Feng shui tips for your home

1) There should be no shoes or slippers lying around outside the main door of your house. Remove it if you can. Allow that space at the main door to be free and clear. The chi (energy) rides with the wind and will collect all the smell of those shoes and slippers into your house causing sickness. Ch’i then travels about in your house looking for water to stay but if there are no water fountains or fish tanks, then the Ch’i will be dispersed by wind.

2) There should be no television sets in your bedrooms: If you cannot get rid of that habit then after watching the television cover it with a plastic table cloth. Remember it has to be plastic and not simply cloth.

3) There should be no mirrors opposite your bed or at the side of your bed. Mirrors opposite the bed can attract a third party to the relationship. Therefore, do not place mirrors anywhere you like and especially in your bedroom.

4) Place an indoor water fountain in your home, position in a favourable area to attract whatever you want in your life.

5) If you already have a fish tank in your house, be careful. A fish tank placed correctly can bring about greater fortune, as you will tap on the "Divine Water Dragon's Den". But if you tap wrongly, it can cause you to have lawsuits, bankruptcy, work pressure, troubles and problems. If you noticed any of these after placing the fish tank for approximately four months, shift your fish tank to another location.

6) In your kitchen, ensure that opposite your stove there is no refrigerator, washing machine, washbasin and toilet. The fire and water crash causing family members to have disagreements.

7) Try not to allow children to sleep on mattresses on the floor. Yes, this allows young children not to fall off beds but it also causes young children to fall sick frequently. The reason is: chi is not able to flow underneath the bed. Ideally, chi should circulate around the mattress where our children sleep to allow them to be healthy.

8) For young children, try to have their back to the wall when they write. It is important there should be a solid wall behind a children's writing table. This allows the child to have support so that he can sit there and study longer rather than for only half an hour and then they tend to move about because there is no solid wall behind their back. Adjust your writing table.

9) Do not allow children to sleep on double bunk beds even if it means saving space. The child sleeping underneath will not have "fresh chi" and so his health might be weak. But if due to space constraints, then monitor your child's health if not add in a metal 6 rods wind chime or a crystal sphere, to break up the "stale chi" around his bed.

10) Your bed should always have a solid wall behind you. This is important if you wish to have a good rest. A solid wall simply means that you can go into deeper sleep and therefore enabling you to have good rest so that when you wake up in the morning, you will feel fresh and well rested. This also allows you to be able to concentrate on your work better.

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Top 10 landowners on earth

1. Queen Elizabeth II: 9,910 million acres.
2. King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia: 580 million acres.
3. The Pope: 177 million acres.
4. King Bhumipol of Thailand: 126 million acres.
5. King Mohammed VI of Morocco: 110 million acres.
6. Sultan Quaboos of Oman: 52 million acres.
7. King Gyanendera of Nepal: 36.3 million acres.
8. King Abdullah of Jordan: 24 million acres.
9. Sheikh Said of Abu Dhabi: 16.6 million acres.
10. King Wangchuck of Bhutan: 11 million acres.

DesignWorkshop Lite free software

The complete freeware DesignWorkshop Lite software package provides all you need to build your own 3D models for home design and visualization of architecture, landscapes, exhibits, or any kind of spatial design.

With DesignWorkshop Lite you can view and walk-through ready-made models of any size, like the free 3D building models in the Great Buildings Online, in DXF, DesignWorkshop, or 3DMF format, with amazing live 3D speed.

Begin download

New York's World Trade Center Twin Towers were designed to withstand fire and hurricane-force winds. Some engineers believed the Twin Towers could even survive impact from a Boeing 707. But no engineer or architect could have anticipated the terrorist attack that turned the Twin Towers to rubble, and experts often don't agree what steps might have been taken to make the buildings stronger. For the most recent findings and detailed technical information, be sure to visit the World Trade Center Coverage page at icivilengineer.

How did the Twin Towers fall?

1. Impact from the Terrorist Planes
When Boeing jets piloted by terrorists struck the Twin Towers, some 10,000 gallons (38 kiloliters) of jet fuel fed an enormous fireball. But, the impact of the planes and the burst of flames did not make the Towers collapse right away. Like most buildings, the Twin Towers had redundant design. The term redundant design means that when one system fails, another carries the load. Each of the Twin Towers had 244 columns around a central core that housed the elevators, stairwells, mechanical systems, and utilities. When some columns were damaged, others could still support the building.

2. Heat from the Fires
The sprinkler system was damaged by the impact of the planes. But even if the sprinklers had been working, they could not have maintained enough pressure to stop the fire. Fed by the remaining jet fuel, the heat became intense. Most fires don't get hotter than 900 to 1,100 degrees F. The World Trade Center fire may have reached 1,300 or 1,400 degrees F. Structural steel does not easily melt, but it will lose about half its strength at 1,200 degrees F. The steel structure of the Twin Towers was weakened by the extreme heat. The steel also became distorted because the heat was not a uniform temperature.

3. Collapsing Floors
Most fires start in one area and then spread. The fire from the terrorist planes covered the area of an entire floor almost instantly. As the weakened floors began to collapse, they crashed into the floors below. With the weight of the plunging floors accelerating, the exterior walls buckled.

Why did the collapsed towers look so flat?

Before the terrorist attack, the Twin Towers were 110 stories tall. Constructed of lightweight steel around a central core, they were about 95% air. After they collapsed, the hollow core was gone. The remaining rubble was only a few stories high.

Blistering

Bubbles resulting from localized loss of adhesion, and lifting of the paint film from the underlying surface.

Possible Causes:

• Applying oil-based or alkyd paint over a damp or wet surface.
  
• Moisture seeping into the home through the exterior walls (less likely with latex paint).
  
• Exposure of latex paint film to high humidity or moisture shortly after paint has dried, especially if there was inadequate surface preparation.

Solution:

• If blisters do not go all the way down to the substrate: Remove blisters by scraping, and sanding, and repaint with a quality acrylic latex interior paint. If blisters go down to the substrate: Remove the source of moisture, if possible. Repair loose caulking; consider installing vents or exhaust fans. Remove blisters as above, remembering to prime before applying the top coat.

The color psychology of blue

Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men.

Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.

Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.

Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms.

Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is one of the least appetizing. Some weight loss plans even recommend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food aside from blueberries and some plums. Also, humans are geared to avoid foods that are poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.

Blue is described as a favorite color by many people and is the color most preferred by men.

Blue calls to mind feelings of calmness or serenity. It is often described as peaceful, tranquil, secure, and orderly.

Blue can also create feelings of sadness or aloofness.

Blue is often used to decorate offices because research has shown that people are more productive in blue rooms.

Blue is one of the most popular colors, but it is one of the least appetizing. Some weight loss plans even recommend eating your food off of a blue plate. Blue rarely occurs naturally in food aside from blueberries and some plums. Also, humans are geared to avoid foods that are poisonous and blue coloring in food is often a sign of spoilage or poison.

How to use a paint roller

Tim Carter demonstrates a few simple tricks when using a paint roller. Carter also talks about putting the right amount of paint on a wall surface.

You too can, India

The Snowcem Team sent this video shot with a mobile on the current contsruction boom in Dubai. Inspirational to say the least.

How to work with an architect

Building your dream home begins with building a strong relationship with your architect. These tips will help you work with your architect as you plan your building or remodeling project.

Here's How:

1. Explain your needs and desires in detail.
2. Listen to your architect's ideas.
3. Ask how long the project will take.
4. Discuss fees.

5. Review your architect's working drawings. Request changes if needed.
6. Agree on a construction budget.
7. Review your architect's detail drawings. These will include specific information ranging from cabinet knobs to plumbing fixtures.
8. With your architect's guidance, choose a building contractor.
9. Allow your architect to negotiate a contract with the contractor.
10. Use your architect to communicate with the builders.
11. Keep talking and listening.

Tips:

1. Building is a stressful process. Keep the lines of communication open.
2. To prevent confusion, always go through your architect when requesting changes

How to buy a house

Many people dream of home ownership but it mandates homework, legwork and considerable effort on your part to ensure that the process goes as smoothly as possible. Here's how to make your dream become a reality.

Steps

1. 1. Strengthen your credit. Pay off credit cards and resolve any credit disputes or delinquencies. Your credit rating takes into account both how you use the credit you have available and whether your outstanding credit is too high for your income. Get Your Credit Report for Free so you can see what the lenders see on your credit history.
2. Use a mortgage calculator to determine how much house you can afford, and how much you'll likely be able to borrow. Get preapproved (not prequalified) to get the actual amount you can pay . Most lenders allow you to put up to 28 percent of your gross income or 36 percent of your net toward a house payment. Most homesellers will not accept offer from buyers who are only prequalified.
3. Be ready to hand over a substantial down payment. Most mortgages are based on the buyer putting down 10 to 20 percent of the purchase price. Putting down less up front often, but not always, requires you to pay private mortgage insurance (PMI), which increases your monthly housing cost and is not tax deductible.
4. Always meet with a loan officer or mortgage broker before contacting a real estate agent. This way, you'll have a clearer idea of what you can truly afford considering your personal financial situation.
5. If this will be your first home, strongly consider attending a free first-time buyer's seminar before house shopping. Your loan officer might be able to recommend a seminar.
6. Calculate whether buying or renting makes more financial sense for you. If you are planning on moving in the foreseeable future, renting may be more cost effective. Also, in some very hot real estate markets you can rent a house or apartment at a lower payment than a mortgage for that same house.
7. Sign up for an MLS alert service to search on properties in your area so you can get a feeling for what is on the market in your price range.
8. Find a good real estate agent to represent you in the search and negotiation process. The real estate agent should be: amiable, open, interested, relaxed, confident, and qualified. Learn the agent's rates, methods, experience, and training. Ask for a referral from your loan officer.
9. Decide from the beginning that you will not "fall in love" with the house until after you close the contract. Otherwise, you will pay full price (or more) on the home and the real estate agent will be powerless to negotiate the price down. Be willing to walk away from any home; no home is so perfect that the seller can charge what one desires. If it comes down to it, you can always hire a builder to design and build your dream home.
10. Define the area you'd like to live in. Scout out what's available in the vicinity. Look at prices, home design, proximity to shopping, schools and other amenities. Read the town paper, if there is one, and chat with the locals.

11. Visit a few open houses to gauge what's on the market and see firsthand what you want, such as overall layout, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, kitchen amenities, and storage.
12. Go into exhaustive detail when describing what you want in a home: number of bathrooms and bedrooms, attached garage, land and anything else that may be important, like good light or a big enough yard for the kids.
13. Shop aggressively. Unless you're under the gun time-wise, look at as many homes as possible to get a sense of what's available. Don't rush into buying if you don't have to.
14. Look beyond the home to the neighborhood and the condition of nearby homes to make sure you aren't buying the only gem in sight. The area in which your home is located is sometimes a bigger consideration than the home itself, since it has a major impact on your home's resale value. Buying a fixer-upper in the right neighborhood can be a great investment, and being able to identify up-and-coming communities--where more people want to live--can lead you to a bargain property that will only appreciate in value.
15. Visit properties you're seriously interested in at various times of the day to check traffic and congestion, available parking, noise levels and general activities. What may seem like a peaceful neighborhood at lunch can become a loud shortcut during rush hour, and you'd never know it if you drove by only once.
16. Determine whether you need to sell your current home in order to afford a new one (see Related wikiHows). If so, any offer to buy that you make will be contingent on that sale. Contingent offers are more risky and less desirable for the seller, since the sale can't be completed until the buyer's house is sold. You may want to put your current house on the market first.
17. Include earnest money with your offer.--usually $1,000 to $5,000. Once you sign an offer, you are officially in escrow, which means you are committed to buy the house or lose your deposit, unless you do not get final mortgage approval. During escrow (typically 30 to 90 days), your lender arranges for purchase financing and finalizes your mortgage. This is also when all inspections must be completed.
18. Make sure final acceptance is predicated on a suitable home inspection. Request the following surveys and reports: inspection, pests, dry rot, radon, hazardous materials, landslides, flood plains, earthquake faults and crime statistics.
19. Close escrow. This final step in buying a home, usually conducted in a title office, involves signing documents related to the property and your mortgage arrangements. The packet of papers includes the deed, proving you now own the house, and the title, which shows that no one else has any claim to it or lien against it. If any issues remain, money may be set aside in escrow until they are resolved, which acts as an incentive for the seller to quickly remedy any problem areas in order to receive all that is owed.

Tips

• Find out your credit rating early on to assess how strong your mortgage application is. The higher your FICO score, which ranges from 300 to 800, the better rate you'll qualify for. Go to MyFICO.com and for a fee request a report, or request a complete credit report from a major credit reporting agency and ask that your FICO score be revealed on it.
• If you qualify, check out first-time buyers' programs, which often have much lower down payment requirements. These are offered by various states and local governments. You may also be able to access up to $10,000 from your 401(k) or Roth IRA without penalty. Ask your broker or employer's human resources department for specifics regarding borrowing against those assets.
• Get a firm estimate of how much you can expect to pay in closing costs (charges that the lender levies connected to the purchase of the house). These take in various charges that generally run between 3 to 6 percent of the money you're borrowing. Credit unions often offer lower closing costs to their members.
• Try not to fall in love with one particular property. It's great to find exactly what you need, but if you get your heart set on one home, you may end up paying more than it's worth because you're emotionally invested. The deal may also fall apart.
• Realtors charge the seller a percentage, usually between 5% and 7% depending on your area, on the negotiated sales price, called a commission. The buyer's Realtor is customarily paid a percentage of the total commission paid by the seller at closing, which amounts to about half, or 2.5% to 3.5% while the seller's Realtor receives the other half of the commission. An individual Realtor's commission is split again with their company resulting in the actual gross commission to your Realtor being closer to 1.5% to 2% of the total. Most states require disclosure of agency (who represents whom) and buyers are wise to agree to work with a Realtor who will contractually represent the buyer's interest alone. Realtors make their living through referrals from satisfied clients and therefore it's not in your Realtor's best interest to fail to negotiate the best possible price and terms for the buyer.(Example: A house offered at $100,000 could mean $3000 to the buyer's Realtor and their company. If the Realtor negotiates a price of $95,000, it would mean a reduction in commission to the buyer's Realtor and their company of only $250, or $125 to $150 gross to the agent--not an amount a competent agent would consider worth never getting a referral from the client in the future.) Buyers should be aware that a buyer's Realtor can and will help the buyer seek out houses sold directly by the owner (through signs or various websites)and negotiate not only a fair price for the home but their own commission as well. Realtors make it their business to know alot about neighborhoods and home construction, costs of repair and remodeling and determining actual value of a property. Their vested interest is in having a satisfied client who will send them future business, not sharing as little information as possible to get a home sold and assuming that the doctrine of "buyer beware" is acceptable.
• Whether you go with a realtor or not, ask the seller to agree to a home-inspection and make your contract contingent on completion of same. A seller who won't allow a home-inspection has something to hide -- walk away! A home inspection costs between $150 and $500, depending on the area, but it can prevent a $100,000 mistake. This is especially true with older homes, as you want to avoid financial landmines such as lead-paint, asbestos insulation and mold.
• Use a real-estate lawyer to review closing documents and represent you at closing. Realtors are *not* lawyers, and are in most cases utterly unqualified in the area of real-estate law. Lawyers may charge $200-$400 for the few minutes they're actually there, but they're paid to look out for you.
• If you are unsure about the price, have the home appraised by a local appraiser. Never buy the most expensive house in the neighborhood! When appraising a home, appraisers will look for "comparables" or "comps", homes in the area which have similar features, size, etc. If your home is more expensive than the comps, or the appraiser has to find comps in a different subdivision or more than 1/2 mile away, beware! Your bank may balk at financing the home, and you probably won't see your home appreciate in value very much. If you can, buy the least expensive home in a neighborhood -- as homes around you sell for more money than you paid, your home's value increases.
• If you can't afford a 10%-20% downpayment on your home, but have good credit and steady income, a mortgage broker may assist you with a combination mortgage. In that, you're taking out a first mortgage up to 80% of the value of the home, and a second mortgage for the remaining amount. While the rate on the second mortgage will be slightly higher, the interest on it is tax-deductible and combined payments should still be lower than a first mortgage with PMI. If you're buying new, consider the Nehemiah Program to get assistance with your down-payment.

Creative Commons Licence. WikiHow.

Podcast: Salvador Dali's Forgotten Horizon

This is one of a series of beach scenes at Rosas on the Costa Brava which Dalí painted in 1934-6 using traditional materials applied with a very confident hand. A mahogany panel was prepared with an oil based ground and then the background "set" was painted in paint bound with poppy oil. The figures were painted onto the background with a very liquid oil and resin paint which Dali applied with great skill and precision of placement.

Patricia Smithen is Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Paintings at Tate. She has just completed a study of the paintings by Salvador Dali in the Tate Collection and is contributing to a research project on Tate's Surrealist paintings. She is a member of the Modern Paints Research Project carrying out research and treatments on the surface cleaning of acrylic paintings.

How weather affects paint

If it isn’t already on your pre-job checklist, add this item: Check weather forecast. Why? Because the weather conditions under which you apply exterior latex paint can have a dramatic impact on performance...initial and long term.

You need, of course, to plan around predicted rain for obvious reasons. And most painters are familiar with the guidelines about painting after rain; namely, the capability of latex paints to be applied before the surface has dried 100%, and the need to apply oil-based and alkyd coatings only after the surface has thoroughly dried.

There are, however, a number of other weather-related factors that also must be taken into account, including temperature and drying time.

Temperature
The binder in latex paint consists of microscopic particles of polymer that need to fuse together when the paint dries to form a tough, continuous film. Improper weather conditions can interfere with this process.

For example, if the paint is applied at too low of a temperature, the binder particles may become too hard to fuse into a continuous, durable film. This is because binder particles are thermoplastic, meaning they tend to get harder at lower temperatures, and vice versa.

This is the main reason why paint manufacturers specify a minimum application temperature (typically 50°F) for latex products, and why it is essential that you only apply the paint at or above the minimum for that product. Ideally, you should not apply the paint unless the temperature is predicted to stay above that minimum for the next 36 hours.

Remember, too, that the minimum recommended temperature refers not just to the air temperature, but also the temperature of the surface being painted. This is particularly important for the north side of a home or building, which gets less sun than other sides. The surfaces there may be colder than the air temperature, particularly early in the day.

Failure to follow these guidelines can cut years off the life of a paint job. Incomplete film formation, for example, can result in a paint film that fails by cracking or flaking in just a few years or less.

The color psychology of green

Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world.

Green also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.

Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension.

Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M's (an American chocolate candy) are said to send a sexual message.

Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect.

Green is a cool color that symbolizes nature and the natural world.

Green also represents tranquility, good luck, health, and jealousy.

Researchers have also found that green can improve reading ability. Some students may find that laying a transparent sheet of green paper over reading material increases reading speed and comprehension.

Green has long been a symbol of fertility and was once the preferred color choice for wedding gowns in the 15th-century. Even today, green M & M's (an American chocolate candy) are said to send a sexual message.

Green is often used in decorating for its calming effect.

Emerging professional versus architect

How to choose a painting contractor

When considering which painting contractor to utilize, be sure to do or determine each of the following:

• Talk with several contractors and get quotes from each. Ask about
insurance and bonding.

• Determine what will be done for each type area (any wood trim,
stucco, aluminum siding, walls of each room, etc.) for:

- surface preparation

- priming; what primer (type and brand) will be used

- finish coat: type and brand, where the brand fits into the
manufacturer's line (premium, first, second, economy, contractor's,
etc.) how many coats

• For exterior work, what will be done to protect plantings; for interior work, what will be
done in regards to moving furniture, protecting furniture

• When will the work be started? And finished? How many painters will be working on the
job? What will the remedy be if the job is not completed on time?

• What is the warranty on the work? Length of time, what type failures are covered, what
is the remedy if there is a paint failure?

• Get names of previous customers from each contractor as references, and contact
them to get their recommendation.

• Note whether the contractor was courteous and businesslike, punctual with appointments
or in returning phone calls, quality-oriented, experienced ,and generally interested in doing
business with you.

Then, take into account the information on each contractor and the asking price, to make an informed decision on which one to choose for your job.

Add some personality to boring rooms

Use these tips to add some interest , some sparkle , and some personality to boring rooms.

1. Add interesting furnishings - Beige walls and beige sofas are fine, but they offer relatively little to really capture your attention. Punch up your room with interesting-to-look-at furnishings such as a dark wood armoire, a red enamel coffee table, a textured rattan chair, a terrific tufted ottoman, or a rustic pine hutch.

2. Art - Framed posters, prints, photographs, and paintings give a room depth and dimension. They also add color, style, and underscore the mood or theme of a room.

3. Antiques - Even one carefully chosen antique piece can add character to a room. Choose a pretty chest of drawers , an armoire , a side table, or chair.

4. Texture - Avoid an all-shiny or all-textured room. Instead use a mix of smooth, shiny, soft, hard, textured, and rough. For example, pair smooth white ironstone and twigs on a rough country cupboard. Set glass candlesticks next to a wood planter of ivy on a stone tabletop. Or, arrange a collection of matte ceramic plates with framed architectural photos on a shiny painted mantle.

5. Themes - Room themes can give you decorating " focus " and give a reason to include whimsy . The sky is the limit for theme ideas -- from English hunt club to rustic country porch, from rooms of all white to contemporary artist lofts, and from industrial steel to quaint Victorian. If your room lacks focus, then come up with a theme and use accessories to accomplish the look.

6. Collections - Base a room on a favorite collection and you're sure to love the room. Whether you collect pottery, teapots, blue and white, contemporary art, black and white photographs, or quilts, there's a way to use these items as focal points, accessories, and points of interest.

7. Stenciling - Whether borders, corner vines, faux windows, or quotations, there are many stencils that can add a touch of color and interest.

8. Architectural Salvage - Old pieces of Architectural salvage provides vintage looks with dimension, texture, and charm. Look for weathered columns, iron gates, crackled corner moldings, and more.

9. Ceiling Projects - You can add interest to a ceiling with stencils, medallions, faux beams, and more.

10. Shop for One-of-a-Kind Pieces - Anything unique will automatically add some interest. Learn more about shopping at flea markets to find interesting accessories for your home

1. Add interesting furnishings - Beige walls and beige sofas are fine, but they offer relatively little to really capture your attention. Punch up your room with interesting-to-look-at furnishings such as a dark wood armoire, a red enamel coffee table, a textured rattan chair, a terrific tufted ottoman, or a rustic pine hutch.

2. Art - Framed posters, prints, photographs, and paintings give a room depth and dimension. They also add color, style, and underscore the mood or theme of a room.

3. Antiques - Even one carefully chosen antique piece can add character to a room. Choose a pretty chest of drawers , an armoire , a side table, or chair.

4. Texture - Avoid an all-shiny or all-textured room. Instead use a mix of smooth, shiny, soft, hard, textured, and rough. For example, pair smooth white ironstone and twigs on a rough country cupboard. Set glass candlesticks next to a wood planter of ivy on a stone tabletop. Or, arrange a collection of matte ceramic plates with framed architectural photos on a shiny painted mantle.

5. Themes - Room themes can give you decorating " focus " and give a reason to include whimsy . The sky is the limit for theme ideas -- from English hunt club to rustic country porch, from rooms of all white to contemporary artist lofts, and from industrial steel to quaint Victorian. If your room lacks focus, then come up with a theme and use accessories to accomplish the look.

6. Collections - Base a room on a favorite collection and you're sure to love the room. Whether you collect pottery, teapots, blue and white, contemporary art, black and white photographs, or quilts, there's a way to use these items as focal points, accessories, and points of interest.

7. Stenciling - Whether borders, corner vines, faux windows, or quotations, there are many stencils that can add a touch of color and interest.

8. Architectural Salvage - Old pieces of Architectural salvage provides vintage looks with dimension, texture, and charm. Look for weathered columns, iron gates, crackled corner moldings, and more.

9. Ceiling Projects - You can add interest to a ceiling with stencils, medallions, faux beams, and more.

10. Shop for One-of-a-Kind Pieces - Anything unique will automatically add some interest. Learn more about shopping at flea markets to find interesting accessories for your homeUse these tips to add some interest , some sparkle , and some personality to boring rooms.

Read more

Paint. net, a free image editing and photo manipulation software

Paint.NET is free image editing and photo manipulation software for computers that run Windows. It features an intuitive and innovative user interface with support for layers, unlimited undo, special effects, and a wide variety of useful and powerful tools. An active and growing online community provides friendly help, tutorials, and plugins.

It started development as an undergraduate college senior design project mentored by Microsoft, and is currently being maintained by some of the alumni that originally worked on it. Originally intended as a free replacement for the MS Paint software that comes with Windows, it has grown into a powerful yet simple tool for photo and image editing.

The programming language used to create Paint.NET is C#, with a small amount of C++ for installation and shell-integration related functionality. The source code is available under the terms of the MIT License.

Download now.

Color schemes from the color wheel

How to prepare a room for painting

Preparing a room for painting is the single most important step when painting a room. Incomplete or improper preparation is the only way to fail before you even start. Proper preparation will save your time, money, and sanity in the long run.

1. Clear the room of all furnishings, decor, light and outlet covers. The more you can get out of the room, the freer you'll be able to move around...and the less you'll have to worry about ruining with paint.
2. Move anything that can't be removed to the center of the room and cover it in plastic to protect against splatters of paint.
3. Give the room a throrough cleaning. Vacuum or mop floors. Wipe down any woodwork with a damp cloth. Remove cobwebs and dust.
4. Fill in any nail holes, small dents, hairline cracks, etc, with a lightweight spackle. Allow to dry per manufacturer's instructions (usually 2-4 hours) then sand flush. Apply a second coat and sand if necessary.
5. Clean the walls/surfaces to be painted. A simple solution of dish-soap and water works wonderfully. I have found that a sponge headed mop is the easiest tool for scrubbing walls. Finish the walls with a quick rinse of plain water to remove any soap residue.
6. Priming is another important step in preparing walls for paint. If your walls are already covered in a low gloss, water-based paint, such as "builder's white", you can simply paint over the old paint. If you are painting over oil-based paint or a gloss or semi-gloss surface, you should prime. Also, whether you choose to prime your entire walls or not, you should always spot prime any areas which you spackled, else they will show up as "shiny" areas in your finished paint job.
7. Cut in about an inch from the ceiling and baseboard with matching color (typically white). This keeps the old color from showing through if your tape line doesn't exactly match the old line.
8. Finally, tape off all adjacent walls, woodwork, light switches, etc, with PAINTER'S TAPE to protect adjacent surfaces.

Tips

• The clearer the room, the better.
• Use plastic for covering remaining furnishings, not old sheets or fabric. Paint will seep through fabric.
• Unless you have knowledge with mudding and taping drywall, do not attempt to tackle major drywall repairs (anything other than minor holes, nicks, or cracks) yourself. Seek a professional.
• Use only "Painter's Tape" for taping off surfaces. This is blue and can be found at nearly any paint, home improvement, or hardware store.

Creative Commons License

Beautiful paint colour ideas for kids bedrooms

The only way to keep up with the latest about bedroom color ideas is to constantly stay on the lookout for new techniques and styles. If you read and observe everything you find about color ideas, it won't take long for you to become an influential authority on the subject.

Kid room paint is widely available in lots of bright, bold colors, is safe to use and easy to clean. Because kids' walls tend to get a little dirtier than the rest of the house, the type and quality of paint you buy today can save you big headaches tomorrow. The best finishes for children's walls are satin, semi-gloss or eggshell indoor latex paint. With one of these types of paints, smudges or dirt will wipe right off with a damp cloth and a little mild soap.

If you're not sure what color you want to paint the room, try looking at a color wheel. You can find these on line or at any artist's supply or paint store. It's a really great way to get some understanding of the basic elements of colors so that you can determine which combinations you like best. In the meantime, this explanation of the different color categories might give you some insight into making a decision, especially if you're looking to mix colors, for instance to create a mural or other artistic affect like shading.

Red, yellow and blue are the three primary colors that are the basic building blocks of color. Primary colors cannot be duplicated or created by using any other tones - they stand alone.

The secondary colors are green, orange and purple. Each of these is created by combining two of the primary colors. Green is made from blue and yellow, orange from yellow and red, and purple from red and blue.

I trust that what you've read so far has been informative. The following section should go a long way toward clearing up any uncertainty that may remain.

When a primary color is mixed with a secondary color, it creates a tertiary color. For example, if you mix orange paint with yellow paint, it will create 'yellow-orange', and so on.

Now that you've gotten a mini-lesson on the color wheel, let's look at some of the new and innovative kid room paints that have been developed.

Chalkboard paint comes in black and green finishes and creates an instant chalkboard! What a cool addition to your child's room - imagine an entire wall for them to express themselves on! They can get creative making designs and drawings that would further decorate their room. Kid room paint in the chalkboard variety is especially perfect for those little ones that like to 'express themselves' all over the house because now they'll their very own designated area to display their artistic talent.

Magnetic paint is another great kid room paint option. It can be used to create a magnetic surface almost anywhere. Another cool feature of magnetic kid room paint is that after it's dry, you can apply any other color as a topcoat. With such an enormous variety of magnets on the market today, your kids will be able to create their very own magnetic masterpiece!They can spell out their names, their pet's names, make pictures out of different shaped magnets and of course, hang up any works of art they've done at school or home. It's an awesome way to show off the little artist in your child.

Hopefully the sections above have contributed to your understanding of color techniques and ideas. ow share your new understanding about painting and color ideas with others. They'll thank you for it.

Author: Ceci Allen Ceci wrote many articles on Kids Bedroom Visit: http://www.kidsrest.com

Source: Home Accessories Articles on ArticlesTree.com

A fresh way to look at green

Dark and masculine, classic and countrified: Green is often used to create a traditional English feeling. But this versatile color is not just for the horse set, nor only for wood-paneled libraries. Pick the right shade and green can be sophisticated, spirited and sexy – or natural, eco-inspired and, well, green. Just take a look at these gorgeous green rooms by color-savvy designers.

When New York designer Sherrill Canet was invited to create a living room for the 2006 Kips Bay Show House, she custom-blended a malachite green paint with a mahogany glaze finish. The result was deep, rich and elegant.

"I wanted a punchy contrast to my black and white Ellipse rug for Stark," she says, explaining her bold choice of wall color. The ceiling is covered in a golden-hued metal leaf, which makes the glaze on the walls look even richer, and lends the room a sophisticated, urbane look.

"This room is the perfect place for relaxing and entertaining," Canet says. "It is ideal for cocktails, after dinner brandies, conversations or catching up on some quiet reading."

Just about any green can look sophisticated, says this color-savvy designer. "It is all about how these colors are presented, and in what doses they are applied. While pink and green is very traditional, there is nothing clichéd whatsoever about bright pink and chartreuse! Even the most predictable and favorite combinations can be made to look fresh and new when applied correctly and with confidence."

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Train

A new video, Train, about global warming from Environmental Defense and the Ad Council. With a chilling end to say the least.

Tips to save the environment

Reduce household waste by reusing, recycling and composting

Reduce greenhouse gases by car pooling, taking public transport or riding your bicycle

Buy whitegoods with a high environmental rating (low chlorofluorocarbons)

Use household cleaning products with low phosphate and nitrate levels to protect the chemical balance of aquatic environments

Reduce mainswater use by collecting rainwater for use around the home and garden

Use water efficiently - wait until you have a full load before doing laundry and fix dripping taps

Wash vehicles on the lawn or garden so water can soak into the ground

Keep street gutters, drains and paths clean by sweeping and composting leaf litter

Don't put chemicals such as oil, radiator fluid, fertiliser and old paints down the drain

Carefully dispose of dog faeces as it is both a health hazard for humans and dangerous for our aquatic systems. Dispose of it in rubbish bins or bury it in your garden

Don't litter - most rubbish, including cigarette butts ends up in creeks and on our beaches

Plant Indian species in your garden or even better, grow plants found only in your area - you'll have less maintenance, save water and attract native birds Today, 5th June, is World Environment Day.

The amazing color changing card trick

How to prevent burglars from entering your home

Listen to this advice packed podcast and stay safe.

Weird buildings

Eco architecture takes hold in Asia

Mention Pattaya, and most people think of the Thai resort town's seedy nightlife, drag-queen shows and bedraggled beachfront. But Bruno Pingel, a German real-estate developer, wants to change the landscape with Thailand's first environmentally friendly high-rise.

In the next few months, Mr. Pingel's company, Siam Best Enterprise Ltd., plans to begin building Ocean One, a 91-story, 611-unit beachfront condominium and commercial development with a $245 million price tag. When completed -- the target date is 2010 -- the tower will be able to tout not only its slick design and views of the Gulf of Thailand but also its ecofriendly credentials.

Ocean One's creators say they are taking steps to lower the building's water and electricity consumption through green technology. Green technology often costs more, especially in a developing country like Thailand, where the latest eco-friendly gadgets have to be imported. Mr. Pingel says Ocean One residents will save as much as 30% on electricity bills because of energy-efficient air conditioners.

According to Woods Bagot, the Australia-based architecture firm that designed the project, 80% of the water used in the building -- where condos will sell for about $3,000 a square meter -- will be recycled. Tap water will be fed back into toilets, and then treated and used for the grounds and gardens. A highspeed elevator will zip visitors to an observation deck, generating enough electricity as it descends to light the deck at night. Solar panels on the roof of an adjacent commercial building will power shops and restaurants. Woods Bagot says it hopes the panels will generate excess energy that will be fed into Thailand's national electricity grid.

Asia generally lags the U.S. and Europe as far as the green-buildings movement goes. But there are signs that green architecture is starting to move more into the mainstream.

"The movement toward green design (in Asia) has been advancing a lot faster in the past five years, probably because of the influence of foreign architects," says Kenneth Yeang, a Malaysian architect who has been practicing green design for three decades.

Ocean One's Mr. Pingel, an 18-year Pattaya resident, acknowledges he hoped to make the building more palatable to city officials by incorporating green design features. But he also was motivated by a sense of social responsibility: "I look at Pattaya as my hometown now. That's simply made me think and believe that we have to do something nice, not only for our pocket but also for all our neighbors."

It's a sentiment some environmentalists hope will grow in Asia, where massive populations, breakneck development, poor governance and simple ignorance have resulted in extensive environmental degradation, the consequences of which have become more evident in recent years. Every year, extensive deforestation in the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia is blamed for landslides. Ultramodern cities such as Hong Kong now contend with sharply deteriorating air quality. Parts of China, Australia and India have experienced severe and prolonged droughts in recent years. Global warming is potentially an even bigger issue in Asia than elsewhere, with a number of studies raising alarms. Meantime, China's race to industrialize could soon propel it ahead of the U.S. as the world's biggest emitter of carbon dioxide -- the greenhouse gas believed to be driving up temperatures world-wide.

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