Sunday, September 11, 2011

Laundry Clothing and Baby Eczema

Nothing is in closer contact with skin than the clothes your baby wears so getting clothing and laundry right could be the single most important thing you can do for a child suffering from eczema.

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When we wash our clothes with normal synthetic detergents (bio & non bio) a residue is left behind in the fibres. This contamination increases with every wash. Studies have measured this with the increase in weight that an item gains after it's been laundered and dried. After 10 washes the fabric holds the equivalent of '1 measure' of detergent!

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People are surprised to find the reason their laundry feels stiff is actually because of the build up of detergent in the fabric. To combat this 'stiff' feeling we are sold yet more chemicals to add to our clothing in the form of fabric softener.

All these chemicals that carry the little warning of 'irritant' on the bottle are building up in the fabric with every wash, waiting to be transferred to the skin of the person wearing the clothing.

Research which demonstrates how quickly these residues transfer from the clothing and onto the skin - in 1hr up to 11% of the residue is now on the skin of the person wearing the garment.

Baby's skin is naturally very thin and sensitive, they are especially vulnerable to itching and irritation and dryness these chemicals can cause. Whilst moisturising and hydrating the skin of these poor itchy children is often helpful frequently the most dramatic change can be had from altering the clothing that is in contact with their skin all day.

Natural alternatives to detergents offer a safer way of cleaning the clothing of all babies. Eco-ball type products, soap-nuts, soap flakes or soap based powders are all solutions that not only help the skin but also the planet. Cleaning clothes with these greener alternatives also eliminates the need for a softener, another common cause of skin irritation and environmental pollution.

Clothing wise Organic clothing is always the best choice for these children, as organic certification limits chemicals used in the processing and manufacture of the garment. The organic fibres are also fatter and smoother making the clothing softer and more breathable next to the skin.

Avoiding cleaning children's clothing with these detergent chemicals will often help improve baby eczema, but greater benefits can be had from using a safer solution for the whole family as the lint and fluff from your clothing and skin all contribute to the dust in your home and in especially sensitive children even the traces of these chemicals in dust can be enough to trigger flare ups.

Laundry Clothing and Baby Eczema

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Saturday, September 10, 2011

How to Remove Lime Scale Residue - An Unwanted Deposit Caused by Hard Water

Rather than rushing out any buying the latest 'must-have' cleaning product from your local supermarket, why not see if any items in your grocery cupboard can help you combat those unwanted deposits? Two fantastic liquids for just this purpose are lemon juice and vinegar. Lemon juice is often the preferred option, as it leaves a much more pleasant fragrance after the cleaning has been done. Pickling vinegar is a better option however, for particularly stubborn outbreaks. To remove lime scale effectively it should be left to soak in acid for one or two hours.

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Below are some tips on how to treat different items within your home in order to eradicate lime scale:

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Washing Machines and Dishwashers

Use a cup of lemon juice or vinegar, add this to your machine and run a normal cycle-minus the clothes! In a dishwasher pour the liquid into the bottom of the machine as opposed to using the detergent dispenser.

Kettle

Quarter fill the kettle with lemon juice or vinegar and leave for one hour. After this time top it up with water and boil, make sure that the water is poured away before it cools down. Make sure that you rinse the kettle out a few times with cold water to ensure your coffee doesn't taste funny!

Taps

Take a small cup of vinegar and cover the tap in this solution. Immediately wrap the tap with an old tea towel and hold it in place. Leave this for an hour or so, occasionally squeezing the towel to ensure acid gets into all the grooves.

Tiles

Lime scale build up on flat surfaces is far easier to eradicate. Most of the time simply scrubbing with lemon juice or vinegar will restore the surface to its sparkling former glory.

How to Remove Lime Scale Residue - An Unwanted Deposit Caused by Hard Water

WATER SOFTENER

The Benefits of Soft Water - Why You Need a Water Softener

Soft water versus hard water has many benefits. Like clean shiny silverware and glassware. No one like the spotty chalky hard water spots on their silverware, glasses or dishes.

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Since shampoos, soaps and detergents do not lather well in hard water, naturally soft water or hard water made soft through a water softener restores the rich lathering cleaning ability and cuts down on the usage and costs of soaps and detergents by 75%. Also, one can return to natural chemical free healthy soaps and laundering agents. The harsh chemicals in todays soaps and detergents were invented to combat hard water and still have some lather. With soft water you will not need these chemical based cleaners.

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Hair and skin feels softer , cleaner and smoother. Detergents easily rinse out of soft water. Tests have been done taking laundry that had gone through a rinse cycle in hard water, taken these "rinsed" clothing out and putting them in clean soapless water, agitating them and watching soap still come out of the clothing. Soft water allows detergents to completely rinse out . Fabrics are also softer without hard minerals become trapped in them. Fabrics last longer and whites stay white without the dingy gray caused by hard water.

Soft water also does not leave chalk or orange rings around bathtubs and sinks. This saves time in house cleaning and embarrassment of having cleaned yet finding it difficult to remove all the hard water deposits. Soft water also preserves the life of all water using appliances such as coffee and ice makers, dishwashers, and clothers washers. Hard water wears appliances out quickly and requires more energy use as appliances do not work as well when they are corroded or clogged with mineral deposits. Savings on fuels costs and on properly working water heaters is another benefit too.

Let's look at average replacement of some of the basic appliance due to hard water corrosions; 0-water heater, faucet set, 0-0 washer/dryer set, and the entire plumbing system 00-00. The first water softeners were invented in 1912 before the advent of the modern washing machine as a basic household appliance that converts hard water into soft water which we all find desirable. It has continued to be a basic household appliance and is so appreciated by its owners that it is rare to see a water softerner sold 2nd hand, usally owners just taken them with them when they move. The benefits of a water softener are more than one would realize initially and usually involve a cost savings that more than pays for the softener in about 4-5 years and most softeners are expected to last at least 10 years, with many lasting much longer.

The Benefits of Soft Water - Why You Need a Water Softener

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Converting Hard Water to Soft Water Effectively in an Easy Way

Many may wonder how to make hard water soft but not many know how easy it is if they have any knowledge about hard water and soft water. Using this type of water for our daily chores is not the ideal way to go about because of the presence of the chemicals and the minerals you may get some kind of infection or allergy. The good thing is that there are many easy routes to get rid of this problem.

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One time tested method is to go for softening the water. Softening it is all about removing the chemicals and the minerals that are present in more than trace amounts. To remain healthy you should shift as quickly as possible to the soft water, because even without any knowledge about the effects of it you are bringing down your health yourself.

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If your drinking water has some kind of odor then it is probably because of the presence of the minerals and you should do something to get rid of that as soon as possible. Water softeners are available in the market which you can buy but do not employ them yourselves if you have no idea about them. Ask the help of someone who is familiar with the water softeners because they may know how to use them the right way.

If you use them then there is a high percentage of you having soft water for all of your needs. The softeners that are available on the market are supposed to work perfectly well. If your water leaves stain spots on the wares you use then it is because of the hard water and the minerals present in it. Once you have used the softeners on the hard water then you will see the diminishing of the stains that used to form on the silverware previously.

Converting Hard Water to Soft Water Effectively in an Easy Way

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Friday, September 9, 2011

Salt-Free Water Softeners

Your salt-based water softener can dump up to 500 pounds of salt into the environment each year, so salt-free free solutions to this environmental problem seem like a good idea. Salt is also damaging to some metals like galvanized pipe and the last thing most people want or need is a major repair on their water supply system. Because of the minimal negative effect on the environment, salt-free water softening systems are at least worth doing some research on before spending your hard earned money.

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Types of Salt-Free Water Softeners

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Electric water softeners are said, by their manufacturers, to send an electric pulse through the water that prevents scaling. There is no real claim that it will remove dissolved metals that cause hard water, just that it will reduce scale buildup. Magnetic water softeners are mostly claimed to reduce scale buildup in your pipes. Just wrap a couple of magnets at about 0 each around your pipes and some distributors claim that your plants will thrive better, some diseases will be prevented, and, oh yeah, it will soften your water, too. Well not really soften your water because it doesn't remove any dissolved metals, but make your water feel softer and act softer. Sorry, but the scientific support for these claims cannot always be replicated when discovered by one scientist and the actual studies are somewhat ambiguous and even anecdotal in nature. Electro-magnetic water softeners are just a magnet with an electrical current added. Sort of like combining the two just above. Not surprisingly, these devices are not claimed by most distributors to actually soften your water. Like the other two approaches, this type also only minimizes scale buildup in your plumbing. But the U.S. government has some positive things to say about the potential of this type of system. Catalytic Media systems use a filter media type that chemically alters and/or traps hard water compounds. Ceramic filter types are similar to what backpackers have been using for years and are usually effective to the size of cryptosporidium which is a nasty paramecium that is found in streams where there is also wildlife around. One ceramic filter system insists it is a durable, long-life system because the filter's catalyst is a non-sacrificial type. One could argue that since the introduction of a true catalyst in chemical reactions is for the purpose of enhancing a reaction, how could this really be a catalyst? Or if it is, then what is the chemistry behind the non-sacrificial reaction? Suffice it to say that a ceramic filter of high quality will have a long life but will need some cleaning maintenance and its filtration ability will be limited to its pore size. The ceramic filter's ability to filter viral material might be a major feature for some people. Reverse Osmosis is a non-salt based system that was first developed for the purpose of desalinization of sea water to become pure drinking water. It has considerable limitations, but is easier on the environment than salt-based water softener systems. Reverse osmosis has been a proven solution to providing high quality pure drinking water for about 40 years.

Salt-Free Water Softeners

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What is a Water Softener?

It seems a little strange that water is soft or hard. However, these are two recognized types of water. A water softener is a machine that removes certain elements from hard water, thus softening it and making it a little better to use.

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Hard water is water that has high amounts of calcium and magnesium. These elements can create stains on sinks and in tubs. It can also damage hair and leave skin feeling dried out and itchy. Not only can hard water be inconvenient in small ways, the buildup as a result of the calcium and magnesium deposits can actually clog pipes. A water softener can reduce the problems associated with hard water.

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A water softener removes the calcium and magnesium from water. Some water softeners also remove iron. The water softener is a machine that, when connected to the water supply, actually "softens" hard water. Most water softeners require an amount of salt for their proper functioning. Because elements are removed from the water, they build up in the softener rather than pipes. This means that the water softener requires regular maintenance.

There are different sizes and types of water softeners. The more water used by a household, the bigger the water softener needs to be. There are also three different types of water softener: manual, semi-automatic and automatic. The automatic merely requires regular maintenance. The other two types require a more active role in the removal of calcium and magnesium from the household water supply.

While soft water is great for washing and bathing, hard water is more pleasant to the taste. As a result, many people find that it is nice to have one faucet in the home that provides hard water for drinking and cooking.

A water softener decreases the overall need for strenuous pipe maintenance due to buildup. It can also provide a more pleasant way to use water to bathe, as well as preserve the quality of clothes washed in a washing machine.

What is a Water Softener?

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Tips on Tropical Fish Keeping

Tropical fish keeping can be more than just a simple hobby. It can be a way to beautify your home, teach your children about caring for a pet and provide you with something very enjoyable to watch. Tropical fish keeping is also very easy, even if you've never owned a fish before. If you're considering trying your hand at tropical fish keeping, here are some of the main items you'll need so you can begin shopping around:

· Aquarium tank

Lawes

· Aquarium stand (optional)

· Air pump

· Lighting equipment

· Hood

· Filters

· Heater

· Thermometer and water test kits

· Aquarium Gravel (2" on bottom of tank

· Aquarium Maintenance Kit

· Decorations

If you're new and inexperienced at tropical fish keeping, I strongly recommend you learn all you can about the topic and visit your local pet or fish store for help and advice prior to making your purchases on the equipment required. The type of fish you get will depend on your personal choice. Guppies and Betta are both very easy to raise, so you may want to start with them.

Choosing a tank is one of the largest decisions you'll make in your fish keeping hobby. Keeping your budget and size of your room in mind, try to get a fish tank large enough to allow your fish plenty of room. Even if you're new at tropical fish keeping, try to start with at least a 10-gallon tank. It's better to have a big tank with fewer fish than a smaller tank that's crowded. The more water surface they have, the more oxygen they'll get. Air pumps will help aerate the water and keep your fish supplied with oxygen.

While an aquarium stand is an attractive addition, you can also use an end table or some other kind of table if you're trying to cut back on costs. The expenses involved in getting started on tropical fish keeping can add up quickly! Make sure you keep your tank away from direct sunlight and heating or cooling vents. The tank should also not be near noisy appliances or machines, as they'll be stressed very easily.

Your aquarium tank can be an acrylic or glass tank. Your pet store can help you choose the heaters, lights, air pumps and hood you'll need for tropical fish keeping. While some people choose complete filtration systems, others choose to go with a simple canister or sponge filter. Filtration systems are available in three types: biological, mechanical, and chemical. The purpose of filters is to help keep the water clear, remove odors and eliminate harmful substances from the water.

Pet and fish stores offer heaters that have attached lights (fluorescent or incandescent) and hood, providing you with one complete and very convenient system.

A heater that's thermostatically controlled will help you to maintain the correct temperature in your water. While tropical fish may be very easy to keep and maintain, they do have certain requirements to ensure a healthy environment. A water test kit is a necessity for tropical fish keeping to ensure their water is the proper pH level and temperature.

Once you've set up all the necessities for your aquarium (pumps, heaters, filters, lights, etc.), you're ready for the fun stuff: selecting decorations. You'll be amazed at the many different varieties of aquarium decorations you'll find. You'll have so much fun; you may find yourself at the pet or fish store every week!

Tips on Tropical Fish Keeping

Lawes

Thursday, September 8, 2011

The Popularity of Calgon Water Softener

The name Calgon is in reality an abbreviation for the expression 'calcium gone' and it represents a brand which is manufactured by different companies in form of derivative products. Originally the product Calgon belongs to a company named Calgon Inc. which was based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and held the credit of being the first to introduce the Calgon water softener in 1933. Eventually the company broke up into a number of subsidiaries and the water softener which contains amorphous sodium polyphosphate was repackaged as a dish washer detergent meant to be sold in various parts of the world.

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Calgon is available in the market in form of powder, tablets and gel and hence can be bought in any of the three forms in accordance with one's individual requirements. While Calgon powder is especially formulated to effectively counter the lime scaling effect of hard water especially in washing machines, the Calgon tablets and the Calgon gel perform the same task although their method of usage is slightly different.

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Calgon ball tablets are different from the other water softening tablets in the sense that they feature anti limescale actives in high concentration which take only a few seconds to dissolve in the water and provide a measured dose. Likewise, a single cap of Calgon gel is a fast dissolving liquid which not only effectively neutralizes the lime scale but also flushes it away during the wash cycle.

Due to its popularity as a water softener, it has enjoyed being the center line of many commercials and a particularly memorable advertisement featuring the Calgon water softener which ran uninterrupted for many years featured a Caucasian woman and a Chinese gentleman. Similarly, the commercials of Calgon softener all over Europe have been translated into almost every regional European language and its mention in the famous soap operas further stresses its popularity.

The Popularity of Calgon Water Softener

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Magnetic Water Treatment System Review - Why This Magnetic Water Softener Works

Numerous ways for treating hard water exist. Use of magnetic water softener is a common practice in most homes. This is one of the most effective saltless water softeners available. You can find different types, but you should concentrate on the products that work. These are available, yet you cannot discover them easily. The Magnetic Water Treatment System, an enhancement of the magneticwater-1 conditioner, is a wonderful item to buy. The product is a no-salt water softener that many people are lucky to have found. You should as well end your search because this product really delivers good results. You will discover that there is no other stronger system than the improved Magnetic Water Treatment System

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The following are product features.

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• The product has two by one by one inches Neodymium magnets. These magnets are very powerful and effective.

• The Neodymium magnets in this product are superior to ceramic magnets in terms of their strength, and efficiency

• To prevent rust, the product has Epoxy, copper, nickel and nickel 4 strong coating

• The Magnetic Water Treatment System is the latest version of Magneticwater-1.

• Installation procedure is not a hassle because the product is user-friendly

• The product has double power of Magneticwater-1 Product description and reasons for Buying

This magnetic water treatment system is the newest version of magneticwater-1. Therefore, the product has extra features that upgrade it. The Neodymium magnets facilitate its functioning process. These rare magnets work better than ceramic magnets ever would. This softener fits two point five inch pipes. A major reason why many water softener systems do not last long is corrosion. This magnetic water softener features a strong coating, involving an epoxy, nickel, copper and nickel-4. This stronger coating is better than just nickel coating.

The major advantage that this product offers is the fact that it is saltless. As a result, it works amazingly, and in a way that salt-based products would never work. In fact, buying this magnet water treatment guarantees no further use of money to buy salt, to hire a plumber, or to pay electricity bills. You can expect no repair costs, inconvenience or back flushing. The other thing that the system does not demand is water. In any case, the softener ensures smooth flow of water via pipes, as it gets rid of blockages and scales in them.

If you own an old style home, this is the best softener to use, as it does not corrode pipes, water heaters and fixtures. Those with heart ailments, such as hypertension, should use this softener. In fact, this magnetic water softener contains healthy minerals in it. The other reason for buying it is that it does no harm to the surroundings. In addition, the softener does not pollute any fresh water source that you could have. This makes it the only best choice you need right now in your house. Search for it on various web stores that deal with water softeners. To be specific, you could buy from a site like Amazon since it is trustworthy.

Magnetic Water Treatment System Review - Why This Magnetic Water Softener Works

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How Much Salt Do You Get From Your Water Softener?

If you have hypertension and your Dr. has put you on salt free diet. If you have hard water and have a water softener that uses salt, which means you must have hard water, and if you live in the south west where the water is so hard, seems it is full of rock, plus a lot of other undesirables.:) High blood pressure and salt are not comparable!

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We had a water softener and we had a visit from some of our family members from the south east and they commented that our water was salty, my daughter could not believe it and I could not get my blood pressure to where the Dr. wanted it to be, needless to say, we knew we had a problem.

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The problem was we were use to it but they could taste it even with a reverse osmosis system under the sink for drinking and cooking water.

So we started using potassium chloride in place of salt but it was more costly, but my blood pressure went down!

I wrote this article in case some one out there has this same problem, as it does not give you any warning and if you do not know about the salt increase, then you would not do any thing to change it!

You would blame your high blood pressure on something else, especially is you are taking medicine and are checking your blood pressure several times a day.

Some times it is hard to believe something that tastes so good could be so harmful.

How Much Salt Do You Get From Your Water Softener?

WATER SOFTENER

Maintenance Free Water Softeners - Review

If you are looking for a water softener that is maintenance free then you're in luck because today's water softeners no longer need tedious and time-consuming maintenance. In the past salt-based water softeners had to be refilled with pounds of salt on a regular basis. Today, there are new breeds of softeners for water that no longer need salt because they employ the use of carbon in converting hard water into soft.

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These maintenance free softeners do not need regular brine tank refilling; thereby giving the utmost convenience. On top of that, they are also more cost-effective compared to the conventional salt-based types that regularly require a salt reload from time to time.

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There are still numerous other benefits; such as the resulting water produced by the system, it's more nutritious than the ones being softened by the salt-based softeners. The conventional type also removes magnesium and calcium during the process; as a way of protecting the water lines.

However, with the carbon filtration type, the softener will restructure these minerals and convert them instead into healthful minerals. The result is a clean potable water that is safe to drink and friendly for your home plumbing system. Hence, these water softener maintenance free systems provide much better alternatives to getting soft water for the household in order to enjoy its numerous benefits.

Always remember that having hard water that comes out of your faucet may not be harmful for your health, but it can be quite annoying since it will produce a mineral build-up in the waterline that eventually clogs your water system; thereby causing you plumbing problems later. That is why if you suspect that your tap water is hard after conducting a quality check on your tap water then you must immediately do something about it by using a water softener to transform the hard water into soft..

In any case, people today have more flexibility on their choices when it comes to getting soft water for their house; as a result of having newer types of water filtration systems that make it much easier, in converting hard water to soft. Just bear in mind that whatever type of purification system that you are planning to use, you must check your waters mineral content first in order to truly confirm that you need to get one of these maintenance free softeners for your home.

Maintenance Free Water Softeners - Review

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Total Hardness and Water Quality

Most adults have learned that water can be soft or hard. They have learned, too, that there is a connection between total hardness and water quality. Hard water reduces the power of your soap. In fact, hard water is often detected by noting the amount of soap required to form lather. Hard water may build up in hot water pipes and appliances, producing scale.

water softener

Hard Water Defined

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Hard water is water that contains high levels of dissolved calcium, magnesium, and other mineral salts such as iron. The greater the amount of dissolved minerals in the water, the harder it is.

Total hardness is measured in grains per gallon (gpg) or parts per million (ppm). If water contains less than 3.5 gpg, it is considered soft water. If it contains more than 7 gpg, it is considered hard water. The American Society of Engineers' water hardness classification table breaks it down this way.

* Soft: 0 to 3.5 gpg - 0 to 60 ppm

* Moderate: 3.6 to 7 gpg - 61 to 120 ppm

* Hard: 7.1 to 10.5 gpg - 121 to 180 ppm

* Very Hard: More than 10.5 gpg - more than 180 ppm

Making the Connection

Total hardness and water quality are connected. Hard water is safe for drinking, cooking, and other household uses, but it can cause problems.

One way in which total hardness and water quality are connected is the effect of such water on household plumbing. Total hardness means a build-up of scales inside pipes, especially those carrying hot water.

Total hardness and water quality are also connected in their effect on appliances that use water. Dishwashers and washing machines can decrease in cleaning and laundering ability. Water heaters can become less efficient. Refrigerators that dispense water can become clogged.

Aesthetically, total hardness and water quality are connected in those white, chalky deposits that accumulate on tubs, sinks, and cookware.

U.S. Water Quality

According to the 1997 National Water Quality Survey, 1 of 5 people surveyed in the U.S. is dissatisfied with the water quality in his or her home. This is related to the fact given by the U.S. Geological Survey: that 85 percent of the U.S. has hard water. Many people install water softeners in their homes to improve water quality.

Determining Water Quality

You can have your water quality tested if you are moving into a new area or a new home. If you have been living in the same home for a while, you will know if your water is hard by looking for these 7 signs:

1. You have difficulty working up lather from a bar of soap.

2. Your soaps and detergents don't seem to clean well - you have dingy laundry in spite of your efforts to get it clean.

3. In the shower or bath, your soap leaves a film on your body and hair - you have dry skin and dull, limp hair.

4. You have to battle soap scum on bathtubs, shower tiles and doors, basins, and fixtures.

5. You see an increasing buildup of scale on your cookware such as tea kettle, coffee maker, and pasta pot. Your plumbing also contains scale.

6. Clogged pipes or appliances mean that water flow is reduced.

7. Your water heating costs are increasing due to scale buildup and mineral deposits, and you have to replace hot water heating elements more often.

Improving Water Quality

Treatment can improve water quality. You may use electromagnetic water conditioners, water filters, or water softeners.

Electromagnetic water conditioners improve water quality by sending water through a magnetic field. As the water passes between the magnets, its calcium and magnesium ions lose their scale-causing properties. Studies show that this relatively new invention does not technically soften water, but water quality is improved in that it no longer causes buildup of scales. Clothing also lasts longer, which is a definite increase in water quality.

Water filters are a second option for improving water quality, especially drinking water. Water filters can provide healthy drinking water by removing chlorine and other contaminants contained in water. Water filters can soften water, but they will not prevent scale buildup in pipes and water heaters.

Water softeners are a common way of improving water quality, and come in two types: chemical and mechanical. The water produced by chemical water softeners is not acceptable drinking water. Packaged chemicals are added directly to improve water quality in laundering and bathing, and are effective both in protecting clothing and guarding against dry skin and hair. Mechanical water softeners installed in your home will replace dissolved calcium and magnesium salts with sodium. This water is also not acceptable for drinking, especially by those who have hypertension. The water quality is greatly improved, however, for other uses. Lime scale is prevented; water heaters function efficiently; and laundered clothing is both cleaner and longer-lasting.

Soft Water

On the other end of the spectrum, total hardness and water quality are a benefit when that hardness level is below 3.5 gpg or 60 ppm. Soft water allows you to use less shampoo and soap, yet have shinier hair and softer skin. Soft water requires less soap or detergent in shower, laundry, kitchen, and household cleaning chores. It helps close look cleaner and last longer. It keeps water-using appliances and plumbing from wearing out as fast. Soft water keeps dishes and eating utensils spot-free, and extends the life of tea kettles and other cookware. Soft water reduces cleaning time by eliminating soap scum and buildup of scales.

Total hardness and water quality are closely connected, and you may find it worthwhile to use a water treatment system to improve your water quality - especially your drinking water.

Total Hardness and Water Quality

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Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Have Hard Water? - Install a Water Softener

Water, long acknowledged as the purest of elements, has become a little scary in the last few decades. Most people don't feel comfortable drinking straight from the tap any longer. One of the most popular solutions for many homes is a water softener. But how do you know how to choose the right water softener?

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Step 1 - Test your Water
Your first step should be to figure out just how hard your water is. Water softeners work by removing elements like calcium and magnesium, so you need to know just how much of these elements you're dealing with and how powerful a system you'll need.

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If you've noticed that you have a hard time lathering soap or shampoo, you most likely have hard water. You can purchase a water testing kit and run the test yourself or hire a professional to come by and assess your water.

Step 2 - How much water do you use?
Once you have an idea of the hardness of your water, calculate your household usage in gallons. The average American can use as much as 50 to 80 gallons of water in a single day! Even when considering that some gallons are 'shared' (cooking, laundry), a household of 4 can still use 300 gallons in one day.

Step 3 - How much time do you have?
Lastly, you should consider how much time you have in your schedule to devote to the cleaning, running and maintenance of your water softening system. There is a wide range in usability and automation when it comes to water softeners. If you're a very busy person without much time on your hands, you won't want a unit that needs to be monitored constantly or thoroughly cleaned regularly. You should choose one that fits in well with your schedule and lifestyle.

Step 4 - Choose a water softener!
With all of this information on hand, you'll be ready to start looking at units. If your water has high levels of calcium or magnesium, you'll need to consider larger, more powerful units.

The 'strength' of a water softener is measured in how many 'grains' the unit can remove from a gallon. Calculating how many grains your household needs cleaned is easy: multiply the number of people in your home by the number of gallons they use and then multiply this by the hardness (or amount of grains) calculated by your water test... Using average consumption and the average grain of water in the United States, the calculation for a 3-person household would look like this:

3 people x 100 gallons each x 10 grains = 3000 grains a day

A household with these results would get by well with a smaller, 24,000 to 32,000 grain water softener. Units can run as high as 100,000+ grains for larger households or harder water. It's as easy as that! By following these few simple steps, you'll be on your way to the kind of water you and your family deserve.

Have Hard Water? - Install a Water Softener

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What Type of Filter is Best to Remove Iron From Water?

Iron in water is an annoying problem and especially when it starts to stain clothes, bath tubs, sinks and cause discoloration. So what is the best way to remove iron from water? As you might have noticed, there are a couple of products on the market and they each seem to perform a different function.

water softener resin

Before you go out and purchase an iron water filter for your home, make sure you do a good deal of research. Not all iron water filters do the same thing and you don't want an ineffective system because they can get pricey.

WATER SOFTENER

Types of Treatment Systems That Are Used To Remove Iron Water

Water Softener

For many people with iron water problems, their water is also hard. This is why a lot of people install a water softener, but very often the actual sediments are not filtered out. You will have to change the salt quite regularly if you have a high iron content and your water is hard. A water softener is not the most effective way to treat iron in water, so research other options before installing a system like this one.

Greensand Water Filter

This type of filter is perfect if you have both high iron content in the water, as well as a rotten egg smell. The rotten egg smell is caused by low levels of hydrogen sulfide. A whole house water filter with manganese greensand, is designed to remove only low levels of both iron and sulfur. Sometimes maintenance costs can get quite high if you have to constantly change the filters.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filter

This is a great option to remove more than just iron if you have a problem with other chemicals or contaminants too. Many pollutants will be removed from this system but the downside is that all of the minerals in the water will be removed too. If you have a lot of iron sediments it would be a good idea to get sediment pre filters. This is so that you don't have to change the main membrane (which is quite expensive) too often.

Cheap Iron Water Filters

Is there such a thing? If you are really on a tight budget and are willing to filter from at least one point in the house, then you can look at a standard countertop water filter or undercounter water filter. This means that your drinking water will be filtered but the solution to your washing and bath tub being stained red wont.

Iron water treatments are usually expensive and that is why you need to get the water tested by a professional company who knows what they are talking about before just buying a system

What Type of Filter is Best to Remove Iron From Water?

WATER SOFTENER

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Establishing An Effective Prayer Ministry - Part 4

One of the most significant ministries that can be developed is that of a prayer shield or Pastors Intercessory Team (P.I.T. Crew). This ministry is developed to encourage the congregation to begin to intercede on a daily basis for their pastor and other leaders in the church. C. Peter Wagner speaks of three basic levels of intercessors for leaders:

"Level Three intercessors have a distant relationship with the leader. In some cases, these intercessors have never met the person(s) they are praying for. For example, many people have prayed for Billy Graham on a daily basis and yet have never met him; many others pray for missionaries they have never met.

Lawes

Level Two intercessors have a casual relationship with the leader. There is some regular two-way contact, although it may not be one-on-one, intensive, or sustained over any length of time. This may include, for example, Sunday morning worship attendees who pray for their Pastor.

Level One intercessors have a very close relationship with the person they are praying for, which allows them to pray for items that are personal and possibly confidential. These people have personal contact on a regular basis."

All the people who participate in this ministry need to have a love for their pastor, a desire to be used by God, and either have a passion for or the gift of intercession.

There is also a tremendous need for a team of intercessors to gather in the prayer room and intercede while the service is going on. Charles Spurgeon had large groups of intercessors praying in a basement room under his pulpit in each service while he preached. He called it his divine 'furnace room. This type of prayer allows for a deeper impact of the message on those who are listening. The intercessors pray for people to be open to hear and receive, for people to respond to the message and come to Christ, and to come against any activities of the evil one during the service.

The prayer ministry team consists of men and women who are available to pray for people who come forward for prayer at each service. This type of ministry is as important as the time devoted to worship and the time in the Word. This team is set up so that the main team, which consists of eight to fourteen people, is set up in teams of two. Each team should consist of a man and a woman in order to be sensitive to the feelings of people being prayed for. Ministry team members need to have strong personal prayer lives, spiritual maturity, and a love for people. There is also a need for training for prayer team members who will be dealing with a wide variety of situations and problems. This training needs to be provided by the pastor so that all those praying are on the same page during prayer times. John Wimber in his book "Power Healing" provides an excellent model for training called the Five Step Healing Model. This model helps the ministry team members discern what and how to pray and provides for post prayer instruction.

This plan has been a work in progress in my own church. We have been using these thoughts and ideas as our blueprint for establishing a prayer ministry. The results to date have been exciting and encouraging for the entire congregation. My hope is to continue to seek after the Lord for vision and insight and to continue to implement new prayer ideas and ministries as the Lord leads. It is our hearts desire to truly become a House of Prayer and continue to experience real church growth.

Establishing An Effective Prayer Ministry - Part 4

Lawes

Underage Drinking Laws in Wisconsin

Drinking Age Laws in Wisconsin

Although most states have programs in place to deter underage drinking, Wisconsin especially has adopted a policy that completely prohibits underage drinking and operating motor vehicles. The state's program features the slogan "Not One Drop" and highlights the strong stance that the state takes toward minors driving under the influence.

Lawes

As the name suggests, Wisconsin has a zero-tolerance policy for minors operating vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Statute 346.63 (2M) in Wisconsin states that persons who have not yet reached a legal drinking age cannot operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.0%. If a minor is caught driving with a BAC over the limit, he or she will be subject to an immediate three-month suspension of driving privileges and may face additional charges for violating the state's drinking laws.

Wisconsin also stipulates that individuals who refuse to submit to a breathalyzer test will face license revocation for a period of one year. Such penalties are designed to persuade individuals to submit to BAC testing immediately upon apprehension and can assist the case in the event it ever goes to criminal court.

Most drinking-law violations in Wisconsin require the individual to go to court, regardless of the plea. Some individuals may be allowed to take alcohol-awareness classes in lieu of the three-month license suspension. Persons who choose not to participate in alcohol education are typically forced to take the suspension and any other judgments handed down by the court.

Because the state places so much importance on it's drinking laws, minors in the state should be aware of the punishments for violating such provisions. It is especially important to know that minors suspected of driving under the influence may be subject to harsher punishment in Wisconsin than in other states. Fortunately, such hard-line stances help to discourage minors from making decisions that may cause harm to themselves and others.

Minors who have been charged under the "Not One Drop" statue have the right to defend themselves in a court of law. If an individual faces punishment for such infractions, an experienced criminal attorney may be able to help reduce the charges or fight for provisions in court. Individuals who face the suspension of driving privileges may be able to obtain a temporary license to drive to work or school.

If you would like more information about underage drinking and criminal defense, visit the website of the Wisconsin criminal attorneys of Kohler & Hart, LLP.

Underage Drinking Laws in Wisconsin

Lawes

How Water Softeners Work

Here's a step by step guide about how water softeners work, but before we discuss that, let's talk about what hard water is and what it does to your household. Hard water causes a number of problems like clogged up drains and shower heads, stiff clothing from the laundry, staining on bathroom tiles, and soap scum on dishes.

water softener systems

Hard water is caused by too much magnesium and calcium dissolved in your tap water. You can improve the condition of your water by installing a home water softener system for the whole house. Some benefits of having soft water is less soap scum and calcium deposits in your faucets, drains and shower heads; soft laundered clothing; and even better skin and hair for you.

WATER SOFTENER

Here are some information about how water softeners work:

1. Ion Exchange Process - The first step is called the ion exchange process which removes water hardness with sodium or potassium ions. When hard water passes through resin beads, the hard ions are absorbed from the water. The sodium or potassium ions are then released into your water. There is an exchange of ions that cause hardness and softness.

2. Service Cycle - The service cycle is the common system wherein water passes through a valve at the top of the tank then flows through the lower portion of the tank that contains the resin. As water passes through the resin, the elements that cause hardness are collected via the ion exchange process mentioned above. The softened water then passes through slots and a valve that pushes water through your water pipes that release water to your household.

3. Backwash Cycle - The backwash cycle is another procedure that's part of how water softeners work. The water flows through a valve, down to the riser tube and then goes through a collector. This system mixes the resin and gets rid of turbidity and contaminants while filtering water out to a drain during the service cycle.

4. Brine Draw Cycle - This process is the second step of the regeneration cycle. Brine or salt is collected into a valve with the educator and then pushed into the top of the tank. Brine flows through the resin exchange and the hard elements, the sodium part of the hard water is collected in the resin bed. This cycle goes on till the liquid in the brine tank has been processed into the softener tank.

5. Slow Rinse Cycle - This process involves a continuous flow of water through the educator at the top of the tank to the bottom while it passes through the resin. The brine and hard elements are rinsed out of the resin during this process. He water then flows into the lower collector and goes up to the riser through a valve that goes towards the drain.

6. Fast Rinse Cycle - during this cycle, water enters the top of the softener tank and flows through the resin in high-speed. This higher rate of water flow compacts the resin bed and gets rid of the last of the hardness and brine in your water.

7. Refill Cycle - The last step on how water softeners work is refilling the brine tank with water. For every gallon of water, 3 pounds of salt will be dissolved. The air-check ball floats as the water rises and fills the tank. The air-check ball determines the level based on time. The softening process goes on fast rinse at the same time as the refill cycle. After the tank is refilled, the softener goes back to the service cycle.

It isn't easy to understand how water softeners work and your water treatment expert can explain it better when there is a unit at hand. An expert in the field can also tell you how much water you need softened and how big a tank to get for your household. You should consult with an expert first before deciding to buy a particular water softener system.

How Water Softeners Work

WATER SOFTENER

Monday, September 5, 2011

Is Installing a Whole House Water Softener Difficult?

With the gaining popularity of the whole house water softener systems, homeowners everywhere are trying to find a way to improve their home in this manner without completely wasting away their savings accounts. This leads many homeowners to wonder if they could get by with purchasing a system that is on sale online or in a local home improvement store and then installing it for themselves.

water softeners for sale

While putting in your own water softener system may save you a lot of time and money, there are some disadvantages which must be considered prior to making this decision. If you don't know enough about your home plumbing system you may mistakes unknowingly. These mistakes may not be noticed by you right off, but in the future they could compromise the effectiveness of your softening unit or lead to other problems.

WATER SOFTENER

Also, if you decide to install your own whole house water softener system you will have no one to call on in the event something goes wrong. You are dealing with the plumbing and water supply to your home, so you should at least have the phone number to a good plumber on hand who would be willing to come out last minute to help if necessary.

For someone with basic plumbing knowledge, installing a home water softening system is not very difficult. There aren't too many mistakes which could lead to serious problems and if you follow the directions exactly as they are presented in the product manual you should encounter very few problems.

As long as you are willing to spend the required time to do every step of the installation correctly, then you should be able to put in your own whole house water softener without problems. That said, it does take some time to get healthier, softer water flowing into all areas of your home, so you have to clear your schedule and spend the day working on this home improvement project.

Before you decide to install your own system, make sure that you know where the unit should be placed within your home and how it will be connected into your water supply. You have to read the directions and all warnings through first and then determine that you have the knowledge needed to put in the system on your own.

You may also want to make sure you know where the main water shut-off for your home is since you will need to stop all water flow into the home prior to setting up your new system. This shut-off valve could be inside your home, such as in a basement, but it is also likely to be outside. If you aren't sure what or where this is, then you should consider hiring a plumber or other service to come into your home and install the unit for you.

It's true you could save a bit of cash by installing your own whole house water softener system, but you have to make sure you have the required knowledge and tools before you get started. Having someone else com into your home for the installation is one thing, but having them come in to fix mistakes that you made or complete a project that you started but could not finish is another thing entirely! Read the directions thoroughly and then honestly assess whether you have the knowledge or time required to do the project on your own.

Is Installing a Whole House Water Softener Difficult?

WATER SOFTENER

Tax Laws Under The New President

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act made the Homebuyer's Tax Credit retroactive, so anyone who had purchased a home since January 1, 2009, was eligible. Right now, unless the date is extended, it applies to any first-time homebuyers through the end of December of this year.

If you've ever considered buying a home instead of renting, the Homebuyer Tax Credit does give you incentive. Right now, real estate is a buyer's market, with housing prices lower than they've been in years. Add on top of that the whopping 00 tax credit you'll get with this new tax law under the new president, and the deal is considerably sweetened. You can even claim the credit on your 2008 taxes.

Lawes

If you signed the papers on a first time home purchase on December 31, 2008 or before, however, you won't be getting that 00 credit. Also, if you make more than ,000 (or more than 0,000 for a couple) annually then the 00 credit is lessened, and you won't be able to get it at all if you make over ,000 (or 0,000 for a couple) in a year.
Don't rush into a decision to get the tax credit. A restriction in the law requires that you keep the home for a minimum of three years. Break that rule, and you could have to pay back the 00.

Have a job? You'll probably be able to get the 0 tax credit (0 for a married couple) called the Making Work Pay provision. Most people with income, even self-employment income, will be able to claim that from one of the tax laws under the new president in 2009 and 2010. The income caps for the 00 first time homebuyer credit applies to this one, too.

Employers may just take less tax from your paycheck to provide you this credit, so if you're married or you have more than one job, watch your taxes carefully to make sure you're not paying too little, or you could end up with a huge bill and penalties at tax time in 2009.

A new tax law under the new president also accounts for a 0 payment to those who get Social Security as well as Social Security disability payments, government pensioners, and veterans. It'll arrive over the summer automatically for all but government retirees, who must file in 2010.

College students can deduct some of their college bill in the coming year, car buyers can deduct the sales tax paid on the purchase, and you can even claim deductions on certain "green" and environmentally friendly purchases thanks to some tax laws under the new president.

Tax Laws Under The New President

Lawes

Defensive Driving - Lane Change Techniques You Must Know

Of all the driving mistakes committed on our roads, incorrect signaling and changing lanes incorrectly are one of the most common. If you ask drivers what they most dislike about other drivers, nine times out of ten you would hear the response

Signaling - Get Into Good Habits

Lawes

It is not always a legal requirement to signal when driving. In some states, you are only required to signal if your change in movement is likely to affect drivers around you. For example, when driving down a deserted freeway at 4.00 am with no other drivers for miles, it may not be necessary for you to signal a turn. Having said that, it is wise to "always" signal turns and lane changes. From a defensive driving standpoint, if you signal on every occasion, no matter what the circumstances, you create a habit which kicks in on autopilot, helping to keep you safe and accident-free.

The important point about signaling is to ensure you are sending clear information. Take care to signal at just the right moment. Signaling too soon or too late causes other drivers confusion about your intentions. For example, oncoming drivers can interpret your signal to mean you want to turn later or sooner than you really intend. Some drivers deliberately do not use turn signals, believing that by forecasting a lane change other drivers will counter their move by closing their "gap" in the lane. Although this does happen, fortunately it only occurs in the minority of cases. Most drivers WILL make a space for you if they know you want to switch lanes.

Defensive Driving Lane Change Techniques

Learn and developing these defensive driving skills for correctly changing lanes will go a long way towards ensuring you remain safe and accident-free on the roads.

Scan the road ahead and plan in advance.

Before changing lanes, scanning the road ahead and checking what other drivers are doing is vitally important. Things to watch out for include pedestrians about to step on to the road, other vehicles reducing speed, and drivers about to merge across your lane. Keeping an eye on the brake lights of vehicles in front of you is also a good indicator of trouble ahead. Cars beginning to slow down will usually hit their brakes giving a vital warning to alert drivers behind.

Monitor the rear vision mirror.

The rearview mirror gives a much wider view than the one provided by your side mirrors. The rearview mirror should be checked with a quick glance, simultaneously keeping your main focus on the road ahead. Things to watch out for when glancing in your rearview mirror include traffic coming up faster than you are driving. Also keep your eyes peeled for vehicles signaling to change lanes behind you who might be increasing speed to pass your vehicle.

Always signal your intentions.

Communicating with other drivers is the most important part of defensive driving. Signaling is done to communicate to other drivers what you are about to do. By signaling to other drivers, you give them the chance to slow down and allow your lane change to be made safely. For example, drivers in front of you who is planning a maneuver may stay put if they see your signal. It always wise to remember that people often make unexpected moves. Don't take anything for granted and get into the habit of anticipating the worst!

Don't forget your blind spot.

Turn your head and take a quick glance over your shoulder to ensure there is no other driver in the lane beside you. If you do see a vehicle there, stay in your own lane until the vehicle has gone past.

Recheck ahead....(again) before changing lanes.

Immediately before turning the steering wheel to navigate your lane change, check once again to make no driver is slowing down or straying into your path. Move gradually into your lane change with only a slight adjustment of the steering wheel. If it is not possible to change lanes when you check the blind spot, cancel the maneuver and prepare to begin all over again.

Don't change lanes at intersections.

Make sure you plan your lane changes either before and after intersections where side roads, streets or crossroads meet the road you are using.

When it comes to defensive driving, lane change techniques and signaling correctly are important skills to learn and implement into your daily driving. Make sure these are skills YOU learn and become familiar with, your life may depend on it! "Drivers not changing lanes properly". Making mistakes when changing lanes and signaling can often result in serious or even fatal injury. For people serious about learning defensive driving, lane change techniques are a vital skill to learn.

Defensive Driving - Lane Change Techniques You Must Know

Lawes

Sunday, September 4, 2011

Aquarium Nitrite - What You Need to Know

Nitrite is produced by nitrosomonas bacteria, and the conversion of ammonia in the presence of oxygen. Nitrite is toxic to fish but is normally removed through the biological filtration of the aquarium. To understand the importance of this substance, it is necessary to have some knowledge of the nitrogen cycle in an aquarium.

The Nitrogen Cycle and Nitrite:

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Nitrogen is an essential element of all living matter. In an aquarium, which contains fish, plants, crustaceans, etc, organic waste is continuously released into the system (manure, dead leaves, leftover food). All of this waste is turned by bacteria into ammonia, a toxin that is very dangerous for all aquarium inhabitants if it is not eliminated. The nitrogen cycle represents the transformations the ammonia will undergo, becoming nitrites and then finally nitrates, that are much less toxic. This is a sort of "biological treatment" through the actions of billions of bacteria that are used as an energy source.

One type of bacteria called nitrosomonas will first convert the ammonia (NO3-), a highly toxic nitrite (NO2-), into a slightly less toxic one. A second class of bacteria called nitrospira will then turn the nitrites into nitrates (this is not toxic except at high doses, and when it is used long-term for goldfish).

This series of transformations is carried out consistently and "loops" in the aquarium (at least until it becomes "fuel" for the bacteria); that is why we speak of the "nitrogen cycle".

The problem is that initially a new aquarium is virtually sterile: the bacteria cannot do their job of "cleaning" because they are too few. This results in the ammonia and the aquarium nitrites accumulating toxins, which is called the New Tank Syndrome.

It should only take a few weeks after the water is first used for the bacteria to establish. Make sure that the bacteria are established enough to treat waste effectively. The establishment of the nitrogen cycle will then be complete and the filter of the aquarium will be mature (zero ammonia and zero nitrites will mean healthy goldfish).

During the implementation of the nitrogen cycle, it is essential that:

- You perform frequent partial water changes in order to dilute the concentration of ammonia and nitrite;

- You feed the fish as reasonably as possible in order to limit the amount of waste produced;

- You begin with a limited number of fish so that the filter can adapt gradually to the production of waste. Thus, your first fish will suffer less. Then gradually increase the population of the aquarium;

Aquarium Nitrite - What You Need to Know

Lawes

Hard Water Problems and Solutions

Is Hard Water Dangerous?

water softener

Hard water is useful if used to water your garden or plants and even to water your grass. However, it is not efficient to use for bathing, laundry, washing china, or even flatware. Soft water has less than 1 grain per gallon and is preferred.

WATER SOFTENER

Hard water can leave stains in your shower, your dishes, and your clothes. It can actually ruin many of your everyday items that you use. Unfortunately, once these stains appear, they are next to impossible to remove, especially from clothing. Stains on dishes and fine china are almost never able to be removed. Of course, the dishes can still be used, but they will have stains. Clothes on the other hand, may be completely ruined.

You can have your water tested if you believe you have hard water and then you can take measures to treat it so that it is usable in your home for daily activities. It should be noted, however, that hard water creates no health problems when consuming the water, the problem is with the staining and build up in the home's underground pipes.

What are Some Solutions to Treat Hard Water?

Many people choose to soften the water, what this treatment does is remove the calcium and magnesium all together and they are replaced with sodium. When the water is softened, it no longer leaves the stains on dishes and clothing from daily tap water usage. The main objection to using a water softener is the additional sodium it adds to the water. Most people consume too much sodium in their diets to begin with and don't need the extra sodium that a water softener adds. This is especially true when drinking the recommended 8-10 glasses of water a day.

Another method is conditioning the water, with this method, you keep both the calcium and magnesium remain but they are suspended in the water so that they do not come out of your faucets and stain clothing or dishes.

In addition, both softening and conditioning will make it less likely for your pipes to develop lime scale, which is a crystalline formation that can eventually damage the pipes. This damage means you will need to have your pipes replaced, which is a very expensive ordeal.

Final Thoughts

Hard water is treatable and in fact, most people that live in areas where they have well water, have hard water and they treat it so that there are no deposits or stains left behind. Treating the water also saves your pipes because eventually hard water will wreak havoc on them and cause them to need replacing. If you want to know if you have a water problem, have it tested and see what you best options are to treat it in your area.

Hard Water Problems and Solutions

WATER SOFTENER

Aquarium Backgrounds - Add Another Dimension to Your Tank

Aquariums can add life to any home, even a small, cramped room. Fish have long been a favorite first pet for millions of children and continue to bring joy to adults around the world. Aquarium backgrounds add even more dimension and enjoyment to any fish lover's home. Unfortunately, too many people dismiss or don't even realize the potential aquarium backgrounds offer.

Whether you have freshwater or tropical fish, aquarium backgrounds can bring a dull room or display to full vibrant life. An aquarium will be a major focal point in any room, whether it is housed in a bedroom or prominently displayed in the living room, or even den. Having a colorful and beautiful background display can turn this focal point into a conversation piece.

Lawes

This isn't to say that a background should have a supermodel posing on a tropical beach somewhere. Though there's little doubt that those displays are available for the maturity-challenged, they won't add anything to your aquarium or home. Aquarium backgrounds come in dozens of colors and themes, from basic coral reef motifs to the Lost City of Atlantis. Imagine watching your fish circle a sunken pirate ship with treasure littering the background.

For years, many backgrounds consisted of mirrored backs which served one purpose: to create the illusion of a larger aquarium. Now this doesn't have to be the only option. Three dimensional aquarium backgrounds have become increasingly popular among fish enthusiasts. There's no longer a need to invest in a massive, two hundred gallon aquarium because you want to have dozens of different colorful coral to complement the lovely selection of exotic fish swimming around in your home. Space, for many, is valuable, and larger aquariums take up a great deal of it.

Three dimensional displays of coral reefs and other underwater scenes give the option of that illusion without the expense in money and space. Some people also prefer to have their aquarium backgrounds designed to match or define a particular interior motif. With so many different background displays to choose from, there is bound to be something for your discerning, particular palette.

Companies have researched and spent millions of dollars designing aquarium backgrounds, so if you haven't seen one in recent years, you will most likely be completely amazed at the clarity, colors, and options available. From the waters of the Amazon River to rainforests and cactus gardens, deep ocean waters to coral reefs, there is almost no aquatic notion that hasn't been designed and available.

Aquariums do not have to be ordinary or mundane any longer, either for you or the fish. Have you ever noticed when fish hover up close to the reflective background, seeming to study themselves or something in the distance? With colorful aquarium backgrounds you can offer them something more to look at than the same old thing. And the best part about aquarium backgrounds is that they can be changed at any time. That's right, if you've grown weary of the same background, simply change it.

Aquarium Backgrounds - Add Another Dimension to Your Tank

Lawes

Saturday, September 3, 2011

Mobsters in America - Francis "Two Gun" Crowley - The Puny Killer

They called him a "Half-Pint Moron" and "The Puny Killer." But for a short three-month period, Francis "Two Gun" Crowley was the most dangerous man in New York City.

Crowley was born in New York City on October 13, 1912. His German mother was not married, and as soon as little Francis saw his first light of day, she gave him up for adoption. It was rumored his father was a cop, which explained his hatred for anyone in a blue uniform. He was brought up by a woman named Anna Crowley, and he took her name, calling her his only mother.

Lawes

By the time Crowley was 18, despite the fact that he stood only five-foot-three inches and weighed 130 pounds, he was already a full-blown criminal, and a murderer. He teamed up with hulking Rudolph "Fats" Duringer, who was said to be the largest man ever to sit in Sing Sing's electric chair, and the Mutt and Jeff crime team soon started terrorizing New York City.

On February 21, 1931, Crowley, Fats and another unidentified male busted into an America Legion Dance Hall in the Bronx. They were uninvited, and when a slew of Legionnaires tired to toss them out, Crowley began firing with two guns, which gave him his nickname "Two Gun" Crowley. No one was killed, but two men were injured, and Crowley was now hunted by the police for attempted murder. He was cornered in a office building on Lexington Ave, but he shot his way out of arrest, plugging Detective Ferdinand Schaedel.

Crowley continued his crazed crime spree in rapid fashion. First, Crowley and his crew robbed a bank in New Rochelle. Then they staged a home invasion at the West 90th Street apartment of rich real estate investor Rudolph Adler. Crowley shot the feisty Adler five times, and just as he was ready to fire the final bullet into Adler's skull, Adler's dog Trixie went into attack mode and chased Crowley and his crew from the apartment.

In Crowley's first murder involvement, he wasn't even the shooter. On April 27, 1931, Crowley was driving a stolen car with his pal Fats in the backseat. Fats was busy trying to make moves on dance hall girl Virginia Brannen, who had just come along for the ride. Brannen told Fats to keep his hands to himself. This did not please the hulking gangster too much, so he shot her dead. Crowley and Fats discarded a bloodied Brannen outside the St. Joseph Cemetery in Yonkers.

After finding Brannen's dead body, the police put out an all-points bulletin for the big and tiny psychopaths. On April 29, Crowley was driving a green Chrysler on 138 Street in the Bronx, when a passing police car spotted him. The cops sped in hot pursuit after Crowley, firing shot after shot at the speeding Chrysler. Crowley returned fired, and somehow he managed to escape. The next day, the police found Crowley's abandoned car, riddled with bullets and smeared with bloodstains. The manhunt for Crowley continued.

On May 6, Crowley was smooching in a car with his 16-year old girlfriend Helen Walsh, in a secluded spot on Morris Lane, in North Merrick, Long Island. Patrolmen Frederick Hirsch and Peter Yodice approached the car and asked for Crowley's identification. Instead of drawing his wallet, Crowley pulled out a pistol, firing. He shot Hirsch to death and wounded Yodice, before he fled the scene.

Now branded a cop-killer, the daily newspapers brought Crowley instant fame. The New York Daily News wrote: "Francis Crowley, who glories in the nickname Two Gun Frank, and is described by the police as the most dangerous criminal at large, was hunted throughout the city last night."

On May 7th, the police traced Crowley to a top floor apartment on West 90th Street. Crowley was holed up there with Fats Duringer and Helen Walsh, and what transpired next will forever be known as "The Siege on West 90th Street"; the most fierce gun battle in the history of New York City. Two detectives first tried to enter the apartment and take Crowley and his crew away peacefully, but Crowley would have none of that. He screamed through the door, firing lead, "Come and get me coppers."

The detectives retreated down to the street, where they were joined by an estimated one hundred police officers, rushed in from all parts of the city. Crowley yelled down at the assembled cops, "I'm up here. Come and get me."

Over the course of the next several hours, and while an estimated 15,000 onlookers gawked from the streets and open tenement windows, more than 700 bullets were fired into Crowley room. Crowley had an arsenal himself and he brazenly returned fire. Helen Walsh and Fats Duringer reloaded Crowley guns for him, as they hid safely under the bed. At one point, the police cut a hole in the roof and dropped gas canisters into Crowley's room. Crowley calmly picked up the canisters and threw them out the window, overcoming several police officers below. Finally, a dozen cops broke down Crowley's door, and with four slugs in his body, the police were finally able to subdue Crowley. Fats Duringer and Helen Walsh gave up without a whimper.

The newspapers had a field day with this one. Crowley was described as "A Mad Irish Gunman" (even though he was actually German), with "the face of an alter boy." Crowley and Fats were convicted of the murder of Virginia Brannen, and Crowley of the murder of patrolmen Frederick Hirsch. They were both sentenced to die in the Sing Sing electric chair.

In jail, Crowley kept up his tough guy act. He made a club out of a wrapped-up newspaper and some wire from under his bed. Then he tried to fight his way out of prison, by cracking a guard over the head with his handmade club. His escape attempt having failed, Crowley set fire to his cell, then took off all his clothes and stuffed them into his toilet, flooding his cell. For this, Warden Lewis E. Lawes forced Crowley to sit naked in his cell for several days, until the young maniac quieted down.

On his last days on earth, Crowley mellowed a bit. A bird flew into his cell and he nurtured it. He also began drawing pictures, for which he had more than a little talent for.

On December 10, 1931, Fats Duringer got the juice first. After Fats and Crowley hugged a last goodbye, and Fats started his last lonely trek down the hall to the chair, Crowley told a guard, "There goes a great guy, a square shooter and my pal."

Crowley was not so charitable to Walsh, whom he refused to see, even though she visited the prison almost every day. "She's out!" he told the newspapers, "She's going around with a cop! I won't look at her!"

On January 21, 1932, Crowley followed the same path to the electric chair that his old pal Fats had traveled. After the black leather mask was pulled over his face, Crowley's last words were, "Send my love to my mother." The lever was thrown and Francis "Two Gun" Crowley was executed at the tender age of nineteen.

Mobsters in America - Francis "Two Gun" Crowley - The Puny Killer

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Business Water Filtration Systems

Clean and safe water for drinking is very important to avoid falling ill often. Consumers always look out for good quality products that are specially designed for their use. Water filtration is the purification of water to make it safe for human consumption. Untreated water contains various contaminants that include chemicals and bacteria. These include chlorine, chloramines, lead asbestos and bacteria among others.

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There are various methods used in business water filtration systems and these are reverse osmosis, ultra violet, ozonation, distillation and carbonation. The reverse osmosis is the best for commercial and residential water filtration. The process works to remove all water contaminants. Once the reverse osmosis water filtration system is installed, the consumer is assured of the availability of clean water. The systems unit has a large water holding capacity and they are fitted with filters.

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The ultra violet (UV) water filtration systems are specially designed to disinfect water. The system is the best for water treatment of the entire household. The system works to remove chemical contaminants and sediments from water. The UV system works well with distillers, reverse osmosis and water softeners. The advantage of the UV system is that it is easy to install. With this system, the water is exposed to ultra violet rays, killing all microorganisms that could be in the water.

The distillation process involves the heating of water until it vaporizes. The vaporization point aids in removing water impurities. Once the steam rises, it goes through a cooling process that condenses it back to liquid form. Once treated the water is passed on to another holding tank. The process is ideal for household use.

The carbonation process involves active carbon with slight positive charge. Water is then passed through the carbon and the positive charge attracts the water impurities and chemicals. It is used in the initial stage of water filtration to remove sediment and chemicals. The active carbons are very effective n their work.

There are many benefits of the business water filtration systems. The most important is providing the consumers with clean and pure water safe for drinking and use. This is especially important in places of business such as restaurants where clean water is important for use in preparing meals and cleaning utensils. If the water used in such places is not filtered, there can be an outbreak of water borne diseases. The quality of water for household and commercial use must be good. Consumers should have the water filtration systems installed to enjoy clean and safe drinking water. Business should be keen on installing business filtration systems that will ensure that clients encountering their facilities are safe.

The water filtration systems will safeguard human health through efficient and cost-effective removal of contaminants and other water impurities. The water filtration systems are economical. The systems are easy to maintain and keep clean.

Therefore, people need to invest in water filtration systems at home and industrially to purify the water to avoid using unclean water. This will save them huge medical bill associated with the sickness cause by using untreated water.

Business Water Filtration Systems

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The Common Benefits of Drinking Water Regularly

There are many benefits of drinking water like maintaining the blood circulation. The drinking water maintains the water level in the body to a comfortable level thereby making the process of metabolism quite easy for the body to perform. If you are dehydrated then there are lots of chances for your body to shut down and stop working. Also it might be worse than that because there are chances for you to die out of dehydration.

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Water forms the major part of the body and the tiny little nerves that forms the integral part of the body is also a kind of water way. When signals are sent through the nerves from brain to the other parts of the body the water plays an important role in carrying them over to the destination. If you get dehydrated then there might occur a situation where these signals from the brain to other parts of the body may not travel properly.

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The signals get distorted thereby making your internal system bit down. On the other hand the digestion will be proper only if you have enough water in your body. So drinking enough volume of water must do a world of good. Drinking water is one thing and drinking pure water is another thing that you have to be concerned about.

If you do not get to drink pure water then there are chances for you to contract an illness. Many of the diseases spread through water and it is only for your own good that you get to drink pure water. Water may contain lead or any other metals depending on the source. If you can filter the water then it is great.

If you can purify the water by boiling it then you should be perfect with the drinking water. If you do not get enough water in your body then you may be eating lots of food without breaking any considerable amount of calories which is futile.

The Common Benefits of Drinking Water Regularly

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Friday, September 2, 2011

Water Softener Systems - Find The Benefits of Potassium Based Water Softener Systems

If the water supplied by your public water company contains high concentrations of mineral contents, which means that the water is hard, then consider using a potassium-based water softener system. Aside from softening the water, this system is also capable of purifying the water.

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It's like hitting two birds with one stone but ironically not many companies manufacture this kind of system since most manufacturers wants more profit. Their profits are doubled by making consumers purchase two units, a water softener and a water purifier. On the side of the consumers, it is wiser to buy a system that has both features to maximize the amount they are going to pay. Potassium-based softeners are the most promising among any other options.

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Hard water is not really that safe for our bodies especially with chronic consumption. The high concentrations of minerals could be damaging to the vital organs of the body. It will also make the skin dry and scaly requiring you to use substantial amounts of lotions or moisturizers daily. Hard water can also harm the household. It will cause damage and rapid deterioration of water pipes. Also, it will cause staining of floor, kitchen, or bathroom tiles. These are only of the reasons why it is necessary to soften hard water before they are used in every household.

A lot of water softener systems sold in the market today make use of either salt or potassium to get rid of lead that found in hard water via a method known as ionization. Bathing is the best time to soak your pores with ion since during this time they are opened. Adding potassium to a salt mixture is quite expensive but taking into consideration its health and household benefits, the price is well compensated. Take for example the pipes, elements in hard water accumulate inside these pipes over a period of time, so what do you think will its effects to our system be?

Potassium is an essential mineral to the body since it is needed for the proper functioning of muscles so it should be included in our daily intake. As claimed by some researchers in the US, most women have insufficient intakes of potassium in their diet as compared with men. This implies that it is beneficial to use potassium-based softeners to fill the intake deficiency. So instead of purchasing separate water softener and purifier, look for a unit that offers both features. Find a water softener system that will give you the best health and household benefits.

Water Softener Systems - Find The Benefits of Potassium Based Water Softener Systems

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How Do Stool Softeners Work? Soften Your Stool Naturally and Get Rid of Constipation Pain

How do stool softeners work? It is always advisable to drink lots of water for softening your stool. It is the best way to cure constipation. Usually due to bad eating habits, erratic lifestyle, alcohol consumption and medications, our bowel movement gets affected. The harmful toxins present in our body corrupt our colon, which consequently makes the entire system slow. Usually stool softeners clean up your colon and eradicate toxic substances from your body. The waste products get diluted by this process, which further gets eliminated through stools. Factors such as unhygienic food, water and environment are responsible for causing constipation. It is a common problem but can be much irritating at times. Your day-to-day life gets disrupted due to this unwanted disorder.

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Natural Methods to Soften Your Stool

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Colon Cleansing: It is touted to be the most effective method to treat constipation. There are many methods to eliminate toxins from your body. You can use the technique called Enema for detoxification and softening your stool. Introducing warm water to your colon through your anus is the best way to perform this method. This procedure rejuvenates your whole body. You should perform this process at least once in a year.

High Fibrous Foods: You can also eat lots of high fibrous fruits and vegetables for softening your stool naturally. It is always advisable to drink lots of fruit and vegetable juices for stimulating your bowel movement. You can also take doses of maple syrup to soften your stool.

Cardio Workout: You should create some activities in and around your life. You can easily perform workouts such as running, swimming, aerobics, and hiking. It is always advisable to drink plenty of water during the entire process. You should drink at least 10-12 glasses of water daily to maintain your bowel movement.

How Do Stool Softeners Work? Soften Your Stool Naturally and Get Rid of Constipation Pain

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Picking The Best Water Softeners Based On Water Usage And Hardness Levels

Using the best water softeners can prevent expensive household problems such as clogged pipes and plumbing fixtures, dry skin and hair, stiff laundry, and cloudy glassware. These machines can make home appliances like shower heaters and coffee makers last longer and work more efficiently. They can also prevent ugly orange or brown residue from staining your bath tubs, sink and bathroom tiles.

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All these problems are caused by too much calcium, iron and magnesium in your water. The ions in these elements cause water to become hard. To be able to select the best solution to eliminate hard water, you have to find out the hardness level of your household water. You can do this by calling in a water treatment company or testing your water yourself with a hard water test kit found at hardware stores.

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Getting the right size is also an important factor in picking the best water softeners. The size of your water treatment system is determined by the amount of softening sodium beads you will need to effectively eliminate hard ions. This is calculated by balancing the level of your hard water number to the amount of sodium beads you need to swap the hard and soft ions.

It can be confusing to calculate the exact amount of softening ions you need but to cut the long story short, an average household consisting of 4 people will need about 32,000 grains of water softener. This is based on a water hardness level of 10 grains which is the average water hardness number in developed countries. Be aware though that the level of hard water may differ in various locations and water sources.

The best water softeners for specific households are also determined by personal habits of the home owners. So, one softening system may not be best for all types of people. Some people are better off getting an automatic recharging unit that recharges ions by time or by using a meter. This is convenient if you do not want to keep recharging the machine yourself. Other people with varying degrees of water usage are better off using a manual recharging softener.

Another factor that determines which softener is best is dictated by health issues. The most common and affordable type of softening system uses sodium to remove hard water. But sodium contains salt which can be bad for people with high blood pressure, a history of stroke, heart or kidney disease. For people with salt restricted diets the best water softeners would be potassium based softening systems.

Before purchasing a softening system for your home, it would be wise to consult with a professional water treatment company. This way, you won't risk buying the wrong kind of softener. The pros can gauge what types of softeners are best for each household based on an accurate hard water test and water usage habits of the home owners.

Picking The Best Water Softeners Based On Water Usage And Hardness Levels

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Saltless Water Softener: It Is Good for Your Health (and Pocket)?

Back then, the saltless water softener was not popular. Instead, the salt-based water softener was the star. Because it had the capacity to address all the needs of households, the saltless softener was ignored. But, when people become conscious of their health, environment and their growing expenses on home maintenance, they turned their eyes on the saltless water softener systems.

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Salt-based water softener is doing a great job in softening hard water. Hard water is composed of magnesium and calcium. However, because it contains salt, it leaves behind sodium in water. This is not good for household members, especially for those who have diseases, like hypertension and high blood pressure. This is why majority of households now consider the use of saltless water softener.

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Saltless water softener systems do not only make the water softer; it also helps people avoid taking in too much sodium, which is not good for the health. More importantly, it does not cost much; hence, it gives mothers the opportunity to have more funds to pay for their other necessities.

Saltless softener is also easy to install. It will not require homes to call an expert to do this. If they are more than willing to do it themselves and if they wish to save, they should try to install it. They will see it is worth the try (and the savings).

Speaking of savings, households can also save from the cost of maintaining their homes. Because there is no hard water present in saltless softener that scales in appliances and pipes, it is not necessary for them to replace their appliances and pipes very often.

Make no mistake, though, saltless may be part of the name of this softener, but it still contains salt to be able formulate the brine solution. However, the amount is limited to a minimum, unlike salt-based saltless softeners which require higher amount of salt to be able to operate. In addition, saltless systems are easy to maintain; hence, you will not require regular check up from professionals.

If it is the health of your family that is at stake, you always have to make a "healthful" decision. One example of this is opting for saltless water softeners over salt-based water softeners. Especially in these tough economic times, it is best to make decisions that will allow you to allocate more funds for the necessities of your family than others. One way to also do this is to consider using saltless softener systems at home.

Saltless Water Softener: It Is Good for Your Health (and Pocket)?

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Some Tips to Select the Best Water Softener

Many parts of the world have only hard water and actually hard water is not in the least bit suitable for your health or lifestyle. Hard water comprises of excess levels of dissolved minerals like calcium and magnesium which are hazardous to our health as it affects all out daily chores like cooking, washing, cleaning and bathing. So it is extremely important that you make your water soft by making use of water softeners.

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Water can be softened by making use of water rocks that can be bought from any store locally. But you have to have an exact idea of how much should be used as excessive amounts can only make your water worse. So it is always better to get reputed brands water softeners from the market to treat your water. They have experts skilled in this area to come and do this work for you making the whole process so much more hassle free. There are numerous brands of water softeners available today that you really get confused about what to choose.

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The other points to be kept in mind while purchasing softeners are the kind of atmosphere the water-softener will be installed, its size, convenience, rating, and construction of the unit. It is not as easy as you think to find the perfect water-softener that will suit your home and you need to spend some time researching before you set to purchase one.

The most reputed brands include Kinetico, Culligan, Krystal Pure, Cole Massey and Kenmore just to name a few of them. One of the biggest advantages with the advent of the internet is that you can even shop online for these water softeners from the convenience of your home.

Some Tips to Select the Best Water Softener

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