Furniture Sofa

Microsoft has pulled back the curtain and given the world its first glimpse of what we can expect from Windows 8. Microsoft made a point of clarifying that Windows 8 will run on existing hardware, but it failed to mention that you might need a new desk.

Why? Well, Microsoft seems to have gone to great lengths to modernize the user interface of Windows–this is by far the most dramatic makeover Windows has gotten in its history. One of the defining features of the Windows 8 interface is that it is uniquely suited for manipulating and interacting via touch. As natural as touch gestures might be for the Windows 8 operating system, it is not natural to reach up to tap the monitor sitting on your desk.

I’d like to work with Windows 8 using touch gestures, but first I’d need a new desk.I should know. I already have a touchscreen monitor that I connect my laptop to when I am sitting at my desk. It is an Acer T230H 23-inch monitor. I thought that it would be really cool to be able to interact with Windows 7 via touch, but the reality is that is highly impractical. I tried it for a while, but my shoulders get tired pretty quick when holding my arm out straight in front of me for extended periods to tap and swipe the screen.

I realize that beneath the veneer of flashy tiles, and the revamped ‘Zune-esque’ user interface, the traditional Windows operating system I am used to exists somewhere. Yes, it is possible to navigate Windows 8 with a mouse and keyboard, and the touchscreen interface is not a requirement. But, I would rather be able to use touch gestures as well.

What Windows 8 needs is a desk where the monitor lays down instead of standing up on top of the desk. But, a completely flat monitor would also be a pain ergonomically–both in terms of the viewing angle and strain on your neck, and in terms of having to reach out across it to tap and swipe.

But, if the monitor were lying at a slight angle–with the base essentially making contact with the top of the keyboard, it would be in a good position for viewing, and in a reasonable position for working with the touchscreen interface.

So, Windows 8 will work on my existing laptop hardware, and Windows 8 will work with my existing touchscreen monitor. But, I need some new furniture that make it practical to actually use the touchscreen monitor. Microsoft needs to coordinate efforts with furniture makers like Bush, Sauder, and IKEA to develop new desk designs that position the monitor for Windows 8.

Summer will be gone in a blink, so now’s the time to spend evenings and weekends enjoying the outdoors without leaving home.

Even if you have a small yard or patio, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy nature, grow something green and entertain outdoors. Michael LaConte is owner of Chicago’s Homey gallery and shared some advice on maximizing patio space.

• Minimize your furniture. LaConte said a loveseat, two chairs and a table are plenty for a small patio. He also said to avoid keeping a grill on the deck so space can be used for living instead of cooking. To make the most of your outdoor area, consider furniture with built-in storage, such as benches with space on the sides, cocktail tables with deeper wells, and planters that can hold tools or toys. When picking furniture, consider how much light your patio gets. If there’s lots of direct light, opt for natural woods such as teak or furniture topped by cushions that will stay cool under the summer sun.

• Use walls and ceilings. Free up the floor by using the walls for decor. Putting candleholders on the walls can make a patio cozier, and LaConte said hanging stalks of bamboo horizontally creates shelving for items such as glasses or hand towels. Also consider adding wind chimes or hanging planters from the ceiling to create a homey ambiance. Those who share their patio with neighbors can create privacy by installing rattan or iron dividers covered with vines.

• Add art. Patios that don’t get much light are ideal for sculptures or fountains. A sculpture can tolerate any type of weather, although LaConte recommends adding a coat of Thompson’s WaterSeal. “It’s like sunblock for your skin,” he said, and it won’t damage or discolor the piece. In addition, LaConte said, companies such as Alpine and Gist Decor make fountains that fit easily into a small area. Cats and dogs can even drink from them, but for homes without pets, LaConte recommends adding a capful of bleach or vinegar to the water once a week to prevent algae.

Another new trend is small fire pots. LaConte said NapaStyle makes small pots that produce flames that add warmth, lighting and mood.

“You could probably even roast marshmallows,” he joked.

• Go green. A patio doesn’t have to be huge to be a growing ground for flowers and herbs. LaConte said the Ecosource Home and Garden company sells small pots made from rice that come with seeds for tomatoes, lettuce and herbs. For those on a budget, plants such as bamboo can be grown on a deck and will add color. Herbs like basil produce blooms and a fresh aroma. Meanwhile, those with space for annuals can grow bright blooms such as tulips and hyacinth. However, LaConte said to avoid growing viney fruits like strawberries in a small area because it attracts bugs. Otherwise, “if you have direct sunlight, you can grow just about anything your heart desires.”

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http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp?ID=48005http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp%3FID%3D48005Furniture Provider Unveils Expansion Plans02 Jun 2011bBusiness Furniture/b plans to expand into new markets in Bloomington-Normal,br Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Peoria and the Quad Cities. b…/b en
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp?ID=44668http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp%3FID%3D44668Furniture Provider Announces New Partnership0Founded in 1922, bBusiness Furniture/b is Indianas largest provider of quality officebr furniture and workplace solutions. b…/b Source: bBusiness Furniture/b. en
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http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp?ID=37951http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp%3FID%3D37951Historic Downtown Building to be Remodeled0b…/b and throughout the decades that followed, it was utilized by such varied companiesbr as a car dealership, a department store, and a bbusiness furniture/b company. b…/b en
http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp?ID=36789http://www.insideindianabusiness.com/newsitem_dd.asp%3FID%3D36789bBusiness Furniture/b To Host National Consortium0bBusiness Furniture/b To Host National Consortium. b…/b Indianapolis-based bBusiness/bbr bFurniture/b LLC will host 20 of the top Steelcase Inc. b…/b en

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June 1, 2011

News Release

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — Business Furniture, an authorized Steelcase dealer providing corporate, education and healthcare customers work environments and services from its headquarters in Indianapolis, Indiana today announced its expansion into central and upstate Illinois and Iowa. New markets include Bloomington-Normal, Springfield, Champaign-Urbana, Peoria and the Quad Cities. Bloomington will serve as its Illinois base of operations, with additional locations planned in the Quad Cities later in 2011, and Springfield and Champaign-Urbana in 2012.

“The expansion into these new markets will strengthen our corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, as we become a regional company with the goal to increase sales by 60% over the next five years. We saw it as an opportunity to give Indianapolis a boost and solidify our position as an Indiana company. said Richard Oakes, Chairman of Business Furniture.

The Bloomington-Normal facility will provide a new way to work away from work. This modern studio will feature high-performance meeting rooms, private conference rooms and retreat spacesall equipped with enhanced collaborative tools and designed to inspire. Modeled after the Workspring prototype by Steelcase in Chicago (www.workspring.com), the space will be available to local and regional businesses, civic organizations, non-profits and other groups in need of off-site meeting space. The studio will also showcase the latest technology, products and industry innovations from Steelcase and available through Business Furniture.

“We plan to leverage our expertise and infrastructure to deliver the most comprehensive offering of contract furniture and services available in central and upstate Illinois and Iowa. Our customers will be able to depend on us to help them create innovative and harder working spaces that inspire, foster collaboration, and optimize their real estate footprint, said David Bratton, CEO of Business Furniture. There are many similarities between the Indiana markets that we currently serve and our new Illinois and Iowa markets. We look forward to sharing our story in these new locations. It will make us much stronger in Indiana as well.

Business Furniture expects to open its Bloomington-Normal facility in September and hire additional employees for the new expansion between June and August.

For additional information or to inquire about employment opportunities, visit www.businessfurniture.net.

About Business Furniture, LLC
Founded in 1922, Business Furniture recently celebrated 89 years in business. Business Furniture is the world’s first Steelcase dealer and the largest office furniture dealer in Indiana. Among their numerous honors is the prestigious “Founders Award” presented by Steelcase at the company’s 75th anniversary. In addition, they were recently recognized with awards from the AIA (American Institute of Architects) and IIDA (International Interior Design Association) in 2011. The company was purchased in 1987 by Richard Oakes, a native of Metropolis, Illinois. Oakes was employed by Steelcase from 1971-1987 in various sales management positions in St. Louis, San Francisco, Dallas and Steelcase’s world headquarters in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Business Furniture employs 125 associates in Indiana, including professional positions in sales, account management, design, customer service, project management, delivery and installation.

About Steelcase, Inc.
Steelcase Inc. helps create great experiences — wherever work happens. Our brands offer a comprehensive portfolio of workplace furnishings, products and services, inspired by nearly 100 years of insight gained serving the world’s leading organizations. We are globally accessible through a network of channels, including over 650 dealers. We design for social, economic, and environmental sustainability. Steelcase is a global, publicly traded company leading our industry with fiscal 2010 revenue of approximately $2.3 billion.

Source: Business Furniture