After watching and reading about what our foreseeable future could be and upcoming elections in November 2010 in the hopes that the States in our wonderful union will take a risk by seceding in certain ways from the Federal Government Laws to better their incumbents, I worry. Socialism is not what our founding fathers set out for, nor do I want this. Freedom of Speech is what the baby boomers strive for in the 60's. Political Correctness was the ability to know right from wrong. Bankruptcy was when you fell short of responsibilities regardless. Mortgages were attained by down payments and an OK financial history and an actual phone call to employers that could give an' at ta boy' to help with the mortgage and dedication to their employers, and savings, and most importantly, not over extending yourself which was OK and solid.
The American Dream was there to be had. The American Dream was being a homeowner, business owner, and/or being gainfully employed, a savings, a vacation or two annually, children and ability to pay for college. Oh yes, baseball, football, apple pie and more!
The Technical Evolution is awesome This evolution set us apart from the world early on, but some would now say pulled America apart and it probably did. Change and
assimilating to this new world is not easy. Reinventing oneself is easy for some and not so easy for others. BUT YOU GOTTA DO IT! Can't throw in the towel. Apply, apply, apply anywhere!
Foreclosures. Now this blows. Sure we can ignore this and we do. But looking forward this is not helping the situation. Ignorance in any class, religion, race, sect has always resulted in 'leaving our people behind'. What happen to 'it takes a village'?
We have families like you and me that just last month shared a beer over the fence and are now on the street due to downsizing, unemployment, and resulting in inability to pay the mortgage. These are families dropped their kids off to school just like you. What is the answer?
Churches sometimes help these families which is great. The Government provides shelters, but what does that do to families? Specifically what does this do to children? Do they learn from it? Maybe. Do they lose hope? Maybe. I don't know, but what I do know is I don't want to ever be in their shoes. Think about it, would you? How would you feel? So what should we do as a society?
Frankly, Greece should have fallen, again. I am thinking the $100 Billion dollars we sported to Greece was insane. That money could have been allocated to saving 92,000 homes in foreclosure just this year or specifically the 100 billion could have been allocated to saving these mortgages, keeping the residents whole, and having some dough to spare, approx. $1.08 million per home foreclosed. Each home foreclosed let's say was 500,000.00. The remaining amount would have done to waste and fraud aka Government, bureaucrats would have taken it. What is wrong with us?
PS: Did we just have this $100 Billion in the Lincoln Bedroom Mattress 'in case'? Of course not, we borrowed it from China, lovely country full of bleeding hearts.
Cheers America!
Beatrice
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Home Depot Kids Workshop Rocks!
Kids Workshop at Home Depot Rocks! My daughters Brownie Troop attended the Home Depot Kids Workshop this morning! With tools in hand they began to hammer in unison! Were we crazy, sharp nails, real hammers, lumber in the hands of our Troops? The girls did have a personal Foreman, their parent. These 7 and 8 year old girls were so focused, precise, and listened intently to the Home Depot Carpenter leading the charge! I was very impressed with the Troops and foresee one or two GC's in the future!
Following the completed project the girls were given a Home Depot Certificate of Accomplishment, an official Home Depot Kids Workshop Apron, and Pin representing the Birdhouse Project to attach to their Aprons. What a great gig they have going! I encourage you to attend the workshop with your child, niece, nephew, cousin, etc.
The cost: Just an hour! Sweet. And they say nothing is life is free.
Cheers America!
Beatrice!
Following the completed project the girls were given a Home Depot Certificate of Accomplishment, an official Home Depot Kids Workshop Apron, and Pin representing the Birdhouse Project to attach to their Aprons. What a great gig they have going! I encourage you to attend the workshop with your child, niece, nephew, cousin, etc.
The cost: Just an hour! Sweet. And they say nothing is life is free.
Cheers America!
Beatrice!
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
SCHOOL VOUCHERS NCLB ACT
NCLB and vouchers. first vouchers....yes children ready and parents willing should have vouchers. Not weeding out, but giving them an opportunity for advancement. I have no problem with this! This is no different than advanced placement courses provided by public schools based on academic testing, these 'vouchered' children simply are advancing from their schools failing and failing them. However, the voucher system should be based on existing grades and test results. Vouchers can be treated like applications to University. But only applicable to students in schools that have failed this 'act'.
Hypothetically, School A has failed year after year the NCLB act. They have 300 students. 25% of those children achieved vouchers and have moved on, great. The School now has 75% less students and probably lost several teachers and money. Do we leave these children to rot or do we rethink why these children failed the opportunity to move on? The teachers, principals school boards, parents and guardians need to be held accountable. Maybe there needs to be 'new rules' to point this kids in the right direction so the next time they seek the 'voucher' opportunity they can achieve it. First and foremost.
1. Dress Codes, i.e.; Uniforms...everyone on a level playing field. Teachers wear business clothes, stop dressing like students or their siblings. You are professionals and role models beyond responsible for passing these children from grade to grade successfully. The dressing thing is easy. Parents who can't afford the uniforms volunteer at the school and then the costs can be subsidized. I don't think a county will have issue with this. Why do I care about this? The setting becomes 'respectful' in the classroom straight away. Etiquette and manners...that should go without saying.
2. Tardiness/Absenteeism. Now, I am guilty of this and it is a very bad habit. Now only do you miss the 'beginning', sort of like a movie...late for the theatre and difficult to catch up for these students 'left behind'. Same with absenteeism. What to do? Parents and students become accountable. Could be a 3 strikes in one semester for either and you are out or better yet parents required to volunteer at the school for xx hours per semester or their children are out. Parents will not be happy with this especially if they work and will ensure the children are in and on time!
3. Technology/Library. There is no reason why the latest technology cannot be provided, nor should their be a absence of current reads, newspapers, history books, etc. If their are issues with books not being returned when checked out or destroyed, bring the parents back to the school...time to volunteer.
Do you see where I am going with this? Parents/Guardians need to be held accountable. If their are children that are problematic and they don't want to learn..OK they are out there, then they need to be managed diffently, but no less attention than the others. They must understand they have not earned the right to be part of those students who did/are learning and want to learn/improve. What do we do?
The United States fares much better in higher education and training, ranking seventh overall behind Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Singapore, and Switzerland. But even within this category, the United States receives poor rankings in quality of math and science education (forty-eighth) secondary enrollment (forty-third), and quality of the education system (twenty-second), this is a problem.
So we have the 25% 'vouchered' students flourishing, great. We have the 'CLB'/75% in a better environments and hopefully improve tremendously due to focus and less distractions and tools on par with successful schools/districts. Now we discover 15% of 75% grades, attendance, tardiness are simply in the toliet. Along with these results we have no interest, can't catch up, low self esteem, and base their success on their parents or lack thereof? Force their hand and their parents. Parents need to be held accountable! But the responsibility is also on the teachers and school!
Those 'not interested' probably are/were ready to learn, but are so far behind they don't see how they can catch up. Literacy issues, self esteem, and embarrassment weighs big on these students, but they can't be dumped. Parallel education is needed. If we are talking middle school, then start them from scratch...they are now on level/even ground with others and are all starting from scratch! But with these students who fall in this catergory DO NOT belong in classes where they do not belong! An 9th grader who has fallen behind and heading toward dropping out should be restarted at 7th or 8th grade level. Who teaches these children? Plenty of subs looking for work! However, these Student and Parents must sign a contract with rules! Our society is built on rules and regulations...this should apply to parents!
What are your thoughts?
Cheer America!
Beatrice
Hypothetically, School A has failed year after year the NCLB act. They have 300 students. 25% of those children achieved vouchers and have moved on, great. The School now has 75% less students and probably lost several teachers and money. Do we leave these children to rot or do we rethink why these children failed the opportunity to move on? The teachers, principals school boards, parents and guardians need to be held accountable. Maybe there needs to be 'new rules' to point this kids in the right direction so the next time they seek the 'voucher' opportunity they can achieve it. First and foremost.
1. Dress Codes, i.e.; Uniforms...everyone on a level playing field. Teachers wear business clothes, stop dressing like students or their siblings. You are professionals and role models beyond responsible for passing these children from grade to grade successfully. The dressing thing is easy. Parents who can't afford the uniforms volunteer at the school and then the costs can be subsidized. I don't think a county will have issue with this. Why do I care about this? The setting becomes 'respectful' in the classroom straight away. Etiquette and manners...that should go without saying.
2. Tardiness/Absenteeism. Now, I am guilty of this and it is a very bad habit. Now only do you miss the 'beginning', sort of like a movie...late for the theatre and difficult to catch up for these students 'left behind'. Same with absenteeism. What to do? Parents and students become accountable. Could be a 3 strikes in one semester for either and you are out or better yet parents required to volunteer at the school for xx hours per semester or their children are out. Parents will not be happy with this especially if they work and will ensure the children are in and on time!
3. Technology/Library. There is no reason why the latest technology cannot be provided, nor should their be a absence of current reads, newspapers, history books, etc. If their are issues with books not being returned when checked out or destroyed, bring the parents back to the school...time to volunteer.
Do you see where I am going with this? Parents/Guardians need to be held accountable. If their are children that are problematic and they don't want to learn..OK they are out there, then they need to be managed diffently, but no less attention than the others. They must understand they have not earned the right to be part of those students who did/are learning and want to learn/improve. What do we do?
The United States fares much better in higher education and training, ranking seventh overall behind Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, Singapore, and Switzerland. But even within this category, the United States receives poor rankings in quality of math and science education (forty-eighth) secondary enrollment (forty-third), and quality of the education system (twenty-second), this is a problem.
So we have the 25% 'vouchered' students flourishing, great. We have the 'CLB'/75% in a better environments and hopefully improve tremendously due to focus and less distractions and tools on par with successful schools/districts. Now we discover 15% of 75% grades, attendance, tardiness are simply in the toliet. Along with these results we have no interest, can't catch up, low self esteem, and base their success on their parents or lack thereof? Force their hand and their parents. Parents need to be held accountable! But the responsibility is also on the teachers and school!
Those 'not interested' probably are/were ready to learn, but are so far behind they don't see how they can catch up. Literacy issues, self esteem, and embarrassment weighs big on these students, but they can't be dumped. Parallel education is needed. If we are talking middle school, then start them from scratch...they are now on level/even ground with others and are all starting from scratch! But with these students who fall in this catergory DO NOT belong in classes where they do not belong! An 9th grader who has fallen behind and heading toward dropping out should be restarted at 7th or 8th grade level. Who teaches these children? Plenty of subs looking for work! However, these Student and Parents must sign a contract with rules! Our society is built on rules and regulations...this should apply to parents!
What are your thoughts?
Cheer America!
Beatrice
Monday, February 1, 2010
Decorating and Design
Custom or Mass Produced that is the question. There are many big lot home good shops that give great deals to consumers because they can purchase bulk items...hundreds of rugs, serving platters, window panels, candles, bath accessories, decorative wall art , and furniture.
Yesterday I went to Market in NY to look for the unique items for a sale, more accent items that large furnishings. One booth had just unbelievable modern pop art furniture... I loved just about everything in this booth! white PVC covered sofa and chairs! PVC is a leather like look and feel synthetic. It was soft and well made. That is unique! Also amazing retro chairs with the images of Monroe and Hepburn...again, the chair design unique!
As we walked by the hundreds of booths filling Pier 92 there were fewer unique selections, unfortunately. The savings grace for shop owners must be the young urban and suburban professionals who have not lived the decades of repeat design. The other side us these professionals have the dough, no time to shop, and hire professional decorators to sketch up and design their personal spaces!
Certainly, there are the 40, 50, 60 year old pros who have dough and do the same. However, for this age group they tend to begin purging around now...purging....whoa, that is for another time!
Young Professionals, Use a decorator to help you out. You will not be disappointed!
Cheers America!
Beatrice
Yesterday I went to Market in NY to look for the unique items for a sale, more accent items that large furnishings. One booth had just unbelievable modern pop art furniture... I loved just about everything in this booth! white PVC covered sofa and chairs! PVC is a leather like look and feel synthetic. It was soft and well made. That is unique! Also amazing retro chairs with the images of Monroe and Hepburn...again, the chair design unique!
As we walked by the hundreds of booths filling Pier 92 there were fewer unique selections, unfortunately. The savings grace for shop owners must be the young urban and suburban professionals who have not lived the decades of repeat design. The other side us these professionals have the dough, no time to shop, and hire professional decorators to sketch up and design their personal spaces!
Certainly, there are the 40, 50, 60 year old pros who have dough and do the same. However, for this age group they tend to begin purging around now...purging....whoa, that is for another time!
Young Professionals, Use a decorator to help you out. You will not be disappointed!
Cheers America!
Beatrice
Zappos.com
I purchased a bag from Zappos.com and love it! However, the manufacturer of the bag had a design flaw in the cross strap lobster clasp which opened when strap hardware turned. Customer Service at Zappos.com was more that apologetic and accommodating. I explained the issue and the NEXT DAY a box from Zappos.com was on my front porch! Opened the box and new bag and strap. Not only did I receive emails giving me play by play of return and delivery, but next day a new bag, unheard of!
I give great kudos to Zappos.com and recommend them to you!
Cheers America
Beatrice
I give great kudos to Zappos.com and recommend them to you!
Cheers America
Beatrice
Friday, January 1, 2010
Monday, November 23, 2009
Posi+ivi+y Bracelet
Declare your optimism with our Posi+ivi+y Bracelet Assortment. Black nylon stretch and Rhodium bracelets. Price: $7.50
Perfect anytime and all the time.
To order send email to: outfittingyou@yahoo.com
Check, Money Order, or PayPal.
Holiday Gift to Treasure Forever-2009 Sale
Outfitting You presents a Crystal Heart Bracelet Jet Rhodium/Swarovski Crystal. Double toggle closure. Adjustable 7" to 8" Price: $16.00 Perfect with that crisp white button blouse and jeans or a gift.
To order send email to: outfittingyou@yahoo.com
Check, Money Order, or PayPal.
Rhodium is hypoallergenic protective coating for metals.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Ultraviolet rays
Ultraviolet rays (UVR) are sneaky. Not only can they cause skin cancer and visible signs of aging, they're also very good at finding you. They can bounce off water, off sand, and they can penetrate glass. Which means that even if you're inside your car or house, if you're sitting next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you're at risk for UV damage.
Fortunately, the "window film" revolution is gaining momentum. It began with automobiles in the 1990's. Research showed that drivers with left-hand drive developed more skin damage on the left side of their bodies, while those with right-hand drive developed more damage on the right. The reason? UVR streaming through the driver-side windows. "Long-time drivers are found to have rougher, more pigmented skin with greater solar damage on their driver's side," noted Albert Kligman, MD, PhD, emeritus professor of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia.
And now, UVA-protective film has moved indoors big-time. Residential and commercial films come in flat sheets, in varied tints, cutting down glare by more than half while allowing 30-80 percent of visible light to get through, depending on the customer's wants. Like automobile film, they block out up to 99.9 percent of UVR. This helps prevent not only sunburn, but also the brief daily UV exposures that cumulatively accelerate skin aging and multiply the risk of skin cancer. In addition, the film can be lifesavers for people with diseases involving dangerous photosensitivity, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and lupus.
Along with clear health benefits, window film offers other advantages:
In hot weather, it cuts down heat within the home, which can reduce air conditioning expenses.
In cold weather, it reflects interior heat back into the house, reducing heating costs.
It helps keep sunshine from fading car upholstery and home furnishings.
Some new types of "safety" film help hold residential and commercial glass in place if shattered. Several times thicker than the standard sun-protective film, it can greatly reduce the chances of break-ins, property damage, and even personal injury that can result from broken glass.
Find out how to protect your home and businesses in Greater New York and New Jersey. Call For an estimate now 877-519-FILM (3456). Tell them Beatrice referred you.
Cheer America!
Beatrice
Fortunately, the "window film" revolution is gaining momentum. It began with automobiles in the 1990's. Research showed that drivers with left-hand drive developed more skin damage on the left side of their bodies, while those with right-hand drive developed more damage on the right. The reason? UVR streaming through the driver-side windows. "Long-time drivers are found to have rougher, more pigmented skin with greater solar damage on their driver's side," noted Albert Kligman, MD, PhD, emeritus professor of dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical School, Philadelphia.
And now, UVA-protective film has moved indoors big-time. Residential and commercial films come in flat sheets, in varied tints, cutting down glare by more than half while allowing 30-80 percent of visible light to get through, depending on the customer's wants. Like automobile film, they block out up to 99.9 percent of UVR. This helps prevent not only sunburn, but also the brief daily UV exposures that cumulatively accelerate skin aging and multiply the risk of skin cancer. In addition, the film can be lifesavers for people with diseases involving dangerous photosensitivity, such as xeroderma pigmentosum and lupus.
Along with clear health benefits, window film offers other advantages:
In hot weather, it cuts down heat within the home, which can reduce air conditioning expenses.
In cold weather, it reflects interior heat back into the house, reducing heating costs.
It helps keep sunshine from fading car upholstery and home furnishings.
Some new types of "safety" film help hold residential and commercial glass in place if shattered. Several times thicker than the standard sun-protective film, it can greatly reduce the chances of break-ins, property damage, and even personal injury that can result from broken glass.
Find out how to protect your home and businesses in Greater New York and New Jersey. Call For an estimate now 877-519-FILM (3456). Tell them Beatrice referred you.
Cheer America!
Beatrice
Friday, March 13, 2009
Sunday, February 15, 2009
BLACK EYED PEAS
Searching for that perfect rug? Well I found it. The Black Eyed Pea rug. New Zealand Wool..100%....so I am imagining Ugz Floor Cloth Not bad, not sure how durable, but willing to give it a try. Looks soft, plump, and well, like Black Eyed Pea Humps.
Cheers America!
Beatrice
Cheers America!
Beatrice
ROOM & BOARD SOFA'S CHOICE
I searched over a year for the perfect Sofa. I went to all the major retailers, smaller upscale, mid ranged, and no range shops, on-line, auctions, and estate sales. To start my search I selected my sofa color. The color for the new sofa was set based on a hue found in my kitchen...there was no turning back.
The Saltillo floor in my kitchen are beautiful natural clay tiles with an old-world, Terra cotta look and feel. Perfect in a modern, country French or Mediterranean style home, Saltillo tiles are a highly sought-after flooring material. After being shaped by hand and dried in the sun, Saltillo tiles are carefully positioned in the kiln to create different colors ranging in hue from bright burnt orange to a light peach and even yellow. This variation in color as well as being unglazed gives Saltillo tiles their charm and rustic beauty. My house is on the rustic side. Terra cotta it is.
Now shape. Will it be a sectional, sofa/chaise, sofa, low seat, standard seat height, depth, sheltered or not, armless, arms, rolled, square, pillow, tight back, single or multi seat cushions, footed, square, skirt or not, feet/base wood/metal, casters, stationary...yikes. To determine this of course we mapped out the space, measured, and attempted to simulate all aspects of options available. This is important as this will be with us for at least 10 years if not more.
Shape? Done! Off to New York I went on Super Bowl Sunday 2009. In NY I narrowed down my search to 2 stores. Mitchell Gold who's furniture is great. I have an ottoman and club chair by Mitchell Gold for 15 years now and structurally looks new. Fabric has been changed on one and the other slip covered. So off to MG I went. But, I didn't find 'the one'. So I forged ahead.
As I approached Room & Board I knew this was it. I had 4 specific sofa's in mind. As I opened the great old 15' double Metal and glass doors...typical NYC industrial look I made quick eye contact with one or two folks in the store and said I was looking and all set for now. With Catalogue in hand, post-its on a few pages I was off. It is refreshing to enter a shop staffed with professionals vs. those clearly hungry. It also helps when you are in one of the kewlest NYC neighborhoods. Everyone is 'kewl, kalm, and kollected' and in black, huh.
After about 45 minutes I was laying down, curled up in fetal positions, on my side, lifting cushions, and just plain plopping. By doing this I was able to narrow down to 2 sofas. At this point a salesman, Steve Jones walked by and asked if I had questions and I did. After one more go-around I found it. The Kendall.... Now that we had the sofa it was fabric time...stock or custom....stock was fine, but custom fabrics...well.....
....as I approach the racks of options I gravitate to it...IT I say! I did not have to look any further. It was 'kismet'. The sun came out, birds where chirping...all was good with the zen world of sofa selection. OK, so I pulled out a few more choices just to humour myself and Steve Jones, but the selection was made.. done deal.
Deals, well, no deals, but great pricing regardless. I have shopped for over a year for one Sofa and I am very particular and had a budget. Room & Board won out.
Cheers America,
Beatrice
The Saltillo floor in my kitchen are beautiful natural clay tiles with an old-world, Terra cotta look and feel. Perfect in a modern, country French or Mediterranean style home, Saltillo tiles are a highly sought-after flooring material. After being shaped by hand and dried in the sun, Saltillo tiles are carefully positioned in the kiln to create different colors ranging in hue from bright burnt orange to a light peach and even yellow. This variation in color as well as being unglazed gives Saltillo tiles their charm and rustic beauty. My house is on the rustic side. Terra cotta it is.
Now shape. Will it be a sectional, sofa/chaise, sofa, low seat, standard seat height, depth, sheltered or not, armless, arms, rolled, square, pillow, tight back, single or multi seat cushions, footed, square, skirt or not, feet/base wood/metal, casters, stationary...yikes. To determine this of course we mapped out the space, measured, and attempted to simulate all aspects of options available. This is important as this will be with us for at least 10 years if not more.
Shape? Done! Off to New York I went on Super Bowl Sunday 2009. In NY I narrowed down my search to 2 stores. Mitchell Gold who's furniture is great. I have an ottoman and club chair by Mitchell Gold for 15 years now and structurally looks new. Fabric has been changed on one and the other slip covered. So off to MG I went. But, I didn't find 'the one'. So I forged ahead.
As I approached Room & Board I knew this was it. I had 4 specific sofa's in mind. As I opened the great old 15' double Metal and glass doors...typical NYC industrial look I made quick eye contact with one or two folks in the store and said I was looking and all set for now. With Catalogue in hand, post-its on a few pages I was off. It is refreshing to enter a shop staffed with professionals vs. those clearly hungry. It also helps when you are in one of the kewlest NYC neighborhoods. Everyone is 'kewl, kalm, and kollected' and in black, huh.
After about 45 minutes I was laying down, curled up in fetal positions, on my side, lifting cushions, and just plain plopping. By doing this I was able to narrow down to 2 sofas. At this point a salesman, Steve Jones walked by and asked if I had questions and I did. After one more go-around I found it. The Kendall.... Now that we had the sofa it was fabric time...stock or custom....stock was fine, but custom fabrics...well.....
....as I approach the racks of options I gravitate to it...IT I say! I did not have to look any further. It was 'kismet'. The sun came out, birds where chirping...all was good with the zen world of sofa selection. OK, so I pulled out a few more choices just to humour myself and Steve Jones, but the selection was made.. done deal.
Deals, well, no deals, but great pricing regardless. I have shopped for over a year for one Sofa and I am very particular and had a budget. Room & Board won out.
Cheers America,
Beatrice
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