Play Fair, Rush Limbaugh!

Ha!  I must laugh to myself as I reread the words printed in my beloved Mass Communications (Converging Media, Pavlik and McIntosh) textbook, "the prevalence of conservative talk shows such as Rush Limbaugh has given rise to attempts by liberals to reinstate the Fairness Doctrine".

Really?!  The prevalence of conservative 'anything' media?!?  That's a joke in and of itself!  I am so sick and tired of the whiney majority crying over the last shreds -- strands -- remnants of diverse minority left standing.  Kind of funny that they cry for fairness when they are the very source of abuse and manipulation within today's mainstream media.  Who's got the upper hand??

The even crazier thing: Rush Limbaugh leaves nothing for the consumer to assume.  Fairness?  Rush doesn't manipulate his material, he merely delivers it in raw form.  Rush plays soundbites of his opposition for all to hear.  He doesn't "quote" them, he lets you hear them speak for themselves.  If that's unfair and skewed -- or a manipulation of important issues, then people need to keep their mouths shut.  If the other side doesn't speak Rush will no longer have a job.  Until then, keep playing those soundbites for all to hear, Rush!

One Word: Benghazi

I'm thoroughly disgusted with the media.  I've never had a fondness for mainstream media, but feel my once tolerant demeanor has been challenged -- pushed to a defensive position.

The media has chosen to keep the details of an abhorrent  US government debacle concealed from the public.  Details of the attack that took place on the American Embassy in Benghazi on September 11, 2012 have been withheld by otherwise quick-to-report-'everything' journalists and reporters.  I feel this is a classic case of the (liberal) media siding with the current US Administration in an attempt to conceal the truth from the American people.  Lives were lost -- soldiers with families, and government officials. We - the people - deserve the truth.

Media is not the 'fourth arm of the government'.  It's the 'fourth arm of the liberal government', and 'repressor' of the conservative movement; quite the contrary to it's 'ethical' foundations.  Mainstream media is saturated by a leftist liberal mindset and agenda -- quite the contrary to the oldest ethical principles: the Golden Rule and Golden Mean.  Virtues such as "doing unto to others as you would have done unto you", and "finding a balance between two extremes" no longer seem relevant.  Money and power seem to outweigh honesty and integrity.

Balance?  What's that?  What's it matter when the 'powers that be' will cover up and lie for you?  Accountability?  To whom?

Media on Media

Early in the evening last night I was sitting at the kitchen table working on some schoolwork.  I decided to turn on the television in the living room behind me.  I raised the volume enough to the point where I could focus on my work, yet listen for pertinent election results.  My attention piqued as I heard one of the news anchors make a comment as to the fact that, “election-related Tweets are soaring”.  As I continued to listen statistics were offered stating the number of Tweets that had been made.  The comment that struck me most, however, was this: “social media plays a major role in the campaign” – “it allows people to peek into the lives of others”: a very interesting observation, and in my opinion, a direct result of media convergence. 

How much of an edge do you think the presidential candidates gain from having a ‘birds eye’ view into the lives of their potential constituents?  Do you think Twitter can be helpful or detrimental to their campaigns?

I think Twitter has added a whole new dimension to the role of social media in politics.  It serves both the user and the producer (produser).  The expeditious nature of reaching a mass audience adds an advantage to (in this case) the campaigner, and also aids the campaigner in his/her ability to monitor on-going feedback from his potential constituents.  The people (future/potential constituents) are afforded the luxury of contributing to the communication loop through immediate feedback.  Both elements lend to allowing constant flux and change through the process of exchange.  In my opinion, Twitter has given media convergence added momentum in creating a warp-speed feedback loop.  It should be interesting to see the future effects of Twitter as the immediacy of digital communication continues to evolve and factor into our lives.  

What lies beyond those doors?

Take 6: Come on IN!

What lies beyond these doors?  Well, come on in and I'll give you a peek!

My last update included progress on the exterior finishes of this house.  Much has been happening on the inside as well!  Our last trip through the inside looked much different than it does now.  The framing, rough plumbing, rough electrical, and rough HVAC had been completed, and the house was ready for termite treatment and insulation.  I didn't take any pictures of the insulation stage -- not intentional on my part -- just a matter of time limitations.  So, in essence the house has gone from a shell, to an enclosed structure, and is now looking much more like a defined space.

Welcome in!  This is the same space (picture above) I originally posted as my first interior framing picture.  It's the opening to the living room within the foyer.  The foyer is not a typical entry area, in that it runs parallel to the width of the home verses vertically.  To the right you have the Master Suite and "her" room, and the left leads to "his" room/formal office space and a wing containing 2 guest bedrooms.

The picture above is within the foyer looking to the right (see front door in right side of picture).

The picture above is looking through the foyer to the left.  As you can see, the hardwood floors have been installed.  They are 5"solid hickory planks.  Gorgeous!

A view from the kitchen looking out to the living room with a fireplace straight on.  The dark wood on the ceiling in the living room is the framework for future beams.

"His" office -- library. :)  Note the future window seat and beams on the ceiling.

"Her" office -- reading room. :)  I love the windows -- tons of daylight!

And... down the stairs we'll go... another time!  There's too much house to share in one post!  Be on the lookout for more details in the finish processes of this house.  I can't wait to continue sharing -- we'll watch as this house becomes a HOME. :)

Thanks, @BHG! Thanks, @Nate_Berkus! Thanks, Twitter!

Woohoo!  Score!  Twitter Rocks!  Wait... what?!  Twitter, what?!

You heard me right!  I scored a prize package worth $325 from @BHG and @Nate_Berkus!  Take a look and see for yourselves:

My Mass Communications class (COM 150) has broadened my horizons.  The once Facebook-only girl has now morphed into a Twitter, and Blogger girl as well!  

We were assigned a 10 Twitter Project for COM 150 during which we had to become actively involved in Twitter.  Assignments were given with the purpose of using Twitter as a communication tool.  Our daily Twitter assignment included 6 Tweets: 2 Re-Tweets related to our "beat" or Mass Comm/Media Literacy, 2 Tweets with shortened URL links of articles/stories/videos related to our "beat" or Mass Comm/Media Literacy, and 2 conversational messages related to our "beat" or MC/ML (one being a reply to a tweet from someone else in our class or otherwise).

I began my Twitter Project by setting up my Twitter account.  I then "followed" all of my classmates.  Afterward, I realized I had the option of searching for people and companies that share my interests (and "beat"), so I added another 40 or so "people" to my list of 'following'.  That's how I 'found' Better Homes and Gardens, or @BHG!

@BHG offers all kinds of great ideas for the home, garden, and beyond.  Everything from recipes to room 'makeovers' -- home renovations, decorating ideas, a plethora of pictures, and phenomenal articles!  Finding a source for new ideas was wonderful in and of itself!  The fact that @BHG offered a prize package giveaway for Re-Tweeting a link featuring Nate Berkus' new product line (available at Target) was an added bonus I never dreamed I'd receive!

Twitter is most definitely a useful tool for companies looking to further their marketing spectrum!  However, the only drawback I continue to site, is the fact that companies can only market those who 'subscribe' to them.  You have to 'follow' that company in order to receive their information.  I'm thankful I found, and am now the proud follower of @BHG and @Nate_Berkus! 

Exterior Details Part: 2

Take 5: Exterior Details TOO - or 2!  

I'm not quite sure what prompted the use of "takes" while posting the updates on this house build, but now that I've started the trend, I must continue it. :)

My last update concluded with (some) exterior progress.  The brick veneer had been added to the exposed areas of foundation at the base of the house.  Exterior finish details are beginning to come together now!  Here's a look at the most recent exterior finish details:

Can you see the changes?  The picture is taken from a distance, so details are more difficult to see!  Here's another picture -- closer to the house (right side, front):

Yes!  That's Board and Batten siding you see!  The material used as siding is called James Hardie Board.  It's a cement product, and offers comparable durability and longevity to brick.  You can purchase James Hardie Board in pre-finished color pallets, but the cost for material is significantly higher.  

(above picture: left side, rear)

The next exterior phase will include the installation of cedar shake on the eves, and stone on the facade.  Can't wait to share more pictures with you!

Advertising Exposure Analysis

My daily exposure to advertising is very limited... thankfully.  Television used to be the primary source of advertising message delivery in my world -- prior to the rise of the almighty DVR.  My husband is forever indebted to the brilliant mind behind the FF capability of the DVR, and has mastered the art of skipping commercials, btw.

The age of convergence has altered the way in which I receive advertising messages entirely.  Again, television commercials were the only real connection advertisers could gain with me.  Now, given the rise of the Internet and it's many functions, email advertising and website interstitial and superstitial ads have taken the place of television ads.

There's nothing more annoying than an interstitial ad.  The frustration given their presence alone is enough to completely shut me down from any further attention to their ad.  I cannot close those windows quickly enough.  Superstitial ads are not quite as infuriating, however, they gain no attention from me either.  Email ads are a close third in the annoyance category.  I once had a sales clerk recommend I set up a pseudo email account, "purely for advertising purposes".  Great idea, but too little, too late.  I love the fact that I can hit the "delete" button, and 'poof' goes the ad.

Convergence has changed the way we receive and process ads.  Given the flexibility from a user perspective, advertisers are far more challenged.  Marketing strategies used to be their only real issue, however, reaching their market now poses a challenge as well.  From a user perspective, I am very thankful I've gained some power in the ability to choose selectively.  From the advertiser perspective, I'd have to think their once lucrative power has been somewhat weakened.  Yet another area where media convergence has affected an industry.  People are creative and brilliant.  It should prove interesting to watch the advertising industry adapt and survive.    

Old School News

My parents were of the generation that received news via radio and news print.  In their early years only privileged families owned televisions.  I found a letter handwritten to my grandfather from my grandmother when she was away from him for an extended period of time.  She was visiting relatives in a different state, and stayed in contact with my grandfather via mail.  My father was a little boy at the time - not of school age.  In her letter she made reference to the fact that she and my father had joined the neighbors in watching 'the fight' "live" on a television.  She described it as being, "lovely" and, "so very exciting".  News print and radio offered daily coverage of local, national, and world news.

My generation received news by means of television, radio, newspaper, and magazine -- primarily television.  News stories were delivered as 'new' news in the morning, midday, and evening.  If you chose to stay up late, late night news was an option for day-end happenings.

This generation -- my kids' generation -- is experiencing news through what is now a climate of media convergence.  Newspapers, magazines, and television are all digitized, and available on demand 24/7.  Convergent journalism is also very much a part of this generation.  Text stories are now being merged with online video and audio -- enhancing the information experience.  Users (news consumers) can also provide feedback via online discussion boards, and are afforded the opportunity to post news openly apart from a publisher.  Citizen journalism is on the rise due to the Internet and social media.  Blogging and Wikinews offer citizens the opportunity to present their own material free of limitations.  Where Mass Media began as a one-sided delivery of filtered information, media convergence has allowed for an exchange of ideas and beliefs as well.

I'm not sure what my children's kids will experience in the field of news reception!  With Face Time and Skype -- who knows?  Maybe they'll be able to interact in a virtual realm with events as they unfold!  WHO KNOWS?!

BRAINY GAMEiACS

Are my children becoming smarter because they're spending time engaged with XBox 360 and Play Station 3?  Maybe they're becoming 'dumber' -- or, maybe they're not experiencing any effects either way.  Hmmm... what are my real thoughts on this from a mom perspective?

 My generation wasn't exposed to gaming until the rise of Atari in the early 80s.  Handheld games were available, but limited in game variation.  Football was the most sought-after handheld game.  Pac Man was available on console systems in public areas like the bowling alley, movie theater, and shopping mall too. 

       

Today, gaming seems to be a way of life for kids.  Our 15 year old received his first Play Station at the age of 4.  I vividly remember thinking to myself, "wow, this is scary.  He's only 4 and he can master (read: beat/defeat) a video game."  Toy Story was his first game, and he was captivated by it.  I didn't think past the moment, and gave little thought to the potential consequences of having allowed video gaming at such a young age.

Eleven years of game interaction have passed.  Do I think gaming has affected my children?  Absolutely.  Has it enhanced their intellect or detracted from it?  I think it's done a little of both.  My boys are both very savvy with their knowledge of weaponry, and seemingly possess excellent fine motor skills.  I've also seen an interest in electrical wiring and technical programming emerge in my 15 year old son.  However, I've also witnessed a decline in outdoor activity, and personal interaction with friends.  Live gaming allows for communication and exchange between players, but it's not face to face.  Do I believe gaming poses the risk of addiction?  Yes.  But, social networking, internet socializing, and texting do too (in my opinion).

Balance and moderation are key.  As parents we've chosen to take a proactive stance.  We've established clear time limits, and monitor the boys' overall usage.  School nights are off limits, and Sunday at 7:00pm is the weekend cutoff time.  Summertime is closely monitored as well, and limits are adjusted accordingly.  Our boys are active in sports, and both engage in hobbies.  Thankfully, finding the time to game has become a challenge -- for both.  I don't regret allowing my boys to indulge in gaming, but would recommend strict limitations to parents entering into the 'gaming' phase of parenting.        

Honestly, I do worry about their (my boys') future gaming interest levels.  My husband and I have NO interest in gaming whatsoever, but I have heard of situations where heavy gaming involvement has led to the dissolution of marriage.  Hopefully their lives as adults will be full without the need to spend time gaming.  Again, finding a healthy balance is important with all things in life.

Viable Tool?

 Is Twitter a viable tool for journalists?  In my opinion, the ‘tool’ is only effective when it’s being used in viable function.  You can’t use a Phillips Head screwdriver on a Flat Head screw.  Well, you might be able to, but the screwdriver’s effectiveness might be challenged.  The same applies to journalism efforts via Twitter.

 

Twitter commands a ‘following’.  The journalist can only reach those who choose to let him do so.  The bulk of a journalist’s followers are more than likely going to be those who subscribe to his beat, agenda, principals, and journalistic views.  There are always those that choose to subscribe with the intent of offering an opposing view, however, I don’t believe the opposition are the majority.  Can a journalist sway his opposing audience?  It’s possible, but more than likely, not probable.

Twitter has the potential for effective use by journalists through enabling them to reach their audience quickly.  Given the climate of media immediacy – on demand media – people have a need to know in the moment.  Twitter allows for timely updates, and although character limits are set, links to further information can be provided and accessed readily.

I don’t see Twitter imposing any negative effects on journalism outside of the fact that, again, it commands a subscriber base.  From a journalist’s point of view, your purpose is not only to reach those who agree with you, but also those who disagree.  Journalists not only report and inform, but in essence, they’re also in the business to sell and persuade.  If Twitter (as the Phillips Head screwdriver) primarily interacts with all Phillips Head screws, great.  But, what are the chances of effectively completing the job if there are Flat Head screws out there in need of attention too?

Making Progress!

Take 4: Exterior Finish Details 

That new house is moving right along!  Unfortunately, once the framing and roof have been completed the progress might not seem as obvious from the outside.  That being said, there's still much to be done -- outside and in!  Curious as to what's been done since my last update?  Here's a look at the exterior of the house:

Look VERY closely... do you see any changes??  This picture isn't the best for purposes of detail spotlighting, so I'll help you out.  The foundation is now covered by brick.  See it?!  This house will be finished with James Hardie (board and batten) cement siding and accented with natural stone.  Board and Batten shutters with wrought iron S-hooks will be added as a final detail at the end.  Here's a picture of the rear elevation:

And, yes -- that's my builder/husband Jim... :)

The inside is in the process of being insulated right now.  Once the insulation has been inspected, Jim will be free to move forward and into the final phases of construction.  Sheetrock will be next, and the rooms will look like separate spaces, not a bunch of 2-by-4s in a big space! :)

Stay tuned for my next update!

Time for an UP-FIT!

I think our houses are a little bit like our bodies.  Every once in a while our bodies need a new uplift in some way, shape, or form.  Doesn't have to be major -- I'm not suggesting facelifts or breast augmentation, but maybe a new haircut or clothing style.  The same can be said for our homes.  Every so often your space warrants an up-fit.

Next month will mark our 10th year of living in this house.  I can't believe we've been here long enough to double our previous record of home ownership!  Jim built this house, and one would *think* he designed it free of 'faults'.  Maybe fault isn't the appropriate word, but hopefully you are with me on this.  For those of you who might think building your custom dream home will be the solution to all of your needs and wants, think again.  You'll always find something you'd like to change along the way!

As for me and my house, we've made a couple of changes in our ten years here.  One of the changes was significant.  Jim took my existing laundry room, and turned it into a full-fledged mud room.  Where did my laundry room go?  We had some "extra" space in our garage that Jim was able to tie into our existing home as a new laundry room.

The process is not one I'd recommend you challenge as a homeowner.  You definitely need the skills and expertise of a qualified licensed general contractor.  Our remodel involved the removal of walls, and structural changes that combined the existing floor joist system with the new additional living space.  It involved the addition of new plumbing and electrical services, and the removal of the old existing plumbing from my former laundry room.

If you feel like you're ready for a change, and don't know where to begin - you are not alone!  This article in Houzz offers a great place to start.  There are many ways you can make changes to the space you're already in without having to move.  Some are simple, and some are more involved, but these are some ideas to help get you going!  Have fun with it!

PS - I'd like to post before and after pictures -- give me a day or two to find them and upload :)

Governance or Neutrality?

Net Neutrality.  Ever heard of it?  It's not a foreign concept.  The Internet has somehow managed to remain free of it thus far, but there are those who are doing their best to implement it.

At first glance, the word 'neutrality' proves rather innocuous.  Used in the context imposed by the FCC, however, it is far from harmless.  In my opinion, it's another way in which the federal government will become involved in what is currently a system free of government regulation and control.

That which has now become an information highway found it's beginning within the telecommunication networks.  The same fiber optic and bandwidth lines used to carry mass quantities of voice information also carry digital information.  We've already experienced the effects of a government monopoly via the telephony operations.  The government will prove to offer the same results through Net Neutrality if given the freedom to do so; they will tax, monitor, regulate, and seek to control the Internet.  Who needs more government agencies?  As far as I'm concerned our government is far too big already.  With the constant evolution of technology, no ONE institution will ever be able to effectively (read: fairly) monitor and control the Internet.

Have you ever looked at the breakdown of your landline phone bill?  If not, do yourself a favor and take a closer look.  The amount you pay for phone services is maybe 50% of the bill; the other 50%, TAXES and regulatory fees.  Truthfully, I believe liberties are what our forefathers fought to preserve.  The Internet is one of the few places we can still participate on an equal ground.  Don't punish us for our success -- there are many forms of revenue to be had within the system as it IS.

$$$ 4 the Houzz Spent Well

Do you ever question yourself prior to making a large purchase?  Especially when it comes to spending money on your home?  I do!  I often find myself trying to justify my spending, yet also want to spend my money on quality.  How do you balance the two without compromising one or the other?

This article in Houzz offers some great advice in making good spending choices without compromising product quality or risking a budget blowout.  There are ways to purchase well made and long lasting furniture without going into debt.

I like the idea of shopping for secondhand furniture and then repurposing it by reupholstering or adding a new finish to the piece.  There are some great secondhand furniture stores in our area, and the Town of Waxhaw is home to some really cool antique stores.  I've always wanted to buy an old armoire.  Refinishing or painting it would give it a French country look, and add to the Shabby Chic eclectic feel I've started in my master bedroom.  This paint is AMAZING, and makes even the novice painter look like a trained pro!

Have fun with mixing purchasing power and great finds!  Re-purposing isn't the only option, but makes for some fun DIYing!

internet with an "I"

Yes, there's a difference! The internet is comparable to the "R" line of the railway system.  It connects a line of stops from point A to point B. 

 The Internet is the entire railway system: many lines interconnected - reaching an entire city and beyond. 

 The World Wide Web is comparable to Grand Central Station: it's one of the largest "stations" from which you have the option to branch off and travel in all directions.

Get it?  Now, consider how you use the Internet.  I use the Internet to retrieve and share information with others daily.  The World Wide Web is my primary source of information navigation, but my bandwidth source is my primary source of information functionality.  Ever get frustrated with your computer because it's moving too slowly???  More often than not, your speed has little to do with your operating system. I used to scream at my computer when it was 'lagging'.  I even went to the measure of replacing it with a newer version.  When my new computer wasn't moving quickly enough I blamed my Wi-fi!  Off to Best Buy I went, and home I came with the Cadillac of Wi-fi systems: Airport Extreme (my opinion, of course!).  It wasn't until I realized my new Wi-fi hadn't been the issue, nor had my dated computer.  My slow speed was/IS a result of the "tube" or coaxial cable that feeds my router (Wi-fi) with fiberoptic information.  Now what?! you might ask.  Well, my Internet provider, Windstream, offers different options where you can purchase upgrades in speed.  Here we go with the beginnings of Net Neutrality!  I think I'll sit this one out, and pray direct fiberoptic home connections become available soon!

Facebook Yahoo?

I feel that there are pros and cons to utilizing a social network for both sending and receiving messages. Facebook is a very multifaceted social network.  It affords the user the ability to observe, interact, and provide feedback through various platforms.  Sending and receiving messages is one way in which a user can interact.  Messages can be sent live via instant messaging, or in writing, via wall posts and direct messages.

One of the benefits to using Facebook for the purpose of sending messages is the direct connectivity it offers.  Facebook enables me to find people that I am currently interacting with, have interacted with in the past, and people or businesses I might find potential interest in.  Even if the other person/business is not a member of my subscriber base I still have the option of reaching out to them through a written message.  Locating contacts via an open search engine such as Google involves far more research, and can be time consuming.  Receiving messages via Facebook is comparable to receiving an email.  It's very simple to access, and the marketing junk mail frequently associated with email is a non-issue.

The cons to receiving and sending messages via Facebook?  Hmmm... maybe the fact that you have to log into your Facebook site for retrieval.  Facebook sends a notice to the email address of your choosing alerting you to the fact that you've received a new message, but you still need to access your Facebook account to reply.  The same applies to sending a message: you must navigate to your Facebook account in order to send a message.  The negative or downside: major distraction.  I get sidetracked far too easily, and avoid Facebook unless I've got extra time to spare!

Houzz that House Coming Along?!

Take 3: The Roof... the roof is on...

No!  The roof is NOT on fire!!! :)  But, it's ON the house!  Take a look!

A bit more than the roof has been completed since my last update. :) Let's see... the house was still in the early stages of framing when we left off.  Since then, the roof has been framed, dried-in with felt paper and shingles, plumbing boots and ridge vents have been installed, and the windows have been installed.  All of these things are visible from the OUTSIDE, but what's been going on INSIDE?

  

Let's take a look at the INSIDE of the house at this stage:

Might not seem like much has been accomplished, but really, MUCH has been done.  Take a close look at the picture above.  It's the entryway to the house.  If you look directly up, you'll notice a little blue dot.  That blue dot is the beginning of what will house the foyer chandelier.  The black lines behind, are the ductwork for the HVAC (heating and air) system.  The white pipes are plumbing pipes, and white wires -- additional electrical lines, and wiring for the AV (audio/video) system.

Below is a picture of the Master Bathroom.  The Throne Room is directly ahead, tub to the left, and double sinks on the right.  The shower is behind me -- didn't fit in the picture.  

I believe I can conclude my project update for now!  The inspector has been called, and we are now awaiting the Framing Inspection.  Plumbing, Electrical, and HVAC will be inspected by Trade Inspectors, and the Primary Framing Inspection will include the structural framing and roof.  Be on the lookout for Take 4!

tweet? TWEET?

The image above has become a symbol recognized universally.  Powerful?  Productive?  Desirable?

Twitter...

As a channel of Mass Communication I believe Twitter has both: strengths and weaknesses.  October 12, 2012 marked day #1 of my 10 day Mass Comm Twitter Project.  During that timeframe I became much more familiar with Twitter on a personal level.  I've been a 'member' of Twitter for 3 years, but had never truly recognized it's full potential from a Mass Media/Communication perspective.

I feel the greatest asset of Twitter use is speed.  Twitter can be used as a social media outlet, but also offers itself as a competitive communication/marketing vessel.  With today's digital advancements, the drive to both deliver and receive information on demand has reached a high.  Communication demands have forced us with the need to reach the masses with immediacy.  We've surpassed the benefits of conference calls. 

One of the downsides to Twitter from a marketing perspective is the fact that it utilizes a subscriber base.  If people don't know you're out there, they can't market you; if you don't know 'they're' out there, you can't find them.  I also believe Twitter poses a huge distraction in our already over-cluttered information highway.  How many productive and effective media/communication vessels will there be?  How many can any one person effectively follow before hitting the point of information and communication overload?

I'm not sure whether or not Twitter will cross my career path.  Although, I have much interest in marketing, and could see a future need if involved in that type of work.  As of right now, Twitter is yet a form of distraction that I don't have the luxury of focusing on.  Do I think employers might have a reason to utilize Twitter solely as a communication tool?  Absolutely.  It's fast and effective in reaching a massive number of people all at once.   

I now view Twitter from a new perspective.  I see it's more than just a social conglomeration; it's also a tool for communication and a vessel for marketing.  The ability to use Twitter as a, "hey I'm out here" device is pretty cool too.  I gained some followers during our 10 day project, and had a great time searching/following topics and products of interest to me.  I'll continue to use my newly found Twitter skills, and look forward to potentially experiencing it within my future career!

From Roof to Curb

How do you add curb appeal to your house?  There are a plethora of DIY shows dedicated to helping you improve the exterior appearance of your home.  When I started looking for help online I found this article in the Houzz.com archives.

I recently decided to make some minor changes (read: improvements) to our home's exterior.  Of course I couldn't do it without a little help from a builder. ;)  Due to approaching post deadlines, I'll have to skip the 'before' picture of our house before the shutters were installed.  Jim made cedar shutters, and mounted them beside each window on the front of the house.  They are wide plank with larger spaces between each slat.  I was looking for more of a cottage feel.  We painted the shutters two shades deeper (darker) than our front door for contrast, and will finish them off with black wrought iron s-hooks.

Before:

Our roof was project #2.  We built our house 10 years ago, and for all intents and purposes our roof was still considered relatively 'young'.  However, in the span of one year we encountered multiple hail storms. We didn't think our roof was damaged, but an inspection proved otherwise.  Thankfully, our homeowner's insurance covered all of the necessary expenses for the addition of a new roof. 

After: 

Author and architect Bud Dietrich of Houzz recommends we, "keep in mind that the roof connects the earth to the sky, so it is an important design element."  Although we didn't alter the roofline, both the color and texture were affected.  Hopefully we chose our new roof color well, and it will add to our home's curb appeal and earth --> sky connectivity!

Remodeling the Houzz Don'ts

Is it time to spruce up su casa?  Considering taking on the project yourself?  Or are you thinking about avoiding the DIY headache by hiring a professional?  If so, click here for a great article that will help you get started!

My husband is a General Contractor and has learned many tricks of the trade through years of experience.  There are many ways to avoid overspending, and tips for keeping your project on track with timely progress.  What you might think is a good idea at the time could very well prove detrimental to your progress and project in the end.

Houzz is featuring a series called "Contractor's 100".  The first article in the series is titled "Contractor Tips: Top 10 Home Remodeling Don'ts."  This article gets our Contractor Seal of Approval!  The information shared is excellent; speaking from experience it's tried and TRUE!

If I could add an 11 to the list it would be this: Don't hesitate to ask a professional for advice beforehand.  Before you get yourself in over your head -- ask if your expectations are feasible.  You are surrounded by free resources.  Question asking is free; problem fixing can be costly.

Broadcast Viewing - or not!

I logged my broadcast viewing for a period of 3 days, and this is what it looked like:

Friday, September 21, 2012

• MSN Video via MacBook: Australia's Assistant PM comments on "GOP Crazies Posing Threat to US Economy" - 3 minutes

Saturday, September 22, 2012

• Logged onto MacBook - tried to access live webcast of boys' ice hockey games (was unavailable) - 10 minutes
• Television - DVR recording: Bering Sea Gold and Yukon Men - 30 minutes -- I fell asleep!

Sunday, September 23, 2012

*** WATCHED NOTHING ***  Worked on schoolwork all day!

Conclusion:

I use modern technology as a means by which to view broadcasting.  My life is busy, and the convenience of viewing on demand is the only way I can view a television show of my choosing.  Ten years ago I was able to pre-record one show at a time.  Now I have the ability to pre-record multiple shows, and can access archives of past televised broadcast media of all sorts -- whenever I want.  I don't watch many shows, as my time is very limited; and I don't feel pressed to do so, given the ability to access everything and anything at any given time.  Gotta love modern technology!    

Paper or Plastic?

Which do you prefer - paper or plastic?  And, no, I'm not referring to Harris Teeter shopping bags.  Books -- magazines -- newspapers! 

  

Reading in my generation was limited to three basic forms of print media: newspaper, book, and magazine.  I can remember my parents making wagers as to whether or not the paperboy would miss or hit the target - our front porch - each morning.  It was a good day when the paper didn't land in our front bushes.  Dad truly enjoyed reading the morning paper with his cup of coffee.

I wasn't as interested in book reading as my Mom would have liked me to be.  Mom has her Master's Degree in Education, and reading was pretty high on her list of priorities.  She would drag take all three of us to the library, and insisted we find three 'acceptable' books to check out each week.  For those of you who are too young to know what a library is... :)  For those of us who have been around the bookshelf a time or two -- the Dewy Decimal System was NOT my BFF.  I do, however, have fond memories of these two books:

 

Judy Blume was the rage with all the girls when I was in 4th and 5th grade.  As much as my Mom wanted me to keep my nose in a book at all times -- these two books were not approved for my reading pleasure.  I had to SNEAK READ both!

Reading was extremely important in my generation.  Many attribute their accomplishments to their love of reading in their early years, as much knowledge can be gained through reading.  As I've grown older (and wiser!) I've realized the luxury of reading as well.  Finding adequate time to read is difficult, but I still try to make it a priority.  

Reading is now offered in many different formats.  Choosing whether or not to spend the extra money on a hardcover verses paperback book is no longer at the forefront of selecting a book.  Now your primary choice is which digital device (plastic) to read your book on.  Reading can be as compact and accessible as your handheld smartphone. 

I feel the flexibility offered through digital reading resources increases our reading volume.  Yes, digital devices such as the Kindle Fire (pictured above) are also internet accessible.  With internet accessibility offered on a reading device one might argue the ability to view material rather than read.  I feel the convenience of having access to both also encourages and allows research and reading on demand.  

How have the older generations received all of these changes?  Well, speaking from both experience and observation, I'd have to say they've been welcomed gradually.  WELCOMED.  My 71 year old father loves his Kindle, and my 83 year old mother-in-law loves her iPad.  They've adapted to the change.  My 45 year old husband... won't touch his Kindle, and makes it a point of visiting the used bookstore on a regular basis!

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like a... ?

Take 2: Framing

 Yes!  It's beginning to look a lot like a house!  The foundation was inspected and passed.  The foundation was then treated for termites.  Following the termite treatment, the housed passed a termite inspection.  Finally free to move on with production!

The picture above is taken from the front right corner of the house.  On the far left you can see the opening for the 3 car garage.  This will be a craftsman ranch-style home with a walk-out basement.  The majority of the framing is complete -- minus the roof, of course.

I zoomed in on the right front corner so you could see more of the foundation and framing up close.   This house is built on a hill that leads down to a lake.  The back decks will have gorgeous lake views!

The picture above shows the back of the house from the right corner (would be left corner if looking from the front).  You can see two door openings in the foundation.  Those are 8 foot (high) door openings -- to give you some idea as to how the camera fools the eye!  It looks so tiny in pictures!  The ceilings throughout the house are 12 feet high, where an average home has 8 foot ceilings.

Coming up next: The Roof!  Maybe I'll post some pre-insulation interior framing pictures too.  This will be a fun journey from start to finish.  I'll include more details as the details become more detailed.