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Brighten Your Kitchen With a Few New Fixtures and Dimmers

NewsUSA — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – The high “price tag” on groceries and gas do not have to put a damper on your plans to remodel your kitchen this year. According to the American Lighting Association (ALA), just merely changing out the decorative lighting fixtures over the breakfast nook or center island can have a big visual impact, creating a fresher, more up-to-date look — and it is considerably less expensive than replacing the cabinets or countertops.
If your kitchen’s only source of lighting is from recessed cans, consider adding a few fixtures to serve as aesthetic and functional focal points in the room over the casual eating area and/or the island. To make all your lighting as efficient, effective and attractive as possible, dimmers are a must-have update.
“The greatest benefit of installing dimmers in an existing kitchen is that the quality of the resulting light will inevitably appear much more comfortable and flexible than what you had before,” explains Joe Rey-Barreau, education consultant for the ALA and an associate professor at the University of Kentucky’s School of Interior Design.
Todd Phillips of Quoizel, a leading lighting manufacturer, keeps track of the latest trends in kitchen design. “Transitional is still the operative word,” says Phillips. “What’s popular right now is what I would describe as Cleaned Up Americana. This is representative of the classic, familiar shapes and elements we all recognize, but with a bit sleeker appearance and on-trend finishes such as bronze and brushed nickel.”
“Handcrafted, hand-forged designs are also gaining in popularity,” Phillips continues. “The key word is clean. Finishes are still neutral, simple and clean. Along with beige, white, bronze and brushed chrome, I’m starting to see more polished chrome. I also find the more custom designs are a bit bolder in their use of color in the kitchen and in the lighting,” he adds.
For help selecting the most appropriate, efficient and economical decorative lighting for your décor, visit an ALA-member lighting showroom. To find your closest showroom and to learn more about the latest lighting styles, visit www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com or call 800-BRIGHT IDEAS (800-274-4484).

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Protect Your Home Against Winter’s Rush

NewsUSA — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – You’ve probably never thought of it this way, but your roof is to your home what a 300-pound football guard is to his team’s quarterback: the first line of defense against elements — in this case, the harsh winter weather — that would pummel it mercilessly if otherwise left unchecked.
Just like football players look for holes in their competitor’s defense, homeowners should first be on alert for missing shingles or deteriorated flashing (those metal seals around bends and joints on skylights and chimneys). More than 90 percent of roof damage occurs in these two areas, and spotting it early helps prevent bigger and more expensive headaches down the road.
“It really does make sense, financially, to perform inspections at least twice a year,” says Bob Tafaro, president and CEO of GAF, North America’s largest roofing manufacturer. “The best times are in spring, after severe weather hits, and then again in fall before the temperature and wind become too brutal.”
Continuing the football metaphor, here are some more tips from the experts:
Know Your Opponent
Especially given the crazy weather we’ve been having, you’ll want to examine the roof edge for wind damage, weaknesses or rusted nails, and handle repairs before the winter weather hits.
Next, be on the look-out for any spots indicating mold, algae and mildew growth — especially if there’s debris on your roof. (Hint: telltale signs include dark spots and discolored shingles.)
Call the Right Play
By “debris,” we particularly mean piles of wet leaves, sticks and small branches. None of these are your roof’s friend.
In fact, not only can they cause water to back up and flow under a roof causing rain or ice dams, but they’re also a shelter for pests eager to eat through your home’s top. So, routinely clean all gutters and drains, make sure the gutters are securely fastened, and check that downspouts point away from your house.
What to do should you discover damage? If you’re at all interested in prolonging your roof’s life, it really does pay to consult a professional roof contractor who is insured and uses quality materials. A free service that makes finding one in your area easy can be found at www.gaf.com.

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Long Term Care Industry Ranks as Nation’s 10th Largest Employer

NewsUSA — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – As Washington considers reworking Medicaid — the healthcare program for the poor — a crucial fact remains ignored: For every $45 billion spent in Medicaid every year by federal and state governments, long term care facilities are able to generate $529 billion in total economic activity, support and create over 5.4 million jobs, and return over $60 billion in taxes back to federal and state coffers."In this economic engine that is the American economy, long term care is one of the pistons, consistently firing even in the worst of hardships," stated Governor Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL).According to a national economic impact analysis compiled by AHCA using Impact Analysis for Planning (IMPLAN) data software, the long term care profession ranks as the nation’s 10th largest employer, above merchandise retail, food retail and both military and non-military federal government personnel. In 2010, these companies created 63,000 jobs while many other businesses struggled to stay afloat. Long term care facilities support industries and sectors statewide, from food services to private hospitals to insurance carriers.The report underscores the important role nursing facilities play in the U.S. economy. Parkinson hopes the report will convince lawmakers to protect the funding streams that ensure these facilities can continue to play an important role in the national economy, saying, "If states cut Medicaid, that will have direct and drastic implications on not only our profession, but more importantly our ability to serve the greatest generation. The potential for increased job growth — a priority of every lawmaker in this country — is huge. Our profession must receive the appropriate funding needed for us to meet the demand of baby boomers in the coming years."For more information, visit www.ahcancal.org.

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Pests Moving In? Evict Unwanted Winter Tenants

NewsUSA — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – Are you hearing a quartet of scampering and scratching during these long winter nights? Are you noticing droppings in your basement or cupboards or holes in boxes of cereal or pasta? If so, you might have a winter pest problem.
Winter pests aren’t just unpleasant. They pose severe risks to your health and property. Mice, for example, can chew through walls, electrical wires and baseboards, not to mention produce 12 babies every three weeks. Rodent droppings can trigger allergies and spread disease — causing headaches, fever, nausea, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Although most common, mice and rats aren’t the only pest threat this winter. The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) estimates that a whopping 21 million rodents retreat indoors each winter. In addition to rodents, squirrels, carpenter ants, spiders, and cockroaches prefer to spend cold winter months indoors with us.
The pest experts at the NPMA suggest the following preventive tips for avoiding pest infestations during cold weather.
* Inspect firewood before bringing it inside, as several ant and cockroach species prefer to nest in firewood. Firewood piles should also be positioned on a raised platform away from the house. Arranging piles into neat stacks of wood makes pest infestations more noticeable.
* Clean kitchens thoroughly. Some homeowners wipe down countertops after every meal, but only vacuum the floor once every few weeks. Crumbs and leftover messes will attract ants, mice and rats — especially if left on the floor for days on end. Don’t leave dirty dishes spilling over the sink either. Standing water attracts ants and cockroaches, too.
* Don’t store birdseed or dog food in bags. Some pest professionals advise against feeding birds altogether because it will inevitably attract rodent activity. However, if you do have a bird house, make sure it’s at least 20 feet away from your home. Also, be sure to store your birdseed or pet food in sealed storage containers, not bags. This is especially important if you’re keeping the dry food inside your home.
For more preventive tips, or to find a pest professional near you, visit www.pestworld.org.

Pests Moving In? Evict Unwanted Winter Tenants was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Archaeological Delights on American Soil

ChadJohnson — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 14:20:43 +0000

What do Newark, Ohio, Epps, La., Marquette, Iowa and the state of Illinois have in common? They are all sites of some of the most impressive archaeological wonders found anywhere in the world–and most seasoned tourists have no idea.

Native American mounds and earthworks are one of the more underappreciated archaeological treasures in the world, but a new “Top 10” list is now highlighting these attractions. The list of America’s Indian mounds and earthworks was formed from the authoritative book “The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Native American Mounds & Earthworks” and has been widely quoted by travel sites.

Still, few Americans are aware of the existence of these incredible wonders. The encyclopedia is packed with over 500 photos, and details 1,000 sites that can be visited in 41 states.

American mound building began 5,800 years ago, long before the pyramids of Egypt were even conceived. The number-one site is a massive set of geometric earthworks and mounds centered in Newark, Ohio. It is the largest set of earthworks in the entire world. One part of the site has a large circular wall that encloses 30 acres in downtown Newark.

The Newark site is in pristine condition, and it oddly serves as America’s most unique golf course. It is one of the more unusual vacation spots in the world and was built 2,500 years ago.

The earthen ridges near Epps, La., are 6 foot high and 80 feet wide and served as platforms for houses and thousands of people. Many of the most impressive sites are found in huge parks with museums, tours and displays. Some mound sites even conduct Native American dances and ceremonies that are open to the public.

Illinois is home to Monk’s Mound, concealing a huge stone chamber that’s never been opened. This massive pyramid is the tallest American mound, standing 100 feet tall with a base larger than the Great Pyramid in Egypt. Near Marquette, Iowa, is Effigy Mounds National Monument with 200 mounds remaining, many shaped into the forms of animals. Check out www.apmagazine.info for more details.

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Five Tips for Aspiring Travel Writers

ChadJohnson — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 13:24:29 +0000

As the media landscape keeps changing around us, travel writers are following many paths to success. Some are book authors, some write primarily for magazines, and others are earning a good income by blogging or running destination websites. Tim Leffel, author of “Travel Writing 2.0” (http://travelwriting2.com), offers these tips on making it as a travel writer, whether in print, e-books, travel apps, or the next media we haven’t seen yet.

1. Get the Basics Down First – There is far too much competition in this desirable field for sub-par writers to succeed. Read books on writing well, take a course at your local community college, or attend workshops that include peer and teacher reviews. At a minimum, travel writers need to master the basics of reporting and writing engaging prose before blogging or getting hired by an editor.

2. Find Your Niche – Trying to be a generalist travel writer puts you into a bloody pool with incredible competition. It is far easier to make a name for yourself becoming the expert on one region or one style of travel.

3. Be Original – Ideas are your main currency as a travel writer. The ability to find good original story ideas for any destination is often more important than what you actually put on the page.

4. Be a Professional – The main complaint of editors is that so many writers are unprofessional. They send sloppy e-mails. They miss deadlines. They make promises they can’t deliver. You can rise above the pack by reading publication guidelines carefully and not wasting editors’ time.

5. Travel Every Chance You Get – It’s difficult to succeed as a travel writer, even a part-time one, if you are not traveling on a regular basis. It can be in your own region, but you need to go find the stories nobody else is writing and get past the routine vacations that have been reported on a thousand times already.

Tim Leffel is a full-time travel writer and editor whose latest book is “Travel Writing 2.0: Earning Money From Your Travels in the New Media Landscape.”

Five Tips for Aspiring Travel Writers was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Actions You Should Take Before You Hit the Road

ChadJohnson — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 11:26:38 +0000

Checking mirrors and seat belts every time you get in you car might seem overly cautious, but Porsche Cars North America says that what you do before you turn on the ignition may mean the difference between life and death.

Routine maintenance is critical to your driving safety. For example, under-inflated tires are the primary cause of tire failures and can adversely affect you car’s handling and fuel mileage. Check you tires, including your spare, at least once a month. You should check your wiper blades monthly as well. Worn blades impact visibility and create glare on the windshield, even when they are not in use.

What you bring with you into your car could be the most critical decision of your day. Cell phones are one of the most dangerous items to use in your car. Anytime you’re talking, texting or using GPS applications, you’re not paying attention to the road. Using cell phones while driving, especially to text message, is as dangerous as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Do yourself a favor, and turn your cell phone off.

After switching off your cell phone, you should check and adjust your seat belt. The lap belt should rest low across your waist, and the shoulder strap should come over your shoulder and across your chest. Never put the shoulder strap under your armpit.

Before turning on the ignition, adjust your rear-view and side-view mirrors. Many drivers set their mirrors to reflect the outside of their own car, but you already know where your car is; you should be concerned about where the other cars are, so you can avoid them.

When positioning your hands on the steering wheel, hold the wheel at 9 o’clock and 3 o’clock. In this position, you can turn the wheel the furthest without your hands crossing over. This hold also allows for a better “feel” and faster response time.

Actions You Should Take Before You Hit the Road was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Football Season Marks the Time for Car Care

NewsUSA — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 05:00:00 +0000

(NewsUSA) – As the leaves fall and the cold weather approaches, everyone begins to feel a little football fever. Just like the greatest coaches check their starting line-ups each year, make sure that your vehicle’s most important parts and systems aren’t corroded, empty, deflated or worn out. With kick-off around the corner, Firestone Complete Auto Care offers the following tips to ensure your vehicle is ready for fall after a long, hot summer.
Run some drills.
* Remember to have your belts, hoses, air filters, windshield wipers, lights, fluids, and battery cables and terminals all checked by a professional before the fall season begins.
* Fall weather can be wet and dreary. One way to prepare your vehicle for the wet weather is to check the tire treads with the “penny test.” Insert a penny in the tread, Lincoln’s head down. If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is worn and the tire probably needs to be replaced.
* Make sure to have your tires rotated according to the schedule in your vehicle’s maintenance guide — usually every 5,000 miles. Regular rotation will even out the wear patterns on your tires.
Hydrate.
* Check your vehicle’s fluid levels, including transmission, brake, power steering, windshield washer fluids and coolant to make sure they’re properly filled.
Get some air.
* You can’t tell if a tire needs air just by looking at it. The only sure-fire way to determine if your tire needs air is with a tire gauge. The tire could be six to 10 PSI under-inflated and still look fine.
Having a creative playbook is a must for any successful football team, but having a well-maintained vehicle is a must for any driver. So blitz the bad weather, and make sure your car is well equipped for this fall!

Football Season Marks the Time for Car Care was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

Tips for Your First Deep Sea Fishing Trip

ChadJohnson — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 12:39:03 +0000

For a truly unique vacation experience, try deep sea fishing in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica offers one of the healthiest fisheries in the world, where twenty-fish days are not uncommon, and fish simply don’t come in small sizes. Los Sueños Marina, which is home to an extensive charter fleet certified by the Costa Rican Ministry of Tourism, reports that dorodo average 40 pounds, and yellowfin tuna often push past the 300-pound mark. Other fish, including wahoo, roosterfish and snapper, as well as sailfish and marlin, also call the coast of Costa Rica home. Maybe the good fishing explains Costa Rica’s ranking as one of the happiest places on earth.

The good fishing might explain Costa Rica’s ranking as one of the happiest places on earth. Vacations and sportfishing at Los Sueños Resortt and Marina can be accommodated by Stay In Costa Rica, a tourism group that has 10 years planning fishing charters with boats ranging from 25 feet to 65 feet.

Never been on a deep sea fishing boat? Stay In Costa Rica (www.stayincostarica.com) offers the following tips for first-timers:

• Look for an experienced deep sea fishing charter. A qualified deep sea fishing boat will take you to the best fishing spots and provide the correct bait for the fish that you want to catch. Fishing licenses are required and cost $25 per year. All good boats practice catch and release on all bill fish to ensure good fishing to the future generations. There are restaurants that will cook your catch when you bring in Mahi Mahi or Tuna. There are also chefs that will cook your catch at the privacy of your accommodation.

• Guard against seasickness. Even if you’re fishing in Costa Rica, which is known for its gentle, smooth waters, you might get disorientated on the boat. If you get sick, stay above deck and concentrate on the horizon line. Avoid strong smells, like that of the bait, until the nausea passes. Taking motion sickness medication before you board can help you avoid the issue altogether.

• Come prepared. Bring sunglasses and a hat or visor. Be sure to drink plenty of water while on the boat. Don’t forget sunscreen; even if you stay in the shade, the glare off the water can give you sunburn. And don’t forget to bring your camera. After all, you’ll want to record your big catch!

Tips for Your First Deep Sea Fishing Trip was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com

After Olympics, Richmond, B.C. Becomes Tourist Destination

ChadJohnson — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:04:29 +0000

Nearly 3 billion people watched the 2010 Olympic Winter Games on television. Those who tuned into the long track speed skating competition received what was probably their first view of Richmond, British Columbia, the city that hosted the competition in its Richmond Olympic Oval.

But as visitors to the games can attest, there’s more to Richmond than the Richmond Olympic Oval. The Games gave visitors a chance to discover a unique city with plenty of dining, shopping and multicultural attractions — and more are following in their stead. The city is fast becoming a growing tourist destination with a variety of activities for all ages and abilities.

Richmond, which is located where the Pacific Ocean and the Fraser River meet, is home to the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), a vibrant city center and the new Canada Line rapid transit system, which connects visitors to Richmond and Vancouver in under 25 minutes.

The city offers attractions all its own. Richmond’s 65 percent Asian population results in one of the most authentic Asian food scenes in North America. On Alexandra Street, which is known colloquially as “Food Street,” visitors can enjoy dim sum, as well as Cantonese, Szechuan, Shanghainese, Northern Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Malaysian cuisine. Richmond has over 375 Asian restaurants and three modern Hong Kong-style malls, where a day of shopping can include a tea ceremony and karoake.

History buffs won’t want to miss picturesque Steveston Village. The historic fishing village has two national heritage sites, as well as London Heritage Farm, which recreates life in Steveston from 1880 to 1930 with furniture, clothing, quilts, farm implements and a garden. Today, Steveston houses the largest commercial fishing fleet in Canada, not to mention boutiques, views and local seafood. Animal lovers should book a whale-watching tour to see orcas, as well as seals, sea lions and porpoises.

There are opportunities for recreation as well. In the months following the Olympics, the city transformed the Richmond Olympic Oval into a sports and wellness facility, where families can take a walking tour or gt involved in other activities. Visitors can also enjoy 1,500 acres of parks and open spaces, including 80 kilometers of interconnecting dike trails, cycling routes and walkways.

For more information, visit www.allinrichmond.com.

After Olympics, Richmond, B.C. Becomes Tourist Destination was posted at Copyright Free Content. | http://www.copyrightfreecontent.com