Air Purifiers - A First Time Buyers Guide

The aim of keeping an air purifier is to free the air from all of the contaminants. When environmental researchers highlighted the fact that the indoor air is dirtier than the outdoor air, the popularity and the demand for air purifiers soared. Air purifiers will be helpful to persons suffering from allergies and asthma and to those who want to reduce the risk of passive smoking.

Air purifiers on the market use various different techniques for purification of the air. Electrostatic charges, ionizers, charcoal and absorbents are some of the methods used to purify the air. Germicidal ultra violet light is also used for this purpose. Find more info at www.onlyairpurifiers.info

Visual appeal, noise level and filter replacement frequency are some of the factors to be taken into account when selecting an air purifier. Filters also come in many different varieties. Some of them can be cleaned by hand, water or by vacuuming. Some of these filters need to be replaced within months depending upon the usage.

Air purifiers filtering out 99.97 percent of particles of 0.3 micrometers in the air are set as the best air purifier. These types of purifiers are very expensive.

The Association of Home Appliance Manufactures (AHAM) is the agency rating the performance of various air purifiers. The indicator used is the clean air delivery rating. There is some controversy over the claim involving ionic air purifiers since these machines generate the pollutant ozone. High concentration of ozone emitted by the air purifiers can pose some threat to health.

According to the American Lung Association, the effectiveness of an air purifier depends on the unit's efficiency and the amount of air drawn through it. Look into the type of pollutants it will capture and the percentage it captures. Select a device that circulates air many times an hour. .

Besides air circulation, ensure to consider other factors such as:

- Can it move air from all corners of the room

- Size of the room

- Whether the air purifier is meant for any specific problem such as smoke or pollen.

- Adaptability to the change in needs.

Cost of an air purifier and its efficiency are not related. Recurring costs are also to be taken into account. The energy needed to run the purifier will make quite a lot of difference to the power bill. Noise can be a big problem if the air purifier is meant for use in a bedroom or in the family room, since many air purifiers use loud motors to draw air through filters.

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Air Cleaner Basics: Factors To Consider

When purchasing an air cleaner or an air cleaning system, it is important to take into account several different factors that could very definitely affect your purchasing decision. As with all products, there is a need for installation and maintenance. Also, you’ll need to compare the initial cost of available units. Do any of the air cleaners you are considering produce additional pollutants or re-disperse those it has removed back into the air? Consider if any claim to be able to remove all odors and if there are any cases of complaint that the cleaner you have in mind has ever soiled wall and other surfaces.

Be sure that the installation of the air cleaner you choose is simplistic and that you can complete the process correctly without questions. Of course, you’ll want to comparison shop, looking at different models to contrast their efficiency levels, volume capacity, and especially price. However, the initial cost is not the only price you should be concerned with, as all air cleaners need regular maintenance to keep up a good functionality. If heavy or expensive maintenance is required, it may not be worth the sale price.

Once an air filter catches and removes polluting particles from the air, they should be trapped and not redistributed by the device. What good does it do to remove a harmful substance from our air source if it’s going to get kicked right back into it? Other costs to consider are operational costs (such as added electricity to power the unit) that will not disappear and will probably only increase with rising energy rates as time goes on.

Not all odors will be removed, as air filters don’t remove gaseous pollutants, which are often the smelliest. You may also be concerned with the knowledge that some air cleaners tend to soil the walls through the ionization

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Outstanding Details About How To Charge Personal Air Coolers

If you are wondering about how to charge air coolers, then here is a simple solution. The air coolers can be charged with batteries that make the coolers work effectively. Make sure that you keep the batteries cooler when you are charging them so that it can be used faster again. The coolers can be best charged with a specific battery that implements patented new air-cooled charging technology in the coolers. This system enables the battery to automatically get cooled down during the charging process.

The natural process of charging ensures that the batteries will get heated up when it have already worked for sometime, thereby preventing immediate and effective recharge of the batteries. This was a disadvantage evident in the batteries used previously to charge the air coolers. So a thorough research was conducted and the modern battery was discovered that helped in the charging of the air coolers in an effective way. You can charge your air coolers with these batteries as they help in quick charging and immediately make re-charging of the air coolers possible.

How does the battery work?

The charging process conducted by the batteries is hi-tech and so the coolers get effective charging. The charging occurs through an array of ducts present in the battery and for a fan present in the interiors of the charger that draws in cool air from the nearby spaces through the battery cells and then out of the charger. The charging process by these batteries, thus, gets 30% quicker and the batteries also last longer. This considerably saves your time as you can avoid the problems of waiting for your batteries of your air cooler to get charged.

Another outstanding feature of the air cooler chargers is the refresh button function that automatically brings the performance-impairing unbalanced charge levels of the cells back into one line. However, this cell-balancing system should be conducted once in every two weeks when it is heavily used and once a month when the coolers are moderately used. These batteries can offer power ranging from 12 V! In conjunction with Li-Power technology to the coolers while it is getting charged. So these batteries are the most effective air cooler chargers for all.

Other Batteries for Charging your Air Cooler

If you use your air cooler on less frequent intervals, then you can take the help of other charging batteries to charge the air coolers. These batteries allow the air cooler to get charged for an extended period of 15 minutes right after a power cut. You can conveniently use these batteries in any of the air cooler models and they promise 30 to 80 hours of constant cooling process. That saves your money and power to a great extent. These are more commonly known as back-up system batteries that not only charge the air coolers conveniently but also make a big difference in your comfort level and budgetary matters.

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Finding The Very Best Kitchen Appliances For Your Home

Most apartment kitchens are already supplied with stoves and refrigerators included. However, if you need a new stove, microwave, or refrigerator there are many types of such appliances that are good buys, you just need to know what brand, size, and type etc. that you need. Here are some ideas to get you started if you are looking for new stoves, refrigerators, microwaves or other kitchen appliances:

* Refrigerators:

Refrigerators are essential kitchen appliances

§ The most popular and convenient refrigerators are side-by-side as opposed to the actual fridge part being on the bottom and the freezer on top or vice versa.

§ Water and ice dispensers on the outside of the door are a very nice touch that make water and, if you choose, ice water easily accessible.

§ There are even refrigerators, such as ones GE has designed, that are shallower in depth than traditional model refrigerators, which making it much easier to seek and reach for things stored at the back of fridge. As you probably know, food can go bad way back there, usually because you never see it when you look around for something to eat.

And of course, there are much smaller refrigerators that are not so much kitchen appliances as they are conveniences for the office, dorm rooms or recreational vehicles etc. These items are very handy in a lot of ways, and designed especially for the purposes I just mentioned. Virtually all kitchen appliance manufacturers offer such items.

· The dishwasher:

Most dishwashers come with push button controls or simple to use dials in the front. Dishwashers in general are fairly accessible appliances, but sometimes you will want to do a little research on the reliability of such kitchen appliances before purchasing your dishwasher.

Dishwashers are usually at least 34" high and will fit perfectly beneath a standard 36" high counter. Unfortunately, standards kitchen appliances do not work for everybody.

For example:

Some people are very tall and have trouble bending. In these cases the person should try to have a higher dishwasher installed, (and often will have higher counters as well). This approach will make their experience in their kitchens a whole lot less painful—and such accommodations for the installation of kitchen appliances is sometimes even doctor recommended.

For another example:

People who use wheelchairs often find it easier and more accessible to have a kitchen counter that has provides space underneath it so that they can pull their wheelchair right up to the counter like a chair. Thus the size of the dishwasher they choose to purchase will have to be carefully considered.

· The stove:

Of all kitchen appliances the stove is one of the most important. There are plenty of kitchen appliance manufacturers currently designing burners and ovens especially with different kinds of accessibility in mind.

§ Knobs:

Sometimes there are knobs or push-button controls in the front of the stove. This way the user does not ever have to reach across a hot burner while cooking.

§ Ceramic cooktop units:

Another great kind of stove is the type of stove or burners with flat surfaces. These kitchen appliances allow you to easily slide pots and pans from one area to another, and are incredibly easy to clean up after.

· Ovens:

The way that the oven door opens is also very important.

§ Many ovens have a door that pulls downward. This sort of door will provide a very convenient transitional shelf.

§ On the other hand, some consumers prefer a door that swings to the left or to the right. This may seem to allow him or her better access to the oven racks inside.

* Microwaves:

Microwaves are kitchen appliances that are safer and much less expensive than other kitchen appliances. They are easier to operate than conventional ovens especially because you set the cook time and the microwave immediately turns itself off. This is a great feature for the forgetful cook. Sure you can set a timer for your oven, but the oven stays hot and if you do not hear the dinger—supper may be burned, and you may even have to disconnect the smoke alarm. But with a microwave oven, the item you have heated up will just sit there, waiting for you to remember it.

§ Look for features like a microwave with a door release that can be simply pushed shut.

§ Many microwaves have pads for programming the operation you need, such as cooking popcorn, re-heating soup or beverages, defrosting frozen leftovers etc. These pads are terrific, unless you have low vision. Or you can, of course, set your own time and heat levels with the number and cooking level pads.

§ Some microwaves have a timer dial rather than a touch pad.

* Smaller conveniences:

Other kinds of kitchen appliances are not necessary, but make for great accessories and can be incredibly useful in the kitchen. Without some of these smaller and less essential kitchen appliances, there are some things that you will not be able to make.

§ In-sink garbage disposers:

It is easy to become dependant on in-sink water dispensers. Once you get used to not having to scrape off the remains of your meal on or in your dishes into the trashcan it becomes habitual to take the dishes straight to the kitchen sink. If you do this without an in sink garbage dispenser your drain will get clogged—and quickly.

In sink garbage disposals are designed especially to dispose of food waste easily. And they will help your trashcans smell better longer, for lack of rotting food collecting inside.

§ Instant hot water dispensers:

Instant hot water dispensers can be a great convenience for those who need quick access for things like coffee or soup. However, it takes only a minute or two more to heat your water in the microwave. Accessories such as instant hot water dispensers are a fancy touch to add to your kitchen for extra convenience.

There are many kitchen appliances to choose from that I have not mentioned here. Popular and smaller items such as blenders, coffee makers, espresso machines, mixers, egg timers and more are great items to own, though not essential. Whatever kitchen appliances you choose to purchase for your kitchen, make sure they are in high quality condition and will be long lasting for your convenience.

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Countertop Dishwasher

Of all the inventions made for the kitchen, the dishwasher would rank as one the top ones. No more scrubbing and rinsing and drying off plates and cups and utensils after a good meal. A dishwasher is especially for city folk who are on the go all day and all week. You can grab a meal on the go, prep them up on proper tableware and then clean off the tableware in a dishwasher. No fuss, no mess. Dishwashers come in several shapes and sizes. There are built-in dishwashers, stand-alone dishwashers and countertop dishwashers.

The countertop dishwasher is perfect for singles, couples or a small family. It is designed to occupy a small area on the kitchen countertop – normally right next to the sink as the countertop dishwasher usually hooks up to the faucet for its source of water. You also need a power point nearby to run the dishwasher. Make sure that you hook up the water pipes tightly though as a loose connection in this area will flood your countertop quite quickly. You also need to make some space in your sink for the draining pipe.

Like most dishwashers, the countertop dishwasher runs on either the tablet type detergent or a combination of dishwasher soap and rinser. When using the tablet type detergent, you would normally not need to get the dishwasher rinsing fluid, as it would have already been included in the tablet. If you are living in parts of the world where hard water is supplied to your home, then you will need to get dishwashing salt as well.

Operating a countertop dishwasher is really very simple. Before putting in your used dishes in the portable dishwasher, make sure that any leftovers are thrown away. Arrange the dishes in the proper places inside the portable dishwasher to ensure maximum cleaning efficiency. Make sure that your dishes are not obstructing the water spraying mechanisms inside the countertop dishwasher. Top up the dishwasher soap and rinsing fluid. Close it up and let the dishwasher run through its cycle. Once done, it is advisable to open the countertop dishwasher door to let the dishes dry. You have the option of air drying it or wiping the dishes dry. Be sure to clean the draining filter once in a while to prevent blockages.

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A Deep Fryer Guide to Mini Deep Fryers

If you’re just one person, or someone with a small family who is wanting to deep fry food in the comfort of your own kitchen, then you need a mini deep fryer. Like with any cookware appliance, certain aspects of a mini deep fryer that you want to look for are durability, easy of use, safety, easy clean-up, and a style that meets your particular needs and general liking.

Mini deep fryers are a perfect addition to a small family’s cookware collection, or for anyone’s personal use. What you’re going to be able to find with a lot of mini deep fryers is the option of dual use as not just a deep fryer, but also a fondue pot. When you have limited space in your kitchen, this can be a big plus. Below is some information about a very popular mini deep fryer, the ‘Nesco Mini Fry N’ Fondue:

The Nesco Mini Fry N’ Fondue is a three-cup deep fryer. It has a polypropylene exterior and an aluminum oil reservoir with a non-stick surface that makes it easy to clean up and easy to store. It has a removable lid and replaceable filter. One of its most attractive features is its viewing window in which you can actually watch your food cooking. With the three-cup oil capacity it has 950 watts of power. The lid actually stays in place while you lower and raise the frying basket to keep burning hot oil from splattering anywhere, which helps ensure safety. Safety is also found in the cool touch feature and non-skid feet on the bottom of the fryer. Finally, you can use your dishwasher to wash both the basket and the lid.

To learn more about other mini deep fryers you can get online and search a number of web sites that feature detailed reviews on various cookwares, including various types and brands of mini deep fryers. They come in different, attractive, and fun colors and styles. Their small size and portability make them easy to store in a home kitchen. You could also visit local department stores that sell cookware, or kitchen specialty stores, and consult with someone in person about mini deep fryers, while at the same time being able to see and touch them up close. They are a fun cooking item to have and use, and can be a great way to share cooking experiences with your children due to their easy use and safety features

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Use Dry Carpet Cleaning Equipment to Avoid Messy Liquids

Looking for a mean of cleaning your carpets without all the liquid chemicals, which can cause spots to reappear as it dries, you may consider dry carpet cleaning equipment as a dryer, cleaner alternative.

While the cleaners used in dry carpet cleaning equipment may still be wet, they generally use a carbonating cleaner to remove stains. Similar to using a club soda on stains in clothing, these carbonating cleaners are used sparingly to break down the dirt and stains in a carpet and are then extracted to be virtually dry immediately after cleaning.

A company called ChemDry, www.chemdry.com, has perfected this method of cleaning and several franchises are locate throughout the company to help make their dry carpet cleaning equipment available for cleaning your carpets. You can have it cleaned in the morning and use it that night.

No Soapy Liquids Left Behind

Typical carpet cleaners use water and liquid detergents to clean. What really happens is that they leave a wet soapy residue to dry on the rug. This wetness becomes a main attraction for dirt and often pulls dirt from under the rug to bring stains to the surface. Another company using dry carpet cleaning equipment is at www.drycarpet.com which uses Swedry cleaners of clean and leave the carpet dry in a matter of minutes.

Since nearly all carpet dirt, an estimated 85 percent, can be removed by vacuuming, this process uses a moistened granular cleaner to get to remaining 15 percent, usually comprised of grease and oils. Using dry carpet cleaning equipment the rug is thoroughly vacuumed before the granules are applied. They break down and absorb the oily dirt and then are vacuumed up with the dry carpet cleaning equipment and removed.

Because the granules are moistened and not wet, the carpet is ready for use at about the same time the dry carpet cleaning equipment is done doing its job. The big secret to dry carpet cleaning equipment is the vacuuming process. By removing all loose dirt from a carpet with a quality vacuum cleaner before using any dry carpet cleaning equipment increase your chance of success at achieving a cleaner, healthier carpet.

While some people insist a carpet isn’t clean unless it has been saturated with wet chemical cleaners, dry carpet cleaning is fast becoming a trend. The ability to clean only a high traffic section of a carpet and blend it in with the rest of the areas or reducing downtime associated with wet carpet cleaning, dry carpet cleaning equipment use is growing at a rapid pace.

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Hot Spring Spa

A Hot spring spa is similar to a hot tub. It is a way to relax your body and mind at the end of an arduous day. A hot spring spa can revive a tired and aching body. A hot spring spa works on three principals. Heat, massage, and buoyancy. When you come home at the end of a long day, and sit in a hot spring spa, you are treating yourself to not only a long relaxing soak, you are also being massaged by jets of warm water that are shot out of jet nozzles that are placed around the hot spring spa. By being immersed in the water, over 90% of your body weight is taken off of tired bones and joints, relieving any pressure that you may have. You are literally floating on the water.

The jets of water then massage you, relaxing tired aching muscles. The results are that you feel rejuvenated and ready to face another day. The jets are adjustable, so you can direct them toward whatever part of the body needs them most. Hot spring spas are also great for increasing blood circulation because the hot water raises your body temperature and that in turn dilates the blood vessels allowing better blood flow. Another benefit to a Hot spring spa is that as it relieves pain by releasing endorphins in the body as it relaxes. Endorphins are considered to be the body’s natural painkiller. All who own a Hot spring spa agree that nothing can compare to the feeling of total relaxation you feel after soaking in a hot spring spa.

Doctors use hot spring spa therapy for their patients who suffer from debilitating diseases such as arthritis and fybromialga. Hot spring spas come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can fit up to twelve people. They are set on a base of wood that you choose and can be fit into any size room, no matter how small or odd shaped, or they can be placed in the backyard.

The price ranges of a hot spring spa ranges in price according to the size and amenities that you order with it. The cost of a basic hot spring spa starts at $699.00 and can cost as much as $4,000 dollars. The accessories for hot spring spas are great, and include lights, music, and even video!. Stores can be found in every major city in the United States by looking in the yellow pages under hot tubs. They may also be found on the Internet. However, you may prefer to see the model in person and up close before you actually buy. Going the route of the Internet, just means you may have to travel to view and pick up your spa, so be prepared.

The advantage of a hot spring spa over an average spa is obviously the quality. They are made with the highest quality materials and will outlast a regular fiberglass spa by a long shot. Regular fiberglass spas over time have been known to crack, and are often made with materials that begin to wear out as the years pass. Even though both way allow you to soak in warm water to wash away the day’s aggravation, and both deliver an overall sense of well being when you are done. However, purchasing a hot spring spa is certainly a wise investment and will pay for itself many times over.

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Microwave Madness

Seventeen Little-Known Effects Of Your Microwave Oven

Why are we still using our microwave ovens in North America? Why do we heat our baby’s formulas, defrost food, ‘zap’ fast food and ‘nuke’ our cold coffee? Convenience!

If anything will keep you from reading this whole article and then throwing your microwave out, it will be your personal addiction to convenience. I’m afraid though, that your addiction could be making you sick, tired…even slowly killing you.

Here are seventeen scientifically proven test results that have been hidden or repressed over the years:

1. Microwaving milk and cereal grains can convert amino acids into carcinogens.

2. Microwaving meats can create well-know carcinogen, plus a degradation of nucleo-proteins.

3. The minerals in vegetables can be changed into cancerous free radicals when cooked in a microwave.

4. Thawing frozen fruits in a microwave oven can create carcinogenic substances.

5. Exposure to microwaves causes a 60-90% decreased food value

6. Male and female hormone production may be altered by the continual eating of microwaved foods.

7. In testing the blood of people who ate microwaved foods, a decrease in red blood cells was found. Red blood cells are the principal means of delivering oxygen from the lungs to body tissues via the blood.

8. In testing the blood of people who ate microwaved foods, an increase in white blood cells was found. This is a sign of poisoning and cell damage.

9. In testing the blood of people who ate microwaved foods, hemoglobin levels were found to have decreased. If hemoglobin is compromised, it can cause anemia and an eventual wasting of the body.

10. In testing the blood of individuals who ate microwaved foods, an increase in cholesterol levels was found.

11. The human body cannot break down the unknown by-products created in foods that have been microwaved.

12. Cancerous cells were seen to increase in human blood when microwaved foods were eaten.

13. Microwaves decrease the body’s ability to use nutrients such as B-complex, vitamin C, E and essential minerals found in all foods.

14. Eating of microwaved foods causes long-term, permanent brain damage by shorting out electrical impulses in the brain causes emotional instability, loss of memory, concentration and a decrease in intelligence.

15. Those ingesting microwaved foods showed a statistically higher incidence of stomach and intestinal cancers and growths of tumors.

16. Microwaving caused chemical alterations in food that affected the lymphatic systems ability to protect itself against cancerous growths.

17. A long term, cumulative loss of vital energies within human, animals and plants that were located within a 500-meter radius of operational equipment, was found.

Nuking and Shaking

When you microwave a food or liquid, the molecules oscillate five billion times a second! This oscillation and agitation is the friction that creates heat, but it also causes substantial damage to the surrounding molecules: tearing them apart or forcefully deforming them.

The field of gene altering technology uses this weakening of cell membranes by microwaves. Because of the extreme force of microwaves, the cells are actually broken, neutralizing the electrical potential: the very life of cells. Damaged cells are easy for fungi, viruses and other microorganisms to invade. The natural repair mechanism is repressed and the damaged cell produces the poisons of hydrogen peroxide and carbon monoxide.

Pull The Plug!

Solid scientific evidence suggests that heating food by microwave robs food of most vital nutrients as well as changing the molecular structure of foods. Eating microwaved foods creates changes in your blood, cells, brain and immune system: with carcinogenic and cancerous implications. Pull the plug!

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Gourmet Home Deep Frying – The Wolfgang Puck Bistro 1700 Watt Deep Fryer

When a well known chef puts his name on a cooking product, it is one sign that the product is a good one. This is certainly true of the Wolfgang Puck Bistro 1700 watt electronic deep fryer. This sleek-looking deep fryer has everything that you need for making gourmet as well as regular deep fried recipes at home, and it looks great in your kitchen – no reason to hide it away!

Featuring a permanent filter and a built-in oil pour spout, the Wolfgang Puck Bistro 1700 watt electronic deep fryer is fast becoming a favorite with discerning cooks all over the world. In consumer reviews of this product, some people did say that it is necessary to read the instructions carefully, because learning to use it could be a little complicated. Once they get the basics down, however, people seem to really enjoy all the benefits of this powerful deep fryer.

People who have purchased the Wolfgang Puck Bistro 1700 watt electronic deep fryer have noted that they love the fact that you can disassemble the parts for easy cleaning. This is a vast improvement over the older home deep fryers that were quite cumbersome to clean because they were only in one or two pieces. They are also saying that the actual food that comes out of the deep fryer after cooking is a lot less greasy than what comes out of other deep fryers – something that pleases health-conscious people as well as serious cooks.

The Wolfgang Puck Bistro 1700 watt deep fryer is one of the larger models of the home deep fryers, and this means it is ideal for medium to large-sized families, or for those who entertain regularly. Although deep frying food usually doesn’t take a long time, it is even better when you can deep fry more food at one time. When feeding hungry teenagers or when cooking for a party, knowing that you can cook large batches of chicken or shrimp at a time so people can eat quickly can be very good to know. Not only will your family or guests be served quickly, you can get out of the kitchen even faster! Even though it has a large capacity, the sleek rectangular design of the Wolfgang Puck Bistro deep fryer means that it won’t take up a lot of room in your kitchen, and it looks beautiful, so it is not a problem keeping it out for people to see.

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A Review of Southern Living

Southern Living is a company that offers products for every room of your house. Southern Living specializes in selling home equipment. At Southern Living, you can find anything you have ever desired for your home. Although every one of Southern Living’s products must be bought only by a consultant, I believe this part of your purchase will entertain you a lot.

One of the advantages of working for Southern Living is that you do not need to go out of your home. This option is ideal for mothers with small children. We all know that mothers should not leave the children alone but if they want to do work, they can apply as a Southern Living consultant. The advantage is that they will schedule their working hours by themselves. The income they will get depend on the time they will spend working.

The main obligation of the Southern Living’s consultant is to arrange parties and encourage others to do it as well. There parties are all about Southern Living line of products. This will be a wonderful way to earn money from home. Moreover, you will not be working; you will be spending time with your friends.

My sister-in-law quit her regular job. Now, she is a consultant for Southern Living. She loves her job. She didn’t feel well when she was going out for work every day but now she works for Southern Living and she never complains. She is really very proud of her work and she loves most the idea that she determines herself her working hours for Southern Living.

I am always very surprised by the wonderful themes she is presenting at each Southern Living party. The first theme I remember was the classic tea party. She decorated the rooms in a Victorian style. Then she asked the guests to come wearing Victorian style clothing or simply with lacy clothes accessorized with hats and gloves. All guests loved this Southern Living party.

Each summer she makes a Southern Living beach party. It happens that we almost forget that we are at a Southern Living party. This beach party is so much fun. Everyone enjoys the frozen daiquiris and forgets that he or she is at a consultant Southern Living party.

I also remember many other themes, my sister-in-law, used to show us. I am always very amazed by her creativeness. Here I can name a Southern Living parties like golf widows’ day or not just golf but any other sport you can think of. All holidays can also be used as themes for Southern Living parties.

When the time for a Southern Living party comes, I am always very impatient to understand what theme is coming up next. It is always fun to attend a Southern Living party, which has an interesting theme, no matter how good Southern Living products are.

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An Explanation of Vent-Free Appliances

Things to Know Before You Choose One for Your Home

When gas combustion occurs, several things are produced: carbon dioxide, water, gaseous chemical compounds including carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, respirable suspended particles (RSP), and formaldehyde.

When used sparingly (less than 4 hours per day per recommendations), the levels of these chemicals and gases are considered acceptable for residential applications because there really are no standards for residential indoor air. Guess what? A 40,000 btu vent-free heater used continuously produces high levels of pollutants. These levels exceed those allowed by OSHA or the EPA for air quality in the workplace.

The Production of a Perfectly Operating Vent-Free Appliance is...

60% WATER VAPOR Perhaps the biggest problem vent-frees cause are excessive moisture--just too much water. An average family of 4 generates about 2.9 gallons of water in the home a day through showering, cooking, breathing, etc. Codes require ventilation in a bathroom to remove these water vapors. A 40,000 btu vent-free heater used all day produces over 6 gallons of water a day which can penetrate walls, flooring, furniture, etc. This can decay the structure of your home, cause mold and mildew which irritates allergies and asthma. In extremely cold conditions, the water vapor can remain trapped near the roof of the house and freeze, continually collecting and freezing. As the weather warms, a home can literally become flooded with water.

39+% CARBON DIOXIDE At low levels, carbon dioxide is not thought to be dangerous. At moderately high concentrations carbon dioxide causes discomfort, raising the breathing rate and may cause minor eye irritation, particularly in people who wear contact lenses.

.1% is CARBON MONOXIDE At this level, carbon monoxide may not be dangerous to healthy people but can adversely affect pregnant women, fetuses, babies and people with heart or lung problems. A minute percentage is Nitrogen Dioxide which can hamper the immune system and increase susceptibility to respiratory infections.

IMPROPER OPERATION CAN CAUSE DANGEROUS MALFUNCTIONS!

Accumulation of dust, pet hair and other debris on the burner or logs can cause improper burning drafts through the damper or from ceiling fans or the home's central heating system can affect the flame and result in higher levels of carbon monoxide improper arrangement of the logs can impede the flame, cause sooting and increase carbon monoxide faulty or improperly maintained burners will cause malfunction. Controls and gas pressures can also lead to problematic operation and dangerously increase indoor air pollutants.

Oxygen Depletion Sensors

ODS systems are used on all vent-free products as a "safety" requirement. Highly touted as a dependable feature of vent-frees, they may mislead consumers and even sales people and installers of vent-free products.

Normal room air is nearly 21% oxygen. Since carbon monoxide displaces oxygen, the ODS system is designed to cut the appliance off if an oxygen drop below 18% is detected. Don't let this ODS theory lull you into a false sense of security. First, ODS sensors are installed on the appliance which means it's at or near floor level. It can only detect oxygen levels surrounding it it cannot detect oxygen levels a few feet away from the appliance or where the warm air has risen or travelled to. It does NOT detect carbon monoxide. It does not detect other malfunctions in the appliance. It does not provide the level of safety or security of a carbon monoxide detector.

Proper Operation

The American Gas Association Research Division (AGARD) outlines proper use as less than 4 hours at a time not to be used in a confined space not to be used as a sole source of heat.

Increase Your Safety

To increase your safety, it is advised that you follow manufacturers installation instructions, not rearrange log configuration, don't use with a ceiling fan or other air moving device in the room, etc. Periodic maintenance procedures supplied by the manufacturer are extremely important, so do follow these religiously! Don't overuse vent-frees for extended periods of time or as a sole source of heat.

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Saving Money With Your Sewing Machine - Yes It Can Easily Be Done

If you want to save money then there are many things that you can do with a sewing machine. Of course the most obvious thing that you can do is to repair your family's clothes. This can save you a lot of money in buying new clothes when the old ones are not really all that bad. Of course you do not want to have clothes that are not going to look good, but if you are good with the machine then you can at least keep them looking good for a bit longer than they would have. It is also possible to save money with a sewing machine by buying in thrift stores as then you can always alter clothes that were not the right size and it allows you to have a wider choice in the store. The same is true of curtains, if you can alter them yourself then you can save a lot of money.

You can also make money with a sewing machine. If you have friends that are not so good with a sewing machine, then you can offer to do their repairs for them. If you do a good job then you will be much more likely to get more work as people recommend you to their friends. Then you could have a real business going. Not as much as a proper job maybe, but there are a lot of people that are not able to go out to work that are looking for a way to raise their income. If you have a sewing machine then it might be a good way to earn some extra cash. There are always people that need things altering and even if you only do simple things you might still be able to make some money.

If you are quite good with a sewing machine then you can make money from craft fairs.There is quite a good market for home made quilts and other items and if you can buy the cloth to make them from , you can make quite a good bit of extra money by doing craft items. It is a good market and the best thing is that you are your own boss. You decide what you are going to make and when you are going to work. If you have a good sewing machine then there are lots of ways that you can save money and even make some extra money as well.

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Kenmore Dryer Repair Tips

Silky blouse, diapers, muddy sleeping bag from that camping trip, or any other laundry you have a Kenmore washer and dryer can handle it. And Kenmore is certainly a name with a reputation you can trust. But occasionally you will need a Kenmore dryer repair. Great news parts are readily available.

Here are a 6 of the more common parts you might need to invest in over time.

1. Tune Up Kit

A tune up kit has the 3 parts that generally have to be replaced every 5 year or so. The kit has a new belt, new idler puller, and new drum support rollers. It is even complete with instructions on how to do the replacement.

2. Element Kit

Comes with terminal adapters as well as the element.

3. Thermal Fuse

In the later models you will find that there is a short element in the lower half of the burner box which also houses the thermal fuse which may occasionally need replacing.

4. Gas Dryer Igniter

If your dryer isn’t throwing any heat you should check the igniter to make sure it hasn’t stopped working. It’s a quick and easy fix.

5. Gas Valve Coil Kit

Repair your gas valves for a fraction of the cost of replacing.

6. Thermal Cuttoff Kit

Includes the hi-limit thermostat and the thermal fuse.

If it isn’t working at all there are a few things you can try.

1. No Power

Make sure that the power cord is plugged in. Unplug and plug it back in. Check the breakers to make sure it hasn’t tripped or that a fuse is not blown. You can also use a volt meter to check the plug itself to make sure there is power going to the plug.

2. Door Switch

In the door is a switch or sensor that when you close the door it presses against a lever which then activates a door switch which allows the dryer to start up. If that lever becomes broken the switch can’t activate and then the dryer can’t start. You may need to replace this lever.

3. Thermal Fuse

Almost every dryer on the market has a thermal fuse. This fuse will burn out if the dryer overheats. When this happens one of two things occur. The dryer either completely stops working or it runs but it doesn’t throw any heat. You will usually find this fuse under the vent duck inside the dryer. If the fuse is blown you will want to replace it.

4. Defective Timers

Occasionally the timer on a dryer can be defective so that even if you have turned the dryer on it doesn’t recognize the motion and thus the dryer doesn’t start.

And here are some great tips to help you determine what’s going on with your dryer.

1. Gas Valve Coils

If the igniter glows but it shuts down before it ignites the gas the coil is either worn out or defective. Replace both of the coils.

2. Flame Sensor

The flame sensor can become worn and need to be replaced. You will find the sensor located near the igniter.

3. Vents

Lint gathers inside the dryer so check the vent hose and vent itself to make sure there are no clogs. You also need to make sure you regularly clean out the vent in the dryer as it will reduce the efficiency of the dryer and increases the fire risk.

4. Thermostat

A dryer has a thermostat that regulates the heating cycles and if your dryer isn’t heating properly this is the most common cause.

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When Looking At Heating For Your Home Consider High Efficiency Gas Furnaces

In today's increasingly energy conscious society, one must consider the energy efficiency of every product they purchase. Whether it's your car's gas mileage or how much electricity your refrigerator uses, we've all become more aware of our energy usage.

There are two main reasons for this, and they're pretty obvious. One, inefficient energy use costs more money. It's safe to say we're all looking to lower our bills and switching to energy efficient appliances is a big step in that direction. The other reason to use high efficiency appliances is the understanding that many of our energy sources are finite. In other words, eventually we'll run out.

One of the biggest users of energy in our homes and workplaces are the heating units. Just like most other major household products, gas furnaces have become more efficient than ever before. Natural gas is an economical method for home heating and now you can find all sorts of high efficiency gas furnaces on the market.

High efficiency gas furnaces tend to cost more than conventional gas furnaces. This is for a couple reasons. They're not yet produced on the same scale as conventional furnaces so there are still cost factors to overcome which have to be passed on to the consumer. Secondly, high efficiency gas furnaces employ the latest technologies, which, as we all know, always kicks up the cost of a product. Innovation isn't free. However, keep in mind, that this is just an initial start-up cost. Sure, you may be laying down more money at the outset, but the money you'll save with a high efficiency gas furnace will soon make up the difference and even pay for itself in the end.

Investing in a high efficiency natural gas furnace is well worth it, and let's not forget the environment. An energy efficient furnace will use less fuel, which means using less natural resources, and which means releasing less greenhouse gases into our fragile atmosphere. That's a cost that can't be calculated in dollars.

These days, gas furnaces have stickers on them which gives their AFUE number. AFUE stands for Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency. A high efficiency natural gas furnace will have a AFUE number ranging from the high 80's to the high 90's. Furnaces with AFUE's below that range are considered medium efficiency. Such furnaces cost less but will also save you less in bills.

Another thing to look for when shopping for a high efficiency natural gas furnace is an Energy Star sticker. If it has an Energy Star label, that means its AFUE rating is in the 90's.

Remember, no matter how energy efficient your furnace is, you need to maintain it properly and keep it, along with your vents clean. A dirty or poorly maintained furnace will cause a drop in efficiency and increases in cost and fuel consumption.

There is plenty of helpful information available online and from your local furnace dealers. High efficiency natural gas furnaces may cost more at first, but the money you save and the benefit to the environment makes them a wise investment.

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Maytag Washers: Buying a Dependable Brand

If you are in need of a new washing machine, you might want to check out the maytag washer for your next washing machine. A washing machine that is made by maytag is one that is reliable ad one that you can count on to get your clothes clean time and time again. Using a brand that you trust and know is a great way to not go wrong when you are buying a washing machine or any other major appliance for your home. This way you know that you are getting a good appliance, and know that it will last you a very long time with no problems. However, you might be wondering where you will find a dependable washing machine such as the maytag.

Many of the large department stores will carry a maytag washer that you are looking for. You will find that they sales people that are there to help you will be more than helpful and many will be able to answer all of your questions as well. Make sure that you ask about the parts and service warranty, as well as any other warranty like extended that you might be interested in.

All of the home improvement centers will carry a maytag washer that you will want. You can find them in many different colors as well as styles, and you should be able to match the color decor in your wash room with no problem at all. The washers now a days come in colors like blue, yellow, and even chrome. You can special order a color that you are looking for as well, if you are not finding the color in stock of the model and color that you are wanting. There is nothing at all wrong with special ordering an appliance that you are paying big bucks for. You might as well get just what you are wanting, and do not settle for less.

There are many stores that specialize in appliances. Most of these stores will specializes in large appliances, and you will even find some that will have small and large appliances as well. However, any appliance store that is reputable is sure to have a maytag washer that you will love to have. Be sure that you ask ab0out delivery to your home as well as hooking it up for you as well. Some stores will even offer to haul off your old appliances when you buy a new one from them. That is a great way to get rid of that old appliance that no longer works, and you will not have to worry about finding someone to come and take it off of your hands for you as well.

While many people that are looking for a new maytag washer are looking to buy one out right, there are some that might prefer to rent a washer that is made by maytag. This is a great way to get the washing machine that you need, when you can not afford to pay full price for one. Of course you will need to make sure that you keep up the payments on the washer to make it yours in the long run. But, this is a great way to get that maytag, and not break the bank doing it.

There are many places that you will find the maytag washer that you are wanting. You will find that there are many different styles and models, and you will love being able to wash your clothes in a washing machine as well as it being a maytag.

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Remember The Good Old Days When Buying A Vacuum Cleaner Was Easy?

Until quite recently the vacuum cleaner was a humble servant of domestic cleaning; locked away for the most part and unloved. But how times have changed? Those were the days before Oreck promised to lighten our load, before Dyson bamboozled us with science and garish colours, and Miele offered us ultimate cleaning power with the stylish lines of a German sports car.

It used to be so simple. You either bought a model from a door-to-door salesman or you went to your local hardware shop and bought pretty much the same sort of vacuum your parents bought. The vacuum cleaner hadn't changed in eons. It was what it always was; heavy, rather ugly and noisy. But not anymore.

These days the hapless buyer is overloaded with the latest technical advances, beguiled by the latest colour and styling and confused by the slick marketing techniques used to push these 'design icons' upon us. So how do you make that difficult choice? How do you buy the right vacuum cleaner and avoid universal ridicule from friend and family? If you are thinking of buying a vacuum cleaner, you should think about the following points. Only by knowing what your requirements are can you make the right choice.

What type of flooring do you have? The vacuums of today are specialist - in case you didn't know. You'll want to buy a certain make of vacuum for fitted carpet from a vacuum that's going to be used for hardwood flooring. You'll need to pay close attention to the vacuum heads. Also, what type of attachments will you needs? Do you have curtains to clean? Windowsills? High alcoves?

Canister or Upright? Back in the good old days just about all came as upright. Then someone had the bright idea of the canister! But seriously, do you have a lot of stairs? If so, you may prefer the canister. But if you have fitted carpets you may prefer the greater suction power afforded by most uprights? Which do you find easier to handle. Most think that a canister is easier to handle but Dyson have recently introduced a ball into the head of the upright model, making handling much easier.

What's all this bagless nonsense? Until Dyson came along most vacuum cleaners were fitted with bags. Now most manufacturers offer bag or bagless models. Bagless models claim to offer suction power that never diminishes, even when the dust compartment is nearly full. They also allow you to see what has been sucked up, and easy retrieval - handy when you've just vacuumed up something you shouldn't have. However, emptying a bagless vacuum can be a messy affair for some people.

A filter used to be a piece of foam in most vacuum cleaners. Not anymore. These days many people are concerned and affected by allergens in the air. Vacuum cleaner manufacturers have responded by introducing HEPA filters. The problem with older vacuums is that a certain amount of dust was sucked in and blown back into the atmosphere. Vacuums fitted with HEPA remove 99. 97 percent of particles 0. 3 micron in diameter (or larger) from the air that passes through them.

Attachments and Extras: What attachments do you require? What length of electrical cord would you like? You should buy a model that has at least 20 feet of cord. The hose should be at least 5 foot long.

Service: This is one thing that hasn't changed. Top manufacturers have always prided themselves on after sales service. This is still true today. However, some models of vacuum cleaners are more expensive to repair than others.

Finally, how much are you prepared to pay? The rule of thumb is that the more you pay the better the product you'll be getting. But this isn't always so. Some manufacturers rely very much on their reputation; as a consumer you usually pay for this.

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A Doorhandle Can Also Be A Garage Door Opener

As the name suggests a garage door opener is a device that is used to open and close garage doors. Generally the models are remote controlled.

Evolution

The initial garage door openers consisted of an actuator that could open or close the door. This actuator was controlled by a remote. The remote used was very simple and consisted of a transmitter and on the actuator side consisted of a receiver and associated electronics. The receiver would function for a change in amplitude. However they had a major draw back namely security. Anybody with a transmitter could open or close the garage door. There were many incidents of garage opening by neighbors accidentally when they were trying to open their own garages. The next change came with dip switches. These dip switches could use a total of 256 combinations. This was sufficient to overcome the problem of accidental opening of others garages, however the security issue was still not solved. Anybody with a radio frequency recorder could record the frequency when somebody opened his garage door and later used that frequency to open the garage.

Present day technology has overcome the security concern to a large extent by use of rolling frequency or sometimes called hopping code technology. In this every time a new frequency is used to open and close the door.

Mechanical Part

The mechanical part of the garage door opener is pretty simple. Mainly three types are used: chain drives, screw drives and belt drives. Chain drives are noisy but are the cheapest. Screw drives have a lead screw and nut system to open and close the door. They are a bit costly. The latest models use plastic liner on the tracks to reduce noise and increase the operation speed. Belt drives are the quietest and are comparatively costly. The mechanism also consists of a main spring that is the most important element of the system. Usually two types of springs are used linear expansion and torsional springs.

In the market two types of garage door openers are available namely jackshaft type and trolley type. Even though the jackshaft type occupies less space, the trolley type is more popular. This is because of safety; in the jackshaft type it is difficult to sense when a person or a pet is being crushed under the door.

Some modern systems have auto reverse in case of obstruction like a pet or a vehicle. The remotes generally operate up to a range of 150 feet. Also most systems have keypads that are installed outside the garage and can be used if the remote goes dead.

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Advantages of Having a Counter Top Microwave Oven

Counter top microwave oven choices offer you a way to make your home cooking just a bit faster. If you are one of those people trying to save time by finding ways to shorten your time spent at the kitchen cooking, then the ever reliable microwave should not be missing in your home.

The microwave oven has become one of the most innovative inventions in the 20th Century. It has become a permanent fixture in most homes today. You could find a few homes today not having this ingenious appliance in the kitchen or the dining room. The counter top microwave oven has given people the convenience of quick cooking.

Most people today live a very fast paced life. They would find their time a very valuable commodity. Cooking and preparing food can take up most of that time. It is time that they would rather spend on doing things that matter more.

That is why more and more people would prefer shorter time periods to make more effective use of their time. It is a good thing that the microwave oven has come into the picture just when more and more people seem to have a need for it.

The microwave oven has provided people with the opportunity to do their cooking more quickly. Microwave ovens have the ability to heat up food in minutes. This is because such ovens use microwaves I order to heat food.

They are radio waves that belong to the frequency range of about 2,500 megahertz. Radio waves in this frequency range have the interesting property of being easily absorbed by water, fats and sugars. As they are being absorbed, they are converted directly into heat. Microwaves in this frequency also have another interesting property- they are not absorbed by most plastics, glass or ceramics.

Microwave ovens cook or heat food from the inside out. This is due to the ability of the microwaves to penetrate the food and excite the fat and water molecules evenly, thereby heat is distributed equally throughout the cooked food. It is far more effective in cooking your food in less time than conventional cooking which relies on heat conduction to cook food.

And because of this convenience, counter top microwave ovens have become a necessity in most homes. People no longer have to spend so much time cooking food especially when they are on the go. With the counter top microwave oven, quick cooking convenience has suddenly become more appealing and essential.

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11 Odd But Practical Uses For An EziDri Food Dehydrator

Sure, they make great fruit roll-ups and excellent dehydrated mushrooms and beef jerky, but what else can you use your EziDri food dehydrator for?

BE CREATIVE! Or pay heed to the old adage that necessity is the mother of invention. The best way to get your money’s worth out of any kitchen appliance is to actually use it! Read on for other useful ways you can put your EziDri food dehydrator to work.

1. DRYING PASTA: If you make your own pasta, you’ll know that if it has any moisture in it before storage, it will go mildewy fairly quickly. You can dry it efficiently and quickly in your EziDri dehydrator. Dry for 2 to 4 hours on a medium setting and store in airtight containers. Remember, you can make the most wonderful pasta dough by hand, or even with a breadmaking machine, and instead of using water as the moisture content, use vegetable juices such as carrot, spinach or capsicum. Or, add homemade vegetable powders to create flavour and interest. Use the spaghetti or fettuccine extrusion nozzles on the Samson 6-In-1 or the Oscar Vitalmax Juicer … how easy is that?

2. COOKED PASTA: You can actually dry cooked pasta in your EziDri dehydrator and break it into bite size chunks before storing in airtight containers. When you need it, simply rehydrate in a bowl of boiling water and it takes just 2 to 3 minutes. Excellent for when you have leftover meals and you want to stretch them a little further without a lot of extra effort. Or, take with you on camping and hiking trips. Great carbs, no complicated preparation!

3. FRESHENING UP CRACKERS: Don’t waste money on crackers, biscuits, chips or even cereal that has passed its freshest state. If you find they’re a little stale, recrisp them by laying them out in a single layer on the EziDri drying trays and turn on for about an hour on medium.

4. HUMIDIFIER: If you find the air in your home is quite dry, particularly during the cooler months, you can actually use your EziDri dehydrator to humidify it back to a more comfortable condition. Position a few containers of water in the trays of your EziDri and turn on to high. As the water evaporates, the air will become more moist.

5. AIR FRESHENER: You’ll notice when using your EziDri dehydrator that the air fills with the aromas of whatever you are drying. Well did you know that you can deliberately use your EziDri to perfume the atmosphere in your home? Simply by placing aromatic fruits or botanicals in the dehydrator, you can create a beautiful perfume, without any of the chemicals used in commercial air fresheners. Try citrus, lavender or a variety of herbs.

6. AROMATHERAPY: Yes, it’s even an aromatherapy diffuser! Lay a few non-toxic branches or aromatic plants on the trays of your EziDri dehydrator and turn on to medium. Old bread moistened with water will help to diffuse the scent of vanilla essence. Lavender, rosemary and rose petals are all delightful.

7. BREADCRUMBS: Whenever you have bread that doesn’t get eaten, it’s a shame to throw it out. Dry it in your EziDri food dehydrator and once it’s crisp, either crush it manually or give it a quick whiz in your food processor. While you’re at it, you can add herbs or citrus peel that you may have dried before, or vegetable powders to add extra flavour. Flavoured breadcrumbs are perfect for chicken, fish fillets or veal cutlets, and great for stuffing recipes.

8. POT POURRI: Tailor make your own pot pourri combinations to suit your tastes and the materials you have on hand. The EziDri food dehydrator is the best tool for the job as it dries all the elements perfectly yet still allows them to retain their beautiful perfumes. Try various flower petals, fruit peels, pine needles, herbs, grasses, woods and spices.

9. FIRE STARTERS: Turn citrus peels into the best - and most aromatic - fire starters you’ve ever used. Citrus doesn’t break down on compost heaps because of its antibacterial properties and in fact, it inhibits the break down of the other matter. When you peel citrus fruits, simply cut the skins into strips and dry to a crisp. When you light them, the oils will flare up and burn for a decent length of time. With no water content, they’ll burn beautifully.

10. PET TREATS: Don’t overlook your pooch or kitty-cat. Pigs’ trotters and snouts and other meats are very welcome treats when dehydrated; pets love them!

11. FLAVOURED VEGETABLE POWDERS: Coarsely chop vegetable, spread over mesh sheet and dehydrate until the vegetable is dried to a crisp. Then pulverise and store in airtight containers. Imagine what you can do with these! Try carrots, entire heads of celery, garlic, onion, red or green peppers and more. Add the powders to soups, salad dressings, bread dough, your favourite beef jerky marinade or whatever else your imagination conjures.

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