A Buck a Week

The term "allowance", or its linguistic equivalent, has a universal meaning for children the world over. Almost every parent bestows an amount of money upon their child at particular intervals, the most common being once a week. Motives vary; some do it with a view to establishing fiscal responsibility at a young age or as a reward for chores completed during the week. I would imagine, however, that most see it as a means of putting an end, however brief, to the incessant and desperate strings of "Can I have? Can I have? Please, Please, Please" that flare up at every stop in a supermarket or convenience store.

My folks definitely fell into that category. In fact, my sister and I receiving an allowance at all only came to be from something of a "Keeping up with the Jones'" stimulus as our interacting with other primary schoolchildren made us realize what we had been missing out on. They conceded, and my sister and I anxiously awaited the appointed Friday to receive our first allowances.

I was handed a one dollar bill. So was my sister. You could cut the anti-climax with a dull butter knife.

At first, I thought this was to be a graduated-scale kind of arrangement. You know, I'd receive more maybe at the start of the next school year. I'd only have to endure a short period of being the light-load one of my friends on our weekly jaunts to the corner store. Only a matter of time until I didn't need to nurse my Lik-M-Aid and Big League Chew so as to not deplete my sugar booty before they did.

It never happened. My pittance stayed just that until I got my first paper route at 13, at which point in fact the weekly allowance came to a stop entirely. It was somewhat an issue of contention - I distinctly remember lying to other schoolkids when they asked how much my allowance was. The shame I tell you.

The thing is, in our increasingly expensive world I imagine a great many of you have self-imposed "allowances" in much the same way I have needed to enforce them upon myself. I have a fairly rigid number to which I am "allowed" to spend every two weeks in order to steer well clear of mortgage, student loan and car payments, bills, groceries etc. In much the same way I hoped for the two-buck stipend all those years ago, I'm hoping this new allowance can be discarded sooner rather than later.

For those similarly restricted and needing to furnish a new home, I sincerely recommend a visit to www.cymax.com. Cymax is where the ease and convenience of online shopping is paired with competitive pricing that is as hard to beat as the hilarity of an 11-year old trying to sit still after six pieces of licorice, a can of Jolt and a bag of sour soothers.

Should you be at the point where it's just wrong to rest your new Nakamichi components on the same cinder blocks that have constituted your stereo stand for years, an Ameriwood 3-shelf Audio Stand is a budget-friendly choice for your living area.

What about the bachelor who feels a need to leave his dorm-days behind him and actually folds his laundry now? He is certain to appreciate the value of a Venture Horizon Nouvelle Drawer Chest, with ample garment storage for a single individual and priced just right to not to impede on the sanctity that is ordering pizza three times a week.

Many of us are not exactly thrilled that the computer is no longer exclusively for mindless surfing and red-eyed Diablo and Warcraft sessions. While you're peeling the Green Day and Offspring stickers off the laptop before bequeathing that Pentium II dinosaur to your cousin, take a moment to consider a Prepac Sonoma Computer Desk for your new desktop. It's light on the wallet and up to the rigors of daily life as your new workstation.

I remember my Uncle once telling me that my parents had an "overly-Protestant work ethic." Man, he wasn't kidding.

When the Puck Drops

So it's the end of August and with it sooner than later, the end of summer as well. No more barbeques on the patio, no more dates on the beach, and no more driving with the top down. Yes, around this time I always seem to have a certain feeling of sadness to befall me. I don’t know what it is specifically, but the sun always seems to have a cheery, happy-go-lucky effect on me. And when I wake up only to see and hear the rain (as it constantly does where I live), a depression-like mode seems to kick in. However, I remind myself that it aint all bad; after all, with the start of a new fall season brings about the one constant love that lasts with me for the next 8 months: NHL HOCKEY!!!

I understand the regular season of the greatest sport known to man (at least in my opinion) doesn’t start until October, but I can't help but get excited about the prospect of a new season and a new hope that my favourite team (the Vancouver Canucks) might finally win Lord Stanley's Cup! But the NHL season isn't quite complete with one important component: the hockey pool!

Since the NHL lockout a few years back, I've been involved in at least 3 or 4 hockey pools, but still have yet to win one. I'm not sure why that is exactly. I'm quite familiar with the rules of the game, what teams are playoffs contenders, and which players are going to 'rack em up'. I even play a fair amount of hockey as well; and although I'm no Alex Ovechkin (who'd be my first overall pick if I had the chance) I'm decent enough to show people I'm not a hockey newbie.

So why can't I win these hockey pools? I have the knowledge of the game and know how to play. Having said that, I should be a lock for at least 2^nd prize, which is usually a small cut of total pot. But alas, in the last 4 years, all I've seen is the basement of the pool and the ridicule of my friends for some of the questionable picks I've made in the past (ie – P.J. Axelson of the Boston Bruins….until this day, I still wonder what made me pick him, but what's done is done, and that pick was made at least a couple years back, meaning it's time to forget about past mistakes).

But this year I think I've found my secret weapon. And no, I'm not talking about sleeper picks (although I do have a couple up my sleeve this year, who I won't mention here). Rather Cymax Stores shall be the X-Factor that'll bring me glory. This year I think I'll be holding the draft at my place and I have the perfect idea to start making smart and intelligent picks: MoreConferenceTables.com. Here I can finally get me and my friends a nice, comfortable and organized place for our draft. No more yelling across the room for us! However, if they want the casual and often soothing ambiance of a living room, then I'm going to need some fine and dandy sofas, coffee tables, and possibly some bean bags to fully accommodate my guests, all of whom I'll be laughing at come the NHL Playoffs in late April and when they fork over the dough.

Yes, summer may soon be coming to a close. But as long as there's hockey, then I say let the rain fall down. Especially since this year I feel it in my blood that I'm destined to win my hockey pools, and my beloved Canucks will win the Stanley Cup. GO CANUCKS GO! Roberto Luongo for the win!!!!

INCENTIVE ENOUGH

The first car I ever became infatuated with was the mid-80s Porsche 911 Targa. Asides from its roadster good looks, aero-tail and beefy rims and rubber, I’m not sure why it appealed to me so much when all of my friends were all about the Lamborghinis and Ferraris. Anyways, it wasn’t long before a poster of that beautiful vehicle took up some prime real estate in my bedroom and my grandmother bought me the Mazur’s die-cast model of it for Christmas.

Around those same years, Ma and Pa were always at a loss as to why a conspicuous “D” grade in Math routinely interrupted the string of Bs on my report card. I was completely at a loss as to it myself, only I simply didn’t care the same way they did. I’ve since come to understand I’m something of a number-dyslexic individual, but back then the folks attributed it to pure laziness and a lack of attention paid in class. The latter, admittedly, had a small part in it, but the former truly had none.

I distinctly remember my father’s tone when he said “I bet if I promised you I’d buy you that Porsche if you got a B in Math, you’d do it.” I similarly remember having a synapse malfunction that was only processing the first half of the sentence, but the fact was his assessment of my laziness was way off base. My indifference? That was a different story without question. I stick by my guns to this day in believing everything I was forced to suffer with after learning the basics of + / - / x / division is completely irrelevant to the adult lives of 90% of us. However, I digress.

Despite an inclination, I didn’t actually ask “Will you?” as I knew both of his example-only insincerity and the fact they would be building snowmen in Havana before I earned a B in mathematics. So as much as he was simply trying to make a point, however erroneous, the incentive really wasn’t there. The day I squeaked by Math 11 with 51% in summer school I was on academic easy street from there on and had no real complaint with my 1977 Honda Civic.

Now, if you’re an imminent new homeowner, re-finishing your home or an individual who foresees any quantity of home produce purchases in the near future, Cymax Stores has genuine incentive for you. With only a few minutes, if that, of your time you can sign up for our email list and receive all of our promotional codes – which may lead to your being the beneficiary of discounts on specific items, or significant discounts on any item you choose. Clearly advertised as “CyDeals” on the bottom quarter of each and every page at www.cymax.com on a dark blue banner, it’s a little something for your inbox that just might be a welcome note on special offers, updates and deal alerts. Sign up now!

It’s painfully more obvious everyday the Porsche roadster is highly unlikely at any point in my future, barring a massive overhaul in employment prospects or some lucky numbers. Nonetheless, I’m quite content in my Toyota knowing I have no clue what the square root of 1,462 is, and yet as assured as I was twenty years ago that I’ll never need to.

Send Them Packing – Safely and In Style

Getting ready to go back to school can be stressful, for everyone involved. But a combination of planning ahead and choosing the right backpack can help make the trek back to school smoother and easier for your children, while giving you peace of mind.

The first thing to keep in mind when selecting a backpack for your child is size. Make sure that it’s not too big or too small, it fits comfortably and the straps are easily adjustable.

When sending them off to school with everything they will need for the day strapped to their back remember to pack light. Many health professionals advise that the backpack should be no heavier than 10 to 15 percent of the child’s body weight. And to further prevent back strain or potential nerve damage, choose a style of backpack that will evenly distribute the contents, usually the kind with two wide shoulder straps rather than just one.

Once the backpack is ready to go (and hopefully they are too), it should be lifted up off the floor with both hands while the knees are slightly bent. It should be put on like a coat, first one arm and then the other. If it has a waist strap, encourage them to you use it, since this will stabilize the backpack while adding more support.

The second thing to consider when buying a backpack is its primary function. For books, basic necessities like school supplies and a safe place for the science project when transporting it to class, choose one with a main compartment with several smaller zippered pockets. One with a drink bottle compartment would be handy if they have to walk home on warmer days. If the older kids in your household only intend to take their laptop to school along with a few accompanying accessories, consider a laptop backpack that has separate compartments for a laptop, papers and organizer pockets.

Since it will take wild horses to get your kids to go back to school, the third thing to keep in mind when selecting that perfect backpack for your child or teen is style. You know they will leave it behind “accidentally” somewhere if they don’t like it. Maybe a backpack in a bright color with a trendy pattern might fool them into thinking that going back to school isn’t so bad.

Armchair QB

Ray regretted his impulse the moment the cup left his hand. Each time his defense was dissected like a Grade 12 Biology Piglet, there was always a split-second when rationality went out the window like a Jeff George 12-yard overthrow. It would have been preferable if the malt beverage that now dripped from his TV and the wall behind it wasn’t in his hands when that split-second arrived this time.

It’s very much true you can be born a fan. In Ray’s case he was born into his allegiance, and his loyalty was so fierce it had kept him one for all these years. His father was a Raiders fan, and Ray was too. With the exception of that aberrational 2003 run that ended when Gruden knew their playbook better than they did, Ray had been watching Davis the Dinosaur run his team into the ground for as long as he could remember. Sunday afternoons had become a trying experience, to say the least.

Mrs. Ray often remarked that Ray devolved into a petulant teenager for 3 hours every Sunday in front of the TV, but that’s nothing noteworthy as its par for the course for nearly every passionate football fan. She had come to accept it, but she was drastically less accepting of their living room pieces being at constant risk of projectile attack each time Oakland’s offense looked like a drunken Pop Warner scrimmage.

This time she walked into the aftermath, remarking “good thing we have hardwood floors” with a disdainful shake of the head. Ray didn’t even blink, he was too focused hoping for a successful third-down stop, and the resulting first-down completion brought out a string of expletives that would have made a trucker proud. The Mrs. stared over with eyes locked on the bowl of nacho dip that was sharing its contents with the chair after this most recent outburst, and thought of the new microfiber upholstery sofa set they had ordered recently from Cymax Stores. Something had to be done, and sooner rather than later based on the fact this 0-4 season wasn’t looking to get any better anytime soon.

Ray tried to diffuse the situation somewhat with a token “Sorry honey, you know how I get.” She certainly did, but her mind was made up. She made her way into the den and sat down at the computer. Online shopping really was so easy, and the convenience of home delivery was a big part of why they had decided to purchase their new sofa set from Cymax. It had only been two days since they had placed their order, and Mrs. Ray was fairly sure this purchase would need to arrive shortly after the sofa did, or definitely before the first Sunday after.

The decision was quick and easy. Six quality-made Winsome TV trays were staring back at her and, priced right with a full money-back guarantee, before you can say “TOUCHDOWN CHARGERS!!” two were in her cart and at the checkout. She was pleased to check the “estimated arrival date” icon attached to each product and see that her trays would arrive only days after the sofa. “As easy as that” she thought.

Both of them were very happy with their purchases. The sofa set looked great, and it didn’t take Ray much to realize the value of having his beverage out of his hand when the Raider’s red-zone offense sputtered like a weathered ’72 Pinto. The Mrs. admired from a distance, and felt a sense of security as strong as a San Diego secondary in seeing the snacks on the new tray and far from the upholstery.

For Ray and all of us like him – 17 days left!

Outta Sight

Last week, I drove by a business here in town that advertised custom wall beds as one of the products it offered. Wall beds, I thought, wow... I had assumed the futon phenomenon had forced those down with the ship that was the 1980s. I remember being fascinated with the only wall bed I ever had the opportunity to interact with; Hotel Efat, Luxor, Egypt, 1984. That dry, old-spring creaking sound as it moved up and down and dad quashing my intention to fold my sister up in the bed.

Let's make clear here that no "wall" bed had ever been banished to its drywall confines because it had been deemed unsightly or inappropriate. Rather, it was simply a matter of space confines in that particular room and there was nothing of "get that eyesore out of my sight" involved in the decision.

>>Fast forward

Most hotel rooms nowadays "conceal" the television in an armoire-type cabinet, rather than it resting fully-exposed on top of the double dresser. More often than not, you open a pair of doors to reveal the TV. Conversely, in regards to the wall bed, it is clear this has nothing to do with effective floor space management. The TV is not expansive, likely 25 inches in depth at the most, and very likely not going to be located in an area of the room that could be used for other purposes.

It lead me to thinking - there is, for evidently a large enough proportion of the population, something about a TV that is unsightly, inappropriate or perhaps simply a bad influence upon a living space when not hidden from view. I feel quite certain these hotel chains wouldn't volunteer to absorb the cost of adding new TV cabinet furniture to thousands of hotel rooms if this wasn't the case. So what is it exactly? Could it be they hope shutting in the TV is removing the temptation of turning it on just for the sake of doing so, thus saving electricity?

That many households use TV armoire / cabinet furniture is not as much of a mystery to me. I understand individuals who believe in maintaining a certain air in their living areas that is conducive to conversation, intellectual stimuli and a more familial environment. That both this mentality is so widespread and pervasive that it has spread to the hospitality industry, and / or that a sufficiently widespread section of the populous is seeking the same stimuli in their hotel rooms, is hard for me to believe. Yet, the reality is that most hotel rooms hide the television from immediate view. However, as stated, I can fully relate to those who see the benefit it in doing it for the home, and particularly in the living area.

While the wall bed has very nearly gone the way of the dodo, should you wish to locate any appliance behind closed doors in your home there's now likely a furniture piece designed for just that purpose.

With the welcome rise in home based businesses recently, like-minded individuals may feel the same way about their personal computing tools in a work space that may be designated to take on a different feel on occasion. Poker night with the guys while your wife and kids have the living room to themselves, for example, or a quiet and charismatic spot for your daughter and her clarinet tutor's weekly visit.

Cymax Stores very much has its finger on the pulse of decor aesthetic-sensitive furniture design. For those for whom the preceding passage has piqued an interest, I recommend a visit to www.armoirescentral.com , featuring a number of competitively priced computer armoire cabinets available for delivery right to your door with the wonder of online shopping. Both Sauder and Ameriwood computer armoires are a welcome combination of quality craftsmanship, innovative design and reasonable pricing. Standard Furniture's Kathy Ireland Series computer armoires are, quite simply, an elegant addition to even the most stately and well-appointed homes with their exceptional quality and beautiful woodworking.

I imagine few would argue the sensibility in hiding appliances from view in certain areas of the home. Seeing the TV as putting a damper on the atmosphere of your hotel room? Not so clear on that one.

Gather Around

It is entirely possible that they are called gathering tables (also known as counter-height tables) because it’s where everyone wants to just hang out. What is undeniably true is that they are gaining in popularity as more and more people are purchasing gathering tables for their homes.

One of the main reasons they have become so popular is counter height tables are the ideal space saving solution when decorating a dining room in a condominium, loft, apartment or even a smaller sized home. Utilizing the area in a room vertically rather than horizontally, they use less floor space while still providing the essence of a traditional dining room set without the more formal atmosphere.

The typical gathering table is 36” high and is usually accompanied by counter-height chairs with a seat height of 24”. Like standard dining tables, counter-height dining tables are available in a wide range of styles including traditional and country. They will comfortably seat four to six people. Many different types of gathering tables also include leaves, making them an even more practical choice when entertaining, while allowing you to seat up to eight people.

The casual style of a counter-height table is perfect for a home that might not have any kind of formal dining space at all. They could be used in a kitchen or in part of the living room without looking awkward or out of place. When furnishing a breakfast nook or a smaller dining area, you can make them even more practical by selecting one with other features such as built-in drawers and shelves. Adding storage options to your gathering table will make the room more functional and easier to entertain. Pedestal base style tables can also include cubbies or wine-bottle holders.

Counter-height tables are also becoming more popular due to their multi-functional nature. They are the ideal place to gather around to play a game of cards or a favorite board game. They can be a very convenient place to work on hobbies or do double-time as an activity area for children on a rainy day.

Furnishing your dining area with a gathering table is a practical way to increase the versatility and functionality of your living space. Since they utilize less floor space than a standard dining table, gathering tables give you the benefit of formal dining furniture, but in a more casual environment.

The Heinous Growth of Impersonation

The resemblance was uncanny. “Be darned if you don’t look just like him” Jeb cackled to his brother as he pulled on the sport coat to match the pants and vest, a stark contrast to the dirty coveralls and sweat-stained T he wore everyday as a foundry man. Growing the moustache was a much more time-consuming element of the hoax, but as he looked in the mirror he had to concur he looked every bit Mr. Hareson. The 40-something industrialist tycoon was one of the wealthiest men in town, and the two of them had every intention of indulging in his wealth with a visit to the town bank that afternoon. Frank donned the fedora he’d swiped from a coffee shop that morning and headed out.

The teller didn’t even bat an eye......

Up until recent times, the modern scare of identity theft was little more than criminal impersonation. The film Catch Me If You Can, with Leonardo DiCaprio portraying the identity-forging genius of Frank Abagnale Jr., gave an almost charming character to the pursuit of taking a little something for yourself from those so bloated they probably wouldn’t even notice it’s gone.

Everyone can likely remember some amusing personal and less-than-severe example in their own lives. I grew up with a pair of twin brothers who, while not Siamese, were very similar in appearance to each other. One delivered papers with me, the other did not. That didn’t stop the unemployed sibling from making the rounds one day to collect the monies owed on the route and pocketing it for himself. Heck, even my wife is guilty to a degree in that a month or two back she borrowed the Costco membership card of a co-worker, who is also a long black-haired Asian woman, to buy a vacuum she had her eyes on there.

All kidding aside, today identity fraud is of paramount concern to any and all individuals who expose private information to any digital transfer medium. There were 8.4 million reported cases of identity theft in the U.S. in 2007, and a recent CBC 5th Estate documentary suggested 1 in 10 Canadians will suffer some form of identity theft in their life. Almost all adults possess a credit card and have made purchases online at some point, and until recently most of us never thought twice about any negative ramifications in doing so.

Times have changed; there is an abundance of e-thieves across the globe working in a vast network of portals to exchange, buy and sell personal information gathered through insecure processing systems. Credit card numbers and 3-digit authorization codes are, naturally, a hot commodity. It used to be that if your credit card was lost or stolen it was no longer in your possession, but that’s no longer the case.

The aforementioned CBC documentary added that some consumers are shying away from online shopping as a result of fears borne out of the identity theft crisis. Here at Cymax Stores, we feel that in the interest of ourselves, our customers, and an industry that offers great convenience and incomparable selection, steps must be taken to protect the individual so very crucial to our continued success - You!

To this end, Cymax offers 100 % absolutely secure purchasing to all customers with our use of Thawte and Hacker Safe, 128-bit SSL software which is the highest encryption protection commercially available. When you place an order with CymaxStores, and enter your email address, you are automatically assigned an account with us. You can come back at any time and log into your account with your email address, and all of the data in your account will be accessible, in the event that you wish to change any of your contact information or you wish to place future orders with us. No credit card information is ever stored – which means it’s not there should an extremely unlikely security breach ever occur in the first place.

It’s best to be wary, and in today’s smaller and smaller world anyone and everyone should be urged to be overly cognizant any time personal information is transferred. Online shopping is no exception to this, to be sure. However, when shopping at www.cymax.com, you can breathe a little easier every time you complete a purchase knowing you’re safe with us.

Back to School Furniture...for Educational Purposes, of course

While everyone is looking forward to the official last long weekend of summer, there is another annual event looming on the horizon that is generally greeted with mixed emotions. Parents love it but kids, not so much. Yes, it’s time to get ready to go back to school.

Getting their children ready to go back to school for most parents, means buying new clothes, school supplies and all those electronic devices necessary for learning and playing. But what about getting ready for school at home? It is important for children, especially older ones, to have a place to do homework, do research on the internet and somewhere to store stuff and get organized for the next day’s activities. With all the other expenses involved with getting your children outfitted for the back-to-school trek, you might be reluctant to consider buying furniture right now. Tempting as it is to reclaim your dining table or kitchen counter, a new computer desk is a low priority. And besides, you really don’t have the space.

But it doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Cymax Stores offers a number of neat (and inexpensive) solutions. There is such a wide variety of computer desks to choose from that you are sure to find something that will meet all of your decor and budget requirements.

An unused corner in your teen’s bedroom or in the family room is the perfect place for a corner desk. Corner desks can have all of the features and conveniences of an executive-style desk, but are more compact. In addition to drawers, a place for the CPU and a pull-out keyboard tray, they can include other useful features like built-in organizers, a hutch and a CD holder.

To make your computer desk even more convenient, choose a computer station with casters, or a more compact version, a computer cart. This gives you and your family the option to move the computer desk from one place to another; even from one room to another as needed or necessary.

If you have younger children and feel more comfortable if you can keep an eye on them while they are doing their homework, especially when using the computer, consider purchasing a computer armoire. They provide an ideal work environment, again, with many of the features found in a standard desk, but when homework time is over or dinner is ready, you can close the doors, effectively hiding the computer (and any other clutter you don’t want to see).

And don’t forget to organize yourself. There are a number of easy storage solutions, such as desk organizers for all of the paperwork your child will bring home. Having someplace conveniently in sight where you can keep consent forms, permission slips and other school-related documents, will make it painless (well, almost) for everyone involved.

Post Modern

Back in the good old days, before standardized bed sizes like twin, double or king, the bed was a sign of wealth and prestige. The larger and more ornate the bed, the more prominent its owner was considered to be. It makes perfect sense, then, that the bed of kings was the four poster bed.

In the evolution of the bed, it might be surprising to note that the canopy or tester appeared first and was not associated with the four poster bed until roughly two centuries later. The canopy, from which curtains were hung, was originally suspended above the bed by cords from the beams of the ceiling. When the poster bed finally caught up with the canopy, it was certainly worth the wait. The simple bedstead of yore now boasted panels of wood, an elaborate canopy frame stretching the full length of the bed and richly colored and embroidered fabrics. Silk sheets, of course, were used. Depending on the nobleman or monarch, these impressive structures for sleeping were often embellished with gold bars, silver accents, precious jewels and gold thread.

Still popular today, perhaps because it makes its occupant feel like royalty, the poster bed is the bed of choice when wanting to make a statement. But, for most of us, what immediately spring to mind are the elaborately carved posts, bun feet, crown molding and intricately detailed motifs of a traditional style bed. However, today's manufacturers of bedroom furniture offer modern and contemporary versions that are just as impressive in their own right as their ancestors.

The Lifestyle Solutions Wilshire Canopy Four Poster Platform Bed is a perfect example. Pairing the low-profile type of bed with tall, tapering posts creates the illusion of grand scale, without sacrificing precious space. Very contemporary, the clean lines are emphasized by the dark finish for a look that is distinctive yet restful.

Mixing materials (like precious stones embedded in wood) is nothing new, but the Homelegance Levanto Maple Poster Bed does so in a chicly modern way. The simple curves and clean straight lines of the wood are offset by the tapered spire bedposts with sleek nickel finials and accents. This poster bed would blend with a number of contemporary styles, including transitional.

The same can be said for the American Drew Sterling Pointe Poster Bed. Its design is distinctly modern, but it does display classic structural accents that create visual interest. The gentle arch of the headboard is given definition by decorative molding. The lines of the square tapered posts are bold and unique.

These three poster beds have one thing in common: they are a tasteful fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. If you have always wanted a poster bed, but have thought of them as being too traditional, it's time reconsider. Many manufacturers offer urban chic poster beds designed for today's modern lifestyle.

From Occupation to Fascination

My grandfather worked for the British Diplomatic Service for many years and in many different locales. His first posting was in Iraq starting in 1935, and my father still gets a kick out of the look on people's faces when he tells them he was born in Baghdad. In 1955, after stops in Turkey and Spain, Gramps took a final posting in the Paris Embassy at the urging of his French-born second wife. He would stay there until retirement, but only a short time after he began working in Paris he decided he wanted to get away from the city.

He and my step-grandmother purchased a house in Les Andelys, a very old-world village town on the River Seine and walking distance from the ruins of King Richard the Lion Heart's Chateau Gaillard. The house was massive, a former seat of the local aristocracy when it was built in the mid-to-late 19th century and perfectly located at the front of the rue with the river running right next to it. When I first visited at eleven years of age, the size and old character of the place was like nothing I'd seen before and it made quite an impression on me. That impression was doubled when my grandfather told me of his abode's past; more specifically, that it had been the local Nazi stronghouse during the occupation of WWII.

Sometime during the year 1940, after the Maginot line experiment had failed hopelessly and the Germans had waltzed into France with ease, the Nazis took steps to fortify their hold on the country by establishing strongpoints throughout rural areas. As Les Andelys was only an hour or so from Paris, it was likely one of the first to be chosen as such as it is the largest and most central town of several that dot the lower Seine valley. Why my grandfather's home was chosen as their command center wasn't entirely clear, but the fact that it was large, slightly more elevated than the others and at the front of the village likely made strategic sense.

My father has always been a war-buff and it was starting to wear off on me even at such a young age. When I visited the house again 5 years later, I was WWII savvy and the intrigue of the place was as intoxicating to me the same way it was for my father. The old log wood dining table was apparently the same that had been in the home since its beginning, and I couldn't help but imagine uniformed Nazi officers sitting there with me with the iron-eagle pinned caps, swastika armbands and Luger handguns resting on the table. When I was upstairs in my room I would think of an enlisted soldier on watch in his grey fatigues and that unique rear-flap helmet staring out into the cobblestone street below, single carbine at the ready.

Whenever I see richly-detailed, opulent old world home furnishings I am immediately reminded of that house and think of the strains of Edith Piaf on a gramophone while military men discuss strategy over cigarettes and brandy. Largely-scaled and with a density of form that suggests real permanence, these fixtures always speak of a time that was long before mine but, because of the war, has a fascinating quality for me.

Nowadays, those individuals that have the space and taste to incorporate such furnishings into their homes are truly fortunate. More than a few individuals, and not necessarily older folk, are in fact drawn to this vintage traditional style that was so perfectly embodied in my gramp's famous, or infamous, house in the country.

To these persons, I strongly recommend a visit to Cymax Stores to peruse their selection of Pulaski Accent Chests and other Pulaski home furnishings. These furniture pieces are simply radiant with all the charms and inherent upscale sophistication of days long since past and truthfully every time I see them I think of Les Andelys and the smell of my grandfather's cigars. The Powell Masterpiece Series Accent Chests are blessed with that same degree of rich early 20th century grandeur, and will lend that same presence to the common area of any home that can legitimately incorporate such stateliness.

I freely admit that if I could, in the future, find myself with larger and more character-laden accommodations, I would consider re-creating my take on the Les Andelys home. If I could even work but a few of these splendid pieces into the home, it would have immeasurable nostalgic value for me.

Who knows? The trip down memory lane may be so influential on me I'll grow a moustache and begin wearing a fedora every time I step out of doors.

A Home Office or a Guest Bedroom? Why not BOTH?!

There's one room in your home that doesn't know what it wants to be when it grows up. Originally, you intended to use it as a home office, so you bought a desk but when relatives came for a visit, you stuck a bed in there as well. Currently the room is being used as a storage room, and now there's barely enough room to sit down at the computer. With a little bit of creative planning, you will be able to transform it into a functional dual purpose space that will be a welcoming place to work and an inviting room for guests.

Decide first what the room will be mostly used for. If you have a home-based business, or use the computer on a regular basis, then choose the home office as the room's primary purpose. The room's emphasis will determine the type of furnishings you buy and how they will be arranged.

The most important piece of furniture when planning a home office is the desk. Select the smallest size of desk you will be comfortable with. You might be tempted to choose an impressive looking executive desk, but when decorating for a dual purpose room, you will want to use your available floor space sparingly so that you can fit everything in.

To make the room as warm and inviting as possible when used as a guest room, choose enclosed storage wherever possible. Putting office-related peripherals, such as the printer, fax machine and the CPU behind doors, not only controls clutter but helps to make the atmosphere less business-like.

Bookshelves are an excellent choice when decorating a dual purpose room. Even if they are used mostly for manuals or reference materials, a shelf full of books tends make the room look comfortably lived-in. It is also a great place to display mementos and collectibles. When guests are over, place baskets or storage trays in a section of the bookcase or shelving unit to use for items they would like to keep close at hand.

Of course, your home office/guest bedroom will need someplace for your guests to sleep. There are so many alternatives to choose from but the three main categories are sofa beds, futon sofas and daybeds.

Sofa beds, also called sleeper sofas or hide-a-beds, are sofas with a bed frame and bed built into the unit. As needed, it can be unfolded from inside the couch and then retracted when not being used as a bed. Due to the bed mechanism, sofa beds tend to be heavier than regular sofas of the same size.

Because they can be used as a sofa by day and a bed at night, futons are ideal for dual purpose rooms. Once used to decorate dorm rooms and basement bedrooms, today the futon is a popular choice for the living room, family room, den or guest bedroom. Since the mattress sits directly on top of the futon frame, it tends to be lighter and more user-friendly than a sofa bed.

Daybeds resemble a standard sofa, with a back and two arms. They function as a bed and generally do not transform into a couch. During the day, daybeds can be used as a sofa. Since they are essentially a kind of bed rather than a couch, they utilize bedding linens and accessories such as skirts, throw pillows and comforters, and can look quite decorative. For a dual purpose room where the home office is the primary use, a daybed might not be the ideal choice, especially if you need to meet with clients or business associates.

Filing cabinets come in all shapes, sizes and designs. Select one that is stylish enough to be used as a nightstand or end table. If you will be storing sensitive materials in your home office, choose a lockable filing cabinet.

If there is closet space, consider adding a chest of drawers or a small dresser. When not used by guests, it will be a great place to store extra office supplies such as copier paper, notepads, etc. If there is no closet, consider adding a wardrobe armoire. Should that be out of the question, put hooks on the back of the door so that your guests will have someplace to hang clothes, etc.

These dual purpose room design tips will help you create a space in your home that is an ideal work environment for you, but a comfortable place for guests whenever they come to stay.