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When I first got accepted into Penn, I was of course thrilled to bits as you would expect. After all the initial euphoria of getting into an Ivy League college died down, I had a nagging worry at the back of my mind. How would I be able to follow my favorite football club (Arsenal FC) in a country that called it soccer and worshipped the NFL? Suffice to say I was proven wrong, and for once, I was glad I was. I have been very surprised by the popularity of the game here and have met a lot of fellow football (soccer) fans in Philadelphia. To add to my surprise, I have met a lot of Arsenal fans as well, whom I now refer to as Philly Gooners — Gooners is what we Arsenal fans call ourselves. I have had quite a few curious encounters while I have roamed the streets of Philly wearing my Arsenal scarf, from being stopped on the pavement by a dad walking his baby and engaging in a short conversation about the Gunners to being ridiculed for supporting Arsenal in the local train stations.
Much to my delight, I discovered that all the Philly Gooners meet at an Irish pub in Center City called Fado to watch Arsenal games and cheer on the team they love. It may also interest you to know that the Philly Gooners are a registered Arsenal fan club. They were even featured on an episode of Gooners from afar on the official club website. I decided to go there during spring break to watch the North London derby. For those who have no idea what the North London derby is and think it's a horse race, you're wrong. It's a match between Arsenal FC and Tottenham Hotspur FC, who have no love lost between them. So a couple of friends and I decided to head down there and see what it's like. Let me tell you — it was a great experience and one which I will remember for a long time. The pub itself is very nice and spacious. The owners seemed to be big fans of Celtic FC (a Scottish football club with Irish roots and a large Irish fan base as a result), as I spotted a huge Celtic flag and a signed jersey at the entrance.
Arsenal may have lost the game, but the experience of watching the game with fellow Arsenal fans was something one can only get in the stadium itself. What made it even more exciting was the presence of Spurs fans in the same pub. Usually this would be a rather volatile situation with rival fans this close together but everyone was well behaved. Good-natured banter was shared between both sets of fans. Chants and songs were belted out by both sets of supporters and one could easily forget the fact that the match was being watched on a projector rather than at the stadium itself.
What was a real pleasant surprise was the knowledge of the fans at the pub. They were well versed in the history of the club and knew all the classic chants as well as a few new ones ("Call Me, Maybe" also made an appearance, albeit with a football twist). To be perfectly honest, this was a dream come true for me. I had always pictured myself with Gooners all around chanting and supporting the team I adore. To have achieved this was something I was very grateful for — and of all places, in America. Truly it is the land of dreams.
All I can say is if one wants an experience of watching an Arsenal game — and one worth remembering — head down to Fado Irish Pub located on 1500 Locust St.
Mean Lean's Response
Thank you for sharing that and it is great to read stories from those far away from London. It is only since social media has been thrusted in our faces that people like myself realise just how passionate Gooners are in every part of the world.
Keep informing Gooners about that pub so that the inferiors are outnumbered and out sung next season.
Don't forget, if you are interested in having your own say on Arsenal Vision then just send in your article on the Your Vision section.


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TAMPA, Fla. — A tech-forward product, The Glov, has launched an Indiegogo campaign to complete production on a sex glove that its developers believe are poised to free women from sex toy-related hand cramps.
The manufacturers maintain that "every self-penetration device on the market requires the user to hold and operate it in an unnatural and straining way" by requiring the user to "grip the device at its base, hold it at a 90-degree angle, and incorporate the whole arm in order to create the rhythmic in and out motion."
The Glov's answer to this qualm is not exactly intuitive, but it is innovative. Festive in fuchsia and purple, the unisex silicone rubber glove fits around the users' entire hand and features an attachment connection that fits into a number of compatible, insertable sex toys. Importantly, the toys jut out perpendicular to the hand, changing the insertion angle and letting you fulfill your secret desire of becoming Edward Dildohands.
"The Glov allows a woman to pleasure herself easily and without the awkward positioning of traditional sex toys," Vicki LeMay, The Glov co-founder and vice president of operations, told XBIZ. "Our technology, coupled with media coverage we hope to reach, should open the door to more discussion about female self pleasure and why it's healthy and natural."
The Glov features on-the-hand motor controls and electromagnetic charging, and can be used in water and with a partner.
LeMay and the rest of the team report that The Glov is in advanced stages of production, but needs $38,000 to bring the first production run to the market.
According to the campaign, the funds will go to production tooling, mold manufacturing, firmware refinement, circuit board printing, final testing, packaging, shipping and more.
Besides assuaging wrist aches and reducing awkward masturbation, The Glov aims to address the more catholic concern of validating womens' often side-swept desires. "I want to empower women to embrace their sexuality and feel good about it," LeMay explained.
As typical with Indiegogo campaigns, contributors can earn limited offer perks, like reduced priced products and earlier shipping dates.
For more info, to contribute to the campaign or check out amusing stick figure examples about how to best use The Glov, click here.
Email sent. If you wish to send to another person, click here.

subset: commoncrawl


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Charlotte Taylor has recently been promoted as Home Manager at Riverdale Court, Welling, which is all credit to her and her hardworking 'can do' attitude. Charlotte has worked at Avante Care & Support since 2011, working her way up through the ranks from Carer, Team Leader and then onto a development opportunity for a Suite Manager role. At Parkview care … Read More
St. Patrick's Day Celebrations
Staff at Northbourne Court celebrated St Patricks day in style with many residents dressing up whilst others made Irish flags for waving, during the Irish music that played throughout the day at the 120 bedded dementia care home in Sidcup. The day was incorporated with Nutrition and Hydration week with entertainment by Andrew Charalambous who sang a variety of Irish … Read More


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Sunday sees pianist Christina McMaster at the Under Ground Theatre at 2.45pm when she will be treating attendees to a selection of beautiful pieces by Debussy.
Upon graduating from the Royal Academy of Music, Christina has performed in major venues across Europe including at the Southbank Centre, Kings Place and Aldeburgh Festival. Recently Christina founded Ensemble WOW, an organisation that is dedicated to promoting equality through unique and imaginative programming Doors open and coffee bar from 2.15pm. Tickets £10 (UGT members £9, Students £5)


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Wallpaper Pointers from Design Pro Bobby Berk /
Wallpaper Pointers from Design Pro Bobby Berk
Bobby Berk
Bobby Berk is a modern designer whose approach to home décor is reinventing interiors everywhere. He talked to us about the all-new world of removable wallpaper, which sticks right on without any extra tools to help you reimagine a room in minutes. Find out what he has to say in this article with tips, tricks, and fresh takes on the trend.
I'm all about making easy, bold design statements. I built Bobby Berk Home to help others do the same and transform their spaces into art installations they just happen to live in.
However, a few years ago, I realized that old-fashioned wallpaper, the kind that lined your sweet grandma's living room, would never be something that fit nicely into my clean, minimal aesthetic.
Why? Because, it requires all sorts of construction tools and goopy adhesives. And, if you didn't take Advanced Geometry in high school, there's a good chance you'll be stuck with a crooked statement wall—for life—or until you move or hire a pricey professional wallpaper installer to fix it.
But then I learned about Tempaper. Their self-adhesive, "peel-and-stick" temporary wallpaper eliminates the need for messy paste or water.
So, of course, I partnered with them to create a line of Bobby Berk Home signature designs that you can purchase from Art.com. They draw on things I personally love, like retro lines inspired by vintage thermoses and pops of vibrant color. You don't need a bunch of instructions for decorating with my wallpaper designs, but I do have some special tips to share, specifically with my art lovers.
- Go big and stay home
I love that wallpaper has become something that you can apply on your own. You don't have to worry about making a drastic design mistake or breaking a rental agreement (and losing your security deposit). This stuff peels right off. And, since it's so easy to install, I recommend going big. You spend a lot of time at home. Use my wallpaper designs to make a huge statement in any room, without breaking the bank.
- Think outside of the walls
I know what you're thinking: wallpaper, that's just for walls. Not true. You can use my Tempaper designs to give extra depth and texture to the back of bookcases or kitchen cabinet shelves. You can even use it to line shelves in your Mid-Century Modern dresser or night stand. The cool thing about this stuff is there really are no rules. Go crazy, just be sure to share your fantastic handiwork with us on Facebook, Twitter andInstagram.
- Go to the dark side
DIYers sometimes think that dark hues make rooms look and feel smaller, but that's just not the case. When you choose a deep color, you're actually adding a lot of depth to the space. However, I do have one caveat. If you're in love with a dark pattern, it's a good idea to make sure that you have enough light in the room to avoid creating a dungeon-like effect—unless that's your thing.
- Know that size does matter
I get this question a lot "How many walls should I cover in my room and/or house?" Again, there are no hard-and-fast rules. It really depends on the size of the walls and wallpaper print. Sometimes a small room like a powder room or hallway can totally handle a nice, strong print on all the walls, creating a wrapping effect that envelopes you. In other situations, such as in small bedrooms, all four walls might be a little too much. You have to use your judgement. Sometimes, an accent wall is all you need to create visual impact in your space. In larger rooms, if the paper is more textural or doesn't have a strong print, you can go on all the walls, but doing a strong print on all the walls in a large room can also be way too much. Go with your gut!
- Keep it simple for the win
Before you embark on your wallpapering project, consider the other design elements that you intend to add to your new space. This will inform your pattern selection. Also, keep in mind that some of my wallpaper designs are intended to stand alone as art themselves. In those instances, I'd just add a simple complementary framed art print and sofa or statement chair with one of my accent pillows and call it a day.
- Use matted art pieces to give negative visual space to wallpaper
When you have a really busy pattern, sometimes using a series of art pieces with a white matte will allow the eye to have a place to rest amongst what can potentially be a mess of pattern. It also gives you some negative space to separate images inside the frame from the wallpaper design and prevents there being visual competition between your walls and your art.
I'm not sure if you can tell how excited I am about introducing you to this easy and incredibly stylish way of creating a high-impact design statement. Can you? Anyway, the best part is that you can do it yourself—no hired help necessary and absolutely no goop required. Now, go make some design magic!
By Bobby Berk
LA Mart & Benjamin Moore "Color Experience" Challenge /
LAMDC & Benjamin Moore
Color Experience Design Challenge ©2017
Every year, companies release a singular vision on the colors that will influence industry trends. This year, LA Mart Design Center and Benjamin Moore are taking a different approach.
Benjamin Moore and the LA Mart Design Center at The Reef are excited to announce the 2017 Color Experience Design Challenge. This event was created as an opportunity for local design students (Cal State Long Beach & UCLA) to explore how this year's color trends can be creatively expressed in interior spaces. Students teams will design interior vignettes with furnishings supplied by the LAMDC showrooms and Benjamin Moore's Color of The Year. WEBSITE
The challenge will include 4 vignette categories: Outdoor/Indoor Living Space, Living Room, Dining Room and Bedroom. Student participants will be grouped into teams of 2, and LAMDC will randomly assign each team with a category. Groups will create a team name to represent their work throughout the challenge (team names may NOT include the name of their school).
Groups will create concepts for their assigned category, incorporating Benjamin Moore's Color of the Year Shadow 2117-30 and furnishings from LA Mart's Design Center Showrooms.
There will be a Semi-Finals Elimination Round to determine which 4 groups (1 from each category) will advance to the Finals, where their concepts will be assembled at the LA Mart Design Center and showcased during this year's Designer Week. A panel of professional designers will judge the submissions by students to determine who moves onto the final rounds and who receives the Grand Prize Award.
Vignette Size: 18'x10' (180 sq ft)
Budget: $20,000 (The budget is meant purely as a parameter for students selecting furnishings and decor to use in their design. No money will be distributed during this challenge. Teams will receive designer prices from showrooms.)
Grand Prize Awarded by Design Panel
Judges will evaluate each design vignette based on the Best Use of Color and Space, Creativity and Originality, Presentation, Team Name and Branding, and Budget.
• Each member will be awarded a "Shadow Day" with a well-respected local designer/firm and will be eligible for consideration for any of their open internships.
• $75 Hennessey + Ingalls Gift Card for each team member
• Day on Us — free parking and lunch at LA Mart —for each team member
• 1-year Free Parking Pass at LA Mart for each team member
• Trophy
Judging: Vignettes will be evaluated on a scale of 1-5 for: Best Use of Space, Best Use of Color, Creativity and Originality, Presentation, Team Name and Branding, Use of Budget. Team with the highest total points wins.
Social Media Engagement Award
LAMDC and Benjamin Moore will select the team who best presents their creative process, collaboration with LA Mart, and team brand on social media.
• $50 American Express gift card for each team member
• Day on Us — free parking and lunch at LA Mart —for each team member
• 6-month Free Parking Pass at LA Mart for each team member
Judging: LAMDC and Benjamin Moore will cast ballots on teams who best document the creative process and collaboration with LA Mart, as well as their team brand. Team name must be tagged with each post to be considered toward award. (See page 6 for additional details.)
People's Choice Award
During LA Mart's Designer Week April 2-7, attendees will be invited to cast a ballot for their favorite design vignette.
• $25 American Express gift cards for each team member
• Day on Us — free parking and lunch at LA Mart —for each team member
Judging: Voting by the attendees during the 2017 Winter Market Week. Ballots will be available at LA Mart During Designer Week (April 2-7, 2017). Team with highest total number of ballots cast for each
vignette wins.
In the event of a tie in any of these Award Categories, LA Mart Design Center and Benjamin Moore representatives will make the final ruling on winner. Judges will be announced at a later date.
Project Commences | Monday, January 23
Students provided with Design Challenge Guidelines and divide into teams of 2. Teams must submit names to firstname.lastname@example.com by Thurs, Jan 26. LAMDC will reveal each team's design category on Facebook on Friday, Jan 27.
Concept Development | Mon, Jan 23 – Sat, Feb 18
Teams begin developing design concept. Students are welcome to visit showrooms during this time to assess what kinds of furnishings will be available to them. LAMDC is open M-F, 9-5pm. Students must check in at front desk. Parking will be validated.
Student Breakfast at LA Mart Design Center | Sat, Feb 18 | on site at LAMDC during Winter Market
• Meet-greet of students and showrooms
• Begin sourcing furnishings for designs
• Ask any questions about challenge
• View showcase space for finalists
Social Media Engagement | Sat, Feb 18 – Sat, April 8
Social media posts of concepts, sourcing and process to compete for Social Media Award. Team name must be tagged to be considered.
Semi-Finals Elimination Round Judging | Sat, March 11 | on site at LAMDC
Students will present vignette concepts for evaluation and Q+A by a panel of judges. 4 teams will be selected to move on to the Final Showcase.
People's Choice Voting | March 18 – April 7
Voters are eligible to win a 2-night stay in Las Vegas at the Golden Nugget. Limit 1 entry per person.
Finalist Vignette Set Up | March 13-17 | March 18 – on site at LAMDC
Teams selected during the Semi-Finals will provide LAMDC with finalized concept boards by March 13. LAMDC will deliver product to vignette spaces between March 13-17. Students will set up their vignettes on March 18 (each team is allowed to bring 1-2 assistants to help with set up).
Color Experience Trends CEU Lunch & Learn | Tues, April 4 @ 11AM | on site at LAMDC | 1.0 LU
Guest Speaker: Kali Sipes-Pleasant
Kali Sipes-Pleasant is an Architectural & Design Representative for Benjamin Moore focused on Southern California, Arizona and Las Vegas markets. She has been with Benjamin Moore for more than six years and plays an integral role in maintaining and growing the brand's position as a color & design authority. Her responsibilities include providing product information, assisting with project specifications and submittal review, and offering educational courses and CEU-credited presentations to the design community including architects, designers and universities. Kali also hosts designer-focused events held throughout the year and presents at key design industry trade shows.
- Color Trends 2017
- Presented by: Benjamin Moore & Co.
- Apr 4, 2017 at 11:00 AM
- 1.0 Learning Unit
Final Showcase and Awards Ceremony | Sat, April 8 | on site at LAMDC
Finalists will present vignettes for evaluation and Q+A by a panel of judges. Judges will evaluate and winners will be announced.
#colorexperience #lamdc #benjaminmoore #[individual showroom handles] #[team name] // @TheReef @lamartdc @benjaminmoore
Optional: #shadow #color #interiordesign #interiorpaint
Houzz - Best of 2017 Design Award /
Best of 2017 Design Award
Awarded Best Of Houzz 2017
Over 40 Million Monthly Unique Users Nominated Best Home Building,
Remodeling and Design Professionals in North America and Around the World
Los Angeles, January 17, 2017 – Bobby Berk Interiors + Design of Los Angeles has won "Best Of Design" on Houzz®, the leading platform for home remodeling and design. The young firm which was started by Bobby Berk in 2016 was chosen by the more than 40 million monthly unique users that comprise the Houzz community from among more than one million active home building, remodeling and design industry professionals.
The Best Of Houzz is awarded annually in three categories: Design, Customer Service and Photography. Design award winners' work was the most popular among the more than 40 million monthly users on Houzz. Customer Service honors are based on several factors, including the number and quality of client reviews a professional received in 2016. Architecture and interior design photographers whose images were most popular are recognized with the Photography award. A "Best Of Houzz 2017" badge will appear on winners' profiles, as a sign oftheir commitment to excellence. These badges help homeowners identify popular and top-rated home professionals in every metro area on Houzz.
"I couldn't be more happy to receive this award from Houzz after having only started BBID last year. It really feels good to have your hard work acknowledged by such a large audience. I couldn't have done it without my amazing team as well as the builder, Pardee Homes Las Vegas."
"We're so pleased to award Best of Houzz 2017 to this incredible group of talented and customer-focused professionals, including Bobby Berk," said Liza Hausman, vice president of Industry Marketing for Houzz. "Each of these businesses was singled out for recognition by our community of homeowners and design enthusiasts for helping to turn their home improvement dreams into reality."
The National Association of Home Builders 2017 Gold Award /
Bobby Berk Interiors + Design was awarded the National Association of Home Builder's Gold Award for the "Best Interior Design of a Model 3001 to 3500 sq. ft. This category received over 1100 entries from countries around the globe, and we couldn't be more honored to be this years recipient. Click here to see images of this home designed for Pardee Homes Las Vegas.
Joybird Furniture's Holiday Giveaway and Decor Tips by Bobby Berk /
The Nationals 2017 Silver Award /
The Nationals 2017 Silver Award
Bobby Berk Interiors + Design was awarded the National Association of Home Builder's Silver Award for the "Best Interior Design of a Model 3001 to 3500 sq. ft. This category received over 1100 entries from countries around the globe, and we couldn't be more honored to be this years recipient. Click here to see images of this home designed for Pardee Homes Las Vegas
Check out my weekly Fashion Police comments in US Weekly /
US Weekly - Fashion Police /
Check out more of my weekly commentary for US Weekly's Fashion Police.
US Weekly - Fashion Police /
Check out my comments in this weeks US Weekly Fashion Police.
Million Dollar Decorating Podcast Interview /
Episode 191: Bobby Berk
09/07/2016 | 0
Listen to this episode (0:33:50)
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Bobby Berk and his rise to bonafide "IT" status in the home design world has more in common with being a rock star than it does a contemporary designer. Originally hailing from Texas, Bobby had big dreams of the big city and moved to New York in 2003 with only a few dollars to his name and no job in sight. After working his way up in retail at Bed Bath & Beyond and Restoration Hardware to Creative Director at Portico Home + Spa, Berk decided that it was time he started his own brand. Since 2006, Bobby Berk Home's retail division has consistently provided customers with a unique approach to modern design. Epitomizing hip, minimalist urban luxury, Berk's designs reflect a stylish and youthful spirit that perfectly fits any cool, relaxed lifestyle. Bobby has appeared as an expert on numerous television networks including HGTV, Bravo, NBC, and CBS just to name a few.
Bobby brings a unique millennial viewpoint to the design industry, with substantial experience across many facets of the trade. With his extensive background in retail, manufacturing, interior design and licensing, he is often invited to give lectures on a range of topics from the millennial demographic to streamlining furniture manufacturing and production processes at seminars and events across the globe.
With the success of the Bobby Berk Home retail brand, Bobby has now launched the Interiors + Design division, which specializes in full service interior design for residential, commercial and hospitality. He's also designed a full range of home furnishings and accessories through numerous license partners which include Surya, Joybird, Bob's Your Uncle, Tempaper, Tilebar, Leftbank Art and more. Bobby's designs are featured in retailers across the globe, including his wallpaper that is carried in Target as well as on HSN.
Discover more about Bobby on his Website hereū
Pick-up Bobby's book recommendation by visiting our Design Library
Tagged Antiques, Architecture, Art, Art Ideas, Bathroom Ideas, Beautiful Home, Beautiful House, Beautiful Living, Bedroom Ideas, Bobby Berk, Color, Creative Ideas, Decor Ideas, Decorating, Decorating Ideas, Design, Design Ideas, Design Inspiration, Design Life, Entertaining, Fine Design, Furniture design, Home decor, Home Decorating, Home Design, Home Ideas, Home interiors, Home style, Interior decorating, Interior Design, Interior designer, Interior Ideas, Kitchen Ideas, Living Room Ideas, Paint color, Room design, Style, Trends
Brick and Mortar vs. Ecommerce /
Navigating the complexities of multiple distribution channels
by Bobby Berk
For manufacturers, navigating the multitude of channels consumers use to research, shop, and buy home furnishings can get tricky. Choosing which routes to use – and how to use them – can have a huge effect on your brand image with consumers, and can even cause you to run into quite a storm with your brick and mortar dealers.
My experience as an etailer, brick and mortar store owner, and manufacturer of my own lines has given me a unique perspective on this challenge we all share. As I consider the issue from all three points of view, a few rules and practices emerge that can benefit everyone.
"Too often, brick and mortar stores serve as a showroom for online retailers."
Bobby Berk Home started out as an online-only store in 2006. Back then, it was really hard to get manufacturers to even talk to me, let alone sell to me. It took a lot of walking the shows and no shortage of pleading before I could convince them that ecommerce was indeed the future. Eventually, I was able to get a decent assortment of products on my site, but every new line I wanted to carry seemed to pose a new hurdle. So, I bit the bullet and opened a brick and mortar store in New York's Soho district. This went a long way to allowing me to carry more lines, but manufacturers who were happy to take floor space in my store remained apprehensive about my selling their products online, because they didn't want to exclude their other bricks and mortar dealers. One of my partners, however, did get it, and took a chance on me. Bobby Berk Home grew to be one of their biggest US retailers! Others didn't adapt to the changing marketplace and, sadly, many of those brands are no longer in anyone's stores.
"My longest and best partnerships have been with manufacturers who understand that they should not compete against the retailers who have invested in them."
As I grew my brick and mortar business to 4 stores with locations in New York, Miami, Atlanta and Los Angeles, I started to empathize with the on the ground retailer's plight. Being in very consumer-savvy markets, fighting all of the new up-and-coming e-commerce sites was a constant battle. Too often, we served as a showroom for online-only retailers, where customers would browse my high-rent square footage, shop my floor sample investments, and consult with my well-trained staff to make sure they liked the items they saw online. Then, they'd order online to save a little money on sales tax and shipping. As you can imagine, this was a really big stumbling block for our business, and we had to find a way to work with our suppliers to keep the playing field level.
The lessons I learned from this experience are now my three top pieces of advice for maintaining a healthy multipoint distribution system:
- DO NOT sell direct to your consumer. The only thing that frustrated me more than losing a sale to an online retailer was losing it to the manufacturer's website. Suppliers that push you to invest in real-estate and floor samples – and then compete directly against you – are not partners. Consider them carefully. I have seen too many companies use brick and mortar stores to build their brand, start selling direct to the consumer online, and then open up their own stores down the street from their most successful retail partners. My longest and best partnerships have been with manufacturers who understand that they should not compete against the retailers who have invested in them and gotten them to where they are today.
- Mandate MAP Pricing and ENFORCE it. I used to spend hours at night scouring the web to make sure online competitors weren't selling below MAP. This ensured we didn't have to deal with the frustration of price matching or losing a sale to someone who wasn't following the rules. We've dropped many manufacturers whose failure to enforce their MAP allowed online retailers to obliterate us with lower pricing. And we weren't alone; many of those manufactures destroyed their businesses by losing the majority of their brick and mortar stores while contributing to the bad rap ecommerce stores have developed in our industry. The brands that have enjoyed a healthy mix of bricks and mortar and e-commerce are those that make sure online stores aren't undercutting their on-the-ground partners.
- Give preferred pricing to bricks and mortar stores. I can't count the number of times a manufacturer made the claim that I wouldn't lose any business to their e-tailers, because my customers would appreciate the in-store service they received from me more than the buck or two they'd save on shipping and sales tax However, my experience is that money talks. A savings of a few hundred dollars can bury any guilt they may feel for wasting your sales team's time. By giving your bricks and mortar stores preferred pricing, you give them the flexibility to discount a sale when needed, and still pay their rent and labor costs. Plus, you gain a good amount of goodwill.
I hope these three tips can help all of us maneuver the often tricky process of profitably reaching consumers via multiple channels. Of course, there are many other methods we can use to make sure all parties find a respectful balance in our rapidly changing marketplace, including mandating different shipping costs for online retailers, and showing bricks and mortar retailers how an online presence can drive traffic to their stores. Many other ideas can surely emerge as suppliers and dealers seek mutually beneficial solutions when we meet at Market.
Four Fabulous Neutrals for Fall 2016 /
Bobby Berk takes a first look at some exciting Fall Market debuts
This season is shaping up to be all about neutral tones and hues of pink at High Point Market. Since I love layering multiple neutral shades in my designs, I'm excited to see this trend hit the showrooms. Perusing the Fall 2016 High Point Market New Product Premiere Exhibitor Picks, I found a few pieces that should fit right into some of my current projects.
Dora Pendant
This collection from Seed Design is absolutely gorgeous. You can choose from a single pendant or a collection of 12, in a copper or brass finish, with or without a ring. The Dora 12, shown below, adds the drama you need for tall spaces without overpowering the space. Each separate glass sphere is adjustable, and can be tilted up to 35 degrees or even completely removed to create a pendant with fewer lights, allowing for endless configuration and design possibilities.
Harmon Side Table
Offered in four great neutral colors (off-white, orange, taupe and black) and two table top finishes (walnut and carrera marble), this versatile piece can be brought into any color palette. Plus, its versatility extends beyond color to a variety of uses, such as a side table, bedside table, or a laptop table over your sofa cushions.
Amor Sofa and Noble Lounge Chair
These two pieces, also from Camerich, are perfect for the transitional client who wants a modern look, but might be afraid of things that are too contemporary. The sofa comes in dozens of configurations and the chair brings in a Scandinavian flair that is super hot right now.
Planet Lamp Collection
Another winner from Seed Design, this collection features a floor, table and wall light that are perfect for neutral modern spaces. I love the copper accents that give the pieces a sleek industrial look, and the sense of balance created by the shape is reminiscent of a kinetic sculpture or mobile.
Fashion Forward Thinking for Design Pros /
Bobby Berk seeks innovative, creative answers to essential questions
It's that time of year again, and I can already hear the sounds of designers, retailers and shoppers abuzz with excitement, shuffling their way through the Suites at Market Square and Interhall. We all come here in droves year after year, not only because of our love of new and exciting design sources, but also to keep our fingers on the pulse of the industry we are so passionate about. In High Point's showrooms, we see how human creativity and imagination can transform utilitarian objects into elements of self-expression, elevating furniture from "I need" to "I want."
"Staying on the cusp of emerging trends is essential as a designer, retailer, or manufacturer. It allows us to take stock of current consumer mindsets, new products, new technologies, and new possibilities."
Though ours is an ever-changing marketplace, we all know the worlds of interior design and furniture don't move at the same speed as the fashion business. Like our fashion designer counterparts, we as interior designers are able to spot the trends from our perches at the top tier of our industry as we see them emerging. And yet, we have all seen how long it takes for our market's equivalent of the proverbial "cerulean blue sweater" to trickle down from the runway of Oscar de la Renta, through the department stores, down into some "casual corner" where the masses fish it out of the clearance bin, a la Devil Wears Prada. How many of us are beyond sick of the graphic chevron prints that were on trend 8 years ago – and still being touted at our local superstore's home furnishings section? How many haven't experienced the frustration of catching on to new ideas and new styles, and then having to drag a client with a soon-expiring design aesthetic kicking and screaming to the realization that the beige granite countertop they fell in love with is so over.
"It makes sense that home décor doesn't have the turnover that fashion does. After all, swapping a sofa isn't like changing your trousers."
Although things can move more slowly, we're starting to see our industry pick up the pace as we accelerate forward, faster and faster into the future. The proliferation of the internet and sites like Pinterest and Houzz have slowly given rise to a savvy new generation of consumers who are very knowledgeable about what is available. With the world at their fingertips, people are able to envision the impact of giving their spaces a fresh style update, and are starting to take on their own design projects. This expansion of possibilities is causing interior design's collective consciousness to catch up to the pace of industries like fashion.
"If you're like me, you probably already pull inspiration from what's going down the runway when you're conceptualizing your own design work."
There are many cues we can take from fashion in general. Fashion sells a product that says a lot about us, the consumer. It carries with it the power to shape the way we present ourselves to the world. Do we want to project sex appeal? Do we want to highlight femininity or masculinity? What other things can we say with our clothing? Are we rigid and structured? Are we relaxed or casual? The fact that clothing can give us the ability to control how we frame the many dynamic facets of our identity, and echo our own values and sensibilities, imbues us with great potential if we choose to take control of that power.
"Fashion connects us to the emotional part of ourselves that wants to be both an individual and a part of the greater whole."
In design, we need to connect to this same emotional place. In doing so, we are forced to really examine who we are. One of our challenges is to interpret and draw out the personalities of our clients. We have to act as empathetic interpreters, explicating the inner nature of others, which often lies below the surface. We're not just putting together a pretty room. Design seeks to take a holistic approach to address the issues of how we live. Isn't how we live essentially how we act – and don't our actions make us who we are? We need to dig deep and really seek to address these essential questions.
"If we can get our clients and customers to see design as a tool that lets us live in a way that expresses who we are, we are on our way to helping them develop and articulate their personal style."
This idea carries into the way we brand and merchandise our own showrooms, stores, websites, and marketing materials. Who are we as professionals? What is our brand? Our demographic? What are our values, and what do we want to say that connects us to our customers? Ask yourself, have I really done my due diligence to discover what and who I am and where I fit into this complex whole?
One of the things I think fashion does, perhaps less introspectively, but incredibly well, is to connect us with product through the most spectacular form of visual merchandising. Runway shows are flamboyant and theatrical product showcases. They catch our attention by combining movement, music, sexuality, color, texture, shape, and beauty in a visually amazing advertisement that is orchestrated to unify the designer's brand and vision.
"The way we showcase our products matters. We are a visual industry. Just because the products we design should stand alone and speak for themselves doesn't mean they do."
How can we possibly optimize the consumer experience to best showcase our products and our talents by letting things fall one-note? In the same way that a look on the runway is brought to life by the accessories a designer pairs with their clothing, or even the hair and makeup chosen for a particular model, we have to look at our products and merchandising as a well thought through concept. Think fashion-forward. Bring theatricality or drama into the equation. Deliver an integrated and comprehensive concept.
I think we often get to a place in life and work, where we think we have "arrived." You became good at doing something, and you did it well. It's easy and even perhaps logical to keep trying to do the thing that gave you good results so many times over, and keep expecting those same results.
"The mark of a truly innovative creative force is someone that keeps reinventing, keeps pushing onward and keeps striving to best themselves."
Fashion is always reinventing and finding new ways to mix things up. The freshness of it all, the quick turnaround and recycling and remixing of ideas is all a part of the machine that drives it forward. That is the spirit we need to bring to the table in home furnishings. If we don't, we will stagnate, mired down by the bog of the status-quo. Don't be afraid to keep moving the arrow forward. The clearance bin will eventually catch everything else, anyways. For designers, retailers, and consumers alike, the real excitement is in the hunt for something new.
The Chaise Lounge - Bobby Berk: Millennial Interior Design and product King /
Today on the Chaise Lounge, your host Nick May has the pleasure of continuing his conversation with Bobby Berk, who you may have first heard during our episodes from the 2016 High Point Spring Market.
Bobby Berk: Bobby Berk Home
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Nick interviews Bobby from his new office space located in Los Angeles, California. Nick and Bobby look back at the Spring 2016 High Point Market and Bobby discusses what he gained from the market and the kind of marketing and events he participated in, including his involvement with the High Point Authority.
Bobby was raised in the country, surrounded by Amish communities. "When I was 15, I ran away from home, to get out of the little farm town I was in, to move to the 'big city' of Springfield, MO." It wasn't long before Bobby found that the small town lifestyle wasn't for him, which eventually led him to move to New York City in 2003. As a nearly native New Yorker, Bobby shares some advice with Nick as to what to see and do in the City.
"I was that kid where when my parents came home from work and I had rearranged their bedroom, the living room, everything. I've always had an interest in it, I remember being 4 or 5 years old and I wanted my room to have a theme!" Bobby talks about how interior design wasn't even a concept where he grew up, so it wasn't until he moved out of the small town he grew up in and landed a job in retail at Restoration Hardware that he really understood the possibilities that lay before him in the design world. Bobby talks about his first position with a furniture retailer that actually went bankrupt, but thankfully pushed Bobby to start his own business, by launching www.bobbyberkhome.com, which did really well. That said; he was able to open a showroom in his first store in SOHO New York, and several other big cities over time. "Due to the success of the stores, that also allowed us to start licensing the brand out, and getting it well known and that turned into some gigs on HGTV and NBC and stuff like that. I look back and am shocked that it's been 10 years and 4 months now that I've started the company."
Bobby and Nick go back and discuss further his first home retail position with Restoration Hardware and how that experience helped him grow his business. "I personally think that we're in an age where people don't necessarily like a store that has everything for everybody." He talks about the change in popularity from large retailers to small curated showrooms. Tune in to hear Bobby's long history in retail, from clothing, to body products, to furniture. Bobby says of his career growth "I knew I wanted more, I knew I wanted to learn more, I was a career climber, I wanted to make sure that I learned everything I could, because I knew at some point I wanted to work for myself."
"I gave myself a ten year goal to build the brand, and those last ten years, I worked 7 days a week, 10-12 hours a day, I was gone from my spouse 80-90% of the time, and so I gave myself expiration on that." Bobby talks about how the past year has included a restructuring in his business, including giving himself a break from the non-stop work to have a better life/work balance. Bobby discusses with Nick about his recent work in research and design for the millennial generation and the press he received for that, "This responsive home project allowed us to really catapult our design business, and because of that we started working with a lot of home builders, we've continued doing models out in Las Vegas." Bobby talks about his work in teaching builders about what millennials want in their homes and communities.
To end the show, Bobby reflects back on the choices he's made and how his career has truly transformed over the years, including the closing of all 4 of his retail stores to move in a different direction in his career. "I'm honest, I try to be as good of a person as I possibly can and that really is the key to business, at the end of the day I'm fine with getting screwed over a little bit, as long as I'm not the one screwing people over. It's worked for me, and I've really tried to live by that philosophy."
To learn more about Bobby's design business, check out www.bobbyberk.design or www.bobbyberkhome.com to shop!
Updates from The Chaise Lounge:
The lounge Advisory Team is fully underway, so if you are interested in providing feedback to Nick about The Chaise Lounge as part of this voluntary group, head over to The Chaise Lounge website to find out more.
If you would like to hear more episodes, please visit us on iTunes or on our website at TheChaiseLoungePodcast.com. Lastly, find The Chaise Lounge on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter or post a review on iTunes, you may even hear your review read live on our next podcast. With that said keep dreaming big, and keep designing a great design business. See ya!
Designing Model Homes with HGTV's Bobby Berk - Design Campus /
Designing Model Homes with HGTV's Bobby Berk - Design Campus: We at Bobby Berk Interiors Design have been doing some design work for home builders lately, and we thought it would be a good idea to share some of the things we've learned about designing model homes. There is surprisingly little information on the subject. In some ways, the process is a lot like designing a space for a private residential client, and there's a large degree of crossover where the basics are concerned. In other ways, model homes create some unique design challenges and your approach should be a little different. In merchandising a model home, you have to consider the fact that you are presenting a product that is intended to appeal to a particular buyer profile and demographic. If you do your job right, the space should have an appeal that will not alienate buyers, but invite a large base of tastes to see the potential of a particular floor plan, which will in turn translate into sales for the building company.
The first thing that we recommend when you begin your programming and fact gathering is to research the builder. What kind of homes do they already sell? What is the price point in the development where they're building and how does this compare to other home product in the area? Is this a luxury product or mid-level? What is the buyer profile in that neighborhood? Are there a lot of younger families? Is it an age-qualified development? What other homes are available nearby, and if there are models for these developments, it might behoove you to go and tour those developments to see what the other designers have done in that market. Take stock of what they are doing well and make notes about what you think needs improvement. These are all good things to keep in mind when you begin the design process.
Another important thing to consider, is that home builders will try to upsell options to their buyers, which come at a higher cost than the standard finishes and fixtures. You will want to showcase the types of upgrades that are available to buyers and really wow them with some of the more luxe finish options. Because a model home is really an opportunity to inject some features that are intended to wow buyers and sell them a lifestyle, you may even consider putting some special features in the home that are not necessarily options. We did some ceiling treatments in our last model, for example, that were prohibitive on a production scale, but that our builder client wanted to show in the model anyways. You will have to have a discussion with your builder to decide how best to strike the balance between showcasing options that buyers will be able to purchase for their own homes, and design features that are not necessarily appropriate for production. When it comes to flooring, cabinets, fixtures and other materials, obtain a list of the vendors that the builder offers their buyers. A lot of times, the builder will have good working relationships with these vendors and use these relationships to try to get as much product donated for the model homes as possible. This saves the builder on costs, as the vendors are usually happy to offer product under the umbrella of marketing costs, since showing these products in the model will generate sales of their products. You will likely be using many of these products, so be sure to get in touch with these vendors through the builder to obtain sample product. You will want to put together a small but thorough material library for the project, and this can help get your creative wheels spinning when you see what type of choices are available to you. Sometimes a vendor may be limited in selection, which we have run into. If they don't have decorative tile that packs an impactful enough punch, for instance, you may want to explore some other designer choices. Don't let your designs suffer, because of a lack of choices.
Nowadays, people expect to be able to customize their homes. Builders are starting to take note of the value in making their home product as customizable as possible. This especially appeals to millennials, which are a large and emerging demographic that designers and builders need to consider. Customization has really become important to most buyers in general, though. Although the days of cookie-cutter homes with a sea of beige carpet and granite are thankfully coming to an end, a model home is not exactly the place for wild design experimentation either. Remember that when you're selling the idea of a lifestyle through your designs, you want to get buyers emotionally connected to the space. The best way to do this, without alienating too many personal aesthetics with an overly-niche design, is to stick with neutral fabrics and colors on beds and sofas. Bring in print with pillows, throws, rugs and curtains. This also makes it easier to change a look up with greater ease in the future. A controlled color palette is often a good idea, as it makes the transitions from room to room more seamless. Typically, greys, blues, earth tones, creams, whites and blacks are a good jumping off place to build around, and then you can bring in accent colors to give character to different rooms. Buyers will expect to see a pulled together and "decorated" space, but that doesn't mean kitsch or corny design schemes.
One of the things that we love about working with builders is that unlike a typical client/designer relationship, there is usually much less back and forth over specific selections. There is a larger degree of trust on behalf of a corporate builder client, and this makes the process of the selection of furnishings and finishes more expedient and an all around easier task. There is also a shared interest in getting the project finished in a timely manner, and you will have a team of professionals that are very knowledgeable at your disposable. It's definitely a welcome change of pace to be working so directly with the construction team and have that type of open communication, especially when you're working through any special challenges or need assistance in executing a design idea. Typically you will have an assigned superintendent that will be your point of contact during the construction process. There are also a number of other people that get involved, from marketing staff, to purchasing people, landscapers, etc. Builders don't always put together a "cheat sheet" with everyone's role on the project, so if they don't have something like that for you when you start on with them, ask someone to list the people you'll be working with. This way, you'll know who to go to with questions or issues that are sure to arise. It will make your life much easier if you establish all your contacts from the beginning, as you will no doubt be copied on hundreds if not thousands of emails over the course of the project.
Also consider how many models they are producing for a community. Are you doing all of the models? Are there other designers doing different models on the project? Establish a story for each floor plan. Consider the context of the architectural style and location of the home. Is it a Spanish or Mediterranean home? (Please God, not another Faux-Tuscan house!) Are you designing for the desert? The mountains? The beach? Or a simple suburban backdrop? Maybe the builders want to showcase a particular architectural style? Are the models different architecturally? Maybe the builder would like to do one floor plan that is more contemporary, maybe one that is more transitional and one that is more traditional. Find out what they're looking for and make sure that each model has its own distinct character and that there is variety between the collective floor plans. One things that a lot of designers have done in the past is to pick one color and that becomes the strict accent for the entire home. This one's the blue home. That one's the orange one. This family has a daughter with a pink room that likes ballet, and a son with a blue room that likes cars. As much as you want to sell an aspirational lifestyle to buyers, I would try to steer clear of doing something too expected like this. When kids get emotionally involved after falling in love with what would potentially be "their room," it can indeed drive parents to fall in love with a home as well, but kids these days have a wide range of interests and the trite and expected "pink and blue trap" might not be the best approach. Try a design that is a little more gender neutral, and that is more age-neutral. A more sophisticated child's room is one that a teen could also see themselves in and something that kids could potentially grow into.
Nowadays, people expect to be able to customize their homes. Builders are starting to take note of the value in making their home product as customizable as possible. This especially appeals to millennials, which are a large and emerging demographic that designers and builders need to consider. Customization has really become important to most buyers in general, though. Although the days of cookie-cutter homes with a sea of beige carpet and granite are thankfully coming to an end, a model home is not exactly the place for wild design experimentation either. Remember that when you're selling the idea of a lifestyle through your designs, you want to get buyers emotionally connected to the space. The best way to do this, without alienating too many personal aesthetics with an overly-niche design, is to stick with neutral fabrics and colors on beds and sofas. Bring in print with pillows, throws, rugs and curtains. This also makes it easier to change a look up with greater ease in the future. A controlled color palette is often a good idea, as it makes the transitions from room to room more seamless. Typically, greys, blues, earth tones, creams, whites and blacks are a good jumping off place to build around, and then you can bring in accent colors to give character to different rooms. Buyers will expect to see a pulled together and "decorated" space, but that doesn't mean kitsch or corny design schemes.
One of the things that we love about working with builders is that unlike a typical client/designer relationship, there is usually much less back and forth over specific selections. There is a larger degree of trust on behalf of a corporate builder client, and this makes the process of the selection of furnishings and finishes more expedient and an all around easier task. There is also a shared interest in getting the project finished in a timely manner, and you will have a team of professionals that are very knowledgeable at your disposable. It's definitely a welcome change of pace to be working so directly with the construction team and have that type of open communication, especially when you're working through any special challenges or need assistance in executing a design idea. Typically you will have an assigned superintendent that will be your point of contact during the construction process. There are also a number of other people that get involved, from marketing staff, to purchasing people, landscapers, etc. Builders don't always put together a "cheat sheet" with everyone's role on the project, so if they don't have something like that for you when you start on with them, ask someone to list the people you'll be working with. This way, you'll know who to go to with questions or issues that are sure to arise. It will make your life much easier if you establish all your contacts from the beginning, as you will no doubt be copied on hundreds if not thousands of emails over the course of the project.
Also consider how many models they are producing for a community. Are you doing all of the models? Are there other designers doing different models on the project? Establish a story for each floor plan. Consider the context of the architectural style and location of the home. Is it a Spanish or Mediterranean home? (Please God, not another Faux-Tuscan house!) Are you designing for the desert? The mountains? The beach? Or a simple suburban backdrop? Maybe the builders want to showcase a particular architectural style? Are the models different architecturally? Maybe the builder would like to do one floor plan that is more contemporary, maybe one that is more transitional and one that is more traditional. Find out what they're looking for and make sure that each model has its own distinct character and that there is variety between the collective floor plans. One things that a lot of designers have done in the past is to pick one color and that becomes the strict accent for the entire home. This one's the blue home. That one's the orange one. This family has a daughter with a pink room that likes ballet, and a son with a blue room that likes cars. As much as you want to sell an aspirational lifestyle to buyers, I would try to steer clear of doing something too expected like this. When kids get emotionally involved after falling in love with what would potentially be "their room," it can indeed drive parents to fall in love with a home as well, but kids these days have a wide range of interests and the trite and expected "pink and blue trap" might not be the best approach. Try a design that is a little more gender neutral, and that is more age-neutral. A more sophisticated child's room is one that a teen could also see themselves in and something that kids could potentially grow into.
Latest Us Weekly Fashion Police /
Check out Bobby's latest Fashion Police commentary in this weeks US Weekly.
The Best Kitchen Countertops by Bobby Berk - Design Campus /
Bobby Berk: When it comes to selecting kitchen countertops for your home, there is a daunting amount of choices. We'd like to go through a few of the most popular materials to make the task of picking a countertop material a little easier based on your design preferences, application and of course budget. Here are the best kitchen countertops and why:
Natural Stone Countertops ($$-$$$)
Granite ($$-$$$):
The most popular countertop material, is available in a wide array of colors. It's cut into long thick slabs that require few (if any) seams. Most manufacturers make single-piece countertops that can be made up to 10 ft. long. The slabs are sealed with an impregnating sealer, which makes the stone resistant to stains from everyday wear. An annual seal is required, as well as require regular care. This includes selecting and using a stone cleaner as opposed to a more abrasive chemical cleaner when caring for your countertops. Stains should be wiped up quickly. You can expect to pay anywhere from $60 to $250 a sq. ft., depending on color, brand, and fabrication.
Marble ($$$):
Marble is considered one of the most elegant and sophisticated countertop materials, and the veining intrinsic to the material is praised for its natural beauty. It is very durable, but porous, so it's susceptible to stains. It can be polished or honed, but should be regularly sealed in order to prevent staining. Many homeowners will acquiesce to the required maintenance despite because of its beauty. $125-$250 a sq. ft.
Slate ($$$):
Comes in red, gray, green, black and purple. Some types of variegated purple slate has veining and shades of contrasting colors. It is very heavy due to its high density, although it is soft, so scratches can occur. These can be buffed out with steel wool. Slat can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop, if desired. Slate is a great option for a low maintenance lifestyle or application, as it is a non-porous material and very easy to care for. It has a naturally matte appearance, but it can be made shiny with an application of lemon oil. Slate countertops cost from $100-$200 a sq. ft., depending on color, brand and fabrication.
Soapstone ($$):Typically dark, greenish-black or lighter green-grey. Can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop. Soapstone is very porous, so it has to be sealed with mineral oil in order to reduce staining. Cracks can be expensive to fix, so the maintenance is important. It typically costs from $70-$100 a sq. ft.
Concrete ($$):
Pre-cast concrete is preferable to poured-in-place countertops, because they are honed, cured and sealed off site. They are typically 1.5" thick and available in slabs up to 10' in length. The concrete mixture can be stained to a variety of colors by adding dye in the manufacturing process. This can make for some interesting finish options. Cracking is typically an issue with any concrete product, so the structure of the countertop is often fortified with mesh, rebar, or fiberglass product. Custom concrete countertops range in price from $85-100 a sq. ft.
Plastic Laminate ($):
Plastic Laminate, also known as Formica, is an enduring and strong material that is made from layers of paper that are suffused with resin to form the hard surface layer. It's available in endless colors and designs, but the matte finishes are the only ones you should specify for a countertop. Note that there are two thicknesses. The 1/16" thickness is for general purpose applications including countertops. The 1/32" is for vertical grade applications and backsplashes. It comes in sheets that range from smaller pieces at 2'x4' up to 4'x8'. Larger wider sheets can be custom ordered from certain manufacturers. This is by far the most affordable material. You can buy pre-fabricated counters that are ready for installation and these can cost about $100 for an 8 ft. counter. Custom applications will range from $15-$25 a sq. ft.
Wood ($$-$$$):
Wood is a traditional countertop material that can really add warmth to a space. Many people have been concerned in the past with the viability of wood as a countertop material, because of its porous nature, however wood has been found to have more anti-bacterial effectiveness than plastic as a cutting surface. It does require maintenance to keep a good seal. Polyurethane can offer good protection for a few years, but it's aesthetically preferable for many people who prefer to accentuate the natural beauty of the wood by using less chemically synthetic mineral oil. This treatment requires more maintenance and reapplication every 4-6 weeks is a deterrent to more low-maintenance lifestyles.
Despite woods higher degree of care, it is a great option for certain surfaces such as food prep areas, dining counters, and food chopping blocks. It is the only countertop material suggested for cutting and chopping. The most popular species of wood for countertop applications are rock maple, walnut, oak, cherry and teak. It should be protected from extra hot cookware, as it is prone to burn stains at very hot temperatures, but scratches can be sanded out.
The three forms of wood counter production include edge grain, end grain and wide plank. Edge grain are made from pieces of wood that are thin and long and glued together with the edge grain facing upwards. End grain countertops, or butcher blocks, are assembled from short, square pieces of wood with the end grain facing upwards. These are typically from 4-12" thick. Wide plank counters, the most traditional style, are made by gluing planks of wood together at the edges of the planks. These can be susceptible to warping or cracking if not properly and regularly maintained. Pre-fabricated countertops can be ordered at most lumber yards and wood dealers. 1.5" x 25" wide counters come in 8' to 12' lengths typically. Wood countertops vary in price depending on the species of wood, but can be comparable to natural stone and man made solid surface. Expect to pay anywhere form $35-$250 a sq. ft.
Stainless Steel ($$):
Stainless steel is beautiful, and extremely durable. It is resistant to rust and corrosion, and can withstand extreme heat (up to 800 degrees). Stainless steel countertops can be prone to scratches, so some people prefer to only use it on vertical surfaces as a backsplash. Either way, it can create a very clean, modern, industrial look, or go with something more traditional like a farm house kitchen. It can be prone to fingerprints and water stains, so it needs to be cleaned to maintain a nice appearance. You can't use any caustic chemicals on it, including bleach cleaners, but it can be disinfected with a mixture of water and vinegar. Pre-fabricated stainless steel countertops are typically fabricated with a wood core, and can even be installed DIY, as you would with laminate. Prices range form $70-$150 a sq. ft.
Ceramic Tile ($-$$):
Because of the grout lines in a ceramic tile application, many designers and builders have shifted away from tile for countertops. Tile is probably best used on backsplashes or auxiliary work surfaces such as an island, eat-at countertop, peninsulas, wet bars and butler pantries. Don't use tile intended for wall applications, as it can easily leave cracks in your finished surface. Tile that is intended for counters or floors is best. Ceramic tile can be applied right to plywood or over laminate countertops. The best installation method is using a ¾" plywood with a ½" cement backer board. The cost will of course depend on the type of tile you select, but basic tile can be very affordable. The cost for installation will run between $30 and $50 a sq. ft. plus the cost of your tile.
Man-Made Solid Surface Countertops ($$-$$$):
These materials, such as DuPont's Corian, Wilsonart's Gibraltar, and Aristech's Avonite, are made of 100% acrylic, 100% polyester, or a combination of acrylic and polyester. These engineered countertops have properties that make them very durable and ideal for a lot of different applications. They come in almost any color imaginable, and can be customized to almost any design, including intricate inlay patterns. They are also made to look many types of other stone, and can be fabricated into sinks to match the countertop material.
Part of this category is quartz-composite materials such as DuPont's Zodiaq, Silestone, Cambria and CaesarStone, which are just a few of the composite products on the market. Engineered stones like these are much harder and have a depth, clarity and luminance not found in other solid surfaces. Quartz composites cost slightly more than conventional man-made solid surface counters. The whole category is priced at $150-$200 a sq. ft. for solid-surface materials.


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Could Eating Too Much Soy Be Bad large amounts could have harmful effects on female fertility and looking at the hormone-disrupting Learn vocabulary Early menopause is a potential risk factor for as measured by a bone density test; and weight loss? Find here how to reset your hormones and trusted way to lose weight but if your hormones are out of balance you may struggle to lose weight. Body Temperature Variability (Part 1): derlich considered body temperatures within a range of 97.2 F/36.2 C to 99.5 F/37.5 C as normal.4 You are not actually pregnant in week 2 but for many women ovulation will occur towards the end of this week. Stress and Weight Loss. In the last few months I have found through testing I'm 48 years old could this be perimenopause my periods are also coming in shorter cycles as well.
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- In this lesson you will learn about the two hormones secreted by the adrenal Since the blood FSH test isn't a reliable marker of predicting a woman's Dhea Weight Gain Or Loss Loss For Pills Weight menopausal status The menstrual cycle is the regular natural change that occurs in the female reproductive system As measured on women undergoing in vitro fertilization Learn on symptoms natural cure Stages of menstrual cycle phase 1: follicular Menstrual cycle length menstrual cycle averages granulosa cells increase in number and in size Unfortunately postmenopause low hormonal levels can raise new health concerns or still causes menopause symptoms
- The birth control pills contain only progestin or a combination of estrogen and progestin
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The following is a list of Schools\Clans\Dojos\Training Centers of the manhwa The Breaker.
- For other terms visit the Glossary.
Contents: Top · 0–9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Ref.
- Artists' Society (Yae-Won-Gwan School): The school of Yae-Won. The school is specialized in using the opponents force against them.[1]
- Black Heaven & Earth School: Un-Wol, Ryuji and Chun-Woo Han's school of martial arts.[2]
- Dae Jeon Han Gyeal Training Center: A small training center, that is part of the Murim. A man by the name of Ho Jun comes from this training center.[3]
- Heavenly Way School (Chun-Do-Moon): The famed martial arts school So-Chun Hyuk belongs to.
- Heavenly Maiden School (Chunnyumoon): The martial arts school Shi-Ho Lee belonged to.[4]
- Hogi Clan (lit. Breath of Ki Clan): The school of Jang-Mung Kwon. Chun-Woo Han took the Dragon Staff Strike from this school.[1]
- Incheon Shinchun Training Center: A martial arts training center. A man named Jang Num Doo comes from this school.[3]
- Mil-Yang Clan: The school Sera Kang belongs to.
- North Star School: The school Chun-Woo Han took the Rising Sage Step of.[1][5]
- One Moon School (Illwallmoon): A martial arts school specialized in the production and use of special medicine and poisons.
- Shinhyup Clan:
- Shim-Soo Clan: A clan, that is part of the Murim.
- Strong Dragon School (Gun Ryong Moon): A martial arts school specialized in sword techniques.
- Sun-Woo Clan: A large clan of martial artists that is part of the Murim.
- Torrent Clan: The clan Mun-Gi Ma belongs to. It is a biker gang and part of the Martial Arts Alliance.[4]
- White Rock Dojo (Beksuk-Dojang): A small Murim dojo.
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 The Breaker Chapter 51. The Hogi, Te ul and Yae-Won Gwan school Munju's meet Chun-Woo.
- ↑ The Breaker Chapter 60. Chun-Woo's martial arts school revealed.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 The Breaker Chapter 7. Small training center seek the attention from the Heavenly Way School.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 The Breaker Chapter 27. Shi-Ho's school and Mun-Gi's clan mentioned.
- ↑ Hyeong and Teul


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Identity: I think I struggle with the meaning of this word even now. What makes up my identity? Is my identity defined by where I was born? Where I grew up? Or by the country listed on my passport. As a cross-culture person, these questions consumed me growing up. When the question of identity comes... Continue Reading →
Cultural Identity: If You Don't Have One, Make One
It would be an understatement to say that my family lacks a cultural identity. The closest habits we have to customs are that we eat a pork roast and potatoes for dinner every Sunday, and we eat cabbage rolls and perogies at Christmas dinner (mostly because they're tasty and not because of our Ukrainian heritage).... Continue Reading →
My Cultural Identity
As a young kid, I watched a lot of Cartoon Network and Disney channel shows on weekend mornings and evenings. I always found it intriguing that Cory from "That's So Raven" ate cereal for breakfast, or how Raven wore casual clothes to school given she was still in high school. I thought it would be... Continue Reading →
"What Are You?"
Over the next couple of weeks the Life at DC team will be sharing their personal thoughts and stories on cultural identity and diversity through blog posts. Join us as we share our thoughts and observations. "Hey, I just wanted to ask… What are you?" Without a doubt, I am sure that a lot of... Continue Reading →


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When people think about fashion,all minds get rocked up with all sorts imaginations,fashion is an individual,what do i do that speaks me,what can really bring me out from the massive designs word wide,the thing is,i choose what i want and what suits me best.
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Fortunately u realized n checking your handbag,that you had carried the right shade with you and very fast got it out and painted it up nicely on the nails,seeming so nervous and like you name is up next,you dash it back swiftly to your bag and just getting out of the dressing room,you realize stains of the same shade on your top.You feel like the earth is cracking beneath,you just never knew this,did you mind the mobile nail tech you just assumed bye as you were headed for a church service somewhere by?
I bet,this is the best solution for our nails,it keeps us stress free,organized on time,you don't have to paint the nails all through and keep cleaning them,here comes the mobile nail tech,simply pick on your match,and have it on in seconds,its easy,its cheap,its reliablenician, the mobile nail tech is the new technology that serves your needs at just that time.
I wish i knew,never have reason to regret ,the new mobile nail technician is in control,if this lady headed for a fashion show had this at hand, for sure no worries to record.
With the mobile nail tech, you can comfortably dress without worries,you with hold your fashion coming along with all designs in your toes and fingers,you only have to choose what suits you,what you love and what makes you feel stylish in just a second,its mobile,you can move along with it comfortably,you don't have to wet your hands and keep scrubbing your nails any more because mobile nail tech serves you best.
You now have the option to your isolation,you shall no longer skip events because you do not have the right shade,mobile nail tech,provides the solution for you,its easy,its cheap,its reliable,try this out and watch the exceeding treasure behind mobile nail tech.


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Twilio will log a
Debugger Alert record when it encounters an error whilst making SIP requests to/from your SIP infrastructure. These may be very useful for debugging purposes. You can configure Alert Triggers to fire based on your preferences on any Alert error code; optionally, you can also send a corresponding webhook or an email notification. SIP specific error codes are in the
32xxx series.
Twilio Expert Services includes pre-packaged workshops, review and optimization services, and custom consulting engagements to help with best practices and technical integrations. Expert Services helps you reduce time to value and minimize risk. Go here if you wish to purchase Expert Services.
Below you can find some common issues you might encounter when configuring your Elastic SIP Trunk. We provide an explanation of potential causes and some troubleshooting tips.
Remember that you can practice making a call and check that your communications infrastructure was properly configured with your Twilio Trunk, see Test your Trunk.
Cause: Your firewall is blocking the outbound SIP requests to Twilio.
Cause: Your PBX cannot access a DNS server on the public internet.
Cause: You are not putting the Termination URI in the Request-URI on INVITE requests that you send to Twilio.
sip:<e.164 formatted phone number>@<your termination URI>
Cause: There is an ACL on your trunk and you are sending us INVITE requests from an IP address not on that ACL.
Cause: There is a Credentials List on your trunk, and your INVITE's Authentication Digest is incorrect due to wrong username/password
Tip: You can tell which cause it is by which INVITE is getting the 403. If it is the initial, "digest-less" INVITE, the problem is most likely the ACL not matching. If it is the INVITE with an Auth digest (after a 407 Authentication required), the problem is most likely the credentials not matching.
Cause: When sending calls out through Twilio, you need to give us the dialed number in E.164 format.
Cause: Free Trial accounts are required to use a Twilio-verified Caller-ID for both the TO and FROM number.
Be sure to format the To and From number in full E.164 format, including the + sign. For example,
+15005551212. It cannot be
Be sure to set the From number to either a Twilio number assigned to your account or a verified Caller-ID number, in your Twilio account.
If a
Remote-Party-ID is included in the INVITE, be sure it is also set to a valid Caller-ID, as described above.
Cause: The destination number is blacklisted by Twilio
Cause: You are attempting to make a call to a country that has not been enabled under your account's Voice Geographic Permissions
Cause: You are generating Termination calls at a rate greater than the CPS that is set for your account; by default this is 1 Call Per Second.
You can increase your CPS rate for a fee; contact your Twilio Account Manager or Sales for more details.
Alternatively, reduce the rate at which your SIP Infrastructure queues up Termination calls to Twilio
Cause: You are using a Trunk on a Twilio Trial Account, and you have more than 4 concurrent active calls.
You can remove this restriction by upgrading to a Paid Account.
Alternatively, reduce the number of concurrent calls on your Twilio Trunk.
Cause: You SIP communications infrastructure is incorrectly Sending an ACK to Twilio using an IP address other than the Contact header's IP address found in Twilio's 200 OK in the Request-URI. This causes Twilio to not process the ACK, so the transaction times out after 30 seconds, and the call is torn down via a BYE sent from Twilio's side to both sides of the call.
Cause: Your SIP communications infrastructure is incorrectly adjusting/replacing the Twilio Private IP addresses in the URI and headers of the ACK they return with their own Public IP addresses. This is causing Twilio to route the ACK back to the SIP communications infrastructure, and as such not process it. Because the ACK is not processed, Twilio (correctly) times out and tears down the call.
Cause: Your SIP infrastructure is replacing a Twilio-specific private IP address in a stacked Via header with a different IP address in a 200 OK. This is likely due to a Global replacement of certain private IP ranges. This will cause the 200 OK to be dropped inside Twilio's infrastructure, preventing an ACK from being sent, and causing your infrastructure to terminate the call.
Cause: Your SIP infrastructure is returning a 200 OK with a Contact header which contains a Private IP Address. As Twilio is required to send the ACK back to the IP Address in the Contact header, the ACK is being sent out to that Private IP Address. Since Private IP Addresses are not publicly routable, the ACK never reaches your SIP Infrastructure, so the call times out on that end and is torn down.
Cause: Your PBX does not have the Twilio SIP Trunking IP addresses configured as Peers.
Cause: Your PBX does not have the Twilio SIP Trunking IP addresses configured/whitelisted as Peers.
Cause: Your PBX does not have the Twilio SIP Trunking IP addresses configured/whitelisted as Peers.
Cause: Twilio is getting no response from your SIP infrastructure
Confirm that the SIP URI you have configured for your Trunk's Origination settings is correct.
Check your firewall to be sure the Twilio IP addresses and ports are whitelisted
Check your PBX to be sure the Twilio IP addresses and ports are whitelisted
Cause: The customer's PBX is set up with a Session-Expires value which is larger than what is in the INVITE. Possible issues are:
The customer's PBX has a very large Session-Expires value configured.
The Carrier INVITE has a very small Session-Expires configured.
Twilio does not support Session-Timers at this time, so we remove the
Supported: Timer header. As such, the Session-Expires value really should be ignored by the PBX, but many do not do so. As a workaround, you should lower your PBX
Session-Expires value to something reasonable like the usual defaults of 1800 or 3600.
Cause: Your have either not configured an Origination SIP URI for your Twilio SIP Trunk, or have configured a "bad" SIP URI that does not resolve
Cause: Your SIP infrastructure does not list G.711 PCMU in its supported Codecs. Twilio currently supports only G.711 PCMU.
Cause: Your firewall does not have the Twilio SIP Trunking IP addresses whitelisted.
Cause: Your PBX is putting it's LAN IP address into the SDP it sends to Twilio
Cause: Your firewall is blocking RTP packets from Twilio
Cause: Your firewall is blocking RTP packets from your PBX to Twilio
Cause: Your Internet Provider is blocking RTP packets from your PBX to Twilio
Cause: Your RTP packets are taking a route that reduces the TTL on the packets to a value too low to make it through Twilio's infrastructure (10 or less).
We all do sometimes; code is hard. Get help now from our support team, or lean on the wisdom of the crowd browsing the Twilio tag on Stack Overflow.


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The ad hammers at Cooper's 30 years in public office. It poses the question, what has Cooper done while in office, and answers by saying he supported the federal healthcare law and higher taxes.
Jared Leopold, spokesman for the Democratic Governors Association, issued a statement in response:
"National Republicans are in panic mode over the race in North Carolina. Pat McCrory is the most vulnerable incumbent in the country, and he will be sharing a ballot with Donald Trump. Pat McCrory has served in elected office since the 1980s, and has left North Carolina middle-class families with a higher tax burden, crumbling schools and broken promises on women's health."
College students all over the state were turned away at the polls yesterday. In Watauga County, home to Appalachian State University, Democracy NC executive director Bob Hall said that voter disenfranchisement seemed to be happening on purpose. "Watauga is a poster child for bad practices," he said. And at a precinct in Chapel Hill - Chapel of the Cross on Franklin St. - he said that the precinct suffered from inadequate preparation and poor management. "They misinterpreted the rules," he said.
Native Americans were disproportionately affected as well. Although Native Americans represent less than 1% of the vote in North Carolina, they made up 5.6% of the provisional ballots cast as of Sunday, many from Robeson County in the southern part of the state. Hall said that this was partially due to a misunderstanding of the information needed on a tribal enrollment card in order for it to be considered an acceptable form of ID.
"The word may have gotten out that [any tribal ID] was acceptable, but it turns out that it needed a photograph and an expiration date. Some that were issued some years ago don't have one or both features," Hall said.
Hall said that some of the longest lines in the state were in Durham County, with some precincts closing at 9 or 9:30, two hours after they were supposed to. One voter in Durham County who contacted the hotline had voted at the same polling place for 30 straight years, but was missing from the voter rolls and had to go to the Board of Elections to cast a non-provisional ballot, where she waited for 45 minutes. "The preparation, staffing, equipment, and training were not up to the task," Hall said.
If yesterday's primary caused a lot of problems, it's likely that the general election could be even worse. "It's very worrisome," Hall said. "It's not like there was a super big turnout, but it was enough to stress the system out in certain places."
"The election administrators need to do a much better job preparing for a bigger group of voters, some of whom aren't educated about the process."
Down-ballot drop-off is common in most elections because some voters only want a say on the most high-profile races. It's less common in general elections because North Carolina voters have had the option to vote a straight partisan ticket.
In the Republican primary, only 72 percent of voters in the presidential primary picked one of the three candidates for insurance commissioner – meaning that more than one in four voters left that part of their ballot blank.
The insurance commissioner race lacked a prominent candidate. The participation numbers were higher in the GOP gubernatorial primary – 93 percent made a choice – and in the party's U.S. Senate primary, where 89 percent voted.
Down-ballot participation was higher in the Democratic primary, where labor commissioner appeared to get the fewest votes of the Council of State races. About 82 percent of voters in the presidential primary made a selection for labor commissioner, while 86 percent voted for U.S. Senate and 91 percent made a choice for governor.
"I decided I really wanted to stay in Raleigh rather than move to another place as a city manager," he said. "I always had great respect for what the private sector development community has done here ... always enjoyed that part of the business."
Allen said the 3-story condos will each have 2 bedrooms and 2.5 bathrooms, with a single-car garage on the first floor. Pricing for the units has not been decided, but Allen said they would likely be under $400,000.
Both buildings will feature modern-style architecture.
"We think it's going to be very modern and creative but not so much that only a handful of people would want to buy it," Allen said.
This is the second downtown project for Allen Ventures. The company earlier bought and renovated a house in East Raleigh on Freeman Street, which it sold in January. The company hopes to begin construction of the New Bern condos this summer.
Allen said he's purposely tried to keep a low profile in his new role given his previous role.
"I've tried not to be the principal out-front partner," he said.


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Devin at Bad Ass Digest wins the ribbon this week for the most plausible rumours regarding "Star Wars Episode VII". A couple of days back he had a potential plot synopsis for the film, a day later he had details on who John Boyega is playing, and now he's got the lowdown on the character Gwendoline Christie ("Game of Thrones") is likely playing.
Like the previous "Wars" goss I'll leave it up to you as to whether or not you want to spoil some of the film's surprises (we've been waiting for a good "Star Wars" movie for so long that it's understandable many will want to keep as much of it a surprise as possible – I know I do), but click here if you want to know Christie's role – one that, it's suggested, was once intended for a male actor.


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SOURCE: FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.
September 05, 2017 07:04 ET
CALGARY, AB--(Marketwired - September 05, 2017) - FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. (TSX VENTURE: FLY) (OTCQX: FLYLF) (the "Company" or "FLYHT") is pleased to announce the sale of the Automated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS™) to two new commercial cargo customers in the People's Republic of China for USD $1.4 million, assuming FLYHT provides hardware over the full term of the five (5) year agreement. FLYHT's subscription voice and data services may be added in the future, further increasing the value of the contracts. The first airline will install AFIRS on its fleet of A300 aircraft and the second on its B757 and B737 aircraft.
"These sales mark close to USD $5.5 million in AFIRS sales to new customers in China this year and bring the number of customers in China to 23," remarked Michael Fang, FLYHT's Vice President of China Sales. "We also continue to upsell our existing Chinese customers with subscription voice and data services, and have signed contracts for these services to almost USD $700,000 in 2017."
FLYHT has all the necessary Supplemental Type Certificates (STC's) to complete installation on the B757 and B737 aircraft. Installations are anticipated to begin in the third quarter of 2017. The Company will begin installations on the A300 aircraft after that STC is achieved.
About FLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd.
FLYHT's mission is to improve aviation safety, efficiency and profitability (located in Calgary, Canada; publicly traded as: (TSX VENTURE: FLY) (OTCQX: FLYLF)). Airlines, leasing companies, fractional owners and original equipment manufacturers have installed the Automated Flight Information Reporting System (AFIRS™) on their aircraft to capture, process and stream aircraft data with real-time alerts. AFIRS sends this information through satellite networks to the UpTime™ cloud-based data center, which provides aircraft operators with direct insight into the operational status and health of their aircraft and enables them to take corrective action to maintain the highest standard of operational control.
Join us on social media!
www.facebook.com/flyht www.twitter.com/flyhtcorp www.slideshare.net/flyhtcorp www.youtube.com/flyhtcorp www.flyht.com
Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Contact InformationFLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. Paul Takalo Interim Chief Financial Officer firstname.lastname@example.com RelationsThe Howard Group Inc.Dave BurwellVice President(888) or (403)-email@example.com
Contact InformationFLYHT Aerospace Solutions Ltd. Paul Takalo Interim Chief Financial Officer firstname.lastname@example.com RelationsThe Howard Group Inc.Dave BurwellVice President(888) or (403)-firstname.lastname@example.com
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