LIFESTYLE COORDINATOR Jan Zettler 715-384-3131, ext. 324 jzettler@marshfieldnewsherald.com
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
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spent years after college determined to define myself through my career. I was on the fast track of a new, growing company, and I was sure my future was destined for great success. Only a few years later, that company went “belly-up,” and I found myself applying for unemployment in the midst of the economic crisis. That was a life-changing event for me. All I had worked so hard for, all the blood, sweat, tears, time and
personal sacrifices I made ... and here I was back at square one. I tell you Ashley this not for Winch sympathy but rather to exemplify that things like this can happen to people, everywhere, all the time and through no fault of their own. Recently, I had a young woman stop in to use the job center services provided in our
office. (Last January, the Marshfield Job Center moved into our office to avoid closing and to keep our residents from having to travel to Wisconsin Rapids for services.) I chatted with her briefly, and she began to cry. Her position was eliminated with her employer in town, and she was not sure where to turn for help. My heart broke for her. I could relate to what she was going through. Thankfully, in my situation, my family
was able to help me financially through that difficult time. Not everyone, though, is as fortunate as I was in that situation. Lifealtering events happen every single day to our friends, family members and neighbors. And unfortunately, most times people are left wondering how they’re going to pick up the pieces and move on. People are faced with difficult questions like: How am I going to keep food on the table for my family? How am I going
to pay my rent? My utility bill? How and where do I start searching for employment opportunities? Your annual donation to Marshfield Area United Way supports programs and services that help people in crisis meet their basic needs. Additionally, other United Way programs and services are helping youths achieve their full potential and are also working to keep our most vulnerable of populations living independently in
their homes. Together, we are making a difference in creating long-lasting change in our community. Please contribute to the 2013 Marshfield Area United Way campaign. Visit marshfield areaunitedway.org or call 715-384-9992 to make your donation today. Ashley Winch, marketing and campaign coordinator for Marshfield Area United Way, can be reached at 715-384-9992 or by email at unitedway.ashley@tznet.com.
CALENDAR Sunday 1 p.m. Smear; Senior Center. 1:30 p.m. Bingo; Marshfield American Legion.
TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT Help support Hannah Center All are invited to make a difference in the lives of women and support The Hannah Center Inc. through a night of entertainment at 6 p.m. Oct. 10. The evening includes food by Holiday Inn’s new chef, a performance by MPK, a local Celtic band, silent auction, and a performance by comedian Nazareth. Tickets cost $40, or two for $75. RSVP and payment are due to the Hannah Center no later than Sept. 27. Call 715-387-6300 for more information.
THINGS TO DO Today Indoor walking path open: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., Marshfield Mall. Conversations in Stitch exhibit: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., New Visions Gallery, Marshfield Clinic lobby. Living Through the Forgotten War exhibit: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Learning Center, The Highground Veterans Memorial, Neillsville. Friday night buffet: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., American Legion, Neillsville. Fish fry: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., American Legion, Loyal. DJ: 9 p.m., Rose Bowl Lanes. Panda Monium Express: 9 p.m., Nutz Deep II; 715-3872597.
YESTERDAY IN MARSHFELD 10 YEARS AGO: The Edison House Eatery and pub has closed. A sign on its door states: “The Edison House has closed. Thank you for your past patronage.” The Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk will be Oct. 4 in Marshfield. It will start at Marshfield Area Respite Care Center, 205 E. Third St. 25 YEARS AGO: Bob Schiferl is owner of the recently opened Schiferl Radiator and Welding. The business is at 1601 E. Fourth St. 50 YEARS AGO: Two American Legion Auxiliary life membership pins were awarded to Mrs. Celia Poole and Mrs. Mathilda Peterson. 75 YEARS AGO: About 500 sports fans of Neillsville and vicinity witnessed their first Model T derby race Sunday afternoon. Six Tin Lizzies started the 50-mile (100lap) derby, with three finishing.
If a large outdoor fireplace is not for you, but you want to enjoy your deck on cool winter nights, consider the addition of a fire pit, fire bowl or even a chiminea. BRAND POINT PHOTO
A homeowner’s guide to a year-round deck For News-Herald Media
The approach of cool weather might signal the end of barbecue season, but homeowners still can use their deck after the warm temperatures have passed. “Although decks are generally a summer attraction, there are ways to make them accessible during the winter as well,” says Stephen McNally, TAMKO Building Products Inc.’s vice president of sales and marketing. There are many ways to make your deck functional and enjoyable during the winter, no matter where your home is located. Step: Warm up your deck The addition of a fireplace can transform your deck into an outdoor gathering spot and a scenestealing area for those cool nights. The type of fireplace you decide on
for your deck can add beauty and charm as well as complement your existing color scheme and deck furniture and decorations. Outdoor fireplaces can be made from stone, brick, tile or even granite, so the color options are endless. “Outdoor fireplaces can be big, beautiful and elaborate, but there are other options for homeowners who prefer to keep their outdoor living space simple,” McNally says. If a large outdoor fireplace is not for you, but you want to enjoy your deck on cool winter nights, consider the addition of a fire pit, fire bowl or even a chiminea. Structural safety and potential fire hazards are serious considerations when deciding on a fireplace, so having your deck inspected before you begin installing an outdoor fireplace is suggested. If you install an outdoor
fireplace of any kind, make sure that it is done to the manufacturer’s standards. Step 2: Reducing summer dirt and grime As the summer months come to an end, your deck is due for a well-deserved, thorough cleaning. Fall is a great time for this necessary chore because other outdoor tasks, like gardening and mowing, usually begin to decrease. “Semi-annual cleaning of your deck is part of the required maintenance that reduces dirt, dust, grime and other residue build-up that the summer months have left behind,” McNally says. Use a garden house to rinse your deck. A fan-tip nozzle works best, but make sure the pressure from the hose does not exceed the manufacturers regulations. Ensure that you have removed all food and trash particles from the summer so that they
do not contribute to buildup over the winter. For TAMKO’s EverGrain decking products, use a nozzle with pressure that does not exceed 1,000 psi. While rinsing your deck can reduce dirt and grime buildup, water alone will not remove the stains that have appeared on your deck. Cooking oil, suntan oil and other greasy substances can stain your deck over the course summer use. But before applying cleaner to your deck, make sure to test it in an inconspicuous spot to ensure that it will not change the coloring of your deck boards. Step 3: Spice up plant life When it comes to enjoying outdoor living, beauty is everything. A well-installed deck can offer a certain aesthetic appeal by itself, but plant life can make a big difference, even in the winter time.
When the cool temperatures of late fall start to move in, you can help your plants extend their life. Move them closer to your house, ideally under a roof, to delay when they are hit by frost. If you have time before a frost sets in, help protect your plants by covering them with lightweight blankets or plastic sheets overnight and uncover them in the morning. If you want to decorate with plants during the cool months, there are a variety of colorful, cool vegetables that make handsome pot-fillers. Consider plants with purple and darkgreen leaves like beets, Chinese cabbage, kale, mustard, spinach or even herbs. Mixing several types of plants together in the same pot can have a nice effect and the addition of garden art statues can add a pop of color. Courtesy of Brand Point.
Professional training programs offered through MACCI
W
ith the fall season fast approaching, the Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry is pleased to present its Building Blocks to Success programs designed for managers, supervisors, team leaders and team members who are essential to growing your business success. These professional training programs are offered at the Chamber from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and are open to members and non-members. There is a cost to attend and you can register by calling 715-384-3454, or online at www. marshfieldchamber.com Our qualified facilitators will present programs on the following: “Action Planning — The Heart of Basic Project Management” will be presented on Thursday. This program will
Debbie Bauer
enable participants to put together a coherent and efficient plan for achieving an objective of
their choice. An action plan is the heart and soul of project management and in this workshop the action plan’s value in breaking the accomplishment of an objective into small manageable steps will be explored. In addition, the action plan’s ability to create clarity about who is responsible for any given task, to create a series of milestones for when work is expected to be done, its ability to estimate needed resources, and its role in checking status of the plan will be reviewed. Participants also will be assisted in creating action plans for projects
they are working on. “Delegation and Mentoring” will be offered Oct. 16. This fast-paced workshop will explore the steps to successful delegation. It will include analyzing the task, the delegator and the person responsible for completing the task. After a focus on task delegation the group will explore the longer process of mentoring. Both formal and informal mentoring will be discussed along with a process to use when mentoring. Techniques for evaluation will also be shared. “Communicating Across Generations” is something we are all dealing with in our everyday lives. This program will be offered Nov. 13. Today’s workforce may be comprised of as many as four generations working side-byside, connecting with each other may present
even more of a challenge. Each generation has their unique mindset, work style, and ways of communicating. Learning to work and communicate across generations has become vitally important to building a cohesive, productive, and successful team. At the completion of this module, participants will be able to work with and communicate more effectively with diverse generations, connect with and gain buy-in from different generations, and provide sincere recognition and appreciation that motivates each generation. “Present to Inform” is the topic for the Dec. 12 workshop. Presentations to inform are the most common type of business presentation, including training sessions, meetings, employee orientations and briefings. Informative
presentations should include knowledge of the audience, convincing evidence, clear message, visual impact and soliciting feedback. In this program, you take a step-by-step approach to these presentations so that you can be sure that your message is clear, your audience stays engaged and you cover all the relevant points you wish to make. At the completion, participants will be able to plan for effective informational presentations, use a structure for making your ideas clear, reinforce your information using visual impact, and solicit feedback to ensure clarity of your message. “You are the only person on Earth who can use your ability.” — Zig Ziglar Debbie Bauer is the program director at Marshfield Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
FALL HOME IMPROVEMENT
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
Autumn edibles: Tips for fall gardening and second plantings The length of the fall season and when the first frost likely will hit are important considerations when selecting second plantings. Keep in mind that fast-maturing vegetables are ideal for fall gardening and they should be planted early enough to reach maturity before the first frost arrives. Popular second plantings that yield a delicious late fall/early winter harvest include broccoli, lettuce, turnips, collards, carrots, peas, radish, spinach, leeks and beets. Some people even claim root vegetables and cole crops like kale and turnips taste better after the first frost. Step 2: Prepare your garden space If you plan to use your current garden space for second plantings, remove the earlyseason plants that are done producing. Add those plants to your current compost bin or create a new compost bin. Wood-slat bins blend well with the outdoor
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People choose to garden for many reasons: Food is fresher and tastes better. It’s a healthy hobby that exercises the body. It saves money. Numerous reports show an increasing number of homeowners are growing their own fruits, vegetables and herbs. As summer’s end nears, you may think gardening season is over. The good news is with a few strategic tips, you can keep your green thumb going and enjoy a plethora of autumn edibles for months to come. Step 1: Select second plantings Second plantings are the plants you use for the latter part of the gardening season. Late summer is typically the best time to plant these varieties. Call your local extension office or access information online to find regionalized planting schedules and recommended plant varieties.
aesthetic and the design allows oxygen to circulate and facilitate the composting process. Next, prepare your garden space. Elevated garden beds are growing in popularity because they look great anywhere in your yard or on your patio, and are easy to move if necessary. Raised garden beds from Outdoor Essentials elevate the plants so gardeners don’t have to bend over and risk injury. They are ideal for fall because gardeners can regulate the temperature of raised beds with ease. On hot days, move or add a shade netting to protect plants from the heat; when frost is a threat, cover the entire bed for protection. While you’re getting your hands dirty, fall is the perfect time to plant spring flowering bulbs. A little outdoor work now and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful flowers when spring arrives next year. Step 3: Enjoy the
harvest Tend your garden daily for the best results — it may just need a quick check for pests and proper soil moisture. Typical benefits of late-season gardening include fewer bothersome bugs and the soil has better water retention. As plants grow, pick the fruits and vegetables and enjoy Mother Nature’s bounty. If your plants become crowded, pluck a few out to help remaining plants grow roots and increase the harvest yield. You may be surprised just how many cool months your plants provide you with fresh, delicious produce. Fall is a great opportunity to keep gardening momentum alive. So get started and decide what second plantings are best for your space. In as little as 30 days you could be eating the freshest, most flavorful vegetables you’ve ever had, all while under the gorgeous autumn sun. Courtesy of Brand Point.
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ning visual element to the space.” In this seating space, place a bench, outdoor patio furniture or even comfortable lawn chairs to encourage family members to stop for a rest and settle their thoughts for the day. If the family is into yoga or meditation, consider keeping mats in a nearby storage container for quick and easy access. Design for both night and day: Sometimes a sanctuary space is most needed when the moon is shining brightly. Plan for this with a lighting design in the backyard. Provide illumination to pathways, the deck area, and in garden clusters to give a
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new sense of beauty to the plants. When designing your lighting scheme, be careful to avoid creating any scary shadows. If you notice this occurring, adjust the lighting to come from a different direction, or try using a different light. Also consider what form of light you would like. Would you prefer low watt electric lights, or candlelight, which would require a person to spend time preparing? Once your backyard sanctuary is built, your family will have a place handy where they can escape for some peace of mind.
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selves within the blooms and scents wafting from the flowers. Incorporate a seating area: This space doesn’t have to be large, but give it a sense of ambiance with an arbor made of cedar to allow plants to grow taller, or a pergola to provide shade and that wonderful natural aroma that cedar gives off. Natural materials like Western Red Cedar weather naturally and are rot-resistant, giving homeowners a durable and longlasting material to enjoy for years to come. “Using Western Red Cedar for backyard sanctuary seating areas gives homeowners a variety of design options to work around,” says Mark Clement, a building expert and co-host of “My Fix It Up Life,” which airs nationally on iTunes, Blog Talk Radio and myfixituplife.com. “This wood is sustainable, environmentally friendly, easy to work with, ages beautifully, and, when incorporated into an arbor or pergola design, makes a stun-
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Leasing solar a cost-saving option for homeowners By Carole Feldman Associated Press
Ben Kunz wanted to do “the green thing” and save on his electric bill without paying a lot of money up front. So instead of buying a solar system for his house in Cheshire, Conn., he leased one. “I thought it was a pretty good deal,” he said. “I lean a little environmentalist, so I’m concerned about global warming.” Increasing numbers of U.S. homeowners are relying on the sun to meet much of their hot water and electricity needs. In fact, residential electricity produced by solar in the first quarter of 2013 was almost 10 times higher than that generated in 2008, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association. But the potential for more is huge. Consider this: “The amount of solar energy falling on the United States in one hour of noontime summer sun is about equal to the annual U.S. electricity demand,” the Energy Department says in its SunShot Vision Study. “Saving money and being energy efficient rank really high with consumers today,” said Kit Selzer, a senior editor at Better Homes and Gardens.
A Gallup poll in March found that 76 percent of Americans thought the country should put more emphasis on producing domestic energy from solar power. So what’s stopping more folks from going solar? “We found that a lot of people were afraid to go solar because they were too afraid of what they didn’t know,” said Ketch Ryan, who had a solar energy system installed in her Chevy Chase, Md., house several years ago. To help neighbors, Ryan and Kirk Renaud founded a cooperative, Common Cents Solar, “to make sure we didn’t have to reinvent the wheel. We can do it together, and we can do it more efficiently.” The first thing is to get your roof assessed to see whether it’s viable for solar. The roof’s condition, material and angle are among the considerations. One misconception is that you need a south-facing roof. While south is optimal, solar can be stalled on roofs facing east and west, too. “Walk outside on a sunny day and look at the roof,” advises Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association. Is the roof covered
with shade? If not, your house may be a good candidate for solar. Some solar companies use Google maps for a first look before sending out staff for a fuller assessment. Homeowners also worry that solar may not be viable in northern states. California leads the nation in the capacity of installed residential solar units, with Arizona a distant second. But New Jersey comes in at No. 3 and Massachusetts is eighth, according to the association. “People are solar-new in Connecticut,” Kunz said. “They never see it, and they don’t know it works.” But Kunz says he’s saving money. He now pays about $140 or $150 for electricity each month, down from about $220. And the total includes his $115 lease payment to SolarCity, a California-based solar company that operates in 14 states. Cost is another factor that holds people back. Purchasing and installing a solar system can cost thousands of dollars, depending on how much electricity you want to generate. “You’ll need to pay for it up front,” Resch said. Some people use home equity loans, or lines of credit or other means of financing.
A family room for the whole family By Melissa Rayworth Associated Press
In many homes, the “family room” is decorated with just one purpose: to withstand the impact of juice-spilling, game-playing, cookie-eating, crayon-wielding children. The result is often a room that’s long on durability but short on style. How can you create a stylish, sophisticated family room where grown-ups will want to spend time, while still keeping the space kidfriendly? Three design experts — Brian Patrick Flynn of decordemon.com and Flynnside Out Productions; Betsy Burnham of Burnham Design; and Jon Call of Mr. Call Designs — offer some advice: » Strong fabrics: “Design technology and textiles are catching up with our family-friendly lifestyle,” says Burnham. “There are so many outdoor fabrics, so many amazing vinyls” that are durable and easy to clean, but also look good. Burnham is a fan of Holly Hunt
fabrics treated with NanoTex, which resists spills and stains without changing the fabric’s texture. Indoor/outdoor rugs are another great option now that they’re being made with materials soft to the touch. Flynn, who often uses Sunbrella indoor/outdoor fabrics, suggests upholstering with removable slipcovers for easy cleaning. » Neat sofas: Call recommends skipping sofas that have three or four seat cushions and several more cushions across the back. “If you’ve got kids playing and jumping on those,” he says, you’ll constantly be finding the cushions out of place or on the floor. Instead, he says, pick a sofa with one large seat cushion and no separate cushions along the back — “something tailored and clean looking” that won’t need its cushions adjusted constantly. » Multi-use tables: Family rooms are built for entertaining, so think about flexible seating, Burnham says. “Maybe a
side table that’s also a stool, or a coffee table that’s also a bench or an ottoman.” Kids can use an ottoman as a surface for games, while adult party guests can use it as seating. Opt for tables with rounded corners for safety in rooms where kids often play, Flynn says, and choose tables with “metal or weathered wood tops. Metal tops can withstand heavy wear and tear, while weathered wood is intended to look worn, so as kids take their toll on the pieces, it simply adds to the intended look.” » Varied lighting: Rooms that do double-duty need lighting that does too, says Call. “When you have adults over or if you’re watching TV or it’s a more intimate moment, you want a lamp by the sofa, at eye-level or below, to create intimate pools of light,” he says. But kids doing homework or art projects need the brighter light that overhead fixtures provide. Make sure your family room has both.
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FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2013
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Green ways to beautify your home For News-Herald Media
When it comes to improving your home, it’s easier than ever to make eco-friendly choices that save you money, are better for the environment and make your home more beautiful. Here are a few easy ways you can go green all around the house. Light it up: As you make the switch from incandescent bulbs, it’s important to look for a bulb that will not only conserve energy and save money, but that gives you the kind of illumination you want. Look for an alternative with even
light distribution, such as 3M LED Advanced Light. Decorate with recycled materials: Whether you’re a do-it-yourselfer or want to buy ready-made items, there are plenty of options that keep materials out of landfills. Look for furniture made from reclaimed wood, carpets made from recycled plastic, flooring made from sustainable resources such as bamboo or cork, and wallpaper made from managed timber sources. You can find glassware, dinner sets and accessories made from recycled glass, and textiles like curtains and blankets
made from organic fibers. Save water with style: Upgrading your water-using devices can help you use less water and save money. The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, says that products with the WaterSense or EnergyStar labels will cut down on your water usage. For example, replacing faucets and aerators with WaterSense models can save you an average of 700 gallons of water per year. Replacing your showerhead could save 2,900 gallons of water per year, and a new toilet could save you 13,000 gallons of water per year. Look for the
EnergyStar label on dishwashers and washing machines — they can use up to half as much water and 40 percent less energy. Clean green: Keep your home sparkling clean with ecofriendly cleaners and detergents. Look for products with plant-based ingredients and that are free from artificial chemicals, colors and fragrances. And learn to make your own cleaners, too. Baking soda and vinegar are natural Making some green products with a lot of cleaning improvements around your house power. is easier than you think — and the Courtesy of Family Features.
payoff is a beautiful home and a better environment. GETTY IMAGES
Faux flowers and plants can liven up home By Amy Lorentzen Associated Press
If there’s somewhere in your home that needs livening up, but it’s not practical to use real plants, consider using faux flowers and greenery. And don’t worry about it. Decorators, or maybe your mother, used to tell you to skip the fake stuff if you wanted to stay classy. But improved manufacturing and materials are giving artificial plants and silk flowers a fresh reputation. “The technology has come a long way. They look so real now it’s hard to tell,” says Kathie Chrisicos, designer and president of Boston-based Chrisicos Interiors. » Selection savvy: When
you’re shopping for faux, pay attention to detail. Manufactured plants and flowers should have the variations in color, texture anddensitythatliveplantsdo,including the look of new growth and old growth, says Doug Hopeman, owner of the Nashville, Tenn.-based Artificial Plants and Trees. Visible stems, branches and trunks should appear realistic. “The ability to create the minute, intricate detail of everything about the plants and trees helps make them more naturallooking than they were 10 years ago,” he says. You can choose from an array of products. People often choose real plants that aren’t native to their region, so don’t feel limited to the varieties found near you
when buying artificial ones, says Jo Pearson, a creative expert with Michaels Stores. “When it comes to creativity, there is no right or wrong way to choose,” she says. “The great thing is that artificial flowers and plants offer the flexibility to choose what you want when you want, regardless of the season or your region.” Current trends in greenery include palms and succulents, as well as potted herbs such as lavender and rosemary, and small leafy plants and ivies. Peonies, mums, dahlias, sunflowers and hydrangeas are among popular silk florals. » Perfect presentation: Artificial plants are easy to manipulate. You can bend stems and branches to make them reach to-
ward natural light or fit into a certain space or container, and then change it up so it doesn’t always look the same. “I’ve had people tell me my plant was really growing when, in fact, I’m just repositioning it occasionally,” Pearson says. To arrange petals, stems and foliage on artificial products, check out photos of live plants online. For Stephanie Norris, the designer behind San Diego-based Cre8tive Designs Inc., using faux plants requires choosing the right containers, and accessories such as real soil, sand and stones. “It’s a little more texture,” she says. “It’s dressing it up, which is really the finishing touch with using an artificial plant.”
» Minimal maintenance: Because you don’t have to prune, water or fertilize faux foliage and florals, they’re perfect for people who don’t have a green thumb, who travel a lot or who have allergies. “While we all love real plants, sometimes real plants just aren’t practical,” Pearson says. Keeping artificial plants looking their best usually requires no morethandustingorwipingwith adampcloth.Manycanberinsed off in the shower or outdoors with a hose on a gentle setting. You’ll want to replace faux plants whenever you see signs of fading. Hopeman says faux plants are a great choice for a drab or dark area where nothing will grow.
Top home decor trend: Infusing natural elements For News-Herald Media
Nature is bringing a breath of freshness into home decorating, but it’s more than just incorporating flowering pots or opening windows. The latest home decorating trend features natural elementsinthetexturesandfinishes of furniture and accessories, giving homeowners an elegant — and often calming — result of blending nature and home living into a beautiful space. “We really want to see the handprint of nature in our homes now,” says Elaine Griffin, New Yorkinteriordesignerandauthor of Design Rules. “Organic in the home is huge. It’s one of the big-
gest trends for the year, and it’s going to stay with us for a while.” Bring this elegance into your own home with the following decoratingsuggestionsfromGriffin: » Bring exotic looks into your kitchen with new cabinets that go beyond the basic oak or cherry woods. Griffin suggests using rosewoodorzebrawood—woods formerly reserved for custom furniture. And as both new construction and remodeling projects embrace the open floor plan concept, cabinets are visible from several rooms, which makes it a style upgrade not only for the kitchen, but for adjacent spaces, as well. » The latest furniture design
trends also reflect the growing popularity of organic materials andtextures,Griffinsays,whether it’s a table tops left in the natural oak wood finish, or driftwood incorporated into furniture or accessories. The pale gray coloring of driftwood, combined with honey or pale colors used on other furniture or the walls is opening up spaces — moving away from the darker colors. » Thenaturallookisn’tjustfor the kitchen and living areas; it’s also perfect for the bathroom. Vanities and mirrors featuring DigitalWoodharnessthewarmth of six different wood species using high-definition scans that are printed on the backside of the
glasssurface.Theresult:aneasyto-maintain material that won’t be affected by the humidity or heat commonly found in bathrooms. » The era of matching all fabrics, styles and materials in a room has shifted into combining elements of all into a beautiful room setting, Griffin says. “All great rooms need a mixture of finishes for furniture, with something that’s painted, something that’s wood, something that’s a metallic gold leaf, something that’s ceramic,” she says. “That’s the secret to professionally styled rooms.” A trend to consider: the Belgium-influenced neo-industrial
style, which brings a softer, natural yet industrial touch to rooms. “It’s a soft industrial. It means you’ve combined the wood elements with metal. And that metal could be gold leaf,” Griffin says. Creating warm, comfortable surroundings infused with a sense of eco-elegance is why the natural elements trend has been so embraced. About to embark on your own remodel or home refresh? Be sure to explore how bringing natural elements — whetherthey’resalvagedmaterials or realistic pretenders — into yourdecorcanenhancetheambiance of the room. Information provided by Brand Point.
NATION & WORLD HEALTH
ENVIRONMENT
There’s little doubt that some degree of undertreatment is contributing to the higher mortality and recurrence rates in obese patients.” Dr. Gary Lyman, who says chemotherapy doses need to be based on the weight of patients.
I think to not address it would be a problem because then you ... have the denialists saying, ‘Look, (they’re) silent on this.’ ” Alden Meyer, of the Union of Concerned Scientists, on a U.N. report explaining why global warming has slowed in the past 15 years even though greenhouse gas emissions keep rising.
EDUCATION It’s better than staying at home. I am not afraid, it’s normal now to hear those sounds.” Anas al-Hakim, 12, who went back to school Wednesday in Damascus despite constant shelling of the capital by Syrian rebels.
Tracking today at usatoday.com: v House votes on bill to tie health care repeal to budget … Obama talks about economy in Missouri … Apple’s new iPhones on sale
Nation & World Watch From Gannett and wire reports
vWashington: House OKs $4B cut to food stamps The House voted Thursday to cut nearly $4 billion a year from food stamps, a 5 percent reduction to the nation’s main feeding program used by more than 1 in 7 Americans. The savings would be achieved by allowing states to put new work requirements in place for many recipients and to test applicants for drugs. The bill also would end waivers that have allowed able-bodied adults without dependents to receive food stamps indefinitely.
vAustin, Texas: DeLay’s conviction overturned A Texas court has overturned the conviction of former House Majority Leader Tom DeLay in a money-laundering case stemming from the 2002 elections. The documents were released Thursday by the Texas 3rd Court of Appeals in Austin. “The evidence was legally insufficient to sustain DeLay’s convictions,” the ruling read. The judges wrote they “reverse the judgments of the trial court” and acquit DeLay of all charges, meaning he cannot be retried. State prosecutors said they would appeal to Texas’ highest criminal court.
vColumbia, S.C.: $400M Powerball ticket sold Officials with the South Carolina Education Lottery said early Thursday that a $400 million winning ticket in the latest Powerball drawing was sold in Lexington in central South Carolina. The winning numbers drawn Wednesday night were 7-10-22-32-35 with the Powerball of 19. The actual value is $399.4 million, with a direct cash option of $233 million.
Pope seeks less focus on gays, abortion, birth control issues Balance of doctrine is needed, he says Doug Stanglin USA TODAY
In his first lengthy interview, Pope Francis says the church has been too focused on the issues of abortion, gay marriage and contraception and suggests it find a “new balance” to deliver its message. The interview was conducted last month over three meetings by the Rev. Antonio Spadaro, a fellow Jesuit and editor-inchief of La Civilta Cattolica, the Italian Jesuit journal. The pope touches on a range of issues, from life as a Jesuit to his favorite films. He does not suggest any changes in church doctrine but is very pointed in remarks on how the church should conduct its teaching. “We cannot insist only on issues related to abortion, gay marriage and the use of contraceptive methods,” Pope Francis said. “This is not possible. I have not spoken much about these things, and I was reprimanded for that. But when we speak about these issues, we have to talk about them in a context. The teaching of the church, for that matter, is clear, and I am a son of the church, but it is not necessary to talk about these issues all the time. “The dogmatic and moral
Pope Francis arrives for his general audience Wednesday in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican. TIZIANA FABI/AFP/GETTY IMAGES teachings of the church are not all equivalent,” he said. “The church’s pastoral ministry cannot be obsessed with the transmission of a disjointed multitude of doctrines to be imposed insistently.” He said the church should deliver its message in a “missionary style.” “We have to find a new balance; otherwise even the moral edifice of the church is likely to fall like a house of cards, losing the freshness and fragrance of the Gospel,” the pope said. “The proposal of the Gospel must be more simple, profound, radiant. It is from this proposition that the moral consequences then flow.” On other points: u The role of the church: “The thing the church needs
most today is the ability to heal wounds and to warm the hearts of the faithful; it needs nearness, proximity. I see the church as a field hospital after battle.” u Homosexuality: “A person once asked me, in a provocative manner, if I approved of homosexuality. I replied with another question: ‘Tell me: when God looks at a gay person, does he endorse the existence of this person with love, or reject and condemn this person?’ We must always consider the person.” u Women in the church: “The feminine genius is needed wherever we make important decisions. The challenge today is this: to think about the specific place of women also in those places where the author-
ity of the church is exercised for various areas of the church.” u Prayer: “In the evening then, between 7 and 8 o’clock, I stay in front of the Blessed Sacrament for an hour in adoration. But I pray mentally even when I am waiting at the dentist or at other times of the day.” u Film: “ ‘La Strada,’ by Fellini, is the movie that perhaps I loved the most. I identify with this movie, in which there is an implicit reference to St. Francis. I also believe that I watched all of the Italian movies with Anna Magnani and Aldo Fabrizi when I was between 10 and 12 years old.” u On preferring less austere trappings: “I was always looking for a community. I did not see myself as a priest on my own. I need a community.”