Indoor Ponds Keep Plants and Fish Healthy During Winter Months

If you've never seen an indoor fish pond or are of the mind that the only place for a fishpond is outdoors, it's time to readjust your thinking. Many people love the idea of having a goldfish or Koi pond in their lawn and garden area but find the reality isn't always as wonderful as the fantasy.

Every winter runs the risk of losing the plant and fish life in your pond with the first freeze. As a result, more and more people are coming up with a method for bringing the outdoors, in and forming your very own pond indoors is a beautiful alternative to a tired old aquarium. While an indoor pond doesn't have to be beautiful in order to be functional, you can choose to make it a focal point and conversation piece quite easily.

A fairly simple and inexpensive way to craft an indoor pond this winter season is by using interlocking landscaping blocks to form a basic outline, and place a pre molded plastic pond liner (to avoid leaks), and other landscaping items such as rocks, plants, and soil in order to fill in the gaps. Others have even used a plastic kiddie pool for the fish and disguised the pool by hiding it with bricks or landscaping rocks.

The main purpose of indoor ponds is to protect your fish and plant life from the extreme winter weather conditions. It is quite easy to move the fish and plants from one pond to another. Be sure to keep the indoor pond regulated for temperature and water freshness by using proper equipment. Taking these precautions should keep your Koi fish and your plants healthy throughout the harsher winter months.

About The Author
Rob Bernabe invites you to http://www.artificialgardens.com, your water gardening center. Here we provide tips on water fountain and waterfall ideas. For additional information on related Koi ponds, check out http://www.artificialgardens.com/Building-Koi-Ponds-Can-Create-A-Beautiful-Relaxing-Atmosphere.html on benefits of building Koi ponds.

America Mat Closed Cell Foam

One of the most versatile soundproofing materials in the industry is closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat. This foam is weather resistant as well as flame retardant and is used in more outdoor applications than any other soundproofing product. Closed cell foam is used in marine applications to quiet noisy engine rooms where there is a wet bilge to contend with. This foam is virtually indestructible and when used in conjunction with mass loaded vinyl can be a very formidable soundproofing system.

Closed cell foam is often adhered to the back of an HVAC enclosure as a sound blocker and sound-absorbing barrier. The weather resistance of the closed cell foam makes it perfect for any application where soundproofing is needed outside. This product is also used to stop reflective noise that bounces off a normally hard surface such as the exterior wall of a house. Many times reflective noise is the main reason an air conditioning compressor is so annoying to a next-door neighbor.

America mat closed cell foam can be used in automobiles, trucks and motor homes to quell the sound of a loud engine or onboard generator. Lining the underside of a cars hood with the 1" closed cell foam can quiet the engine noise from the hood area by deadening the bare hood metal and also by blocking and absorbing the sound of the engine as it tries to escape from the engine compartment. The America Mat can also be used to line the insides of car door panels as well as the trunk and wheel well areas to prevent road noise from entering the passenger cabin.

America mat foam can also be used in the plenum area of a cedar or redwood fence. The foam would be sandwiched in between to sides of slats on the fence and would seal the seams of the slats to block unwanted noise from penetrating through the fence. This product is also very effective when adhered to a barricade wall in a shooting range or a police training facility. America mat is easily cleaned with a pressure sprayer and will dry out much quicker than regular open cell foam.

America Mat has endless possibilities for soundproofing in areas where other products just can't be used. From Aircraft to large ocean vessels, America Mat closed cell foam is the choice of people in the know. To learn more about this wonderful product or to learn more about any of our soundproofing products, read the soundproofing blog at: One of the most versatile soundproofing materials in the industry is closed cell vinyl nitrile foam mat. This foam is weather resistant as well as flame retardant and is used in more outdoor applications than any other soundproofing product. Closed cell foam is used in marine applications to quiet noisy engine rooms where there is a wet bilge to contend with. This foam is virtually indestructible and when used in conjunction with mass loaded vinyl can be a very formidable soundproofing system.

Closed cell foam is often adhered to the back of an HVAC enclosure as a sound blocker and sound-absorbing barrier. The weather resistance of the closed cell foam makes it perfect for any application where soundproofing is needed outside. This product is also used to stop reflective noise that bounces off a normally hard surface such as the exterior wall of a house. Many times reflective noise is the main reason an air conditioning compressor is so annoying to a next-door neighbor.

America mat closed cell foam can be used in automobiles, truck and motor homes to quell the sound of a loud engine or onboard generator. Lining the underside of a cars hood with the 1" closed cell foam can quiet the engine noise from the hood area by deadening the bare hood metal and also by blocking and absorbing the sound of the engine as it tries to escape from the engine compartment. The America Mat can also be used to line the insides of car door panels as well as the trunk and wheel well areas to prevent road noise from entering the passenger cabin.

America mat closed cell foam can be used in the plenum area of a cedar wood fence. The foam would be sandwiched in between to sides of slats on the fence and would seal the seams of the slats to block unwanted noise from penetrating through the fence. This product is also very effective when adhered to a barrier wall in a shooting range or a police training facility. The foam is easily cleaned with a pressure sprayer and will dry out much quicker than regular open cell foam where the water would penetrate all the way through the foam.

America Mat closed cell foam mat has endless possibilities for soundproofing in areas where other products just can't cut it. From Aircraft to large ocean vessels, America Mat closed cell foam is the choice of people in the know. To learn more about this wonderful product or to learn more about any of our soundproofing products, go to the soundproofing blog at: http://massloadedvinyl.blogspot.com Thanks for reading and learning about America mat.

About The Author
Robert W. Orther
Dr. Bob O.
Soundproofing America, Inc.
Senior Technical Director
Soundproofing Expert to The New York Times, The San Francisco Herald Examiner,
The San Diego Union Tribune, and the Charlotte Observer
Ph (877) 530-0139 Toll free Fax (347) 721-9079
E-mail: Dr.bob@soundproofingamerica.com
Website: http://www.soundproofingamerica.com

Insights on a Positive Church Construction Experience

An Analysis of Select Findings from the Facility Impact Research Study (FIRSt Report)

In 2005, the Rainer Group was commissioned by The Cornerstone Knowledge Network to study the impact of building programs on churches. From the resulting study of 321 churches came several interesting facts that must be taken into consideration for any church that is contemplating a building program.

While an exhausting analysis of the study is beyond the scope of this article, there are three points that warrant special consideration and application by the church.

· Many church leaders expressed concern after their building program, feeling that their builder had encouraged or guided them to build facilities that were too small.
·
The report cites the disappointment of church leadership in that they felt the builders guided them to build too small. Quoting from the FIRSt study, "...the single greatest regret expressed was that the expenditures were too low and the projects too small."

Later in the report this thought was repeated, "We consistently heard that church leaders felt that church builders encouraged them to build too small. There is a sense that church builders are erring on the side of caution while church leaders would like to take greater steps of faith."

While one must be careful not to infer too much from too few comments, these quotes seem to point to an underlying problem of understanding who is responsible for which issues in a building program. While the input of the builder is important, it would appear from these statements that many churches might have relied on the builder for financial expertise outside of their core competency. Seeking counsel from a builder on construction issues is wise, but how many builders (or architects) have the financial expertise and in-depth understanding of the church's financial situation to direct a church on how much building they can afford? First of all, it's just not part of their core competency. Secondly, the maximum budget should have been set before serious discussions regarding project scope with the builder were begun.

Further, to fault builders for erring on the side of caution when providing advice outside of their area of core expertise (if that was the case), is grossly unfair. Would the church instead prefer to find itself in financial hot water to the detriment or even demise of the ministry? It would seem infinitely better for the church to build additional facilities at a later date, than to go "belly-up" sooner. To be honest, in church building programs it is much more common that the builders and architects have to be "reigned in" to stay within the budget than to recommend too small of space. After all, the more they design or build, the more money they make.

The church may realize in hindsight that they may have been able to afford a bigger building program because of giving or growth that could not have been forecasted with any accuracy before the building program began. Hindsight is 20-20, and it is reasonable to assume that in most cases the church, lender, and builder probably pushed the financial envelope as far as they could, based on the financial information available at the time. On the flip side of that is the danger of churches "betting the ministry" on future numerical growth in order to finance the building. If 80% of the churches experience growth from building, it means that 1 out of 5 did not, and would have financially collapsed had they built beyond their demonstrable means.

What a church constructs must be based on ministry needs and placed in context of what it can afford. The responsibility for knowing what the church can afford, and how it will pay for it, is the responsibility of the church, not the builder. It would appear that the builder, being the last person in the chain of events, is getting an unfair criticism in that they are getting the blame for something of which they were not responsible. The building budget and prevailing construction cost determines the size of the building, and with careful design and bid processes the church can minimize construction costs. This then leaves the budget as the single largest variable in determining the scope of the church's building program.

A conservative budget formula that implements good stewardship principles is fairly straightforward: it is the money you have on hand, plus the money you can borrow, plus the money the church can raise from the sale of assets, such as land. Others, perhaps less conservative, would add to this amount, the money the church could raise during and after the building program through a capital campaign. This, however, may be arguable from a stewardship point of view in that the money raised through a capital stewardship campaign might be better applied to becoming debt free rather than increasing the size and financial liability of a building program. Since there is no one-size-fits-all solution, this needs to be carefully thought through early in the planning process. Bringing needs, desires and budget into balance is a key goal of wise preparation, which is highlighted as the final point in this article.

· The church's level of satisfaction was much higher with multi-purpose buildings or multi-building solutions and lowest with dedicated fellowship halls.

Quoting from the FIRSt study, "The lowest level of satisfaction tended to be the result of building a fellowship hall that did not have function beyond fellowship gatherings and meals. The highest level of satisfaction surprisingly took place in multi-building projects in a total church relocation."

This concept was presented again later in the report; "Multi-purpose buildings bring the greatest satisfaction to church clients after the fact. Before the fact, many churches may lean toward single-use facilities."

From a recent historical perspective, single use facilities have been the approach of most churches. Single use facilities are "the way we've always done it" when it comes to most church building programs. Parenthetically speaking, "the way we've always done it" are 6 deadly words in today's dynamic church environment. Multi-use buildings are being driven by two factors: changes in how churches "do church", and rising building costs.

Multi-purpose space is coming to the forefront as the solution of choice as churches adapt to changing styles of worship and new ministry approaches while trying to get the most building for the money spent. Multi-phase building programs comprised of more than one building (multi-building) are common solutions to larger and growing churches whose needs are greater than their current budget.

This is not to say that some churches should not build just a fellowship hall or education building to bring the total church campus into balance. The dissatisfaction of many churches in building may often be due to a lack of understanding of the true building requirements (both long and short term) and the possible solutions that may be implemented to meet those needs. A simple fellowship hall that seats 150 people might be 2,200 square feet with a building cost of between $150,000 and $250,000, depending on location and stylistic issues. Some people in the church may have misgivings about the value proposition of spending $200,000 for a building they will use on an infrequent basis. However, if a fellowship hall can be shown to help achieve the mission and goals of the church, and the congregation understands and accepts the value proposition, then the church can be assured of a higher degree of satisfaction with its project.

In the final analysis, this issue, like the preceding one, comes down to understanding what must be built, why it must to be built, what it will cost, and how it will be paid for...all before the church starts to build. This is the fundamental purpose and goal of a feasibility study. Regardless of whether the church calls it a feasibility study, a needs analysis, or some other name, it is a critical step in any church building program, which leads up to this final point.

· Feasibility studies tend to make for better building programs and happier outcomes.

Quoting from the FIRSt study, "We did find a strong correlation in overall satisfaction with the building project if a feasibility study was conducted. The disappointment, however, is that only one-third of the churches conducted a feasibility study."

When a consultant says there is a strong correlation, the implication is that of cause and effect. In this case, the operative phrase is "if a feasibility study was conducted." This then squarely identifies the context of a causal relationship. They were satisfied because they conducted a feasibility study. According to the study, 33% of the churches conducted feasibility studies, which correlates closely to the 35% that considered the building process as "excellent" and 40% that indicated the building program created no conflict in the church. Herein lies the key to maximizing the church's satisfaction while minimizing the risk in building. A feasibility study provides a plan for execution, brings unity to the church, and becomes the foundation for the design and construction process.

A significant difficulty with feasibility studies is that most churches are not equipped to perform them. Despite their best intentions, most church members are lacking two important qualifications: experience and objectivity. With isolated exceptions, most committees do not have the across the board experience in needs analysis, financial analysis, church design or construction to be effective in performing a feasibility study. While some members may have some needed skills, as a whole the church is lacking the skills and experience to come to an accurate and objective analysis. Additionally, one person with some experience and/or force of personality can unduly influence the process, especially when there is little or no other experience in the church.

As an active member in the church, objectivity is often hard to accomplish when you are part of the church building committee. Said another way, seeing the big picture is hard when you are in the picture. It is hard to set aside our personal preferences and needs and to be objective about the needs of the church when those needs do not coincide with our own. Moreover, churches, and particularly churches that have been in operation for a long time, have cultures and ways of doing things that can make it difficult to think "outside the box". Unless motivated by a significant outside influence, churches tend to continue to think and do things they way they always have.

In summary, a church considering building should invest in a formal feasibility study to help maximize the church's satisfaction with the building program, to insure they get the most building they need (and can afford), and to get the best building to meet the needs of the ministry, the members and the community they serve. Planning is an investment that will pay large dividends, including savings in cost and time. An outside church building consultant can help objectively guide the church through this process.

In the final analysis, the investment cost for this planning should be more than offset by the hard dollar savings the church experiences in time and effort. Added to this is the non-monetary value of increasing satisfaction, maintaining unity and reducing stress and effort on the part of the church leadership.

The fundamental concept of getting some outside help was summed up in scripture long ago... "Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established; by knowledge the rooms are filled with all precious and pleasant riches. A wise man is strong, yes, a man of knowledge increases strength; for by wise counsel you will wage your own war, and in a multitude of counselors there is safety." Proverbs 24:3-6 NKJV

About The Author
In addition to leading his church through a building and capital stewardship campaign, Steve Anderson is a church building consultant, seminar speaker, past contributing editor for Church & Worship Technology Magazine and author of the eBook, "Preparing to Build: Practical Tips & Experienced Advice to Prepare Your Church for a Building Program".
For more from this author, or for more information on church building (construction), financing, or adminstration, visit http://www.ChurchBizOnline.com.

Home Security - An Overview

Home security is a bigger issue today than ever before given the increasingly unsafe environment we live in, and should be undertaken with knowledge and care.

Before installing any system, it is important to create a plan, so grab a pencil and paper, and go round your property deciding what equipment you need in each area, where will it be placed, and how it will all link together. A secure home is very important to peace of mind, and many factors go into determining how secure a home will be.

Securing your home can – and should – involve using a number of different devices, but an alarm system should be a priority.

Alarms have traditionally been known as the most common and the most basic device for home security. Home alarms are just one link in the home security system chain and are generally a very good investment. Unmonitored systems typically have on-site alarms and/or flashing lights.

So if you think that door locks and door alarms, which emit a warning alarm or chime on entry, are sufficient, then think again. Electronic systems are more sophisticated, more reliable, and less liable to human error. This is one of the main reasons for the choice of modern intruder alarms and detection systems and various other home security devices.

Of equal importance, and probably the most reliable way to achieve extensive home security and surveillance is the installation of security cameras. In particular, mini spy hidden cameras (especially wireless ones) are so tiny you can place them almost anywhere. Although surveillance cameras can be connected by wires, the preferred way - and the more simple method - is to use a wireless connection, and this method is gaining in popularity.

These cameras can be linked to video recorders, and can even transmit pictures to web pages, with warnings being transmitted to the owner when motion is detected.

These live pictures will be recorded, but can also be seen in real time by going to the web page, and can therefore be viewed from anywhere in the world, subject to internet access.

As computer and information technology advances,so too does the sophistication of home security systems.

If you live in a high-crime area, your need for home security is greater, and creating sound home security is never easy in this fast-paced world, but is a proven deterrent to intruders.

Home security is one of the best gifts that you could ever give yourself and your loved ones. These days, home security is simply a must have.

The golden rule in home security is to ensure that your property does not present an opportunity.

About The Author
Phil Fox is a writer of home security articles and hosts a comprehensive site on the subject at http://www.home-security-net.com.

Office Furniture Buyer's Guide

What's the first thought in your mind when you consider buying furniture ware for your office?

- Where from would I get it, local store? Or trip online?
- How much relatively cheaper would this be than that?
- Should I own them or get them on lease?
- Will it suit my office environment & the working conditions?

Interestingly, you might have popped-up all of these, one just besides the other. Your answer! Let's answer each of them right away.

Where Would I Get It?

Depending on your proximity and access to the local/regional furniture stores & the range they serve, you ought to be clear whether offline shopping really worked for you. Alternatively, the www or the dot.com space might just land you at the doorstep of your imagination.

How Much Cheaper Would This Be Than That?

Subject to whether you had a home-office or a corporate zone, shelf your coins accordingly. You needn't break a nut just to compute the cheapest quote you got for your home-office. Conversely, you could browse through related sites on the web and get your eyes fixed on. You get a clear comparison & thereby you can decide strategically.

Should I Own Them Or Lease Them?

If it's for a newly sprung office, the bottom line is -'obtain them on lease'. Further ahead, the same could be purchased outright once your business expands. If you are a developed firm, direct purchasing could keep your asset value intact.

Will It Suit My Office Environs And The Working Conditions?

As, if the extent of operations and area of functioning are pre-monitored, you could finally decide on the ergonomics and their impact upon the employees, their work habits, work culture prevailing, extremity of the work schedules and their timely completion.

Now that you are signed on, go get it.

About The Author
Brian Walls has many years of experience in office furniture making. He writes for various publications on a variety of topics. For more articles on office furniture or to locate a local furniture store, please visit http://www.furniture-stores.org.

Construction Site Safety Basics

Construction sites are extremely dangerous places to be in. Because of the kind of work involved, the construction workers face a very high risk of getting injured and are also prone to accidents. Moreover, the equipment that the workers wear to reduce the exposure to harmful chemicals and elements in itself can cause accidents because it tends to reduce their flexibility and restrict their movements. It is said that approximately two people die per week on construction sites across the country. Therefore it is very essential that people working on these kinds of sites follow some basic but important guidelines for their safety as well as the safety of others.

General Guidelines for Construction Site Safety

For reducing or preventing injuries and accidents at the construction site, you have to begin with removing the unsafe conditions that exist as well as reduce the number of unsafe acts that need to be performed. But it is not possible to completely eliminate any of these conditions, as many times it is not predictable. Site workers must be given adequate training on safety issues and must be made to understand how critical it is for each one of them to practice the safety guidelines during work. Steps must be taken in advance to ensure that accidents are prevented as much as possible and if any hazardous situation arises, immediate steps must be taken to combat the situation and make sure that it does not does recur.

Some of the areas where you can practice safety guidelines are as follows:

Safety Around Electrical Equipment

It is critical that all workers know the most danger prone areas before they start working. Since chances for getting electrical shocks are high, care must be taken to prevent it. It is essential for workers to wear rubber gloves and boots, which are insulated. Electrical wiring should not be strung across the work areas and water should not be allowed to accumulate and form puddles in these areas. It is good to treat all electrical equipment as energized until tested and found not to be so.

Scaling Equipment

Ladders should always be checked and maintained in good condition. If it is defective, it should be discarded immediately or marked such that no one will use it by mistake in the work place. The ladder rungs must be kept clean with no traces of oil and grease. Before use, they must be secured properly so that it does not get displaced while a worker is using it.

In a similar way, maintenance of scaffolding is also very important. Only under supervision must scaffolding be set up or dismantled. Fall protection should be provided at all times and employees should wear harnesses while working at heights.

Avoiding Falls

Ensure that debris is not left lying around in the construction site. Also, any equipment that is used during work should be careful stored away after use and not left as it is, as workers might trip or slip on this equipment. Safety harnesses should always be worn if a worker is working at a height, as this is one of the main reasons for death during construction. A person competent to assess the situation and see if any hazards exist should inspect all anchorage points on a regular basis.

Proper Lighting

Lighting is crucial when working inside a closed area, but especially working at night. The rate of construction site accidents skyrockets when working at night due to insufficient lighting. Proper lighting may include floodlights, barricade lights and especially lights on head gear.

Closed Spaces

And finally, when working in closed and confined spaces like pits and trenches, it is good to have one standby person who will have no other duties other than to watch the workers on the inside and act or rescue in case of emergencies.

By following these simple guidelines, life on a construction site can become safer and the risk of accidents can be reduced.

About The Author
Lydia Quinn writes for Brandon Safety Lights, a leading provider of barricade lights and accessories. Visit us at: http://www.brandonsafetylights.com/.

Brick and Stone Masonry: Still Stand Strong

The choices that you make when designing and building a new home or purchasing an existing home affect your value throughout the time of ownership. No time is the highest value more important than when selling. Each decision you make will affect value and play a role in what the house is ultimately worth in a re-sale. Make your choices carefully. Do your research. Talk to realtors about what is in demand in your area. A good example of a value choice is the use of brick and stone masonry for your exterior. In American architecture, nothing evokes feelings solidity and permanence like masonry.

Have you ever read through the classified home listings, or seen a realtor's flyer and read the words, "four sides brick?" There is a reason that real estate professionals market a home this way. It is a signal of quality to a potential buyer. While stucco and siding are both attractive options for cladding the exterior of your home, brick and stone masonry will increase the value. Upon arrival at a perspective new home, a buyer will usually begin assessing it from the minute that they turn into the driveway.

Stucco

When applied properly hard coat stucco can be an effective exterior cladding while also providing flexible design. When purchasing an existing stucco home, a buyer should have two thoughts in mind.

1. Is this house a hard coat stucco or EIFS? (a synthetic stucco system)

2. Will an inspector need to be hired to examine the condition of the exterior and locate any moisture behind the walls?

Already there are roadblocks in the buyers mind about purchasing the home. Both questions would need to be answered. You need to know what type of stucco it is, and a specialized, professional inspector is always a good idea no matter the type. A professional stucco inspector can determine where there are problems and check for moisture behind the material, while suggesting the extent of damage and remedies in a thorough report.

Siding

Siding tends to have fewer stigmas than stucco. While it does not have the solidness of brick, when installed correctly, it does an excellent job of protecting the interior of the home from moisture. Houses clad with siding seem to have a certain charm and appeal to Americans as it is used from coast to coast. With a siding home, again, it is a good idea to have a thorough inspection to uncover any moisture that has found a path into the interior. A proper inspection will reveal if the siding was installed correctly. Make sure your inspector examines the following areas of a siding clad home where there may be problems.

1. The seams at door and window openings

2. Around vents, such as a dryer vent, and pipes that must pass through to the interior

3. Any area where siding might meets the ground

4. The connection of a siding clad chimney to the house structure

5. Areas where landscaping touches the home

Also, it is a good idea to determine the type of siding... There are several types in use today: wood, cement fiber board and vinyl. Wood siding is beautiful, but will ultimately require maintenance due to exposure to the elements. You will eventually need to replace boards, nails and frequently paint to keep it in the best condition. Cement fiber board is an excellent choice. It is very durable, emulates the look of wood, but will stand the test of time. The advantage of vinyl siding is the ease of maintenance. When properly installed, vinyl siding will only require cleansing from season to season with a mild solution and water to keep it looking new.

Brick and Stone Masonry

Brick and stone masonry has stood the test of time in our culture. While wood sided homes have come and gone over the decades, we know that homes in the Northeastern United States built at our country's inception are still standing today. Brick and stone products inspire a feeling of solidity and permanence. There are very few problems associated with brick or stone. They protect the interior of your home like a fortress, withstand the elements and bring great resale value as it passes confidence along from one owner to the next.

When you have a masonry home inspected, make sure note is taken of any cracks that have appeared in the mortar, which might be the result of settling or another stress on the wall. Check the system of weep holes which are used to drain moisture from behind the walls. Make sure these holes are not obstructed. Additionally, check ground level areas where weep holes could actually perform the reverse function and take moisture in during flooding rains.

Fortunately brick and stone masonry, for the most part, are maintenance free, durable, and a value addition to any home. Today there are many choices in masonry and a visit to a local brick and stone company will make selecting a color and style a breeze. Many have small mock ups of what a wall would look like in each product that they sell. One of the most fun ways to select your new brick or stone is to take a drive around neighborhoods you like and focus on brick colors and the shapes and variation in the stonework. This way you would better be able to envision what the exterior of your finished home might look like.

Whatever the material you choose for the exterior of your home, installation is the key component. Take the time to ensure all proper procedures are followed for the specific material. When buying an existing home, hire an inspector! No question you might have about the exterior cladding of a home is a bad one. You are protecting a very large investment.

About The Author
Dalton C. Reynolds is a contributing writer for http://www.atlantadesigndirectory.com and renovates homes for clients in the greater Atlanta, GA area. Copyright © 2006 Dalton C. Reynolds.

Skin Care Products For Men That We Recommend

With the birth of the metrosexuals, men are increasingly made aware of their appearances. In fact, some women even complain that their boyfriends now spend more time at the mirror than they do.

One of the booming industries brought on by the metrosexual phenomena is the skin care industry especially those that focus on men. The industry has become so big that cosmetic and skin care lines that only catered to women have started to also develop skin care products for men.

There are now astringents and lotions for men. Some companies have even developed facial wash for men, a skin care staple that men would not have bought a decade ago.

Below are some of the products that have captured the interest and fancy of the male population.

Mask it!

Who would have thought that women will see the day when men will go to sleep with clay or mud all over their face? This however is prevalent in these times, as men have finally realized the advantages of deep cleaning his pores to prevent pimples and acne from settling in. The Anthony Logistics Deep Pore Cleansing Clay, which costs about $22 in the market, is one of the best in the line. It combines the properties of flowers with vitamins and purified clay to help the skin absorb excess oils, remove impurities and toxins as well as tighten the pores.

Moisturize it

Men also use moisturizers. As far-fetched as it seems, men also need moisturizers to help keep their skin supple and soft. Moisturizers, as women know, can prevent visible signs of aging by keeping the skin's natural oils.

This is especially true with men who have dry skins. One of the products in the market that comes highly recommended is the Clinique Maximum Hydrator for Men, which will cost them about $26. It can be pretty expensive but it sure does the job.

Scrub it

To take care of the skin, one needs to get rid of dead skin cells, which may clog the pores or combine with dirt and grime. One of the essentials of exfoliating, is the T-Pur Face Purifying Scrub for Men, which is manufactured by Biotherm. Costing about $15 each, the scrub helps cleanse the skin.

Be careful though and make sure that the scrub is not so abrasive on your skin. Too much scrubbing can irritate the skin and worsen the problem.

About The Author
This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included. For more information on Skin-Care & other useful information, please visit http://skin-care.articlekeep.com.

Remodeling Your Home On A Budget

If you've lived in your home any length of time, you probably have considered doing some remodeling. In fact, the National Association of Home Builders estimates that we will spend nearly $240 billion over the next year in remodeling projects. That's a lot of paint (not to mention nails, screws, plywood, tile, etc.)!

A recent article published in PARADE suggested 5 quick, easy, and cheap ideas for giving your house that look of a major remodeling:

1. Add a new backsplash in the kitchen. This can make you kitchen have a new look for a minimum investment.

2. Add glass in the bathroom. It creates a look of more space by opening up the tub/shower area.

3. Go outside. A new barbecue grill can liven up the forgotten square footage of your home.

4. Add or change lighting. A lighting professional can give some great ideas here.

5. Make-over you closets. Lots of kits and ideas are available at your local retailer.

These are just a few of the many ideas which you can implement to give your home a remodeled look. By taking the time to visit a few of the local retailers (box stores and specialty stores), you can come up with some great ideas. Also, a visit to your local home show is a great source for generating ideas. And, more ideas can be found at http://www.fhhome.com.

If you are considering selling your home, a minor remodeling job can be a great investment. While doing a major remodel might get you a small increase in your selling price, you definitely will get better value from a small job than from a major remodel. Remember, just because you like a peach colored paint in the kitchen, does not mean a prospective buyer will. If you do paint or add something else with color, stick with neutral tones and smaller jobs. You will get more bang for you buck.

Naturally, doing the project yourself will save additional money. If you or someone in your household has the time, energy and talent to tackle the job, great. If you need additional tools (tile cutters, paint sprayers, etc.) be sure to check with your local store which may have tools and equipment to rent. Some of these outlets also offer seminars and classes which can be very helpful in giving you the confidence to tackle your project yourself.

But if you are not a do-it-your-self type of person, consider hiring a contractor who specializes in small jobs. A good contractor can also be a great source for new ideas. Enjoy your newly remodeled home!

About The Author
Yvonne Volante, the author, is a big fan of home projects and writes for http://fhhome.com, which is the premier home resource on the internet. You can see all of the articles over at http://www.fhhome.com.

A High End Cleaner Machine

Bulk debris could be a menace to the public or would slow down traffics inside an industrial environment. Applying highly workable vacuum cleaners for exclusive industrial purpose to suction the pile of waste materials could command the great need that'd impossibly be done by manual labor lacking full-packed energy and full speed.

Industrial Vacuum Cleaner is prepared to suction considerable amount of waist materials scattered in commercial areas with high-junk disposables. It is a highly designed high-powered machine produced to meet the demands in collecting considerable volume of manufacturing facilities with tremendous capabilities and efficacy even the tiniest littered drop in a certain area.

IDENTIFYING FUNCTIONS OF THE INDUSTRIAL VACUUM CLEANER FROM OTHER VACUUM CLEANERS

It has high output level and has a large capacity compartment to suction wide range of material waste. Also, it can be applied to special rooms that require the "dust free" environment such as micro-processing of software, and minute electronic items on whose quality or standard devaluates if corrupted by the smallest particle of waste matter and dust. Industrial vacuum cleaner takes in to filter the air to make the whole area and every technical device virtually dust free.

Capacity includes that of monitoring to clean wet and dry materials, either one or both ways. There are vacuum cleaners of the industrial types of specific brands to do on "allergen" free suctioning. Vacuum systems could vary in use but it could cover from one of (1) cartridge, (2) Cyclone (bag or centrifugal separators), (3) electricity, (4) air power or gasoline.

Points to Consider when Using the Industrial Vacuum Cleaner:

1. Vacuum pressure - Refers to the stable flow in water lift, supposed to be static in nature.

2. Airflow - Something to do with the industrial vacuum motor device to produce the air stream flow velocity.

3. Filtration capabilities

Types of Industrial Vacuum Cleaners:

1. The Canister cleaner - Cleaner on wheels, housed the filtering systems and the motor suctions pulled by the user but each filter and suctions functions are in each respective separate compartments.

2. Backpack Vacuum Cleaner - Allows a great degree of mobility due to its being carried like a knapsack at the back. This cleaner provides an advantage penetrating thru difficult areas to reach out.

3. Rider Sweepers - The type that the user rides on. Provides wider mobility, functions at expanded range with larger motor capabilities.

4. Truck Vacuum - Mounted on a truck, usually used to gather large bulk to be transferred inside the truck's compartment. Works on large scale cleaning, and large area coverage.

5. Central vacuum cleaner – placed in the garage or other separated area has a central laden power, inserting 2 PVC pipes to allow inlets thru the wall and carry air-laden dirt thru the pipes.

6. Walk behind Sweepers - cleaners used in large area interiors, carpeted or tiled floors. These are usually electric, gas, or battery operated.

About The Author
Low Jeremy maintains http://Vacuum-Cleaners.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.

Bakers Racks And The Dorm Room

Furniture options are very limited when a young man or woman first heads off to the great unknown otherwise known as college. Dining tables, chairs, and even a simple sofa are all luxury items in a dorm room and most often impractical furniture choices. Of course, there are companies that recognize the cramped confines of the dorm room which is why there are specially designed pieces of furniture that cater to the college student. A very common theme of this specialty dorm room furniture genre is storage, storage, and more storage. While quite unconventional for a dorm room, quality-made bakers racks may actually be the perfect purchase for this particular time in a young person's life.

Yes, premium bakers racks are traditional furniture choices for the kitchen or dining area in a home. However, one of the specific design features of the baker's rack is storage space and this is precisely what the prospective college student needs most in their dorm room. In many cases, the rack will come in a box and require assembly which is actually a great thing because it cuts down on the room needed to transport the piece to campus.

Once the baker's rack is assembled (if necessary), there are a number of very practical possibilities the student has with respect to potential use. One such potential use is for the storage of cooking utensils, foodstuffs, and other related supplies. While most dorm rooms do not come equipped with a kitchenette of any kind, there is typically a "floor kitchen". This universal kitchen space is usually found on every floor of a dormitory and generally includes a stove, sink, and perhaps a large refrigerator. It is not typical for pots, pans, or other related cooking supplies to be found in this common kitchen area so a student must bring their own if the space is to be used.

Baker's racks allow the student to bring along the necessary cooking utensils so that they can cook their own meals if desired. Other potential uses for quality-made bakers racks include storing extra reference materials, school supplies, or just about anything that does not have a spot in the tight and cramped confines of the typical college dorm room. The best part about bringing quality-made bakers racks along for the college experience is that they can easily be transferred to a small apartment or home once studies are over and thus continue to be useful for years and years to come.

About The Author
Jesse Akre, owner of numerous sites specializing in Pot Racks and Bakers Racks, gives the consumer a chance to find the perfect Bakers Rack or Copper Pot Racks. Learn how to decorate your kitchen and home in style-Click today: http://www.GourmetDecorStore.com/.

Advantages Of An Electric Wheelchair Lift

Technology has helped make disabled persons more mobile. This has also made wheelchairs more advanced and more convenient to use for day-to-day routines.

Other devices have also been invented in order to help wheelchair-bound individuals live a more convenient life despite their disabilities. One of those very useful devices is the electric wheelchair lift.

Electric wheelchair lifts help to move the wheelchair to various places especially at multiple levels. Electric wheelchair lifts can be less expensive than their hydraulic wheelchair lift counterparts and are fairly very easy to maintain.

Most electric wheelchair lifts contain an emergency back-up battery device, which makes them ideal for use in instances where there are power outages. Electric wheelchair lifts can also be fitted with automatic door openers or telephone jacks as when they are required by the user.

There are many different types of electric wheelchair lifts available for people with disabilities to choose from. Among their choices include different models of home stair lifts; automobile lifts as well as wheelchair ramps for vans to aid in transport convenience.

Electric home stair wheelchair lifts can be easily installed anywhere inside or outside the house. These types of lifts are designed to take up less space and to function quietly and comfortable enough for disabled persons to use.

Home stair lifts can go up to about 23 feet and can lift weights for up to 350 pounds. There are some custom designed lifts is designed to even handle more weight. The price of these electric home lifts can range between $2,500 and $4,000.

Automobile lifts are designed to be fitted into vehicles in order to accommodate electric wheelchairs when wheelchair-bound individuals need to be transported. They are fairly easy to operate even by just one person.

They are also designed to be assembled and disassembled easily. Most of the automotive wheelchair lifts today can be fitted onto most vans and cars. The going price of automobile wheelchair lifts in the market can range from the low $700's to as high as $3,000.

There are also electric wheelchair van ramps available that help to lift the wheelchair into a van. These van ramps are beneficial for disabled persons because they are more affordable and easy to use as compared to other gadgets. These wheelchair ramps are usually spring-loaded for easy lifting.

They are easy to maintain as well as the system that they use is not mechanical. Van ramps can be easily folded in half and can be stored vertically, thus minimizing storage space when keeping them in the attic. The prices of these dependable wheelchair van ramps usually range between $500 and $1,100.

About The Author
Low Jeremy maintains http://WheelChair-Lift.ArticlesForReprint.com. This content is provided by Low Jeremy. It may be used only in its entirety with all links included.