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Looking For Easy Landscaping Tips? Try These!

How can one change their yard so it's not so boring? What do you need to do in order to come up with a landscape that impresses your friends and family? You can have a yard to be proud of. Follow the tips in this article to get a jump-start on projects to improve your yard and your life.

For a nice update to your yard, consider re-edging rock beds or flower areas with soft curves. Curves are more updated and contemporary looking than straight lines and sharp corners. This is an inexpensive way to give a more contemporary appearance to your garden.

When you are putting together an outdoor cooking area, consider using sturdy granite for the surfaces. There are many different attractive kinds of stone available, but granite provides the best value in terms of durability and low maintenance requirements. Hot cooking utensils will not damage a granite surface, for instance.

Make sure you test your soil before you start your landscaping or gardening project. Getting your soil examined is a good way to decide whether or not it needs adjustments before you start introducing new plants. That will assist you in having plants that are happier and a much more successful garden.

Do you think you will be putting your house on the market soon? Landscaping is one of the most profitable home improvement projects to take on prior to selling your house; you might get up to 200 percent back of what you put into landscaping when you sell the house. Enhance curb appeal by sprucing up the front lawn, or create a great living space to hang out in your backyard.

Most people don't consider going online to get their landscaping items. This can not only save you money, but it can also help you to find plants that are more rare and not carried locally or even in specialty stores in your area.

Branch out and include more than one or two kinds of plants when you plan your landscaping. This is key to protecting the yard from disease or bacteria. If you plant the same plants, chances are they'll all be lost. You will increase the overall health of your landscaping by using an assortment of plants.

Before you visit lawn or garden centers to get plants, measure your landscaping area first. These measurements will allow you to calculate precisely how much of any particular product you need. This will help you not buy too much or too little of your materials.

To add lots of color and texture to your yard on a tight budget, try planting some wildflowers. Wildflower seeds are widely available and can be scattered liberally in large or difficult-to-plant areas. This will provide a visually pleasing variety of colors. Wildflowers make gorgeous bouquets.

Remember that cheaper is not always better. Sometimes, quality is much better for a project like this. If you are a beginner to landscaping, a more pricey specialty shop will give you advice to select the right stuff.

When choosing plants, select options which look good in every season. This just means having certain plants that will spring to life in the warmer weather, and something attractive in the winter time, such as pine trees. Be sure to study plants before beginning your landscape project. This is the key to creating a successful landscape.

If you are assembling your own landscape plan, add an estimate for the cost. Make a thorough list of every item you will need to complete the project. Take some time to figure out where you should purchase each of the items from. Prices will vary depending on where you live. Look for ways you can get top-notch materials at a lower cost.

Always carefully consider location when planning a landscape. Plants need certain conditions to thrive, so make sure you put them in the correct place in your garden. You need to consider the weather exposure, wind, shade and light your plants will get when placed in your yard.

Fall colors should also be considered when you design your landscape. Many people are only concerned with summer or spring colors, but fall can often be the most pretty season of the year. Take a little time to plan out what you want your autumn landscaping to look like. With a little effort your yard can look fabulous long after summer ends.

Use all kinds of flowers and trees with different colors to add unique beauty and variety in your landscaping. Even shrubs come in a surprising array of textures and colors. If you have enough space, you should make sure to include trees that produce blossoms in spring.

What you've read here is a primer in landscaping, which any homeowner will benefit from reading. No matter what job you have to do, now you can landscape with ease!

Make A Wonderful Garden With These Tips!

Though lots of people assume gardening is akin to rocket science, the truth is that knowledge is the key to success. The right information could help anyone be a master gardener. Continue to read this article to find out everything you need to know to achieve master gardener status!

Sod should be laid properly. Make sure you prepare your soil before you lay any sod down. Weeds should be removed, and you should break up the soil into a tilth. Compress the soil lightly yet firmly, and make certain it's flat. Thoroughly water the soil. Lay the sod down in alternated rows, keeping the joints set off from one another. Compact the sod down so you form a flat and even surface, then fill in any crevices within the sod by using some soil. You will have to water the sod every day for 2 weeks, and then it should be firmly rooted to the ground, and able to be walked on.

Clay is naturally hard, and can can stick to a shovel making it frustrating to work with. To make the clay soft so you aren't working as hard, take floor or car wax and rub a light coat on the surface of the shovel using a clean cloth, then buff the surface. The shovel will glide through the clay and as a bonus, your shovel will be resistant to rust.

Keep an eye open for stink bugs in your garden, especially during the fall months. They love to inhabit peppers, beans, tomatoes and all kinds of fruit varieties. If they are left in the garden, they can do great damage to your plants, so you should do whatever you can to eliminate them.

In a place that's dark, pre-soak the seeds. Place a couple of seeds in a tiny container, and fill it with water nearly to the top. This will keep your seeds hydrated and give you a little head start with your growing. This gives the seeds a better chance of flourishing.

A set of knee pads is a great investment if your garden has a lot of low-growing plants. Horticulture is supposed to be relaxing and enjoyable; you don't want to finish every horticulture session with aching, throbbing knees. A set of quality knee pads designed for gardening can be a world of relief for your central leg joints.



Gardening isn't hard to do if you understand what to do and how to use the tools you have. Having the right information will enable you to be a great gardener. Use the information and advice given to you in this article to improve your horticulture skills, and start creating your marvelous garden.

Simple Things All Organic Gardeners Should Know

No doubt you are familiar with organic foods, or at least know what they are. Organic items are easy to spot on the shelves. You can see it on their labels, as well as in their higher prices. Use the tips offered here to learn more about organic horticulture.

Your first and best line of defense against pests is having healthy soil. Healthy soil equals healthy plants and healthy plants can fight off diseases with ease. To give your garden the best chance of yielding the healthiest plants, start with a high-quality soil that has fewer chemicals which over time will accumulate salts.

A certain amount of CO2 is necessary for plants to maximize their growth potential. Often, plants achieve better growth when they are surrounded by high levels of CO2. A great way to reach these CO2 levels is through a greenhouse. To achieve optimal growing conditions, keep the levels of carbon dioxide high in your plants' environment.

When partaking in gardening activities, particularly in the autumn months, keep an eye on those stink bugs. They like beans, peppers, tomatoes and many fruits. Stink bugs may get out of hand and do significant damage in your garden. It is important to take steps to eliminate them from that area.



When you grow veggies in a garden, you need to ensure they get at least six hours of good sunlight each day. Many veggies require this amount to properly grow at a faster pace. It's also the same for some types of flowers.

Start your garden off right with seeds, not plants. As a green-friendly gardener, you always want to use seeds to start your new plot. The plastic used in nurseries often end up in landfills, that is why it is advised to use seeds or purchase from nurseries that make use of organic materials when packaging their plants.

A good fertilizer is important to add nutrients to your soil. If you decide to use manure, which is great for your plants, choose a pathogen free commercial product. Many types of fertilizers are available. The type you utilize is not critical; just be sure to use one.

Growing your garden at home might not be the most convenient thing for you, but you will save a lot of money and always have the confidence that what you're eating and feeding your family is as fresh and as healthy as possible. Use the tips you've learned here and get started on your garden today.

Approaches To Make Green Energy A Simple Solution!

To reduce energy costs and positively impact the environment, it is wise to use wind, water of the sun to create energy. If you want to incorporate green habits in your home immediately, read the following article to learn how to save money and the planet.

Be a smarter energy consumer by unplugging your electronic device chargers when they are not in use. They may not be currently in use, but items such as cell phone chargers, laptops and mp3 players draw energy when left plugged in.

It is important to clean your furnace filter on a regular basis to be sure you are using as little energy as possible heating your home. Install filters for your warm-air registers, too. This reduces debris and small toys from falling into the ducts, which will make them less efficient.

Check with a technician and see if switching to biodiesel for your home instead of fuel oil is a viable option for you. You might even find that you can switch your system to partial biodiesel without having to purchase parts or hire a contractor to perform modifications. Bio-diesel fuels burn more efficiently and cleaner than conventional petroleum- based fuel oil.

Make use of your dishwasher only when you have a full load in order to save energy and money. Do not simply place a few dishes into it and run it. If you do this, you'll become used to filling the dishwasher with as many dishes as you can. When loading the dishwasher, align the dishes in a way that allows you to fit the maximum number of items inside.

Try to turn off things you are not using. When you leave a room, shut off the lights, TV, computer, game systems, etc. A power strip is an easy way to turn off multiple appliances at once, so consider placing one in a conspicuous place where many electronics are located.

When you calculate the solar panel needs of your home, figure out the hours of sun you get in the winter. This can prevent surprises in the winter, so you ensure your home has proper energy inventory. If you're using a type of net usage plan, you'll receive money back during the summer from your utility company for energy you're generating!

Take time out to properly inspect your refrigerator. You have to ensure it is in great working condition, as it sucks up energy like a sponge. Clean the dust off of the heating coils on a regular basis. Additionally, you should ensure that the door seal is both tight and free of dirt.

Fans of green energy should limit their use of electric heaters in the winter. Dress more warmly when around the house. Wear slippers and a heavy top, and light up your fireplace or pellet stove for increased warmth at low cost. You will breathe better during your sleep if the air is cool.

Going green with energy use in your home now will equate to savings financially and environmentally in the future. As this article demonstrates, going green is not all that complicated or expensive. Put the good advice you have read here today to work in creating a more efficient and environmentally friendly home today.

home improvement tips to keep you on the right track (2)

Home Improvement Tips To Keep You On The Right Track

To have additional additional info about bathroom improvement, take a look here https://en.gravatar.com/bathroomzz

Many people see a problem in their house and immediately think to call a handyman or other professional to take care of it. While this may be necessary for some of the bigger jobs, they are simply too expensive to rely on for everything. Many smaller things can be tackled by you; doing your own home improvement is cheap and easier than you might think. Just follow these tips.

Get really good references for contractors you use on your home improvements. It is far too easy for a con artist to take your money and run, leaving you with a wreck of a home and no more money to fix it. Don't trust just anyone. Make sure you have plenty of excellent references, from people you really trust.

Candle wax can be hard to remove from tablecloths and other surfaces. A simple fix can be taking a piece of wax paper, laying it over the wax stain and ironing over it with the iron on the highest setting. The iron will melt the wax, causing it to stick to your wax paper.

Using hot glue to secure your bolts, screws, nuts and other pieces of hardware is a great organizational method. When seeking one little piece of hardware, it can be problematic even with the best labeling system. These labels provide better organization so that you do not have to waste time.

Bathroom

Give your bathroom a unique touch by deciding on a theme. Most people spend hours in their bathrooms, but apart from the coordinated colors, nothing seems to be unique. Come up with fun themes like pirate, under the sea, at the beach, or shipwrecked. Finding accessories for your idea can be fun and give your bathroom a sense of personality.

Throw your plastic shower curtain in the wash! Add a few clothes so they will swirl around with it and give it a good scrubbing. Even the most inexpensive shower curtains will survive one or two washings. You keep them out of the landfill and at the same time brighten up that tired bathroom!

If your shower and bathtub seem to be building up mildew, or leaking a little bit, it may be time for you to re-caulk. Removing your old caulk and putting in new should actually be done once a year as your typical bathroom maintenance. You can purchase calk from any hardware store for a very reasonable price.



When you are remodeling your bathroom, make sure not to add carpeting to the floor. Not only does carpeting stain easily, but the water from the shower will give the carpet, and subsequently your whole bathroom, a foul odor. Instead, go with a tile that can withstand any water that may get on the floor.

With these tips, you should have a good idea of what to do for basic home improvement. By using the advice given, you can save a lot of money and feel more accomplished in your home. Whether you're repairing something broken or adding something entirely new, you can save money and take pride in doing your own home improvement.

If you want further resources concerning diy home repair, visit this site.

Simple Things All Organic Gardeners Should Know

Why not learn something new about becoming a better gardener? You can determine all the things that you need so that you don't waste any money on equipment that isn't needed, or the wrong seeds for your type of environment.

It can be very hard to shovel clay soil, especially when it sticks to your shovel as you are working. To make your digging project easier, apply a coat of automobile wax to your shovel first and then buff it lightly. This will make your task easier because the clay won't stick to the shovel. It will also keep your garden tool from rusting.

Utilize your garden tool handles as convenient makeshift rulers. Larger handled tools like rakes, hoes, and shovels make great measuring sticks. Place the handles on the floor to measure the distance between them. Have a marker handy, and mark the distance with it. Now, the next time you're down in the garden, you'll have a handy ruler without needing to look anywhere else.

When winter comes around, save some plants by putting them in the house. Try to save plants that are expensive or that are resistant enough to handle the transition. When you dig up the plant, carefully avoid the roots then place it in a container.

Don't cut your grass too short! Higher grass has deeper roots, meaning a healthier lawn that will be less likely to dry out. If you have short grass, you will have short roots and you will dry out your grass.

Vegetables should be placed in a spot in your garden that will get about six hours of sun every day. Many vegetables need about this much sun to grow quickly. The same can be said for some flowers.

Mix the grounds of coffee in soil that has a lot of alkaline. This is a great and cheap way to increase the acid levels in your dirt. After doing so, you will notice that your greenery and garden will be colorful and fresh.

The best way to start a garden is from first principles: seeds. When you grow a new garden, start the environmental way, from seeds. Plastics from nurseries aren't recycled often, which causes them to go into landfills; so try starting with seeds, or buying from organic nurseries.

All that is required is a little research, patience, and putting in some work time out in the garden itself. However, while you watch something grow that you planted, the satisfaction will make it worthwhile.

Have A Look At These Great Roofing Tips

Remember - your roof keeps you away from the nasty elements outdoors! That's why you must take care of it. Many homeowners neglect roofs until the issues are major. Use the following tips to take good care of your roof.

When your roof leaks during a rainy spell, note the place where water is coming in. When dry conditions return, go up on the roof, find the damaged spot, and repair it. Don't jeopardize your safety by going up on a wet roof. You will need good, dry conditions to find the damage and repair it properly. When the roof is dry, you can then fix the roof in a safe manner.

Sometimes shingles leak, but the foundation can leak too. If there is dry rot on your roof, water can get into your house. Check all possible entries, including looking for rotted wood, to make sure the problem is solved permanently.

Consider your climate when roofing. Roofs made of clay are excellent for dryer climates. They can really keep a home very cool. In rainy climates, a clay roof can deteriorate quickly. Ask an expert for advice.

When climbing on the roof, it is important that you stay safe. It's surprisingly difficult to maintain your footing, even if the roof is only slightly sloped. Sadly, countless people sustain injuries or worse as a result of falls.

Do some careful research before deciding which roofer to hire. Don't just hire the cheapest guy or the first one you find. Instead, research the different roofers in your area. You can do this through the Internet, get feedback from others, or utilize services that help people to find trustworthy workers.

After you've narrowed down your list of contractors, talk to them about what kind of warranties they have available. The warranty should last at least three years. Keep in mind that a longer warranty is always better. You'll want a warranty that'll cover things such as issues with the materials or workmanship. You'll also want a copy of the manufacturer's warranties.

Insurance is vital when it comes to this type of work. Without insurance, you are liable to paying for damages. Ask not only for proof of insurance, but contact the insurer to check that it is up to date.

The age of your roof often dictates whether or not you replace it. Many roofs only last for around 20 years before they need replaced. If you installed a roof on top of your older roof, you'll definitely need to replace the entire thing once you've reached that 20 year limit.

If you wish to install a brand new, environmentally-friendly roof, don't overlook using a living roof. This type of roof is made up of layers of soil and can be used as a garden. It can only work in some places and some situations, though.



As was mentioned earlier, your roof is a great source of protection and safety for you and your family. Use these tips to keep your family and home safe all year long. It will definitely be worth the effort you put into it.

http://www.metalroofing.com/

Judge says you can serve divorce papers through Facebook

Judge says you can serve divorce papers through Facebook





How do you end a marriage to someone who's purposefully avoiding your divorce papers? Try Facebook. A Manhattan Supreme Court judge has ruled that a New York woman can serve her divorce summons by messaging her soon to be ex-husband on Facebook. He'll get the notifications once a week on the social network for three weeks, and it's splitsville if he either acknowledges a message or refuses to respond.

The ruling could set an important precedent for divorces in at least New York state, since you may no longer need to track someone down to deliver a breakup notice in person. And in this case, that kind of remote notice is necessary -- the husband doesn't have a fixed address or known workplace, so his wife would have a much harder time filing for divorce unless investigators got lucky.

[Image credit: Alamy]





Source: New York Daily News

Tags: divorce, facebook, internet, law, marriage, socialnetwork, socialnetworking

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http://www.engadget.com/2015/04/06/facebook-divorce-papers/?ncid=txtlnkusaolp00000589

What is the best replacement window for a home?

On One Hand: Tested and Certified Windows

According to Tim Carter, a chief builder and home remodeler, the best replacement windows are those that have been independently tested and certified. Windows are tested for air and water infiltration, as well as resistance to forced entry and structural integrity. Carter recommends looking for windows with the American Architectural Manufacturers Association label, as it informs you that the windows are first rate.

On the Other: Wood and Vinyl Replacement Windows

Vinyl and wood replacement windows are both high quality selections for replacement windows. Wood replacement windows work well with historical homes to provide natural insulation while vinyl replacement windows are suitable for newer homes and require little to no maintenance. Both options are excellent and top choices for replacement windows.



Bottom Line

The best replacement windows for a home are those that have been independently tested and certified by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association because it guarantees that these windows have gone through rigorous testing to meet safety and structural reliability requirements. Vinyl and wood windows are notable choices when installing replacement windows.

Source:

Ask the Builder: Window Replacement

More Information:

Home Renovations: Vinyl or Wood Replacement Windows?





http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/1974369

Justin Bieber Hangs Poolside With Kendall Jenner, ‘Best Babysitter In World’ Of Mason Disick

Justin Bieber Hangs Poolside With Kendall Jenner, 'Best Babysitter In World' Of Mason Disick

Justin Bieber has been praised as the "best babysitter in the world" by Kardashian-Jenner matriarch Kris Jenner.

The compliment was attached to the momager's Instagram repost of a pic, which the 21-year-old superstar shared of himself and five-year-old Mason Disick larking around in a pool at a hotel in Beverly Hills on Friday afternoon.

Others present were Kris' daughter, model Kendall Jenner, Scott Disick (who is Mason's father), Shots app co-founder John Shahidi, model Cassie Amato, and possibly others.



(Photo: Justin and Mason messing around in the pool at a Beverly Hills hotel together on Friday, March 27)

Justin's caption to the snap of him and Mason reads, "Mason is cool as a fan." The child's mother, Kourtney, also reposted the pic, without a note.

Kris' repost, read, "#Mason & @JustinBieber family pool day!!! #bestbabysitterintheworld "?,? #Repost @justinbieber ??>>??>>??>>Mason is cool as a fan."

The Biebs' suntanning session with Kendall and co. has sparked a lesser burning Internet question as to whether or not he was seen with hickeys on Friday night. Red marks were spotted on Justin's neck when he left Beverly Hills' Mastro's Steakhouse hours later.



(Photo: Justin Bieber spotted with red marks on his neck leaving Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills on Friday, March 27)

However, based on a video and pics that surfaced online, it seems the red marks are the result of Justin's extended stay in the sun, and not hickeys. Although, both are possible.

During what appears to have been a relaxing day for the group, Shahidi posted a snap of Justin to his Instagram page, with the self-explanatory caption, "Sunburnt hack."

Shahidi also shared a shot of Kendall at the hotel, with a note that read, "Hack."

For his part, Justin updated his Instagram with playful snaps from his sunbathing session.



One showed him being fed a bunch of grapes by a female while he lay back, shirtless, on a sun-lounger.

It was later reported that the woman with the grapes is Wilhelmina Model Cassie Amato.



The Canadian's tongue-in-cheek accompanying note read, "The kids gotta eat too (sic)."

In addition, Justin was captured on video telling a group of fans outside Mastro's, "I'm mad sunburned." (See the clip below.)



All of which suggests sunburn, not hickeys, are the cause of the red rash on Bieber's neck.

This will likely come as a disappointment to the rumor mill, currently speculating that either Kendall or Cassie are behind seemingly discredited, alleged hickeys.



(Photo: Another shot of Justin and Mason having pool fun together on Friday)

That same Friday, the Biebs was spotted driving to a Los Angeles dance studio in his red Ferrari.

He later shared a video of his dance session to his Instagram account. The clip shows him shirtlessly going through a dance routine with choreographer Nick DeMoura, while "Where Are ?? Now," his collaboration with Jack ??'s Skrillex and Diplo, plays in the background.

w/ @NickDeMoura https://t.co/3OXyqhmO1Z

" Justin Bieber (@justinbieber) March 27, 2015

It's thought the singer's post of the video is a tease of his widely expected performance of the acclaimed dance anthem at the Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida, during Skrillex's headlining show on Sunday, with Diplo also guesting.

Later on Friday as he left Mastro's, Justin took the time to pose for selfies with fans waiting outside.



(Photo: Justin made time to take a group selfie with fans outside Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, California, on Friday night)

The night before, the Biebs was spotted partying at 1OAK club in West Hollywood with the Australian musician Cody Simpson.

Earlier in the week, Justin was seen leaving the same club with actor Leonardo DiCaprio, which confused some after all that tiresome business with Orlando Bloom in Ibiza, Spain, last July.

As the Inquisitr reported, a source and tweets between Justin and Jack ?? reveals a meet between the trio is happening this weekend in Miami. Members of Team Bieber are now assembling in Florida, including manager Scooter Braun, who is already in town for Martin Garrix at Ultra and Ariana Grande's Honeymoon tour stop.

At press time on Saturday, the "best babysitter in the world" is still off-radar, but no doubt Miami bound.

Watch live video from Ultra on www.twitch.tv

[Images via Instagram/SPW/SplashNews/Roshan Perara]

http://www.inquisitr.com/1962927/justin-bieber-pool-babysitter-in-world-mason-disick/

Here's To Plumbers, Unsung Heroes Tackling The Water Crisis

Fred Schilling, 65, has gotten used to people chuckling when they first hear about World Plumbing Day.

He also knows they're likely picturing some sort of Hallmark holiday when people slip a tip to the guy who saves the day when the plunger can't.

But as the event celebrates its fifth year on Wednesday and a number of impressive milestones, Schilling is feeling pretty confident that people in the U.S. will soon get to know the day that recognizes plumbers' role in preventing waterborne diseases and helping to bring sanitation to the 2.5 billion people who don't have access to a clean, private toilet.

The awareness event was first established by the World Plumbing Council in 2010. That same year, a 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated Haiti, and Schilling, a master plumber, found his second sanitation calling.

The founder of Florida's Pipeline Plumbing, who started his thriving company with just one truck about 40 years ago, was easing into retirement when he became riveted by the horrifying news clips coming out of Haiti. Having launched his career in the Air Force where he'd deploy after an earthquake or tsunami with just two hours notice, Schilling figured he was the perfect guy to fix Haiti's water systems.

"It shouldn't be too complex," he told The Huffington Post of what he thought at the time. "We're going to jump in there and we're going to fix this. It's what I've done my entire life."

But what Schilling didn't know then was that Haiti was so underdeveloped, there were barely any water mains to "fix."

In fact, contaminated water is such a grievous issue in Haiti that it's the leading cause of infant mortality and illness in children, according to International Action, a Haiti health group.



A child waits to fill jugs with water on March 6, 2012 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

The situation became so deleterious, that since the earthquake hit, there have been more than 380,000 cholera cases, an infection that occurs when water, sanitation and hygiene practices are inadequate, according to the World Health Organization.

In the wake of the tragedy, Schilling was prompted to head to Haiti by Domenico DiGregorio -- a Seattle-based plumber who was in the process of founding a nonprofit. That first mission trip marked the beginning of Plumbers Without Borders, a group that pairs plumbers with disaster zones and areas in desperate need of sanitation and clean water.

It has no relation to the medical aid group Doctors Without Borders.

Five years in, the organization has about 400 vetted plumbers in its database, with members spanning the U.S., Africa, Australia, the U.K. and elsewhere. The volunteers link up with on-the-ground organizations in impoverished areas to improve plumbing in medical facilities and install water purification systems.

What makes the group work so well, according to DiGregorio, is that plumbers pretty much all speak the same "language," and ending water crises is often just about employing a skilled person in time to address the issue.

"People need to realize that 90 percent of waterborne diseases can be solved if you have proper plumbing," DiGregorio told HuffPost. "There's a lot more to it than everything flows downhill."



A cholera patient is treated at the Doctors Without Borders in center in the Martissan area of Port-au-Prince on December 9, 2014. (Photo credit HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images)

Schilling partnered with a group out of Seattle University, which helped defray some of the costs, and spent $3,000 of his own money to fund his trip. But when he touched down in Haiti, he quickly realized that the sanitation issue would have to take a backseat to providing clean water.

"I had spent my whole life training, educating to take on a project [as big as] the Empire State building," said Schilling who, in 1982 worked as the plumbing contractor for Six Flags Atlantis in Hollywood, Florida, which at the time was the world's largest water theme park.

"But I had no concept as to how undeveloped Haiti was ... that it basically had no plumbing. We had to rethink this," he added.



At that same time, a group of graduate students from Seattle University had developed a water purification system that could produce 10,000 gallons of clean water every 24 hours.

The issue, at that point, however became getting the purifiers into the country.

Every import, including lifesaving medications, was getting held up at the border by the government and taxed enormously.

That's when Schilling met with Food for the Poor, a Florida-based nonprofit that feeds about 20,000 people in Haiti seven days a week. It had permission to ship in food for the needy with ease.

Schilling arranged for the graduate students to send the purifiers to the Coconut Creek, Florida, headquarters. When they arrived, Food for the Poor boxed the instruments into their food packages so that they could be delivered without any holdup, Schilling said.

By 2012, Plumbers Without Borders had succeeded in installing 15 such purifiers, which Schilling said is like "winning the lottery" to people in Haiti.

Since that first trip, Schilling has returned to Haiti nine more times, but his mission now has evolved to helping the country become more self-sufficient in tackling sanitation issues.

According to the CDC, 49 percent of rural Haitians rely on open defecation.

To help reduce those figures, Plumbers Without Borders partnered with toilet manufacturer American Standard Brands, a company that won a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation for its SaTo toilet pan in 2012. The no-frills system closes off pit latrines from the open air to minimize odor and keep insects from spreading diseases.



Fred Schilling examines a SaTa toilet in Haiti.

Last November, the company agreed to start licensing the SaTo pan in Haiti. It's a breakthrough that could bring 5 million toilets to the country in five years, Schilling said.

But the goal now, though, is improving plumbing education in Haiti so that local graduates can install these toilets and also take on major contracting jobs with hotels and clinics that developers typically outsource to foreign workers.

Currently, Haiti Tec, the county's school which offers technical and vocational training, only has a one-year plumbing program, and it's pretty rudimentary, according to Schilling.

By comparison, to get certified in the U.S., a student must first complete a two- to five-year program. Becoming a master plumber requires three years of working on the job and then passing an exam, Schilling noted.

Plumbers Without Borders has held plumbing workshops at Haiti Tec and hopes to eventually work to expand the program.

It's also working on finding ways to encourage more women to get involved in the industry to close the gender inequality gap. The organization recently applied with Haiti Tec for a $500,000 Gates Foundation grant that would launch a women-specific plumbing program.

The interest is already there, as demonstrated by the lengths to which students will go to impress Schilling.

When he held a workshop back in 2011, the area was still devastated, yet half of the students showed up to Schilling's lecture wearing suits.

"All I had seen was people living in streets and in blue tarps. How in the world could you have a clean suit and tie on?" he said. "That was their way of showing respect."

When he conducts a similar program in Florida, most people show up in flip-flops.

After a Seattle University graduate student recently gave a lengthy talk on such cumbersome topics as water testing in Haiti, Schilling expected the students to doze off. Instead, they spent two-and-a half hours after asking pointed questions.

"They didn't miss one word," Schilling said. "This is life or death for them."

To take action on pressing sanitation issues, check out the Global Citizen's widget below.

CLARIFICATION: This story has been updated to reflect the number of people Food for the Poor serves every day in Haiti.

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Do you like homes with junk cars all over the front yard? Why or why not?

LOL! I know this is is a joke off my question. It has to be. Right? If I see a home with junk cars all over the front yard soon, I might just end up being reminded of you, Weylon!





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Remember me always :)

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by Wey on August 1st, 2011

You're pretty memorable, sir!

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by AG on August 1st, 2011



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http://www.answerbag.com/q_view/2546858

15 Rooms with Scene Stealing Floors

Floors often don't get a lot of love, maybe because most people don't spend a lot of time looking at their feet. But the floors in these 15 rooms are so attractive, so attention-getting, that it's hard to imagine looking anywhere else.

Above: this herringbone wood floor would be beautiful on its own, but with this painted motif it's definitely the star of the show. From the book Freunde von Freunden: Friends, via Yatzer.



A beautifully worn brick floor in a space spotted on One Kings Lane.



Tile can be striking, too -- I'm partial to this kitchen from Style Me Pretty.



This kitchen, from House and Home, is floored with slabs of marble found at a salvage yard.



A beautiful, intricately detailed wood floor, from an apartment spotted on Dustjacket Attic.



Fish scale scallops, in concrete, mingle with wood flooring at The Musket Room in NYC. Spotted on 79 Ideas.



A bright green herringbone tile floor in a Moroccan home from T Magazine.





These chevron wood floors are enough to make me want to pick up and move to Paris. Jeremy Wilson for Elle Decoration UK, via Arkpad.





This floor, in an apartment by Sarah Lavoine, could be tile, but almost looks like stamped concrete.



From Elle Decor, another Moroccan home with a stunning tile floor.



If I lived in a place with a floor like this, I might never leave the hallway. A home in Firenze, by I Vassalletti.



A gorgeous parquet floor from SJ Studio.



Another herringbone tile floor, this one by Made a Mano.



This floor, alone among all these beauties, is a DIY. It was created (over many painstaking hours, I'm sure) with a permanent market. More details on Where Cool Things Happen.



And one more chevron floor, just for grins. From a Paris apartment spotted on Yellowtrace.

(Image credits: Freunde von Freunden: Friends; One Kings Lane; Style Me Pretty; House and Home; Dustjacket Attic; 79 Ideas; T Magazine; Elle Decoration UK; Sarah Lavoine; Elle Decor; I Vassalletti; SJ Studio; Made a Mano; Where Cool Things Happen; Yellowtrace)

http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/scene-stealing-floors-214523

Built-in Appliances - Providing A Chic Look To Your Kitchen

Aesthetics play a major role in this modern world. The kitchen design is not at all exempt from this increasingly popular rule. There are many professionals who design kitchens as well as assist people to choose which appliances, counters, cabinets as well as lighting they should fit into their homes. From a visual viewpoint, it's perhaps better to pick built-in appliances, as they are hidden away, compared to freestanding equivalents.



There is undoubtedly no denying the fact that a clutter free kitchen looks excellent. Built-in appliances help in achieving this description by installing built-in microwave oven, coffee maker as well as refrigerators behind matching cabinet doors. Ovens as well as cooktop also poke out slightly from walls and counters. Moreover, a built-in cooker top does not even have to be straight on top of the oven as would usually be the case with a freestanding hob. Through this additional flexibility, you are able to transform your kitchen that goes well with all your requirements.

Single or double cavity ovens as well as hobs are offered to build into or below kitchen units. The selection is between built-in to a cabinet at an upper level or built- below which implies below the work surface. These ovens come in different sizes to suit your requirements.

Built-in fridges & freezers are built into a giant cabinet in your kitchen. Built in refrigerators come in various diverse sizes. The thing to be familiar with is the diverse heights offered in the built-in models.

For built-in microwave, potential customers should refer to their kitchen designer or fitter, since there are diverse models offered for diverse needs. For example, you can buy a narrow depth model to be installed into a wall cabinet at head height; however the normal in column microwaves cant be installed into these gaps. Moreover, there are diverse sizes as well as depths offered, these features need to be considered while shopping.



As with several things in life, it seems that the choice to prefer either built-in appliances or freestanding ones boils down to what your heart wishes and what your mind tells you to do.

But, if you want a clean, clutter-free as well as stylish kitchen then go for built-in appliances. There are many home appliances companies in India which offer the best of choices in built-in appliances. You can also visit their online portal to shop from the ease of your home.

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For more Information about Buy Online Built in appliances and Compare Price for Built in appliances visit this site :- http://www.whirlpoolindia.com/built-in

http://www.articlesnatch.com/Article/Built-in-Appliances---Providing-A-Chic-Look-To-Your-Kitchen/6552404