For Immediate Release

Courtesy of: "Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition"

RALEIGH, N.C. ... Titanic, the ship of dreams, still fascinates anyone who has heard the tragic tale, even 100 years after an iceberg sent the now-legendary ship to the bottom of the icy North Atlantic. Starting September 29, visitors to the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences can follow that fateful voyage, take on the identity of a passenger, touch an iceberg and see more than 200 artifacts recovered from the broken ship's debris field two-and-a-half miles beneath the surface.

Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition immerses visitors in the experience of the 2,228 passengers where more than 1,500 died. No one believed it could happen. The Titanic catastrophe shook the world's faith in technology and forever imprinted the ship's name into history books.

Titanic's compelling human stories are told through authentic artifacts and exacting re-creations of the ship's interior. Delicate bottles of perfume, china bearing the logo of the White Star Line, and many other objects recovered from the wreck site offer poignant connections to lives abruptly ended or forever changed by one of the world's greatest maritime tragedies.

Visitors are quickly drawn back in time as each receives a replica boarding pass of an actual passenger aboard Titanic. They then begin their chronological journey through the life of Titanic, from the ship's construction, to life on board, to the ill-fated sinking and amazing artifact recovery efforts. They will marvel at the re-created boiler room as well as first- and third-class cabins, stand on the Captain's Bridge, and learn of stories of heroism and humanity. Finally, in the "Memorial Gallery" guests will take their boarding pass and discover whether their passenger survived or perished.

Educational, emotional and appropriate for all ages, Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition pays homage to the indomitable force of the human spirit in the face of tragedy.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.naturalsciences.org/titanic or call the Museum Box Office at 919.707.9950.

 

The exhibition runs through April 28, 2013.

 

Contact: Emelia.Cowans@naturalsciences.org p. 919.707.9837

 

More photos here.

 

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An adult suddenly collapses in front of you.  Will you feel helpless or know what to do to save his or her life?  You’ll be glad to know that the American Heart Association has simplified things so anyone can save a life. This new CPR method doesn’t require certification or mouth-to-mouth contact but can double the chance of survival.* 

Don’t worry about hurting the person.  If they’ve stopped breathing, you can only help them.  Good Samaritan laws protect you from legal risk.  It’s better to break a rib than stand by in fear of not doing the right thing.  Here’s how to use continuous chest compression CPR to save lives:

1. 1.                  Call 911.  Tell them your location and that someone is not breathing.

Lay the person on their back on a hard surface.

1. 2.      Place the bottom your palm in the center of the person’s chest with your other palm on top of it.
2. 3.      Lock your elbows and put your shoulders directly above your hands in the center of the person’s chest.  Use your entire upper body to force the chest cavity downward.
3. 4.      Push HARD in rapid repetitions.  When you compress the chest with quick forceful motion, the recoil of the person’s body allows the heart to continue pumping blood.  With blood circulating, the brain gets what it needs and your action can keep the person alive.
4. 5.      Maintain the pumping action at a rate of 100 times per minute until paramedics arrive.  It’s best to have a second person to take turns with you to keep up the pace.  The beat from the song Staying Alive by the Bee Gees is about the speed you need.
5. 6.      Do not stop to check for breath or a pulse.  Keep compressing the chest until help arrives.

To watch a short video that demonstrates this easy method, go to the American Heart Association’s website at: www.handsonlycpr.org.  *Conventional CPR (with your mouth) may be better than Hands-Only CPR for infants and children, or teens and adults whom you did not see collapse.

Do you have a senior in high school this year?  If you do (or know someone who does), it’s time to start applying to colleges and seeking the financial aid and scholarships you’ll need to help pay for their education. 

Here are five secrets to pay less for higher education:

• When parents’ income matters.  The year prior to the student’s high school graduation is the basis for financial aid calculations.  When possible, shift income to this year before Spring graduation in the coming year.  This may help you qualify for more financial aid.

• Apply early or lose funding.  After January 1, complete and submit the Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) at  www.fafsa.ed.gov, and apply for aid packages your school(s) of choice may require. 

• Cheaper college tuition may cost you more.  Private schools are often endowed with funds to offer up to 100% the cost of college.  State schools may have lower tuition costs, but significantly less scholarship money.  Apply to both types of schools and compare overall costs after scholarships are factored into the equation.

• Do not “negotiate.”  Each school has different rules on how scholarship money is awarded.  It doesn’t help to mention another school’s offer to the aid director.  It won’t get you a better scholarship package.  However, it is okay to ask a college to review a previous decision by saying: “What else can you find to make it possible for my child to go to school here?”

• Outside awards may help, but only slightly.  Awards from community organizations may range from $100 to $1,000 and are a great source of pride.  Keep in mind that these cash awards are considered a resource by the IRS and may lower your ability for federal funding.  Your best option is to apply for as many scholarships offered directly from the college before spending too much time on outside funding.

Real Estate Corner…

Q.   How do I get the best home for the lowest price?     

A.   Price is only one of several factors to consider when you purchase a home.

• Preferences:  Make two lists with one outlining your needs and the other a list of your wants.  Compare lists with other members of your family so you are agree on what’s important before you start looking.
• Budget:  Get pre-approved by a qualified loan officer before your search to find out what monthly mortgage payment is possible given your debt and income.
• Location:  The “best” price is usually not the cheapest price.  Desirable locations demand higher prices.  But communities with higher prices also often retain their value the best.
• Negotiation:  Inexperienced buyers sometimes want to “lowball” their initial offer.  Too often they end up disappointed for a variety of reasons such as competition with other buyers, a negative reaction from the seller, and the need to start all over again if negotiations fail.

If you want to learn more, ask about my free consumer report titled,
“8 Secrets For Saving Thousands When Buying Your Next Home.”  This  guide will save you time and money even if you’re not planning to buy soon.

Do you have a real estate question you want answered?  Feel free to call me at <<888-8888>>.  Perhaps I’ll feature your question in my next issue!

3 Easy Steps To Make Your Home ‘Green’ and Save $

Step #1:  Change the light bulbs.  Replacing one light bulb with a compact fluorescent or LED bulb can save almost $50 over its lifetime.  Shop for environmental products at: www.greenhome.com.

Step #2:  Replace bathroom faucets.  Water-efficient products can save an average family 500 gallons of water each year.  Faucets account for about 15% of a family’s water consumption.  Learn more at: www.epa.gov/watersense.

Step #3:  Recycle gray water.  An average bath uses 30 to 50 gallons of water and it flows into the same sewer system as when you flush the toilet.  A better use of this “gray water” from showers, tubs, and washing machines is to water the landscape.  It conserves water, lowers the load on sewer systems, and saves money.   For info, go to: www.greywateraction.org. 

5 Simple Memory Tricks

It’s frustrating not remembering where you put important items or forgetting basic details.  Use these tricks to keep track of things:

v      Cluster numbers:  Help your brain process the numbers “2, 8, 4, 9” by clustering them into “twenty eight, forty nine.”

v      Say it out loud:  Tell yourself that you’re locking the door as you leave.  Repeat that you’re going to the kitchen for scissors either out loud or to yourself.  This will keep you from becoming distracted.

v      Convert grocery lists to meals:  If you need hot dogs, milk, mustard, cereal and buns, you can think breakfast (cereal and milk) and lunch (mustard, hot dogs, and buns).

v      Designate a place:  Store your cell phone and keys in the same place close to your front door.  This way you’ll know exactly where they are the next time you’re running late for an appointment. 

v      Use visual triggers:  For example, leaving a piece of paper on your car seat before going into the office will remind you to get gas before you return home.  Or, putting a DVD by the front door reminds you to return it to the rental store before you leave the house. 

Prepare for Spring Flowers! Fall Gardening Tips

Summer has not yet ended, but it is time to start thinking about how you can improve your gardens this fall. You can do many things now to improve the condition and beauty of your lawn and garden while enjoying the end of a beautiful summer season.

Mid-September is the best time to begin planting spring bulbs, such as tulips, daffodils and hyacinths. In most areas, it is also the best time to begin planting perennial shrubs.

While thinking about what you want to have growing in the early part of 2013, you should also get rid of some of what is growing now. Tilling a garden for spring planting is much easier in the fall than in the early spring when, in some locations, the ground is still thawing from a cold winter.

If you have decided to rearrange some of your gardens, September is an opportune time to move plants, because they have a better chance of rooting successfully when temperatures are moderate. And, since late fall showers are as beneficial to your plants as spring showers are to those bulbs you are planting, you really can’t go wrong.

If you live in an area where the fall months are relatively dry, install an irrigation system or purchase a lawn sprinkler. For around $20, you should be able to find some excellent choices.

Next, get rid of pesky weeds. The fall months are perfect for weeding. Destroy the roots wherever possible and never water the unwanted plants. When you attack weeds in the fall, they do not have an opportunity to rejuvenate before the arrival of winter, which may help to kill them. Always pick up the weeds and bag them carefully. Otherwise you risk their return if you accidentally spread their seeds.

Consider mulching your lawn with your mower. Instead of raking all the leaves, save your back and use a mulching mower that chews up those leaves and spits them back onto the ground to provide fertilizer and cover for your delicate lawn during the winter.

Finally, if you have a vegetable garden, the end of the harvest season is near. Once you have removed the last of your produce, consider composting the remainder of the plants. Dig a hole in or near your garden, place the plant matter inside, cover the hole with soil, and wait. This will provide much-needed fertilizer in the spring. Do not do this anywhere near an open window in your home, because there may be a strong smell.

Never plant new roses in the fall. Instead, plant them in pots and keep them indoors to protect the delicate bushes from low winter temperatures. The same is true for magnolia and dogwood trees, which fare better when planted early in the year.

It is never too soon to start thinking about the arrival of spring! Preparing your garden for spring planting now will make gardening a pleasure when winter ends. You will be amazed at the how easy spring gardening becomes when you begin prepping the soil months in advance.

If you need any assistance in finding a home this Fall, please contact Coastwalk Real Estate at 910-458-9119. Or visit us online here: http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/ where you can search for homes for sale in Carolina Beach, Kure Beach, Wrightsville Beach and Wilmington Real Estate!

Carolina Beach, NC

The town of about 5,600 friendly residents has a quaint vintage feel sure to transport you back to your childhood days at the beach. Yet it provides every modern convenience you could hope for and you’ll be welcomed as one of their own!

In addition to miles of wide, clean, beautiful beaches, Carolina Beach offers a variety of beach homes, cottages and condos.

Carolina Beach restaurants range from five-star to very good family restaurants. You’ll love the vintage decor and prices of local restaurants dating back to our early days. Of course, no trip to Carolina Beach is complete without a visit to the Boardwalk. Grab a famous Britt's donut and coffee, head for the boardwalk and watch the day come alive. Click here for more info on area activities in Carolina Beach.

Here are more homes for sale in Carolina Beach, NC

http://www.coastwalkrealestate.com/carolina-beach-homes-for-sale/

Here is a super new home for sale in Carolina Beach. Its about 5 blocks from the ocean. You can alw walk to the Lake, and downtown. 1511 Searay Lane offes everything you want in a modern beach home, including affordability.

For more information contact Coastwalk Real Estate. We can help you find a home 910-458-9119 Here are more details on the specs and building materials used: Design and Luxury Features Exterior • 26 G Galvalum Metal Roof • Low maintenance vinyl siding • Single Hung, double pane, Low E vinyl windows (impact glass used on 3rd floor) • Fiberglass exterior doors with rot free jams (impact glass inserts used on 3rd floor) • Painted rails and posts on all porches • Sodded and irrigated front, rear and side yards • Environmentally friendly driveway design • Monolithic slab on ground floor • Enclosed storage room on ground floor • Each home also utilizes the Zip System for exterior wall sheathing ZIP WALL SYSTEM High energy prices, growing awareness of building performance and environmental sustainability, and changes in building codes have led to the development of new products and building practices. ZIP System® wall is designed specifically to address the growing need for home performance, comfort and energy efficiency, and is the optimal solution for structural sheathing, moisture management and superior air barrier performance, all in one. The ZIP System features a best-in-class 30-year system warranty and 30-year panel warranty* REDUCES AIR LEAKAGE Air leakage into or out of a home is a leading cause of poor energy efficiency because it disrupts the existing air temperature, which is typically conditioned by expensive heating or cooling equipment. Unlike traditional sealing methods involving housewrap, ZIP System wall sheathing offers a much better solution to this age-old building challenge. PROTECTS R-VALUE Air leakage also reduces the R-Value of a building's insulation. High R-Value means greater resistance to heat flowing through the wall cavity. Air leakage degrades the ability of insulation to resist heat flow. An efficient wall system creates a tight seal, allowing insulation to perform at its intended level. ZIP System wall sheathing seals the wall system and prevents air leakage from degrading R-value. ENERGY SAVINGS A tighter building envelope means less airflow into and out of the home. And since conditioned air is expensive air, homeowners can also take comfort in knowing that ZIP System sheathing will help save them money Interior • Engineered wide plank hand scraped hardwood floors in living, dining, kitchen and halls • Shaw Chalet style carpet with 6lb pad in all bedrooms • 7 ¼” tall mdf baseboards throughout • 1x4 mdf craftsman style door casings • Hollowcore Interior Doors with 3 styles to choose from • Smooth painted ceilings and walls. • Benjamin Moore paint • Tile bathroom floors and walls. • 4 recessed cans in the kitchen area • Phone jack and cable outlet in each bedroom and in main living area • Ceiling fans with light kits in all bedrooms and living room • Ceiling fans with light kits on covered porches • Smoke detectors installed in all bedrooms and living areas • Front and rear flood lights • Chrome finish plumbing fixtures in bathrooms • Vented closet shelving Kitchen • Granite Countertops • Single Bowl Stainless Steel sink • Frigidaire Stainless Steel appliances • Tile backsplash • Shaker style cabinetry (knobs not included)  Energy Saving Features • Goodman 13 Seer Heat pumps • 50 Gallon Hot water heater • R15 insulation in walls, R 30 in ceilings and R 19 in floors (between heated and non heated space) • Water saver, elongated toilets • Zip system wall sheathing (see above)