Traditional

European: Today, European Traditional style can be a reproduced version of any of the styles already mentioned above-or some combination of distinct styles. Generally, modern European Traditional style will follow the Rococo or Neoclassical periods’ keynotes. Curvilinear designs and dark woods are common, as are arched sofa backs and a formal feel.

American: Likewise, American Traditional style of the present day looks back to the Colonial and Empire periods, while adapting those themes to modern sensibilities. Painted finishes and architectural flourishes, such as spindles and finials, are very typical.

British Colonial/West Indies: A tropical feel infuses the British traditions to create the British Colonial and West Indies look. Wicker, rattan, and other lighter woods (with deep finishes) replace the hardwoods of typical British furniture and lines are cleaner and simpler.

Contemporary & Modern

Urban/Loft: Lines often flare, but keep their simplicity and functional feel in the urban and loft styles of Contemporary furniture. Leather and Microfiber are popular choices for upholstery.

Danish/Scandinavian: The Norse influence in Contemporary furnishings continues with no signs of flagging. Simple, unadorned pieces of walnut and teak are very common. Contemporary Scandinavian designers employ straight lines with only occasional, gentle curves.

Minimalist: Minimalist home furnishings take Contemporary simplicity to an extreme. Inspired most directly by Bauhaus design, simple lines dominate the Minimalist approach. The emphasis is on free space, functionality and economical design, rather than flourishes in furnishing interior space.

Country & Cottage

Americana: A simple yet substantial style, Americana design emphasizes natural woods and deep finishes. Ornamentation is kept to a minimum. Fabrics tend toward muted colors, with a comfort in look and feel. Patriotic themes such as stars and stripes and colors such as brick red, off-white and navy are often incorporated.

Cottage: This variation on Country style takes its lead from the garden and natural surroundings, adding bead board to wicker and iron to soften the look. Cotton and linen upholstery in floral or checked patterns is common.

French Country: Also known as “French Provincial,” this style approach adds a light touch of ornamental flourish to the casual sensibility of Country design. French Country often takes classic French furniture design and lightens it considerably, opting for cane or rush seats (rather than heavy upholstery). Blue, gold and rust are popular colors, and Toile patterns are favorites as well.

Shabby Chic: This eclectic style uses a white or off-white base to complement floral colors and even found objects and folk art. Slipcovers are a familiar accent to Shabby Chic pieces.

Coastal: Reminiscent of a beach house, classic coastal style embraces natural materials and favors a relaxed approach. Some designs include artwork and accessories featuring nautical themes, while others purposefully do not. Coastal style variations include: Pacific Coast design which tends to incorporate Asian influence with deep finishes and comfortable fabrics; Atlantic Seaboard builds on classic Colonial style with louvers and shutters, as well as a color palette reminiscent of lighthouses; and Gulf Coast style fuses Art Deco inspiration with vibrant colors, wicker and rattan.

Rustic/Lodge: Earth tones pervade the color palette of both the Rustic and Lodge styles. Exposed wood, often in light finishes are popular, as are accents of Native American artwork, nature-inspired accessories, and iron-and-wood carvings as accents. Fabrics tend to have a hand-woven feel.

Asian

What is often referred to broadly as Asian design points primarily to the traditions and influences of Japanese and Chinese styles. Silk plays a paramount role in the texture of Contemporary Asian pieces, as do mid-tone woods and dark lacquer finishes. Bamboo is sometimes incorporated, as are other hints of nature’s influence. Graphics and textiles often feature cherry blossom and lotus flower motifs.

Bohemian

European folk art and gypsy culture heavily influence the unique look of Bohemian home furnishings. The color palette is intensely, deeply colorful, with jewel tones playing a featured role. Embroidered fabrics and fringed details further mark the style.

Hollywood Regency & Mid-century Modern

Hollywood Regency style brings lavish, luxurious fashion appointments to home furnishings. Overstuffed furniture, lush velvets and thick carpets abound in this design format. By contrast, bold, broad rectilinear shapes mark the Mid-Century Modern style, which takes the Bauhaus credo of “form follows function” to a domestic setting. Smooth, refined finishes are de rigueur for this style category.

Arts & Crafts/Mission

Painstaking craftsmanship marked the Arts & Crafts movement in American home furnishings. The overall design is simple and understated, while the workmanship is evident in the intricately detailed wood inlays and balanced forms. The Mission style added a distinctive Spanish flavor to Arts & Crafts themes.

Transitional

For a large variety of home furnishings pieces that don’t comfortably fall under any one style category-as well as pieces that blend elements from various style categories-there is the Transitional label. Representing a blend of Traditional and Contemporary styles, Transitional looks tend to be less ornate and formal than Traditional ones-yet not as severe and defined as Contemporary styles. Transitional also can refer to a style preference based on life stage-as the starting place to discovering what style you ultimately prefer. Upholstered chairs and sofas as well as occasional tables frequently bear the transitional title.

Contracts come in all shapes and sizes, from small 1 page agreements between individuals to hundred page, multi-billion dollar deals between major corporations with a team of lawyers, bankers and advisors working for each side. Regardless of the size, however, only three elements are required in order to have a binding contract: an offer, acceptance of the offer and consideration. Put another way, a contract is an agreement where there is a promise to do something in return for a “valuable benefit.” Once the fundamentals of a contract are established, however, parties are free to negotiate in a manner that befits their particular situation, provided they do so in good faith and without fraud.

When analyzed, contracts, both large and small, are made up of six basic categories. At times (especially with smaller agreements), these issues will not be explicitly stated in the contract, but will, rather, be implied by law. These default rules are a construct of both case law and statutory law, with Article 2 of the Uniform Commercial Code being the primary means of “filling the gaps.” In larger agreements, most of these issues will be spelled out with exacting detail. While this list contains broad headings, it does provide an overview of what to look for in a contract. The 6 issues inherent in all contracts are as follows:

1. Rights and Obligations Under the Contract. The fundamental issue in all contracts determines who is obligated to perform under the contract and who is entitled to the benefits of that performance. Those with rights can be the individual signing the contract, the company on whose behalf the signatory is signing, “successors in interest” (i.e., a company that subsequently purchases the original beneficiary), and sometimes “third party beneficiaries.” Those with obligations under the contract are the signors and their successors, but may also be guarantors, co-signors, or other parties subject to “joint and several liability.” For example, a partner will be liable for contracts entered into by his/her partners regardless of whether he/she signed the contract individually.

2. Representations and Warranties. Representations and warranties relate to the underlying matters and facts presented in the contract. Specifically, a representation is a statement made by one party at the time the contract is entered into, regarding a fact which is influential in bringing about the agreement. A warranty is a promise that a statement of fact is true. In larger contracts, a specific section entitled “Representations and Warranties,” is devoted to this issue and lays out all of the representations and warranties each party is making subject to the agreement. Regardless of whether there is a dedicated section of the agreement, however, parties will rely on the representations of each other in entering the contract. Examples of what may appear under this heading include statements related to the condition of the goods being sold, statements that a party has the legal right to sell the property, or statements that a party is not in default on any other obligations. Disclaimers and/or “as-is” provisions in a contract are a means of minimizing representations and warranties.

3. Conditions. Conditions are events that must happen (or not happen) in order to obligate a party to act pursuant to the contract. If specified conditions do not occur, a party need not perform under the contract. An example of a condition common in business contracts is that board or shareholder approval must be obtained prior to enforcement of the contract. Other conditions may state that all documents be properly delivered prior to the contract taking effect or that all representations and warranties discussed above are proven accurate. Conditions do not have to relate solely to the parties to a contract. They may involve third parties approvals that are necessary for the contract to happen. Examples of such approvals may be governmental approvals or obtaining insurance.

4. The Deal. After conditions have been satisfied, “the deal” is the real meat of the contract and states who must do what, when they must do it, and what price will be paid. The deal includes allocation of risk (will one party indemnify the other, will damages be capped at a specific amount), and also states the beginning and end of the contract, including rights of the parties to extend or terminate the contract.

5. Enforcement. Usually the “boilerplate” of a contract, enforcement issues state how, when and where the contract may be enforced by a party. Enforcement issues include (i) what law will be applied in the event of a dispute, (ii) who will hear disputes (will it be a judge, jury, mediator or arbitrator?), (iii) where a dispute will be heard (city, county, state), and (iv) which party has the burden of proof when enforcing the contract.

6. Remedies. Remedies determine who is entitled to what in the event of a breach. Remedies often, but not always relate to monetary damages. They will address the ability of a party to obtain and will address whether or not a party can receive punitive damages (which are rare in contracts) or consequential damages (damages that don’t flow directly from a breach, but are somehow caused by it). Other than monetary damages, remedies can also include specific performance (a situation where the court orders one party to perform) and can potentially allow a party the right to terminate the contract for breach.

With myriad upscale shopping malls, commercial buildings, and accommodations in Manila, this vibrant city perfectly matches its status as the capital of the Philippine Republic. But as it progresses as a high-class metropolis, it never fails to keep a vigilant eye on its rich history and heritage. And since its history and culture is firmly rooted in colonization, many of the most-visited tourist spots in the area exhibit the city’s commitment to its origin. Read on to know the 5 most interesting museums that you should visit during your vacation in a hotel in Manila.

1. National Museum
Being the country’s official repository, the National Museum houses the most impressive collection of ethnographic, archaeological, and historical artifacts that depict Philippine history and culture. Here, you can find a total of 1,032 visual art pieces composed of paintings, sculptures, and icons. The museum also shelters the most number of plant collection in the country, which used to be one of the largest in Southeast Asia. Cultural materials from the different ethnic groups of the Philippines, ranging from weapons and textiles to agricultural tools and personal ornaments, are also displayed in this place.

2. Museo Marino
With the combined efforts of the Associated Marine Officers’ and Seamen’s Union of the Philippines (AMOSUP) and All Japan Seamen’s Union (JSU), Museo Marino in Malate was built to pay tribute to the works of seafarers. The museum’s highlight is the walls of seafarer chronicles, which are built from the life stories of AMOSUP members. It also boasts 4 state-of-the-art model ships, which are donated by JSU. Another interesting display that you should see in this depository is the bust of Capt. Gregorio Oca who established the first marine officers’ union in the Philippines.

3. Escolta Museum
Established in 1938, this museum placed at the mezzanine of Calvo Building showcases the affluent heritage of Escolta, which was known as the Philippines’ Western Emporium at the turn of the century. Here, you’ll be impressed with the displays of aged photographs and old newspaper articles that mirror the grandeur of this historical street. Also on exhibit are Spanish to late American Period print advertisements and scale models of establishments located along this short thoroughfare.

4. Museo Pambata
Whether spending a vacation in a 5-star accommodation or a budget hotel in Manila with kids, you should not miss the various attractions that can be found in Museo Pambata. Situated along Roxas Boulevard, this educational site features interactive exhibits that require children’s involvement in exploring and discovering various concepts while they play. Here, the youngsters can use their senses and learn an array of ideas at their own pace and space. With its aim to be a discovery museum and resource center, Museo Pambata also holds a broad range of creative and scientific services for children.

5. Casa Manila
Casa Manila is actually one of the grand houses built in the walled city of Intramuros during the Spanish regime. It is located across the equally invaluable San Agustin Church. This edifice epitomizes the house of an ilustrado (a rich Filipino) in the late 19th century. Today, it stands as a museum of the bygone era’s architecture and lifestyle. The 3-story building is a replica of the house of Don Severino Mendoza, a merchant from Binondo, presenting a mixture of European and Chinese furniture and decor. To complete your city escapade, make sure to visit Casa Manila during your vacation in a budget accommodation in Manila.

You do your best to take care of your teeth and your gums, but you still need the help and services of a qualified dentist. Your dentist performs routine exams on your mouth and takes x-rays to ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy. If a problem is found, he will discuss treatment options with you. Your dental provider offers you preventative measures to keep your teeth not just looking their best, but remaining in an ideal state of health.

Regular check-ups are important for your oral health, as are frequent cleanings done by a dental hygienist. When you first begin going to a new dental office, you will be required to fill out forms pertaining to your medical history. This includes any health issues you suffer from, any surgeries you have had, and any medications you are on. You also need to include any known allergies that you have. Your file needs to include everything that is pertinent to your medical past, as well as your present. Even such things as mineral or vitamin supplements that you are taking need to be noted down.

You may wonder why the dentist has to know about a medical problem that is not related to your mouth. The reason for this is because your whole body is connected when it comes to your health woes. It is possible that a problem that you have in one area of your body could bring about symptoms in your mouth. For instance, too much stress can lead to a dry mouth. There are certain medications that can also cause a person’s mouth to produce less saliva.

It is essential that you are honest with your dental practitioner about your medical history. Even if something seems small and insignificant to you, it still needs to go into your file because your dentist may need this information for future reference.

The same goes for your lifestyle choices. If you smoke, drink, or use recreational drugs, this information is relevant to your health and well-being. Be honest about how much you indulge in these habits. Your dental provider is not there to chastise you but to make sure that he has all of the information at his disposal to take care of your oral health needs. To have healthy teeth and gums, he needs to know as much as he can about how healthy you are and how you live your life. It can be detrimental to your health to tell lies about your health.

Disclose to the tooth doctor the names of the medications you are currently taking and the reasons for which you are taking them. Tell him what the daily doses for each are and how long you have been on them. If it is something you are taking on a temporary basis, let him know when you will be finished with it.