Standing Birdbath

Royal Blue Standing Birdbath Royal Blue Standing Birdbath

Should You Buy a Waterbed?

Have you thought about buying a waterbed? While they may still carry some of the sexual connotation of the 1960's, for many people a waterbed provides unparalleled comfort. These innovative creations are quite different from the average mattress, with significant advantages and disadvantages. You'd be wise to at least contemplate a waterbed for your next bedroom purchase. Here is a basic primer on what to expect when you begin your shopping.Modern waterbeds consist of a number of chambers, as opposed to traditional models that only held one.

The advantage of separating the water into several chambers is the reduction of the "wave" effect. After the natural state of the water was disturbed, these single chamber waterbeds took at least a few seconds to return to normal. This problem has largely been solved with the introduction of multiple chambers.

The other key characteristic of a waterbed is the ability to heat the entire surface. With the temperature being controlled by a thermostat, the user can set the bed to the specific degree that he or she desires. The most common temperature is 86 degrees (the average temperature of human skin). This feature is especially useful in the dead of winter. Many people save money on their heating bills by jacking up the temperature of their waterbed while lowering the thermostat responsible for controlling the heat of the entire house. Doctors also agree that sleeping on a warmer surface lowers a person's blood pressure, while also aiding in muscle relaxation.
Though to some degree comfort is a subjective matter of taste and opinion, many users find that waterbeds are significantly more comfortable than normal mattresses. To a large degree, this is due to the fact that they take pressure off of the spine, because the entire body rests on the mattress rather than simply the spinal cord. That's why some doctors recommend the purchase of a waterbed to their patients with arthritis or other bone problems.

At the same time, there are some disadvantages directly linked to what makes waterbeds so great. For one thing, heating a waterbed doesn't come cheaply: depending on climate (among other things), a waterbed can use more than 1000 kWh per year. To be sure, this should be weighed against the prospect of heating an entire home while sleeping, which may be unnecessary when sleeping in a waterbed.

Another thing to think about is assembly and disassembly. Whereas with a normal mattress you simply lug it up the stairs and place it in the desired spot, in contrast a waterbed requires a significant amount of time to fill, especially if you're far from the nearest water source. Looked at from another angle, this could be an advantage, however. Before filling, your new bed will be very easy to transport. Make sure that you consult with the person who built your house, however, because some second stories cannot support a waterbed.

Buying a mattress is an important decision. After all, you spend almost half your time in bed! Next time you're in the market, give a waterbed a shot. It may change your life!

spa in a box

6 Foot Spa-N-A-Box 6 Foot Spa-N-A-Box

Rain Gear – the Right Type Makes All the Difference

Submitted by menotu84

Rain Gear – the Right Type Makes All the DifferenceRain gear will keep you warm and dry not only when bicycling, but also when hiking, power walking, boating, motorcycling, golfing, walking the family dog, star gazing, etc. Rain gear is the way you stay dry when doing anything out in the elements.Whether it’s breathable waterproof, or non-breathable waterproof rain gear it’s the comfortable fitting, stylish protection you want when working or playing in the great outdoors. When maximum warmth and dryness are the goal, non-breathable rain gear is the top choice.
It holds in all body heat, while keeping outside moisture from penetrating. On the other hand, when you find yourself in need of rain protection during times of strenuous activity such as jogging or vigorous cycling, breathable rain gear is a great choice. Breathable rain gear has moisture transfer qualities. It allows the fabric to move accumulating body moisture from the inside of the fabric to the outside. You stay dry inside and out.

When the unexpected rain shower suddenly appears, you want a quality, lightweight, smart fitting and easy-to-get-to piece of rain gear in your day pack, saddle bag, fanny pack or backpack. Rain gear that doesn’t take up precious space is the sportsperson’s best friend. At the first hint of rain, you can have immediate protection, keeping your clothing dry as the downpour continues. Your rain gear pants, jacket and helmet cover will shed the rain, keeping you dry, warm and comfortable underneath.
It’s like having an instant tent!

Without proper rain gear protection, you may arrive at your destination soaking wet. It’s easy to understand how uncomfortable and inconvenient this would be. With proper rain gear protection you will save yourself time, and avoid the frustration and discomfort of wet clothes. Imagine how uncomfortable it would be to find yourself in the middle of a bike ride, a golf game, a leisurely walk or hike when an unexpected rain shower begins. You suddenly realize that you are without quality rain gear protection. You would find yourself at the mercy of the elements, and soon would be wearing clothing that was soaking wet. Ugh!

You might find yourself on the fourth green preparing for that important putt for par when the rains suddenly begin. You reach into your golf bag and pull out your lightweight rain gear and within moments you are warm and dry. You comfortably line up your putt and sink it. A little rain isn’t going to stop you from enjoying yourself.

With proper rain gear, you can easily and instantly slip into waterproof clothing. Rain gear such as waterproof pants and jackets will help you continue on your way, confident in knowing that the rest of your trek, ride, game, walk, or camping experience will not be ruined by continuing showers or intermittent downpours. In addition, the best rain gear offers the added advantage of making your ride, walk, or trip a safer one with its reflective patches that warn auto traffic of your presence at night and in low visibility situations.

The best rain gear offers the great advantage of being both lightweight and compact. It takes up very little space in your backpack, saddle bag, golf bag, day pack or purse. Because it is completely waterproof, shedding all water, it dries out quickly. When the sun breaks through, these quality rain gear products are easily stashed away. Good rain gear will surely be one of your favorite traveling companions.The best rain gear is a fashionable, practical way to insure that your outdoor activities continue to bring you pleasure even amidst the ever changing moods of Mother Nature. Don’t leave home without your rain gear, and you will be prepared for the great outdoors and all the wonders and joys it can provide!

About the Author
For more comparisons of breathable and non-breathable raingear, visit http://www.bicycleclothing.com/index.html.

Copper Fountain

3 Leaf Dish Copper Fountain 3 Leaf Dish Copper Fountain

History Of Freshwater Cultured Pearls

Submitted by sverdlow

Pearls are produced by mollusks, mussels or oysters belonging to the Unionidae family. Saltwater pearls are produced by oysters in the ocean, while freshwater pearls come from mussels growing in lakes, rivers or ponds other than the ocean. These mollusks create a substance called nacre when an irritant object enters its shell. The nacre will wrap around the object until it is covered with this iridescent substance, and the resulting gem is known today as a pearl.Maybe you have heard of the term natural pearls and cultured pearls. Natural pearls are created without human intervention, while cultured pearls are produced by a process where man will introduce a foreign object inside the mollusks' shell, and harvests it after nacre coating. Due to over fishing, the pearls produced the natural way are very rare. Most pearls that you can find in the market today are already cultured.Have you ever wondered how freshwater cultured pearls began? Thousands of years ago, most pearls came exclusively from the ocean. However, not all oysters have produced a pearl inside. In a harvest of three tons, only about three or four oysters can produce a perfect pearl. That is why the pearls at that time were outrageously expensive.

So scientists thought of a way to culture pearls, and they found out that if they will pry open the shell of the mussel, introduce a very small object (like a bead or a metal), then return the mussel in the water, it will also coat the object with nacre and produce a pearl.

The first cultured pearls actually originated in Japan, with pearl farmers experimenting with freshwater mussels in Lake Biwa which is a lake near Kyoto. Their initial harvest appeared around 1930s. Instantly, the freshwater pearl became a big hit! The luster and color looked almost the same as the natural pearls, but the prices are lower and the supply is continuous.

Unfortunately there was a slump in the production of pearls during World War II, but in the 1950s they were back again in the market. Because of its success, almost all of the supplies for the global market came from the lake. In fact, some people already call freshwater pearls as "Biwas" referring to the lake where it originated.

This went on until 1973. But there were warning signs of slow production due to the resorts, farms and industries that were developed surrounding the lake. Soon the pearl farms in Biwa were barely surviving due to the pollution from industrial modernization. Then there came a time when no more pearls can be cultured in this lake. Added to that was Japanese disadvantage of not having a big lake or river to shift their production, and this was coupled with a smaller workforce.

Because of this, China saw the opportunity to culture freshwater pearls. Indeed, they began to flood the market with abundant pearls, having good quality and inexpensive too! The Chinese pearl farmers have also learned to develop and perfect cultured pearl with increased size and improved luster. Now they are the biggest supplier of the worldwide demand for freshwater pearls.

Cobblestone Creek Riverbend

Cobblestone Creek Enclosure-Riverbend Brown Cobblestone Creek Enclosure-Riverbend Brown