So This Is Christmas

Merry Christmas is such an infectious feeling I like to feel that way all year around.

So if you are visiting just before Christmas, just after Christmas or even here on Christmas day I am sure you will find something of interest for you and in the spirit of Christmas.

It may be said that Christmas is no longer a celebration but this must be spoken by people that have never had trouble closing their eyes on Christmas Eve in an expectation of what maybe left for them on the carpet under the tree.

I continue to look forward to the surprise on my Grandchild's faces to this day at Christmas events.

Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas - Merry Christmas

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Wooden Carports For Extra Storage

By John A Moore

Many people don't realize how much of a difference adding a wooden carport to your house can make. Adding an outdoor storage space like this offers storage and weather protection for all sorts of things, not just your car. If you are thinking about building one, consider the style, as a well built car port can increase the value of your home, especially one that complements or blends in with your existing buildings.

Carports are essentially a covered, non-closed in structure built close to or attached to your house - most often used to protect vehicles from the elements. But housing your car, motorcycle, truck or recreational vehicle are not the only reasons you may want to build a carport. Since they are not closed in, carports are very quick and economical to build. You might decide to build a carport simply for added outdoor covered space, such as a side porch or outdoor dining room.

If you look on line for carport kits, you will probably end up finding that the majority of DIY kits are simple steel carports. These will be sturdier than temporary carport structures, but they leave a lot to be desired in the style department. If you are looking for a wooden carport to complement your house, then you may not be able to find a kit online that you can have delivered. An alternative is to search for wooden carport plans and shop for the materials and construct the building yourself.

Another way of using the internet to help you find carport plans that can be made of wood is to search for images of these types of carports. Once you find an image that you find attractive make a copy. Try to replicate the design yourself. If you lack experience in this type of construction take the image to an experienced contractor. An experienced contractor should be able to build a properly engineered carport from a picture.

There are some metal carports that actually resemble wood. This type of carport is built with 6 by 6 metal legs that resemble timber legs. The finishing work on this type of carport tends to be a little less ornate than that found on real wooden ones. There are advantages and disadvantages to this type of structure. The major disadvantage commonly mentioned is the lack of a construction project feel. Lots of guys relish the idea of getting out the table saw and hammering a few nails. This type of experience is lost if building with pre-formed metal.

Carports are making a big splash at home improvement shows all over the country. There are a lot of contractors discovering a big demand for the product. Wooden carports are the most popular as this type of carport has a classic feel and can add real value to your home.

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Is Barb Wire Fencing The Only Alternative For Protecting Your Property?

By Riche Goldmann

Barbed wire (or barb wire) fencing has long been one of the common materials used to protect property boundaries and contain animals. This type of fencing is made from twisted strands of wire that has razor sharp burrs lining the surface. These barbed protrusions have proven to be useful at deterring cattle and livestock from challenging the fence.

Barbed wire fencing is extremely successful because of those little barbs that, when touched, pierce the skin and snag it, which can cause quite a bit of pain for an animal. This in turn keeps the animal from charging further into the fence; moreover, it doesn't take much for the animal to learn its lesson and to never do it again. This way animals learn to stay inside of the fence. Intruders never cross it because they can see the barb from far away.

Depending upon the way the fence is structured and the material used the barbs may be several feet apart on each strand or they may be separated by just a few inches. This kind of fencing is pulled taut against the posts before it is secured which gives the fencing strands almost no flexibility and makes this a difficult barrier to cross. The fences may use one wire, or several lengths of wire to create a barrier that will be difficult to cross.

However, even with these fences are very effective at what they do, they also have some major setbacks. First of all, because the barbs are so sharp, they can be very dangerous to humans that accidentally come into contact with them. Secondly, the cost of maintenance and repairs on a barbed wire fence can be expensive, time consuming, and dangerous. Many people believe therefore, that there aren't enough benefits to offset the problems that barbed wire cause.

Have you been wondering, "Is barb wire fence the alternative for protecting your property?" There are some alternatives to using barb wire fencing on your property that is more humane to the animals and can offer the same type of high protection features. You may want to consider electric, steel or woven wire fences for your needs. All of these can be used to effectively safeguard livestock and mark your property lines.

Woven Fences There are some very high quality woven fences currently on the market. They last a long time and do not do the same damage to people and animals while trying to protect your goods. The can be permanent or temporary fences, can be placed anywhere on your property, and they also look really good.

Electric fences are another more technologically advanced alternative to barbed wire fences. They can be made of wires or concealed in rope and tape strands. They send out a low level jolt of electricity whenever someone or something makes contact with the wires. Though the jolt is not deadly, it is enough to keep animals confined, and intruders away. There are even some electric fences that use solar energy to operate.

The most expensive option is the steel fence; however they are extremely durable and extremely safe. Generally, they are used on smaller fencing projects, but the power of the material is undeniable and could be used on larger projects as well. It is typically used for the enclosing of areas where horses will be, and when installed correctly and maintained, they can last for years.

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Going to a Festival Fair

By Ian Kleine

Remember the hassled times when you went into a fair, realized you lugged so much stuff around and only to find out sooner or later that you really did not need the extra load? It is such a pain and a hassle to have brought all your stuff, only to just leave it in the car because you did not know what to expect in a festival fair.

First off, determine if the fair is for a day only or if you are planning to stay for the night. Festivals can go on for days or even a total week. And if you are the kind of person that had just come from the next state, without a hotel or a motel to stay in, camping out in your car is ideally, a very bad thing to consider. So make sure, that when you are taking cross-country trips, always bring with you a tent of some sort. One that could easily fit 2 people in the back of your trunk.

Needless to say, you'd need a sleeping bag to along with your tent. Sleeping bags are important to keep the morning dew away and to prevent nasty insects from chewing you up while you sleep or retire for the night. Sleeping bags are also convenient on those cloudless nights when you have half the mind to just set up a mosquito net under a tree and sleeping in the wild (make sure there aren't any bears around in your area).

When morning comes, pack up your stuff and go for the drive to the site (or if you're there, then pack up and continue your sight seeing spree). When going out in outdoor festivals, make sure to bring a wide-brimmed hat and some sunscreen with maximum SPF protection to prevent nasty burns or worse, skin cancer.

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Credit Cards and Choosing One

By Bob Jones

Almost everyone over the age of 18 (or 21) has or wants a credit card these days and they are accepted in almost every establishment. There are three main sorts of credit card in use in America. The first major type of credit card is travel and entertainment cards such as American Express or Diners Card. These have to be paid in full by the end of the month and are generous on spending limits.

The second major kind of credit card is the bank card such as Master Cards, Visa, GM, and Ford cards sponsored mostly by the banks. The bank defines the spending limits, which in bank parlance, is known as the credit line and each offers different terms and conditions. Banks offer a choice of payment methods: either pay the balance in full with no interest or pay the minimum or some part of the balance with a finance charge.

The other major sort of card is the retail store card, such as Sears, J.C. Penney, Shell or Mobil. These store cards and the ones from gas companies, which are known as fuel cards, are only accepted in specific countries. They usually do not carry annual charges. There is a wide disparity in the terms and conditions for these cards.

Different sorts of credit cards offer different options. Some are designed for individual consumers, while others are designed in ways that work best for small business needs. To know what sort of credit card fits your needs, you should review a few options.

How to Choose your Credit Card.

Credit cards are a part of everyday living for most people who live in the west. It's becoming increasingly impossible to avoid them, especially for business men. So, if it is the first time you are about to enter into the realm of credit cards, here are some of the basics you ought to look out for.

First, compare the interest chargeable by all the credit cards for which you are eligible. While the rate may not remain fixed indefinitely, it's always advisable for first timers to go for the one charging the lowest rates.

Read the small print carefully, especially on the other charges that can be applied, like late-payment fees, annual fees, and whether there is a grace period which is normally given before the finance charges are applied.

Decide which spending limit is most suitable for a person of your income. Furthermore, the fewer credit cards you use, the better placed you will be to track your spending pattern.

Compare the services and other features such as the cash back incentives, or warranties, rebates and the like. Check whether the card is widely enough accepted to cater for your requirements.

You will do yourself a favour by familiarizing yourself with the following terms: 1] Annual Percentage Rate: this is the measure of the annual cost of the credit. 2] Finance Charges: these are the total charges involving the transaction. 3] Period of Grace: This is the period the issuer allows you before he starts charging you interest on new purchases. (Note that not all credit cards have a grace period).

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Mens Jewelry Boxes are Filling up with Titanium.

By Edward Jacobsen

Looking for the perfect ring for your loved one? Is price a factor? Whether its a gift or wedding ring, understanding fashion trends and its many choices will certainly open a versatile range of styles. Titanium is one of the strength metals that has come into vogue the last few years and has caught on with the modern man and woman.

My oldest son chose a titanium wedding ring designed with a carbon fiber inlay. I was impressed with it's good looks and the masculine, unique style. Although I was expecting him to choose a traditional gold ring, I know he made a good choice for his generation. Because I like the masculine look and style, I have two titanium rings myself.

Consider how a stunning ring that is not only priced right but displays the strength of your love or the strength of your character. Imagine a free floating diamond, precious stones imbedded with inlays of various types or polished facets. Designers are expressing creativity in amazing fashion that will promote your individual style.

So, why is titanium so popular? Obviously lower prices than gold or platinum is a big factor. The tensile strength is one of the hardest amongst the industrial metals yet it is durable. Many people like the fact that it is hypoallergenic.

A common misconception of titanium rings is that they cannot be cut off if needed. This has no basis in fact. Jewelers whose sales were threatened by the popularity of titanium jewelry may have started it. Consider this, if the metal could not be cut, jewelers could not make rings.

If you do not know your ring size, be sure to do a diligent check several times throughout the day. It is important to get your correct size. Most jewelry stores are happy to accomodate you in checking your ring size.

Mens jewelry rings and bracelets of titanium are becoming popular among todays generation as it seeks ways to make its cultural mark. High Tech and High Fashion are embracing the new space age metals for its unique qualities. Tension set rings are a great example of unique designs.

Mens jewelry boxes today are seeing more titanium jewelry by all account. Step aside Father Gold as titanium is the new kid on the block.

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How To Decide On The Perfect Bikini For The Summer Months

By Paul Mancini

Many women go through one excruciating process as summer approaches or at the onset of the season seeking out that perfect bathing suit.

Fashion periodicals may even complicate rather than aid the process by featuring girls with impressive body shapes, who would still look great, even in a wetsuit. Although you may still have to try on all types of swimwear to find the perfect one, you may follow one simple rule to shorten your stay inside tiny changing rooms: Hide your faults and show off your assets. If you succeed in doing this, get ready to turn some heads at the beach.

Wide shoulders - Avoid tube tops as this will only emphasize your wide shoulders. Instead go for a bathing suit that has thick straps, wider necklines and are of darker shades. You can also wear a bottom which has a louder color and pattern to draw attention to that area.

Plus-sized - In contrast to people with skinny body types, dark colors are good for you as these have slimming effects. Black is actually a favorite color among people having this body type. Vertical stripes take a few pounds off you. A V-neckline is also ideal for this body type as it draws attention to the sexy cleavage.

Narrow waist, balanced hips and shoulders - You are lucky. Really, you're the envy of most women. You can wear almost any bikini you like and it will look good on you. Bold prints, however, put emphasis on your curves so you should do well by going for these. After all, you always have to flaunt what you have.

Teeny waist - You have to create the appearance of having a curve, so go for bikinis rather than a one-piece. Also opt for a hipster bottom as this will be able to show more of your hips. Provide emphasis to the hip area by side ties, rings and ruffles. Avoid stripes but go for strong, dark colors. Black is a favorite during summer but you may go wacky and choose dark purple or red swimsuits.

Skinny - Horizontal stripes can give you a fuller body shape. Also go for bright (yet light) colors.

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Straw Cowboy Hats: Bargain Fashion

By Ned Dagostino

Straw cowboy hats have certainly come a long way from the days of the six-shooter and the draw. The six-shooter's gone and so is the draw, but the straw cowboy hat is still with us. It survives because of its great looks, and maybe a tinge of nostalgia. But great looks are definitely its chief reason for being a fashion statement today.

In fact all types of cowboy hats are making it big on the fashion scene. Handsome hunks sport them, and so do svelte supermodels. They are an enduring symbol of the rough, tough, handsome 'knights' of the Wild West epitomized by such screen legends as John Wayne and Clint Eastwood. Can you forget that scene between Clint Eastwood and Lee Van Cleef? Central to the scene was a cowboy hat that gets shot up and goes flying up in the air? Fairly makes me tingle, dagnab it!

Straw cowboy hats are more popular than any other variety of cowboy hat. They're worn by people on the beach. They're worn by summer tourists. They're worn by weekend gardeners. Everybody's wearing a straw cowboy hat!

Straw may appear to you to be a strange choice for a hat. After all, it's not much good at protecting your head from getting wet in the rain! But if you look at it, it is a very intelligent choice for a cowboy hat. It is much lighter than the other varieties of cowboy hats. It let's the hair 'breathe'. So your head is cool and free from sweat. And it does block the sun very effectively and naturally.

The straw that's generally used for making straw cowboy hats is called toquilla straw. Of course other varieties of straw are used too, but toquilla is considered the norm. So when you're out shopping for a straw cowboy hat, just check that the straw is toquilla or better.

The straw cowboy hat made of toquilla is also called a panama hat. That's because panama is very close to Ecuador, the home of the toquilla straw that goes into the making of the panama hat. OK, I agree, someone got a little geographically confused! Thinking of buying a straw cowboy hat? Here's a tip for you: try the gardening section at a department store! The awfully nice thing about these hats, apart from their romantic good looks, is that they don't cost you the earth. They're downright cheap to buy.

To recap, a straw cowboy hat is a great looking piece of headwear! There's a sense of history and nostalgia and romance all wrapped up in that li'l ol' straw cowboy hat. It has matured into a high fashion accessory. Apart from the fashionablenss, straw cowboy hats are airy and cool to wear. They are light in weight. Best of all they are so very cheap to buy. Needless to say, the straw cowboy hat is able to function as a protective gear for your head and eyes.

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Do you Approve Of How This Aged Blacksmith Dealt With His Priceless Purple Clay Teapot?

By Jason Jia

This is a real-life story. A poor ironsmith was unexpectedly offered 25,000 US dollars for his small purple clay teapot! But in the end he made a 'crazy' decision. Is he crazy or something? Can we ever understand what he really wanted?

This story is about an old blacksmith who lives in his shop on an old street. As no one needs the iron ware he forged in the old days, he's turned to selling iron pans, axes, and dog chains. The way he does his business is very old and traditional: He sits behind the door, the goods sitting outside, he neither hawks nor bargains, and he never closes up his shop for the night.

If you pass by his shop, most likely you can see him relaxing on an old lounge chair. There is always a small radio in his palm, and an old-fashioned purple clay teapot by his side. Apart from food and tea, he needs nothing more.

One day, a teapot dealer passed by the forge shop by chance. Suddenly his face brightened up as he caught sight of the Yixing purple clay teapot sitting beside the ironsmith. It was ink-black, and looked very quaint and graceful. This style made the merchant think of Dai Zhengong, one of the most famous purple clay teapot makers in Chinese history.

The merchant could not help coming up to the ironsmith. He took up the teapot, and looked at it carefully. At the base of the spout, he found a small inscription with the name 'Dai Zhengong.' The merchant was pleased beyond expectation, for he knew clearly that each of the artist's works was more valuable than its weight in gold.

And reputedly, only three of Dai's purple clay teapots were still around: one was in New York, the second in Taiwan, and the third in the hands of a private collector.

The dealer offered 100,000 RMB (about USD $14,700) to buy this pot. The old blacksmith got a big surprise when he heard the amount, but in the end he declined. For the pot was passed down in his family, three generations had brewed tea in this pot.

The pot was not sold, but the old blacksmith could not fall asleep after the dealer left. He had been using the teapot for nearly sixty years, seeing it as an ordinary one all the time. He couldn't imagine a man actually wanted to buy it for such an extraordinary price! He tried hard to understand why, but he couldn't get the answer.

In the past, he used to drink tea lying there, paying no attention to his teapot. At present, however, he sat up and stared at the pot for several minutes. This upset him quite a lot. When it got around that the ironsmith owned a precious purple clay teapot, people kept visiting his shop. Some wondered if he had another valuable thing, and some even asked him to lend money to them. Furthermore, some people would knock on his door late at night asking these questions. His life was thrown into confusion. He had no idea what to do about his pot.

A few days later, the merchant came over to the forge shop once again, bringing 200,000 yuan in cash. This turned out to be more than the ironsmith could bear. He called some of his neighbors to his shop, and broke up his purple clay teapot on the spot.

These days, the aged ironsmith is over one hundred years old. He is still running his small business.

A wise philosophy of life: The old smith seems stupid, but actually he is a man of great wisdom. At least, he knows that having enough is as good as having a feast. All he has been doing is enjoying his life, rather than being burdened with dispensable things.

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If You Are Unable To Be There But Want To Show You Love Them Then Send -