Floor Lamps

Posted on July 25, 2008
Filed Under Real Estate | Leave a Comment

When it comes to setting the mood or atmosphere in a room, not only does proper illumination add to the allure of your personal space, but also the sources of light. While table lamps and ceiling lights serve a functional purpose, floor lamps are expansive in the many different ways one may decorate their space and showcase their creativity. Whether you choose an antique selection to brighten your den or side with a traditional Victorian fringe design for the bedroom, the never-ending possibilities of a floor lamp shine through in the mind-boggling variety in choices.

Antique Lamps

There is a certain elegance and intrigue associated with displaying an antique floor lamp. In home design, the mystery and unknown past of such an item is enough to spark the imagination, as well as provide a delightful conversation topic when family and friends visit. Today, there are manufacturers that strive to recreate this very look by emulating flowery, ornamental approaches towards antique furniture, which allows homeowners to match their lighting sources with other elements of their décor.

A few common features of antique lamps include the stained-glass lampshade, brass finishes, and intricate designs. When one is interested in truly decorating their home with antique floor lamps, genuine specimens may cost quite a bit, such as French antique lamps carrying a price tag of more than thousands of dollars. Usually, an antique or antique-styled floor lamp is selected because of its look and fit within a setting, rather than bringing light into the room.

One-of-a-Kind Pieces

Floor lamps are also known to serve as a work of art, as some artists fashion one-of-a-kind pieces that sometimes depict odd, creative, or unusual displays. Some of the unique possibilities of artsy floor lamps include planetary designs, sculpted wooden figures, wild animals, and abstract images. Artistic floor lamps may also use unusual objects to construct the base of the lamp, such as animal antlers, petrified wood, branches, or heat-treated metal. They may rise in the air like an ivory torch or bring the look and feel of fantasy with fairies decorating their base.

Some floor lamps are fashioned with a specific art movement in mind, such as colorful Art Deco pieces. Artists may also hand craft their samples and hand paint customized detailing on the outside of the shade to add characteristic touches for home and/or office use.

Regional Flair

floor lamps are sometimes used to represent or pay homage to regional pride, as seen in Southwestern selections showcasing characteristic elements added to a lamp, such as images of cacti and rattlesnakes. A New York City-themed floor lamp may showcase a silhouette of the Empire State Building. Cozy wilderness scenes of Colorado and other rustic locations may utilize the image of wild critters, such as the grizzly bear or bald eagle.

Create a Mood

floor lamps allow individuals to create a mood within their home or office that becomes the focus of the space when one enters the room. A gateway to the past may come alive with a Victorian-style street lamp displaying the soft, burnt orange glow of a custom crafted glass lampshade. Perhaps, the theme of your living room is Oriental – a solid hardwood floor lamp with a Chinese raw lacquer finish with mother of pearl and metal chrome accents will fit into the décor. Color also helps create a mood, such as the vibrant shades of red in Asian-style floor lamps.

Mix and Match Color Bulbs to Match Lampshades

The unique part of purchasing a floor lamp is that you may change lampshades to the base of your favorite lamp, just as you can match different colored light bulbs to create varying effects within a room. Depending on the time of day and other outside factors, various lampshade colors transform light into an array of shades, but red, blue, green, and even yellow lights can establish the atmosphere into a controlled setting, such as a romantic environment to a room set aside for contemplation, withdrawal, or reflection.

In conclusion, the many uses and décor ideas regarding floor lamps are quite vast, as homeowners may choose from a host of inviting and exciting selections on the market. Today, an assortment of contemporary, traditional, hip, artisan, and antique lamps expand the possibilities of floor lamp interior design.

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How Purchasing Home Foreclosures Can Both Profit And Cost You Currency

Posted on July 24, 2008
Filed Under Real Estate | Leave a Comment

The truly motivated home seller is the one who needs to stop a foreclosure to the lending institution, the uninvested foreclosure trustee or to the bank that’s simply trying to collect their money back. When purchasing foreclosure properties, you can buy from the owner before foreclosure, from a trustee at foreclosure or from the bank that owns the property after the foreclosure is finished.

While foreclosed properties are typically offered at auction, you can often get a better price if you can buy the property before it enters into the foreclosure process.

Because foreclosure properties often sell for a much lower price than, say, the well-kept home next door, they can save a prospective homeowner a lot of money. However, they can also cost you a lot of money as well.

Former owners who have lost their homes to foreclosure often leave behind destruction and a less-than-pristine property.

In this article, we’ll show you how to protect yourself against foreclosure money pits. Keep reading to learn how.

1. Bring an inspector.

While some home auctions don’t offer an open inspection period, look for ones that have a designated viewing period. Spend the money and hire an inspector to come with you to the auction property or properties. By hiring a professional inspector, you’ll get a clear idea of exactly what the foreclosed property is worth and how much it will potentially cost you.

2. Check for code violations.

Contact your city records department to see if there are any outstanding code violations against the property. For example, keep an eye out for an addition or extra story that didn’t meet city code or was built with a permit and may have to be torn down, costing you thousands of dollars.

3. Hire a foreclosure agent.

There are real estate agents who specialize in foreclosure properties. They can navigate the system, locate hidden gems and help explain the legal jargon associated with a foreclosure purchase. Hiring a foreclosure expert is going to save you a lot of money and stress. And while you’re working with this agent, you would do well to glean additional knowledge of important tips about the overall home buying process.

4. Look for foreclosure loans.

When buying a foreclosed property, inquire with your lender about specific loan programs that are targeted directly toward foreclosure investments. And be sure to gain a clear understanding of the best mortgage rates available to you.

5. Look for a mortgage/renovation loan combination.

If you’re purchasing a foreclosure property that’s going to need to a lot of repairs or renovations, look into a mortgage that includes extra funds for repairs. Getting a mortgage with extra renovation funds is often cheaper than just a basic home improvement loan, and the interest may be tax-deductible, saving you a lot of money in the long run.

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Table Lamps

Posted on July 22, 2008
Filed Under Real Estate | Leave a Comment

Selecting the right furnishing and putting it in all the right places is only part of the challenge when decorating our homes. Certainly there is much to consider beyond the basics, wall décor might be one element, and carefully placed ornamental pieces might be another element that turn an ordinary house into a home that demonstrates the good taste and style of the occupants, naturally each piece we bring into our home reflects us in some ways, and while some pieces even effect us. Absolutely one of the most important, but often overlooked home decorating accessories is lighting.

Home lighting fixtures is naturally functional, and it certainly should be, but home lighting creates ambiance, atmosphere, mood, by whatever word we might use, home lighting does illuminate and create. When decorating your home it is recommended that you take a look at Décor Heaven to discover so many incredible pieces perfect for enhancing the complete appeal of your home. One particular line of lighting found in Décor Heaven that is sure to inspire your decorating flair with functional beauty are their table lamps.

With so many amazing table lamps on offer from Décor Heaven there shall certainly be one just perfect for wants and needs.
A few examples of great table lamp home lighting ideas are lovely classic granite textured Greek key table lamp n a Parthenon beige grid, or a blue themed Victorian art glass table lamp a recreation of the famous Favrile design of the early 1900s.
Perhaps your looking for something a little more today to satisfy your decor needs Décor Heavens sun, moon and stars table lamp might just be ideal with sparkling jewels accenting hand crafted copper foiled stained glass shade. The fun continues with even more modern and exciting designs, a popular home decorating theme today is the nautical or beach theme, Décor Heaven actually offer a couple of lighthouse table lamps, yes lamps completely design in the image of lighthouses.

Sleek ultra modern light fixtures are also an exciting feature found in Décor heaven. One such modern and stylish table lamp is the Watersedge Nickel Table Lamp with clean lines of hand foiled channel edged white glass complimenting a brushed nickel finish. I guess when we are looking at modern looking designs the Van Erp Silver Mica Table Lamp should not be overlooked either with contemporary twist to the tradition of American master craftsman Dirk Van Erp, an appealing brushed pewter frame lights up with cool silver mica panels.

Themes are very popular today in home decorating and certainly lighting may also continue to empathize your favorite theme. For the country and Western Fans the Eagle with faux leather and rawhide table Lamp is a sure winner, or perhaps the Moose reverse painted table lamp might the just the one to set compliment your home. Certainly there is so much to choose from country and western home decorators are not limited to just a few designs, the moose theme for example is also available with a lovely moose at sunset table lamp.

Table lamps should not be limited to the home either. I cannot think of an office table that would not be enhanced with the inclusion of a perfectible functional table lamp. Why strain your tired eyes trying to work under poor dimly lit office overhead lights, when a table lamp would dress your working space up with a touch of personality and save your eyes for all the sightseeing you plan to do when you retire.

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Death Calculator: No Human Can Know!

Posted on July 21, 2008
Filed Under Retirement | Leave a Comment

Death Clock: Nobody Can Tell How Long You Will Live! Useless => Death Calculator-How Long will You Live?

Take the Quiz!

Answer all quiz items as truthfully as possible – in other words, to the best of your knowledge. Don’t guess. Begin with 79 years, then add or subtract years based on the scoring of your answers on each item. Your completed (total) score is a rough estimate of your current life expectancy.

1. Where is your ancestral home? (if not given, enter a score of 0). US = minus 2. Austria-UK = minus 1. Canada-France-Italy = 0. Australia-Singapore-Sweden = plus 2. Japan = plus 3.
FACT: Life expectancy varies by nation due to genetic and cultural differences.

2. What is your gender ? Female = plus 1. Male = minus 2.
FACT: Life expectancy favors the female gender regardless of culture.

3. Do you have an annual physical exam? Yes = plus 3. No = minus 3.
FACT: Many diseases (cancers, hypertension) in later life are asymptomatic, go unnoticed and untreated.

4. Do you have parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents who lived to 85-plus? Add 2 for each 85-plus relative.
FACT: Research demonstrates that long-lived parents tend to produce long-living children.

5. Do you volunteer on a weekly basis? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 1.

FACT: Studies confirm that volunteering focuses attention away from ourselves and onto others.

6. Do you live alone? Yes = minus 3. No = 0.
FACT: Adults who live alone tend to be less well-nourished, more isolated, and less nurtured.

7. Are you able to laugh at and learn from your mistakes? Yes = plus 1. No = minus 3.
FACT: Laughter, humility, and a positive outlooks are linked to increased life expectancy.

8. Do you have a confidant who listens to your most intimate concerns? Yes = plus 1. No = minus 2.

FACT: Confidants offer emotional catharsis and a sense of personal worth to those in crisis.

9. Do you engage in daily mental exercises such as puzzles, games, learning or problem-solving? Yes = plus 4. No = 0.
FACT: Individuals that continually challenge their minds suffer fewer cognitive disorders.

10. Do you engage in some form of daily aerobic exercise such as swimming, jogging or biking? Yes = plus 2. No = 0.
FACT: Exercising at one’s target heart rate strengthens the heart and boosts metabolism.

11. Do you eat a balanced diet, including fresh fruit, vegetables, and whole grains? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 3.
FACT: Balanced dieters experience lower risk of both genetic and culturally related diseases.

12. Do you smoke a pack of cigarettes daily? Yes = minus 5 for men, minus 10 for women. No = 0.
FACT: Smoking causes nearly half a million cancer and lung disease deaths every year.

13. Do you live with, work with, or spend time with people who smoke? Yes = minus 1 for men, minus 2 for women. No = 0.
FACT: Although close association with smokers is thought to reduce a person’s life expectancy by one year, recent research suggests this association may reduce life expectancy by two years.

14. Does your body weight “yo-yo” as you go on and off diet fads? Yes = minus 5. No = 0.
FACT: Unorthodox dietary regimens stress the heart and immune system, increasing the risk of disease.

15. Do you own a pet? Yes = plus 2. No = 0.
FACT: Peer-reviewed scientific journals substantially support longevity benefits of pet companionship. (Note: Avoid exotic pets, such as parrots, monkeys, reptiles, or rodents. These animals have been known to carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans.)

16. When writing, which hand do you use? Left-handed = minus 1. Right-handed = 0. Life is stressful for lefties living in a made-for right-hand world.
FACT: Lefties live in a world where most objects are designed for right-handed people. Objects such as scissors, pencil sharpeners, door openers, and can openers are rarely designed for left-handed people.

17. How tall are you? For every inch of your height that exceeds 5’8” = subtract six months.
FACT: Size does matter, but not in any way you may have thought. Shorter people live longer.

18. Do you belong to any religious group, and do you practice your faith? Yes = plus 2. No = 0.
FACT: Attending to both physical and spiritual needs lowers morbidity and mortality.

19. Do you have two or more daughters? Yes = plus 3. No = 0. Daughters are elder caregivers.
FACT: Daughters provide the bulk of eldercare. Even daughters-in-law provide more care than do sons.

20. Do you use stress management techniques such as meditation, quiet time or visiting a spa? Yes = plus 4. No = minus 3.
FACT: Because there is no escape from stress in our modern society, stress management is the best response.

21. Do you walk to work? Yes = plus 2. Ride to work? Yes = plus 1. Drive to work? Yes = minus 3.
FACT: Walking offers fitness benefits, as well as a sense of self-reliance and personal freedom (no gridlock!).

22. Have you had cosmetic surgery? Yes = plus 5. (But subtract 1 for each additional surgery during the same decade.)
FACT: Cosmetic surgery reduces age phobia and age discrimination and evokes a positive response from a youth-obsessed world. Too many cosmetic surgeries (that is, more than one every 10 years), however, may actually accelerate the aging process.

23. Do you fear the uncertainties of growing old? Yes = minus 1. No fear = plus 0.
FACT: Fear of aging increases your risk of emotional illnesses such as self hatred, denial and depression.

24. Do you routinely use cannabis? Yes = minus 4. No = 0.
FACT: Scientific studies claim that frequent cannabis use increases the risk of physical and mental disorders—such as lung and heart disease and psychosis—by as much as 150 percent.

25. Are you sexually promiscuous? Yes = minus 6. No = 0.
FACT: Engaging in unprotected sex with multiple partners greatly increases the risk of sexually transmitted diseases.

26. Are you engaged in a long-term relationship of trust and mutual respect? Yes = plus 5. No = 0.
FACT: A relationship of this nature fulfills emotional, social, and physical needs and lowers morbidity and mortality risks.

27. Are all your friends the same age as you? Yes = minus 2. Do you have friends of different ages? Yes = plus 1.
FACT: Having friends from a younger generation counters an age-related decrease in your social network. Social isolation sets the stage for a variety of age-accelerating conditions. Those who live alone, for example, have a shorter life expectancy due to poor nutrition; the absence of companionship and someone who can intervene during periods of depression or physical illness; a decreasing need to get dressed and groomed; and safety issues (for example, the hearing impaired often misinterpret abnormal sounds, such as bathroom water pipes gurgling, as human voices whispering) and no one is present to tell them otherwise.

28. Do you keep a written list of specific life goals with time frames for completion? Yes = plus 1. No = 0.
FACT: Studies of performance behavior link specific goals and achievements to quality of life.

29. Do you have a family (blood relatives) history of cardiovascular disease or cancer prior to age 50? Subtract 2 per occurrence.
FACT: Family history demonstrates just how many cultural risks are increased by genetic predisposition. Culture (lifestyle) and genetics (inherited conditions) moderate the aging process. For example, some ethnic groups share a history of longevity, as do the children of long-lived parents.

30. Do you have a family history of obesity, diabetes, or chronic depression? Subtract 2 per occurrence.

FACT: Family history demonstrates just how many cultural risks are enhanced by genetic predisposition.

31. Do you take a once-daily dose (physician-approved) of an anti-inflammatory agent? Yes = plus 4. No = 0.
FACT: Scientific studies of anti-inflamatory drugs such as aspirin and statins show a reduced risk of cardio-vascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke.

32. Do you have an annual physical exam that includes a review of diet, over-the-counter medications, prescriptions, and dietary supplements? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 3.
FACT: Without oversight, combining prescription and over-the-counter medications with dietary supplements can be life threatening.

33. Does your dental care routine include daily brushing and flossing, plus a six-month checkup and cleaning? Yes = 0. No = minus 1.

FACT: A lack of preventive dental care and poor oral health habits raises the risk of infection elsewhere in the body, such as the heart.

34. Do you compute your daily caloric needs, then reduce caloric intake by 20 percent? Yes = plus 2. No = 0.
FACT: Research demonstrates a strong relationship between reduced caloric intake and longevity. If you answered “No” to this question, read the chapter, Thoughts for Food, for more information about computing your daily caloric needs and the benefits of reducing your caloric intake by 20 percent.

35. Do you have one daily serving of red wine (7 oz), purple grape juice (7 oz), or RDA grape-seed extract? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 1.
FACT: The agent in purple grapes enhances cardiovascular health by flushing cholesterol from the arteries.

36. Do you have one daily serving of oatmeal or oatbran (one -half cup, or one 70- gram granola bar)?
Yes= plus 1. No= minus1.
FACT: The fiber in oatmeal enhances cardiovascular health by flushing cholestoral from the arteries.

37. Are you involved in supervised strength training 3 times per week? Yes = 0. No = minus 1.
FACT: Muscular strength, flexibility, and coordination are essential to daily living and reduce the likelihood of tripping and falling.

38. Do you have a daily exercise routine that consists of at least 20 minutes of supervised cardiovascular training at your target heart rate, as well as warm-up and cool-down periods? Yes = plus 2, No = 0.
FACT: Cardiovascular and metabolic benefits occur when exercise is performed at your target heart rate. If you answered “No” to this question, read chapter five, Full Body Contact, for more information about calculating your target heart rate and the benefits of a regular exercise routine.

39. Is your home and indoor work space adequately ventilated by frequently opening windows, or equipped with air filtration that can filter microscopic particles? Yes = plus 1. No = minus 1.
FACT: Environmental studies have documented increasing evidence of cardiopulmonary diseases generated from indoor air and materials. Common items you have and use in and around your home – such as carpets and furniture, insecticides, cleansers, and paint and varnish – can release toxins into the air. In addition, all homes absorb toxins from the outside environment through normal cracks in foundations and walls.

40. Do you eat or drink more than two daily servings of caffeinated products, such as coffee, tea, cola, or chocolate? Yes = minus 2. No = 0.
FACT: Caffeine helps headache pain, but its toxic affect elsewhere elevates the risk of cancer and heart disease.

41. Is your BMI (body mass index) 25 or greater? Yes = minus 4. No = 0.
FACT: A Body Mass Index of 25 or above increases the risk of diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and hypertension. Clinical obesity has multiple negative and long-term effects on organs throughout the body. If you do not know how to calculate your Body Mass Index, read chapter five, Full Body Contact, for more information.

42. Is the average time you take to consume your meals more than 30 minutes? = 0. Less than 30 minutes? = minus 1.

FACT: Your brain requires 30 minutes to measure fullness, by which time you’re often on a second or third helping.

43. Do you eat, drink, or use a cell phone while driving your vehicle? Yes = minus 1. No = 0.
FACT: These distracting behaviors elevate your risk of frightening close calls and outright accidents.

44. Do you have a consistent work schedule (i.e., work 9 to 5)? = 0. Or do you have an inconsistent work schedule (shift work that changes schedule)? = minus 2.

FACT: One in four workers is in a shift-work occupation that results in chronic sleep deprivation.

45. Within a 24-hour day, do you sleep nine or more hours? Yes = minus 1. Do you sleep 6-8 hours? Yes = plus 2. Do you sleep 5 hours or fewer? Yes = 1.
FACT: On average, most people need between 6 and 8 hours of sleep. Sleep deprivation is associated with poor concentration, more frequent accidents, and substandard effort.

46. Can you list symptoms associated with colon cancer? Yes = plus 1. No = minus 2.
FACT: It is not necessary for this cancer to be so dangerous to your health. Get a checkup, now.

47. Can you list symptoms of adult-onset diabetes? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 3.
FACT: Genetics, lifestyle, dietary habits, or a combination of the three are all risk factors.

48. Women only: Can you list breast cancer symptoms? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 3.
FACT: Preventive measures such as breast self-examination and mammography remain under-utilized.

49. Can you list high blood pressure symptoms? Yes = minus 2. No = 0
FACT: There are no symptoms associated with high blood pressure; therefore, you should have your blood pressure checked regularly.

50. Women only: Have you had a bone density test as a preventive step against osteoporosis? Yes = plus 1, No = 0.
FACT: Osteoporosis is more prevalent in women and increases the risk of back and hip fractures. Start monitoring early. As a preventive health measure, women should monitor their calcium needs as early as age 23 and their bone density as early as age 30.

51. Men only: Can you list prostate cancer symptoms? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 2.
FACT: After age 50, your doctor should monitor prostate health by reliable digital or PSA testing.

52. Men only: Can you list testicular cancer symptoms? Yes = 0. No = minus 1.
FACT: Avoid clothing fabric or styles that elevate testicle temperature. Monitor on a regular basis by inspecting the soft tissue of the testicles for lumps and painful areas; if found, see your doctor for a professional examination.

53. Women only: Can you list ovarian cancer symptoms? Yes = plus 2. No = minus 2.
FACT: Early risks exist but increase after menopause, and in association with advancing age.

54. Can you list heart attack symptoms? Yes = plus 1. No = minus 2.
FACT: Learn the symptoms and immediate interventions. Learn Cardiopulmonary Resusciation (CPR) for protecting loved ones.

55. How would you rate your sex life? Satisfactory = plus 1. Not sure = minus 0. Not satisfactory = minus 1.
FACT: Overstimulation by advertising, entertainment, and fashion results in a genuine need for a positive sexual outlet. The many ways in which the body benefits from a satisfying sex life are well documented at the National Institutes on Aging Web site located at www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/sexualhealthissues.

Now add it all up. Your score is an estimate of how long you can expect to live. A score of less than 79 years should alert you to take positive action. In fact, 75% of longevity predictors are based on lifestyle, not genes. Remember, long life depends on seven factors: genetic inheritance (good genes give you a good head start), physical fitness, mental fitness (exercising your mind), emotional fitness (meaningful lives last longer), spiritual fitness (interpreting the purpose of life), food fitness (healthy nutrition and diet) and environmental fitness (limiting our exposure to toxic chemicals). Remember, the key to a long and healthy life is more than smart genes and dumb luck.

Low score? It’s never too late to make positive lifestyle changes. A complete lifestyle plan, in an interactive question & answer format is available in Dr. David Demko’s book, “Live Well Now, Dr. David Demko’s Anti-Aging Plan to Youth’n Your Life”.

Copyright Next Decade, Inc. 2005

Barbara Kimmel is a publisher and publicist. She is the publisher of David Demko’s book. For more information about this book and other healthy lifestyle publications visit http://www.nextdecade.com - To Read more info about Death Clock browse SpicyBuzz.com

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