23 November 2008

What Type of Computer Desk is Right for You?


Your home office should be planned carefully,as the right equipment and office furniture will not only save you time and effort, but money, too. Your computer and other office supplies and learning goodsshould be placed on the furniture. When you depend on yourself for your income, any time you are not working to your full productivity, you are losing money. That is why most business owners need to pay special attention to their computer furniture, choosing the one that provides top performance.

First, there are three basic types of desks: the Downview Desk in which the monitor is actually mounted below the desktop surface and can be seen through glare-resistant glass or plexiglass; the Split-Level Desk in which the surface is split into different height-adjustable surfaces allowing the monitor to be positioned higher than the writing surface; and the Adjustable Table type ?the most common梚n which there is only one desktop surface, the monitor is positioned on this surface and all work is done on the surface as well. There are benefits to all three. The Downview Desk has recently gained popularity because the monitor is somewhat 'hidden' and doesn't clutter the top of the desk, allowing for the most efficient use of space. While still considered ergonomic, some users prefer tilting their heads up rather than down to see the screen. Downview desks are welcomed in classrooms and computer labs because it allows students to keep their eyes on the front of the classroom without having to lean around a monitor and therefore look easily from the instructor to their own monitors.

Downview Desks also give the appearance of a sleeker, cleaner environment. The Split-Level Desk is revered because it's perfectly ergonomic and allows for the most adjustment for comfort. All surfaces adjust to the user and these desks are ideal for people who are shorter or taller than the average user because they're entirely customizable.

The Adjustable Classroom Table is popular because with the fewest features, it's the most affordable and provides a basic, comfortable, height-adjustable desk that provides ergonomic support to the user without all the other bells and whistles.
Second, decide what size will comfortably fit in the space you have. Computer desks come in many sizes from single-user 30-inch widths, to multi-user 72-inch widths and nearly everything in between. Measure your space and then choose a desk slightly smaller (as in 2 ?3 inches smaller) so that the space doesn't appear too crowded.

Choosing the best room to situate a home office also depends on your type of home business. If your activities require daytime phone calls operating in the same time zone you can easily operate from the living or a dining room which tend to be quiet and empty during the day in most households. If your business needs more space for storage and additional working surfaces for mailing or labelling, you will be more comfortable in the den or basement. If you are working part-time in the evenings, a computer desk can be easily placed in the bedroom where you can work quietly while other family members occupy the living room watching TV or listening to music.

Finding the right place for your computer desk and a small home office does not have to ruin your budget or the style of your home. In fact, having a home office can be of great help to all family members bringing technology to any household.

19 November 2008

Eating With The Seasons


In Chinese medicine, the body is seen as a microcosm of the natural world, waxing and waning with the movements of the seasons. The Chinese dietary tradition focuses on eating foods that harmonize with the season one is in.

Autumn, for example, is a good time for loading up on warmer, heavier foods in preparation for the winter.

Beneficial warming foods include whole grains, cooked squashes and other root vegetables, nuts and seeds, and perhaps small amounts of lean meat.

When it's cool out, we need to add more fuel to the furnace.In winter, the focus is on storing up energy, rest and meditation. Strengthening, warming foods like soups and congees (porridge) are eaten, along with immune-enhancing Chinese herbs like astragalus (pron. a-strà-ga-lus).

In the spring, the cycle begins anew. Warming and building foods are replaced by cleansing and revitalizing foods like leafy greens and sprouts to help harmonize the body with this season of rejuvenation and growth. As summer begins, the diet might consist of melons and citrus fruits, leafy greens and cool liquids.

17 November 2008

How to Choose Your Shower Heads


If you are a person who loves life, you must pay attention to the decoration of your house, especially the bathroom. Most people telled to me that the Bathroom is the important part of decoration.Shower Head is one of the most important unit in a bathroom.

Once you understand the differences between showers you’ll be able to quickly decide which is the best type of shower for you.

The push on mixer shower is perfect for an older bathroom were there is no proper plumbing ran behind the wall to attach a shower and you have two separate taps for hot and cold.

The bath shower mixer is designed for a tub that has a single faucet and it’s also a great choice if you do not have the plumbing to attach a shower and don’t want the expense of remodeling.

A manual mixer is a shower where the shower head comes out of the wall in the traditional style shower with its own hot and cold water adjustment. With the manual mixer the hose and spray of the shower are attached to the wall unit and the hot and cold water supply are connected with a single valve so adjusting temperature is very easy. You will need to plumb the hot and cold water.

The thermostatic mixer is great if you want to set the temperature and have it maintained. The hose and shower head comes out of the wall in the traditional style shower connecting to a single valve that has a built in stabilizer that adjusts the water temperature based on your selection. Water usage within the house will no longer affect your shower. The stabilizer will ensure flow and temperature remain consistent. Be warned that this convenience is a tad bit expensive.

There are so many types to choose from. The best way to familiarize yourself with all your options is to do some online searching. Then you can decide the shower type and shower head type that’s perfect for you. The best shower type to choose is the one that you enjoy showering under.

What is the latest trend in shower heads? And no wonder, the current offering for modern showerheads can be overwhelming. The trend is that more and more consumers are into design and aesthetics versus functions only. And the new generations of shower heads are qualifying for both - they are beautiful and functional. What's left is to choose the right shower head depending on your desire.

Large shower heads like Dornbracht RainSky and Hansgrohe Raindance Rainmaker, the Rain type ceiling shower heads remain the most desirable. With the most water coverage, they produce different types of 'rain' while mixing water with air and light. These are the most luxury shower heads you can buy and, of course, the most expensive ones. This type of shower head is actually a very technologically advanced electronic balance module that controls large water flows and requires built-in installation.


 

11 November 2008

A Tidy Kithen Coutertop Brings Good Mood


If you come into a kitchen, the first place you noticed mostly is the kitchen countertop.If it is dirty and wild, you may be in bad mood and think the host is lazy and dingy.So,you need this area to look good so that when the guests come over, it is spotless. Yet, you also need to have a clean and stain free countertop to keep your food preparations safe. There are plenty of ways to stain a countertop. Some are harder to wash clean than others. Whether you thought of this or not when the countertop was installed is another story. Most types of countertops are easy to clean if you know how to do so.

Basic Daily Care
Dust and dirt etch countertop surfaces. Spills that sit for too long on many countertops can become very difficult to remove. For this reason, a daily routine for your countertops becomes very important. A dry wipe down with a soft clean cloth is all that is needed on a day when the counters haven't been used. If more extensive cleaning is needed, water and a soft cloth can do the trick for most routine cleaning. Be sure to check the instructions for your specific countertop type before proceeding to any other steps.

Wipe Up Spills When They Happen
Spills have the potential to stain and mark nearly every countertop surface. Porous stones that are in need of resealing will soak up spills, and discolor their surface. Laminate countertops can discolor from spills as well. And anything left on the surface of a stainless steel countertop creates the opportunity for damage. When a spill happens, right away is the time to take care of it. Removing spills immediately will protect your countertops in the long run.

Be wary of what extreme changes in temperature can do to your countertops. Many stone countertops on the market are resistant to heat damage, but can still be affected by temperature. Use trivets and potholders to protect your countertops from hot surfaces.

Related article:Choose The Suitable Kitchen Countertop

10 November 2008

Choose The Suitable Kitchen Countertop


Countertops are the most looked at for a kitchen-remodeling project to bring out the beauty and elegance of kitchen. Countertops can take a moderate looking kitchen and turn it to a kitchen out of a magazine or remodeling show.

The kitchen countertop has to be able to take a lot of abuse including the heat of pots, cutting and knives and abrasive cleansers. The ideal countertop should be able to stand up to heat and the sharp edge of a knife.

Countertop Choices
Granite is the traditional favorite kitchen counter top material for its unique colors and patterns, proven durability and lasting value.Granite is of course a natural stone that is heat, scratch and stain resistant and nearly impossible to damage with proper care and cleaning that is simple once you know how. Granite is a good choice for any project inside or outside including walls and floors.

Marble,Another natural stone, marble is considered to be the height of elegance and will last longer than most kitchens. It is however, is very expensive and requires some care: acidic foods such as orange juice will etch the finished surface of a marble kitchen countertop.

Solid surface counters are just what they're called, solid. Most scratches can be sanded out. The countertops are custom-made to your specifications by companies such as Avonite, Corian, and Swanstone. Visit our directory for links to these suppliers. The biggest advantage with solid surface counters is the range of colors and patterns… you just have to make sure you are careful with hot pains and everyday mishaps which can leave marks and/or stains.

Laminate counter tops are popular and affordable – popular trademarks Formica, Nevamar are house hold names. Laminate counters are made out of plastic coated synthetics with a smooth surface that is usually easy to clean. The pieces are cut to size and then installed and finished on the ends. The biggest advantage of laminate finishing is obviously its affordability and range of patterns and colors. It’s relatively durable and easy to replace if stained or damaged.

A contemporary and industrial can be achieved with a stainless steel counter. Stainless steel is extremely heat resistant and durable. This choice of countertop is usually constructed precisely to your specifications so you can expect a seamless finish. While they are easy to clean, they can also appear clinical, they are noisy, very expensive it’s difficult to modify the fabrication yourself.

Compare these different material coutertop and choose the suitable countertop that fit for you.

04 November 2008

Camping Tips


If you work for a long time and want to have a relaxing, tent camping is one of the most relaxing and exciting ways to escape from the busy days in the city. Through camping, the campers can feel more relieved and close to nature. Several campgrounds are offering tent camping programs for small groups such as families and officemates. If you are planning to have one with you group or kids be sure that you prepare your things and plan the activities for your tent camping adventure. The following tent camping tips can serve as your guide on your camping trip. These tips can be of great help to campers especially the first time campers.

The first thing that you have to consider before any purchase is the budget. Make sure that you have allocated enough to purchase a high quality tent. This will ensure that you get a durable tent without overspending.

In shopping for a tent you have to think of your needs. Think of where you usually camp and during what season, this will help you get the appropriate tent. Tents are usually made specifically for a particular season. Your need for summer camping is different from winter camping.

Make A List And Check It
Making lists is something that works not only for Santa, but for parents planning out a camping trip. This is one of the most important camping tips, since it’s pretty awful to get out to your campsite and find that you’ve missed something crucial. Take time well before your camping trip to make up a list of the items that you need and check off each item as you pack.

Plan Plenty Of Activities
Another one of the best camping tips for families is to bring along plenty of things to do. This not only includes items for hiking and swimming, but activities for around your campsite as well, such as cards. It’s best to have a number of different activities, since if the weather is bad, you’ll need something to do around camp, other than watch the rain.

Get Separate Tents
Another one of the camping tips for families is to get separate tents for the kids and parents, particularly if your children are older. As kids get into their teen years, their desire for privacy increases. While your teenagers might still enjoy a camping trip with everyone, they’ll still appreciate a chance to have their privacy when sleeping. By following this and these other basic camping tips for families, you’ll have a solid foundation for planning your own family trip to the outdoors.

03 November 2008

The Benefit of Green Tea


Much has been written and said about the amazing health benefits of tea. So much in fact, that it's often difficult to separate fact from fiction. What are the scientifically recognized benefits of tea?

Among the most widely held beliefs are the following:
Green Tea lowers the risk of cancer
Green Tea lowers the risk of stroke and heart diseases
Green Tea lowers blood pressure
Green Tea prevents tooth decay
Green Tea inhibits viruses


The ability of green tea to prevent cancer is so well established that new studies are testing green tea as a potential cancer therapy. Green tea may be especially protective against lung cancer in former and current cigarette smokers.Green tea has been shown to counteract both the initiation and promotion of carcinogenesis. Some studies have shown that green tea blocks the formation of certain tumors. If green tea's only benefit were to reduce the risk of cancer, it would be well worth taking as a beverage or supplement.

Green Tea Lowers Cholesterol and Thus, The Risk of Stroke and Heart Diseases.Green Tea has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol and serum triglyceride levels. The potent antioxidant effects of green tea inhibit the oxidation of LDL cholesterol in the arteries. It plays a major contributory role in the formation of atherosclerosis.

Green Tea blocks the effects of angiotension-converting enzyme (ACE), an enzyme secreted by the kidneys, which is a significant cause of hypertension. By blocking the effects of ACE, blood pressure is reduced significantly, and with it, the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It said the study raised the prospect of adding tea extracts to toothpaste and mouthwash to protect teeth. So the drinking tea can prevents tooth decay.

Green tea has been known to lower blood sugar levels. It can also kill certain bacterias and is effective against staph. Green tea inhibits several viruses including viral hepatitis. Green tea, via catechins and theaflavins and its gallates, have shown antibacterial properties.

The health benefits of green tea have been studied and enjoyed for years in Asian cultures such as China and Japan and now this information is much more widely available in the west. We can all now enjoy green tea health benefit and at the same time if we choose to actually drink the teas we can have a fun and interesting time trying different teas.

Related articles in my blog:Chinese Tea Culture in My Eyes

02 November 2008

A Special Chinese Food



Today, I want to indtroduce a special Chinese food-Stinky Tofu. I can imagine how sharp cheese tastes to someone who has never eaten it because it tastes rotten, in the literal sense of eating something that has gone bad.

Stinky tofu, which is actually a form of fermented tofu, is manufactured and prepared in a myriad of ways depending on the region where it is sold.

Same name, different food
Originated in ancient China, stinky tofu is made and consumed in different ways varied from China to the world, and the same is true of the two types of fried Stinky tofu in Changsha and Shaoxing, which are the most famous and classic in China. Stinky tofu out of Fire-fiend Palace representing this delicacy in Changsha, Mao Zedong and Zhu Rongji had been there and highly praised it, and the American journal “food” had coverage on the scene. Fire-fiend Palace selects excellent soybeans and makes them into bean curds, then mix with the prepared brine made from winter bamboo-shoots, black mushrooms and spirit that has been fermenting for about six months, eventually let it sit outside for several hours until it becomes putrid, moldy, and grey colored. Having a strong odor before cooking, it can be deep fried and served with hot sauce and pickled cabbage. Fried stinky tofu in Shaoxing is cut into bite-size cubes for cooking, marinating for six hours in summer and two days in winter with moldy peduncle. Then clean by the water, dry in the air, and pour into the cauldron. When it turns golden, it can be fished from the boiling cooking oil in the cauldron. The stinky tofu sold in Tianjin is mostly made in Nanjing style, with a mild aroma.

How it got the name
It was said that in Kangxi Emperor of Qing Dynasty, a scholar named Wang Zhihe failed in the imperial examination, and he idled in the inn, intending to go back home. However, he had no money back, so he determined to stay in the city and tried the exam again. It was a long term from the next exam, so he had no choice but to earn his life in the city. Born in a poor family, as his father opened a tofu shop in his hometown, he had begun to learn how to make tofu when he was young. Therefore, he rented a house to make bean curd by grinding soybean, then hawked along the street. In one summer, some remaining tofu that had not been sold out was going bad. When he was worried about the lost, an idea occurred to him. He cut the bean curd into pieces, found a jar and preserved by salting it. To his surprise, when he opened it several days later, a strong smell came out. He tasted it boldly, it was actually good. Since then, stinky tofu had been widely spread.