Journey to the Center of Z-Earth

Inversion Tables and Back Stretching: Better Ways to Treat Back Pain

2007-05-17T08:58:00.000-06:00

Recently the Wall Street Journal published an article regarding the current trend in treating back pain. Persistent back pain can be a chronic issue for persons over the age of fifty, and that 30 million Americans regularly suffer from back pain. The number is expected to grow as the U.S. population ages and face degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis. Back pain ranks second behind the common cold for physician visits and accounts for 25% of all worker’s compensation claims. The article indicated that the current patient treatment includes excessive x-ray and CT scans and radical spinal surgeries to fuse vertebrae in the lumbar region, costing the health care system more than $90 billion annually. Moreover, many of the CT and X-rays are unnecessary and the back lumbar fusion surgeries can take up to a full year for recovery. Over treatment of back pain can lead to expensive and dangerous care than leaves patients in worse shape.
Now several medical experts are touting a more conservative approach: continued stretching, strengthening and flexibility exercises along with pain medication, if needed. Described as the new Back Pain Recognition Program, the goal is to reduce the number of scans and expensive treatments and adopt treatments that are proven to work. For many patients, the most effective treatment for back pain is much less invasive. Acute back pain usually subsides in four to six weeks with pain management, minimal bed rest, and a return to physical activity. Studies also showed than prolonged bed rest and limited physical stretching activity is not helpful. The highlights of the new plan include:

Stop Smoking: Smokers with back pain have more sever symptoms.
Maintain normal activity and avoid bed rest: Bed rest can lead to health problems such as joint stiffness, muscle wasting, and pressure sores.
Use X-rays and CT scans only when appropriate: Program considers scans unnecessary in the first six weeks after the onset of pain unless indications of a more serious disorder is apparent.
Use epidural steroid injections only when necessary: injections may be unnecessary unless symptoms include radiating pain such as sciatica, or herniated disc.
Hold off on surgery: Half of patients with radiating low back pain recover spontaneously.

Comfortchannel.com has a wide selection of inversion tables and back stretching devices that fit into the new program from the National Committee of Quality Assurance. Physical activity that provides for back stretching and flexibility gains are very important to back pain treatment. Inversion therapy and back stretching therapy are part of the right care for aching backs.

Google Check-out is here!

2006-06-29T12:29:00.000-06:00

ComfortChannel.com has launched the new Google check-out feature; a fast, secure, and convenient way to shop online. As one of the early adopters of this new program, ComfortChannel is excited to stregthen their Google relationship, and offer the most up-to-date and convenient avenues in order to make your shopping experience painless.

Google, no doubt, is a trusted name in the web community. The new Google Check-out feature is only provided to 100% Google approved online resources - taking the guessing game out of finding reputable ecommerce solutions for your everyday online shopping excursions. Simply log in once and gain access to sites worthy of Googles stamp of approval.

Google Check-out is different then Pay-Pal. When you open an account with Google they store all of your information so you don't have to fill in those legnthly forms for each purchase you make. In fact, you can store as many shipping addresses and credit cards as you want in your account and your private information remains completely secure. Google will not share your credit card information with any merchant (even those you buy from), and offers the option of keeping your email address secure as well - this avoids spam. One form to fill out, one user name and password - thousands of safe merchants to choose from. You can review your purchase history and track your recent orders at any time. Google Check-out also provides fraud prevention- This is a dream come true!

Google any item you want to purchase and look for the results that display the "speedy little shopping cart". These are Google Approved Google Check-out providers. If you haven't already signed up, you can do it upon your first check out at participating merchants sites.

View the Google Press Release, take a tour and watch their Customer video! Sign up here! View the merchant video so understand the advantages of applying to become a Googe Check-out provider.

CEN RC Racing

2006-06-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

CEN Racing Genesis 46 is the Monster of all RC Racing Monster Trucks. Bigger, more powerful, and better engineered with more advanced features than any other RC Racing Monster Truck on the planet. Things like:

Dual Front and Rear Disc Brakes - so you can slow down and let the competion look like a competition (otherwise, it would be a turkey shoot!).
3 Speed Automatic transmission with adjustable shifting - so you can tune your truck to individual RC dirt oval racing tracks.
Real Oil Reservoir Coil-Over Shocks - you can literally DRIVE RIGHT OVER the competition, just like the Big Boys.
Rear Ported, .46 cubic inch Big Block SCREAMING Nitro-Powered Gas Engine.
Soon to be available is the Four Wheel Racing Hop Up Steering Kit - so you can out-turn, out-spin and out-maneuver every other RC Racing Monster Truck out there.

CEN Racing makes Champions. The MT2 is the National RC Monster Stadium Truck Champion 2 years in a row. How does CEN make winners? With tough 4 wheel drive super stable chassis, powerful nitro gas engines, and advanced engineering. Pure enthusiasm drives these Remote Control Racing Stadium Trucks and you can be a part of the winners circle.

If you want to rip up sand dunes and other rugged terrain, your gonna need a Nitro Dune Buggy like the new ATX. This is Off Road RC Buggy dune-busting fun! Featuring 4 Wheel Drive, extra long suspension travel and a low profile center of gravity, these nitro dune buggies are a blast to watch. Longer suspension arms and a low center of gravity make it ALL TERRAIN.

Or if you're a fan of RC Rally Racing, the CEN line of 4 wheel drive RC Rally Cars can't be beat. They ain't just copies of real world winners. After all, 2nd place is still behind the champions.

Blazing at speeds up to 72.4 MPH, the CEN CT4S RC Race Car is faster than Schamacher Nitro Fusion 21, faster than Traxxas Nitro 4 Tec, and way faster than the Team Associated Nitro TC3...like nearly 25 mph faster! Loaded with high tech suspension hardware and reinforced 4 WHEEL DRIVE driveline, the CEN CT4S Remote Control Race car line will romp, stomp and blow away the RC Nitro Racing competition. Put real speed in your hands and drift car racing tricks in the parking lot with any one of the CEN CT4S RC Race Cars. Real power like this, must be CEN Racing!

AeroGarden Aeroponic Indoor Garden

2006-06-22T10:12:00.000-06:00

The AeroGarden by AeroGrow uses new high tech improvements in hydroponic gardening to grow plants five to ten times faster than soil gardening for amazing harvests in very little time. Unlike classic hydroponics gardening systems where plant roots are submerged in water, aeroponics systems use the plant's ability to take in oxygen through the roots. The plants are suspended in a 100% humid, "rainforest" environment where they are regularly bathed in a nutrient solution, resulting in accelerated plant growth.

AeroGrow International's indoor container garden is controlled by a microprocessor that monitors and delivers water, nutrients and light according to each specific seed kit. Lights on the Smart Garden control panel blink when water or nutrients need to be added. Full spectrum grow lights (2 light bulbs included) provide all the light needed for optimal plant growth. Engineered exclusively for indoor gardening, the efficient grow light bulbs use less energy than a sixty watt light bulb.

Bio-dome seed pods, or mini-greenhouses, encapsulate each seed for faster, healthier germination. The smart garden bio-dome regulates nutrients, oxygen and water delivery to the seeds as they grow. Simply ppen the seed kit and place the seed pods into their assigned slots on the AeroGarden grow surface. Make sure the label is facing forward and press each pod in place firmly. No Green Thumbs required!

Time released aeroponic nutrients deliver a balanced blend of 85 macro and micro nutrients for optimal plant growth. Aero Grow's patent-pending pH balancing system automatically adjusts any water system's pH. Drop in a tablet when the AeroGarden Smart Garden Control Panel reminds you - about every two weeks.

Use the nutrient tablets that came with the seed kit. AeroGrow nutrient tablets are specially formulated for each seed kit. Using a different seed kit's nutrient tablets may harm the plants you are trying to grow and result in less than optimal flavor and growth.

Nutrient tablets consist mainly of mineral salts and provide the 13 micro and macro nutrients that all plants require in the right proportians for growing Gourmet Herbs in a container garden. The tablets also contain seaweed for 70 additional micro nutrients, a pH balancing tap water buffer and a binder to hold the tablet together.

The AeroGarden home and kitchen garden with Salad Greens Seed Kit has everything needed to quickly produce AeroGrow's exclusive blend of Green Summer Crisp, Red Leaf and Red Butterhead lettuce. Begin harvesting in only three weeks and continue harvesting for about two and a half more months.

Other Seed Kit choices include:

The International Basil kit provides a mix of seven aromatic varieties of basil: Lemon, Thai, Napolitano, Marseilles (French), Genovese (Italian), Globe and Red Rubin. Begin harvesting basil in about four weeks and continue to produce for four to six months.

THe Cherry Tomato kit provides two Red Heirloom and one Golden Harvest cherry tomato plants. Flowers bloom in 30 days, tomatoes appear in six weeks. Harvesting begins in about 10 weeks.

The Gourmet Herbs kit provides a festive variety of colorful herbs: Cilantro, Chives, Italian Basil, Red Rubin Basil, Dill, Mint and Parsley. Begin harvesting in about five weeks and continue to produce for four to six months.

The Chili Peppers kit provide 3 varieties of miniature peppers: Mini Jalapeno (a Hispanic cooking favorite), Purple Super Hot (for color and punch) and Red Fire (great for Asian dishes).
Begin harvesting in about 12 weeks and continue to produce for four to six months.

The Cascading Petunia kit provides a multi-colored array of delightful Petunias. Flowers begin blooming in just thirty days and continue to produce big, colorful blooms for up to six months.

At AeroGrow International, Inc. it's all about the food and making it as fresh, nutritious and tasty as possible. Imagine cooking with fresh herbs grown on your counter with no pesticides, herbicides GMOs or soil contaminants. Yum!

Haier Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner

2006-06-19T08:46:00.000-06:00

Haier's Ultrasonic Jewelry Cleaner uses ordinary tap water and 42,000 energy waves per second to clean your jewelry and eyeglasses. This ultrasonic jewelry cleaner has a 20.3-ounce capacity stainless steel cleaning chamber and auto shut-off. The automatic 3-minute cleaning cycle makes it easy to use.

What is Ultrasonic? Ultrasonic is a generated sound that is of such high pitch humans cannot hear it. High pitched sounds are created by high frequencies. Frequencies above 16 kHz are considered to be ultrasonic. Typical ultrasonic frequencies used for cleaning purposes are between 20 kHz and 80 kHz. The ideal cleaning frequency is determined by what is going to be cleaned. Simply speaking, the higher the frequency the more capable it is to remove smaller particles.

How can sound clean? When an ultrasonic sound travels through liquid it generates a physical effect called "cavitations". The cavitation is the process of a sound wave stretching and compressing the liquid medium to transmit sound. When the amplitude the sound wave reaches a level that liquid can no longer hold the stretch in, it literally tears the water apart. As a result, millions of vacuumed "bubbles" are formed under the extreme negative pressure. These vacuumed "bubbles" continue to grow in size until their equilibrium is reached. When this is achieved they rapidly compress and create millions of tiny liquid jets.

These jets release a tremendous amount of energy stored within the bubbles. In fact, each "bubble" holds (roughly) a temperature of more then 5000 degrees Celsius and more then 10,000 PSI (pounds per square inch). The incredible pressure each "bubble" releases is responsible for the effective cleaning action an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner offers. Since cavitation occurs anywhere liquid can reach, ultrasonic jewelry cleaners are capable of entering into fine trends or cracks to clean.

Examination prior to cleaning is a good practice as ultrasonic cleaning is an aggressive method. For example, many class rings are coated with a dark pigment to reduce their shininess. Ultrasonic cleaning can remove this coating. It is not recommended to use an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner on gems that are soft or porous (opals, pearls, emeralds, coral etc). Cleaning agents can erode or infiltrate these gems. Ultrasonic cleaning is also discouraged for tanzanite, amber, or any gemstone that reveals a high degree of internal fractures.

Daily maintenance can also help keep your jewlery looking as good as the day it was purchased. Read on for some great tips from Kelly Gormly of the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Pearls are among the most delicate jewels and require special care. Wipe pearls off with a damp soft cloth after each wearing because sweat, body oil and cosmetic products can erode the pearls. Keep your pearls away from hard or sharp jewelry items that could scratch them. Pearls are best stored in a soft cloth pouch, or a separately lined segment of a jewelry box.
Store fine jewelry carefully; don't just toss it in a jewelry box. The metals, gemstones and other materials can get scratched, especially if they are softer gemstones. The hardest stones -- such as diamonds, sapphires and rubies -- are the least vulnerable to scratching, but they still need to be handled with care. Wrap pieces individually in tissue paper or velvet, or arrange them carefully in a jewelry box so that they do not touch each other.
When getting dressed, try to apply perfumes and hair sprays and let them dry before putting on jewelry, so that it doesn't develop a residue; this especially applies to pearls. Also, make sure all body lotion has absorbed into the skin before putting on jewelry.
Do not wear jewelry particularly rings or bracelets while doing any household cleaning, gardening, or other dirty work. Even wedding rings, which people often do not take off, will be in better condition if they are removed before chores. Over time, the household soaps can cause stress and fatigue in the metals.
Check jewelry pieces regularly for signs of wear and tear, like missing or loose stones, and obtain necessary repairs. If you have a pearl necklace that you wear frequently, have it re-strung annually with knots between each pearl, so that if the string breaks, the pearls won't be lost.

Misting Fans

2006-06-12T08:51:00.000-06:00

Heat stress is an indicator of unsafe and unhealthy work or play circumstances. Heat stress has been documented to contribute to dangerous conditions such as heat stroke, fainting, cramps, vision impairment, and dehydration. Capable of cooling a large area down by as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit, the Mighty Mister Misting Fan can last up to 8 hours! Fitted with wheels and a handy folding tow handle, the Mighty Mister Cooler Misting Fan is not only lightweight, but the Misting Fan can be stored in the Cooler during transportation or storage. Extremely energy efficient and affordable, the Mighty Mister Misting Fan is the way to go for both portable applications and anytime regular Air Conditioning is impossible.

Easily transportable, the VersaMist Misting Fans are a unique and clever misting cooling systems solution that simply attaches to the Igloo 10 gallon drinking cooler. Simply fill the cooler with cold water, insert the misting hose, attach the lid, hook the misting fan up to an AC Plug-in or choose the DC power supply model and turn on the misting fan. Schaefer Ventilation VersaMist Cooling Misting Fans can last up to 5 hours. Effective enough to cool an area of 180 square feet and lower air temperatures as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit.

Stepping up the ladder in overall power and cooling ability, the Schaefer Ventilation VersaFog is a high-power, high-pressure cooling fog misting fan that can move up to 11,000 cubic feet per minute of cooled air. Mounted on a wheeled platform for easy transportation and set up in Fan Oscillation mode, this extremely effective air cooling system cannot be beat for pure cooling power and energy efficiency. The VersaFog can actually reduce air temperature as much as 35 degrees Fahrenheit!. Look to Schaefer Ventilation cooling misting fan systems to solve even the most challenging cooling problems and provide years of trouble-free use.

According to wiseGEEK, "A typical misting fan works on the principles of thermal dynamics and evaporative cooling. If you place a wet towel in front of an electric fan, you may notice the area around the towel becomes noticeably cooler. As the water from the towel evaporates, it takes a certain amount of heat energy along with it. The fan circulates the cooler air around the room, acting like a rudimentary air conditioner. Misting fan technology takes this idea of evaporative cooling and makes it much more efficient and productive."

Water is the key to misitng fans. Special high-pressure pumps generate a water pressure of 1000 PSI (pounds per square inch). Super fine nozzle openings compress the outbound water into micron-sized droplets, creating a thin mist. The mist evaporates upon contact with the warm air. These tiny droplets actually pull heat as they evaporate resulting in a significant temperature drop. An electric fan pushes this cold air and mist combination for several hundred yards or more.

Because the mist created by a misting fan system is so fine it is very unlikely that one would become wet, unless you are less than 6 inches (15 cm) away from the water nozzle. Misitng Fans usually filter the water supply and rarely use more than 1 or 2 US gallons (about 3.8 to 7.6 liters) per hour.

Misting Fans were originally created to cool crowds of people in outdoor arenas or stadiums, however, smaller home units are becoming popular. Misting fans are great for around the pool, backyard gardens, outdoor garages or while mowing the lawn.

How A Misting Fan Works

A standard fan uses evaporative cooling to create a cooling effect. When you sweat the fan circulates air over your skin and causes the perspiration to evaporate. This moving air efficient at removing radiated heat from your body.

A misting fan simply adds water to this basic principal. A fine spray of water is combined with the air movement of the fan. The water absorbes the heat and then evaporates, thus cooling the surrounding air up to 30 degrees. Misting fans work best in areas with low humidity.

Swamp Coolers

2006-06-06T07:38:00.000-06:00

A swamp cooler is an effective alternative to an air conditioner. They operate on simple physics: Dry air absorbs moisture through evaporation. Evaporated water absorbs heat. In a swamp cooler, a fan is used to increase evaporation; making the air cooler and distributing it throughout your home. However, swamp coolers are only effective in dry climates with low humidity. It is important to keep ample ventillation and air circulation when using a swamp cooler. They rely on exits, like open windows, to erradicate hot moist air. Evaporative coolers are super energy efficient, requiring only one-tenth the energy needed for a traditional air conditioner.

Bi-annual maintenance is essential for your swamp cooler operation to remain smooth. Exposure to the weather causes a collection of dust and debris throughout the year. High mineral content in your water will cause large deposits in the cooling pads during evaporation.

Luckily, regular maintenance is easy. You should prepare your swamp cooler at the beginning of spring and at the end of fall.

Spring Maintenance

Usually, dry operation (fan only) is adequate in early spring so avoid filling the sump. The water pump should not be used when no water is in the sump. Wait until you are sure there will be no more freezes before filling the sump and connecting the water line to avoid bursting and replacement. If you chould need to replace the water line, copper tubing is easy to install and will last many years longer than plastic tubing.

Turn off the circuit breaker to the swamper, if not already off.
Remove all side panels and replace the cooler pads. Aspen pads are reccommended for cost and because they are biodegradeable. Synthetic pads don't work any better, but they cost more and must be cut to size.
Clean any dust and debris from the water sump.
Remove the sump pump and make sure theimpeller moves smoothly. If minerals or mud accumulate in the impeller housing it could prevent smooth rotation. When this happens, the motor will eventually burn out.
Be sure that the drip-tubes at the top of the cabinet are firmly connected. A small, flexible "snake" can be used to be sure they are clear of any clogging.
Check the V-belt connecting the fan motor to the blower fan. It should be replaced if excessive wear is visible.
Check for free rotation of the blower fan and fan motor. Excessive noise means the bearings have probably accumulated dirt or minerals. Oil the pillow-block bearings at each end of the blower fan. Most fan motors have sealed bearings and will not need lubrication, but if yours has oil fittings, be sure to oil the fan motor bearings also.
Connect the water line to the water source and allow the sump to fill. The float valve should close when the level is about ¾ inch below the level of the over-flow pipe. The cooler pads will hold a significant amount of water during operation. When the swamper shuts off, the water will drain into the sump. If your swamper continually over-flows onto the roof, bend the float-arm down about 1/8th inch at a time and check again. If the water level is too low and your sump pump is sucking air, bend the float arm up about 1/8th inch until the desired level is reached.
Install all side panels and you should be set for the coming season.

Preparing for Winter

Preparing your swamp cooler for winter is basically the opposite Spring Maintenance.

Drain the pump.
Clear out any debris.
Disconnect the water line before the first freeze.
Cover your swamp cooler, or wrap it in a tarp to prevent winter drafts.
Turn off the circuit breaker.

The Kegerator Solution

2006-06-02T06:24:00.000-06:00

What is a Kegerator? According to Wikipedia: "Kegerator is a term used to describe a home made beer dispensing device. A keg, typically of beer, is stored in a refrigerated container in order to keep the keg chilled. The user is able to maintain a tapped keg in such a device for extended periods of time, usually a couple months, without losing any quality in the taste of the beer. Normally they are made from a refrigerator or a freezer with special equipment. The term "Kegerator" is a portmanteau combining the words keg and refrigerator."

Let's face it - it is expensive to go to the bar with your friends, not to mention the hazardous trip back home after a good embibing. It's cheaper, safer and much more convenient to bring the bar home. Extra bonuses include controlling the background music and a BBQ in the back yard just waiting for a juicy steak or hamburger to enhance the experience. Here is a simple cost break down of buying beer in a six pack vs buying a half keg:

Not only do beer cans and bottles occupy valuable refrigerator space they also have to be stored and recycled. Approximately 165 12-ounce beer containers equal the amount of beer in a 1/2 keg. The average 1/2 keg of beer costs about $60.00 and average six pack of beer is $5.00. To equal the same amount of beer in a keg you would spend about $140.00 on six packs. You save $80.00 by purchasing a 1/2 keg of beer. If you add it up, ten 1/2 kegs of beer will save you $800 – the Kegerator has just paid for itself! As if that weren't enough, a kegerator will keep your beer fresh for at least 2 months! Why waste all that money on bottled or canned beer when you can pull a fresh tasty cold draft beer from a kegerator?

Beverage Air kegerators are built like a tank. Capable of holding from 1 to 5 kegs of beer, most kegerators can be purchased with a wheeled casters kit, essentially turning the kegerator into a mobile bar. This set up is perfect for outdoor events, beer gardens, venues and the like. Upgrading to the Club Top offers top side access the the interior and a handy shelf to store your frosty cold mugs. Beverage Air Keg Coolers feature solid chassis and large, easy opening doors for quick keg changeouts. Stainless steel countertops and tough vinyl coated sides mean will withstand years of use.

The history of beer is closely interwoven with the history of mankind. Find out more on this fascinating site detailing the History of Beer. Believe it or not, beer can acutally benefit your health. As Thomas Jefferson says, "Beer, if drank in moderation, softens the temper, cheers the spirit, and promotes health." Apparently a recent study has proven that beer, especially darker brews, are rich in antioxidants. A second study showed that people who consumed one alcoholic beverage daily reduced their risk of developing cataracts by half, again thanks to antioxidants.

Beer Key

All beers fall into one of two categories: either lagers or ales. Lagers are made from bottom-fermenting yeast and are generally smooth beers. Ales are made from top-fermenting yeast and are hearty and robust.

Ale: A spicy beer with a red-amber color
Bock: A strong lager, usually brewed in winter in anticipation of spring
Bitter: A golden-brown, top-fermented beer
Lambic: A wheat beer originally produced in Belgium
Lager: A typical "American" mainstream beer, gold in color
Pale ale: A British-style beer that is crisp and bitter.
Pilsner: A pale golden beer with a crisp taste
Porter: A dark, top-fermented beer
Stout: A dark brownish-black beer, sometimes with a coffee-like flavor

What is beer exactly? How do you Make it? We've got those answers and, for your home brewing pleasure - beer recipies! and more beer recipies! Click here for beer tasting tips from BellaOnline. Bottoms up!

Allergies and Air Purifiers

2006-05-31T06:27:00.000-06:00

Placing air purifiers in key areas of your house is essential to staving off alleric reactions. Your bedroom is a major key area. It is not uncommon for allergy sufferers experience attacks in the middle of the night. This is because your respiratory system relaxes during sleep. Because of this relaxation, you become more susspetable to allergic attacks, and they also become more traumatic. It is recommended to keep an air purifier running in your bedroom 24 hours a day with the door closed. In order to survive the daytime during allergy season, you need to sleep in the cleanest environment possible.

Placing air purifiers in other areas your family spends a lot of time in is the next step. Make certain you obtain an air purifier that is large enough to cover the space, and be sure to get the right kind of air purifier. For instance, if you like to grill indoors regularly, it is best you purchase an air purifier for your kitchen that will absorb chemicals. How do I choose the right Air Purifier for me? Well, it certainly helps to know what casues your allergic reactions. The majority of allergy doctors recommend HEPA allergy air purifiers. HEPA means High Energy Particulate Arresting. In lamens terms, that means it sucks up the particles flying around in the air. The best HEPA Air Purifiers have 5-10 year warranties on the machines themselves. HEPA filters have to be changed. Take notice when discarding one. You’ll be thankful you didn’t breathe it in!

Other types of allergy air purifiers use ionization or electro-static technology to attract the particals. While these can be helpful the HEPA air purifier is hands down the best way get the majority of pollutants and toxins out of your air. Stay away from air purifiers that use on ozone generation technology. Consumer Reports says "ozone generators should not be where people are." These air purifiers are fine for industry, but not for people.

It is also enormously helpful if air purifiers you choose have enough activated carbon to absorb gases and odors. Volatile organic compounds (VOC’s), paint fumes, formaldehyde outgassing, ozone etc. can be absorbed along with particulates such as pollen.

Purchase high quality air purifiers to clean your home and mark your calendar so you remember to change the filters. Some air purifiers will have an indicator light to remind you when a filter needs to be changed, but not all of them do. The main thing is to change them on time, every time!

Choosing an Air Purifier

So let's face it - indoor air pollution occurs in virtually all buildings and homes. As a counter measure, Hunter has developed a line of affordable "Whisper Quiet" QuietFlo™ Air Purifiers. These air purifiers offer a programmable Hepa Air Cleaner that allows you to set when and how long it will operate. The Hunter® QuietFlo™ has a digital filter change reminder and is effective at capturing 99.97% airborne particles. The popular slimline styling allows their air cleaners to be placed flush against a wall or in the corner. If you are on a budget, look to the value priced Hunter HEPAtech® Air Purifiers.

HEPA filtration technology was originally developed by the US Atomic Energy Commission to filter our radioactive "dust" and materials from the air. Unlike many airpurifiers, once particles are "captured" by a HEPA air purifier, they are not released back into the air. HEPA air purifiers will lose their efficiency over time, but do run the risk of clogging.

Choosing an air purifier that utilizes a pre-filter, such as a Hunter HEPAtech or IQ Air Healthpro is highly recommended. A pre-filter removes larger particles (1 micron and larger) before they reach the HEPA filter, ultimately extending the life of the purifier. Most HEPA filters will last up to 2-5 years under normal conditions.

IQ Air makes the most effective and efficient air purifiers on the market due to their patented Hyper-HEPA technology. It you can believe it, this tcleans the air better then the highly recommended HEPA Air Purifier. IQ Air's Healthpro and Healthpro Plus HEPA air purifiers have some of the only filters that meet stringent standards set by the Swiss Government. IQ Air has assessed the difficult situation of clearing the air of volatile gases and cigarette smoke. Their line of industrial strength air cleaner purifiers is worth every penny for the purest air possible.

Water Towable Ski Tubes

2006-05-26T08:20:00.000-06:00

A towable ski tube is basically an inner tube with handles and a connection for a tow line. The inner tube (sometimes called a bladder) is generally constructed of a strong PVC material. Higher quality tubes feature nylon covers to provide protection for the tube. It really is worth the extra couple of bucks to get a covered tube.

The ski tube is attached to a nylon ski tube tow rope that will float in the water. Children should be towed with a shorter rope to prevent them from gaining excess speed when moving back and forth across the boat's wake. (Never tow with a rope shorter than 20 feet. This helps to reduce the riders' carbon monoxide exposure from the boat's exhaust.)

This nylon rope is connected to a boat with a water ski towing cleat or harness. To install a tow harness secure two closed hooks to your transom tie-down eyes and the harness will form a "Y" behind your boat. Hook the tow rope to the center of the "Y". Harnesses are also made of nylon. They have a built in float which prevents then from sinking and remain clear of the propeller.

If your boat does not already have a water ski towing cleat you can add one. It is imperative that installation of a towing cleat be in the correct spot on your boat. I suggest contacting the manufacturer of your boat before installation to ensure correct placement.

Types of Ski Tubes

SINGLE RIDER TUBE: Single rider tubes can only hold one rider at a time and are usually high performance models. A single rider ski tube is ideal for tricks, jumps, flying, and high speed as they are much more maneuverable. Single rider tubes are perfect for towing behind jet skis. In addition to being more affordable and easier to store, single rider tubes can use standard strength towing lines and harnesses.

MULTI-RIDER TUBE: Multi-rider ski tubes hold from 2-6 people. Multi-rider ski tube towables are an excellent choice for families or groups of small children. Multi-rider ski tube towables are big, heavy and fairly slow in the water. They should only be used with a heavy duty tow line and harness. Take caution and make sure you adhere to weight limits and stress limitations on all equipment or your tow line might snap and whip the riders, causing serious injury. Multi-rider ski tubes are more expensive and harder to store due to their size.

STANDARD TUBE DESIGN: A standard ski tube is comparable to a large inflatable inner tube. Passengers have a choice of laying across the top of the ski tub on their tummies, sitting in the hole or on top of the tube with their feet in the hole. Standard ski tubes come in both single and multi-rider models.

DECK TUBE: A deck tube is flat and looks like an inflatable mattress. When riding a deck tube towable, you would lie on your stomach and hold on to the handles. This gives the rider a greater perception of speed because their face is forced to be closer to the water. Deck towable tubes offer the best high performance features.

RIDE IN TUBE: A ride in ski tube is much like a raft. Riders sit on a seat or on the floor, with sides surrounding them.

CONCEPT TUBES: Other fun water tube designs include stand-up chariots, inflatable kneeboards, ride-on-top jet skis, hydrofoil boats and multi-rider hot dogs.

For more information on Towable Ski Tube safety, mantainance and other common questoins, visit www.comfortchannel.com and read Ski Tube 101

The New Earthlite Avalon Portable Massage Table

2006-05-23T08:28:00.000-06:00

People are taking notice as Earthlite has given a new look to their old favorite, The Avalon Portable Massage Table. This workhorse has gotten a face lift, sporting dual ended headrest outlets and a Reiki Endplate on one side for easy client access.

I have received a massage on this table - and it is enough to put anyone into dreamland. Plush, soft to the touch, sturdy and quite handsome. I was so impressed, I checked out the table while I was left to relax a bit after the rub-down had concluded. This baby is decked out!!!

Sure grip knobs for easy height adjustment. Soft, padded handles that would surely save your hand if you had to port the table. The deluxe adjustable headrest is amazing - it adjusts to any position needed. I took a look under the table and saw velcroe strips to secure the headrest to when the table is folded, and there was a nifty design there too. The cutouts help reduce the weight of the table while keeping the stability in tact. Pure genious!

This is one of the most comfortable massage tables I have ever experienced! Try the Avalon Package to receive the Deluxe adjustable headrest and a Carry Case!

Outdoor Patio Furniture

2006-05-18T08:06:00.000-06:00

There are three main constructs of outdoor furniture to choose from: synthetic resins (like Kettler or Versailles), metal (like the Kettler Wrought Iron Furniture) and wood (like Old Adirondack Furniture).

Synthetic resin furniture is quite popular these days because the price is reasonable and it's easily maintained. In addition to these factors, they provide a durable, comfortable and convenient solution for your outdoor patio furniture needs. However, synthetic resin chairs are not as sturday as their metal counterparts. Because of this, it is strongly recommended to place this style of furniture on completely solid surfaces. (They are great to place around the pool.) Maintenance is a breeze as those that don't fold will stack well. In order to keep your resin furniture looking new, we suggest applying a resin furniture wax at the beginning and about mid-season. Tip: Avoid using commercial cleaners and scouring powders. Use only resin cleaners.

Metal furniture provides superior durability and comfort and comes in tubular or cast models. Tubular furniture is made of metal, aluminum or treated metal (galvanized or galvalum steel) tubes and is the more popular of the two. Aluminum and treated metal tend to resist corrosion quite effectively. Treated metal tubes are quite solid and heavier than aluminum. Tubular metal chairs are typically stackable and easy to store. Cast metal furniture is incredibly beautiful and offers optimum comfort. Considered to be top of the line; the price is definitly higher. This furniture is rather heavy and more fragile than tubular models. As they are not foldable this patio furniture requires more storage space.

Wood patio furniture is generally made of cedar, mahogany, teak or other exotic breeds. It offers a unique rustic charm to your outdoor décor. Wood furniture does more maintenance and space, but the sheer beauty makes up for it. For protection regularly apply Teck oil, stain or varnish.Molding compounds and resins are industrial plastics and polymers that are suitable for forming. They are used in processes such as injection molding, compression molding, reaction injection molding (RIM), resin transfer molding (RTM), and blow molding. Thermally conductive products are applied between a heat-generating electrical device and a heat sink. Dampening products form layers that can bend or flex without cracking or delaminating.

Kettler® Outdoor White Resin Patio Tables and Chairs are quality Resin Furniture that is designed to withstand the elements. Made in Germany out of a special white poly resin, Kettler® Furniture will not yellow or crack with time. Compact, comfortable and easily folded for storage, Kettler® Outdoor Patio Furniture makes the perfect white resin lawn chair and outdoor white resin lounge chair that will keep your guests comfortable for the poolside party or backyard barbeque. Kettler® Patio Furniture even makes a handy White Resin Patio Serving Cart and plenty of storage space for your Kettler White Resin Patio Furniture Cushion Storage Box.

Kettler wrought iron garden furniture is made to the highest possible standards using the most sophisticated manufacturing processes. Each piece of Kettler garden furniture is formed of high-quality steel, before being given Kettler's high-tech sinter-coating process that makes every surface weather resistant.

Any vision of American outdoor style includes classic Adirondack cedar furniture. This icon originates in the great North East woodlands of the U.S. and travels to every corner of our country. Rustic, yet refined furniture lines are found lakeside, poolside and in every backyard. Superb weathering charactristics of natural Northern White Cedar Furniture develop a soft gray weathered look of centuries past within a year in most climates. Old Adirondack cedar furniture gives any home a sense of tradition and history.

Wooden Swing Sets

2006-05-15T07:58:00.000-06:00

Gorilla™ ready-to-assemble wooden swing sets are designed for the customer who wants to buy today and assemble this afternoon. Pre-boxed and ready to assemble, these economic wooden swing sets are in high demand. The use of T-nut construction makes home assembly of these swing set kits simple and safe using common household tools. Gorilla™ swing sets include pre-cut, pre-sanded and pre-drilled lumber as well as all the required hardware, accessories and step by step 3-D instructions to asemble the unit.

These wooden swingsets come standard as shown, and are designed with a child's safety in mind while providing a challenging recreational setting. All of the Gorilla™ wooden swing sets are constructed with arsenic-free ACQ® Preserve Pine (100% California Redwood in the Congo series). Far surpassing their competitors, Gorilla™ is committed to stability, longevity and safety. That's why they incorporate solid framing with heavy-duty swing belts, components and slides. This makes Gorilla™ swingsets extremely heavy duty and consequently the best-valued pre-milled kit in the marketplace.

Gorilla™ uses 20 oz. heavy-weight marine-grade vinyl for their canopies. They are UV protected, anti-mildew treated and crack resistant to -20° F. Stainless steel snaps or brass grommets make the canopy easy to remove and clean.

The wood roofs on Gorilla™ playsets are factory stained and sealed cedar lumber. Using the tongue in groove (interlocking shingles) tecnique makes installation a breeze and gives the playset a beautiful appearance.

Gorilla™ uses premium select ACQ® treated southern yellow pine or factory stained and sealed redwood. No cutting or sanding. Assembles in up to 70% less time than playsets without premilled lumber!

ACQ Preserve® treated southern yellow Pine is premium grade and double kiln dried. ACQ Preserve® Treated Southern Yellow Pine is pressure treated with ACQ®, an environmentally advanced formulation that is arsenic and chromium free. The ACQ® Preservative system provides long-term protection from rot, decay and termites without the use of any EPA listed hazardous chemicals. The main ingredient in ACQ® is copper, which has long been established as an effective preservative component used in timber preservation. Quat acts as the co-biocide in the ACQ® preservative, providing additional protection from fungi and insect attack that copper alone would not control. Quats are commonly used and are biodegradable in soil. Gorilla Playsets™ provides a Lifetime Warranty on ACQ® to the original owner. California Redwood is a natural alternative to pressure-treated lumber. Redwood naturally resists decay caused by the environment or by insect infestation. California Redwood does require annual sealing to maintain its aesthetic appeal. Gorilla Playsets™ provide a 10-year warranty on Redwood to the original owner. The California Redwood is hand selected. All lumber is strong and durable and conforms to the national standards for use in children’s play equipment. All Redwood playsets come pre-sealed.

Many of Gorilla™ playsets use poly coated wooden beams for a maintenance-free, splinter-free, and weather resistant alternative. These beams use an SPF grade Fir lumber that is protected from dry rot and termites throughout. Poly coating is UV stabilized and will not fade in sunlight.

Gorilla™ slides are said to be the best available. The slides feature the widest bed and the highest sides for maximum safety and enjoyment. Also available are other fantastic slides such as 360 degree spiral slides, spiral tube slides, and scoop slides that can fit a 7’ deck height. Gorilla™ uses a one-piece injection molded, or rotomolded, design with UV inhibitors to prevent heating and fading in direct sunlight. They do not require any additional wood framing for support.

Only 5/16” diameter and 3/8” diameter hardware is used on these playsets for maximum strength and stability. Galvanized wood screws are used for some non-structural components instead of nails that can rust and/or work their way loose over time.

Gorilla™ playsets, Ready to Assemble wooden swing sets and accessories are extremely sturdy, so your children will not be at risk while playing. Swing belts are made of heavy duty polyethylene with reinforced nylon grommets and UV protectant with powder coated chains.

Gorilla™ makes your swing set building experience quick and simple. For single swing beam units a one piece, heavy gauge steel swing beam bracketing system is used with a rigid 4 x 6 swing beam and 4 x 4 swing legs. This is just one of the many features that make Gorilla playsets easy to build.

Gorilla™ insists on angled ladders with flat wide steps which is far safer then traditional vertical dowel and rung ladders. All Gorilla™ play systems, add-ons, and accessories are designed to meet ASTM standards and specifications. Just another way that Gorilla playsets are looking out for the safety of you and your loved ones.

Plan-it Play offers "do-it-yourself" wooden playset kits that are easy to assemble. All kits include everything you need (except lumber) to build your own professional-looking wooden playset with little or no carpentry experience. You receive the heavy gauge bolts, screws, swings, swing-hangers, bracketing system and an easy to read set of 3D illustrated step-by-step playset plans. Only standard dimensional lumber is needed (2x4's, 4x4's, 2x6's, etc.), available at any home improvement warehouse or lumber yard. With plenty of wooden playset models, add-ons and slides, accessories and color combinations you can customize and personalize your backyard playground.

Standard Features For All Playset Plans and Kits:

Every wooden playset kit is professionally engineered and designed
Extra wide ladder steps (2x6's versus dowels and 1" lumber)
Solid 4x4 framing with all bolt construction, no nails to work loose or ground anchors needed
Hot-dipped galvanized hardware to resist rust and corrosion, all included additional hardware not required
Recessed/ countersunk holes to hide hardware and give your playset that factory milled look
Non-metal components made from high impact resistant polymers, plastics and marine grade vinyl
Easy to read 3D illustrated step-by-step playset plans
'Safety-zones', non-overlapping play areas that can lead to injuries
Meets or exceeds every ASTM (American Society for Testing Materials) guidelines

EXTRA FEATURES FOR PLAYSET PLANS WITH SWING BEAMS:

Patented swingbeam bracketing system (7 gauge steel)
Three pair galvanized bolt-thru swing hangers (commercial upgrade available)
Three pair of spring clips for easy removal and height adjustment
Heavy duty swing belts, buckets, trapeze bars, etc. each with plastisol coated chains giving them a soft pinch free grip

Safety and Maintenance Tips for Your New Playset

It is recommended that on site adult supervision for children of all ages be present while playground equipment is in use.
Please refrain children from walking close to, in front of, behind or between moving items.
Refrain children from twisting swing chains or ropes since this may reduce the strength of these items.
Warn children to avoid swinging empty seats.
Teach children to sit in center of swings with their full weight on the swing seats.
Teach children to use the playground equipment in the intended manner.
Teach children not to get off play equipment while still in motion.
Parents should make sure children are dressed appropriately. For example; wear well fitting clothing, shoes, avoid ponchos, and scarves or any loose fi tting clothing, which is potentially hazardous while using the playground equipment.
Refrain children from climbing on playground equipment when wet.
Check all nuts and bolts twice monthly during the usage season for tightness. Tighten as required. It is particularly important to check & tighten bolts at the beginning of each season.
Check swings, chains, and slides for cracks or deterioration. Replacement should be made at first sign of deterioration.

Playgrounds should be inspected on a regular basis. If any of the following conditions are noted, they should be removed, corrected or repaired immediately to prevent injuries:

Hardware that is loose or worn, or that has protrusions or projections.
Exposed equipment footings.
Scattered debris, litter, rocks, or tree roots.
Rust and chipped paint on metal components.
Splinters, large crack, and decayed wood components.
Deterioration and corrosion on structural components, which connect to the ground.
Missing or damaged equipment components, such as handholds, guardrails, swing seats.

Playset Surfacing Recommendations: These are some of the recommendations that The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) offers from its Handbook for Public Playground Safety.

Protective Surfacing: Since almost 60% of all injuries are caused by falls to the ground, protective surfacing under and around all playground equipment is the most critical safety factor on playgrounds. Certain manufactured synthetic surfaces also are acceptable; however, test data on shock absorbing performance should be requested from the manufacturer. Asphalt and concrete are unacceptable. They do not have any shock absorbing properties. Similarly, grass and turf should not be used. Their ability to absorb shock during a fall can be reduced considerably through wear and environmental conditions.

National Program for Playground Safety

Speaking Roses

2006-05-04T14:24:00.000-06:00

Just in time for Mother's Day - a unique, beautiful, unforgettable gift that says it all, and exactly how you want to say it...with roses!

Speaking Roses Embossed Printed Roses employs a unique Laser System which brings to life powerful communication through the simple beauty of flowers. Using a novel embossing technology, Speaking Roses provides a wonderfully natural way for you to express your feelings more effectively and tenderly than ever before. A plethora of heartfelt messages, in a variety of colors, can be clearly and beautifully embossed upon the petals of living or silk roses.

Speaking Rose's technology is sure have a tremendous impact the floral marketplace as the perfect way to express emotions or to brand a company or event with Logo Roses. This unparalleled gift will forever change the way people give flowers. A dramatic shift in expressing feelings through floral arrangements will enable Speaking Roses Embossed Roses to be the gift of choice for all special occasions.

By combining the capable memory power of the written message with the emotional response of the wonderful scented rose, Speaking Roses has created the ideal gesture to divulge your feelings. Imagine the look on the faces of your loved ones when they open a 1/2 - 2 dozen roses and see that each and every rose has a special personalized message just for them.

How do they do it? A patented special laser engraving process actually etches your message onto the surface of the rose petals. There is no actual printing taking place nor do the flowers emit any sound... None the less, they speak volumes. This rare bestowal of expression will undoubtedly delight, amaze, warm, sooth and signify what no card or regular bouquet of flowers ever could.

Speaking Roses has created a matchless combination of heartfelt prose and the memorable symbolism of flowers. Best of all, the writing will not fade, fall off or disappear - even after the rose petals have been dried. These roses will be cherished for years to come.

The Language of Flowers

Colors:

Red = Passion, Romance, Courage, Congratulations

Pink = Appreciation, Caring, Harmony, Perfect Happiness

Orange = Fun, Cheerfulness, Good Luck, Thank You

White = Loyalty, Integrity, Sympathy, Eternal Love

Yellow =Friendship, Happiness, New Beginning, Get Well

Purple = Ambition, Enchantment, Elegancee, Forgiveness

Green = Health, Growth, Prosperity, Success

Combinations:

Red/White = Abiding Love, Unity, Teamwork

Pink/White = Desire of Harmony, Genuine Sympathy

Red/Orange = Good Work, Congratulations, Thanks

Purple/Pink = Great Admiration, Hope for the Future

Purple/White = Reconciliationn, Let's do Better, I'm Sorry

Green/Yellow = Go For It, Make it Happen, Future Success

Orange/Yellow= Fun Friendship,Great Partnership

Rainbow of Colors = Abundancee of Feelings, So Much To Say

Quantities:

1 = You're the one for me

2 = You and I are right together

3 = I love being with you

6 = I want to be yours

12 = You are wonderful

18 = I am so sorry

24 = You light up my life

36 = I cherish our relationship

50 = Thanks for the incredible memories

100 = My love has no bounds

Patio Heaters

2006-05-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

Extending your summer pleasures out into the night and into the fall season is now easy and convenient. Modern Patio Heaters are efficient, quiet and will warm you and your guests with a minimum of fuss. Schaefer Ventilation is an industry leader in the field of outdoor heating. Schaefer Ventilation has been in the commercial ventilation and heating industry for over half a decade. They are dedicated to customer service and define their patio heater products with outstanding quality and innovation.

When restaurant owners had to find separate places to seat smokers, they started buying up outdoor heaters to accommodate seating them outside. This has cansequently lowered heater costs making it affordable for homeowners to enjoy their patios well into the change of seasons.

For patio heaters to perform at their peak shelter from wind is key. Like any radiant heat source (the sun, a fireplace), patio heaters warm solid objects, not the air. In perfect windless conditions these heated surfaces will warm the surrounding air. In a windy setting, when the temperatures are already below comfort level, warmth is taken away from these objects. Most manufacturers attest that a 5-mph breeze will double the heating requirement in any given setting, thereby cutting the effectiveness of the appliance in half.

To maintain maximum efficiency from your patio heater, choose an intimate and comfortable space for your setting. This will help avoid costly heating regimes and allow for hours of warmth. Choosing a space near a wall is ideal as walls will radiate heat back into the space making it warmer. Ideal placement of a patio heater utilizes a combination of walls, fences, and overhead structures. Pay particular attention to stopping the breeze at ground level; because feet get cold first, that's where you'll most appreciate a pocket of still air.

The mushroom (or umbrella) patio heater uses a stainless steel cylinder and bounces heat off an aluminum reflector. In perfect conditions these heaters can produce up to a 20-foot circle of heat. A comfort zone of 12 to 15 feet is obtainable in non-perfect conditions.Mushroom patio heaters are rated between 40,000 and 50,000 BTUs (British Thermal Unit) burning either natural gas or propane. While these heaters are the most powerful in terms of BTU output, much of the heat radiates horizontally therefore remaining above the area you want to heat. This is another reason why placing a patio heater near a wall could be beneficial. However, you must pay close attention to clearances from combustibles. Generally 2 feet from the sides and 18 inches from the top is sufficient.

Dome patio heaters will burn for about 10 hours when using a 5-gallon (20-pound) propane bottle. The mushroom style is available in models that are portable, with a hose hookup to a natural gas stub (a 12-foot hookup hose is the maximum length allowed); as a permanent mount in the ground; and as a suspended overhead fixture, with the radiant cylinder and umbrella sitting on a U-shaped bracket.

Because mushroom patio heaters are very sensitive to wind it is recommended to shut them down in winds that exceed 10 mph. Winds of this speed will steal heat and possibly cause the flame to damage internal components.

Moisture, chlorine air, and salt air can be hard on a patio heater but bugs (believe it or not) are the biggest problem. They climb into the pilot light line and burner orifices and create "nests". Because of this, we strongly recommend purchasing a patio heater cover to keep bugs out when the patio heater is not in use. Reflectors are also susceptible to greasy fingerprints, which will burn into the reflector surface. Cleaning the reflector with alcohol and cotton before firing the heater will prevent such discoloration. Keep inmind that aluminum bends and dents easily, so be careful when moving your patio heater.

Note: It's best to get patio heaters out of the weather when they're not in use.

For two natural gas heaters it costs about $800 to $1,200 in plumbing, plus another $75 to $100 for wiring the igniters (most units use a low-voltage line that's relatively simple to install). Rarely should you add a gas heater line to an existing gas line; the house run is typically calculated for the existing appliances. If you're at your line limit, you may need to run the new heater line back to the meter.

Electric installations require no maintenance; with gas, you'll need to check orifices periodically for bugs.According to a recent survey conducted by the Propane Education and Research Council (PERC), 50 percent of homeowners in the U.S. spend more time at home now than they did five years ago. 80 percent of those surveyed thought that it was very important for a home to have a relaxing outdoor room. One of the top items PERC recommends for creating the perfect outdoor room is a patio heater.

Patio heaters are remarkably safe these days and are getting better all the time. Many gas patio heaters come with a piezo electric starter, which eliminates the need for matches and don not require a pilot light. Automatic emergency shut off is pretty much standard, so if the patio heater is ever overturned (or even hit too hard) it will instantly shut itself off.

Free-standing heaters are about 95 inches tall and much more powerful than table-top heaters. Table-top heaters are lighter and smaller and therefore much easier to carry around. They are great for camping. A good example of a table-top heater is the Lil Arctic Sun, which can radiate heat in an 8 foot diameter.

One of the most unique types of portable heaters now available is the Dayva Tiki Torch. This is a small heater attached with a long spike that can stick in the ground or the umbrella hole of a table. The Dayva Tiki Torch heater is perfect for camping or a late-night trip to the beach.

Schaefer Patio Heaters, specifically the Zubri line, are designed as handy portable patio heaters. Light in weight, they feature powerful outdoor heater options and can be converted to table top patio heaters with very little effort. Using simple store-bought propane tanks, Zubri Patio heaters are not only efficient, they are also good looking. If you want to lead the neighborhood or upgrade your restaurant patio heater, look into the Schaefer Ventilation Riveria Electric Patio Heater. Hard-wired into your electrical line, these patio heaters are energy efficient and will add style to any deck, patio or garden.

Sunglo Patio Heaters are the choice of contractors and builders country wide. Utilizing permanent installation, Sunglo commercial and industrial patio heaters can be hooked up to an existing natural gas line and operated year-round. Recommended for resorts, restaurants and other outdoor entertainment areas where evening entertainment is profitable. Our best selling Endless Summer Patio Heaters and Garden Sun Kit Patio heaters are backed by comprehensive warranties and satisfied customers.

Endless Summer patio heaters have durable finishes and advanced operational parts. Whatever your needs are for warming ongoing entertainment outdoors, look to ComfortChannel.com and their extensive line of outstanding high-quality outdoor patio heaters from industry leaders such as Schaefer Ventilation, SunGlo, Endless Summer and Patio Comfort.

Heated Towel Warmers

2006-04-25T07:45:00.000-06:00

The idea of a warm towel when stepping out of the bath is more and more appealing to homeowners. Why not treat yourself to this luxury? Today's manufacturers of Towel Warmers offer a broad selection to match any decor or taste. You can choose between an electric or hydronic (water warmed) heating systems as well as a wonderful variety of finishes including brass, chrome, nickel, satin nickel or powder coated colors.

Generally, electric towel warmer racks are easier to install and are recommended for older homes. It is relatively easy to install a hard-wired towel warmer with the proper tools although an electrician is recommended. Most of the Warmrails towel warmers are simple plug-in models. Hang them and plug them in - viola! You are on your way to warm towels! Because Warmrails operate at energy saving levels, they are intended to be left on 24 hours (unless you are gone for an extended period of time). This not only offers you the comfort of a warm towel, but also helps in reducing mold spores and dampness found in poorly ventillated bathrooms.

If you own a home or are building a new home that utilizes radiant heating, or you own a built-in Jacuzzi or spa and are planning a remodel, hydronic tower warming racks and rails are recommended. Hydronic towel warmers are connected to the main hot water heating system in your home, so ou will have an almost constant heat source warming or drying your towels. Most hydronic towel warmers are wall or floor mounted so they can be hooked up to your home plumbing. With a special pump and a separate heating tube system, hydronic towel heaters can be set to be used even during the warmer seasons.

Electric towel warmers can be purchased as hard-wired models that are built into the bathrooms electrical system and can accommodate timers that pre-heat your towels according to your personal bath schedule. If you want to avoid the hassles associated with accommodating a hard-wired electric towel warmer, you have the opportunity to select a free-standing towel warmer rack that is ideal for apartments or outdoor pool or Jacuzzi situations. It is not recommended to install or store an indoor towel warmer outdoors as weather and outddor conditions will damage them. There are specially made Robe and Towel Warmers for outdoor use.

With a great variety of towel warmers to choose from you can find one to fit almost any budget. WarmRails provides affordable yet classy Towel Warmers and Racks that will satisfy the tightest of budgets. You can step up the ladder and select your choice of a hydronic or electric high-end WarmaTowel Heated Towel Warmers and Racks from the Sussman Lifestyle Group. If you really like to self indulge, treat yourself to the Wesaunard Hand made Heated Towel Warmers and Racks that are truly modern works of art and are imported from England.

Heated towel warmers make great accessories for massage therapy, salons and spas. Nothing is more satisfying for a client than to be treated to a warm towel while receiving a relaxing massage, facial or other form of pampering. Heated towel warmer racks, bars and rails are quite popular in high-end hotels, casinos, and resorts worldwide.

Towel warmers will keep your towels warm and dry, reduce dampness and mildew in poorly ventillated bathrooms, Dries pool towels and bathing suits which saves on dryer wear and tear (not to mention energy costs), dryes winter clothes, perfect for drying delicates such as hand washables and sweaters, warms baby blankets etc...

Note: The secret to getting a really warm towel is layering. Fold your towel in half at least once, and cover it with another towel. The second towel traps in the heat making your towel warm and snuggly.

Note: Your towel will never feel as though it just came out of the dryer. To gain temperatures of that magnatude, you would risk scorching your towel and bruning your hands!

A Wine Guide for Beginners

2006-04-19T08:01:00.000-06:00

Wine is a living organism that is created through the growth of grapes and the conversion of sugar in the grapes by yeast. Its chemical composition is very complex and fragile. Any true connoisseur will tell you that proper wine storage is essential to preserve and enhance the quality of wine. Correct wine storage provides wine lovers the ability to collect and store large qualities of their favorite wines to be enjoyed for years to come while also allowing immature vintages to develop. Improper storage can damage wine which will ineveitably reduce the overall enjoyment.

It is true that 90% of all wines are meant to be consumed within one year. However, a true connoisseur and/or collector may want to consider creating a wine cellar. Significant thought and planning should go into this process.

Location of a wine cellar is very important. Ideally, wine should be stored at temperatures between 10°-14° Celsius. This is done by keeping the wine underground and minimizing exposure to solar radiation. When underground, it is best that the room is facing north. The north wall will receive the least amount of solar radiation during the day which will reduce heat retention in the cellar. In addition, the northern perimeter of your cellar must not be adjacent to a road or railway, and should be constructed from stone or brick. The wine cellar must not be subject to unnecessary movement or vibrations, else it can disturb and damage your wine. A floor of earth or sand is important, as this also helps to reduce the level of vibrations in the room.

Controlling the humidity is essential in order to keep the corks moist and functioning . A functioning cork maintains the integrity of the wine. The humidity should remain between 70-75%. Storage of wine is usually horizontal in order to keep the wine in contact with the cork at all times. When stored upright, the cork will dry out, allowing air into the bottle. The wine also tends to develop deposits of sediment on the bottom when stored vertically.

It is imperative to store wine in a dark place. UV rays cause tannins in the wine to oxidize thus causing damage. Neon or florescent lighting will literaly kill your wine. It is preferable to opt for incandescent or sodium vapor lamps. The best lighting for a cellar is generated from unscented candles.

Good ventilation is key in preventing a musty odor. Since wine breathes, wine storage must take place in and environment that is free from smells and debris. Extraneous smells can enter through the cork and contaminate the wine. For example: lighting your cellar with scented candles will foul your wine.

Ideal temperatures for storing wine:

Blush, rose and dry white wines are best served between 46-57F (8-14C).
Sparkling wines and champagne tend to taste best at 43-47F (6-8C).
Light red wine works well at around 55F (13C) for storing and serving.
The deep red wines need a temperature range between 59-66 degrees Fahrenheit (15-19 degrees Celsius).

Wine storage and display of wine bottles are made easier with these unique and beautiful wine racks and display cases made by Wine Cellar Innovations. The wine racks come in either a Premium Redwood or Country Pine wood, each with their own special characteristics.

Premium Redwood has a variety of colors; from white to pink, to dark purple swirled and streaked together. Many customers find that this exotic color variation adds character to their wine cellar racks. Premium Redwood wine racks function admirably in climatically controlled wine cellars which maintain the desired humidity levels of 50 to 75 percent, is beautiful without the need for a finish and has no aroma that can penetrate the wine through the cork.

Country Pine wine racks are a highly functional and attractive wood that creates a custom-built look for your wine storage and display. Made from a knotty grade of wood, Country Pine wine rack kits are sought after for their rustic beauty.

Tips for Buying Wine

Trust your own taste. Make sure to taste the product before committing to it. The importance of this rule will be increased as you expand your adventure into more expensive wines. A common mistake people make is buying wines which mainstream critics or friends refer to as their favorite. Trust your own palate and pick the wine you like to drink. Buying good wine is definitely a learning curve. Like anything in life, you will learn as much from your buying mistakes, as from your triumphs. Try many vintages, brands, and types of wine - expand your collection. While many people have a passion for particular brands and stick to them throughout their drinking lives, the reality is that they are missing out on many great wines that they will never have the pleasure of experiencing. Even if you are a conservative wine taster, try shopping around for different styles of wine, and watch your selection skills progressively develop into better wines for more affordable prices.

Does the price of wine really reflect their quality? Simply put, if you want to drink the best wine on the market, you will have to pay a premium price. Quality products generally cost more. However, as a general rule, it would be wise to shop around for good value. Keep an eye on mid-priced wines. Quite honestly, fine wines are usually over-hyped, over-priced, and rarely deliver that extra quality. Keeping prices in perspective will allow you to pick otherwise ignored wines that lack the image of higher-priced wines. More often then not these mid-priced bottles will be of very good quality.

Pay attention to wines that have been popular in the last few years. Last year's superstar sellers could be this year's worst vintage, and may simply be living off of its reputation. Here comes the importance of stockpiling the wines you like. For example, if one year makes for a rare pearl; make sure to buy one or two cases, so that when the next year's selection comes along, you will have the appropriate reserves. As a bonus, buying wine in cases usually affords a 10% discount from most retailers.

Wine Tasting Steps

Look at the wine: Take a look at the color of the wine. Look for the clarity of the wine and the brilliance of the color. The wines will vary in their intensity of color.

Smell the wine: Swirl the wine in your glass by rotating your wrist. The key really is in the wrist. Hold the rest of your arm still. The swirling of the glass releases the wine's aromas to the top edge of the glass. Place your nose just over and the edge of the wine glass. The aromas should bounce off this edge straight up the nostrils. Take a very deep sniff. Identify any familiar smells. Repeat, but rest your sense of smell a few seconds before you smell again.

Taste the wine: Roll the wine over your tongue before swallowing. Exhale through your nose as you swallow. Your taste buds and sense of smell will work together and enhance the experience.

On the second sip swish the wine around in your mouth and then swallow, exhaling through your nose. Use the tasting notes supplied by the tasting room as you try each wine. Ask your host about the wine and its characteristics. Developing the skill of wine tasting takes practice. The more wines you taste, the better you will become with this entire sensory process.

Memory Foam Mattresses

2006-04-14T07:44:00.000-06:00

NASA scientists originally developed Memory Foam (visco-elastic) to allow astronauts greater comfort during their extended visits to Skylab during late 1970's. Shortly thereafter, a handful of European foam factories (Foltmar of Denmark being the first) started developing memory foam for pillows and medical applications. The overwhelmingly positive response in Denmark resulted in the design of an 8 inch memory foam mattress. The rest is History, as this new more comfortable sleeping experience is sweeping the globe.

Do you toss and turn at night because of painful pressure points? Tossing and turning is caused by the need to reduce uncomfortable pressure points that inhibit circulation. Traditional spring mattresses are less resilient and when compressed by the body’s weight respond by pushing back against the body creating pressure points. The low resilience of the memory foam mattress surface prohibits this while promoting circulation, minimizing movement so you can enjoy a deeper, more restful night’s sleep.

Jobri's Unique visco elastic memory foam conforms better to your body, increasing points of contact, providing superior support for the back and neck. The visco foam mattress has energy absorbing properties of the sleeping surface isolating movement that would be otherwise transferred across a conventional mattress. This allows you to move or reside without disturbing your partner.

Visco elastic memory foam is a fast acting material that allows the mattress to quickly support the body as it changes positions without leaving a void from the previous position.

The Portable Home Sauna

2006-04-11T08:08:00.000-06:00

Sweat baths have been used for hygiene reasons since the Stone Age. Many cultures around the world have their own versions of the sweat bath, but the most famous and widely known of them all is the Finnish Sauna.

The first wooden Saunas were built around the 5th century, when northern European tribes ceased their nomadic lifestyle. By the Middle Ages, the sweat bath had become so common in Scandinavia that foreign visitors wrote that "these people are the only peasantry in Europe who take a bath every week". To the Finns, Sauna is for every occasion. Its social nature and relaxing effects make Sauna an excellent place for negotiations and exchange of ideas.

Sauna is a national icon for Finland. Sauna is more than just a hygiene habit, it is a passion. With about 2 million saunas in the land, Finland is the only country in the world where there are more Saunas than cars. The Finnish word "Sauna" is the only one to breech the world vocabulary.

Sauna was originally connected with spiritual and religious ceremonies, healing and superstition. Sauna is, above all, a place to relax. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to enjoy the Sauna.

Enter the Sauna only when the room has reached the proper bathing temperature, between 80°C and 100°C. Always take your Sauna in the nude and lying on a towel.

For a wet Sauna, pour some water on the hot stones of the Sauna stove to produce air moisture. The steam makes the room feel hotter and will aid in perspiration. Finns use leafy birch whisks to gently tap against their bodies and further stimulate the skin. The birch creates a natural and pleasant aroma in the Sauna.

Exit the Sauna only when you feel ready, normally after 10-20 minutes of sweat bathing. Cool down by swimming in a lake or by taking a shower. (In winter, many Finns make a hole in the frozen lake and dive into the icy water or simply roll over the snow if there is not any lake nearby.)

Health Benefits of the Sauna

Cleans your skin: a good sweat followed by a shower cleans the skin better than just taking a shower. Your skin will become soft, tender and healthy. The effects will be noticed almost immediately.
Relaxes your body: the heat and humidity of the Sauna relaxes tired muscles. An extended Sauna session will leave tense muscles completely relaxed. Sauna also gives temporary relief for arthritic pain.
Relaxes your mind: Sauna is first and foremost a place to relax. It is widely agreed that Sauna helps to relieve mental fatigue and stress.
Blood circulation: Sauna improves blood circulation and breathing.
Loose weight: Sauna burns about 300 calories per average session. Regular Sauna-going combined with a proper diet and exercise will help you to stay healthy and to loose weight.

A home sauna can be a great way to relax, rejuvenate and improve your overall well-being in a convenient and affordable way. Baltic Leisure offers do-it-yourself, pre-cut sauna kits that can be built and ready to use in a day, right in your own home! These sauna kits are made of clear western red cedar for interiors and use an electric heater and controls imported from Scandinavia. They offer a low-cost, practical way to get the health benefits of both dry and steam heat.

Nostalgia Electrics Retro Vending Machines

2006-04-07T08:05:00.000-06:00

Whether your sweet tooth craves some fluffy cotton candy or an icy cold refreshing snow cone you're sure to find your cravings satisfied with one of the many fun products offered by Nostalgia Electrics.

On the top of thier hot list: popcorn machines and home theater popcorn carts. Entertaining guests with good old fashioned buttery delicious kernels of freshly popped corn will make you the talk of the town. Don't be fooled by the old fashioned look, these are quality machines ready to pop up a flurry of popcorn for you and your loved ones. The attractive 1900's designs are fun to look at and these beauties produce some tasty kettle popcorn for all to enjoy.

All that Popcorn is sure to make you thirsty, so don't forget the Soda Pop! The personal soda vending machines with good old fashioned 1950's design are ideal for chilling your favorite beverages to be close at hand. Pop open a refreshing soda from one of the Nostalgia Soda Vending Machines. Whether in your office, dorm room, or next to your couch, you will always have a cold one conveniently within reach.

Learn how to make Cotton Candy, Popcorn, or savory Hot Dogs, Weiners & Frankfurters. Or, if you feel so inclined, read more about the History of Hot Dogs.

Old Adirondack Furniture

2006-03-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

Any vision of American outdoor style includes classic Adirondack cedar furniture. This icon originates in the great North East woodlands of the U.S. and travels to every corner of our country. Rustic, yet refined furniture lines are found lakeside, poolside and in every backyard. Superb weathering charactristics of natural Northern White Cedar Furniture develop a soft gray weathered look of centuries past within a year in most climates. Adirondack cedar furniture gives any home a sense of tradition and history.

According to Wikipedia, the Adirondack design was created by Thomas Lee in 1903 while on vacation in Westport, New York. His friend, Henry Burnell, made the design famous while making the chairs in his little carpentry shop as a source of winter income. Learn more about Adirondack history from Wikipedia.

Old Adirondack furniture will add charm to your indoor or outdoor spaces year round. This furniture is shipped directly to you from Old Adirondack in its natural state. It is your choice to stain or leave your furniture in its natural condition. Staining, and other treatments, are known to add longevity to furniture, especially for the outdoor pieces. (Learn How to Stain Your Old Adirondak Furniture here. Click here for Old Adirondack Furniture Dimensions so you know how much stain to purchase.)

Interested in making your own rustic furniture? Issue #147 of Mother Earth News has an excellent article that explaines the nuisances of working with wood, and how to make a strong piece of rustic furniture.

Air Purifiers

2006-03-27T09:27:00.000-07:00

Studies show that the air inside of your home contains more harmful substances than the air outside. Breathing such contaminants will contribute to such health problems as allergies, asthma, bronchitis, migraine headaches, lung disorders etc... By cleaning the air you breathe, using an air purifier, you can effectivly remove contaminants from the air before they enter your lungs.

HEPA filtration technology was originally developed by the US Atomic Energy Commission to filter our radioactive "dust" and materials from the air. Unlike many airpurifiers, once particles are "captured" by a HEPA air purifier, they are not released back into the air. HEPA air purifiers will not lose their efficiency over time, but do run the risk of clogging.

Hunter has developed a line of Whisper Quiet QuietFlo™ Air Purifiers. These Air Purifiers offer a programmable Hepa Air Cleaner that allows you to set when and how long it will operate. The Hunter® QuietFlo™ has a digital filter change reminder and is effective at capturing 99.97% airborne particles. The popular slimline styling allows their air cleaners to be placed flush against a wall or in the corner. If you are on a budget, look to the value priced Hunter HEPAtech® Air Purifiers.

Choosing a model that utilizes a prefilter, such as the HEPAtech 251 is highly recommended. A prefilter removes larger particles (1 micron and larger) before they reach the HEPA filter, ultimately extending the life of the purifier. Most HEPA filters will last 2-5 years.

IQ Air® Advanced Air Purifiers are made in Switzerland by a family-owned and operated group of companies known as the IQ Air® group. IQAir® home air purifiers are used in homes by allergy and asthma sufferers, or people living in areas with air pollution. They are used in various industries to control particles, gases, and odors. They are the only air purifiers with an EN 1822 Certified HEPA Filter, and are so effective that they are now being used in government hospitals in Hong Kong to prevent the spread of SARS to hospital staff and patients.

With over 45 years of providing industrial grade air purification products, IQ Air® has the experience, resources and commitment to produce air cleaning systems of the highest caliber. Hospitals, laboratories and medical device manufacturers around the world rely on IQAir Commercial Air Purifiers to maintain the exacting standards required in these critical environments.

While a significant business focus remains on medical job air purification and Industrial Air Treatment, IQ Air® recognizes the need for high-performance air cleaners for homes and offices. With the introduction of the IQAir HealthPro Home Air Purifiers series of air cleaners, IQ Air® has finally brought high-performance air cleaning to homes and offices.

IQ Air® uses the same uncompromising approach to air cleaning, whether their air treament systems are used in a hospital, laboratory or in your personal residence or workspace. IQ Air Air Treatment Systems bridge the gap between conventional home air purifiers and large commerical air purification systems. While maintaining the size of room air cleaners, IQ Air® Air Purification Systems offer superior air cleaning performance due to the uncompromising implementation of state-of-the-art air purification technology. IQAir is the only maufacturer using HyperHEPA air cleaners made for the home market. HyperHEPA is the highest standard of HEPA filtration. While most HEPA air purifiers filter particles down to 0.3 microns, IQAir's patented HyperHEPA technology can filter particles down to 0.003 microns. IQ Air also provides a guaranteed minimum efficiency of over 99%. In essence, the HyperHEPA technology offers 100 times the air cleaning efficiency of traditional HEPA air cleaners.

IQ Air® Purifiers' modular design allows for a range of specialized models and configurations which provide the user with customized and specially targeted air cleaning solutions. IQ Air® Air Filtration Systems are customized tools in the fight against indoor air pollutants.

IQ Air® are the best air purifiers for those who expect maximum performance from their air cleaner, whether it's for allergen or odor control in a home or biological contaminant control in a hospital or lab.

Mutant Message Down Under

2006-03-23T12:39:00.000-07:00

This book appears to be at the center of some pretty intense controversy. Is the story really true? Is it really hurtful to the Aboringinal Tribes?

The book describes the tale of one womans walkabout in the Australian Outback with an unknown aboriginal tribe she calls "Real People".

During her time in the desert she is allowed to learn about many ancient customs and rituals with the Real People. She learns about the nature of the world and the innate harmony that is present each second. She learns that this harmony spans all species, all life forms...everything. She learns to never leave a situation unattended, lest she will have to re-visit the lesson again. She learns that every piece of this world has a purpose for being. She learns to learn from people how to be a better person. She learns that everyone must lead at some point in order to follow gracefully. She learns how to trust. She learns how to celebrate. She learns what real faith is. She learns how to live.

I think that some people are focusing too much on whether or not the story is true instead of opening up to the truth of the lessons in this powerful work.I haven't been so inspired after reading a book since "The Celestine Prophecy". Inf act, Reading the book has given root to my own spiritual walkabout.

Inversion Tables

2006-03-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Inversion tables are one of the hottest products on the market today, and for good reason. Finally there is a product on the market that will far outway the initial cost of the item, truely benefit the user in gaining better health...and in many cases correct spinal problems without going under the knife.

An inversion table is a device that offers traction for your entire body by hanging you upside down. Many other benefits include the reversal of effects that gravity has on our bodies, increased blood circulation, reduction in muscles spasms etc... Doctors, physical therapists and sports trainers recognize inversion as a safe and effective form of therapy for the spine and weight-bearing joints.

Believe it or not, inversion therapy has been around for thousands of years. In early 400 BC, Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, strung up a patient on a ladder with ropes and pulleys and allowed gravity to do its work.

So, why not just go outside and hang on a treebranch?

An inversion table is precisely balanced, which makes returning to the upright position effortless.
Inversion therapy, as any new exercise program, should be gradually increased. In this case, you wouldn't want to begin by hanging in the fully inverted position right away. A good inversion table will have preset angles as well as a safety tether strap to assist you in this progress.
An inversion table secures you at the ankles. This allows for traction of your entire body. Therefore you receive the benefits throughout your entire body.

Common attributers to back pain, such as poor posture, weak back and stomach muscles, and muscles spasms can be directly connected with the downward pull of gravity. As we become more mechanized and computerized, we also become less exercised. When sitting, our stomach and hip muscles are inactive. Lack of exercise obviously causes stomach and hip muscles become weaker, which causes strain on the back. Sitting actually places a 150 - 250% higher load inside the lumbar disc than standing. Ouch!

Inversion therapy requires gravity to work for you. By placing our bodies in line with the downward force of gravity, inversion naturally elongates the spine by increasing the space between the vertebrae. This action will relieve pressure on our discs, ligaments and nerve roots.

As we all know, stress and tension cause muscle spasms in the back, neck and shoulders. This is achieved by limiting oxygen supply, blood, and lymph flow - which in turn encourages waste chemicals to accumulate in our muscles. This also contruibutes to headaches and various other health problems.

By inverting as little as 25°, tense muscles begin to relax and the flow of lymphatic fluid is increased. As stated above: when inverted, your body is in line with gravity. When in this positon, your spine will naturally gravitate to it's intended form. A steady inversion program could help you maintain proper posture.

Our hearts constantly work against gravity to pump blood up to our brain. While the brain accounts for only three percent of our body's total weight, it requires 25 percent of the body's oxygen intake - more than any other organ. Inversion increases our oxygen supply, and improves circulation which gives our heart a break.

I have only begun to touch the surface of the benefits of Inversion Therapy. To learn more, please read Better Back, Better Body: The benefits of inversion therapy.

Ok, so how do I choose the right inversion table? There are so many, and such a huge price range!!! This question is really simple. Teeter Hang Ups is the way to go. Teeter has been making inversion products for clsoe to 40 years now. They have the highest safety rating, the smoothest rotation when inverting, and is the only company backed by doctors related to this field (i.e. Chiropractors, Sports Therapists, Physical Therapists...). Teeter only makes products that will improve your back health - in my opinion, they are experts.

I personally own an F5000, and love it. The F9000 features a longer handle mechanisim that secures you into the table. This is a great benefit for those with severe pain, or symptoms that limit bending. For those who may have experienced a loss of limb, I would suggest an electric powered table. These tables use electricity to invert the bed rather then relying on balance of body and arm movements. I would suggest a power table for commercial settings as well.

American Idol - My Top 4 picks

2006-03-16T08:10:00.000-07:00

Is anyone else brave enough to admit that they are watching American Idol this season? Well, I am. I began by watching the tryouts as a means to make me feel better about myself. I knew there would be some very interesting candidates. These were sheer entertainment value subjects that added a little laughter into my otherwise routine life. Then, I heard Paris. She sang Bille Holiday better then Billy Holiday. She gave me chills. I was hooked. Unfortunately, Paris has not lived up to my expectations. She is still a fantastic performer, and has a great voice...but some of her song choices have been less then inspired. I would like to hear her sing "Embraceable You" or maybe some Tracy Chapman. Mark my words, this girl will make it. Maybe not as the next American Idol, but she will make it.

Enter Mandisa. This girl is INCREDIBLE!!! She has quickly become my new favorite female contender. She is absolutely beautiful, and an endless well of talent. Simon, oddly enough, was right when he said they would need a bigger stage for this woman...her innate sense of music is far superior then any challenge they have thrown at her. Will "America" be forgiving enough to close their eyes to her stature and open their souls to Mandisa? I certainly hope so. I would like to hear her sing some Paula Cole (NOT "Where have all the Cowboys Gone?") to show her intimate side. Ms. Cole can belt it out, and then reel you in softly...I think Mandisa could too. She would also do well with some Roberta Flack. Yummy.

As far as the guys go - what is Ace still doing on this program? He and his beanie have got to go. He is all nasal when he sings, he has no range to speak of as far as musical genre is concerned, and I am sorry Paula, he is not hot. He does not have a smouldering gaze - and he is completely fake. Have you noticed that every chance he gets he is pretending to be sensitive? Rubbing the losers back, squeezing out a tear here and there...lame. I laughed so hard when little Kevin beat him out last night. (I was really disappointed to see Melissa voted off. Depsite her lyrical faux-pas she sang circles around Ace.)

Taylor Hicks however - THERE is a performer!!! He is all passion, talent and fun. I love his style and enthusiasm. Unfortunately, I think that "America" will not see him into the finals because of this quirkiness. I hope I am proven wrong. I can't get enough of this guy. He is as genuine as they come. (HEY!) I would like to hear him sing "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone" or maybe some Billy Joel.

I really like Chris as well. However, he needs to change it up a bit. He has a great voice, but he comes on stage with the same attitude, the same attack, and has difficulty making his song choices his own. This will not prove an all around talent force. I think we will be hearing him on the radio though. He is comfortable on stage, fluid in his transitions and is quite good looking. He seems to be a very sincere guy. I get a good vibe from him. However, since I am sure he won't stray from his comfort zone, I would like to hear him sing "Jeremy" or perhaps some Alice in Chains. (Preferably from the album "Dirt". I have always wanted to cover this album...)

Now - the judges. Paula Abdul is completely incapable of giving constructive criticism. What is she doing on the show if she hands out positives all night or cops out and says, "I agree with Randy..."? Rarely does she speak of performance, vocal nuiances or anything that matters. Paula, you are not everyones best friend. Why not focus on stage presence, or dance? Many of these contestents need help in this area, and you are good at it.

Randy needs to lay off the "dude" and the "dawg". However, he is able to give some insightful feedback once in awhile. My question to him: Why do you keep telling the younger girls that their song choices are too old but compliment the men when they choose a nostalgic song? Not fair. And just in case you forgot, the "Dog Pound Woof" died with Arsenio Hall's career. Leave it alone.

I think Simon is the only one who actually gives constructive criticism and helps imporve the contestents performances. However, he is not the metophoric genius he thinks he is. Stop attempting witty comaprisons, Simon. You are not funny. It is possible to give great feedback without being a jerk. Sometimes I think he does get wrapped up in being mean and forgets to give the contestents any advice. In his favor however, Paula and Randy need to let him speak before they try and "protect" the contestents. By the way - what are Simon's qualifications as a musical judge?

Board Game Broads

2006-03-13T09:47:00.000-07:00

My partner and I have recently begun a "Game Night" with a few friends. We started out meeting on Saturday evenings at our friend Kryssa's house. Somehow the word has been floating around and we are growing exponentially. You would be suprised how many 30 somethings are into this! What began as a few bored old hippies playing LIFE, is taking on a life of it's own. We have had several people request admission to our game night recently...I have taken to daydreaming about hazing rituals to administer, thus making certain only the serious gamers apply. (If anyone has a suggesston...)

We (the Board Game Broads) are getting very excited because now we will begin incorporating themes into our little nights of escape. It may be a RISK, or perhaps a Trivial Pursuit...but we are going to try it. Just imagine all of the fun themes we can use! Here are a few of the Gastronomical Num-Nums on our list:

Just Desserts
Snack Attack
Mexican Fiesta
Fondue Nation
Finger Fun
Cultural Cuisine
Fruity Tootie
Crockpot Creations

The list is limited only by imagination. Lucky for me, most of our friends are really good cooks, so I can just sit back, bring the drinks, and enjoy. Ok, you caught me, they are really the lucky ones because they won't have to be subjected to my "cooking". But, honestly, it isn't about the food anyway. Game Night is a great way to relieve stress, get things off your chest, and more importantly - LAUGH!!! The older I get, the more I really appreciate my friends, and the worse I get at games!

My Favorite Games

Have you ever played Apples to Apples? This has got to be the best game on the market. I discovered it about a year ago when visiting friends in Seattle. We haven't introduced this favorite to the Board Game Broads as yet, but I assure you we will. It's loud, it's creative, and it is easy to play at any age. The more people playing the better. I have played it with 7 year olds and 70 somethings...it's a blast!

Cranium is definitly a must have. This game gets all of your creative juices flowing, and some juices you might not know you have. There never really is a dull moment when playing Cranium. You get to sculpt, sketch, immitate, mime...it's a creative cocoon of cackles.

Believe it or not, Dice is amoung my top 5 as well. I think it's because I grew up playing a lot of dice with my family. It's hard to cheat, and hard to feel bad if you lose because it's really all left to chance. I like trying to push my luck in this game.

Bring On The Beer!

2006-03-06T08:05:00.000-07:00

On St. Patrick's Day, March 17th, some will raise a pint of Guiness and wish their friends "Slainté", pronounced SLAN-cha, for "health."

Who is St. Patrick, and why do we celebrate him? In this day and age, it's a very convenient excuse to drink beer. I, for one, am in great favor of throwing back a cold one - so I thought that a little trivia might add to the festivities.

[It's also a great base for a new drinking game: Ask a trivia question about St. Patrick, the Irish, or Beer. Answer the question wrong, drink a sip. Answer it right - drink a pint!]

Saint Patrick's real name was Maewyn Succat. Bring on the beer!

Saint Patrick is well known for driving the snakes from Ireland. Bring on the beer! (Ireland never had a snake population! Bring on the beer!)

Saint Patrick's jawbone was preserved in a silver shrine and was often requested in times of childbirth, epileptic fits, and as a preservative against the "evil eye." Bring on the beer!

St. Patrick was kidnapped at 16 and brought to Ireland. He was sold as a slave in the county of Antrim and served in bondage for six years until he escaped to Gaul, in present-day France. Bring on the beer!

Upon his escape he returned to his parents' home in Britain. Here he had a vision, and claimed that God had hand picked him to preach to the Irish and convert them to christianity. Bring on the beer!

After 14 years of study, Patrick returned to Ireland, where he built churches and spread the Christian faith for some 30 years. Bring on the beer!

In Ireland green has long been considered to be unlucky. Bring on the beer!

Irish folklore holds that green is the favorite color of the Good People (the proper name for faeries). Bring on the beer!

The Good People are likely to steal people, especially children, who wear too much of the color. Bring on the beer!

Chicago is famous for dyeing the Chicago River green on St. Patrick's Day. The tradition began in 1962, when a pipe fitters union poured a hundred pounds of green vegetable dye into the river. Bring on the beer!

Today only 40 pounds of dye are used, enough to turn the river green for several hours. Bring on the beer!

1,883,200,000 (that's 1.9 billion) pints of Guinness are consumed around the world every year. Bring on the beer!!!

Ok, so at least half of those pints have been consumed by my friends and family. We have a very stict mantra: "Beer. For whatever ails you."

In my opinon there is nothing worse then a warm beer. To avoid this at your St. Patrick's Day party, and all of your future parties, I recommend purchasing a Kegerator. Fully insulated with moisture resistant foam and a clever cold air-cooled keg tap, your favorite keg(s) of beer will be ice cold to the last foaming drop. And even better - it will be in the convenience of your own home. (This is especially handy for the safety of you, your friends, and the general population.)

To this, my friends, I have only one thing to say: BRING ON THE BEER!!!

May the road rise to meet you.
May the wind be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face;
the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
may you hold a cold one in the palm of your hand.

Slàinte!

The Aerobed Revolution

2006-02-27T09:38:00.000-07:00

Aero has revolutionalized the concept of the extra bed. The days of sleeper sofas (with their inevitable spring in the back comfort) and sleeping bag on the floor situations are over. No more waking up feeling as though you just lost your first cage fight. No more my friends! NO MORE!!! Aero has taken an intense interest in the comfort of the overnight guest (and those of us frequently banished to the couch). Let me tell you - guests everywhere are cheering their hoorahs. Aero has long been the leading manufacturer of inflatable beds. They are known for their comfort, durability, and space saving convenience. To top it off they are AFFORDABLE!!! Price ranges at ComfortChannel.com are $99.99 for a Classic Twin to $271.99 for a King sized Premier Dual Zone. The dual zone allows each bed partner to customize the firmness of their half of the bed.

All Aerobeds are electronically welded at the seams; providing unparalleled strength. The Aerobed will remain inflated throughout the entire night! Eureka!
All Aerobeds are made with Quadra Coil® inner construction which prevents bowing or swaying.
All Aerobeds are made with a minimum of 18 gauge PVC; providing unequalled durability. (select beds are made of a stronger 16 gauge PVC)
All Aerobeds can be stored in their convenient carry bags occupying minimal space. (Beds can be rolled up to the size of an average sleeping bag.)
All Aerobeds come with a pump. Home models feature built in pumps that plug in, Traveling models come with a rechargeable NiCad pump. My personal favorite, the All Terrain, comes with a versatile pump that can be plugged in to any standard wall socket, a car lighter port, or be used as a rechargeable pump.
All Aerobeds come with a full 1 year warranty.

There are many models to choose from, so everyone can find the perfect extra bed for their needs. There are Raised models that are great for those with knee and back problems that make getting up and down from the floor difficult. There are models with the ever popular memory foam, as is pictured in this blog. There are models with the patented IntelliWarmth. (This bed features a smart controller with six temperature settings!) There are models for campers and travelers. There are models with sleeping bags attached...there are even models designed specifically for toddlers!!!

I have the All Terrain Aerobed in my closet at home. It has been used often, and has been a revolutionary addition to my overnight guest’s well being, as well as my own. In fact, I take it with me in all of my travels now because I find it more comfortable then a hotel bed. Admittedly, I am a bit of a "Princess and the Pea" kind of gal, and I find absolutely no peas when sleeping on my Aerobed. Just peace, my friends. Just peace.

Wake up rested. Wake up refreshed. Wake up on an Aerobed!!!

ComfortChannel.com is the authority on Aerobeds, and many other items that make life more comfortable. Order one today!