Installing a pre-cast concrete stairway to your home’s basement is actually quite an easy project for the advanced do-it-yourselfer or anyone that can coordinate a couple of sub contractors. Doing so will add a water tight weather proof egress to your basement that, in many cases, is necessary to comply with local building codes during a remodel. Either way, this newly added entrance will add much more function to your home and your basement.

First of all it is probably a good idea to explain what pre-cast concrete is. Pre-cast concrete is simply concrete that has been mixed, formed and vibrated in a very controlled “plant” type environment and then delivered or trucked to its final destination and installed. Despite the fact that some pre-cast concrete products are much thinner than conventional “poured in place” applications does not mean that the pre-cast products are any less quality and to the contrary they are usually much more durable.

continue reading »

Creating a basic, functional work wardrobe is not complicated, but it takes a bit of planning. Depending on the job you do and the environment of your workplace, you need to make some very specific choices about your clothes.

You may be a white collar worker in a corporate office. If so, the company atmosphere will dictate your clothing choices. Working for a company with a casual atmosphere will let you opt for chinos, a few pairs of cords, and some sport shirts or tees, perhaps with a blazer or two and some great cardigans for cooler weather; add some stylish loafers to finish the look. You may still want a business suit or two and some ties in case you have business meetings, either in-house, or at another location, with clients.

continue reading »

This past weekend’s stunning confession by Nobel prize-winning author Gunter Grass that he was once a member of Hitler’s elite SS, and that he had lied about his involvement for the past 60 years, again reminds us of the hypocrisy found in the Leftist-leaning environmentalist movement. Herr Grass’s biographer was reportedly “dumbfounded” by this revelation. So were we. A leading German historian Joachim Fest told Der Spiegel magazine, “After 60 years, this confession comes a bit too late. I can’t understand how someone who for decades set himself up as a moral authority, a rather smug one, could pull this off.”

Perhaps, the Gunter Grass case can offer us insights into the key personality characteristics of those involved in the U.S., and perhaps the worldwide, environmental movement: smug, leftist-leaning, self-righteous, holier-than-thou and secretive. But there is also a Nazi-like totalitarian bent to the modern-day U.S. environmentalist, one who opposes the peaceful spread of civilian nuclear power to an energy-starved planet.

continue reading »

You’ve seen those books and lists of “21 things to do while you’re alive”, well here’s my New England twist on that whole theme - enjoy!

WALK THE GREAT BEACH ON CAPE COD:

continue reading »

We can learn much from the Ritz-Carlton Gold Standard and their exceptional customer service philosophy and orientation. “Putting on the Ritz” has always meant top-quality, the best of the best. Where did they acquire this reputation? From their customers - and it is well deserved.

The Ritz-Carlton focuses on taking care of their customers and employees and this creates an amazing standard of customer service. In a recent independent survey, 99 percent of guests said they were satisfied with their Ritz-Carlton hotel experience and over 80 percent stated they extremely satisfied. The key to impressive customer service is to create loyal customers. Loyal customers return again and again to spend there money and are less price sensitive. Satisfied customers might return, but are equally likely to go anywhere else and seek out the lowest price. Therefore, satisfaction is virtually meaningless and only customer loyalty truly counts.

continue reading »

There are some powerful relationship realities between various community groups and organizations. Constituents are asking more questions; decisions are taking longer. Very small forces, sometimes individuals, can stop very big ideas and projects. People without credentials have enormous credibility. Corporations and institutions must prove their validity, honesty, and trustworthiness every day. Most public debate and discussion, on issues that matter, are focused more on embarrassment, humiliation, and blame shifting than on achieving beneficial progress.

In today’s environment of public suspicion, gaining and maintaining public consent to operate has become an on-going, top management concern for most businesses and large organizations. Community relationships are effectively maintained primarily through engagement with various publics and audiences within the community and your organization.

continue reading »

You can drive the 34 miles between Lincoln and Conway on Route 112 in just about an hour. But you’d miss experiencing one of the most colorful scenic drives in the entire northeast – and some would say the U.S. for fall foliage.

Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road built to show off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire’s best-loved scenic spots.

continue reading »

Backpacking is a great way to enjoy nature up close and is a very affordable way to see unique places that can’t be reached in a car. There are thousands of different trails and locations for backpacking trips of various difficulty all across the world and several of the best backpacking trips are in the United States.

Mount Whitney Trail, in Lone Pine, CA, is on of the best backpacking trips in America for seasoned cold weather backpacking enthusiasts. The 11 mile hike to the 14,505 feet high summit of Mount Whitney is quite difficult in areas and can be extremely treacherous through the last 4 miles in colder months. Throughout most of the year, Mount Whitney’s peak is covered in ice and snow, requiring ice picks and crampons for passage. The ice begins to melt in July and the summit is usually clear in August, only to become icy again by late September.

continue reading »