The Benefits of San Diego County and City Partnering on Charger Stadium Project

San Diego County and San Diego are partnering through putting in $250,000 a piece to hire attorneys, consultants and industry experts to determine the best way to approach keeping the Chargers in San Diego. The plan to collaborate between the two governmental entities is a good one that tells the NFL and the Chargers that they are serious about keeping them here but also about protecting taxpayer interest.

San Diego County and the City of San Diego are stakeholders in the same project and would both benefit from keeping the Chargers in the area. Stadiums are expensive beasts that can easily cost over a billion dollars to develop. Most of the expense related to developing and building will be footed by taxpayers to it is important that the full scope of the project is understood.

There are times when cities get into projects and quickly find themselves overwhelmed with the project, cost, data, and legal ramifications. Effective legal challenges are mounted and soon what appeared to be a good idea is swamped in layers of red tape. Under those circumstances it won't take long for the NFL to figure out their needs aren't going to get fulfilled with this project.

All projects contain an element of risk that can be controlled. By evaluating projects in advance, alternatives, and methods of completion a more comprehensive solution can be formalized. Risk are reduced through the use of an effective plan that takes into consideration the challenges and difficulties that are often a result of expensive and high profile projects.

Successful stadium projects require the ability to plan and understand the scope of the project and then enactment of a strategy for completion (Sampson, 2006). Without defined objectives and knowing what the project is to accomplish there is a high probability that it will move outside of its objectives and include costs and add ons that have little to do with the project itself.

When spending taxpayer money that can have large implications for the area it is important to aim well and shoot once. Protecting taxpayer money and expanding the benefits from keeping the Chargers in town is important business that shouldn't be left up the whim of a few people. Having a team of experts might cost the city and county a little money up front but will save them millions in the long run.

Sampson, B. (2006). Build it and the fans will follow. Professional Engineering, 19 (10).

Hobby: What to do with old furniture?

Old furniture is something that we throw out from time to time. Perhaps we recently upgraded our décor and bought a new set or we have that piece or two that no longer fits with anything else we own. It could be scratched, nicked, stained or suffered from years of abuse and neglect. Before you throw it out you may want to consider a fixer up project like the one I completed with an old cabinet.

 

Before engaging in saving a particular piece of furniture ensure that it is solid and only has cosmetic issues. If you desire to cut wood, replace parts, and do other things there is a higher level of skill involved. Basic sanding and painting will work for most projects and leave you with higher quality products. Sometimes you may need to buy a door handle or other small item that may be missing to finish it off.

 

Those cabinets that are solid and have a stained finish may need to be sanded. The manufacturer is able to sand them down and cure them in a way where not much is going to stick. By lightly brushing the entire piece with sand paper you are able to prepare the piece for painting. The wood granules become rough and raised enough to hold the paint.

 

Once the process of sanding is complete you should put on at least two coats of paint. In my case, I used mocha but you may want to try a different color. The purpose of two coats is to ensure that everything is covered uniformly. Sometimes trying to put too much paint on at one time can cause dripping or running which leaves little bubbles in the paint.

 

You may want to end with a satin finish. It will help to make it look nice and smooth with a slight shine. The satin spray will also protect against moisture and wear and tear. Other products are available that will better coat the top for protection against condensation, water, or other scratches. This depends on your planned usage and the amount you want to spend. Assuming that you own the cabinet the total project will cost around $10.

 

People engage in home projects for all types of reasons. It may be a hobby, something to do, or a home business. In my case, I desire to ensure that all of the mismatched stuff thrown into my home office matches so I will be going piece by piece until they are finished. This cabinet will be used for a t.v. stand and free the surface space of my desk for other uses.

 

Steps 1: Take off knobs, decoration, etc…

 

Steps 2: Sand surface to ensure paint sticks or nicks are removed.

 

Steps 3: Spray paint, stain, or paint with a brush.

 

Steps 4: Repeat step 3

 

Step 5: Allow to Dry

 

Step 6: Use satin finish.

How to Build an Old Crate Bookshelf

Arts, crafts and hobbies can be a wonderful addition to any person’s life. They provide an outlet for creative juices, allow for personal expression, enhance skills and give one a sense of accomplishment. With all such creative endeavors it is a process of learning. Things rarely turn out perfect but do provide some insight into how to make the next one better or allow for the transference of skills to other areas. This post is about how to build a bookshelf from two crates and a few pieces of wood. 

The process is relatively simple and can be done in any small space. With a garage and proper equipment it is possible to do much more in terms of creative and more professional works. However, with just about any size space you can put together something simple like this bookshelf with whatever color or design you prefer. 

The bookshelf is very steady and I was actually able to lift it full of books without any problems with the joints, bindings, or any other type of loosening. This strength is a benefit because it is possible to put heavier stuff on the shelves without worrying about potential damage. You should have no problem with heavy books. 

Step 1: Find and paint (or sand and stain) two crates. You may find these for free or purchase them. 

Step 2: Cut four 1”X 2” boards (2 on either side) to the length of the two crates, a center shelf area, and 4” for the legs.

Step 3: Paint the rest of the shelf. I found it easier to have all the parts painted before adding them. You may paint or place designs on the side to make it more decorative. 

Step 4: If you haven't done so assemble your boards to the two crates. You should use a proper screw to create appropriate strength. Nails are likely to pull out.

Step 5: Add cut potato bag or other cloth to the sides. It isn’t a necessary step but you might want to complete it to create a more decorative look. 

Step 6: Place a felt shoe, wheels, or wrapping on the bottom of the legs to avoid scratching the floor or other surfaces. 

You are done!

The total cost is approximately $47 assuming you bought all of the items. If you found your own crates it would tally out to under $25.

$12X2 Crates

$5 for two boards cut into four pieces.

$5 paint

$5 sprays to make it shinny (not necessary if you want an antique look).

$3 shoe or felt bottom

$5 potato bag

Cost Comparison: Browsing the Internet you can find a number of similar examples but nothing I found was exactly the same. Such products run for $120 to $250 depending on the size and quality of the crates. I have seen some large and well done one's for $800. In many cases these crates have been refurbished to create a rustic look. You will have to include shipping as well. If you can get away with this simple design for $25 you have done well (just find your crates).

I'm thinking of selling this one so send me an email with an offer if you are are interested. I would like to work on something else. muradabel@gmail.com