When fixing up your home, the kitchen is a great place to start. This is because the area is one of the busiest rooms of the house ? it is the place where meals are cooked, dishes are prepared and sometimes food is also shared. Improving the kitchen area can help you bring about change in other parts of your life, like sticking to a better diet or resolving to be neater in other rooms.
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Complete remodeling may not be the perfect solution always as it requires complete renovation and a decent budget too. However, the kitchen can simply be improved by employing few decorating techniques.
Here are a few ways to change the way your kitchen is treating you.
Organize and enhance storage areas: The kitchen is a room where clutter tends o build up. Minimize chaos even in the smallest spaces. Pay for baskets or decorative storage bins to hide rarely used items above cabinets and free up cabinet space. Keep countertops clear, especially if counter space is limited and reflect on wall storage options instead. Shelving comes in different styles ? including brackets that can be set up on angled walls. Don?t overlook backside of doors, corners as potential storage areas. Glance through websites for ideas and products to get solutions to the most hard-to-solve organizational troubles.
Do some decorative painting: Look through and recognize areas that need spicing up. Don?t undervalue the impact of adding color in unexpected places. Paint the walls of the kitchen in relaxing or light colors. Light and bright colors shall make the room appear large and shall breathe in life to the room. Darker shades are to be avoided as they are known to make the room appear compact.
Get rid of boring backsplashes: A portion of colorful wall next to countertop can brighten up the entire kitchen if painted in a contrasting color. Or, attempt applying textured vinyl-coated wallpaper. There are several other products obtainable to give homeowners the ability to upgrade such as peel-n-stick metal tiles, as well as DIY kits for setting up glass mosaic tile. In case there is an existing monotone backsplash, there are a variety of tile to pick from to create a new look reasonably.
Refinish or paint old wood cabinets: If you have old wood cabinets with a dull finish then think about refinishing or painting them. Add attractive trip to plain cabinet doors, or buy new door fonts. Paint or change old, worn hinges and hardware. Put in new hardware back plates ? they are functional and will showcase new hardware while hiding defects and holes.
Expand without gutting: Checking with a contractor is a great way to come up with ideas and implement changes to an inefficient, claustrophobic floor plan and is more inexpensive than most homeowners expect. Completely or partially removing a wall, or stealing space from an adjacent room, can make a great difference in the way a kitchen feels and is not nearly as expensive or inconvenient as demolishing the entire kitchen and starting from scratch.
Below is a list of some more efficient techniques to assist you improving your kitchen:
There are a dozen kitchen improvement ideas which when followed to the latter bring the change you have been wishing for in your kitchen. When settling on which one to begin you should give consideration to the value that it will add to your home. To know more about this check out our Home Maintenance guide.
No matter where you live, kitchens are often one of the most used spaces in a house. Whether you are chef, someone who loves to cook, or the one liable for family meals, having an intuitive, practical kitchen space makes being in that space more enjoyable.
Kitchen area is very important in the house and the health of your family is also lined up so ensure to keep the whole area clean, comfortable and beautiful all the time. Well it is certainly great to work in an area where you feel most comfortable in, so the ways mentioned above can ultimately improve your cooking for the whole family which is a great thing. In case you are planning to renovate your kitchen, you might well reflect on the tips mentioned.
Posted on November 15th 2012. Tags:kichen remodeling, kitchen decorating ideas, kitchen island Category:Home Maintenance | No Comments ?
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MANCHESTER - Manchester United saw their total revenue rise to a record ?76.3 million (S$148 million) in the first quarter thanks to increased sponsorship deals - though the club would have made an overall ?6 million loss had it not been for a ?26.5 million tax credit received by registering its holding company in the tax-free haven of the Cayman Islands.
In the three months to the end of September, the club's debt fell to ?359.7 million, a drop of 17 per cent from the ?433.2 million in the same period last year, though the ?24.5 million interest on the sum is the same as Sir Alex Ferguson paid for Robin van Persie during the summer.
Ed Woodward, the executive vice-chairman, said: "Manchester United had a record first quarter driven by our commercial operation, which continues to experience extremely strong global revenue growth in new media and mobile, retail merchandising and sponsorship. The team has also made a strong start to the 2012-13 season - currently first place in the Premier League and our Champions League group."
The growth was due to 10 new deals that include contracts with General Motors, Bwin and Santander. Revenue from this sector was up 24.3 per cent from ?34.6 million to ?43 million.
The fall in debt was down to the finance raised by floating the club on the New York stock exchange in August, after the holding company was registered in the Cayman Islands.
The report stated that a further "?60 million" tax credit could be due to utilise later in this or in future years. United also hope to increase income when negotiations begin with Nike in February regarding the renewal of the ?303 million kit deal that finishes in 2013.
In July, United secured a lucrative ?357 million contract with General Motors for the Chevrolet logo to be worn on their shirts from 2014 until 2021. This caused the club to buy out the agreement with DHL for its training kit, which now finishes at the close of this season.
The Glazer family loaded ?550 million of debt on to the club when they bought United in 2005, including interest and other fees. Regarding these recent results and the debt, Andy Green, a financial analyst who writes the "andersred blog" on football ownership, tweeted: "Stop all transfer spending and it would still take 5 years+ for #MUFC to become debt free." THE GUARDIAN
*I?believe that we, as humans, are meant to be in relation. Were supposed to have relationships, romantic and platonic and they are supposed to be healthy. But the truth is, no one ever teaches us how to do that. There are no relationship courses in school that show?us how to figure out our value system and then to link up with people who have similar or complimentary values.
We are; however, taught to be in relation with people who are nice to us, who are attractive, who have material wealth and more niceties.?These things are taught through our societal fabric. They are the unwritten expecations.?The problem with this process is that does not take into account what happens after these things become routine. Its great if someone is nice to you, but what if they dont value education the way you do? Its awesome if someone shows you high levels of respect, but what if they dont value independence the way you do? Its sweet if they buy you gifts just because, but what if they dont value communication the way you do?
Well if they dont value what you value or have complimentary ones, then it gets really?tough. In my opinion, everyone should value communication. Why, you ask? Because it is only through communication that?we can understand the status of our relationships. When values start to be misaligned, then resentment has an opportunity to creep in. In addition, this is usually what starts the outside conversations about our relationship. We start talking to other people about things only our significant other can answer.
Our high percentage of failing relationships is not just a matter of these new generations (of which I ama member of)?giving up too easily, as some would like to suggest. As a matter a fact, I would bet a large sum of money that the previous generations could have used a much different approach to relationships than the one they had. The suck it up and hang in there philosophy left a shlew of unfulfilled people; mostly women, I might add.
In addition to checking in on our relationship status, communication is a phenomenal way to continue the process of understanding ourselves, our ticks and motivations. For instance, if my husband/boyfriend (there isnt one at the moment, but if there were)?were to say to me, I would like to quit my job and start a new company and I begin to give him all the reasons why we cant do this right now and why its irresponsible for? him to think of doing such a thing, well there begins the breakdown. We would make out much better if I took time to understand they value that he is trying to satisfy for himself. I know I have to give one for the men also, to balance this out (smile). If a woman tells her husband/boyfriend that she wants to go on a missions trip to India for a month and he begins ranting about the time itll take away from the family, the stress it will put on him to keep it all together while shes gone and how irresponsible it would be of her to do such a thing, then he too runs the risk of alienating her. A better solution (in my humble opinion)? would be to ask as many questions as necessary to understand what value shes attempting to satisfy.
I believe romantic relationship readiness is about self discovery first, finding a friend who value system is in line with your own and thirdly opening the doors of communication from the start of the relationship. Here are a few other tips I believe would change the romantic relationship process as we know it.
1. Learn about yourself. And I mean really learn. Why do you get upset when certain things happen? Why are you insecure about other things? Why do you get offended when you do? How come a certain type of person annoys you? Why do you cling to your romantic interests to tightly? Who has had the greatest influence on you and why? And so on and so on and so on.
2. Tie your learnings about yourself to specific values so that you can confidently name the reasons for your emotions. This process is outlined in my book The Things I Used to do to Sneeze!: How to live an authentic life with awesome sensations. (Sorry for the self promo, but the book is actually appropriate for this subject)
3. Look for a friend you respect,?whose value system is aligned first and romantic interest second. Trust me, when the dust settles, its the related values that make a person loveable even when you dont necessarily like them, at times.
4. Give your intended friend permission to communicate with you open and respectfully about where they are and how things are affecting him or her. There is nothing like someone saying that you can tell them the truth and then they totally freak on you when you do. Great way to distance yourself.
5. Commit to respecting the communication process and always listen and speak from a place of understanding. Understanding is critical in all that we do in life. If you began a new job without anyone communicating the expectations, deliverables and required process, you would fail miserably. Relationships are no different.
I believe we can turn this thing around. We need not look to President Obama and First Lady Michelle or any other notable couples and wish. First, we have no idea what they have. I do believe that we can actually find fulfillment in our romantic relationships and that doesnt mean they will all last forever. It means that we will not leave behind or collect so much baggage along our journey. This will leave our emotional palette clear to enjoy all that life has to offer.
Monica Cost is Chief Brand Strategist and Founder of Evidently Assured,? an authentic brand strategy firm and the Live Your Truth Experience (LYTE).? She is the Author? of the new life changing book on living an authentic life called, ?The Things I? Used to do to Sneeze!: How to live an authentic life with awesome? sensations.? Email her at:? LiveYourTruth@MonicaCost.com.? Follow her via Twitter: @monicacost and Facebook.com/monicahairstoncost.?? www.monicacost.com. Live? true!
AAA??Nov. 8, 2012?6:25 PM ET Progress in talks on united Syria opposition AP
In this image made from video, Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks with English-language television channel Russia Today recorded at an unknown date in Damascus, Syria. Assad vowed to "to live in Syria and die in Syria", declaring in an interview broadcast Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 that he will never flee his country despite the bloody, 19-month-old uprising against him. (AP Photo) RUSSIA OUT TV OUT
In this image made from video, Syrian President Bashar Assad speaks with English-language television channel Russia Today recorded at an unknown date in Damascus, Syria. Assad vowed to "to live in Syria and die in Syria", declaring in an interview broadcast Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 that he will never flee his country despite the bloody, 19-month-old uprising against him. (AP Photo) RUSSIA OUT TV OUT
In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 photo, a Syrian rebel fighter takes cover a few meters away from the Castle, used as a military position by Bashar Assad's forces in the Old City of Aleppo, Syria.(AP Photo/Monica Prieto)
In this Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2012 photo, Free Syrian Army fighters shout at a captured suspected pro-Bashar Assad fighter in the town of Harem, Syria. Rebels say the man was killed shortly after this picture. Despite two weeks of attacking a Roman-era citadel in which pro-Assad militia are dug in, the rebels failed to secure the town. (AP Photo/Mustafa Karali)
In this Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012 photo, a general view of a destroyed building inside the Old City of Aleppo, Syria, a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site that was gutted in October and which is now controlled by the Free Syrian Army.(AP Photo/Monica Prieto)
Syrian regime opponent Haytham al-Maleh, center, to reporters on the sidelines of the General Assembly of the Syrian National Council (SNC) meeting in Doha, Qatar,Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012. (AP Photo/Osama Faisal)
DOHA, Qatar (AP) ? Syrian opposition leaders say they have made progress toward forging a broad-based leadership group sought by the international community.
Riad Seif, the author of the proposal, says the main opposition bloc, the Syrian National Council, deferred a decision until after a final round of internal elections Friday. Seif says some of the SNC members present during day-long talks Thursday signaled they accept the idea of setting up a new 60-member leadership group.
The leadership group is to serve as a conduit for foreign support for those trying to oust President Bashar Assad.
The SNC is hesitant because it would receive only 22 seats to make room for activists inside Syria. Seif says the SNC will make a final decision Friday afternoon, after picking a new chief and executive committee.
ROME (AP) - Barcelona lost for the first time since August, and Manchester United and Chelsea needed late goals to win in a wild night of Champions League action Wednesday.
Barcelona had been unbeaten in 12 matches since the Spanish Super Cup against Real Madrid before falling 2-1 at Celtic, which is two points behind the Spanish power with two matches remaining.
"It is not the first time we have lost a game like this and it won't be the last," Barcelona coach Tito Vilanova said.
United came back from a goal down to beat Braga 3-1 and qualify for the second round in a match that was stopped briefly because of a light outage.
Defending champion Chelsea needed a header from Victor Moses four minutes into injury time to beat Shakhtar Donetsk 3-2.
Last season's runner-up, Bayern Munich, routed Lille 6-1, and Italian champion Juventus had a 4-0 win over Danish side Nordsjaelland.
In other games, Galatasaray won its first away match in the competition in 10 years by beating CFR Cluj 3-1 with a hat trick from Burat Yilmaz; midfielder Sofiane Feghouli scored twice to help Valencia beat BATE Borisov 4-2 and take the lead in Group F; and Substitute Oscar Cardozo scored two second-half goals to give Benfica a 2-0 win over Spartak Moscow.
In Scotland, Victor Wanyama headed Celtic in front in the 21st minute and teenage substitute Tony Watt rounded off another swift counterattack in the 83rd. All four-time champion Barcelona could muster was a stoppage time goal from three-time FIFA player of the year Lionel Messi.
Barcelona has nine points in Group G, Celtic is next with seven, Benfica has four and Spartak three.
In Portugal, Braga went ahead with a 49th-minute penalty from Alan and the score remained 1-0 when the game was suspended for about 10 minutes in the second half because of a floodlight failure.
When the lights came back on, it was all United. Robin van Persie equalized in the 80th, Wayne Rooney converted a penalty in the 84th and Javier Hernandez tapped in from short range in injury time.
United has an insurmountable 12 points in Group H. Cluj and Galatasaray are next with four each and Braga is last with three.
In London, Chelsea was outplayed for large periods and surrendered the lead twice, with Willian scoring both of Shakhtar's goals in the ninth and 47th minutes to enhance his burgeoning reputation.
Fernando Torres had scored Chelsea's opener in the sixth and Oscar had reclaimed the lead for the hosts in the 40th with a stunning 45-yard shot, with goalkeeper Andriy Pyatov to blame for both goals after botching attempted clearances.
Moses had the last laugh as Chelsea finished strongly, the substitute heading in Mata's cross with almost the last touch of the game.
Shakhtar and Chelsea each have seven points atop Group E, with the Ukrainian side ahead on goal difference. Juventus is a point behind and Nordsjaelland is last with one point.
Bouncing back from its first Serie A loss in two seasons at the weekend, Juventus got goals from Claudio Marchisio, Arturo Vidal, Sebastian Giovinco and substitute Fabio Quagliarella.
"Clearly we need to beat Chelsea and then battle it out with Shakhtar," said Juventus assistant Angelo Alessio, who is filling in on the touchline while head coach Antonio Conte serves a four-month ban for match-fixing.
In Germany, Claudio Pizarro scored a hat trick for Bayern, which also got goals from Bastain Schweinsteiger, Arjen Robben and Toni Kroos.
Valencia and Bayern have nine points each in Group F, with Valencia leading on goal difference. BATE is next with six points and Lille remained last with none.
"We want to win the group, it's important," Bayern's coach Jupp Heynckes said.
? 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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HARRISON, N.J. (AP) - The New York Red Bulls announced before their Eastern Conference semifinal on Thursday night that they will donate half the gate revenue from the game to relief efforts in the wake of Superstorm Sandy.
FILE - In this Oct. 24,2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for his weekly general audience. The Vatican spokesman on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 said that the 85-year-old Benedict will start tweeting from a personal Twitter account, perhaps before the end of the year. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
FILE - In this Oct. 24,2012 file photo, Pope Benedict XVI blesses the faithful in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican for his weekly general audience. The Vatican spokesman on Thursday, Nov. 8, 2012 said that the 85-year-old Benedict will start tweeting from a personal Twitter account, perhaps before the end of the year. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini, File)
VATICAN CITY (AP) ? He already has a billion followers.
Now, Pope Benedict XVI will join the Twitter-sphere, tweeting from a personal account along with the world's celebrities, leaders and ordinary folk.
Vatican spokesman the Rev. Federico Lombardi made the announcement Thursday, saying details about Benedict's handle and other information will come when the Vatican officially launches the account, perhaps before the end of the year.
The 85-year-old Benedict sent his first tweet from a Vatican account last year when he launched the Vatican's news information portal, aimed at the world's 1.1 billion Catholics. The new Twitter account will be his own, though it's doubtful Benedict himself will wrestle down his encyclicals, apostolic exhortations and other papal pronouncements into 140-character bites.
Benedict, who writes longhand and doesn't normally use a computer, will more likely sign off on tweets written in his name.
Your daily look at late-breaking news, upcoming events and stories that will be talked about on Friday:
1. WHY OBAMA'S IN A BIND
He's got to stand his ground against the GOP, and risk falling off the "fiscal cliff," or reach a compromise ? and risk angering liberal Democrats.
2. GABRIELLE GIFFORDS FACE-TO-FACE WITH THE MAN WHO TRIED TO KILL HER
The former congresswoman looks closely at the convicted gunman for several minutes at his sentencing hearing but says nothing.
3. STORM VICTIMS ARE COLD, TIRED AND LOSING PATIENCE
Hundreds of thousands of customers in New York and New Jersey are still waiting for the electricity to come back on.
4. PENTAGON SAYS IRANIAN WARPLANE FIRED AT DRONE
The U.S. tells Tehran that surveillance will continue over international airspace in the Persian Gulf.
5. WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING DRIVE TIME AS BABY BOOMERS TURN 65
As millions drive less, demands on public transportation will increase and gas tax revenues will drop.
6. NEW ARCHBISHOP OF CANTERBURY TO BE NAMED FRIDAY
The next leader of the world's Anglicans is expected to be Justin Welby, who shifted mid-career from the oil industry to the clergy.
7. WHO'S BEHIND FALSE CLAIMS ABOUT FLOOD-DAMAGED CARS
The AP finds that a company selling repair histories and a car dealers group spread the rumor that faulty vehicles will inundate the U.S. used-car market.
8. BILL O'REILLY VS, THE BREASTFEEDING BABY DOLL
"I just want the kids to be kids," the conservative TV personality says in decrying a toy that makes suckling sounds.
9. MARILYN MONROE PICS AUCTIONED IN POLAND
Photos of the starlet taken by a celebrity photographer fetch up to $20,000 each. Some have never been published.
10. COLLEGE HOOPS BEING PLAYED ON MILITARY COURTS
The season's first games will tip off Friday on two aircraft carriers and at a U.S. air base in Germany.
Posted by Anna on Nov 7, 2012 in Marketing | 0 comments
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Why don?t we see who?s connected?
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Anna is a person with a passion for writing. She has written many articles on various topics , for more information you can check her other blogs.
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[DEAL] Up to 50% Off Diamond Jewelry on Amazon.com
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Tonight, Capitol Hill turns its attention from the ballot box to the bars and big screens.
A number of ?restaurants and watering holes plan to host viewing parties, and you can either celebrate or commiserate over the end to election season.
Stay Caffeinated on ?Sticker Day?
Pound The Hill wanted to offer customers free coffee to anyone wearing an ?I voted? sticker, but then the owners learned it?s illegal to reward votes. Apparently, the violation carries upwards of two years in jail. So instead, today is ?sticker day? at Pound. Come wearing any sticker (hint, hint) and you?ll receive a free cup of coffee to keep you caffeinated long into the wee hours of the night.
Eat Like Obama
Smith Commons, recently hosted President Obama for dinner and is ready to host election party-goers too. The bar will serve $5 craft beers, wine and spirits, as well as food specials from 5 p.m. to close.
Alleviate?Your Stress with a Game of Mini-Golf
If the election is not going your way, there?s always mini-golf to relieve, or intensify, your stress. H Street Country Club promises it will be all fun and games at their Electoral College Party. Count the states and enjoy happy hour specials all night long with $3 Bud Lights and $5 house margaritas.
Red States, Blue States, Either Way You Drink
At Wisdom?$8 will buy you a red state or blue state drink special. The red state is a Natty Boh and shot of Jack Daniels, while the blue state is a Bluecoat Gin martini. Also, show a sticker and your first drink is 15 percent off. A few of these drinks, and you?ll be in electoral spirit in no time.
Ode to the Hawk?n'Dove?
While renovations are still ongoing at the Hawk?n'Dove, Xavier Cervera, the bar?s new owner, will be paying tribute to its name by offering two drink specials at each of his bars and restaurants: Boxcar Tavern, Chesapeake Room, Lola?s, Molly Malone?s,?Pacifico, and Senart?s Oyster & Chop House. For $6 order either ?The Hawk,? a?Maker?s Mark Manhattan with chocolate bitters and smoked cherry,?or ?The Dove,? a Grey Goose French martini.
Rock the Vote
And finally, for the cheapest food and drink deals of the night, head to Rock N Roll Hotel for their election night party. Doors open at 6 p.m. and specials include $2 canned beers and 25 cent wings. DJs will playing all night long under the laser lights upstairs.
Do you have an election party or event happening on the Hill? If so, post it in the comment thread below.
When empty nesters think about changing their retirement lifestyle, they usually consider downsizing to a place with fewer rooms to heat and cool, less grass to cut.
But some retired and semi-retired boomers have changed their lifestyle to the extreme, ditching their fixed residences for homes on wheels, going off the grid and finding other ways to live smaller.
They're the kind of people Lloyd Kahn, editor-in-chief of Shelter Publications, features in his 2012 book, "Tiny Homes: Simple Shelter," such as the elderly man who fashioned himself a home out of a 120-square-foot garden shed, or the 70-something woman who lived in a converted school bus.
Kahn says the current tiny-homes movement, spurred partly by the downturn in the economy, is a bit of a throwback to the late '60s and early '70s.
"It's an idea that's been around, but all of a sudden a lot of people are thinking in terms of getting smaller rather than larger," says Kahn.
This trend doesn't apply to everyone, of course. Recent Census Bureau figures show the average size of new homes went up slightly from 2010 to 2011. But Bankrate found four examples of people who altered their retirement lifestyle, ranging from the fairly typical to the extremely frugal.
A Cozy Apartment
Priscilla Kleinman, a retired teacher and Kenner, La., resident, shrank her living space by about 60 percent when she moved from her 2,200-square-foot home to a 900-square-foot apartment. She later relocated to another similarly sized apartment in the gated community where she now lives.
Kleinman and her ex-husband sold their home in 2002 after they divorced. Because the house was paid off, downsizing for Kleinman has actually meant an increase in housing expenses. She says her current rent, which she would only give as "more than $800 a month" for a one-bedroom, second-floor walk-up, is straining her budget.
"My rent is more than what we were paying in maintenance, insurance and taxes," says Kleinman, who nevertheless appreciates not having to worry about the upkeep of her apartment.
With her rent going up each year, Kleinman expects she'll eventually have to downsize yet again.
"The ideal scenario for me would be if my daughter and son-in-law had a house with a mother-in-law apartment," she says.
Kahn has noticed a growing interest among boomers in building small accessory dwelling units to accommodate aging parents.
"Portland, Ore., and Santa Cruz, Calif., have ordinances that make it easier for people to build these additional units in their backyards," he says.
A Remote Cabin
For semiretired John Barbara and his wife, Sandra-Leah, scaling back their lifestyle was more dramatic than the reduction in their living space when they moved into a Philipsburg, Mont., log cabin in April 2012.
The couple had lived for 15 years in a 1,500-square-foot ranch-style log home about 90 miles from New York City. Their new cabin on their horse farm is somewhat smaller at about 1,150 square feet, but not exactly cramped. They spent $230,000 to have the home custom built by Montana Mobile Cabins, one of more than a dozen prefab and kit home suppliers featured in Kahn's book.
Many of the book's cottages are much smaller than that of the Barbaras, including models starting at less than $3,000 for about 48 square feet.
Before their move, Sandra-Leah Barbara owned a small printing business in upstate New York, and John Barbara commuted three hours each way to his job in the Manhattan financial district. The area's high property tax rates provided a big incentive to head West.
"Our taxes are about 10 percent of what they were in New York," John Barbara says.
Homeowners insurance premiums and income taxes are also lower, and Montana has no sales tax -- compared to New York's 9 percent. The Barbaras are off the grid, too. They recently installed solar panels after several weeks of using only a generator to power up.
RV Living On The Road
Lloyd Treichel was already living in a modest 900-square-foot house in Denver when he retired from his career in the computer industry at the end of 2000. Three months later he paid $40,000 for a 24-foot by 8-foot fifth-wheel trailer, hitched it to his new pickup truck and started living on the road.
To fit into his tiny space, Treichel sold some of his household items to his children, but he says none of it was difficult to part with.
"I guess I've never been too much into things," says Treichel, who writes about his RV living and travels at his blog named Wandrin Lloyd. One splurge was the $2,007 he spent on his cellphone, wireless Internet and satellite radio connections. Last year, he spent $5,194 on fees to rent parking spaces and hook up to heating and electricity sources, $4,252 on truck fuel, and $1,576 on household expenses and maintenance for the truck.
Think RV traveling may be the life for you? According to the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association, current prices for fifth-wheel travel trailers that sleep up to six people range from $18,000 to $160,000 new. The largest and most luxurious RV category is the type A motor home (with the vehicle and living space in one piece) that sleeps up to six. Its prices range from $60,000 to $500,000.
Frugal Living At Sea
Gary and Julie Pierce experienced eight years of drastically downsized living -- spending six to nine months a year at sea -- before moving to their current home in a suburban Phoenix planned retirement community.
Two years after Gary Pierce took early retirement in 1990 from his job as a commercial real estate broker, the couple bought a used 35-foot Island Packet sailboat and set off to explore the Caribbean. They chose St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, as their home base. Pierce estimates the vessel's living space on the sailboat was about 50 square feet. Their previous two-story, 1,800-square-foot home near Houston was a mansion by comparison.
Provisions on board included two sleeping berths, a three-burner propane stove in the galley and a 90-gallon water tank. Today, you could probably expect to spend close to $80,000 and up for a similar used cruiser.
The boat came with a wind generator, and Pierce spent about $600 each for two solar panels in 1994. He says the boat's 12-volt refrigerator sucked up more than 80 percent of the power.
"When we were down in the Caribbean, we spent $1,000 a month for everything, including food, normal boat maintenance, entertainment and fuel -- gas for the dinghy and diesel fuel for the in-board motor," says Pierce, who maintains a website called Frugal-Retirement-Living.com.
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New bacteria to fight against intestinal inflammation Public release date: 6-Nov-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Press Office presse@inserm.fr INSERM (Institut national de la sant et de la recherche mdicale)
This protection is provided by a human protein, Elafin, which is artificially introduced into dairy produce bacteria (Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei). In time, this discovery could be useful for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
The results of this research were published in the Science Translational Medicine review on 31 October 2012.
In France, nearly 200,000 individuals suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease, known as IBD, (specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). The occurrence rate of this type of disease continues to rise (8,000 new cases diagnosed per year). During inflammatory outbreaks, IBDs are chiefly characterised by abdominal pain, frequent diarrhoea (sometimes with bleeding) or even disorders in the anal area (fissure, abscesses). These symptoms mean that taboos are associated with these diseases.
Different avenues are being explored to explain the origin of IBDs, including the role of genetic or environmental factors. The intestinal flora seems to play an important role in the outbreak of inflammation, although little is known about it. Identifying an effective treatment is also at the heart of the investigations.
Researchers are focussing on a human protein, known for its anti-inflammatory proprieties: Elafin. Although this protein is found naturally in the intestine to protect it against attacks, it disappears in patients suffering from IBDs.
Their hypothesis? Administering Elafin directly into the intestine could protect against inflammatory attacks and restore intestinal equilibrium and its functions.
Using non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the intestine and food, scientists from Inserm and Inra have designed modified bacteria to produce Elafin. To this end, the human Elafin gene, isolated in collaboration with a team from the Institut Pasteau, was introduced in Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei, two food-grade bacteria found in dairy products.
Results in mice
When administered orally to mice, the human Elafin-producing bacteria are found a few hours later on the surface of the intestine where they deliver the anti-inflammatory protein. In different mice models of chronic or acute intestinal inflammation, oral treatment using these Elafin-producing bacteria provided significant protection of the intestine and decreased inflammatory symptoms.
and in humans
Elafin expressed by these bacteria also protects cultured human intestinal cell lines from inflammatory outbreaks similar to those observed in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Elafin produced in this way restores the equilibrium of intestinal mucus by reducing inflammation and accelerating cell healing processes.
Potential clinical applications
These results may result in a clinical application where Elafin would be administered to patients suffering from IBDs using beneficial bacteria (probiotic), which are already commonly found in food (yoghurt, cheese), thus protecting the patients from inflammatory symptoms. According to the researchers "This kind of secure treatment could even be used over the long-term, to treat inflammatory diseases."
###
This research is protected by a patent and an exclusive licence assigned to an industrial partner, managed by Inserm Transfert.
Sources
Food-grade bacteria expressing Elafin protect against inflammation and restore colon homeostasis.
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
New bacteria to fight against intestinal inflammation Public release date: 6-Nov-2012 [ | E-mail | Share ]
Contact: Press Office presse@inserm.fr INSERM (Institut national de la sant et de la recherche mdicale)
This protection is provided by a human protein, Elafin, which is artificially introduced into dairy produce bacteria (Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei). In time, this discovery could be useful for individuals suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis.
The results of this research were published in the Science Translational Medicine review on 31 October 2012.
In France, nearly 200,000 individuals suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel disease, known as IBD, (specifically Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis). The occurrence rate of this type of disease continues to rise (8,000 new cases diagnosed per year). During inflammatory outbreaks, IBDs are chiefly characterised by abdominal pain, frequent diarrhoea (sometimes with bleeding) or even disorders in the anal area (fissure, abscesses). These symptoms mean that taboos are associated with these diseases.
Different avenues are being explored to explain the origin of IBDs, including the role of genetic or environmental factors. The intestinal flora seems to play an important role in the outbreak of inflammation, although little is known about it. Identifying an effective treatment is also at the heart of the investigations.
Researchers are focussing on a human protein, known for its anti-inflammatory proprieties: Elafin. Although this protein is found naturally in the intestine to protect it against attacks, it disappears in patients suffering from IBDs.
Their hypothesis? Administering Elafin directly into the intestine could protect against inflammatory attacks and restore intestinal equilibrium and its functions.
Using non-pathogenic bacteria found naturally in the intestine and food, scientists from Inserm and Inra have designed modified bacteria to produce Elafin. To this end, the human Elafin gene, isolated in collaboration with a team from the Institut Pasteau, was introduced in Lactococcus lactis and Lactobacillus casei, two food-grade bacteria found in dairy products.
Results in mice
When administered orally to mice, the human Elafin-producing bacteria are found a few hours later on the surface of the intestine where they deliver the anti-inflammatory protein. In different mice models of chronic or acute intestinal inflammation, oral treatment using these Elafin-producing bacteria provided significant protection of the intestine and decreased inflammatory symptoms.
and in humans
Elafin expressed by these bacteria also protects cultured human intestinal cell lines from inflammatory outbreaks similar to those observed in chronic inflammatory bowel diseases. Elafin produced in this way restores the equilibrium of intestinal mucus by reducing inflammation and accelerating cell healing processes.
Potential clinical applications
These results may result in a clinical application where Elafin would be administered to patients suffering from IBDs using beneficial bacteria (probiotic), which are already commonly found in food (yoghurt, cheese), thus protecting the patients from inflammatory symptoms. According to the researchers "This kind of secure treatment could even be used over the long-term, to treat inflammatory diseases."
###
This research is protected by a patent and an exclusive licence assigned to an industrial partner, managed by Inserm Transfert.
Sources
Food-grade bacteria expressing Elafin protect against inflammation and restore colon homeostasis.
AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert! system.
Franchisors are likely to share or outsource operational resources, seek franchisees who are prepared to have multiple brands, grow into new industries and grow overseas, if the following sector trends continue to unfold.
While some of these trends are more evident than others, all can be observed on a close assessment of the Australian franchise market. These trends are:
1. Pooling of system management resources 2. Entrepreneur class of franchisee: Multi-unit franchisees, cross-unit owners. 3. Expansion into new business categories 4. Export growth
A limited exploration of each of these factors appears below.
Pooling of system management resources
Systems that have substantially similar support structures may obtain considerable cost savings by combining their franchise support operations to reduce fixed overheads of rent, leases and personnel, as well as variables such as information technology.
While it could be argued that this model may represent a form of co-branding, it is not inconceivable that such arrangements could be entered into as a joint venture, or outsourced to a commercial provider.
Examples of this model already exist among well-known service and retail franchise brands.
Under this model, each participating franchise system can "buy" a level of support to provide to its franchisees, without undergoing the financial strain of managing its own incremental growth and associated costs as the franchise expands.
Entrepreneur class of franchisee: Multi-unit franchisees and cross-unit owners
Coupled with this shift in the operation of systems, is a similar shift in the nature of franchisees. While there will always be a market supply of traditional "mum and dad" type franchisees, new entrants particularly in the retail sector will be motivated entrepreneurs, many with previous business experience, and keen to expand beyond single-unit operations.
These franchisees will expand into multiple outlets after a qualifying period, while many franchisors will actively facilitate "growth from within" their system by reducing up-front fees to franchisees of second and subsequent outlets, or provide other incentives.
This will provide a "career path" in franchising to retain good franchisees who may otherwise become bored after a while and seek to leave the system.
Another method of business expansion to become more common among franchisees (either single or multiple unit operators) is a trend toward cross-unit franchising. This is likely to be most evident in provincial and regional locations where motivated and entrepreneurial franchisees may already saturate their market with one system and, in their desire to capitalise on opportunities, take on a franchise for another non-competing, complementary system.
Expansion into new business categories
The outsourcing of services has been the catalyst for the rapid growth of franchising over the last 20 years. Outsourcing continues to provide new opportunities in franchising, and will result in the development of new franchise systems in categories not previously considered capable of being franchised.
These categories are likely to include businesses requiring mid to high levels of business knowledge and skill, and may include some government functions. Franchises of this type would be highly sophisticated and potentially require significant start-up capital.
Export growth
The 2012 Franchising Australia survey found that more than a quarter of all systems in Australia are currently exporting, and that almost another quarter plan to export within the next three years.
While many franchise systems aspire to export and become international brands, the reality is that few are particularly good at it. Most franchise systems expand internationally by reacting to an inquiry from overseas and before the full process of vetting and selecting international partners has been determined.
However, there are significant risks for the unwary and even mature franchise systems have not succeeded in their export plans.
In order to export effectively, franchisors must be prepared to enter into long-term agreements and, if necessary, take equity in their international operations.
Conclusion
Franchising in Australia continues to evolve and innovate. These are just a handful of the trends that are emerging as the sector matures and may well be augmented by further initiatives in the day, weeks, months and years ahead.
Jason Gehrke is the director of the Franchise Advisory Centre and has been involved in franchising for 20 years at franchisee, franchisor and advisor level.
He advises both potential and existing franchisors and franchisees, and conducts franchise education programs throughout Australia, and publishes Franchise News & Events, a fortnightly email news bulletin on franchising issues and trends.
Andy Murray of Britain celebrates at match point after beating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during their singles tennis match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Andy Murray of Britain celebrates at match point after beating Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic during their singles tennis match at the ATP World Tour Finals in London Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic plays a return to Andy Murray of Britain, during their ATP Tennis Finals singles match, in London, Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Andy Murray of Britain plays a return to Tomas Berdych of the Czech Republic, during their ATP Tennis Finals singles match, in London, Monday, Nov. 5, 2012. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
LONDON (AP) ? The clang of the advertising sign must have served as a wake-up call for a frustrated Andy Murray.
The U.S. Open champion, playing at home in Britain for the first time since winning his first major title two months ago, wasted 10 break points before finally finding his game and beating Tomas Berdych 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 Monday in the opening match of the ATP finals.
Murray missed all seven of his break chances in the first set, and then wasted three more in the fourth game of the second set. After the third, he whacked the ball in anguish, but even that failed to make it to the other side of the court. Instead, it clanged off the sponsor sign hanging on the net.
Berdych then put a forehand wide, and Murray finally earned the break he needed to take the second set when his Czech opponent's forehand sailed long, making it 3-1.
"Unfortunately there was just small details that just decided today," said Berdych, who had wasted three break points in the previous game.
In the third set, Murray didn't waste his only opportunity. He converted the one break point he earned to take a 2-1 lead, and then lost only three points on his serve the rest of the way.
Murray was playing in Britain for the first time since ending the country's 76-year wait for a men's Grand Slam champion.
Although he reached the Wimbledon final and won the gold medal at the London Olympics, no British man had won a major tennis title since Fred Perry in 1936. Murray changed that in New York, and the crowd cheered loudly when he was introduced. The noise at the O2 Arena, however, died down once the match got going.
Later Monday, top-ranked Novak Djokovic was to face Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the other Group A match at the season-ending tournament for the top eight players in the world.
Group B, which includes six-time champion Roger Federer, will play Tuesday.
Government auctions are your answer if you want to drive a Jaguar or Lexus, a auto that you have always wanted to personal but could by no means afford. There have been numerous instances when we have noticed a BMW or a Mercedes Benz on the road and they speed away ahead of you can modify gears in your car. The only issue that crosses our thoughts at that point is they need to be really wealthy or a leading character in the town to drive in such a luxurious vehicle. For all you know, they may have picked up the auto at a Government auction for $750 ? $1000. Considering that a lot of are not conscious of these auctions, the select couple of take benefit and benefit from them. Most of the automobiles at the auction are Government seized cars that could have been brought in by the police or by other individuals who reported sights of abandoned vehicles in their streets. used cars in johannesburg second hand cars in gauteng Even though choosing up a vehicle by means of Government auctions, make confident to verify the situation of the auto to not get conned into purchasing a vehicle which is missing a few parts which was removed when it was seized. Not all cars are in such conditions, most of them are in fact be in excellent situation and there would be no problem with you buying such a vehicle. If you were able to outbid the other individuals and yours is the highest cost quoted, the Mercedes could grow to be yours. It is now your turn to take the auto out on the streets and show it off to the planet and maybe make yet another soul like yours jealous. Tiny do folks understand that through these Government auctions one particular can buy a auto they normally would not be capable to afford. And this is achievable only since Government would do something to be rid of the vehicles that are accumulated in their storage place.
Now, based on whether or not you wish a luxury vehicle or just wish to obtain a automobile at a price less expensive than at the automobile dealer, you can attempt government vehicle auctions. They even have fleet automobiles and surplus vehicles for your advantage. Some of the others could have been condemned or and rendered old, but will be in good running condition and give decent mileages. If you are a sensible buyer, you will be in a position to uncover some interesting and high saving offers at these Government auctions. And considering that these auctions are not held right after performing a lot of advertising, it is only a particular group of folks who are aware of their operations and schedules. For that reason, they benefit from them and may spread the word to their close friends or household members if are seeking to buy a automobile. cars for sale gauteng
At nearly all government auto auctions, the interested parties are permitted to view the cars that are up for auction and conduct physical checks they deem needed. Also, never get into a bidding competitors with other people if you are not conscious of how significantly the vehicle is worth.
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An additional way to make money on the web is via an agency which can sell your item or service for you. This can be a excellent solution if you want to concentrate on production rather than on on the web promotion and sales, so you can make money without getting to worry about it. Based on your location of knowledge, there are many agencies committed to assisting you make money on the internet. How can you access them? By means of an online search or by employing online employment databases. url url Whichever way you choose to make money on the web, what really matters is the quality of your product or service and how you present oneself online. You will make a lot more income if you are confident in your capabilities and can give a great impression on-line. Take the time to get to know the on-line environment in which you hope to make funds. In this way you can decide the level of on-line demand for your item or service. Soon you are going to be capable to make funds on the web as if you?d been performing it all your life!
In recent years, teachers in Rwanda have experienced major changes in?their education system. The introduction of dual shifts for morning and afternoon schooling, a reduction of core taught subjects and the introduction of English as the primary language of instruction in schools have contributed to increasing pressure
on an already limited teaching capacity.?Consequently,?there is?a growing need for education leaders to provide support to their teachers by developing their teaching practices, English language skills and inclusive stakeholder relations. Working as an Education Management Advisor, you will support education leaders meet these needs by introducing and developing stakeholder management, relationship building and teaching assessment and evaluation methods.?
What does the role involve
???? Developing a monitoring system for use of capitalisation of grants and assisting head teachers in effective usage within disadvantaged sectors
???? Establishing a district education council ? to bring all stakeholders together with the help of an education specialist
???? Working with the district and schools to increase the relationships between teachers, directors and parents through structures such as a parent teacher association
???? Promoting strategies for head teachers to develop staff unity and increase teacher motivation
???? Establishing a mechanism for schools to track attendance and drop-out rates and develop strategies to encourage its usage.
Skills, qualifications and experience required
An education degree plus a minimum of five years education management experience are essential.? You will also need proven experience of working with parent teacher groups, conducting inspections and assessing teaching standards. Experience in conducting baseline research and training needs analysis is also desirable. Self-motivated and well-organised, you will need to be culturally sensitive with strong interpersonal and communication skills and the confidence to create positive relationships in diverse cultures and working environments.??
And the rest....
During your placement you?ll be based in the Rubavu district in the west of Rwanda. The local languages are French and Kinyarwanda although English is being introduced as a taught language; VSO will provide necessary language training and support. We?ll ask you to commit to 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we?ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support.? We?ll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. When you return to your home country, we'll support you to resettle.?
To find out more about volunteering with VSO visit www.vso.org.uk or to apply go to www.vso.org.uk/volunteer and reference RWA021112 in your application. On average it takes a minimum of 4 months to go through the application process, so apply now for departure in 2013. ?Please note, similar positions are available in other countries.
Look through and recognize areas that need spicing up. Don?t undervalue the impact of adding color in unexpected places. Paint the walls of the kitchen in relaxing or light colors. Light and bright colors shall make the room appear large and shall breathe in life to the room. Darker shades are to be avoided as they are known to make the room appear compact.
If you have old wood cabinets with a dull finish then think about refinishing or painting them. Add attractive trip to plain cabinet doors, or buy new door fonts. Paint or change old, worn hinges and hardware. Put in new hardware back plates ? they are functional and will showcase new hardware while hiding defects and holes.
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Public release date: 6-Nov-2012
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