tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-80330162584554438312024-02-20T12:46:15.774-08:00CompletionAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comBlogger1432125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-74616893828841098252015-12-30T23:56:00.000-08:002015-12-30T23:56:00.508-08:00Wyndham Resorts In San Antonio<p><q>The Riverwalk in San Antonio is a popular vacation location.</p></q><br /><p>San Antonio, Texas, offers many reasons to take a vacation. It is rich in history, culture, shopping and entertainment. The well known Riverwalk area of this big city is home to several Wyndham Resort locations. Each Wyndham Resort varies slightly, but all provide affordable luxury in Downtown San Antonio.</p><br /><p><h2>Wyndham Riverside Suites</h2></p><br /><p>Wyndham Riverside Suites is located in downtown San Antonio. It is on the Riverwalk, close to the Alamo and under 10 miles from the San Antonio Airport. This historic location offers guests a choice of either a studio, a one bedroom condo or a two-bedroom condo. These range in size from 300 square feet to nearly 1300 square feet. Both the one bedroom and the two-bedroom condos offer kitchens, jacuzzi tubs, leather furnishings and a washer/dryer combo. Two bedroom condos also have two bathrooms. Mid December weeknight pricing runs about $65.00 as of <i>September 2010</i>. A weekend in November will run around $120. The rooms book up well in advance. As of September 2010 this property is undergoing some renovation work, and it may be noisy during daytime hours.</p><br /><p>Wyndham <i>Riverside Suites</i></p><br /><p>218 College Street</p><br /><p>San Antonio, TX 78205</p><br /><p>866-430-9932</p><br /><p>Extraholidays.com</p><br /><p><h2>Wyndham La Cascada Suites</h2></p><br /><p>Wyndham La Cascada Suites property is located just several blocks from the Riverwalk's Loop. Some of the features here include tanning, separate outdoor pools for adults and children, a hot tub, an exercise room and picnic areas. A one bedroom suite can sleep up to four people. A two-bedroom, which also includes two bathrooms, can sleep up to six people. All suites include king beds, whirlpool tubs, washers and dryers, kitchens, balconies and leather furniture. Suites go up to four bedrooms, sleeping up to 10 guests. Because of the varying room options, square footage runs anywhere from 812 up to almost 2300. As of September 2010, a one bedroom on a weeknight in November 2010 will run around $170.00.</p><br /><p>Wyndham La Cascada Suites</p><br /><p>226 Dwyer Avenue</p><br /><p>San Antonio, TX 78204</p><br /><p>210-228-2900</p><br /><p>Extraholidays.com</p><br /><p><h2>St. Anthony Wyndham Hotel</h2></p><br /><p>The St. <b>Anthony Wyndham Hotel</b> is the most traditional Hotel property of the Wyndham Resorts in San Antonio. It does not offer full kitchens or a washer and dryer, but there is room service, a restaurant, a bar, a ballroom, a spa, a fitness center and a conference room. This hotel is quite close to the Riverwalk. Created in 1909, this historic landmark underwent a multi-million dollar renovation, resulting in a combination of old historic beauty with modern touches. This hotel includes just over 350 rooms, nearly 40 of which are suites. There are six room options to choose from, including various suite options. Both weekend and weeknight rates in mid October are around $149.00. Guests under 18 accompanying adult guests stay free of charge at the St. Anthony.</p><br /><p>St. Anthony Wyndham Hotel</p><br /><p>300 East Travis</p><br /><p>San Antonio, TX 78205</p><br /><p>210-227-4392</p><br /><p>Wyndham.com</p><b>Tags</b>: <i>Anthony Wyndham</i>, <b>Anthony Wyndham</b> Hotel, <b>Cascada Suites</b>, Riverside Suites, September 2010, <i>Wyndham Cascada</i>, <i>Wyndham Cascada Suites</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-20886560091367570342015-12-30T06:11:00.000-08:002015-12-30T06:11:00.040-08:00Outdoor Children'S Picnic Games<p><blockquote>Liven up a summer picnic with games that allow the kids to run, jump and play to work up an appetite. Before you plan the kids' picnic games, check out the event location to evaluate the space and available <b>playground equipment</b>. Then consider the kids' age group to choose activities that will keep the children refreshed, challenged and entertained throughout the festivities. Does this Spark an idea?</blockquote><br /><p><h2>Bottle Bowling</h2></p><br /><p>Design a quick and inexpensive picnic game using a ball and empty two-liter soda bottles from the feast. Set the bottles up like pins on a hard surface since they'll tip over too easily on the grass. Reset the pins after each roll and see which child can knock over the most pins in five tries. Make the game easier for younger players by letting them stand closer to the pins.</p><br /><p><h2>Bucket Brigade</h2></p><br /><p>Organize a refreshing game that uses materials from home to cut costs and keeps the kids cool on a hot afternoon. Divide the children into two teams and tell the teams to stand behind a "finish line." Give each group a bucket full of water and a large sponge. Place an <b>empty bucket</b> for each team 15 feet away. The first member from each team must soak the sponge to fill it with water, race to the empty bucket, squeeze the water into it and run back to hand the sponge to the next player. Award prizes like squirt guns or bottles of bubbles to the team that fills the empty bucket the fastest.</p><br /><p><h2>Park Obstacle Course</h2></p><br /><p>If you're picnicking at a park that features a playground area, devise a kids' picnic activity using the equipment. See which child can run across the sand, go down the slide three times, cross the monkey bars and run back to the picnic table in the fastest time. Be sure that other children aren't using the playground equipment before each player runs the course to guarantee that the timed contest is fair.</p><br /><p><h2>Food Relay</h2></p><br /><p>Create a food-related relay that utilizes items you've packed in the picnic basket. Break the kids into groups of four and assign <i>each player</i> a task. Once the first team member completes his assignment, the second player on the team can begin his mission. Devise tasks like shelling 10 fresh peas, eating a cupcake without touching it, drinking a glass of water while spinning in a circle or making a sandwich with cold cuts, lettuce and mayonnaise. Give prizes like ice cream parlor or toy store gift cards to the team that completes all of its missions the fastest.</p><b>Tags</b>: <i>empty bucket</i>, <b>each player</b>, <i>each team</i>, <b>kids picnic</b>, playground equipment, <b>prizes like</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-729773005441306622015-12-30T03:52:00.000-08:002015-12-30T03:52:00.374-08:00Decorate A Kitchen In A Lodge Look<p><q>Bring the look of a lodge into your kitchen.</p></q><br /><p>Decorate a kitchen in a lodge look to express your love of renting a cabin by a lake, tucked away in the woods or vacationing on a mountainside. Perfect for the person who loves nature, this interior design scheme will bring the outdoors right into the heart of your home. Mix and match the ideas to fit into your personal style, budget, skill levels and time constraints. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Replace any existing countertops with wood ones. Choose the type of wood based on how much wear and tear they will receive in the room. For example, hard butcher block countertops fit well within this theme and are meant to be chopped and cut upon, while a softer wood would have to be better protected with a permanent finish.</p><br /><p>2. Choose wood cabinetry that complements the countertops. Black hardware sets off this scheme well and is available in rustic designs as well as more modern takes on this theme. Options include scrolled iron handles, such as a "birdcage" design and simple square knobs with a finial design or an imprint of bear claws, moose antlers and other wildlife symbols.</p><br /><p>3. Install wood beams on the ceilings, and posts as separators between the kitchen and any adjoining open space. Fake wood elements are available for rooms that have weight restrictions.</p><br /><p>4. Install earth tone tiles for the backsplash. For a splash of excitement, work a few brick red or rustic orange accent tiles into the overall design.</p><br /><p>5. Paint the walls in an earth tone color to coordinate with, or contrast with, the tile. Examples that work well when decorating a kitchen in a lodge look are a soft sunshine yellow, a muted orange or red and any hue of brown or tan.</p><br /><p>6. Choose light fixtures that reflect the outdoors. Examples include deer antler chandeliers for above tables, or simple mission style black fixtures in a more contemporary space. Other options include wrought iron pendant lights, with or without wildlife cutouts, for above the breakfast bar. Look for styles that match or complement your hardware choices for uniformity in the space.</p><br /><p>7. Upholster bar stools or chair seats in leather. Choose the color depending on your other elements: For a more rustic look, use a <i>deep brown</i>; for a classic feel, use a black to match the hardware; or for a modern take, choose a red, orange or buttercream yellow to coordinate with the tile work in the backsplash.</p><br /><p>8. Replace any traditional blinds with wooden ones. Curtains, in coordinating colors, can be used to soften the look if necessary. Fabric print options include a gingham that reflects picnics in the woods or wildlife prints that remind you of creatures around a traditional lodge. For a more sophisticated <i>lodge look</i> choose window treatments in a solid color, such as a deep brown, with touches of leather lacing around the top and down the sides.</p><br /><p>9. Bring in stainless steel appliances -- large and small ones -- to brighten up the space. When working with so many other wood elements, the shininess will add a polished feel to the room.</p><br /><p>10. Hang artwork and place decor accessories that are nature themed, such as a painting of a cabin nestled among trees and forest creatures or photograph of a beautiful sunset over the lake. Place plants around the room when decorating a kitchen in a lodge look to finish bringing the outdoors in.</p><b>Tags</b>: lodge look, <b>kitchen lodge look</b>, <i>coordinate with</i>, <i>decorating kitchen</i>, <i>decorating kitchen lodge</i>, deep brownAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-36341473197814858542015-12-30T02:22:00.000-08:002015-12-30T02:22:00.087-08:00Collect Weller Cornish<p><blockquote>Know what to look for when buying antique pottery to avoid fakes.</p></blockquote><br /><p>The <i>Cornish line</i> from the Weller Pottery Company was introduced in the early 1930s. This Depression-era pottery was among the last hand-painted works the Ohio company made before it closed in 1948. In the early days, the company made utility pieces, but when owner Samuel Weller saw competitors' success with art pottery, he started producing more display pieces. The Cornish line has become a collector's favorite.</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Know identify <i>Weller Cornish</i> Art Pottery. These pieces are primarily either "sea blue" or brown and have a matte finish. They are decorated on the front with a raised flowering tree branch and leaves. Cornish pieces are almost always signed with the script "Weller Pottery." An initial sometimes accompanies the mark, often of the artist who finished the piece.</p><br /><p>2. Examine the pottery carefully for defects. Those that occur during the making of pottery, or manufacturing flaws, are fairly common with Weller <i>Cornish pieces</i>. Mold flaws occur after the mold is used over and over. If your piece is perfectly formed, it is especially valuable, since it was likely one of the first pieces out of the mold. Don't be concerned about minor manufacturing defects -- Weller Cornish was mass produced, and a perfect piece would be unusual.</p><br /><p>3. Check for reproductions. Authentic <b>Weller Cornish</b> pottery won't have a glossy finish. Check the sizes against a reference book. For example, the squat vase in the Cornish line is about 3 inches high and 4.75 inches wide. Any deviation of more than or less than half an inch should be suspect.</p><br /><p>4. Maintain separate insurance coverage for your pottery. The rare sea blue ginger jar can be priced from $600 to $750. Your collection won't be adequately covered by your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.</p><b>Tags</b>: Weller Cornish, <i>Cornish line</i>, <i>company made</i>, Cornish pieces, <i>Weller Pottery</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-43404362601080741142015-12-29T23:42:00.000-08:002015-12-29T23:42:00.433-08:0020th Century Design<p><q>Twentieth century design (1900-99) encompasses a broad range of industries and products. The influence of this period of design can be seen in architecture, home furnishings, decorative arts, clothing and graphics. There is not one design look or style for the <i>20th century</i>, but a series of overlapping styles that represent the arrival of the modern world. Architecture provides a visual catalog of <b>20th century design</b>. Does this Spark an idea?</q><br /><p><h2><b>Craftsman Style</b></h2></p><br /><p>Craftsman style, also <a href="http://acting-audit.blogspot.com">called</a> The American Arts and Crafts Movement, dates from before the turn of the century to around 1929. This design style emphasizes handcrafting, using wood, glass and metal to create clean lines and sturdy <a href="http://tattoo67.blogspot.com">structure</a> from local materials. Craftsman style was a response to the ever-increasing mass produced housing styles and products. American craft styles and architectural details that came from this era are Shaker furniture, Mission furniture and the idea of placing a breakfast area or "nook" in the kitchen.</p><br /><p><h2>Art Deco Style</h2></p><br /><p>Art Deco, dated from 1925 to the 1940s, encompasses a wide variety of <b>20th century</b> design styles---Cubism, Constructivism, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau and Futurism. Art Deco was not rooted in a political or philosophical statement but was inspired by a purely decorative desire. It made use of industrial materials---stainless steel and aluminum---and more decorative applications like in-laid and lacquered woods. Bold patterns (chevrons, geometrics, stepped and sweeping curves) decorated carpets, furniture, fabrics and clothing. This type of bold pattern statement is repeated during the 1960s. The Chrysler Building and the Empire State Building are examples of Art Deco architecture.</p><br /><p><h2>International Style</h2></p><br /><p>Dated 1920 through the early 1930s, the International Style marks the beginning of the end of the highly decorative style. The International style is noted for its stark contrast to Art Nouveau, with its clean, straight undecorated lines. Building footprints were square or rectangular with windows broken into grid patterns running uninterrupted across the facade. The tall, soaring and simple lines of the United Nations headquarters and the Seagram Building, both in New York, are examples of the International style.</p><br /><p><h2>Mid-Century Design</h2></p><br /><p>Mid-century design is dated 1933 to 1965. It is a mix of styles overlapping the Art Deco period and includes the work of Isamu Noguchi, Eileen Grey, Richard Neutra and Charles and Ray Eames. In this part of the 20th century, Frank Lloyd Wright's ideas about organic architecture combined with those of the Bauhaus (the unification of art, technology and craft) and the International style. A large expanse of windows and open floor plans are found in homes and offices built during the mid-century design era. The Main Terminal at Dulles Airport in northern Virginia and the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco are examples of the more organic shapes of mid-<b>century design</b>.</p><br /><p><h2>Postmodern Design</h2></p><br /><p>From the mid-1960s to the end of the 20th century, design became a melting pot of ideas and styles. Postmodern design is not about a particular type of design but an exploration of what came before. As new technologies developed, many old styles were revived and reworked---the architecture of Michael Graves reflects the geometric and bold patterns of the Art Deco period. The ability to build taller and more complex forms such as those designed by American architect Frank Gehry (Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, 1997) put to use the concept of melding technology and craft embedded in mid-century design.</p><b>Tags</b>: 20th century, century design, 20th century design, Craftsman style, <i>Deco period</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-78953972179357192062015-12-29T05:09:00.000-08:002015-12-29T05:09:00.128-08:00List Of East Coast Colleges In North Carolina That Offer Photography<p><blockquote>List of East Coast Colleges in North Carolina That Offer Photography</p></blockquote><br /><p>North Carolina's universities have art departments with faculty and courses in a wide variety of media, including photography. These departments offer BA (Bachelor of Art) degrees and BFA (Bachelor of Fine Art) degrees to undergraduates, and often have graduate students working toward Masters or PhD degrees as well.</p><br /><p><h2>University of <b>North Carolina</b> at Chapel Hill: Department of Art</h2></p><br /><p>The University of North Carolina at <b>Chapel Hill</b>, commonly referred to as UNC Chapel Hill, awards BA and BFA degrees to undergraduates in its Department of Art. All art majors, whether working toward a BA degree or BFA degree, must complete four interdisciplinary foundation courses as prerequisites to upper level courses. Students can select photography as their medium of concentration. Students working toward a BFA will have to take more courses in their concentration; students working toward a BA have the opportunity to major in another field. UNC Chapel Hill was ranked 28th in US News and World Report's 2010 rankings of national universities.</p><br /><p>University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Department of Art</p><br /><p>115 South Columbia Street, Hanes Art Center</p><br /><p>Chapel Hill, NC 27599</p><br /><p>(919) 962-2015</p><br /><p>unc.edu/arts/</p><br /><p><h2>University of North Carolina at Asheville: Art Department</h2></p><br /><p>University of <b>North Carolina</b> at Asheville offers a BA degree with a concentration in Studio Art as well as a BFA degree. BFA students <i>must complete</i> 42 hours of studio course work and 12 hours of art history. BFA students must complete a senior project and present a show in the University Gallery; BA students are encouraged to do the same. BFA students can select photography as their medium of concentration, and must complete 21 hours of course work in that concentration. Students working two-dimensionally can take advantage of the school's individual studio space for students.</p><br /><p>University of North Carolina at Asheville: Art Department</p><br /><p>117 Owen Hall, One University Heights</p><br /><p>Asheville, NC 28804</p><br /><p>(628) 251-6559</p><br /><p>unca.edu/art</p><br /><p><h2><i>Duke University</i>: Art, Art History, and Visual Studies</h2></p><br /><p>Duke University's Art, Art History and Visual Studies program offers a major in visual arts with a concentration in photography. Undergraduates can study digital graphics, digital photography or traditional darkroom photography. Photography classes are offered in collaboration with the Center for Documentary Studies (CDs.aas.duke.edu). The undergraduate art major requires 11 courses. Duke University was ranked 10th in US News and World Report's 2010 rankings of national universities.</p><br /><p>Duke University Art, Art History, and Visual Studies</p><br /><p>112 East Duke Building</p><br /><p>Durham, NC 27708</p><br /><p>(919) 684 2224</p><br /><p>duke.edu/web/art/</p><b>Tags</b>: North Carolina, Chapel Hill, <i>University North</i>, <b>University North Carolina</b>, Duke University, must completeAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-66818829646452672392015-12-29T03:35:00.000-08:002015-12-29T03:35:00.085-08:00Donate Kitchenware In Philadelphia<p><blockquote>Your unused kitchenware can be of great use to the needy.</p></blockquote><br /><p>If you've recently upgraded your appliances or have unused kitchenware that is in good working condition, don't just throw them out. Instead, consider a donation to others in need. Many charity organizations in Philadelphia work to provide amenities to the homeless and needy and welcome these types of items. A few charities will even arrange to pick up your items within a particular radius.</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Segregate the kitchenware lying unused in your kitchen cabinets. Check appliances that you wish to donate by plugging them in and running them for a few minutes to make sure that they work. Locate all accessories for appliances like blenders and have them ready to pack with the appliance. Clean external and internal surfaces of appliances and pack them using bubble wrap. Place the appliance along with the accessories into a carton box and tape securely.</p><br /><p>2. Clean kitchen utensils and dry them out before packing into boxes. If there are sharp objects, place them in a separate box and label appropriately for safe handling.</p><br /><p>3. Call Impact Services at (215) 423-3613. This is a registered nonprofit organization in Philadelphia that works to serve the needy. The items you donate will be sold at very low rates to those in need. Speak to the staff and make a date for them to pick up <b>your kitchenware</b>.</p><br /><p>4. Get in touch with the Sunday Breakfast Rescue Mission, a charity that has served the homeless in Philadelphia for more than 130 years. The two offices are located in Center City and in the Germantown neighborhood. Visit these locations to find out about donating <i>your kitchenware</i> and make arrangements for pick up or delivery.</p><br /><p>5. Browse the website of DonationTown, an organization that will help you locate a Philadelphia <b>charity that</b> will accept your kitchenware donation. This organization works in collaboration with various groups such as the Salvation Army, Goodwill, Good Samaritan Ministries and Habitat for Humanity.</p><b>Tags</b>: your kitchenware, <i>charity that</i>, <b>pick your</b>, <b>that will</b>, <i>unused kitchenware</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-92109651508675662852015-12-29T02:14:00.000-08:002015-12-29T02:14:00.722-08:00Missionstyle Table Lamps<p><blockquote>Mission Style decor is characterized by geometric elements and rich wood finishes.</p></blockquote><br /><p>A subset of the Arts and <i>Crafts style</i> that was popular in the early 1900s, Mission Style continues to be influential in the design of furniture, architecture and interior decor even today. Characterized by simple geometric patterns and rich finishes, Mission Style is particularly well suited to the design of lamps, where metal and glass shades are often married with wooden bases. Decorators may choose Mission Style lamps that range from costly antiques to affordable modern pieces. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Antique Lamps</h2></p><br /><p>The most expensive way to bring the <i>Mission Style</i> into your lighting decor is to buy an <b>authentic antique</b> lamp. Lamps designed and manufactured by the most famous Arts and Crafts designers, such as Gustav Stickley and Charles Limbert, are prized for their craftsmanship and elegant design. However, these <b>antique lamps</b> are rare and eagerly sought by collectors, and genuine antique lamps often sell at auction for tens of thousands of dollars.</p><br /><p><h2>Antique Reproductions</h2></p><br /><p>For those who want a Stickley lamp but don't have a bank account that will allow the purchase of the real thing, a reproduction could be an acceptable solution. Reproductions are manufactured by craftsmen to mimic the look of particular <b>antique lamp</b> designs, often even using electrical cords that resemble antique wiring. Wood finishes aim to replicate the hue of the original designs, and metal parts are chemically aged. Reproductions typically cost several hundred dollars but are still a fraction of the cost of an authentic antique.</p><br /><p><h2>Craftsman Lamps</h2></p><br /><p>Lamps designed and built by contemporary craftsman in the style of Mission originals occupy a price point between antique lamps and reproductions. These lamps are contemporary pieces designed by artisans using the principles of the Arts and Crafts style but which do not copy a particular antique design. Craftsman lamps typically utilize traditional materials, including wood, metal and finishes, and they may or may not be artificially aged to give them an antique look. Craftsman lamps commonly cost more than a thousand dollars.</p><br /><p><h2>Mass-Produced Lamps</h2></p><br /><p>Contemporary mass-produced lamps are the least expensive option for designers on a limited budget. Designed with the basic concepts of the Mission Style in mind, these lamps use materials that replicate the look of antique lamps without incurring the cost of the finest finishes or hand craftsmanship. Mass-produced lamps are available from mainstream retailers and typically cost less than $200.</p><b>Tags</b>: Mission Style, antique lamps, Arts Crafts, antique lamp, <i>Arts Crafts style</i>, authentic antique, Crafts styleAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-10589543566756924512015-12-29T00:07:00.000-08:002015-12-29T00:07:00.119-08:00Williamsburg Restoration History<p><blockquote>The Colonial Williamsburg history site recreates life in 18th century Virginia. The restored village includes commercial and residential structures and living history exhibits depicting the crafts, agriculture, politics, home life and society that made up early Williamsburg. The restoration project began as the mission of two individuals and took decades to complete.</p></blockquote><br /><p><h2>History</h2></p><br /><p>Williamsburg was the center of Virginia life from 1699 until 1780 serving as "...the largest, most populous and most influential of the American colonies," according to the Colonial Williamsburg website. After the center of colonial government was transferred to Richmond, Williamsburg was a popular college town.</p><br /><p><h2>The Vision</h2></p><br /><p>Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, minister of the Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg, first planned the restoration and preservation of town's <b>historic structures</b> in 1926. The original plan included only a few of the most historic structures, but soon expanded to include the majority of the original capital.</p><br /><p><h2>Funding</h2></p><br /><p>John D. Rockefeller, Jr. was approached by Dr. Goodwin and the Phi Beta Kappa Society in 1927 and the philanthropist agreed to fund the development of the project. Rockefeller continued to advise and fund projects until his death in 1960.</p><br /><p><h2><b>Colonial Williamsburg</b> Foundation</h2></p><br /><p>Rockefeller endowed the Colonial <b>Williamsburg Foundation</b> with the necessary capital for future restoration projects and also to preserve the structures that had been restored. Additional museums, halls and the John D. Rockefeller, Jr. Library have been constructed by the foundation.</p><br /><p><h2>Restoration Facts</h2></p><br /><p>The <i>Colonial Williamsburg</i> restoration includes "approximately 85 percent of the 18th-century capital's original area," according to the foundation. The restored site has hosted over 100 million guests, including nine U.S. presidents and more than 100 foreign heads of state.</p><b>Tags</b>: Colonial Williamsburg, <b>Colonial Williamsburg Foundation</b>, <i>historic structures</i>, <i>John Rockefeller</i>, Williamsburg FoundationAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-21768602792817063252015-12-28T07:47:00.000-08:002015-12-28T07:47:00.052-08:00Wicker Styles<p><q>American wicker furniture was made in distinctive styles that are now valued antiques.</p></q><br /><p>Wicker boxes, baskets and <i>chairs have</i> been recovered on archaeological digs in Egypt. The Egyptians wove river reeds and swamp grasses from the Nile, and their handiwork spread in popularity throughout the Roman Empire. Today, wicker furniture is made from rattan, bamboo, cane, reed, willow and even resin. But connoisseurs of vintage wicker seek out the four styles that dominated American-designed wicker furniture during the late nineteenth to early twentieth centuries and that continue to influence wicker design. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Victorian Wicker</h2></p><br /><p>Victorian wicker is what many people first think of when they imagine <b>wicker furniture</b>. It is elaborately scrolled and curlicued. The designs are complex and might include beading, spirals or flower shapes of bent wicker, tabletops woven tightly of thin strands, and legs and supports of more substantial reeds or branches. A simpler Victorian style was still intricately woven but somewhat less ornate and featured repetitive patterns rather than ornate detailing. The furniture ranged from sofas and love seats to chairs, side tables, bookshelves, music stands, bird cages, rockers, stools and picture and mirror frames. The Victorian wicker heyday dates from about 1850 to 1900.</p><br /><p><h2>Bar Harbor Wicker</h2></p><br /><p>Bar Harbor-style wicker is much less showy than its Victorian cousin. It was widely made from 1900 to about 1920 when art deco became the style-du-jour. Bar Harbor is hand-woven, the reeds are criss-crossed in an open diamond pattern, and the borders are tightly woven together in a braid. The overall shape of the pieces may be gently curved or squared-off but the lattice-work sections are unmistakably Bar Harbor style. Porch chairs may <b>have magazine</b> pockets on the outside of one or both arms. The relative severity of the unpainted and stained pieces resembles Mission furniture.</p><br /><p><h2>Stick Wicker</h2></p><br /><p>Stick wicker is very symmetrical and vertical. It has a modern look to it. The reeds are the same size, evenly spaced and do not overlap. The vertical reeds are set in the frame, not woven together. Furniture tends to be more angular and squared than round. It has flat, wide armrests, occasionally with built-in cup holders. Chairs and sofas may have magazine pockets and the seats are deep and designed to hold thick cushions. Stick wicker was popular from the early 1900s to late 1920s.</p><br /><p><h2>Art Deco</h2></p><br /><p>Art deco combined very closely woven patterns with woven-in art deco designs. A natural-colored wicker chair or table might have a woven center panel using lighter and painted reeds in a sharp geometric design: diamonds were popular as were zig-zags and arrows and anything angular. While the pieces themselves are curvy, they are not ornate or curlicued. The shapes tend more to be rounded with alternating close-weave and loose-weave sections, flared legs and boxy bases. Art deco was popular during the Age of the Flappers. The 1920s saw a lot of it produced. In 1917, the Lloyd loom was invented and wicker began to be woven in sheets, like cloth. This resulted in sheets of machine-woven skinny reeds or paper strands that could be applied to frames of sturdier hand-bent and assembled reeds, and made wicker more widely available as a decorating choice.</p><b>Tags</b>: <b>wicker furniture</b>, <i>chairs have</i>, <i>furniture made</i>, <b>have magazine</b>, <b>have magazine pockets</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-33011114082674750922015-12-28T05:23:00.000-08:002015-12-28T05:23:00.655-08:00Make Your Own Trestle Table<p><blockquote>Make Your Own Trestle Table</p></blockquote><br /><p>Trestle tables have been around at least since medieval times. And even now, whether your home is furnished in modern or Early American or minimalist, there is a trestle table that will look good with it. It will look good with chairs or benches (either upholstered or bare wood), and decked out with either simple shapes or ornate carvings.</p><br /><p>This simple design will fit in with many different styles, and it is not difficult to build. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Make a I-shaped assembly using one of the 2 x 8s (trestle), four each of the 2 x 4s and 1 x 4s, and two of the feet. Start by laying the 2 x 8 on your work surface. At one end, put glue on one end of a 2 x 4, and butt this piece at a right angle against the end of the 2 x 8, forming one of the "stems" of the I. Repeat this on the other side of the 2 x 8, using another 2 x 4 and forming a straight line with the first stem.</p><br /><p>2. Spread glue on one side of a 1 x 4, then use it to cover the "bottom of the I" you created in the last step. Carefully flip this assembly over onto its other side; then repeat the process with another 1 x 4 on this side. You should now have three layers: two 1 x 4s, with the end of the 2 x 8 and its two stems sandwiched in-between. Clamp this "sandwich" together until the glue dries.</p><br /><p>3. Repeat this process on the other end of the 2 x 8. This will complete one of the leg assemblies.</p><br /><p>4. Glue and clamp a 3 x 3 foot to the bottom of each of the leg's bottom stems. When you stand the leg upright, it will sit on these two feet.</p><br /><p>5. Repeat these first four steps with the remaining 2 x 8, 2 x 4s, 1 x 4s and feet to make a second leg assembly.</p><br /><p>6. Join the leg assemblies using the 2 x 6. Measure 12 inches from the bottom of each leg; this is how high the bottom of the 2 x 6 should be. Drill two holes through each leg into the end of the 2 x 6, countersinking each screw halfway into the leg. Use four screws, two in each leg, to attach the legs to the 2 x 6.</p><br /><p>7. Miter both ends on all four of the 2 x 2 pieces. Glue and nail each of these pieces onto the edges of the plywood panel, creating a tabletop with a 3/4-inch cavity in the bottom. (Framing the panel this way creates a thicker-looking tabletop.)</p><br /><p>8. Position the tabletop, cavity down, on top of the legs; the legs should fit snugly into the cavity. <b>Drill holes</b> through the 2 x 2 edges into the end of the legs, countersinking them <b>halfway into</b> the 2 x 2s. Using four screws, attach the top to the legs; then drive six nails, three nails for each leg, through the tabletop and into the top of the legs. Space the nails evenly across the tabletop - one nail at the midpoint, and the other two halfway between the first nail and the tabletop's edge. Use the nailset to set the nail heads just below the surface.</p><br /><p>9. Fill the screw and nail holes with wood putty. Let it dry, then sand and finish the table as you please.</p><b>Tags</b>: <i>attach legs</i>, <b>bottom each</b>, Drill holes, <i>Drill holes through</i>, <i>four screws</i>, <b>good with</b>, halfway intoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-23694277449471195992015-12-28T04:14:00.000-08:002015-12-28T04:14:00.410-08:00Minority Medical Colleges<p><blockquote>Medical schools that educate a higher percentage of minorities are important not only because they offer educational opportunities to underrepresented sections of the population, but also because of the focused research they conduct into diseases and conditions that affect a disproportionate number of people from certain ethnic backgrounds. The medical schools emphasize producing physicians that can serve communities with shortages in health professionals and services.</p></blockquote><br /><p><h2>Stanford University</h2></p><br /><p>Stanford University's School of Medicine prides itself on comprising a diversified incoming class. The largest number of minorities represented is Latinos who make up nearly 15 percent of students entering the program. Its Latino Medical Students Association joins forces with other student organizations to perform outreach education in under-served areas and other service related activities.</p><br /><p>Stanford <i>University School</i> of Medicine</p><br /><p>251 Campus Drive</p><br /><p>Stanford, CA 94305</p><br /><p>650-723-6861</p><br /><p>med.stanford.edu</p><br /><p><h2>Howard University School of Medicine</h2></p><br /><p><b>Howard University</b> School of Medicine is the nation's oldest historically black medical school. Established in 1868, Howard's objective is to educate students to provide first-rate medical care in areas that often go without adequate numbers of physicians. The school also operates the National Human Genome Center that researches health problems affecting a disproportionate number of African Americans.</p><br /><p>Howard University College of Medicine</p><br /><p>520 W St., N.W.</p><br /><p>Washington, DC 20059</p><br /><p>202-806-6270</p><br /><p>medicine.howard.edu</p><br /><p><h2>Morehouse School of Medicine</h2></p><br /><p>Morehouse School of Medicine began in 1975 and has focused its attention on producing physicians dedicated to primary care. The National Center for Primary Care at Morehouse has a mission to eradicate the disparity in health care for rural and poorer communities throughout the country.</p><br /><p>Morehouse School of Medicine</p><br /><p>720 Westview Drive</p><br /><p>Atlanta, GA 30310</p><br /><p>404-752-1551</p><br /><p>msm.edu</p><br /><p><h2><i>Meharry Medical</i> College</h2></p><br /><p>Meharry Medical College is the nation's largest private, historically black institution. The college's mission is to eradicate health disparities and contribute highly qualified professionals that enhance the diversity of the health industry's workforce. More than half of its graduates practice in under-served communities. Among several centers at Meharry dedicated to focused research and community outreach is the Meharry Sickle Cell Center that provides care for adults in the middle Tennessee area living with the disease.</p><br /><p>Meharry <i>Medical College</i></p><br /><p>1005 Dr. D.B. Todd Jr. Blvd.</p><br /><p>Nashville, TN 37208</p><br /><p>615-327-6000</p><br /><p>mmc.edu</p><b>Tags</b>: <i>School Medicine</i>, University School, <i>University School Medicine</i>, Howard University, Medical College, Meharry MedicalAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-88010417647444488212015-12-28T01:33:00.000-08:002015-12-28T01:33:00.184-08:00Where To Grow Wine Grapes In San Diego<p><q>Grapes grow best with long, sunny summers and mild winters.</p></q><br /><p>Grapes are old-world plants that do well if they get enough sun, drainage, water and nutrition. In San Diego's U.S. Department of Agriculture growing zone 10, gardeners can plant grapes anywhere that provides this mix of conditions. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>History</h2></p><br /><p>According to The Reader, the friars of Mission San Diego planted grapevines in 1769, when they wanted to produce wine for their sacrament.</p><br /><p><h2>San Diego Growing Zones</h2></p><br /><p>San Diego sits in growing zone 10, and gets winter temperatures of only 30 to 40 degrees F. This lack of cold weather -- and frost, in many areas -- is ideal for grapes, which require a long, hot growing season. All of San Diego falls into this category, and hosts grape-growing weather. Gardeners in coastal San Diego may have slightly better success, with slightly warmer weather, than those in inland or desert San Diego.</p><br /><p><h2>Planting Site</h2></p><br /><p>Grapes require full drainage, sun and air circulation, and do best on slopes that face south. <i>Gardeners must</i> <b>plant grapes</b> where they have enough space -- around 8 to 10 feet per plant -- and can grow free of competition.</p><br /><p><h2>Growing Requirements</h2></p><br /><p>Grapes need deep, loose and nutritious soil in their planting site. If the garden doesn't provide naturally fertile soil, gardeners should mix organic compost and quick-draining garden soil into the site to <b>give grapes</b> what they need for growing.</p><br /><p><h2>Foundation</h2></p><br /><p>Grapes require support for their vines, and should always have a trellis or arbor system. <i>Gardeners must</i> choose a site that sits near a wall or has room for a trellis or arbor, to give the grapes the structural support they need.</p><b>Tags</b>: Gardeners must, <i>give grapes</i>, <b>Grapes require</b>, <i>growing zone</i>, plant grapes, <b>they need</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-88197643298000653332015-12-27T23:08:00.000-08:002015-12-27T23:08:00.561-08:00Home Decorating Styles Of The 1920'S<p><q>Sleek silver serving sets were a common element in art deco design.</p></q><br /><p>The 1920s was a decade of peace and prosperity for the U.S. At the turn of the 20th century, the Arts and Crafts movement in architecture and interior design prevailed, but this style began to give way to art deco and revivalist styles. In this same era, the roots of the style that is now called "modern" began to take hold. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Art Deco</h2></p><br /><p>The art <i>deco design</i> exhibits a mix of European, African and Oriental artifacts, a broad spectrum of color and geometric shapes. Influenced by such events as the discovery of King Tut's tomb and the 1925 Paris Exposition, art deco decor is characterized by the eclectic mix of traditional and modern. Typical of art <b>deco design</b> is gold walls, painted tiles, bold patterned rugs and wood floors played against fabrics printed in geometric patterns, modernist paintings and artifacts collected from world travels. Art deco design is defined by sleek lines, linear patterns and cool, smooth textures.</p><br /><p><h2>Revivalism</h2></p><br /><p>The same global influences in art deco also brought about an interest in past interior design styles, ranging from American colonial to Spanish revivalist. Architects of the time drew from the global pool to create updated versions of earlier architectural styles. America saw a surge of Tudor, Spanish mission and French eclectic designs as well as Colonial style homes.</p><br /><p>The architecture inspired the interiors. Tudor homes are decorated in classical English design, complete with dark wood furnishings, large family portraits and oversize trestle tables. The Spanish mission enjoys painted cabinetry and tiles, pottery-filled kitchens and wrought iron furnishings padded with brightly-colored fabrics.</p><br /><p>The French eclectic <b>architecture inspired</b> French country styles complete with whitewashed walls and blue trim and furniture painted in creamy whites. The <i>American colonial</i> style is reminiscent of the heavy tables and hard benches of early colonial times but updated with upholstery and earth tones in smooth, subtle shades.</p><br /><p><h2>Modern</h2></p><br /><p>In Germany, after World War I, the establishment of the Bauhaus School of Design started a movement toward the clean, almost harsh lines of early modern design, though it was art deco decor that was, at the time, considered modern.</p><br /><p>The adherents to the Bauhaus School of Design, however, saw the marriage of industrialization and handcrafting as a cause for exhibition within design. The sleek lines prevalent in art deco were celebrated due to the manufacturing process. Nuts and bolts, joiners and stitching were as much a part of the design as the materials themselves.</p><br /><p>The Bauhaus design concept was as much a political statement as it was a reflection of the industrial era. In America, the design concepts made their way into the home late in the decade but were not widely accepted. Few architects and designers employed the design, but the Bauhaus was to have its day.</p><br /><p>By the early 1950s, modern design had taken hold in America and was considered the antithesis of traditional designs, such as art deco and revivalism.</p><b>Tags</b>: deco design, American colonial, architecture inspired, <i>Bauhaus School</i>, <i>Bauhaus School Design</i>, <i>complete with</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-76715316683982199872015-12-25T07:32:00.000-08:002015-12-25T07:32:00.077-08:00Open A Designer Boutique<p><q>Designer boutiques are often first to introduce bold new styles.</p></q><br /><p>Fashion designers create and help to produce clothing and accessories for a diverse collection of consumers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the design process begins with a designer's study of fashion trends. He uses this knowledge to create his personal designs and then chooses fabrics and textures to bring those creations to reality. The design and production process takes between 18 and 24 months.</p><br /><p>Finished clothing and accessory designs are shown to retailers at trade shows. A boutique owner places orders for merchandise she believes her target market will purchase (see References 1).</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Structure your boutique business. Work with a Certified Public Accountant with specialty retail experience. Meet with a commercial insurance agent with a similar background, plus liability expertise. Visit your city or county clerk's office to obtain a business license. Finally, contact your state Department of Revenue for a sales tax license. (See Resources.)</p><br /><p>2. Choose a convenient location. Find a storefront site accessible from major highways and with good main road access. Look for a location near businesses that serve your market--upscale <b>beauty salons</b> or spas, fine jewelry stores or kitchen gourmet shops. Ensure that your building has plenty of parking and install front display windows so you can showcase your designer fashions.</p><br /><p>3. Create your boutique's style sense. Before you examine the bewildering array of designer merchandise, decide on the types of designers you want to showcase. Choices include American designers, high-fashion couture and contemporary and urban fashions. It's also possible to blend <b>design styles</b>.</p><br /><p>4. Design upscale shop décor. Work with an interior designer to achieve an exclusive look that complements your <i>designer fashions</i>. Use different colors, textures and materials to make your style statement. Add furniture and accent pieces, along with graphics provided by your design houses. Locate a local interior designer through the American Society of Interior Designers. (See Resources.)</p><br /><p>5. Place your clothing and accessories orders. Take note of the design styles you will feature and any seasonal fashion guidelines for your region. Compile a wholesale fashion order that includes a good mix of styles, sizes and colors. Include accessories such as purses and shoes. (See Resources.)</p><br /><p>6. Hire fashion-savvy staff. Find staff who can communicate an exclusive sense of style to your customers. Employees should be impeccably dressed and accessorized and must be comfortable working with customers to find the perfect designer fashions and accessories.</p><br /><p>7. Hold a Grand Opening <b>Trunk Show</b>. Open <b>your boutique</b> to fashionistas throughout your region. Gather a representative selection of your clothes and accessories for the Trunk Show. Recruit models to complement the clothing and partner with a beauty salon to create flawless hair and makeup looks.</p><br /><p>Advertise the event in the Style section of local newspapers and with printed invitations distributed to upscale beauty salons and day spas. Serve light refreshments and ask other upscale businesses to donate merchandise for door prizes. Finally, assemble swag bags full of goodies for a predetermined number of Trunk Show customers.</p><b>Tags</b>: <b>designer fashions</b>, Trunk Show, your boutique, beauty salons, <i>beauty salons spas</i>, <i>clothing accessories</i>, design stylesAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-10201100050420836912015-12-25T02:27:00.000-08:002015-12-25T02:27:00.052-08:00Christmas Volunteer Projects<p><blockquote>Spread <b>holiday cheer</b> by volunteering time to donate and wrap gifts for a charity organization.</p></blockquote><br /><p>'Tis the season to spread some holiday cheer to those less fortunate by volunteering time, materials or items for some of the many Christmas-themed projects taking place around the country. Religious missions, food banks and radio stations often sponsor large-scale, unique volunteer opportunities that allow the average American to help make a the holiday season a little brighter for another person. This year, use free time and personal talents to volunteer for a community organization. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Mission Projects</h2></p><br /><p>Many communities throughout the United States are home to non-profit, religious missions which aim to help less fortunate men, women and children. Often, these missions, such as the Star of <i>Hope Mission</i> in Houston, Texas, operate because of volunteers. During the holiday season, missions often become more hectic and chaotic due to an increased need in the community. Contact your local mission, Salvation Army or homeless shelter to determine where opportunities for Christmas volunteering exists. The Star of Hope Mission features several holiday projects which require the help of volunteers of all ages. People can help serve daily meals throughout the <i>holiday season</i> or read Christmas themed bedtime stories to children along with serving milk and cookies. Help spread the religious message of the Christmas season by helping children complete activities, games and bible stories centered around the Christmas theme. Perhaps the project requiring the most holiday cheer is the Christmas Workshop run by Star of Hope Mission volunteers. At the Christmas Workshop, the volunteers <i>help sort</i> through donated items, wrap gifts for mission residents and help spread a sense of joy to all who visit the mission.</p><br /><p><h2>Food Banks</h2></p><br /><p>Most major metropolitan areas are home to a food bank, aimed at ensuring no American is forced to go hungry. The Atlanta, Georgia community is home to the Atlanta Community Food Bank, which is largely dependent on volunteer aid. The Christmas season is the food bank's busiest time, as it is for many food banks throughout the United States. Contact a local food bank to inquire about volunteer opportunities in your area. Volunteers generally <i>help sort</i>, package and group donated items, preparing them to be given to needy families. Additionally, the Atlanta Community Food Bank sponsors some Christmas-themed projects throughout the metropolitan area. Volunteers can help out at the Christmas Festival, held at the Fellowship Baptist Church in East Point, Georgia. This event requires volunteers to help distribute free food to families as well as wrap and hand out presents to children as a team of "Santa's helpers." The food bank also donates food to many community organizations which serve Christmas dinner to the public. Volunteers can help prepare and serve this all important holiday meal.</p><br /><p><h2>Radio Station Projects</h2></p><br /><p>Local radio stations often sponsor volunteer opportunities aimed at helping make the season better for their listeners. Radio station projects are generally a good way for a family or individual who is short on time to spread good tidings in a fun, festive environment. Contact the radio stations in your area to determine which project's and opportunities are available. 92.5 WXTU, Philadelphia's country music station, offers a unique opportunity for those with a creative sensibility. Each year, the team at XTU sponsors the Toy Truck Parade. Truck drivers, local fire stations and community truck and SVU owners decorate their vehicles which are then filled with donated toys for area children. No child should be without a shiny gift under the tree, and the XTU Toy Truck Parade delivers. Volunteers can help sort and fill vehicles, as well as build Toy Mountain at the parade destination or help people decorate their vehicles.</p><b>Tags</b>: help sort, holiday cheer, holiday season, Hope Mission, <b>radio stations</b>, <i>Star Hope</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-47419384919903578762015-12-25T00:12:00.000-08:002015-12-25T00:12:00.734-08:00Date A Cushman 607 Smoking Table<p><blockquote>Date a Cushman 607 Smoking Table</p></blockquote><br /><p>In 1886, the H. T. Cushman Company of North Bennington, Vermont, began manufacturing small pieces of furniture. These included coat racks, umbrella stands, portrait easels and other decorative yet functional items. In 1913, Cushman introduced a limited line of smoking stands called "smokers." Cushman smokers became the most popular smoking stands in the country. By the mid-1930s, the popularity of smoking furniture had decreased, although Cushman still produced smokers for a few more years. Because of a lack of reference materials, dating the 607 Cushman smoker (607 refers to a model number) could take some detective work and perseverance.</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Confirm the number 607 for your smoking table by examining the piece for a company label. This most likely will be on the back or bottom of the piece. If the label says 607, you have an important piece of information for dating your smoker.</p><br /><p>2. Take notes on the physical characteristics of <i>your smoker</i>. Record any decorative details, such as painted designs or turned legs, dimensions and finish. Include any information about what the smoking stand provides for the smoker, such as pipe stands, a lined humidor or ashtrays. Pay attention to unusual details; for instance, some smokers had a round indentation on the top surface where an ashtray or tobacco jar would rest. All of these clues can help you determine the era when your smoker was produced.</p><br /><p>3. Check resources on Cushman furniture. These include reference books on Mission-style or Depression-era furniture and general antique guides (often available at public libraries). Use your notes on <b>your smoker</b> to compare details; you might be able to determine a range of dates when your 607 smoker was manufactured simply based on styles of certain periods. The most dependable reference would be an actual Cushman company catalog that lists your smoker, but such catalogs are hard to locate. Watch online auctions, used bookstores, garage sales and other resources for Cushman catalogs you can use for research.</p><br /><p>4. As a last resort, contact a furniture appraiser. This costs money, but an appraiser may have the necessary resources to give you an accurate date for your Cushman stand. Contact an appraiser locally, if possible. If you can't get an in-person appraisal, send detailed photos and your notes by email.</p><b>Tags</b>: your smoker, Cushman Smoking, <b>Cushman Smoking</b> Table, Date Cushman, <b>Date Cushman Smoking</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-4285763181581511082015-12-24T23:49:00.000-08:002015-12-24T23:49:00.233-08:00Set Up A Homeopathic Medical Practice<p><q>Starting up a homeopathic medical practice takes planning, dedication, time and resources. As in setting-up any type of alternative practice, the first thing you need is a plan. It is important to first visualize the kind of practice you wish to have. How many clients do you wish to see? What does your office look like? Will you specialize in any one area or in multiple areas? From here you can write down everything that you decided upon and then set your goals to produce the results that you want.</p></q><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p><h2>What You Will Need to Do to Start a Homeopathic Practice</h2></p><br /><p>1. Write a short business plan that describes <b>your practice</b>, expenditures for at least a year, estimated income, your mission statement (if needed), niche market, what makes you stand out, your competition and your marketing plan. Get a business license if you need one.</p><br /><p>2. Save enough money to not feel pressured or find investors who can provide for you a financial cushion for the first three to six months of your business. Use your business plan to spossible investors.</p><br /><p>3. Choose a location, whether it be in your home, private office or a shared office. This is a very important step as your location must be easy to get to, accessible to the handicapped, and with privacy. You will need a waiting area, office and possibly an area for children. If working from your home, make sure that you are zoned to have a home business and get the appropriate <i>business license</i>. If you choose an office location in an area that is already zoned for a business, then all you need to obtain is a <b>business license</b>. Every city will have their own requirements to set-up a business so check with your city's planning or zoning commission.</p><br /><p>You will also have to declare a fictitious business name. As a homeopathic practitioner, legally you cannot call yourself a doctor except in a few states (see Warnings).</p><br /><p>4. Purchase office furniture, equipment, supplies both medical and office. There are inexpensive ways to furnish <i>your office</i> by shopping online at Overstock.com as well as going to local office supply stores like Office Depot.</p><br /><p>5. Advertise <i>your business</i> by placing both print and online ads. Design a website and establish a web presence by linking your practice to other similar sites and socially networking. Create a public relations campaign to let your neighborhood know that you are there. Offer specials for the first visit, have an open house. Create a blog all about homeopathy or your area of expertise, start a newsletter.</p><b>Tags</b>: business license, <b>your business</b>, <i>business plan</i>, <i>your home</i>, your office, your practiceAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-78711318435532939292015-12-24T07:59:00.000-08:002015-12-24T07:59:00.539-08:00Wheelchair Accessible Pacific Beach Front Hotels<p><i><blockquote>Pacific Beach</i>, California</p></blockquote><br /><p>Pacific Beach is a neighborhood in San Diego, California, situated between La Jolla and Mission Beace. The area is popular destination and known for its Crystal Pier, numerous shops, restaurants and active nightlife. People of all ability levels can find vacation accommodations in <i>Pacific Beach</i>, as it is home to several beach front hotels that are wheelchair accessible in addition to offering good amenities and reasonable value for the area.</p><br /><p><h2>Pacific Terrace</h2></p><br /><p>The Pacific Terrace is a beach front hotel located in the heart of Pacific Beach. The AAA 4-Diamond hotel features an outdoor heated swimming pool, a full-service spa, a concierge and tour desk, a complimentary continental breakfast and a state-of-the-art fitness center. Guest rooms offer satellite television, a private balcony or patio, marble bathrooms, a mini bar, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, an iPod docking station, a hair dryer, bathrobes and high speed Internet access. The <b>Pacific Terrace</b> is fully wheelchair accessible and offers special handicapped-accessible guest rooms. As of June 2010, guest rooms start at $360 per night.</p><br /><p>Pacific Terrace</p><br /><p>610 Diamond Street</p><br /><p>San Diego, CA 92109</p><br /><p>858-581-3500</p><br /><p>pacificterrace.com</p><br /><p><h2><i>Best Western</i> Blue Sea Lodge</h2></p><br /><p>The Best Western Blue Sea Lodge is located on the beach in San Diego's Pacific Beach District. The hotel was rated one of the top 10 waterfront hotels in San Diego by Eyewitness Travel and features an ocean front swimming pool, a full-service spa, a coin-operated guest laundry facility and daily complimentary continental breakfast. Guest rooms offer satellite television, a direct-dial phone with free local calling, a coffee maker, a microwave, a refrigerator, a hair dryer, bathrobes and high speed Internet access. The Best Western is also fully wheelchair accessible and offers special handicapped-accessible guest rooms. As of June 2010, guest rooms start at $279 per night.</p><br /><p><i>Best Western</i> Blue Sea Lodge</p><br /><p>707 Pacific Beach Drive</p><br /><p>San Diego, CA 92109</p><br /><p>858-488-4700</p><br /><p>bestwestern-bluesea.com</p><br /><p><h2>Ocean Park Inn</h2></p><br /><p>The Ocean Park Inn is located in the heart of Pacific Beach, steps from the ocean. The hotel features a daily complimentary continental breakfast, beach frontage, a heated outdoor swimming pool, a hot tub, a small business center and meeting space for up to 25 people. Guest rooms offer satellite television, a direct-dial telephone, a refrigerator, a coffee maker, a hair dryer and Wi-Fi. The Ocean Park Inn is fully wheelchair accessible and offers special handicapped-accessible guest rooms. As of June 2010, guest rooms start at $159 per night.</p><br /><p><b>Ocean Park</b> Inn</p><br /><p>710 Grand Avenue</p><br /><p>San Diego, CA 92109</p><br /><p>858-483-5858</p><br /><p>oceanparkinn.com</p><b>Tags</b>: Pacific Beach, Best Western, Ocean Park, Pacific Terrace, <i>2010 guest</i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-19888227304997438562015-12-24T02:19:00.000-08:002015-12-24T02:19:00.385-08:00The Difference Between Puritans & Quakers<p><blockquote>The theologies of Quakers and Puritans had little in common.</p></blockquote><br /><p>The Puritans and the Quakers were two of the most influential groups in the English colonies. Both groups were considered radical in England and sought a place where they could practice their religions without fear of persecution. Many Puritans, including those who traveled on the Mayflower, settled in New England where, by 1700, they comprised over 100,000 colonists. The Quaker, William Penn, received the land that would become Pennsylvania from Charles II in payment of a debt. There Penn hoped to establish a peaceful colony based on Quaker principles. His effort to recruit settlers greatly increased the colonial population.</p><br /><p><h2>Quakers</h2></p><br /><p>George Fox founded the Quaker movement in the mid-17th century in England. The group is properly known as the Society of Friends. They felt that Christianity as practiced at the time had moved far from early Christian teachings. Early Quakers angered the English elite by refusing to tithe to the church of England, take oaths or stop holding their banned religious meetings. More than 6,000 Quakers were jailed for these infractions in a period of eight years.</p><br /><p><h2>Puritans</h2></p><br /><p>The Puritans were a strict Christian sect that arose as dissenters during the Christian Reformation in England. They were oriented toward the teachings of John Calvin, a leader in the founding of Protestant theology. They saw the Church of England as being beyond reform. Broadly persecuted in England, some went first to the more religiously tolerant Netherlands and then to the English colonies in America, where they were able to set up communities made up mainly of Puritans.</p><br /><p><h2>Puritan Beliefs and Practices</h2></p><br /><p>The Puritans tried to create a theocracy in the colonies. They <b>believed that</b> the Bible was the word of God and their society should follow that teaching, as they interpreted it, in every detail and viewed their beliefs as the way to return purity to Christianity. <i>They believed</i> that people were born sinners and only a select few could be saved from damnation. God would select those few. Since no one knew who the select would be, everyone should constantly seek salvation. The Puritans were notoriously intolerant of other religions and persecuted Quakers, punishing four with death between 1659 and 1661.</p><br /><p><h2>Quaker Beliefs and Practices</h2></p><br /><p>Fox taught that God existed in every individual. The Quakers, properly known as the Society of Friends, were and still are pacifists known for their tolerance of other religions and non-exclusive fellowship. <i>They believed</i> anyone could find salvation by following an inner light or the spirit of God within. They do not see Christianity embodied in a church, but rather in a way of life that sought simplicity and truthfulness. In seeking justice and peace, they were instrumental in the movement to abolish slavery in the United States.</p><b>Tags</b>: They believed, <b>Beliefs Practices</b>, <i>believed that</i>, <b>English colonies</b>, known Society, <b>known Society Friends</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-28726994202337236462015-12-24T00:33:00.000-08:002015-12-24T00:33:00.141-08:00Install Barrel Clay Tile Roofs<p><blockquote>Clay barrel roofing tiles are an ancient and beautiful roofing material that evoke the old-world charm of Tuscany, Spain or France. Used for centuries, clay is a very durable roofing material when installed correctly and well maintained. Installing a clay barrel roof is a very labor-intensive and detail-oriented process. Unlike other roofing materials, tile roofing is not an installation where you establish a rhythm and then speed through it in a day; this takes much more of a craftsman approach. Keep this in mind when planning for the project, and allow sufficient time for a quality and durable installation.</p></blockquote><br /><p>Clay barrel tiles can be installed in several ways, either nailed to wood battens or cant strips placed over or under the felt and waterproof membrane, nailed into roof felt and decking or by using mortar between tiles. Installation choices are dictated by the type of barrel tile you are using, the climate and weather conditions the roof is regularly exposed to and the specific pattern of your clay tile roof, of which there are a great many choices. Does this Spark an idea?<br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Roll out 43 lb. asphalt-coated roofing felt in a single layer over the entire roof, overlapping each panel by at least 7 inches. Nail into place within the overlap range with 3/8-inch roofing nails. Lay down the adhesive-backed waterproof barrier over the roof, extending out to the edge of the eaves.</p><br /><p>2. Install copper flashing tiles or roll lengths around all openings and along all ridges and valleys of the roof landscape. Use flashing with a minimum weight of 16 oz. and width of at least 18 inches, overlapping any joints by a minimum of 3 inches. Flashing can be nailed <i>into place</i> under the overlap or attached with silicone adhesive for a more seamless installation.</p><br /><p>3. Determine your tile mounting style. Understand the pattern of your roof tile installation by measuring the amount of tile that is exposed on each course. Snap <i>chalk lines</i> horizontal to your eaves and vertical chalk lines perpendicular to the eaves that correspond to your specific tile installation pattern. Perfect measurements here will ensure a crisp and consistently patterned finished roof.</p><br /><p>If using the wood batten installation method, run battens along the horizontal <b>chalk lines</b>, and attach battens with galvanized nails.</p><br /><p>4. Nail down each tile with the appropriate number of copper nails specified in your manufacturer's specifications, typically between one and three. If nailing to the roof decking without battens, make sure nails penetrate through to the decking material. If using battens, make sure the nails penetrate the depth of the batten but not into the decking. Cut tiles with the circular saw according to your pattern.</p><br /><p>5. Butter between 1/4 and 2/3 the length of the <b>barrel tile</b> with cement tile mortar, in keeping with your manufacturer's installation instructions. Stack buttered tiles on one another with the appropriate reveal for your particular pattern. Nail buttered tiles into place according to your application plan. Nail down roof cap tiles and gutter tiles after buttering the back with silicone adhesive.</p><b>Tags</b>: chalk lines, into place, <b>according your</b>, barrel tile, <b>battens make</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-19542794149001779392015-12-23T23:41:00.000-08:002015-12-23T23:41:00.098-08:00Wooden Furniture Styles<p><i><q>Scandinavian contemporary</i> furniture features clean lines and virtually no ornamentation.</p></q><br /><p>Traditionally, furniture has been made of wood. Although modern materials and manufacturing techniques have allowed for newer styles and designs, wood is still the most common material used in furniture design and manufacture. Over the years, different schools of design have developed around wooden furniture. In some cases, the schools developed around religious views. In other cases, the styles developed around overall design philosophies. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Shaker</h2></p><br /><p>The Shakers were a dissident Protestant offshoot of the Quakers. The original group in England was derided as the "shaking Quakers." The shakers first moved to North America in 1774 when a group of five men and three women emigrated to the United States from England. Shaker furniture reflected the Shaker ideal that form should follow function. The making of something of quality was an act of worship. Shaker furniture relies on high quality materials and minimal decoration. All elements of shaker furniture are functional, with almost no decorative inlays or moldings.</p><br /><p><h2>Mission</h2></p><br /><p>"Mission Style" is a commercial term coined by New York furniture manufacturer and retailer Joseph McHugh. McHugh used the term to describe a series of straight-lined, rustic furniture based on a chair he had found in a San Francisco church around 1895. As the Mission Style developed, it began emphasizing clean, functional lines with minimal ornamentation. The style relies on quality of materials, which can include wood, especially oak, stone, glass, tile and textiles. Wool, leather, cotton and linen are often used in Mission furniture. Mission style furniture relies on straight lines in rectangles and squares as major design elements.</p><br /><p><h2>Scandinavian Contemporary</h2></p><br /><p>Scandinavian contemporary furniture is a very sparse, utilitarian style that became popular between 1930 and 1950. Scandinavian contemporary is based on Bauhaus design techniques of the 1920s and 1930s. Bauhaus designers were among the first designers of austere, un-ornamented, functional modern design. The Bauhaus influence on Scandinavian contemporary furniture shows in the simplicity of materials and lack of ornamentation. Scandinavian contemporary uses modern manufacturing techniques to create curves and lines in some pieces, with other pieces, like shelving, being little more than simple wood fastened together. Scandinavian contemporary furniture, especially modern interpretations of it, often incorporates creative features into the designs, like special ways to store and deploy table leaves or hidden storage compartments.</p><br /><p><h2>Queen Anne</h2></p><br /><p>Queen Anne style wood furniture was an 18th century evolution of an earlier style. This style is moderately proportioned with graceful cabriole legs that end in a pad or a foot. The feet on <b>Queen Anne</b> furniture included claw and ball feet, spade feet, scroll feet and square feet. The style is known for bat wing-shaped drawer pulls and fiddle-backed chairs. Often constructed from walnut, Queen Anne furniture was sometimes painted white or gilded.</p><br /><p><h2>Art Nouveau</h2></p><br /><p>Art Nouveau furniture was introduced in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This furniture features curving lines and shapes and intricately detailed patterns. It avoided historical traits and tried to create a new style that drew on Baroque, Gothic and Moorish traditions without using stylistically similar designs. Ornate designs are geometric and were sometimes inspired by mechanical concepts. Art Nouveau was a conscious attempt to create a new style of wooden furniture.</p><b>Tags</b>: <b>contemporary furniture</b>, <i>Queen Anne</i>, <b>Scandinavian contemporary furniture</b>, <i>developed around</i>, Scandinavian contemporaryAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-3423821786983396192015-12-23T08:03:00.000-08:002015-12-23T08:03:00.506-08:00Instructions For Upholstering A Recliner<p><blockquote>An outdated recliner can take on a whole new look with upholstering.</p></blockquote><br /><p>Recliners make comfortable additions to any living space. Because they extend out from the seat, they provide a place to put up your feet and relax. If you have a favorite recliner that is looking a little worse for wear, try reupholstering it for an updated look that coordinates with your home's motif. This project requires no sewing skills, so it is the perfect project for even the novice do-it-yourselfer. You need only basic tools to complete this project. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p>1. Strip the chair of any previous fabric. Use a sharp razor to cut away fabric, or unzip cushion covers. Under the chair's frame, fabric might be stapled in place. Remove the staples with a screwdriver or chisel by prying them loose from the chair's frame.</p><br /><p>2. Assess the quality of the cushions. Recliners are often well-used pieces of furniture that can start to look a little worn over time. Remove and replace or add a second layer of upholstery foam to damaged areas. A layer of cotton batting sprayed to the <i>chair with</i> spray adhesive will add extra plush to the cushion.</p><br /><p>3. Work in sections to create pattern pieces for the recliner. Create a pattern by tracing out the shape of your recliner on a sheet of <i>muslin cloth</i>. Trace the chair's back, sides, arm rest and seat. Fully extend the chair to create a pattern for the seat's built-in ottoman. Add 2 inches to the sides of each pattern piece. This excess will be tucked in or cut away during the upholstery process.</p><br /><p>4. Position the muslin cloth <i>pattern pieces</i> over your new upholstery fabric. Trace around the sides and cut out your pieces.</p><br /><p>5. Cover the seat and ottoman of the chair first. Position your fabric in place and staple to the underside of the chair's frame. Tuck the material tightly into the seat's corners. Extend the seat of the chair to cover the ottoman feature, stapling material underneath. If you are concerned about the staples being visible under the chair, cover with a piece of interfacing in a corresponding color.</p><br /><p>6. Continue to cover the chair's armrests and back. In areas where stapling is not an option, you will need to insert the fabric into the seams of the <b>chair with</b> a flexible jaw strip. Position the stripping <b>over your</b> fabric along the seams of the chair. Tap it in place with a mallet to hide the stripping and attach the fabric.</p><br /><p>7. Add decorative detailing as needed. Use hot glue to add piping or ribbon over the seam of your recliner and to hide staples.</p><b>Tags</b>: <i>chair frame</i>, <b>chair cover</b>, chair with, muslin cloth, over your, pattern pieces, <b>seams chair</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-74489912746394477092015-12-23T06:03:00.000-08:002015-12-23T06:03:00.097-08:00Butterfly Gardens In The Rio Grande Valley<p><blockquote>There are several butterfly gardens in the Rio Grande Valley.</p></blockquote><br /><p>The lower Rio <b>Grande Valley</b> is at the southernmost tip of Texas on the Mexican border. It is composed of four counties and the largest city in the region is Brownsville. The area is a prime destination for butterfly viewing. Enthusiasts flock to the area's well-known wildlife refuges and parks that have butterfly gardens open to the public. Does this Spark an idea?</p><br /><p><h2>National Butterfly Center</h2></p><br /><p>The <b>National Butterfly Center</b> in Mission, Texas, is major butterfly preserve and research center. The butterfly paradise covers more than 100 acres with plants that attract over 300 species of butterflies and are ideal for caterpillar growth. Nearly 40 percent of butterfly species in the United States can be seen at the center, including all types of swallowtails, whites and yellows, metalmarks and skippers. Many rare species also make their home at the National <b>Butterfly Center</b>. Approximately 150 species are native to the Rio Grande Valley and can only be seen in southern Texas or Mexico. Visitors can sign up for guided walks and workshops throughout the year. The park's visitor pavilion has butterfly exhibits and a gift shop. The National Butterfly Center is open year-round, Tuesday through Sunday except for holidays. As of the fall of 2010, admission for adults was $10 and children $5. Area residents from Texas and Mexico receive discounted admission.</p><br /><p><h2>Resaca de la Palma State Park</h2></p><br /><p>Resaca de la Palma State Park in Brownsville, Texas, is a part of the World Birding Center network of wildlife preserves and parks in the Rio <b>Grande Valley</b>. It is made up of resacas--abandoned stretches of river bed--and dense vegetation of marshes and woodlands that are natural habitats for caterpillars. The 1,700-acre park has a butterfly garden next to its visitors' center although the insects can be found throughout the grounds. Species commonly seen at the park include Mexican bluewings, queens, sickle-wing skippers and Julian and zebra heliconians. The park offers bike and binocular rentals for visitors. Resaca de la Palma is open year-round daily. As of the fall of 2010, admission for adults was $4 and free for children under 12. Admission is discounted for Texas residents and free for Texas State Parks pass holders.</p><br /><p><h2>Frontera Audubon Center</h2></p><br /><p>Although it is only 15 acres, the Frontera Audubon Center in Weslaco, Texas, is a popular spot among butterfly enthusiasts. Frontera has several native butterfly gardens and thickets. Rare and interesting species flock to Frontera, including the ruby-spotted swallowtail, the East-Mexican white skipper and the pale-banded crescent. It is also a breeding ground for several bird species. Programming for visitors includes guided walks, workshops, concerts and festivals. The center is <i>open year-round</i> Wednesday through Sunday. Admission is $5 for adults and free for children under 12 as of October 2010.</p><b>Tags</b>: Grande Valley, Butterfly Center, <i>National Butterfly</i>, National <i>Butterfly Center</i>, open year-round, <b>Resaca Palma</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8033016258455443831.post-37199121860464341592015-12-23T00:08:00.000-08:002015-12-23T00:08:00.586-08:00Sell Office Furniture To New Clients<p><blockquote>The need for businesses to purchase office furniture, whether for the first time or to replace worn office furniture, is a market as large as the country's economic engine. There are a number of different clients that could be approached as new clients for <b>office furniture</b>. Traditionally, office buildings have been the main target of office furniture manufacturers, but with the number of home-based businesses, there is a new opportunity to market to that growing niche of clients.</p></blockquote><br /><p><h2>Instructions</h2></p><br /><p><h2>Selling Office Furniture to New Clients</h2></p><br /><p>1. Develop a marketing plan that takes into consideration the types and appropriateness of office furniture for various kinds of clients. Appreciate whether a company's office furniture is an array of cubicle walls or built-in computer desks and chairs. Determine, too, whether the client is a large corporation or a smaller company in an office setting. Understand that a company that sells executive desks, bookcases and leather-bound chairs to corporations might market these products to a home-based business as a luxury office furniture line.</p><br /><p>2. Consider other ways to define your target audience as a way to differentiate the company's products in a competitive market. Define your target audience of potential new clients by segmenting your marketing efforts on a particular kind of business, such as accountants, law offices or even graphic designers.</p><br /><p>3. Utilize market research studies to understand the needs of your prospect target base. Using <i>focus groups</i> for qualitative research can help you understand the needs of the new prospect group from a functional perspective as well as pricing sensitivities. Consider, if possible, quantitative research to help determine what the revenue potential might be from new sales generated by a new clients. Use this information to sell the idea to upper management.</p><br /><p>4. Create the marketing message strategies you'll need to assist in creating awareness among your new client base. Gather information from the focus groups to provide fodder for the creative engines of your advertising or promotional agency.</p><br /><p>Develop the promotional creative materials and media plans to reach your prospect clients. Understand, too, that personal selling will be an important part of the <i>marketing plan</i>. Ensure your sales staff is prepared with a 25-second elevator pitch as well as longer sales presentations where details of pricing, delivery and warranties are thoroughly discussed with a new client.</p><b>Tags</b>: office furniture, <b>your target audience</b>, <i>company office</i>, focus groups, <i>Furniture Clients</i>, marketing plan, <b>office furniture</b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11857580401503029668noreply@blogger.com