Remodeling Ideas

I love these!

Side note - Please excuse the formatting snafu, but I wanted you to see these pictures.

From Buzzed Life -

http://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/insanely-clever-remodeling-ideas-for-your-new-home#.tuJ5onKvyE

31 Insanely Clever Remodeling Ideas For Your New Home

1. Lower your living room to create a conversation pit.

gaweomah.blogspot.com

The bi-level living room will give your home an incredibly spacious yet cozy effect.

2. Turn an attic nook into a pillow room.

kirainet.com

sarahhobbs.net

 

What is life but one long, perpetual movie-night slumber party?

3. Display your book collection under the stairs.

quora.com

simpleho.me

 

4. Or use the space underneath for storage.

facebook.com

stairstorageco.net

ljacobsendesign.com

Next-level wine collection not included, unfortunately.

5. Or use that space for a book nook.

brooklynberrydesigns.com

 

So much cozy.

6. Dogs are people, too, which is why your dog should probably get his or her own little haven underneath the stairs.

decorativesoul.com

ljacobsendesign.com

 

7. Make space for two dishwashers instead of one.

thekitchn.com

monogram.com

 

You can load one while the other washes. KitchenAid also makes a double drawer dishwasher.

8. If you’re doing a HUGE remodel, ask your contractor about tacking on a treehouse or guesthouse.

theletteredcottage.net

This add-on might cost less than you think.

[source: Quora]

9. Turn your shabby garden shed into a charming artist’s shed.

jacquidodds.blogspot.com

sunset.com

 

With big windows for lots of light and visual inspiration.

10. Install an in-wall pest control system.

 

Pest-tube installation means that all the exterminator has to do is inject some stuff into one end to keep insects and rodents away.

11. Maximize your space with baseboard drawers.

familyhandyman.com

Especially in the kitchen and bathroom.

12. Consider a hidden room.

hiddenpassageway.com

urbancoreventures.com

Sometimes it’s as simple as adding a bookcase to a door.

13. Make your walls MAGNETIC.

magnektik.com

Magnektik makes large magnetic panels that are strong enough to hang anything, including shelves and TVs.

14. An S-shaped seat turns your shower or steam room into one you can LIE DOWN IN.

continentalsa.co

Insane in le bain.

15. Have an extra-tall ceiling? Stretch a ceiling hammock across it.

luxurystuff.biz

16. A walk-in shower means NO GLASS TO CLEAN.

artdesignbuild.com

blogs.cotemaison.fr

 

And they even fit into small bathroom spaces.

17. Install chutes in your kitchen for your trash and recycling.

hgtvpro.com

Funnel them straight into the garage.

18. A platform in a storage/guestroom hides away all of your stuff while keeping the room usable.

diycozyhome.com

mrfconstruction.com

It’s also a great way to make a comfy nook room more functional.

19. Build a bar into your deck.

20. Turn dead space above a staircase into a playroom.

apartmenttherapy.com

apartmenttherapy.com

 

21. Build a second mini-fridge in your kitchen island for BEER.

myhomelookbook.com

Or really, anything you want.

22. Instead of typical cabinets, build a pull-out cabinet for instant counter space.

onekindesign.com

23. Put a sink with jets in your laundry room so you have a convenient place to wash your delicates.

relaxdeco.com

24. Utilize dead space with a built-in wine rack.

fcstudioinc.com

Or build the wine rack directly into the kitchen island.

houzz.com

25. Two words: VACUUM BASEBOARDS.

http://www.aerusvacuums.com

This sorcery actually exists.

26. Kids will love having slumber parties in their bunkroom.

houzz.com

houzz.com

 

27. Bring the outdoors IN with these accordion glass windows and doors.

houzz.com

houzz.com

 

houzz.com

It’s an epic way to open up your kitchen while entertaining.

28. Swap out your boring old ceiling for a star-gazing sunroof.

mydreamabode.wordpress.com

29. Install a two-sided fireplace between the bathroom and the bedroom.

eldoradostone.com

Who needs heated tiles when you have a bathroom fireplace?

30. Frame your living room fireplace with built-in seating.

myhomelookbook.com

Fireplaceseat is the new windowseat.

31. And finally, go ahead and add that master bedroom balcony.

roeosbornphoto.com

You deserve a quiet, tranquil place to look out over your land.

Looking for more unbelievably clever ideas for your home? Sign up for the BuzzFeed DIY newsletter!

 

A Nuanced Response . . .

To the tragic killings of two New York City police officers written by Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

Money quote:

Police are not under attack, institutionalized racism is. Trying to remove sexually abusive priests is not an attack on Catholicism, nor is removing ineffective teachers an attack on education. Bad apples, bad training, and bad officials who blindly protect them, are the enemy. And any institution worth saving should want to eliminate them, too.

Check out of the entire article below.

http://time.com/3643462/kareem-abdul-jabbar-nypd-shootings-police/

That Took Cojones

It's been almost forty years since I've attended mass regularly, although I was raised a staunch Catholic.  There were several reasons for my departure from the church, the chief of which was being the good wife and following my husband (now longtime ex-husband) in his religious beliefs.

Then, of course, the decades of scandal at the hands of disgusting, pedophile priests who raped and silenced God only know how many young boys and men, rattled the cages of the most ardent Catholic parishioners.

So, it's under the backdrop that Pope Francis took over the beleaguered church.

I expected more of the same from him as from his predecessors.

Boy, was I wrong.

He used his annual message to the folks who run the Vatican, to send them a blistering message, calling them out for their abuse of power,  and their "catalogue of illnesses."

That took cojones.

He went where few, if any, have ever tread.

Kudos to him.

This man was born to make a difference, and at 78 years old, he's destined to see it come to pass.

This makes me want to find a Catholic Church somewhere and attend mass, just to be in solidarity with him.

Check out his dressing down below.

http://hosted.ap.org/dynamic/stories/E/EU_REL_VATICAN_REFORM?SITE=AP&SECTION=HOME&TEMPLATE=DEFAULT&CTIME=2014-12-22-19-59-48

Another Feel Good Football Story

This one is about Marshawn Lynch's response to a great performance in spite of being sick on the sidelines for most of the game.

His momma must be proud.

http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/12/marshawn-lynch-is-the-politest-troll-in-the-nfl

Dear God

When I read this article, I had not read the comments by Dick Cheney.

Somewhere in our country lies an as yet undiscovered gravesite and an appropriate stone to mark the date of death and the burial of the brain of one Richard Cheney, the 46th Vice President of the United States, familiarly and deservedly known as Dick. - Norman Lear

The whole post can be read below.  It's a quickie.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/norman-lear/help-us-dear-god_b_6326356.html

Then I found the reference, and it all made sense.

This exchange is from Meet the Press.


CHUCK TODD: Let me go to Gul Rahman. He was chained to the wall of his cell, doused with water, froze to death in C.I.A. custody. And it turned out it was a case of mistaken identity.

DICK CHENEY: --right. But the problem I had is with the folks that we did release that end up back on the battlefield. [...] I'm more concerned with bad guys who got out and released than I am with a few that, in fact, were innocent.

CHUCK TODD: 25% of the detainees though, 25% turned out to be innocent. They were released.

DICK CHENEY: Where are you going to draw the line, Chuck? How are-- [...]

CHUCK TODD: Is that too high? You're okay with that margin for error?

DICK CHENEY: I have no problem as long as we achieve our objective.

The entire article can be viewed below.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/15/1351990/-Dick-Cheney-I-have-no-problem-using-torture-program-against-innocent-persons?detail=email#

I'd like to add to Mr. Lear's comment.  In addition to Mr. Cheney's brain buried somewhere, so is his heart.

Copper = Infection Fighter?

This is a very interesting article on the use of copper, discovered long ago for its infection-fighting qualities, might be a modern day solution to hospital-borne microbes.

Check it out.

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2014/12/17/1352496/-Ancient-Egyptian-technology-may-be-our-first-line-of-defense-from-hospital-infections?detail=email#

Art Education

For the most part, when I left my school district in California, we had, years prior, forsaken all of the arts and extra-curricular activities, for extended days of teaching English and Math.  But after years and years of doing this, we really didn't have much to show for our efforts.  Considering the time, energy and effort spent solely on English and Math education, our kids did not show great improvement.  And in eliminating these enrichment activities, we eliminated the "hook" needed to keep many of our students interested in learning.

Below is a video clip of a school in the Bronx, New York, that has chosen to focus on the arts - in particular choral music - to reach their students.  And in the all too familiar measuring stick - standardized testing - the students have achieved higher than many of their peers.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/20/nyregion/at-voice-charter-school-in-queens-students-have-outperformed-their-peers-academically.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Formation Flying

My ex-husband was a Navy pilot, and our fist duty station as a married couple was at the Naval Air Station - Patuxent River in Patuxent River, Maryland, commonly known as NAS Pax River. We lived there for three years, and it's where Ben was born.

One of my most vivid memories of the place was a runway that ran crossed through a section of the base, such that, when a plane was taxiing to take off, we had to stop at an intersection to let the plane go by.  These were jets, so the planes, nor their wing span, were as big as commercial planes, but they were still massive compared to our vehicles.  Anyway, what I remember most is the fire coming out of the engines as they moved by.  It was so intense, and so hot. I marveled at the ingenuity of it all, from a safe distance back, of course.

Each year, the base sponsored an air show, which was pretty amazing in the scope of the featured planes, from old bi-planes, to the sleekest newcomers.  Even though it was a great event, the first one I attended was my last.  There was something about being that close to them that didn't leave me with excitement, but with a practical realization that if something ever went wrong at one of these events, it would go terribly wrong, and I for one, didn't want to be a witness to it.

I'm glad I attended the one, but I'm also glad I had the courage to say no thank you when they came around again each year.

Those feelings hold true even now.

For example, I'm glad that I went on a desert safari when I first arrived in the UAE, but that's not something I ever want to do again.  It was a harrowing experience better left to the adrenaline junkies.

Anyway, the click below is of massive jumbo jets flying in formation to advertise their newest model.

http://cameras.reviewed.com/news/watch-airbus-risk-15-billion-in-a-wild-airplane-stunt?utm_source=roundup&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=collab

It is worth it?

Do you think they achieved their goal?

Or it is a case of guys being guys, showing off?

Bold Starbucks Move

Just being willing to have a conversation about race relations in America is a bold move, and it's one that was taken recently by the CEO of Starbucks.

Kudos to him.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/17/starbucks-howard-schultz-race_n_6344164.html

Young, Gifted and Black

This remarkable young man is a chess prodigy.

Check out his story below.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/nico-pitney/joshua-colas-grandmaster_b_6349190.html

Bathroom Humor

I'm gonna blame my affinity for bathroom humor on all of the testosterone in my world.

Yep, I'm blaming this one on my guys.

Apologies, in advance, if you're offended by this.

I thought it was hilarious.

http://laughingsquid.com/a-poupourri-toilet-spray-christmas-commercial-featuring-santa-claus-caught-on-the-toilet/

Hat tip to Forrest.

Yep, he's one of mine.

Viva Cuba!

President Obama has a thankless job where on the majority of days the folks who are benefiting the most from his policies and fighting hardest against him.

Kudos to him for waking up each day ready for battle.

Breaking news last night that the US relations with Cuba is leaning heavily toward cooperation and mutually-benefiting diplomacy is terrific for all concerned.  This is evidence of President Obama's negotiating skills at their best.

The article below highlights some not so obvious benefits to this news.

http://www.theroot.com/articles/culture/2014/12/_6_things_you_should_know_about_the_us_cuba_breakthrough.html?wpisrc=newsletter_jcr%3Acontent%26

It's Possible

In 1962 three men escaped from Alcatraz, never to be seen again.

The common theory is that they drowned in their attempt to escape, but the article below suggest they could have made it to shore.

The technology used to support this is truly amazing.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/16/alcatraz-escape-survive_n_6331488.html

Inbox Humor

Hat tip to Forrest.

GOD ENJOYS A GOOD LAUGH!

There were 3 good arguments that Jesus was Black:

1. He called everyone brother

2. He liked Gospel

3. He didn't get a fair trial

But then there were 3 equally good arguments 

that Jesus was Jewish:

1. He went into His Father's business

2. He lived at home until he was 33

3. He was sure his Mother was a virgin and his Mother

was sure He was God

But then there were 3 equally good arguments 

that Jesus was Italian:

1. He talked with His hands

2. He had wine with His meals

3. He used olive oil

But then there were 3 equally good arguments 

that Jesus was a Californian:

1. He never cut His hair

2. He walked around barefoot all the time

3. He started a new religion

But then there were 3 equally good arguments 

that Jesus was an American Indian:

1. He was at peace with nature

2. He ate a lot of fish

3. He talked about the Great Spirit

But then there were 3 equally good arguments 

that Jesus was Irish:

1. He never got married..

2. He was always telling stories.

3. He loved green pastures.

But the most compelling evidence of all 

- 3 proofs that Jesus was a Woman:

1. He fed a crowd at a moment's notice when there was virtually no food

2. He kept trying to get a message across to a bunch of men who just didn't get it

3. And even when He was dead, He had to get up because

there was still work to do

Can I get an AMEN!!

Still Bill

This is a preview of a great documentary about the incomparable singer-songwriter, Bill Withers.  You can rent or purchase this movie from iTunes or Amazon.

It is well worth it.




He is being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, deservedly so.

Check out this article from Rolling Stone.

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/features/bill-withers-performance-hall-of-fame-induction-20141216

See Ben & Frankie . . .

I'm not so bad.

This Mom called in to yell at her pundit sons for arguing on TV.

You gotta love mommas.

http://jezebel.com/mom-calls-c-span-to-yell-at-her-arguing-pundit-sons-1671747153

Can We Clone Him?

Great article on Andrew Luck and how he congratulates his opponents in the heat of the battle.

We should all be like him.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/andrew-luck-the-nfls-most-perplexing-trash-talker-1418663249

Choosing To Do the Right Thing

Every day we're faced with choices.

Decisions.

Options.

We have the choice to say yes or no.

To go left or right.

To stand up for what's right, or look the other way.

We have the choice to put our foot down, and stop the craziness in our world.

Or,

We can ignore it, in hopes that it'll go away.

It rarely does.

Craziness has to be dealt with.

Then, you're left with an informed choice.

Stay.

Knowing that things are not likely to change.

Or,

Go.

And deal with the fallout that that brings.

Here's what I know for sure.

Shit happens to all of us,

But . . .

It's how you deal with it, and the folks that help you through it, that matter.

Make the choice . . .

To do the right thing,

And . . .

Never forget the folks who help to get you where you are.

Too Much?

A pizza bed?

http://laundry.reviewed.com/features/catch-some-zas-with-this-delicious-pizza-bed?utm_source=usat&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=collab

What a See-Saw Can Teach Us

Below is a really interesting video about levers.

It's short.  Less than five minutes, but it's packed with enlightening info.

Check it out.

http://news360.com/digestarticle/7gBerow6Jk-cQTO8IKKrpw

[Official Video] White Winter Hymnal - Pentatonix (Fleet Foxes Cover)

Another one from my favorite guys.

Follow their hands.

Rock and Rollin'

More on Chris Rock from Charlie Rose.

The first clip is the most accurate response to the difference between black and white audiences' appreciation of a performance that I've heard.

Check them all out.

They're good.

http://www.salon.com/2014/12/12/chris_rock_to_charlie_rose_black_people_laugh_better_than_white_people/?source=newsletter

Arrogance Personified

The air must truly be rarified among the young, gifted and outrageously rich.

One of the Silicon Valley rich kids bought "The New Republic" magazine a few years back, and according to many, completely destroyed it.

http://www.salon.com/2014/12/12/downright_contemptuous_and_hostile_5_takeaways_from_the_behind_the_scenes_drama_at_the_new_republic/?source=newsletter

The entitled arrogance of this crop of rich kids usually takes center stage.

What they have in genius intellect, can often be measure against their lack, many times over, of common sense and simple social etiquette.

Genius + Common Sense = Rarer Than a Blue Moon

Proven Fact

From Salon comes an article entitled, "Science Says Men Are Idiots."

Present male company excluded, of course.

Did we really need a scientific study to validate that many more men, to a much greater degree than women (by a long shot) do stupid things that end in death?

http://www.salon.com/2014/12/12/science_says_men_are_idiots/?source=newsletter

More on the Genius of Einstein

With the release of his papers from Princeton University, come a treasure trove of information and a peak into Einstein's incredible mind and thought processes.

Decades later, his musings are timeless.

http://www.brainpickings.org/2014/12/09/albert-einstein-fame-letter/

Clarification

The post entitled "Setting the Mood With Apps" from yesterday, refers to apps used on Apple TV and Amazon FireTV.

The fireplace apps turn your TV into a virtual fireplace that is quite realistic, and the rain app creates the illusion of a storm.  The graphics aren't great on the rain one I downloaded, but it was the sound effects I am interested in anyway.

Hope this helps.

Great Gift Ideas for Under $20

From Quirky

https://www.quirky.com/shop/markdowns?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=All%20Users%20and%20Subscribers%20Overlap&utm_campaign=14-12-12%20-%20Markdowns%20-%20Overlap

How to Digitalize Old Photos

Here's a great "how to" article from USA Today on getting all of our old pictures saved onto your computer.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/columnist/komando/2014/12/12/easy-ways-to-digitize-your-old-photos/20072417/?csp=tech

Straight No Chaser - Who Spiked The Eggnog?

Another favorite.

Enjoy!

Setting the Mood with Apps

I just discovered apps that simulate a fireplace with the crackling sounds of wood burning.  You can even add music to really make it cozy.

It's chilly here this morning and I swear having this on help to warm the place up.

The power of suggestion is real people.

Then, I found another app that simulates rain and rain storms.

One of the things I miss the most being here is the theatrics of rain, with the thunder and lightning.

Now, I've got that too, without the dripping, soggy mess that actual rain brings with it.

Oh, how I love the folks who come up with these things!

I downloaded these from Amazon, but similar ones are also available on iTunes.

Check them out below and enjoy the soothing, oh so satisfying ambience.

http://www.amazon.com/Relaxing-Sounds-Rain-Relaxation-Meditation/dp/B00DY5MBCI/ref=pd_sim_mas_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=0V1A130J3MT4JQZG0JY4

https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/fireplace-live-hd-free-relaxing/id469329213?mt=8

She's Behind the Greatness

Check out Shonda Rhimes, the creator of Scandal and How to Get Away With Murder.

This is one smart lady.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/12/10/shonda-rhimes-glass-ceiling-speech_n_6305104.html

Did You Know About Her?

I didn't.

Fascinating bit of history.

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/10/us/dollree-mapp-who-defied-police-search-in-landmark-case-is-dead.html?hp&action=click&pgtype=Homepage&module=second-column-region&region=top-news&WT.nav=top-news&_r=0

Sam Smith - Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas

I love this kid!

An Invisible Sound

This speaker is the coolest thing around.  Perfect for that person who has everything, if you're willing to shell out the $350 bucks for it.

https://www.thegrommet.com/clio

Einstein's Thoughts

Just release personal papers from Einstein reveal the broad scope of his genius and courage.

http://www.salon.com/2014/12/09/albert_einsteins_profound_observations_on_entrenched_racism_in_america/?source=newsletter

Powerful Messages

Words of wisdom for future generations of black boys.

http://www.upworthy.com/10-pictures-you-may-need-to-show-your-kids-but-i-really-hope-you-dont-have-to?c=upw1

Terrific Idea!

Here's a car for wheelchair-bound folks.

Ingenius!

http://www.upworthy.com/at-first-it-looks-like-a-smart-car-open-the-hatch-and-it-becomes-a-holy-crap-thats-genius-car?c=upw1

Jericho

By the time we reached Jericho, we were tired and hungry.

We ate at a gift shop / restaurant, then we headed up to Mount of Temptation where Jesus is believed to have fasted for forty days and forty nights.

We walked a ways, and then we were picked up by a jeep /van to take us way up.

High above us sits the Mount of Temptation Monastery that is built into the mountain.

The signs claims that Jericho is the oldest city in the world.

This plaque declares that Jericho is the lowest place on earth.

Although the picture is not great, it is a
replica of the city of Jericho carved out of rocks.

These tiles are on the floor of the outdoor area.

A view of the luscious gardens in Jericho.
It is a very rich agricultural area growing lots of fruits and vegetables.

A couple of our guys walking along the cliff of the mountain.
No thanks.

Another closeup view of the mountain.

These buildings are part of the monastery.

 Wow!

What a day!

What an experience!

What a dream come true!