Tillandsia Airplants - Dont Plant These Plants!
March 31, 2009
Watch out, it’s a tillandsia! Have no fear, I said "Tillandsia," not Tarantula. Although several species of this plant genus have taken on the appearance of the ominous eight-legged spider, you can rest-assured that these plants do not bite. As the largest genus of the Bromeliad family of plants, tillandsia boast of a characteristic that few other plants have, they have the ability to grow and prosper without soil. Nature has provided them with another mechanism for deriving the moisture and nutrients they need to survive. Though many Tillandsia species have a developed root system, its primary purpose is to secure these epiphytic plants to a host. Tillandsia leaves have specially developed cells called scales or trichomes that allow water and nutrients to be taken in from rain, the air, and dust. When opened, these cells give the plants their silvery-gray, somewhat ashy appearance.
The trichomes work like trap doors; as the plant dries out, the trichomes open to absorb more moisture and nutrients. Once sufficient hydration is achieved, the trichomes close to retain the moisture. Plants whose leaves have a dense concentration of trichomes are generally from an environment that is sunny and dry, and their leaves tend to be grayer and stiffer than those plants from a humid and shady environment. The dense concentration of trichomes on the leaf’s surface allows the plant to absorb more moisture and to reflect the harsh effects of the sun.
Lighter Fluid: The Best Label and Scuff Mark Remover
March 30, 2009
The first time my husband saw me scrubbing the black heel marks off of our kitchen floor with a toothbrush, he said, “You know lighter fluid will take those marks right off.” And it did! No scrubbing at all, just a little lighter fluid poured on a paper towel, and the marks wiped right off.
So what kind of lighter fluid? I purchased mine at the grocery store in the aisle where the picnic and barbecue items are located, right next to the lighter fluid you buy for your barbecue briquets. It came in a small plastic squeeze bottle that cost less than $2.
You can use lighter fluid on a variety of surfaces, first testing a less noticeable spot to make sure it won’t do any damage. It’s great on most floors, plastic, vinyl, some wood surfaces, basically anything you can dab it on and wipe off again.
Lighter fluid will remove labels and adhesive from almost any surface. When we got our new refrigerator it had strapping tape stuck all over it. The lighter fluid took it right off. I’ve also used it to take stickers off of book covers. It removes crayon marks from most surfaces and also removes grease and oil stains.
Family Fun ? Is Swimming In A Safe Pool
March 30, 2009
Family fun is one of the most important things you can strive for to give your children some lasting memories they will always cherish; even into adulthood. Your children will always remember the times you spent together as a family on vacation or at home. If you are fortunate enough to own a swimming pool, you are well on your way to giving the kids fun family memories. The kids will be able to invite their friends and this way you know where they are; enjoying the water right under your supervision. Purchasing a pool for swimming has one important thing to consider. They can be dangerous if the proper pool safety is not adhered to. Indeed; there are laws and city ordinances that must be adhered to if you are to have a pool in the backyard. Here are some things to consider if you choose to own a pool for your home and family:
? Install pool alarms and latches on the fence around your pool set up. Fences should be at least 4 feet high with no close place to step up and climb over. This is for the safety of the neighbors and pets as well as for your children. You will know someone is coming and going when you hear the alarms. Never prop open a door to the pool for friends to just get in and out. Regularly check the fence and latches ensuring they work properly.
Do You Know How Important Your Air Conditioner Filter Is?
March 29, 2009
When most people think about an air conditioner filter, it is in terms of how efficient they are and how much dust they will stop. These are important things and should be considered when replacing or upgrading your air conditioner filter.
There is another very important job that your air conditioner filter does. It helps to keep dust from collecting on the evaporator coil of your air conditioning system. The evaporator is located inside the air handler and is one of the four main components of any air conditioning system. The air filter is usually located somewhere just before the evaporator coil.
Everyone knows that any dust that passes through the filter ends up back in your living space and can be very irritating to allergy sufferers and anyone else who is sensitive to dust and airborne contaminants.
What most people don’t realize is that your air conditioner filter also serves another important purpose. It also prevents the evaporator coil from becoming plugged with dust and reducing the efficiency of the equipment.
Outdoor Living Cleanses The Mind, Body, and Spirit
March 28, 2009
Through the use of various mediums pertaining to the outdoors, like hot tubs and patio furniture, one can relax and enjoy nature. Don’t stay confined to four walls and a roof, breathe and inhale the free, fresh air only the beautiful outdoors can provide. Use your outdoor space as an extension of home, with all the added comforts. Suppose you do not have an outdoor space to relax on wicker and eat on a simple yet classy teak table. What do you do?
First, determine what space you will use and what patio furniture you plan to buy for it. Develop a layout scheme and follow it to T. Refuse to be satisfied with just a bunch of flimsy play chairs and a plastic table as your outdoor space. Highlight your outdoor space with Jacuzzi hot tubs to lounge in, wicker furniture equipped with fluffy cushions to relax on, or teak furniture to bring out the color contrast in your garden. Find out whether a directional patio heater or mushroom patio heater is best for you by determining home energy costs and your budget.
Power Tools and HAV - Hand Arm Vibration - Prevention is Better Than Cure
March 27, 2009
Power tools are some of the most useful devices ever invented, but by their nature of concentrating and directing force you need to be prepared for the extra juice.
What is Hand Arm Vibration?
Hand Arm Vibration is the effect of long term or extreme vibration exposure from power tool use. It can result in the following medical conditions.
- vibration white finger
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- permanent and painful tingling and numbness in the hands and arms
- damage to bones in the hands and arms
- painful joints and muscle weakening
Not too nice is it? It is estimated that hundreds of thousands have advanced vibration white finger.
Minimizing HAV
More modern tools are designed to reduce vibration. Some tools isolate the human contact zone from the vibrating parts - which is excellent. So in purchasing power tools for yourself or your employees consider this very strongly, not just to be a nice fellow but as far has health and safety go it is a sound investment.
International codes have been implemented that require revealing the vibration level of a tool. The units of vibration are in meters/second/second. Try to avoid using tools above 2.5
Swimming Pools ? Lets Get Wet
March 26, 2009
"Beverly Hills. Swimming pools. Movie stars."
That line from the theme song of the 70’s sitcom "The Beverly Hillbillies" shows us how far we have come in relation to swimming pools. Swimming pools were a real status symbol back then. Now nearly everyone has access to at least one, if not in their own backyard, at least at the local YMCA or gym.
We take swimming pools for granted. If you are reading this article on the internet, you probably have a lifestyle that would admit you to not just one, but any of several swimming pools almost any time you’d like. Either your apartment complex has one or your friend does or you go to the local city pool. What a luxury!
It wasn’t so long ago when running water alone was a luxury for only the very rich. Now we build concrete lined holes in the ground and swim around in it!
Did you ever read "Stranger in a Strange Land?" or "Dune?" In Heinlein’s classic science fiction novel, "Stranger in a Strange Land," the Martian, Mike, is just blown away by the fact that people swim in water. He loves it. Frank Herbert’s "Dune" is the story of a desert planet so dry that even perspiration is recycled through a suit that everyone must wear. To collect water in a pool is an unthinkable decadence.
Chester Conservatory Build Process
March 25, 2009
1. The site of the proposed conservatory.
2. Construction work begins. The trench is excavated to suit the relevant ground conditions, in this case, to a depth of 450mm (minimum depth) for the footings. The general ground level (within the area of the trench) is also reduced to a minimum of 300 mm below the DPC. Excavation exposes an underground pipe.
3. Concrete lintels should be placed to bridge the underground drainage pipe to prevent the pipe being crushed. Also additional steel reinforcement mesh introduced to the concrete foundation will provide additional support.
4. Stakes driven into the ground are set 450mm below DPC (Damp Proof Course) and 300mm below outside ground level. Concrete is then poured into the 450mm deep trench to a depth of 150mm.
5. The concrete is floated to form a level surface 450mm below the house DPC
6. The inner leaf of the cavity wall is built up to floor level, usually the house DPC.
7. Hardcore is laid to a minimum 100mm deep and compacted to form the base layer of the slab.
8. A blinding screed of sand 50mm thick is laid over the compacted hardcore layer to prevent any sharp stones puncturing the damp proof membrane (heavy duty plastic sheeting).
Growing a Sustainable Garden!
March 25, 2009
Do you wish you could grow a sustainable vegetable garden? Now you CAN have a sustainable garden of your own in a very small space. And it can be fun and productive!
Let’s think for a moment of what motivates us to grow gardens anyway?
Many of us want the taste of fresh picked-when-ripe tomatoes, corn, peas and etc. Some folks believe it’s the healthiest way to live. Others love the fresh air and exercise, digging in the dirt, and the joy of being a co-creator with God.
The idea of having our food grown by strangers on huge farms in far distant places, while perhaps using harmful pesticides and herbicides, makes others want the security and control of growing their own. And at times like 9/11 we all feel vulnerable to disruptions in the complex delivery system that brings food to our doors.
Sustainable Gardening is really quite simple, and most of the work is already done for you by nature. All you need to do is learn and follow 10 basic rules. The following steps will assure you a great gardening experience. Learn and enjoy!
Conservatory Blinds ? the Finishing Touch
March 24, 2009
There’s no doubt that blinds add the finishing touch to any conservatory or sunroom, whether it is used as a sitting room, dining room, playroom or office. The ability to control heat and glare makes the room usable throughout the year, offering protection from the sun in the summer and retaining heat in the winter.
When it comes to choice of style and material there are several options. As with most home furnishings, you need to consider which fits best with your lifestyle and your pocket.
Pleated blinds are the most popular choice, as well as the most effective, since they reflect up to 83% of the sun’s heat. Available in a wide range of colours and patterns, they are very easy to maintain especially if treated to repel dirt and damp.
Check the width of the pleats before buying ? the slimmer the pleat, the neater the overall look. Pleated blinds ‘concertina’ away tidily and can be automated for remote operation.
For maximum effectiveness, it is recommended that they are also treated with a special solar finish.
