Sunday, June 6, 2010
Incredible Origami Art!
Won Park – The Master of Origami Paper Folding
Origami is the traditional Japanese art of paper folding. The goal of this art is to create a representation of an object using geometric folds and crease patterns preferably without the use of gluing or cutting the paper, and using only one piece of paper.
Won Park is the master of Origami. He is also called the “money folder”, a practitioner of origami whose canvas is the United States One Dollar Bill. Bending, twisting, and folding, Won Park creates life-like shapes inspired by objects living and not– both in stunning detail.
One Dollar Koi
One Dollar Butterfly
One Dollar Camera
Two Dollar Battle Tank
Two Dollar Chinese Dragon
One Dollar Construction Machine
One Dollar Crab
One Dollar Dolphin
Two Dollar Jacket
Two Dollar Spider
One Dollar Turkey
One Dollar Scorpion
One Dollar Praying Mantis
One Dollar Bat
One Dollar Toilet Bowl
One Dollar Penguin(Left),Two Dollar Angry Bear(Right)
Euro Cockerel Rooster (Left), Euro Eiffel Tower (Right)
Enterprise Bottom View
Three Dollar Millenium Falcon
Two Dollar Bird of Prey
Dollar Tie Interceptor
Vader’s Tie and Escorts
Two Dollar X Wing
One Dollar Shark
One Dollar Jet
One Dollar Hammer Head Shark
One Dollar Stag Beetle
One Dollar Stegasaurus
Duane's Profound Quote of the Day June 6
Edith Stein
Duane's Business Tip of the Day June 6
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Elton Johns Improvisation
So You Want to be "Green"?
The Top 10 Plants for Removing Indoor Toxins
A recent NASA study has determined the top 10 plants for reducing indoor air pollution.
By Greg Seaman Posted May 13, 2009Common indoor plants may provide a valuable weapon in the fight against rising levels of indoor air pollution. NASA scientists are finding them to be surprisingly useful in absorbing potentially harmful gases and cleaning the air inside homes, indoor public spaces and office buildings.
The indoor pollutants that affect health are formaldehyde, Volatile Organic Compounds (benzene and trichloroethylene or TCE), airborne biological pollutants, carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides, pesticides and disinfectants (phenols), and radon. These pollutants contribute to ’sick building syndrome’, which causes symptoms ranging from allergies, headaches and fatigue through to nervous-system disorders, cancer and death.
Through studies conducted by NASA, scientists have identified 50 houseplants that remove many of the pollutants and gases mentioned above. Dr. B. C. Wolverton rated these plants for removing chemical vapors, ease of growth, resistance to insect problems, and transpiration (the amount of water they expire into the air).
NASA, with assistance from the Associated Landscape Contractors of America, conducted a two-year study directed by Dr. B.C. Wolverton, an environmental engineer from Picayune, Miss. Wolverton has worked as a research scientist for NASA for some 20 years. His study, in the late ’80s and early ’90s, of the interaction of plants and air found that houseplants, when placed in sealed chambers in the presence of specific chemicals, removed those chemicals from the chambers.
Dr. B.C. Wolverton, researcher and author of “How to Grow Fresh Air — 50 Houseplants that Purify Your Home or Office” (1997, Penguin paperback, $15.95), conducted plant studies for NASA that determined that plants can clean pollutants in homes, offices, factories and retail outlets.
Later, Wolverton expanded the study and assigned plants a rating from one to 10, based on a plant’s ability to remove chemical vapors or indoor air toxins, ease of growth and maintenance, resistance to insect infestation and the rate at which water evaporates from the leaves.
Dr. B.C.Wolverton’s book, “How to Grow Fresh Air”, is available in book stores, directly from Penguin books, New York (1-800-526-0275) or online at websites such as www.amazon.com and www.bn.com.
The source report is no longer available on NASA’s website (this is a link to where it was linked from – search for “foliage”). All of the information regarding the study can be found within Dr Wolverton’s book.
More information on Wolverton’s research can also be found here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_air-filtering_plants
Also, here is a good TED talk on the subject.
Top ten plants for removing formaldehyde, benzene, and carbon monoxide from the air:
1. Areca Palm (Chrysalidocarpus lutescens)
Also called the “Butterfly Palm”. An upright houseplant that is somewhat vase shaped. Specimen plants can reach 10 to 12 foot in height. Prefers a humid area to avoid tip damage. Requires pruning. When selecting an Areca palm look for plants with larger caliber trunks at the base of the plant. Plants that have pencil thin stems tend to topple over and are quite difficult to maintain.
2. Lady Palm (Rhapis excelsa)
Also called the “Lady Palm”, this durable palm species adapts well to most interiors. The Rhapis are some of the easiest palms to grow, but each species has its own particular environment and culture requirements. The “Lady Palm” grows slowly, but can grow to more than 14′ in height with broad clumps often having a diameter as wide as their height.
3. Bamboo palm (Chamaedorea seifrizii)
Also called the “reed palm”, this palm prefers bright indirect light. New plants will lose of some interior foliage as they acclimate to indoor settings. This plant likes to stay uniformly moist, but does not like to be over-watered or to sit in standing water. Indoor palms may attract spider mites which can be controlled by spraying with a soapy solution.
4. Rubber Plant (Ficus robusta)
Grows very well indoors, preferring semi-sun lighting. Avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer. Young plants may need to be supported by a stake. The Ficus grows to 8’ with a spread of 5’. Wear gloves when pruning, as the milky sap may irritate the skin. Water thoroughly when in active growth, then allow the soil to become fairly dry before watering again. In winter keep slightly moist.
5. Dracaena “Janet Craig” (Dracaena deremensis)
The Dracaena grows to 10’ with a spread of 3’. Easy to grow, these plants do best in bright indirect sunlight coming from the east/west. They can adapt to lower light levels if the watering is reduced. Keep the soil evenly moist and mist frequently with warm water. Remove any dead leaves. Leaf tips will go brown if the plant is under watered but this browning may be trimmed.
6. Philodendron (Philodendron sp.)
One of the most durable of all house plants. Philodendrons prefer medium intensity light but will tolerate low light. Direct sun will burn the leaves and stunt plant growth. This plant is available in climbing and non-climbing varieties. When grown indoors, they need to be misted regularly and the leaves kept free of dust. Soil should be evenly moist, but allowed to dry between watering.
7. Dwarf Date Palm (Phoenix roebelenii)
A hardy, drought-tolerant and long-lived plant, the Dwarf Date Palm needs a bright spot which is free of drafts. It grows slowly, reaching heights of 8-10’. The Dwarf Date Palm should not be placed near children’s play areas because it has sharp needle-like spines arranged near the base of the leaf stem. These can easily penetrate skin and even protective clothing.
8. Ficus Alii (Ficus macleilandii “Alii”)
The Ficus Alii grows easily indoors, and resists insects. It prefers a humid environment and low to medium light when grown indoors. The Ficus Aliii should not be placed near heating or air conditioning vents, or near drafts because this could cause leaf loss. Soil should be kept moist but allowed to dry between watering.
9. Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata “Bostoniensis”)
The Boston fern grows to 4’ in height with a spread up to 5’. It has feathery ferns which are best displayed as a hanging plant. It prefers bright indirect sunlight. Keep the soil barely moist and mist frequently with warm water. This plant is prone to spider mites and whitefly which can be controlled using a soapy water spray. Inspect new plants for bugs before bringing them home.
10. Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum “Mauna Loa”)
The Peace Lily is a compact plant which grows to a height of 3’ with a 2’ spread. This hardy plant tolerates neglect. It prefers indirect sunlight and high humidity, but needs to be placed out of drafts. For best results, the Peace Lily should be thoroughly watered, then allowed to go moderately dry between waterings. The leaves should be misted frequently with warm water.
Duane's Business Tip of the Day June 5
Duane's Motivational Quote of the Day for June 5
100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics Photo Gallery
100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics Photo Gallery
http://movies.yahoo.com/photos/collections/gallery/2087/100-movies-to-see-before-you-die-the-modern-classics
100 Movies to See Before You Die: The Modern Classics
Friday, June 4, 2010
Just a Thought for Today
You'll experience personal growth on the road to success.
All growth means change and change involves risk. You grow because you struggle, learn and overcome your obstacles. What happens to you is not as important as how you react to what happens. Everything you'll experience "good or bad" has value.
Difficulties in life are the things that show you what you are.
Trouble is the common denominator of living. It's the great
equalizer of life. Only when you are no longer afraid will you begin to live.
Duane's Profound Quote of the Day June 3
Some people try to turn back their odometers. Not me, I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved.
-- Will Rogers
Duane's Business Tip of the Day June 3
When you get into a sales slump, go and listen to someone else give a presentation. You'll hear so many things you could have done better, you'll wish it had been you giving the presentation.
Think about it.
Duane's Real Estate Video of the Day Text June 3
Duane’s Real Estate Video June 3
| “It’s a great day to be in real estate! Duane Beisner here… sales manager and a sales representative for ERA real estate. |
Duane’s Quote of the Day
When a proud man hears another praised, he feels himself injured. English Proverb
Duane’s Joke of the Day
Three buddies die in a car crash, and they find themselves at the pearly gates. They are all asked, "When you are in your casket and friends and
family are mourning upon you, what would you like to hear them say
about you? The first guy says, "I would like to hear them say that I was the
greatest doctor of my time, and a great family man." The second guy says, "I would like to hear that I was a wonderful
husband and school teacher who made a huge difference in our
children of tomorrow." The last guy replies,
"I would like to hear them say... LOOK!!! HE'S MOVING!!!!!"
Duane’s Business Tip of the Day
There is a time for work, a time for play, and a time for reflection. Make sure you have all three in balance.
Think about it.
Duane’s Social Commentary
Ford Halting Mercury Production!
By Dee-Ann Durbin and Tom Krisher, Associated Press
Ford Motor Co. will cease production of its 72-year-old Mercury brand by the end of 2010 after years of declining sales.
Mercury's death is the latest in a string of casualties as Detroit carmakers try to cut costs and invest more heavily in fewer offerings. By shedding a mid-range brand that was more and more irrelevant to buyers, the automaker can focus on accelerating sales of Ford and beefing up its luxury Lincoln brand.
Ford shares rose nearly 4 percent to close at $11.85.
The story is a familiar one in Detroit. General Motors Co. recently shed the Saab, Saturn, Pontiac and Hummer brands. In 2004, GM spent more than $1 billion to kill Oldsmobile. Chrysler Group LLC dumped its Plymouth brand in 2001 after a sales decline similar to Mercury's.
Mercury got its start in 1935, when Henry Ford's son Edsel Ford began designing a more upscale car he planned to call the Ford Falcon. But he didn't think it fit with the brand's other offerings, so he created a new brand named for the winged Roman god.
The first Mercury, the 1939 Mercury 8, went into production in 1938. It sold for $916 and boasted a 95-horsepower V-8 engine. More than 65,800 were sold the first year.
Mercury's sales peaked in 1978 at more than 580,000 vehicles. Just over 92,000 Mercurys were sold last year.
Duane’s Real Estate News…
Real Estate Disclosures. Sellers, If You Don't Tell The Buyer Everything... Your Neighbors Will Part II
- Tell the buyer everything you know about the house, especially if you are the typical DIY (Do It Yourself) type of guy/gal. The rule is simple: "If in doubt, disclose it." A disclosure should be written in a clear and specific way: "... In 1997 there was a leak under the kitchen. We called ABC Plumbing and they fixed it" or "... around 2002 during El Nino rains, the basement flooded, a sump pump was installed by a plumber"
- If you did not take permits for any additions or structural modifications you made to the house, disclose that very clearly. These types of additions or modifications without permits is what puts the new occupants of the house at risk if they do not know.
- I always suggest to my sellers/clients to order a home and a pest control inspection before we put the house on the market. These reports, when provided to the buyer do not only offer a professional opinion, but also act as additional disclosures that you, the seller, provided to the buyer.
- When it comes to disclosing neighborhood noise problems or other nuisances, don't be shy, if you don't disclose that the area has problems with airport noises, or garbage odors from a nearby dump for example, not only would the new owners of the house will find that out within days of moving in, your friendly neighbors will spill the beans just as they greet the new owners with a courtesy visit to welcome them into the area.
- Always make sure that you get a copy of your disclosures signed and dated by the buyers BEFORE ESCROW CLOSES. These signed documents are YOUR protection against future liability.
Buyers do not like to be surprised by material facts that they did not know. In my office, every transaction has at the end a file that contains at least 30 different documents of disclosures. One realtor told of having to accompany one of his clients, a home seller to a lawsuit regarding the answers he gave to a question in the Disclosures that read: Are you aware of any problems with the house before or during your ownership? He answered: NO. The key word here was: before
The previous owners had disclosed to him that the house has had a problem with the foundation when it was being built... 35 years before! The result of that problem was that the foundation was reinforced better than any other home in the area, and neither the previous owner nor my client ever had a problem while they lived there. The buyer, however, sued him for non disclosure.
After 2 years of depositions, thousands of dollars in lawyer’s fees, and countless sleepless nights, the arbitrator awarded the buyers $120,000. Which they used to upgrade the entire house, because there was nothing wrong with the foundation. The legal fees for both parties were paid by the home seller.
But how did the new owner knew? The neighbor across the street come to greet the new owners, and as they unloaded their belongings, she told them the history of the house, and how the foundation gave way, and how it was fixed. The new buyers felt they should have been told, consulted an attorney who made a case and got some money from the seller.
As you can see, you do not have to necessarily do anything wrong, all you have to do to get into legal trouble is to not pay attention when filling out The Real Estate Transfer Disclosure Statements. If you are in the middle of a transaction and escrow has not closed yet, go back and do an amended document if you found out that you missed something. Even if you have to renegotiate something with the buyer, it is a lot cheaper than facing him in court. Good Luck
This is Duane signing off. Happy Trails to you! As always, I am proud to be an American. You can email me at duane.beisner@era.com Or visit my website at www.rejedi.com
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Hiding the Lockheed Plant during World War II
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