5 Window Treatment Ideas To Improve Your Home

Author : Sarah Peters

Coming up with interesting window treatment ideas that
bring out the best in your windows as they bring in the
sunshine, is a challenge to anyone with a yen to decorate.
There are tons of non-traditional options and tips to make
the most of what you have, and give your windows that
million dollar look on a mostly discount budget.

How about recycling old items? If you inherited lace
tablecloths that are no longer fresh and white, you can
still get a lot of mileage and an interesting antique
window treatment, by using a sewing machine to turn the
tablecloths into window curtain panels. You might even
have some old lace curtains on hand, that need to be
brightened, but the bleaches have failed you.

Accept their "age" and build on it, by staining them with
tea for a totally antique look. Simply take a bucket and
use half hot water and half boiling water, to "steep" 30
black tea bags. When the water is dark, add your curtains
and stir the mixture. Then let them sit for 30 hours, with
the occasional stir to keep the color evenly distributed.
Remove the curtains, squeeze out the liquid, and hang them
to dry.

Window treatment ideas aren"t always about curtains. The
once popular wooden window blinds are making a comeback
with people who prefer the warm, natural tones of wood to
go with a wide variety of dcors. Antique folding window
covers can be had for a song at garage and auction sales,
then refinished, and if you are artistic at all, decorated
with tole paintings.

Little touches can add a lot to plain curtains. If you
have a set of long, lined drapes and would like to liven
them up, place small hooks or other mountings above where
the rod is held, and top your curtains with silk flower
garlands, or just silk greenery. There"s no more fuss to
cleaning these, than there is to washing a swag or valance.
Just put a little soft dish soap in a tub of water, swish
the silk garland around, rinse and hang to dry.

Your window treatment ideas are limited only by your
imagination, and the time you have to spend decorating.
Some of the most interesting and attractive looks are born
from using leftovers, cast-offs and your own ingenuity.
===========================================================
Discover all you ever wanted to know about window
replacements & home improvements. Latest technology, new
styles, new ideas... free subscription to daily updated
blog of home improvement news and articles.
http://www.window-replacement-101.com/

About the author:

Sarah Peters works at home, and spends most of her free time on various home improvement tasks. Over a few years, she had all her house windows replaced. In this series of articles, she shares her experience and advice.

Category : Real Estate

Frame Slider Design and Selection

Author : Roland Lee
Call them crash protectors, crash bobbins, fairing protectors or frame sliders, all these products ultimately seek to do one thing - protect your expensive bodywork or the essential and often expensive structural parts of your motorcycle from damage in the even of a fall or tip-over. The frame slider concept is as old as the proverbial 'crash bar' and today there are as many designs and brands as there are models of bikes. The proliferation of these types of products testify to the success of the idea of providing a sacrificial item to absorb some of the damage in the event of a fall. We are by no means experts on this concept nor were we the first to come
up with it, but in this article we hope to provide you with an unbiased view so that you can make an informed decision when you're ready to put down your hard earned cash.Cost:Cost of the frame sliders must be appropriate to the items that they are designed to
protect. Price is not necessarily the best indicator of quality. Poorly designed frame
sliders made of the nicest shiniest materials may not serve their purpose as well as
well designed but less 'bling' ones.Mounting Configurations:The frame slider must be designed to mount securely onto a strong enough part of
the motorcycle so that impact forces can be adequately distributed or absorbed.
Here are some popular mounting configurations.Fairing Mounted Frame SlidersSliders that mount onto the fairing with small fairing screws may provide some
protection in a minor tip-over but offer very minimal protection in a slide. These
sliders are not generally recommended for serious riders.Frame Mounted Sliders - DirectThe most popular and viable mounting option is directly to a selected strong point
of the frame. Sliders with this design offer the most protection and impact force
distribution. The installation of this type of slider often require modification of the
fairing and in some cases like the Honda VFR800, as extreme as requiring the
modification of the coolant bottle. For this reason, many choose the first or the
third option as fairing modification can at times be quite intimidating. This option is
the most popular for serious sportsriders, amateur and semi-professional racers
alike as they provide the best protection for the money. One other thing to consider
when choosing these types of sliders is where they will be mounted to.Many
models of sportbikes offer several places to mount them, frame slider
manufacturers all have their personal reasons for choosing the mounting location
for theirs and many of them make that choice for the wrong reasons. An example is
cost - a location that offers a two short bolt mounting location is cheaper than one
using a long through the engine bolt choice. The former being a much weaker
location. If you own an SV650 you will know what we mean. Another choice is the
use of a bracket so that cutting of the fairing is avoided - see below (Frame
Mounted Frame Sliders-Through-Engine Bolts).Frame Mounted Sliders - In-DirectTo address some of the concerns owners may have about modification of the
fairing, some manufacturers have opted for a design that allows for the slider to
mount onto an offset bracket that then mounts onto the frame. This offset
introduces a whole new set of variables into the mix. Depending on the degree of
the offset, impact forces now include amplified torque stresses which will be applied
to the frame mounting points. Offset brackets will need to be of beefier
construction, but not so beefy as to stay intact during an impact while severely
damaging the frame mounting points. This is often the most costly type of slider
configuration as most brackets require ingenious CNC work and design. In some
situations employment of a bracket is a calculated risk, in others it is just not
feasible. No cut sliders are attractive to most bikers so do your homework and ask
the manfacturer questions before you buy them.Frame Mounted Frame Sliders-Through-Engine BoltsThe third mounting option found only on certain models of bikes like the Suzuki
DL1000 Vstrom, TL1000S, SV650 and Ducati models of bikes allow for use of the
long, through-the-engine mounting bolt. This method is by far the strongest
available as impact forces are allowed to be distributed over a much larger area.
This is also the second more costly design as these long bolts are quite expensive
to manufacture. The design must be structurally strong enough not to break off
when encountering the various types of impact forces but not so strong that these
forces would be transmitted entirely to and damage the considerably more costly
frame mounting points. In other words you want to sacrifice your slider before your
fairing and then your frame in that order. It's a delicate balance and there is no sure
way to ensure that any one design will accomplish this desired goal.Frame Slider Material:The choice of material used for the frame slider should be a balance of the following
3 requirements:Abrasion Resistance - the material should be hard enough to be
able to slow the bike down in a slide and not be totally worn down to the bolt half
way through a slideStructural Strength - the material should be strong but not brittle and snap off too
easily on impactEnergy Absorption-the material used should have some energy absorbing
properties but not be so hard that all impact forces are transmitted to the mounting
points or fasteners (solid steel or aluminum materials are examples of non-energy
absorbing materials).Most high quality frame sliders today are made of some kind
of nylon or other for energy absorption and with aluminum inserts for strengthening
of the fastening points. The range of nylon types, with different levels of abrasion
resistance and "brittleness" used is also quite varied.Fasteners and Components:Quality of materials used, aesthetics and quality of workmanship should also be
considered when choosing the right frame slider for your bike.
Look for high quality anodized steel bolts. Black non-coated bolts will rust in a
week or less depending where you live. Stainless steel washers between your steel
bolts and aluminum inserts in the slider also reduce potential corrosion problems.
Socket head cap screws offer the smallest footprint allowing for a thicker and
stronger slider dimensions and are generally much more expensive then regular
hex-head screws. Nyloc lock nuts where applicable are another added safety
feature. True, these are all minor considerations in the overall scheme of things but
they all add up to the cost of manufacturing. One last thing to remember is to
always try to use some form of thread lock compound like Loctite and to properly
torque the mounting bolts to the manufacturer's recommendations. If you're not
sure check out our torque reference guide.CONCLUSION:Where does that leave you the consumer? Well, we all don't want to think about the
day when we will be able to justify the purchase of frame sliders. The reality is that
as long as bikes have only two wheels, you can expect them to fall over sooner or
later. Frame sliders are one of the surest and least expensive ways to ensure some
protection for the expensive or sometimes irreplaceable parts of your bike. After all
some protection is still better than none. Think about broken rear brake levers, gear
shifters or even worse - punctured radiators or coolant bottles, when you're miles
from civilization. The rule is the same in our opinion no matter what you're
spending your money on - buy the best you can afford and don't be afraid to ask
the manufacturer why their product is better than the plethora of other brands
available out there. Any good manufacturer will be very clear about what
differentiates their products form others so that you will be able to make the correct
purchase decision.Author is the manufacturer and distibutor for US based frame slider and accessories
company. http://www.motovationUSA.com
Category : Disease & Illness

New Fundraising Program For Non-Profit And Community Groups Introduces By Ameriglow, International

Author :

A new fundraising program has been introduced to help non-profit and community organizations optimize special event revenues. The new program, called Go for the Glow, has been developed by Ameriglow, International, a leading glow novelty company located in the metro-Philadelphia area. The Go for the Glow program is unique in the novelty industry, offering glow products to qualified non-profits and community organizations on consignment, thus helping cash strapped event planners, Qualified non-profit and community based organizations are eligible to participate. Helping non-profits and community groups maximize their fundraising activities has been the core of our business since 1975, said Jim Mack, VP of Marketing at Ameriglow International. Mack added We have seen a dramatic increase in community oriented fundraising activities over the last few years. This program will help reduce the upfront monies needed to put fundraising events on. Ameriglow has worked with numerous non-profit and community organizations such as the Kiwanis Club, The Jaycees, the American Cancer Society and countless city and county government agencies. With extensive knowledge in glow product sales, Ameriglow works with each organization to assure maximum profits. According to Mack, Event planners are amazed at the profits made on glow products. Glow products are easy to sell, have high profit margins and are not labor intensive. Glow fundraising is slowly replacing many traditional fundraising activities. Those interested in participating in the Go for the Glow program will need to contact Jim Mack at 800.711.1574.

Category : CGI

A Pork Chop That Rivals Beef Items on Restaurant Menus

Author :

Introduction of the Bone-In and Boneless Pork Ribeye Steaks is the latest step in Calumets effort to provide consumers with a broader choice of pork options. The two new USDA approved foodservice chops are ideal for family steakhouses to white table cloth restaurants. Each of these tender and juicy Pork Ribeyes are a cost competitive alternative to the Beef Ribeye Steak.Pork is still the worlds most consumed meat, consumers regard pork as a delicious alternative to beef and different from the routine, said Jerry Klein and Larry Becker, owners of Calumet Diversified Meats which is based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin.In addition to offering a variety of frozen pork products, Calumets mission is to have an unwavering commitment to product quality, consistency and continuity that exceeds there customers expectations today and well into the future.About Calumet Diversified MeatsCalumet Diversified Meats, based in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin is a leading processor of pork products with over 30 years of experience in the meat packing industry. Calumets management team of men and women are the key players in this fast-paced business. Their talent coupled with technology has generated a level of innovation that is unsurpassed in the meat industry. From raw material to finished product, Calumets production team is helping its customers to create an eye-pleasing menu item to keep their customers returning again and again. For more information, please visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.porkchops.com" title=&quot;test&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.porkchops.com</a>.

Category : Cook Books

How To Stay In The Game

Author : Larry Potter
There are many many times that we take a position, it moves higher and higher and then starts to pull down. Maybe it looses 30 cents one day, then 50 cents the next day. By the third day it's hovering at or even violating our stop. If we feel the pull down is of no fault of the company itself, we might let it fade the stop, or finally just fold it up and move on.But that creates the "why didn't I sell?" Syndrome. We all kick ourselves when a stock is at 103 one day, then 102.60, then 102.25, and we finally pull the trigger at 102.00, and wonder why we didn't sell at the top. Well the answer of course is that no one really knows what the top is. But that's not what I want to focus on here today.Everyone has different trading parameters. Some are comfy holding a stock down 4 dollars. Some are in a panic if it's down 10 cents. Some are looking for 3, 4, 6 month time frames. Some are looking at today, and "to heCK" with tomorrow. We all have a different view of what we are doing and for how long.I never enter a trade with the idea of it being a one day event. Okay, I apologize, I think we have done that on one day earnings runs, etc, but overall, it's not what we are looking for. The fact is we don't have a time limit or a price target to shoot for. We hope we enter something and watch it slowly inch it's way ever higher, and we make 100% on it, even if it takes a month or more. Sometimes we do, more times we don't. Overall market mood, bad news, economic reports, etc, can all conspire to make a stock drop, and I'm not into holding through the pain like some are.So, what's my point? Just this folks. If you enter a trade with us and it's climbing nicely and then starts to fade, there is no rule that says you have to hold it to our stops, there's no rule that says you have to hold it over night, nothing. In other words, if you are comfortable with the gains a stock has made since the time you bought in, then by all means sell it. If it goes on for more, don't kick yourself, say a prayer of thanks that you got "some" and now someone else is getting "some."I will occasionally hold a stock below our suggested stop. Maybe I really believe in the story, or maybe I just think it wasn't right that the stock got tossed in the trash in sympathy with a sector leader or what have you. But once you do hold it under your stop, each day becomes more dangerous. Many times it doesn't resolve itself higher and we have to sell for a bigger loss than we should have.Over the past few weeks, with the market being so incredibly choppy, we've seen several positions move up sharply and then just as sharply fade back. Holding to the stop or worse like holding below our entry has been a bad bet more times than not. So, my word of advice in a market like this is to not try and overstay your welcome. Until we bust out or break down out of this range, taking what you can, versus sticking to self imposed stops, is probably more profitable.The best way to maximize profits and still "stay in the game" is to sell portions of your position. A stock that's up for you a dollar or two in a couple days, is a victory, and taking one third or one half off the table locks in that portion of profit and lets you be a bit more relaxed with the balance. In a choppy market, you simply "have" to be more nimble, and act a bit quicker than you would in a trending market. It's a lot more work, but it's certainly worth the effort.For more FREE trading tips, enter your email address at:http://lb.bcentral.com/ex/manage/subscriberprefs?customerid=12826
Category : Finance:Currency-Trading

Important Paralegal Services

Author : Kent Pinkerton

Paralegals are legal assistants who spend most of their time helping to manage the massive paperwork generated by legal proceedings. Paralegals file, sort, index, photocopy, and draft legal documents. They may also hold hearings and interview witnesses. Most entry-level paralegals should have a bachelor?s degree, and additional certification may increase employment opportunities. The duties of a paralegal depend on the firm for which the paralegal works and the educational training and experience of the paralegal.Many of the paralegal?s services are performed directly for the benefit of a lawyer, businessperson, or government employee. These services assist the employer with his or her duties. A paralegal may also work directly with the lawyer?s clients, drafting necessary contracts and paperwork. Some paralegals, however, provide legal services for people who cannot afford full legal services. Typical paralegal services include preparing all types of court documents, planning finances, including estates with will and trust plans, and corporate services.Paralegals prepare a number of court documents, such as motions, briefs, and depositions. Motions petition the trial judge for particular rulings favorable to the lawyer?s team. Briefs are reports that describe and support the motion. Depositions consist of interviews of witnesses before the trial begins. All these documents must be indexed and organized, and often must be entered into a computer, by the paralegal.With proper training, paralegals may draft wills and trusts, separation agreements, and mortgages. Paralegal services may extend into real estate by helping prepare tax returns and planning estates.Paralegals with more business training working in a corporate environment may help handle bankruptcies filings, shareholder agreements, stock option plans, benefit plans, or tax returns. Some may keep finance records for the law firm. Others may help oversee business contracts. Since paralegal services often involve paperwork, it is critical that a paralegal also be experienced in organizing and sorting information, as well as conducting research and interviews. Additional training in all these skills is available at colleges, universities, and online training programs. Paralegals Info provides detailed information about paralegal jobs, schools, training, courses, certificates, and services. Paralegals Info is the sister site of Notary Public Web.

Category : Business Law