When Personalized Gifts Make a Difference

Finding the right gifts for a particular occasion is always a challenging task. Sometimes it is nice to make a gift for someone, this gives the gift an air of uniqueness and personality and shows the recipient that you took the time to create a truly special gift. This method can also backfire however as it is easy to get in over your head and not be able to complete the gift project on time or in the fashion you wanted to. In other words it is easy to mess up the creation of a gift and be left empty handed or worse yet with a gift you dont feel good about giving.

On the other hand, many people like to give and receive pre-made gifts for their convenience and so that they know they are getting something that will have at least some value to the recipient. This works especially well if you know just what the person wants as a gift. If you are not sure about what the person you are giving to wants then you have to make you best guess. In this case be sure to look at their tastes and not let your own preferences interfere with your decision. This is also a perfect opportunity to combine the best of both handmade gifts and manufactured gifts by using a professional gift company. These companies specialize in gifts that are both personalized and meaningful as well as professionally produced and of top quality.

Baby gifts are one of the most common types of gifts to give, where you need to find something cute and adorable yet practical. Luckily for you when it comes to babies play time is considered a practical use. This is a gifting area that will certainly benefit from the added value of a personalized gift. Adding the name of the special little one and/or an appropriate theme to the gift will make it significantly more special. Look for a company who will make a hand painted piece of childrens furniture for you or create a themed baby gift basket.

Anniversary gifts are another common gift category that often keeps the giver guessing when it comes to knowing what the recipient or recipient couple would like to get. This is another place where professionally personalized gifts can be a great choice. Personalized anniversary gifts have the feeling of something special and they allow the gift giver to participate in the gift creation process. In the end you have an exceptional gift that both warms the heart and is easy and fast to get.

Finally, perhaps the most difficult and important of all gifts, Valentines Day gifts are almost always better when personalized. More than any other gifting occasion, Valentines Day requires a high level of gift intimacy. This doesnt mean it needs to be a risqu gift, only that the recipient expects that you have given the gift much thought. It will almost always significantly increase the emotional value of a gift if it is personalized to match the recipient. Additionally, the giver should be able to articulate why the gift was chosen, making the gift that much more special. And, if you can, you should send this message on the gift itself, making the personalized Valentines Day gift one to treasure.

In the end most gifts will benefit from the personalized touch a professional gift provider can create for you. These are just three common examples of how a personalized gift can meet the challenges of a specific gift-giving occasion. For only a nominal increase in cost you can achieve a significant increase in the meaning that the gift can convey.

Anne Harvester is a gift giver extraordinarie. She is constantly trying to find just the right gift for every person on her list and yours too. She looks for innovative and unique gift ideas from around the world from gift baskets to personalized and handmade gifts. She wont be satisfied till everyone on her list is as happy as a lark.

Backyardponds

All About Contemporary Fireplace Designs

It is gaining more popularity than all other fireplace designs. Contemporary fireplace designs are being used by a lot of household interior designers because it allows for a lot of creativity and individuality. This type of design means the home owner does not need to stick to what has been the traditional way of building fireplaces. Here is a closer look at why this is an excellent type of fireplace design.

Ungripable Stair Handrailing

Mold Testing - Forensic Science Investigation for your Family's Health

If you have reason to believe you have a mold problem in your home, you may need to consider getting professional help. Investigating your own home for mold problems is certainly a step you should take, but if your sleuthing does not come up with solid evidence then you will need to get mold testing done. Though it is an expense most homeowners would prefer to avoid, mold can be a serious health issue and should not be taken lightly.

Investigating on your own before bringing in a professional is fine, so long as your investigations do not end up disturbing mold and spreading the dangerous spores into the air. The easiest way to begin searching for mold is to follow your nose; mold and mildew have a distinctive smell, which is generally associated with damp surroundings. Indeed, mold needs moisture to survive, so the best place to start is any area where you know there has been water leaking or seeping into the home. This could be something as large as B22a roof or plumbing leak, or simple condensation from constant steamy showers or an improperly tuned air conditioning unit.

Surface mold is easily detected, and generally easy to dispose of. Many commercial mold killers exist on the market and most do a fine job. The more insidious types of mold, however, are often hidden behind walls or under carpets, and this is where mold testing comes in.

Professional mold testers have the tools and expertise to uncover mold hidden in many parts of the household. Often they will take cultures and grow the mold spores in a lab, to discover what kinds of mold are growing, and whether they are benign or dangerous. Though scent is a good indicator of mold, it is not always practical to sniff around the entire home, and sometimes areas are missed. Also, some types of molds are less 'nose-worthy' than others, though no less damaging to your families health.

If you have had a leak or flood or other water intensive problem in the home, there is a good chance that mold has had a chance to grow. Mold spores simply float around in the air, and it doesn't take much to allow them to thrive. However, unless the area remains moist, the mold will dry up. This doesn't mean the problem is necessarily solved, as the spores still end up airborne, and ultimately breathed in.

If your own investigations have proved fruitless, but you are still convinced there may be mold in the home, then mold testing is imperative. The cost can be significant, however, so it is best to try and find out as much on your own as possible. However, the cost is often worth it, when hidden mold is discovered in places you might not have expected.

It is also a good idea to have mold testing done when buying a home, as part of the general building inspection, as the history of the home is not always disclosed. In the event of a flood, professional mold removal services can be quite ruthless, often cutting out large pieces of wallboard to remove and sanitize mold breeding grounds. Some homeowners prefer to avoid the expense of this kind of large-scale disaster relief, but the result can often be hidden mold in the walls. As a home buyer, you want to be sure that you are not buying hidden mold as well.

Though mold testing can be expensive, if you suspect there may be mold but you have not been able to find any, it may be worth it. Mold can cause many serious illnesses, particularly respiratory sickness, so removing mold is imperative. The cost of not testing for, and removing mold will ultimately be born by the health of your family.

For more information on mold testing and 1C86household mold, please visit:
http://www.HealthyHomeFacts.com
Brent Craig is a writer and researcher with an interest in healthy home options.

Drywalling Around Skylight

Experiential Gift Giving - Give An Unforgettable Life Experience

As a world traveler for me experiential gift giving is the greatest of gifts! Invest in yourself and others experiences because at the end of our lives that is all we truly have.

My grandparents have helped me travel across the globe and launch a worldwide speaking career which began in third-world and impoverished nations where I comforted and uplifted the hurting. Some unforgettable trips were visiting genocide victims in Rwanda and helping a Muslim young man rebuild his house at the tsunami epicenter in Indonesia.

When my younger brother was struggling with substance abuse and going through a funk, I "kidnapped him" as I jokingly say and took him with me to Europe for his birthday and Christmas gift. It changed his life, enlarged his perspective, strengthened his self-esteem, and made him become more resourceful. After I helped get him a job teaching English in Honduras, I flew down to Costa Rica and helped get him a job there. Today he happily lives in the tropical paradise of Costa Rica and is surfing some of the best waves in the world!

My videographer experienced his first massage when I took him to Indonesia, where we island hopped and enjoyed many fantastic spas!

Other options are to pay for someone's international language immersion program, send a family member to cooking school, finance your son's sports camp, or your daughter's dream to learn to dance.

Horseback riding is a favorite among young ladies. Sailing or surfing would be fun for adventurous guys. Go hiking or mountain climbing! Take up snow skiing. Leave the comfort zone and journey into a foreign country and culture to learn something about other people.

The ideas are endless, but the experiences priceless.

Paul Davis is a highly sought after professional speaker, life purpose coach, worldwide minister, and change master.

Paul is the author of several books including United States of Arrogance, Breakthrough for a Broken Heart; Adultery: 101 Reasons Not to Cheat; Are You Ready for True Love; Stop Lusting & Start Living; Waves of God; Supernatural Fire; Poems that Propel the Planet; and God vs. Religion.

Paul's compassion for people & passion to travel has taken him to over 50 countries of the world where he has had a tremendous impact. Paul's organization Dream-Maker Ministries is building dreams, breaking limitations & reviving nations.

Paul inspires, revives, awakens, impregnates with purpose, imparts the fire of desire, catapults people into a new level of self-awareness, facilitates destiny discovery and dream fulfillment.

Contact Paul to minister, speak at your event or for life coaching:

RevivingNations@yahoo.com
407-284-1705

www.PaulFDavis.com
http://www.DreamMakerMinistries.com
http://www.CreativeCommunications.TV

Uneven 6 X 6 Stair Handrailing

Golf Swing Trainers

No matter what your skill level in golf, you can avail of golf swing trainers to help you improve. With this type of product you receive two-way adjustable hinged golf clubs that are engineered to hit the ball and teach you the proper swing techniques. The main thing is that you will learn how to achieve and smooth even swing each and every time you want to hit the ball. With this type of trainer, you don't have to arrange a specific time to meet with a person to help you. You can practice at any time at home or on the green and it doesn't matter if it is winter or summer.

When you use one of the many training products available to help you practice your golf swing, you get immediate feedback on how well you are doing. For the beginner, this is a perfect way to get the training you need because you can see and feel where you should have the club throughout the full swing. If you are a low handicap golfer, the trainer can benefit you because you can work on your tempo and timing. Each time you make an incorrect swing the hinge on the club will break letting you know that you have made a mistake.

You can also get a swing trainer that comes with exercise cords that help you strengthen your arm muscles in addition to improving your swing. Each side of the trainer has surgical rubber bands that create counter pressure. There is also a video showing you what a proper swing looks like and how you should stand and hold the club. It contains 7 different exercises so that you will learn the correct movements. Experts recommend that you need to use the trainer 15 minutes each day for three weeks before you will notice an improvement.

For more information on how to improve your golf swing and other golf related topics, visit Your Golf Guide at http://www.yourgolfguide.com

Home Remodeling

Is Dubai Getting Over-Stretched?

Dubai's bullish economy might be creating ripples across the world, but there is a suspicion among some pundits that it might get over-stretched in the longer run, in its attempt of gaining invisibility. The policy of developing world-class infrastructure to entice investors, entrepreneurs and tourists might be proving successful as of today, but it has also resulted into soaring real estate rates and city congestion in the recent times. This may result into some highly expensive office and living accommodations in a few years from now. Dubai hotels and Dubai apartments, a key area for the local tourism industry and economy, might get hit hard due to sharp price hikes in the future.

Dubai's office blocks are quoted as the most expensive ones across the Middle East, and the scenario won't change until many upcoming projects got fully commissioned. There is a growing concern that many existing and prospective buyers might decide to look out for cheaper alternatives elsewhere, within the UAE and outside, both. Many commuters working in Dubai have to spend up to three hours making a round trip from Sharjah. It's simply out of question for them to reside in a lavishly expensive Dubai. To add to their woes, the public transport system and routes are highly overloaded. Many steps initiated by the city planners to minimize road congestion haven't produced results until today.

The desire of having the tallest and largest buildings and the fastest growing economy on its soil has led Dubai into a construction mania. Up to 25% of all construction cranes in the world are currently stationed at Dubai. At least fifty of them are employed at Burj Dubai alone to help it rise atop the Arabian sky as the world's tallest building. Burj Al Arab, the pride of Dubai hotels, is already known to be the world's largest hotel. There are numerous projects either under way or in the pipeline that could leave even some leading cities of the West dwarfed. This might highly raise Dubai's real estate rates however, driving away many prospective buyers in a few years from now.

According to a recently issued report by the Middle East Economic Digest, the cost of Dubai's planned and under way projects is expected to total around $310 billion over the next decade. Up to $230 billion of this capital is expected to go in the property sector alone, indicating at the frenzy about to be unleashed therein. Prices might naturally fall down as a result, once many of the underway construction projects got completed in the longer period. This might tilt the demand-supply ratio in the favor of the latter, making Dubai to be the cheapest destination across the Middle East, say about in a decade from now. You might have to cope with some of the cheapest office blocks, Dubai apartments and hotels, as a result, in the longer run. Dubai apartments are greatly admired across the Middle East for their class, aura and style, and are always in a great demand. Any future fall down in their rates could severely affect the emirate's economy as well, and that's a major concern.

Dubai is a city of free-trade, world famous landmarks and soaring dreams. The hospitality extended by Dubai hotels and apartments is universally acclaimed. Investors, travelers and entrepreneurs from across the globe are lining up to be part of its success story. Any misadventure by its own planners could result into serious concerns in the future however, and that's why some kind of regulation should be placed from within the policy-making elite itself.

Pankaj Mohan is an India based freelance writer, who often writes on behalf of DubaiFurnishedApartments.com. Please visit this site to get more information on self-catering Dubai apartments and Dubai hotels

Home Remodeling

Childproof Your Home

How childproof is your home? Whether you're a nervous parent-to-be or a seasoned pro with a family of six, childproofing your home is an ongoing process. And it can be, literally, a lifesaver. Over 2 million children in the U.S. are killed or injured each year as a result of household accidents. Sadly, most of these accidents could have been prevented.

Think Like a Kid

Whats the first step to a childproof home? Get on the floor. No, really.

As adults, it is easy for us to overlook some of the most common sources of danger for small children. When thinking about your childs safety, start thinking small. Take a cruise around your living room on all fours and youll probably notice all sorts of new things. Are there breakables within your reach? Are all of the electrical outlets covered? And this is just a start. Think about each room in your home especially the kitchen and bathrooms and think childproof. You can get up now.

Child Safety Checklist: Baby Steps to a Safer Home
Heres the good news: childproofing your home is easy and inexpensive. With common sense and a few sturdy latches and locks, it is easy to keep your home safe for your little ones as they grow and explore. Here are some essentials that every parent should be aware of:

(1)Safety Latches and Locks: A must for any childproof home. Use safety latches and locks on all of your drawers and cabinets to keep your kids out of potentially harmful cleaning products under the sink or sharp knives in the kitchen drawer.

(2)Safety Gates: Sturdy, adjustable safety gates prevent your baby from getting down the stairs or into an off-limits room. Since many gates are portable, they are an excellent way to temporarily childproof your friends or relatives homes when you are visiting.

(3)Anti-Scalding Devices: Protect your child from getting burned by installing anti-scalding devices on all of your faucets and shower heads. Also, set your water heaters thermostat to 120 degrees. It only takes three seconds for a child to get a third-degree burn at 140 degrees.

(4)Outlet Covers and Plates: Most electrical outlets are eye-level with a crawling baby. Use covers or plates to prevent accidents.

(5)A Cordless Phone: This ones for you. If you dont have one already, get a cordless so you can keep a close eye on the kids without missing any important calls. Devices like these can prevent many household accidents, but remember that there is no such thing as 100 percent childproof. Use your common sense and always monitor your young children.

In addition to purchasing and installing child safety devices, check your home and think about these childproofing tips:

(1)Store all cleaning supplies out of reach and out of sight of children, even if they are in childproof packaging. A very determined toddler can find a way around childproof caps and lids. And always store cleaners in their original packages.

(2)Make sure heavy pieces of furniture are securely anchored to the walls. Check bookshelves, televisions, and even the stove a climbing child can easily topple the sturdiest-looking appliance.

(3)Check all hand-me-down baby supplies for product safety recalls. Secondhand strollers, cribs, and high chairs can help you save money, but make sure that they do not pose a risk to your child.

(4)Keep all emergency phone numbers handy in case of an accident. Know how to reach your local fire department and your childs pediatrician. The number for poison control is 1-800-222-1222

Where you can find out more about Security Systems and articles on Home Security Systems

Installing Wood Doors In The Summer
Installing A New Bathtub

New And Improved Circuits

Functional training circuits are a workout routine designed around a specific fitness component. The basic concept of circuit training originated in the 1950s as a way to develop general fitness. By the 1970s, aerobic classes focused on cardiovascular conditioning using the circuit method. The movement branched out and, soon, the fitness industry developed several formats, including Step and Spinning. Even weight training adopted the circuit approach particularly the Body Pump.

What a circuit includes

The arrangement of the initial routines in a circle, alternating the different muscle groups resulted in the name circuit training. By allowing only a short rest interval of mere seconds between stations, cardiovascular fitness is gained along with the benefits of resistance training.

Today, the format remains similar. A group of strength exercises, for example, are completed one after the other. A time period or repetition number is assigned to each category. There is, however, a brief and timed rest period between each exercise and the length of time between each circuit is separated by a longer rest period. How many circuits you perform varies according to your training level, your period of training and your objective.

Functional training circuits, follow the same pattern, but are formulated based on the intent of the work out. Functional human movement is the foundation. In other words, they are sport specific in design or, at least, devised to address needs based on function. Functional training circuits, at their best, can actually improve the performance and activities of your daily life. As a result, functional training circuits can follow a wide variety of themes, such as cardiovascular, balance, stability, or core work.

Pump you up?

The Body Pump is one example of basic functional training techniques. It starts with an initial routine around which the rest of the activities circulate. Other formats center on other specific fitness component, such as cardio, toning, strength or flexibility. Cardiovascular fitness and resistance training circuits are another circuit strategy, effectively combining cardio conditioning with functional strength training.

Developing functional training circuits can introduce variety and creativity into a routine. The type of equipment and exercises to be used is numerous. Moreover, the changing pace and the alternating of the various pieces of equipment hold interest at a peak level. Moving from stairs to dumbbells to physioballs balance equipment and weights increases cardiovascular health, enhances motor skills, improves endurance and prevents boredom from setting in too quickly. As a side benefit, it can sharpen the mind.

Functional training circuits, as it can be seen, are flexible and provide great variability. They are also adaptable to specific needs. Adding resistance training into the mix can help to build both strength and stamina. Research in this area has found resistance training can reduce the amount of injuries in athletes. This is, probably, because integrating resistance work into a circuit produces stronger leg muscles including the frequently injured hamstrings and shin muscles. In the process core muscle groups, such as the lower back, are also strengthened.

There is no doubt functional training circuits can play a significant role in preparing athletes to play, win or perform successfully. As part of an offseason workout, it acts as a means to maintain general fitness gained over the season while providing a gateway to higher levels of conditioning.

Why use Mark Norton? His extensive knowledge of exercise science, nutrition, human physiology, program design, movement analysis.... Those are some great reasons and all accurate but the most important the dedication to our clients success.

Why use a personal trainer? A trainer will progress you through an exercise program with proper form, the proper intensity level, progress the difficulty of your exercises to match or improve fitness levels. A trainer can modify exercises to help with existing injuries and help reduce the chance of future injuries. Trainers most importantly provide motivation accountability and consistency.

We offer private sessions, as well as semi-private sessions, lunch hour groups, Internet coaching and on-site training for sports teams.

We are not a corporate gym where the membership is looked at like a dollar sign. We are just as invested in your success as you are. Our business succeeds when you succeed. In fact, we give our promise that youll be 100% satisfied or youll get your money back. http://www.scottsdale-personal-trainers.com

Log Home Designs
Restoring A Home

Longans, Lychees and Pagodas

When the Southern China Airliner descends for landing in Guangzhou's International, we see myriads of glittering lights below us. The time is early evening 1900 hours.In summer days, the air stands heavy and polluted in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong. A center of industrialization, the immense amount of manufacturing units add its share to modern days's plight of greenhouse emissions. We sigh when we leave the Airport, nearly melting in the humid, stifling atmosphere that has engulfed the city. Millions of people work here, like in the other big centers across China. Guangzhou is a showcase for the industrial revolution, its International Fair held twice a year draws Billions of foreign capital to the Chinese Economy. The official figures claim 10 Billion Dollars are received in orders during 10 days of Spring fair, and the same happens 4 times a year.

Our contact man Mr. Wu is expecting us at the Exit with a signboard exhibiting our names clearly. After an initial welcoming ceremony we tend to the waiting cab and speed off towards the main bus terminal. We will continue the journey to southern Guangdong without a rest in the capital. Buses in China are plentiful, we depart from the southern terminal near the railway station.

Along the highway the familiar sights of China, as in every province the huge signboards lining the roads, to lure customers to displayed merchandise, the modern capitalistic features of are everywhere visible. I wonder how many times I must have seen the "HAIER" advert, written in huge letters on the billboard that we pass. Familiar scenes cross my mind. China, a gigantic country by all standards, a society which is diverse, unique in its size and its achievements. Nothing will stop China from achieving superiority status, there is no other nation where people work as hard as in this progressing Nation.

The bus speeds through the night, leaving the capital behind us, turning towards the southern parts, our destination unknown except for the name. We are anxious to see where we shall end up. Along the road huge Banana plantations which cater for the whole of the Chinese market, Guangdong's climate is ideally suited for the growing of fruits.

Where we will end up this night ? We wonder, and Mr. Wu tries to elaborate on some scenic spots along the road. Since months have we prepared to reach this part of China, and now the time has come to see the 'fruit city', famous for its Longans and Lychees, throughout the dynasties Emperors in Beijing demanded the best fruits from here.

After four hours of ride we finally reach, the Terminus looks typically provincial. Lots of characters linger around here, which I dislike. One should be careful at night, always watch ones bags. A Taxi in form of an 'Wulungxie' the Chinese version of a Minibus takes us to Mr. Wu's residence, he insists he wants us to stay at his home. Mr. Wu is a teacher in the Gaozhou 'Normal school', a Middle school with approx. 5000 Students. His residence is far outside, we cross rice fields, typical Chinese village like structures, and I regret not having insisted on staying in the city center. When the house is reached we recognize the residential structure of an apartment building, the ones covering China from North to South, East to West. Simple with basic utilities, enabling millions to live in an affordable home.

Through the dark staircase we reach the third floor, carrying our bags and start to sweat from the physical effort. As always I don't like to carry much baggage with me, this time I blame myself for not being persistent enough. Always revenging itself, a heavy load of baggage adds to your inconvenience when going to distant places.

When we enter we realize that we made a mistake to follow Mr. Wu's advice and lodge with him. The place is Spartan, to say the least. Our bedroom features two beds, hard wood as the source of a mattress, and a straw mat. There is lots of personal junk from the owner lying around. We decide to make it through this night, (anyway we do not have much of a choice). Mr. Wu is in high spirits, and he wishes us a good night before retiring. No one can find sleep, we are too tense, although very exhausted from the trip. When we doze off it is close to 0500 hours in the morning.

We awake to sounds of birds singing, the windows open and we can see rice paddies in front of the building. It's a lovely scene and we feel better than the night before when we arrived. Looking for a bathroom we find a basic, bare concrete floored shower and toilet room, enough to make you run back to where you came from. We look into the kitchen and see a heap of unwashed dishes, signs of Bachelor's life, and a rice cooker. Beside it a note, inviting us to have our breakfast consisting of rice congee. Two bowls and 2 pairs chop sticks lay beside the rice cooker, the congee is hot, the cooker was left on 'warm'. We are hungry and taste some congee, the common breakfast in China, 'Xi Fan' as it is called.

The note also says he had to attend to his class and will be back around 10 AM. We have made up our minds, we will leave at the earliest opportunity, trying not to offend the host. Hard to understand without knowing the mentality of Chinese People, they offer you their home and you do not want to accept it.

When Mr. Wu finally arrives we are ready to leave, he looks surprised. He is of the opinion that his house is more convenient than a Hotel, however he agreed and calls a Taxi. Again I carry the unnecessary weight of our luggage down the stairs.

Do to the remote location it takes almost 30 minutes till the 'Taxi' arrives. A Motorcycle with sidecar, and the luggage is all stowed away. Rattling through the suburbs, we now fully realize how far the place is from the center of town.

A hotel is quickly found and we now settle into a somewhat more familiar surrounding. Mr. Wu has accompanied us and helps us to settle in, with instructions to the chamber maid the 'Foo Yuan' in Pinyin. We need rest, for the night we spent without much sleep and ask to be excused for a few hours. Mr. Wu leaves and promises to return in the afternoon.

We drift into a deep sleep and I wonder, like so many times before, what will wait for us here. .

Next : The gardens of Eden.

http://hwrpics1a.spaces.live.com
lived and worked in Africa, Asia, Europe, the U.S. more than thirty years, writing about remote places, journeys to the unknown, off-the-beaten-track destinations, preservationist, green inspired.

Ivy Growing Around Staircase
Ladder For Working On A Steep Roof

Create a Green Office

Creating an environmentally friendly workplace is an excellent investment, achieving significant operating cost reduction, building team spirit and creating a highly desirable employment environment. And we all know that when employee morale improves, turnover decreases and hiring and training costs decrease. Publicized effectively, environmental responsibility will also enhance marketplace image resulting in increased sales and profitability. Market your new green agenda. Employees and customers will be pleased to learn that you care about the environment and are doing your part.

Ten Ways to Improve Workplace Environmental Performance
1. Buy "green" products. Every day we find new, environmentally friendly products which use less materials, reduce waste and reduce energy use. We can choose compostable waste bags, biodegradable packing peanuts, non-toxic dry-erase markers, recycled plastic products, and more.

2. Use re-manufactured ink and toner cartridges. Remanufactured cartridges are 100% guaranteed and cost less than new cartridges. Each re-manufactured cartridge keeps approximately 2.5lbs of plastic and metal out of landfills and saves about 1/2 gallon of oil.

3. Recycle ink and toner cartridges. Approximately 375 million empty ink jet cartridges are taken to landfill sites every year. Recycling cartridges reduces landfill waste and associated toxins.

4. Use digital storage, not paper files. Print documents on paper when necessary but only when necessary. When hard-copy paper files are necessary, maintain a central file, avoiding individual, personal files.

5. Reduce, reuse and recycle paper. Treat paper as a scarce commodity. Communicate by email rather than creating written notes and faxing or mailing documents. When you must create a paper copy, print on both sides whenever you can, use it as scrap paper and finally recycle it when it can no longer be used or reused. Recycling one ton of paper saves 17 trees, almost 7,000 gallons of water and more than 3 cubic yards of landfill space.

6. Buy energy Star qualified products. energy Star printers, computers, fax machines, monitors and other office machines can reduce energy use by as much as 75%. Using "standby" or sleep mode when equipment is not in use will reduce energy use and improve the bottom line!

7. Unplug machines that are not in use. Most people are surprised to learn that equipment consumes electricity when plugged in-even when turned off. Use power strips for simplicity and turn them off at days-end and when you take trips.

8. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs. Compact fluorescent light bulbs can save up to 75% of the electricity used by incandescent light bulbs. Fluorescent bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent light bulbs and they fit standard fixtures and deliver natural light.

9. Reduce transportation. Promote public transportation, carpooling and bicycle use by employees. Use teleconferencing or videoconferencing for meetings. Purchase from local suppliers.

10. After reducing your energy consumption as much as possible, consider purchasing an offset. Individuals and businesses can offset greenhouse gas emissions by purchasing carbon credits.

Stan Gassman, BSC Sustainability Services Copyright 2007

Stan Gassman is a co-founder and principal of BSC Sustainability Services, http://www.bscsustainabilityservices.com a consulting company devoted to helping clients increase marketplace value by incorporating sustainability within their culture and operations.

Contact Stan via email, sgassman@bscsustainabilityservices.com

Uneven 6 X 6 Stair Handrailing

Choosing a Sanitizing System for Your Pool

In todays pool market it seems there are more ways to keep a pool clean and inviting than ever before: ionizers, salt water systems, Baquacil and its cousins in addition to chlorine. All sorts of claims are made from no chlorine use at all to lower levels, better water quality and less maintenance. What is a pool owner to do to separate fact from hype?

The application of a few common sense rules can help separate fact from fiction in choosing a sanitizing system that will deliver satisfactory results year after year.

If it sounds too good to be true, it is. Any sanitizing system that makes incredible or revolutionary claims is probably something to avoid. No one has yet figured out a way to keep pool water clean and inviting without some help from the pool owner. Be especially leery of systems that claim to eliminate chlorine entirely. The main purpose of chlorine in a pool is to chemically burn out complex organics that provide food for algae and bacteria. Without this oxidizing function a swimming pool WILL go bad. Maybe not immediately but at some point and in spectacular fashion.

Be very skeptical of sanitizing systems that are proprietary and available only from select sources. Be especially careful with systems that are incompatible with pool chemicals in general use. The holy grail of pool sanitizing manufacturers has been to supplant chlorine as the king of pool care. Chlorine is a heavily regulated commodity and by law is only available in certain formulations and strengths. This means profit margins are low and firms are constantly inventing new sanitizing products to increase margins and capture customers. Whether the products developed work as well is of less importance.

The key to good pool water is a two-part combination. Part one is the elimination of complex organics: dust, dirt, suntan oil, sweat etc. These contaminants, if left untreated, are food for algae and bacteria. Any safe pool sanitizing system must provide 24/7 oxidizing potential in the pool water to work well.

Part two is the use of an algaecide. Despite the best intentions pools oxidizing levels can drop enough to allow algae or bacteria to begin to multiply. An algaecide present in the water will stop the infestation cold. A number of sanitizing systems rely on silver or copper based algaecide as the main line of defense against algae and bacteria. The problem is that without oxidation of food for algae, algaecide is eventually overwhelmed and the pool water goes bad.

If any sanitizing system is missing either of the two-part combination its probably best to pass and keep looking.

Rob Dr. Duck Coxworth

Rob "Dr. Duck" Coxworth is the driving force behind Webfoot Leisure.com, an on-line retailer of swimming pools, supplies,equipment and accessories. Rob has spent many years in the pool industry in a variety of roles; CEO, manufacturers rep, consultant, National Sales Manager and part time pool float. Dr. Duck likes to write about pool issues and share the information he's gained from working with pool industry firms over the years.

Home Remodeling

Why Team Building Activities are So Important?

Team building activities are one of the most important keys for the success of your company. The more precious time coworkers spend together, the faster it is for your industry. Corporate team building games are that make this possible- and if you do not have cohesive employees, you are seriously handicapping your industry out in the marketplace.

According to team building experts, office team building games are needed as much as success, since friendliness and kindness are feeling easily and deeply transmitted to others, that is, your customers, that really appreciate a warm service. Building solid and cooperative work teams is difficult at first but necessary to have a group eager to share their points of view and to work together in a way that promotes very good qualities of each employees participant. In other words - to accomplish its goals such as a employees.

Getting your workers to stop thinking of every other such as competitors and begin working such as a staff is not absolutely like effective like it sounds, however it is important if you want to be a effective force in your company. Amidst the advantages of staff property are the online video presentation:

Teams become much more used in implementing their own team building activities indoor. Inasmuch as you can split the accomplish its goals into responsibility spaces, a team could tackle pretty difficult projects much more clearly than a group of individuals.

Teams become visible with quite creative solutions due to they would network and brainstorm. By the time staff members jump ideas off about any company issue, they arrive at solutions that none can use evolved all by herself. So as long as team continue to accomplish their goals together, so many of them get that their person function benefits from their brand-new dexterity to see things from other new perspectives.

Teams are pretty enduring than reliance on individuals. If you utilize single person who is responsible since a plan, the loss of that human being might cripple the plan. By the time you are trusting on employees, the loss of only person may be tough; though the fulfillment of the expectations of the team will continue.

Teambuilding exercises for meetings compel your workers to deliver their topmost hard time on behalf of the staff

Find more team building activities on our site at: http://www.team-building-activities.info-a1.com/

Home Remodeling

Burj Dubai - World's Tallest Free Standing Structure

Burj Dubai, well-known as the worlds tallest building, developed by the Dubai-based property giant, Emaar Properties, has now surpassed the earlier record of CN Tower in Toronto, Canada as worlds tallest free-standing structure.

Burj Dubai has currently touched a height of 555.3m, with 150 livable levels, which is the largest number of storeys for any building in the world. The tower already holds the credit of being taller than Taipei 101 in Taiwan, which was the tallest building in the world, since its launch in 2004 at 508m.

The Chairman of Emaar Properties, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, said Burj Dubai is in the process of setting new world records in construction of skyscrapers. The accomplishment of being the tallest free-standing structure in the world is another defining moment for the team of over 5000 people, who are collectively using their intelligence towards construction of the iconic structure, which is a symbol of human achievement. This architectural and constructional master-piece is truly an inspirational human achievement that depicts the can do mindset of Dubai.

On completion, Burj Dubai is bound to be the tallest structure in the world based on all 4 criteria listed by the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH). The council takes into consideration the measurement of height to the structural top, the highest occupied floor, the top of the roof and till the tip of pinnacle, spire, antenna, and flag pole.

Burj Dubai will be at the center of Downtown Burj Dubai real estate development, a 500-acre downtown development, worth $20 billion, known as the most prestigious square kilometer on earth comprising retail, commercial and residential components.

Dubai Real Estate Blog, UAE's complete website for real estate, homes for sale and freeholds. Search for Dubai property news and trends.

2 X 12 Wood Retaining Wall

How to Build a Poker Table: Simple DIY Woodworking Project

Used to be, if you wanted to find a poker game, you'd have to fly to Vegas. Today, the game is everywhere, bankrupting online hold 'em addicts and keeping eyes glued to the plasma. If you're going to host, you should do it right, on a table like the one we built.

Most retired people don't want to work full time. After all, they are "retired". But many find themselves in a situation like an acquaintance of mine, John, whom I was surprised recently to meet in the aisles of a big box home improvement store.

John was wearing an orange apron, which immediately identified him as a company employee. Now, John is a very knowledgeable guy. He is a good carpenter and has other homebuilding skills he can tap when needed. He had done an extensive remodel of his house a couple years ago, and that is where I first met him.

"John, you're working here?" I said. He smiled and asked how I was. And I queried him further.

"How do you like it here?" I asked.

"It's not bad," he said. "But pretty long hours."

We chatted a little while and then I went on my way. My first thought was that the store had a prize of an employee in John. His expertise regarding construction and his personal drive would be a great asset. But John was supposed to be retired. And here he was commuting some distance from home and working full time. Was that really what he wanted to do? Somehow I didn't think so.

I wonder - how many Americans of retirement age have left careers behind and are now forced to work at relatively low-paying jobs just to be able to survive financially? I see them all the time, and I think there MUST be a better way to make up for small Social Security pensions and inadequate retirement savings.

Here is what I want to highlight as a possible way out for many of our older senior citizens.

One thing a long working career gives someone is experience, and probably expertise to go along with it. Is there a way he or she can turn that hard-earned expert knowledge into retirement income without resuming full time work? And better yet, with an income potential that may exceed their dreams?

In fact, there is. Developing a thriving home grown business is one real option. But with a caveat.

A plethora of home-based and online business opportunities exist out there in cyberspace. How do you find a genuine, workable business idea that is a good fit for YOU?

In one sense, the answer is simple: develop your OWN business based on your personal experience and expertise. (Or maybe based on a strong interest or hobby.) The personal fit is assured; now it is only necessary to come up with the workable part.

With the internet, the world of opportunity has opened wide. It is now quite possible to take your personal expertise/passion and develop a unique and thriving online business providing an income in some cases greater than your previous career income.

But, you might say, I'm no internet or website expert. How do I do this? Where does the money come from? I really don't see how this could work for me at all.

All legitimate concerns and questions. And fortunately for us there are good workable answers. The internet is a gold mine of great information and tools that even an utter newbie (like I was) can take and use to create something to be proud of.

What you will be aiming at is to find a niche market that you can exploit with your own unique knowledge. A market waiting for the input that perhaps only you, or not too many others, could provide.

For the most part, people go online first to find information, not to buy stuff. You as an expect in your niche provide them with GOOD USEFUL CONTENT - the tips/information they are seeking. Your visitors will come to see and trust you as an expert. So when you do offer them something to buy that will take them that last mile to what they want, they are much more willing to lay down their money.

Good programs exist to teach you how to do market research, how to see if your niche idea has real monetary potential, how to build and structure a website that is attractive and welcoming to potential customers, how to drive lots of traffic to your site, how to set up ways to earn money from the site. Free courses to teach you how to write good content, how to set up profitable relationships with other online business people, and much more.

Setting up your own profitable online business is a real adventure. Many, many people - old and young - are doing this successfully. Will you be one of them?

Edwin Brown is a construction contractor moving closer toward retirement himself. He lives and works on the Pacific coast of the United States. To read more about his experience with an online business he is building based on his years in the construction trades, go to http://www.plaster-wall-ceiling-solutions.com/website-builder.html

Crawl Space Problems?

Crawl space foundations are found in many homes and cottages often. These foundation types are equipped with operable vents designed to provide ventilation for moisture control. Unfortunately, venting a crawl space during air conditioning season allows for the migration of hot, humid outside air into the cooler environment inside the crawl space.

Instead of drying the crawl space, outside ventilation actually increases the moisture load. Once present, moisture migrates to the colder floor framing surfaces where the wood moisture content elevates to a point ideal for fungal growth and wood damage. Temperature stability makes crawlspaces an excellent location for air conditioning equipment, ductwork and plumbing, however; high crawl space humidity during summer months may lead to condensation on ductwork and equipment damage. Additionally, high humidity provides an ideal environment for insect growth.

Long term abatement of these problems must focus on eliminating the source, not treating the symptoms (i.e. spraying insecticides and re-insulating ductwork). Research and experience has shown that unvented and conditioned crawl spaces provide better moisture control than vented crawl spaces and behave similarly to houses constructed with basements. Outlined below are techniques for unvented and conditioned crawlspace construction.

Unvented Crawl Space

Unvented crawl space retrofits are usually made in response to high moisture conditions in existing homes. This technique is not in full compliance with local and national building codes and should not be specified for new construction. However, extensive field experience indicates that it does provide exceptional environmental control for a safe and healthy crawl space environment. Before any efforts are made to control ground or air born moisture, all bulk moisture entering the crawlspace (i.e. rain water, underground springs) must be eliminated. Then, the following steps must be followed in their entirety or desired results may prove elusive.

1. Install gutters and slope grade away from the foundation at least 5 %( 6 inches per 10 feet) to direct rain and surface water away from the house. Empty downspouts 8 to 10 feet from the foundation

2. Cover the crawl space with a 20 mil polyethylene vapor barrier called CleanSpace. Overlap all seams and seal with CleanSpace vapour bond tape tape. Extend the outside edge of the CleanSpace up the foundation wall to a few inches below the top plate. Seal the CleanSpace to the foundation wall by using construction adhesive. The goal of this step is to provide 100% ground coverage and eliminate as much outside air as possible being pulled through the block walls.

3. Close and seal all foundation vents with CleanSpace vent covers or spray foam cavity to eliminate warm, moist outdoor air from entering the crawl space. Cut blocks of " to 2" rigid polystyrene and pressure fit into the backside of vent openings to further reduce the intrusion of outdoor air.

4. Seal forced air ductwork to reduce or eliminate leakage. Supply air leaks can lower crawl space temperature leading to higher relative humidity. Return air leaks cause negative crawl space pressure, increasing the rate of soil moisture evaporation and soil gas migration. If the crawl space is saturated at the time corrective measures are taken, it is prudent to run a dehumidifier for several weeks to bring the moisture content under control. From that point forward, the space should operate safely. Because outside ventilation has been eliminated, under no circumstances should combustion products, such a lawnmowers, gasoline, paints or solvents be stored in the crawl space. If a combustion appliance such as a gas or oil furnace is present, a dedicated combustion air supply may be necessary during the heating season.

Conditioned Crawl Space

This method is usually used in new construction but can be specified for retrofit applications when existing insulation is damaged and must be removed. The conditioned crawlspace varies slightly from the unvented crawl space in that it treats the crawl space area as part of the living space, much like a basement. This construction technique also meets local and national building codes. The primary characteristics making this method code approved are the insulation of the exterior foundation wall and the introduction of conditioned/house air into the crawl. Because this foundation technique is utilized in a relatively small number of new homes, it is prudent to talk to your local county or city code official before construction. Several construction details ensure an unvented-conditioned crawl space provides desired results.

1. Rainwater is controlled by gutters and downspouts, as well as a 5% grade sloping away from building. Downspouts should empty 8 to 10 feet from the foundation or be tied to an underground drain system.

2. Ground water is controlled by a foundation drain system. If outside grade is higher than inside grade, a damp proof coating on the exterior foundation wall is recommended. If interior grade is higher than exterior grade damp proofing and foundation drains may be eliminated.

3. The durable CleanSpace vapor barrier covers the foundation wall and terminates under the sill plate (or lower if retro fitting).

4. Outdoor air is controlled by sealing all penetrations to the exterior and installing gaskets around access doors.

5. Outside foundation walls are insulated using code approved rigid insulation with flame spread less than 25. Rigid insulation extends down to the top of the footing with the polyethylene ground cover sealed to its face at the bottom. Batt insulation extends down the wall and terminates 2 to 3 feet into crawlspace with seams continuously taped. In either case, the band joist is insulated using either rigid or batt insulation. Access doors are insulated using 2 inches rigid foam board or equivalent. CleanSpace crawl space access doors can also be used.

6. A dampered duct attached to the forced air heating/air conditioning system or a small exhaust fan transferring air from the house provides conditioned/ house air to the crawl space. The code also allows for the installation of an exhaust fan to exhaust crawl space air to the outside. Because exhausting can create negative pressure in the crawlspace, this method is not recommended.

If you have crawl space problems we can help.

Hello my name is Don Clarke, my company is Clarke Basement Systems, we specialize in waterproofing basements, for a free inspection and estimate go here Free Request

Home Remodeling

How To Get A Short Term Loan

Every now and then money can get a little tight in between paydays. You do work, and the money is coming, its just that payday is a week away. Something has come up and you are in need of some cash - but only till payday. This is where it could be real handy to get a short-term loan. Here is what you need to know about getting one for your needs.

Short-term loans also go by a number of other names, such as payday loans, cash advance, fast cash, and a few more. These loans enable you to get the cash you need in a very short time - sometimes in about an hour, but some places will take up to 24 hours.

All you need in order to get your short-term loan is being employed at the same place more than three months. In addition, you will need to make more than $1,000 each month. They will ask for the name and phone number of your employer, and may call for verification. In some cases, you may need to fax copies of some of your recent pay stubs to them as proof of your income. A bank statement may also be needed, too.

You will also need to be ready to give some pertinent checking account information. This is where you will get your money, which will be directly deposited into it. Also, the money will probably be withdrawn out of it on the day the loan becomes due. An alternative way of paying is that you pay the loan off in person at the loan office. This account will need to have been in existence also for about three months.

Short term loans, or payday loans, are required to be paid back in just a few days - usually your next payday. Your first loan from a payday loan office - or Web site will be small, probably less than $400. You also want to make sure that you pay it off on time, too, as this will help you to get payday loans in the future for more money. Not paying it will quickly get you into trouble and banned from future payday loans.

Be aware that these payday loans can have quite a high interest rate. This can range anywhere from about 15 all the way up to 30%. At this rate, you will want to shop around some so that you can find a good one. One nice thing that you will also want to look around for is that a number of payday loan providers will let you have the first one interest free.

Some payday loan lenders also have some differences in how long you will be given to pay the loan back, too. This is a newer feature, and not many do it yet. Some, though, will allow you to pay it back in three or four payments - instead of all at once. Because of the high amount of competition between the lenders, new features are slowly being added to make their loan product more desirable. By shopping around, you may be able to find even better deals.

Joe Kenny writes for Rebuild.org, offering payday loans, or read the article on payday loans - quick solution for more information.
Visit today: Pay day loans from Rebuild.org

Uneven 6 X 6 Stair Handrailing

Golf Swing Trainers

No matter what your skill level in golf, you can avail of golf swing trainers to help you improve. With this type of product you receive two-way adjustable hinged golf clubs that are engineered to hit the ball and teach you the proper swing techniques. The main thing is that you will learn how to achieve and smooth even swing each and every time you want to hit the ball. With this type of trainer, you don't have to arrange a specific time to meet with a person to help you. You can practice at any time at home or on the green and it doesn't matter if it is winter or summer.

When you use one of the many training products available to help you practice your golf swing, you get immediate feedback on how well you are doing. For the beginner, this is a perfect way to get the training you need because you can see and feel where you should have the club throughout the full swing. If you are a low handicap golfer, the trainer can benefit you because you can work on your tempo and timing. Each time you make an incorrect swing the hinge on the club will break letting you know that you have made a mistake.

You can also get a swing trainer that comes with exercise cords that help you strengthen your arm muscles in addition to improving your swing. Each side of the trainer has surgical rubber bands that create counter pressure. There is also a video showing you what a proper swing looks like and how you should stand and hold the club. It contains 7 different exercises so that you will learn the correct movements. Experts recommend that you need to use the trainer 15 minutes each day for three weeks before you will notice an improvement.

For more information on how to improve your golf swing and other golf related topics, visit Your Golf Guide at http://www.yourgolfguide.com

Home Remodeling

What Are the Most Popular Components of a Home Theater System?

A home theater system can transport you from the comfort of your living room recliner to a place far, far away as sight and sound immerse the senses. The realism of this cinematic experience can be yours if you know exactly what to buy in order to assemble a top quality system.

There are three main components that every home theater system shares. These are a television, the bigger and wider the screen the better, a DVD player, and a good quality set of surround-sound speakers.

A television of 27 inches or more is what you need for your home theater system, and the newer wide-screen models are much preferred for the home theater experience. Most of the DVD movies you can buy or rent are produced in a wide-screen format. A wide-screen television is closer in shape to an actual movie screen than a conventional TV, plus most of these big beauties are also high resolution sets. This assures a picture that is a lot sharper and clearer than older televisions. You can choose either a flat panel plasma or LCD TV, a rear-projection TV, or a front-projection TV with a separate movie screen.

Look for a DVD player that can handle the high definition DVD disc formats. Almost all players are able to play DVD movies, music CDs, and MP3s and movies recorded onto CD-R /RW and DVD-R/RW discs. Look for a multi disc player so you can keep several movies and music CDs loaded for playback without having to get up from your seat. A DVD player with progressive scan insures you a clear, sharp picture. You might also want to consider a DVD player/recorder, which can record movies and television programs onto blank discs for your own personal use. DVD-R recorders also have large hard drives onto which you can download and store your favorite shows.

Your home theater system's audio sound can come from a starter set consisting of center, left, and right speakers, plus a subwoofer for more robust bass sounds. Check reviews in audiovisual magazines for the best rated speakers. It would be a good idea to try to listen to what comes out of your speakers before you buy them, so you can best judge whether the sound will be suitable for your needs. Take your time and visit several different stores before you make your final selection.

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Problemsinhome

Removing Your Old Wood Double Hung Windows

Last week I told you how to measure your wood window openings to properly order your new vinyl replacement windows. This week I'm going to explain how to remove your old windows. The vast majority of wood sash double hung windows in America have the same specifications. Starting from inside the house and working out, you have a wood stop approximately 3/8" X 3/8". Then comes the lower sash (the sash is the piece of glass and surrounding wood frame). Then you have another wood stop (called a parting bead) between the lower sash and upper sash. This stop is approx. 1/4" X 1/2". Then you have the upper sash, and finally, the outside wood stop (called a blind stop) that is approx. 1/2" X 3/4".

Before beginning, be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves. The safety glasses will protect your eyes from debris, and the gloves help avoid splinters. The inside stop needs to be removed first. Try not to damage these,they will be re-installed after the replacement windows are put in. If you should happen to crack the old stops, you can take a piece to a hardware store or molding store to get replacement wood stops. If the stops have been painted to blend into the surrounding trim or wall, you need to put a flat screwdriver or putty knife into the indented area that separates the stop from the surrounding area. Drag the blade from top to bottom to chip away the paint. Then put a stiff blade putty knife into this seam and pry the stop away from the frame. Start in the middle of the stop where there is the most flexibility. Work the putty knife from the middle to the top, then from the middle to the bottom. The number of nails that were used to install the stop will determine how difficult removal will be. I have seen some stops that have just 3 nails, while others have had 6. Most of the time there will be stops around all four sides of the opening, but I have seen some openings that didn't have a top stop, and others that had no bottom stop.

After the inside stops have been removed, you should be able to pull the lower sash out. If the windows were painted shut at some time, you might have to pry the area where the lock is located to separate the sashes. Now, once you get the lower sash out, it will still be attached to the cords that hold the window up when you raise it. Take a pair of tin snips and cut the cords while maintaining tension on them. The cords will recoil back into the assemblies. Take the lower sash and set it aside.

Next,we need to remove the middle stop, or parting bead. This piece is going to be thrown away, so you don't have to be careful when removing this piece. The parting bead will be on top and along both sides. It's never on the bottom. Take a screwdriver and tap it into the groove between the side frame and parting bead. Pry out. The bead is nailed into a recessed groove. When all of the parting bead is out, the upper sash will come out. If it's painted to the outside stop, CAREFULLY pry the sash from the outside stop with a stiff putty knife. You want to avoid damaging the outside stop. Remove the upper sash the same way you did the lower sash, cutting the cords under tension.

At this point,you should have the inside stops removed and set aside to be installed later, both sashes removed, the middle stop or parting bead removed and discarded,and the outside blind stop left in place undisturbed. Check to make sure there are no obstructions in the opening such as nails,the metal tab at the bottom for holding in the old screen, etc. The final step is to take a stiff putty knife and scrape the inside face of the outside blind stops to get rid of any old caulking. This is the surface that the replacement windows are going to rest against, and we are going to want this area as smooth as possible. Clean up all loose debris from the opening, and you are now ready to install your replacement windows. That will be our topic for next weeks article...

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978. To learn more, visit How To Install Windows

Remodeling Tips and Advice

How Using The Right Ladder Can Make Those Jobs Easier

Ladders come in a variety of styles and heights, and it's important to choose one that meets the needs of the task you're performing. Safety should always come first when using a ladder, so it's necessary to make sure you use the right ladder for the job. For instance, an extension ladder is suitable for reaching those high spots when decorating or cutting tree branches. But trying to reach up too high on a step ladder can be hazardous and lead to accidents. On the other hand, step ladders are ideal for those odd jobs round the house, from changing a light bulb to hanging curtains.

Extension ladders are used for all kinds of outside jobs, from professional window cleaning to painting gable ends of buildings. Aluminum ladders are commonly used, being lightweight and easily portable. However, a fiberglass ladder, although much heavier to move, is safer to use in the vicinity of electrical cables. Well-known manufacturers that sell a range of quality ladders include Werner Ladders and Wing Enterprises.

Inside the home, ladders come in handy in a number of situations. For instance, if you have high book shelves, fitting a rolling library ladder makes it quick and easy for you to reach those top shelves. Library ladders are generally made from wood, and come in a choice of colors and finishes to blend in with your dcor. Another place where a fitted ladder comes in useful is in a loft hatch. An attic access ladder makes it simple for you to utilize that extra storage space in the roof.

Whatever your requirements, from doing DIY in the home or garden, to reaching high shelves, there's a ladder to meet your needs. Choosing the right ladder for the job can help make your task much simpler.

Caroline Smith is a regular contributor to GetLadders.com - an online resource offering a range of ladders including attic ladders, the Little Giant Ladder and more.

Residential Fencing

Although there are many different types of residential fencing perhaps aluminum is the most popular. This is a galvanized steel product with a hard wearing powder coat finish. It is designed to add beauty and value to residential homeowners. There are a wide variety of styles and colors to select from and any of them will complement any color that you may have on your home. This type of fence is designed with the residential person in mind and provides a level of quality and resilience that the home owner needs. This fence is made for durability to withstand the elements and it is possible to have a special formulated powder coating made to suit your needs.

This power coated system of polyester resin prevents early rusting. This type of fencing comes in eight-foot sections to cut down on time and labor. The posts that are provided will hold the pickets firmly in place and will adapt to any contour of slopes in your landscape. The panels can be secured to the post without any welding and there are brackets provided. Most of these come with a 12 year warranty.

You can find these available from 4 foot to 6 foot high and there are many different colors to choose from. This fence carries very low-maintenance which can free up your time for other things. Whether you need a picket fence or a privacy fence, this fencing can provide what you need. If you have animals that you want to keep in or animals that you want to keep out, this is the fence that can provide the security for you. With its low maintenance, durability, and appealing look this fence will be a welcome addition to your home. No matter what your needs this fence can provide what you're looking for.

For lots of information on remodeling your home and other related topics, visit Fences Guide at www.fencesguide.com

Stair Don

Remodeling Porches

Fixing up a porch is a great idea that will extend the use of your home considerably. Using just some paint, stain and basic carpentry skills, you can make your porch a pleasure to spend time on.

An example shown on DoItYourself.com shows a couple from Georgia who wanted enjoy their extended warm seasons of spring, summer and fall, but avoid the problems of mosquitoes and decided to take their slab concrete patio and make it into a screened in area they could enjoy almost all year long.

The patio was just concrete square under a roof overhang. They wanted the porch to blend in with the home, as well as protect the family from the heat, humidity and insects of the Georgia summers. The concrete slab declined slightly to allow for runoff, so there had to be some adjustments made to accommodate this feature.

Here is their step by step solution:

Step One. Cut pre-primed 4X8 sheets of beadboard ceiling paneling.

Step Two. Install the celing paneling and the ceiling fan. They used a nail gun to make the installation of the ceiling panels faster and easier than trying to swing a hammer upward. Before all of the panelling was installed, the ceiling was wired for the fan and light. This will allow the porch to remain cool and the light will allow the room to be used at night. This was a two person job, with one person holding the fan and the other connecting the wires and screwing the fan in place. The finish trim hid the seams in the paneling.

Step Three. Frame out the porch. Using 2X4 boards, they spaced them to allow for standard width screen to be installed. The crosspieces were nailed directly through the vertical braces.

Step Four. Install the interior panelling. Pine and plywood bead board paneling was secured by staple gun. These had to be trimmed along the bottom to accommodate the uneven floor.

Step Five. Install and level the exterior paneling. The harbor ad exterior panels wear put into place, from the bottom up. The first one had to be custom cut to allow for the uneven ground line and then the rest followed. These panels were painted to match the existing exterior of the house, so there was a lot of trial and error to match the aged yellow paint exactly. But weather resistant exterior paint was used so that it can be easily kept clean by rinsing Wit soap and water.

Step Six. Do the screening. Vinyl grids had to be screwed directly into the wooden frames. Then the screens were attached to the channels in the grids, so the fiberglass or aluminum screens could be slid in without using staples. When the screens were rolled into the grids with a spline, the extra screening material was cut off. With a mallet, the caps over the vinyl channels were banged into place.

Being really passionate about tree trimming and saw sharpening, Ray Walberg wrote plenty of detailed articles in this specific field. Sharing his passion in detailed publications, the author improved his experience on topics like chain saws and saw sharpening.

Cleaning Marble Stone

Granite Marbles - Best Option For Countertops And Worktops

Are you fond of having a home that sparkles in every way? If yes then you are among those who value their interiors to feel luxurious and satisfied. As far as the your house is concerned everyone dreams to have it all furnished and beautifully decorated.

Your house will not reflect these looks unless they are furnished with the high quality interiors chosen smartly to match all ambiances you desire to have. And the most important corners of the house that need to be taken care of are your kitchen and bathrooms. Honed for those smoother looks and desired durability Granite worktop are the perfect choice to refurbish your house. Granite is the best choice to use in your kitchens, bathrooms, floors and roofs.

Granite worktops & countertops give your kitchens and bathrooms a luster of luxury that will make all the difference. These granite stones available in variety of patterns and textures will carry you with its brightness and brilliance to the dizzying heights of ecstasy.

The irregular lines present in many colored marbles are naturally due to the mineral impurities such as sand, iron oxides, clay etc. These minerals are present as layers that are responsible for those veins and swirls.

Granite marbles are available in variety of patterns and colors

Absolute Black granite: - The most appealing looks that your kitchen can ever have can be attained by using these elegant black granite marble stones. Use these pure black granite marbles or mix them with the shades of other colors to give your kitchen that royal glossy brilliance. Chinese black granite has become very popular these days due to its low price. A little smartness is required to choose the best pieces for you so as to enjoy that original black shine and beauty.

Green granite: - Green granite marbles make your kitchens and bathrooms have that natural refreshing grassy looks. Designed with criss-cross linear patterns,green granite remarkably resembels to a painting of a dense forest. These are also known as forest green or fancy green marbles.So if you are fond of natural beauty then use these green marbles in your house.

Pure white granite marble:- is the result of metamorphism of very pure limestones.White marble comes in many shades-offwhite,stripped one etc.The most prefered white marble having a radiance of pearl is the costliest one and as the purity in whitness increases so increases the cost of buying it.

Copper and Gold: -These metallic shades of granite marbles are the most selected ones to be installed in your offices or workplaces. Having an exquisite beauty these marbles provide that shine of sophistication to make your office look all groomed up.

Crimson: - This bright deep red marble combined with some blue color is the most rare one. Having its source mainly from Brazil and China this crimson red marble has a beauty of its own. This granite stone provides warmth that outshines the usual marble stones.

Designed by the natures beauty and decorated with human proficiency these granite marbles come with different names such as granite worktop essex, granite worktop Manchester, milan granite

Some granite tiles are also named with the textures they are designed in like emerald pearl, black star galaxy, aspen granite, marbella granite, baltic brown, black midnight,blue pearl, white pearl, faberge green.

Great tips to remodel your kitchens and bathrooms using granite worktops and countertops. Use high quality granite marbles and let your house sparkle with its brightness and brillance.

Home Remodeling

Why Hire a Quality Kitchen Contractor for Home Remodeling?

If you are considering a major kitchen remodel, you will certainly want to hire a quality kitchen contractor for home projects. Kitchens involve a number of specialized tasks, some specialized knowledge, and serious attention to safety. While most anybody can probably knock out a wall inside your home to enlarge a room, working with a kitchen remodel is a bit more challenging. Because there is so much opportunity for fire in a kitchen, it is critical that your kitchen contractor provide quality work at every step and attend to ways to reduce the risk of fire or other problems.

Key elements of a good kitchen remodel include:

Safety

Accessibility

Functionality

Attractiveness

Flow to the rest of the house

When you hire a quality kitchen contractor for home remodeling, you can have a high level of confidence that the contractor is knowledgeable of safety issues and ways to protect your family and your property. A quality kitchen contractor for home remodeling will also have experience with various kitchen designs and floor plans. This is important in creating a finished kitchen that is functional and accessible. A quality kitchen contractor will also have experience in designing and making the kinds of modifications to cabinets, counters, and the like in order to make your kitchen as attractive as it is functional.

A high quality kitchen contractor for home remodeling is accustomed to building kitchens in homes. This is different from building commercial kitchens. It is also different from most other rooms in your home. A high quality kitchen contractor for home remodeling will be able to advise you on materials and design, as well as building the kitchen you truly want. These specialized contractors can often help you avoid mistakes, such as putting the refrigerator at the opposite end of the kitchen from the stove.

They also can help you save money by choosing materials and fixtures, such as cabinets, hardware, plumbing fixtures, etc., that are likely to meet your needs without over-building the room. For example, you might think you need to buy cabinets that go to the ceiling. A high quality kitchen contractor for home remodeling will be able to save you money and create a more attractive space by suggesting that you not use cabinets that go to the ceiling, but use the space on top as a shelf. Most people who have cabinets that go to the ceiling end up with a top shelf they cannot use because it is unreachable.

If you are investing in a kitchen remodel, it is important that you know the contractor will provide quality work. Cutting corners in a kitchen can result in fires, damage from water leaks, and other problems. A quality kitchen contractor will not only remodel your kitchen, he or she will do it in a way that protects your family and your property while creating an attractive and functional room that you will want to be a focal point of the home.

Copyright 2007 by ABCD Publishing

Dan Fritschen, the author of this article, is the founder of the websites http://www.remodelormove.com http://www.remodelestimates.com and http://www.remodelingorganizer.com He is the author of three books on home remodeling.

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Cool Off Your Attic with Radiant Barrier

It is starting to get cooler outside, so now is the perfect time to talk about making your attic cooler all year long. How would you like to lower your attic temperature by 20 degrees in the summertime? This could be 30 degrees in the southern U.S.

Whether youre building a new home or have an existing home, Im going to tell you the benefits of an attic radiant barrier.

Let me ask you three questions.

1. In the summer, what is the hottest part of your house?

2. Where is your ductwork located? Attic or crawlspace?

3. Why would you put it in the attic?? (For 90% of you its in the attic, right?)

When consulting on new home construction we advise people not to put the ductwork in the attic. You can lower your cooling loads by as much as 20% just by getting the ductwork out of the attic. Now I know that isnt always possible so we recommend placing the ductwork directly on the ceiling joists and covering it with cellulose insulation. This along with an attic radiant barrier makes for a pretty efficient heating and cooling system.

For existing home construction we advise using an attic radiant barrier that either staples to the bottom of rafters or covers your attic insulation like a blanket.

Using attic radiant barriers is not a new concept. It has been around since 1960. In 1999 Doug Rye decided to use TechShield radiant barrier roof decking on a model home. The builder has his doubts but Doug insisted on using TechShield. After it was installed, the builder was sold on it. It was summertime and he found that it was much cooler working inside the unfinished house once the radiant barrier was installed than it was outside.

Since then we have heard story after story of how radiant barrier lowers the temperature of a house during construction. Weve heard stories from framers where they would rather eat lunch inside the house because its cooler than outside. Even the framers working next door eat lunch with them because its cooler.

The radiant barrier roof decking product is made using a process that laminates a thin, yet durable, sheet of aluminum foil to the surface of OSB board. When the sun strikes a roof, the radiant energy from the sun heats the roof and that heat radiates into the attic.

50%-75% - Radiant Heat Loss

Radiant barrier prevents up to 97 percent of that radiant heat in the roof from radiating in to the attic. As a result, it can lower the attic temperature by 30 degrees. And in the southern U.S. where temperatures easily reach 95 degrees and above, thats a huge difference!

For years, weve been telling homeowners not to put the ductwork in the attic and thats still good advice. But if your ductwork is in the attic, I recommend installing an attic radiant barrier which is available at most home centers.

By reducing temperatures in the attic, you are taking a lot of heat off the ductwork, which means your air conditioner wont have to work as hard and youll save money on your electric bill. And, of course, you also need plenty of cellulose insulation in the attic to keep the heat from radiating into the living areas of the home. Ill cover cellulose insulation in a future issue.

The most common concern people have regarding attic radiant barrier has to do with the temperature of the shingles of the roof. They want to know if it will damage the roof shingles by allowing them to get too hot. Well, the answer is no.

Attic radiant barrier won't melt the shingles. A study in Florida measured the temperatures of roof shingles above radiant barriers and found that the peak temperatures are only 2 to 5 degrees higher than the temperature of shingles on roofs without radiant barriers.

For existing home construction a thin, light weight radiant barrier can be installed. This radiant barrier is either stapled to the underside of the rafters or is laid over the ceiling insulation. This radiant barrier is clean, easy to handle, and requires no special tools or clothing.

A radiant barrier is available at most home improvement centers for around 60 cents per square foot.

Until next month, be safe and God Bless!

Phillip Rye www.philliprye.com

Doug Rye is a nationally recognized energy consultant and licensed architect. Doug also host the "Home Remedies" radio talk show that is broadcast in 15 states.

Phillip Rye is a licensed engineer and has spent the past 15 years studying energy efficiency and energy conservation.

Discover how you can have lower utility bills guaranteed! Visit http://www.dougrye.com

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