Why Can't We Invent a Toilet That Flushes ... Forever?!

All I wanted for my birthday was for my toilets to work. Well, that’s not really the only thing; it’s just high on an extensive list. You see, I’ve lived in the same townhome for seventeen years this month and things are beginning to decay, along with its owner, but I’ll get to that later.

I only have a few dislikes in life; two of them that I really detest are: stoplights and malfunctioning and obstinate toilet mechanisms.

Stoplights are easy to hate…they turn red when you’re in a hurry and don’t want to stop, plus, we so much waste gas sitting at them. I probably waste more gas by driving around the block to avoid them. Why haven’t more American cities utilized the roundabout that much of the world utilizes?

Toilets are another story altogether.

They often continue to fill wasting precious water because the design of the internal mechanism is archaic. Ostensibly, there’s a black ball that is supposed to float to the surface of the contained water and shut off the valve when the tank is full. Well, it never floats high enough and constantly requires time and attention.

Having reached that frustrating station in life where the toilet is becoming a close personal friend, because of too much coffee, tea, wine, water, or whatever, I now visit my confidante during the night more than I used to.

Finishing my business, I sleepily get back into bed while the toilet is filling. I wait, thinking the contraption will shut off eventually. I pull a pillow over my head, so I won’t hear what I’m thinking about. But it’s still there, running monotonously.

Peeved, I get up, take the tank lid off, pull up the rod, slam the lid back on and storm off to bed. But now, I’m too upset to get back to sleep. Brother, I gotta get a life or more patience.

In my usual pragmatic manner, I really tried to solve the problem: I’ve bent the rod attached to the ball to make it lower, given the intellectual understanding that the pressure of being further under water would add more force on the ball to surface; I’ve lubricated the valve with so much WD-40 that an oily film now coats the inside of the tank; I’ve extended the ball to the absolute end of the rod, thinking that if it was further from the valve and lower in the water it had to pop up and shut the system off.

Right.

In a world with of such fancy gadgetry like: cell phones that take pictures and connect to the Internet, satellite guided navigation systems mounted in the dash of your car; wireless hand-held computers; watches that do everything but make coffee; his and hers individualized inflatable mattresses complete with a sleep numbering system; implanted chips in our pets to identify them if they get lost…why can’t we invent a toilet that flushes, forever!?!

I know I know, I should just be happy and grateful that there aren’t any telemarketers bugging me at 5:15 pm each night anymore. Did you ever notice that they never sell new and improved toilet flushers? I should just eat mass quantities of chocolate, it's supposed to help men cope.

Anyway you look at it, toilets are a pain in the butt (sorry, I couldn’t resist myself).

Long years ago, my Dad remodeled his bathroom. The color of the era was pink. This past year, the toilet went kaput and a new one was needed, but do you think a pink one could be found? No one sells pink anymore, we were told. Not even to Mary Kay with her pink Cadillac’s?

And what’s up with padded toilet seats? I hope I don’t get any of those for my birthday. I hate it when I go to someone’s home and there’s a padded toilet seat. They just don’t seem natural. How do you clean it? They’re just weird to me.

And where did the blue water things go? None of my friend’s use them anymore, did blue go out of favor just like pink? I digress.

Well, to be forthright, I’ve already solved the problem. Or I should say my Dad did. He couldn’t stand the toilets running on either (it’s a family thing), so I bought the replacements and he changed all three of them for me as a birthday gift...how ‘bout that?

Thanks, Dad. I love being a kid, even if, an inept, 58 year-old one.

These new flushers are revolutionary though, no ball, no rod...no foolin’. It’s a self-contained plastic mechanism that’s a complete mystery, just like Santa Claus.

The only obvious drawback is when it stops working, I can’t bend, submerge, oil or extend anything. I’ll have to buy a new one. Therein lies the rub: planned obsolescence. The manufactures are always a step ahead of us, huh?

Well, at least it’s one item that I can check off my “All I want for birthday” list. I wonder if I’ll get the Ronco onion chopper or the Chia pet I’ve ask for? Hmmm

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A Quick Guide to Air Purifiers For Your Home

Every year the air pollution levels in the United States of America are rising dramatically and there doesn’t seem to be a lot we can do as individuals to stop these levels from rising.

In our houses the air quality is said to be up to 100 times worse than the quality of the air outside!! With the air pollution levels in city areas being up amongst the highest in the world imagine how bad the air we breathe every day in our own homes in. This “poor air quality” in our homes can be caused by the build up of dust, mould spores, pet hair, smoke, bacteria and more. No wonder more and more Americans are suffering from respiratory problems such as asthma and allergy cases are increasing exponentially.

Many people think that the only people who need to invest in an air purifier are those with extremely serious cases of asthma or allergies but this is not true. If we don’t have something to help keep the levels of pollutants in our homes at a reasonable level guess what will do most of the “cleaning” for you. Your lungs. Imagine all those particles floating around that you breathe in every day being trapped in your lungs. Yuck!!

Air Purifiers, especially for those in inner city areas are becoming a necessity.

But, there are so many different types, which one is best?? Let’s run through the main types and their differences.

HEPA Filter Air Purifier – uses a fan and a cloth filter that traps pollutants that are 0.3microns or larger which means that pollutants are taken out of the air altogether however smaller particles like those in chemicals, gases or smoke are not trapped. This air purifier can also make more noise than most.

Ozone Air Purifier – This machine releases ozone, which is an oxidant that destroys certain bacteria, gases and chemicals. Unfortunately while ozone is very effective on these pollutants, once it reacts with them it can leave other pollutants behind as a result of this reaction and it does not destroy many other major allergens and chemicals.

Carbon Air Purifiers – the carbon filter in these machines is highly effective in trapping odors, gases and chemicals in tiny pores throughout the carbon. Unfortunately the carbon won’t trap most allergens however some carbon air purifiers combine with a HEPA filter increasing the effectiveness in the household.

Ionic Air Purifier – these filters release ions into the air, which causes particles to gain either a positive or negative charge. The machine also has collection plates with either a positive or negative charge to attract the charged particles (with the opposite charge) to them, trapping them. Charged particles will also be attracted to other particles with the opposite charge causing them to be too heavy to float in the air; therefore they drop to the floor. These machines are quiet and effective on tiny particles but don’t remove odors or kill germs.

UV Light Air Purifiers – UV light can sterilize germs, bacteria and mold if passed under it for sufficient time. This will stop them from growing and reproducing. Some people say that in UV air purifiers the time these pollutants are under the light is not long enough. If combined with a HEPA filter it can increase the effectiveness on disease causing microorganisms but it is still not effective on allergens, odors, gases or chemicals.

Purifying Hydroxyl Radicals – Hydroxyl radicals are created naturally on Earth when oxygen atoms combine with a hydrogen atom pulled from water vapor. They destroy mold, bacteria and virus pollutants faster and more effectively that ozone but still don’t work on other allergens. There is a machine that combines hydroxyl radicals, UV light and negative ions to create the most efficient air purifying system available. Unfortunately, at the moment it may only available from one manufacturer.

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Residential Boilers

In the United States most households are equipped with residential boilers. They transmit the heat required to operate water heaters and heating systems, providing relief from chilly winter conditions. Residential boilers are used for heating purposes in buildings and are immensely of great use to the people. Residential boilers include Category I type of boilers. Non-positive vent pressure and non-condensing and incorporate natural draft appliances mark them.

In residential boilers the heat exchanger integrates the heat transfer competence of copper-finned tubes with the mass of two cast-iron wet walls encasing the combustion chamber. The units are readily obtainable in a variety of sizes to fit almost every residential heating load. Residential boiler systems are known for their high degree of operational efficiencies that can reach up to 84.5% AFUE. Most of the residential boilers have certain exclusive features including boiler-mounted induced draft fans to aid in sidewall-vented installations.

Residential boilers are characterized by clean combustion. They have an immensely high level of efficiency. Since they are meant for residential purposes they are known for their economical operation and longevity.

Residential boilers are flawless central heating sources for single- or multiple-family homes. They ensure consistent heating for a long time. Most modern residential boilers are compact in design and use the most sophisticated combustion and manufacturing technologies.

The efficiency of certain residential boilers can be as impressive as 98%. Most residential boilers are self-adaptive in structure and compatible with varying conditions. Ideal residential boilers integrate the immense effectiveness of modern copper boilers with the long-life consistency of cast-iron boilers.

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Vacuum Cleaner Belts – Essential Shopping

Vacuum cleaner belts are, like the disposable bags we use in our home cleaner, one of those extra vacuum accessories that we sometimes need to buy. While there are probably a hundred other things we would rather spend our money on, vacuum cleaner belts are simply one of those things in life that we can’t do without, and while purchasing them, and other vacuum cleaner parts, might not be half as much fun as shopping for great clothing bargains, we can’t doubt that vacuum cleaner belts help our home cleaner to do an important job.

Because vacuum cleaner belts are the most likely vacuum part to need replacement, it is a good idea to know where you can get a good deal on them. Pivotal in allowing the brushes at the base of your cleaner to operate properly, vacuum cleaner belts are vulnerable to any items you might encounter on the floor as you vacuum. If you get caught up with TV cables or your child’s small toys as you clean, then you’ll be glad your research is already done, because it’s likely that the loser in such a tangle will be your vacuum cleaner belt!

Like the disposable bags that are an essential part of using a bagged cleaning system, vacuum cleaner belts are available in both brand name and generic types. While the manufacturer of a particular vacuum is likely to recommend you use the brand name vacuum cleaner belt with your cleaner, the generic type of belt can perform the job just as well, and usually for a fraction of the price. The vacuum cleaner belt pack should indicate what vacuum types a particular belt can be used with, so be sure to read it carefully before you buy.

The generic types of vacuum cleaner belts can usually be found at your local hardware store, but for brand name belts you will need to track down your local vacuum dealer. A great way to locate vacuum cleaner belts is the Internet, and you should be able to find both brand name and generic vacuum cleaner belts without too much trouble.

It’s true that shopping for vacuum cleaner belts isn’t much fun, but those small rubber bands definitely help get the job done! And once your vacuum cleaner belt has been installed and the vacuuming is done, then you’ll have all the time in the world for the type of shopping that really matters!

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Going Stainless

Stainless steel cookware is loved by many. There are advantages to stainless steel cookware. First of all, though there are some things you should know.

Because stainless steel is an alloy that starts with iron and then adds up to 8 other alloys, there is a difference between stainless steel cookware. The quality of the cookware depends on what is added to the mix.

You can find a very low quality, inexpensive set of stainless steel cookware. This may not be the set for you, especially if you do a lot of cooking and have high expectations of your cookware. Do you want a stainless steel cookware set that does not produce even cooking? Would you want a stainless steel pan that is subject to rusting? Probably not!

There is a very easy test you can use to determine whether a stainless steel pan is a good quality one. Take a magnet with you when shopping for cookware. If the magnet sticks to the pan it is a lower grade and may not be the one you should purchase.

You can look for other features that signify a higher quality stainless steel cookware pan or set. Pay attention to the bottom of the pans. Sometimes aluminum or copper is added to the bottom or even all around the pan. This improves heat conductivity.

The best stainless steel cookware will have a lifetime warranty, 18/10 grades, metal handles and thick heat diffusing bottoms. This type of cookware should be easy to maintain and should also be dent and scratch resistant.

Many stainless steel cookware pans or sets are very durable and are non porous. Some do not conduct heat well and this type of cookware can be quite pricey. You may want to purchase one piece when it is on sale and see if it’s what you really want.

With all the cookware out there you have many choices so make sure you get a stainless steel cookware set that is extremely hard and cooks food evenly. You do not want a set that will pit or discolor. The surface of the cookware should be smooth and you will also want to make sure that the food you are cooking does not react to the elements the cookware is made from.

Look online at sites that have stainless steel cookware. You may be able to get the best prices this way. When you buy online you can find exactly what you want and you can even order one piece at a time. Stainless steel cookware may be the perfect recipe for your cooking needs.

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Home Appliances

Stone age is to fire as new age to electricity. The morning today begins with the alarm clock, the electronic brushes making an early morning easier and water heaters turning the languid bath in a luscious spa. You throw your clothes in a fully automatic washer and dryer and ready for pulling the milk can from your new three-door defrost refrigerator. The oven, the toaster, the microwave and the coffee maker are all geared up to serve the fabulous feast you can ever imagine to gobble without a disagreement which comes complimentary when you play ‘Whodunnit’ instead of employing euphoric electric servants. Timeless and tidy appliances have chopped off those elaborate meal deals allowing you to drive down to your favorite beach house.

With our lives driving down the fast tracks, who has time to scrub and brush those small household chores? The elegant woman with the pearl necklace and high heels is all appreciative of the dishwasher and the vacuum cleaners, if not the husbands. You never imagined fun in the sun until air conditioners came into being. A prerequisite to the contemporary lifestyles appliances are a necessity than a luxury. The key to be a super mom today is to watch wonder kid and Electric house.

The Sunday newspaper, cricket in the afternoon with the smart kids and salsa in the evening to please your wife, would only be an unrealistic dream if the plug and play technology wasn’t invented. You don’t have to run to the employment bureaus anymore for the domestic help, just prepare yourself to pay the electricity bills and whoa! Life is bliss. Say goodbye to those muscle pulls, backaches, twisted necks and tired arms; enjoy the new taste of life. Though the appliances do it all for us (leaving us obese coupled with lung problems due to carbon monoxide released by them), aren’t we hungry for more?

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Emergency Generators for Homes, Businesses, and Industries

Emergency generators are very important tools in many applications that most of us do not realize. From providing emergency power to home owners to keeping electrical power systems up and running in hospitals, emergency generators provide a vital role. Some of these roles may not be as obvious as they are taken for granted on a day to day basis for both residential and business owners. Even major industries do not fully appreciate an emergency generator system until there is a major disaster. Like other events, it sometimes takes something happening for us to learn and appreciate the need for things. The same can be said about emergency generators. Now lets look at some areas where emergency generators can come in very handy, life savers even.

For home owners, an emergency generator can be considered a waste because it is not often used and blackouts and other natural disasters may not hit particular areas for more than 20 years. Buying an emergency generator is not about whether something will happen but rather on being prepared when something does happen. Most of us should have a fire extinguisher in the house in case of fires. The same should be considered for emergency generators. When there is a massive blackout that last for a few days or weeks, how great and comforting it would be to know that everyday life would not be as disrupted. You can still have heat, light, and yes the TV while your neighbor is left in the cold, without AC, or other necessities. Emergency generators can be compared to insurance for the house. We don't expect anything to happen but we pay a premium just in case. An emergency generator is a one time purchase that should last several years when properly maintained and when a blackout out or natural disaster does occur, you are well prepared.

Some areas may be more at risk without an emergency generator than others. A home owner in Florida or southern Louisiana which is more prone to hurricanes or homeowners in very cold winters areas may find emergency generators more useful than say an area where natural disasters are pretty much nonexistent and weather will not cause severe injury. States in tornado alley probably will find emergency generators more useful than a home owner in Hawaii.

Emergency generators also have a big role in businesses and industries. A store owner who can stay open or keep security systems on during a blackout will definitely come out on top. being able to provide customers with electrical power when the competition cannot is definitely a major advantage. This can be applied to any business from hotels to gas stations. The casino industry also use emergency generators to insure not only the safety of their players but the security of winnings and all financial transactions. Having been in a casino during a blackout myself, it feels good to know that chaos will not ensue if a black out occurs as all lights and security systems are backed up and all slot machines are restarted with memory savings so if I have $300 in a machine, the money will still be in there after a blackout. Hospitals use the same concept but are more important as they can deal with life and death situations. Emergency generators here keep surgeries, life support systems, and other electrical appliances running during blackouts and after natural disasters.

For most businesses, it is just good business practice to have some sort of emergency electrical generator to keep things running smoothly. Many government regulated facilities like power plants, water and waste treatment plants, and government buildings all have some sort of emergency generator to provide electrical power. This kind of preparation is necessary for those rare times when something big does happen. Well hopefully I have convinced a few of my readers to at least think about purchasing an emergency generator for home or business.

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