Archive for April, 2010

50 Best Real Estate Blogs

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

No matter if you are a student looking toward a career in the industry or a seasoned professional that has seen it all, these blogs offer a wealth of information on topics such as the state of the housing market, tips for investors, analyses of the real estate economy, and even a glimpse into the world of house flipping.

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10 Jobs You Would Never Guess Pay Really Well

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

Whenever someone asks what you do, invariably they will try and see how much that job pays. Whether they ask outright or feel you out, the answer can be impressive or sad. However, if you fall into the below ten jobs you would never guess pay really well, you can have their jaws on the floor.

While some require graduate degrees, most only require moderate education, reasonable experience, and an ability to excel at it. These jobs and careers not only offer excellent pay, but many have great benefits or other interesting perks. So without further ado, here are the ten jobs you would never guess pay really well ordered mostly by size of pay.

  1. Specialist Nurse : For all those who think being a doctor is where the medical money is, think again. While the typical primary care doctor makes an average base salary of $173,000 per year, CRNAs can make more, according to Yahoo! In fact, certified registered nurse anesthetists average $186,000 per year. These nurses are responsible for administering anesthesia to patients. Although doctors spend about four to five more years in schools totaling in more loan costs, the demand for surgeries and the nurses that go with them has increased the pay.
  2. Forensic Odontology : Ever seen a news piece where a murder victim had to be identified by his or her dental records? If you are actually one of those who identifies them, or a forensic odontologist, you can make anywhere from $150,000 to $180,000 a year. These specialty dentists can be asked to identify human remains, bodies in mass fatalities, estimate the age of the deceased, and testify in courtrooms. Four to eight years of post-high school education are required and the outlook for this position is excellent.
  3. Sommelier : Ever see that person at fancy restaurants wheeling around a wine cart? You would never guess that his or her job can pay really well. In fact, for the simple task of recommending and selling wine at a restaurant, they can earn anywhere from $80,000 to $160,000 a year. If waiting tables is getting old, why not try it? The starting salary is about $28,000 a year, but for those who excel at it, a sommelier can earn much more.
  4. Brewmaster : Love beer? Even if you don’t, the job of brewmaster can have you earning over $100,000 per year. These professionals oversee the production of beer and other brewed beverages at facilities all across the country. And yes: taste testing is a hug part of the job. If you have the know-how and experience, you can be hired by one of the four firms currently looking for a brewmaster on Salary List with pay ranging from $37,461 to $360,000.
  5. Certified Ethical Hacker : Ever hack technology for the simple thrill of it? Then wise up and get paid for it by becoming a certified ethical hacker. With median pay at almost $100,000 a year, this is a job where you can put what you do every day to practical use. Although a license and fair amount of tech knowledge are required, the main task involves being paid by companies, firms, corporations, and even the government to attempt to hack into their systems and expose any weaknesses. If you want to know more about this career visit The EC-Council that offers certification, training, and more.
  6. Arbitrator/ Mediator/ Conciliator : Want to make a lawyer’s pay without that pesky J.D. or Bar exam? Then have a look at this job you would never guess pays really well. With a starting salary of about $35,000 and rising all the way to 100k plus, it can also come with great benefits. There primary function is to decide on or recommend solutions to legal matters that both parties can agree with.
  7. Repo Man : If you don’t pay off a vehicle, boat, or even plane, you may have run into a repo man. Their job entails the legal repossession of items that are past due. A license is required to become one. However, the job does come with many hazards. Repo men face vicious dogs, angry owners, and even armed, angry owners. But for those who excel at their job, they can make up to $100,000 per year. The Discovery Channel takes you behind the scenes of a day in the life of an actual repo man.
  8. Subway and Streetcar Operator : Want another high paying job where you don’t need a lot of education? Then get to the wheel of a subway or streetcar. Not only is the median salary $49,000 a year, but the benefits are also substantial. In some cases, you don’t even need to speak English to become one.
  9. Gaming Supervisor : Occasionally known as the pit boss, this is a good choice for those who enjoy the casino life. Starting salaries for this position are as a high as $45,000. The best part is, you don’t need a whole lot of education to become one. There is also excellent opportunity for growth.
  10. Appraiser : Love real estate or construction but not enough to get the involved license? Then this is the career for you. A real estate appraiser investigates a piece of land or property to determine its most probable price for sale on the current market. They are hired by firms, companies, government, and others to make these sorts of determinations. All you need to become one is two years of college, some on the job training, and a license. The median salary is $43,390 with demand expected to increase.

No matter if just entering the workforce or have years of experience, these ten jobs you would never guess pay really well can have you rethinking your grind and career in no time. Remember that as with any position, how much you make is almost invariably tied with how much you enjoy and excel at the job.

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100 Informative Twitter Feeds for Architecture Students

Wednesday, April 21st, 2010

While you're studying to become an architect why not learn about what's happening right now in the world of architecture? You can follow the feeds of news outlets, organizations, and even successful architects themselves. Here, you'll find 100 of the most informative Twitter feeds you can find as an architecture student.

News & Trends

Follow these feeds, and you will be kept up to date on what's happening in architecture.

  1. @worldarchnews: World Architecture News covers industry information and project news.
  2. @NewsArch: Find architectural news, projects, competitions, and more on @NewsArch.
  3. @archpaper: Architects Newspaper shares news from New York, California, the Midwest, and beyond.
  4. @myarchn: Rafael continues the conversation from MyarchN's community.
  5. @HistoricShed: Jo-Anne Peck writes about preservation, architecture, and green building.
  6. @COOLHAUS: COOLHAUS makes architecture digestible.
  7. @ArchitectsJrnal: Learn about British architecture from Architects' Journal.
  8. @AzureMagazine: Azure Magazine covers design, architecture, and art.
  9. @dwell: Follow the Dwell team through @dwell.
  10. @freshome: @freshome will keep you on top of home trends.
  11. @archiCentral: @archiCentral shares architecture news daily from Sydney.
  12. @architectmag: Architecture Magazine covers the business, technology, and culture of architecture and related industries.
  13. @ArchRecord: Architectural Record offers architecture design for architects.
  14. @wallpapermag: Wallpaper* is all about news on design, interiors, fashion, art, and lifestyle.
  15. @SurfaceMag: Surface Mag covers all things in design, fashion, and architecture.
  16. @DesignObserver: DesignObserver is all about writings on design and culture.
  17. @ArchitectureAU: Architecture AU is Australia's leading architecture magazine.
  18. @amandakhurley: Amanda Hurley is the executive editor of Architect Magazine.
  19. @archimag: @archimag is an architectural magazine on the net.
  20. @BuildingSite: @BuildingSite is all about construction news.
  21. @Dezeen: @Dezeen is an architecture and design magazine.
  22. @archdaily: David Basulto tweets about architecture every day.
  23. @AR_at_large: Get inspiration for new architecture from Architectural Review.
  24. @MetropolisMag: Metropolis is the magazine of architecture and design.
  25. @Archinnovations: @Archinnovations is an online architecture magazine about great projects, news, and events in architecture.
  26. @ArchitecPassion: You can follow your architecture passion with news from this feed.
  27. @AusDesignReview: Find an online architecture and design resource in this magazine and architectural review.
  28. @bagnese: Braulio Agnese is a senior editor at Architect Magazine.
  29. @archvideo: Follow this feed to find architecture videos.

Resources

Get access to useful architecture resources through these Twitter feeds.

  1. @alaindebotton: Alain de Botton is an architecture writer.
  2. @arkinet: @arkinet is a social network, blog, and collection of services for the architecture community.
  3. @artcity: Mart Louise Schumacher is an art and architecture critic at the Journal Sentinel in Milwaukee.
  4. @archforhumanity: Architecture for Humanity shares architecture for communities in need.
  5. @competitionline: You'll learn about architecture competitions from this Twitter feed.
  6. @designerpages: Designer Pages is a network for architects and designers to find, manage, and share products.
  7. @Archispeak: Hugh Pearman observes buildings and occasionally writes about them.
  8. @imadnaffa: This engineer offers resources for codes and regulations.
  9. @ArchitectsPro: Check out ArchitectsPro for tweets about architecture careers.
  10. @kieranlong: Kieran Long is an architecture critic in London.
  11. @buildingsource: @buildingsource encourages building industry firms to reach their full potential.
  12. @thedesignvote: Find a daily ballot on design objects through @thedesignvote.
  13. @elliswoodman: Ellis Woodman is the architecture critic of the Daily Telegraphs and Building Design.

Architects

Follow the lives and work of these architects.

  1. @wjmarchitect: William J. Martin covers econo-functional aesthetic balance.
  2. @cast_architect: CAST is an architectural design practice in Dublin.
  3. @architectderek: Derek Leavitt is focused on modern design.
  4. @WrightArchitect: Read about Frank Lloyd Wright's life, work, and influence through this feed.
  5. @ArchitectureCo: The Architecture Co is "doing something great."
  6. @endlessCities: Tomas is an architect interested in sustainability, digitalization, web 2.0, and more.
  7. @ProsserArch: Prosser Architects writes about architecture that promotes green design.
  8. @emk_architect: E M Kaplan is an architect in Florida.
  9. @upyourarch: Up Your Architecture is a designer from Minnesota working on the Gulf Coast housing situation.
  10. @JCJarchitecture: JCJ Architecture works to integrate the business and art of design.
  11. @hyde_architects: This architecture practice is passionate and progressive.
  12. @HMCArchitects: HMC Architects believes that design can change the world.
  13. @marshragland: Marsh Ragland pushes the limits of social networking in construction.
  14. @archimania: @archimania discusses innovative, collaborative architecture and interior design.
  15. @hpdArchitecture: Laura Davis is an architect and admirer of old buildings.

Organizations

Here you can get connected with useful architecture organizations.

  1. @aialobbyist: Find out the latest in architecture politics from @aialobbyist.
  2. @BuildingMuseum: The National Building Museum is all about architecture and related industries.
  3. @AIAStateAffairs: AIA State Affairs supports AIA policies and positions on a variety of issues.
  4. @AIAInterior: This Twitter feed features posts from the AIA Interior Architecture Committee.
  5. @CenterForArch: Here you'll find tweets from the Center for Architecture and the AIA New York Chapter.
  6. @AIANational: AIA National connects the global community of AIA-member architects.
  7. @RIBAEducation: Stay on top of news and information from the Royal Institutes of British Architects.
  8. @aiacae: Here you'll find the AIA Committee on Architecture for Education.
  9. @AIA_Advocacy: Learn about architecture advocacy from Paul Mendelsohn.
  10. @ArchiStudent: Follow an architecture student's story on this Twitter feed.
  11. @MHBuildingBooks: Learn about McGraw-Hill construction, architecture, and civil engineering books from this feed.
  12. @archiCULTURE: Check out @archiCULTURE to follow 5 architecture thesis students.
  13. @mhconstruction: Read about construction from this educational book house.
  14. @RIBA: RIBA covers activities and exhibitions at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
  15. @chiarchitecture: Learn about the Chicago Architecture Foundation on this feed.

Design

Study design through these Twitter feeds.

  1. @dinet: Check out Design Intelligence for trends, strategies, and research in design.
  2. @designtavern: Get inspired by this art and architecture blog.
  3. @dsgnWrld: Follow propagate design for design, architecture, furniture, and more.
  4. @DesignMuseum: Read the tweets of one of the world's leading contemporary design museums here.
  5. @designmilk: Design Milk is dedicated to modern design.
  6. @homedesigning: Home Designing offers inspirational interior design ideas.
  7. @designboom: Check out this feed to see instant updates from the designboom team.
  8. @materialicious: Follow @materialicious to get inspired and promote your stuff.
  9. @styleture: @styleture covers architecture, interior design, and more.
  10. @dornobdesign: Read @dornobdesign to find dynamic designs and new ideas daily.
  11. @ModernEcho: ModernEcho is a social community for the design-savvy.
  12. @Interior_Design: Here you'll find the magazine for the interior design professional marketplace.
  13. @luxuryinteriors: Laura Bielecki discusses interior design and LEED.
  14. @DesInFlow: @DesInFlow helps to connect and integrate the design world.

Sustainable

Here you can learn about sustainable architecture.

  1. @greensourcemag: GreenSource is all about sustainable design, green building, and LEED projects.
  2. @MyGreenPalette: My Green Palette offers green and sustainable design and building information for architects and interior designers.
  3. @jetsongreen: @jetsongreen is obsessed with green building.
  4. @ecostructure: Eco-Structure examines design excellence in the built environment.
  5. @ericcoreyfreed: Eric Corey Freed is a green architect and author.
  6. @new_urbanism: New Urbanism promotes an ecological and technological approach to building communities.
  7. @Arch4HumanityND: Based in New Delhi, Architecture for Humanity believes in humanitarian solutions through sustainable design.

City Building

Check out these feeds for an education in creating cities.

  1. @Infrastructurst: The Infrastructurist discusses the rebuilding of America.
  2. @archop: @archop responds to the need for an improved built environment in Fresno, CA.
  3. @fluctuatingcity: Jean Richer writes about architecture, urban design, and town planning.
  4. @urbandata: Design New Haven is all about urban affairs, design, governance, and beyond.
  5. @thisbigcity: Read about 21st century cities on This Big City.
  6. @Urbanverse: Cindy FrewenWuellner is a writer exploring city futures.
  7. @urbanbydesign: Deena Parham is an urban planner in New York.

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Top 100 Gardening Blogs

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

Whether you love to work in your own garden or simply help others with the construction of their dream backyards, there’s plenty of reading material out there for professionals and amateurs alike.

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100 Best RSS Feeds to Follow Engineering News

Monday, April 12th, 2010

When you're busy with college courses, work, family and a personal life, it can be hard to keep up with the latest news in your field of expertise. These blogs can help make it a little easier, however, providing easily accessible knowledge about a wide range of engineering specialties. Add a few to your RSS feed and you'll stay in the know, no matter how busy your life might get.

General

These feeds provide general engineering news.

  1. Engineering News: This site is one of the best places to get engineering news with an international scope.
  2. ENR: Check out this feed from Engineering News Record to learn all about the field of engineering.
  3. Science Daily Engineering News: This Science Daily feed publishes interesting articles about engineering.
  4. Global Spec Engineering News: Stay up-to-date with engineering through the general or specific feeds offered on this site.
  5. SciCentral Engineering News: You'll want to keep up with this feed full of engineering news.
  6. Engineer Live: You'll find engineering news from both Europe and America on this feed.
  7. PhysOrg Engineering: Sign up for this feed to get news on engineering technology and engineering science as well as computer, civil, chemical, aerospace and environmental engineering.
  8. CR4: Through this feed, you'll get access to interesting articles you can share and discuss.
  9. Curious Cat Science and Engineering Blog: With this engineering feed, you'll get the best engineering news from the web brought to you.
  10. Engineering Exchange: This feed collects the latest blog posts from engineers in a wide range of fields who have chosen to connect on this social network.
  11. ZenStorming: If innovation is something that interests you, then you'll appreciate the updates on this blog.
  12. Engineering TV: Watch informative videos on a range of topics through this site.
  13. Engineering.com: Multiple authors contribute to the news and information found in this feed.
  14. Engineering &…: This blog covers developments in engineering and relates them to the larger world around us.
  15. Scientists and Engineers for America: Through this feed, you'll get news about the intersection of engineering and science with politics.

Materials Science

Check out these feeds to learn about the latest and greatest materials being developed.

  1. Materials Science and Engineering Defined: James Alexander, a professional materials engineering and metallurgist, shares his expertise on this blog.
  2. Engineering Materials: This Design News blog will help you stay on top of what new materials are being developed for use in building and other applications.
  3. Accelrys Blog: Follow this company's feed to learn about their research into various chemicals and materials.
  4. OSU Materials: On this blog you can learn what college students at OSU's Materials Science program are doing.
  5. Engineering World: Check out this feed for information on a materials science company based out of India, as well as news articles of interest.
  6. Materials Science News: This Science Daily blog is a great place to find out more about materials science news.
  7. Materials Today: From nano structures to macro structures, you'll learn about all kinds of materials on this blog.
  8. MIT DMSE: Want to know what's going on at MIT? Simply follow this feed to find out more about their Department of Materials Science and Engineering.
  9. Materials Research Society: This blog offers you the best, and often academic, news about materials science.
  10. Polymer FEM: Study up on polymer-based research via this feed.

Environmental

Study ways that you can make engineering greener and more sustainable through these blogs.

  1. Environmental Engineering Blog: Get down to the basics of environmental engineering news through this site.
  2. Green Building Advisor: You'll find all kinds of green building blogs to follow on this site.
  3. Green Engineering: Keep up with green engineering topics through this blog.
  4. The Green Technology Weblog: On this blog you'll get access to a wealth of articles on green tech.
  5. Building Green.com: Learn more about what it takes to build sustainably on this feed.
  6. Green Architecture and Building Report: Sign up for this feed to stay informed about the latest green builds.
  7. Green Building Elements: Learn what construction materials builders can implement to make their buildings greener here.
  8. Sustainable Engineering: Follow this feed to get a leg up on your sustainable engineering knowledge.
  9. Smart Grid News: This blog touches on a number of green and sustainable issues in engineering and building.
  10. MIT CEE Blogs: This site is home to numerous MIT student blogs you can follow to learn about their research and experiences.
  11. Urban Workbench: Check out this popular blog for the latest sustainable design news.

Structural

Use these blogs to learn more about engineering buildings and safe structures.

  1. Structural Engineering and Design: Sign up for this feed to read great news on the field.
  2. A Place of Sense: On this site, this blogger shares his ideas for using good structural and civil engineering to create more sustainable communities.
  3. Structural Engineering Consultants London: Here you can read about this firm's take on structural engineering issues.
  4. Structural Steel Detailing: Learn more about what steel detailing means from this feed.
  5. Architecture and Morality: If you're more interested in the architectural elements of structural engineering, then check out this feed.
  6. Construction English: Follow this feed to read news and pointers about better construction, building and engineering practices.

Civil

On these feeds you'll find all the latest news about civil engineering.

  1. CE News: If you're looking to keep up with civil engineering news, this site is a great choice.
  2. Rebuilding America's Infrastructure: This feed will teach you about the help the current infrastructure of the U.S. needs.
  3. Science Daily Civil Engineering News: Find all kinds of interesting civil engineering news items on this feed.
  4. Civil Engineer Expert: Read about the latest advances in civil engineering through this blog.
  5. The Constructor: On this site you'll find all kinds of posts on news and information relevant to civil engineers.
  6. Civil Engineer Blog: This feed is a great place to look for green ideas for civil engineering.
  7. Civil Engineering Central: You'll find great articles and news reports from experts in the field on this blog.
  8. Civil Engineering Community: Stay current with the civil engineering industry through this blog.
  9. Civil Craft Structures: This site is a fun place to learn about some of the greatest buildings ever constructed as well as important civil engineering issues.
  10. The Green Civil Engineer: This blog focuses on green designs and concepts when it comes to building.
  11. Our Failing Infrastructure: The American Society of Civil Engineers maintains this blog on the much-needed improvements our infrastructure will require.
  12. i engineer. do you?: Follow this New Zealand-based blog for news and thoughts on civil engineering.
  13. Mike Roselli: This blogger shares his personal experience as a civil engineer on this site.
  14. Civil Engineer Site: Designed with civil engineers in mind, this site is full of interesting news about the field.

Chemical 

Through these blogs you can study the latest chemicals and studies to emerge.

  1. C&EN: Find a great collection of chemical and engineering news here.
  2. Chemical Engineering: Chemical engineers will find the news they're looking for on this feed.
  3. CENtral Science: With posts on clean tech, safety, engineering, news and more this site is a great resource for chemical engineering.
  4. Chemistry World: Keep up with everything going on in chemistry through the posts on this blog.
  5. Chemical Engineering World: Get great information on the field via this blog's feed.
  6. ChemPro: Chemical Process Engineering is the focus on the news and articles presented here.
  7. Chemical E World: On this site you'll find a number of useful resources on chemical engineering.
  8. Chemical Engineering News: Follow the latest information in the chemical engineering field through this site.
  9. Chemical Engineering Net 2.0: Find all the latest and greatest news about the field through this popular site.
  10. ChEngineer Space: Using this feed, you can find loads of helpful information on being a better chemical engineer.

Industrial

Learn ways to make industries run more smoothly using the knowledge provided in these feeds.

  1. Industrial PR: On this site, you'll find news for industrial, manufacturing and engineering professionals.
  2. IIE Blogs: The Global Association of Productivity and Efficiency Professionals lets you know what's going on in the field through this feed.
  3. ISOR Tools: Get ideas on maximizing productivity in any kind of operation here.
  4. An IE in IT: This blogger shows how industrial engineering ideas can have a big impact in the IT world.
  5. Greene Piece: Check out this feed to learn more about the idea of lean and industrial engineering at large.
  6. Inside IIE: This blogger focuses on sharing stories about redesigning supply chains and manufacturing to save money and time.

Electronics and Tech

These blog feeds focus on news related to the latest technology and components.

  1. EEDigest: Follow this blog to get updates on everything going on with electronics engineering.
  2. EE Times: There are a few different feeds you can follow on this site to learn more about the world of electrical engineering.
  3. Electronics Engineering Video Podcast: Check up on this feed regularly to watch videos all about the field.
  4. Screaming Circuits: Those interested in circuit and chip design will find the news on this site particularly interesting.
  5. Flying Flux: This engineer shares his work and professional experience working in circuitry and component design on this blog.
  6. Shtetl-Optimized: This blogger works at MIT and shares his research into computer science here.
  7. Wireless Sensor Networks Blog: Learn more about what it takes to set up these networks and their equipment through this feed.

Mechanical

On these feeds, you'll see great information about engineering everything from bolts to large-scale machines.

  1. Control Engineering: Those who'd like to learn more about machine control and mechanical engineering should check out this feed.
  2. iMechanica: Often rated as one of the best engineering blogs, this site is full of great information on mechanical engineering and more.
  3. Planetary Gear: This CNET blog focuses on reminding readers of the importance of the nuts and bolts of the world, and the engineers who design them.
  4. Bright Hub Mechanical Engineering: Sign up for this RSS to get tidbits about mechanical engineering right to your computer.
  5. Engineering Cases: This blog presents cases where there was an engineering problem, and a smart engineer like yourself discovered a solution.

Energy

Read through these feeds to learn about new developments in energy design.

  1. SOLAR: Follow this feed to learn more about new developments in solar technology.
  2. Energy Engineering Blog: Here you can stay in the loop on a wide range of energy engineering issues.
  3. Rethink Energy and Design: Learn ways to think in a greener way about the way we engineer our structures from this feed.
  4. Energy Outlook: Keep up with this feed to learn what the future of energy will look like.
  5. The Energy Collective: This site is a great place to find news updates about the latest energy developments.
  6. Institute for Energy Research: Use this organization's blog to keep up with new, innovative and exciting research into energy.
  7. NEI Nuclear Energy Notes: If you'd like to learn more about the potential for nuclear energy, this site can be a good choice.

Miscellaneous

These engineering feeds cover a wide range of topics.

  1. GeoPrac: This blog picks up at the intersection of geology and engineering.
  2. CAD Panacea: If you have to use CAD for work, you may want to follow this blog for tips and news on the program.
  3. Civil3d: Try out this feed if you're interested in learning more about the Civil3D software.
  4. Engineering Education: This feed will keep you informed about the state of science and engineering education in schools and colleges across the nation.
  5. Graduating Engineer: If you're in school for engineering right now, you'll appreciate this feed designed to help students learn more about engineering careers.
  6. Paving the Way: On this blog, you'll read about civil engineering issues, especially those related to transportation.
  7. Engineering Ethics: Learn more about pertinent ethical issues related to engineering by following this blog.
  8. Pt. Cipta Karya: Follow this company to learn about their innovations in packaging.
  9. Engineering Library Blog: Find out what the latest publications about engineering are saying through this feed.

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101 Helpful Blogs for a Totally Eco-Friendly Home

One can keep a “totally eco-friendly home” in a myriad different ways — not everyone can afford a construction or renovation project, after all.

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100 Awesome Engineering Projects for Kids

Here are 100 great experiments that will let kids construct, play, learn and grow, all while they study the fundamentals of engineering.

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101 Hacks for the Devoted Home Gardener

Growing plants at home can be a great way to spruce up your space and provide healthy and readily available foodstuffs.

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100 Terrific Twitter Feeds for Home Improvement Advice

With tough economic times, it seems just about everyone is learning how to do home improvement themselves instead of paying for a contractor to make repairs.

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50 Best Homesteading Blogs

These bloggers have moved out to the country or are using their smaller urban spaces to produce the vast majority of their own food and other household essentials.

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70 Ways You Can Make Your Home More Sustainable

Here are 70 different ways you can modify your house by yourself to make it more sustainable and to reduce your carbon footprint.

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50 Best Real Estate Blogs

When the housing market was at the top of its peak, many were scrambling to become a part of what seemed like an easy way to make money. Now that the market has taken a turn, those left behind in real estate are the hard-core professionals who are doing what they love. No matter if you are a student looking toward a career in the industry or a seasoned professional that has seen it all, these blogs offer a wealth of information on topics such as the state of the housing market, tips for investors, analyses of the real estate economy, and even a glimpse into the world of house flipping.

General Real Estate Blogs

These blogs offer a range of information that professionals and home buyers or sellers alike will find of interest.

  1. The Bigger Pockets Blog. Bigger Pockets is an online real estate magazine, and their blog features articles on real estate, mortgage and lending, investing, the housing market, and more.
  2. AgentGenius. This blog shares such helpful articles as house staging trends, news from the world of real estate, and social networking.
  3. 360 Digest. Marlow Harris writes all sorts of posts on this blog with some of the recent topics touching on the definition of a real estate professional, real estate news stories, and realtors in pop culture.
  4. Zillow Blog. This blog keeps you updated on everything relevant to the real estate world, whether you want to learn about the state of the market or find available listings.
  5. The Real Estate Bloggers. Take a look at analysis of the real estate industry with these blog posts that are just right for everyone from the home owner to the real estate professional.

Real Estate Industry

From marketing your real estate business to real estate technology, these blogs cover many topics for real estate professionals.

  1. Geek Estate. This blog features technology news and tips for those in the real estate industry.
  2. HomeGain Blog. For those in the real estate field, turn to this blog for commentary written by real estate agents, brokers, and other professionals in the industry.
  3. The Real Estate Tomato. Realtors seeking advice on blogging as a form of marketing their business will love the information posted on this blog.
  4. Real Estate Internet Marketing. Real estate investors and agents interested in learning about Internet marketing will find helpful information here.
  5. BloodHoundBlog. Written for and by real estate professionals, this blog features topics on salesmanship, marketing, technology, current events, and more.
  6. 1000WattBlog. This blog is from a marketing communications and design agency that focuses on the real estate industry, and their blog features tons of great resources for real estate professionals.
  7. Mortgage Fraud Blog. Stay on top of the latest news about mortgage and real estate fraud with the posts here.
  8. Future of Real Estate Marketing. Learn about blogging, social media, and more to help promote your real estate business online.
  9. Altos Research. Stay on top of the housing market and the real estate business with the information on this blog.
  10. Chez Cliff. Cliff shares his tactics for making his real estate investing business a success. Find productivity tips, information about the field of real estate, and more.

Real Estate Investing and Finance

Stay current with information about real estate investing and finance with these blogs.

  1. Calculated Risk. Economics and finance are the focus of this blog, with a bulk of their information examining the housing market.
  2. Real Estate Investing Tips. If you are interested in real estate investing, then check out this blog that features tips and news about real estate investing.
  3. Struggling to Get Started Blog. Scott Costello started real estate investing with no prior knowledge and now shares what he has learned along the way via his blog.
  4. The Millionaires Blog. Real estate investing and wholesaling are the focus on this blog.
  5. Short Sale Riches Blog. Chris McLaughlin writes about real estate investing, and in particular, short sales.
  6. Matrix. This blog features articles that help readers keep an eye on the real estate economy.
  7. Bubble Meter. The mission of this blog is to track the housing bubble in the US and its steady decline.
  8. Shaun's Real Estate Adventures. Meant as a guide for those interested in getting involved with real estate investment, this blog offers practical advice and tips.
  9. The Housing Bubble. Read this blog to find out about the effect the housing bubble has had on the economy across the US.
  10. Good Faith Investing. This husband and wife team are on the road to financial freedom through their real estate investing.
  11. Must Know Investing. Real estate investors will find tips and tools for success when they read this blog.
  12. Life as Real Estate Investors. Get details of the latest real estate investments of Dave Peniuk and Julie Broad and the lessons they learn along the way.

Flipping

Whether you are a house flipper or just like to read about the transformations others are taking on, these blogs will provide you with plenty of interesting reading.

  1. 1-2-3 Flip. Follow the progress on this blog as this professional rehabber takes homes and transforms them into gems.
  2. Flip this Wholesaler. Learn about the ins and outs of wholesale flipping from this woman based in Tampa, FL.
  3. Flipping Southeast Wisconsin. Follow the ups and downs of this woman who is working towards becoming an independent businesswoman through flipping.
  4. Goin' Flippin' Crazy. With a history of flipping single family homes, this woman is now shifting her focus to apartment buildings. Find out where she goes from here.
  5. Flip Quest. With a goal of moving from Wisconsin to Colorado and flipping houses there, this blogger shares her journey.
  6. The Tattooed Investor. Watch the progress of this house flipper working in the Lehigh Valley in Pennsylvania.
  7. Kelly Flippin Cali. Get photos and updates on the progress of this new flipper's work.
  8. Flipping Smart. At just 29 years old, this flipper is doing one to two houses a month and shares photos of the work and beautiful results.
  9. BobNorton.com. Find suggestions, advice, and tips for making your house flipping even more successful.
  10. TomTarrant.com. This San Antonio flipper documents his progress on this blog.
  11. Build Bankroll. These flippers are sharing their work in Southern California with lots of lessons learned along the way.
  12. Flipping Ohio. This full-time real estate investor shares progress of houses flipped in central Ohio.

Regional Blogs

While these blogs have a regional element, often offering listings for a particular city, they also provide readers with valuable information on real estate.

  1. The Phoenix Real Estate Guy. While those in Phoenix will find personalized information such as home listings in the area, others outside Phoenix will discover information on topics such as short selling your home, the homebuyer tax credit, and more.
  2. Gail Jodon's Blog. Whether you live in Charlotte, NC, or are a fan of modern homes, this blog from ModernCharlotte Realty features something for everyone.
  3. Ernesto Rijavec, Inc. Rijavec runs Sandals Realty and blogs about the company as well as other topics such as the effects of the economy on the housing market and whether or not a bricks and mortar headquarters is a necessity for a realtor.
  4. Adventures in Real Estate. Shannon Register is an award-winning realtor in Spring, TX, and her blog features tons of great information as well as online discussion just right for those looking for a home or those interested in the real estate industry.
  5. Arizona Real Estate Notebook. Find out about home buying and selling conditions in Arizona as well as other interesting real estate-related news.
  6. Seattle Real Estate Professionals. If you would like to keep your finger on the pulse of the real estate industry in Seattle, then don't miss this blog.
  7. Curbed NY. Stay on top of all the real estate happenings in New York with this blog. If you are in LA or San Francisco, check out their links too.
  8. Property Grunt. With a heavy dose of pop culture, this blogger keeps readers updated on the Manhattan real estate world.
  9. Rain City Guide. This Seattle blog features topics of local interest as well as industry news relevant to anyone.
  10. Urban Trekker. While much of the content here is specific to the Washington DC area, there is also tons of great information on sustainable building and economic development.
  11. Fort Wayne Real Estate Blog. This blog not only showcases available and recently sold properties, it also provides a humorous glimpse into the life of a real estate professional.

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Top 100 Gardening Blogs

With spring weather on the horizon, it's time to start thinking about gardening. Whether you love to work in your own garden or simply help others with the construction of their dream backyards, there's plenty of reading material out there for professionals and amateurs alike. Here are 100 blogs that cover a wide range of gardening topics to help you keep up with news, find advice, share stories, or learn more about everything botanical.

General

These posts offer news, information and gardening basics for enthusiasts.

  1. Garden Rant: This group of gardening bloggers talks about a wide range of topics from news to ideas to use in your own garden.
  2. Art of Gardening: Here you'll find gardening inspiration from this blogger's travels.
  3. Plant Talk: Check out this blog for plant tips, news and more from the New York Botanical Garden.
  4. Home Gardening News: This site collects news and advice from home gardening sites around the web so you can find it in one easy place.
  5. Gardening Examiner: Robin Ripley offers her expertise on this blog full of tips, products and news.
  6. About.com Gardening: Through this site, you can find a lot of great basic information on gardening.
  7. You Grow Girl: This gardening gal muses on all kinds of gardening topics here.
  8. Gardening Resources: Get basic advice and information on creating a beautiful garden through this blog.
  9. Landscaping and Gardening Info: From controlling weeds to growing great onions, you'll find lots of help here.
  10. To Build a Garden: Check out this site for great articles on gardening.
  11. Green Side Up: This site aims to make creating a garden something anyone can do simply.

Advice

Check out these blogs for some advice on creating a better garden and happier plants. 

  1. A Way to Garden: Find gardening information and inspiration on this blog.
  2. Nature Hills Gardening Neighborhood: This site brings together the advice and expertise of several gardening blogs.
  3. Gardener's Journal: Gardener's Supply Company maintains this informative blog.
  4. My Garden School Blog: Whether you need to know how to by a spade or create a compost garden, this blog has the advice you need.
  5. Bloomtown: This blogger shares horticultural tips, ideas and advice.
  6. Gardening Tips and Ideas: You can learn a variety of things that will help you create a better garden from this blog.
  7. In the Garden: Bill Cary answers all of your puzzling garden and horticultural questions on this site.
  8. Gardening Care Tips: Try out this site to get some ideas on building a better backyard garden.
  9. The Gardening Coach Blog: You don't have to be a gardening coach to benefit from the advice offered here.
  10. Greenhouses and Gardening: Learn more about building a greenhouse and keeping plants alive inside from this blog.
  11. Aquaponics Gardening Blogs: If you've ever considered trying out aquaponics, you can get the advice you need to get started from this blog.
  12. Gardener's Tips: This UK-based blog is a great place to find all kinds of helpful tips on gardening.

Landscape Design

These blogs are a great place to learn about landscape design projects both big and small.

  1. Landscape Juice: This blog can help you learn more about the landscaping industry.
  2. Pruned: Try out this blog to see the latest news in landscape architecture.
  3. Studio G: On this site you'll find inspiring and interesting posts from a landscape designer.
  4. Design Under Sky: Check back with this blog often to see new ideas in landscape architecture and environmental design.
  5. World Landscape Architect: Learn more about landscape architecture projects around the world from this blog.
  6. Garden Wise Guy: This blogger focuses on sustainable landscape design.
  7. GardenVisit.com: Learn more about landscape and garden design in places close to home and far flung alike through this site.
  8. Landscape Design Blog: Ask questions and read articles on this landscape design site.
  9. Landscape Design: This site is full of beautiful photos and informative articles about landscape design in South Africa.
  10. Landscape Design: Hatch: Check out this blog for great photos and links to information on landscaping and gardening.

Gardening Enthusiasts

Share your passion for gardening with these enthusiasts. 

  1. Garden Amateur: This Australian gardener has 18 years of experience under his belt.
  2. The Manic Gardener: Kate Gardner lives in Montana and shares tips and ideas on organic gardening in this blog.
  3. Girl Gone Gardening: Keep up with the gardening seasons with posts from this blogger.
  4. This Garden is Illegal: Here you'll find a blogger that is obsessed with gardening, posting on gardening plans, ideas and everything else.
  5. My Back 40 (Feet): This San Francisco-based blogger may not have a big yard, but he does the best he can with the small space.
  6. The Occasional Gardener: The name of this blog might be a bit misleading as the blogger gardens more than occasionally.
  7. Digging: Learn how this blogger turns a patch of dirt into something more in this blog.
  8. An Instrument of Grace: This gardener and blogger will teach you how to see the beauty and grace in gardening.
  9. Get in the Garden: Read through this blog to get tips and ideas on building a better garden from this gardening fanatic.
  10. The Garden Professors: Here you can get expert advice and information on gardening from horticulture professors.

Small Space and Urban

Even if you don't have a big backyard or any yard at all, these blogs offer advice on growing plants.

  1. Chicago Garden: This blog is maintained by a blogger called Mr. Brown Thumb, but it represents all the gardening goings-on in the city.
  2. Urban Gardens: Read this blog for ideas on how to turn your limited city outdoor space into a great garden.
  3. Backyard Gardening: No matter how big or small your backyard, this blog is full of great tips on making gardens work.
  4. Urban Garden Solutions: Get tips and solutions for small space gardening here.
  5. Container Gardening Magazine: If you don't have a yard, you can use this blog as a guide for growing plants in containers.
  6. Urban Garden Deco Guide: Make your urban garden stylish with tips found here.
  7. Heavy Petal: This blogger shows how small box gardens can still let you grow a big variety of plants.
  8. Urban Garden Casual: Get some great ideas on growing plants in the urban setting from this blog.
  9. Urban Veggie Garden Blog: Just because you live in the city doesn't mean you can't enjoy home-grown produce, as this blog shows.
  10. The Urban Gardener: Learn more about what it takes to grow gardens in the urban environment here.
  11. Chicago Urban Gardening: Ron Wolford is an Urban Horticulture Educator who shares his expertise in this blog.

Food Focused

Those keeping gardens for food production will enjoy these great reads. 

  1. Your Small Kitchen Garden: Even if you don't have a lot of room, you can learn how to grow food to eat from this blog.
  2. The Inadvertent Gardener: This blogger shares tips and ideas on how to get the best produce from your garden.
  3. Veggie Gardening Tips: Get all kinds of tips and tricks for your vegetable garden here.
  4. Bifurcated Carrots: Learn more about heirloom-variety gardening on this blog.
  5. Growing Groceries: Why go to the grocery store when this blog will show you how to become an expert gardener?
  6. The Veggie Patch Reimagined: Read this blog to learn how to make the most of your veggie patch.
  7. Veggie Gardener: Find all the information you'll need to start a vegetable garden here.
  8. Gardening for My Family: This blog is written by a young girl on a mission to grow vegetables for her family to eat.
  9. Harvest to Table: Get recipes and tips on growing produce through this site.
  10. In the Garden Online: On this site you can find a wealth of articles on growing edible plants.
  11. The Slow Cook: This DC-based blog will help you learn to use fresh produce to create healthy meals.

Flower and Herb

Learn more about raising flowers and herbs in the garden from these blogs.

  1. Cincinnati Cape Cod: This blogger shares her love of flowers, gardening, and other things through this blog.
  2. The Transplantable Rose: Check out this blog for great posts and photos of flowers and gardens in Austin.
  3. May Dreams Gardens: Try out this blog for advice and information on creating a beautiful flower garden.
  4. Roots and Flowers: This blog is a great place to find herb-growing tips and ideas on how to use your harvest.
  5. Betsy's Herb Garden: Here you'll find lots of posts all about herbs.
  6. The Herb Gardener: Learn more about growing and using herbs from this blog.

Type Specific

These blogs focus on topics like trees, cacti, orchids and succulents.

  1. Cactus Blog: Learn about the wide variety of cacti out there from this blog.
  2. Aboreality: If you love the variety of trees out there, you'll appreciate this blog all about them.
  3. Orchidaceous: This blog is perfect for the orchid enthusiast.
  4. Lophophora: Bookmark this site if you love growing cacti indoors or out.
  5. Succulent Life: This blogger shares her love of succulents big and small on this site.
  6. Sensational Succulents: Try out this blog to learn more about succulents.

Environmentally Conscious

Read through these blogs for helpful information on sustainable and organic gardening. 

  1. Ecosystem Gardening: Through this blog, you can learn how to create a garden that provides a habitat for wild species.
  2. Garden of Eaden: Read through this blog to find organic gardening advice that will help you produce an environmentally friendly garden.
  3. Sustainable and Urban Gardening: On this site you'll find tips and articles about creating gardens that don't hurt the earth and can grow just about anywhere.
  4. The Growing Edge: Learn more about large-scale sustainable gardening on this site.
  5. Natural Gardening: This wildlife gardener shares thoughts about creating a nature-friendly backyard here.
  6. Going Green Gardening: This blog will teach you the most important aspects of green gardening.
  7. Sustainable Garden: Try out this site for reading material on staying organic in your gardening.

Region Specific

Learn more about the plants and climate of specific areas of the United States in these blogs.

  1. Gardening Fun in New Brunswick: This garden blog is full of great tips for gardening no matter where you live.
  2. Gardening in Central Florida: Here you'll find a range of gardening information for those growing plants in a warmer climate.
  3. Cold Climate Gardening: If you live in a colder climate, however, like this blogger, this site is a great resource for advice.
  4. Gardening in Vermont: You don't have to live in Vermont to appreciate the help and inspiration this blog offers.
  5. New England Gardener: Whether you live in New England or in a area with a similar climate, you can find ideas of what to grow, tips on how to grow it and inspiration to get you started.
  6. New York City Garden: Find gardening tips for living in New York City on this site.
  7. Garden in Bethlehem, PA: Enjoy the pictures and information this blog offers about living and gardening in Pennsylvania.

Public Gardens

Even if you can't keep a garden of your own, you can enjoy the posts from these beautiful public gardens.

  1. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden: Based in Richmond, Virginia, this conservatory and garden is a great place to spend an afternoon. Check out their blog to see what's in bloom.
  2. Garden Seeds: The Scott Arboretum at Swathmore College posts about their garden on this blog.
  3. Denver Botanic Gardens: Even if you can't make it out to Denver, you can appreciate the photos of their gardens on this blog.
  4. The Garden Variety: The Cleveland Botanical Garden shares its events and information about its collections on this site.
  5. Etaerio: Check out this blog to learn more about the UBC Botanical Garden.
  6. Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden: This Belmont, North Carolina, garden offers photos and information about their public gardens here.
  7. Queens Botanical Garden: Whether you're in New York, want to plan a trip or just want to see what they have to offer, check out this blog for information on the Queens Botanical Garden.
  8. Norfolk Botanical Garden: Find out what's blossoming and growing at the Norfolk Botanical Garden on this site.
  9. Chicago Botanic Garden: See how the gardens are maintained, get tips and see wonderful photos on this botanical garden site.

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Construction management degree program locator

Somewhere specific in mind? Choose a state:

Below you will find a complete listing of all accredited construction management degree programs sorted by state. If you're interested becoming a construction manager and already know the state you want to pursue your education in, the pages below will provide you with a complete list of your degree options. We update this list frequently, but if you find an accredited construction management school we have missed in your state, please contact us.