Mom selling Kurt Cobain’s childhood home in Washington

ABERDEEN, Washington — This month marks the 20th anniversary of Nirvana’s final studio album, and fans aren’t just able to buy a new “super deluxe” box set to celebrate the occasion. They can also buy the childhood home of late frontman Kurt Cobain, complete with his mattress.


Cobain’s mother, Wendy O’Connor, is putting the tired, 1.5-story bungalow two hours southwest of Seattle on the market this week.

To help sell it, the family is offering a glimpse into the early life of its tortured and talented son through photos shot at the house, including one of a chocolate-frosted birthday cake for Kurt and a shot of a teenage Cobain smiling, guitar in hand, in his messy room.

The home, last assessed at less than $67,000, is being listed for $500,000. It’s a short walk from a riverfront park dedicated to Cobain’s memory, and the family said it would welcome a partnership to make the home into a museum. His room still has the stencil-like band names — Iron Maiden, Led Zeppelin — he reportedly put on the walls, as well as the holes he put in them.

“We’ve decided to sell the home to create a legacy for Kurt, and yes, there are some mixed feelings since we have all loved the home and it carries so many great memories,” Cobain’s sister, Kim Cobain, said in an emailed statement. “But our family has moved on from Washington, and (we) feel it’s time to let go of the home.”





The house, a 1923 structure with dingy carpeting, water-stained wooden shingles on some interior walls, and a recent coat of yellow paint, is on East 1st Street in Aberdeen, a gritty and struggling former timber town at the mouth of the Chehalis River near the southwest Washington coast.

Cobain’s parents bought it in 1969, when Kurt was 2. He lived there until they separated when he was 9, and again with his mom during his later teen years.

The heroin-addicted Cobain committed suicide in Seattle in 1994, at age 27, after a meteoric career that popularized the Pacific Northwest’s heavy, muddy “grunge” rock. The last of Nirvana’s three studio albums, “In Utero,” came out in September 1993, and Universal Music Group has released a re-mastered version and a “super deluxe” box set.

Cobain described his early childhood in Aberdeen as happy. As author Charles R. Cross noted in his Cobain biography, “Heavier Than Heaven,” he would ride his bike around the small yard and pound on a set of Mickey Mouse drums his parents bought him.

In one event that entered family lore, Cobain’s father, Don, trapped a rat in a garbage can in the garage. Don tried to spear it with a broomstick, but the rodent clambered up the handle, over Don’s shoulder to the ground and across Kurt’s toes to safety — prompting endless laughter from the 5-year-old.



But his parents’ divorce scarred him deeply. At one point, he scrawled “I hate Mom, I hate Dad” on his bedroom wall, Cross wrote.

“It’s a place where he had very fond memories, but it’s the house where his parents got divorced,” Cross said in an interview. “He couldn’t wait to get away, but it’s a place that helped shape who he became.”

The home was last lived in by a family friend four years ago. According to The Agency, the Beverly Hills, California-based luxury real estate firm marketing the property, it features the dining room table and hutch from when Cobain lived there. Cobain’s mattress is tucked away in a musty upstairs crawl space.

Cobain lived in about 20 houses in his life, Cross said, and this isn’t the first one offered for sale based on its connection to rock history.

In 2002, an Oregon couple bought a home in nearby Montesano for $42,500. When they learned that Cobain had lived there with his father from 11 to 15, they sold it for $210,000.

source: entertainment.inquirer.net

Gift of the Magis

As a manufacturer of modern furniture and accent pieces designed by some of the world’s most famous names such as Philippe Starck, Jasper Morrison and Tom Dixon, Magis has produced around 40 types of chairs that have found their way to more than 80 countries, including the Philippines.

But, as Alberto Perazza said, it wasn’t simply a matter of beefing up Magis’ product line up. Although Magis is Latin for “more,” there must be a story behind every product that comes out from its subcontractors’ factories in and around Treviso, Italy.

“We’re motivated to do a product not because there’s a need to do a new chair,” he said. “Actually, there’s too much of everything available in the market these days. Since we’re a technology-driven company, there should be a story behind every new product.”

He explained the innovation could be a combination of materials done in an unusual way, or the use of an existing technology that has never been employed before in making a chair, table or accent piece.

As partner in charge of sales and marketing, Perazza recently visited the Philippines to renew Magis’ ties with Dimensione, the brand’s exclusive Philippine distributor for over a decade now, and oversee a traveling exhibit dubbed “Made in Magis: Materials and Technologies Behind the Products.”



Composed of three sets of pictures and installations showing a progression of how Chair_One by Konstantin Grcic, Paso Doble by Stefano Giovannoni, and Steelwood by Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec are made, the exhibit was initially displayed two weeks ago at the basement of Bench Tower in Bonifacio Global City.


Asia first


Over the next three weeks, Dimensione’s flagship store at Bonifacio High Street will be highlighting the technology behind each of this iconic Magis chairs by displaying an installation every week. The exhibit at the Dimensione store is open to the public.

The exhibit debuted in Shanghai, then was staged in Taipei before Manila. Perazza has yet to announce its next destination, but Magis fans in Europe and North America will have to wait. The brand has chosen to prioritize Asia for good reason. Demand for its products in the region has grown dramatically over the years.

“I don’t have the exact number, but I think we now have more than 40 chairs,” he said, “but there’s more to us than chairs. We also do tables, home accessories and even kids’ furniture called Me Too. They’re not just miniature versions of their parents’ pieces. That would have been too lazy. Me Too offers totally new designs aimed at kids.”


But Magis will always be identified with chairs. Apart from tapping some of the world’s most celebrated designers, the brand’s production team has come up with some of the most iconic pieces using cutting-edge technology. It has done this without running a single factory.


Cebu partner

Since its inception in 1976, Magis has been “factory-free.” But “99 percent” of its products, said Perazza, are produced in Italy. The remaining one percent, in the form of the wicker-back Cyborg chair, by Marcel Wanders, comes from a “world-class” factory in Cebu.

“We went to Cebu primarily because of cost,” he said. “There’s a district in Italy not far from where we are that produces wicker pieces. But, apart from the high cost, it has become unsustainable because not enough young people want to continue the craft.”

While Magis was contemplating whether or not to continue producing the wicker-back version of the Cyborg chair two years ago (the plastic and leather versions are still done in Italy), they received good news from their regional sales and promotions manager in Hong Kong, who pointed to a company in Cebu that also supplies furniture pieces to other European brands.

“We went with the manager’s suggestion, and that was the start,” said Perazza. “So far, we’ve been happy with the results. The quality is world-class and they’re able to meet deadlines. We didn’t even consider companies in other countries in the region.”

The possibility of being copied, especially in the case of a product done thousands of miles away from Italy, will always be there. But Magis has had little reason not to trust its Cebu partners.

“We’re lucky to have a dependable and reliable partner in Cebu with a good track record,” said Perazza.


Dangers of outsourcing

Being victimized by Asian copycats is no longer news to Magis. Its adjustable plastic-and-steel Bombo chair also by Giovannoni, continues to suffer from poor sales in Asia and the US due to cheap imitations.



It’s a risk the company has to take since it decided to let others piece together its products. Although Magis still does the molds to manufacture its pieces, production is contracted to a network of various factories and suppliers.

“Since we don’t do things in-house, we coordinate with designers and production people until the product undergoes production,” said Perazza. “We try to practice and grow the relationship with one supplier per technology, or one supplier per material.”

Magis also values its relations with various designers, but none of them is given “carte blanche” access. Magis makes it a point to get involved in the entire process not so much to scrimp on cost or ensure that its investment is well spent. It simply believes that a good product is the result of a combination of many factors.

One factor is open dialogue with designers, said Perazza. “In the end, if the product fails in the market, it’s always the fault of the company, not the designer. The decision is always ours alone whether or not to go ahead with a product.”

source: lifestyle.inquirer.net

My Home bridges the substance of the kitchen

MANILA, Philippines - My Home creates yet another interesting issue, focusing on the heart of the home. The Kitchen Issue inspires and guides everyone, hoping to make working a breeze in this special space.

The main story focuses on five unique homes with kitchens capturing the different design personalities and styles: from a classic and refined kitchen design options; a serene and sizeable modern dwelling; a red and black polished abode for a growing family; a three floor home, moving up to maximize the limited space; and the fruition of a whitewashed dream home.

Design 101 gives an introduction to the different accessories that maximizes the function of the kitchen sink. Know the different table add-ons and dining must-haves guaranteed to make the host a star in Style Guide. Trends and Home Accessories Guide gives a complete list of kitchen essentials, ranging from the latest appliances, gadgets and kitchen tools that range from the whimsical to the functional. Space Starters teaches the handy and practical tricks for maximizing small kitchen areas. Lastly, Kitchen Ideas helps aspiring home builders to recognize the importance of going through kitchen designs and showrooms when starting from scratch.

For information, visit www.myhomedesign.ph. Like it on Facebook and follow it on Twitter @myhomemag.

source: philstar.com

Putting Asian touch to Filipino homes

MANILA, Philippines – Asians are known for their close ties with their families which can easily be seen inside their homes. For instance, a typical Filipino household looks like this: a child beyond 18 still stays in the parent’s house even after getting married; relatives live in the same compound with the other members of the clan; having a relative live in the same roof as yours.

Extended families are common among Asians where the family house is open to all members and even sometimes seen as a property to be passed on from generation to generation.

Empire East’s The Rochester is designed to accommodate every Filipino family’s needs for a decent and quality home thriving in a well-lived community. It follows the principles of Asian modern architecture that speaks of practicality, functionality and beauty to suit every Filipino’s tastes.

Beauty and function combined. The Rochester in San Joaquin, Pasig City strictly follows the clean and simple lines that are common on Asian modern structures while carrying earth-tone colors that exude simplicity, elegance and classical look. Decorative wooden brackets doesn’t only increase the aesthetic value of the tower’s facade but provides support to the entire structure while the wide glass windows allow more light and air to enter each structure. The scenic view from the outside of the window also encourages residents to appreciate nature’s beauty more.

Embracing spaces. Asian homes are known for abundant living spaces. In here, residents are entitled to spacious residential suites, with a choice of 1BR for single occupant, 2BR and 3BR suites with balcony ideal for average families and combined units to accommodate bigger families. The square-type unit layout of each suite gives owners more leeway to move around furniture, add decorations, or simply go around the house freely.

Supporting green. Involving nature is also typical in Asian architecture where concrete structures are built in nature-rich environment, creating a more harmonious and relaxing community. Upon entering, residents are welcomed by 60% open landscaped gardens where the sight of the luscious greeneries not only provides a healthier and fresher environment but also gives calming effect to the mind and spirit.

Playtime. Recreational amenities like adult and kiddie pools, basketball/tennis court, children’s playground, jogging paths, lounge area with mini-bar, gym and fitness area and game rooms provide quick entertainment and leisure to residents while the Wi-Fi enabled clubhouse and 100-seating capacity multi-purpose hall are perfect venues to socialize or hold special events.

Outside this serene community are a number of offices found in major business districts, commercial establishments that appeal to both the masses and elites, premiere schools and universities and hospitals looming around the corner, providing convenience in accessing the key important places in Metro.

Invite the whole family to come home to The Rochester where they’ll get to experience the best things in life that come at a very affordable price. Call 810-3333 today and discover a new paradise in the city.

source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/47609/putting-asian-touch-to-filipino-homes

Real Estate Affordability: What Is The State Of Affairs On The Field Today?

While certain areas in California have experienced some pricing stabilize, pushing the Affordability Index lower, there nonetheless are many Southern California sub-markets that remain at historically top levels of affordability. As an example, at the same time as the rest of the State was at more or less a 60percent average, all of Riverside County was experiencing affordability levels of over 70percent . Riverside and areas of San Bernardino counties still have incredibly great inexpensive priced new properties, significantly better than the higher urbanized centers in the State.

In larger Texas areas such as Dallas and Austin, costs have also dropped for housing; although, not as greatly as in small to medium sized communities. Across the globe, it has been declared that, 'now is the moment to invest'. With prices down roughly in all states, and the chance of owning in areas that were sky-high in pricing before, who wouldn't desire to purchase their own little portion of homes for sale in Florida?

New dwelling sales continue to improve, specially for first time buyers and those who could benefit from the tax credits. It occurs that the State is well on its way to extending the State tax credit, which is planned to comprise credits for both new and resale residences. The mixture of the lowest past pricing, low interest rates and tax credits, make the current market an excellent purchasers market and a positive time to purchase a new dwelling. Look for Florida homes for sale.

Though sales of new residences have been developing, historically the amount of gross sales are well below the previous 15 year average, at around 60% lower. New home supply has been reduced a lot over the 12-18 months and we can witness supply in some sub-real estate markets will not be able keep pace with the existing recovery and demand. This seems to also be the case for finished lots for builders. The finished lots in prime market locations have been insistently pursued by the big builders and the remainder supply is spotted in mostly the secondary market locations.

What does all this involve? The equilibrium amid supply and demand has definitely enhanced and complete pricing has stabilized, meaning that those who need a home should be out searching. Interest rates and tax credits will possibly be great for this year, but hard to say for the outlook.

A housing affordability market index price is your income capacity to home price percentage that defines if you can pay for a real estate, what sort of property you can shoulder, and whether or not your income array will make you noticeable to lenders. These indices can be put in print by growing communities, states, cities, and by a collection of other resource in an effort to help you evaluate your probability to be a property owner. Some affordability index kinds also consider how living in specific places may lessen your expenditure or enhance them for things like transports.

If you investigate real estate property you can trust Brevard County real estate.

When you investigate real estate turn to Best Homes for Sale in Florida.

Article Source: http://www.ArticleBiz.com

Five ways to keep a clean floor

MANILA, Philippines - Scotch-Brite Mops share five bright ideas for efficient floor cleaning. Keep these in mind when cleaning your floors to turn this chore into a breeze:

Not all floors are the same. Know the floor type that you will clean to know the cleaning method to use, as well as the cleaning tools you will need. Different floors require different cleaning methods and some can work for one type but can ruin another. Floor types can vary from the most common, like ceramic tiles, vinyl and linoleum, and to expensive floor types like hardwood and marble. Ceramic tiles, vinyl and linoleum would just need regular polishing while hardwood and marble need extra care to keep it from scratches and chemicals that can cause wear and tear.

Clear the floor. Make sure that you get the big junks and objects off your way before you sweep the surface and start mopping the floor to make sure you get all the dust particles.

Different mop types for different uses. Know what type of cleaning tool to use because some will work for wet areas and some for dry areas. For regular cleaning, you can use Scotch-Brite Everyday Cleaning Mop, made of cotton. It has looped ends to prevent fraying and linting. For wet surfaces, you can use Scotch-Brite Super Drying Mop made of micro-fiber strips, which quickly absorbs spilled liquid and effectively dries wet surfaces.

The perfect mop accessory. Know the right accessory for your mopping task like the Scotch-Brite Mop Wringer Bucket to help you work faster and easier. Its hands-free wringer makes mopping more convenient and definitely more hygienic. The bucket also has innovative features like a 20-liter volume capacity and anti-slip grip.

Know the right way to mop your floor. After you sweep the dust, mop from the innermost part of the room. Mop from corner to corner until you reach the room’s entrance so you don’t step on the cleaned area. Mop the area by doing a side to side motion to make sure you cover all spots. Scotch-Brite Mops has a small round mop head that can clean even the corners and hard to reach areas of the floor. It also has a lightweight handle to keep your arms from tiring easily while cleaning.

Scotch Brite Mops are available in all leading supermarkets, groceries, and modern hardware stores nationwide. For information, visit www.scotch-brite.com/ph.

article source: philstar.com