If Bud Abbott and Lou Costello were alive today, their infamous sketch, 'Who's on First?' might have turned out something like this:
COSTELLO CALLS TO BUY A COMPUTER FROM ABBOTT
ABBOTT: Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO : Thanks. I'm setting up an office in my den and I'm thinking about buying a computer.
ABBOTT : Mac?
COSTELLO : No, the name's Lou .
ABBOTT : Your computer?
COSTELLO : I don't own a computer. I want to buy one.
ABBOTT : Mac?
COSTELLO: I told you, my name's Lou .
ABBOTT : What about Windows?
COSTELLO : Why? Will it get stuffy in here?
ABBOTT : Do you want a computer with Windows?
COSTELLO : I don't know. What will I see when I look at the windows?
ABBOTT : Wallpaper.
COSTELLO : Never mind the windows. I need a computer and software.
ABBOTT : Software for Windows?
COSTELLO : No. On the computer! I need something I can use to write proposals, track expenses and run my business. What do you have?
ABBOTT : Office.
COSTELLO: Yeah, for my office. Can you recommend anything?
ABBOTT : I just did.
COSTELLO : You just did what?
ABBOTT : Recommend something.
COSTELLO : You recommended something ?
ABBOTT : Yes.
COSTELLO : For my office?
ABBOTT : Yes.
COSTELLO : OK, what did you recommend for my office?
ABBOTT : Office.
COSTELLO : Yes, for my office!
ABBOTT : I recommend Office with Windows.
COSTELLO : I already have an office with windows! OK, let's just say I'm sitting at my computer and I want to type a proposal. What do I need?
ABBOTT : Word.
COSTELLO : What word?
ABBOTT : Word in Office.
COSTELLO : The only word in office is office.
ABBOTT : The Word in Office for Windows.
COSTELLO : Which word in office for windows?
ABBOTT : The Word you get when you click the blue 'W'.
COSTELLO : I'm going to click your blue 'w' if you don't start with some straight answers. What about financial bookkeeping? You have anything I can track my money with?
ABBOTT: Money.
COSTELLO : That's right. What do you have?
ABBOTT : Money.
COSTELLO : I need money to track my money?
ABBOTT : It comes bundled with your computer.
COSTELLO : What's bundled with my computer?
ABBOTT : Money.
COSTELLO : Money comes with my computer?
ABBOTT : Yes. No extra charge.
COSTELLO : I get a bundle of money with my computer? How much?
ABBOTT : One copy.
COSTELLO : Isn't it illegal to copy money?
ABBOTT : Microsoft gave us a license to copy Money.
COSTELLO : They can give you a license to copy money?
ABBOTT : Why not? THEY OWN IT!
(A few days later)
ABBOTT : Super Duper computer store. Can I help you?
COSTELLO : How do I turn my computer off?ABBOTT : Click on 'START'.............
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wellness made easy
If you don't have time for long workouts, short bouts of exercise can be just as good. The University of California Wellness Letter reports that a recent British study of young men found that 10 three-minute bouts of brisk walking over the course of five hours were as effective in lowering triglycerides (fats in blood) and resting blood pressure as one 30-minute bout. Other studies have compared three or four 10-minute sessions to a single 30- or 40-minute session, and found that the repeated short bouts can me just as healthful as longer ones.
This is good news for downtowners who typically walk about more then their suburban counter parts. Picking up the pace on our trek to Starbucks, the grocery store, or to the dog park can keep us just as healthy as that step aerobics class at the local 24 HR Fitness.
We should also know that Portlanders live in one of the top walking cities in the US. According to The American Podiatric Medical Association, Portland ranked number 4 in their survey of 200 U.S. incorporated cities. The survey is based on three walking conducive categories: healthy lifestyles, modes of transportation to and from work, and involvement in fitness and sport activities.
This is good news for downtowners who typically walk about more then their suburban counter parts. Picking up the pace on our trek to Starbucks, the grocery store, or to the dog park can keep us just as healthy as that step aerobics class at the local 24 HR Fitness.
We should also know that Portlanders live in one of the top walking cities in the US. According to The American Podiatric Medical Association, Portland ranked number 4 in their survey of 200 U.S. incorporated cities. The survey is based on three walking conducive categories: healthy lifestyles, modes of transportation to and from work, and involvement in fitness and sport activities.
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Wireless Internet for All
Many of today's condominium owners depend as much on Internet access as they do on electricity, heat, and water. After all, who needs the fridge to run if you can't get online to order the groceries or take-out? Who needs a morning shower when you're working from home on the computer? Being online is a basic, and as such, homeowners expect their online services to be not just impeccably reliable, but high-speed and low-cost, too.
A new service has rolled out in Portland from a company named Clear. They are promoting heavily so you may have seen their ads. The Clear Network is powered by WiMAX, which is specifically designed for high speed Internet data usage. You can have home service or city wide access. It's a great concept and I hope the performance of the system lives up to the potential.
Consider having wireless service anywhere you go in Portland with your laptop. Good idea.
The service is priced less then other Internet options and the data speeds are supposed to be very fast. Clear has opened a sales boutique across from our office on NW Lovejoy. I'll check it out today to learn more about this exciting technology. For now, their web site is a good source of information about the service - http://www.clear.com/.
A new service has rolled out in Portland from a company named Clear. They are promoting heavily so you may have seen their ads. The Clear Network is powered by WiMAX, which is specifically designed for high speed Internet data usage. You can have home service or city wide access. It's a great concept and I hope the performance of the system lives up to the potential.
Consider having wireless service anywhere you go in Portland with your laptop. Good idea.
The service is priced less then other Internet options and the data speeds are supposed to be very fast. Clear has opened a sales boutique across from our office on NW Lovejoy. I'll check it out today to learn more about this exciting technology. For now, their web site is a good source of information about the service - http://www.clear.com/.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
South Waterfront Update
If you are interested in knowing more about plans for Portland's South Waterfront District, tonight is your night. Representatives from the City of Portland, area developers, and OHSU will hold a public meeting to share updates on what is happening now and what the future holds for the district.
The event, which is sponsored by the SWF Community Relations group, will be held 6:00-8:00pm at the Umpqua Bank Innovation Lab, 3606 SW Bond Ave.
Drinks and appetizers will be served.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Latest Housing Index Shows Portland Down 11.45%
The Case-Shiller Home Price Index come out with it's November, 2008 report today. Compared to one year ago, Portland area housing prices are down 11.45%. Looking at the data over a two year period shows a total decline of 10.32%. Based on the Case-Shiller data, Portland area home values have fallen back to November 2005 levels.
How do we compare to other metropolitan areas? San Diego is down 25.8%, San Francisco is down 30.8%, Phoenix is down 32.9% and Los Angeles is down 25.86%. Seattle performed similar to Portland and is down 11.2%.
Overall, Case-Shiller's index of twenty metropolitan areas is down 18.2% for the past one year.
This is one time when being below average is probably a good thing.
How do we compare to other metropolitan areas? San Diego is down 25.8%, San Francisco is down 30.8%, Phoenix is down 32.9% and Los Angeles is down 25.86%. Seattle performed similar to Portland and is down 11.2%.
Overall, Case-Shiller's index of twenty metropolitan areas is down 18.2% for the past one year.
This is one time when being below average is probably a good thing.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Modern Daydreams
While attending the OMSI Gala last Saturday night we were entertained by BodyVox, Portland's internationally acclaimed dance company. One of the items they entertained us with was this humorous video. You may enjoy it here and if you look closely, you will recognize scenes of the Pearl District, circa 2001.
Friday, January 23, 2009
The Civic
The Civic is one of Portland's newer condominium buildings. It's a sixteen story condo tower situated next to PGE park and the MAX station. It features approx 261 units configured as 196 one bedroom lofts, 56 two bedroom homes and 9 penthouses. The Civic is an energy efficient building that is LEED certified Gold, features a public plaza, a very nice lobby, concierge service, secured entry and underground parking.
We happen to have a listing in The Civic. It's #1502, a terrific two bedroom unit with sweeping views of the city and several large mountain peaks. It's has over 14oo sqft, beautiful wood floors, a terrace, two parking spaces and is priced at just $585,000. If you'd like to see a list of all homes for sale at The Civic, please visit our website bpr.com or you can just click on our Civic page.
We happen to have a listing in The Civic. It's #1502, a terrific two bedroom unit with sweeping views of the city and several large mountain peaks. It's has over 14oo sqft, beautiful wood floors, a terrace, two parking spaces and is priced at just $585,000. If you'd like to see a list of all homes for sale at The Civic, please visit our website bpr.com or you can just click on our Civic page.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
A Good Clean-Team Can Be Your Association's Best Investment
At every condominium community it happens every hour; every day. Coffee gets spilled, mud gets tracked, windows get smeared. When residents move, errant table legs and oversized sofas can scrape black marks, and even divots, into painted walls. Property managers know that keeping things clean is one of the uppermost duties of any association caretaker.
But cleaning staff are like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield in that they have every right to complain, “I don’t get no respect.” How important, really, is a professional cleaning crew?
Consultants who have studied the success of Walt Disney World have surveyed thousands of guests about what they like best about their experience at a Disney resort. Is it the rides, entertainment, food, shopping, hob-nobbing with Mickey? No, the number one thing they like about the themed amusement park is, “It’s so clean.”
Not only is cleanliness a top priority in a community’s long-term planning, it must be included with other contingencies that make up a manager’s “emergency” list, along with the plumbers, electricians and others who can respond immediately if a pipe bursts or lightning strikes. If someone gets sick in the fitness room on Saturday evening, no one wants to wait until Monday morning to see it cleaned up.
The methods used by community associations for keeping things clean can vary as much as the communities themselves. While the very smallest — a two or three-unit building— may rely on volunteer cooperation of its two or three owners, the vast majority of community associations hire professionals for regular maintenance as well as emergency clean-ups. The range of duties can vary widely.
A typical punch list includes vacuuming carpets in hallways and other common areas; cleaning and checking the equipment in laundry rooms as well as fitness centers, bathrooms, function rooms and even outdoor areas.
“We will roll out the trash bins and pick up litter for our larger properties,” states one property manager. “We also handle some of the more heavy-duty jobs on a community’s common buildings and exteriors, such as power-washing… and we can do window cleaning up to three floors high.”
Carpet cleaning is important to the appearance of any property, and most associations schedule it at least once or twice a year — or more often if they can afford it.
Of course, the level of perfection that associations demand can vary from one property or community to the next. One community may be satisfied with the level of cleaning provided by a resident as a “side job,” while another association looks to professionals and expects perfection.
-Article in Condo Magazine
But cleaning staff are like the late, great Rodney Dangerfield in that they have every right to complain, “I don’t get no respect.” How important, really, is a professional cleaning crew?
Consultants who have studied the success of Walt Disney World have surveyed thousands of guests about what they like best about their experience at a Disney resort. Is it the rides, entertainment, food, shopping, hob-nobbing with Mickey? No, the number one thing they like about the themed amusement park is, “It’s so clean.”
Not only is cleanliness a top priority in a community’s long-term planning, it must be included with other contingencies that make up a manager’s “emergency” list, along with the plumbers, electricians and others who can respond immediately if a pipe bursts or lightning strikes. If someone gets sick in the fitness room on Saturday evening, no one wants to wait until Monday morning to see it cleaned up.
The methods used by community associations for keeping things clean can vary as much as the communities themselves. While the very smallest — a two or three-unit building— may rely on volunteer cooperation of its two or three owners, the vast majority of community associations hire professionals for regular maintenance as well as emergency clean-ups. The range of duties can vary widely.
A typical punch list includes vacuuming carpets in hallways and other common areas; cleaning and checking the equipment in laundry rooms as well as fitness centers, bathrooms, function rooms and even outdoor areas.
“We will roll out the trash bins and pick up litter for our larger properties,” states one property manager. “We also handle some of the more heavy-duty jobs on a community’s common buildings and exteriors, such as power-washing… and we can do window cleaning up to three floors high.”
Carpet cleaning is important to the appearance of any property, and most associations schedule it at least once or twice a year — or more often if they can afford it.
Of course, the level of perfection that associations demand can vary from one property or community to the next. One community may be satisfied with the level of cleaning provided by a resident as a “side job,” while another association looks to professionals and expects perfection.
-Article in Condo Magazine
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Time to lose a little Weight
I really wanted to comment on the disappointing news regarding our new mayor. It's seriously taking the shine off the feel-good events taking place in Washington DC. For now, I will simply refer you to the well written piece from the editorial board of the Oregonian. You can read it here.
Instead of commenting on Sam, I will talk about my goal to lose a few pounds now that the holiday season has ended. Yup, I gained weight and now intend to work it off. They say if you tell your friends about your goals, you are more likely to accomplish then. Must be the peer pressure.
So with Sam (who is putting on a little weight himself) dispatched for now, I announce my intention to lose eight pounds in eight weeks. I'll start soon... really, in just a few days.
Photo by Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian
Instead of commenting on Sam, I will talk about my goal to lose a few pounds now that the holiday season has ended. Yup, I gained weight and now intend to work it off. They say if you tell your friends about your goals, you are more likely to accomplish then. Must be the peer pressure.
So with Sam (who is putting on a little weight himself) dispatched for now, I announce my intention to lose eight pounds in eight weeks. I'll start soon... really, in just a few days.
Photo by Michael Lloyd/The Oregonian
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Inauguration day
On this very important day in the history of our country, we wish President Obama and his team all the best. Our economic problems are complex and will take time to resolve. Hopefully we are now turning the corner on a new era of prosperity.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Apollo @ Portland Center Stage
On Saturday evening we had the good fortune to attend a terrific performance of "Apollo" at Portland Center Stage. I highly recommend it.
We love seeing shows at the Gerding Theater in the old (renovated) Armory Building. This was no exception.
While long at 3+ hours (two intermissions) the play "explores the birth of the U.S. space program, its employment of former-Nazi rocket scientists, and their surprising intersection with the Civil Rights Movement. Using the U.S. mission to the moon as a symbol of our country’s greatness, Apollo probes deep into the question: what did we sacrifice to become the America we are today? And was it worth it? A a kaleidoscopic array of theatrical methods (movement, text, video projection, music), reveals the costs and ambiguities of human aspiration and progress."
We love seeing shows at the Gerding Theater in the old (renovated) Armory Building. This was no exception.
While long at 3+ hours (two intermissions) the play "explores the birth of the U.S. space program, its employment of former-Nazi rocket scientists, and their surprising intersection with the Civil Rights Movement. Using the U.S. mission to the moon as a symbol of our country’s greatness, Apollo probes deep into the question: what did we sacrifice to become the America we are today? And was it worth it? A a kaleidoscopic array of theatrical methods (movement, text, video projection, music), reveals the costs and ambiguities of human aspiration and progress."
Friday, January 16, 2009
Ecoroof
The following is from an eletter I received from Earth Advantage Inc:
Ecoroof - Buzz Word of the Month
An ecoroof, or "green" roof is a vegetated roof system used in place of a conventional roof. Ecoroofs are comprised of several layers including a root barrier, waterproof membrane, drainage, soil system, and plants. Ecoroofs can double or triple the life span of the roof, add insulation to a building, and create additional usable space.
The City of Portland has approved Ecoroof systems as a storm water management technique, and provides incentives to qualify owners.
You can learn more about Ecoroofs at HGTV's web site here.
Ecoroof - Buzz Word of the Month
An ecoroof, or "green" roof is a vegetated roof system used in place of a conventional roof. Ecoroofs are comprised of several layers including a root barrier, waterproof membrane, drainage, soil system, and plants. Ecoroofs can double or triple the life span of the roof, add insulation to a building, and create additional usable space.
The City of Portland has approved Ecoroof systems as a storm water management technique, and provides incentives to qualify owners.
You can learn more about Ecoroofs at HGTV's web site here.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Real Estate Market Report for December
The monthly Market Action report for Portland came out today and, with no surprise, indicated that December was a very slow month in our region. December sales were down 34% compared to December 2007. The real surprise was that the number of sales (987) was the lowest monthly total since February 1992 (905). Pending transactions (810) were the lowest number since RMLS began reporting in 1992 and the previous record was 845 in December 1994.
For the year, 2008 total sales were down 32.1% from 2007. Pending sales dropped 30.8% and new listings decreased 8.7%.
Hopefully the slow December was somewhat weather related and we will see a rebound in January. Already our group is seeing more buyer activity then we've had for months.
For the year, 2008 total sales were down 32.1% from 2007. Pending sales dropped 30.8% and new listings decreased 8.7%.
Hopefully the slow December was somewhat weather related and we will see a rebound in January. Already our group is seeing more buyer activity then we've had for months.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Latest Condo Developement Plan
With the condo market being soft, local builders are floating a new development concept that reduces construction costs and makes units more affordable. This new plan helps to support one of the city's primary goals for make housing more assessable and solves the problem of how to deal with steep slopes often found along downtown's western edge.
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Happy Hour at the Uptown Billiard Club
Uptown Billiard Club has one of the best happy hour offers of anyplace in the downtown area. Called the 5-course Happy Hour it features five entrees for $10. And if this is not good enough, you can pair your five courses with five wines for an additional ten dollars. That's five entrees with five small glasses of wine for just $20. A terrific deal at a terrific place. Uptown Billiards is located at 120 NW 23rd. Oh, did I mention you can also enjoy a few rounds of pool while you're there?
Monday, January 12, 2009
Condominium Furnace Maintenance
Many people choose condo living for the ease of maintenance. There is a management company that takes care of most of the community maintenance needs and is a source of reference when something inside the unit needs attention.
This is very handy, but at times, causes us to forget that certain items in the unit need routine maintenance. One of the most often overlooked maintenance tasks is the heating/cooling unit. Most new modern buildings use either an electric furnace or a water based heat pump system. These systems need to have their filters replaced twice each year. It's like changing oil in the car - if you don't do it routinely, serious problems can result.
Additionally, these units should receive a minor tuneup every year or two. This is done by a service technician. Because newer buildings use sophisticated systems, make sure you contact a firm that is factory trained and certified to maintain the unit. This comes in handy if the work needed is covered under a warranty. It's not hard to locate such a technician. Just note the manufacturer of the unit, contact their customer service phone (or web page) and ask for a list of certified repair people.
This is very handy, but at times, causes us to forget that certain items in the unit need routine maintenance. One of the most often overlooked maintenance tasks is the heating/cooling unit. Most new modern buildings use either an electric furnace or a water based heat pump system. These systems need to have their filters replaced twice each year. It's like changing oil in the car - if you don't do it routinely, serious problems can result.
Additionally, these units should receive a minor tuneup every year or two. This is done by a service technician. Because newer buildings use sophisticated systems, make sure you contact a firm that is factory trained and certified to maintain the unit. This comes in handy if the work needed is covered under a warranty. It's not hard to locate such a technician. Just note the manufacturer of the unit, contact their customer service phone (or web page) and ask for a list of certified repair people.
Friday, January 9, 2009
Recent Real Estate Trends
We track a variety of statistics regarding the downtown condominium market place. Since this is a fairly small piece of the overall Portland area pie, quarterly data is more meaningful than monthly.
As 2008 came to a close, the median price a downtown condo had dropped 14% from the prior year but is still up 6% from the fourth quarter of 2006. It currently stands at $345,000. Average price per sqft was $381. This value has trended downward during 2008 and has settled in at the same level we saw two years ago. Sales activity during the last three months of 2008 was the slowest level we have seen since Q1 of 2004.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Orbiting Tool Bag Flys Over Portland
Amateur astronomers have spotted the world's most famous — and expensive — lost tool bag, which has been circling the Earth for the past week.
Endeavor astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper lost her grip on the $100,000, backpack-size bag while cleaning up after a grease gun leaked during a Nov. 18 spacewalk.
Grab your binoculars or telescopes: Your next chance to spot it over Portland is tonight, Thursday, January 8 at approx 11:09 pm. Look for it flying a few minutes ahead of the International Space Station. Moving from the southwest to the northeast, it appears as a tiny white dot streaking across the sky. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
NASA expects the bag to burn up when it re-enters Earth's atmosphere next June.
The 30-pound bag — which holds two grease guns, a scraper tool, a large trash bag and a small debris bag — is one of the more than 8,500 objects classified as "space debris" circling the globe.
Endeavor astronaut Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper lost her grip on the $100,000, backpack-size bag while cleaning up after a grease gun leaked during a Nov. 18 spacewalk.
Grab your binoculars or telescopes: Your next chance to spot it over Portland is tonight, Thursday, January 8 at approx 11:09 pm. Look for it flying a few minutes ahead of the International Space Station. Moving from the southwest to the northeast, it appears as a tiny white dot streaking across the sky. Hopefully the weather cooperates.
NASA expects the bag to burn up when it re-enters Earth's atmosphere next June.
The 30-pound bag — which holds two grease guns, a scraper tool, a large trash bag and a small debris bag — is one of the more than 8,500 objects classified as "space debris" circling the globe.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Second Thursday Gallery Suggestions
Due to holiday, this month’s First Thursday is being held on “Second Thursday” - January 8.
There are quite a few interesting exhibits this month that will make for an interesting tour. Bring an umbrella because it will probably be raining – heavily at times. You will find the forecast for Thursday night here.
Below are just a few of the openings you will find in Downtown Portland courtesy of PADA - Portland Art Dealers Association:
- Attic Gallery, 206 SW First St features acrylic paintings on canvas by Jean Schwabe.
- Beet Gallery, 1720 NW Lovejoy #120 is showing figurative ceramics by Robin and John Gumaelius.
- Portland Northwest College of Art (PNCA), 1241 NW Johnson St, has drawings by Robert Hanson and an exhibit by Artist-in-residence Molly Dilworth.
- Bullseye Gallery, 300 NW 13th Ave is featuring “Due North” - the legacy and artists of Scotland’s North Lands Creative Glass as well as works by Jeff Wallin.
- Froelick Gallery, 714 NW Davis presents a Winter Group Show. Works by various artists.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Stay Safe While Keeping Warm This Winter
National Public Radio recently ran a story about a piece of advice from the latest edition of The Old Farmer’s Almanac. The suggestion was about how to stay warm throughout the winter with just one log: chuck it out of an upstairs window, run downstairs and outside to pick it up, and then sprint back upstairs and chuck it out the window again. Repeat until warm.
This method may not cut it for the majority of condominium residents because the Almanac, as well many other weather forecasters, is predicting an unusually cold winter for Oregon. So people may be more inclined to chuck that log into the fireplace and set fire to it than use it for exercise.
Obviously, it is vital to only burn fuel meant for that unit. Don’t put logs in a gas-fired unit or use lighter fluid to get the wood burning. Beyond that, there are many options for wood-burning fireplaces. Condominium owners who build fires only for the ambiance may be inclined to use manufactured logs instead of cordwood. Manufactured logs are easy to transport and light; they make fire building look easy. The Chimney Safety Institute of America has certified three types of manufactured logs for use in fireplaces: the Duraflamebrand of logs, the Javalog, and the Creosote Sweeping Log.
Stay warm and safe.
This method may not cut it for the majority of condominium residents because the Almanac, as well many other weather forecasters, is predicting an unusually cold winter for Oregon. So people may be more inclined to chuck that log into the fireplace and set fire to it than use it for exercise.
Obviously, it is vital to only burn fuel meant for that unit. Don’t put logs in a gas-fired unit or use lighter fluid to get the wood burning. Beyond that, there are many options for wood-burning fireplaces. Condominium owners who build fires only for the ambiance may be inclined to use manufactured logs instead of cordwood. Manufactured logs are easy to transport and light; they make fire building look easy. The Chimney Safety Institute of America has certified three types of manufactured logs for use in fireplaces: the Duraflamebrand of logs, the Javalog, and the Creosote Sweeping Log.
Stay warm and safe.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Condo Trends: Universal Design
If you're nearing the age of 50, then you've probably already heard about a type of design in housing called "universal design."
On a practical level, Universal Design allows for the day in which mobility and energy of Baby Boomers may be reduced. For example, designers can create easily accessible, functional and beautiful bathrooms by integrating a large turning radius, wide doorways and lever handles allowing those in a wheelchair easy access.
While it may not sound like much of a difference in traditional design, universal eliminates “steps or floor-height differentials and incorporating broad doorways and hallways throughout that take into account the potential for future lifestyle changes." Says Nanette Overly, vice president Epcon Communities.
North Carolina State University's Center for Universal Design just introduced an upper undergraduate and graduate course study called Universal By Design. The center designed the course to "help address inadequacies" currently found in universal design where untrained developers of universal space are trying to support federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Amendment Act. The course should help designers in training to conduct "more creative work beyond mere code compliance."
Overly stipulates "the ultimate compliment paid to Universal Design residence is that while it provides an ideal venue for mature residents, it doesn't feel like a space that has made any design concessions."
A well-designed universal dwelling is one that anyone would be happy to call home.
On a practical level, Universal Design allows for the day in which mobility and energy of Baby Boomers may be reduced. For example, designers can create easily accessible, functional and beautiful bathrooms by integrating a large turning radius, wide doorways and lever handles allowing those in a wheelchair easy access.
While it may not sound like much of a difference in traditional design, universal eliminates “steps or floor-height differentials and incorporating broad doorways and hallways throughout that take into account the potential for future lifestyle changes." Says Nanette Overly, vice president Epcon Communities.
North Carolina State University's Center for Universal Design just introduced an upper undergraduate and graduate course study called Universal By Design. The center designed the course to "help address inadequacies" currently found in universal design where untrained developers of universal space are trying to support federal laws, such as the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Fair Housing Amendment Act. The course should help designers in training to conduct "more creative work beyond mere code compliance."
Overly stipulates "the ultimate compliment paid to Universal Design residence is that while it provides an ideal venue for mature residents, it doesn't feel like a space that has made any design concessions."
A well-designed universal dwelling is one that anyone would be happy to call home.
Friday, January 2, 2009
Recycle TVs and Computer Monitors for free
For Oregon and Washington residents -- and their old TVs, computers and monitors only -- recycling is about to get a lot easier, courtesy of the new E-Cycles program.
Starting Jan. 1, you can drop off TVs, computers (desktops and laptops) and monitors at a network of free recycling sites. The network is the result of legislation in both states that requires manufacturers to pay to recycle their products, if they want to keep selling them here.
From now on, when customers buy TVs or computers in either state, retailers must provide information about how to recycle them.
Search the Oregon E-Cycles database by zip code, city or town to find the nearest collection site, at oregonecycles.org. Or call the Oregon E-Cycles hotline at 1-888-532-9253.
All the rest of the e-waste heap: The only items you can recycle for free through E-Cycles in Oregon and Washington are TVs, computers and monitors. Important: No other computer-related items (keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, scanners) or electronic devices will be accepted for free.
What to do with it?
• Recycling sites that participate in the E-Cycles program may accept other electronic devices, for a fee. Call or consult recyclers' Web sites before you go.
• Metro regional government provides a searchable database of recyclers, for electronics and more. Or call the recycling hotline at 503-234-3000.
• Search by product type at earth911.com/electronics, which culls recycling options from government, nonprofit and retail sources.
• Some manufacturers, including Dell and Apple, will take back computers, keyboards, mice, printers and other equipment at little or no cost. Check the manufacturer's Web site.
• In Multnomah County, you can drop off cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, chargers and Bluetooth headsets into free recycling bins at 11 libraries and county buildings.
• Call to Protect collects old cell phones and refurbishes them for domestic violence survivors; find local dropoff sites at calltoprotect.org. Many cell phone manufacturers provide prepaid mailing labels on their Web sites to help customers return used devices. Or go to rbrc.org/consumer/index.php for a national network of retailers that accept used cell phones.
Starting Jan. 1, you can drop off TVs, computers (desktops and laptops) and monitors at a network of free recycling sites. The network is the result of legislation in both states that requires manufacturers to pay to recycle their products, if they want to keep selling them here.
From now on, when customers buy TVs or computers in either state, retailers must provide information about how to recycle them.
Search the Oregon E-Cycles database by zip code, city or town to find the nearest collection site, at oregonecycles.org. Or call the Oregon E-Cycles hotline at 1-888-532-9253.
All the rest of the e-waste heap: The only items you can recycle for free through E-Cycles in Oregon and Washington are TVs, computers and monitors. Important: No other computer-related items (keyboards, mice, speakers, printers, scanners) or electronic devices will be accepted for free.
What to do with it?
• Recycling sites that participate in the E-Cycles program may accept other electronic devices, for a fee. Call or consult recyclers' Web sites before you go.
• Metro regional government provides a searchable database of recyclers, for electronics and more. Or call the recycling hotline at 503-234-3000.
• Search by product type at earth911.com/electronics, which culls recycling options from government, nonprofit and retail sources.
• Some manufacturers, including Dell and Apple, will take back computers, keyboards, mice, printers and other equipment at little or no cost. Check the manufacturer's Web site.
• In Multnomah County, you can drop off cell phones, PDAs, MP3 players, chargers and Bluetooth headsets into free recycling bins at 11 libraries and county buildings.
• Call to Protect collects old cell phones and refurbishes them for domestic violence survivors; find local dropoff sites at calltoprotect.org. Many cell phone manufacturers provide prepaid mailing labels on their Web sites to help customers return used devices. Or go to rbrc.org/consumer/index.php for a national network of retailers that accept used cell phones.
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