It's no joke walking around with a fur coat on with the temperatures soaring to the nineties that's in Fahrenheit or old money for us seniors. If you've ever wondered what it's like wrap several blankets around yourself and go out there and try it. You feel as if you are suffocating in no time at all, so think what your pet feels like if they can't escape from it.

This is the point at which I usually get on my bandwagon about leaving dogs in cars, about what I would do to anyone I caught doing this in even moderately hot weather. The language is deplorable and the graphics are very bloody and involve a lot of pain, so I'm going to spare you that for the moment. Because and only because, I want to give you some helpful little tips for keeping your dogs and cats or other furry lovelies for that matter, cooler as the temperatures climb.These simple tips will help keep them cooler on even the hottest days.

If possible, let your animals come inside during the worst heat every day. Early afternoon is the hottest time of day for any living thing. Letting your cats or dogs soak up some air conditioning or even a fan for a few hours every day will keep them cool and stop your worrying. I always put them into a room on the other side of the house from the sun. The blinds or curtains in that room will have been closed from early morning although the windows will be open behind them if I have no aircon. I then place a fan in front of the open window area and let it draw in the fresh air. If your dog insists on following you around all the time and won't stay in this room then you may have to put a small barrier in their way to stop them. But I never actually close the door on them.

If they really can't come inside then they must have shelter of some kind to completely escape from the sun. And I know it's obvious but please remember that the sun moves around. They may have had some shade when you left them outside in the morning but will they still have it if you are not going to be home until late afternoon. Make sure that your pets have access to shady spots at all times. Trees are the best sources of protection from the sun. If that isn't possible, make sure that your pet can get under a covered area, such as a patio or porch.

Keep the pet's water supply cool and fresh. The water will heat up as the day passes, so either change the dish often or invest in an auto-watering system. Many models attach to your outdoor water faucet so as your pet depletes the water supply, the system adds more without overflowing or making a mess. This goes too for the water inside the house. I even put ice cubes into my dog's water during the day as he also thinks they are fun too but I do hate the crunching afterwards.

Never leave your animal in a car, even for just a few minutes. The temperature inside the vehicle quickly rises to the point where any living thing inside will either die or become very, very sick. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows down an inch or two, you're still putting your beloved pet at risk . Please do not do it. You should leave your dog at home where he can stay in the shade or inside and have plenty of access to fresh, cool water. You may feel like a bad person making them stay at home but be strong, you know it's the right thing to do for them.

Don't expect your pets to be playful or overly active on hot days. They don't need to over exert themselves any more than you do. Like humans, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat strokes. But do make sure that their water intake is good. If they appear to be drinking less than normal, try to encourage them. If they really do stop drinking then get them to the vets quickly.

Some pets love to swim. Provide these animals with a kid's wading pool so that they can cool off whenever they get too hot. You can also take your dog with you on trips to the lake or other body of water. If he loves to swim, the cool water will be great. The time he gets to spend with his human masters only makes the experience better for everybody.

You might be tempted to shave off all of your pet's hair, but this is not a good idea. The hair protects your animal's skin from the sun. The hair also helps channel cool air to your pet's skin, which helps him stay cooler. Instead of buzzing everything, trim the hair to a shorter length. A professional groomer can do this cheaply and properly. Some dogs even get sun burn on their noses, so if your dog is a sun worshipper then keep an eye out. My neighbor has pigs and horses and she is often out there putting on the sun cream, it's a real scream.

If your pet seems sick or otherwise abnormal, call your veterinarian immediately. If your cat or dog is dehydrated or is suffering from heat exhaustion, he'll need quick treatment to get well again.
My dog doesn't like the summer very much so I consider it my duty to make sure that he's as comfortable as he can be. I only walk him early morning and evening when the worst of the sun has gone. If I have to I will make him stay inside for his own good. I am prepared to be cruel to be kind because he's so important to me. Now you need to do your bit.

In this tutorial I will go over how you can make a window blinds animation, you can also do a slide show like I did in this video, or you can use the same image. Your choice.

NOTE: This tutorial will work with gimp (of course), gimpshop, photoshop, etc…

Click the link below to view my final result from the video tut.

http://a699.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/70/l_8fcce95acdefe16e45f2adb840b76022.gif

Duration : 0:8:49

More on GIMP - Window Blinds Animation Tut Part 2

And if you had bad experiences with any company, please let me know that too.
Our windows are 68", "off the shelf" blinds come in 63" lengths. Dangit.

Not sure what style of window treatments you want, because different styles have different maximumx, but this site sells blinds in custom sizes:
http://www.homedecorators.com/window.php

You should be able to find a 68" in most things, though.

I bought faux wood blinds from them several years ago, and they arrived quickly, look good, were the right size, & I haven't had any problems with them.

This year is one of the most exciting years the home decorating industry has seen in a long time. Wall papers are inspired by hand painted silk, and embroidered silk, Chinese wallpaper panels.

While buying the silk panels in 2007's colors will cost about $7 000 USD. Many companies are rushing to create affordable wallpapers that mimic the lovely Chinese pastels and bold colored focal points in deep plumbs and rich browns.

Many of this year's designs are muted. The upcoming Olympics have drawn a definite Oriental flavor into this year's designs. Decorators are seeing the simple, black and white, lattice designs appearing on everything from furniture fabric to umbrella stands.

Lifting simple patterns from ones that are more complex and creating contrasts of light grey on black, two-tone emerald greens, two-tone reds, and neutrals with a slight hint of Gold. Beige is out. Finally, the industry is exploring the wide range of browns and red browns.

The Oriental silk wallpapers introduced the west to the beauty of browns. This has shown tremendous growth in the American home decorating industry who included elements from nature, and gave the colors and designs a simplistic, elegant, flavor.

This is expressed through the combination of leather and fabric, or hand made furniture. However, while many home made products are replacing the 'Ikea' feel accessories, the folk-art and country classic look is definitely dead.

If you do not shop in New York, or have access to high-end decorating items, then you can create a similar theme by employing bamboo and rattan, dead branches painted plum red, and polished metal. A room may take a bit of 'trial and error', but a touch of Feng Shui techniques will help all novice home decorators create the 2007 theme.

Keep furniture at a minimum. Bulk is out. All those people who ran out and bought huge, overstuffed furniture, will have a hard time creating the warmth and 'home' atmosphere that is needed to update their home. Bistro tables have replaced kitchen dinette sets. Tall counter chairs replace stools, anything that removes any 'formal' setting in the dinning areas.

Homeowners who have never been able to afford heavy drapery with a flannel liner and weights, will smile at this year's newest innovation. Simple room dividers create small places, and they become perfect sliding glass door and window screens.

This is great news for apartment and condominium dwellings. The 'less bulk' and simplicity now lets apartment and condominium decorators create the perfect 2007 trends. The bolder plumb reds, deep silk hue browns, and natural motifs open up space.

Remove the blinds and shutters from windows and glass doors. Replace them with a black and white screen. A better idea is to make your own with a single strip of silk as the screen. Homes do not need a hand painted silk panel on the wall to create the 2007 theme. Instead, invest in a 8 ½ strip of expensive silk, preferably hand painted, and make a window screen or room divider.

The last element of the new trend is to use wallpaper as art. A short wall decorated by a strip of decorative wallpaper - or better yet, grass paper - will replace ornate artwork and large paintings. Those who can afford silk wall panels, a single wall is all the artwork a room needs to create the 2007 theme.

Introduction

In six short sections, we'll help guide you towards making informed choices on buying the plasma TV you need for your home theater or living room, tradeshow application, business or retail display, or executive and corporate boardroom.

The sections in this Buying Guide are arranged in an order and progression that we feel is most helpful in imparting key information towards a plasma TV purchase. First, we'll take a look at the kind of environment in which you are setting up the plasma display. Next, we'll see what kind of content you intend to watch on the TV and what sort of A/V devices you'll be using to determine the plasma type for your needs. Then, we'll check out important plasma specs you should know about and installation issues to pay attention to. Lastly, we'll take a quick look at pricing and other cost issues that you may want to consider.

Ready? Let's begin.

The Plasma TV Environment

Calculating the Correct Distance In setting up the environment for your plasma TV, a primary consideration is to determine the screen size to match the floor plan or available space where the plasma will be displayed.

Plasma monitors are measured diagonally across the screen, just like any other television set. You can typically choose from the following sizes: 32", 40", 42", 46", 50", 61", or 63". Bigger is not always better, and a certain distance must be maintained between the plasma TV and the viewing area for optimal viewing experience. Sitting too far away diminishes the overall impact. Sitting too close, however, could also present its own problems as when you start seeing the screen's "structure"; i.e., the dots or pixels that make up the plasma display. The right distance depends on the size of your TV.

- For 32" to 37" TVs, 6 to 10 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 42" to 46" TVs, 10 to 14 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 50" TVs, 12 to 16 feet from the screen is needed.
- For 60" and larger TVs, at least 15 feet of space from the screen is needed.

In determining the appropriate TV size for you, you should also consider the space required to install the unit itself. When recessing a plasma display unit, allow at least 3 inches of open space at the top of the unit and adequate ventilation space of at least 2 inches behind it as well. Remember, too, that most plasma displays do not have built-in speakers, so you'll need to allow space enough to attach speakers.

Viewing Angles: More on TV Placement Viewing angle is another factor that affects the viewing experience. Today's plasma TVs offer viewing angles approaching (and sometimes exceeding) 170 degrees. This is much better than viewing angles for LCD displays and rear-projection TVs, and the wide viewing angles for plasma displays translates to a bright, clear picture for anyone in the room no matter where they're sitting.

Room Lighting and the TV Picture Lighting is also important in the area where your plasma TV is set up. Plasma TVs generally do a fine job in rooms with regular indoor lighting, but optimal viewing may not be possible in areas with too much direct sunlight. Thus, windows that let in direct sunlight should have easily adjustable blinds or curtains that can eliminate reflections off the screen. Light from a window behind the TV also makes it difficult for the eyes to adjust to the very brightness of the screen, and window treatments are recommended in such cases. A little bit of controlled background lighting could also be helpful, as the background light gives the black portions of the picture a deeper, darker look.

Altitude May Increase Noise Levels If you live in Denver, Santa Fe or other areas above 6,000 feet, be aware that some plasma displays may start exhibiting operational noise. This is due to increased pressure on the gases contained in the glass substrate of the plasma, a phenomenon that makes the unit work harder to cool the display element. Check to see if the manufacturer has a maximum altitude rating if you are setting up the plasma in high-elevation areas.

What You Can Watch on Your Plasma TV

You can choose between HDTV (High Definition TV) and EDTV (Enhanced Definition TV) for your choice of plasma display. Which type you prefer depends on the kind of material you intend to watch on the plasma.

EDTV is the perfect entry point into digital television, with a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio and an image resolution that is 200% better than today's analog televisions. On the other hand, HDTV has up to four times the resolution and colors compared to EDTV, offering the ultimate visual and sound experience.

At present, only a limited number of programs are broadcast in true high-definition format (all major networks broadcast HD counterparts to their regular analog-signal broadcasts). In fact, if you plan to use a plasma HDTV for regular TV programming, you may be surprised to find that regular TV programming may even appear slightly worse, as the big screen exaggerates the flaws in standard TV programs. DVD images from most of the currently available DVD titles on the market today also do not fare as well on true HD plasmas. In fact, these DVD images appear better on EDTV plasma units, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display.

Why bother with a High Definition TV at all, you may ask? Because HDTV, paired with a true High-Definition or high-quality source, can produce truly stunning images. With a progressive-scan DVD player paired with, say, any of the recently released HD-DVD or forthcoming Blu-ray DVD titles (encoded in true HD format), your plasma HDTV can come to spectacular life and bring out unrivaled image quality. And as more TV programming becomes available in High-Definition format with the looming of the FCC deadline for switching to all-digital broadcasting, plasma HDTV sets will have more TV content to show. One thing's for sure: Your HDTV won't be obsolete anytime in the next few years.

Devices for your Plasma TV

With today's plasma TV models, almost all of them will have multiple inputs that allow connection of various devices, with 32" or larger screens having inputs for connecting six or more different A/V components. Which video components do you have now, and which do you plan to add in the future?

At the very least, you'll probably want to connect your antenna or cable box, plus a DVD player and perhaps a VCR. Other possibilities include a satellite TV receiver, video game system, or TiVo hard disk recorder. And if you use a camcorder, you will definitely want a set of front-panel A/V inputs on your new TV.

The newer plasma TVs will include digital inputs such as HDMI or DVI, which can accept HDTV signals from your cable box or satellite (and even some DVD players) in an all-digital format. Some plasma TVs also include a VGA or DVI PC input, which allows your plasma unit to pull double-duty as a PC monitor.

Connection tip: If you route your video signals through your home theater receiver, you can connect even more video sources. Most home theater receivers provide Composite Video inputs and outputs to enable video switching, making it easy to choose from among your video sources. If yours does, you may be able to connect your video components to your receiver, which will then send the selected video signal to your TV. Many receivers have S-Video connections as well, and some even include Component Video switching.

Plasma TV Specifications When comparing plasma TV sets, it's important to know what to look for to make sense of the specifications you're presented with. Below is a quick rundown on the necessary specs that you need to weigh before making that all-important purchase decision.

Resolution: Resolution is a determining factor in selecting a plasma TV. Do you want HDTV or EDTV? HDTV, with a resolution of at least 1024 x 720, is the ultimate visual and sound experience, but what is available for viewing on HD is currently restricted to a few HD channels on cable, as well as the newly emerging and necessarily few DVD titles from the HD-DVD and Blu-ray DVD formats. On the other hand, most of the currently available DVDs actually play better when viewed on EDTV, because the image resolution of a widescreen DVD (nominally 740 x 480) more closely matches the actual resolution (852 x 480) of the EDTV plasma display. Choosing the type of plasma TV that you want, therefore, is a question that should be considered along with the type of content you frequently watch or will be watching on your plasma.

Inputs: A plasma television should work with any existing video component with standard A/V, S-Video, or Component Video outputs. In addition, most plasma TVs have DVI or HDMI connections for use with high-definition sources. Some plasma TVs also have VGA input connections that allow them to be used as monitors for a PC. At the minimum, look for the following specifications on a plasma connection: DVI-I or DVI-D, Component, RCA or Composite, and S-Video. Take into consideration your current component set-up such as your satellite system, cable box, DVD player, and external stereo components and see what kind of inputs or connectors they use.

Tuner: Check your plasma to see if it is HD-ready or HD-integrated. An HD-ready plasma TV is essentially a monitor that needs an external tuner source before it can function as a TV. An HD-integrated panel has a tuner built into the set and is ready for use. If you receive your HDTV programming via cable or satellite instead of over-the-air, you may not need a tuner at all, as you will be using the set-top boxes provided by your cable/satellite service to receive HDTV programming. Check with your cable or satellite providers for more details. Some cable/satellite companies do away with set-top boxes and provide their subscribers with cable cards instead. Check with your cable/satellite provider if they provide cable cards and the cable-card type that they offer, and then check the specification on the plasma for cable card slots.

Contrast Ratio: Contrast ratio is the measurement that determines the variation between the whitest and darkest parts of the image. This is an important specification, since plasma TVs with a low contrast ratio will make dark images look muddy and gray while making light images look washed out. A good measure of contrast ratio is 1,000:1 or higher. Anything less than 1,000:1 especially on a set that is 42" or larger may not provide optimal viewing experience.

Brightness: Without sufficient brightness, your image will look muddy and soft even in a dark room. Viewing distance, screen size, and ambient room light will also affect the need for more brightness capability. A brightness rating listed at 550 cd/m2 or higher is good, but don't get bogged down with the technical number listed. Instead, make sure that the screen is bright enough for your needs as you conduct your own visual inspection.

Panel Life: Look for a minimum of 60,000 hours of panel life in your plasma specifications. This is the rating on how long it would take before your panel has half the brightness compared to when it was new. A 60,000-hour spec translates to approximately 20 years of viewing at 8 hours per day. (This approximation may vary, depending on the source and type of content, settings, environment, and use of your plasma TV.)

Anti-burn-in/Pixel Shift: Burn-in refers to the remnants burned on to the screen after a static image has been left on the plasma for a long period of time. To minimize or prevent burn-in, determine if the plasma panel utilizes burn-in protection, such as power management settings, full-time picture or pixel shift (both vertical and horizontal) technologies, or automatic screensaver functions.

Speakers: If you plan to use an external surround sound system, you won't need audio speakers, but most plasma TV sets include speakers that rated anywhere from 7-12 Watts Pre-amp which is much better than that of conventional TVs and sufficient for most viewing. Check your plasma's specifications to see if it comes with speakers and if the speakers are removable.

Universal Remote: A universal remote can take the place of having one remote, so that it controls all the various components of your TV system, such as the DVD player, audio, cable/satellite etc. If you plan on buying a universal remote, check to see if it's supported by the plasma set of your choice to make sure the plasma accepts universal remote devices.

Power Consumption: Power consumption for plasmas range from 240 watts to over 500 watts, If you're concerned with how much energy a plasma set may use, check its specifications to determine power consumption. Units tend to have higher wattage requirements as the screen increases. A good rule of thumb is to compare similar-sized units together; units with higher wattages tend to use inferior components as a rule.

Installation and Mounting Options

There are basically two options for installing a plasma TV: Displaying it on a table stand, cart, or similarly equivalent horizontal surface; or hanging the Plasma TV (on a wall or from a ceiling, using wall mount fixtures).

One of the major benefits of plasma TV is the flexibility of mounting and installation options that are available. However, because of the sheer size of the TV, mounting presents its own sets of issues that need to be taken into account.

For wall (or ceiling) mounting, you will need two people (ideally), with at least one having enough experience to determine the strength of the wall, what is behind the wall, and the proper hardware to use; e.g., anchors, screws, etc. The last thing you need is to have your new Plasma TV fall off the wall and smash into bits because of improper wall mounting. Professional installation is highly recommended in this case.

Below are various TV mounting options you might consider:

Table Stands are popular for displaying plasma units. These units, however, are not one-size- fits-all appliances. Sometimes one is included with the TV itself; other times you have to purchase the stand separately. Most consumer-oriented plasma TVs come with their own matching table stand, used whenever there is enough tabletop space to support the TV. These units are custom-made to manufacturers' specifications, as each plasma display has its own requirements on how the stand fits the plasma. The table stand allows for maximum flexibility, as nothing is permanently affixed to the wall. (Add graphic)

Plasma TV Carts are typically used in business applications for trade shows and in-house presentations. Table carts are often used in a courtroom setting or to mobilize up to the edge of a boardroom table for maximum visual presentation. The table cart may include a platform for placing a DVD player, laptop computer, or VCR. (Add graphic)

Flat Wall Mounts maximize the space-saving benefits of plasma technology. This is generally the least expensive option, and it adds less than two inches to the total depth of the plasma unit. It is used in home theaters, living rooms, or company boardrooms to achieve and maximally offset the sleek appearance that plasma displays are known for. (Add graphic)

Tilt Wall Mounts let you place your plasma TV above eye level, keeping the unit out of the way but allowing it to be readily viewable from anywhere in the room. A tilt wall mount typically allows 15 to 20 degrees of tilt (depending on the brand of the wall mount). This option is often used to install plasma displays above fireplaces and in bedrooms, and is also used for overhead displays in retail or industry (with or without an attached ceiling bracket). The tilt wall mount adds from 4 to 6 inches to the depth of the mounted display. (Add graphic)

Articulating Wall Mounts use swivel arms to render the plasma unit flush with the wall and out of the way when the unit is not in use. Pulled out, this mounting device allows you to turn the display 120 degrees to either side and as much as 10 degrees up or down. It adds between 3 or 4 inches to the depth of the plasma mount (depending on the manufacturer of the wall mount), and is used for maximum flexibility in sports bars, library studies, and commercial display operations. (Add graphic)

Ceiling Mounts enable you to mount your plasma TV where you want it in case a wall isn't available. This option is generally coupled with a tilt mount, so that the display can be adjusted downward for easier viewing. Lengths of ceiling mount poles vary according to customer needs, but standard lengths are from 24 to 43 inches. Ceiling mounts are usually used for airport displays, checkout counters, hospital rooms, and bedrooms. (Add graphic)

Pricing and Other Costs

Plasma TVs are expensive, but they do fall into a few distinct categories. Below is a rough guide to retail and online pricing for plasma units (current as of this writing, May 2006).
- $1,000 to $1,500 buys you a plasma TV up to 42"
- $1,500 to $3,000 buys you a plasma TV up to 50"
- More than $3,000 buys you a plasma up to 65"
Also: - Under $1,500 buys you a refurbished EDTV plasma
- Under $2,000 buys you an EDTV plasma
- More than $2,000 buys you an HDTV plasma

In addition to the cost of the plasma TV itself, you may want to factor in the price of accessories, such as cables, surge protectors, additional audio equipment, furniture, and room treatments to arrive at a realistic cost outlay for your plasma TV purchase.

Lastly, be aware of "standard" charges that apply to your purchase: a sales tax when the TV is bought at a brick-and-mortar establishment; shipping charges (especially if the TV is bought online); and delivery and/or set-up charges. Check and compare the manufacturer warranties for various plasma TV brands; extended warranties are always extra.

I have custom blinds on all my windows and all but one is now lopsided. The dogs tore at the strings only on one side.

I would like to know if anyone knows how to repair them or restring them? I called several places and it would be cheaper for me to replace them…I don't want to.

Teach the dogs to play with the strings on the other side.

If you're about to change the interior of your room, certainly, it has a lot of work to do. You can start in changing the color of the walls and ceiling for the delight of your eyes to see. Then, you can rearrange the current positions of the bed, chairs, and tables. You can also bring additional decorative stuffs on the wall and to the windows.

With regards to the windows, if you had enough of the style, you can be able to bring it back to life. By giving your window the needed additional value, a vertical roller blind is the answer.

Vertical roller blinds simply not add value but also beauty to your restyled room. Vertical roller blinds are also an inexpensive mean to finally decorate and redesign your room. For you to choose, roller blinds are available in different kinds of materials and can provide the alternative way for using shutters and curtains.

Specifically, vertical roller blinds can give improved light control than having horizontal blinds to your window room. Also, vertical roller blinds are steadier than setting up your window with horizontal blinds. Since vertical roller blinds can be opened in sideways, roller blinds can work not only to your window room but also for your doors in the home. Vertical roller blinds can be opened from the middle or from the side. In combining your vertical roller binds with a sliding glass door, it can do great wonders in restyling your room.

The vanes of the vertical roller blinds of your choice can be made from aluminum, fabric, faux wood, or vinyl. In choosing of what kind of material, it will depend to what is will suit on the new idea of your room.

Vertical roller wood blinds will fit if you have some wooden furniture in the room. Roller wood blinds can come in different colors and several wood tones. Due to that wood blinds have their natural look and improved insulation capabilities, it can cost you more. For you to know, roller wood blinds need more care than aluminum or vinyl blinds.

Vertical roller blinds that are made of fabric material can be also an option to your room. Due to the fact of their opacity, roller fabric blinds don't stop the light totally from going through your room. So it can give a spectacular effect in combination of shade and light entering your room. Vertical roller blinds can be operated by either of a cord or safety wands. Safety wands nowadays are more popular as they function in precise and is more durable than cords.

So in fixing your styled new room is up to you. With vertical roller blinds of your choice, your room will never be the same again.

Window blinds are easy to install and are functional additions to your home. The following installation is for inside or outside mounted window blinds.

Duration : 0:4:34

More on How to Install Horizontal Window Blinds

Discount wood blinds are a really a stroke of good luck for the buyer. The prices are only 25% of what are normally charged. The discount wood blinds come in a variety of widths beginning at 2 and going to 1 inch. The finest hardwood and basswood are used. Express Basswood window blinds come in 5 colors, the American Hardwood is offered in 16 colors and the Designer Basswood has 15 colors. This alternative to more expensive high-grade wood is only $7 more than other unique forms of blinds.

The comparative prices of blinds for windows 24" x 36" are impressive:

2" Designer Basswood is $37
2" American Hardwood is $48
2" Express Basswood is $45
1" Designer Basswood is $48
½ "Express Basswood is $57

Some other forms of blinds come in the form of Roman blinds. These are much wider between pleats. Sometimes they are 6-8" wide and they draw in at the top with one disappearing under the one above it. There are woven blinds made from woven Mylar, which provide a durable, economical and beautiful solution. In terms of light control, they are excellent providing total ultraviolet and visible light protection. These are vital in the control of damaging light. Such man made blinds are used in museums of rare art where light can cause irrevocable damage. Other uses for these blinds are in wards where those who suffer from severe burns are recovering. Light must be kept from the patients until they are at a more advanced recovery stage.

Other models of blinds, which are similar to discount wood blinds in cost, are those made of fiberglass and of plastic. These we have used for the last twelve years and would not have any other kind of window covering. There are several reasons why we have been satisfied with our Levolor blinds. They provide color but give us privacy and reduce the temperature in the summer. In the winter, they have kept our home appreciably warmer and have reduced fuel costs accordingly. They provide another security barrier across the windows, which is difficult to navigate if you are a burglar entering through a window. We received ours, over twelve, as a gift from my mother.

The next set of blinds we get will be discount wood blinds because they cost the same as other economical types of window blinds. The natural glow of wood will provide a new kind of beauty and aesthetic to our home. Meanwhile, they will continue providing us with physical security, needed insulation in our older home against extreme heat and cold, privacy and a darkened room in which to sleep in case we have the night shift again. Something else, I have always admired blinds. When I was stationed with the United States Army in West Germany, we lived on the German economy in a small town named Hauendorf. The house we rented had "Rouladen" or "Roulades", which were exterior roller blinds constructed of aluminum. I enjoyed the security they gave during the winter. Here we can afford the next best thing the beauty of natural discounted wood blinds.

I just got new retro-fit windows in my house and I love them! But now my old blinds don't fit anymore. That's okay because I was ready for a change anyway.

I would like to order white wood or faux-wood blinds for many of the windows. Where is the best place to get them? I have looked at blinds.com and that looks good, and I am thinking about having Budget Blinds come out and give me an estimate.

Has anyone had any good or bad experience with either of these companies, or any other nationally operating companies? Thanks for any suggestions!

Try Smith + Noble (.com) they have very good selections and are very reasonable; and have decent quality. Where budget companies skimp is on cheaper hardware, no header (the piece at the top that hides the hanging hardware); and poorer retract mechanisms, and fewer coats of lacquer/paints. Try & get a sample of the blind material sent to you if you oder on line so you can look & feel it & compare it to others.