The blades of a spinning turbine blur, pumping electricity as the wind whips through them — but it’s not the Altamont Pass, but rather the home of Brad Laschinske, Oroville resident and alternative energy enthusiast.

Those whirring blades already are saving Laschinske about $400 a month in powering his six-acre ranch, dropping his monthly bill from $600 to $200. And it’s not even prime wind season yet.

When seasonal winds pick up this month, Laschinske’s bill likely will drop to zero for three to five months, then return to about $200.

Estimates vary, but smaller homes in metropolitan areas can save as much as $2,000 a year using a wind turbine, experts say.
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THE One Total Home Experience has launched a new ‘Home Styling Service’ to help homeowners in Qatar with interior design, according to a company spokesman.
“A team of dedicated decorators will style your villa, apartment or just a single room, The One way,” said the spokesman.
Upon request, and for an agreed amount, designers will visit the home and take measurements of the rooms to be decorated, provide floor plans, room layouts and photographs of suggested furniture and accessories for each room.
The One design and communication manager, Lynne Merry explained: “An experienced stylist will assist you in selecting your favourite products from our range, co-ordinate them with complementing home fashion items from The One and advise you on colour, style, space and functionality. We even accompany the delivery and assembly team to implement the proposed look and feel.”
The One currently has stores in Landmark and Villagio.

A piece of mirrored furniture can transform a space. There’s something magical about a dressing table, hallway chest or lamp sheathed in the reflective surface that brings to mind the glamour and elegance of Hollywood and satin-haired starlets draped in furs.

But mirrored furniture, arriving in showrooms lately, has a much more practical side. Because it’s reflective, it doesn’t seem to take up as much space as a conventional wood piece, seeming less bulky. Like any mirror, it will make a space seem bigger because of its reflective qualities, and it will lighten a dark or closed-in area.

But remember: “Less is more.” More than one mirrored piece will compete for the spotlight. And keep it away from high-traffic areas and children’s rooms. Resulting fingerprints aren’t glamorous.

Here are a few pieces sure to glam up any spot.