t scratch the wood. This will vary from house to house of course. If you have a high traffic home, you may need to sweep a few times a day. Although, you may only need to sweep every few days.
4) Use a hardwood cleaner once a week to keep your floor looking its best. Hardwood floor cleaners are available at any home improvement center or at a flooring center. They are quite easy to use, and with a little preventative maintenance, you will thank yourself in the future. Simply spray the cleaner on and use a cloth or hardwood broom to buff the floor gently.
5) Never use water and soap when cleaning your hardwood. Hardwood is not like linoleum or even laminate flooring and you cannot use a bucket of sudsy, soapy water to clean it. In fact, you can damage your floor if you try to mop it in a traditional style. Because wood is susceptible to water damage, you want to minimize the contact that your floor has with water. Water will seep into the cracks of the boards and can cause swelling, discoloration and deformation of the boards.
6) Protect your floor from furniture scratches and gouges. It is a very good idea to place felt on the bottom of all of your furniture in order to protect it from scratches. This is particularly important for furniture pieces that move a great deal such as your kitchen chairs. But it is a good idea to protect all pieces equally. You can purchase felt at the local hardware store, and cut it to size to fit the bottom of every piece of furniture that you have.
7) Polish your floor regularly. If you have a hardwood floor with a wax finish, you may want to wax it on a regular basis to keep it looking shiny and new. The waxing process will also will also help buff any scratches out of your floor as well. Every wax product is different so it is important to read the directions carefully and also consult the manufactures guidelines of your flooring before applying any wax product.
With a little bit of preventative maintenance and some common sense, you will be able to keep your hardwood floor looking fabulous for many years. There are only a few simple steps and rules to follow when dealing with hardwood flooring because it is actually one of the easiest flooring types to care for.
The Beauty of Landscaping
In architecture, landscaping refers to the science and art of modifying land areas by organizing natural, cultivated, or constructed elements according to a comprehensive, aesthetic plan.
This landscaping involves the elements of topographical features like hills, valleys, rivers, and ponds or growing things like trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers as well as constructions like buildings, terraces, and fountains.
Today, landscaping is quite popular for homeowners who would want to improve their homes. The goal should be the house and the landscaping must complement with each other.
A GUIDE TO D-I-Y LANDSCAPING
Any house with landscape should complement each other. In order to achieve this harmony, you really need to consider and reconsider your options and the extent of landscaping you would want to have.
There are actually so many aspects in do-it-yourself landscaping like budget, skills, the climate of your region or place, personal design tastes, and the available resources. If you really want to beautify your home through landscaping, here are some do-it-yourself landscaping tips that can help you get by.
1. Make sure that you provide your landscaping with a year-round theme. The surefire tip in landscaping is to provide it something related to four seasons so you’ll never be outdated. A combination of a plant-selection with flowering trees or shrubs throughout, and fall foliage would do.
2. Try to layer the garden’s flower beds when planting. By layering the planting beds in rows of three that include a back row filled with tall plants, a middle row planted with the next tallest plants, and a front row containing the shortest plants. The repetition of each flower bedding will give your garden a unified look.
3. Consider the use pf evergreens for continuity. When it comes to DIY landscaping usually focuses more on trees and shrubs but this doesn’t mean that you cannot include evergreens because this will give the space more structure and the view of variety and continuity.
4. Experiment on using annuals to supplement perennial hues and colors. Perennial flowers are ideal for flower beds because they last for a long period of time. But since they bloom only in a specific period, it is best if you try incorporating annual plants with perennial ones so you can fill up the colorless spots in the flower beds when perennial flowers are not yet in bloom.
If you are quite particular about color coordination of the two kinds of blooms, try using a picture gallery so you’ll get ideas what is the right color scheme for your garden.
5. Don’t forget to assimilate hardscape into your initial and final landscape design. Aside from paying much attention to plants when landscaping, don’t forget to include hardscape features such as fences and other garden decorations.
If you want to be more specific, try including patios and decks to your garden because these will provide great transition from your indoors to your outdoors.
6. Don’t be daunted in installing water features. One of the best focal points of any excellent landscape designs is the water feature. Aside from being one of the hottest trends in landscaping today, installing a water feature will not only make your garden more visually appealing but it can only create soothing sounds great for relaxation. The most basic water feature you can install is ponds.
When you think you’re ready to do something bigger and better, consider conceptualizing a simple waterfall through the use of cheap fountains, flexible tubing, pre-formed rigid plastic liners, and durable pumps.
7. Always keep foliages and drought-tolerant plants in mind. When thinking of landscaping your house or garden, never forget to include the characteristics of a plant’s foliage. The varying foliage textures and colors are needed to help you liven up your yard while the presence of drought-tolerant plants so your garden will have a staple decoration.
8. Lastly, make sure that you can maintain your yard without so much hassle. Sure, you can do landscaping in your yard based on your taste and aesthetic sense, but never forget to keep it low-maintenance so you can enjoy the beauty of your work even if you don’t spend much time and money keeping it.
This landscaping involves the elements of topographical features like hills, valleys, rivers, and ponds or growing things like trees, shrubs, grass, and flowers as well as constructions like buildings, terraces, and fountains.
Today, landscaping is quite popular for homeowners who would want to improve their homes. The goal should be the house and the landscaping must complement with each other.
A GUIDE TO D-I-Y LANDSCAPING
Any house with landscape should complement each other. In order to achieve this harmony, you really need to consider and reconsider your options and the extent of landscaping you would want to have.
There are actually so many aspects in do-it-yourself landscaping like budget, skills, the climate of your region or place, personal design tastes, and the available resources. If you really want to beautify your home through landscaping, here are some do-it-yourself landscaping tips that can help you get by.
1. Make sure that you provide your landscaping with a year-round theme. The surefire tip in landscaping is to provide it something related to four seasons so you’ll never be outdated. A combination of a plant-selection with flowering trees or shrubs throughout, and fall foliage would do.
2. Try to layer the garden’s flower beds when planting. By layering the planting beds in rows of three that include a back row filled with tall plants, a middle row planted with the next tallest plants, and a front row containing the shortest plants. The repetition of each flower bedding will give your garden a unified look.
3. Consider the use pf evergreens for continuity. When it comes to DIY landscaping usually focuses more on trees and shrubs but this doesn’t mean that you cannot include evergreens because this will give the space more structure and the view of variety and continuity.
4. Experiment on using annuals to supplement perennial hues and colors. Perennial flowers are ideal for flower beds because they last for a long period of time. But since they bloom only in a specific period, it is best if you try incorporating annual plants with perennial ones so you can fill up the colorless spots in the flower beds when perennial flowers are not yet in bloom.
If you are quite particular about color coordination of the two kinds of blooms, try using a picture gallery so you’ll get ideas what is the right color scheme for your garden.
5. Don’t forget to assimilate hardscape into your initial and final landscape design. Aside from paying much attention to plants when landscaping, don’t forget to include hardscape features such as fences and other garden decorations.
If you want to be more specific, try including patios and decks to your garden because these will provide great transition from your indoors to your outdoors.
6. Don’t be daunted in installing water features. One of the best focal points of any excellent landscape designs is the water feature. Aside from being one of the hottest trends in landscaping today, installing a water feature will not only make your garden more visually appealing but it can only create soothing sounds great for relaxation. The most basic water feature you can install is ponds.
When you think you’re ready to do something bigger and better, consider conceptualizing a simple waterfall through the use of cheap fountains, flexible tubing, pre-formed rigid plastic liners, and durable pumps.
7. Always keep foliages and drought-tolerant plants in mind. When thinking of landscaping your house or garden, never forget to include the characteristics of a plant’s foliage. The varying foliage textures and colors are needed to help you liven up your yard while the presence of drought-tolerant plants so your garden will have a staple decoration.
8. Lastly, make sure that you can maintain your yard without so much hassle. Sure, you can do landscaping in your yard based on your taste and aesthetic sense, but never forget to keep it low-maintenance so you can enjoy the beauty of your work even if you don’t spend much time and money keeping it.
For A Southwest Style Bedroom Use Rawhide Lamp Shades
Rawhide lamp shades are what can turn your bedroom into a designed showplace of southwest style. By accessorizing your bedroom with rawhide shades you are infusing the key elements of the decorating process. It is the natural character of rawhide that captures the essence of southwestern design and adds the rustic beauty to your room. With just a few changes to your lamps and lampshades you too will find the warm inviting feel of a southwestern bedroom.
You might be surprised to find how many different types or styles work with southwest design. For example, you might find that you already have all the lamps you need and the addition of rawhide lamp shades makes them work perfectly. By displaying them differently with rustic shades, many lamps can be transformed from traditional to rustic style. It’s not so much the lamp as it is the shade that displays the rustic texture you want. Get creative with an old lamp by adding rawhide shades and watch the room come to life.
It is best to match your rawhide lamp shades in your bedroom by color. For southwest style bedroom lighting, a light bleached rawhide shade is the color of choice. Draw your bedroom together with rawhide floor lamp shades that match the shades on your bedside lamps and any table lampshades that you might have in the room. Different heights and diameters of rawhide shades are also very attractive and add an interesting sense of drama to the room.
Lighting is a key element in the bedroom. You will want to bee able to change the mood of the room. For romantic times you may want to use subtle lighting, but you will also want bright lighting for dressing. Most bedrooms are under lighted, or poorly lighted by using one overhead light. This causes a lot of glare and doesn’t have the mood creating properties of individual lamps. By using several different lamps in your bedroom, you can create focal points in different areas of the room for different moods, and use higher and lower wattage bulbs to set the right intensity of light. Natural rawhide lamp shades create an ambiance that will coordinate the southwest theme that you want to create.
Weather you use your existing lamps or purchase new rustic lamps for your bedroom, the key to having the correct look in the bedroom is to layer the lighting. In other words, create lighting zones that give you the ability to create areas of light that are suited to a specific function. One great trick to enhance your new or newly created rustic lamps is to use a dimmer switch. Because rawhide lamp shades are a natural product, different lighting moods can be set by allowing more or less light to filter through the rawhide. Another nice idea is to use remote controls, timers and automatic switches to turn light on or off in certain areas.
Bedroom lighting is important and rawhide lamp shades will add a quality of life through a beautiful warm atmosphere that you will enjoy day after day. And along with that also comes the function that allows lighting to serve you better. Lighting affects us on many levels and natural rawhide lamp shades will help you create the harmonious and peaceful bedroom that you need.
You can use lamps with rawhide shades in many locations around your bedroom, beside the bed, on a desk, as floor lamps and indirect lighting. Remember to use separate controls for reading lamps and to place the lamps so the light is projected from behind the reader to eliminate glare and shadowing.
Rawhide lamp shades will work miracles on your rustic bedroom makeover. We have been discussing southwest style, but rawhide shades are also available in dark western hide for ranch or lodge décor and in unique colors for country décor. Each type of rawhide has its own special lighting characteristics. So weather you want to lighten your bedroom, darken it, or add rustic color, you will find inspiration in hand crafted rawhide lamp shades.
You might be surprised to find how many different types or styles work with southwest design. For example, you might find that you already have all the lamps you need and the addition of rawhide lamp shades makes them work perfectly. By displaying them differently with rustic shades, many lamps can be transformed from traditional to rustic style. It’s not so much the lamp as it is the shade that displays the rustic texture you want. Get creative with an old lamp by adding rawhide shades and watch the room come to life.
It is best to match your rawhide lamp shades in your bedroom by color. For southwest style bedroom lighting, a light bleached rawhide shade is the color of choice. Draw your bedroom together with rawhide floor lamp shades that match the shades on your bedside lamps and any table lampshades that you might have in the room. Different heights and diameters of rawhide shades are also very attractive and add an interesting sense of drama to the room.
Lighting is a key element in the bedroom. You will want to bee able to change the mood of the room. For romantic times you may want to use subtle lighting, but you will also want bright lighting for dressing. Most bedrooms are under lighted, or poorly lighted by using one overhead light. This causes a lot of glare and doesn’t have the mood creating properties of individual lamps. By using several different lamps in your bedroom, you can create focal points in different areas of the room for different moods, and use higher and lower wattage bulbs to set the right intensity of light. Natural rawhide lamp shades create an ambiance that will coordinate the southwest theme that you want to create.
Weather you use your existing lamps or purchase new rustic lamps for your bedroom, the key to having the correct look in the bedroom is to layer the lighting. In other words, create lighting zones that give you the ability to create areas of light that are suited to a specific function. One great trick to enhance your new or newly created rustic lamps is to use a dimmer switch. Because rawhide lamp shades are a natural product, different lighting moods can be set by allowing more or less light to filter through the rawhide. Another nice idea is to use remote controls, timers and automatic switches to turn light on or off in certain areas.
Bedroom lighting is important and rawhide lamp shades will add a quality of life through a beautiful warm atmosphere that you will enjoy day after day. And along with that also comes the function that allows lighting to serve you better. Lighting affects us on many levels and natural rawhide lamp shades will help you create the harmonious and peaceful bedroom that you need.
You can use lamps with rawhide shades in many locations around your bedroom, beside the bed, on a desk, as floor lamps and indirect lighting. Remember to use separate controls for reading lamps and to place the lamps so the light is projected from behind the reader to eliminate glare and shadowing.
Rawhide lamp shades will work miracles on your rustic bedroom makeover. We have been discussing southwest style, but rawhide shades are also available in dark western hide for ranch or lodge décor and in unique colors for country décor. Each type of rawhide has its own special lighting characteristics. So weather you want to lighten your bedroom, darken it, or add rustic color, you will find inspiration in hand crafted rawhide lamp shades.
Soundproofing A Shooting Or Firing Range
Many cities and municipalities are looking for state of the art soundproofing products and procedures for soundproofing a public, private, or and even home shooting ranges. The soundproofing materials used must be impervious to smoke and gunpowder residue and must be resilient (able to take a round without disintegrating) and easy to clean. Some folks feel that convoluted foam mat (bedding or egg crate foam) will work in such applications. This is a completely wrong assumption because convoluted foam is an open celled foam and has no soundproofing qualities whatsoever.
So how do you get both absorption and sound blocking from one product, that is impervious to moisture and will stand up the rigors of a live firing range? Many large cities have contacted me desperately looking for just such a material and believe it or not we have exactly what they are looking for. It's the closed cell vinyl nitrile America mat and it has been used in many different ranges throughout the country. It is extremely flame retardant and only absorbs water into the first 6% to 8% of the mat. We have found through real life experience that this absorbed moisture dissipates rapidly and never causes mold, mildew, or deterioration. America mat is both a blocker and absorber that is extremely resilient and versatile in the shooting environment. The mat comes in thick nesses of ¼" all the way up to 2" thick, but we have found that in most instances the ½" America mat does the job. This foam mat would be adhered directly to the walls and ceiling of the range tunnel and in some cases it would even be adhered to the floor. This will provide complete coverage thus forcing the sound to be absorbed into the mat and with no way out it dissipates rapidly. Major shooting ranges have used this foam mat even on outdoor ranges where the material is exposed to the elements. Now we really don't recommend direct exposure of this material to the elements (especially in the snow), but the feedback we have received in such applications has been favorable indeed. This material has been used in the cities of Boston, New York, Oceanside California, and Kansas City and all the feedback was positive. The thicker the foam, the better the results, but for a basic handgun range, the ½" America mat should be sufficient. There are many other applications for America mat, but one of the most popular is for shooting ranges. It is a phenomenal product.
There is now a new product that is also used extensively in firing ranges and police training facilities. This new product is called Silent panel. I will talk more about Silent panels in my next article. Thanks for reading and learning about soundproofing a firing range. For more information about this and other soundproofing project go to my blog at: http://massloadedvinyl.blogspot.com
So how do you get both absorption and sound blocking from one product, that is impervious to moisture and will stand up the rigors of a live firing range? Many large cities have contacted me desperately looking for just such a material and believe it or not we have exactly what they are looking for. It's the closed cell vinyl nitrile America mat and it has been used in many different ranges throughout the country. It is extremely flame retardant and only absorbs water into the first 6% to 8% of the mat. We have found through real life experience that this absorbed moisture dissipates rapidly and never causes mold, mildew, or deterioration. America mat is both a blocker and absorber that is extremely resilient and versatile in the shooting environment. The mat comes in thick nesses of ¼" all the way up to 2" thick, but we have found that in most instances the ½" America mat does the job. This foam mat would be adhered directly to the walls and ceiling of the range tunnel and in some cases it would even be adhered to the floor. This will provide complete coverage thus forcing the sound to be absorbed into the mat and with no way out it dissipates rapidly. Major shooting ranges have used this foam mat even on outdoor ranges where the material is exposed to the elements. Now we really don't recommend direct exposure of this material to the elements (especially in the snow), but the feedback we have received in such applications has been favorable indeed. This material has been used in the cities of Boston, New York, Oceanside California, and Kansas City and all the feedback was positive. The thicker the foam, the better the results, but for a basic handgun range, the ½" America mat should be sufficient. There are many other applications for America mat, but one of the most popular is for shooting ranges. It is a phenomenal product.
There is now a new product that is also used extensively in firing ranges and police training facilities. This new product is called Silent panel. I will talk more about Silent panels in my next article. Thanks for reading and learning about soundproofing a firing range. For more information about this and other soundproofing project go to my blog at: http://massloadedvinyl.blogspot.com
Building a Home Theater using Green Glue or Mass loaded vinyl
It’s kind of nice being in the “do it yourself kind of business” like soundproofing. In today’s world taking the family out on a Friday night for dinner and a movie might cost you more than your monthly mortgage payment. That is why many families are opting for their very own home Theater. If you have a spare room or an empty space in your basement or attic, you have a potential Home Theater.
It used to be that the best way to build a home theater or a home studio was to construct new wall within the existing room and then build what we call a “Room within a room.” Though this method of soundproofing is still quite effective, it is costly and eats up a lot of wall space in your already cramped theater room.
A better suggestion is to work with your existing walls by applying a new layer of drywall to the existing walls and ceiling but applying a layer of a product called Green Glue on the new drywall and sandwich it in between the existing wall and the new drywall. If you do this to all the walls and the ceiling you are well on your way to a great soundproof home theater. Now if your home theater is on a second floor, the ceiling now becomes less of a concern and now the floors become more of an issue. Floors can be soundproofed in many different ways depending on what the finished floor is going to be installed. If you are planning on having carpet and pad for the finished floor in your theater, then a soundproof floor underlay would be in order. Something like American Impactless soundproof floor underlay or American Impact Standard underlay. These are both recycled rubber products that would lie atop of the wood or concrete sub floor to stop the airborne sounds of the home theater from traveling down to the people below.
The Impactless is a less dense rubber underlay and would be perfect for under carpet and pad. The American Impact Standard would also be effective under the carpet and pad, but is more suited for hardwood and ceramic tile floors due to its sheer mass.
Other concerns that you might have with your home theater would be doors and windows. Let’s talk about doors for a minute; if you are trying to keep the movie in the home theater, then a hollow core door could be your worst enemy. Most modern bedroom doors are hollow core and do little in the way of soundproofing. Your best bet would be to go to Home Depot or Lowe’s and purchase a solid core MDF or solid wood door. You could ad an automatic drop down transom seal to the bottom of the door and also a door perimeter seal kit to seals around the door where it closes into the jam. A real soundproof door could cost thousands, with a little time and careful planning; you can get the same results at ¼ the cost.
The last thing we need to talk about are the windows in your home theater. If neighbors are a concern, then I would suggest building window plugs with the 2” America Mat closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat. For example, if your window were 3’ X 3’, you would cut the foam to 3’1” X 3’ 1” thus giving the window plug and extra ½” around it’s entire perimeter. This extra ½” will help to hold the window plug tightly into the window frame much like a cork in a bottle. If the window is 4’ or more on either dimension, it is suggested that the window plug be glued to a backer board, something like wood paneling or Luaan. These wood panels can be found at home Depot or Lowe’s.
Well, I think we have covered every aspect of building your very own home theater; next time we will discuss acoustical treatments for your theater, until then, Dr. Bob…. Out!!!
It used to be that the best way to build a home theater or a home studio was to construct new wall within the existing room and then build what we call a “Room within a room.” Though this method of soundproofing is still quite effective, it is costly and eats up a lot of wall space in your already cramped theater room.
A better suggestion is to work with your existing walls by applying a new layer of drywall to the existing walls and ceiling but applying a layer of a product called Green Glue on the new drywall and sandwich it in between the existing wall and the new drywall. If you do this to all the walls and the ceiling you are well on your way to a great soundproof home theater. Now if your home theater is on a second floor, the ceiling now becomes less of a concern and now the floors become more of an issue. Floors can be soundproofed in many different ways depending on what the finished floor is going to be installed. If you are planning on having carpet and pad for the finished floor in your theater, then a soundproof floor underlay would be in order. Something like American Impactless soundproof floor underlay or American Impact Standard underlay. These are both recycled rubber products that would lie atop of the wood or concrete sub floor to stop the airborne sounds of the home theater from traveling down to the people below.
The Impactless is a less dense rubber underlay and would be perfect for under carpet and pad. The American Impact Standard would also be effective under the carpet and pad, but is more suited for hardwood and ceramic tile floors due to its sheer mass.
Other concerns that you might have with your home theater would be doors and windows. Let’s talk about doors for a minute; if you are trying to keep the movie in the home theater, then a hollow core door could be your worst enemy. Most modern bedroom doors are hollow core and do little in the way of soundproofing. Your best bet would be to go to Home Depot or Lowe’s and purchase a solid core MDF or solid wood door. You could ad an automatic drop down transom seal to the bottom of the door and also a door perimeter seal kit to seals around the door where it closes into the jam. A real soundproof door could cost thousands, with a little time and careful planning; you can get the same results at ¼ the cost.
The last thing we need to talk about are the windows in your home theater. If neighbors are a concern, then I would suggest building window plugs with the 2” America Mat closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat. For example, if your window were 3’ X 3’, you would cut the foam to 3’1” X 3’ 1” thus giving the window plug and extra ½” around it’s entire perimeter. This extra ½” will help to hold the window plug tightly into the window frame much like a cork in a bottle. If the window is 4’ or more on either dimension, it is suggested that the window plug be glued to a backer board, something like wood paneling or Luaan. These wood panels can be found at home Depot or Lowe’s.
Well, I think we have covered every aspect of building your very own home theater; next time we will discuss acoustical treatments for your theater, until then, Dr. Bob…. Out!!!
7 Do’s and Don’ts for Positioning Deck and Garden Gazebos
One of best ways to extend your outdoor living space is by adding a gazebo. These pretty outdoor structures were originally used in Victorian times to shade fashionably pale ladies from the sun. Now they’re being turned into everything from cozy eating areas to kid’s playhouses, and getaway spaces to meditate.
But why is it that some gazebos blend so naturally into the backyard like they’ve been there forever, while others look stiff, awkward and stick out like a sore thumb?
The secret is in the placement! Positioned correctly, your gazebo will add dimension to your landscape. Positioned incorrectly, your gazebo will make your backyard look disjointed and junky.
Here are some do’s and don’t to help you get it right!
1. Do Place Gazebos at the End of a Path
Gazebos look wonderful and mysterious as a termination point at the end of a garden path. Visitors get the wonderful feeling that they are being drawn into the backyard and that makes it feel inviting and cozy.
2. Do Choose a Spot Close to Water
If your home is on a lake or pond, take advantage of it. Position your outdoor gazebo on the point that overlooks the water.
You could also try placing your gazebo near a backyard waterfall or a trickling fountain and enjoy watching the birds splash about. Or how about by your pool?
One family I know built a patio gazebo at the deep end of their rock waterfall swimming pool. It was designed so that you could easily remove the railing on the pool side and dive right off the gazebo into the water.
3. Don’t place a garden gazebo in the middle of your Yard unless you have a very large backyard.
A gazebo in the middle of a tiny yard will look like it’s been dropped from outer space and will overpower the yard, but as the centrepiece of a grand estate, it can anchor and unite the space quite beautifully. It’s all a matter of balance.
4. Do Take Advantage of a Raised Area
To enjoy picture postcard vistas like a beautiful sunset or bird’s eye garden view, take advantage of any raised area in your yard.
One couple I know built an outdoor gazebo high on a terrace overlooking their jungle-like backyard and used it, not only for dining, but for dancing in the moonlight.
5. Do Place Gazebos on Decks
If you are looking for a little shelter, then a patio gazebo nestled in one corner of your deck can complement it beautifully. It can also help to break up what can be a long, boring space.
One backyard I toured had a gazebo on the deck that was used for dining. The ceiling of the gazebo was decorated with dozens of miniature white Christmas tree lights for a starry sky effect at night.
6. Don’t Place your Outdoor Gazebo too far to one side of the House
If your beautiful garden gazebo is not even part of your view, then why bother to spend all that money to build it? Also, too far to one side can make the yard look lopsided if you don’t balance the rest of the yard with some landscaping or other structures.
Off to one side will work o.k. if your gazebo is still partly in sight and there is a good reason for it to be there. For example, if the gazebo is placed nearby a tennis or bocce ball court, it can be a place to sit and watch the game. It can also hide something unattractive that you really don’t want to look at like
7. Do make it the Jewel in Your Garden
Another great place for your outdoor gazebo is smack dab in the middle of your garden where you can turn it into a quaint tea room or cozy reading spot. Not only will you able to enjoy looking out at all your magnificent flowers, but you’ll be able to enjoy their beautiful aroma too.
So remember: For perfect deck and garden gazebo placement, plan ahead. Know the reason for placing your gazebo where you want to put it. When things make sense your garden design will flow beautifully.
Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved
But why is it that some gazebos blend so naturally into the backyard like they’ve been there forever, while others look stiff, awkward and stick out like a sore thumb?
The secret is in the placement! Positioned correctly, your gazebo will add dimension to your landscape. Positioned incorrectly, your gazebo will make your backyard look disjointed and junky.
Here are some do’s and don’t to help you get it right!
1. Do Place Gazebos at the End of a Path
Gazebos look wonderful and mysterious as a termination point at the end of a garden path. Visitors get the wonderful feeling that they are being drawn into the backyard and that makes it feel inviting and cozy.
2. Do Choose a Spot Close to Water
If your home is on a lake or pond, take advantage of it. Position your outdoor gazebo on the point that overlooks the water.
You could also try placing your gazebo near a backyard waterfall or a trickling fountain and enjoy watching the birds splash about. Or how about by your pool?
One family I know built a patio gazebo at the deep end of their rock waterfall swimming pool. It was designed so that you could easily remove the railing on the pool side and dive right off the gazebo into the water.
3. Don’t place a garden gazebo in the middle of your Yard unless you have a very large backyard.
A gazebo in the middle of a tiny yard will look like it’s been dropped from outer space and will overpower the yard, but as the centrepiece of a grand estate, it can anchor and unite the space quite beautifully. It’s all a matter of balance.
4. Do Take Advantage of a Raised Area
To enjoy picture postcard vistas like a beautiful sunset or bird’s eye garden view, take advantage of any raised area in your yard.
One couple I know built an outdoor gazebo high on a terrace overlooking their jungle-like backyard and used it, not only for dining, but for dancing in the moonlight.
5. Do Place Gazebos on Decks
If you are looking for a little shelter, then a patio gazebo nestled in one corner of your deck can complement it beautifully. It can also help to break up what can be a long, boring space.
One backyard I toured had a gazebo on the deck that was used for dining. The ceiling of the gazebo was decorated with dozens of miniature white Christmas tree lights for a starry sky effect at night.
6. Don’t Place your Outdoor Gazebo too far to one side of the House
If your beautiful garden gazebo is not even part of your view, then why bother to spend all that money to build it? Also, too far to one side can make the yard look lopsided if you don’t balance the rest of the yard with some landscaping or other structures.
Off to one side will work o.k. if your gazebo is still partly in sight and there is a good reason for it to be there. For example, if the gazebo is placed nearby a tennis or bocce ball court, it can be a place to sit and watch the game. It can also hide something unattractive that you really don’t want to look at like
7. Do make it the Jewel in Your Garden
Another great place for your outdoor gazebo is smack dab in the middle of your garden where you can turn it into a quaint tea room or cozy reading spot. Not only will you able to enjoy looking out at all your magnificent flowers, but you’ll be able to enjoy their beautiful aroma too.
So remember: For perfect deck and garden gazebo placement, plan ahead. Know the reason for placing your gazebo where you want to put it. When things make sense your garden design will flow beautifully.
Deborah Boland © 2006 All Rights Reserved
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