Have you had a chance to check out IKEA's "Never Ending List" yet?

The Never Ending List comprises of steps IKEA has taken to make itself a more environment friendly company over the years. The list is never ending by its very nature, as this is not an overnight process. Green designer Lori Dennis, who I talked to recently, referred to IKEA as a green company because of its manufacturing practices. However, she did point out that the furniture quality is not that great. That is one of the reasons for its many detractors. Where do you stand on this?

It is worthwhile taking a look at the list though. It is quite educational.

Lynn Davis, Vice President of Davis Furniture Industries, died when his truck was caught in a tornado that swept through Mississippi on April 27.

He was heading out to help a friend, according to Furniture Today.

A well known figure in furniture, Davis was the co-founder of Tupelo Furniture Market, served on the High Point Market Authority board, and owned a showroom in High Point. He was also a recipient of City of Hope's Spirit of Life Award in 2005.

LifeGuard Structures says it has made an earthquake proof desk that can withstand over one million pounds of weight.

Not only is the desk supposed to be earthquake-proof, but it also acts as a shelter in the aftermath of an earthquake as it is designed to let you store food, flashlights, blankets and an oxygen mask. If you are wondering what makes it earthquake-proof, as I did, founder Robert von Bereghy credits its engineering, and the material which includes a steel sheath.

Von Bereghy even tested it recently in Oakland, CA when a Naval Hospital was imploded. You can watch videos and read more about it on LifeGuard Structure website, but even if you don't, you may be interested in knowing that the desk made it with all that debris collapsing on top. So it does seem that the desk is earthquake-proof. However, the next question is how many can afford it.

The basic desk costs about $4,700 for corporate use. A custom model with armor for ballistic protection may cost more than $10,000. A school desk can cost $495 per student.

You could possibly win new patio furniture with the Patio Perk-Up contest from Sam's Club.

Members may enter to win a complete patio makeover worth up to 2,500. The contest runs on Twitter from now till Friday, 22nd.

Here's what you do:

1. Take a photo of your patio
2. Follow Twitter.com/SamsClub
3. Now compose a tweet with all of the following:

• The hashtag #PatioPerkUp
• The Twitter handle @SamsClub
• A link to the photo of your patio.

The winner receives a patio makeover including outdoor furniture and a grill. The winner will be announced 12:00 PM CST on April 25th. No purchase necessary, but take a look at the official rules here.

Want to perk up your patio on your own? Here are some great ideas from your Pool and Patio Guide, Lisa Hallett Taylor.