Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

A little creativity can go a long way toward helping you make money doing things you enjoy. Take a look at some of the suggestions here, then think about ways you can get paid to do what you love to do.

Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

Get paid to shop - Mystery shopping is a great way to make money in your spare time by providing valuable customer service feedback to businesses. It's flexible and fun, and just about anyone can do it. The most important quality you need is to be reliable. It also helps to be observant and have good writing skills. Mystery shopping is done around the world, so there are probably mystery shops being done in your neighborhood right now. For more information, get a copy of The Mystery Shopper's Manual at http://www.idealady.com/. The book includes a list of 150 companies hiring shoppers across the US and Canada and around the world, along with lots of insider tips.

French Laundry

Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

Get paid to talk - You've seen those people handing out samples in the grocery store or demonstrating a product at the home show. They get paid to do that, and you can, too. To be good at this, you need an outgoing personality. You have to be willing to speak up and get people to try what you're offering, take a coupon, or watch your demonstration. You can find these jobs by watching the help wanted ads in your local newspaper. For more information, see http://www.narms.com/.

Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

Get paid to party - Direct sales companies, such as Tupperware, Pampered Chef and others, offer a great way to make extra money or launch a lucrative new career. You get paid to go to parties, do product demonstrations and take orders. You set your own schedule, so you can fit work into your life, not try to squeeze life in around a job. For more information, see the Direct Selling Association at http://www.dsa.org/.

Don't want to be a sales representative? You can get free products by hosting a party in your home. Look for a local representative in your phone book and ask how you can earn free products by hosting a party.

Get paid to be in the movies - You don't have to live in Hollywood to be an extra in a movie or TV show. Your city or state probably has a film commission where you can get information about upcoming productions. Do an Internet search for "film commission" and your city or state to find them. My local film commission regularly lists opportunities to be an extra in movies or TV shows, be a crew member on an independent film, or even to get paid to be in the audience of a TV show.

Get paid to drive - If it seems as if you are always in your car, or your car is often parked in a high-traffic area, you can use your car to make money by getting it painted with an ad. Advertisers look at what kind of car you drive, its condition, where and how much you drive, how many people see the car when it's parked and other factors when choosing cars for these promotions. If you and your car are what they're looking for, they will pay you to show their ad on your car. (More info: http://www.autowraps.com/)

Get paid for your opinions - Participating in focus groups and other market research doesn't provide regular income, and there are often limits on how often you may participate. However, I've got lots of opinions, and I'm always happy when I can get paid for them! I've been paid for opinions on music, clothes, and even the scent of a laundry product. You can increase your chances of getting selected by registering with market research companies. Check your phone directory or the local mall to find one in your area.

There are also many places online where you can get paid to write opinions or reviews, or to fill out surveys. Make sure you understand how you will be paid before spending a lot of time on this. Many sites pay in credits that can only be redeemed with them, but some pay in cash.

Get paid to do your own thing - When you can make money doing something you love to do, it doesn't feel like work at all. My main career involves speaking and writing, both things I enjoy. I've also been paid for my opinions, made money as a mystery shopper and been a movie extra! Use your imagination to find ways to make money while doing what you enjoy. I call it "Solo-reneuring" and that's how I've made my living for more than eight years. Do you love animals? Start a pet sitting or dog walking service. If you enjoy crafts, dance or playing an instrument, you may be able to teach a class or offer private instruction to people who want to learn what you know. For more information about Solo-preneuring, see http://www.idealady.com/solo.htm.

General information - When considering any of these opportunities, make sure you understand what you will be asked to do and how you will be compensated. Then you can decide if it is worth your time and effort.

Be careful about paying to be listed in data bases. Some companies charge you to apply with no guarantee of work. You may be paying for a legitimate opportunity, or you may just be saying goodbye to or more. Find out what you will get before paying a fee.

You probably won't get rich doing these things, but you can get paid to do things you enjoy. Even if you don't make a million dollars, your life will be richer for the joy and satisfaction you get from your work--and you'll have at least a few extra dollars in your pocket!

Have Fun, Make Money - Get Paid to Do What You Love

French Laundry

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

Since its invention in 1927, the garburator, or waste disposal unit, has been used by homeowners to dispose of their household waste. One problem many homeowners with a garburator find themselves facing is damage caused by putting the wrong items in the device. This is often due to the belief that anything can be put into a garburator. However, there are a number of items that should not be put in the garburator because not everything can be ground up and carried away through the plumbing system. Putting the incorrect items in the garburator can clog plumbing pipes and even ruin the device. To ensure that your garburator stays functioning properly, below is a list of items that should not be put in the device:

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

Non-Food Items: Garburators are designed for soft food items. Items such as glass, metal, and plastics will damage the device. As well, these items should not be added to the wastewater.

French Laundry

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

Oil, Fats, and Grease: Although oil such as cooking oil, fats, and grease, can be easily poured down the garburator, it does not all flow through the plumbing system. It will congeal, solidify, and accumulate in the plumbing pipes, eventually creating a blockage in the system.

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

Fibrous and Stringy Food Substances: Fibrous substances such as cornhusks and celery can clog up the garburator and should not be put in the device. Any kind of stringy or hard-peeled vegetable in large amounts can harm the system. This includes: asparagus, potato peels and lettuce. Only small amounts of the items should be put in the garburator at one time.

Hard Food Items: Fruit pits and bones are examples of hard food items that should not be put in the garburator.

Food Shells: Once eggshells are ground up, they will often accumulate in the plumbing pipes and clog the pipe. Shrimp shells should also not be put in the garburator as they will start to emit a foul odour if they do not pass through the plumbing system.

Contaminated Food: It is important to avoid putting contaminated food in the garburator to prevent an outbreak of a food borne illness.

Paper: Once paper gets wet, it will become lodged in the garburator and create a blockage.

Animal Waste: Cat litter and dog poop should not be put in the garburator.

Diapers: Although it would appear to be a no-brainer, every year, thousands of garburators become clogged with dirty diapers.

Coffee Grounds: Putting coffee grounds in the device will eventually cause an accumulation and clog.

Rice and Pasta: It is very difficult to break up rice and pasta into small enough pieces to ensure the food travels through the plumbing system. They will also expand when mixed with water which can collect in the trap.

Although garburators are designed for the disposal of waste, there are items that should not be disposed of using the device as they can cause damage. For instance, clogged or damaged equipment can cause the plumbing to become damaged which can result in flooding of the kitchen. It is important for every homeowner to be aware of what can and can't be put in the garburator. It will ensure the device stays working properly for a long time.

What Items Should Not Be Put In The Garburator?

A Condom by Any Other Name

Condoms, jimmies, rubbers...you might think you've heard them all. Condoms are one of the world's most common prophylactics. Here are 5 things that you might not otherwise know about condoms and their names.

A Condom by Any Other Name

A Condom by Any Other Name

---

A Condom by Any Other Name

A Condom by Any Other Name

1. English Nicknames

One of the most known nicknames for condom is rubber. However, if you go to a convenience store in Australia or New Zealand and ask for a rubber, you will be handed an eraser. This could make for awkward moMents for Kiwis or Aussies traveling abroad who just want to erase a mistake: "Could I have a rubber, mate?"

Other English nicknames include jimmy hat, raincoat, or hazmat suit: a suit you don for dealing with hazardous materials. The term "love glove" led to the famous safe sex slogan "No Glove, No Love."

2. International Nicknames

English isn't the only language that had odd nicknames for condoms. In Denmark, they are called gummimand, which literally means "rubberman." In Germany, they are called lummeltute, or "naughty bags." Hungarian terminology emphasizes the protective aspect by calling a condom an ovsver, or a "safety tool." Hong Kong similarly demonstrates the protective value by calling a condom a pei dang vi, or a "bulletproof vest." In Portugal they call condoms "Venus' shirts" or camisa de Venus: remember, Venus is the goddess of love after all, so it makes sense!

Other countries can be more literal with their meanings: in Nigeria, a condom is an okpuamu, or a "penis hat." In Indonesia, instead of a hat, it's a "penis gourd" or a koteca.

In English a condom is sometimes called a raincoat: in Greek it is sometimes called a kapota, or an overcoat. In Spain, a condom is called a globo, or balloon. Remember, although you can use a condom for a balloon, you can't use a balloon for a condom!

3. National Tensions

Some nicknames of the condoms demonstrate international tensions. In Germany, a slang term for a condom is a "Pariser," or a Parisian. In English, condoms are sometimes called French Letters. Why is France associated with condoms? This might be because other countries associated all that was decadent with France.

As a side note, a French Letter will protect you against the French Disease; or, to put it more plainly, a condom will help protect you against syphilis. Syphilis was called the French Disease because of the outbreak in the French Army in the sixteenth century; it was the Italians that coined that phrase (morbus gallicus).

The French, however, might have gotten their linguistic come-uppance with their terminology. The French called syphilis "la maladie anglaise," or the English Disease. They even called it the Italian disease or the Neapolitan disease too. Other countries were equally derisive, with the Arabs calling syphilis the English disease and the Russians calling it the Polish disease.

Although most nationally-derogatory terms for syphilis are now in the past, the French still call condoms "la capote anglaise," or the English raincoat.

4. Condom, France

Yes, there is a town in France called Condom. As far as linguists know, it has nothing do with the etymology of the word condom. There is a folktale that the English got their word condom from this location. English travelers came and saw French farmers sewing prophylactics from sheep guts. Whether or not this is true, you can still get sheepskin condoms (made from sheep intestines). They are softer than latex or polyurethane condoms and increase sensation. However, sheepskin condoms do not protect against sexually transmitted diseases, they simply work to prevent pregNancy.

5. The Real Origins of the Word Condom

Unfortunately, we don't know the real origins of the word "Condom." Was it named after a Dr. Condom, or a Dr. Quondam, as some tales tell? Is it named after a British army officer, Cundum? Or is it named after the Italian court adviser, Gondi? (A "gondon" or "goldoni" is another word for condom in Italy).

Whatever the origins of our word condom, and whatever you choose to call it, wear a condom. Condoms prevent unwanted pregnancies and prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases.

A Condom by Any Other Name

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

Making my own scented vinegar laundry rinse has been one of best discoveries I've made in a long time! I was having problems with my towels not smelling fresh. They would come out of the dryer smelling clean, but as soon as they got wet when you used them, they would smell yucky again. I also had laundry from bed wetting that never seemed to be completely fresh either. I tried everything I could think of in the washer and dryer, but nothing worked.

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

---

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

My last ditch effort was a winner! Plain white vinegar scented with my favorite essential oils then added to my rinse cycle did the trick! It not only deodorizes like nothing I've ever used, but disinfects, softens and helps with static. It also keeps my washing machine fresh even in the middle of a humid summer. Here is how you make it:

Lemongrass Lavender Vinegar Laundry Rinse

1 gallon white vinegar

20 drops of lemongrass essential oil

30 drops of lavender essential oil

Add essential oils to jug of vinegar and shake well. That's it! Couldn't be easier!

Add 1/2 to 1 cup to the rinse cycle of your wash, as you would a fabric softener. I have a special place in my washer that says 'softener' and that is where I put it. Make sure to SHAKE WELL BEFORE EACH USE. The oil floats on the top and you will pour it all off in the first few uses if you don't shake it first. I recomMend marking the bottle with a black marker 'fabric softener' so no one inadvertently uses it in their Food thinking it's plain vinegar.

You will smell a bit of vinegar when you open the washer and take the wet laundry out, but I PROMISE you won't smell it on your Clothes when they are dry. They just smell really fresh and clean! You can also use PLAIN white vinegar in your rinse without putting the essential oils in and it works just as well. The oils just add another layer of scent if you like that.

If you are not familiar with essential oils, you should be able to buy them at any natural Food store or there are many sources online. I recomMend investing in high quality oils and not cutting corners. They may seem expensive at first, but the true scent you will get is worth a few extra Dollars and the seemingly small bottles last a really long time.

How to Make Your Own Scented Vinegar Laundry Rinse

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

Laundry rooms used to be the neglected room in the house. Find a closet or another room large enough for a washer and dryer, and that was all you needed. These days, the laundry room has become an important working area for a busy home, and careful thought and planning will create a multi-functional area that works for washing, drying, and folding as well as numerous other household chores.

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

---

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

Some things to think about when designing your laundry room are:

1) Storage: Make sure you include enough cabinetry - including drawers - to store all of your household Supplies including detergents, cleaning Supplies and pet Supplies.

2) Laundry: With today's' front-load washers, it is important to remember that any cabinets installed above the machines will need plenty of clearance if the washer/dryer are on a pedestal.

3) Folding/Hanging: Give yourself enough countertop space to enable folding of large loads of laundry. This eliminates the need to take the Clothing to another room, losing half of it on the floor as you walk. Include space for hanging racks or a hanging pantry that opens and closes with retractable doors as needed. Built-in drying boards are also extremely useful in small spaces.

4) Pets: The ultimate luxury? Find room for a pet shower - a simple shower base with tile walls and a hand sprayer will create an easy-to-use washing station for dirty pets AND dirty feet!

5) If you have a central vacuum in your home, a handy idea for ease of cleaning is to install a toe-kick (technical term is "Vac Pan")in the baseboard of the cabinetry. You simply "kick" the vacuum valve open and sweep the dust/lint/cat litter into the vacuum.

Make a list of the many functions that your laundry room serves, and try to incorporate space-saving and time-saving tools that will make this room ultra-functional for your family!

Laundry Room Design - Designing a Functional Laundry Room

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

Competition in the manufacturing of appliances has never been as intense as today. With major appliance brands such as Whirlpool, GE, LG, FrigidAire, KitchenAid, Jenn-Air, Amana, MayTAG, Broan and Bosch it is hard for consumers to make a decision. They all offer exceptional products, with extensive research and innovation, pushing the boundaries of the way we spend our time and effort in the kitchen and laundry room. All of these manufacturers, even though they all make most types of appliances, truly shine in one or two appliance types.

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

---

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

Laundry appliances, which include washing machines and dryers are one of the most popular consumer products. Many manufacturers offer most models with a matching washing machine and dryer combo, which are similar in color and aesthetics. These can also be stacked on top of each other, using a stacking kit, with the dryer on top to maximize the space available in the laundry room. The most popular brands for laundry appliances are Whirlpool, MayTAG, Bosch, GE and FrigidAire. These manufacturers also offer pedestals to raise the appliances 10 to 15 inches.

Refrigerators have become a necessity throughout the world in the past century, which puts them at the top of most bought appliances. Extensive research and developMent has been put in the features of refrigerators, such as ice dispensers and ice free freezers. The aesthetics have also improved from the usual top freezer mount design, with new bottom mount, side by side and the combination between the two, French door models. Frigidaire is probably the lead manufacturer of refrigerators, with LG and KitchenAid making very impressive high end models.

Cooking ranges are a slight exception with almost every manufacturer making great products, both electric and gas. GE, Frigidaire and KitchenAid make a variety of range appliance designs with prices ranging from very affordable to high end products. Whirlpool, LG, Maytag and Jenn-Air make excellent, durable and high performance ranges, that tend to be a little more expensive than the previously Mentioned brands. The functionality, features and aesthetics of ranges have improved very much in the last decade, with designs looking like kitchen works of art. However in terms energy efficiency there is more work to be done, but overall the eclectic range is more efficient than the gas.

In modern kitchens, many consumers are choosing alternate choices over the Cooking range. Cook tops and wall ovens offer more stylish and space saving options. Manufacturers that shine in this departMent are Jenn-Air, Amana and KitchenAid.

Microwaves have revolutionized the way a lot of people heat up their Food, although controversial it is a great time saver. Modern designs are also offered as built in and over the range microwaves. The competition is being led by GE, Amana and Bosch, although most manufacturers offer excellent microwave appliances.

Last by not least, range hoods keep the home smell free and should exist in every kitchen. Broan makes the largest variety of range hoods from affordable to modern hoods, pushing the boundaries with architectural looking designs.

Appliance Brands - Top Brands in the Competitive World of Appliances

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

Sewing shoe bags for the guys or gals in your life is a great gift idea. No matter what sport or hobby they enjoy or where they travel ... far away or to the gym, shoe bags or drawstring bags come in handy.

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

---

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

The how to sew sewing instructions are for a lined drawstring shoe bag.

You are the designer. You can decide the purpose, fabric, design and size of your drawstring bag. Here are some suggestions.

Fabrics

Use whatever fabric suits your fancy. About 1/2 yard of fabric makes one shoe bag.

Sturdier fabrics like denim, canvas, slipcover fabric, fake suede, corduroy, etc. work well for sturdier shoes.

Fine fabrics like velour, velvet, cottons, flannels, etc. are good for Dressier shoes.

Think about satin or silk for lingerie bags orjewelry bags. Or use mesh or terry for the beach or laundry bags.

Lining is optional. But, if you line the bags, choose a compatible lining fabric that won't tear easily especially for the sturdier shoes. Sometimes the same fabric is the best lining. The instructions here are for a lined drawstring bag.

You may want to use washable fabrics so you can launder the bags later.

All Preshrink fabrics before cutting.

Drawstrings

Use a pAir of 36 inch long decorative shoe laces or leather laces for each bag or heavy cord or sew your own fabric or fake suede drawstrings. Ribbon also works.

Sizes

Sew a bag test to see if the diMensions are right for you.

Cut one bag with the following suggested diMensions. Place the shoe inside andcheck to see if it fits well. Add or subtract from the length or width to adjust for whatever shoe or item that you have.

Suggested Sizes

For 2 golf shoe bags, cut 4 pieces of fabric 20 inches long and 11 inches wide. Cut 4 pieces of lining 19 inches long and 10-1/2 inches wide.

Note: Cut an extra drawstring bag for a golf ball bag.

Two bowling shoes will fit into one shoe bag. Cut 2 pieces of fabric 20 inches long and 11 inches wide. Cut 2 lining 19 inches long and 10-1/2 inches wide.

One bag may also hold 2 tennis shoes or 2 ladies Dress shoes.

Gym shoes vary in size. For extra large or small shoes, measure around the shoe and adjust the size of the fabric plus seam allowances to accommodate the size of the shoe.

How To Sew SewingTechnique

Decorate the Shoe Bag

Make the drawstring bag unique with a special design or emblem. Think about monogramming the bags or adding a sports motif or applique embroidery design prior to stitching. Place the design about 3 inches from the bottom in the center of one of the 20 x 11 pieces.

After you trim the bag, place bag 2 pieces right sides together.

Measure and make a mark 5 inches down from the top of the bag on both sides.

Stitch 1/2 inch seam around bag starting and stopping at this 5 inch mark. Do not back stitch. For the first and last inch, use short stitches.

Repeat stitching as above for the lining.

Press all seams open on both bag and the lining.

Press under 1/2 inch on the 5 inch bag side unstitched edges. Fuse orstitch to hold.

Do the same for the lining.

Turn the bag right side out.

Turn the lining right side out.

Machine stitch 1/2 "at the bottom of the lining as if you were making a French seam. This creates a strong edge.

Turn the lining wrong side out.

Slip the lining down into the bag so that the top edge of the lining is 1/2 inch below the top edge of the bag.

Fold the top edge of the front of the bag down 1/2 inch over the lining.

Press this fold to make a crease.

Now, bring the top folded pressed edge of the bag down to meet the side edges at the bottom of the opening.

Pin to hold and stitch close to this fold edge.

To make the casing, stitch 1 "above the previous stitching.

Repeat for the back side ofthe bag.

Insert Drawstrings

Use a safety pin or bodkin to help slide the drawstrings through the casings.

Slide one drawstring through the casing of the bag back and front having ends on the same side of the bag.

Insert the other drawstring starting at the other side of the bag, sliding through the casing of the bag back and front having ends on that side of the bag.

Tie the ends of the drawstrings together.

That completes the lined drawstring shoe bag.

Note: If the shoe bag is wide enough for two shoes, you may want to stitch up the center of the bag from the bottom up to (but do not include) the casing through all the layers to create separate compartMents for each shoe to help keep them
from scuffing.

Pins before stitching and test tosee if there is enough room
for the shoes. If not, you may want to increase the width
of your shoe bag.

Sew bags any size for anything. Everybody needs a bag for
"something. Kids love treasure bags. Make big bags and little bags. Drawstring bags to Give to family and friends for Fathers ' Day, birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, etc. Enjoy sewing bags!

It just makes sense!

How To Sew Lined Shoe Bags For Golf, Tennis, Bowling, Gym, Dance or any Other Drawstring Bag

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

I've never been afraid of a book. Other than, perhaps, my statistics book first semester of graduate school. But a cookbook? I swear it sat on my dining room table for two weeks before I even cracked the spine. I took the paper cover off in hopes that the plain navy binding would reduce my dread. I mean, with an artsy, esoteric title like "French Laundry," how was I going to be able to identify with the contents? I can barely get through recipes in The Joy of Cooking.

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

---

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

After reading the first few sections, I immediately appreciated two aspects of this book. First, if you ever need a justification to eat, and eat well, the church of Thomas Keller will give you the blessing. "Respect for Food is a respect for life," claims Keller.

However, his words didn'tinspire me to cook, it inspired me to eat. Specifically, eat at one of his restaurants. In fact, the recount of his conflict in writing a cookbook because a chef is "an evolving soul not easily transcribed in recipe form" made me wonder if I, a mere mortal, should even attempt to reproduce one of his dishes. Would it be insulting not only to him, but to all great chefs around the globe?
But I forged ahead.

The second thing I appreciated about this book was in the section entitled "Notes on How to Use this Book." There it was, my permission slip to proceed. "If the degree of difficulty of a dish exceeds your desire to make it, please remember, it's all right to only do part of a recipe." Okay, it was a matter of degree. Suddenly, I didn't feel so excluded from the inner circle ofculinary masters.

So I jumped ahead to the section entitled "Cheese." I can do cheese. Come on, cheese is already made. It's not like Thomas Keller is going to expect me to make my own cheese ... right?

What surprised me about the first dish I tackled, the Pecorino Toscano with Roasted Sweet Peppers and Arugula, Coulis was the number of words I had to look up on the internet. What is a coulis anyway? A tamis? The thoughta mandoline was a musical instruMent. I was beginning to realize that eating in fabulous fine dining establishMents didn't give me a culinary edge. All those restaurant tabs weren't necessarily an investMent in my culinary education. Whoa.

But I forged ahead.

I was consoled by the fact that I only needed to purchase a few ingredients for this firstrecipe. Good, less to screw up. No fool, I would buy in quantities that allowed me to do so a couple times. At least.

All went surprising well with the Pecorino. The roasted pepper instructions were a bit confusing (to me) because it was broken up into two sections on the page, and not in chronological order. So my peppers got marinated before they got roasted, and therefore, did not get de-skinned. Still turned out tasty.

The other perplexing eleMent of the recipe was the "completion." The Caprese salad with arugula and roasted peppers were to be presented under the crouton. How awkward. I did it, but my husband and I just piled everything on top of the crouton upon consuming. Then I thought ... perhaps it is designed to be eaten with a fork, and not your hands? Hmmm.

Encouraged bymy success, I jumped ahead to Canapes. (Okay, okay, I didn't try to make an entree. Baby steps, all right?)

I decided to tackle the Soft Poached Quail Eggs with Applewood-Smoked Bacon. Again, aside from the quail eggs, the ingredients were reasonably uncomplicated.

My brunoise veggies were wider than the 1/16 "recommended julienne because our mandoline (which I didn't even know we owned) only cut as thin as 1/8". The turnip went fine, but a word of advice on the carrots. Do not use cut-and-peeled mini carrots if you are going to attempt to use a mandoline to julienne. Hope no one minds a little blood in the brunoise.

I was able to successfully poach most of the intended quail eggs and pull together the presentation quite effectively. And it was delicious if I do say somyself.

Overall, I was impressed with myself. And impressed with the book.

The Novice Cook Book Reviews-The French Laundry, Thomas Keller

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

Remodeling your bedroom or any room in your house to make it look modern is easy and quick if you install louvered closet doors. A door with louvers is a great addition to your home because of its beauty and functionality.

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

---

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

It features slats which are available in wood, mirror or glass, decorative and stylish making it. Aside from aesthetic, these slats have their function which is to circulate the Air in the interior of your closet. The best way to find quality doors if you are on a budget is to embark on comparison shopping. Here are offerings from different online retailers.

Summer Louvered Closet Doors: Millwork

The company's closet doors are custom-built to fit into any home decor. They are milled from premium grade solid hardwoods andcombined with classic door joinery techniques. The fully customizable louvers in closet doors are made with fixed louvers were or functioning in any configuration and size. You have also the option to specify the wood type that you prefer to be fabricated on your closet doors. The available wood species are cedar, poplar, oak, mahogany, cherry, teak and maple.

Standard features include hand-crafted solid hardwood components, double tongued, deep pocket and tenon joinery, feather mortiif, floating panel tenoned frames, base rails, deep seated louvers and custom sizing. The available styles are Cabana, StJohn, KeyWest, Biscane, Havanna, St. Bart, St. Marten, St. John and Nassau.

Miami Louver Art Door:

This Miami Louver art Door offers ventilation to your closet aswell as enhances the flow of fresh Air between rooms. This door is a beautiful and fabulous accent to any room, from bedroom to laundryto pantry. It is functional and stylish due to its stylish and solidly constructed rail. It comes in various styles and designs which make this door ideal replaceMent for closet doors, pocket doors, room dividers, French doors and pantry doors. The door is available pre-sanded to make it easy to apply finishes such as clear pine, finger jointed pine primed, radiate crown MDF primed pine, and oak. The bifold version measures 1 1/8 inches and in thickness for easy opening.

Louver Art Doors:

This door is popular because of its beauty and functionality. It provides ventilation, classic styling and solid wood built toallow it to withstand rigorous use. You have the option to choose between full-or half-louvered door louvered door. For closets, laundry, linen or pantry rooms with full-sized openings, you may opt for the bifold version which is available in raised and flat panel designs. Available thickness are 1 and 3/8 inches and 1 and .75 inches.

Solid Pine Wood Louvered Bi-fold Closet Doors:

Khrido.com offers this solid pine wood bifold closet doors with louvers. They are available in different sizes, such as 76 and .5 inches high by .5 inches wide and 29 and 78 and .5 inches high and .5 inches wide and 23.

Boyd Louver Art Folding Door:

Louvered Closet Doors-Material Options

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

What do you do? What do you make? What's the difference, anyway, between "make" and "do"?

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

---

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

These simple words causes lots of confusion for English language learners. I've spent a considerable amount of time teaching a very wide range of ESL classes this distinction. Many ESL students struggle with "make" and "do"-from advanced adult education and community college students to intermediate English students in summer courses and regular university courses. The large number of idioms further complicates the problem.

Here is a quick guide that helps, inaccurate clarify the issue.

Look at some common expressions with "do".
or Do the dishes.
or Do some chores.
or Do your work.
or Do exercises.
or Do your best.
or Do it over.
or Do thereport.

Do is used to describe an activity that you have to do, often over and over again. For instance, we "do the dishes" and "do the laundry" many times. Do also contains an eleMent of duty and responsibility.

Now, take a look at some expressions with "make".
or Please make time.
or You make dinner.
or You make drawings.
or You make decisions.
or You make plans.
or make Your reservations.
or You make money.
or You make aMends.
or You make friends.

Make is used to describe a creative activity or something you choose to do. You choose, for instance, to make plans, make friends, and make decisions. You have choices.

Why do we say "make dinner" if we have to do it over and over? Perhaps because Cooking is seen more as a creativeactivity than a chore. But cleaning the table, and cleaning the dishes are just chores so we say "do the table" and "do the dishes." That's also why Americans say "make money" instead of "money." Making money is seen as both creative and a choice.

Idioms, of course, are cultural and sometimes less than completely logical. Sometimes Americans will use the verb make in a way that might seem strange, but I urge immigrants and international students to "make a decision", "do your best", and learn some practical workplace idioms using make and do.

Finally, I encourage students to work together in small groups and create their own list of idioms with make and do. When I'm lucky and have time, I like to ask students to come to the white board and write their collection of idiomson the board. Homework, of course, is asking them to choose 5-10 idioms and write complete sentences.

One co-worker has students write questions with "do" and "make" and interview each other. Another prefers using a multiple choice quiz. One ESL teacher emailed me that they compare and contrast "Mike" Make "and" Dudley Do Right "for students.

So how do you teach the difference between do and make to your English students? Do you have a favorite exercise to teach this point? Have you found an exceptional list of idioms with do and make? Consider me curious.

Ask more. Know more. Share more.
Create Compelling Conversations.

How Do You Teach the Difference Between " and " Make " Do "?

How to Install a Drain Field

Installing a septic system requires putting in a septic field. A drain field is the part of a septic system where the wastewater is dispersed into the soil for absorption and filtration. Installing one may seem difficult for the novice; however, when you have the knowledge and tools to do the Job correctly, it is actually a fAirly easy task.

How to Install a Drain Field

How to Install a Drain Field

---

How to Install a Drain Field

How to Install a Drain Field

The following is a general guide on how to install a drain field:

1. The process for installing a field will vary from region to region, so the first thing you need to do is learn about the applicable building codes and obtain a permit. As well, you will also have to learn about the necessary inspections. You should also talk to the zoning departMent in your area. You will have to present your plans to the proper local governMentdepartment to get your permit.

2. The location you choose to install the drain will require a percolation test. A percolation test measures the ability of water to soak into the ground. This test will tell you how porous the soil is and the length of the field lines that will need to be installed. The size of The tank you acquire will depend on the number of bedrooms in the home. The results of the percolation test will allow the inspector to determine the type of materials you need for it such as sand, gravel, fill dirt, and topsoil.

3. You will have to measure for the installation of the lines. Some people will use a surveyor to measure and record the dimensions.

4. Once you have the correct measurements, dig the trenches for the field lines. The depth of the fieldlines will be determined by the depth of the outlets from the septic tank. When digging field lines, make sure there is a slight slope so that there will be proper drainage.

5. Lay the drain pipes in the field line trenches and attach them to the outlets from the septic tank. Once this is done, fill the septic tank with water.

6. Fill in the field lines with the percolation test determined materials such as gravel, sand, dirt ... etc. Once you have it filled in properly, you will likely have to get another final inspection. After you pass the inspection, you can lay sod or grass plant. Remember, when you are covering the drain fields, there should be a slight mound to prevent water from draining on the property.

How to Install a Drain Field

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

Blueprints are nothing more than copies of the final plans drawn up for the home owners ' approval. Highly detailed, these docuMents contain a wealth of information. Typically, a blueprint package includes a set of drawings called elevations, illustrating exterior and interior walls. But that's not all. The package contains other drawings. One is of your building site, and another drawing illustrates the foundation of the house. The reflected ceiling plan reveals where light fixtures are to be placed.

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

---

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

In addition, each blueprint incorporates a materials list with sizes and quantities of all necessary components required to construct the building features. This information enables the contractor to compile building costs. There is one additional category of blueprints-thefloorplans-with which people are probably the most familiar. Here's an insider's guide to reading the plans to your dream home.

1. Scales and diMensions are clearly indicated.

The scale of blueprints may be 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch to the foot. Whatever the scale, it will be noted in one of the lower corners of the blueprint. All blueprints to the house are drawn to the same scale. Dimensions are noted in feet and inches. In most cases, the length and width of all the exterior walls are shown in addition to dimensions of each room. With this information in hand, you can easily determine which rooms are best sized for various family activities. You can also plan for the arrangement of furnishings.

2. Exterior walls are represented by thick parallel lines, and interior wallsare represented by thinner lines.

The placement of the walls, particularly the decisions you make regarding the interior partition walls, greatly affect the layout of your home. And, if you can understand the exact placement when you first receive the blueprints, you'll likely make fewer changes as the process evolves, cutting down on unnecessary and unforeseen "– expenses to your project.

3. Rooms are clearly labeled by function-kitchen, living, dining, etc.

Built-in items within rooms also are presented in a logical fashion. For example, as you study the documents, Fireplaces, closets and built-ins become obvious. Also apparent are the placement of kitchen and bathroom fixtures, counters, sinks, cabinetry and kitchen appliances.

4. It's easy to determine ceilingconfigurations and two-story rooms.

A series of parallel dashes across a room denotes a ceiling beam; an arrow accompanied by the word "sloped" marks a cathedral ceiling. A double-height room is easy to spot. The blueprint of the lower level bears the notation "open to above the upper level" and "open to below."

5. Doors are represented by a straight line.

When you study the blueprint of the floorplan, pretend that you are walking through the actual house. Visualize the two-dimensional blueprints in a three-dimensional form. This technique helps you transform the data and symbols into something more real. A good place to start is at the entryway. From there, you can clearly see the overall organization of the home's interior. In houses designed today, rooms are placedinto one of three zones dedicated to living (family room, dining room and living room), work (kitchen, laundry and utility rooms) or sleeping (bedrooms and corresponding bathrooms). They appear as if open with a thinner, curving line showing the space required for them to close.

French doors have two straight and two curved lines. Two overlapping sets of straight lines is the symbol for sliding glass doors. Parallel solid lines within walls are windows. Like doors, sliding window overlapping lines indicated units. As you study the placement of windows and doors, you can determine if they will permit good ventilation and natural lighting of the interior, as well as make the most of exterior views and provide sufficient access to the outdoors.

6. On the blueprintsof a two-story house, you will encounter a stAircase, revealed by a group of parallel lines.

The number of lines is equal to the number of steps. The lines are accompanied by arrows. Those labeled "up" mean that the stAircase leads to a higher level; conversely, those labeled "down" lead to a lower level.

7. Letters on the drawings serve as keys to the information listed in the margins.

For example, on the blueprint of the floorplan, a series of circled letters beginning with "A" refer to the types of doors selected. This "door" schedule, "as it is called, coordinates the location of each door, as well as the style and size. A closet door, for example, has a circled letter at the proper place on the blueprint. In reading the blueprint, the corresponding margin notationmay read something like " -0" 2 ' solid core flush door, paint-grade veneer. "

8. Openings on the blueprint for windows bear a number within a circle.

This marking refers to the list of window styles and sizes cited in the window schedule in the blueprint margin. As an example, a bathroom window may bear the designation of "1" in a circle. Looking at the schedule window, the circled 1 may be listed as a "3 ' 0" x 10 ' 2 "awning window."

9. The same approach applies to electrical symbols.

Here are some common examples: A capital "S" stands for a wall switch that controls an overhead light fixture. A capital "S" with a "3" subscript refers to a three-way wall switch. A capital "J" in a box marks the location of a junction box. A capital "L" in a circle is the site of anexterior light fixtures. A triangle indicates the location of a telephone receptacle.

10. Large letters accompanied by carets (>) pointing toward each wall refer to an elevation, or drawing, of the wall as it will appear when built.

An exterior elevation is illustrated by a large letter and a 90-degree angled line to the side.

11. The placement of appliances and fixtures is easy to determine.

The symbol for a kitchen range or cooktop is four circles within a square. Bird's-eye drawings are used to represent the refrigerator, kitchen sink, bath sinks, toilets and showers. In the kitchen, a series of dashes accompanied by the notation "DW" mark the location of an undercounter dishwasher. Look carefully to see that the appliances have been placed where you wantthem. Again, visualize yourself inside of the home, preparing meals (or doing the dishes).

12. Tile flooring also is easy to spot.

It is illustrated by an expanse of small squares in the bathroom or in front of a Fireplace drawing.

13. Elevations represent how the walls of the house will appear when built.

Interior wall elevations includes drawings of Fireplaces, cabinets and shelving, windows, doors and other desired built-in elements. Exterior elevations note the location of windows, doors and other items such as roof eaves.

14. Accompanying the elevations may be some drawings which outline the construction details.

Frequently, you'll find drawings outlining the configuration of exterior corners. Or, you may be given the foundation footings and columnbases, indicating depths and widths.

15. Sections provide a see-through representation of the house.

You can visually see how various elements of the house will align when construction is completed. This is helpful in visualizing porticos and other details of the facade, as well as outdoor decks, arcades and any decorative aspects. If this seems too overwhelming, don't try to absorb all of the information that blueprints provide at one sitting. Study them in a leisurely manner, allowing the house to reveal itself to you gradually over time. Then, when you have a firm idea of what your new log home will look like and how it will function, you'll have much more confidence in your leap of faith to start building.

Reading Blueprints-15 Tips to Help You Understand Drawings, Elevations and Floor Plans

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

Over the past half-century, the Dress shirt has gone from being an undergarMent to holding a prominent place in many outfits. This is one reason why it is today available in so many styles, colors, and patterns. Whether one's style is chinos or suit-and-tie, shirts are an essential means of expanding one's wardrobe.

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

---

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

A shirt's style signals quite a bit about the wearer's intentions. A Dress shirt with a button-down collar, left breast pocket, plain front, and single-button cuffs signals leisure while at Dress shirt with a turned-down point collar, no breast pocket, placket front, and French cuffs signals formality. The beauty of adjusting a shirt's style is that you can design it for not only for the occasion but also to compliMent your uniquefeatures.

Shirt Collars

The Men's dress shirt collar is the most important style detail, both in determining the garMent's level of formality and in how it flatters the wearer's face. Button-down collars are the least formal and extremely versatile; they look great without a tie but can just as well support to tie and sweater, sport coat blazer, or combination. The wing collar, on the other hand, is reserved for formal wear and should always be worn with its companion parts. It is the least versatile collar, whose sole purpose is to signal the highest level of dress.

Most men's dress shirts sports some sort of pointed collar, but there is huge room for variety here. While the standard point collar looks good on most men, those with narrower faces do betterwith slightly shorter ones, while round faces carry well above long collar points. As a general rule, the greater the angle between the short sides of the collar points, the more formal the presentation. Spread collars, which leave a wide opening between them, take large tie knots especially well. The edges of the cut-away collar nearly form a straight line above the tie knot; this is the most formal collar arrangement. An exception to the parallelism of spread and formality is the tab collar: here little tabs of fabric extending from each side connect behind the tie knot, holding the collar close together and projecting the knot outward for a precise, no-nonsense look. The white contrast collar, in any style, with or without matching white French cuffs, is a favorite ofpower-dressers. While it certainly raises a suit-and-tie above the masses, let the wearer be warned against it if he cannot equal its eminence.

On most decent dress shirts, the collar's points are kept straight by collar stays. These 2-to 3-inch pointed splints are inserted into slots on the underside of the collar after ironing, and later removed for washing. Besides the plastic ones that come with most shirts, you can buy them in brass, silver, and even ivory, but their material has becoming negligible effect on their function.

Shirt Cuffs

Barrel cuffs, standard on most dress shirts, as in a variety of styles and except for the most formal of occasions are never a bad choice. The common variety has a single button; cuffs with two or even three buttons aresomewhat more artful. French cuffs are de rigeur sides for formal wear; they look good with a suit but are always optional. A button in the sleeve the sleeve placket helps to stay closed during wear and can be opened to iron the cuffs; it is optional but nearly ubiquitous.

Shirt Pockets

The traditional left breast pocket adds a little depth to a dress shirt, especially if worn without jacket and tie, and can be useful for holding pens, tickets, and the like. A shirt with no pockets can look slightly cleaner with a coat and tie, but since the coat covers the pocket the difference is minimal when wearing a suit. As with most things, simplicity equals formality, so the pocket-less shirt is the dressiest.

Shirt Front & ThePlacket

The standard placket is a strip of fabric raised off the men's dress shirt front with stitches down each side; this is what most casual shirts dress shirts and many have. In the more modern French placket, the edge of the shirt front is folded over, creased, and held together only by the button holes. This cleaner front sharpens more formal dress shirts; it should not, however, be combined with a button-down collar. There are also hidden button plackets, and as the name suggests hide the front buttons under a sheath of fabric.

T-shirt Back

Men's backs are not flat; thus we use pleats on the back panel of a shirt so that the fabric may hang from the yoke (the piece covering the shoulder blades) and better conform to the body. Thereare two common varieties of pleated shirt back styles: the box pleat consists of two pleats spaced one-and-a-half inches apart at the center, while side pleats lie halfway between each edge and the center of the back. While the former are more common on ready-to-wear shirts, the latter better align with the actual shape of the back, and thus fit most men better. A custom made shirt can be cut and sewn to fit its wearer perfectly without pleats, and this makes it cleaner and easier to iron. Nonetheless, many men prefer to have pleats even on their bespoke dress shirts.

Monograms

Men's Dress Shirts t-shirt Style Details (Collars, Cuffs, Pockets, Etc.)

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

Unlike fractional ownership of Aircraft and houseboats, fractional owners of a cruise ship can all use the ship simultaneously. There is plenty of room for you and the other owners to live on the ship any time you want, or all the time. You can use it as a full-time residence, and so can the other co-owners.

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

---

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

The first obvious benefit of shared ownership is acquisition cost. There are many cruise ships on the market in all price ranges, sizes, ages and conditions. There are many smaller and older cruise ships available for less than one million Dollars. At the lower end, some smaller cruise ships in fAir condition can be acquired for about $ 250,000. At the highest end, the biggest new mega cruise ships now cost about $ 500 million to build.

Do the math. If onehundred buyers pool resources in exchange for a percenTAGe of ship ownership, the acquisition cost will be divided by that same number. One percent ownership of a $ 250,000 cruise ship would cost a mere $ 2500 for ship acquisition. At the other end of the scale, one percent ownership of a brand new mega cruise ship would cost five million Dollars.

There are some other figures that must be tabulated into the total cost of ownership. Acquisition cost is first and foremost. The next figure is the cost to put the ship in service. On an older ship this cost may be higher than the acquisition cost. On the other hand, the cost to put a ship into service can be much lower if you were to get a good deal on a ship that already meets the international standards for ship safety, especiallySOLAS (Safety of Life at Sea). Maintaining compliance with SOLAS 74 Chapter II is cost prohibitive aMendMents for some older ships and they are typically scrapped instead of being refurbished at great expense. There is a very important SOLAS impleMentation dates coming up on January 10, 2010. On that date all commercial international ships will be required to be in compliance with the new fire safety codes. The most important new codes deal with the use of combustible materials in the ship. It will be expensive to replace all combustible materials in ships with non-combustible or flame resistant SOLAS compliant materials that meet the new safety standards. This will result in many ships being sold for scrap metal.

The SOLAS 2010 impleMentation date that offers both perilsand opportunities. The biggest peril is the possibility that the expense to bring a ship into full compliance with international standards will be greater than the value of the ship. However, there is a silver lining in this cloud. This pending SOLAS implementation date has already started to show up as a primary factor in the asking and selling prices of ships on the market today.

SOLAS 2010 also offers a tremendous opportunity for those who may prefer to have a very large houseboat instead of a commercial ship. Ships that are not in compliance with SOLAS 2010 are now selling for a song (inexpensively). A cruise ship can easily be converted into a mega-yacht with the stroke of a pen. Privately owned yachts, not in commercial service, and not carrying passengers or cargo forhire are exempt from many of the SOLAS requirements. Operating costs are also lower for a private yacht. It cost less to register, flags, and insure a private yacht. Megayachts can be flagged and classified for unlimited service. That means that a yacht can go practically anywhere you want it to go. There is one major drawback to registering a cruise ship as a private yacht. You cannot use the yacht commercially. This cuts off a potential revenue source.

There are many decent cruise ships for sale at prices of less than one million dollars that would make good private mega yachts. For example, take the ' VIRGIN SKY ' is a ship that I have personally creamed and so I can talk first hand about it. The asking price was 0,000. Here are the specifics of the ship in anutshell:

Current Name: Vergina Sky

Ship Details: Built: 1971 in Japan-totally rebuilt 1992 in Greece

Dimensions: LOA 97.8 m x LBP 82m x beam x draft 14.6 m 4.49 m Dwt: GT/500 on NT: 4.49 4.668/1.717

Description: 2 x 8400bhp Pielstick, twin screw, bow thruster, 3 x 500kw generators, 16 knots, 2 saloons, restaurant, 3 bars, casino, duty free shop, disco, swimming pool, 120 cabins for 318 guests. Lying Greece

My Comments after inspecting the ship

This is a well built little Pocket Cruiser. ' At just over 320 ' in length overall, it is a small cruise ship. Many experienced cruise passengers prefer smaller more intimate cruise ships for a variety of reasons. This ship can go places where the big cruise ships cannot reach, such as shallow draft ports andeven many rivers. It has an omni-directional bow thruster and can turn on a dime (relatively speaking of course). I have carefully examined this ship from the engine to the ultrasound hull log report. This is a sound and safe little cruise ship. It is also a very fuel efficient and economical ship. My first time on this ship was in the middle of the summer in Greece when it was very hot outside. The ship is fully air conditioned and it was cool and comfortable inside the ship. I checked the engine room to see how many generators were running. I am happy to report that all the electric and air-conditioning requirements can be met by running just one of the three Daihatsu generators. These generators are very economical to operate in terms of fuel consumption andmaintenance.

I was able to negotiate with the owner, John Kosmas and get some concessions. I got the price down to $ 500,000. And at that price, he agreed to bring the ship into compliance with SOLAS 2005 and also to include new topside paint. The ship was fairly well furnished even including bed linen, but the ship had been laid up for years. Its most recent service was in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. Cruise ships that trade exclusively in the Mediterranean and Black Seas tend to have smaller cabins and fewer amenities than the typical cruise ships that frequent the Caribbean. The bottom line is that this ship was an economy model, not a luxury model. When I was inspecting the engine room, I asked for the engine log. When I opened it I noticed all the entries were inGreek. I was able to discern some dates and other data that told me when the ship was last in service, but I could not read the Greek entries so I handed the engine logs back to the ship owner, and told him "It's all Greek to me." Being Greek, Mr. Kosmas failed to find the humor in that.

Let's look at the numbers on this ship. 100% of the acquisition cost would have been $ 500,000. 1% thus = $ 5000. One hundred buyers could own one percent each. There are 120 cabins so each co-owner could have a private cabin with 20 cabins left over. However, these cabins are a bit on the small side. Every cabin does have a bath and shower, but the size is just too small to be comfortable for most people, especially if the owners intend to live onboard full time. On a ship this size I wouldrecommend that there be no more than 60 joint owners know each can have two cabins and will have the option of converting those two cabins into a two room suite. To keep the numbers simple lets say that this ship has 50 buyers who each buy 2% of the ship. Buy in cost for owner would then be $ 10,000. If there were only ten buyers, then the acquisition cost per buyer would be $ 50,000. $ 50,000 will not buy much of a house on land, but on this ship it would buy 10% of a ship like the Virgin Sky and twelve cabins that could be converted into a fairly large home.

At the economy end of the scale, a co owner could buy 1% of an economical cruise ship for about $ 5000. However it is not necessary for all co owners to have equal shares in the ship. Ownership can easily be divided up into1% increments. If one buyer wanted 5%, then his cost of acquisition would be $ 25,000. He would be entitled to 5% of the ship's cabins, and would have five votes on operations and management of the ship, such as itinerary planning.

Before becoming a joint owner, it would be imperative to find other people who have similar goals. I would suggest composing a preliminary DCCR (DECLARATION OF
COVENANTS, CONDITIONS AND RESTRICTIONS). You can do this even before you shop for a ship. Write your version of how you envision the shared ownership of a cruise ship as it should be. Then see if you can find some people who agree with your goals and your DCCR, subject to some revisions and concessions to accommodate other joint owners.

Step One: Determine if you and your family havethe desire and financial capability to become joint cruise ship (or mega) owners.

Step Two: Find others who agree with your concept for shared ownership of a ship.

Step Three: Shop for a ship. This is the fun part.

Step Four: Buy a ship.

Step Five: Put the ship into service.

Even if you are not rich, you can afford to jointly own a cruise ship. But then comes the next logical question: Why would you or anyone want to live on a cruise ship? Who would this be suitable for?

If you are reTired or otherwise have a stable income from a dependable source you probably can afford to be a cruise ship co-owner and live full-time onboard a cruise ship. If you work in a field where you can work from home online, then you too can probably afford to become aco-owner of a cruise ship. Most modern ships have satellite Internet service available 24-7.

Operating a cruise ship is expensive. The expenses include the cost of fuel, labor, maintenance, repairs, spares, Food, port charges, insurance, technical management, shore management, registration, and the other costs of operating the ship. At first glance these costs may seem expensive, but in reality the cost of living at sea is actually a bargain considering what you get, based upon what you pay. The best value does not always translate to the cheapest price. If the ship is well managed, the management will seek the highest quality goods, services and labor at the very best global value. If the owners are dissatisfied with either technical or shore management, they replacethem.

If there are many other co-owners of the ship to split the operating expenses of the ship, it can be affordable for those with a moderate level of income, such as a reTirement check. I do have specific operating cost figures but I won't bore you with that date. The bottom line is that it would not be prohibitively expensive for a middle-class average person to be able to afford to own a fraction of a cruise ship and be able to afford to live on the cruise ship full-time if they elect to do so.

For comparison purposes it is noteworthy that you have in land based housing expenses too. Those expenses include property taxes, homeowners insurance, maintenance and repairs, yard care, and utilities. Additionally you have transportation costs and of course Food costs. Mostpeople also spend money on entertainment, too. When these expenses are added up the maintenance fees for living aboard a ship are comparable.

There are actually some savings resulting from living aboard a ship. The ship's executive chef buys Food and kitchen Supplies in bulk for the ship and can get better prices than the average shopper. Other savings result from the large freezers and the mobility of the ship giving the food service management the ability to stock up on Supplies in countries where prices are low. Some crew and owners may choose to Fish for leisure. This can Supply some fresh food at even lower costs to the owners. Labor savings are realized when the crew is hired based upon the best global labor rates. The laws of Supply and demand drive prices down in someplaces in the world. Proper ship management can capitalize on these international. All the savings would be passed on to the cabin owners resulting in an economical cost of living similar to what you could expect to spend with a conventional home. Ship management should have accounting transparency will all books (financial records) open and available for any owner to inspect. Also ship management should submit all financial records quarterly to an outside auditor for the peace of mind of the owners. Anybody in the chain who spends any of the ship's operational funds should also be audited periodically. For example, a good way to audit the executive chef would be for one or more of the live-aboard co-owners of the ship to go to the food market district of each port of call and theyshould try to haggle and get a better price for the same food than the price the executive chef was able to acquire. If the executive chef cannot find better deals than the ship's co-owners, then the executive chef should be given his walking papers. The executive chef position is a vital position on a cruise ship. This is a position of trust because he will bill the food he buys to the ship. He must never be tempted to accept bribes from vendors or suppliers. Therefore, he should know that he will be audited and rules any substandard performance will result in termination of his employment.

The biggest value of all onboard cruise ship is in labor costs. The better cruise ships tend to be labor intensive, providing passengers with unrelenting attention and extravagantpampering. The hotel staff on all cruise ships provides the basic services including food preparation and serving, laundry, cabin stewarding area, entertainment, casino operation, beauty shop operations, This is one area where I would prefer to not scrimp because of the very good value in these services due to the low cost of international labor. I would prefer to go beyond the level that most cruise ships go in the area of spas. Land based luxury and specialty resort spas are very expensive, but the exact same level of service, professionalism, skill, and treatments can be provided on a cruise ship at extremely low cost. Labor is the key and the primary reason for most of the expense of spas. Labor is a tremendous value on a cruise ship because the cruise ship managers can chooseworkers from the global marketplace where it is easy to get the best value for the money.

Spas

Spa treatment is customized for each client. Spas commonly offer services such as:

Soothing Massage therapies, skin and body treatments drawing from European and Eastern principles, expert hair and nail services, and a full menu of therapeutic treatments utilizing a deep-cleansing facial at the start of the program, as well as a series of detoxification and contouring wraps, lypo-reduction wrap, as well as marine mud and herb wraps. Massage Therapies including: Swedish Massage, Shiatsu Massage, Deep Tissue Treatment, Maternity Massage, Therapeutic Foot Massage (Reflexology), French Hydrotherapy Massage.

The healing therapies includes a variety of massages,reflexology, facials, firming and many other body treatments. Plus a wide variety of services and wellness programs specially designed to meet the individual's needs and desires. A full service salon offers all manner of hair treatments (including a certified colorist), as well as a variety of manicures, pedicures, and ' facelifts ' for your hands. Extensive skin care includes: Age Management Therapies including, Glycolic Facial, anti-aging Facial Peel Microdermabrasion; Aromaplasty Facial including: Facials, Teen Facial, Gentleman's Facial, Facial, Regulating Nutrisource Acne Facial, Vitamin "C" Facial Skin Renewal; Body Treatments including Decleor Mask: Sauna, Hydrotherapy Massage French Salt Glow, Andromeda, Mummy Mask, Seaweed Mud Body Wrap, Safe Sun Treatment, Herbal Wrap.as well as various hair and nail treatments.

Additionally, PSAs also can facilitate weight reduction programs, and even administer Ph MeterS BREADTH DRAFT

BUILT 1981/POLAND

REBUILT 1991

REBUILT-UPGRADED 1999

REBUILT-RENOVATED-REFURBISHED 2002

CLASS R.S. ICE CLASS L2

GRT 12637

650 230 PASSENGERS IN CABINS (3 BERTH OCCUPANCY BASIS)

ALL CABINS WITH PRIVATE FACILITIES (INCLUDING SEMI SUITES AND SUITES)

9 DECKS

HELICOPTER PAD

MAIN ENGINES 4 X SULZER 4.350BHP

SPEED ABOUT 15 KNOTS ON 17.5/ABOUT 45/36 M/TONS + 9 TONS DIESEL OIL

BOWTHRUSTER 800 BHP

STABILIZERS

120 TONS PER DAY WATER MAKER

RECEPTION

LOUNGE

RESTAURANT (420 SEATS)

NINE BARS

CASINO

DUTY FREE SHOP

CHILDREN'S PLAY ROOM-TWO DISCOS

TV/MOVIE CORNER

DUTY FREE SHOPS

HAIRDressING SHOP

JACUZZI

ONE PASSENGER ELEVATOR

LAUNDRY SPA & HEALTH CLUB

TWO SAUNAS

CLINIC

TWO SWIMMING POOLS (ADULT & CHILDREN)

Cost per cabin based on asking price, ,739. This ship will sell for less than asking price. It is already SOLAS 2010 compliant. It would cost very little to put into commercial service.

Conclusion

You Can Be a Cruise Ship Owner Even If You Are Not Rich

Lasagna: The Quick, Easy, and Delicious Way

Do you know that the local restaurant you frequent probably doesn't make everything from scratch? I learned this when I worked in a New York City a while back. Much to my dismay, I Watched one day as the kitchen staff unpacked boxes of already-made sauces, packages of conveniently chopped vegetables, and even prepared cookie dough and pie-shells. There is a well-known chain of sandwich shops that boasts heroes with "freshly baked bread". But you might be expecting to find frenetic yeast rising and dough rolling in the back. Chances are you would see globs of dough pre-formed into hero-bread shape, waiting to be put in the oven. And what's the difference? The cookie or bread would taste freshly baked, and the cooks wouldn't waste time with rolling pins or discarding dough that didn't rise. It makes for a much more efficient kitchen, right?

Well, why not use the same principle in your own kitchen? You can make a delicious lasagna without rolling out the Pasta dough, or even toiling over a stove to make your own sauce, like Grandma did. Of course, if you want to do everything from scratch, more power to you, because you probably have no kids, don't have to work for a living, and have someone to clean the mansion and do the laundry. But for the rest of us, leave the saucing to Francesco Rinaldi, and the Pasta artistry to Ronzoni. Your guests will think you knocked yourself out for them, and you can still put your own culinary signature on your lasagna. To this day, friends still call me on me to tell them how to make "my" lasagna, and my name doesn't even end in a vowel!

First, buy a package of lasagna Pasta. To make it special, you can get green spinach Pasta. If you want to make it really outstanding and you live in a big city, or an area with a big Italian population, you can go to the local Italian deli and get fresh lasagna noodles, instead of picking your box off the grocery shelf. Check with the store about Cooking time and make sure you tell them you are making a lasagna, so the Pasta will be put in the oven after Cooking. Sometimes you get already-cooked Pasta that you can put right into the oven without par-boiling. If you use pasta from the box, do not boil it for the 15 minutes they tell you on the box. You want your pasta to be "al dente" which is a little hard, because when you put it in the oven to bake your lasagna, the pasta will cook more, and you don't want it to overcook it and let it get mushy.

The next thing you are going to put together is your filling. Now, here is where you are going to put your own signature on your lasagna. Mine was little mini-meatballs, but you can also brown the chopped meat and put it in too. Start with some tomato sauce. Here too, take liberty and pick out a jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce. You can use meat sauce and you don't have to brown any meat. You can use sauce with sausage, or to make it really special, buy already-made Italian sausage. Make sure you cook it first. Want to add your own special vegetable? You can put in cooked eggplant, zucchini. Onions, peppers or whatever you want. Add fresh herbs if you desire. If you want to make a vegetarian lasagna, leave out the meat. Want to go easy on the calories and cholesterol? Use chicken or instead of chopped beef, use chopped veal or even chopped turkey. For a very different lasagna, put in seaFood -- calamari, mussels, or even shrimp.

Now you are ready to assemble your lasagna and put it in the oven to bake. You will need a large container of ricotta cheese and a package of mozzarella cheese too. Take a rectangular baking dish- either glass or metal, or even disposable. Spray the bottom with non-stick Cooking spray or a thin layer of olive oil. Then line the bottom of the pan with sauce. Then cover the bottom with a layer of your pre-cooked "al dente" lasagna noodles. Next, slather on your ricotta cheese in a thick layer. Then, put on your filling and sauce. Then, put another layer of lasagna noodles, again slather on ricotta, and again your filling. Top off with a layer of lasagna noodles, liberally pour sauce on top, and then slices of mozzarella to cover the top. Put the pan in a 350-degree oven for 30 minutes, or until the mozzarella on top is completely melted and the sauce is bubbling.

Make sure to serve some Italian bread and compliMent with a good bottle of wine, and your guests will never know that you didn't slave all day. You can even make the components of the filling the day before. That way, all you have to do on the night of your dinner Party is parboil the lasagna noodles, assemble the lasagna, and pop it in the oven. Everything is already cooked; you only have to put it all in the oven to melt the mozzarella and heat everything up. The lasagna is your creation. You have chosen what goes into it and what flavors and spices your guests' taste buds will enjoy. And the best part? If there are leftovers, you can reheat it and enjoy it again. I will never figure out why, but Italian Food always tastes even better the second time around. Isn't there a song like that? Or is it love that is better the second time around? Love? Lasagna? They certainly go together.

---