Curio Cabinets - Curious to Display Your Collection?

The word "curios" is derived from the word "curiosity" and it serves as a good description for this furniture type. Curio cabinets are crafted with glass doors and, sometimes, glass sides. They are designed to show up to three sides of the objects put in them. It is an artful piece of furniture designed to exhibit, highlight and boost artful objects.

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Curio cabinets are a very useful place to keep all your dear treasures in one place without the fear of loosing them. It has a pleasure in itself as it showcases your favorite things and souvenirs to friends and family. However, they can be used for several other purposes. These cabinets can also have the honor to hold your family heirlooms - such as, grandma's silver comb and grandpa's gold pen.

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Curio cabinets help in keeping all the precious valuables clean. They don't let dust attack them and therefore you can keep all the antiques in their proper position for a very long time. Whether you need a contemporary display cabinet or an antique, and whether you want to display a treasury collection or a random variety, a curio can be a wonderful piece in your house.

There are many types of curio cabinets that are available to add to your home décor. They can differ in sizes and shapes, material they are made from, and even their weight and quality. These cabinets are available in round shapes, rectangular (which are most common), large ones and small ones, table top curios and even wall hanging curios cabinets. You can select them as per your requirement.

A curio cabinet does not solely give the user an ideal place to show their valuable collections but also to provide more space to each room. There are many other advantages of display cabinets. They are listed as follows:

*- It is a dominating piece of furniture that drives the complete ambiance of the room. Its solid wood structure and polished finish gives the whole room a touch of elegance.

*- It helps in organizing a lot of objects without any effort. Decoration items that can create chaos in the room by messing it up, give an elegant and exciting look by being displayed in curio cabinets.

*- There is a large variety to choose from. Their different shapes and sizes let everyone decorate this furniture in their homes according to the space available.

Check out the Steve Silver Company collection of display cabinets to find the right piece to display your prized possessions.

*- Steve Silver Boulevard Dark Merlot Curio Cabinet - crafted in a contemporary style, this cabinet is made of hardwood solids and finished with dark merlot polish. It has large glass door display with three glass shelves and two storage drawers.

*- Steve Silver Deluca Dark Merlot Curio Cabinet - this cabinet is a reflection of sleek, sophisticated yet contemporary inspired profile. It is constructed of hardwood solids and polished with a dark Merlot finish. It has two glass doors and side display to showcase your collectables. In addition it has four storage drawers and three glass shelves as well.

*- Steve Silver Alyssa Complete Curio Cabinet - Simplistic style, warm wood tones and contemporary design, all come together in the Alyssa collection. It has brushed nickel hardware and warm cherry finish and veneers. It has additional drawers for storage and a glass door and side panels for display.

Curio Cabinets - Curious to Display Your Collection?

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Decorative Drapery Hardware 101

Drapery hardware is more than just a means to hang your draperies or curtains; it is also a decorative element for your home. Decorative drapery hardware includes rods, finials, holdbacks, rings, and decorative brackets. Decorative rods can also be traverse. You want to consider the color, finish, and material of the rods. Finials add the perfect touch of elegance, whimsy, humor, and finish to your beautiful window treatments. All of these choices will affect the overall beauty and decorative theme and balance of your home.

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Rod

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Drapery rods are usually mounted 3" - 4" above the window. If you desire a layered look for your window, choose a double bracket that mounts one rod right in front of another. You can also use a standard curtain rod with a small projection underneath a more decorative rod on the outside to achieve the same look.

Traverse Rod

A traverse rod is a rod with a mechanism by which attached draperies can be drawn with a pull cord. A two-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to the left side and right side of the window. A one-way traverse rod pulls the draperies to either the left or right side of the window. Decorative traverse rods are used with top pleated draperies and pin hooks.

Finials

Finials can be considered window jewelry. They give windows a wide range of looks. Metal is more contemporary, while wood provides warmth and a more traditional feel. You might even consider glass finials to complement sheer fabrics.

Holdbacks

Add another finishing touch to your window with holdbacks. It's a beautiful way to coordinate accessories.

Rings

Rings are an easy way to attach curtains to the pole. They help panels slide along the rod easily while bringing decorative elements to the window. Rings have either a clip that you clip onto the drapery or they come with an eyelet and you use a drapery pin through the eyelet to hang the draperies.

Decorative Brackets

Use decorative brackets as a bracket for wood or metal rods, as scarfholders or as decorative shelf brackets.

Other Uses for Decorative Drapery Hardware

o Use decorative brackets for towel rings in the bathroom.

o Use any combination of decorative rods to display tapestries or wall hangings.

o Use finials as holdbacks at sides of windows.

o Mount decorative finials across top of window and drape scarves across or loop tab tops on finials for an innovative look.

o Use metal holdbacks as decorative towel hooks in the bathroom.

Decorative Drapery Hardware 101

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How to Create a Shabby Chic Kitchen

Shabby chic kitchens are now one of the most sought-after kitchen styles, in the modern world; especially in country properties. However it is not by any means a new look since it originally evolved in the mid-twentieth century, when it became a popular method of creating an acceptable and charming way of decorating as money was tight after the second world war.

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The essential element that conjures up the shabby chic look is a timeless elegance where furniture does not have to match, just so long as all your pieces have an inviting, slightly worn look, and are closely related in colour or tone. True shabby chic in your kitchen should reflect the grace and beauty of a bygone era, when life was simpler and altogether more natural.

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Shabby chic kitchen styles are characterised by a rural style comfort coupled with old world whimsy. The décor, which is normally based around white, off-white or very pale unobtrusive colours such as soft greens, pale blues, pale yellows or muted beiges, should look effortless and completely uncontrived.

Before setting about creating this well-loved style take a good look round your kitchen and consider the existing style in terms of wall colours, cabinets, appliances, work surfaces and even cookware. Also take note of the size and layout of the room to determine if there is enough floor space to accommodate additional pieces or the necessary wall space for additional cabinets or shelves. If not, begin thinking about how you could change the current look to achieve a more rustic feel. Newly painted walls and certain paint effects on furniture, along with the right accent pieces will help change the whole look your kitchen.

In the main most kitchen walls are best painted in plain or lightly toned white to maximise the amount of light, however for something a little more unusual you could also try painting your walls in a pattern of wide pastel and white stripes. If however you prefer wallpaper, to make your kitchen appear more homely, it is best to choose a muted floral pattern, especially roses or tiny bunches of daisies or forget-me-nots.

Do bear in mind though that endearing as old fashioned wallpaper can look it should not even be considered if your kitchen doesn't have proper ventilation to stop it getting overly steamed-up when cooking; otherwise you will soon be re-papering!

Concrete, grotesquely tiled or tacky linoleum floors are a complete anathema to the shabby chic kitchen style so they will need to be replaced with something more in keeping with your new soft and natural look. This of course can be a major and expensive undertaking, so if you don't want to completely replace your kitchen floor you can simply add lots kitchen mats or rugs in muted pink, blue, green, or floral designs; just be sure to choose colors that complement your walls and existing flooring.

Plain wooden floorboards can be given a new lease of life by being sanded and varnished to prevent splinters in bare feet! They can also be stained in a 'natural' wood colour but be careful that you don't go too dark and make you kitchen feel grim and gloomy. Very pale wood may be stenciled in an interesting design before varnishing, but do ensure that the design ties in with your existing colour scheme. A clever floor design could be used to emphasise a special feature such as an old couch, a favourite rocking horse or a freestanding butcher's block.

Kitchen furniture and cabinets can be decorated in a number of exciting paint finishes, which is then distressed in varying degrees depending on just how truly 'shabby' you want your kitchen to look. If you are not sure how to go about the distressing process simply dial up 'How To Paint Shabby Chic Furniture' on the internet and you will find plenty of information and even videos on Youtube.com that cover the subject in depth.

To avoid an overly modern look you should always replace any current hardware on kitchen cabinets and door furniture with something more appropriate, such as glass or vintage ceramic knobs; which will indeed look so much more authentic. You can often find just what you need on Ebay or you could try scouting round some of the more reputable building reclamation yards. Sometimes it is worth buying old cabinets or doors just to lay claim to stunning or unique door and cupboard accessories.

If your current kitchen appliances don't look remotely right in your new kitchen, you can have them repainted to match everything else, as fortunately companies do exist that will repaint appliances. Alternatively, if you want to replace the appliances altogether, there are also companies that sell retro style appliances.

Don't forget to give your kitchen a light and airy window treatment. Curtains, rather than blinds, are an excellent way to emphasise the shabby chic look especially dainty floral prints, held in place with antique tie-backs. For a cleaner, unfussy look you could also use cotton nets slung over pine poles or even pure lace, draped across just half the window.

Be aware that one of the joys of shabby chic style is that it utilises less than perfect pieces, so do check out jumble sales, garage sales and even skips for discarded items. Someone else's rubbish may just be the perfect display piece for your shabby chic kitchen. A tart-up with a pretty paint finish or some floral material can give new life to many a neglected treasure.

The right accessories will simply 'make' your shabby chic kitchen so these should be chosen and placed very carefully to give the right effect. This stage of achieving the shabby chic look is rather like planting a country garden, in as much as it should all look entirely natural and as if it has just happened by chance.

However as any skilled gardener will tell you it takes quite a bit of forethought and planning to create just the right uncontrived look. Exactly the same will apply to your kitchen but, being careful not to over-clutter working space or surfaces, you can easily develop the shabby chic feel simply by applying a little imagination, time and effort and the best of all it won't cost you a fortune.

Some really great additions to your kitchen can include distressed corner shelves for old battered recipe books, Victorian chamber pots for plants, early spice racks, embroidered hand-towels and homespun linen on wrought iron hooks, well-worn oven gloves, 1950's tin canister sets and cookie cutters, granny's wash board, sepia framed photos, Imperial kitchen scales, a rose patterned china tea service, vintage wooden boxes and serving bowls, old baking trays, copper pans, fish kettles and of course lots and lots of fresh flowers.

Finally do remember that the true shabby chic look is only achieved by being understated, so you don't need to have every single item in your kitchen distressed, miss-matched or floral. Sometimes less is definitely more and it is also vital that your own personality comes into play to make your dream kitchen particularly special and unique to you.

How to Create a Shabby Chic Kitchen

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Cool and Innovative Branding - The Forbidden Fruit of Information Technology

Today the Apple brandmark stands for innovation, reliability and cool products. It reflects functionality, balanced with product beauty. The company has managed to turn the box of wires hidden in the study into a "must-have" lifestyle item. Few people realise that we could have had iPod and iPhone mobile digital devices (iPod and iPhone) and iMac computers (iMac) 10 years earlier. Still fewer people realise how Apple is going to change their lives and affect their future.

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Chased out of paradise through the Windows of Bill Gates

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In the late 1970s, Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak created the Apple Macintosh, commonly shortened to Apple Mac, the first commercially successful personal computer to feature a mouse and a graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced gooey) instead of a command-line interface.

In the early 1980s, Jobs was among the first to see the commercial potential of the mouse-driven GUI. Jef Raskin, an Apple employee, who envisioned an easy-to-use, low-cost computer for the average consumer, wanted to name the computer after his favourite type of apple, the McIntosh, but the name had to be changed for legal reasons. The brandmark, an apple with a bite taken out of it signifying the tasting of the forbidden fruit, truly delivered just that. In 1985, the combination of the Mac, Apple's LaserWriter printer and Mac-specific software such as Aldus PageMaker, enabled users to design, preview and print page layouts complete with text and graphics - an activity which would become known as desktop publishing (DTP). Initially, DTP was unique to the Macintosh (yes, there was life before Microsoft and Bill Gates), but eventually became available to IBM PC users as well.

The company's substantial market share dissipated in the 1990s as the personal computer (PC) market shifted towards PCs that were IBM-compatible when Microsoft started running its Windows operating system (Windows) instead of the outdated and cumbersome MS-DOS operating system (MS-DOS). For many serious computer enthusiasts, Windows was seen as a rip-off of Apple's operating system, compliments of Mr Gates. That did not stop Bill's appetite; The Microsoft Internet Explorer Internet browser (Internet Explorer) is another rip-off - this time with Netscape as the victim.

In 1988, Apple sued Microsoft and Hewlett-Packard for infringement of its copyrighted GUI, citing the use of rectangular, overlapping and resizable windows. Unfortunately for PC users worldwide, the case was decided against Apple after four years, as were later appeals. I say unfortunately because the world would have been a better place if Apple had been allowed to become the dominant desktop computer. Imagine what life would have been like if we had the iPod, iMac and iPhone 10 years earlier!

In 1998, Apple consolidated multiple consumer-level desktop models into the "Bondi Blue" iMac G3 all-in-one, which was a massive sales success and revitalised the Macintosh brand. One of the first products made under CEO Steve Jobs since he left the company in the mid-1980s, it brought Apple back into profitability. Its translucent blue plastic case, later in many other colours, is considered an industrial design hallmark of the late 1990s. By introducing colour, Steve Jobs shifted the paradigm from Henry Ford's (Gates/Dell) famous statement that you could have any colour as long as it was black (grey) to any colour you wanted. Companies treated Apple Macs as a fashion accessory. Receptionists displayed iMacs on their desks, regardless of the suicide blonde (dyed by her own hand) receptionist's own computer literacy.

Apple's focus on design has allowed each of its subsequent products to create a distinctive identity, and Steve Jobs famously declared that "the back of our computer looks better than the front of anyone else's." The iMac was recognisable on television, in films and in print. This increased Apple's brand awareness and embedded the iMac in popular culture.

The iMac and other Macintosh computers can also be seen in various movies, commercials, and TV shows (both live action and animated). The iMac has also received considerable critical acclaim as the "Gold Standard of desktop computing". Forbes magazine describes the original candy-coloured line of iMac computers as being an "industry-altering success".

The "blue and white" artistic look was applied to the Power Macintosh. The later iMac and eMac computers were accompanied by a new design, dropping the array of colours in favour of white plastic. Current Mac systems are targeted mainly at the home, education and creative professional markets, and use aluminium enclosures. Today many PCs are more design-conscious than before the iMac's introduction. Multi-shaded design schemes are now quite common and some desktops and laptops are available in colourful, decorative patterns.

Apple's use of translucent candy-coloured plastics inspired similar designs in other consumer goods. Grilling machines, portable electronics, pencil sharpeners, video game consoles and peripherals (including the Nintendo 64, which was released in special edition "Funtastic" colours), featured the translucent plastic. Apple's introduction of the iPod, iBook G3 and iMac G4, all featuring snowy white plastic, inspired similar designs in consumer electronic products.

In recent years, Apple has seen a significant boost in sales of Macs. This is due, in part, to the success of the iPod, a halo effect where satisfied iPod owners purchase more Apple equipment. iPods have recaptured the brand awareness of the Mac line that had not been seen since its original release in 1984. From 2001 to 2007, Mac sales increased continuously on an annual basis. In October 2007, Apple reported a shipment of 2 164 000 Macs, exceeding the previous company record for quarterly Mac shipments by more than 20%.

The ability and option to run Windows on the same hardware means that the much larger Windows software base is not excluded. Apple have made their technology more accessible and reduced some of the resistance to change that the PC Windows users might have felt. In the first quarter of 2008, Apple Mac computers made up a total of 66% of all computers sold above US 000 and 14% of all computers sold. Market research indicates that Apple draws its customer base from a higher-income demographic base than the mainstream PC market.

Steve's new job in paradise

Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Apple Inc and the former CEO of Pixar Animation Studios, is a quirky, individualistic Silicon Valley entrepreneur, emphasising the importance of design while understanding the crucial role aesthetics play in public appeal. Steve Jobs himself can be seen as a large part of Apple's branding success. Steve Jobs is Apple. Some brands use superstars - Apple used Steve. His work in driving forward the development of products that are both functional and elegant, has earned him a devoted following.

Today, Apple computers are recognised for their innovative, easy-to-operate GUI and reliability, which includes resistance to viruses. This is due to a smaller user base, which equates to a smaller target. In addition, in the average hacker's code of ethics, Microsoft is seen as the baddies, and Linux and Apple as the goodies, resulting in fewer viruses being targeted at Apple's operating system.

Moreover, Apple computers did not suffer from the Y2K syndrome because someone used his noodle when writing the code for the date line. I think Y2K was a case of Revenge of the Nerds. The fact that countries where very little was spent on tackling the Y2K bug (such as Italy and South Korea) fared just as well as those that spent much more (such as the United Kingdom and the United States) has generated a heated debate on whether the absence of computer failures was the result of the preparation undertaken or whether the significance of the problem had been overstated.

In recent years, Apple Inc has branched out, introducing and improving upon other digital consumer electronics. With the introduction of the iPod, iTunes application program and the iTunes Store, the company has made forays into consumer electronics and music distribution. Apple focused its development on the iPod line's unique user interface and its ease of use, rather than on technical capability. The Apple iPod, like the iMac, has become a fashion accessory and is sold alongside lipstick, clothes and other fashion goods. For Valentine's Day 2009, Apple Online Stores offered free engraving on the iPod which comes in nine vivid colours with a curved, all aluminium and glass design.

Teenagers think it is the ultimate status symbol that outclasses all other MP3 players and Apple's famous brandmark is often displayed on vehicles, signifying the owners' status as an iPod owner. iPods have won several awards, ranging from engineering excellence, to most innovative audio product, to fourth-best computer product of 2006, and PC World says that the iPod line has "altered the landscape for portable audio players". Several industries and companies such as Sony Ericsson and Nokia are modifying their products to work better with both the iPod line and the AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) format.

In addition to their reputation as respected entertainment devices, iPods have also become accepted as business devices. Government departments, major institutions and international organisations have turned to the iPod line as a delivery mechanism for business communication and training - Duke University in the United States has provided iPods to all incoming freshmen since 2004.

Interestingly, in 2006 analysts downgraded Apple's forecast earnings, citing the market saturation of the iPod as the reason. They were wrong; in April 2007, it was announced that Apple had sold its one-hundred-millionth iPod and, by September 2008, more than 173-million iPods have been sold worldwide, making it the best-selling digital audio player series in history, with a market share of 73%.

 In 2007, Apple entered the cellular phone business with the introduction of the cool iPhone, a multi-touch display cellphone with a magnificent user interface, iPod, and Internet device. The Apple iPhone, like the iPod, rivals all competition such as the geeky Blueberry and the H◊@$& Windows something. Damn, I can never remember Hdpt Tytn and had to look it up on Google. Judging from the geeks' blogs and the rapid decrease in market share, it is no surprise: the Hdpt Tytn abortion runs on Windows Mobile software (Windows Mobile) developed by Bill's army of self-absorbed pizza-gobbling techies and Window Washers.

 There are currently more than 25 000 applications available for the iPhone and even an application called Kindle for iPhone. It supports Amazon's Kindle, a software and hardware platform developed by Amazon.com for reading e-books and other digital media. No other smartphone is capable of this, so now you can read a Kindle e-book on your iPhone.

 In 2001, Apple entered the retail market with its first Apple Retail Store, dealing in computers and consumer electronics. As of February 2009, Apple has opened 251 Apple Retail Stores worldwide, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and China.

The stores carry Apple computers, software, iPods, iPhones, third-party accessories and other consumer electronics such as the Apple TV. Many stores feature a theatre for presentations and workshops, the Studio for training with Apple products, and all stores offer a Genius Bar for technical support and repairs, as well as offering free workshops to the public.

Every Apple Retail Store has a variety of highly trained staff members for specific tasks. A Concierge performs assorted customer service tasks, a Specialist answers technical questions about Apple products, as well as third-party accessories, and a Genius at the Genius Bar diagnoses issues with Apple products, as well as making repairs or providing replacement services. Creatives provide training sessions on a variety of Apple professional software for music composition and film editing. All Geniuses and Creatives are trained and certified at Apple headquarters in the USA.

Store openings have become special events among avid Mac users, attracting thousands of customers who line up before daybreak or even the night before. The first thousand customers receive a free T-shirt bearing the store's name. Apple has received numerous architectural awards for its store designs. Testimony to the company's innovative visual design philosophy and standards is one of the most striking Apple Retail Stores situated on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The glass cube containing a giant suspended Apple brandmark is the only portion of the Apple Retail Store rising above plaza level. Once inside, customers take a central cylindrical transparent glass elevator or surrounding spiral staircase to the sales floor below.

The Apple Retail Stores also give the company an ideal platform to glean some valuable input directly from the customers visiting their stores, such as their likes, dislikes and suggestions. Before the advent of Apple Retail Stores, this information was traditionally passed on from a third-party reseller and was often inaccurate, incomplete and distorted.

The forbidden fruit back on the shelf

Microsoft groupies should take note that, at the end of 2008, Apple Mac computers had a market share of 14% of all computers sold and iPhone sales surpassed Research In Motion's (RIM) BlackBerry sales of 5,2-million units in late 2008 after being on the market for less than two years. Apple iPod has a market share of 73% of all MP3 players sold. For the final twist of the knife now that it has been pushed in nice and deep, Mozilla's Internet browser, Firefox (the Phoenix that rose out of the ashes of Netscape's demise by Microsoft's Internet Explorer), has increased its market share to 23,3% in August 2009. Apple's Safari application program (Safari) has a market share of 4,1%. As a result, Microsoft Internet Explorer's market share plummeted to 66%, the largest loss since 2008 and in spite of the launch of Internet Explorer 8 in March 2009.

Apple Mac computers have always been reliable and innovative, and have the world's most advanced operating system, but potential customers only discovered this after owning an iPod or an iPhone. These two products are less than half the price of an Apple Mac computer and have exposed the customer to Apple products' legendary brains and beauty. This has created the halo effect that inspires people to buy and try Apple's other products, such as the MacBook (Apple's version of a laptop) - currently responsible for most of Apple's increasing market share - and Internet browser, Safari. Slowly the world is demanding and is being allowed a taste of the forbidden fruit.

With Goliath firmly in David's sights, it is no wonder Steve Jobs was listed as Fortune magazine's Most Powerful Businessman of 2007, which named Apple Inc the most admired company in the United States in 2008 and in the world in 2009.

 The one thing that Bill with all his money and power would love to copy the most, but this is sadly lacking at Microsoft, is Apple's brand equity: the Apple brandmark that stands for cool innovation and reliability. Sorry Bill, fortunately, this time around it is intellectual property and you may not touch it. This brings me to the Macintosh clone issue. By 1995, Apple Mac computers accounted for about 7% of the worldwide desktop computer market. Apple executives decided to launch an official clone programme to expand Macintosh market penetration. This entailed the licensing of Macintosh ROMs (read-only memories) and system software, which generated quick revenue for Apple during a time of financial crisis.

Would you buy a Hackintosh?

Soon after Steve Jobs returned to Apple, he backed out of the recently renegotiated licensing deals with Mac OS operating system software (Mac OS) licensees, as they still proved to be not financially viable. The clone makers' licences were valid only for Mac OS 7 and, with Apple's release of Mac OS 8, the clone manufacturers were unable to ship current Mac OS versions. Apple bought Power Computing's Mac clone business for US0-million, ending the clone era.

 Wikipedia reports that: "Jobs publicly stated that the programme was ill-conceived and had been a result of 'institutional guilt', meaning that for years, there had been a widely held belief at Apple that had the company aggressively pursued a legal cloning programme early in the history of the Macintosh, consumers might have turned to low-priced Macintosh clones rather than low-priced IBM/PC-compatible computers. Had it pursued a clone programme in the 1980s, in this view, Apple might have ended up in the position currently occupied by Microsoft - an extremely powerful company with high profit margins and a wide base of consumers perpetually dependent on its system software products.

Jobs claimed it was now too late for this to happen, that the Mac clone programme was doomed to failure from the start, and since Apple made money primarily by selling computer hardware, it ought not engage in a licensing programme that would reduce its hardware sales.

 Subsequent to a major gain in computer market share for Apple after the success of the iPod, large computer manufacturers such as Dell have expressed renewed interest in creating Macintosh clones. Apple vice-president of Worldwide Product Marketing, Phil Schiller, said the company did not plan to let people run Mac OS X on other computer makers' hardware. "We will not allow running Mac OS X on anything other than an Apple Mac," he remarked.

 However, modified versions of Mac OS X v10.4 and 10.5 called Mac OSx86, can be used on generic PC hardware. In April 2008, the Psystar Corporation announced the release of a computer with Mac OSx86 preloaded, called the OpenComputer, making them the first commercially distributed "Hackintoshes". In July 2008, Apple filed a lawsuit against Psystar. A counter-suit filed by Psystar Corporation was dismissed in November 2008.

In December 2008, Psystar Corporation filed revised claims and, in May 2009, Psystar Corporation filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, which would allow the company to pay off its debts and re-emerge as a business in the future. In spite of this, the company continues to sell its computers with Apple's Mac OS X Leopard installed. Would you buy a Hackintosh from them?

 Der PC mit Mac OS X (the PC with Mac OS X) is the slogan of PearC, a German firm which exploits an alleged legal loophole in German law allowing PC hardware to be sold with Mac OS X pre-installed in central Europe. Its brandmark is a clever pass-off of the Apple brandmark. The design is a pear complete with a stem and leaf (positioned in the opposite direction to that of Apple) at the top of the fruit. End-user licence agreement for Mac OS X forbids third-party installations of v10.5 Leopard and v10.6 Snow Leopard and we will have to wait and see what action Apple will take in future.

 So why doesn't Apple want to run the successful and popular Mac OS X so superior to Windows on other computer makers' hardware? The clue is in the words of Apple's Phil Schiller: "... and since Apple made money primarily by selling computer hardware, it ought not engage in a licensing programme that would reduce its hardware sales." Apple has taken a long-term view on the market as a whole: the company does not restrict you from owning Mac OS X but it comes with the Apple hardware. The same applies to other hardware and software vendors, such as Garmin.

However, Apple's Mac is the only hardware that can run Mac OS X and Windows.

This is the heart of the brand's unique special property or proposition (USP) that makes it uniquely valuable to existing and future customers. This ability now allows the customer to have the best of both the PC and Mac worlds. In time, with Apple's increasing market share (which could result in a reduced price), its growing reputation for great designs and its reliable hardware platform that runs stable operating systems including Windows, customers will increasingly migrate to Mac computers. Thanks to Apple, there is indeed a brave new world waiting for us.

Apple, Apple TV, eMac, iMac, iPhone, iPod, iTunes, LaserWriter, Leopard, MacBook, Macintosh, Mac OS, Safari, Snow Leopard and are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Inc, registered in the United States and other countries.

Internet Explorer, Microsoft, MS-DOS and Windows Mobile are trademarks or registered trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.

The author respects the intellectual property of others and all trademarks and registered trademarks contained in this article are and remain the property of their respective owners.

 This article is an independent publication and has not been authorised, sponsored or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

Cool and Innovative Branding - The Forbidden Fruit of Information Technology

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Simple Plans For Building a Greenhouse

Taking a DIY approach to building a greenhouse means saving a whole heap of your hard earned cash. There are a whole range of different styles of greenhouses that you can build, each with it's own unique characteristics. This article gives you a basic overview of these, and directs you to the next logical step to starting construction.

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The Arch/Hoop Greenhouse

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This large greenhouse design is also one of the cheapest and simplest to build. The main construction material is PVC pipe, which you can buy inexpensively in any hardware store. The base of the structure comprises of either treated pine, or another water or rot resistant lumber.

The Hot Bed Greenhouse

If you don't require such a large structure, a simple, small alternative is the "hot bed" greenhouse. It looks a bit like a small rabbit cage, and is relatively low to the ground. On the top of the structure are 2 large hinged doors, which give you easy access to your plants. The main building material is wood.

The Victorian-style Greenhouse

This is the premium style of greenhouse. It's big, tough, and will provide you with as much space as you want. It has a high interior ceiling, with walls made of either polyethylene plastic or glass. If you want a greenhouse that is both practical and aesthetically pleasing, this is the one for you.

The Grow Rack Greenhouse

If you've only got a small backyard, the grow rack may be for you. It's got quite a small base, but stands tall like a refrigerator. Inside are 5 or 6 shelves where you can place all kinds flowers, or vegetable and fruit plants.

Simple Plans For Building a Greenhouse

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Simple Repairs to Increase Home Value

Home repairs not only make your home more comfortable, but also a good way to increase its value. Many people put off doing repairs due to the expensive hiring of contractors to do the job. However, you can do simple and less expensive repairs. The areas you need to focus on are your bathrooms, kitchen, general appearance and cleanliness of your home and the yard. Below are some simple repairs you could do for your home:

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1. Painting is one way of increasing your home's value. It is good to do a fresh coat of paint on both the exterior and interior or your home. You can purchase interior paints at your local home depot or hardware for twenty dollars or less per can and exterior paints a little bit more. Painting does not only make your home aesthetic but increases its equity as well.

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2. Upgrade your kitchen and the kitchen appliances. Ensure that all kitchen appliances match and most importantly, that they work well. If you mostly have black appliances with one exception such as a white piece, try to consider buying a black to match. You should seriously consider buying energy-efficient appliances that uses ten to fifty percent less energy and water than most appliances. Repaint your kitchen walls to give it a fresh feel. Wash the walls around the sink and stove to ensure that you do not paint over stuck on grease and food. Replacing cabinets and knobs will surely increase the value of your home. You can purchase them at your local hardware. They are inexpensive and easy to install.

3. Another important area that will boost your home's equity is the bathroom. Upgrade and modernize your bathroom by simply replacing towel racks and the light fixtures to make them look more modern. Replace your faucet with unique and modern one. You can re-groute the tiles around the shower and the tub to give your tiles a new appearance and a fresh look to your shower. You can also install a new showerhead. You can choose among the many showerheads available, depending on your preference.

4. Do extra touches on your yard. If you have not, try landscaping since this definitely soars up the price of your home. Your investment is worth every single penny spent. If you have a landscaped yard already, consider making it look freshly maintained and planted. Keep the grass mowed and prune the bushes. Replace dying grass with a new sod. You can also add decks, wooden swings and even a fishpond to your yard. Keep wooden swings power-washed and sanded and re-stain your deck to help make the backyard look new and well kept.

5. Make plenty of storage. You can look around at home improvement stores for hanging organizers for the pantry and bedroom closet organizers. You can also add drawers, wire shelves and rods to the bedroom closets. A door-hanging wire storage rack for the pantry allows more storage for foods like cans, freeing more space for bagged and boxed foods. If you have a garage, find organizers made for the garage to help organize your equipment and tools.

6. Go around your and make sure everything is attached and secured correctly. Broken stairs and falling off railings can be a big problem when it comes to the value of your property. Make sure your home is spotlessly clean from the inside and out.

These simple home improvements can help increase the value of your property when you get it ready to sell later on. Remember, that simple changes can create an illusion of a new and fresh home. So, increase the profit potential of your home by making these simple and easy repairs today!

Simple Repairs to Increase Home Value

Glass Shelf Hardware

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Updating Your Tired Kitchen Cabinets

By now, having lived with a set of cabinets in your kitchen, you will know what you wish you had--more space for coffee mugs, a way to show off your stored china, greater depth for serving platters and large dishes, a special design for spices, etc...Designers will say all sorts of things about revamping your kitchen cabinets from making them the same size to whether or not to install glass. You should update your kitchen cabinets to suit your needs; make them as functional for your use as possible.

Glass Shelf Hardware

True--you want your cabinets to look stylish, but this can be a secondary concern. When thinking about cabinets for your kitchen, consider how you use your kitchen. Do you wish you have a glass cabinet next to the refrigerator? Do you need a cabinet installed with a lift for your heavy mixer? Do you need a more shelves within the cabinet? Perhaps you could do with a floor to ceiling cabinet to serve as a pantry? Whatever your needs, consider these before anything else--you can then design to suit them.

Glass Shelf Hardware

Once you know where you want your cabinets as well as how deep, how many shelves, which ones require special features like lifts of lazy Susans, you can consider materials and style. Wood cabinets are used in kitchens for their warmth and durability. Of course, there are many wood choices to consider. If you want painted cabinets, it will not be necessary to purchase mahogany, for instance, but you will want wood with as few knots as possible to make for an easy paint job; it need not be an expensive choice--just a durable one. Plywood is a more affordable option and a good choice if you plan to paint or decorate in some other way.

Consulting a carpenter may be necessary if you plan to install cabinet doors with glass panels. Many designers preach against glass because it shows untidy cabinets. However, if you are organized and want to show off your lovely dishes or china, glass paneled doors are a beautiful option. Additionally, glass doors will allow you to show off the interior of your cabinet walls--you may want to wall paper them or employ a decorative design. Simply painting the insides a light color such as ivory will provide a light and airy style that unglassed cabinets cannot provide.

Speaking of light, you may want to install lighting features within some special cabinets--the one that shows off wedding china for example or your floral teacup collection. Be sure to fit your cabinets with other useful features like hooks for hanging mugs and handled cups, for example.

If you cannot install brand new cabinetry, there is nothing wrong with updating what you already have. Again, paint gives cabinets a fresh start. Whether a single color or a decorative combination of colors and techniques, painted cabinets are a happy alternative to wood grain. You may even want to consider a decoupage arrangement of fruit, flowers, vintage adds, etc...Additionally, resurfacing existing cabinetry is like a facelift giving your cabinets a fresh look. Many different veneer styles are available at local home improvement centers.

Finally, give your choice of cabinet hardware careful thought. There is a vast array of choices available--anything from porcelain knobs to pewter handles, wood grips to glass pulls. These, too, can help revamp the look of your cabinetry and make for an excellent update. Be sure you like the feel of them, because you'll be using them on a daily basis, and just like the cabinets, they need to function for you and your family.

For more cabinetry ideas, check online or at local home centers to see what styles might work for you.

Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd

Updating Your Tired Kitchen Cabinets

Glass Shelf Hardware

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