Saturday, December 31, 2005
Be careful in there!
Friday, December 30, 2005
Tropical Storm Zeta
MIAMI, Dec. 30, 2005 (AP Online delivered by Newstex) -- Tropical Storm Zeta
formed Friday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, another installment in a
record-breaking hurricane season that officially ended last month.
Zeta, the 27th storm of the season, formed Friday about 1,000 miles
south-southwest of the Azores islands, according to an advisory posted on
the National Hurricane Center's Web site. It posed no immediate threat to
land.
The center said it would send out a full advisory later Friday. Tropical
storms have winds of at least 39 mph.
It was not immediately known if Dec. 30 was the latest date for the
formation of a tropical storm in the Atlantic. But earlier this month,
Hurricane Epsilon became only the fifth hurricane to form in December in 154
years of record-keeping. Hurricanes form when their winds exceed 74 mph.
Zeta is the sixth letter of the Greek alphabet, which forecasters turned to
after they used up _ for the first time _ their list of 21 proper names for
storms. The record for tropical storms and hurricanes in a season had been
21, set in 1933 before such storms were regularly named.
The 2005 Atlantic storm season, which officially ended Nov. 30, included 14
hurricanes, including Epsilon.
(Thanks, Lloyd)
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Pun time:
King Ozymndias of Assyria was running low on cash after years of war with the Hittites. His last great possession was the Star of the Euphrates, the most valuable diamond in the ancient world. Desperate, he went to Crosus, the pawnbroker, to get a loan.
Crosus said, "I'll give you 100,000 dinars for it."
"But I paid a million dinars for it," the King protested. Don't you know who I am? I am the king!"
Crosus replied, "When you wish to pawn a Star, makes no difference who you are."
(Thanks, April)
Monday, December 26, 2005
Cthulhu & Kitty cartoon caption poll (link)
Curtain up!
Light the light!
Cthulhu and Kitty may have
Another fight!
Thursday, December 22, 2005
'Tis the season...
What made Santa choose reindeer to help him pull his sleigh all over the world in one night? Wouldn't elephants, with their huge flappable ears, make a better choice? Okay, there's the weight factor, but what else makes reindeer the right choice for the jolly North Pole toymaker on his annual voyage? Read on to learn some of the secrets of the world's most famous deer. (From the National Wildlife Federation e-newsletter.)
Wednesday, December 21, 2005
Green remodeling (link)
When you're ready to start saving money and living a "greener" lifestyle, it's best to begin with the simple stuff whether you're a savvy do-it-yourselfer or a homeowner who doesn't mind hiring someone. We've collected some of the "low-hanging fruit" of green remodeling to help you get started: Green Remodeling: Start Simple : HGTVPro.com
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
Book review: New Pacific
New Pacific is sort of a sequel to Pacific Empire, a Alternate History I really enjoyed. Here's my review of New Pacific:
A truly frightening look at our future if ...,
What could be worse than politicians in charge?! Well, G. Miki Hayden gives us one answer--corporate suits who stop at nothing--using technology to stay in control; people trapped in cubicles where they live and work; a polluted, over-populated earth; and more... What can one man do? Well, with a little help from family, friends, and clones, he can try to save the earth and the moon...
Amazon.com: New Pacific: Books
Monday, December 19, 2005
Book reviews
I write book reviews now and then, and I only review books I like. Here's one that appeared in the Writer's Digest Book Club bulletin (July 2005 issue):
The Savvy Author's Guide to Book Publicity: A Comprehensive Resource--From Building the Buzz to Pitching the Press by Lissa Warren: Carroll & Graf Publishers (2004): $14.00
Lissa Warren is a book publicist, and she takes an in-depth look at book publishing, publicity (print and broadcast coverage), and publicists. She guides you through the steps of the whole process from the author questionnaire, galley, and finished book mailings, through tours and beyond.
She shows what to expect and what to do, furnishing lists of publicists, tour companies, web marketers, etc. She covers fees and options, press releases, bios, Q & A, photos, follow-up events, ... again with lists. The frequently asked questions in chapter 7 are very helpful.
One chapter covers the interview; with tips for print, TV, radio, and web chats, including "... never...express disdain to interviewers whom [haven't] read your book," she says, and quotes Annette Heist "...I think it is safer to assume that no one has read it."
The "Buzz" chapter includes a list of book trade shows. There's a chapter on the pitch, followed by Ten Things to Do if Your Book's Not Getting Media Attention. Then come the appendices! This book is useful!
Friday, December 16, 2005
Books
I enjoy reading--fiction and non-fiction, and I want to bring a fun and informative book blog to your attention, so be sure to check out Tampa Book Buzz in my blog links; they're to the right under the website links.
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Enviro-tips for your home & garden (link)
Winter is upon us, and changes in the weather can affect your house, both inside and out. From winterizing your home, to preparing your garden, join us as we scout out what steps you can take protect yourself, your house, and your wallet. Link: Winterizing Your Home & Garden
Landscaping
Thursday, December 8, 2005
Oil vs. gas vs. electric heat (discussion link)
Wednesday, December 7, 2005
Interview (link) & upcoming anthologies
Tuesday, December 6, 2005
Thinking about building a house?
After we sold our house, we could stay there a few years. No pressure in moving; that was something I'd dreamed about. No putting the furniture in storage, renting, or moving into our mother's house with all our pets. This is just one of the things to be considered when you're getting ready to build. We thought we'd rent a POD (a container available in different sizes with a pick-up and delivery service; they bring the warehouse to you. You pack only once; they take your possessions to a PODS storage facility, or most any selected destination), if we had to; you can put them on your building site, but fortunately we didn't have to store anything. It's a neat alternative to mini warehouses.
We made a list of what we wanted, what we didn't want, and what we could live with. Too picky, said one realtor. We worked our way through several realtors, innumerable listings in newspapers and real estate guides, and open houses. We finally decided to build...
I learned a lot about house hunting, building, and decision making. So, three years after building our house, when we built one next door for our mother, I was ready! Well, knowing what's happening can help you to communicate more easily with the builder.
(My house book is #6 on this Barnes & Noble list: Barnes & Noble.com Books - Architecture, Domestic->Amateurs' manuals )
Monday, December 5, 2005
Exciting UFO Stories
Sunday, December 4, 2005
This Old House Kitchens
I came across this book recently; chapters include Planning, Design, Demolition & Framing, Plumbing & Electrical, Lighting, Equipping the Kitchen, Storage, and Counters. It's available from amazon.com: Amazon.com: This Old House Kitchens : A Guide to Design and Renovation Sticker: Companion to the.: Books: Philip Langdon,Stev... Here's an excerpt from the Library Journal review:
From Library Journal
The book is illustrated with both black-and-white line drawings and color photographs, and examples of finished kitchen areas abound. Available materials, varying processes, and essential elements are discussed in practical, nontechnical language and style. The close focus makes this book nearly comprehensive.
Friday, December 2, 2005
Are you a savvy seller?
From: ideas@hgtvnewsletters.com
Get the dos and don'ts from our experts to find out how 10 simple updates can sell your home quickly and get you a bigger bottom line! Then quiz yourself to find out if you're savvy seller or ready to buy. And be sure to check the list below before you put out the "For Sale" sign:
1. Doors That Make a Good First Impression
2. Clear Away the Clutter
3. Make the House Sparkle
4. Put on a Fresh Coat of Paint
5. Arrange Rooms to Maximize Appeal
6. Eliminate Unpleasant Odors
7. Take Care of Repairs and Maintenance
8. Update Light Fixtures
9. Clean and Repair Carpet
10. Organize Garage and Storage Spaces
Thursday, December 1, 2005
Levelling a floor (link)
Backerboard to Level Floors
I live in an old log home where the floor is unlevel. I want to install a floating laminate floor throughout.... Link: Using Backerboard or something to level floors - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
From HGTVpro e-newsletter
Wednesday, November 30, 2005
House leaks (link)
Question of the Month
I have heard it said that most roof leaks are actually "flashing leaks." What exactly does this mean? Link: HouseMaster eNewsletter
(From Housemaster e-newsletter)
Tuesday, November 29, 2005
Tropical Storm/Hurricane Epsilon
Thursday, November 24, 2005
Old house resources
Old-House Journal
A website and bi-monthly magazine that contain everything old-house owners need to know about caring for, living in and enjoying their old houses.
Florida Victorian Architectural Antiques
Florida Victorian specializes in the salvage of antique building materials and old house parts including doors, windows, heartpine flooring, hardware, clawfoot bathtubs, old bricks and beams, mantels, doorknobs, nauticals, and movie & TV props.
The Renovator's Supply - Restoration Hardware-Plumbing-Lighting for Real estate development.
Restoration hardware, plumbing, lighting manufacturer. Renovator's Supply online store & catalog serving you for generations
Van Dykes Restorers
We are the industry leader in antique furniture and vintage home restoration hardware and supplies - from solid oak furniture kits to fittings, hinges and restorative supplies.
Preservation North Carolina Raleigh, NC The mission of Preservation North Carolina is to protect and promote buildings, sites and landscapes important to the heritage of North Carolina.
I've read Old House Journal for years--great magazine with lots of resources. I've been to Florida Victorian Architectural Antiques in DeLand--great selection. I've bought a few things there, and I'd love to buy lots more! I've bought things from Renovator's Supply catalog for years also. I get the Van Dykes catalog, but I don't remember if I've bought anything from it. I keep it on hand though. Preservation North Carolina has a great selection of historical homes that I enjoyed looking at in their catalog. There are lots more resources out there. Houston has at least two preservation organizations; check your locality for possibilities.
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Tropical Storm Delta
Tuesday, November 22, 2005
Historic homes
Old-House Journal and HistoricProperties.com form marketing alliance
to promote historic real estate
Washington, DC, July 3, 2003---Old-House Journal, the original restoration magazine, and HistoricProperties.com, the internetâs most comprehensive resource for buying and selling historic real estate, have formed a joint marketing venture to create the pre-eminent source for advertising historic real estate for sale nationwide.
By combining forces, the alliance is expected to provide advertisers bimonthly readership of 700,000 and daily online viewership in the tens of thousands.
These market leaders in residential historic homes, at least 50 years or older, share a common vision to encourage the preservation of our nationâs older homes. Old-House Journal, launched in 1973, this year is celebrating 30 years in the market delivering detailed advice, practical and creative home-improvement solutions and expert how-to guidance on the subject of restoring older homes or new homes built in a traditional style.
Likewise, serving the online market, HistoricProperties.com was conceived by and for historic house lovers and founded on an appreciation for older properties. From projects to completed renovations, residential to commercial, West Coast to East Coast, viewers can browse through hundreds of historical properties for sale in its searchable database.
Restore Media, LLC, is dedicated to serving the information needs of the commercial and residential historic restoration and renovation industry. The company produces the Restoration & Renovation Exhibition and Conference and publishes Clem Labineâs Traditional Building and Clem Labineâs Period Homes, as well as Old-House Journal and Old-House Journalâs Restoration Directory, an annual guide to products and services.
Sunday, November 20, 2005
An Affair with a House
I came across a review of this book in the December issue of Home. It looks interesting and helpful. Here's the blurb from Barnes & Noble:
Affair with a House: Creating a Comfortable Country Home
FROM THE PUBLISHER For 28 years the world-renowned interior designer Bunny Williams has been involved in a passionate love affair with an18th-century New England manor house that she found in sad repair. From the moment she walked up the driveway and her palms began to perspire, Williams knew she wanted the affair to last forever. In her sumptuous new book, An Affair with a House, the venerable decorator describes in detail how she and her husband, antiques dealer John Rosselli, rescued, nurtured, renovated, and decorated the well-worn house, giving it new life as they restored each room, resurrected the abandoned gardens, and filled this weekend home with family and friends.
Through photographs, anecdotes, how-tos, and recipes, Williams provides a rare inside look at a top decorator's retreat and explains how she approached the joys, pleasures, challenges, obstacles, and day-to-day realities of creating a beautiful, comfortable country home. ...
Saturday, November 19, 2005
Another Cthulhu & Kitty cartoon caption contest
Friday, November 18, 2005
Tropical Storm Gamma
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
A new scam home builders need to watch out for
In my book, Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pocketbook, I point out things to watch for when building your home, but here's a new one I came across in today's paper.
Officials Warn of Scrub Jay Scam (North Port, FL)
About 10 property owners were allegedly told by builders this week their lots can't be developed because a little blue and gray bird may reside there. Landowners say they were advised to unload these "worthless" properties and were offered $1,200 per lot, far below the market rate of $45,000. City and county officials went on the offensive to alert residents about the scam and to set the record straight: Lots containing scrub jays or their habitat can still be developed. Property owners just need to submit plans for federal review and pay fees before building can begin.
Monday, November 14, 2005
Tropical Depression Twenty-seven
Friday, November 11, 2005
Magazines I subscribe to and/or read
Tuesday, November 8, 2005
Kitchen island--C'est magnifique!
Sunday, November 6, 2005
World building
Straight On Until a New Planet
by Joy V. Smith
I love SF, and some of my favorite stories are about other worlds, including Andre Norton's adventure-filled books, Christopher Anvil's Pandora's Planet, Gordon R. Dickson's The Outposter, Anne McCaffrey's Pern series, Robert A. Heinlein's Podkayne of Mars, and Keith Laumer's Retief series.
For the rest of the article: WORKING WRITER For people who write
Thursday, November 3, 2005
Blogging
For those wondering if starting and maintaining a blog (web log) takes too much time, I'd say that it takes a lot less time than a website, but you should update it more frequently; however, that's easy. Have some name choices for your blog on hand when you're ready to start. For more information, here's a link to my interview on blogging: Long Ridge Writers Group and here's a list of blog hosts.
TOP TEN BLOG HOSTS:
Blogspot.com
LiveJournal.com
TypePad.com
Xanga.com
AOL Journals
Blogs.com
MSN Spaces
Blogdrive.com
GreatestJournal.com
DiaryLand.com
--InformationWeek.com, August 15-22, 2005.
Technorati, a popular blog search and syndication site estimates that the blogosphere alone doubles in size every 5 months. As of the end of July 2005, Technorati was tracking over 14.2 million weblogs, and over 1.3 billion links. (From AddMe e-mail newsletter #364 )
Wednesday, November 2, 2005
Another good house building book
I came across a review of "Building Your Own Home for Dummies" by Kevin Daum, Janice Brewster and Peter Economy on the Bob Bruss Real Estate Center website: Bob Bruss Real Estate Center (I clicked on the link in his newsletter.)
Bruss says: "This book should only be read a few chapters at a time so the content can be thoroughly digested. Surprisingly, some of the best content chapters come at the end of the book. The book's organization could have been better, but virtually all the home construction essentials are included.
The primary reason I say some of the best chapters are toward the end is that those chapters emphasize the home construction mistakes to avoid. To illustrate, Chapter 20 explains how to handle potential problems such as running out of construction loan cash, cost over-runs, not getting along with the contractor, and even the contractor walking off the job."
My house book, Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pocketbook, also includes potential problems and points out the importance of being prepared, but some things are unique to each home builder. Fortunately, most of us won't have to worry about an eagle's nest... Btw, it's available from: Barnes & Noble.com - Building a Cool House for Hot Times Without Scorching the Pocketbook - Joy V. Smith - Paperback
Monday, October 31, 2005
Paint swatches
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Design My Room (link)
Design a Room (link)
Choose from among dozens of room scenes to envision products in room settings.
Point & click to change floor, ceilings, walls, and cabinetry colors to best fit your new room design: Design a Room
Saturday, October 29, 2005
Sugar Time
Sugar Time is an audiobook comprised of three related short stories: "Sugar Time," "Flight Test," and "Return to Neander." It's a time travel adventure featuring a full cast, music and sound effects. Maxwell Sweet along with two professors have been conducting secret experiments in an old Victorian mansion outside Galveston, Texas. However, the two professors have vanished and Maxwell Sweet has fallen ill. Now, it's up to Sweet's tough-as-nails niece to find out what happened to the project - a working time machine...
Sugar Time is available from Project Pulp , and it will be available at the Hadrosaur Productions table at TusCon the weekend of November 18.
(Note, a fourth "Sugar Time" tale entitled "Flashback" was published in print form in issue 16 of Hadrosaur Tales, also available from Project Pulp .)
Friday, October 28, 2005
Building a Cool House...Table of Contents
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Preparation
Searching for the Right Location
Finding a House Plan
Choosing a Builder
Getting Financing
3. The Building Process (Diary excerpts)
Siting it (setbacks, etc.)
Scraping, footers, foundation, slab, walls, framing, roof
4. The Building Begins
5. Finishing
Landscaping
Decorating
Punch list (for the builder)
6. Making Choices
7. Remodelling Your New Home
You can buy Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pockebook from: Amazon.com: Books: Building a Cool House for Hot Times Without Scorching the Pocketbook
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Tropical Storm Beta
000
WTNT31 KNHC 271138
TCPAT1
BULLETIN
TROPICAL STORM BETA INTERMEDIATE ADVISORY NUMBER 2A
NWS TPC/NATIONAL HURRICANE CENTER MIAMI FL
8 AM EDT THU OCT 27 2005
...BETA MOVING SLOWLY NORTHWESTWARD OVER THE SOUTHWESTERN CARIBBEAN
SEA...VERY HEAVY RAINFALL EXPECTED IN PORTIONS OF CENTRAL
AMERICA...
http://www.ssd.noaa.gov/PS/TROP/DATA/RT/FLOAT/VIS/20.jpg
(Thanks again, LGD)
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Monday, October 24, 2005
Choosing a "green" Christmas tree
Aftermath
Sunday, October 23, 2005
Here she comes!
Saturday, October 22, 2005
Another Wilma update
Friday, October 21, 2005
Wilma update
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Cthulhu & Kitty cartoon caption poll
Book signing
Wilma update
The Wednesday evening forecast said that Wilma might not even come near us, though the Weather Forecast track hadn't changed yet; the late night forecast said that Wilma had slowed down and was now a category 4, but it was back on the track headed for Florida. The noon forecast had it wobbling and still slow and showing a clear patch that wasn't the eye, and the weathermen had no idea what that meant. Of the 45 computer models, eight were headed for central Florida, while the majority were crossing southern Florida (Naples hasn't been hit by a hurricane since Donna in 1960, btw). One sphagetti strand is still looping back across the Yucatan and heading back into the Caribbean and possibly into Cuba. They are expecting it to become a 5 again, but it will exit Florida as a !. VIPER, VORTEX, and all the other cutting edge programs are disagreeing right now. In the past, sometimes VIPER was right and the Weather Service wasn't and vice versa. It's still too early to tell, but schools are cancelling classes; some games have been rescheduled from Friday night to tonight, and people are stocking up and evacuating.
A friend (thanks, LGD!) sent me a storm track blog with pictures and graphs; it's really neat, and here's the link: StormTrack - When God decides to flush the toilet, you need answers
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
Hurricane Wilma
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
Septic system
I came across a septic sytem, Hoot Aerobic Treatment Unit. The ad says that the product eliminates the mound and increases lot density. You get: low maintenance, mound reduction, sub-surface drip, water recycle, requires less space, easy installation, environmentally friendly, lowers floor height, reduces set-back, larger homes on smaller lots.
Anyone know anything about this system? I wonder if it requires more frequent pumping out.
Monday, October 17, 2005
Tropical Storm Wilma
Wilma is scheduled to become a hurricane in the Gulf about Wednesday. It's too early to tell where it's going to make landfall. The cone of uncertainty is big.
The latest update (computer models) shows Wilma going north (it's going south now) and curving towards the east coast of Florida later in the week.
Sunday, October 16, 2005
TD24
Friday, October 14, 2005
Favorite sci-fi movie
My favorite sci-fi movie is Andromeda Strain. Runners-up include Star Wars, Aliens, Serenity, ... My choice for coolest character is Ellen Ripley; first runner-up is Newt. And I'm still gnashing my teeth because we didn't get to see Newt grow up to be a really cool heroine!
Here's a link to a Serenity review: Serenity - Uncle Orson Reviews Everything
Saving money while building a house
Here's another book with money-saving advice:
Blueprint Affordable: How to Build a Beautiful House without Breaking the Bank
Author Michelle Kodis includes an amazing list of helpful information, guidelines, and tips to follow throughout the planning and building process such as: keep a simple floor plan; opt for off-the-shelf stock sizes, which cost less than their customized counterparts; choose locally available materials; study your building site's climate and weather patterns, and focus on an architectural plan that shields the home from the elements; omit a basement where possible-you'll save thousands on excavation costs; do your own research and purchase your own lighting fixtures, paint, carpet, and appliances instead of hiring an outside consultant to do so.
Budget-mindedness and beauty don't live on opposite sides of the architectural block, as the ten houses in Blueprint Affordable strikingly demonstrate. As exceptional as they are in their design, these houses all share one key attribute: from the very beginning, before their owners' dreams were transformed into exciting realities, everything from the floor plan to building materials and finishes was driven by limited financial resources.
People who bought this book...
I enjoy looking at lists of books on the Barnes & Noble and amazon websites--you know, the lists of other books that people bought who bought the book you're considering. Here's the list of books on the B&N webpage for Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pocketbook:
People who bought this book also bought:
• Not So Big Solutions For Your Home Sarah Susanka • The House You Build: Making Real-World Choices to Get the Home You Want Duo Dickinson, Peter Chapman (Editor), Ken Gutmaker (Photographer) • Tuscan and Andalusian Reflections Aram Bassenian • Cottage, Cabin and Vacation Home Plans Sunset Staff (Editor), Editors of Sunset Books (Editor) • Homes Filled with Natural Light: 223 Sunny Home Plans for All Regions Home Planners, LLC, Inc. Home Planners, Inc Staff Home Planners (Editor)
Tuesday, October 11, 2005
Backyard Habitat TV show
NWF teamed up with Animal Planet to create a television series called BACKYARD HABITAT. This series was inspired by NWF's Backyard Wildlife Habitat™ program. Link: Backyard Habitat TV show on Animal Planet
Here's the link to my Backyard Habitat: Backyard Wildlife Habitat
Recycling CDs & DVDs (link)
Monday, October 10, 2005
Book review of house book
A chronological compendium of events and practical advice , February 5, 2005
Reviewer: Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews In Building A Cool House For Hot Times Without Scorching The Pocketbook, author Joy Smith draws upon her on-site personal experience with the building process involved in constructing her own home. This slender, 61-page book reveals what she learned about the thousands of decisions that must be made in order to build within a budget as illustrated by diary excepts, photos, and more. A chronological compendium of events and practical advice from planning, to "punch list", Building A Cool House For Hot Times Without Scorching The Pocketbook will prove an invaluable read for anyone contemplating building (or remodeling) their own home.
Available from: Amazon.com: Books: Building a Cool House for Hot Times Without Scorching the Pocketbook
Cracker houses
Our house was adapted from the old Cracker house style (built for the climate). Here's an interesting article from the local paper on Cracker houses: Cracker Houses Are Reminders of Life Before Air Conditioning | theledger.com
As architect Dwight Holmes said, I am intrigued by the way that older homes in Florida responded to the environment, while the later ones seem to show no awareness of it at all."
Sunday, October 9, 2005
Hurricane Vince
Saturday, October 8, 2005
Favorite joke categories: Dog, child's quote, & pun
Dog: If a dog barks his head off in the forest and no human hears him, is he still a bad dog?
Child's quote: We do not raise silk worms in the United States, because we get our silk from rayon. He is a larger worm and gives more silk.
Pun: It was one week before finals at the University of California at Berkeley, and everyone in my Comparative Religions class was frantic because of all the complex words and ideas we needed to know. The professor had just finished reviewing an Eastern concept he identified as Taoist, when a frazzled student protested, "But you said that was a Buddhist belief!" The professor looked up with a smirk and said, "I'm afraid not. You see that was Zen. This is Tao."
Friday, October 7, 2005
Serenity poll & trivia questions
Thud by Terry Pratchett
I really enjoyed Thud and am looking forward to rereading it. (I've lent it to someone who really likes it too and was tempted to take off from work to finish it.) I also read Where's My Cow?, which I suspect Pratchett wrote after inventing it for Sam Vimes to read to his son in Thud. I loved how Vimes sometimes made it home by the skin of his teeth to read it on time... I enjoyed Where's My Cow? also; it's illustrated and is more of a children's book, but grownups will like it too!
Thursday, October 6, 2005
Fun game (link)
Wednesday, October 5, 2005
Tammy and new wave update
"Green" standards
Organic
Nationally, the Department of Agriculture is responsible for certifying organic foods. The USDA Organic seal can be found on foods containing at least 95% organic ingredients. Organic crops are defined as being produced without the use of conventional pesticides, fertilizers with synthetic ingredients, sewage sludge, bioengineering, or ionizing radiation. Organic animal products are produced without the use of antibiotics or growth hormones. This production method is generally acknowledged as more sustainable, and helps to enhance the environment as a whole by enriching the soil and cutting down on the harmful runoff of pesticides and fertilizers. An added benefit is keeping excess hormones and pesticides out of our bodies. The cost of organics varies due to produce seasonality (organic produce is only available when naturally ripe) and exotic nature (the harder it is to grow something organically, the higher the price). To learn more visit usda.gov. Source: The United States Department of Agriculture
FSC Certification
To receive a certification from the Forest Stewardship Council, companies and landowners selling forest products such as timber must practice sustainable forestry management. Independent certification organizations ensure that the companies receiving FSC certification use the forest for environmental and social benefit, as well as in an economically viable manner. Around the world, there are 131 million acres of FSC certified forestland, and retailers throughout the United States carry both building supplies and paper products with FSC certification. For a list of all products and companies with FSC certification visit fscus.org. Source: Forest Stewardship Council
From The Nature Conservancy e-mail
Fantasy anthologies
I have stories in the following anthologies:
Magistria II: Shards of the Goddess: Magistria II (upcoming)
Magistria: Realm of the Sorcerer: MAGISTRIA: REALM OF THE SORCERER by G. W. Thomas (Book) in Books > Fiction & Literature > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Epic Fa...
Kings of the Night II: KINGS OF THE NIGHT II by G. W. Thomas (Book) in Books > Fiction & Literature > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Epic Fantasy
Tropical Storm Tammy
Monday, October 3, 2005
Building with concrete block
I came across an article on building with concrete block in a September/October 1998 issue of Coastal Living. It's a good choice for building because it's econmical, and there is a wide range of choices on the esterior: paint, stucco, brick veneer, and almost any siding material. Inside you can paint, stucco, drywall, panel, or leave the block unfinished. (I think, though, that earlier homes were more likely to be unfinished inside; today they're usually insulated. I lived in a concrete block home with unfinished walls; the wallpaper and paint in one bedroom peeled a lot; and during a wet period, the paint on one interior wall really bubbled.) Concrete block also evens out temperature flucuations, making the house easier to heat and cool. I like it too because I believe it's safer in hurricanes.
Furniture glossary (link)
Preventing heat buildup (link)
From HGTVPro.com:
Prevent Heat Buildup
I am going to construct a house in Florida. I'm from the northeast where winter heat loss is the main idea.... Link: prevent heat buildup - Topic Powered by Groupee Community
Trends
Harmony (organic catalog)
I got another Harmony catalog recently. I am so happy to see some colored linens in it; they're muted, but I like that look. They have clothes lines and racks too, along with cleaning products and house and garden items. The website is: www.gaiam.com
Stormscaping (book)
Tropical Storm Stan
Thursday, September 29, 2005
Serenity
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Storm update
Home design software
Better Homes and Gardens has design software for the home, landscaping, etc. And you can design online with Arrange-A-Room. Here's the website link: http://www.homedesignersoftware.com/ (Arrange-A-Room didn't load for me, even after I closed the pop-up ad. I'll try again later.)
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
Rita afterword
A friend in Canada said they got a lot of rain yesterday from the rest of Hurricane Rita; there was flooding in Quebec City. I was glad to hear that friends in Houston and Arkansas (some rain and power outages) are fine.
My friend in Houston said: "I flew out the 2nd day of evacuations, but took all the backroads to the airport & went Very/Very early on Thursday - they closed the airport on Fri/Sat & then I came back Sun when it was back up again & the traffic was ghostly on the way back home...today [Monday] no work or school so everyone can get back into town & they can refill the gas stations!"
Later: Today [Tuesday], ... went out to the local post office [and] grocery [and] found the shelves were getting restocked ... Tomorrow/Wednesday ...it is Back to Work & Back to School, so it's time to beat the heat (another day of 100 degrees) & move on as best we can." [Btw, my friend wasn't evacuating; it was a planned trip...]
Monday, September 26, 2005
Wood flooring
House books
Concrete at Home
Concrete at Home by Fu-Tung Chen (The Taunton Press) is included in the Breaking Ground (ideas, facts, news & tips) section of Home Planning Ideas magazine (Fall/Winter 2005). Designer and author Chen describes the art and science of creating architectural elements with concrete. Lovely photos.
Good Green Homes
Another helpful book I found in the magazine--in Green Building, along with tips and web resources--is Good Green Homes by Jennifer Roberts.
Storm update: A respite
Saturday, September 24, 2005
Evacuation: What to take
After packing the essentials: pets, food, water, etc., what three non-essential items would I take?
1. Computer, disks, & CDs (my precious files!)
2. A few assorted books (my own and my favorites)
3. Family photos & scrapbooks
Tropical Storm Rita
Friday, September 23, 2005
Serenity lands September 30!
Thursday, September 22, 2005
Flooring basics (link)
"Flooring can be one of the biggest expenses in furnishing your interiors, making it well worth all the planning time and attention you give it. But before you even begin to decide among the colors and textures you would like to use, consider the basics." Link:
Decorating : Other : Flooring Basics : Home & Garden Television (From HGTV website)
Rita update
Protecting From Rain While Roof Is Open (link)
For new construction, it's not so much of a problem, but with remodelling...: Protecting house from rain while roof is open - Topic Powered by Groupee Community.:
From HGTVProFile newsletter
Wednesday, September 21, 2005
Rita update
Tuesday, September 20, 2005
Katrina Wreaks Havoc on Contractors' Future (link)
Hurricane Rita
Audiobooks (links)
Here are links to two columns about audiobooks by Kelley Hartsell:
Fresh Fiction: Kelley's Faves (part I)
Fresh Fiction: Kelley's Faves (part II: Readers' opinions)
Sunday, September 18, 2005
Tropical Storms Phillippe & Rita
Thursday, September 15, 2005
House Market Madness (link)
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Hurricane documentaries
House-building anecdote
Tuesday, September 13, 2005
Katrina's Residential Impact
Washington, Sept. 2 /PRNewswire
The full extent of the impact of Hurricane Katrina on the overall economy and on the housing market is still unclear. The immediate focus is properly on human life and health, but the number of homes destroyed by this catastrophe is almost certain to dwarf the losses from any previous U.S. natural disaster. Past experience, together with the visible devastation, provides some basis for projecting the effects on construction activity, the supply and cost of building materials and construction labor, and other implications for the housing market.
Loss of nearly 200,000 homes in New Orleans alone
The number of housing units destroyed (made uninhabitable and beyond economically justified repair) by Hurricane Andrew in 1992 was estimated at over 28,000; the combined effect of Hurricanes Jeanne, Ivan, Frances, and Charley in 2004 was nearly 27,500, according to estimates by the American Red Cross. Most of that destruction was caused by winds or the immediate force of the storm surge. The number of homes with major but reparable damage was more than twice the number destroyed.
... the flooding in New Orleans, Mobile, and elsewhere is likely to translate into much larger numbers of homes destroyed. ...
For more: News : Industry News : NAHB Releases Study on Impact of Katrina : HGTVPro.com
Monday, September 12, 2005
Building a Cool House for Hot Times without Scorching the Pocketbook
Friday, September 9, 2005
I think I'm going to make my deadlines!
Storm updates
Tuesday, September 6, 2005
TD 16/TS Ophelia
Monday, September 5, 2005
Vampires of the Scarlet Order
David Summers is the editor of my audiobook, Sugar Time; and he's also a writer. His latest book is Vampires of the Scarlet Order. Check out the reviews of this intriguing book:
“We now have our very own Southwestern vampire lore and tradition thanks to the imagination and painstaking research of Summers...” S. Derrickson Moore, The Las Cruces Sun-News
“This is a fun book to sink your teeth into and a good addition to libraries of those readers with a taste for inventive vampire fiction.” Roy van der Aa, The Ink. You can read Roy’s complete review at: http://www.ink-artnews.com/august/art_news/vampires.html
Fred Cleaver of the Denver Post declares that Vampires of the Scarlet Order is a fine novel. Read his complete review at: http://www.denverpost.com/books/ci_2974094
Upcoming book signings:
Tuesday, September 20 from 5-8pm at Hastings in Las Cruces, NM
Saturday, October 8 from 1-4pm at Borders at Winrock Mall in Albuquerque, NM
Saturday, October 29 from 2-5pm at Borders on Zafarano Drive in Santa Fe, NM
Wabi-sabi
New storm news
Friday, September 2, 2005
Flipping houses
Thursday, September 1, 2005
Storm updates
Lee is back to a tropical depression; TD 14 may become Maria, but it should move away from the US; but the wave off Africa has the most potential.
High tech appliances
Oven that refrigerates
There are several “smart” ovens on the market that refrigerate food prior to cooking, then turn on at the specified time so it’s ready when you come home. Some have an Internet connection so you can use your cell phone to delay start time if you’re stuck in traffic; others go into warming mode after cooking is done.
Clothes-washing sink
If you wear a lot of handwashables, here’s a sink for you. Like a hot tub, a jetted sink has a deep-basin and agitates the water, so it takes less effort to clean your delicates and small loads.
From HomeOwner Tips e-newsletter (August 29 issue)
Wednesday, August 31, 2005
Katrina update
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Magistria: The Realm of the Sorcerer
My story, Seedlings, is in Magistria: Realm of the Sorcerer, which is available from lulu: .MAGISTRIA: REALM OF THE SORCERER by G. W. Thomas (Book) in Books > Fiction & Literature > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Epic Fa...
I'm working on the sequel, Crystal Quest, now.
Monday, August 29, 2005
Tropical Storm Katrina
NYC townhouse
Sunday, August 28, 2005
Your new house folder
In your new house idea folder, collect helpful articles and pictures from magazines to share with your contractor. (In a recent Log Homes Illustrated (September issue) article, a contractor said that a client's articles often contained the manufacturer's information so they were able to locate the product easily.)
Katrina update 4
Stormscaping
Saturday, August 27, 2005
Architectural salvage
If you're thinking about building or remodelling, you could start browsing architectural salvage stores now. For more information, here's the link for Architectural Salvage News: Architectural Salvage
We were at Florida Victorian Architectural Antiques in DeLand today, btw. They have a huge selection of indoor and outdoor architectural pieces! We've bought a few things there over the years, including our green 1920s pedestal bathroom sink. (The sink is much greener than it looks in this photo.) Here's their website link: FLORIDA VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL ANTIQUES | Vintage building & house materials and parts
House specs
Katrina update 3
Friday, August 26, 2005
Katrina update 2
Thursday, August 25, 2005
Hurricane Katrina
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Tropical Depression 12
Saturday, August 20, 2005
Building glitches
Tuesday, August 16, 2005
Does rain damage framing?
Sunday, August 14, 2005
Flooding in Florida
Hurricane Irene
Friday, August 12, 2005
Cake vs. Pie. If there can be only one, ...
Building a Cool House...
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Pretty Pink Planet cover art
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
Hurricanes and development
In today's paper, Tom Palmer's environmental column is about the recently published book, Land of Sunshine, State of Dreams: A Social History of Modern Florida. A proverb is quoted from the book: Hurricanes are nature's way of making Floridians learn geography. Sounds like an interesting book.
Monday, August 8, 2005
Decorating quiz (link)
From Oprah's website: What kind of decorator are you?: 'O at Home' Spring 2005
Sunday, August 7, 2005
Kitchen & bath workbook
Sword & Sorcery anthology (edited by G.W. Thomas)
Why don't you tell us a little about the origins and content of your new anthology? Do you think sword and sorcery readers will find it of interest?
Magistria: Realm of The Sorcerer is a shared world collection in a day and age when books like this just don't happen anymore. I missed the old days of Thieves' World and thought why not? I came up with a fairly simple idea, a goddess burst into a billion shards, spreading magic all over the world. I didn't want to dictate to the writers but give them a jumping-off point. The concept the book is built on is that the world is ruled by different types of mages, each manipulating a single element: water, air, fire, metal, etc.
For the rest of the interview: Sword & Sorcery - your resource for fiction, interviews, articles, information and more
Saturday, August 6, 2005
Tropical Depression 9
Wednesday, August 3, 2005
Tropical Storm Harvey
Harvey is moving away from the States and shouldn't affect us, but it's giving Bermuda rain. This is the earliest eighth named storm in recorded history, btw.
Tuesday, August 2, 2005
Preparing to sell
From the Consumer How-To Guide:
Make sure your front entrance is clean and inviting.
Clean your windows.
Dispose of time-worn outdoor furnishings and trim.
Keep the grounds neatly landscaped.
Create a roomy feel in all parts of the house.
Ensure that all plumbing works properly.
Clean the bathrooms and kitchen meticulously.
Replace worn miscellaneous items with new ones.
Get your carpets and floors professionally cleaned.
Eliminate dust and odors.
Tour model homes in your area for decorating ideas.
Look at your home through a buyer's eyes.
Sunday, July 31, 2005
Saving energy
Lighting
More than 90 percent of the energy produced by incandescent lights is heat, not light, so replace fixtures with more efficient bulbs. Compact fluorescent bulbs fit into an incandescent socket and operate on a quarter of the energy used by incandescents, lasting ten times longer.
From: Home Owner Tips Newsletter
Friday, July 29, 2005
House framing
Thursday, July 28, 2005
Before you sell your home
1. Make the Front Entrance Inviting
2. Clear Away Clutter
3. Clean the House Thoroughly
4. Freshen the Appearance of Rooms
5. Arrange Furniture for Spaciousness
6. Eliminate Odors
7. Take Care of Small Repairs
8. Replace Outdated Light Fixtures
9. Clean the Carpet
10. Don't Forget the Garage and Basement
From HGTV ideas (e-mail newsletter)
Wednesday, July 27, 2005
Monday, July 25, 2005
New roof options (link)
Sunday, July 24, 2005
Storm updates
Helpful house book
Friday, July 22, 2005
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Great American Backyard Campout!
Gather family, friends and neighbors-- the first ever Great American Backyard Campout is coming! On August 20th, folks all across America will come together in backyards, parks, and camps to enjoy a night of star-gazing, listening for nocturnal wildlife, and exploring a whole other world right in your backyard.
Be part of this nation-wide event! Add your campsite today and we’ll help you make the most of your event with packing lists, recipes, nocturnal wildlife guides, exploration activities, a night sky-guide, local weather and more.
The Great American Backyard Campout is brought to you by the National Wildlife Federation® (NWF).
What the Best-Dressed Walls are Wearing
What do chocolate brown, bright blue, and melon all have in common? Each is a color that will be gaining in popularity during 2005. As part of its annual color forecast, the Rohm and Haas Paint Quality Institute shared paint palette trends that will enliven living spaces inside and out. Incorporating these colors certainly will keep your homes and projects on the cutting edge of design and color options:
Friday, July 15, 2005
Writer interview links
Lyn McConchie (writer) interview: Expressions 61
Owl Goingback (horror writer): The Eternal Night Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Web Site
Ken Rand (writer): Interview with Ken Rand by Joy V. Smith
Thursday, July 14, 2005
The greenest home in Florida
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Tropical Storm Emily
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Monday, July 11, 2005
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Hurricane Dennis update
Hurricane Dennis gave us 3.60" of rain and some strong wind gusts as it went by. The pond and the swamps around us are way up; the driveway and yard is under water in some places, and we lost a few branches, but we were very fortunate; and I'm glad to see that it wasn't as strong as Ivan when it hit the Panhandle. (I haven't heard from my relatives there yet...)
Friday, July 8, 2005
Hurricane Dennis update
Thursday, July 7, 2005
Hurricane Dennis
Tuesday, July 5, 2005
Tropical Storm Dennis
It was on track to reach Haiti on Wednesday and South Florida on Friday, said hurricane center meteorologist Trisha Wallace."
Sunday, July 3, 2005
Kitchen and bath website
Thursday, June 30, 2005
Lyn McConchie interview
My interview with Lyn McConchie is in the July issue of the writing e-zine, Expressions: Expressions 61
Wednesday, June 29, 2005
Sub floor problem (link)
"We recently pulled up the carpet in our 1903 home to find the sub floor in bad condition. Not only does it have gaps, but it goes "downhill" towards the walls, ..."
Friday, June 24, 2005
Oasis 18 con report link
Sales glitches
Thursday, June 23, 2005
Wednesday, June 22, 2005
Concrete exterior framing
What is the most pratical and economical concrete framing method? Link:
most economical concrete exterior framing practice? - Topic Powered by Infopop
From HGTVPro.com
Thursday, June 16, 2005
Building a Cool House is hot!
Saturday, June 11, 2005
Tropical Depression Arlene
Friday, June 10, 2005
Helpful house book
Tropical Storm Arlene
Starting Small
Thursday, June 9, 2005
Friday, June 3, 2005
Your dog's home
Thursday, June 2, 2005
Top Ten Short Story-SF (Preditors & Editors poll)
My short story, To The Last Drop! (published in pseudoSF), was #10 in the Preditors and Editors Poll: Short Story: SF
Wednesday, June 1, 2005
Saving water
Green Tip: Saving Water Saves Our Rivers
A leaky sink can lose 50 gallons of water in just 24 hours. Likewise, hosing down patios and sidewalks wastes water and can carry contaminants into rivers and other waterways. Fix leaks as quickly as possible and sweep patios and sidewalks in order to minimize this unnecessary use of water.
Learn More about Protecting Our Rivers>>
Get More Green Tips>>
From The Nature Conservancy e-mail
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
The House That Jill Built
THE HOUSE THAT JILL BUILT: A WOMAN'S GUIDE TO HOME BUILDING by Judy Ostrow (Gibbs Smith, 9 3/4 x 9 3/4, 140 color photographs and 20 illustrations, 166 pages, softcover, $24.95, 1-558685-459-3, May): success stories, plans covering designing and groundbreaking to occupancy, and details on equipment, legalities, and resources are presented from a female perspective.
From ForeWord This Week 6.2.05
Monday, May 30, 2005
Selling Your Home hint
Friday, May 27, 2005
Building Green
Do people care about using green products?: Do customers care about green building? - Topic Powered by Infopop
From HGTVPro