Loft and Attic Renovation Tips, Ideas and Tricks

Loft Renovation - Photo: Flickr

Loft refers to the utmost part of the storey or can also be called as the attic of a building. This is because this room is directly beneath the roof. Lofts are usually commercial establishments that are turned into residential buildings so it contains an ample space and large windows. Loft and attic renovation can easily be done with the proper planning and right budget.

Loft and Attic Conversions

In converting this part of the building into something useful and functional, you need to have first, the proper documentation that proves that you own it. Consult with your local government as to the needed permit, allowing a period of six to nine weeks for the permit to be approved before you can start on the construction. Your local councils also have a say regarding such matters so you need an expert to measure the property to make sure that you are free to do the planned changes in it.

Size Matters

With an expert's help in measuring the area, you would have an idea as to what can be done in the place, if you still need to expand its roofing and other structures in it before you can do any remodelling. 

What Can Be Done?

When converting lofts, two of the popular forms that are being done these days are the dormer and the Velux.

Velux is actually the name of the window being used in this type of conversion. It maximizes the available space of the loft and there is no need to have an external alteration. 

In creating such, the first step is insulating the roof, after which the Velux windows are installed and reinforcements are done on the floor. This is easier to do than the second type of loft conversion and this also costs less.

The other form of this type of modification is called dormer conversions. This is much harder to do because it requires the extension of the roof along with vertical protrusions. This is to increase the space available and will allow you to have typical kinds of rooms built on it.

This type is harder to do and will require you to shell out more money for the project. But with the ample space to be created, you'll have more option about what to do with the rooms. 

Ideas

The converted lofts are a great venue for parties because of space. You can do a lot with such rooms, plus it adds to your property's appeal. If you plan to sell the house, later on, this is definitely an add-on. 

As with any modifications, make sure that the area has proper ventilation. It is also advisable that there should be a source for natural light to come in. Safety exits should also be planned ahead of time as this would also be a factor when you are getting your permit for construction.

Loft and attic renovation is actually done in many places today. Conversions are being made to this part of the house that was not so much utilized in the past.

Thanks to home designers who have paved the way for such renovations, attics will no longer be associated with cobwebs and darkness as it used to be in the old days. But instead, this innovation would surely place a trendy tag in this part of the dwelling.

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History Of The American Flag Explained

American Flag

It was on January 1, 1776, that the Continental army was restructured and adjusted according to a Congressional resolution which heralded American forces to the command of George Washington. On that day, the American Continental Army was blockading Boston which had been taken over by the British army. It has been said that the first American flag was made in May of 1776 by Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seamstress who was actually a friend of George Washington and acquainted with other prominent and high-ranking Philadelphians.

Ross suggested that the five-pointed star is used instead of the star with six points. This is because the five-pointed star can be cut off easily with a few trims of the scissors. It is also said that Betsy Ross was the one who made the flags for the Pennsylvanian navy. However, the first unofficial flag of America was called the Grand Union Flag, also known as the Continental Colors. It was raised at the order and command of General Washington close to his headquarters outside Boston January 1, 1776. This first unofficial flag was composed of thirteen alternating white and red horizontal stripes, with the British Union Flag in the canton. However, the first official American flag was accepted by the Continental Congress on June 14, 1777. This flag was also known as the Stars and Stripes for it consisted of 13 stars which represented the first 13 colonies. However, there is no assurance of who actually designed and made this flag. It is said that it was Francis Hopkinson, a Continental Congress member, designed the flag.

However, between 1777 and 1960, the Congress implemented procedures that varied its shape, design, and structure of the flag. And it was decided that there was a need for additional starts to represent all the states of America. It was on January 3, 1959, that President Eisenhower issued an executive order which states that the arrangement of the stars should be in six horizontal rows of eight, every single point of every star directed upward. In 1791 and 1792, after Kentucky and Vermont were added to the Union, two stars and two stripes were added during 1795.

This brought inspiration to lawyer Francis Scott Key to write and compose a poem which later became the U.S. National Anthem. It was in 1818 that five more states had been added and declared and the Congress decided to pass legislation that fixes the number of stars and stripes. The stars would have equal numbers as the states. On July 4, 1960, the last new star was added after Hawaii became a state, which gives a total number of fifty stars. The American Flag has been the emblem of the nation’s power and harmony for more than 200 years. It serves as the binding material that brings millions of citizens together in attaining one goal.

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A Number Game Guide! Sudoku Answers

Photo: Wikipedia

Are you bored? 

Do you wish to be entertained? 

One way to divert you from boredom is to take up a hobby. A good suggestion is to try answering puzzles. It does not just keep you from world-weariness; it also sharpens your mind. 

A puzzle is a problem-solving game to challenge the different mind strategies that you know of. There are different kinds of a puzzle – some are easy to deal with, however, others are highly crucial as if you are solving Math or Logic problems. 

An example of a puzzle that is more likely related to logic is Number Place or sometimes referred to as Sudoku. 

Sudoku has the aim to complete a nine by nine (9 x 9) grid from three by three   (3 x 3) regions by entering the numbers 1 to 9 in each cell of the grid. The tricky part is that no single number should be repeated in the 9 x 9 grid. 

At first glance, the Number Place seems to be a fun and easy game. However, in the long run, it requires the player to be in deep thought of what strategies to formulate to solve the puzzle. 

There are three suggested ways to answer Sudoku. One can choose to use scanning as his method of solving the puzzle. Others can prefer marking up to come up with a solved puzzle. For some, they can be comfortable with the analysis method of puzzle solving. 

Scanning is a method wherein the process of elimination reigns. Under the scanning method, one can either choose cross-hatching or counting. Cross-hatching requires a systematic course of action wherein to scan rows or columns in a particular region can give you hints of the possibility where numbers can or cannot be repeated. On the other hand, counting requires the basic counting where the player would count numerals 1 to 9 in rows, columns, and regions to find the missing numeral.  

To answer your next Sudoku game, try the marking up method. This method is normally used when you exhaust all the possibilities of solving the puzzle from scanning. To mark, you should be able to use notations. Commonly, what is being used as a notation to markup are dots and subscript. However, it is best to use notation wherein you will be comfortable using such as lines, shapes or other codes. It is also good to assign which notation would be used for candidate numerals that are most likely to repeat and notation that is likely to be in the said grid. One drawback of using notations is when Sudoku is being played from newspaper or magazine pages where grids are usually small to note into. 

Third suggested way to solve Sudoku puzzles is through analysis. There are two main tactics to use the analysis method – the candidate elimination and what-if method.  Through the word itself, the candidate elimination method does away with candidate numerals from the grids to set aside just one option. Scanning can also be utilized together with the candidate elimination. Another way to answer Number Place with the analysis method is the what-if technique. With the use of this approach the player will guess which is which from the two remaining numbers. 

If for instance, you will be seeking answers to Sudoku via a computer program there are also recommended ways to finish the puzzle.  

First, try to act and be like a human when solving. You can still use the suggested solving procedures given above. Additionally, with the use of a computer program, you will be able to devise the level of difficulty for each puzzle game. 

Secondly, plan or search for a good computation that will help you solve the puzzle more rapidly. 

You as the player can use a combination of the methods or can even formulate new solutions that will work best for you and other people. Take things one step at a time. Learn the basics of the game. Let go of line of attacks that are boggling your mind. Pick the pieces of information where you think you succeed, learn from where you fall apart. It is a game; you must learn to take risks. 

Just thinking of how Sudoku will work, boredom just fades.

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Adobe Architecture

Bam Citadel -  Photo: Wikipedia

Some of the earliest structures were Adobe architecture. Adobe is a material made from sand, clay and straw, dung or other fibrous materials.

The adobe is then formed into bricks using frames and dried in the sun. Similar to cob or mud bricks, the structures become extremely durable. They are used mainly in hot, arid climates because they remain cool in the summer and release

heat very slowly in the winter.

The same mixture, without the straw, is used for mortar in placing the dried adobe bricks together to form a structure. Some cultures even figured out they could utilize lime-based cement for the plaster to protect against the wet months.

The thickness of the adobe bricks is key in the architecture. It is what essentially keeps the structures cool in the summer and warm in the winter.

The largest structure ever erected from Adobe was the Bam Citadel. But it suffered serious damage from an earthquake in 2003.

The Huaca del Sol in Peru is another grand adobe structure that was created from over 100 million signed bricks.

The world’s largest adobe architecture structure is the citadel of Arg-e Bam, erected as late as 500BCE, possibly earlier.

The area of Bam Citadel is 180,000 square meters and is surrounded by walls 6-7 meters high and 1815 meters in length, all out of Adobe. When the gates to the city were closed, no human or animal could enter. The city was self-contained with well access, gardens and cattle all within the walls.

The adobe architecture was a little different when it came to putting a roof on the structure. Typically roofs were assembled from lengths of wood or metal. Then rows of dried adobe bricks are laid over the top of a support structure and plastered into place with more adobe.

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Hottest Sports Car Brands

Photo: Pxhere

There are many tops of the line sports cars in the car market that are available in different price ranges. The prices range from $20,000 for a compact car up to the $1,250,000 price of the Bugatti Veyron that can perform as a luxury car or for racing as well.

Since the sports car was introduced to the world of automobiles, the sports car has become one of the best sellers of every car manufacturer that produces any version of its kind. The sports car is still the hottest seller and one that many car enthusiasts want to own. The desirable appearance and extravagance it portrays make every sports car stunning in the eyes of any driver. Here are some models that are ‘top of the line’ in the category of sports cars:

1. The Aston Martin DB9 Volante has features similar to the Jaguar, especially their external appearance. There are some similarities between the cars but the DB9 is more classical and the Jaguar XKR can be more handsome if you look at the details very closely. The DB9 comes with a 6-liter and 450-hp V12 engine that can satisfy every driver’s need for speed.

2. The Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is capable of reaching 400-hp with smooth steering wheels and track-ready handling. It is affordable at its price of $50,000. The pricing is low compared to other sports cars that have similar features and performance. The current release of the Corvette is still the fastest in its class and to previous Corvettes that were released. 

3. The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Roadster comes with a power ignition hardtop, which is a modification from the previous SL design. It is probably the most extravagant aspect of the design. However, the most awesome feature in this car is its mechanical features that come with a V12 engine and produces 604-hp. The car can blast you away in a glimpse because of its speed.

4. The Jaguar XKR Convertible is a ‘looker’ with its external appearance. Its awesome look does not end there. The mechanical features resemble the other great features of the car. Compared to other versions of the Jaguar, the XKR is highly tuned and has a 390-hp V8 engine that generates the great performance of the sports car.

There are far more sports cars that can be categorized as ‘top of the line’ in their class and in their price categories. Other sports cars that can be classified as super exotic cars include the Ferrari F430, Porsche Carrera GT, Cadillac XLR Star Black Limited, BMW 645Cic, and the Lexus SC 430.  

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Hungary For WINE

Several bottles of Hungarian wine including Tokaji and Bulls Blood (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Despite what many may think, the area known as Hungary holds more wine tradition than any other country in Europe.  Most of this very tradition is just now surfacing in the light, with people finally starting to catch wind about everything Hungarian wine has to offer. Even though many wine drinkers aren’t familiar with Hungary - there are many who are.

Hungary is home to over 20 wine regions, full of forests, vineyards, and orchards.  With several different varieties of grapes to offer, the vineyards found in Hungary have flourished since the great Roman Times.  The weather in Hungary is seasonal, to say the least, with cold winters and extremely hot summers.  This weather allows the soil in the country to be diverse, which allows winemakers to create a variety of quality wines.

Despite the communist control in the past, there are several different wines found in Hungary.  Although the vineyards here produce a lot of excellent wines, Tokay Aszu is by far the favorite here and the wine that locals always love raising their glass to.  Tokay Aszu is a popular wine with meals or dessert, in Hungary and also happens to be one of the most popular dessert wines in the entire world.

Tokay Aszu was discovered in the mid 17th century in Hungary, quickly becoming a favorite for many European aristocrats.  Even though it was great to the taste, many believed that certain types of the wine had mystical healing powers.  Although this was strictly a rumor, it actually helped the wine become more popular than ever.  Over the years, Tokay Aszu was one indeed the most popular wine in Hungary, spreading to other areas of the world as well.

Egri Bikaver, also referred to as Bulls Blood is another popular wine found in Hungary.  This is another popular wine for locals and can be found throughout the world as well.  Getting its name from its color, Bulls Blood is truly a feast for anyone who likes wine.  The wine is dark red in color, yet sweet to the taste.  The wine was first developed back in the 16th century and remains popular even to this day.

If you ever visit Hungary, there are many places you can visit to get some great wine.  You should also make a point to visit Tokay, located in the northeast.  You can take a train from Budapest and arrive here in a few hours.  There are several different wine flavors and varieties here, sure to please just about anyone.  The wineries found throughout the Tokay area are normally open for tours and tasters from May to the end of October.  If you visit during these months, you can tour the underground cellars, sample the superb wine, and learn more than you ever thought possible about the manufacturing of Hungarian wines.

All in the all, the wine found in Hungary is great to have in your collection or just have around the house for special occasions.  You can get it by the bottle, the glass, or by the case.  All types of Hungarian wine has been perfected over the years, making it something that you really can’t go wrong with.  If you like to drink wine, as most of us do, you really can’t go wrong with any type of Hungarian wine.  Hungarian wine gives wine lovers plenty to study, plenty to order, and plenty to drink.  The wine is very tasty and refreshing - and it helps to keep the nation of Hungary thirsty for more.

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The Swiss Army Watch from Wenger and Victorinox

Victorinox Swiss Army Watch - Photo: Wikimedia

If you are looking for a Swiss Army watch then look no further than Wenger who are suppliers of not only Swiss Army watches but are also one of the two official knife suppliers for the Swiss Army, along with Victorinox. Since 1908, Wenger has supplied the Swiss Army with watches that are stylish as well as classy and they have permission to feature the Swiss Cross which is a sign of a top-notch product. 

Rival Firm Victorinox

A competitor in the Swiss Army watch segment is the rival firm Victorinox which sells affordable watches that have exceptional engineering as well as outstanding and perfected craftsmanship and this brand of Swiss Army watch is certainly worth serious consideration. The Swiss Army Victorinox watch can be used for hiking, skiing, climbing as well as other adventure pursuits and these watches are perfect for extreme sports as well as a good accessory for wearing to a dinner at the Hilton. The Swiss Army watch is warranted by the Swiss Army to the original buyer to be free of defects in material as well as workmanship under normal usage for three years from when it was purchased.

There are many models of the Swiss Army watch available from Victorinox as well as Wenger. Some other suppliers of the Swiss Army watch include Swatch, Mondaine, Camel Active and Jacques du Manoir. In addition, there are various models such as Alpine, Mountaineer, Commando, Standard issue, Bienne, original Swiss military, and field new generation in the casual watch category. 

The Alpine WEN.72123 Wenger Swiss Army watch is priced at about $180 and is made of stainless steel and has ETA quartz movement, and this a men’s watch. It is also water resistant till 100 meters and the case finishing is sandblasted with mineral crystal, regular crown, a brown dial and dial style that have Arabic figures and three hands for hours/minutes/sweep second. The strap is made of brown leather with a regular buckle and special features include date display, and it is also luminous for nighttime visibility.

There is also the Wenger Alpine Chrono WEN.70875 sports gents’ collection Swiss Army watch that has Swiss quartz chronograph, movement, and water resistance to hundred meters and it also has luminous hands as well as markers for nighttime visibility. It comes with a one-year limited warranty and costs approximately $300. (2009)

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