Remove Office Chair Backing

Remove the chair back to reupholster your office chair.

Office chairs can be reupholstered. To decide if your chair should be reupholstered, carefully examine the overall construction of the chair. If the chair is cheaply made and the basic structure of the chair is plastic, then it may be more cost effective to simply replace the chair. If the chair is better made and has an underlying metal or wood base, then it may be a candidate for new upholstery. Removing the chair back is not complicated. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Remove the arms of the chair if the chair back is attached to arms in a removable way. For office chairs with plastic arms, you will see a plastic plug that looks like a flat circle. Pry up the plug with a screwdriver. This will expose a screw head. Unscrew the screws, using a screwdriver.

2. Unscrew plastic chair backs that are attached with a simple screw attachment. Many chair backs are mounted using an expanding barb-type fitting that slides into a post-type area in the inside plastic back. By pressing your fingers into the foam, you should be able to locate these. You may be able to squeeze the barbs together through the foam and release them. For better access, open the fabric seams with a seam ripper and peel up the foam.

3. Unscrew the barbed fittings from the plastic inside back after you have exposed and released them.

4. Rip the seams on office chair backs that appear fabric-backed. This will allow you to remove the fabric in a whole piece in case you want to use it again. Often there is an underlying chair back support structure that screws together. Simply unscrew this if you are trying to remove the back completely.

Tags: chair back, chair backs, chair chair, backs that, chair backs that, This will

Make A Wooden Farm Table

The farm table is an American tradition. They were often built by the families who intended to use them--not by cabinetmakers--resulting in a simple but strongly constructed piece of furniture tailored to individual needs. Almost anyone with simple woodworking skills can build one.

The six-foot farm table described here follows that tradition. It is built from standard dimension pine lumber, using simple butt joinery and box nails. Screws may be substituted if desired, but box nails suit this rustic style. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Attach one of the side rails to two of the legs. The top edge of the side rail will be even with the top of the legs, and it will form a 90-degree angle with the sides of the legs. Spread a layer of glue between the leg and rail where they overlap, and use three box nails to secure each end of the rail to a leg. The nails should not form a straight line with each other; stagger them, to reduce the possibility of splitting the wood. Use the damp cloth to remove any glue that squeezes out of the joint.

When assembled, the side rail and legs should form a U-shape.

2. Repeat process with another side rail and the remaining two legs. Allow both sets of legs to dry.

3. Attach one of the leg assemblies to a side rail. The end rail should be positioned closest to the end of the long rail, so that the rails appear to wrap around the legs. Again, apply a layer of glue between the long side rail and leg assemblies where they overlap, then use three box nails (staggered, as before) to secure the rail to the leg and use the damp cloth to remove excess glue.

4. Repeat this procedure with the other leg assembly, then attach the other long side rail to the leg assemblies. When this is complete, the four rails will form a frame supported by four legs.

5. Attach the remaining 2x4 rail as a support for the top. This rail will fit inside the frame, approximately halfway between the leg assemblies. Spread a layer of glue on the cut ends of this rail, fit it into the frame, and drive two box nails through each of the side rails into the ends of this support. Remove excess glue with the damp cloth. Allow this entire frame-and-legs assembly to dry.

6. Use the measuring tape to find the center point on each of the end rails, and mark each rail with the pencil. Place two of the table top boards together on top of the frame, aligning the joint between them over the pencil marks. Place three box nails (staggered) through each board into the end rails and the center support, for a total of nine nails per board. Continue to add boards and nail them to the frame until the top is complete.

7. Sand as necessary and finish the table with the wood stain of your choice, using the applicator.

Tags: side rail, damp cloth, layer glue, three nails, cloth remove, damp cloth remove, each rail

Southwestern Paint Colors

Choose paint colors from natural Southwestern landscapes for your home decor.

Southwestern paint colors may vary slightly depending upon which area in the Southwest you wish to emulate. One characteristic that many Southwestern palettes share is the use of colors found naturally in this region. Whichever colors you decide to use, take home samples from the paint store to ensure that the colors work well together and look pleasing in your home's light. Does this Spark an idea?

Tan

While a specific color might pop into your head immediately when you hear the word tan, this color covers a wide range of shades. If you look through paint samples, you'll find tan colors with both warm and cool hues. These qualities greatly impact the appearance of the color, especially if you use it to cover a large area or wall. Think of natural sand or earth colors from the Southwest when choosing a tan for your paint scheme. Don't be afraid to choose a tan paint with a slight red or brown tint if you feel it works best with your design.

Red

A Southwestern shade of red is usually more subdued than the red you see on a fire engine. These reds often contain brown or orange tints to give the color the appearance of red clay, another natural substance found in the Southwest. Terracotta is a favorite reddish color used in Southwest decorating that most people are familiar with. Whether you choose to refer to these colors as reds or oranges, keep them in mind for a primary or accent colors in your Southwest color scheme.

Green

Using green paint can add contrast to a Southwestern paint palette filled with mostly tan and red earth colors. Look for natural green colors that you might find in plants native to the Southwest, such as sage green or pine green.

Blue

A small amount of blue paint can have a big impact on a subdued palette of natural earth colors. While you might want the blue paint to pop, stick to your Southwestern theme by choosing blue colors that are present in the natural environment. One example of such a color is turquoise. This blue stone is found in the Southwest and often used to make jewelry. You can take a piece of turquoise along when you pick out paint colors if you want to match the stone precisely. You can also use pale or deep shades of blue found in the sky to add a natural blue color to your palette.

Yellow

Choose warm shades of yellow or gold to use in your Southwestern paint scheme. You can use either pale or dark shades of yellow to blend in with your tan or sand-colored paints or provide a soft contrast.

Tags: earth colors, paint colors, blue paint, colors from, colors that, contrast Southwestern

Unlock The Chapter Selection In "Uncharted 2"

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Uncharted 2: Among Thieves" was developed and released by Naughty Dog in the fall of 2009 after the very successful run of the first installment of the series, "Uncharted: Drake's Fortune." The game is for the PlayStation 3 platform, and features unlockable bonus content that can be earned by completing tasks within the game. Chapter selection is one such unlockable, although it may be the hardest to earn, since each chapter must be completed individually.

Instructions

1. Load the game and select a difficulty. The game offers several difficulties: very easy, easy, normal, hard, and crushing.

2. Play through the game on the selected difficulty. The game has 26 chapters, each of which must be completed to unlock that chapter for future game play. Once the chapter has been completed, it will be unlocked for future play.

3. Complete the game on the highest difficulty level possible. In order to unlock each chapter at each difficulty level, that chapter must be completed on the highest difficulty level. For instance, if you complete the game on crushing, all levels of difficulty will be made available; however, if you beat the game on normal, only very easy, easy, and normal will be unlocked for each chapter. So, completing a chapter at a higher difficulty level will unlock the easier levels below it.

Tags: difficulty level, each chapter, must completed, chapter must, chapter must completed

Upholster An Office Chair

Over time, the upholstery on your office chair can become worn. Or, the fabric may go out of style. There is no need to throw away your office chair, however. New office chairs can be very expensive, and upholstering your current chair is cheap and easy. Depending on the type of upholstery you choose for your chair, all the supplies can cost less than $20. Be sure to select a strong fabric so that it will last longer. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Measure the seat and back of your office chair to know exactly how much fabric you will need.

2. Remove the cushions off the seat and back of your chair by prying around the perimeter of each cushion with the flathead screwdriver.

3. Flip each removed cushion over and pry out the staples holding the current upholstery to the back of each cushion. Remove the old upholstery.

4. Lay the two pieces of new upholstery fabric flat on the ground, with the back of the fabric facing up. Place the chair seat face down on one piece of fabric.

5. Pull opposite sides of the upholstery fabric tightly toward the center of the chair cushion and staple. Repeat with the remaining two sides. Add more staples until the fabric is tightly fastened on the bottom of the seat cushion. Trim off any excess upholstery on the bottom of the cushion.

6. Repeat Step 5 with the chair's back cushion.

7. Press each re-upholstered cushion back into its frame connector on the back and seat of the office chair frame.

Tags: your office chair, office chair, your office, back your, each cushion

Volunteer At A Local Homeless Shelter

In 2006, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development reported findings that over 700,000 people experience homelessness in the United States. The only place many homeless individuals and families have to turn is a local homeless shelter. Homeless shelters work to assist homeless individuals with beds, food, medical and emotional support.

Instructions

Volunteer at a Local Homeless Shelter

1. Find a local homeless shelter to volunteer at online through the Directory of Local Homeless Service Organizations on the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) website (see Resources below). Click on your state's link to find a list of local homeless shelters and advocacy organizations that can be contacted through email or have an online presence.

2. Volunteer with the NCH voting rights campaign. Organize a voter registration drive or encourage friends, family and community organizations to write letters to local legislatures about how the homeless have a right to vote. Download tools on the NCH website by clicking "Get Involved" then "NCH Projects" and "The "You Don't Need A Home To Vote" Voting Rights Campaign."

3. Get involved with local efforts to protect the civil rights of homeless individuals. Call the National Coalition for the Homeless at 202-462-4822 or email them at info@nationalhomeless.org to ask about local volunteer opportunities.

4. Search the Housing and Urban Development (HUD) website for local homeless assistance in your state (see Resources below). HUD provides links to local shelters, homeless service groups, help lines and other community resources that need volunteer help.

5. Check your local phone book for a complete local homeless shelter list. Call homeless shelters near you and ask about how you can volunteer and become involved.

6. Consider asking about serve food at your local homeless shelter. Many shelters offer a breakfast, lunch or dinner service weekly that is run primarily by volunteer staff members.

7. Donate clothes, blankets and food supplies to a local homeless shelter. Call in advance to ask about your shelter's specific needs and special guidelines for donating.

Tags: local homeless, homeless individuals, homeless shelter, local homeless, local homeless shelter

Plan A Wedding In Ventura California

Find out what you need to know about planning a wedding in Ventura, CA.

Located between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara, the beach town of Ventura, California, offers a range of options for brides and grooms who are planning a wedding. The city's culture is a mixture of its Spanish past and its relaxed, beach-loving atmosphere. A beach wedding in Ventura is not necessarily required, but it is certainly an option for brides and grooms who want to take advantage of the beautiful scenery and colorful sunsets on the Pacific Coast. Given its location and ambience, Ventura is an excellent wedding location and offers a variety of idyllic spots for holding the ceremony and the reception. Planning a wedding in Ventura is largely a matter of knowing when you want to get married and then filling in the details from there.

Instructions

1. Book the ceremony location. Wedding spots abound in Ventura, but they can be snapped up quickly. Options include the historic Heritage Square, with traditional Victorian buildings, as well as gardens and a fountain. The Rancho Camulos Museum is located outside of Ventura and includes an arbor adorned with grapevines and a romantic wedding chapel that is surrounded by rose gardens and orange groves. And then, there's always the Ventura beach, never too far away and requiring very little to create the perfect ambience for a wedding.

2. Reserve the reception location. If you are holding the ceremony at a spot such as Heritage Square, you can plan to have the reception there as well, since the facilities are large enough to accommodate receptions. If you are holding the wedding on the beach, however, you should plan to choose a separate location for the reception. The Crowne Plaza Ventura, right on the beach, is one spot available for receptions, as well as wedding ceremonies.

3. Book the DJ as soon as possible. Popular Ventura DJs get booked early, so it is recommended that brides and grooms who plan to be married in Ventura reserve the DJ about one year in advance.

4. Purchase and rent the other items that you will need for your Ventura wedding: flowers, cake, photography, music entertainment and videography. Personalize the flowers and cake(s) to complement your wedding theme and colors, and select a photographer and videographer that will bring out the best from your big day. Wedding Compass provides a full range of options for finding the right services and vendors in the Ventura area.

Tags: brides grooms, flowers cake, Heritage Square, holding ceremony, range options

Use Social Services To Find Homeless People To Help

Use Social Services to Find Homeless People to Help

Social services most often refers to government supported and run offices that help individuals in need. There are many social service programs in the United States funded by the federal government as well as state and local governments. Programs provide assistance to the unemployed, homeless individuals, families and abused children to name just a few. There also are many independent agencies that help homeless individuals. They may receive government funding but they are not run by the government. Finding local homeless people to help is fairly simple if you know where to go and who to talk to.

Instructions

Finding Local Social Services Offices

1. Look in the government section of the Yellow Pages to find your local social service office. Information can be found under the state government heading as "Children & Family Services Dept of" or "Human Services Dept of."

2. Call both departments. The Department of Children & Family Services can help you find out help homeless families and children. The Department of Human Services will have information on local homelessness and help.

3. Make note of the information these two departments provide you. You will not be able to help homeless people directly through federal and state social service departments unless you work for them. Instead, you can collect information on local agencies that help homeless people and then contact them to find out how you can help.

4. Contact the local agencies you are interested in supporting or working with to find out how you can help.

Finding Homeless People

5. Visit the National Coalition for the Homeless (NCH) website to learn how homeless people are assisted throughout the United States.

6. Visit the NCH directory page to find multiple resources on locating organizations working with homeless people in your region, state or throughout the US.

7. Contact organizations to find out how you can help.

Tags: find help, help homeless, homeless people, social service, Social Services

Places To Get Married In Austin Texas

They say everything is bigger in Texas--even weddings.

With an average 300 days of sunshine, Austin offers couples many lucky wedding dates. Mild winters provide year-round outdoor options, where Texas sunset serve up breath-taking backdrops. While a variety of religious sites are available in Austin, the city also presents a large array of secular options for the big day.

One World Theater

With a large west-facing balcony, perfect sunsets provide backgrounds for many bridal procession.

One World Theater provides a dramatic setting to wedding ceremonies and receptions. The Tuscan-styled villa's main theater resembles an Old World cathedral. French doors opening to the sunset deck provide a dramatic entrance for the bridal party, and the "Romeo and Juliet" balcony adds a romantic touch to the bouquet toss. Couples must choose from the theater's experienced preferred vendors list. Reception entertainers may use the theaters professional sound and lighting equipment. The theater is 10 minutes from downtown.

One World Theater

7701 Bee Caves Road

Austin TX 78746

512-330-9500

oneworldtheatre.org

Green Pastures Restaurant

Peacocks casually stroll the grounds of the historic Green Pastures Restaurant.

Since 1959, the Victorian home of Green Pastures restaurant witnessed many Central Texas vows. While peacocks stroll the five-acre grounds, elegant rooms decorated with antiques, fine china and linens greet guests inside. As Green Pastures is a restaurant, state regulations prohibit guest from bringing in outside food or alcohol. The restaurant offers a French-inspired gourmet menu and includes vegetarian options. Ceremonies may be held outdoors or inside, and menu offerings range from hors d'oeurves and brunch buffets to seated dinners. The restaurant is at the edge of the SoCo district, about five minutes from downtown.

Green Pastures

811 W Live Oak

Austin, TX 78704

512-444-4747

greenpasturesrestaurant.com

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Bluebonnets and Indian Paintbrushes add color to spring weddings at the Wildflower Center.

Imagine the reduction in your floral budget if you're married in a wildflower center. The center accommodates 225 people and indoor and external facilities are available. Areas include a courtyard, auditorium, gallery, library and, of course, numerous trails among the grounds. Parties must choose from a list of experienced vendors. Tents are not allowed on the grounds. You may reserve the center any day after it closes to the public at 5:30 p.m., although staff highly recommends events start after 6:30 p.m.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

4801 La Crosse Ave.

Austin, TX 78739

512-232-0100

wildflower.org

Tags: Green Pastures, World Theater, Bird Johnson, Bird Johnson Wildflower, choose from, from downtown

Types Of Wooden Desks

You can take care of business or writing tasks on a wooden desk.

The history of wooden desks can be traced back to the 16th century's Renaissance era, when books became more plentiful. Over the centuries, antique-style desks with ornate decorations have been crafted, such as Wooton and Davenport desks, while modern-day desks focus more on work efficiency. Modern desks include armoires and carrel units. Desks also are heavily considered when setting up a house's interior d cor. Does this Spark an idea?

Armoire

Armoire desks are cabinet-style pieces of furniture with shelves and a writing table in its midsection. Armoire desks range in height from 5 to 7 feet. These types of desks have two doors that can be enclosed, much like with a traditional cabinet, to prevent dust from seeping onto the desk's flat surfaces. This also helps lend a tidy appearance to a room.

Plantation

The origin of plantation-style desks traces back to the U.S. Pony Express era, when they were used as office furniture in post offices. These types of desks received their name, though, from the plantation homes of the Old South, where they were commonly placed. Plantation desks have the appearance of an ordinary table with a slim cabinet along the back portion of the desktop. The cabinet section of the table has shelves and can be enclosed with two doors.

Davenport

The antique-style Davenport desks are believed to be named after a British officer, Capt. John Davenport, who commissioned a furniture maker to craft the desk in the late 18th century. This type of desk features an inclining desktop that can be opened via hinges on the back of the desk. Underneath the movable desktop is storage space for items such as pencils and paper. The side of the desk contains a set of drawers that can be used for additional storage space.

Wooton

The Wooton desk was a creation of Indiana native William Wooton in the late 19th century. The desk was known for its ornate carvings on the top end of the furniture and on its doors, which feature small cubby holes and nooks on the inside. The main body of the Wooton desk has two sections: the upper section, which is enclosed by a door, and the lower section, which has shelves and drawers.

Carrel

Carrel desks are noted for their simple design--a flat desktop and high sides for isolation purposes. These desks are rectangular, and they can be connected to each other, much like school desks. The primary locations of Carrel desks are university libraries, where students need privacy for studying. This type of desk is thought to be the predecessor of modern-day office cubicles. The carrel desk, however, is not to be mistaken with a carrel room, which is a small study room commonly seen at academic institutions.

Tags: Armoire desks, Carrel desks, Davenport desks, desks have, much like, section which

Ps2 Hints For Gta San Andres

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas features the largest game world out of any game in the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Because of this, you may need some help knowing just what to do in the expansive game world in order to get ahead. Below, you can find a number of hints that will get you started in the right direction.

Weapons

When you find a weapon you like, try to stick with it. The more you use a weapon, the more your skill with that particular weapon will increase, allowing you to shoot faster and more accurately, move faster while shooting and, if you are using a one-handed weapon, wield two such weapons once you reach the maximum skill level for that weapon.

While you can buy guns at any Ammu-Nation, you can get access to potent weapons before they are even sold at Ammu-Nation. By spraying all 100 tags in the Los Santos area, an AK-47 Assault Rifle, Sawed-off Shotgun, Tec-9 Submachine Gun, and Molotov Cocktails will appear in the kitchen at the Johnson house, giving you a substantial arsenal for no cost. They will be replaced every day once you pick them up.

You can also cause the Micro Submachine Gun, Sniper Rifle and Grenades to spawn at the Xoomer garage in Doherty, which lies outside of San Fierro, by getting all 50 snapshots in the Badlands area. Possible snapshots are marked by a throbbing white glow between midnight and 5:00 AM. However, the snapshots are also marked by a camera symbol, which can only be seen through your own camera's range finder, 24 hours a day.

Finally, if you manage to collect all 50 horseshoes in the Desert area, you will get access to the most powerful weapons in the game, including the Combat Shotgun, Remote Explosives, M-4 Assault Rifle and MP-5 Submachine Gun. They will spawn in at The Four Dragons Casino in Las Venturas.

Burglary

While a number of side missions give you access to reliable sources of income, burglary can get you something much more valuable once you have gathered $10,000 worth of loot. Once you have reached this point, you will receive the infinite sprint, allowing you to sprint for prolonged periods of time without have to stop and catch your breath.

You can start burglary missions while driving a black Boxville truck between the hours of 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM. Once you have started the burglary mission, houses and apartments that can be burglarized will be marked with an inverted yellow cone by the front door.

Girlfriends

If you are tired of losing your weapons if you happen to get busted or wasted, there are two girlfriends who can easily get you out of both situations. The first of these girlfriends, Barbara the policewoman, can get you out of jail after you get busted with all of your weapons and no fine. You can find Barbara at the police station in El Quebrados in the desert area. The second girlfriend, Katie, can get you out of the hospital with all of your weapons and no fee. Katie can be found at Avispa Country Club in San Fierro.

Tags: your weapons, Assault Rifle, game world, Grand Theft, Grand Theft Auto, Once have, Theft Auto

Something With A French Cottage Theme To Go Over The Fireplace

A mirror placed above the fireplace adds to the French country casual ambiance.

The French country decorating style is inspired by the charming countryside of the Provence region of southeastern France. Warm hues, rustic furniture and wrought iron are an integral part of French country decor. Conversely, cottage doesn't exemplify a decorating style but refers to a home that is casual and meant to be lived in. A French country style that has a cottage ambiance incorporates the French country decor with a casual flair. Does this Spark an idea?

Wall Hangings

A piece of French country artwork is ideal for hanging above a fireplace. Scenic pictures depicting the French or Italian countryside and farm scenes with roosters, chickens or pigs are excellent subject matter for French country style. Old-world wall tapestries in earthy ochres, rich greens and burgundys, deep golds and warm terra cottas impart a rustic charm. A wrought-iron metal wall sculpture hung above the fireplace on a light-colored wall adds drama and texture to the room.

Mirrors

A large mirror hung above the fireplace casts a reflective glow of the lights, images and activity in the room, creating a casual-cottage feel. Mirrors with a weathered and distressed black or white frame enhance the French country decor. Hang an arrangement of smaller mirrors in assorted shapes with antiqued frames to provide visual interest and a sparkling focal point.

Mantel

Decorate the mantel with handmade pottery in assorted sizes, intermingled with wrought-iron candlesticks. Situating a vase of fresh lavender or sunflowers on the mantel enhances the French country, casual ambiance. Terracotta pots filled with herbs and flowers displayed atop your mantel add warmth and texture. Ceramic or wooden rooster, chicken and pig figurines add a French country farmhouse feel to the space.

Christmas

Fresh evergreen wreaths, boughs and holly berries impart a French country holiday ambiance. Hang a wreath of greenery, pine cones, holly berries and white flowers above the fireplace to enhance the feel of a French countryside Christmas. Place assorted white candles atop wrought-iron candlesticks on the mantel and intertwine them with swags of fresh, aromatic cedar. Scatter sparkly, antique Christmas ornaments throughout the cedar to complete the natural look.

Tags: French country, above fireplace, country decor, French country decor, casual ambiance, country casual, country casual ambiance

Uses Of Old Recycled Vanities

You can use old vanities to furnish your home.

Recycle old vanities for a stylish and functional addition to any room in your home. Vanities are a combination of a dresser, table or chest with a mirror. Usually they furnish bathrooms or bedrooms. Bedroom vanities often have an accompanying stool; bathroom vanities usually contain a sink. Old vanities might be in good condition, ready to feature as-is in an unexpected location, or they may be battered, ready for a revamp. Evaluate the condition of your vanity, and recycle it to play up its assets. Does this Spark an idea?

Child's Playroom

Give an old bedroom vanity that has seen better days a fresh coat of princess-pink paint; reupholster the stool in metallic silver, and place it in a child's room so that she can primp and pose her heart out in front of the mirror. Decorate the edges of the mirror with gold paint, or bejewel it with hot glue and plastic gemstones. You can't hurt a vanity that is past its prime; reviving it can make her dress-up play even more glamorous. The drawers can store faux makeup, doll clothes and toys.

Potting Shed

Install an old bathroom vanity that contains a sink in a potting shed for a quirky and functional addition to the space. Plumbing in the potting shed is handy for washing pots and watering seedlings. If you don't have plumbing in the shed, put the vanity on casters. Direct the drainage pipe to exit the rear of the vanity, and roll it outside to use with a hose for washing and watering. The plug in the basin allows you to do tasks like scrubbing and soaking dirty pots while standing up, rather than crouching over the yard or driveway. The cabinetry can store clean pots, saucers and other garden supplies.

Closet Storage

An old bedroom vanity that has lost its stool can give a walk-in closet a romantic feel while providing space to store sundries, such as nylons, vintage bow ties and lingerie. Add a decorative lamp for lighting that provokes a peaceful mood as you hang up your clothes at the end of each day. Jewelry can live in silver and crystal dishes originally intended for the kitchen; drape scarves and neckties casually over the mirror.

Storage Cabinet

Remove the sink from an old bathroom vanity. Replace the top with a solid piece of plywood or an old door. Use the cabinetry as extra storage in a garage or basement. If you follow an impulse to rejuvenate the piece decoratively, place it more prominently. A slab of white marble salvaged from an old building on top of a vanity stained a deep shade of mahogany can be a convenient spot for housing a television in an eclectic game room or can make a handsome dresser in a bedroom.

Tags: vanity that, bathroom vanity, bedroom vanity, bedroom vanity that, functional addition, potting shed

Make Your Own Trestle Table

Make Your Own Trestle Table

Trestle tables have been around at least since medieval times. And even now, whether your home is furnished in modern or Early American or minimalist, there is a trestle table that will look good with it. It will look good with chairs or benches (either upholstered or bare wood), and decked out with either simple shapes or ornate carvings.

This simple design will fit in with many different styles, and it is not difficult to build. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Make a I-shaped assembly using one of the 2 x 8s (trestle), four each of the 2 x 4s and 1 x 4s, and two of the feet. Start by laying the 2 x 8 on your work surface. At one end, put glue on one end of a 2 x 4, and butt this piece at a right angle against the end of the 2 x 8, forming one of the "stems" of the I. Repeat this on the other side of the 2 x 8, using another 2 x 4 and forming a straight line with the first stem.

2. Spread glue on one side of a 1 x 4, then use it to cover the "bottom of the I" you created in the last step. Carefully flip this assembly over onto its other side; then repeat the process with another 1 x 4 on this side. You should now have three layers: two 1 x 4s, with the end of the 2 x 8 and its two stems sandwiched in-between. Clamp this "sandwich" together until the glue dries.

3. Repeat this process on the other end of the 2 x 8. This will complete one of the leg assemblies.

4. Glue and clamp a 3 x 3 foot to the bottom of each of the leg's bottom stems. When you stand the leg upright, it will sit on these two feet.

5. Repeat these first four steps with the remaining 2 x 8, 2 x 4s, 1 x 4s and feet to make a second leg assembly.

6. Join the leg assemblies using the 2 x 6. Measure 12 inches from the bottom of each leg; this is how high the bottom of the 2 x 6 should be. Drill two holes through each leg into the end of the 2 x 6, countersinking each screw halfway into the leg. Use four screws, two in each leg, to attach the legs to the 2 x 6.

7. Miter both ends on all four of the 2 x 2 pieces. Glue and nail each of these pieces onto the edges of the plywood panel, creating a tabletop with a 3/4-inch cavity in the bottom. (Framing the panel this way creates a thicker-looking tabletop.)

8. Position the tabletop, cavity down, on top of the legs; the legs should fit snugly into the cavity. Drill holes through the 2 x 2 edges into the end of the legs, countersinking them halfway into the 2 x 2s. Using four screws, attach the top to the legs; then drive six nails, three nails for each leg, through the tabletop and into the top of the legs. Space the nails evenly across the tabletop - one nail at the midpoint, and the other two halfway between the first nail and the tabletop's edge. Use the nailset to set the nail heads just below the surface.

9. Fill the screw and nail holes with wood putty. Let it dry, then sand and finish the table as you please.

Tags: attach legs, bottom each, Drill holes, Drill holes through, four screws, good with

Victorian Rocking Chair Styles

The pressed back chair was detailed using machinery.

The Victorians loved innovation and nowhere is that more plainly felt than in their furniture. Rocking chairs were a favorite item in the home for nursing or for lounging in front of an open fire. That popularity is reflected in the different styles of rocking chairs designed during the period. The pressed back, slipper and platform rocking chairs were the most widely used styles. They ensured that there was a style of rocking chair available to suit any home or room. Does this Spark an idea?

Pressed Back Rocking Chair

The pressed back rocking chair, which was also called pressback, was the simplest of all Victorian rocking chair styles. They were mainly made from oak and were constructed with a timber seat panel surrounded by timber spindles to make the sides, back and legs of the seat. The whole thing was then placed onto a pair of bowed wooden rockers to give the rocking movement. Pressed back rockers could be plain and crude in design or could be highly detailed with carvings and wood turning. This style of Victorian rocking chair was not padded or upholstered, but cushions were often used for comfort. The pressed back chair got its name from the detail on the top rail of the chair, known as the crest rail, which was punched in using a steam press.

Slipper Rocking Chair

Slipper rocking chairs were often made in oak, ebony, walnut and mahogany. They had low seats and were intended for use in bedrooms as they were smaller than other kinds of chairs. They were still very decorative. There were two kinds of slipper chairs. The male version of the chair tended to be sturdy and covered in leather, with curving arms and buttoned detailing. The version intended to be used by women was small with a curved top, no arms and upholstered in floral fabric. Each of the kind of slipper chair rested on a bowed wooden rocker.

Platform Rocking Chair

Platform rocking chairs, which were also known as spring rocking chairs, were the most technically advanced version of the rocking chair because they did not rely on a bowed wooden rocker for movement. Instead this kind of chair used springs set below the seat and attached to the base or platform of the chair. This not only meant that this style of rocker could easily be set close to a wall, it also meant that the chair didn't rely on level flooring for its ability to be rocked. These chairs were solid in construction and could be finished with intricately carved wood or heavily padded and upholstered with velvet or embroidered textiles.

Tags: chairs were, rocking chairs, bowed wooden, rocking chair, rocking chairs were

What Is A Dolly Shot

Especially when film making was in its infancy, film makers were constantly trying to find new and exciting ways to capture angles of images. One of the early developments was called the dolly shot.

Definition

A dolly shot is a shot that most often utilizes a moving cart (set on tracks) that can follow the subject of the scene. A camera is attached to this cart to achieve either a low or high angle.

Misconceptions

While some people refer to the dolly shot as a "tracking shot," the tracking shot is usually a sideways motion. The dolly shot is almost always a shot that either moves forwards or backwards.

Variations

Some dolly shots are equipped with a special lever to raise or lower the camera during movement. Such shots are commonly referred to as "compound shots."

Operator

The technician that operates the dolly is called the "dolly grip." These technicians are often the highest paid crew members during film production.

The Steadicam

The relatively new development of the "steadicam" has largely made dolly shots unnecessary in some situations that require more tension. While a dolly shot is very precise, the shaky film capture common with steadicam shots is often used during chase scenes or war movies to add tension and confusion.

Tags: dolly shot, called dolly, dolly shots, shot that, shot tracking, shot tracking shot, tracking shot

Spanish Exterior Paint Colors

Spanish-style architecture may distinguish your home from neighboring houses.

Spanish-style homes are known for red roof tiling, stucco siding, and arched doorways and passageways. These characteristics lend distinction to a home's exterior. Your exterior color choices, whether off-white, peach or beige, can serve to enhance that sense of distinction. However, harmonizing with the surrounding environment, including neighboring homes, is a consideration. Does this Spark an idea?

Off-White

Off-white tones are unlikely to clash with the outdoor environment.

Certainly, one of the safest exterior color choices for the Spanish-style home is off-white. Whether you define the color as cream, bone or eggshell, it complements the traditional red roof tiling and is unlikely to clash with trees, plants, shrubbery or neighboring homes. You might choose to match the roof tiling in door or window trim, or to eschew trim altogether. An off-white exterior color choice tends to have the effect of promising a cool interior.

Peach

Peach compliments red roof tiling.

Peach stucco is viewed as a daring choice in some areas of the United States. But in southern California, for example, it is quite the norm. In fact, it is something of an architectural hallmark for this region. Even restaurants and businesses adopt this choice. Peach harmonizes with red roofing and can prove a refreshing counterpoint to exterior landscaping. Trim color choices may include red or brown hues, such as burnt orange, deep terra-cotta or dogwood.

Beige

Beige blends well with any landscaping or neighboring architecture.

Beige is another safe exterior color choice for the Spanish-style home. It provides a gentle counterpoint to the red color of the roof and blends well with lawn, foliage and neighboring homes. Choices range from sandy to golden to creamy beige hues. Beige tones tend to proffer a homey feel and can be complemented with terra-cotta, taupe or muted blue trim.

Tags: exterior color, roof tiling, color choices, neighboring homes, blends well

Small Diy Camper Trailer

Make a small camper trailer yourself to get a camper at a very reasonable price while being creative with the layout and design. The small-camper strategy is a basic setup with no toilet or sink, but it's excellent as a beginner project. It's also ideal for off-road camping trips because the trailer is designed to be rugged and high enough in profile to work well with four-wheel-drive vehicles.

Cargo Trailer

Make a camper trailer inexpensively by starting with an enclosed cargo trailer. Sometimes called a utility trailer, an enclosed cargo trailer has walls and a roof much like the small box trailers from professional moving companies seen being towed around. Cargo trailers come in a variety of sizes, but the four-by-six and five-by-eight are ideal for creating a small, inexpensive camper that can be towed with either small pickup trucks or medium-size cars. This small size may not be ideal for everyone, because it's essentially like having a hard tent on wheels. But the basic trailer can be purchased for a couple thousand dollars, so the price and portability make it a popular starting choice.

Camper Bed

Turn a small cargo trailer into a camper easily by putting in a raised bed platform. Then use the floor of the trailer for storage and cargo space, while having a full-size bed to sleep on.

Creating a raised bed is as simple as putting some type of support frame on the floor, then fastening a piece of plywood on it. For comfort, add a memory foam mattress and thick sleeping bags on top.

Consider storage cabinets, containers or buckets on the floor to make excellent bed supports, and get double duty from them with storage space. Re-purpose an old kitchen-pantry cabinet by laying it on its side on the floor of your trailer and you'll have both storage cabinets and a platform to place your bed. If you don't have a matching cabinet to place as support and storage on the other side, use buckets, plastic milk crates, or even a board secured to the wall at the appropriate height on the other side.

The Couch Double

Easily transform your camper bed into a couch with a few small adjustments. Cut the bed frame board into two or three pieces. Cut the boards based on several factors: How big your trailer and bed platforms are, and how wide your couch seat can be for comfort. A bed board six feet long can be cut into three pieces at intervals of two feet, for example; the resulting couch will have a sitting area two feet deep.

After cutting your bed board, then just stack the individual pieces together at one side or end of the trailer, fold up the mattress or sleeping bags and place them onto the boards as cushions, and you have a couch or lounge to use during the day for sitting. Folding the bed up also gives easier access to your storage cabinets below.

Tags: cargo trailer, storage cabinets, camper trailer, enclosed cargo, enclosed cargo trailer, into three, into three pieces

Small Black Ant Infestation In My Lawn

Small black ants multiply quickly and expand their nests.

Black ants are a nuisance when crawling all over your yard. If you want to have a picnic or watch your children play in the grass, an ant infestation quickly thwarts such plans. The little black ants are most likely skimming your yard in search of food, but they must be controlled to prevent an expansion of their colony. Does this Spark an idea?

Monomorium Minimum

The proper name for the little black ants is monomorium minimum. They are also known as "Buckley" and some people call them "sugar ants." They are native to the United States and are mainly found in Southern California and the eastern half of the United States. They live in colonies that are made up of one or more winged queens and up to 2,000 workers. The queen ants can live up to a year while the workers live up to four months. The ants produce "swarmers," or winged ants, from June to August in order to mate and form new colonies.

Ant Characteristics

The ants are black or brown in color. The worker ants measure as small as 1 millimeter and the queens measure about 1/8 of an inch. They have small, rounded bodies, antennas and a small stinger. Queen ants and male ants have wings. After mating, the male ants die while the queen ants simply loose their wings.

Ant Infestations

If black ants have formed one or more colonies around your yard, you may begin to see a large infestation of them. The ants reproduce and build new colonies quickly, building nests in woodwork openings, walls, rotted wood, cracks in cement and in the soil of an open lawn. The ants create trails through the grass, making walkways between the nests and food sources. You may see them frequenting your garden beds because they eat the honeydew that aphids, scales and mealybugs produce when eating plants. The ants you see in your yard are searching for this honeydew or other foods to eat, such as insects, human foods or plant secretions. You may notice swarms of the ants around your lawn from June to August when they are mating.

Ant Control

As soon as you notice the ants, seal all exterior walls and cracks, and remove rotted wood, firewood and other debris from your lawn. Locate the colonies by following the trail of workers. Drench the colonies with a residual insecticide to kill the ants. Set ant bait near their source of food, along their trails or near the colonies. Once treated, continue to monitor your yard for new invasions. Treat them as they occur.

Tags: your yard, black ants, ants have, around your, from June

Value Of Tea Cups Made In Occupied Japan

Tea cup and saucer

From the end of World War II, the allied forces occupied Japan for seven years. The unofficial occupation started Aug. 14, 1945, and the occupation lasted until April 25, 1952. During these seven years, half of all Japanese exports had to be labelled as coming from "Occupied Japan."

Identification

Pieces from Occupied Japan are marked with an "OJ". This mark will be under the glaze. Since only half of the pieces required the identity mark, it is possible to get two-piece sets, such as a cup and saucer, where only one item bears the mark.

Significance

The significance of the "OJ" to a collector is that it securely identifies when a piece was produced and exported. The mark and the limited years it was produced have created a collectivity that otherwise did not exist.

Prices

Most prices on china from Occupied Japan hover around $50-$70 dollars a set for a single saucer and cup. As with all collectibles, collectors are split on whether or not these prices are appropriate. According to some, the mark raises the price too much on what would otherwise be a lower priced item. Others feel that the mark gives an authenticity and makes the item worth a higher price.

Considerations

Condition plays a major role in the value of collectibles, china included. Having a matching set is imperative for the value of the set. Unbroken, unchipped pieces carry higher value then those that show damage and wear. Do not wrap your china or bisque in newsprint as the print could rub off, ruining the value of your piece.

Warning

There are frauds out on the market. If the mark is not beneath the glaze there is a high probability that the piece is a fraud. On glazed pieces you can test the mark with nail polish remover, and if the mark comes off it is a fake. Do not use this test on unglazed pieces.

Tags: from Occupied, from Occupied Japan, Occupied Japan, seven years

Sims Castaway 2 Ds Game Cheats

Have fun with your desert island Sims.

"The Sims 2" was the massively successful 2004 sequel to "The Sims," the hugely successful 2000 game. Game play in "The Sims" games involves controlling the day-to-day lives and activities of simulated people. They go to work, form relationships and have children, among many other things. 2007's add-on "Castaway," available on many platforms including the Nintendo DS, featured a crew of Sims characters trapped on a deserted island.

All Bugs

Gathering all of the secret bugs in the game can help unlock different advantages, including different areas to explore and new characters to use. Use this guide to find all of the bugs. The Azure Bug can be found in the Raw Food area and the Vine area. The Black Bug is also in the Raw Food area and in the Vine, Canoe End and Easel areas. The Blue Bug is in the Raw Food and Canoe End area. Find the Brown Bug at the Sewing area rock. The Vine area rocks hold the Fuchsia, Green and Pink Bugs. The Jade Bug is hidden in the Easel area rocks, as is the Orange Bug. The Canoe End area rock has the Purple, Red and White Bugs. The Tan, Turquoise and Yellow bugs can be found in the Sewing area rocks.

Good Relations

There are many non-playable characters on the island that you must keep happy. These characters will help you out in important ways as you play, from providing food to healing you of any ailments. Chef Butcher will always be pleased when you give him zucchini and eggs. He will then help you with any of your cooking needs. Ms. Weeder is happy with bananas. Keeping her happy will get her to clean any weeds or trees from around your campground. Keeping Suzy McDress happy will give you access to new clothes. She's always happy with a chocolate bar, soda and cheese. Last but not least is Dr. Feelgood. Keeping her happy will give you access to medical care your characters will definitely need. Luckily, you don't have to give her anything to make her happy. She is always happy.

Fishing

One of the most efficient ways to get more food in this game is by fishing. However, it can be difficult to know fish. You can't simply buy a fishing rod; you have to make it in a very specific way. Once you have your fishing rod, you can use it to catch dozens of fish to feed you and your friends. Start by buying a bamboo seed from the farmer named Idy. Plant it and take care of it. It will grow into a long rod which you can pick. Once it's picked, you have the option to make it a fishing rod. Go around with a jar and catch any bug you see flying around. These will be your bait. Click on your fishing rod and you will automatically bait it. Go into the sea and find a nice rock and stand on top. Dangle your line, with the bug on the end into the sea. You will see fish swimming by as you fish. Watch the fish--they will flash different colors. The color they flash is the color bug they like. Match fish with bug to bring them in quick.

Tags: area rocks, happy will, always happy, area rock, area Vine, Canoe area, characters will

"Sims Castaways" Nintendo Ds Cheats

Cheats for the Nintendo DS version of "The Sims 2: Castaway" can help you get more out of the island experience. They help you find valuable objects, acquire items you need to survive, and improve relationships with the other Sims. "The Sims 2: Castaway" is a 2007 spinoff of the 2004 life-simulation game "The Sims 2."

Crate Cheat

A crate carrying a random item will wash up on the shore. To change the random item to something you need, save the game when the crate is on the shore, then open it. If it's not what you want, quit, then load the game file that you just saved. The item will change each time you open the crate. Repeat this procedure until you get the item you desire.

Pass the Vines

The vines on the island prevent you for exploring the area in full, but there is a way to get past them. Go to the crafting rock, which is indicated on your map by an image of a rock and hammer. Click on the rock to craft a hatchet. Go to the vines, click on them and select "Remove." The hatchet will remove the vines.

Buy People's Love

To build your relationship with Suzy McDress and make her happy, offer her soda, cheese and a chocolate bar. Give Ms Weeder a gift of bananas and she will be instantly happy. Present Chef Butcher with some zucchini and eggs and he too will have a better relationship with you.

Bug Locations

Find the orange bug in the rocks at the Sewing area and Easel area. The blue bug is in the rocks at the Raw Food area and Canoe End area. The fuchsia bug and the pink bug are on the Vine area rocks. Bugs are collectibles in "The Sims 2: Castaway." You can keep them or trade them with other Sims for other valuable items.

Tags: Sims Castaway, item will, other Sims, random item, relationship with

The Best Mayan Riviera Resort

The beaches of the Mayan Riviera in Mexico attract sun-loving tourists.

Royal Playa del Carmen is by far the best resort on the Mayan Riviera, a 100-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline on Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula. The resort is rated a prestigious four stars by "Lonely Planet" guides, and has received various awards, including the coveted Trip Advisor Traveler's Choice Award 2010 and the International Star Diamond award. Whether you're looking to shop till you drop in the hottest boutiques or pamper yourself and get away from it all, this resort has it all.

Accommodations

Guests can choose their level of luxury by opting for a regular room or a variety of suites. The ultra-luxurious beachfront walk-out suites and swim-up suites offer the privacy of a villa with all of the benefits of an all-inclusive five-star resort service. Even if you decide to go with a regular room, you can still spend the day lounging on the beach in large outdoor canopy beds.

Spa

After a long day of snorkeling or scuba diving, you can wind down by getting pampered at the Royal Playa del Carmen's in-house, full-service spa. The spa is not only eco-friendly and holistic, but it also features Mayan-inspired treatments, such as the "Temazcal," which is a pre-Columbian stone steam bath. Plus, receive a choice of Polish or Oriental massages, as well as traditional skin treatments.

Nightlife

While other Mayan Riviera resorts also offer luxurious spas, such as the Banyan Tree Mayakoba, they do not have much to offer in terms of nightlife and after-hours entertainment. The Royal Playa del Carmen features more than 12 bars and restaurants and a 24-hour, all-inclusive VIP lounge.

Shopping

The Royal Playa del Carmen has myriad boutiques for those who want to refresh their vacation wardrobe as well as an art gallery that features exhibits by Mexican artists. This added convenience means that if you want to maximize your beach time, you do not have to leave the resort to go souvenir or gift shopping.

Contact

The Royal Playa del Carmen

Av. Constituyentes No. 2

Playa del Carmen, 77710, Q. Roo

M xico

011-52-984-877-2900

realresorts.com

Tags: Playa Carmen, Royal Playa, Royal Playa Carmen, Mayan Riviera, regular room

Simple Ways To Help Homeless People

Organize a food drive for local homeless shelters.

Homelessness afflicts just about every state within the United States. Individuals have to live on the streets, in their cars or at local shelters because they do not have housing of their own. Though this is an issue that affects the entire country, there are things you can do to help individuals who have become homeless.

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is a way you can help homeless people within your own area. Visit local homeless shelters, soup kitchens or free clinics to inquire about volunteer services that you can do in your area. There are numerous little jobs such as filing paperwork or preparing vegetables for soups at soup kitchens that can be done in order to help homeless people and the organizations out there trying to assist them. Realize that not all services can take on new volunteers and that most will require a long-term commitment since they do not have the funding or time to constantly retrain new volunteers.

Donate Clothing

Homeless individuals lack clean clothing or warm clothing in the winter. Donate gently used clothing to local homeless shelters for men, women and children's sizes. Many homeless individuals do not even own a suit or other appropriate attire to go to a job interview, so if you have gently used work clothes that you no longer use, donate them as well.

Holiday Gifts

During the holidays homeless people cannot speak to family in other areas or even provide gifts for their children. Donate things like calling cards to homeless shelters for individuals to use to call family and friends that are located far away. Donate a few toys for children living in homeless shelters; if you have the time, organize a toy drive with neighbors or coworkers to deliver more toys to your local shelters. Donate funds to charities that provide homeless families and their children with gifts for the holidays.

Respect

Sometimes the simplest way to help another person is to show him respect and compassion. When you see a homeless person on the street, do not scowl, curse or treat him like he does not exist. Smile at a homeless person and show compassion. Do not automatically assume that all homeless people got there because they were alcoholics or drug addicts. Many homeless individuals may have lost their jobs, had medical issues or other had reasons for being homeless.

Tags: homeless shelters, homeless people, local homeless, local homeless shelters, because they, gently used

Simple Styles Of Window Treatments

A simple patterned drape can enliven any room.

Window treatments can set or enhance the theme in any room. They soften the glare in sunny spots or mask the gloom in a room without a lot of natural light. While elaborate drapes and valances have their place in formal designs, simple window treatments can sometimes create an equally dramatic effect at a fraction of the cost. In fact, some simple treatments are so pared down, you can even make them yourself with minimal sewing or even none at all. Does this Spark an idea?

Drapes

You don't have to spend hundreds of dollars to make your curtains look custom-made. Personalize a pair of store-bought drapes by sewing beaded or ruffled trim along the sides or at the bottom. Lengthen and enliven too-short neutral panels by sewing a contrasting fabric to the bottom, starting at the bottom of the window frame. For a simpler DIY project, frame the panel with pieces of ribbon or thin strips of contrasting pattern, which you can sew or iron on.

Bold Shades

Use patterned or striped fabric to create eye-catching window shades that add punch to your room. For a bold look, use a color that contrasts with your wall. To tone it down, choose a pattern in a neutral palette or a shade that matches the rest of your room. Shades are easy to sew from fabric remnants. According to Better Homes and Gardens, you can make your own shades by simply folding over one side of fabric and sewing it down, providing enough room for your curtain rod and hemming the edges. For a similar look with no sewing at all, buy a plain white vinyl roller shade, and stencil on a bold graphic pattern using flat latex paint and a sea sponge.

No-Sew Roman Blinds

Roman blinds, with their clean lines, create an elegant, contemporary look. In monochromatic shades, they appear modern but unobtrusive. In big, bold prints the blinds become a focal point that's not as fussy as a similar print appears on a traditional drape. To make your own Roman blinds without sewing, simply buy standard vinyl blinds and remove most of the slats, leaving a single slat every 10 inches or so. Hem your fabric with iron-on fabric tape, line it up with the blinds and glue it on at the slats, taking care not to glue on the string.

Simple Valances

If your window doesn't need complete coverage, try this no-sew valance idea from Better Homes and Gardens: Select a sturdy upholstery fabric that doesn't need a hem, cut it to fit the top quarter of your window and attach it with drapery clips. This treatment is so simple and inexpensive, you can even change it with the seasons.

Tags: make your, Better Homes, Better Homes Gardens, doesn need, Homes Gardens

Signs Of Aggression In Puppies

Signs of Aggression in Puppies

When that little puppy you just brought home growls as you approach his favorite toy, is this just cute and normal puppy behavior, or something more? Believe it or not, this is a sign of aggression and could develop into very dangerous behavior if you let it continue. Knowing identify and correct the signs of aggression in puppies is essential to raising a happy, healthy dog.

Identification

Aggressive behavior in puppies has many manifestations. Some puppies will actually attack people around them. Others will simply threaten an attack with loud barking, lunging at the individual, growling, snarling, showing their teeth, or nipping. Aggression can also be shown towards other animals in the home. Aggressive puppies tend to be very possessive of the items they claim as their own, such as their toys and feeding dishes. Aggression is dangerous because the owner of the puppy does not know when threatening behavior will turn into dangerous behavior, such as an outright attack.

Theories/Speculation

Experts believe that many instances of aggressive behavior, especially in puppies, arise out of fear. When the dog is threatened by something in his environment, usually another person or animal, he tries to defend himself through the aggressive behavior. Aggressive behavior can also be a way for the dog to defend its territory, including the people in his "pack." Aggressive behavior is sometimes used as a way to show that he is the dominant one in the group.

Time Frame

Most puppies do not start showing aggressive behavior at birth. Aggressive behavior often comes from lack of socialization or bad experiences in the past. However, some puppies that were well cared for will begin to show aggressive behavior when they reach maturity, which occurs between two and three years of age in most breeds. This could be because of their breeding. Dogs that have aggressive parents have a greater tendency to be aggressive as they mature. If you are thinking of adopting a puppy, do not take his personality at two or three months of age as an indication of what it will be as an adult. Meet the parent dogs if you can and observe them for signs of aggression.

Misconceptions

Puppy owners often mistake signs of aggression in puppies as something that is cute. Some owners will encourage the aggressive behavior by provoking the puppy so that he continues to growl and nip. A small puppy that is protecting his food bowl with nips and growls may look cute, but that puppy will grow into a strong adult dog that can do significant damage if the behavior continues. Aggressive behavior needs to be dealt with as soon as it is noticed, because aggressive dogs can be very dangerous.

Prevention/Solution

If you notice aggressive behavior in your puppy, do not encourage or ignore it. Seek professional help, starting with a trip to your vet. Make sure that there is not a physical problem that is causing the behavior. If not, seek the help of a professional dog trainer who has experience rehabilitating aggressive dogs. Never leave the aggressive puppy alone with other animals or small children, because you do not know when he might strike and injure someone.

Tags: aggressive behavior, Aggressive behavior, aggression puppies, Aggressive behavior, aggressive dogs, dangerous behavior

Make Oak Cabinets Look Like Cherry Cabinets

Cherry and oak are both hardwoods that make for durable kitchen cabinets, but the grain in each of the woods is different. Oak tends to have a heavy, wavier grain, while cherry has a lighter, tighter grain. For people who prefer the warm, darker tone of cherry, changing the color of oak cabinets by coating them with cherry stain may be enough to alter the look of your kitchen without having to invest in all new cabinetry. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Sand cabinets first before applying stain. Use courser grade sandpaper with a lower grit number. Work in the same direction as the grain when sanding so that you don't scratch the wood. Cabinets with a rougher surface will absorb more stain, making them look darker. While true cherry hardwood has a more even grain pattern than oak, applying heavy stain may give cabinets a more natural cherry look.

2. Wipe down the wood with a damp cloth after sanding. Wear rubber gloves to apply a generous coat of stain with a brush or sponge. Always apply stain in the direction of the grain. Some people rub on stain in a circular motion before going with the grain. Let cabinets stand for about 10 to 15 minutes to absorb the stain into the wood before wiping off excess stain with a clean cloth. The longer you wait before wiping, the darker the wood will stain.

3. Apply at least two coats of stain. You may choose to apply another coat, depending on how dark you want the cabinets to be. Keep in mind that it is easier to put on additional coats of stain than it is to remove the stain if the cabinets come out looking darker than you want. Oil-based stains penetrate into the wood, but can absorb unevenly into the wood. For cabinets to look like cherry, the surface should have a more even appearance.

4. Allow cabinets to dry for at least eight hours. Once the stain has soaked into the wood, apply an oil-based polyurethane finish to the cabinets. You can choose from a satin sheen, semi-gloss or high-gloss finish. Brush on following the direction of the grain. Be sure to brush out any bubbles or runs. Wait until the first coat has dried thoroughly before applying a second coat.

Tags: into wood, direction grain, before applying, before wiping, coats stain, more even, stain with

Wedding Ceremony Locations In Columbus

Columbus, Ohio, is a great place to get married. It has a lush and beautiful spring, a sunny summer, a perfect fall and a crisp winter. As a large metropolitan area in the Midwest, there are many possible wedding ceremony sites in Columbus.

Outside

If you want an outdoor wedding ceremony in Columbus you will have your choice of places, such as the Columbus Department of Recreation and Parks' Whetstone Park of Roses or the Ohio State University's outdoor football stadium, called the Horseshoe.

Downtown

For an elegant downtown wedding ceremony, choose from places such as the Capital Club, Franklin Park Conservatory or the Crowne Plaza Hotel Downtown.

Suburbs

If you want to get married away from downtown, consider locations in the suburbs of Columbus, such as the Grand Valley Dale Ballroom or the Golf Club of Dublin.

Religious Sites

As a highly diverse city, Columbus has many religious affiliations. Choose from religious ceremony locations such as Immaculate Conception Church, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral or the Congregation Agudas Achim.

River

The Ohio River runs through Columbus, and if you want to take advantage of a breathtaking view of the river, consider having your wedding ceremony at Confluence Park.

Tags: wedding ceremony, places such

Make Music Boxes

Music Box

Music boxes are boxes that play music when cranked or opened and are popular gift items. There are a variety of styles of music boxes. The most important component of music boxes are the musical movements, which are mechanisms that play music when wound or exposed to light. Mechanical music movements are those that must be cranked to play music, and electronic music movements are those that play when they sense light. With a musical movement and a box, you can create your own music box.

Instructions

Installing a Mechanical Music Movement

1. Unscrew the crank from the music movement mechanism.

2. Place the mechanism in the bottom of the box in a place where it is convenient to drill a hole.

3. Hold the screw of the mechanism against the bottom of the box to mark the point where a hole needs to be made.

4. Use a screwdriver to drill a hole into the marked position.

5. Place the screw of the mechanism into the drilled hole and screw the crank onto the threads of the screw of the mechanism from the outside of the box. Crank the mechanical mechanism to play the musical movement.

Installing an Electronic Music Movement

6. Place the electronic mechanism into the box in a place where it is exposed to light.

7. Apply superglue to the flat back of the mechanism, coating it well so that it will stick properly.

8. Press the glue-coated back of the mechanism to the box to glue it in place.

9. Flip the tiny switch of the electronic mechanism to "On," or install batteries if needed, depending upon the type of electronic mechanism you purchased.

10. Test your electronic movement by opening the box; music should start to play upon opening of the box when the electronic mechanism senses light.

Tags: electronic mechanism, play music, screw mechanism, that play, back mechanism, drill hole

Value Of Antique Tea Cups

Tea cups with handles were a British invention of the 1700s.

In 5,000 years of tea drinking, tea bowls have changed very little in form across Asia. They are made predominantly of pottery, remain small in size and have no handles. While Europeans originally used tea ware imported from Japan and China, European porcelain makers would soon respond to complaints that tea drinkers were burning their fingers on tea bowls, and it was Robert Adams to whom the design of the handled teacup, saucer and teapot are attributed. His classical Greek and Roman designs became much sought-after. Does this Spark an idea?

History

Tea drinking dates back more than 5,000 years to ancient China, where it is said that Emperor Shen Nong embarked upon a long journey during which his court stopped to rest. Servants, boiling water for the emperor to drink, allowed leaves from a bush to fall into the pot, and seeing this, the emperor, a herbalist and scientist, drank it and found it refreshing. The practice of tea drinking quickly spread throughout the land. It was not, however, until Buddhist priest Yeisei, following a trip to China, returned to Japan with tea, that it was to be elevated to the art form that it still is there. It was not until the 1600s that the craze for tea would sweep through Europe.

Production

The finest and most desirable teacups are made of porcelain of bone china. Porcelain is fired, then glazed and fired again, allowing for a very refined dish. Bone china is made similarly to porcelain, but finely ground bone ash is added to the clay. Stoneware and earthenware are also common in modern production, as it is cheaper and more durable for everyday use. The fineness of porcelain can be determined by holding a hand up to the light and holding a piece in front of it. If the outline of the fingers can be seen through the piece, it is a good indication of the quality of the porcelain.

Stamps

Most porcelain and china manufacturers mark their wares with their own back stamps. These stamps often change every few years, and this helps collectors to date wares and attribute them to specific makers relatively easily. Tea wares stamped "Made in Occupied Japan" are difficult to find. At the end of World War II, the Allied Forces occupied Japan and insisted that all exports be stamped is this manner. The Japanese found this insulting, and, when they thought they could get away with it, stamped exports "Made in Japan." As a result, items stamped "Made in Occupied Japan" are rare and very desirable to collectors.

Makers

Imari ware teacups are much sought-after. The center of the Japanese porcelain production is in Arita on the island of Kyushu. Imari is the nearest port to Arita, and it is Imari that has become a synonym for Japanese porcelain in general. Ko-Imari, as old Imari of the 1700s and 1800s is known, was copied widely. Original pieces are rare and particularly collectible for their fine artistry, distinctive five color glazes, and gold and silver embellishment. When valuing Imari, it is important to ensure that any gold and silver decoration is still intact; it frequently wears off with age. European makers such as Meissen and Royal Doulton should also be sought for their high quality.

Valuations

Any antique is worth only as much as one person is prepared to pay for it, and like all antiques, teacups can sell at prices ranging from a few dollars to many thousands of dollars. To value specific teacups, it is necessary to consider varying factors including the condition of the pieces, the quality of the decoration, the maker, its popularity and its rarity. Collectors should also take into consideration the location of the pieces, the sophistication of the prospective buyer and the seller and the number of other interested parties.

Tags: gold silver, Japanese porcelain, Made Occupied, Made Occupied Japan, much sought-after

Kill A Black Ant Nest

Carpenter ants are the most common black ants.

Your mission is to destroy the mother nest. Black ants appear along with warm weather, and the tiny black insects will build nests in your yard and home. They will scavenge the ground, finding cracks to enter your house. Unlike many other ants, they don't nest in sandy hills. Instead, they dig holes into the ground and walls. This makes eradication a bit more complicated but, like most insects, they will take bait back with them to the colony, making killing much easier than if you did it on an individual basis. Does this Spark an idea?

Instructions

1. Place ant bait on the ant's trail.

2. Shake ant spray and pour it in a spray bottle. Spray any nests that you find. Spray the perimeter of your home if you have a problem there.

3. Find any old wood around your property. Put the spray or bait on the wood or peel the wood back and then apply the poison. Black ants often dig holes in wood to nest.

4. Drench the nest with boiling water.

5. Pour sugar in a location around your home if you can't find the nest. Wait for an ant to grab a piece and take it back to the colony's nest. Follow it and apply poison or hot water to the nest.

Tags: apply poison, around your, your home

The Top 10 Retirement States

States that have higher retirement communities speak for themselves.

Retirement is a time to forget the worries of the corporate world and relax in the fact that you have worked hard. Relocating for retirement can mean researching states that are the best for retirees. Factors such as climate, life expectancy, crime data, cost of living, taxes and unemployment can affect whether or not a state is suitable for a retiree.

Idaho

Idaho is considered one of the top places to retire, according to Money Rates, because it has one of the lower unemployment rates within the United States. Idaho also has a very low crime rate with a cheaper cost of living, which is suitable for an individual living on a pension or retirement fund.

Florida

Florida is a sunshine state that offers consistent temperatures year-round and does not bother with income tax. Florida offers more retirement communities than any other state within the United States and offers breaks on property taxes that make it more than favorable, according to Top Retirement.

New Hampshire

According to Money Rate, New Hampshire offers one of the lowest crime rates and cost of living rates within the United States. The only drawback to New Hampshire is the colder temperatures, which may be considered a positive for someone looking to escape warmer temperatures.

Arizona

Top Retirement listed Arizona as one of the best places to retire. This is not only because Arizona has a favorable climate with warm winters and limited humidity, but also the retirement rate for the state speaks for itself. Arizona has hundreds of adult retirement communities throughout the state.

Hawaii

Hawaii has been listed as one of the best states for retirement, according to Money Rate, because of the favorable weather conditions, tropical scenery and the fact that Hawaii has an average life expectancy rate of 80 years old. Hawaii, however, does come with a hefty price tag and has a higher cost of living than any other U.S. state.

Texas

In the smaller towns of Texas, the retirement rates are high due to the lower cost of living. Many parts of southern Texas have warmer temperatures, too. Texas has the most active Certified Retirement Communities within the United States.

Utah

Utah is listed as one of the best retirement states by Money Rates because of its favorable cost of living. Utah has one of the lowest crime rates in the country and an average life expectancy rate of 78 years. Utah does, however, have colder winters which should be considered.

North Carolina

North Carolina was listed by Top Retirement as one of the favorable states for retirement due to its consistent weather all year round. North Carolina holds mild temperatures, but can have a higher level of humidity.

Virginia

Virginia is listed as one of the best states for retirement according to both Top Retirement and Money Rates, because Virginia offers mild temperatures year-round and the state has a lower crime rate than its neighboring states.

South Dakota

South Dakota offers retirees a lower cost of living and an average life expectancy rate of 77 years, according to Money Rates. The local tax burden on residents for the state is almost eight percent of the nation, which is rather low. South Dakota does have cold winters and mild temperature summers, but it was still ranked third in Money Rates best states to live for retirees.

Tags: cost living, Money Rates, life expectancy, United States, within United, within United States

Locations For Wedding Ceremonies In Alabama

Alabama's Gulf Coast is an ideal location for a beachfront wedding.

Couples planning a wedding in the southern state of Alabama have a wide variety of indoor and outdoor ceremony sites from which to choose. From quaint chapels to rustic farms and elegant, beachfront weddings, Alabama has venues for all tastes and preferences when it comes to tying the proverbial knot.

Chapels

Couples who wish to exchange vows in a traditional chapel setting will find several options in Alabama, including the Mentone Wedding Chapel, a replica of an early Appalachian church located on Lookout Mountain. The chapel features a steep cedar shake roof, a bell and steeple, stained-glass windows and a 50-candle candelabrum. Several packages are available depending on the number of guests.

Alternatively, couples can host their ceremony at the Lucille Ryals Thompson Colonial Chapel, which is part of The American Village campus in Montevallo. The design of the chapel was inspired by the Bruton Parish Church of Williamsburg, Virginia. It features a 100-foot tall steeple, arched and round windows and a British antique wooden pulpit.

Gardens

Couples who want to get married outdoors can do so at one of several gardens throughout Alabama. Among these is the 65-acre Bellingrath Gardens and Home in Theodore, which offers two outdoor ceremony sites. The smaller of the two, the South Terrace, overlooks the Fowl River and can accommodate up to 200 guests; the larger space, known as the Great Lawn, accommodates up to 500.

Another option is the Huntsville Botanical Garden. Ccouples can choose from several outdoor settings, the most popular of which are the Arbor Courtyard and the Teledyne Terrace, which is adjacent to a lake. The latter may only be reserved in conjunction with an indoor reception space.

Farms

Several farms in Alabama host wedding ceremonies and receptions, including the family-owned Stone Bridge Farm in Cullman. Couples can say "I do" on the lawn in front of the manor, in the gazebo by the pond or in the farm's lodge chapel.

At the Oak Hollow Farm in Fairhope, wedding ceremonies can be held outdoors or indoors in the farm's 6,000-square-foot barn. Another alternative is Huckleberry Farm in Jasper, which has a horse-drawn carriage available for rent.

Orange Beach

Couples for whom the ideal wedding includes sand and foam should head to Orange Beach, where ceremonies can be held at sunset at the Gulf State Park Beach Pavilion. There are also several hotels and resorts along Alabama's Gulf Coast that host oceanfront weddings, including the Beach Club and the Caribe Resort. A permit is required to get married on the shore.

Tags: Alabama Gulf, Alabama Gulf Coast, ceremonies held, ceremony sites, Gulf Coast, Orange Beach

What Is A Craftsman Style Front Door

A paneled craftsman door is often set within a matching ornamental frame.

Craftsman architecture employs simple, straight-lined designs and natural materials to achieve a visual quality which appeals to working-class sensibilities, yet is mildly ornate. A craftsman door incorporates this design principle by making use of paneled or battened woodwork, modest window panels and matching sidelites. The entryway around a craftsman door incorporates many of the trademarks of craftsman architecture, including exposed wood construction, natural materials and subtle attention to detail. Does this Spark an idea?

Craftsman Architecture

Built-in cabinets and custom woodwork define the craftsman style.

The craftsman style dates back to the early 19th century, when smaller, simpler homes began to overtake the more ornate Victorian architecture of the time. Craftsman-style bungalows remained popular among working-class home buyers until after World War II, when the casual ranch style emerged. The craftsman style features straight interior lines and open space, and is distinguished by an abundance of custom woodwork. Craftsman-style woodworking extends from indoor shelves and wood trim to the home's exterior doors and entryways.

Door Construction

A battened door, with horizontal boards, creates a classic look and feel.

Craftsman doors gain their features and texture by virtue of the wood from which they are made. The door may feature one or more recessed panels. Two tall panels might run vertically along the face of the door, four panels may be arranged in two parallel groupings, and other numbers or arrangements of panels are also possible. A door may also be battened, with an exterior arrangement of parallel boards held together by a second level of horizontal boards. As with paneled doors, batten doors achieve slightly different looks according to the angle of the outside boards, which may be either vertical or diagonal in relation to their horizontal support boards.

Windows

Stained glass incorporated into a vintage panel door adds color and character.

The process of fitting windows into the panel space of a craftsman door is called glazing, and is common in paneled doors. Windows are generally glazed within the upper third of the door, where they take the place of the upper recessed panels. If the door has sidelites, matching glass windows are placed in the sidelites as well, and dentil shelf is common below them. Glass may also fill some or all of the other panels, or a single window may be built into one large panel on the door's surface.

Entryway

Sidelites and brickwork accentuate the natural materials of a paneled craftsman door.

The décor and trim around a craftsman door are built to match the door itself. In addition to matching sidelites, the entryway may feature other handcrafted wood trim that emphasizes natural materials and sturdy simplicity of the craftsman design. This design may also extend beyond the door frame and its immediate surroundings to include matching woodwork on a porch, with tapered square columns for support, and an unfinished wooden ceiling. Even seemingly inconsequential features, such as house numbers and wall sconce, may be custom-made to accent the central feature of the door.

Tags: craftsman door, natural materials, around craftsman, around craftsman door, craftsman door incorporates, craftsman style

What Are Mission Style Arts & Crafts

The imporatnce of the artisan was elevated during the era.

The Arts and Crafts movement began in the mid-1800s. It was a reaction to the Industrial Revolution and its mass production of goods. During this period, great importance was placed on individually produced crafts by artisans. The materials used were natural including wood, copper, and leather. Good function was paired with simple design. In the U.S., Mission style reflected the ideals of the Arts and Crafts movement and was inspired by the ethos and style of the American Southwest. Does this Spark an idea?

Pottery

The design of the pottery was as important as its function.

Mission Style pottery was designed with clean, simple lines. Often they were finished with a matte glaze of a solid color. Earth tones and celadon green or subdued blues were commonly used. Flowers were used as a subject, but their shapes were reduced to geometric interpretations. Trees were often depicted on sides of pottery with long trunks and branches painted along the rim of the pot. Relief work on decorative tiles became characteristic of the period. A few of the companies whose pottery is highly sought after by collectors during the 21st century are Rookwook, Roycroft and Newcomb.

Furniture

Simplicity in Mission style furniture creates a stron functional design.

Mission style furniture is recognized by it's strong straight lines and lack of adornments. The most commonly used wood was oak whose prominent grain complemented the lines of the furniture. The finish was natural and never painted. The pegs and brass hinges used to connect sections of wood were considered an important element of the overall design. Leather was often used to upholster the seat of a chair or bench. Perhaps the most recognizable producers of Mission style furniture are Stickley and Renee MacIntosh.

Home Accessories

Handcrafted lamps were prominently displayed in the homes during this era. The bases were made of pottery, often with a red-brown glaze. The design was carried by the shape of the pottery rather than painted patterns. The base was sometimes made of wood, crafted suing straight lines with no routing. Hammered copper was also used. The shades were made of mica, giving light an amber glow. Intricate stained glass shades often completed the lamp illustrating dragonflies or flowers. The leading glass studio of this period was Tiffany. Other crafts for the home included embroidered linens made for small tables and pillows. Handwoven willow baskets were used throughout the home and American Indian rugs were used as throws on furniture and on floors as accent rugs.

Fine Art

Artists turned to the the ideal natural world, especially to the American frontier, for their subjects. Yosemite and the Grand Canyon were often showcased in painting as well as the California coastline. Thomas Hill was a prolific painter of this region. It was the natural beauty artists portrayed during this movement. Native Americans were often depicted, and portraits included renderings of the working class. It was common for the average woman to keep journals with illustrations of natural subjects painted in watercolors.

Tags: Arts Crafts, Mission style, Mission style furniture, style furniture, were often, were used

Make Floating Paper Lanterns

Whether you have a small pond, fountain or a swimming pool, a floating paper lantern can add a little elegance to your next outdoor gathering. The paper bags used in this project can be either white or a typical brown lunch bag. The candle placed inside will emit an earthy tone glow, regardless of the colored bag. By following a few procedures, making a floating paper lantern will take only a few minutes but will add hours of a luminary elegance.

Instructions

1. Cut a 12-inch by 12-inch piece of 1-inch-thick Styrofoam using either a pocketknife or a razor knife. The razor knife may make a cleaner cut. This type of white Styrofoam is sold in a 4-foot-by-8-foot piece and will yield 32 1-foot square pieces.

2. Unfold one of the paper lunch bags and pour two cups of regular sand into the bag. The sand is used for ballast in the floating lantern and to hold the votive candle in place.

3. Squirt a small dab, 1-inch round, of the silicone in the middle of the piece of Styrofoam.

4. Place the sand-filled bag centered on the Styrofoam and gently push downward to seat the bag. You may want to let this cure for about a half hour, but it is not necessary.

5. Take the votive candle and insert it into the center of the bag by pushing it into the sand. The sand will hold around the candle, keeping it from tipping over.

6. Light the candles with the long-handled matches. The longer wooden match will help in keeping you from burning the side of the bag--and perhaps your fingers.

7. Launch the floating paper lantern and enjoy the reflection, not only from the water's surface but also the white Styrofoam.

Tags: floating paper, floating paper lantern, paper lantern, into sand, keeping from, razor knife, votive candle

Schools In Mint Hill North Carolina

Some of Mint Hill's schools are recognized as among the best in the United States.

Located in Mecklenburg County, on the edge of Charlotte, the town of Mint Hill, North Carolina, is a city full of tradition and history. As of 2011, the town of Mint Hill is the home of just over 21,000 residents. Students in Mint Hill attend Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, the county's school system.

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools is a system of schools located in the Charlotte, North Carolina, region, which is made up of 178 schools that cater to more than 130,000 students, ranging from kindergartners to 12th graders. CMS is one of the area's largest employers, with nearly 19,000 teachers, administrators and school staffers. The school system maintains close ties with local businesses and organizations since its goal is to provide its students with the best possible opportunities in life, both academically and professionally. Many local businesses offer mentorships to CMS students.

Elementary Schools

Bain Elementary, Clear Creek Elementary and Lebanon Road Elementary are the three elementary schools in Mint Hill, all of which house students ranging from kindergarten to fifth grade. Bain Elementary and Clear Creek Elementary date back over a hundred years and have deep connections with the community in the form of active PTAs and volunteer programs.

Middle Schools

There are only two middle schools in Mint Hill--Mint Hill Middle School and North East Middle School. Both schools teach sixth grade to eighth grade. With 87.2 percent of its students testing at or above grade level in educational progress, Mint Hill Middle School has been recognized as a National School to Watch For since 2008. North East Middle School was originally an all-black school, but it currently educates students with a diverse mix of ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

High Schools

The high schools in Mint Hill teach students in grades nine through 12. Founded in 1950, East Mecklenburg is Mint Hill's oldest high school, and with one of the lowest teacher turnover rates in CMS, it is also one of the most consistent and reliable. The most recent high school in Mint Hill is Rocky River High School, founded in 2009. Two other high schools are located in Mint Hill: Butler High School and Independence High School. Independence High School was named the most improved high school in North Carolina by "Business Week" and received a "Silver Medal" from "News & World Reports: America's Best High Schools" list.

Tags: Mint Hill, Middle School, North Carolina, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, High School

Programs For A Ph D In Art Education

PhD programs in art are offered in education and art departments.

A doctorate (Ph.D.) in arts education will position you to move ahead into a leadership position in K-12 arts education, or as an instructor in a community college or university setting. According to the "Chronicle of Higher Education," college-level jobs in the humanities are limited, so you will need a doctorate to qualify for these increasingly competitive positions. Doctorates in this field are offered by both education departments and art departments at universities. Explore the course offerings and requirements in both departments to find the program that fits your goals. Doctoral programs in education may offer more options for students who wish to emphasize the pedagogical side of the profession, while art department programs offer more arts-specific coursework.

Indiana University at Bloomington

The doctoral program at Indiana University, like many art education programs housed in education departments, emphasizes curriculum and instruction. You may choose between the 60-credit-hour Ed.D. and the 90-credit-hour Ph.D. program. The program offers rigorous training in research methods and educational theory. You can include specific art content in the required 24 graduate hours of specialized educational classes, or as part of the 12-unit minor included in the program.

Indiana University at Bloomington

Department of Curriculum and Instruction

Room 3140 Wright Education Building

201 North Rose Ave.

Bloomington, IN 47405

812-856-8100

http://education.indiana.edu/~edci

University of Iowa

The University of Iowa is another example of an art education doctoral program offered by an education department. Students in this program take classes in cooperation with the art and art history departments in one of three areas:

Contexts for Visual Arts Research, Visual Art Making Practice Philosophy or Visual Art Making Research Practices. While they do emphasize the theoretical aspects of the discipline, this program especially values applicants who have K-12 teaching experience.

University of Iowa

College of Education

Art Education K-12 Teacher Certification Program

13 North Hall

Iowa City, IA 52242

319-335-3013

Penn State University Park

Penn State's art education doctoral program is housed in the art department. With an emphasis on cross-disciplinary work and social change, the program offers a doctorate in art education as well as a doctorate in art education and women's studies. A 12-credit-hour core curriculum of art education forms the foundation for these programs, and although there are no fixed number of credits for the doctoral degree, the program does emphasize original scholarly research and requires an average of three to four years post-master's-level work.

Penn State University Park

School of Visual Arts

Art Education Office

207 Arts Cottage

University Park, PA 16802-2905

814.865.6570

Columbia University

Columbia's art education doctoral program is part of the Teachers College, but it is housed in the Department of Art and Art Education. The program offers both a Ph.D. in art education and a doctorate of education in the teaching of college art. Each program requires at least two semesters of studio practice in addition to the core 16 to 27 credits in arts education. The program also offers the option of using studio work as part of your doctoral dissertation.

Columbia University

Teachers College

Art and Art Education

444 Macy Hall

525 W. 120th St.

New York, NY 10027

212-678-3360

Tags: doctoral program, doctorate education, education departments, education doctoral, education doctoral program, Indiana University, Penn State