There would seem based my own experience that there is a lot of confusion amongst the general public and some builders as to what sealing natural stone actually means.
When we talk about sealing a surface we normally mean that an impenetrable barrier is painted on or applied in some way. For example tiled floors are often sealed to give them added protection and make them shine. To do this a series of coats of emulsion polish are applied to the surface and allowed to dry. This seals the floor and gives it protection. Other surfaces such as wood are often sealed with a coating of a polyurethane product. This adds strength to the surface and protects it. Many other normally porous surfaces can be sealed with a layer that sits on the surface acting as a barrier to penetrative agents and gives protection also.
The sealing of natural stone such as marble, granite, limestone and slate is very different. Natural stone is made up of crystals that interlock together. The actual minerals that are present as crystals in the stone give it its colour and striations. However there are spaces between the crystal and the smaller these spaces are and the more the crystals have been compacted together the less porous the stone is. So these spaces will determine the porosity of the stone. A combination of pore size and mineral content of the stone will also determine its hardness and thus its durability. These spaces in the stone are air filled when the stone is dry and water filled when the stone is wet. Bacteria inhabit these spaces and these are often vital for the maintenance of the stone. Very little research has been carried out into these bacteria but what has been done would suggest that they are essential in maintaining the integrity of the stone.
Consequently we have the picture of stone as quite a complex mix of minerals, bacteria and spaces. You must imagine the stone to be something akin to a very hard sponge! If you drop a liquid onto the stone it will be absorbed and spread through the spaces. This is why what initially looked like a small spillage can end up as quite a large stain in the stone. To remove the stain it has to be flushed out of these spaces. All a stone sealer does it fill up these spaces. Many of the stone sealants in use are based on fatty acids rather than synthetic sealants. These natural sealants are better because they do not destroy the bacteria but often enhance them. Synthetic sealants will destroy these bacteria that has longer-term consequences on the stones makeup. Sealants based on fat however have a shorter lifespan and must be renewed periodically.
Whatever sealant is used it simply fills up the spaces between the crystals it does not cover the surface of the stone. Its purpose is simply to delay the penetration of liquids into the stone. So if corrosive materials get onto the stone then it will be damaged. Stone sealants do not form a protective ‘seal’ on the surface of the stone. Consequently stone is only protected from absorbing liquids. It is not protected from surface damage.
About The Author
David Andrew Smith is the owner of http://wesparkle.co.uk a commercial and domestic cleaning services company. One of their specialist fields is in the care and maintenance of natural stone surfaces.
If you are like many people, backyard birding is a hobby for you whether you actively encourage visits from birds or not. One way to attract birds is to put out suet — beef fat — and watch the crowds stop by and devour the treat. Suet is an inexpensive food source and should become part of your bird feeding program if you desire to attract a steady flow of birds.
Exactly what is suet? In short, it is beef fat. Yes, birds enjoy eating other animals…to a point. Most suet sold in stores or made at home contains this fat plus other important bird attracting ingredients including: peanuts, berries, shelled nuts, raisins, sunflower seeds, millet, corn, and bread crumbs.
Suet can be purchased in small blocks and placed in a suet feeder or you can make it at home. No, I won’t take the time to share a “recipe” here with you, but some birders enjoy making the home grown variety.
You may find that purchasing a block and placing it in a suet feeder is your style. If so, prices can vary widely from about one dollar for a single block to nearly two dollars each. I have discovered that one of the local discount retailers sells suet in bulk; I paid eight dollars for a box of twelve, which translates to less than seventy cents per block.
Many people will tell you that suet should only be placed outside when temperatures are seventy degrees or lower. From personal experience I have learned that some suet can remain out regardless how hot it can get. Here in North Carolina, we have temperatures in the nineties for three to four months straight; birds have been flocking to the suet feeder without fail all summer long. Recommendation: the suet I put out contains sunflower seeds, millet, and corn. I would not put out suet with berries during summer months as it will spoil quickly.
So, how do you keep the squirrels at bay? Besides investing in a pricey suet feeder with high tech security functions, I have found a low cost way that may work for you. Specifically, you will need an “S” shaped hook that can be placed on your home’s rain gutter. Hook one side to the gutter and then place the suet holder [with suet inside] on the end sticking out [you may need a second hook on the suet holder itself to make it work].
This method works for me because the squirrels hate walking on my steep roof to reach the suet. Should a squirrel actually get on the roof, they would have to bend over backwards to reach the suet and then by holding onto loose fitting gutter shields. Of course, this won’t work for everyone, but it does for me. Experiment. You will find a way!
Once your suet is in place, birds should stop by within the hour. Birds observed at our feeder include: nuthatches, thrushes, cardinals, chickadess, blue jays, sparrows, wrens, flickers, woodpeckers, goldfinches, and robins. Yes, don’t let anyone kid you: robins will eat suet!
You can purchase a new suet holder for just a few dollars at mostly any retail store. Our visitors go through about two and one half cases per year, so for less than twenty five dollars annually I am able to set out suet and attract a wide variety of our flying friends. Not many hobbies can be as cost effective as that!
Matthew Keegan is The Article Writer who enjoys birding in his spare time. Please visit his high performing site at http://www.thearticlewriter.com for samples of some of his work.
Ready Your Child For Reading
by: Brent Sitton
It’s never too soon to start your child on the path to reading. Simply talking to your infant and toddler helps her develop the vocabulary she will need as she enters school and begins to read. As you point and name objects, she will begin to understand the meaning of words, and will eventually begin to incorporate those words into her vocabulary.
The U.S. Department of Education recommends beginning to read to your baby when she is six months old. According to their 2003 report, “Hearing words over and over helps her become familiar with them. Reading to your baby is one of the best ways to help her learn.”
In that same report, the Department of Education also recommends that parents reach out to groups that can:
* Help you find age-appropriate books to use at home with your child;
* Show you creative ways to use books with your child and other tips to help her learn; and
* Provide year-round children’s reading and educational activities.
A child’s love for reading grows when the words on the page come to life through experiences shared as a family. For example, after reading Eric Carle’s Ten Little Rubber Ducks to your toddler, you can learn all about real ducks, make ocean snacks, or go on a family outing and feed the ducks at a nearby pond.
In order to help your child get ready to read, the Department of Education also recommends:
* Using sounds, songs, gestures, and words that rhyme to help your baby learn about language and its many uses.
* Pointing out the printed words in your home and other places you take your child to, such as the grocery store.
* Spending as much time listening to your child as you do talking to her.
* Taking children’s books and writing materials with you whenever you leave home. This gives your child fun activities to entertain and occupy herself while traveling and running errands.
* Creating a quiet, special place in your home for your child to read, write, and draw.
* Keeping books and other reading materials where your child can easily reach them. Having her own bookshelf or small bookcase will not only make her feel special, but will also communicate to her that reading is special.
* Reading books, newspapers and magazines yourself, so that your child can see that reading is important.
* Limiting the amount and type of television you and your child watch.
The best thing for you do to ensure that your child will grow up reading well and loving to read is to read to her every day. The time you spend reading together will create a special bond between the two of you, and will open the doors for a dialogue that will continue throughout the more trying years of adolescence. The Department of Education suggests that, when you’re reading, you discuss new words. As an example, they suggest that you say, “This big house is called a palace. Who do you think lives in a palace?” Likewise, they suggest taking time to ask about the pictures and what your child thinks is happening in the story.
The same report suggests additional strategies for early literacy:
* When reading a book with large print, point at each word as you read it. Your child will understand that the word being spoken is the word she sees.
* Read a favorite book over and over again.
* Read stories with rhyming words and lines that repeat, and have your child join in.
* Read from a variety of children’s books, including fairy tales, poems, and non-fiction.
The more strategies you can incorporate into your child’s reading experience, the more likely you are to help your child develop into a strong reader.
About The Author
Brent Sitton is a founder of http://www.DiscoveryJourney.com, which features tools to promote a love of reading. Character Trait based Children’s Book Reviews include 5 related fun and educational Child Activities to inspire reading passion. http://www.discoveryjourney.com/bookchild.htm http://www.discoveryjourney.com/charactertrait.htm.
Every man has done it - or will do it - and you know who you are! You walk into the lingerie department and pick out something you saw on a size two hottie in a movie and take it home for your lady and then wonder why she never wears it.
Buying sexy lingerie for your lover can be really romantic or really tragic. Intimate underwear is a gift for the two of you. If you get it right it shows that you really care, really pay attention to her and have put effort into thinking about her style.
It can also be very hazardous to your relationship if you bring home something that is more bordello than bedroom.
Get it right, guys, and there are some MAJOR brownie points to be earned.
Get it wrong, well…that is where I come in…don’t ever get it wrong again!
Before you even leave the house or start surfing the net to buy anything make sure you remember the cardinal rule of lingerie buying IT IS NOT FOR YOU!! OK - maybe in a roundabout way it is - but you are not wearing it. Remember who is wearing it. If you buy a strappy leather cupless crotchless number for the lady who has never worn anything except plain jane the chances are slim she is going to feel comfortable in it. Chances are she will tell you to wear it!
Think of her style - you can never go wrong with lace and the nice stretchy mesh. If it is your first time buying stick with something basic but different - you can always get more daring next time if she responds to your choice.
For the most part women want lingerie that says “I love you” NOT “Let’s do it”
The second thing you want to do is do some research - DO NOT try to guess her size - unless you find the couch and dog a more comfortable night than your bed and a nice lady in lingerie. Look into the things she already has and get the size of something similar to what you plan to buy. Women’s sizes vary by manufacturer. Meshes and stretchy materials tend to be more forgiving and range sizes (something marked Small/Medium) are a better bet than something marked Size 4. Bra sizes tend to be true or at least close.
Pay attention to things she comments on when watching movies and such - does she go gaga over the things the girls in Sex and the City wear or does she just HAVE to have that dress Mrs. Cleaver was wearing? Note the colors and styles of her regular lingerie - there is usually a difference between a black lingerie lover and a red lingerie lover. Remember, you want to buy something she will wear for you and something that will cause her to think about you when she wears it - so you want it to be her style.
THINGS TO AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!!!
Avoid anything marked “Control” or “Slimming” These are to suck in bellies and hide excess weight - not the sexiest message in the world, eh?
Gel filled, water filled and cleavage enhancing bras - Okay if it is her style, but otherwise No No No - she may feel like you wish she were larger on top.
Kinky stuff in general doesn’t generally work as an “I love you” kind of gift unless it is something you two have talked about and decided you wanted to try out. It is not the kind of thing you want to just buy on your own but more of a joint decision.
A word or two about presentation: Handing her the bag from the store with the receipt attached takes some of the romance out of the gift. Most stores will have a gift-wrapping service for a couple of bucks. After all of the thought you put into the lingerie, it is well worth it - otherwise, you can go to any card and gift shop and get a nice gift bag and tissue paper and a sexy card and make your own pretty package.
Shopping online: One of the great things about shopping for lingerie online is that there is a ton of information available that you simply cannot find in a lingerie store. When browsing an online lingerie retailer take a look at their gift ideas, top sellers list et cetera for ideas of what are popular choices.
KEEP THE RECEIPT Even after all of your hard work and dedication she just may prefer something else - always keep the receipt in a safe place and you can go back together to pick out a replacement. Use it as a learning experience to find out what she liked or did not like and next time you can make an even better choice.
Copyright 2005 http://www.katieroseintimates.com/
Katie Rose is the owner of Katie Rose Intimates Sexy Costumes and Lingerie at http://www.katieroseintimates.com/ A fine lingerie shop featuring sexy costumes, fantasy clothing, leather and lace and intimate apparel in sexy, erotic, romantic and unique styles - with special attention for the plus size woman.
ATTENTION WEBMASTERS and EZINE PUBLISHERS - Permission is granted to publish this article on your site or in your Ezine but ONLY if my bio paragraph is included and all links are hyperlinked. I would also appreciate a note letting me know that you are using it, although it is not mandatory, I just like to see where my work is being used.
During the past thirty years there has been a steadily growing amount of scientific evidence linking vitamins and minerals to having a direct effect in protecting one’s self from aging. Apart from the usual health benefits that we can receive from having adequate amounts of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients in our body, it’s also a highly appealing note to include that being healthy inside will actually reflect on how we look like on the outside. This is why a great change in one’s lifestyle is highly encouraged, a healthy way of living can still be achieved given that you have the patience and enough self-discipline to actually control yourself from wolfing down hamburgers and steaks as well as chugging bottles of soda each and every day.
And the health benefits don’t just stop there, along with the youthful appearance, a healthy lifestyle can actually result to a wonderful effect on your immune system, strengthening it and eventually making you more active and less likely to catch any illness. There are a number of nutrients that have shown to be necessary in improving how our immune system functions. Antioxidants such as vitamins A, C, E, beta carotene and selenium have been shown to boost resistance. The minerals zinc and magnesium are also important for immune function. To ensure a good bill of health, it is important that you have to make sure that you’re getting the right amount of these antioxidants each and every day, from a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet to nutrition supplements, it really is quite easy to be healthy. However, antioxidants such as zinc and magnesium can be found in dairy products and seafood.
Certain vitamins and minerals have been shown to aid in the prevention of some degenerative diseases and illnesses and peculiarities that are brought about by aging. Antioxidants can actually help lower the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration which are conditions associated with aging. Experts actually suggest that antioxidants can help slow the aging process by reducing the daily cell damage done by environmental pollution and time. Vitamin E has been linked with a lower risk of heart disease. Niacin a B vitamin can help in reducing the level of cholesterol in the body. While some other nutrients that are helpful in protecting against age related disorders are selenium, cartenoids, flavinoids and some Amino acids.
Proper nutrition via the diet can actually be quite a feat for some who have never diet in their entire lives, as hard as it may seem to be at first, a well-balanced diet is definitely achievable. Even though people often work longer and harder while parents tend to both work hard in order to provide for their family, it is not an excuse for people to be neglecting their health by filling their bodies with all sorts of junk Another difficulty comes in being surrounded by a lot of processed food that don’t really pack in the nutritional value that a person needs to stay healthy. This problem goes as far as the lack of minerals from the soil, which in turn causes our food to be a lot less healthy that it should be. Even vegetables nowadays cannot be relied on to fill in the necessary nutritional requirements that one needs in order to be healthy.
This is the reason why nutritional supplements greatly abound in check out counters and drugstores nowadays. Not only are they affordable but they can also prove to be a good source of the added vitamins, minerals and other nutrients that a person needs in order to stay healthy and fit. Consult a licensed dietician or your family physician to be able to choose the right kind of nutritional supplement for you.
Note: This article may be freely reproduced as long as the AUTHOR’S resource box at the bottom of this article is included and and all links must be Active/Linkable with no syntax changes.
Charlene J. Nuble 2005. For up to date links and information about Vitamins, please go to: http://vitamins.besthealthlink.net/ or for updated links and information on all health related topics, go to: http://www.besthealthlink.net/
Bathroom Floor Plan Remodel - Help Is At Hand
by: Martin Smith
A bathroom floor Plan remodel project can be a daunting task –not generally a task for the do-it-yourselfer. There are some amenities that you see in the bathrooms for multi-million dollar homes that can be incorporated into your master bath for between $400 and $8,000. One of the easiest jobs to tackle is the lighting. The recessed bathroom lighting is so popular with contractors will cause shadows over your bathroom vanity unless you have some additional light source.
Remodel a bathroom floor plan by having a floor heating system installed under your bathroom floor. Imagine stepping out of the shower onto a warm custom heated floor. The floor heating will help to warm up the bath with floor to ceiling warmth. Another inexpensive element that can be included when you remodel your bathroom is an chromo-therapy system. Streams of color can be shown through either standing or running water. This helps to relax you. You can buy bath, shower, and sink systems with chromo-therapy options. Multiple shower heads with differing sprays and jets to massage and relax you can bre installed in your bathroom. The cost of this shower systems can run between $3,200 and $5,500 depending on the kinds and number of heads you choose.
Another interesting bathroom option when you are remodeling your master bath is a stream shower. This system provides a mist of steam that makes your skin feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Most of these projects require someone very knowledgeable in plumbing and laying of pipe. Before you remodel your bathroom, check to see if your local building codes allow you to make these changes.
About The Author
Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for homebuyers on purchasing a variety House Plans, his articles provide a resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-4-house-plans.com.
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