Plan for Progress  

Nothing screams vacation like a blue and white striped folding chair. It isn’t very difficult learning how to build a deck chair; you just need a bit of diligence and the time to learn how to do so. By building your own chair, you can use your own specific set of measurements and any fabric of your choice!

Basically, a deck chair comprises of two rectangles, the smaller of which is usually narrower than the larger one by 2.5 inches. Another part of a folding chair is a U-shaped piece, usually 14 inches long and the same width as the large rectangle. The type wood to use is usually hardwood like birch or maple in 1″ x 1″ dimensions, as these woods are strong and sturdy.

To form the frame of the chair, first cut 4 pieces to form the large rectangle as based on your measurements. Drill two holes sideways at either end of the longer pieces approximately a foot from each edge. Next, nail the rectangle together.

Cut out the pieces for the small rectangle. This time, drill one hole in each of the longer pieces a foot from one end, sideways, and 8 inches from the other end, from the top, respectively. After that, the rectangle is nailed together like the first one.

Before nailing the U-shaped piece together, you will have to drill 2 holes 1.5 inches away from the end of the two longer sides. All the wooden parts should be sanded down, stained or painted before assembly.

While waiting for the paint or stain to dry, assemble the canvas seat. Hem the fabric, which should have been measured and cut to requirements with a 0.25 inch hem. Sew on 3 large, durable buttons onto both ends of the fabric 2.5 inches from the edge. The buttonholes for these buttons should be placed on the edge of the fabric itself.

To assemble the deck chair, bolt the two rectangles together at the holes drilled 1 foot from the end. The ends of the U-shaped piece are bolted onto the open ends of the large rectangle. Fit the horizontal part of the U-shaped piece into the corresponding notches in the small rectangle. Finally, button one edge of the canvas to the edge of the small rectangle and the other to the edge of the large rectangle.

How do I get an IVA?

An IVA is an Individual Voluntary Arrangement. Well to get one, you first need to meet all the requirements so we’ll start there.

You must have debt from the United Kingdom and it has to be in pounds – not some foreign currency. The second is that you must be a resident of England, Northern Ireland, or Wales. Scottish citizens can’t get an IVA but they can apply for a Protected Trust Deed, which is quite similar in many ways. You must also be insolvent – meaning that you are having a very hard time paying back your debt or the other option: that your debts are more than the total of the equity in your home.

Another requirement is that you need to have debts over £15000+. If you have smaller debts you can look at other solutions such as simple budgeting or debt consolidation plans etc. Finally, you must be able to afford at least £200/ month to pay back your debts. It’s best to speak with an IP first though – they will set you straight. 

What are you allowed on the IVA budget?

After you have entered into an IVA you will notice that you have to make some changes to your lifestyle. No more wild spending. No more credit cards. It’s time to look at money in a different light and this could be a great learning process for you. The most important part of this process is to stay on budget.

BIRTHSTONES BY MONTH

A birthstone is a valuable material that signifies the month that a person was born. It is considered that they hold powers and personality traits that are distinctive to the individual born under a specific zodiac sign. Wearing your birthstone can convey powers to your body and mind. Classification: Birthstones by month; The twelve birthstones are :

1. January – Garnet

Garnet is thought to bring purity, truth, faithfulness and friendship. Garnets occur in various colours except blue. The gem is found in colours such as orange, green, purple, yellow, brown, black and even colourless. Garnets improve sexuality and sensuality. It is successful for lung, blood, heart and infection consitions. It is found in Africa, India and Uruguay.

2. February – Amethyst

The amethyst is very beautiful and is thought to ward off evil spirits. It extends from a pale lilac to a deep, bright violet colour and is said to bring good luck. This stone has healing properties and is effective for problems connected to withdrawal signs of any addiction. It is found in Brazil, Uruguay and Zambia.

3. March – Aquamarine

Aquamarine occurs in different shades of blue extending from pale yellowish blue to deep shades of blue. It represents kindness, trust, harmony and friendship. It is effective for throat complications and sicknesses brought on by stress. It is located in Brazil, Nigeria and Zambia.

4. April – Diamond

Diamond is the most valuable and most pricey gemstone. It is extremely scarce and brilliant. It is effective for brain conditions and to draw out toxins. Diamonds represent true love, passion and commitment. It is found in Australia, Ghana and Zaire.

5. May – Emerald

Emerald is green and signifies loyalty, faith, love and friendship. It is effective for problems in connection with the eyes, fertility, the spine and headaches. It is also used to boost mental abilities. Emeralds are located in Colombia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Brazil.

6. June – Pearl

A pearl signifies beauty, happiness, love and wealth. It is used to enhance personal integrity as well as for health complications in connection with the stomach, heart, spleen, intestines and also ulcer complications. It is the only gemstone created as a result of the biological activities of living organisms. Some places where pearls can be found are the Gulf or Mexico, Europe, Japan and Australia.

7. July – Ruby

The ruby is well-known for its brilliant red colour which symbolizes blood, love, romance and passion. It is successful for health problems connected to the blood and infection. It is also used to boost energy and bring about success. The ruby can be found in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Kenya and India.

8. August – Peridot

The peridot signifies power and influence. In ancient days it was taken internally for asthma. It is successful for health problems relating to the lungs, breasts and sinuses. Peridots can be found in the United States, China and Burma.

9. September – Sapphire

Sapphires are available in various colours. They signify clear thinking and wisdom. They can be found in Sri Lanka, Thailand, Kenya and Tanzania and other countries.

10. October – Opal

Opal is available in nearly every shade, from milky white to dark black. It passes on hope and harmony. It is successful for eye problems and can be found in Australia, Mexico and the United States.

11. November – Topaz

Topaz occurs in shades of brown and yellow. It is believed to bring long life and fidelity and represents beauty, splendor and joy. It is effective for asthma, blood disorders and sanity. Topaz is found in countries such as Sri Lanka, Pakistan and China.

12. December – Turquoise

Turquoise is clear blue and is really costly. It is said to bring good health, fortune and peace. It is effective for throat, teeth and depression problems. Turquoise can be found in countries such as Iran, United Sates and Africa.

Find more details here on December birthstone.

Building deck stairs is not hard to do. Anyone with fundamental construction knowledge or a good sense of fun can make a secure and attractive set without running into too many problems. This guide gives information on how to build deck stairs yourself to save on the fee for a contractor.

How To Build Deck Stairs

Preparation for design and construction:

The Total Run is the entire horizontal distance covered by the stairway, from the edge of the deck to the edge of the stairway

The Total Rise is the entire vertical distance from the surface of the landing to a point level with the surface of the upper floor

Run is the horizontal length from the leading edge of one tread to the leading edge of the following tread.

Rise is the vertical length from the surface of one tread to the surface of the next tread.

The ratio of the total rise to total run defines the incline of the stairway. This may constantly be between 30 and 35 degrees. Average riser height is roughly 7″ with an 11″ run (standard lumber stock width)

The breadth of the staircase might be roughly 48 to hold one person and around 60 for two.

Stairways consist of four parts:

1) Stringers – sloped members that hold up the staircase usually created from 2x10s with no large knots that are made from redwood or cedar, to defend against decay.

2) Treads – horizontal planks that you walk on. When building deck steps they are constructed from similar material as the deck.

3) Risers – vertical planks behind each tread.

4) Railing – constructed from posts, a cap rail and vertical balusters between every post. 4×4 is the most common post material with a 2×4 handrail.

Planning the deck stairs

Determine the entire rise and divide the figure by 7 to obtain how many steps you will need. If the result is a fraction approximate to the nearest whole number

Divide the entire rise by the resulting whole number to determine the height of each riser.

Making the deck steps

Step one: find the entire rise and divide the figure by 7 to get the number of steps you will need. If the result is a fraction approximate to the nearest whole number

Divide the total rise by the resulting whole number to determine the height of each riser

Building the stairway:

Required Tools/ Materials

2×10 Stringers

5/4″ or 2″ Tread Material

Angle Iron

Hex Bolts

8d Galvanized Nails

Hammer

Measuring Tape

Joist Hangers

1×8 Risers

2×6 Pressure-Treated Cleat

Anchor Bolts

16d Galvanized Nails

Baluster Material

Carpenter’s Square

Adjustable Wrench

Instruction

Step one:

Notch the stringers for the treads and risers. Fasten two stair gauges to a carpenter’s square to the specifications of the rise and run you have calculated (for instance, set the square on the stringer so the gauges are flush against the edge and trace the notch on the border of the square).

Step two:

Work your way down the stringer, until you have set out the correct number of notches. Use the carpenter’s square to position the top cut on the stringer.

Step three:

Place the stringer on the lower floor by bolting it place with a piece of angling iron.

Step four:

Once the stringer is in place, cut the notches partway using a circular saw and complete the cuts with the handsaw.

Once you have one stringer completed, set it in place to make sure it is cut correctly, then use it as a guide to lay out your cuts on the other stringers.

Step five:

Measure the distance from the front of the riser to the edge of the notch cut, then rip the treads to breadth so they go 1″ to 1-1/8″ beyond the edge of the notch. If you’re using two boards side by side as treads, tear half the dimension from each plank so both will be the same width. Cut the treads to length and nail them to the stringer with 16d galvanized nails.

The square root of the result gives you the required stringer length; round up to the nearest standard lumber length, then multiply by the number of stringers you’ll require.

Tips and Warnings

Local building codes regulate the width and slope of a staircase, as well as how the assembly is supported and braced, how the landing is built and whether railings are needed.

Always check with local building agencies to guarantee that you have the correct permits and are in compliance with all codes.

Here’s more information on how to build deck stairs.

A Sequestration is a legal term in Scotland for personal bankruptcy. It works similar to bankruptcy in many ways. The process is done through a bankrutpcy court. Sequestration takes place when a large sum of assets or property is put into the hands of the Trustee. The money from these assets will go to paying back the lenders (or paying back as much as they can get for the assets).

Insolvency and bankruptcy are two different things altogether. Insolvency just means that you are now unable to make you bill payments so you have to look at other options like IVAs, debt consolidation, or debt management.

There are a lot of resources on the internet about voluntary bankruptcy in Scotland as well as IVAs and their Scottish counterpart: Protected Trust Deeds.

In Scotland you can do something known as a self sequestration as well. You have to owe more than £1500 and a lender must have served you as well. There process is pretty complex but you still have that as an option if you currently have debts and can’t  pay them back.

AIKIDO TECHNIQUES

Aikido describes a Japanese martial art which was founded by a Japanese martial arts expert named Ueshiba Morihei. The name Aikido comes from the Japanese words ai meaning unity or harmony, ki meaning vital breath or energy and do meaning way. This form of martial arts focuses on controlling vital energy (ki) in the stomach of the body in order to overthow the challenger.

The art of aikido stresses attacking an opponent through specific nerves which when pressed can overcome the enemy without the danger of causing fatality. Aikido is based primarily around two classifications of movements: movements of control (katame-waza) and movements in which the enemy is thrown (nage-waza). These two classifications include more than seven hundred different moves most of which are derived from kata. Kata describes movements to release oneself from an opponent’s clutch, applying pressure on the limbs to throw the challenger on the ground and to prevent the enemy from moving. These movements are the basic movements that form the self defense tactics of aikido.

Aikido stresses accomplishing harmony between ki and tai (the body). To achieve this, an exercise is performed to extend the ki. Attention is placed on the abdomen in an effort to feel the energy breath of the body coming out through the arms. The goal is to realize energy between movements and breath while learning to preserve it. Training is very important in aikido and so too is attentiveness.

Aikido can be pleasurable and demand a lot of strictness but one must understand to use the various techniques. Actually, the differentiation between victory and defeat most often is determined by the proper carrying out of the techniques. The success of the techniques relies on a calm and relaxed body, clear mind and accurate stance.

The basic movements in aikido techniques are accurate footwork, rolling, falling and basic exercises. Pertaining to techniques, there are four chief areas of focus: Stances, Footworks, Attacks and Throws.

1. Stances

A stance refers to pose with or without a weapon. A strong physical stance works along with a strong psychological attitude. The basic posture is the Mutual Stance where the uke (individual who gets hit or thrown) and the nage (individual who hits or throws) both have the same foot forward. Next is the middle position where the fighter’s hands or weapon is positioned with the person’s body. Another posture is the lower position stance where the hands or the weapon is lowered.

2. Footworks

The first is the ‘Entering Footwork’ where the fighter enters the space of the enemy’s body. The fighter must position himself in such a way that challenger is forced to cease striking. Physically it refers to entering in a way to avoid attack. Spiritually it refers to penetrating a fierce attack.

3. Attacks

Grasps and holds are the key attacks. Grabs are grouped as collar grabs, shoulder grab, elbow grab, cross-hand grab and hit to the head. Also in this category are neck strangle, hits to the chest, stomach or to the top of the head. Straight punch, rear choke and striking the side of the head also falls under attacks.

4. Throws

Throws are not simple demands much strength from the nuke and the sage. The key throws are bending drop throw, entering throw, arm-entwining throw, rotary throw, breath throw, hip throw, writ turn-out throw among others.

There are many other techniques to employ to offer comprehensive security and are based on these fundamental techniques. The aikido movements were utilized by American actor Steven Segal in his movies Above the law and Hard to Kill.

Find more information here about boxing bags.

Since 2003 the “Smart Payment Plan” has been helping people save money by enabling them repay their loans sooner than expected. Be it a car loan or student education loan, Smart Payment Plan pays off the loan sooner than expected by making monthly payments to your lender. They have a reliable safe, easy, hassle free and flexible halfpayment plan . They bring in the best customer service, the most secure processing systems and the best people which makes them reliable and professional.

Most lenders schedule loan payments once a month but Smart Payment Plan offers biweekly payments. This is helpful for most people because they get paid every two weeks. Making loan payments biweekly is therefore an easier way to pay. Using a biweekly repayment schedule through Smart Payment Plan not only means that you can make payments when you get paid, but also that you can reduce the size of your payments. Smart Payment Plan’s biweekly half payments are also cheaper than whole monthly payments. This makes it easier for many consumers to keep up with their payments because they do not have to worry about having a large amount of money in their checking accounts at the end of each month to cover theirloan payments.

Smart Payment Plan transfers money out of your banking account to make your loan payments automatically. All you have to do is set up an account through Smart Payment Plan and the money will be withdrawn every other week. Hence one will never have to worry about missing a payment again, they could also end up saving money on late fees and penalties. You never have to worry that your mailed check gets lost or mishandled by the lender.

Considering that most bills are due by the end of the month, people might find it helpful to break up some of the largest bills into biweekly payments. This can help to stick to budget and keep track of your finances.

Thus Smart Payment Plan helps consumers save money in the long run. Smart Payment Plan can obviously give you more control over your finances and there is a hidden benefit as well. When you make biweekly payments towards your loan through SmartPayment Plan , you actually reduce the amount of money that you will spend repaying the full amount of the debt. This happens because your biweekly half payments will equal 13 whole payments throughout the year. If you used a monthly schedule, you would only make 12 whole payments each year.

Aliza Rose is an expert in the field of Business and has written various articles on it. She has done an extensive research on Smart Payment Plan

Since 2003 the “Smart Payment Plan” has been helping people save money by enabling them repay their loans sooner than expected. Be it a car loan or student education loan, Smart Payment Plan pays off the loan sooner than expected by making monthly payments to your lender. They have a reliable safe, easy, hassle free and flexible half payment plan. They bring in the best customer service, the most secure processing systems and the best people which makes them reliable and professional.

Most lenders schedule loan payments once a month but Smart Payment Plan offers biweekly payments. This is helpful for most people because they get paid every two weeks. Makingloan payments biweekly is therefore an easier way to pay. Using a biweekly repayment schedule through SmartPayment Plan not only means that you can make payments when you get paid, but also that you can reduce the size of your payments. Smart Payment Plan’s biweekly half payments are also cheaper than whole monthly payments . This makes it easier for many consumers to keep up with their payments because they do not have to worry about having a large amount of money in their checking accounts at the end of each month to cover theirloan payments.

Smart Payment Plan transfers money out of your banking account to make your loan payments automatically. All you have to do is set up an account through SmartPayment Plan and the money will be withdrawn every other week. Hence one will never have to worry about missing a payment again, they could also end up saving money on late fees and penalties. You never have to worry that your mailed check gets lost or mishandled by the lender.

Considering that most bills are due by the end of the month, people might find it helpful to break up some of the largest bills into biweekly payments. This can help to stick to budget and keep track of your finances.

Thus Smart Payment Plan helps consumers save money in the long run. Smart Payment Plan can obviously give you more control over your finances and there is a hidden benefit as well. When you make biweekly payments towards your loan through SmartPayment Plan , you actually reduce the amount of money that you will spend repaying the full amount of the debt. This happens because your biweekly half payments will equal 13 whole payments throughout the year. If you used a monthly schedule, you would only make 12 whole payments each year.

Aliza Rose is an expert in the field of Business and has written various articles on it. She has done an extensive research on Smart Payment Plan

You probably like to have your dog with you almost everywhere you go, and you may worry about their safety during the trip. They love to sit in the cabin with you, their heads dangling outside the truck window and ears flapping in the wind. As sweet as this is to see, it is not safe for either you or your dog as even the most well mannered pooch may be enticed to move around the cabin and end up in the your lap.

If you have to transport your dog and especially if you will be by yourself in the vehicle, the best thing for you to do is to get a dog box put on the bed of your truck. Dog boxes are available in wooden and aluminum models and come in a variety of sizes to accommodate all breeds of dogs that might need to hold in a truck. The setback is that buying a dog box can cost anywhere between $300 – 650 for singles and in excess of $2000 for boxes that can fit 3 or more dogs. If this is not in your budget, you can make your own dog box for just below $100 to safely and comfortably move your extra family member in your tuck.

How To Build A Dog Box For A Truck

Required Tools and Materials

Tape measure

Drill

Box material (wood, aluminum, or hard plastic coated with polyurethane or vinyl this guide describes building a wooden box as this is the most affordable material).

Saw

Screwdriver

Sand paper/ Electric Sander

Hammer and Nails or A Nail gun or carriage bolts

4 Latches

Mesh grating

2 sets of small hinges

1 Handle

1 yard of thick carpeting

Staple gun

Instructions

Step One

Using the tape measure, determine the size that will be needed for the dog box and write them down. Measure the height, width and length that the box will take up in your tuck, making sure that the very top of the box will not block your rear view mirror and that your dog will be cozy while standing in the box. Also determine how tall your dog is for the door you will make in the front of the dog box.

Step Two

Mark the dimensions you have measured onto the wood using pencil and with the saw or a woodcutter, cut out the pieces necessary to make the box. You will end up with six pieces when you’re finished: A floor, four sides (one side incorporating a door for entry and exit) and a top.

Step Three

Using the drill, make little ventilation holes in at least two faces of the dog box. Do not put any in the top or floor of the box to stop water from entering. After drilling, ensure that you sand down the sides that will be used as the inner part of the dog box. Cut out a square or rectangle from the side that will be used as front of the box. This will be the door.

Step Four

Assemble the box using the hammer and nails, nail gun or carriage bolts. (Persons using aluminum will need to weld each of the sides together). Secure the top, 3 sides and bottom to each other, excluding the front with the cut out for the door.

Step Five

Using screws and hinges, fix the door that has been cut out to the piece being used for the front of the box. Check to make sure that it swings freely, opens outward and closes tightly. Add the latches to the door; add one to at the top and bottom and two on the side opposite to the hinges.

Step Six

Cut out carpeting and secure to the floor and sides of the box using the staple gun.

Step Seven

Affix the front panel with the door to the box using the hammer and nails, nail gun or carriage bolts and attach handle to exterior.

Step Eight

Paint the outside of the box with a sealer or water resistant paint and decorate

Step Nine

Drill eight little holes into the bed of your truck and eight corresponding holes (four on each side) through the wood of the box that line up. Using the large screws and bolts, attach the box to the bed of the truck.

Step Ten

Test your dog box without your dog. Use a few full water bottles to mimic the movement of your dog during a drive and ensure that the box doesn’t shift on rough terrain or when going uphill.

Tips and Warnings

1) Use safety gear (gloves and goggles) when using nail gun, sanding or sawing.

2) Double check all measurements before cutting wood.

Here you can find more information on how to build a dog box for a truck