Construction Junction

We have a place in Pittsburgh called Construction Junction. Construction Junction collects used and surplus building supplies. Their products range from lumber to hardware to cabinetry. On yesterday's trip, some items of interest included: museum cases form the Carnegie Natural History Museum, church pews, slate tiles, and antiques molding and hardware.

Pictured above is one of two giant chandeliers that seemed to be from some grand place like the William Penn.

My bargain purchase was an outdoor gas light for $25.

William Byron Grover Update

This is a recent picture of William. He will be 7 months old this week (March 2).

We think he looks like he is a golfer in this picture.

Extreme (Not Really) Kitchen Makeover

I love the charm of my retro "upgraded" 1950's kitchen (my house was built in 1929). I love the little cupboard where the milkman used to leave fresh milk, the fold-out ironing board and table, the chute for the incinerator, and even the old metal Geneva cabinets.

The Problem: Notice the range in the above picture. It might not seem small, but it is very small. It is 20" to be exact. I cannot turn a cookie sheet sideways. Worse than that is the way that it bakes. Even after calibration, I cannot bake anything well in this oven. It is so small that it bakes everything really fast on the outside and not enough on the inside. I have tried moving the racks and reducing the temperature, but nothing seems to work. It would seem that the easy solution would be to replace the range. Not so easy, though. In order to create more space for a larger range, the dishwasher needs to be pulled out and some of the metal cabinets removed as well. All of this, of course, involves removing the stained, ugly counter top. The Solution: My big brother Scott, builder of fine homes. Everyone should have a dad or brother who can and is willing to help out with things like this. The Design: Thanks to some online (Yeah, DSL and FiOS!) and phone consultations with interior designer, Leanne Dunlap (not to mention friend and former roommate), we found a way to update the kitchen, retain, and even enhance its existing retro charm. It all came together when Leanne suggested black and white checkerboard tile flooring.

The appliances come first. They had to be stainless steel. Let’s look at the range. Maytag – double oven for bread and pies. I just like the look of this one, and Consumer Reports seemed to give Maytag decent ratings.

The Range hood will be a new addition.

Above the range hood, I am placing this Ikea shelf. I plan on hanging vintage diner coffee mugs from the hooks. I don’t have the mugs picked out yet, but I will know them when I see them!

The dishwasher: nothing fancy, but it has to be better than the one I have now.

A new cabinet for the sink will look something like this. I am not yet settled on a door design. Here is a link to the manufacturer if you would like to vote on a design. The color is definitely white, though. Prestige Cabinets. I am keeping the single bowl stainless steel sink and replacing the faucet. Scott said he hasn’t met a stainless steel sink yet that can’t be made like new with a little elbow grease. I am still looking at faucets.

The counter top shown above is close to the color I am looking at currently. After a great deal of research and comparison shopping, I am going with the very inexpensive prefab counter top from a “big box” store. I just could not justify the cost of the much more expensive solid surface counter tops.

The Icing on the Cake: Inspiration struck yesterday as I was doing some online shopping. I want to get a retro chrome diner bar stool.

If I can, I would also like to look at replacing my current microwave stand, but I am not sure it will fit in the budget right away. I would also like to say goodbye to the ugly 1970’s white track lighting that adorns my ceiling. I will be sure to take and show you the “makeover pictures”. Scott is looking at his calendar now to see when he can pencil me in. Don’t I have a great brother?

Sonic Teenager Deterrent

BREITBART.COM - Britain has new weapon against loitering youths -- Sonic Teenager Deterrent I hardly know what to think about this. On the one hand it makes laugh, but on the other hand I find it troubling that we have resorted to such indirect tactics of dealing with issues.

Visit to the Jacksons

Newport, Arkansas AR I had a fantastic visit with Matt, Krisitn, Daniel and Maggie Jane Jackson. We ate in quaint little diners that seem frozen in time, conducted an auto tour of historic homes and sights in Little Rock, made crafts with Daniel's kindergarten class at Castleberry Elementary, and mostly enjoyed great conversation. I can't wait to go back!

The Little Rock Nine

The Little Rock Nine One of the highlights of my trip to Arkansas to visit with Matt, Krisitn, Daniel, and Maggie was a trip to Central High in Little Rock. Central High was the sight of the the infamous clash between former Governor Orval Faubus and the federal government's movement towards desegregation in public schools that was a result of the Brown v. Board of Education, Topeka, Kansas. Looking through the time-line of the student's school year, reading the remarks of both sides, and seeing the images of hatred in the museum provoked an appropriate sense of solemnity and respect for the courage of the Little Rock Nine, their families, and community. It is a good thing to study the mistakes of our past in order to better understand our future. I also believe that by learning more about people who gave up so much for the sake of freedom and democracy, we can grow in appreciation, and perhaps have a greater sense of debt to participate in democracy today.

Much of You

Here are the words to a Steven Curtis Chapman song (from All Things New 2004) that I have been meditating on recently: Much Of You Verse 1 How could I stand here And watch the sun rise Follow the mountains Where they touch the sky Ponder the vastness And the depths of the sea And think for a moment The point of it all was to make much of me Cause I'm just a whisper And You are the thunder and Chorus I want to make much of You, Jesus I want to make much of Your love I want to live today to give You the praise That You alone are so worthy of I want to make much of Your mercy I want to make much of Your cross I give You my life Take it and let it be used To make much of You Verse 2 And how can I kneel here And think of the cross The thorns and the whip and the nails and the spear The infinite cost To purchase my pardon And bear all my shame To think I have anything worth boasting in except for Your name Cause I am a sinner And You are the Savior Bridge This is Your love, oh God Not to make much of me But to send Your own son So that we could make much of You For all eternity Tag I want to make much of You Much of You Jesus

Vacaction

For the few who stop by the blog, I will be on vacation from tomorrow until the following Monday. I am not sure when the next post will pop up. I am visiting friends in Arkansas and hoping to have my stereotypical image of the state dismantled.

Scranton withdraws from GOP race for governor

Scranton withdraws from GOP race for governor Lynn Swann moved one step closer to obtaining the Pennsylvania GOP nomination for gubernatorial candidate today as former Lt. Governor Bill Scranton withdrew from the race as he came to terms with Swann's surging momentum and his own declining momentum.

Super Celebration!

Click the images to enlarge.

Stay Tuned! Super Bowl XL Victory Parade Plans Announced; Details Inside

ThePittsburghChannel.com - News - Super Bowl XL Victory Parade Plans Announced; Details Inside Stay tuned for updates from tomorrow's big parade. I am taking the afternoon off and meeting friends for the big show!

One for the Thumb

Official site of the Pittsburgh Steelers - Home Page Yeah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Are We Seeing the Start of a Muslim and Judeo-Christian War?

FOXNews.com - U.S. & World News - Leaders Appeal for Calm in Muslim Cartoon Protests

One of my disappointments with President Bush has been his consistent public defense of Islam. Recently later in the State of the Union address, President Bush referred to Islam as a "noble" religion. The last year has given us an even more clear picture as to how great a divide exists between Islam and Christians, and for that matter Jews. Let's recap some of the violence that has marked the Muslim world for the last year:

• Iraqi insurgents (IED's, kidnappings, murders)
• Weeks of rioting in France
• Rioting in Australia
• Iranian nuclear defiance, and even perhaps provocation
• Current Mideast violence over satirical cartoons
• The persecution of Christians in Muslim countries
• The election of Hamas in Palestine

The question begs to be asked, "Is a Muslim and Judeo-Christian war avoidable?" Can peace really be achieved through democracy? Look who was elected in free elections in Palestine, Muslim extremists who are notorious for terrorism and who clearly have a mission of annihilating Israel. So, if through free elections, Muslims choose violence and the alienation of Israel, the United States , and our allies, is war avoidable? We would all like to hope so, but I am not convinced it is avoidable. What is currently occurring with religions reminds me what happened with feminism in America. Feminists tried to eradicate the differences between genders to achieve equality. Recently, it has come to light that instead of freeing women, this line of thinking has only imposed greater bondage. The differences between men and women are undeniable. Pretending they weren't there was as foolish as denying the differences between Islam with Christianity. The differences are there. It is not that Christians are better than Muslims; each are born equally depraved. The difference lies in which religion is true. My hope is not for the annihilation of Muslims, but the reconciliation of Muslims through faith in Jesus Christ. We do not serve our Muslim neighbors by leading them to feel as though their religion is the same as our religion or by calling it noble. Imagine the joy our Muslim neighbors could know if they only knew the truth and good news that their salvation does not need to be earned by them by that it was available through Jesus.

No school, no books, no teacher's dirty looks - Feb 2, 2006

CNN.com - No school, no books, no teacher's dirty looks - Feb 2, 2006 A new fad in home education has been found called "unschooling". It seems a bit like Montessori schooling at home. Zero structure. The kids learn what they want, when they want. I am wondering how parents submit affidavits and learning objectives for this type of schooling? I am also wondering how the kids fare on standardized tests or in environments that require structure? The funny part of the whole story was not the elephant in the room, the lack of learning plans with measurable objectives, but that public educator's chief complaint with the movement is the lack of socialization!

Advice from an Old Friend

Look Up!

Do you belong to that class of persons who really profess Christian faith and Christian obedience, and are you trying, however weakly, to follow Christ in the midst of an evil world? I think I know something of what goes on in your heart. You sometimes feel that you will never persevere to the end, and will some day give up your profession of faith. You are sometimes tempted to write bitter things against yourself, and to believe that you have no grace at all. I am afraid there are myriads of true Christians in this condition, who go trembling and doubting toward heaven. However, in spite of all their groans and doubts and fears, they do not turn back, but press on, though faint.

Now, my advice to all such persons is very simple. Pray every morning and evening of your life, “Lord, increase my faith.” Cultivate the habit of fixing your eyes more simply on Jesus Christ, and try to know more of the fullness there is laid up in Him for every one of His believing people. Do not be always pouring over the imperfections of your own heart, and dissecting your own sins. Look up! Look more to your risen Head in heaven, and try to realize more and more that the Lord Jesus not only died for you, but that He also rose again, and that He is ever living at God’s right hand as your Priest, your advocate, and your Almighty Friend.

- J.C. Ryle

Swann Wins Republican Committee's Straw Vote

WPXI.com - News - Swann Wins Republican Committee's Straw Vote My guess is that not only is Swann a qualified and appealing candidate for the Republican nomination for governor of PA, but a little Steeler mania due to Super Bowl XL can't hurt him, either! Swann is a noted philanthropist and successful business man who seems committed to both fiscal and social conservative values.

Happy Groundhog Day

I can't believe that I spent 4 years within a half an hour drive of Punxsutawney Phil and never made it up for the grand event! Anyway, Happy Groundhog Day!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, William Byron Grover!

February 2, 2006 marks Williams 6 month birthday. He is celebrating his third tooth. We celebrated this week by enjoying a new toy (Mozart's Magic Cube - he loves music), watching the State of the Union (his dad says he has to study presidents so that he will know how to act), and petting Buddy.