"My husband and I bought this home when all of our children had moved out, andwe wanted to settle into a small house in the country," said Ms. Beauchamp."I`ve always disliked the color-an unpleasant shade of yellow with rust orangeshutters, and the paint has been cracked and peeling for years. Repainting hasbeen on our To-Do list but other things have always crept up that we needed totake care of. Now, we`re so excited to transform our home with a new andrefreshing color. This contest will allow us to finally feel like our home iscomplete." "We`re thrilled to be able to help Gwen spruce up her home," said Debbie Zimmer,director, Dow Coating Materials` Paint Quality Institute. "Small improvementslike a fresh coat of paint and applying weather stripping can go a long way tofreshen up the home and make it more energy-efficient.

Gwen and the other firstprize winners now have the opportunity to make these improvements, boost curbappeal and increase the value of their homes." Other first prize winners include:* Marylane Koch of Byhalia, Miss * Tracie Armendariz of Carlsbad, N.M * Joyce Peters of Irmo, S.C * Patty Miller of Minneapolis, Minn * Kathryn Coombs of King George, Va * Leah Juarez of Albuquerque, N.M. * Laura Harrison of Dixon, Wyo.The $pruce Up Your Home contest was created last fall when Rohm and HaasCompany`s (now a part of Dow Advanced Materials) water-based acrylic technologywas designated a National Historic Chemical Landmark by the American ChemicalSociety (ACS). This technology can be found in everything from house paints,caulks, adhesives to dishwashers, baby diapers and even on or behind the wallsof China's Forbidden City. The environmentally advanced technology has taken 20million tons of VOCs out of the air since 1953 -- the equivalent of six poundsof fewer pollutants in the air for every man, woman and child alive in the worldas of August 1, 2008. To learn more about budget-friendly spruce ups for your home, please visit. About the Paint Quality InstituteThe Paint Quality Institute (SM) was formed by Rohm and Haas Company (now DowAdvanced Materials) in 1989 to educate people on the advantages of using qualityinterior and exterior paints and coatings. The Paint Quality Institute's goal isto provide information on the virtues of quality paint as well as color trendsand decorating with paint through a variety of vehicles, including televisionappearances, newspaper and magazine articles, and instructional literature.Please be sure to visit the Paint Quality Institute at Arbor Day FoundationThe Arbor Day Foundation is a nonprofit, conservation and education organizationof nearly one million members, with a mission to inspire people to plant,nurture, and celebrate trees.

More information on the Foundation and itsprograms can be found at DowWith annual sales of $58 billion and 46,000 employees worldwide, Dow is adiversified chemical company that combines the power of science and technologywith the "Human Element" to constantly improve what is essential to humanprogress. The Company delivers a broad range of products and services tocustomers in around 160 countries, connecting chemistry and innovation with theprinciples of sustainability to help provide everything from fresh water, foodand pharmaceuticals to paints, packaging and personal care products. Referencesto "Dow" or the "Company" mean The Dow Chemical Company and its consolidatedsubsidiaries unless otherwise expressly noted. For editorial information:Dow Public AffairsSharon Pelham JusticePhone: +1 215 592 3091Cellular: +1 302 530 orDow Public AffairsLaura HaddenPhone: +1 215 592 Copyright Business Wire 2009. I'm going to stay away from the post-Champions League buzz and draw your attention to Manchester United's other great achievement.Wednesday night, when Ryan Giggs entered the pitch, a loud roar arose in the stadium. He entered the game as the most highly decorated player in England. Throughout his 18-year career, his trophy haul consists of 10 league titles, four F.A Cups and now two European Cups.He also entered the game to break another record also, add another achievement to his illustrious career he broke Sir Bobby Charlton's all-time appearance record, playing for United for his 759th time.

He will be 35 years of age in November, and 18 of those years will have been dedicated to the Red Devils.When Giggs first came to United on trial as a teenager, Fergie knew he had stumbled upon a gem. Ferguson went on to say that he knew within a few minutes that Giggs was the real deal that the way he glided over the pitch, seemingly weightless, mesmerized him.Now he has gone from that day to this, loyal to the cause, and a true professional.Paul Scholes is the next player that Manchester United can be proud to call their own. Scholes is part of the 'Golden Generation' that also included the Nevilles and, of course, David Beckham. Scholes can also be credited as the man who made it possible for us to play in this years Champion's League final, due to a goal reminiscent of the old bombarding Scholes of years gone by.So the question I pose: Are these players the last of the one-club players? Are these the last of soldiers of the 'loyal' generation?In the modern game, loyalty to a singular club throughout your entire career is so rare, that Giggs and Scholes are daily applauded for it.

So rare that we spend our days watching our favourite teams, waiting to find a player that may also show loyalty to that team in the mould of Giggs and Scholes.How many can stay loyal and play at the same level that Giggs and Scholes have over the years? Take Flamini although not at Arsenal from an extremely young age, he had his breakout season for Arsenal this year, and what does he do? Up and leave for AC Milan.Of course, credit must also go their professionalism off the pitch. This may also be the reason for their extended time playing for the club. Roy Keane for instance was Mr.United, but in the end his off-field (and some say on-field) antics led Ferguson to let his best midfielder ever to go. So, Giggs and Scholes also deserve applause for never appearing in papers over contract negotiations, or training-ground bustups.Ferguson too deserves credit especially for letting Giggs, who for a winger lost his legendary pace, adapt his game, and phase him into a different style, instead of just releasing him and replacing him with a youth long ago Same for Scholes, who had a career-threatening eye injury. Yet, Ferguson stood by and Scholes repaid him by putting in the season of his life.Now, I know there are other examples, such as Gary Neville. I'm just focusing on two players that I have idolised over the years, and who I still see as great examples to the youth of today. Also, Giggs and Scholes have played this a lot this season compared to Neville hence, I focused on them.Steven Gerrard is another great example.