if you have a toxic home

Until recently, I didn’t really realize that asbestos removal was serious business. Like everyone, I heard about the threats from asbestos when the World Trade Center was attacked, but I had figured that that was only because of the destruction of the building. It seemed likely that most people had already had asbestos removed or contained, and I didn’t realize that it was a real problem.

I was in for some surprising and unpleasant results when I started to renovate my home. To my surprise, there was asbestos all over the place! Some of it wasn’t really much of a problem. When I hired someone for asbestos siding removal, he gave me an extremely reasonable estimate. You see, asbestos removal is easier when the asbestos is well contained. It can be used in a wide variety of different applications, and in some of its forms it is relatively safe. In the case of asbestos siding, it can be removed in pieces without any of it getting into the air. This means that it is not very harmful to the home owners, and not very dangerous to the asbestos removers.

Still, the asbestos siding was definitely a wake-up call. After that, I wanted to sign up for some asbestos testing before I did any more home renovation. To my surprise, I needed more asbestos removal. You see, my attic had asbestos insulation. Unlike siding, the installation was not well contained. It was wrapped around pipes, stuffed into corners and crevices, and generally spread around. This type of asbestos removal was more important, but was also more difficult. You see, if you have asbestos hanging out in your attic, it is only a matter of time before it gets into your house. To this day, I don’t know how much I was exposed to. I hope it was very little, and so far my health is good, but who knows what the future holds.

The mistake that I made was assuming that, because I had never heard anything about asbestos being in my house, there was none there. In reality, the fact that I did not know meant that I was at risk. If you have a house built more than a couple decades ago, you should have it tested for asbestos, lead paint, and various other toxins that used to be used in home construction. After all, if you have a toxic home, it is best to know before it is too late.

Art shows

In my small community, a huge art show is held every spring. Vendors and artists come from several states away to compete, display and sell their prized creations. Spectators drive long distances as well just to walk through the art show and admire the artwork. It isn’t uncommon to see people spending their hard earned cash on paintings and sculptures – any creation that jumps out to attract their attention.

I used to look at the price tags on paintings and other forms of artwork and almost laugh out loud. I never took the time to think about the fact that most artists spend hours and hours of their lives putting the perfect emotions and touches into their artwork. Some artists spend weeks or months on perfecting one simple painting to be absolutely perfect. To charge such a small price seems ridiculous. However, spending several thousand dollars on a piece of artwork seems absurd as well. Nonetheless, art shows around the country and world are always popular. Even people who prefer to simply admire the creations and cannot afford to make purchases will wander aimlessly, wishing they had more of an artistic talent. Other artists will venture to the art shows to size up their competition or get some new ideas for their own future creations.

There are lots of things that can be found at art shows. They aren’t just paintings and sculptures – you can find jewelry, glass creations, cards, decorations, etc. Most of the creations you find, no matter what they may be, all have a sense of uniqueness to them. Chances are, even if they look identical, no two creations are quite the same. You can be assured that the items that you are purchasing were created with care and expertise, by hand, at each stand that you happen to find. There is more of a willingness to spend more money on such items when you actually meet the individual who created the jewelry or paintings. In fact, I’ve found that people will spend twice the amount of money that they’d spend in a store in order to purchase a handmade necklace or an autographed painting. Why? Because things are more meaningful and purposeful when you meet the creator. You can talk to the artist about the feeling and emotion that lurks behind a particular creation. Being able to say that you met the artist is
worth money to a lot of individuals. Buying a generic picture in a store just isn’t the same. You know that dozens of other people have the same identical picture hanging in their homes. At an art show, you know that your painting or creation is unique. That’s priceless.

finding art prints for your home

Many people love fine art but few think that they can afford it. Today’s market in artwork allows all different budgets to purchase various artistic items for sale. Art prints are affordable options to the originals and you have just about the entire collection of artistic endeavors available to you.

There are so many different art prints available that you may want to narrow down your options. Choosing from among the many art pieces for sale online can be overwhelming. You may want to do a little browsing to see what appeals to you then make your choices according to a certain strategy.

One strategy for finding art prints for your home is to browse by artist. We all have a favorite painter or sketch artist in mind. You may come across a magnificent piece of artwork that you thought you would never be able to afford. Since you are buying art prints, the work is far less expensive.

Who doesn’t dream of owning an original Monet, Van Gogh or Picasso? You can select art prints that replicate their finest works for a very reasonable price. You can still enjoy all of the splendor and beauty without breaking the bank. In fact, you can even make a little collection of your favorites for relatively little money.

Some people prefer to shop by subject. This is an ideal approach if you have a certain style in mind but you are not particularly drawn to any specific artist. I love to take this approach when shopping for art prints because I can learn about new or relatively unknown artists.

I also like to shop by subject when looking for art prints because I have more control over the style. If I’m shopping for a music lover I can browse art prints that are inspired by music. This subject can be narrowed down to classical music, blues, jazz or contemporary. There are art prints available that represent all facets of this subject.

Maybe you have your heart set on a Tuscan theme for your kitchen. You can browse by subject looking for art prints of still life images that include grapes, cheese and wine. This is a lovely choice for dining rooms and kitchen spaces that have a classic appeal to the viewer.

No matter what your tastes, there are most definitely art prints that are perfect for your living space. These items can transform a room and they make for the ideal present for any art lover.

ARTIFICIAL PLANTS

Are you tired of your present home décor? Sooner or later, that couch you loved ten years ago, now looks old, frayed and dated. Ditto on the kitchen curtains and the sterile white walls everywhere you look. You want a fresh look, but your budget for a redecorating project is modest. Don’t despair. With a few inexpensive changes and a little planning, you can have a new look you’ll love! Read on to learn of one of the highly effective and well-kept secrets of professional decorators.

A fresh coat of paint all around in colors that reflect your personality will work wonders. Perhaps colored levelors, to replace those dowdy curtains, will jazz up the the kitchen, allowing light and privacy at the same time. This is a good start. Now how can you infuse the scene with lively accents without breaking the budget? Any décor benefits from a few strategically placed plants. Plants lend a soft, cozy feeling that creates an inviting ambiance. Restaurants, coffee houses and corporate offices often use plants just for this reason.

There is a drawback to plants — they require maintenance and a green thumb for long-lasting success in a decorating scheme. Consider artificial plants as a low-cost, low maintenance solution. Technology is now so advanced. Quality artificial plants are so real looking, you’d need to put on your glasses for a close inspection to tell the difference between the faux plant and its fertilizer-gobbling counterpart.

With artificial plants, you needn’t engage a neighbor to water your friends when you go away on vacation. Weekend plans won’t be disrupted with watering, trimming, fertilizing and repotting tasks. Yet your home’s appearance suggests you’re a master gardener with decorating flair.

Among the many types of artificial plants available, one stands out as superior in appearance. Artificial plants made of silk are almost indistinguishable from the real McCoy. They’re a bit more costly than artificial plants made of plastic, but are truly lovely and they never die! A hanging fern in the bathroom appears as natural as the real thing. Any gardener will tell you that ferns need lots of moisture and typically thrives in a bathroom setting where steam and moisture keep it hale and hearty. An occasional spray with a spritzer bottle enhances this illusion.

A tall umbrella tree in the living room gives lots of value for your decorating bucks. Placed next to your couch by your reading lamp on the end table, this artificial plant makes your couch a desirable place to kick back with a good book. Add a nice throw blanket and a few new pillows and that old couch is back in business!

Just as real plants can be dressed up with backlighting, your backlit artificial tree can provide a romantic highlight. String some lights through its branches for a stunning effect. If your budget is very tight, you can always add to your artificial plant collection later. So there you have one of the best tricks in the pro decorator’s arsenal!

University with campuses

In 2001, three separate educational institutions merged to form the Argosy University with campuses in 18 locations and in 12 US states. These previous educational establishments brought their excellent reputation with them. The University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and offers Doctoral, Masters and Bachelor’s Degrees in four faculties. These are the College of Psychology and Behavioral Science, the College of Education, the College of Business and the College of Health Sciences. Health Sciences students can also study for an Associate Degree. The 2008 Spring semester begins on January 7th and continues until April 19th. After a two week break, the Summer semester will begin.

Campus locations are widespread and include Seattle, Phoenix, Denver, Chicago and Atlanta. Learning at the Argosy University is flexible to make it easier for students with full time or part time jobs. Classes on campus are held during the day, evening and weekends and online courses are also available. A Distance Learning program is in operation at Sarasota, which combines distance learning with classes on campus.

Applicants for a place at the University are welcome to attend information sessions and to meet current students. They can also make a tour of the campus. The requirements for entry are with regard to educational achievements and career goals. International students are most welcome, meeting the same criteria and the University also accepts applicants from the armed forces.

The four disciplines involve programs that teach academic elements and practical application. The Psychology program includes Clinical Psychology, Sports Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy. Health Sciences includes Medical Laboratory Technology, Radiation Therapy and Dental Hygiene. The Education course prepares students to be teachers and administrators in education. Qualifications are gained in Educational Leadership, Instructional Leadership and Community College Executive Leadership. The Business College at Argosy University has courses designed by leaders in the business world, teaching business theory and applied practice.

Students embarking on online programs can access Student Support Services for assistance. The Student Support Center provides phone and email contact and there is a 24 hour technical support for the classroom activities. There is also an Academic Advisor and a Mentor Professor. Students can communicate with each other by networking and through group discussion forums. Online tutors and guest speakers deliver the program and there is an online library and career service. Learning is interactive at Argosy University and students are involved in text, video, real time chats and animation.

You don’t have to shoot animals to enjoy using a bow and arrow

There are many things that people love to do in the outdoors that keeps them busy when they have time off of work. Many of these things are bonding experiences between family members, and offer a type of relaxation that you can’t get anywhere else. Some families have always been hunters, and this is something they will pass down from generation to generation. Though there are some that use guns for hunting, many like to try the various types of archery equipment on the market for more of a challenge in the woods.

Archery equipment does not have to be about hunting, as it can just be something you do for fun. You don’t have to shoot animals to enjoy using a bow and arrow. You can just go out and shoot targets and have fun while doing so. You can find all types of neat archery equipment no matter what you plan to do with it. You may find that some of it is very expensive, but it is also the very best that you can get. These things can aid you when you hunt, or can be a lot of fun for target practice.

When you are looking for good archery equipment, you do have to think about safety if you have children. You should always have a safe place to keep these things that are far away from wandering hands and interested children. They don’t always understand that archery equipment items are not only for fun but that they can also be very dangerous. As with guns, keep them up and locked, and never take any chances with setting something down just for a moment. Always assume the worst and act accordingly, and the worst will never happen.

Look around online for some great deals on archery equipment, but remember, you may not always be able to buy online. It will depend on your state laws, and even some federal ones may come into play. If you can find something online, and you are able to buy, you can find some great deals on archery items. If you can’t seem to find anything online, you can probably find a great sporting store in your area that will have just what you need. If they don’t, they will probably special order whatever it is that you want. As long as you always make safety your number one priority, archery can be a great and relaxing hobby when you find the right stuff.

Arbor Snowboards

Snowboarding is more than a sport for some people, it’s a way of life and participants rely on companies that make good equipment. Arbor Snowboards have built a reputation for wood top boards that are stable and give a good performance. The main showroom is in Venice, California and there are international distributors in Europe, Canada, Japan, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.

Different terrain and snow conditions demands different kinds of boards and Arbor Snowboards categorize their boards as All Mountain, Freestyle and Freeride. The All Mountain is a mixture of Freeride and Freestyle. The Freeride is a longer board for fast turns and the Freestyle is shorter and wider and is suited to snow parks.

The A-Frame is a Freeride carver, designed for on edge riding. It holds a deep line and has tight control in steeps situations. The Wasteland is an All Mountain mid-wide and its light weight will cope with powder, tree slopes, park, steeps and backcountry. The Element is another All Mountain board and Arbor Snowboards describe it as technically advanced. It can go in to any spin or line alteration and can hold an edge at speed on the pipe or the steeps. The Alt is a bamboo made version of the Element.

Women have taken to the sport in growing numbers and Arbor Snowboards have produced boards, suited to their needs. The Push is a Freerider for women. It has a clean line and can be used for powder, natural hits, tree slopes, steeps and groomers. The Cadence is also for women and is an All Mountain board. It is light and flexible and ideal for spin tricks and rail sessions.

The company also makes a range of skateboards. These come in various lengths and designs, divided in to six series called Mini, Roller, Street, Carver, Slater and Tranny. The artwork on the boards is distinctive and contemporary in style.

There is also a line in apparel that complements the Arbor Snowboards and skateboards. Cotton sweatshirts and hooded jackets are available for men and women. Some are 100% organic cotton and some are made from bamboo cotton. Peak caps carry the company logo of a tree and beanies are designed for warmth. Belts are also sold and buckles are made from bamboo wood or eucalyptus, which is a sustainable hardwood. The buckles also carry the tree logo. Snowboarders like to have the latest gear and Arbor Snowboards are at the forefront of design and construction, using environmentally sustainable materials.

student aptitude test

I remember the first time that I took a student aptitude test in high school. At first, I was tempted to turn it sideways and scribble on it like my friends were doing, but curiosity got the best of me. Was there anything to these aptitude tests, I wondered? I figured that there was really only one way to find out. I answered all of the career interest questions diligently. I am sure that you remember how idiotic these things are. The questions are so idiotic and simplistic that it is really hard not to fudge all of the answers. After all, if that aptitude test does not tell you something that you already know, you probably do not know yourself all that well.

It is strange, then, that years later, I find myself in the position of designing skills aptitude tests for several different business clients. It is one of those strange jobs that you wander into accidentally. Few people wonder about where all of those standardized test questions come from. I know that I never even thought about it until I saw the job posting on the local community bulletin board. It was for a national testing company, looking for people to write questions on spec. it sounded like it might be a scam, but I figured that I would give it a go. To my surprise, they accepted all of my questions and game me a per article contract job.

At first, I was designing scholastic aptitude test questions, focusing primarily on English language comprehension. It did not take long, however, for me to get into other areas as well. You may not realize it, but a great proportion of the standardized tests printed in this country are in the hands of a very few large businesses. Once you get into the loop, the jobs keep pouring in for as long as you want them. At first it takes too long to be really lucrative, but once you get the hang of it, you can make good money.

The money is so good, in fact, that I was able to pay my way through college on it. I still had to take out a few student loans, but for the most part I made my money writing testing questions. I now know one of the dirtiest secrets of the professional world: half of the business aptitude test questions are written by college undergraduates.

Natural Apple Cider Vinegar Weight Loss

The ability to lose weight naturally is a very desirable condition. Adopting an apple cider vinegar diet into your regimen is the ideal approach for weight loss that does not involve stimulants or diet pills. The plan is pretty straightforward and the results are absolutely stunning.

No one likes to carry extra pounds but few of us have the means to naturally rev up the metabolic rate while keeping cravings under control. There are some simple steps that dieters can take to ensure that they can drop weight naturally and with relatively little effort.

While the apple cider vinegar diet is not miracle cure, it is a viable resource for weight loss without suffering. The secret to the diet’s success is thought to lie in the combination of the vinegar’s acidic nature and the natural pectin found in apples. The combination serves as a means of getting the metabolism fueled and ready to burn.

One of the health benefits of apple cider vinegar is the product’s ability to lower cholesterol. Pectin is a key factor in reducing cholesterol in the body. While there is no scientific connection between the lowered cholesterol and weight loss, there does seem to be a correlation when it comes to this nectar.

The apple cider weight loss plan is simple to follow. There are no restricted menus and nothing is really off limits. However, dieters do have to practice restraint when it comes to snack foods and their meals have to be in sensible proportions. Of course, water is on the top of the list of priorities.

Dieters just take between one and three teaspoons of the vinegar before each meal. This gives the supplement time to rev the metabolism while curbing the appetite. Beginners should start with just one teaspoon before each meal and gradually work their way to three teaspoons.

Add a little light exercise into your daily routine and you have the makings of a simple weight loss plan that actually seems too good to be true. Following the plan is quite easy. All that is necessary is the capacity to remember to take the vinegar before each meal. If the nectar is too much for your stomach, you may want to opt for apple cider vinegar pills instead.

Weight loss is an ongoing process for many people who opt for fad diets and trendy weight reduction plans. The apple cider vinegar diet is ideal because it offers a natural weight loss remedy without a restrictive eating regimen.

Benefits of Apple Cider Vinegar

Aside from being a wonderful addition to our everyday cooking supplies apple cider vinegar benefits us in many ways. This long-time kitchen component has become a revolutionary health-enhancing supplement used by many people. There is good reason for all of the hype once all of the rewards are considered.

One of the most popular uses for this rich vinegar supplement is weight loss. Many people swear that you can drop pounds steadily just by taking two tablespoons of this nectar each day. This is the only requirement for the diet. Just take the vinegar and you are well on your way to a slimmer form.

The natural weight loss supplement is thought to rev up the metabolism naturally. It also effectively curbs appetite and helps consumers take in fewer calories each day. The weight loss is basically effortless because the vinegar does the work in heating up the metabolic rate while putting cravings at bay.

Those who want to adopt a natural, chemical-free house cleaning regimen may want to consider apple cider benefits that pertain to household chores. This natural cleaning agent work wonders with cutting grease and it leaves a crystal clear shine behind. Many love to use this product on windows and countertops as well as stove surfaces for a mirror-like finish.

This vinegar is also a natural germ killer and deodorizer. Why put harmful chemicals into the air and on household surfaces when you can kill germs and deodorize the space naturally? This all-natural element is also pretty inexpensive compared to other cleaners.

Other apple cider vinegar benefits include general health rewards. This natural home remedy is associated with many great healthy results in a number of different areas. Some assert that it helps with digestion and circulation while others maintain that it is an all-purpose daily health tonic.

Pets can also benefit from apple vinegar as well. This produce keeps insects at bay include mosquitoes, fleas and tics. Some pet owners use the product to take care of pet skin conditions. The vinegar is also ideal for getting rid of many pet stains. Even skunk spray can be treated with this natural home remedy.

Of course, there is always the cooking aspect of this product to consider. This tangy vinegar is a prime ingredient for many dishes and it is quite diverse. You can achieve richer flavor in your foods and condiments using this ingredient.

These are just a handful of examples of how this natural kitchen ingredient can work wonders in many different realms. There are many other apple cider vinegar benefits to consider.