Wouldn't It Be Nice - One Technique For Creating Peaceful Family Interactions

Families are busy. Parents polled cited 'not having enough time' as the number one barrier to a harmonious family life. A close second is dealing with habitual, patterned behavior they find themselves and their children stuck in. Tempers flair. Personal power is threatened. Trust is compromised. Love goes unexpressed.

Its easy to see how number one leads to number two. When there is little time for exploration or discovery, falling back on habitual reactions, no matter how ineffective in the long run it may be, is a common occurrence. What tends to happen is tantrums or arguments or angry interludes.

Interestingly, this is taking up way more time and energy than it would if the issue were addressed head on, modified and transformed. Easier said than done? Yes and no. Easier in the moment, much more difficult for the long run.

So whats a family to do when in the throes of yet another unproductive interaction? The first step is to be aware that it s happening. Stop, watch and listen. Listen as if youve never heard this before, watch like youre the most curious person alive. See it from another angle, prevent 2236yourself from assuming you know what will happen. Allow whatever is happening to happen, since the high emotions that occur in these situations could prevent meaningful communication in the moment. Just observe and let it run its course.

Now what? Wait for the time when people are somewhat relaxed. Have a conversation about how things will be in the future, for the benefit of all involved. Begin by getting buy-in. You might say something along the lines of, " I'd like to discuss something I've observed about our family that is extremely important to me. Do you have a few minutes right now?" If you get a "no", get a commitment to a time that will work.

When having a conversation where you want a change this kind of reflexive behavior, here are some things to keep in mind:

* Pick a time when there is emotional neutrality

* Take responsibility for your part in the situation

* Have a discussion to outline other family member's responsibilities

* Explain that you need to work together to come up with a solution

When you are in the brainstorming phase:

*ALL ideas are welcomed, and none are commented on at the time of brainstorming. (Some of the reasons for the behavior may very well emerge at this time. When you know the need, the solutions come more readily)

*Writing them down as they emerge gives weight to the situation

*After all concerned have exhausted their ideas, go down the list and discuss.

Note: Ground rules for everyone in this phase: No negative judgement, as in "this is a bad idea, this is stupid, I hate this, this would never work" etc etc

Get agreement:

*The solution must be agreeable by all concerned if it is to be effective.

Decide on how this will be implemented:

*Inform everyone that you will remind each other of their agreement should there be a temporary lapse

*Reinforce that this was a mutual plan, for the betterment of all involved.

If there is a lapse:

*A simple, direct statement reminding the person of the agreement, and the expectation that they comply. ("Remember the agreement we had about this? I need you to honor that and >insert whatever the agreement was here<" end of talking)

The long term goal for a respectful parent/child relationship is mutual trust. Exhibiting respect for each other, expressing love, allows trust to occur. Peaceful interactions can be the norm. Trust me.

Teaching early education, parenting education and personal development since 1989, Natalie Tucker Miller has called Vermont home since 1985. Growing up in Long Island, NY, she graduated from Five Towns College, then continued her education in the pastoral setting of northern NY at SUNY Potsdam. There she met Paul, to whom she's been married since 1982.

Why Replace Your Kitchen Faucets

How To Remodel Your Home The Easy Way

Remodeling your home can make it feel like you have moved to another house but the problem is deciding on what choice to go with; the problems start when you are trying to work out what type of style you want and materials you need. Whether you are remodeling the outside or the inside, budgets for the project must also be carefully managed. This is bound to be the most difficult of areas as so much depends on being able to stick with the financial budget that has been agreed.

World Of Certainteed

Home Inspection Schools Offer Vocational Training

Real estate licensing, home appraisal, and building inspection are some of the most fascinating and lucrative careers today, and home inspection schools provide avenues for stepping into the interesting housing market. Vocational and technical training in home inspecting can teach you to conduct non-invasive examinations of residential dwellings and provide written evaluations of any related residential structural exterior and interior housing components.

A home inspection gives the seller an opportunity to disclose any conditions, and aids the buyers by providing knowledge for making informed decisions on the home. Vocational building inspection training teaches students to be investigators and informers, and to remain impartial to the process - home inspectors are not counselors to either party.

Inspection of real estate is technical and complex. Good training will provide extensive knowledge of residential construction with courses in environmental considerations, soils and foundations, wood and construction, roofing, air conditioning and heat pumps, heating and ventilation, plumbing, electricity, appliances, swimming pools and spas, and wood-destroying insects.

Courses in building inspection provide step-by-step training to determine quality of a home's structure, and whether older houses can meet local residential housing standards. Students will learn essential skills and develop an understanding of all operating systems. Students learn to quickly recognize red flags that may indicate problems in construction, electrical systems, or plumbing.

Home inspection schools prepare students with professional attitudes necessary to performing objective visual inspections and provide wr59Bitten reports. Students learn to evaluate and report their findings in an objective manner by using professional forms and methods of communication. You can even learn home inspection online.

If you would like to learn to be a professional building inspector, search our website for good home inspection schools in your area, and submit a request to several of them for more information.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERAL OVERVIEW and may or may not reflect specific practices, courses and/or services associated with ANY ONE particular school(s) that is or is not advertised on SchoolsGalore.com.

Copyright 2008 - All rights reserved by Media Positive Communications, Inc.

Notice: Publishers are free to use this article on an ezine or website, provided the article is reprinted in its entirety, including copyright and disclaimer, and ALL links remain intact and active.

Michael Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Home Inspection Schools, as well as Colleges, Universities, Online Schools and Vocational Schools at 27FSchoolsGalore.com, your resource for higher education.

Termiteslive

The Wrist Cock Golf Training Aid

Using golf training aids in your golf game is a good practice. There are training aids for everything from putting to hitting a driver. How about the training aids that you use on your body to keep yourself connected or lined up on the target line correctly. The only problem is, there seems to be confusion as to how the wrist cocks in the backswing. This especially true for beginners, because the wrist cock needs to be felt. How can a golf training aid help you to feel how the wrist cocks?

There are plenty of places that you can learn from about how the wrist cocks in the golf swing. You can find them in online golf instruction, golf magazines, and especially my favorite, infomercials.

Seeing a golf tip in action is always better for you than reading or hearing about it. Let's see what an infomercial can tell us about how the wrist cocks in the golf swing. Here's some you might have seen.

* Greg Norman's Secret

* The Medicus

* The Glove

* Kallassy's Swing Magic

Now you don't have to rush out and go buy any of these golf training aids if you don't want to. By watching some of these infomercials though, you can start to pick up on a central theme. How and where your wrists are supposed to be during the golf swing. Better yet. How they are supposed to feel.

Take a look at Greg Norman's Secret. If you watch the infomercial, you might pick up the fact that your right wrist shouldn't be moving much at all. It's movement is fixed. The stationary piece of plastic won't allow any back and forth movement of the hand, only a slight raising of the thumb towards the wrist. Greg even tells you that the wrist cock is like shaking hands with someone. I want you to take this feeling with you. Try to keep the 'V' of your right thumb and forefinger pointed at your right shoulder all the way through the swing. This feeling will allow your wrists to hinge naturally.

Then there's the Medicus. It doesn't matter if you want to talk about the iron or the driver. That shouldn't matter much to you. What you need to pick up on is how the hinge is oriented to the club face. The hinge is facing the same way as face of the club. So if you were to break your wrist backwards on itself, wouldn't the hinge on the Medicus also break. The only way to take the club back without making the hinge break is to cock the wrist upwards. Watch the Medicus infomercial sometime and try to pick out the feeling that you are trying to achieve with this training aid.

The next time that you're watching The Golf Channel and you see an infomercial from one of the golf training aids mentioned, take the time to really watch it. Study what it is about the training aid that is helping golfers improve. Are you feeling the same thing that the training aid is trying to teach? Are you making your golf game more complicated by cocking your wrists too much? Or the wrong way?

These products, the golf training aids, are helpful if you own them, but you can learn a lot just by watching how they are being used.

Clint Hitchcock (The Simple.Golf.igist)
Deer Park, TX
Learn other golf swing tips and golf instruction by getting my new Free Golf Report "Play Better Golf and Have More Fun" at http://www.simplegolfogy101.com

Upper And Lower 2 X 6 Stair Land

I Am Having A Virtual Affair - Part I

He called in the late morning asking for an appointment. I told him he could come tomorrow morning. He seemed relieved and said he would be at my office right on time.

I usually dont initiate conversation. I let the client take the first step. He didnt disappoint.

Client: Im having a virtual affair.

Counselor: A virtual affair?

Client: Yeah, I met this woman online and it has turned into a sexual affair.

Counselor: You mean your now seeing her in person and having an affair?

Client: No, were having a sexual relationship online.

Counselor: Um, I dont want to appear naive or ignorant, but I dont understandhow do you have a sexual affair online?

Client: Well, we talk about..intercourse; no, actually, we dont talk about it; we describe it, in exacting detail. We paint word pictures of what we would be doing if we were actually together.

Counselor: so you are describing having sexual intercourse with each other?

Client: Right; although its more than just intercourse.

Counselor: andhow is it?

Client: Well, thats one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. Its exciting. Itsinvigorating. Its great. In some ways it might be the best sex Ive had. Thats what I dont get. How come its so.captivating?

Counselor: I dont know; but, we can talk about it and find out

Client: Good.

Counselor: Let me ask you this.you say its captivating and invigoratingcan you elaborate on some of the feelings you have while you are engaged in describing intercourse withyour.online partner?

Client: Well, her username is (redacted)

Counselor: Are you sure she is a she?

Client: Umyeah, pretty sure.

Counselor: Pretty sure?

Client: Yeah, well, thats one of the things about onlinepeopleyou never really knowbut, I believe shes a she.

Counselor: And how would describe in some more detail you feel about theseencounters?

Client: Well, its very erotic describing ourencounters. I mean, Im really excited, physically, you know, when she undresses mewhen she describes undressing meI find myself breathing more rapidlysometimes I can hardly focus to type to say things back to her. So, I guess I feel engrossed in it, really pulled into the unfolding of it, excited

Counselor: How did you meet?

Client: I asked a question on a newsgroup, she replied. I asked her another question and she replied and then we just started talking and then.one thing led to anotherandgeezwe just started playing aroundwith wordstalking about sex. And then we were undressing each other. And then, we were touching each otherI mean describing how we would be touching each other. It was very arousing.

Counselor: Okay. So, one of your questions is about how come this online affair is so enthralling, so engaging. Are there other concerns?

Client: Well, yeah. UmIm engagedto be married.

Counselor: And, presumably, your fianc does not know about this.

Client: No.

Counselor: And..?

Client: And I dont know what to do.

Counselor: About what?

Client: About telling my fianc.

Counselor: Are you considering telling your fianc?

Client: I dont know.

Counselor: What do you see happening if you do tell her?

Client: Um.shedfreak out; she might break off the engagement. She wouldnt understand at all.

Counselor: What would you like her to understand?

Client: GeezI dont know; I dont understand it myself. Thats why I wanted to talk with youto help me understand it.

Counselor: Okay; we can talk more about it and work to gain some clarity on it. So, theres the question about how come its so captivating to you, especially since youre engaged to be married, and there is also the question about telling your fianc about this or not telling her, right?

Client: Yeah; but, theres one other thing.

Counselor: Okayand this is?

Client: There are hints that this virtual affair may be moving to a real affair. Were talking about meeting in real life.

Counselor: And that is a problem because?

Client: Geez, because Im about to be married, I love my fianc, I dont want to hurt her and I dont want it to end.

Counselor: Who? Who dont you want to hurt and what dont you want to end?

Client: I dont want to hurt my fianc and I dont want my engagement to her to end.

Counselor: And do you want the online affair to end? Do you want to hurt her?

Client: No, I dont. I know I should, but I dont.

Counselor: What do you see happening if you end the virtual affair?

Client: Um.I see myself being depressed and missing out on something that isfun and exciting and kind of beautiful and safe.

Counselor: I hear you saying that you want to continue the virtual affair.

Client: Um..yea, I do. But, I dont want it to become a real one!

Counselor: What prevents you from stopping it from becoming a real one?

Client: Well, nothing reallyexcept that the online sex is really great. I know that sounds weird, but its.its just very.eroticand the thought of it happening in real life isI dont know.I just dont know if I could stop it if it started to move in that direction.

Counselor: It sounds like you may need to make that decision either way even if it just happens, you decide to let it happen.

Client: YeahIm really confused.

Counselor: Let me ask you this: Where do you see the virtual affair going during the next few weeks, months and years? And, where do you see your engagement with your fianc going in the next few weeks, months and years? Take a few days to think about that. Okay?

Client: Okay

Counselor: Good, lets set an appointment for next time.

Ken Fields is a nationally certified, licensed mental health counselor. During the past 25 years, he has helped individuals, couples, families and groups address a variety of issues ranging from spiritual malaise to children with autism. He has been a crisis intervention counselor and an administrator at a human service agency. Currently, Mr. Fields provides online counseling for relationship and career issues and communication coaching. For further information visit http://www.openmindcounseling.com

Articles 1

Prefabricated Steel Buildings - A Progressive Overview

From the last two three decades use of prefabricated steel buildings in construction industry has seen phenomenal growth. Although for commercial and industrial sectors steel buildings have been in use for a long time, but in recent years their rapidly increasing popularities all over the world.

Prefabricated steel buildings can be anything from simple commercial building for your warehouse, school, retail, church, storage to complex steel framed office buildings. The advantage of prefabricated steel buildings is that its cost less, decreasing labor costs, durable, easy and fast to build than other types of buildings for a number of reasons.

Modern prefabrication of buildings began first when the Industrial Revolution brought about the production of Iron in large scale. In 1851 the Crystal Palace of London England was the first entirely prefabricated building constructed from wrought-iron and glass structure.

Although prefabricated construction was further developed by some personals, but it came into popularity during the World War II when there was a large accommodation shortage for military personnel as well as for those made homeless by the War. to accommodate them US first used prefabricated buildings which were fully made up at the factory and then transported and assembled on site. Many of these buildings were designed with life span of 5-10 year, but some of them are surviving today.

The term prefabricated metal building was first introduced In the 1960s, and it referred to the new generation of steel buildings. The technology boom continued in the 60s with the advent of the first computer designed steel buildings. Through Computerization the total costs for prefabricated steel buildings can more easily and accurately predicted than conventional buildings.

The biggest advantage of prefabricated steel buildings are its availability along with all chosen components, and ready to be assembled. Prefabricated steel buildings are all pre punched, pre drilled, and pre welded at the factory prior to shipment to the construction site.

A well known manager working in steel building design and marketing company in Texas, providing information in all prospects of steel building services from concept to delivery and installation. One can also request for free quote

Articles 1

Lose Beer Gut

The last thing anyone with a beer gut wants to hear is that they have to stop drinking beer. You dont necessarily have to stop drinking beer, just cut down, but if youre drinking more than two 12oz. bottles of beer per day youre going to have a lot more difficulty losing your beer gut. The best way to go about losing up your gut, along with cutting down your beer intake, is to eat sensibly, exercise, and stay away from junk food.

Beer gut is no respecter of age. Even someone in his or her twenties will have a beer gut if they drink a lot of beer, have a poor diet, and dont exercise. As you grow older, your metabolism slows down and your body tends to store more fat. This is why so many regular beer drinkers in their thirties and forties gain more fat around theyre abdomen. If you really want to get rid of your beer gut, you must make the firm decision to lose weight through diet and exercise, and stick to it.

Eating sensibly doesnt mean going to the all you can eat buffet twice a day. Instead, break your meals up into five or six small meals per day, low in calories low and thats and high in complex carbs (not beer carbs), lean meats, fish and poultry. When you get the munchies from drinking beer, snack on fresh vegetables or fruit and stay away from junk food. Alcohol dehydrates your body so while youre drinking your beer, be sure to also drink plenty of water. Before you go to bed, drink three large glasses of water. Yes, this will make you get up and go to the bathroom during the night however it also hydrates your body and flushes the toxins from your system and helps prevent hangovers.

Another thing you probably dont want to hear is that you must exercise. Aerobic cardiovascular exercise for at least 45 minutes per day raises your metabolism and causes you to burn fat and calories that you otherwise would keep on in your beer gut. Alcohol lowers your metabolism, makes your body run slower and keep on fat. You should also do strengthening exercises such as weight resistance exercises or Pilates exercises. Strengthening exercises tighten and tone your muscles, and you should work your entire body, not just concentrate on getting rid of your beer gut. If you really hate going to the gym, there are other ways you can get your aerobic exercise in. Go swimming, walk or jog at least one mile per day, park as far as you can away from whatever building youre going into, and take the stairs instead of the elevator to get in some extra exercise.

Switching to drinking light beer will cut the calories you get from beer. Thats probably something you didnt want to hear, but thats just the way it is. You arent going to lose your beer gut if you dont cut down on calories. So diet and do aerobic and strengthening exercise workouts for 45 minutes 4 - 5 times per week. It took you some time to get that beer gut, and its going to take time to get rid of it. Be patient and consistent and if you do it right you can have your beer and no beer gut.

These are just the basics of losing body fat, so do a little research by discussing your fat loss program with your doctor and doing some online research to help you find what works best for you. The following link is a great way to get started. Click Here to get your FREE diet plan and body composition profile!

Gas Meter And The Homeowner
Be Nice To Everyone

Shih Tzu - Early Socialization Is Essential For Your Shih Tzu Puppy

Teaching a shih tzu puppy or a shih tzu dog proper socialization skills is vital to the safety of both your dog and other dogs and people with whom he comes into contact. A properly socialized shih tzu dog is a happy dog, and a joy to be around for both humans and animals. A poorly socialized shih tzu dog, or one with no socialization at all, is a danger to other animals, other people and even his own family.

Socialization is best done when the shih tzu puppy is as young as possible The socialization lessons a young shih tzu puppy learns are difficult to undo, and it is important to remember that the socialization skills the shih tzu puppy learns will affect his behavior for the rest of his life.

A shih tzu dog that is properly socialized will be neither frightened of nor aggressive towards either animals or humans. A properly socialized shih tzu dog will take each new experience and stimulus in stride, and not become fearful or aggressive. Shih tzu dogs that are not properly socialized often bite because of fear, and such a shih tzu dog can become a hazard and a liability to the family who owns it. Improperly socialized shih tzu dogs are also unable to adapt to new situations. A routine matter like a trip to the vets or to a friends house can quickly stress the shih tzu dog out and lead to all sorts of problems.

Socialization is best done when the shih tzu puppy is very young, perhaps around 12 weeks of age. Even after 12 weeks, however, it is important that the shih tzu puppy continues its socialization in order to refine the all important social skills. It is possible to socialize an older shih tzu puppy, but it is very difficult to achieve after the all important 12 week period has passed.

There are some definite dos and dont when it comes to properly socializing any shih tzu puppy. Lets start with what to do. Later in this article we will explore what to avoid.

Socialization dos

Make each of the socialization events as pleasant and non-threatening for the shih tzu puppy as possible. If a shih tzu puppys first experience with any new experience is an unpleasant one, it will be very difficult to undo that in the shih tzu puppys mind. In some cases, an early trauma can morph into a phobia that can last for a lifetime. It is better to take things slow and avoid having the shih tzu puppy become frightened or injured.

Try inviting your friends over to meet the new shih tzu puppy. It is important to include as many different people as possible in the shih tzu puppys circle of acquaintances, including men, women, children, adults, as well as people of many diverse ethnic backgrounds and ages.

Also invite friendly and healthy dogs and puppies over to meet your puppy. It is important for the shih tzu puppy to meet a wide variety of other animals, including cats, hamsters, rabbits and other animals he is likely to meet. It is of course important to make sure that all animals the shih tzu puppy comes into contact with have received all necessary vaccinations.

Take the shih tzu puppy to many different places, including shopping centers, pet stores, parks, school playgrounds and on walks around the neighborhood. Try to expose the shih tzu puppy to places where they will be crowds of people and lots of diverse activity going on.

Take the shih tzu puppy for frequent short rides in the car. During these rides, be sure to stop the car once in a while and let the puppy look out the window at the world outside. Introduce your shih tzu puppy to a variety of items that may be unfamiliar. The shih tzu puppy should be exposed to common items like bags, boxes, vacuum cleaners, umbrellas, hats, etc. that may be frightening to him. Allow and encourage the shih tzu puppy to explore these items and see that he has nothing to fear from them.

Get the shih tzu puppy used to a variety of objects by rearranging familiar ones. Simply placing a chair upside down, or placing a table on its side, creates an object that your shih tzu puppy will perceive as totally new.

Get the shih tzu puppy used to common procedures like being brushed, bathed, having the nails clipped, teeth cleaned, ears cleaned, etc. Your groomer and your veterinarian with thank you for this.

Introduce the shih tzu puppy to common things around the house, such as stairs. Also introduce the shih tzu puppy to the collar and leash, so he will be comfortable with these items. There are of course some things to avoid when socializing a shih tzu puppy. These socialization donts include:

Do not place the shih tzu puppy on the ground when strange animals are present. An attack, or even a surprise inspection, by an unknown animal could traumatize the shih tzu puppy and hurt his socialization.

Do not inadvertently reward fear based behavior. When the shih tzu puppy shows fear, it is normal to try to sooth it, but this could reinforce the fear based behavior and make it worse. Since biting is often a fear based behavior, reinforcing fear can create problems with biting.

Do not force or rush the socialization process. It is important to allow the shih tzu puppy to socialize at his own pace.

Do not try to do too much too soon. Young shih tzu puppies have short attention spans, and continuing lessons after that attention span has passed will be a waste of your time and your puppys.

Do not wait too long to begin. There is a short window in which to begin the socialization process. A young shih tzu puppy is a blank slate, and it is important to fill that slate with positive socialization skills as early as possible.

Connie Limon is a professional shih tzu breeder in Indiana. She publishes a FREE weekly newsletter. A professional newsletter with a focus upon health and wellness for you and your pets. Discounts on shih tzu puppies are offered to subscribers. Sign up at: http://www.stainglassshihtzus.com

Design And Build Your Own House
Energy Efficient Home Design

5 Health Benefits Of Weight Loss

People have many different reasons for wanting to begin a weight loss program. Although losing weight is not always easy, there are several benefits which can result from a healthy weight loss plan. You will always hear such general benefits as looking better, feeling better, better self esteem, sexier, easier to climb stairs, and so on. But what are some of the very real reasons that people might really need to be thinking of?

Here are a few short term and long term benefits of a good weight loss program.

1. Several major causes of death, including hypertension, heart disease, and strokes can be avoided or prevented by weight loss.

Heart disease and stroke are two of the major causes of death and disability in both men AND women in America. High cholesterol, which can contribute to heart disease, tends to be more prevalent in overweight people. Death from heart disease and stroke often strikes without warning yet could be prevented by a program of regular exercise and sensible nutrition.

The weight loss does not have to be great, either. Minor decreases in weight can significantly decrease the chance of developing heart disease or having a stroke. Of course, when we speak of "weight loss" we really ought to be saying "fat loss". It is not the weight which is the issue as much as it is the quantity of excess fat which has accumulated in the body.

2. Healthy weight loss can help prevent Type II diabetes.

Diabetes, like many other problems not only puts you in danger of death, but also changes the manner in which you can live your life. Type I and Type II diabetes have been linked to being overweight. It has been shown that in addition to helping prevent diabetes, regular exercise and healthy nutrition can help reduce the effects of diabetes and perhaps reduce the dependency on treatments, such as insulin. It doesn't take much. Change a few habits, cut out the wrong kinds of food, or substitute the right ones, take some regular walks to help burn fat, and you are on your way.

3. Weight loss helps reduce the risk of cancer.

Many types of cancer, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, just to name two, have been linked to being overweight. While carrying extra fat is not the only contributor to the development of cancer, it has been shown that shedding that extra fat can be an important factor in preventing the development of cancer. Some other cancers which seem to be linked to obesity in this way are cancer of the uterus, gallbladder, ovary, prostate, and rectum.

4. Weight loss helps ease the pains of arthritis.

This is particularly true of osteoarthritis. When you are overweight, the fat you carry tends to push joints out of alignment, and the excess weight produces extra stress on joints. This can contribute to the development and discomfort of arthritis. Regular exercise can also help keep joints strong, flexible, and well lubricated.

5. Weight loss can improve your sleep.

One common problem associated with being overweight is sleep apnea. In this condition, you temporarily stop breathing for brief periods. There is generally also heavy breathing and snoring all or which interferes with getting a good night's sleep...and rest. This leads to tiredness and drowsiness during the day. Many people have found that losing even a few pounds can help head off this problem. Additionally, regular exercise and proper nutrition can contribute to more restful sleep and fewer problems related to stress and fatigue.

As you can see, taking measures to burn fat off your body, in a healthy weight loss program, of course is of great value. The benefits of weight loss through regular exercise and proper nutrition can make life more enjoyable and rewarding.

Donovan Baldwin is a Dallas area writer. A graduate of the University Of West Florida (1973) with a BA in accounting, he is a member of Mensa and has held several managerial positions. He has written poetry and essays for his own use, and instructional media in many of the positions he held. After his retirement from the U. S. Army in 1995, he began writing articles on various subjects for websites he owned as well as for use by other webmasters. He has a keen interest in health, fitness, diet, and weight loss and has recently completed courses on Diet and Nutrition, and Fitness. He has posted a review on a great weight loss program and way to burn fat at http://nodiet4me.com/burn_fat.html

Octagon Stain Glass Window
Old Concrete Used To Make Stairs

Artificial Intelligent Computer to Communicate with Terrorists -Surveillance of the Future

It may be possible to create an artificially intelligent supercomputer to communicate with international terrorists. The national security agency or NSA might be able do so in a way that the international terrorists will never suspect it. How so you ask?

Well, since we now have technology which can change a person's voice the international terrorist will never realize that the person they're talking to is not actually the person they think it is. In fact the other person may be talking to them in a different language and the real voice is converted into text and then translated into a different language and then put onto the voice patterns of a different individual that the international terrorist thinks they are talking to.

Additionally, an international terrorist that uses e-mail communication can also be tricked. The e-mail communication could be hijacked and rerouted to the national security agency where a supercomputer of artificial intelligence would pretend to be a real human. Using mirroring techniques and artificial intelligence programming, such as the current work at Carnegie Mellon University where an artificial intelligent computer communicates with real humans, we could design such a system.

This might give us unlimited Intel into the plans of international terrorists before they strike. Basically we are putting them into a box, a communication box if you will. They believe they are talking with the outside world, but in reality they are only talking with a virtual-reality game. They may still have local interaction with a few people, but all their other communication would be done through artificial intelligence supercomputers.

Even if they were to discover, or suspect that this was happening, we still already have all the human intelligence that was freely given out prior to their knowledge of what was going on. If we suspected that they suspected that they had been put into a communication box. Then it would be wise to open up the floodgates a little bit and allow more personal communication to come through, until their fears subsided.

This way they could not know what is real and what is not and by doing this you gain the psychological advantage over the target. The plan could easily be implemented and tried out. The manipulation and control of human beings using such techniques is not as far-fetched as you might think. This is because international terrorists all are already very limited in the number of people they associate with.

If international terrorists associated with more people it would be much easier to catch them. The most dangerous and hard to catch criminals or international terrorists will be those with few friends or associates making the human level intelligence gathering nearly impossible.

However, using a scheme of artificially intelligent computers set up to mimic the social dynamics of human intervention, we can use social engineering and AI to completely control the terrorists before they strike. Our online think tank has a plan for this, but if you are a terrorist, you are never going to figure out what we are up to. Beware! We will find you soon, you cannot hide in the shadows, we see all.

L. Winslow is an Economic Advisor to the Online Think Tank, a Futurist and retired entrepreneur. Currently he is planning a bicycle ride across the US to raise money for charity and is sponsored by http://www.Calling-Plans.com and all the proceeds will go to various charities who sign up.

Upper And Lower 2 X 6 Stair Land

Plastic Roofing - Light, Functional And Easy To Install

Plastic has greatly changed the world when it has been introduced as a material for making things. Now you can find a lot of useful objects made out of plastic and they truly come handy for a lot of situations. One industry that has greatly benefited from plastics is the roofing industry with the great value that plastic roofing can provide in terms of function and style.

Light Weight and Low Cost

The use of plastic in roofing has greatly increased over the last few decades because of obvious and considerable benefits when compared to other types of roofing materials such as metal, wood, slate, ceramic, and asphalt. What people like about plastic roofing is their light weight, low cost, durability and ease of installation. Plastic roofs also come in different colors and thus are very much attractive especially for structures that have color motifs.

Ultraviolet Stabilizers

The main disadvantage of plastic roofing is their possible sensitivity to light and heat. Plastic can melt or fade with much exposure to the sun and changing weather, but this problem can be addressed with the thermal and ultraviolet stabilizers that have been added to newer productions of plastic roofs. Extreme weather conditions may take a toll on the usual plastic roofs but with the right mix of chemical components some of plastic roofing material's problems can be minimized.

Plastic Roofing is usually made of polycarbonate, a standard thermoplastic material that is known for its excellent optical, thermal and mechanical features. The roof often comes in polycarbonate panels, sheets or tiles. What is good about the polycarbonate material is its good resistance to stress. It can withstand impact 200 times greater than glass, meaning that it would not be susceptible to damage when stones or hail fall on the roof. The mechanical properties of this type of roofing are also rather resistant to changes in temperature.

To reinforce the advantages of plastic roofing one can add ultraviolet radiation filters during the co-extrusion process of the sheet or the panel. Special additives may be used to prevent excessive interior heating. Cavity structures may also help increase the load capacity and flexibility of plastic roofing.

Lifetime Guarantee

Plastic roofing comes in varying prices and quality depending on the size, composition, thickness, colors, and profiles. The most common plastic roofing profile that people see is the corrugated one, as it has general better structural properties than flat ones. The cheaper plastic roofs are made of PVC while the more expensive and sturdier ones are made of polycarbonate components. The best quality plastic roofs may come with lifetime guarantees.

Installation of plastic roofing is quite easy, which is why it is usually the roofing choice for projects that have limited time frames. For optimal installation ease, manufacturers often recommend installing plastic roofing on a roof with at least 10 degrees of pitching. Anything lesser than that may require extra weatherproofing measures such as adding flashings or sealants.

Cutting the plastic roof panels for resizing should be easily done with a fine toothed saw or a pair of garden scissors. The better the quality of the plastic roof material, the easier it is to cut. Some installers use disk grinders with carborundum blades for more precisions when cutting plastic roofs, although one sheet at a time may be cut to avoid fusion and welding together.

Installation Tips

A good tip for installation is pre-drilling holes on to sheets before they are installed. Holes usually should be from 8mm to 10mm with some 2mm allowance based on the screw shafts to allow contraction and expansion. Holes should be drilled on the higher part of the roof's corrugation. It is usually easier to do the drilling with the sheet on the ground, upside down. A stick with a hole may also be used as a guide for drilling

Screws are used to secure the sheets of plastic roofing. Special screws are made for this purpose and may easily be bought from plastic roof suppliers. The easiest screws to use are those with hexagonal heads. Majority of the sheets or panels should be secured with four corrugation spaces and at every second when there are overlaps, ridging, and gutters.

Plastic roofing is definitely a staple choice in structural coverage. With its great function, light weight, and ease of installation, it is deemed to remain a popular choice of roofing in the appropriate situations.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit Flooring2Roof.com/roofing, where he discusses various subjects such as plastic roofing, ABC Roofing and other roofing options.

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Log Home Construction

If you have started log home construction, then there are a few things you should know before you get in too deep in the building of your home. There are problems which will arise as you go along and you must be prepared for them, such as the weather. This is probably one of the biggest drawbacks in construction and in construction time is money. Every week your house-sits with nothing being done will cost you money in interest. The best time to plan for the building of your home is ideally for summer to ensure that the walls are up, the roof is on and the windows are installed before winter arrives. This will save you big time in the future.

Another factor when building your cabin is to have easy access for the machinery that will be coming onto your property. This not only applies to your property, but you should check for any bridges that may not take big trucks and machinery going over it. This is very important as you will need access for delivery trucks and at least a fork lift.

If you are planning on getting all your material delivered at once, then you better plan for a space to store them, as they will have to be stored in out of the weather. Then, besides this, you will need some dumpsters for any waste material and potties for the construction crew. There will also be cost for the power that is used during your construction. The power company may forgive a few days, but after that you will be expected to pay. You can make arrangements to have the power company erect a temporary power panel to meet your needs.

These are just a few of the things that you have to plan when your considering building a cabin. You will find it is well worth the planning once your home is completed and you're sitting out on the deck just soaking up that rustic feeling that these type of cabins give.

For lots of information on log homes and related topics, visit DIY and Remodeling at www.diyandremodeling.com

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Prefabricated Steel Buildings - A Progressive Overview

From the last two three decades use of prefabricated steel buildings in construction industry has seen phenomenal growth. Although for commercial and industrial sectors steel buildings have been in use for a long time, but in recent years their rapidly increasing popularities all over the world.

Prefabricated steel buildings can be anything from simple commercial building for your warehouse, school, retail, church, storage to complex steel framed office buildings. The advantage of prefabricated steel buildings is that its cost less, decreasing labor costs, durable, easy and fast to build than other types of buildings for a number of reasons.

Modern prefabrication of buildings began first when the Industrial Revolution brought about the production of Iron in large scale. In 1851 the Crystal Palace of London England was the first entirely prefabricated building constructed from wrought-iron and glass structure.

Although prefabricated construction was further developed by some personals, but it came into popularity during the World War II when there was a large accommodation shortage for military personnel as well as for those made homeless by the War. to accommodate them US first used prefabricated buildings which were fully made up at the factory and then transported and assembled on site. Many of these buildings were designed with life span of 5-10 year, but some of them are surviving today.

The term prefabricated metal building was first introduced In the 1960s, and it referred to the new generation of steel buildings. The technology boom continued in the 60s with the advent of the first computer designed steel buildings. Through Computerization the total costs for prefabricated steel buildings can more easily and accurately predicted than conventional buildings.

The biggest advantage of prefabricated steel buildings are its availability along with all chosen components, and ready to be assembled. Prefabricated steel buildings are all pre punched, pre drilled, and pre welded at the factory prior to shipment to the construction site.

A well known manager working in steel building design and marketing company in Texas, providing information in all prospects of steel building services from concept to delivery and installation. One can also request for free quote

4 X 10 Patio Cover Beam Overhang

Homeowners Clinic Expert Q & A

The soffits on the addition to our house rot out after only a few years. The soffits themselves are not vented, but there is a large gable vent. There are identical gable vents on the main part of the house. The soffits on that portion of the house are not vented, yet they are still in great shape after nearly 30 years.

If you are looking for a high quality board for almost any project around your home, you should consider medium density fiberboard. Fiberboard is a strong material that is used in many capacities. Medium density fiberboard is a versatile variety of fiberboard. It is strong, but also easy to work with. Read on to find out what kinds of projects you can use medium density fiberboard for.

One of the most popular uses for medium density fiberboard is affordable furniture. You probably already have a wide variety of fiberboard in your home. This is because most furniture purchased at department stores is made of fiberboard. Medium density fiberboard is especially useful because it is strong, but also light. Once the desk, dresser or coffee table is constructed, a shiny veneer will be pressed on the outside to give it a fashionable look.

Another great use for medium density fiberboard is the construction of cabinets. While some companies still offer solid wood cabinetry, fiberboard cabinets are actually more affordable and environmentally friendly, making this a popular cabinet choice. They are also easier to hang than traditional wood cabinets because medium density fiberboard is strong and lightweight at the same time.

You can use medium density fiberboard around your home in a number of ways. If you are looking to build furniture, a dog house, or another type of simple wood structure, fiberboard is a great choice. It is less susceptible to insect infestation than wood and it is less likely to swell or buckle, making it a great choice to use outdoors. And it a very affordable alternative to solid wood.

Medium density fiberboard also makes a great art material. It is great for painting; you can use many different kinds of paint to create a look that is original and fun. You can also shape it, since it is less dense than other fiberboards and wood. You can cut holes into it and sculpt it into any shape you desire. Then add a touch of color for something really special to put in your home.

Masonite boards are used in many ways. One of these ways is to use them in the place of siding on your home. Masonite boards are also used in furniture and cabinet production. If you are looking for a high quality board for almost any project around your home, you should consider medium density fiberboard. Looking for a sturdy way to decorate and transport your cake decorating creations? Consider purchasing masonite cake boards. Cake boards made of durable masonite are stronger and easier to use than traditional cake boards.

A Bathroom Suite Can Add Value

The house that we bought had one small bathroom, but I had a vision for a bathroom suite that would make any one envious. The layout of the house made it possible to complete the vision in a practical way that had the added benefit of increasing the value of a home.

To make a great bathroom suite, there has to be plenty of room. A bathroom suite needs a dressing area, a tub, a shower, and any other features that tickle your fancy. Ours has his and her closets and pedestal sinks. There is a sitting area and a vanity. Its all about convenience and comfort. Best of all, our bathroom suite is completely separated from the master bedroom which means I dont have to be disturbed when my husband gets ready for work in the morning.

Anyone can create a bathroom suite in their own home. It just takes some creativity, a little faith, and a lot of money (or a little money and a lot of sweat).

1.Use existing rooms to make a bathroom suite. We had two bedrooms that were connected by a door (dont try to figure it out, I saw it and lived in it and it still doesnt make sense). After a little work with the chain saw, some new plumbing, and a smaller window, the larger room became the new bathroom suite.

2.Measure, measure, and then measure your measurements. I made a small diagram of the space and then made cut outs of the different fixtures that we wanted for the room (all to scale). I was able to place the fixtures around the room until I found the layout that would work. Even with all that planning, the sinks still had to have a last minute adjustment in the end.

3.Be bold; be daring, but be willing to take the heat. I got criticism from some people who didnt understand why I wanted a bathroom suite. One appraiser said that I should have left it a bedroom, but the next guy said it added a lot of value to the home. In the end, it all comes down to what I like and am willing to live with, not what they think I need.

A bathroom suite is a great addition to a home. It can add resell value, but will definitely add living value. If you are thinking about creating your own bathroom suite, think no more. Grab your measuring tape and give it a whirl.

Kathryn is a freelance journalist covering the home improvements industry. She has recently written a guide on how to install a bathroom suite and also reviews bathroom accessories.

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Insights Into the Minneapolis Bridge Collapse

The incredible collapse of the Minneapolis bridge will send a message to the nation that has been repeatedly sent for decades, but that our political system has refused to effectively respond to. Americas physical, engineered infrastructure has been in desperate need for massive spending to repair and replace, but the multi-trillion-dollar cost has been rejected by local, state and federal politicians.

We have had bipartisan government neglect. The bridge fell down because our politicians have let us down.

First, understand that I have a professional background in this area. My career started as a metallurgist, than I obtained a Ph.D. in Materials Engineering and became a full professor of metallurgical engineering at the University of Wisconsin, Madison where I taught about mechanical metallurgy and failure analysis, and in my consulting practice regularly worked on explaining actual failures of products and systems.

Many academic and professional groups have for many years produced countless reports on mounting unpaid public costs for updating our crucial physical infrastructure, including bridges, but going way beyond those to, for example, roads, water and sewer systems, tunnels and much more. Make no mistake: The deeply researched and totally supported case for a massive national infrastructure spending program could not have been clearer. For example, in an excellent essay It's Time to Rebuild America, Felix G. Rohatyn and Warren Rudman wrote about the national crisis.

But spending on infrastructure is not sexy and politicians at ALL levels of government have found countless excuses for not facing the totality of the problem. Instead, public spending is dribbled out, dealing with the most urgent problems or, worse yet, the ones that are the most visible to the public. But unaddressed are massive numbers of problems, such as the Minneapolis bridge and thousands more bridges, that our bureaucratic system has learned to game, postpone, rationalize and, therefore, put the public safety at considerable risk.

As a metallurgist I can pretty much assure you that if there is a technically honest and complete investigation, the ultimate explanation of the Minneapolis bridge failure will be related to fatigue cracking in the metal structure. Already, news reports have revealed some prior observation of a fatigue problem with the bridge and that the bridge had a relatively low rating of four out of a possible nine, showing that it was structurally deficient. The game played by virtually all government agencies is to find excuses for delaying the most costly repair or replacement of bridges and other parts of our physical infrastructure. As just another example, in most older urban areas there are constant repairs of busted underground water pipes. What is really needed, but avoided, is a total replacement of very old underground pipe systems in many places 100 or more years old!

Government inspection programs have been terribly compromised over many years. The incredible political pressures to minimize spending on infrastructure have filtered down to the people, procedures and technologies used to examine bridges and other things. When it comes to bridges it is also important to admit that many aspects of our automobile addiction have raised risks, including enormously greater numbers of vehicles creating heavy traffic during much of the day in urban regions. Add to this the massive increase in vehicle weight resulting from the incredible increase in monster SUVs, as well as huge increases in large truck traffic.

The Minneapolis bridge collapse happened during evening rush hour because that was a period of maximum stress, and that would be the trigger for expanding existing fatigue cracks. Once fatigue cracks get to critical sizes they grow and propagate very rapidly, producing powerful loads and stresses on remaining steel components and creating what appears to be a virtually instantaneous bridge collapse.

What should be the focus of government and public attention is the various inadequacies of bridge inspections. Were the very best metal analysis technologies used, rather than reliance on visual observations? Were the inspectors the very best educated and trained? Were inspections constrained by federal or state regulations and guidelines so that best available methods and technologies were not (justifiably) used? Here is the big point: The fact that this bridge fell down is proof positive that the entire inspection and maintenance program was a FAILURE! The central goal and responsibility of engineering practices is to protect the public and PREVENT deaths.

Can responsibility also be assigned to the design of the bridge? Yes, to some extent. The design was the opposite of fail-safe. If any key bridge structure component failed, then the entire bridge was doomed to fail. And perhaps it can be reasonably argued that at the time of the original design, that this feature was accepted practice. However, we must understand that if cost constraints had not been imposed, designers could probably have built in various redundancies so that only portions of the bridge would have failed under the most catastrophic scenarios.

Here is yet another big issue that I have not seen mentioned or discussed by anyone yet. I can absolutely guarantee that there were countless discussions over the years by engineers, bureaucrats and politicians that combined risk assessment and cost-benefit types of thinking. It comes down to this: To bite the bullet and conclude that to provide maximum protection of public safety the bridge should be replaced would inevitably face debates about the incredibly high costs and the enormous difficulties of obtaining the funding, and also how obtaining such funding would imperil other government projects.

So the decision moves in the direction of higher levels of inspection to postpone the inevitable high cost/low risk scenario. On the other hand, all people connected to these kinds of discussions know one big reality: If the crap hits the fan and there really is a catastrophic bridge failure, then the money WILL be readily available to replace it! This is the way the system works. Of course, to replace the bridge and deal with all the many horrific impacts of the bridge failure AFTER the fact will cost much, much more money than if a planned replacement strategy had been adopted!. But that is exactly what the Minneapolis story ultimately is all about. It is what virtually all of our national infrastructure thinking is about. The New Orleans disaster was totally preventable, as every technically sound and objective analysis showed.

As time goes on and our national physical infrastructure continues to degrade from many causes, including corrosion, fatigue and inevitable wear and tear, we will continue to see deaths, injuries and incredible economic harm. And, yes, global warming and all of its anticipated climatic changes will just increase the risks of catastrophic infrastructure failures. As just one example, sea level rise is known in some quarters to put in jeopardy virtually every major American city that sits on or close to a major water body. Ultimately, our biggest infrastructure investment will be for constructing massive, complicated dikes and walls, as the Dutch have done, to protect our major coastal cities.

The remaining public policy question is clear: Will the nation spend what is necessary? Seven other major bridge collapses in the last 40 years have not done the trick. Inadequate bridge inspection has been a frequent documented problem, as well as some design defects. Many people have already died from bridge failures. But still the nations elected officials have not bitten the bullet and agreed to spend trillions of dollars over several decades to bring Americas physical infrastructure up to the most modern standards. Waiting for politicians to make physical infrastructure a priority is like waiting for Godot.

Think about all this the next time you go over a bridge.

Upper And Lower 2 X 6 Stair Land

I Am Having A Virtual Affair - Part I

He called in the late morning asking for an appointment. I told him he could come tomorrow morning. He seemed relieved and said he would be at my office right on time.

I usually dont initiate conversation. I let the client take the first step. He didnt disappoint.

Client: Im having a virtual affair.

Counselor: A virtual affair?

Client: Yeah, I met this woman online and it has turned into a sexual affair.

Counselor: You mean your now seeing her in person and having an affair?

Client: No, were having a sexual relationship online.

Counselor: Um, I dont want to appear naive or ignorant, but I dont understandhow do you have a sexual affair online?

Client: Well, we talk about..intercourse; no, actually, we dont talk about it; we describe it, in exacting detail. We paint word pictures of what we would be doing if we were actually together.

Counselor: so you are describing having sexual intercourse with each other?

Client: Right; although its more than just intercourse.

Counselor: andhow is it?

Client: Well, thats one of the things I wanted to talk to you about. Its exciting. Itsinvigorating. Its great. In some ways it might be the best sex Ive had. Thats what I dont get. How come its so.captivating?

Counselor: I dont know; but, we can talk about it and find out

Client: Good.

Counselor: Let me ask you this.you say its captivating and invigoratingcan you elaborate on some of the feelings you have while you are engaged in describing intercourse withyour.online partner?

Client: Well, her username is (redacted)

Counselor: Are you sure she is a she?

Client: Umyeah, pretty sure.

Counselor: Pretty sure?

Client: Yeah, well, thats one of the things about onlinepeopleyou never really knowbut, I believe shes a she.

Counselor: And how would describe in some more detail you feel about theseencounters?

Client: Well, its very erotic describing ourencounters. I mean, Im really excited, physically, you know, when she undresses mewhen she describes undressing meI find myself breathing more rapidlysometimes I can hardly focus to type to say things back to her. So, I guess I feel engrossed in it, really pulled into the unfolding of it, excited

Counselor: How did you meet?

Client: I asked a question on a newsgroup, she replied. I asked her another question and she replied and then we just started talking and then.one thing led to anotherandgeezwe just started playing aroundwith wordstalking about sex. And then we were undressing each other. And then, we were touching each otherI mean describing how we would be touching each other. It was very arousing.

Counselor: Okay. So, one of your questions is about how come this online affair is so enthralling, so engaging. Are there other concerns?

Client: Well, yeah. UmIm engagedto be married.

Counselor: And, presumably, your fianc does not know about this.

Client: No.

Counselor: And..?

Client: And I dont know what to do.

Counselor: About what?

Client: About telling my fianc.

Counselor: Are you considering telling your fianc?

Client: I dont know.

Counselor: What do you see happening if you do tell her?

Client: Um.shedfreak out; she might break off the engagement. She wouldnt understand at all.

Counselor: What would you like her to understand?

Client: GeezI dont know; I dont understand it myself. Thats why I wanted to talk with youto help me understand it.

Counselor: Okay; we can talk more about it and work to gain some clarity on it. So, theres the question about how come its so captivating to you, especially since youre engaged to be married, and there is also the question about telling your fianc about this or not telling her, right?

Client: Yeah; but, theres one other thing.

Counselor: Okayand this is?

Client: There are hints that this virtual affair may be moving to a real affair. Were talking about meeting in real life.

Counselor: And that is a problem because?

Client: Geez, because Im about to be married, I love my fianc, I dont want to hurt her and I dont want it to end.

Counselor: Who? Who dont you want to hurt and what dont you want to end?

Client: I dont want to hurt my fianc and I dont want my engagement to her to end.

Counselor: And do you want the online affair to end? Do you want to hurt her?

Client: No, I dont. I know I should, but I dont.

Counselor: What do you see happening if you end the virtual affair?

Client: Um.I see myself being depressed and missing out on something that isfun and exciting and kind of beautiful and safe.

Counselor: I hear you saying that you want to continue the virtual affair.

Client: Um..yea, I do. But, I dont want it to become a real one!

Counselor: What prevents you from stopping it from becoming a real one?

Client: Well, nothing reallyexcept that the online sex is really great. I know that sounds weird, but its.its just very.eroticand the thought of it happening in real life isI dont know.I just dont know if I could stop it if it started to move in that direction.

Counselor: It sounds like you may need to make that decision either way even if it just happens, you decide to let it happen.

Client: YeahIm really confused.

Counselor: Let me ask you this: Where do you see the virtual affair going during the next few weeks, months and years? And, where do you see your engagement with your fianc going in the next few weeks, months and years? Take a few days to think about that. Okay?

Client: Okay

Counselor: Good, lets set an appointment for next time.

Ken Fields is a nationally certified, licensed mental health counselor. During the past 25 years, he has helped individuals, couples, families and groups address a variety of issues ranging from spiritual malaise to children with autism. He has been a crisis intervention counselor and an administrator at a human service agency. Currently, Mr. Fields provides online counseling for relationship and career issues and communication coaching. For further information visit http://www.openmindcounseling.com

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What Materials are Used in Building A Greenhouse?

The size and shape of a greenhouse can vary greatly, but many of the materials used to build them, remains basically the same. If you are attempting to build a greenhouse on your property, there are a few building materials you will need to get to successfully pull off the project. Fiberglass, wood and PVC pipe are common elements used in the construction of greenhouses. While they are not mandatory, they have been used for decades with excellent results.

Many of the frames of greenhouses have been commonly built from wood. Pressure treated lumber should provide your structure with enough support and life expectancy to keep it viable in your project. Wood has also been one of the more popular choices to be used as flooring for the greenhouse. The durability and look of wood may be the main reason for this.

Many of the walls of greenhouses have been made of fiberglass for many reasons. The added strength of fiberglass makes it a much better choice than glass. Fiberglass gives you all the benefits of glass, such as allowing sunlight, without the constant concern of it shattering during extreme weather. Fiberglass tends to much cheaper and is a great way to keep your building project in budget.

Another common material in building a greenhouse is PVC pipe. This pipe is relatively inexpensive and provides your structure the much needed stability. The pipes are commonly used to provide water to your plants and shrubs. Since they are really light, they are able to be placed near the roof of the structure. Holes are then drilled into the pipes allowing the water running through them to escape and rain down on the plants as needed.

While you may choose to use different building supplies for your project, remember that these materials have produced positive results in the past. They have been chosen for their durability and cost effectiveness. If budget is your main concern, these items should be on the top of your list. Any building of a greenhouse should start with wood, fiberglass and PVC pipe.

For more information about Building A Greenhouse, feel free to visit us at: http://www.greenhouses-land.com/article-7-Building-A-Greenhouse.html

Inspectiontip

Plantation Shutter Design

Many homeowners and businesses are finding out why plantation shutters are such a great way to add function, value, and beauty to their homes and offices buildings. Plantation shutters are a relatively inexpensive way to make a big change in the appearance and value of your home. As opposed to the more common shutters that most people are familiar with, plantation shutters are located on the interior of the window, and are fully operational.

Traditional plantation shutters have a rather simple design. They typically are made up of a pair of vertical panels. Sometimes, plantation shutters can be found with more than two panels, rather using a larger number of panels for a more unique look.

Panels

The horizontal slats found on the top and bottom of the shutter are referred to as the 'rails'. Some plantation shutters may also contain one or more horizontal rails in the center of the shutter, dividing the plantation shutter into separate tiers. Located on the sides of the shutter, are vertical 'stiles'.

Louvers

'Louvers' are the parallel slats found between the stiles, which can be tilted and adjusted to allow in more or less light, as well as air flow when the window sash is opened. Louvers can be made in a number of various sizes and shapes, and are normally the most customizable part of these shutters.

The louvers can range in size greatly, allowing for more options. It is important to keep in mind that the wider the louver, the more light and air will be allowed into the room when they are opened. Also, in terms of appearance, larger windows look better with plantation shutters that include wider louvers. This is also true for larger rooms. The 'tilt rod' is the mechanism that controls the movement of the louvers. These also come in a variety of styles. Some of these tilt rods are actually designed into the shutter, hiding the rod from view. These are appropriately referred to as hidden tilt rods.

Materials

Plantation shutters are available in several different materials. Vinyl and PVC plantation shutters are starting to become more popular, but they don't compare to real wood shutters, in terms of beauty and style. Wooden plantation shutters can be made from all sorts of wood, including rich woods such as pine, cherry, mahogany, and walnut. The type of wood used is second only to the quality of construction, including the cut, sanding, and finishing of the product.

Mr. Oliver is a marketing agent for Shenandoah Shutters. The custom plantation shutter manufacturer provides custom plantation shutters and installation in the Mid-Atlantic region.

For more information on their plantation shutters please visit their website.

Home Remodeiling Ideas

New Construction Windows

Hello, my name is John Rocco.I grew up around the window and door business. My father owned a glass shop that dealt in every aspect of residential and commercial glass.Naturally, when it came time to choose a profession, i wound up in the window and door business.I have been in the business for about 27 years, and i have been self employed for 20.

One of the things that separated my company from my competitors was my willingness to show my customers how to replace their windows themselves. Whenever i would encounter a customer with a curiosity or willingness to learn how to install their own windows,i would offer to sell them the labor on one window,using them as my helper.Then,they would install the rest of the windows using the knowledge gained from helping me install one.Most window companies would never do this because there is so much money made on the labor.But i was always so busy,i never felt like it was costing me money.

Eventually, i made an installation video for those homeowners who wanted to do their own windows.While the video is for sale on my website, i decided to take excerpts from the video and write an article once a week covering some part of the window replacement project.This article is going to cover the difference between window frames used in new construction homes, and the window frames that are used to replace existing aluminum or wood windows.

When a new home is being built,the windows are nailed to the wood studs that make up the house frame.In order to accomplish this, new construction windows have a fin around all four sides of the frame that rests against the outside of the stud and nails are driven into the studs through the nailing fin. After that,flashing paper is applied to prevent water leaks,then the exterior material is applied. That material can be stucco, brick, siding, etc.

Now,imagine 10 or 20 years later when you want to replace those windows. If you were going to install your replacement windows the same way the original windows were installed, you would have to remove the exterior material around each window in order to get to those nails holding the frame in there. You can see how this procedure could cause many problems, not to mention all the labor involved. I have seen homes in california with stucco exteriors where the homeowner had the stucco cut out in order to remove the old windows.The problem was they were unable to match the stucco colors after patching. Its just not a very efficient way to replace windows. So the replacement frame was designed.

In most parts of the country it's simply a new construction window frame with the nail fin removed. In the west, where stucco is a common home exterior,a retrofit frame was designed. If you're going to be replacing the exterior material on your home, then you might want to consider going with the new construction window since the nailing fins will be exposed anyway. Also, chances are that a contractor will be doing your exterior replacement,and it would be wise to let the contractor install the windows as well.Since my installation videos deal with window replacement only, these articles will focus on replacement frames and retrofit frames. Using these two frame styles,a do it yourselfer can replace their old windows without any damage to existing interior and exterior surfaces. And the job can be done using common tools such as a drill,tape measure, and caulking gun.

In next weeks article,we will discuss the replacement of wood sash windows.

John Rocco has been installing replacement windows since 1978

To learn more, visit http://www.vinylwindowsforless.com

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.

Warped Double 2 X 6 Tread

Metal Shingles

Metal shingles were previously seen as roofing material for low-slope houses. Over the years, they have been found out to be a significant roofing alternative for steep-sloped roofs as well.

Metal shingles are usually meant to look like traditional asphalt shingles, wood shakes, or tiles, but metal shingles come with a greater guarantee to ward off rough weather. Many consider these shingles to be the strongest roofing material available. Contrary to popular belief, modern technology has made metal shingles very light, and they are a feast for the eyes, and also have very high fire-resistant ratings.

These classic shingles give a building a timeless look and often come with permanent color warranties. They can be made out of a wide variety of metals like aluminum, copper, stainless steel, zinc and phosphate coating, and alloys of tin and zinc. The different metals can be suitably chosen by the prospective buyer according to his geographical location and climate.

There are other minor details that a buyer should keep in mind. Stainless steel shingles are said to weigh less than most other traditional roofing material. Metal shingles made with alloys of zinc and aluminum should ideally not be painted. Tin roofs should be painted at an interval of eight years. Zinc and tin alloys are perfect for rough coastal weather. These are the various issues that should be considered before making one's choice.

There are a number of benefits that the owner can enjoy once he chooses metal shingles as his primary roofing material. They come with excellent resistance guarantee to strong wind, fires, hail and storms, earthquakes, and other such natural calamities. They are also well protected from pests and are extremely anti-corrosive. Most manufacturers offer a fifty-year warranty on their metal shingles.

Metal shingles are mostly recycled and statistics show that they are, in most cases, 100% recyclable. Installation is also relatively simple, but consulting a roofing professional would probably be considered a smart idea.

Shingles provides detailed information about shingles, cedar shingles, fiberglass shingles and more. Shingles is affiliated with Home Foundation Repair.

Structural Repair

Closet Doors Don't Have To Be Boring

Whether you're remodeling or building from scratch, closet doors should not be the last consideration on your decorating list. The fact is these doors can make as much of a design statement as any other door in your home and perhaps even more.

Some people prefer basic blank doors to open the entries and exits to every room in their homes, their closets, too. But, when these are used for closet doors, the effect can be very bland and boring unless the surrounding decorating scheme calls for something neutral to tone it down or blend in.

Let's consider some of the other options beyond plain, blank wooden doors for use as closet doors. You're really not limited to a single choice. The fact is doors for closets can help create an overall decorating look that makes rooms stand out as extraordinary.

Louvered closet doors are the choice many homeowners make for their own closets. Offering more of a design for the eye to take in than a regular blank door, louvered doors are another common choice for closets. These look beautiful, but do come with one downfall. These doors can be a little tricky to clean.

Panel closet doors can range from ordinary, straight wood, to those that have designs cut in. They can even include recessed panels and a combination of panels and louvers. There are no real downfalls to these doors.

Mirror closet doors can create a great illusion effect while making a beautiful statement beyond ordinary wood. These doors will make a room appear to be larger than it is and will stand out from regular wooden doors. The only downfall with mirrors is the cleaning required. They do attract fingerprints.

Fabric closet doors can be spectacular decorator statements in and of themselves. Depending on where they're purchased, they can even be customized to take on any design a homeowner might require. Keeping these clean will require a bit of work, but it can be worth it for the visual effect these doors have. This is one of the best options for bringing a door into an overall room's design.

There are a host of other options when it comes to closet doors. They can be regular hinge construction, bi-fold or even pocket in their hanging mechanism. Each brings its own style options to the table.

If you need to choose closet doors to compliment a remodel or for new construction, take care in making the choice. These doors don't have to be boring.

For more information on closet doors try visiting http://www.theclosetinfosite.com, a website that specializes in providing advice, tips and resources on closets and closet systems that you can use to help organize a safe and better home.

Home Remodeling Ideas

How to Do a Kitchen Remodeling

The hub of most modern homes is the kitchen. Even though the purpose of it is to prepare meals, in most families, it is where you go as soon as you get home, and it is where everybody in the family hangs out. In a place where we spend most of our time, we want the room to look great, as well as serve all of its practical functions. If it doesn't do that now, you may be thinking about remodeling your kitchen and make it the ideal place where all the family can relax or work. If you think about it ahead of time, you will be able to develop a plan that will give you the dream kitchen that both suits your needs perfectly and doesn't cost a fortune.

One of the best ways to have a kitchen with a coherent design is to choose a theme. Doing this will make the task less daunting, since you will have a starting point. Once you have a design theme in mind, you will find many decorating ideas in that theme. Ultra modern, retro, country, European provincial-there are so many themes in kitchen designs and once you have chosen yours, you will find the exact cabinets, appliances, furniture and decorating items to carry it through. There is no end to the designs for kitchens; just thumb through some decorating magazines and you will find many ideas to use. You can choose a kitchen look and imitate it perfectly, or you can mix and match ideas to suit your whim. There are many great deals on kitchen remodeling items, both in stores and on line. Besides the enjoyment you will get from your newly remodeled kitchen because of how beautiful it looks and functions, an another great benefit is the value it adds to your home. Of all remodeling projects, a newly remodeled kitchen adds the most to the value of a home. The first thing most home buyers look at is the kitchen, and the appeal a kitchen offers to a home buyer can make or break the deal. But it does not have to cost a fortune to add this value to your home. Shop around on line and you will be amazed at how many deals you can find to keep the costs of remodeling down, while still getting the quality products you desire. That is the real value of a kitchen remodeling- you get a big payoff in terms of increased value in your home for a relatively small investment. And you get to enjoy it while you are still living there!

Find a pretty and practical design, plan it out, and then shop around for the best prices in materials and supplies. You will have a kitchen that will give you a lot of pleasure and be fun and comfortable to be in and to work in, while you are adding resale value to your home. This is a perfect situation for every homeowner.

Focusing on the topic of cabinets, he works almost entirely for http://www.kitchen-cabinets-tips.com . You can see his observations on kitchen remodeling at other sources for kitchen remodeling news.

Treated Lumber
Design And Build Your Own House

Foundation Repair Contractors

If your house or any part of your property experiences foundation failure, it is not a job you want to correct yourself. In order to do this properly you would have to be extensively trained and have a fast knowledge on the subject. This is not your everyday fixer upper project. Chances are to get the job done right; you are going to need to hire a professional. If you are like some people, this might make you a little uneasy. After all, how many times have you heard about contractors taking advantage of their customers? Some not so ethical contractors will charge you more than the job is worth. If you are a little uneasy calling in a professional, here are some basic guidelines for what to expect from a good foundation repair contractor.

The first thing any foundation repair contractor should do is an initial investigation and then a foundation failure report to some extent. Report will explain how severe the problem is and list the proposed repairs needed. If they are going to have to pier, they much included pier spacing and foundation lines in the reports. This takes some time. It might not be a one visit evaluation. A foundation repair contractor may have to come out, do an investigation and then present you with a formal report at a later time that will detail all the work. If you find a contractor who quotes you a price right then and there, chances are they are not a good one. Also do not be surprised if you are charged a fee for the inspection and the report. Most fees range from a few hundred to almost $1000 dollars. Make sure you ask if that fee will be deducted from the final price of the job once ordered. A qualified and ethical contractor will tell you yes. If they say no...stay away from them

Once the investigation is done and a report is ready, a reliable foundation repair contractor will go through it with you and give you the quoted price. They will also explain that quote and answer any questions you may have. If you are getting quotes by a few foundation repair contractors, bear in mind that the prices should not vary much if they are all doing the same work. This is because the materials should pretty much be the same price for all foundation repairmen. One of the possible reasons for the difference of prices between contractors is the amount of experience they have. A knowledgeable, skillful and experienced contractor might cost a little more money than one who has less experience. Keep this in mind when considering the cheapest contractor. Ask questions about their experience to help ensure you are making the best decision for you, your house and your budget.

Once all the work has been done, you should be given a report that contains all the hydraulic measurements and depths regarding the piers. This report should be saved as it will come in handy if you ever decided to sell you house.

Having foundation failure fixed is a costly project, but by following these guidelines, you will be able to find a foundation repair contractor that you are confident with. Make sure they are one who take pride in their work and are not looking for the quick buck.

For the best network of Foundation Repair Specialists check out http://www.Foundation-Repair.us

Handrail Attachment To Brick