We know its not Obama, but I think you get the point (especially if you are an Irish fan).
Monday, November 30, 2009
The Sports Optimator Salutes FOX News
The Sports Optimator is working hard to cover the world of sports and sports related stories, and like most writers we are heavily influenced by the best. We thought about the best ways to instill our opinions with integrity and report only the most reputable stories, and it didn't take long for us to come up with some names synonymous with great journalism; Glenn Beck, Bill O'Reilly, etc. With this in mind we are proud to announce that the month of December is going to be FOX News month at the Sports Optimator. All month we are going to report from the world of sports in a style that really speaks to the heart of America, so start thumping your bibles and draw a Hitler moustache on Obama with a sharpie!
We know its not Obama, but I think you get the point (especially if you are an Irish fan).
We know its not Obama, but I think you get the point (especially if you are an Irish fan).
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Nike Craps On Rivalry Week, Extends Dominance Over Good Design
Today is a dark day for college football, no not because its Tim Tebow's last home game. Nike decided to ruin the nation's retinas with an display of bad design and tasteless marketing that makes me wonder if Satan is running the show. I have seen grumblings about an experimental Nike design featuring a spirograph-like design element floating around the web, but all accounts of the design seemed to make it seem like it had (thankfully) been shelved. Looks like Nike had us all fooled as Florida took the field in the above mentioned spirograph design during its game against Florida State, and successfully looked like the aborted love child of their retro uniforms. This has of course come with official jargon to try and rationalize the new Pro Combat design, but it doesn't take a genius to see these are just flat out ugly. The sad thing is that things could have been even worse! Perhaps some sanity caused Florida State to hold back on their own uniform disasters which are also part of the Pro Combat apocalypse.
Not content with ruining just one game, another set of bewildering designs were unvieled during the Miami-USF and Virginia Tech-Virginia games. These uniforms have multi-colored numbers, and in the case of Virginia Tech show us why gradients aren't seen very often.
You might be shaking your head right now, but wait, there is more! The Big 12 North is probably tired of getting passed over by the media, so Missouri has gone to great lengths to make you forget all about Florida by coming out in the ugliest Pro Combat uniform set and sticking it to common sense. I nearly confused them with Army's camo set, but these are much worse.
Shame on Nike, Miami, Florida, Virginia Tech, and Mizzou for turning a game into a marketing spectacle. My biggest fear is that the Oregon crew will see this as a challenge to their ugliest-uniform title and try to top it next year, and Cal (Nike uniforms) will come out with some version of the Pro Combat set that will force me gouge my eyes out.
Not content with ruining just one game, another set of bewildering designs were unvieled during the Miami-USF and Virginia Tech-Virginia games. These uniforms have multi-colored numbers, and in the case of Virginia Tech show us why gradients aren't seen very often.
You might be shaking your head right now, but wait, there is more! The Big 12 North is probably tired of getting passed over by the media, so Missouri has gone to great lengths to make you forget all about Florida by coming out in the ugliest Pro Combat uniform set and sticking it to common sense. I nearly confused them with Army's camo set, but these are much worse.
Shame on Nike, Miami, Florida, Virginia Tech, and Mizzou for turning a game into a marketing spectacle. My biggest fear is that the Oregon crew will see this as a challenge to their ugliest-uniform title and try to top it next year, and Cal (Nike uniforms) will come out with some version of the Pro Combat set that will force me gouge my eyes out.
Correction: God really, really hates Arsenal
Anyone that harbored any hope of enjoying watching the Arsenal hoist a trophy this year must now place all their faith in the Ewing Theory, a glimmer of hope that might've applied last year when it seemed that Van Persie often featured prominently in Arsenal's losses in the wrong way, with errant shots on gaping goals, but this year he has deserved all the praise coming his way, and I fear the season has been lost. We shall see. Of course there is always the transfer window, and Gooners are no doubt re-writing their wish lists as I write this.
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Don't worry, Ireland, God hates Arsenal, too.
How do I know this? Because, in rapid succession, Van Persie; the collective Arsenal; and Kieran Gibbs; were all smitten by the vengeful hand of God that took the form of Giorgio Chiellini, Darren Bent, and Eliaquim Mangala (and, by extension, Konrad Plautz). This all took place in the span of a fortnight, which must be some sort of number that displeases God.
First off was the inexplicable injury suffered by Van Persie in a friendly against Italy.
Why in God's name do they even play these things? Because as often as people cite ManU's depth as one of the main reasons for their consistent dominance (i.e., footballers get hurt... a LOT), you'd think the powers that be would want to limit the number of meaningless opportunities for someone to rush off to the Balkans for some horse placenta (as an aside, as weird as this seems at first glance, it's quite brilliant in theory, since placentas are full of regenerative cells - don't believe me? - just ask Andrea Sooch!). In all seriousness, that was a really stupid and reckless tackle, as Chiellini basically hacked down on Van Persie's ankle, and I'm surprised Van Persie wasn't as indignant as Kuyt afterwards.
Then, just to prove how important Van Persie is to Arsenal's attack, God allowed Darren Bent to do them in, in the first game of the season that Arsenal's opposition has not conceded. This wasn't Boring, Boring Arsenal, but it was the sort of defeat that Gooners have come to expect over the last few years - the 1-0 defeat on the road to a team far inferior on paper, although in this case, the feeling of dread which grew as the game drew nearer was more logical, based on Sunderland's efforts this season against Liverpool and ManU.
Perhaps with the Old Testament God in mind, Emmanuel Eboue showed up to the pitch last night wearing his Blessed Be God Forever t-shirt. Despite this and Eboue's penchant for bad dives, bad tackles, and bad passing not being on display, God remained displeased with the Arsenal, and he spoke through Konrad Plautz, who, in his piety, allowed Eliaquim Mangala to remain on the pitch even after his second dangerous tackle of the day (on the excellent-as-always Alex Song). This oversight led to this fateful encounter between Mangala and Gibbs:
Photograph: Nick Potts/PA
Notice how the ball is nowhere near Gibbs' foot when Mangala comes charging into the area like a 15-year-old into his girlfriend's pants. Stupid. Almost as stupid as Wenger having anyone from the first-team out there at all while this almost meaningless game's embers faded. So, after Gibbs had stepped in so admirably to replace the ever-relevant Clichy, perhaps even outplaying his senior, God's retribution was swift and cruel as He felled the left-back with a broken metatarsal for three months.
It should be noted that Gallas and Arshavin were excruciated during the tie against Liege, as well, as God guided Arshavin's skull into Gallas' eye-socket (and, seconds later, a Vermaelen laser right into Arshavin's unwitting and already-bloodied head), and Gallas may indeed miss Sunday's crucial match against Chelsea, leaving Arsenal's defense, no longer whole, horribly exposed.
All this misery should come as no surprise, really, as Divinity's unforgiving treatment of the Arsenal and its fans started long ago, really, when its proud, noble, and beautiful heraldic crest
was laid to waste, utterly, by the current abomination that I am loathe to sully my pages with.
When this happened, many Gooners probably supplicated on bended knee, crying out "Why, God, why?!," and, indeed, I would pray to God in genuflection that He would smite this unholy thing from before mine eyes, if I thought He would hear me.
I know better, though, so instead, for today's benediction, let us listen to the Psalm of St. Victor, who, in the midst of his martyrdom, proclaimed that "the Lord was a rotten Bastard." Amen.
First off was the inexplicable injury suffered by Van Persie in a friendly against Italy.
Why in God's name do they even play these things? Because as often as people cite ManU's depth as one of the main reasons for their consistent dominance (i.e., footballers get hurt... a LOT), you'd think the powers that be would want to limit the number of meaningless opportunities for someone to rush off to the Balkans for some horse placenta (as an aside, as weird as this seems at first glance, it's quite brilliant in theory, since placentas are full of regenerative cells - don't believe me? - just ask Andrea Sooch!). In all seriousness, that was a really stupid and reckless tackle, as Chiellini basically hacked down on Van Persie's ankle, and I'm surprised Van Persie wasn't as indignant as Kuyt afterwards.
Then, just to prove how important Van Persie is to Arsenal's attack, God allowed Darren Bent to do them in, in the first game of the season that Arsenal's opposition has not conceded. This wasn't Boring, Boring Arsenal, but it was the sort of defeat that Gooners have come to expect over the last few years - the 1-0 defeat on the road to a team far inferior on paper, although in this case, the feeling of dread which grew as the game drew nearer was more logical, based on Sunderland's efforts this season against Liverpool and ManU.
Perhaps with the Old Testament God in mind, Emmanuel Eboue showed up to the pitch last night wearing his Blessed Be God Forever t-shirt. Despite this and Eboue's penchant for bad dives, bad tackles, and bad passing not being on display, God remained displeased with the Arsenal, and he spoke through Konrad Plautz, who, in his piety, allowed Eliaquim Mangala to remain on the pitch even after his second dangerous tackle of the day (on the excellent-as-always Alex Song). This oversight led to this fateful encounter between Mangala and Gibbs:
Notice how the ball is nowhere near Gibbs' foot when Mangala comes charging into the area like a 15-year-old into his girlfriend's pants. Stupid. Almost as stupid as Wenger having anyone from the first-team out there at all while this almost meaningless game's embers faded. So, after Gibbs had stepped in so admirably to replace the ever-relevant Clichy, perhaps even outplaying his senior, God's retribution was swift and cruel as He felled the left-back with a broken metatarsal for three months.
It should be noted that Gallas and Arshavin were excruciated during the tie against Liege, as well, as God guided Arshavin's skull into Gallas' eye-socket (and, seconds later, a Vermaelen laser right into Arshavin's unwitting and already-bloodied head), and Gallas may indeed miss Sunday's crucial match against Chelsea, leaving Arsenal's defense, no longer whole, horribly exposed.
All this misery should come as no surprise, really, as Divinity's unforgiving treatment of the Arsenal and its fans started long ago, really, when its proud, noble, and beautiful heraldic crest
was laid to waste, utterly, by the current abomination that I am loathe to sully my pages with.
When this happened, many Gooners probably supplicated on bended knee, crying out "Why, God, why?!," and, indeed, I would pray to God in genuflection that He would smite this unholy thing from before mine eyes, if I thought He would hear me.
I know better, though, so instead, for today's benediction, let us listen to the Psalm of St. Victor, who, in the midst of his martyrdom, proclaimed that "the Lord was a rotten Bastard." Amen.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Hating The French Just Got Easier
He is no Maradona, unless he has a post-game rant worthy of a two-month ban, but Thierry Henry did himself and the French no favors today. It wasn't as blatant as the Hand Of God, but it was certainly disappointing. Henry's handball and assist eliminated Ireland with a 2-1 aggregate win, and punches France's ticket to South Africa.
If you haven't seen the incident yet, here is a clip showing it from a number of angles. Its no Zapruder film, but I think you can see the offending gesture. (I'm sorry about the song. If you are a Family Guy fan it might be a bit amusing, but if not I'm sorry). Sorry, but other half of the duumvirate known as The SportsOptimator must interject here: this song is awesome! I'll always associate it with Full Metal Jacket, one of the classics, so the song is a bonus. De gustibus non disputandum est.
As a side story this game was also a dominated by a not-so-obvious dirty trick: France's horrific jerseys. One member of this blog likened the back design to a Baby Björn. It looks like Adidas is doing its best to make the French look like clowns; hopefully they save the headbutts for South Africa.
If you haven't seen the incident yet, here is a clip showing it from a number of angles. Its no Zapruder film, but I think you can see the offending gesture. (I'm sorry about the song. If you are a Family Guy fan it might be a bit amusing, but if not I'm sorry). Sorry, but other half of the duumvirate known as The SportsOptimator must interject here: this song is awesome! I'll always associate it with Full Metal Jacket, one of the classics, so the song is a bonus. De gustibus non disputandum est.
As a side story this game was also a dominated by a not-so-obvious dirty trick: France's horrific jerseys. One member of this blog likened the back design to a Baby Björn. It looks like Adidas is doing its best to make the French look like clowns; hopefully they save the headbutts for South Africa.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
van Persie and the Placenta
Wait, nevermind. We're good. Arsenal dodged a bullet with the van Persie injury, because apparently he's traveling to the Balkans for some placental-massage therapy. Whew. Totally relieved.
Top Ten Best Club Kits Of 2009-2010
The Sports Optimator is proud to present its Top Ten Best Kits of 2009-2010. Sadly this list was painfully difficult to populate as the world of football jerseys has imploded for some reason *ahem* Adidias *ahem* and designers are going blind all over the world. We sincerely hope that things will turn around next year and we will wind up having a drunken argument over the top 10 instead of the worst 10 and nobody will get hurt. Once again, these are in no particular order and there is absolutely no bias even though the Sports Optimator(s) are Arsenal and Manchester United fans.
Arsenal (All Three) - After going through all the candidates for worst jersey it was a great relief to find a team with great jerseys. Arsenal managed not just one, but three great jerseys. The lesson here being that simple can be great, no need for complex piping or baffling colors (Barcelona, I'm looking at you, or more accurately averting my gaze) to create an exceptional design. The collar on the away and third jerseys is also awesome, the death of the collar saddens me.
Manchester United (All Three & Keeper) - If you told me that Nike, the reigning king of design abortions (Oregon Football), would land two multi-jersey entries in our top ten I wouldn't have believed you. Obviously the NCAA football crew isn't working on their football designs because simplicity is getting them rave reviews. The simple "V" and use of only a few colors makes Manchester United's jersey look good, so good in fact that even the Keeper is getting in on it (Petr Cech is very jealous right now) with a set of tops that look great.
Hamburg SV (White) - Shockingly, Adidas managed not to mangle a design and land in our top 10. It seems that Adidas has managed to keep some whites simple, but if the stripes didn't die into nothing mid-bicep this jersey would be great. My only gripe is Adidas' questionable logo placement, why not do Adidas & Hamburg at left and right chest? Why is one at a chest and the other centered? Olympique Marseille's white is very similar and just barely lost to Hamburg SV.
Roma (White) - Another simple design gone horribly right. Roma sticks to their colors and uses stripes to punch up their whites, which tend to be fairly dull around the world, without making it into a train wreck.
AC Milan (Home Red/Black) - A design that never gets old; vertical stripes, white collar, and a good color scheme. The only strikes against it are the centered Adidas logo and the shoulder stripes that stop mid-bicep.
Manchester City (All Three) - The dark horse of the group, and even though this list in in no particular order these may just be our top pick. Another great example of simplicity triumphing over flash, especially the black away and sash element on the whites. Major kudos to Umbro here, they seem to churn out great simple designs (England's kits from 2006-2010) without being boring.
Internazionale (Home & Away) - Nike is running away with the best 10 title with Internazionale being their third. This was almost PSV Eindhoven or Atletico Madrid, but the colors and classic striping were just too much, and their whites look great as well very much like Roma's. Simple and classic, nothing crazy here just good design. This could have been Sunderland as well, but their away kit made me think twice about including any of their jerseys.
Urawa Reds (Home Red) - Urawa just barely lost out to Manchester City as our top dark horse. I fully expected a carnival of horrors from the J-League, but was pleasantly amazed (even though half of them made me gag) by the Urawa Reds. Another simple design, avoids odd piping and randomly terminating stripes.
Celtic (Home & Away) - Nike strikes again with one of the most unique kits out there. They retained Celtic's long standing use of horizontal stripes, and even downed a few handfuls of shrooms to come up with the "bumble bee" look that actually looks pretty good. We won't get into the plaid shorts that go with their white international kit, we'll save that for our much anticipated worst shorts list.
FC Copenhagen (White) - This won out over others mainly as an example of how to use your logo well. A company that will not be named *ahem* Puma *ahem* likes to put its logo in 40 different places on its kits in the event you don't know who makes them. Kappa seems to have taken that approach and done something good with it on the sleeves. Too many logos? Definitely. An actual design element. Yes, so its ok.
Also Recieving Votes :
Lyon (White) - Very similar to Roma's, but added humor because their away black-red gradient is so hideous.
Paris Saint-Germain (Blue) - Arsenal away-esque, simple, and another Nike! Nike football seems to be bizarro-NCAA, can we have them switch teams for the sake of the Pac-10?
Atletico Madrid / PSV Eindhoven - Just barely lost to FC Copenhagen, this is what happens when more than one person tries to make a Top 10 list. To be fair they are very similar to Internazionale in the vertical striping, so maybe there should have been a Thick Vertical Stripes That Look Great category.
Arsenal (All Three) - After going through all the candidates for worst jersey it was a great relief to find a team with great jerseys. Arsenal managed not just one, but three great jerseys. The lesson here being that simple can be great, no need for complex piping or baffling colors (Barcelona, I'm looking at you, or more accurately averting my gaze) to create an exceptional design. The collar on the away and third jerseys is also awesome, the death of the collar saddens me.
Manchester United (All Three & Keeper) - If you told me that Nike, the reigning king of design abortions (Oregon Football), would land two multi-jersey entries in our top ten I wouldn't have believed you. Obviously the NCAA football crew isn't working on their football designs because simplicity is getting them rave reviews. The simple "V" and use of only a few colors makes Manchester United's jersey look good, so good in fact that even the Keeper is getting in on it (Petr Cech is very jealous right now) with a set of tops that look great.
Hamburg SV (White) - Shockingly, Adidas managed not to mangle a design and land in our top 10. It seems that Adidas has managed to keep some whites simple, but if the stripes didn't die into nothing mid-bicep this jersey would be great. My only gripe is Adidas' questionable logo placement, why not do Adidas & Hamburg at left and right chest? Why is one at a chest and the other centered? Olympique Marseille's white is very similar and just barely lost to Hamburg SV.
Roma (White) - Another simple design gone horribly right. Roma sticks to their colors and uses stripes to punch up their whites, which tend to be fairly dull around the world, without making it into a train wreck.
AC Milan (Home Red/Black) - A design that never gets old; vertical stripes, white collar, and a good color scheme. The only strikes against it are the centered Adidas logo and the shoulder stripes that stop mid-bicep.
Manchester City (All Three) - The dark horse of the group, and even though this list in in no particular order these may just be our top pick. Another great example of simplicity triumphing over flash, especially the black away and sash element on the whites. Major kudos to Umbro here, they seem to churn out great simple designs (England's kits from 2006-2010) without being boring.
Internazionale (Home & Away) - Nike is running away with the best 10 title with Internazionale being their third. This was almost PSV Eindhoven or Atletico Madrid, but the colors and classic striping were just too much, and their whites look great as well very much like Roma's. Simple and classic, nothing crazy here just good design. This could have been Sunderland as well, but their away kit made me think twice about including any of their jerseys.
Urawa Reds (Home Red) - Urawa just barely lost out to Manchester City as our top dark horse. I fully expected a carnival of horrors from the J-League, but was pleasantly amazed (even though half of them made me gag) by the Urawa Reds. Another simple design, avoids odd piping and randomly terminating stripes.
Celtic (Home & Away) - Nike strikes again with one of the most unique kits out there. They retained Celtic's long standing use of horizontal stripes, and even downed a few handfuls of shrooms to come up with the "bumble bee" look that actually looks pretty good. We won't get into the plaid shorts that go with their white international kit, we'll save that for our much anticipated worst shorts list.
FC Copenhagen (White) - This won out over others mainly as an example of how to use your logo well. A company that will not be named *ahem* Puma *ahem* likes to put its logo in 40 different places on its kits in the event you don't know who makes them. Kappa seems to have taken that approach and done something good with it on the sleeves. Too many logos? Definitely. An actual design element. Yes, so its ok.
Also Recieving Votes :Lyon (White) - Very similar to Roma's, but added humor because their away black-red gradient is so hideous.
Paris Saint-Germain (Blue) - Arsenal away-esque, simple, and another Nike! Nike football seems to be bizarro-NCAA, can we have them switch teams for the sake of the Pac-10?
Atletico Madrid / PSV Eindhoven - Just barely lost to FC Copenhagen, this is what happens when more than one person tries to make a Top 10 list. To be fair they are very similar to Internazionale in the vertical striping, so maybe there should have been a Thick Vertical Stripes That Look Great category.
Weekly Flotsam and Jetsam
After a week in which England and Brasil played an incredibly boring, meaningless, dull, flat, Friendly in Dubai; Van Persie tore ligaments in another Int'l Friendly, rendering him unavailable for key games against Chelsea and Liverpool (does this even count as a key game anymore?); and Jay Cutlerthrew five picks against a shitty Niners team, I needed some distractions. As usual, the intertube did not disappoint.
First off, the Spanish region of Extramadura attempts to make the one-way a national pastime.
This is not necessarily sports-related, but since some of us make this a sport, I'm including it. How stupid do people think the kids in this region are? Were pamphlets really necessary?
Speaking of acid, this is the best baseball-related thing I've seen in a while. After Holliday took one in the nuts, and the NY All-Stars took the Fall Classic, I haven't been in much of a baseball mood, but the story of Doc Ellis' no hitter on a bunch of acid is from a better time, when men were men, there were no make-believe baseball teams like the Diamondbacks, Marlins, or Devil Rays (unless you count the Cubs), and the Atlanta Braves actually played in a geographical division that made sense.
By now this is old news, but in case you missed it, Elisabeth Lambert was caught on video in some crazy girl-on-girl action.
And, finally, it looks like Titans owner Bud Adams put some tips he picked up from the Flight of the Conchords to good use over the weekend.
First off, the Spanish region of Extramadura attempts to make the one-way a national pastime.
This is not necessarily sports-related, but since some of us make this a sport, I'm including it. How stupid do people think the kids in this region are? Were pamphlets really necessary?
Speaking of acid, this is the best baseball-related thing I've seen in a while. After Holliday took one in the nuts, and the NY All-Stars took the Fall Classic, I haven't been in much of a baseball mood, but the story of Doc Ellis' no hitter on a bunch of acid is from a better time, when men were men, there were no make-believe baseball teams like the Diamondbacks, Marlins, or Devil Rays (unless you count the Cubs), and the Atlanta Braves actually played in a geographical division that made sense.
By now this is old news, but in case you missed it, Elisabeth Lambert was caught on video in some crazy girl-on-girl action.
And, finally, it looks like Titans owner Bud Adams put some tips he picked up from the Flight of the Conchords to good use over the weekend.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
Scum Of The Earth : Rival Colored Apparel Wearers
You might be saying "what?" to the headline, but I don't know what else to call it. They are the people who wear "fashion" apparel for their "favorite" team in colors of their rival(s). To be honest, I can't imagine a better to way to show your complete lack of allegiance to your supposed team.
For anyone who hasn't seen this plague in person, just wait a few weeks. You will no doubt see local idiots, and even celebrities, sporting one of the most popular marks of a non-fan; the red Yankee's hat. The fact that these are even made is proof that either there is no God, or the Devil exists, and quite possibly both. To don a red Yankee's hat is to be completely unaware that their bitter rivals are the Red Sox, add to this list red
Monday, November 9, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
A Guide to Bathroom Remodeling
There is a reason why many Hollywood actors keep their awards in their bathrooms -- all their guests will visit that room at some point, so why not put the trophies were everyone will see them? But even if you haven't won any Academy Awards, your guests will be still checking out you bathroom. A well-done bathroom remodeling can impress your guests and boost the value of your home.
Bathroom remodeling can be as simple as new paint and fixtures, or it can be a total renovation and expansion. If you want to begin bathroom remodeling, the first thing you should do is assess your current bathroom.
Think about these questions to make sure you get the most out of your project:
How many people will be using the bathroom?
If a family shares one bathroom it may be a good idea to have a separate area for the toilet and shower so that someone can be showering while another person uses the mirror and vanity.
What is the bathroom's current condition?
Attacking grimy tile with bleach or industrial tile cleaning solution, polishing the fixtures, and adding brighter lights can put the sparkle back in your bathroom and cost lest than a renovation. But if the bathroom is out-of-date, falling apart or just boring, consider more intense changes.
How much money do you have for the renovation?
Before you begin, think of how much money you can realistically afford. No remodeling project should put you in debt. Once you have a budget, take a trip to your local hardware store to check out prices. Comparison shop and start looking for deals before you start your renovation project. You don't need to buy everything at once; you can easily wait for store sales to buy the tools you need and store them.
How much work can you do one your own?
If this is your first remodeling project, go easy on yourself. You will need to use this room, so make sure you don't get yourself into trouble. If your bathroom needs new wiring, plumbing, or even tile, don't be afraid to ask for professional help. Just make sure you account for it in your budget.
How much space do you have?
If you can knock down walls, be sure to plan ahead. Pocket doors and a shower, not a bathtub, are easy ways of conserving space.
How long will you be using the bathroom?
If you are remodeling to help sell your house, or might be selling soon, it may be best to stick with simple, conservative changes. Make things work and look clean, but don't add your dream whirlpool tub.
These questions address some of the most basic points of bathroom remodeling. Plan ahead, budget, watch for deals, and don't be afraid to ask for help. Remember, bathroom modeling should be fun, and the results are all for your enjoyment. Make the most of it. [http://www.WetPluto.com/A-Checklist-for-Bathroom-Remodeling-Plans.html]Bathroom Remodeling Info provides detailed information on bathroom remodeling ideas, costs, plans, and checklists. Bathroom Remodeling Info is the sister site of [http://www.WetPluto.com/Helpful-Kitchen-Remodeling-Ideas.html]Kitchen Remodeling Web.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ken_Marlborough http://EzineArticles.com/?A-Guide-to-Bathroom-Remodeling&id=60266
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Money Saving Tips For That Next Remodeling Project
Summer time is a great time of the year to start thinking about your winter remodeling projects. During the summer you may be busy with outdoor projects like redoing your deck or other remodeling projects that are better done in the summer and spring seasons. But if you want to save some money it is always a good way to save hard earned cash if you buy in the off-season.
Design an effective plan
Before you get started with any remodeling project it is always good to sit down and layout some basic plans. Perhaps you're working on redoing a basement or the den area.
Do you have a certain style or feel that you're going for? Once you have the basic idea of what you're going to try to accomplish you can begin looking for items to complete the project. Even though this project may be six months away - You can start accumulating various different supplies at nice discounts during closeout sales in the off-season.
Sell off extra stuff in garage sales
If you are in an area where garage sales are popular - It never hurts to look for items to buy if you can get a good enough deal at a garage sale. You may even find new items in a garage sale. If you end up not using it then you can always put those items in your own garage sale and sell them off, and perhaps make some extra money to make your project even less expensive.
Free ideas are everywhere
If you're lost for ideas for your next project - You can always go to your local home improvement stores and look through their free brochures and catalogs to get some wonderful ideas.
This is a free resource and often times you'll get some great [http://best-home-improvement-projects.com/remodeling.php]remodeling project ideas that you never even considered before.
Find more helpful remodeling tips by visiting http://best-home-improvement-projects.com where you will find helpful remodeling tips, advice and resources to include Remodeling.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Turner http://EzineArticles.com/?Money-Saving-Tips-For-That-Next-Remodeling-Project&id=2530219
How to Get Remodeling Ideas
Home improvement has definitely proven to be a wise way to spend your hard-earned money that not only brings back a good amount of return on investment and added home value, but also affords the family improved quality of living throughout the months and years. Most of the time, New York homeowners are stuck at the first phase in planning and that is in gathering great remodeling ideas. If you are one sharing this dilemma, here are top resources to get remodeling ideas that you can use whether you are in Brooklyn, Staten Island, Queens, Manhattan, or Long Island.
The Internet
Technology has brought forth amazing advancements that makes just any information be at your fingertips. The Internet is your easiest way to get to remodeling ideas that offers the widest range of choices that you can get. Get a treasure chest of information on budget-saving tips, remodeling ideas, home and room plans and so much more.
Though this resource can be super beneficial, this same advantage can be its disadvantage. Only a couple of searches would end you up with more information than you can handle and this could be overwhelming. Now you thought you have the remodeling idea of your dreams, the next website you visit, you might change your mind.
Interior Design Magazines
These are great sources to get remodeling ideas from. Interior design magazines feature the most current fashionable home settings with all the trendiest pieces. And what's great about this source is that most featured remodeling photos also offer information on the brands and prices of what has been integrated into the design.
Showcase Homes
Showcase homes can be found in most every housing community. The best thing about actually looking into model homes, showcase homes or just new homes is getting a remodeling idea on not just how things would look but how the design actually works. Getting a good feel on the design is one great advantage over just looking at photos. With showcase homes, you can feel the fabrics, actually see the result of certain lighting moods to specific settings, and see how comfortable the remodeling result is.
Home Improvement Stores
Home improvement stores also showcase products. By actually seeing the wide array of variety that a specific feature, material or product comes in; you can make better comparisons. In a home improvement store, getting ideas can not only be done through window shopping alone as getting knowledgeable answers is also possible. Stores of such kind often have room plans available. This could help you get a viable remodeling idea and save you from trouble, costing you less time and effort.
Imagination
If you trust that your creativity could get you further when it comes to remodeling ideas, then the imagination could be your bets bet. To be able to come up with a feasible home improvement idea that could bring in much comfort, functionality and style; find inspiration in things around you. From these inspirations, make your creativity go to work and from there, realize remodeling ideas.
Eugene Makeev uses his skills and expertise to help home owners in Brooklyn, Long Island, Queens, Manhattan, and Staten Island avoid [http://www.craftsmennetwork.com/]remodeling pitfalls by matching their needs with prescreened New York contractors.
Visit us for more on [http://www.craftsmennetwork.com/ideas/]remodeling ideas New York.
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Exterior Home Remodeling Tips - Window & Trim Home Building Materials
Beautifying your home's exterior will increase its appeal instantly. There are many easy, inexpensive ways to do this. If you are selling your home, many quick and easy fixes can pay off in a faster sale.
But, if you're going to live in your home for a while, you should seek "beauty treatments" that have enduring value.
Windows: Upgrade Your Home's Exterior
The wonderful thing about windows is that they not only are functional, they can be beautiful as well. Choosing the right windows, quality windows that match the style and feel of the home, can add considerable visual appeal to your home.
Windows allow you to let in light, bring the beauty of nature into your home, make your home feel larger from the inside, and make your home a showpiece from the outside.
What to Look for When Choosing Windows
I've always advised my home building and remodeling clients to consider lifetime value when making major home improvements. This becomes particularly important when making your window choices. A long-term view will help you make a better decision about the quality of the windows.
This means to consider things like: Dual and triple pane options; Low-E glass; Heat gain and loss calculations; Break resistance; Wind impact & noise factors, etc. Do your research and get specific evidence that answers these questions before you buy.
Exterior Appeal That Stops Traffic
Once you've decided on the quality you want, the next step is to find windows that also dress up your home. Here are several tips that will help you do just that:
Consider the Depth: Windows can appear recessed, pop out, or be flush with the exterior. You may want to get the advice of an architect for this.
Color and Materials: Wood, metal, plastic ... what material best matches the quality and style of your home? Color is also important. Should your windows make a statement with color or blend in?
Window Grids/Grills: These are the dividers that create the look of smaller window panes within the windows. They can have a dramatic effect on the look of your home.
Exterior Trim Options: Shutters and other exterior window framing treatments also change the look of your home. Pay attention to size, color, and style.Windows are a big investment but pay big dividends in your home's look and feel, energy efficiency and your personal enjoyment.
Consider your goals and research carefully.
We'd like to give you a *free* email course called "Dream Home Creation" that you can find by clicking here http://DreamHomeCreation.com Safely enter your first name and email address in the upper right hand corner of the website. You will also find other tips and tools, surveys, videos, and additional articles by Mel Inglima.
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Home Remodeling For Health and Safety
When you are remodeling your home, your first priority should be safety and health. While you might want a larger family room, you must first make sure that your house is a safe place for your family. What upgrades you decide on should depend on the age of the home as well as personal needs.
People with older homes are more likely to need remodeling due to health and safety concerns. Asbestos and lead are a possibility in any home that was built before 1978, when they were both banned by the US government. People in other countries should check to see when these materials were used in homes. Back then, lead-based paint was used on both the outside and on inside walls. Asbestos was used in a variety of construction materials. If you feel that your home might contain either asbestos or lead based paint, get an inspection or a risk assessment and make the necessary repairs to your home.
For most people, lead and asbestos won't be a problem. But they'll still need to focus on safety first when making home repairs. There are several projects, both large and small, that can make your house a safer place to live. One of the first things you should look at is the electrical systems. These can be upgraded and may need to be grounded. Any electrical wiring which is faulty needs to be replaced. Be sure you are employing a qualified and licensed electrician to do the work with your electrical system.
Not all safety home improvements will be that involved, of course. There are several that you can do yourself without needing to hire any help, although you can choose to if you aren't handy. If you don't have a working carbon monoxide detector or smoke detector, you should get one immediately. You may also want a radon detector for your home, especially if you live in New England, the Midwest, or the Rockies.
Other improvements to your house can make it more accessible for everyone. Handrails can be installed along steps. Doors and hallways can be widened to allow easy wheelchair access. Ramps can be built to your front door. These remodeling projects will make your house more friendly to anyone with limited mobility.
When you are first envisioning remodeling your home, you probably were picturing fun projects rather than functional. While you should consider any safety improvements before you start on other remodels, you can still add a bathroom install new kitchen cabinets. Taking care of any safety concerns first will leave you with peace of mind and the right budget for further repairs.
Carrie has been writing articles for several years. In addition to covering home improvement and self improvement, she and her husband review products. You can see her other sites at [http://www.reviewselectricshavers.net/]reviews electric shavers and [http://reviewselectricshavers.net/norelco-electric-razors.html]Norelco electric razors.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
European Football Recap, Or, Carlton Cole is a Wanker
The Sports Optimator has been dragging its collective feet the past two weeks, for reasons unbeknownst to even them. To make up for lost time, it will attempt to cram old and random news in next to newish news, and still make it seem interesting.
I know you're excited. Though maybe not as much as this guy.
First up: Some Parisians, contrary to some stereotypes, are not quite as civilized as one might like. Football Weekly's Barry Glenndenning reports:
European football did not, in fact, shut down due to Swine Flu. The game between Marseille and Paris St. Germain was merely postponed. But, luckily for the fans, it was postponed late enough for them to be already at the ground...so they were still able to have their riot, and get canisters of tear gas chucked at them by the police...so their day's fun wasn't entirely ruined.
Everybody seemed to be well-armed for the affair. One fan had a crossbow, apparently, and the police look to be well-equipped with double-barrelled flare guns.
Seriously, though, PSG hooligans seem to be some of the worst of their kind, which is certainly saying something. Just last year one was killed by an off-duty police officer after a hate mob had surrounded a Jewish fan of Hapoel Tel Aviv.
While we're on the subject of the letter 'P,' Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has a sweet crest, is host to economic and cultural events such as the International Fair Plovdiv, the international theatrical festival "A Scene on a Crossroad", the TV festival "The Golden Chest" - not to be confused with Dimitar Berbatov's golden chest - and the bi-annual Plovdiv derby. How quaint.
Moving on. The fortunes of Liverpool have oscillated wildly over the past few weeks, as everybody surely knows by now. What you may not know, however, is that the fortunes of the Sunderland beachball have ended up in the same spot as Liverpool's Champions League hopes: in the toilet.
Elsewhere, Real Madrid's 2-0 victory over Getafe is being heralded as the best performance by ten men since Debbie Does Dallas.
While we're on the subject of porno, The Sports Optimator is proud to link to One of the Greatest Websites Ever: SPORNO. We also humbly submit two of our own submissions to the effort, although the second one is not Sporno at all. It's just wrong. The Google image bin is a fascinating place, indeed.
I know you're excited. Though maybe not as much as this guy.
First up: Some Parisians, contrary to some stereotypes, are not quite as civilized as one might like. Football Weekly's Barry Glenndenning reports:
European football did not, in fact, shut down due to Swine Flu. The game between Marseille and Paris St. Germain was merely postponed. But, luckily for the fans, it was postponed late enough for them to be already at the ground...so they were still able to have their riot, and get canisters of tear gas chucked at them by the police...so their day's fun wasn't entirely ruined.
Everybody seemed to be well-armed for the affair. One fan had a crossbow, apparently, and the police look to be well-equipped with double-barrelled flare guns.
Seriously, though, PSG hooligans seem to be some of the worst of their kind, which is certainly saying something. Just last year one was killed by an off-duty police officer after a hate mob had surrounded a Jewish fan of Hapoel Tel Aviv.
While we're on the subject of the letter 'P,' Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has a sweet crest, is host to economic and cultural events such as the International Fair Plovdiv, the international theatrical festival "A Scene on a Crossroad", the TV festival "The Golden Chest" - not to be confused with Dimitar Berbatov's golden chest - and the bi-annual Plovdiv derby. How quaint.
Moving on. The fortunes of Liverpool have oscillated wildly over the past few weeks, as everybody surely knows by now. What you may not know, however, is that the fortunes of the Sunderland beachball have ended up in the same spot as Liverpool's Champions League hopes: in the toilet.
Arsenal's fortunes, on the other hand, seem to be on the upswing. After two straight second-half letdowns against weaker sides (although it should be said that Carlton Cole went down for that penalty faster than Chloë Sevigny in Brown Bunny), the Gunners had their way with Liverpool (and Voronin, who, in addition to being rubbish, has the best/worst cock-rock haircut this side of Europe, and I mean the band, not the continent... Voronin... was he really the leading goal-scorer at Bayer Leverkusen? The Bundesliga must be in worse shape than I thought), Spurs, and, in particularly fine fashion, AZ Alkmaar. Eduardo should be singled out for his gorgeous back-heel to Arshavin in the run-up to the final goal, but it was Arshavin who shone brightest last night. As Wenger said in his typical Frenglish after the game, "He gave the ball every time the fraction of the second you wanted him to give it, and that is top quality." Hear hear. Going back to the Spurs tie and their dismal defending (because as exciting as Cesc's solo goal was, it was perhaps not "one of the greatest goals in Premier League history"), the Guardian's Barry Glendenning points out that "no amount of Croatian lesbian-lookalikes is going to stop you shipping goals"). He has a point. Well, two good points, actually.
While we're on the subject of porno, The Sports Optimator is proud to link to One of the Greatest Websites Ever: SPORNO. We also humbly submit two of our own submissions to the effort, although the second one is not Sporno at all. It's just wrong. The Google image bin is a fascinating place, indeed.
Yankees Buy World Series Title, Country Yawns
Well the Yankees finally bought themselves a World Series title. I shouldn't say the country yawns, there is the state of New York and all the Yankee front runners out there that see this as a great opportunity to be more annoying. Just wait, over the next few weeks all those people you saw randomly wearing Phillies gear the past year will switch to Yankee's hats and shirts.
I know their fans will see it differently, but this is a perfect example of whats wrong with baseball today. MLB survived the steroids era and appears to be healthy again, but the state of the game for fans is on life support. I know the Yankees may not have literally bought the title, but their insane spending basically guarantees them the best chance at winning.
I normally watch the World Series all the way through, but I completely checked out after game four. Mostly I was sick of watching the Yankees, but for the most part I just couldn't listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver gush about the Yankees anymore. I'm somewhat sad I didn't watch game six, I'm sure McCarver had some real gems that would have kept me laughing for weeks.
I know their fans will see it differently, but this is a perfect example of whats wrong with baseball today. MLB survived the steroids era and appears to be healthy again, but the state of the game for fans is on life support. I know the Yankees may not have literally bought the title, but their insane spending basically guarantees them the best chance at winning.
I normally watch the World Series all the way through, but I completely checked out after game four. Mostly I was sick of watching the Yankees, but for the most part I just couldn't listen to Joe Buck and Tim McCarver gush about the Yankees anymore. I'm somewhat sad I didn't watch game six, I'm sure McCarver had some real gems that would have kept me laughing for weeks.
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