An additional benefit of home improvement projects is increasing your home's value. Doing updates, like renovations or additions, on your own can help you save money. Many people even find home improvement work to make for an enjoyable pastime. The tips below can help you get the most out of your home improvement projects.
As you tackle home improvements, be mindful to observe your surroundings, making sure to do just those projects that are sensible. Improvements that make no sense like a sun room with no insulation in a cold climate, or a deck with no shade in a hot climate might deter a possible home buyer. Do what you want within the bounds of reason.
TIP! When you are involved in a home improvement project, be certain to allot a specific spot for the resulting debris and trash. Planning in advance what you are going to do with rubbish can save you time and money during the construction.
If you have little cracks in the roof of your home, just get a 3 inch roll of aluminum tape to fix it up. Clean the surface, then separate the tape from its paper backing. Apply it carefully over the cracks. This creates a surface that is waterproof covering for those cracks.
If your work takes place anywhere near a gas line, such as a fireplace, dryer or the kitchen, turn the gas off before getting into your project. You must be very careful with these types of projects. Starting a fire or causing an injury during your project is undesirable.
The proper lighting can greatly impact a room. Bright rooms will be more inviting for people that live there. Adding a secondary light fixture will help brighten up a room. Making a dark room lighter can make your whole house feel more livable.
TIP! Seal grout after laying tile. Grout is really very porus.
Stained wood baseboards are more appealing than painted ones. The warmth of stained wood will add value to your home. The beauty of stained wood for baseboards is its ability to show fewer scuffs and scrapes. Touch-ups to the baseboards will also blend better. Wood stain comes in lots of different colors to coordinate with any color scheme.
Do not listen to contractors who tell you that they can finish a home improvement job in a ridiculously short amount of time. Contractors have a number of reasons to finish a job quickly. They might hurry the workers so they get to their next assignment. The opposite can be true as well. If the workers are spending too much time on a project, they may be trying to charge you more for overtime hours.
TIP! Select the colors you want in your room. Formal areas of your home, such as your dining area, should have a complementary scheme.
Does your bedroom need a new dresser? You can easily restore the one you have by sanding and refinishing it. When you refinish old furniture, you get a new look for less money. There are an abundance of stains you can color your furniture with.
TIP! Does your floor look like it is aging quite a bit? Pull your floor up and add a new sticky wood floor if you are feeling ambitious. Some people believe this sort of flooring is cheap; however, it's nice if done properly.
A fresh coat of paint is the quickest and easiest home improvement project to tackle. A fresh coat of paint can make a house feel brand new and requires minimal output in both cash and time. New paint is sure to enhance the visual appeal of your house to potential purchasers.
Make a budget, and include every detail you can. Expenses add up fast and forgetting just one thing can mess up your whole budget. This can be avoided through proper planning. What can go wrong? What if the materials you want are not available? When you ask these questions, you will be better prepared.
TIP! Consider accenting your niches by paining the back wall of your niche with a complementary color or using wallpaper to distinguish it. Choose a smaller bucket of paint for these areas to save money.
There is no need to get rid of worn doors. Instead, take your door off of the frame, and then sand it until you can see the bare wood. You can apply a clean, attractive coat of oil-based paint in whatever shade you desire using an ordinary roller. Buy fancier doorknobs if you want to give your door a new feel.
Before you begin demolishing, do a little research. You should not start ripping holes or demolishing walls until you know more about the layout of your home. You should check the wiring to see if they are still hooked up. It may be costly to remove the entire structure, so you should definitely double check.
TIP! As you consider home improvement projects, think how long any appliances you may buy will actually last. A refrigerator should last approximately twenty years and a washer usually lasts about fifty percent of that length of time.
Home improvement projects have the ability to be both practical and fun, which is a rare combination. With any luck, these tips have given you the knowledge necessary to make great choices and realize real savings.
Does your home have a deck? If so, then you need to regularly inspect its water resistance. This can be done by pouring water over it after several dry, sunny days. If the wood totally soaks in the water, it's time to place on more repellent. Also, sealing your deck prior to the winter season can help prevent long-term damage.
Use fans to keep your home cool in the summer. Ceiling fans are great for increased circulation and cooling. Using ceiling and room fans can reduce your energy consumption by not using the air conditioner. This can lower your electric bill.
TIP! What is your style? Your personal decorating style is going to play a serious role in the decisions you will face. It is simple to mix up the style in the middle of planning, and you should do this before buying anything.
There are a number of different reasons that people choose to start home improvement projects. Some are tired of the old look. Other people do it to increase their home's value. And others simply love home improvements and find working on their home fun and relaxing. Regardless of why you are interested in home improvement, you should read these tips and start planning your next project.
Replace your standard porch light with a motion sensor porch light, as this will reduce electricity costs. It can be switched on manually and the sensitivity can be adjusted on several models.
Add visual interest to your home by using drywall mud to texture walls. It is easy to texture walls. Just trowel the drywall mud in place and use something like a stiff bristled brush, a sponge, or even a wadded up plastic bag to dab at the drywall mud and add texture.
When remodeling the tile floors, consider more high-tech options such as tiles that radiate heat. Not only do they look great, but they are the best for giving off heat. There are luckily some easy ways to do it yourself. Since you are going to work on your floor or hire someone to do it, this project can been seen as a small add on. You'll be grateful you did the first winter morning that you walk into your bathroom.
TIP! You don't want to toss bedroom doors out just because they need cleaned. Take the door off its frame, then sand it until you expose the wood.
To seal bugs out while reducing your home heating and cooling expenses, use caulk to completely seal cracks, holes or any other openings that you notice. Use caulk around windows, as well as in other places. Once the caulk is dry, air will have difficulty getting out, and bugs and other pests will have difficulty getting in.
Two-liter bottles actually function quite nicely as storage vessels. You can see what's inside, and anything you put in them will stay completely dry and safe. They are great for grains, flour, sugar and other staples. You can put them into a fridge, freezer or cabinet easily. It's even simple when you need to pour out the contents in that all you need to do is twist off the cap.
TIP! Remember to take safety precautions when you are working on home improvement projects. There is always an element of danger when working with power tools so make sure you are fully aware of what you are doing.
One of the most expensive home improvements is putting on a new roof. Carefully check the references of your potential roofing company, and always get estimates from three different companies before committing to one. You can choose different materials, such as tile, metal and wood. A good contractor that does roofing will assist you in deciding what to get.
TIP! You can mount a rack to the wall to put your jewelry on. Perhaps you should not hang your most valuable jewelery.
The reasons for why you are replacing a lock determines whether you have to replace all or part of it. The is the part that actually locks the door. If you don't have a key and you need your lock to be changed to be more safe, you can replace the cylinder. If you want to install an upgrade, then revamp the entire unit.
Have a good understanding of the kind of products you're using to get rid of persistent clogs. Not every cleaner is made of the same ingredients, and some can be very harsh. Don't use drain cleaners that are crystallized since they stick to pipes, causing big damage. Use drain cleaners that are compatible to your septic tank.
TIP! Remember the paint in a room before making other adjustments. Painting the walls and ceiling of a room can be done far easier if you do it before having new flooring installed.
Mounting a coat rack can be a pretty way to display and store your bracelets and necklaces. But do not hang real jewelry on the rack, just costume jewelry. Jewelry that is displayed nicely can be a lovely decorative touch to any room. This method has the added benefit of keeping your pieces free from tangles and knots. Choose your most worn pieces and store them within easy reach.
Do bugs keep you from enjoying the outdoors? Try adding a screened enclosure onto your house. A screened area is a wonderful place to relax by yourself and feel fresh air or spend some enjoyable time together with friends and family. For added comfort you can install a ceiling fan.
TIP! Make sure the contractor listens to what you have to say. Hiring a contractor that is honest is important, but you need to be aware if they are listening to any of your concerns.
We all end up having to deal with home improvement projects at some point in our lives. It doesn't matter why you do it because something drives all of us. Be it for looks or money, everyone can enjoy something about home improvement.
Try getting windows that have secondary glazing on them. These windows are pricier, but they will greatly reduce your energy costs and noises from outside. Try switching to these windows when doing renovations to save time and money later on. These windows are energy efficient, making it much easier to heat or cool your home.
Replace your air conditioning filter from time to time. If the filter is dirty or clogged, your AC unity will have to compensate by working harder and using more power. You may also be using way more electricity than necessary. Really look towards changing out the filter once every month.
TIP! New furniture may be costly to purchase. You may be able to make your room shine with by buying a few pieces of furniture from a thrift store of a garage sale.
You can boost your home's value by doing home improvement projects. Some projects are surprisingly easy and will really make a difference when you sell your home. The ideas provided will make your projects cost effective, and are the ones that increase the value of your house the most.
Take advantage of your outdoor space. With a little work, you could convert a bit of your yard into a living space nearly as comfy as the inside of your home. It is the ideal place to have a cookout or to just relax after a trying day at work.
TIP! When choosing paint colors, opt for colors like light blue, light purple or light green to produce a tranquil space. Use linen and cotton fabric instead of heavy patterns and dark brocades.
It is crucial that you always change your air filters when needed. In addition to making your home's air more healthy, it's also helpful for air conditioning and heating units. Blocked filters are a common cause of calls to repair people.
A high-quality door is a great investment. Your guests will definitely notice your doors. A ill-fitted door that is poorly insulated can result in a lot of heat loss. If your door and frame are not made well you will lose your sense of safety.
TIP! If you live in a rural area, think about installing a tall fence around your yard. This will help keep the wild animals out of your yard and your garden if you have one.
Adding weather stripping to both doors and windows can really help your home become more energy efficient. This helps to seal your home from hot and cold, improving your comfort level as well. You are certain to notice the decrease in drafts on cold evenings.
Chandeliers have a place in even modest homes today. A sparkling chandelier is ideal for adding visual impact to your living area or formal dining area; many designs are available for only a few hundred dollars. Look for a chandelier with total wattage in the 200 to 400-watt range to achieve maximum light and sparkle.
TIP! If there are repairs that must be finished before moving in, focus on the heaviest repairs first. Less challenging projects like bathroom updates and basement renovations can wait until a while after you have settled in.
A drill is perhaps the most important tool for any home improvement project. This tool will create different-sized holes by using screws, as well as utilizing special attachments for driving the screws. Ensure you have a drill that is cordless and battery operated with a minimum of 9 volts. You should also have drill bits of various sizes and screw attachments.
Motion detector lights are a great improvement to make. Not only will you save some money, but you will also be able to add some extra security to the home. Motion detector lights turn on automatically when an intruder approaches, providing you with the element of surprise and saving you money on electricity! Intruders will also fear your presence, and will exit the area as soon as they turn on.
TIP! Highlight the best features of your house. Try not to block off any scenic views! Understand that keeping a view will increase the selling points of your home.
Before you pop open that can of paint and get your brush out, remember that you need to protect your flooring. Paint can be difficult to remove from your carpet or floor, so take preventative measures. A cheap way that this can be done is to employ the use of newspapers. Plastic sheeting or purpose-made drop cloths can also be used to keep paint off your floors.
Proper measurement is required before you buy blinds or try to install them, especially if they are custom blinds or expensive ones. You can't buy the right blinds if you don't know the proper dimensions. Blinds come in a variety of sizing, and the positioning of the installation on the window frame can vary also.
TIP! Attic space is highly valuable for storage so if you are not taking advantage of this area, buy a dormer window and do so. Dormers are able to provide enhanced character to the house as well as a significant amount of additional interior space.
By applying some excellent advice given above, it's possible to drastically increase your home's value without worrying about whether or not you're losing any money with your renovation project. Whether you plan to stay there forever or eventually sell, you will find that the right home improvement projects will pay off.
A good ting to do before you do anything where there is water is to shut it off. Turning off the water when working around pipes is crucial for avoiding a large mess.
Enhance your home with a unique addition. For example, a library with custom built shelves or a basement converted to a wine cellar may add a useful and classy touch. Future home buyers and guests will be impressed by your improvements.
TIP! Simple lampshades can be very boring with no personality. With stencils, you can brighten them up.
Home improvement projects range from simplistic, such as adding a coat of paint, to increasingly complicated, such as adding a bedroom to a home. Either way, below are some tips that'll help take the headache out of home improvement work.
TIP! Planning to insulate your home while you are already planning a home improvement can kill two birds with one stone. Put in weather stripping around your windows and doors.
Prioritize the home improvement projects you would like to do and pick the most important room to work on first. Just improve different rooms gradually to save you some money and time. Plan your project beforehand and look for good deals on prices. Smart planning can be a great way to realize savings while also making your home better.
When you are doing your next project, make a place where your garbage can go. Planning in advance what you are going to do with rubbish can save you time and money during the construction.
Give your garage door a fresh coat of paint. Garage doors are regularly exposed to the elements, causing them to look dingy and worn. A freshly-painted garage door improves the appearance and value of your whole house. Try choosing a color that will compliment your home for use on your garage door.
TIP! If you are putting your TV on the wall, you will save space on the floor and have some space for other things. The directions for mounting are quite simple and can be done in less than an hour.
Painting is one of the simplest and most affordable home improvements you can do, yet it is also one of the most effective. Fresh paint can quickly and cheaply make a house look brand new. A fresh paint job can boost the appeal of your house to potential homebuyers, in case you are thinking of selling.
Lots of homeowners decrease their renovation costs by putting in particleboard or solid wood cabinets without hardware. It is easy to find the knobs, pulls or handles you need at any good hardware store. You can purchase any style or design of knobs that you wish and install them in a minutes.
TIP! Use only high quality paints to paint your home's exterior. Using a quality paint means the paint job is going to last longer.
Can't afford a designer? Start researching. Look online to find inspiration. You may find the perfect inspiration for your entire home improvement project in a single magazine layout. This sort of resource is a good place to turn for affordable DIY home improvement projects.
Searching for information is helpful when making home improvements. Visit the library or book store and glance through decorating magazines. You can even go to a store and get samples of carpets or paint colors. Spend some time thinking about what you'd really like the end product to look like.
TIP! Whenever you renovate any area of your home, make sure to budget during the beginning of the year as this is when your funds will be at their lowest. This serves two purposes.
When you are painting, remember to put down plastic to protect the floors. This can help reduce stains, which can serve as a very costly expense. Layering newspapers in one inexpensive option. Try using a drop sheet or plastic to protect the floor of paint splashes.
Improve the look of your bathroom without spending a lot of time and effort. Simply replace the old towels, curtains and mats with new ones. You will find that this adds a bright new feel to the room. You can instantly perk up your bathroom with plants; however, choose plants that will thrive in a humid environment with little direct sunlight.
TIP! Kitchen cabinets are expensive to replace. One way to save money and still give your kitchen a refreshing facelift is to reface your cabinets.
Never discard doors simply due to dirt. You should instead remove the door and then sand down the wood. Next, use a roller to paint the door with an oil-based paint. There are pretty doorknobs available for purchase that can instantly transform a door's look.
Exercise safety precautions when tacking home improvements! Always cut off gas supply lines when you are dealing with anything that is related to your gas supply. Any construction around a gas line is automatically dangerous. See to it that you know the location of the shutoff valve. Know where any gas lines are to avoid hitting any.
TIP! Some tools you need are a ratchet, rubber mallet, chisels, and a step ladder. There are things that you do not necessarily need but are very useful around the house.
Use baby food jars for organizing your office. You can screw or superglue the jar lids under the wall shelf. You can put small items in the jars. You can then put the jars under your shelf. You will make use of every inch of your shelf, and you are recycling the jars as well.
When making home improvements, there are a number of screws you can use. Be aware of which ones you'll need for your specific project. Wood screws work best for projects involving wood as they can easily go through the wood. Anything that involves sheet metalconstruction would benefit from screws designed specifically for that purpose.
TIP! No home improvement benefits the outside of your home better than a new coat of paint. Paint not only adds curb appeal to your home, but it also protects your home from the elements.
There is no need for improving one's home to be hard. The right information goes a long way towards making sound home improvement decisions. Whether your hire someone to do the work for you or not, you are going to enjoy your newly remodeled home!
Anyone interested in making a big impact on their home's exterior should consider a new paint job. Exterior paint can greatly improve the look and value of your home. You are going to feel as if you are in a different home if you choose vibrant, different colors.
TIP! It is important to dust on a weekly basis. Dust can accumulate rapidly within just a few days, causing problems for allergy sufferers.
It's frustrating to come home to the cluttered mess of failed improvement projects. Don't become discouraged, as the improvements can be done in a cost-efficient and timely manner. You just need to read this article and use what you learn.
If you're renovating tile flooring, try getting radiant heat tiles. Those tiles use your electricity and can create a huge change! Fortunately, you can install them on your own by following the directions. The small cost and the simplicity makes it something to seriously consider as part of your next home improvement. You will be happy in the winter when you are going to the bathroom.
TIP! Look into solar panels for your home. This may cost you a lot of money at first, but with electricity costs going up, you may discover it saves you a pretty penny in the long run.
A certain addition to your home can add style and class to it. Consider installing built-in shelving in your library or a wine cellar inside your basement. You and your guests will enjoy these touches, as may future potential buyers.
If a contractor will be performing your project, keep records. Not all contractors will keep records for you. For anything related to your home improvement work, save all documents. This helps everyone involved stay focused on the current task.
Contractors that are not licensed should never get hired by a homeowner for a project of any kind. All states require for general and sub-contractors to have a type of certification. This does not guarantee competence, but it is legally required. Also, contractors who do not have the necessary licenses probably also do not have sufficient insurance coverage.
TIP! It is important to consider accessibility and safety when planning any home improvement project. Showers that are easily stepped in are safer and easier for them to use and will reduce the chances of slip and fall injuries.
It may be necessary for you to give a porch a fresh coat of paint. Make sure you apply a high quality exterior paint product. You want to make sure you use paint that will work over the old paint. Use oil paints over oil paints and water-based paints over old water-based paints. An oil-based paint is better for trims and will last a long time but you should use a water-based paint for decks or floors since oil-based paint can become slippery in the winter.
If you are doing any brick work, it is smart to buy extras. It is not always easy to find the same bricks that you have after your purchase date. Often the styles of bricks will change. Storing a surplus amount of original bricks will pay off in the future.
TIP! Put a new glaze on your bathroom fixtures. An old bathroom can look like new thanks to glaze.
To save money, refinish dreary cabinets in lieu of replacing them. You can use some paint on the base and add new finishing knobs to really update the look. Your kitchen will look modern and new, but you won't have to spend a lot of money.
A garage door that is re-painted will add curb appeal to any home. Garage doors get a lot of wear, and they often look worn and dingy. Fresh paint will make your home look newer and could increase the value. While you could paint the door a standard color, such as white, consider changing things up by choosing a contrasting color that compliments your home.
If you can afford it, go for hard wood floors and stay away from laminate. Although they will have the appearance of real wood, and may in fact be easier to care for and clean, they are not able to be refinished. Years from now, whoever owns the house will need a brand new floor.
Are you discovering that your home is getting too bright during the day? If it is, consider tinting you home's windows. This is a fairly easy process that most people can do on their own. Tinted windows also have the added benefit of reducing the cost of cooling your home.
TIP! When considering a bathroom remodel, think small. You do not have to spend a lot on remodeling your bathroom and still get excellent results.
Two-liter bottles can be used in your kitchen as storage containers. These bottles are clear and see-through and can protect virtually all your dry goods, including sugar and flour. You can put them in the freezer or even in the fridge. When it's time to use the contents, simply pour out what you need.
Install windows that have secondary glazing. These windows cost more than average, but they can make up for it in energy savings. They also cut down on outside noise to a large degree. Save yourself some well-earned money by choosing these windows in your next project. These energy efficient windows make it easier to heat and cool your home, as well as keeping it nice and quiet.
TIP! If painting the walls doesn't appear too plausible, you should try adding wallpaper to cover the bottom layer. Wallpapering is easy and inexpensive and can give any room a whole new look.
Located above eye level and therefore out of mind, gutters, chimneys, and downspouts are often ignored during home improvement and maintenance projects. It is critical to inspect these items regularly to see if you need to make repairs. A dirty chimney presents a very real fire hazard, and letting your downspouts and gutters get clogged can cause water intrusion and serious structural problems.
When you are planning a project around the home, be sure that you have a friend that can help you if you should need it. By enlisting the help of several friends, you can ensure enough help will be available. That applies to this situation.
TIP! When deciding on an outside contractor to improve your home, go by his reputation instead of looking for someone with coupons. When a contractor is not well revered they might make horrible mistakes.
You'll feel a great sense of satisfaction when you return home and see the fruits of your labors. By choosing to follow the tips from this article, you can enhance your home easily with the home improvement projects of your choice. Persevere through the difficult times. With some commitment, you could be working towards creating your dream home!
A very quick walk around your home once a month will indicate small and effective home improvements that you can make easily. For example, you can easily identify air leaks under windows and doors. Sealing and insulating the leaks is a quick and simple repair that will reduce your heating bill.
Always keep your air filter clean. If it is backed up, the AC unit will need to work that much harder. Additionally, it may cause the AC to run for extended and unnecessary periods of time. You need to change the filter once a month.
TIP! Use old shoe boxes for storage. Use leftover fabrics and wallpaper, and dress the shoe boxes to match your decor.
When your home needs repairs, it can be stressful. It is even more stressful when you can not afford to hire a pro. Time is important, and it is likely that you will not have the time to repair your house on your own. However, here is where you are wrong. Your home repairs may not take that much time after all. If you want to keep your home improvement projects as straightforward, cost-effective, and speedy as possible, the tips presented in this article can definitely help.
While you want your home to run well, you should pay attention to visual details, too. If you are selling your home, potential buyers can only judge the house by the things they see. You have to impress them.
TIP! Seal cracks and openings to save on heating bills, as well as preventing bugs from entering your home. Apply caulk around windows and base boards.
Before you begin customizing your home, settle on a specific style. If you know your style, you can plan your project out before you begin to work. You can readily see a necessary change mid-stream, before the project is too far underway. Starting over again may cost you thousands of dollars and add weeks to the completion date.
When you hire someone to do home improvement work for you, get a contract. When you've got a solid contract going for you, you shouldn't have to be concerned with hidden charges or other unpleasant surprises. No contract, no recourse.
TIP! If considering a wood-burning fireplace, consider the downside. Apart from aesthetic reasons, this type of system is also quite inefficient because most of the heat ends up going through the chimney.
Small rooms can seem dreary but that can be changed. Get some light into these rooms. For example, losing those curtains and going with blinds will work. Simply cleaning the windows will also work. Letting in as much natural light as possible can make a big difference in how your smaller rooms feel. Stick to lighter colors on the walls, and diminish clutter in the room. Your tiny room won't seem all that tiny anymore.
TIP! Before you embark on a major landscape project, be sure the construction and style of your improvements enhance other aspects of your property, including your home. Landscaping work that does not relate to your house or even clashes with it will be a waste of time and money, doing little to improve your home's appearance.
It's time to pop those flooring bubbles! Simply cut a small slit in the bubble to release the air pocket. This will temporarily flatten the bubble. To mitigate the problem long-term, you will need to attach the section you just repaired to the floor with some fresh glue. In order to properly do this, you should use glue that comes already loaded inside a syringe.
If you want an improvement idea that can add value to your home and can also increase your living area, think about finishing your basement. You gain extra space for your family when adding in a finished basement. You can purchase finishing materials from your local discount or home improvement store. Some sources say that a finished basement can increase the resale value of a home by 30 percent or more.
TIP! Insulate your plumbing to get ready for cold winter, or just to keep your water hot while it is running through the lines to your sink. Heat tape also works very well and is relatively easy to install, even if you're a home improvement novice.
Use bleach to sanitize your commode. Bleaching the toilet bowl not only keeps it clean but also kills germs and bacteria. Use some scented bleach if you need to mask the smell.
A really simple home improvement touch is to swap out your older outlet covers with brand new ones. Over a period of time, the outlet covers will become discolored. With new covers on the outlet you can add a fresh look to the walls.
TIP! If your bed set is a bit old, consider building a new one yourself. While this task is difficult, you can create beautiful furniture styled directly to your own personal taste.
At the end of the day, you don't have to worry that your home improvement projects are beyond your capabilities. By following the do-it-yourself tricks offered here, it is possible for you to make home improvements very quickly. There's an easy and efficient way to fix things and you've found out how to do it with this article. So get out there and start fixing things up today!
Do some floor refinishing to up your home's value. It's a lot of work, but you can do it yourself. Instructional classes may be at some local hardware shops and will have the tools you need for rent. Doing it yourself can save you a substantial amount of money.
A good tip for those interested in home improvement is to do personalized projects. Think about your interests and hobbies. Your personal touch will greatly enhance the look of any home improvement project.
TIP! Change the air filters in your home regularly. It is healthier for breathing inside the house, but it also conserves your air conditioner and heating units.
There are a number of home improvement projects that even novices will find easy. You will find home improvement makes a nice addition to, not only the value, but also the appeal of your home. This article contains some simple projects that are not going to overwhelm you.
If you are not able to get a designer, you can do it yourself. Try some websites, books and magazines for some help. You may discover an inspiration for a new look in a magazine. You may also find these resources provide instructions and guidance for some great do-it-yourself projects.
TIP! Your first tool purchase should be a great drill. Whether you need holes drilled for screws, screws driven into those holes or many other uses, your drill is the tool.
If you are installing new baseboards, think about using stained wood baseboards opposed to painted baseboards. The classic look of finished wood complements virtually any home decor style. The beauty of stained wood for baseboards is its ability to show fewer scuffs and scrapes. Touch-ups to the baseboards will also blend better. You will have the option to choose from many, many colors of stain that will match decor of any color.
One of the best ways to cut down your winter heating costs is to take the time to give your attic proper insulation. Heat rises and, over time, a lot of it is lost during the colder seasons in houses that have poor insulation in the attic. Insulation is easily obtained at many hardware or home improvement stores and can be simple to install.
TIP! It is common for gutters, eaves and chimneys to be neglected when home improvement tasks are planned. It is important to inspect these aspects of your home to make sure they are functioning properly, and to make any necessary repairs.
Add some protection to all of your floors before painting. This will keep any excess paint from damaging your carpet or floor. One inexpensive and effective way to protect flooring is using layers of old newspapers. Plastic sheeting or purpose-made drop cloths can also be used to keep paint off your floors.
A normal wood fireplace used for heating might not be such a great idea. Besides any consideration of the looks (and smells) of such a fireplace, you need to know that it is never that efficient. A great deal of the air it heats escapes directly up the chimney. These types of fireplace also require fresh air, which is provided by your home. This means that there will be less breathable oxygen in the air.
TIP! If your home has stained outdated carpet, you should consider updating with wood flooring. Hardwood floors are timeless and last a long time.
Seek professional advice before you engage in your project. The small cost of an initial consultation will seem nominal when compared to the costs of having a preventable mishap repaired. It's easy to make big mistakes without professional help.
Look into wood cabinets if you are considering replacing your cabinetry. They are durable and stand up well to daily use. Some of the more common woods for cabinetry include maple, oak and cherry. All of these can be stained, so if you feel like changing the color, it is easy to do so.
TIP! A lot of houses may lose around one fifth of the cold or heat through a clear glass window. Adding a second glaze to your larger windows can easily reduce this amount by half, making your electric bills much more reasonable and also making your home more comfortable during extreme temperatures.
Before undertaking any home improvement project that involves electricity, either to or from the project, cut the power to the affected areas. If you do not turn off that electricity you may electrocute yourself and die.
TIP! You need to make sure you think about the paint before any other projects are attempted in the room. It may be wise to paint your walls before getting new flooring.
When your home has a nice view, it is generally worth more than a similar house without a view. Always remember that the premium price brought by the view might not be thought of as a smart investment. There is also the matter of personal taste to consider. A view you think of as perfect might be unremarkable to a certain buyer, who would not want to pay more for it.
To rejuvenate a dining area, consider refinishing your table. It may not be easy to refinish a table, but it will look brand new in the end. The new table will look exquisite, as long as you take your time and don't rush.
It's simple to completely renovate your bathroom by installing artwork and new wallpaper. Wallpaper trim is affordable, and there are a variety of patterns from which you can choose to complement your decor. These borders are also very simple to hang. An interesting border trim along with some complementary artwork will complete your bathroom.
TIP! Use wallpaper if you don't like the way paneling looks. Wallpaper is a simple and cheap way to change the look of any room.
As stated at the beginning of the article, there are many home improvement projects that are easy for even a novice to undertake. Fixing things in your own home can be intimidating, yet rewarding. Hopefully, you have gained some knowledge that can assist you in accomplishing the home improvement projects around your home.
One way to improve your home is to install fixtures to reduce water usage. You can simply add water heaters, shower heads and low flow toilets. These fixtures will help you cash in on the green craze and also save you quite a bit of money on water.
If you're out of space in the kitchen, try a microwave which goes over the stove range. When you replace a range hood with this type of microwave, you enjoy features like a flexible price range and even convection cooking options. Because most units have only a recirculating filter instead of a vent, they're best suited for cooks who don't require a strong venting solution.
TIP! If you would like to make a simple home improvement to give it an updated look then go to the local store and pick up some paint. A house that is newly painted looks brand new, and does not require a lot of cash or time.
You may not always have a step-by-step instruction guide for every renovation you want to do, but you ought to always check out whether you can find information about a project. Follow the tips presented here to help with general home improvement projects.
One great place to start a home improvement project is your kitchen. Start by cleaning your walls. This may remove stains but it will also strip paint. Apply tan hues to the kitchen, and the transformation will amaze you.
TIP! A great piece of home improvement advice is to have a contract drawn up if you will be hiring a handyman, long before they ever begin. A good contract protects you from being exploited or paying more than you agreed to.
Solar panels can improve your home. Don't be scared off by the initial cost. Over time, you will make back your initial investment, which can be a big plus considering rising electricity costs. This saves you money on energy costs due to the use of stored energy. That's why this natural solution is an excellent way to meet your home's power needs.
Have your list ready before you go shopping for home improvement items. This will make it less likely that you'll have to return to the store for something you forgot to get.
TIP! In most homes, there is really isn't much natural lighting in the basement area. Make sure to plan the layout of your artificial lighting well, to make your basement livable.
You shouldn't trash bedroom doors simply because of some dirt. Remove the door from its frame, then sand it until its bare wood is visible. Pick up oil-based paint and apply with a roller. Change out your doorknobs to something fancier.
The caning in many chairs will sag eventually. There's an easy trick you can use to tighten up chair caning without expending a lot of effort. Just wet the bottom with a sponge. Be sure the water is warm. Allow the water to sit on the caning for an overnight period. Repeat this process as many times as necessary so that the caning will shrink to its original size and shape.
TIP! When you're clearing a clogged drain, make sure you know what you're using. Many of these products are very harsh.
Make a bookcase unique by applying some wallpaper to it. Select a unique and attractive design. Then you simply fix the wallpaper into the rear of the bookcase, so that it will be visible behind your books. This will not only give your old bookcase a design boost, but give a focal point to your room.
Interestingly, an attractive front door can add as much as 10 percent to the market value of a home. Even if you can't replace the whole door, a coat of paint and a new doorknob can give your old door a new look.
TIP! It is a good idea to plan ahead for your home improvement projects. Set aside a certain amount of money for your home each year.
Talk to your friends and family and ask them for help before starting your home improvement project. You may not be able to locate anyone to give you a hand if you have begun. It may also take you longer to finish your project than you initially expected.
White and red cedar is perfect fencing in fire-prone locations. Cedar wood is beloved for the fragrance and durability and its safer in area that are prone to wildfires.
TIP! Hire an electrician to install the outlet above the microwave cabinet. This will give you a convenient, hidden place to power your microwave.
Remember to keep safety in mind when you do any home improvement. There is always an element of danger when working with power tools so make sure you are fully aware of what you are doing. In addition, there are many tutorials on the Internet that can greatly help you.
If you see a large leak coming from your ceiling, you might need a roof replacement. If you ignore it, it can lead to a bigger disaster. Get a reputable roofing company to make an inspection. However, it is important that you ensure this specialist knows what they're doing.
TIP! Don't allow contractors to stain your budget by telling you that they'll have the job done unusually quick. Contractors often have good reasons to complete work as quickly as possible.
Most homeowners will want to make improvements at one point or another. Doing it right the first time will save a lot of headaches of either doing it over or hiring someone else to do it. A lot of home improvements are not successfully implemented because owners don't know what they're doing. Don't be that person. Use the advice in this article to make great, working improvements to your home.
When improving your home, you can personalize but you don't want to differ too much from neighboring properties. Your home needs to blend in to the neighborhood, not stick out like a sore thumb. This can make selling your place harder.
You need to improve your home in visible ways. A potential buyer will judge your home by its outward appearance, so unsightly features can make a sale fall through. There are other aspects that are just as important when selling your house, but the visual aspects are the catalyst of getting that sale.
The first thing you need to do when learning any new skill is learn the basics. This is particularly true with regards to home improvement projects. You do not need to have a leaking roof or any loose stairs. Read this article before starting your home improvement project.
Before you tackle a project around the house, solicit help from your family and friends. Get commitments beforehand. They may have other things to do if you ask them once you start. This can result in delays to your home improvement project.
TIP! Enjoying the project is important to any successful home improvement project. If you are willing to do careful work and spend your valuable time, you should also be doing something that you fell good about.
In terms of renovating your roof, use white tiles or other similarly-hued materials. Having a light colored roof will help keep your attic cool by deflecting the sun's rays. You will be able to reduce all of your monthly energy bills by doing this.
Remember to include landscaping in your home improvement plans. The lawn in the front of the home is the very first thing that people will see; if it looks good, the entire house seems impressive. Keep the grass neatly mowed, and install plants and shrubs to make your property look attractive.
TIP! Have a decent lighting fixture installed in all of the commonly accessed room; the new view can create a huge impact on how you view the walls and furniture. A bright room feels warm and inviting.
Simple lampshades can be very boring with no personality. You can pep up your lamp shades by getting some stencils and acrylic paint, and decorating them to your taste. You can give life to your home, as it can take away the boring environment you previously had.
You can greatly improve the safety in your home by gathering your family members and discussing safety escape routes. It is normal to panic when the unexpected happens. Determining a safe path to exit the home can help ensure that everyone remains safe. So get together and plan a route and think of all possible outcomes of each one.
TIP! Chair caning tends to sag over time, which is very natural. Thankfully, there's an easy way to restore your old caning back to its original state.
Sponge your drywall. Rather than sanding drywall seams, you should use a sponge. After a few tries, you will find a wet sponge to be just as successful in smoothing the seams of your drywall as light sanding is. With the sponge, though, you'll avoid getting all that drywall dust all over your house.
Use a straight wall mounted coat rack to display your necklaces and bracelets. Only display costume jewelry – nothing expensive. Your signature pieces of jewelry can add a personal touch to your room's decor and also keep your necklaces and bracelets tangle free. Keep your most commonly worn jewelry easy to get to.
TIP! Light colors create an air of peace and tranquility in your home. Think about what type of furniture and other things in your house are going to go good with the colors you choose.
While you want your home to run well, you should pay attention to visual details, too. Buyers will judge a home on visual appeal and may be deterred from buying if they notice something wrong. Sometimes, the most important things are invisible, but that doesn't count when you are selling the home.
Investing in your own drain snake can be a wise investment to save you money over the years. This way, it won't be necessary to spend money on drain cleaners as often as you did before. Because drain snakes can be complicated to use, it is a good idea to ask an experienced plumber to demonstrate the correct procedure. Make sure to buy a snake that is the right size for your drain or your pipe may be damaged.
TIP! Spruce up your kitchen by putting new knobs and pulls on the cabinets. Installing cabinet knobs is an easy job, but can transform a boring kitchen into a magnificent living space.
It is possible to update the appearance of your refrigerator and other appliances without spending a bundle. You many want a new refrigerator that is stainless steel even though your refrigerator works perfectly; however, this is not a good investment. Appliance spray paint is available in a variety of colors at any home supply store. This can dramatically improve the style of your kitchen in just a day's time.
When you are going to do landscaping, plan the work to go with the look of your home. When you put in a garden or patio it should look like the rest of your home, it will be better to look at and not be a conflicting style.
TIP! It's always important to check that any new lighting added to bathrooms is as bright as you need it to be. Sometimes people focus more on the fixtures and don't consider the lighting until it is too late.
Happily, the vast majority of home improvement projects are simple and easy for even a novice. But that does not mean that you can jump on a seemingly easy project without research. Hopefully, this article has provided you with the tips and information you need to get started on the road to home-improvement success. Best of luck to you as you create a more enjoyable place to live!
If your home needs many repairs, make larger renovations prior to moving in. Small projects that require painting or deal with simple aesthetics can be completed once you have moved in.


text:
Q: how to know alpine version abouut openjdk:8-jre-alpine This is my docker build file:
FROM openjdk:8-jre-alpine

MAINTAINER jiangxiaoqiang (jiangtingqiang@gmail.com)

ADD soa-user-service/build/libs/soa-user-service-1.0.0-SNAPSHOT.jar /root/soa-user-service-1.0.0-SNAPSHOT.jar
ADD script/start-docker.sh /root/start-docker.sh

EXPOSE 11004
ENTRYPOINT ["sh","/root/start-docker.sh"]

now I want to make sure the alpine version to know if it solve the dns problem.what is the alpine version of openjdk:8-jre-alpine?How to know it?Is there any way to specify the alpine version?

A: I don't understand what you mean by dns problem but the alpine-version can be check login inside the container and run: cat /etc/alpine-release

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Apple Might Be Playing Smart With The AirPower
ReviewsRUMORS
By Tobi Giwa	 Last updated Dec 3, 2019
Twelve months after the triumphant debut of Apple's wireless charging iPhones (which itself was only eight years after Palm demoed a similar system at CES), Tim Cook and his team failed to mention the feature on any of the three new iPhones, failed to address the non-appearance of the system in the intervening year, and failed to mention that AirPower was being scrubbed from the Apple.com website.
Has Apple canceled the 'magical' charging technology it presented in 2017?
An AirPower mat is seen charging multiple devices during a media event at Apple's new headquarters in Cupertino, California (Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)
There is a suspicion that Apple is facing some major issues with the AirPower system. Mike Wuerthele took a closer look at the state of play:
Apple's hands-on demonstration from 2017 showed this [free positioning and data transmission between the devices], and AppleInsider was able to put multiple devices anywhere on the pad, in any order. After doing so, the AirPower was communicating with the charging devices, and the iPhone on the pad was displaying information about the other charging devices.
Both of these factors would account for the rumored reasons behind the delays.
Isobel Asher Hamilton highlights the lack of coverage during the keynote, even though the three new iPhones support wireless charging:
Apple fans waiting to hear about the company's futuristic wireless charging mat will have been disappointed on Wednesday, as the AirPower charger did not get a single mention at Apple's annual iPhone launch event.
Finally, Chaim Gartenberg has noted the website changes:
…Apple has scrubbed almost every mention of the AirPower charger from its website, with barely any images or details to be found (the only still-live mention to the device is on Apple's legal trademark list and a note on the AirPods page about a "Optional wireless charging case (currently unavailable)").
Senior Vice President of Worldwide Marketing at Apple Philip Schiller introduces AirPower, a wireless charging system, in 2017 (Photo: Josh Edelson/AFP/Getty Images)
What is Apple saying about this? Noted Apple blogger John Gruber has come the closest to getting an official comment from Apple:
No one from Apple I've spoken to today will say a word about AirPower other than that they have nothing to say about it today. I wouldn't be surprised if it's been scrapped, and they just don't want to say so yet.
It's important to note that the iPhones equipped with wireless charging conform to the Qi charging standard (that's the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, X, XS, XS Max and Xr) and continue to work with Qi standard chargers – many of which are on sale at Apple Stores around the world. This has not been taken away.
What has been taken away is Apple's 'magical' (and proprietary) system of wireless charging that would have been faster, allowed multiple devices to be charged on a single plate, and communicated charge status and other data between devices.
It's clear that Apple jumped the gun by announcing AirPower in 2017, it failed to fix the issues, and Tim Cook was too embarrassed to stand up in front of a hand-picked audience and say "we're sorry, it's not working.
Apple AirPowerApple Charging Devices
Tobi Giwa 109 posts 0 comments
Tobi likes writing and meeting people. She believes tech can change our continent - Africa for good. Send All correspondence to info@africatechreport.com
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
DESTINATION UPDATES
Many businesses and events in the area were impacted by Hurricane Delta, Hurricane Laura, and Winter Storm Uri. Visitors and locals alike want to know who is open and how operations have been impacted, and Visit Lake Charles is working hard to assess the destination and be a go-to resource for businesses to communicate updates and the public to quickly find information. Submit your business or event updates with the appropriate link below:
Restaurant Survey
Event/Live Music Submission
Rebuilding SWLA
Highlighting humanitarian efforts as well as the positive strides that the area is making in restoring businesses, cultural assets, and infrastructure.
Business Updates - What's Open:
What is beneath this line is information that was gathered prior to the winter storm.
E-mail Angie Manning, Communications Director, at amanning@visitlakecharles.org if you have additions. The openings below have been sourced from social media of people sharing information.
Lake Charles Regional Airport is fully operational. Please check here for flight information.
Golden Nugget Lake Charles
Claim Jumper, Bill's Bar & Burger (located inside Cadillac), Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Lillie's, Landry's Seafood House, Saltgrass Steak House, Blue Martini, Starbucks
L'Auberge Casino Resort
Modern Pantry, Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill (now called Food & Brews), Ember Grille & Wine Bar, Asia, Favorites Southern Kitchen
Delta Downs Racetrack Casino Hotel
Crying Eagle Brewing Company, (Tues. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Fri. - Sat. 11 am. - 10 p.m.)
Cinemark Movie Bistro
The National Golf Club of Louisiana
Putt-Putt Fun Center
Restaurants: *Please note that business hours listed below are subject to change.
1910 in Lake Charles - Fri. & Sat. - 5 - 10 p.m.
121 Artisan Bistro in Lake Charles - Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
2 Good Sandwiches - Mon. - Wed. 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m., Thurs. 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Fri. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
A&D Soulfood Cafe in Westlake
Bayou Boards by Gabrielle, LLC in Lake Charles
BBQ West - Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. & Sun. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. *Drive-through only
BeauxDines' - 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on weekdays / 4-9 p.m. evening hours for crawfish (Mon.-Fri. & Sat. evenings)
Bertha's Catering in Sulphur - Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
The Boiling Point in Sulphur - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily
Bodega Wine Dive
The Bekery in Lake Charles - Tues. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Big Daddy's in Lake Charles - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily
Botsky's in Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
BOOMBOX Frozen Pops & Ice Cream on 2825 Country Club Rd - Tues. - Sat. 2 - 7 p.m.
B&O's Kitchen and Grocery in Sulphur - Mon. - Fri. 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Buffalo Wild Wings in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Burger King in Westlake & on Ruth St. in Sulphur
Calla - Mon. - Thurs. 4 - 10 p.m. (bar) & Mon. - Thurs. 5 - 9 p.m. (kitchen) *Open Christmas Eve
Cancun Mexican Restaurant - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4-8 p.m. / Sun. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m., indoor & takeout
Cast & Cleaver in Sulphur - 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily
Casa Ole in Sulphur - 1- 6 p.m.
Casa Mañana in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. daily
CC's Coffeehouse - Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Sun. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Checker's on Ruth St. - 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. & Cities Service 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Chez Caffe - Tues. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 1 p.m. & Sat. 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Chick-fil-A at Lumpkin Plaza - Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Chili's Sulphur - 3 - 9 p.m. daily
Cici's Pizza on Ryan St. - 4- 9 p.m.
Cigar Club in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Circle 7 Seafood & Daiquiri Hut - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Cousin's - Tues. - Thurs. 4 - 9 p.m. & 4 - 10 p.m. Fri. - Sat. (happy hour 3 - 7 p.m.)
Cracker Barrel in Sulphur - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. daily
Crying Eagle Brewing in Lake Charles - Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Crust Pizza Co. in Lake Charles - Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Dairy Barn in Sulphur - Mon. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dairy Queen on Nelson - 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Darrell's in Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat., main building 11am-10pm, to-go building 11am-4pm
Denny's in Lake Charles - 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Dippin Donuts in Lake Charles
Domino's Pizza on Lake St.
Donald's Donuts - Mon.-Sun. 4 a.m. - 7 p.m., cash only
Doughnut Hole on Ryan St. - 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. daily
Donut King on Gerstner Memorial
Dunkin Donuts on Nelson Rd, Lake Charles and S Cities Service Hwy, Sulphur
El Tapatio Dos in Westlake - Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
El Tapatio Tres in Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. & 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
Firehouse Subs in Sulphur - 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Fiery Crab Juicy Seafood and Bar Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Golden Nugget: Claim Jumper, Bill's Bar & Burger (located inside Cadillac), Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Lillie's, Landry's Seafood House, Saltgrass Steak House, Blue Martini, Starbucks
Great Harvest Bread Co. in Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Great American Cookies - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Great Harvest Bread Company - 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Mon. - Fri. & 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sat.
Green House Salad - 10:45 a.m. - 7 p.m. Mon. - Sat. & 10:45 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sun.
Hank Donuts - 4 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Happy Donuts on Hwy 14 Lake Charles - 4 a.m. - 12 p.m. daily
Hollier's Cajun Kitchen in Sulphur - Mon. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Hong Kong in Sulphur
The Hut in Sulphur - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Insane Sausages in Vinton - Fri.-Sun. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Iowa Donuts - 4 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. daily
Izzo's Illegal Burrito Lake Charles - Sun.- Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Jason's Deli Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Jeanne's Bourbon Street BBQ in Westlake - Mon. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
JoJo's China Bistro in Lake Charles - 3 - 10 p.m. daily
Ju'elles Cafe in Westlake - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
K's Frozen Delights and More in Sulphur - Mon. - Thurs. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. & Fri. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Sat. 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Sun. 12 - 6 p.m.
K-Bon's in Iowa - Mon.-Wed. 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. and Thurs.-Sat. 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Kjun Boo's Restaurant - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Kat Daddy's Drive-Thru Kitchen on Country Club - Mon. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Krispy Krunchy Chicken and Hunt Brothers Pizza in Vinton
Koozie's Drive Thru Daiquiri & Sports Bar in Lake Charles - 12 - 8 p.m. daily
Koko Ramen Poke Bowl in Lake Charles - Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
KD's Diner in Lake Charles - 7 a.m. - 11 p.m. daily (indoor, takeout, curbside, brunch)
The King of Tacos on 627 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
LA Star on Ryan
L'Auberge: Modern Pantry, Jack Daniel's Bar & Grill, Ember Grille & Wine Bar, Asia, Favorites Southern Kitchen
LaRumba (504 N. Beglis in Sulphur) - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
LeBleu's Landing Restaurant and Oyster Bar - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Leonard's Food Quarters - Mon. - Fri. 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Lil Mama's Spot in Lake Charles - Tues. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Lit Pizza - Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Logan's Roadhouse in Lake Charles - Sun. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Loggerheads Bar - Tues. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. & Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. & Sun. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Los Ponchos Mexican Grill in Sulphur - Mon. - Thur. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. & Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. & Sun 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Luna Bar & Grill - Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
MacFarlane's Celtic Pub - regular hours
Maria's Cocina Mexicana in Sulphur
Mazen's - Mon. - Fri. 5-9 p.m. & Sat. 5 - 10 p.m. (Phones are down. Make reservations through Facebook Messenger. Include the date, time, number in party and a contact number. Reservations are recommended).
McDonald's: Prien, Westlake & Cities Service
Meek's Bistro in Lake Charles - Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. and Sunday 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Melis Taqueria in Vinton - 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Mrs. Johnnie's Gingerbread House - Tues. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Nina P's Cafe - Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. & Fri. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
OB's Bar and Grill - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Outback - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. Mon. - Sun. & Dine in, Takeout & Delivery (starting at 4 p.m.)
Panera Bread - 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. daily
Papa John's in Sulphur and Lake Charles - 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Paul's Rib Shack Barbecue - Wed. - Sat. 11-9 p.m.
Peking Gardens Restaurant - Mon. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; Mon.-Thurs. 5-9 p.m. & 5 - 9:30 p.m. Fri. - Sat. (take out only) 337-602-4443 - limited menu items
Pitt Grill in Lake Charles - 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
Popeyes on Country Club Rd. in Lake Charles
Popeyes on City Service Hwy in Sulphur (Drive-Thru Only)
Popeyes on Ruth St. in Sulphur
Prime Butcher & Brasserie - Wed. - Sat. from 11:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Pujo St. Cafe - Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Pure Press Juicery Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. & Sat. 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Que Pasa Taqueria in Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers in Lake Charles and Sulphur - 10 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Raja's Curry Kitchen & Grill - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. Wed. - Sat. & noon - 7 p.m. Sun.
Richard's Boudin and Seafood Mart - Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Rikenjaks in Lake Charles - 11a.m. - midnight daily
Rosita's in Lake Charles & Sulphur - 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Roy's Meat Market Iowa - Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Rotolo's Pizzeria in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 7 p.m. daily
Round Top Burger in Westlake
The Salad Station - Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sam's Southern Eatery in Lake Charles - Mon. - Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m., to-go only
Seafood Palace in Lake Charles - Food Truck outside, Mon. - Sat. 10:30 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Shwarmas, Mon. - Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. - dine in
Soleil Cafe - Reopening Jan. 4
Stellar Beans - Wed. - Sun. 7 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Southern Blend in Moss Bluff - Mon. - Sat. 7 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Southern Spice - Mon. - Sat. 6:30 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Snowflake Donuts on Cities Service
Sonic in Sulphur on Napoleon St.
Sonic on Ryan Street - 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Starbucks on Nelson and W. Prien Lake Road,
Subway on Cities Service
Sweets & Treats - Tues. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. & Sat. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Taco Bell on Ruth St. in Sulphur
Taco Mel Taqueria in Lake Charles - Mon.-Sat. 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. and Sun. 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Tad's in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily
Texas Roadhouse in Lake Charles - 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Tony's Pizza - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Torchy's Tacos Lake Charles - 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
The Villa Harlequin - 5 - 9:30 p.m. Tues. - Thurs. / 5 - 10 p.m. Fri. - Sat. / 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Sunday Brunch
The Village Coffeehouse - Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Vintage Bakes - Tues. - Fri. 11 a.m. - 5 a.m. & Sat. 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Waffle House on Nelson and Ruth St.
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux in Lake Charles - 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. daily
Wasabi Japanese Sushi & Grill - 10:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m., 4:30 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Wayne's Deli & Bar - 10:30 a.m. - until Mon. - Sat. & 1 p.m. - Midnight Sun.
Wendy's on McNeese - 6:30 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Wing Stop on Ryan St.
Wok D'lite - Tues. - Sun. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Where is Alice P - see Facebook
Yank Sing Lake Charles 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Zeus in Moss Bluff - Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Zeus To-Go Lake Charles - Mon. - Sat. 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Hi-Licious Street Kitchen: Follow "Hi-Licious Street Kitchen" on Facebook for updates.
Prayong Thaifood: Follow "Follow Prayong Thaifood" on Facebook for updates.
JJ's Jammin Food: Broad & King St. Lake Charles, LA 11:30a.m.-4:00p.m.
Mr. Gatti's Mobile Kitchen: Follow "Mr. Gatti's Pizza (Lake Charles, LA)" on Facebook for updates
El tapatio Dos in Westlake: Follow on Facebook for updates
Ailene's Asian Grill: 2203 North Martin Luthier King Highway Lake Charles Tues-Sun 11-6
The King of Tacos: 627 Sam Houston Jones Pkwy from 11-7
ShaMy Empanadas - 1017 S Beglis Pkwy, Sulphur - Mon. - Fri. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. and Sat 11a.m. - 7 p.m.
Open Businesses:
Academy in Lake Charles
Accessory Zone at 2801 Ryan Street in Lake Charles from 10 am - 6 pm, Closed Sunday
Advanced Auto on Ryan St. in Lake Charles
Butler Furniture
Cigar Club to open on 10/13 from Monday-Sunday 11 am - 5 pm
Double G Beverage Barn in Carlyss
Evangeline Bank & Trust, 4251 Nelson Rd., (disaster relief solutions)
First Federal Bank of LA: www.ffbla.bank for times and locations as well as updates on lobbies that may be temporarily closed or open by appointment only.
Flock of Five Gift & Art Emporium
The Governor's Mansion
Hebert's on Country Club in Lake Charles
Howell Furniture
Iberia Bank
Lowe's in Lake Charles and on Cities Service in Sulphur
Marshland's in Carlyss
Misha's Pets & Dog Wash in Lake Charles
New Look Furniture & Mattress Joe (Open Only at 1115 N Martin Luther King Hwy. - 4 warehouses full of inventory ready for same day pick up or delivery 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday 337-497-1110).
Paradise in Sulphur & Moss Bluff
PhotoTek - 9am to 4pm, Mon-Fri
Stine's in Sulphur & Lake Charles
Target in Lake Charles
Tractor Supply Co. in Lake Charles & Sulphur
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211 (Info)


text:
IRELAND , JANUARY 15th , 1920 : ELECTIONS .......
....... in the 1918 General Election in Ireland , Nationalist/Republican candidates won almost three-quarters of all the Irish seats in Westminster .......
Many of those elected were still in British prisons after the 'German Plot' arrests earlier that same year (ie May 1918) . John Redmond's 'Irish Parliamentary Party' won only six seats , despite the 'backhanded' assistance given to that Party by the then British Prime Minister , Lloyd George -
- he had instructed the British Army 'Election Censors' to cut sections out of the Sinn Fein Election Manifesto , seized their leaflets and posters , 'arrested' Sinn Fein speakers and declared that the 47 imprisoned Sinn Fein candidates , including the Party leader , Eamon de Valera , should remain behind British prison bars . Before the 1918 General Election , Ireland was 'represented' in the Westminster 'House of Commons' by 103 members ,
comprising 68 'Home Rulers' (Irish Parliamentary Party , also referred to as 'The Irish Nationalist Party') , 18 members of the 'Unionist Party' (as the name suggests , in favour of the 'Union' between Ireland and England) , 10 'Independent' members and 7 Sinn Fein members .
After the 1918 Election , the political scene in Ireland was transformed .......
Why We Ended The Hunger-Strike .
The full text of the H-Block Blanket Men's statement announcing the end of the 1981 Hunger-Strike .
First published in 'IRIS' magazine , Volume 1 , Number 2, November 1981 , pages 23 , 24 , 25 and 26 .
" On March 1st , 1981 , Bobby Sands embarked on hunger-strike ; on April 9th , 1981 , 30,492 people in the Fermanagh and South Tyrone constituency elected him as their MP and by doing so they recognised him as a political prisoner and demanded that the British Government respect the mandate given by them and by the entire nationalist community on the streets by implementing the five demands -
1 No prison uniform .
2 No prison work .
3 Free association .
4 Full remission .
5 Visits , parcels and recreational/educational facilities .
The British Government , caught in the hypocrisy of their own " democracy jargon " , ignored the people's wishes and mandate . On April 23rd , 1981 , Charles Haughey , the Dublin premier , met relatives of Bobby Sands and by playing on their distress convinced them that the intervention of the ECHR ('European Commission on Human Rights') could , and would , solve the issue .
Bobby Sands' sister , Marcella , acted on Charlie Haughey's advice and signed an intervention document . The ECHR delegation came to Long Kesh and Bobby Sands said he would meet them ......."
ONE THAT GOT AWAY .......
Donegal IRA man , Patrick McIntyre - wanted by the RUC and by Gardai - was released by the High Court last month when his lawyers convinced the Court that he was not properly arrested and held by the Gardai . Tommie Gorman details McIntyre's story of two escapes and meets him 'on the run' .
From ' Magill ' magazine , June 1987 , pages 24 , 25 , 26 , 28 and 29 .
Re-produced here in 13 parts .
Shortly after eight o'clock on the morning of 6th January 1987 , Aiden Murray and other armed Detectives raided a house in Cashlings , West Donegal ; inside , they roused a young man from his sleep - he was wearing pants only and , when asked his name , he hesitated before telling them he was 'Colm McGuire' .
He requested to see a doctor and solicitor and refused to answer any further questions . Detective Aiden Murray promptly arrested 'McGuire' on suspicion of being a member of the IRA . The Gardai were back at base in Ballyshannon with their prisoner soon after nine o' clock ; they still had no official identity for him and , in accordance with his wishes , a local solicitor was sent for .
A Solicitor , John Murray , arrived and after consulting with the man in the cell , told gardai during a casual conversation that the prisoner was Patrick McIntyre of Ard O'Donnell , Letterkenny . The gardai say that minutes afterwards they received information which possibly linked McIntyre to a robbery in Ballyshannon immediately before Christmas and that they began questioning him about this crime .
By mid-morning the word was out in Donegal : Paddy McIntyre had been collared and the prospect of extradition loomed . By that afternoon , a Belfast solicitor , Pat Finucane , was contacting a colleague in Dublin .......
....... in September 1914 , the 'Irish Volunteers' split - the majority (about 160,000 men) agreed with their leader John Redmond that they should assist the Brits in the war with Germany , while about 12,000 men dis-agreed and left with Eoin MacNeill and other figures in the leadership .......
The British had their hands full with 'World War One' and , in an unusually astute decision , decided to turn a blind eye to the marches and parades being carried out by those that had left with Eoin MacNeill , a group now known as the 'Irish Volunteers / Sinn Fein Volunteers' ; as the then British Chief Secretary for Ireland , Augustine Birrell , put it -
- " To proclaim the Irish Volunteers as an illegal body and put them down by force wherever they appear would , in my opinion , be a reckless and foolish act and would promote disloyalty to a prodigious extent . " Damned if they do (because the population would resent them even more for doing so) and damned if they did'nt (as it gave the Rebels 'breathing space') . Even when the Brits are playing it 'smart' , they are'nt !
But Westminster did attempt to use the talk , the threat and the issue of conscription to their own advantage - they claimed that was the reason why the 1918 General Election returned the results it did ie 'Conscription Act' introduced in April 1918 , General Election held in December 1918 . That 1918 Election was the first 'General Election' in the 'United Kingdom' since 1910 , and new 'elements' had been added - the electoral register , for instance , was three times larger than it had been in 1910 , and included , for the first time , women over thirty and all men over twenty-one .
The Sinn Fein victory was overwhelming ; nearly three-quarters of all the Irish seats (in Westminster) were now in Nationalist / Republican hands .......
" We , the protesting Republican prisoners in the H-Blocks , being faced with the reality of sustained family intervention , are forced by this circumstance , over which we have little control at the moment , to end the hunger-strike .
After four years of continual protest , and after the failure of the Cardinal O'Fiaich / Humphrey Atkins talks , and having exhausted all other means of protest to bring about a settlement , we embarked on hunger-strike on October 27th , 1980 .
That hunger-strike ended on December 18th , 1980 , when the British Government intimated to the hunger-strikers that they would implement a workable and just solution which was forwarded to the hunger-strikers on 18th December 1980 .
In the course of the immediate post - hunger-strike period it became increasingly clear that the British Government had reneged on their commitment to implement that solution and so we were back in a pre- hunger-strike predicament and thus forced to go back on hunger-strike ....... "
Re-captured within two days after the September 1983 jail-break , Patrick McIntyre had to wait three years and three months to get a second chance ; with less than six months of his original sentence left , he was due three days ' rehabilitation parole ' as Christmas 1986 approached . The prison authorities opposed his release because the trial of the Maze escapers was pending , but McIntyre defeated their objections before the courts .
The Provisionals approved his absconding - they believed the recently introduced ' rehabilitation ' gimmick was geared to cause divisions in their structures within the prisons . By December 20th , 1986 , the RUC were looking for him but he was over the border , in Donegal , getting his hair timted !
On the twisty main road between Killybegs and Kilcar , in West Donegal , there is a white flat-roofed dwelling in the townland of Cashlings ; some Gardai consider it ' a safe house ' . Raymond 'The Rooster' McLaughlin , a well-known IRA activist , was suspected of stopping off there not long before he drowned , accidentally , in a pool , in County Clare , in 1985 . Shortly after eight o'clock on the morning of 6th January 1987 , Aiden Murray and other armed Detectives raided the house .......
....... some of those within the 'Irish Volunteers' did not agree with the pro-British 'call-to-arms' statement of its leader , John Redmond ; Eoin MacNeill , who was in a leadership position in that organisation , was one of them .......
However , in 1916 (two years after John Redmond's 'call-to-arms' to assist the British war effort) , Eoin MacNeill did something just as bad himself - he was then a Professor of Early Irish History and co-founder (with Douglas Hyde) of the 'Gaelic League' (in 1893) . MacNeill issued the " Manoeuvres Cancelled " order , regarding the 1916 Rising , which was published in 'The Sunday Independent' newspaper the day before the Rising .
MacNeill believed that the Brits were about to make a move against the 'Irish Volunteers' and this apparently swayed him into supporting an Easter 1916 Rising , but he was , for the most part , reluctant to follow that path . On hearing that the weapons on board 'The Aud' would not now be available to the Irish Rebels , and that Roger Casement had been 'arrested' by the British , he reverted to his anti-Rising position . His "..Cancelled .." Order caused great confusion within the ranks of the Rebels and , although Padraig Pearse , James Connolly and other Rebel leaders immediately issued an Order that the 'manoeuvres' which had been 'cancelled' would now go ahead twenty-four hours later (ie at 12 noon on Easter Monday) , the damage had been done - less than one-thousand armed men turned out on the day .
However - end of that particular 'tangent' ! : as a result of John Redmond's pro-Brit 'call-to-arms' (in September 1914) , the 'Irish Volunteers' split - about 160,000 men stayed with Redmond , calling themselves the 'National Volunteers' , and at least 12,000 men , who dis-agreed with the 'lets-help-the-Brits' plan , left with Eoin MacNeill and other leaders , keeping the original name of the 'Irish Volunteers' : it was this (smaller) organisation which soon became known as the 'Sinn Fein Volunteers' , a 'loose term' used at the time to describe anyone , or group , who refused to help in the British war effort .......
WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN :
war and peace in rebel Cork ,
in the turbulent years 1916-21.
By Micheal O'Suilleabhain : published 1965.
Some details about the Author , Micheal O'Suilleabhain -
The people successfully resisted the efforts to impose a foreign tongue on themselves and their children , and they countered the proselytising attempts by ardently and intensively preserving the Irish language , music , songs , games and pastimes . Micheal O'Suilleabhain is of his people - bone and tissue . Brought up in their tradition , he was a member of the Volunteers at the age of thirteen and had just reached his fourteenth birthday when the men and women of 1916 wrote the beginning of a new chapter in the history of Ireland and of the entire British 'Empire' .
During the years that immediately followed the Easter Rising he and his comrades were destined to fight a guerilla war on their native mountainsides , that was to become an important part of the pattern of the nation-wide fight for freedom . Through mountain passes and along the beds of creeks , Micheal O'Suilleabhain takes us to attack an armed 'police' patrol or to plan a large-scale engagement against the elite of Britain's specially recruited fighting forces in Ireland - the infamous Auxiliaries , all ex-commissioned Offices and , to a man , much decorated veterans of 'World War One' .
The rank smell of cordite and the smoke and dust of battle on rock-bordered roads are in this book . But in it , too, is heard the beating of the hearts of the mountainy men ; through it rings the gay laughter of its comely young women and the warm affection of parents , sons and daughters , in the mountain homes of Muskerry .
It was inevitable that Micheal O'Suilleabhain and his people should rally to the armed struggle for freedom with an all-embracing dedication . They comprehended , perhaps better than most areas in the country , the fundamental causes that led to 1916 and to the War of Independence . And from the ranks of their fighting men has come a chronicler of competence and talent to tell their story as few others could have told it .
[END of 'WHERE MOUNTAINY MEN HAVE SOWN ... - Some details about the Author'].
(Tomorrow - from November 1981 : 'Why we ended the Hunger-Strike').
After 14 months on remand in the North , Patrick McIntyre came before a judge ; he was in deep trouble , as he had signed a statement admitting involvement in the attempted 'murder' of a UDR member ('Ulster[sic] Defence Regiment' - a pro-British militia) near Castlederg in County Tyrone , in late 1977 . McIntyre refused to recognise the court , was convicted and given a fifteen year jail sentence ; Jim Clarke was also jailed for the Castlederg attack - he got eighteen years .
The first part of their detention was spent in Crumlin Road Prison - Patrick McIntyre says he was locked-up for twenty-three hours each day . A different source says " ...conditions in the Crum were relatively calm because , soon after , Republicans in Long Kesh were breaking every stick of furniture in their cells . " Patrick McIntyre amd Jim Clarke were transferred to the Kesh at a time when the campaign for retention of political status was intensifying ; they took part in the Blanket Protest and were still there during the 1981 Hunger-Strike .
The two men were together , too, among the 38 inmates who escaped from the prison in September 1983 ; sticks and screwdrivers and handguns were used and a Prison Officer , James Ferris , was killed during the break-out . Patrick McIntyre managed to stay loose for two days ; cameramen were alerted to film him and another escaper , Joe Corey , being recaptured near Castlewellan , County Down . He would have to wait three years and three months before he got a second chance to escape .......
(Readers please note - we will publish critical comments in the 'Guestbook' , providing same contains no foul language . Go raibh maith agat , agus slan go foill - Sharon . ).
....... as the leader of the 'Irish Volunteers' , John Redmond called on Irishmen to join the British Army and help in the war against Germany ....
On 20th September , 1914 , John Redmond stated - " It would be a disgrace forever to our country , and a reproach to her manhood , and a denial of the lessons of her history , if young Ireland confined her efforts to remain at home to defend the shores of Ireland from an unlikely invasion , and shrank from the duty of proving on the field of battle that gallantry and courage which has distinguished our race all through its history . " ('1169 ...' comment - what a warped sense of history and a misguided view of 'gallantry' and 'courage' that man had !)
Others , obviously , did not agree with Redmond - amongst them was James Connolly , the Irish Trade Union leader , who was also in command of the Irish Citizen Army , who answered Redmond's call thus -
' Full steam ahead , John Redmond said ,
that everything was well , chum ;
Home Rule will come when we are dead ,
and buried out in Belgium . '
Also , some of John Redmond's own men dis-agreed with his pro-British 'call-to-arms' ; Eoin MacNeill , who was then in a leadership position within the 'Irish Volunteers' , was of the opinion that the 'Irish Volunteers' should only use force against the British if Westminster first moved against them ; a bit 'watery' , definately , but he was , however , against fighting with the British .
Eoin MacNeill was to come to prominence again , two years later , in 1916 ; in a move which outraged Irish Republicans ...
Some details about the Author , Micheal O'Suilleabhain .
The Planters who drove our people from the good lands followed them into the rocky mountain valleys and formed the hard-won little holdings into 'estates' on which 'rents' were levied for the benefit of 'landlords' who lived abroad .
Even the bodies of the mountainy men and women were commandeered at the whim of the 'masters' . The wild birds of the air and all the ground game were decreed the 'property' of the 'overlords' ; a native Irishman whose greyhound chased a hare or who took a shot at grouse or snipe ran the risk of being shot by a 'gamekeeper' .
The constant struggle against the twin forces of nature and an alien 'law' , both formidable and unrelenting , failed , however , to break the spirit of the people . It destroyed neither their capacity for simple social enjoyment nor their determination to throw off the yoke of serfdom ; rather did the long years of endurance foster in them a strong tradition of resistance to oppression .......
Two of the seven men detained were from Letterkenny in County Donegal ; Patrick McIntyre of Ard O'Donnell and his pal , Jim Clarke . Patrick McIntyre is the fifth of a family of nine , who did his 'Leaving Certificate' (school examination) in 1976 and , after taking a six months AnCo (state work-training ) course , started working on a building site in Letterkenny . John McIntyre , his father , is the Editor of the 'Donegal People's Press' newspaper ; he is a large man with a passion for ice-cream and the card-game 'bridge' , who has managed to go through life without making a single enemy .
As a youth , Patrick McIntyre was , as friends describe him , a 'withdrawn kind of a lad' . His involvement with the IRA was to surprise the entire family . But he had been impressed by the 1916 plaque in Saint Eunan's College , by the sight of Derry refugees taking shelter in Letterkenny , of the (Free State) Army on stand-by near the border , by emotive speeches by politicians and by the 'Arms Trial' .
He mixed with Official Sinn Fein members in the early 1970's : they held meetings in a room over a pub in Letterkenny where local issues were discussed . But he always stayed clear of public displays - and not a word was said at home .......
....... in 1941 , the Brits were considering the 'introduction' of conscription in the Six Occupied Counties of Ireland . The (pro-British) U.S. Ambassador in the Free State , a Mr. David Gray , knew it would be a mistake ; in a letter to his 'boss' , the American Secretary of State , he wrote (on 24th May 1941).......
".... Eighty thousand Irish Volunteers in the British Army will be disaffected , there will be no material number of Nationalist conscripts , a government, a popular majority and an army inclined to be friendly to Great Britain rather than to the Axis will become definitely hostile , possibly giving active aid to Germany and most important of all the pro-British opposition will be helpless and the opportunity for dividing the country on the question of the ports will be lost for the duration .
The effect on Irish-American opinion at this juncture is not for me to estimate . This is a grave situation . " Shortly afterwards , Churchill wrote -
- " .... the (British) Cabinet is inclined to the view it would be more trouble than it's worth to go through with conscription . No immediate decision will be taken and in the meantime the less made of the affair the better . " It took , as usual , the threat of force , or force itself , before the British realised that there would be a re-action to their action . And it still does today .
However - 'tangents' as always ! : back to the earlier part of the 20th Century in Ireland - the 'Irish Volunteers' , under the leadership of John Redmond , called for Irishmen to join the British Army and help in the war against Germany .......
Against a striking backdrop of mountain , rock , river and lake , Micheal O'Suilleabhain sets the story that he has to tell . There is in his tale an interlacing thread of high drama that is neither intentional nor contrived . It comes with an articulate voice and forcible impact out of the land and the people about whom he writes .
His people live in three parishes that cover almost eighty square miles ; in this area , the small sloping fields that now grow crops and help to support livestock were won from the stony ground by hard unremitting physical labour . The quality of the soil is not good and all the fields have been reclaimed from the rock , the marsh , the bog , the heather and the brake .
The work of reclamation was done , with the worst of tools , by men and women who were driven , long ago, from the fertile inland by successive plantations . But their labours were rewarded only by further confiscations by the Planters .......
ONE THAT GOT AWAY .
On Easter Sunday morning of 1978 , seven raw County Donegal Provo recruits crossed the border to Derry City ; they had been chosen to form the Colour Party for the Easter Commemoration ceremony that afternoon , leading the Easter Parade through the Creggan and Bogside where Daithi O Conaill delivered the oration .
The 'show' over , the Colour Party members went into the Rossville Street flats , stripped off their paramilitary clothes and dark glasses and got into casual clothes . The back road from Creggan to the border had been checked and cleared , they were assured .
Some of the seven men wanted to go for a few pints and then take the bus home . Under protest , they all piled into the one car and were driven off . The joint British Army/RUC patrol which intercepted them minutes later already had photographs of all seven men taken from a helicopter during the Easter Parade .
IRA membership would be easy to prove .......
IRELAND , JANUARY 15th , 1920 : ELECTIONS ..........


Afghanistan is at the crossroads of the "Heart of Asia". Because of its geopolitical centrality, the country has been a focal point for invasion and wars. In the 1980s and early 1990s, Afghanistan was a proxy battleground for the Cold War between the Soviet Union and the United States. Since the 2000s, the country has captured international headlines for its domestic terrorism and instabilities. Beyond the headlines, in fact, Afghanistan security has emerged as one of the few areas of genuine bilateral cooperation in the often-fractious U.S.-China relationship.
Following the 2014 withdrawal of North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) combat forces from Afghanistan, China took a more pro-active role in Afghanistan affairs. Beijing began to regard the vacuum in Afghanistan as a greater security threat than the U.S. military presence in Afghanistan. Meanwhile, the U.S. came to see the Chinese aid as an effective means to stabilize the country rather than freeriding on the U.S. security provisions.
In fact, Washington and Beijing have a considerable convergence in their security and economic interests toward pursuing stability in Afghanistan. For China, the Xinjiang region shares a border with Afghanistan. Key considerations for Chinese leaders therefore include the ethnic Uighurs' splittism and terrorism in the region due to instability in Afghanistan. Moreover, an acceleration of Chinese diplomacy on Afghanistan manifests in the colossal Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). At its core, BRI encapsulates the Chinese vision of reshaping the geo-economic order in Eurasia through promoting regional connectivity. In a significant shift from President Trump's anti-globalization rhetoric and Washington's earlier wariness, at the May BRI summit in Beijing, U.S. diplomats said their country was ready to participate in the BRI projects. Matthew Pottinger, the top Asia policy adviser in the Trump administration, also disclosed that the "American Belt and Road Working Group" would serve as the vehicle for creating partnerships between U.S. companies and BRI.
On the other hand, the U.S. has reoriented its Afghanistan policy focus from military commitment to economic engagement. In May, the Trump administration resuscitated the 'New Silk Road' initiative (NSR). Proposed by Hilary Clinton in 2010, who was then the Secretary of State, NSR is a U.S.-led regional architecture focused on Afghanistan and its neighbors. Its core programs include the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) natural gas pipeline. Both U.S and China have included Afghanistan in their regional integration framework. Yet compared to the scale of investment in China's BRI, the U.S. has yet to mobilize capital to jumpstart many of its ambitious NSR projects.
Washington and Beijing have hosted or participated in numerous bilateral, trilateral, and multilateral meetings on searching for political settlement in Afghanistan. Yet most cooperative behaviors between them consist of indirect coordination. So far, the most visible joint endeavor are the projects on agriculture, training of health workers, and training of diplomats. The U.S. and China should improve operational coordination and explore new avenues to best support Afghanistan.
Currently, the challenges to long-term stability of Afghanistan are diverse. They include: a precarious security environment; shrinking economic growth; the recrudescence of terrorist groups such as the Taliban; and worsening Afghan-Pakistani relations. These issues create ample room for U.S.-China collaboration.
First, Washington and Beijing can work together to facilitate the peace process in Afghanistan. Both China and US, along with Afghanistan and Pakistan, are members of the new Quadrilateral Coordination Group (QCG) focused on the peace process. As the negotiation is at its nascent stage, the US and China should focus on establishing mechanisms for holding more formal, consistent discussions. These dialogues should aim to involve other stakeholders like Russia and representatives of the Taliban. China's unilateral efforts to negotiate with the Taliban through the Political Office in Qatar, however, have not yet yielded concrete results. Moreover, Pakistan is China's long-term ally and India is enjoying a "never been stronger" relationship with the U.S. Through carefully applying their diplomatic leverage, U.S. and China can work together to bring these two important countries to the negotiations.
On combatting terrorism, U.S. and China should increase their operational coordination and explore a security mechanism designed to manage potential conflicts along the Silk Road. In July 2016, China delivered the first batch of military equipment to Afghanistan. It contained, among others, logistical equipment, parts for military vehicles, ammunition as well as weapons for the Afghan National Defense Security Forces (ANDSF). In February this year, the U.S. war commander in Afghanistan called for several thousand new troops to break the Afghan "stalemate." Looking forward, Afghanistan can be a pilot area well suited for China, and US to test their broader counter-terrorism strategies.
Second, U.S. should join China in supporting Afghanistan's economic connectivity and development. China is committed to $100 million in BRI investments in Afghanistan. Although as noted earlier, the direction of Trump administration's NSR is uncertain, a decline in the costs of transport and communications will surely benefit American investment. Towards a more connected Afghan economy, both countries should prioritize sharing lessons and pooling resources on their infrastructure projects.
A third area of U.S.-China cooperation in Afghanistan lies in local capacity building. The annual U.S.-China Training Program for Afghan Cooperation and Reconstruction is a joint initiative that provides training for young Afghan diplomats, health and agricultural workers. In 2016, for instance, the joint Training Program for Afghan diplomats provided opportunities for 15 entry-level Afghan diplomats to receive training in diplomacy. These trilateral partnerships function as a significant confidence-building measure between U.S. and Chinese officials working on Afghanistan. They are also less costly, easier to operate. As such, U.S. and China should consider extending these joint initiatives to other areas. Importantly, assistance from Washington and Beijing must take a capacity-building orientation and follow an "Afghanistan propose, Afghanistan lead" model.
There are, admittedly, factors creating frictions between Washington and Beijing. For example, China questions the sincerity of the U.S. commitment to subsidize Afghanistan and the US remains suspicious of China's geopolitical agenda. However, Washington and Beijing should not view pursuing security and stability in Afghanistan as a "zero-sum" game, a mindset that has previously been a barrier to more widespread bilateral cooperation. While tensions between the two countries in other areas continue to nourish distrust and undermine cooperation, U.S.-China collaboration in Afghanistan has the potential to strengthen the bilateral ties.
ABIGAIL CHEN is a Summer 2017 intern at The Carter Center China Program.


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