How to choose carpet color

This is an article I wrote for Helium.  They don't allow re-publication for a year from posting on their site.  So, here is a link to that article:

http://www.helium.com/items/2189419-carpet-color-tips-buying

Checklists link

For vacation, measurement equivalents,  printable calenders, general back to school checklists, camping... etc.

http://www.internetfamilyfun.com/getorganized/kitchenmeasurements.htm

WALK ON TILE

     How soon one should walk on newly laid floor tile is generally 24hrs or so.  This is assuming normal amounts of adhesive was used under them and good conditions.  
     Drying time on many adhesives will be affected by temperature or moisture conditions.  And one wouldn't apply adhesive over a surface that exceeds moisture emissions listed on the package.
     Walking on newly laid tile prior to dying may cause them to slip out of alignment with the other tiles or cause breakage.

EXCUSE TO BROWSE HOME IMPROVEMENT STORES:

     The primary benefits of frequenting a home improvement store (to buy or just to look around) includes getting-in-on clearance and spot sales, looking for ideas on home decor or repair,  and for price comparing.  In some cases, when employees become familiar with some shoppers, it opens up opportunities that might not be available otherwise.
     We recently bought a brand new, unopened and undamaged set of vertical blinds for our patio doors... for one dollar ($1).  
     I recently bought my first LED light bulb (which fits into a regular light bulb fixture).    The salesman who answered my questions mentioned that they were recently on sale for 50% off but the sale was over.  I was also buying a cook stove that day.  And, while waiting for something the clerk was doing on the computer, I mentioned that I wish I had gotten in on that sale... he decided to give me 10% off the item.  This was almost $2 in savings.
     So, if one has the combination of interest in home repair and a nose for bargains, there can be a good deal of benefit to using home improvement stores as a form of entertainment.

GROUT: SANDED OR UNSANDED

     Sanded grout is grout with very fine sand added to increase density and strength.  It is used for spaces between (grout line) tiles that are wider than about 1/8th of an inch (about 1/3rd of a centimeter).
    Be careful of scratching tile surface with grout.  There are numerous varieties of grout.  Some brands won't scratch anything.  Know what you're after before heading out to the home improvement stores.
    Also, don't forget the hardy backer boards for certain surfaces.  The spacers also come in different sizes.  Once, you've decided how much space will be in between the tiles, you'll know what size spacers to buy and the type of grout (and grout color).   Grout sealant is a must also.

Straw Bale housing might become the norm

So.... If it's true (and people are claiming it is) about how global warming always precedes an Ice Age, then it's time to think about weatherizing one's home and adding insulation.  
Straw bale construction is looking more attractive all the time.  Although, none of these measures could be enough.  Cellers, Bunkers (like the US govt. is supposedly building), learning hydroponics...  could be useful if one plans on continuing the human race.....

 What do you think?  See this link for more info...

New Ice age coming?

Problem Drywall Fires & Recall

      It appears that a specific kind of drywall is causing corrosion of electrical wiring and pipes and has been recalled in the U.S.  Many web links indicate that this drywall comes from China. 
      The U.S. imported a large quantity of this product between 2005 and 2007.  The primary States reporting problems appear to be in the south.  Many insurance companies are refusing to pay out due to these problems.  The substances causing erosion appear to be Hydrogen Sulfide and Formaldehyde.  The typical climate of the affected homes doesn't appear to be working well with this type of drywall.  CNN  


RECALL INFO:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prerelmar11.html