The modern Adirondack chair has developed from its original design that appeared in 1903. According to the plans for this design, the chair could be built from eleven pieces of wood. Today, Adirondack chairs are made from an assortment of materials. They appear in a variety of colors. We don’t necessarily see them manufactured from eleven pieces of wood. But the basic characteristics of the modern version are the same as the original. Because of these unique characteristics, we see the Adirondack chair as a very distinct and identifiable design. These characteristics include slat construction, wide and flat armrests, and angled backrests and seats.

What we now call the Adirondack chair was originally labeled the Westport plank chair. We have dubbed this design Adirondack after the mountain range where it originated, but the man who patented the design and first began to sell the chairs lived in a town called Westport, which lies in the Adirondack Mountains. As the original name suggests, the first chairs were constructed of several planks of wood. While the material may have changed, the plank design has not. The modern Adirondack chair still consists of individual slats fastened to other frame pieces to form the seat and back of the chair.

Another common characteristic we can observe among modern Adirondack chairs is the wide, flat armrests. Often, they are wide enough that you can rest your drink or food on the end. Comfort was the primary concern for the original Adirondack chair, but the design can provide a useful solution for small outdoor spaces. If everyone has an Adirondack chair, you may be able to forgo a dining table. Regardless of your reasons for buying Adirondack chairs, this unique characteristic sets them apart from other styles of outdoor furniture.

Variations on the design have developed, and every Adirondack chair doesn’t look the same. Even so, many employ angled backrests or seats to provide you with a more comfortable experience. For regular chairs, the whole seat sits at an angle to the ground, with the back side of the seat closest to the ground, and the front portion of the seat higher in the air. Other pieces of furniture, such as Adirondack love seats and rockers, use the same angled positioning. As a result, this feature-like the others-has come to represent not only chairs but other pieces of furniture, as well.

Aside from some obvious changes which have affected all types of furniture manufacturing, the design has hardly changed. Experiments over the last 100 years have resulted in some minor variations of the original design. But the core design remains much the same as when the chair first appeared on the American scene. Its distinguishing characteristics-slats, wide armrests, and angled seats and backrests-make this style of furniture easy to identify at first glance, even for those who know little about furniture styles. Perhaps this is why the design has thrived for so many years: nothing else looks quite like it.

Source by Rachelle Dawson

Since human civilization, people love to decorate their homes using various things. In the modern age roller blinds have emerged as the most adoptable products because it is ideally suitable for modern offices, public buildings, hospitals, schools and other premises. It mainly helps in controlling sunlight which comes through the widows. If you are looking for the best window solution always choose roller blinds which are ultimate solution for your windows.

The main objective of roller blind is to maintain privacy, filter light and darken and cool your sleeping room. It also detaches ultra violet rays to protect you and your home from harsh rays that may causes various types of skin diseases. It is also useful in winter season as roller blinds prevent cold waves to enter in the room. If anybody resides or their room is located on the roadside which causing lots of noise but don’t worry, roller blind prevent not only dust, harsh ray of the sun and cold wave in the winter season but also keep your living place away from all kinds of noises.

This is well-versed fact that the factor which mainly stops you from buying anything is your budget. Keeping this in mind manufacturers of roller blinds offer it at the most economical prices while keeping customer satisfaction up. It is considered is the best suitable for students’ rooms, hotels and games’ room as well because these places need zero noise because people have to put extra concentration while reading and playing.

In order to decorate your window, roller blinds are the best and the most suitable option for decorating your window. It is available in various sizes and colours just choose the best and give attractive look to homes and offices. Other advantages of window blinds are that it takes very little spaces and enhance beauty of your home. It has also replaced traditional curtain for window decoration as these are simply installed and easily cleaned and give modern and aesthetic look to your home and corporate houses.

Roller window blind can also be removed and placed on the plain surface and cleaned using soap water that should be rub gently and wipe and allow it to dry. There are number of products available in the market and on the internet as well. While choosing from an assortment of roller widow shades, ensure that the products you use are the best and cost-effective.

For more info please visit http://www.ultrasound-blinds.co.uk.

Source by Riky Martin

Tanzania is blessed with natural beauty and extraordinary wildlife. It is the largest country in East Africa, nearly a million square kilometers (386,109 square miles). Agriculture dominates the economy with the vast majority of its crop exports consisting of coffee, tea, cotton, cashews, sisal, cloves and pyrethrum. While somewhat unreliable cash flows frustrate farmers, government intervention is having a significant and positive impact on the country’s economy.

In 1986, to help improve the country’s economy, the Tanzanian government established new policies including reducing its budget deficit, easing trade policies and reducing food crop restrictions. In addition, as a result of significant U.S. funding and numerous international groups in the mining, agricultural, gas and oil, insurance and tourism industries increasing their staff and presence in the country, Tanzania enjoyed a 16% increase in Foreign Direct Investment in 2007.

Tanzania has been growing at approximately 4% a year and is now a fully integrated democratic society that is developing into one of Africa’s most vibrant economies. Dodoma is the capital city and is home to the country’s parliament and government offices. It is situated 440 kilometers (273 miles) due west of Dar es Salaam, the commercial capital. Dar es Salaam is a city that is over five centuries old. It is a mix of African, Arabian, Asian and European cultures. Tanzanians are extremely friendly and will stop to assist foreigners in any way they can.

For someone first arriving in Dar es Salaam by air, they will see a large area with high palm trees and mud dwellings as far as the eye can see. Once on the ground, the buildings are haphazardly constructed and not very clean. By contrast the international hotels are of good quality and well situated to take advantage of the seascapes.

The city is divided into 4 distinct areas: The “town center” is a mixture of office buildings, hotels, restaurants, bars, night clubs, parks and sports facilities. The “peninsular” is where most of the diplomats and expatriates live. It boasts spectacular views of the sea, hosts local restaurants, shops, hotels and has a sailing club. Then, there are the coastal homes and resorts which span 20 to 30 kilometers (12 to 19 miles) north and south of Dar es Salaam. The remainder of the city, unfortunately, is characterized by low-cost housing, with a large population of three to four million people living close to the poverty line.

Dar es Salaam has changed dramatically from socialism to a more capitalist-aligned government over the last 15 years. The influx of diplomats, big business and foreign aid donations have resulted in a gradual improvement in the living standards of the local population. The infrastructure and public facilities are also improving each year–frequent power failures of the past are becoming much less frequent. Water and sewage problems remain high on the government’s list of priorities.

Swahili is the official language of Tanzania, but for business communications, English is almost always used. A person can function quite easily in the city without knowing Swahili, but learning it does make it easier to assimilate, shop and barter in the local communities.

Being polite and greeting Tanzanians is the most important thing you can remember and preferably if it is done in Swahili. Visitors should try not to raise their voices, even if patience is tested. Dar es Salaam is a Muslim environment and one should be very understanding of the Muslim customs.

Dar es Salaam is extremely hot most of the year around and unless you have an office or house equipped with fans or a good air-conditioning system, you will feel drained by the high temperatures which are generally 30 degrees C (86 degrees F), and in summer, closer to 40 degrees C (104 degrees F) with humidity very close to 100%. Torrential showers come and go without much notice. One can escape from the heat on weekends by going to one of the many beaches.

Foreigners seeking to enter Tanzania should have a valid passport. The passport is to be presented to an Immigration Officer at any entry point, border station, airport or harbor. It must be presented with a Visa, a Residence Permit or a Pass, which is for those in transit en route to another destination.

There are five types of visas: The “Ordinary Visa” is issued at any Tanzanian mission abroad. However, if you arrive at the check point without a visa, you can obtain one at the entry point at a cost of US $50. The “Business Visa,” which is called a CTA, is issued to potential investors or business people trying to establish professional contacts. It is valid for two months. It costs US $100, in addition to the entry visa cost. If the business person leaves the country, they need to get the entry visa and CTA visa again when entering. The “Multiple-Entry Visas” are issued to foreigners who, due to business commitments, are required to make multiple entries. The validity can be from one month to one year. The “Referred Visa” requires special clearance from the Director of Immigration or Principal Immigration officer in Zanzibar. This is usually for people from Lebanon, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Somalia, refugees, stateless people and any other country as specified by the authorities. Applications are made to any Tanzanian missions abroad and cannot be obtained at entry points. Finally, the “Transit Visa” is issued for those who wish to cross Tanzania and the validity is two weeks. It is for those people holding onward tickets.

Visas can be obtained at the airport and if arriving by land or sea, at the port of entry. Although the government has officially stopped asking for yellow fever certificates, it is still advisable to obtain and carry a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. Weapons, pornographic material, fresh food and cars more than 10 years old should not be brought into Tanzania.

There are two types of work permits, each requiring different documents including resumes, cover letters, academic qualifications and personal photographs. A special type of Work Permit is given specifically to those who successfully apply and possess rare qualifications or skills. These are usually granted to those in highly technical occupations that are not readily available in the local labor market including doctors, pilots, lawyers and accountants.

With a residence permit, spouses and dependents are permitted to stay in Tanzania for the duration of the working relative’s stay. They generally do not work, but there are some exceptions based on specific criteria. A passport is the main document used to verify identity in Tanzania. Apart from getting a Tanzanian driver’s license, no other documentation is required.

The local currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Shilingi). The notes are TSH 10,000 (red, elephant), TSH 5,000 (purple, rhino), TSH 1,000 (blue, late President Nyerere), TSH 500 (green, buffalo) and TSH 2,00 (brown, Zanzibar Fort). The coins are TSH 200, 100, 50 and 25. TSH 20, 10 and 5 are out of circulation and while they still may be used in banks, are no longer issued or used. Bureau of Exchanges are located throughout the city. The rates vary so it wise to shop around. Hotels will also exchange foreign currency, but at higher rates.

Cash is the most commonly-used payment for everyday purchases e.g., groceries, etc. It is essential for such things as cooking gas, fuel for the car, restaurants, drinks at bars, taxis and most other daily purchases. Recently, larger shops have started accepting Visa and MasterCard and some places will accept American Express, but it is still advisable to have cash available in case of problems with the unreliable machines.

Credit cards are accepted in hotels and some very select restaurants, which will charge a 5% fee. In most instances, you will need Tanzanian shillings. Foreign cash is accepted, but at shocking exchange rates. Some institutions insist on being paid in U.S. dollars, but you have the right to pay in Shillings. However, you will more than likely get a poor exchange rate.

As a foreigner you are able to open a private bank account with a minimum of 50,000 Tanzanian Shillings, 1,000 U.S.-dollars and sometimes with 1,000 Euros, but you will need a work/residence permit, two passport-size photographs, a letter of appointment from your employer and a cash deposit in order to do so. All banks use English and Swahili as the language of correspondence. Provided you have sufficient funds, you can transfer and remit any amount of currency out of the country. Conversely, you can transfer in as much as you want, but it will be converted into the currency of your accounts.

Banking hours on weekdays are normally 08:30 am to 15:30 pm and Saturdays, from 09:00 am to noon. There are over 30 banks with Barclay’s, Standard Chartered, Stanbic, Bank of Baroda, FBME, and Citibank being the more well known internationally. Most banks have ATMs and offer Visa, and MasterCard facilities. Cash is dispensed in Tanzanian Shillings. TSH 400,000 is usually the maximum allowed to be withdrawn at one time. Traveler’s cheques are generally only accepted and exchanged at banks, hotels and bureaus of exchange. Credit cards are slowly being introduced but, when dealing with locals, cash is the only acceptable tender.

When searching for a place to live in your city, the most important factor to consider is your budget. Accommodation costs are extremely high while the standards are comparatively low. The other factor to consider is the traveling distance to work and school as traffic congestion is problematic, especially in the morning.

Oysterbay and the Peninsula are the two most popular neighborhoods for expats. Rentals in the Oysterbay and Peninsular vary from US $2,500 to $15,000 per month. The most prominent and sought after areas are Masaki (near the Yacht Club), Msasani Peninsular and Oysterbay. All are located near the most popular school, shopping centers, hospitals, hotels and restaurants. These areas have been developing at an amazing rate in the last five to seven years and you now have a choice of all types of accommodation. Many of them have swimming pools, gyms, tennis courts and security systems. Because these areas are in high demand, the rents are much higher and payment terms are seldom less than a year.

Foreigners are not allowed to buy property. Only businesses are permitted to buy on a 99-year lease agreement. So as a general rule, accommodation is rented. Landlords of property on the Peninsular demand an advance payment for one year. In other areas, some owners ask for only six months in advance.

While looking for your home, you may consider furnished accommodation on a short-term lease. Ask for a list of accommodations available, but book early because it is scarce in Dar es Salaam. There are only two international residential management companies: Knight Frank and Pam Goulding. However there are three to four good local firms. There are over 40 hotels and furnished apartments in Dar es Salaam and the surrounding areas: Holiday Inn, Movenpick, Kempinski, Protea and Sun International are the more commonly known hotel chains.

Utilities are generally not included in the price of rent. Water is a factor to be considered when moving to an area. In certain areas, for example the Yacht Club and Masaki, a house for a family of four requires water to be trucked in four times a month at US $50 a delivery. If DAWASCO, the local company distributing water around Dar es Salaam is connected to your home it can cost about TSH 100,000 (US $85 per month).

Electricity is another high-cost factor. A house that consumes electricity for air-conditioners and appliances can be as much as TSH 500,000 (US $430 per month). TANESCO sells prepaid electricity through its LUKU offices from Monday to Saturday. Some garages offer a 24 hour service for sales of LUKU. Gas is a very useful alternative to electricity and is readily available and most DUKAs (local shops) sell it late at night. The voltage system is 220 but because of the fluctuating .voltage, most households buy many protection plugs to prevent their appliances from being destroyed by the sharp peaks and troughs in supply. Most appliances function in Tanzania.

Tanzania is considered safe, but there has been an increase in petty theft and some gang-related attacks on lone people. Burglary in the home is rare, but one should employ 24-hour security services.

Expats to Dar es Salaam usually enroll children in the main private schools. There are more than a dozen schools to choose from in Dar es Salaam including IST (International School of Tanganyika) in Oysterbay for upper class children and IST Elementary school in Upanga. IST is by far the most popular school of choice for expatriates and for that reason alone, it is difficult to get students placed immediately. Sometimes your luck is determined by those leaving a particular grade. The school is extremely expensive but has the best record in the city. There are also seven selected schools in the Peninsular, Ada Estate and Upanga areas which cater to preschool children. School buses are available, but heavy traffic means that children spend a long time on the bus from very early in the morning. Hence a lot of families drive their children to and from school.

All schools except IST start in January and finish in December. IST starts in September and finishes at the end of June. The schools as a rule, insist that their pupils wear uniforms. Sports are not a high priority, but IST does have some activities other than academic.

It is recommended that you get Yellow Fever and Cholera vaccinations as a precaution, and speak to your doctor about medicine to prevent malaria. You would not be refused medical care, but in Aga Khan and government hospitals, admittance is relatively cheap. Most expatriates go to IST Clinic–International School of Tanganyika Clinic, which is run by professional doctors who charge in U.S. dollars for all services. The local institutions will refer patients to Kenya, South Africa if the situation warrants it.

You can dial 112 for help due to a medical emergency, a fire or if you need to contact the police, however, these numbers are rarely answered. It is best to get the emergency numbers of the security company you belong to. There are three or four security firms that offer reliable ambulance and medical assistance services. Daktari” is the word for “doctor” in Swahili. “Duka la Dawa” is the shop for medicine. The water is not safe to drink from the tap. Bottled water is highly recommended.

Dar es Salaam traffic can be very congested especially in the morning and evening hours. It is a definite advantage to have your own vehicle. If a company vehicle is not available to ferry your family around, you may require a second vehicle. A great deal of expatriates use drivers to avoid the stresses of traffic and the perils of possible accidents. You may want to employ a driver to carry out both functions and, in general, these people are very reliable and prepared to work odd hours. Vehicles are generally a four-wheel drive type, because the roads are not in good condition. A new vehicle of that type sells for US $30,000 to $50,000 but good second hand vehicles are available for between US $8,000 and $15,000.

A Tanzanian driver’s license is required within six months upon arrival. The licensing authority requires both a current driver’s license for verification; three passport size photographs and an eye test by a reputable specialist (at a cost of TSH 30,000 or US $26). Insurance is not mandatory, but it is highly recommend that you take out full comprehensive insurance as very few local citizens have insurance and you need to protect your assets.

In Tanzania you drive on the left-hand side. Despite periodic complaints in the press about dangerous driving, dirty uniforms and unsociably loud music, Dar es Salaam’s public transport is surprisingly efficient and you can get almost anywhere within a twenty kilometer (12 mile) radius of the city for less than a thousand Shillings (less than a US $1). “Daladals” are shared minibuses which are all around the town and operate from 5am to 10pm. For short, frequently-used distances, the route is serviced by an inexpensive, three-wheeler motorbike, which accommodates two- to three passengers. Taxis can be found everywhere. Trips to the airport are between TSH 20,000 to 30,000 (US $17 to $26). In the city, the transport is safe but is generally very crowded and can be very hot and congested.

Long haul buses are available to take Expats out of the city. They are of good quality and are fairly inexpensive, but the drivers are known to speed. If the distance is within 40-50 kilometers (24-30 miles), then taxis would be a good option. Because of the huge distances from Dar es Salaam to other major tourist spots, many travelers use local airlines and charter companies to go to these places.

There are many grocery stores to buy food and toiletries including Shoppers Plaza, Shop rite (three outlets), Game, Village Supermarket and Shrijee’s (three outlets). For fresh produce, there are other “Dukas,” but one must be ready to barter for the best price, so most expatriates tend to shop at the main-stream shops and occasionally buy at the odd roadside Duka. Other than fresh food, all other commodities are imported and comes with an inflated cost. You can get most things, including appliances locally and quite a variety too.

There are also several brilliant furniture outlets. Tanzanians are very good furniture manufacturers and are renowned for Zanzibar beds, chests, bookshelves, side tables and coffee tables and much more. Zanzibar Doors are grand entrances for a great deal of houses.

The expat community is very friendly and there are many activities available for entertainment. Clubs and groups are available to meet and mix with other expatriates and locals alike including Bridge Clubs, British Council, Dar es Salaam Yacht Club, Diplomatic Spouses Group, Irish Society, Little Theatre, Mah-jong, the Wildlife Conservation Society of Tanzania and many others. There are not many radio stations and apart from television, the social life is restricted to going to the movies and dining out. There are several groups who welcome “Karibu,” newcomers. There are night clubs and many bars, but it is suggested that a newcomer only goes to these places once they get to know the city. There are a lot of single, professional expats who are on assignment for a contracted period.

The list of things for spouses to do is almost endless. It is common for spouses to visit the islands near Dar es Salaam, enjoy the sunshine and eat freshly cooked fish and chips. The sporting activities are limited, but golf, tennis and cricket are all very popular social events. There is a bowling alley at the Sea Cliff Hotel on the Peninsular and scuba diving and sailing are popular activities on the weekends.

Nannies are available and are generally have experience working with other expats families. They are very reliable and can double up as housekeepers. Domestic employment contracts are essential, the wages are very affordable.

While Kunduchi Hotel and Beach Resorts are the most popular kid-friendly attractions in the area, other childhood activities are quite limited and families are expected to entertain their children most of the time. Other than school-organized activities, it is suggested that families remain involved with selecting the possible venues for their teenagers before allowing them to explore on their own. Discuss any safety issues for children in this city. There are no real fears for children, but it is recommended that teenagers do not go into the city on their own.

Source by Christine Draeger

Housekeeping is one of the departments in the hotel that has the most bulk expenses and consumable items. Items like bathroom amenities such as shampoo, conditioner, body lotion or moisturizer, eau de cologne, facial soap and body soap; bath towel, hand towel, face towel, bath mat, bathrobe, rubber mat; bed sheet, pillow, pillow case, throw pillow, neck pillow, mattress pad, blanket, duvet/ duvet insert, bed cover; toilet paper, facial tissue; coffee maker, coffee sachet, sugar condiments; ironing board, flat iron; alarm clock; cooking utensils, crockery’s and cutlery; give away toothbrush and toothpaste; printing materials, stationery, envelope, note pad, ball pen, folder, telephone directory, Bible or Holy Qur’an can have a substantial impact in the hotel’s overall expenses.

These are variable assets that when consumed, damaged, lost or become sub-standard are being discarded or removed from circulation, Once removed from circulation or consumed, the same quantities must be replenished or replaced with additional mark-up in order to maintain the high standard or quality of service in the hotel.

Fixed assets like the room’s furniture and fixtures such as beds, fridges, television sets, mirrors, sofas, easy chairs, reclining chairs, tables, telephones, lamps, headboards, air-conditioning/heating equipment etc. can be very costly when damaged or become sub-standard. These items are usually included in the Capital Expenditure Budget especially when refurbishment is required. But if its only one or two pieces, this amount can be allocated in the operating budget.

For the machine and equipment, Housekeeper’s cart and vacuum cleaners are the most important tool used in the overall cleaning and maintenance of the hotel guestrooms and public areas. Machines like carpet shampoo and water extraction machine, rotary machine for carpet shampoo, floor scrubber and floor polishing, wet and dry vacuum cleaner. hydraulic lift etc. are additional heavy duty machines that help in the overall cleaning requirements of the hotel. These too are included in the Capital Expenditure Budget.

For Laundry area there will be the laundry machine, washer, dryer, dry cleaning machine, laundry folding machine/ calendar, tables, carts, laundry sorter boxes, movable clothes hanger rails, guest laundry printer etc. are Capital Expenditure items, while detergent, bleach, stain remover, dry cleaning fluid, ph level water treatment solution etc. goes to the operational budget.

Listing all the detailed items involved in preparation of budget gives you an idea how intricate housekeeping budget preparation is.quote>

With the above numerous items, the consumable or fast moving items are the most important items in the preparation of budget. The consumable items are included in the operational budget. The fixed asset items are included in the Capital Expenditure Budget or CAPEX.

Operational Budget is being prepared annually and submitted to the Director of Finance for further study and to finalize the total amount in coordination with the department head. Operational Budget is always based on the next year’s forecasted occupancy percentage. For example:

Item: toilet roll @ $0.50/roll

2008 consumption @ 50% occupancy = 50,000 @ $0.50 =$25,000.00

2009 forecasted occupancy percentage is 75%

75%- 50% = 25% ( 25% of 50,000 =12,500)

(50% + 25%= 75%) = ( $25,000.00 +$12,500.00 = @37,500.00)

Remaining items are calculated in the same manner till all the items required are included in the next year’s budget.

Capital Expenditure Budget is for specific items or project that needs to be replaced, made and built in the improvement of guest service or the hotel itself. For example:

The hotel management with the approval of the owner of the hotel would like to extend the Laundry service to non-hotel guest or outside customer. The project will be a “Laundry Shop”, therefore a quotation will be required from the contractor for the cost of building the Laundry Shop, the additional guest/customer laundry bag, laundry and dry cleaning list, and additional manpower for customer service etc. To sum up the amount of Construction of laundry shop = $35,000.00; additional laundry bags and lists = $5,000.00 and additional manpower = $9,000.00 annually.

The $35,000.00 will be included in the Capital Expenditure while the additional laundry bags/lists and manpower will be added in the operational and staffing budget.

Therefore, the operational budget is for the consumable items and Capital Expenditure is for special project or items that are costly. There are also certain items being shared by the Front Office and Housekeeping. The charges on these items are being split between the two departments. When it comes to Maintenance, Engineering Department charges the Housekeeping for any services rendered like maintenance of the machine wherein they have to supply machine parts and labor, so these are being coordinated with Engineering. It is important that housekeeping machines are handled with care to avoid such charges.

Monitoring the Operational budget is the most crucial part in the operation of business. With the modern technology and the computer software, daily updated total expenses against budgeted amount are made possible and easy to trace in order not to exceed the budgeted amount. Every end of the month, the Accounting Department distributes copies of last month’s budget outcome to the General Manager and the Department Heads in order for them to review and analyze where their budget is in line and where it is not. General Manager will require the department head that have exceeded their budget a reasonable report since he is accountable to the corporation as well as the owner of the hotel.

Source by Natividad Imm

In my book “Karaoke Krazy,” I give advice on the many ways to be successful as a Karaoke DJ or “KJ.” Here is an excerpt:

“Style”

If you are a KJ, your style is every bit as important as your reputation because it is PART of your reputation. It is what defines you.

There is a lot you can do to create a style of your own and it does not always involve how you speak on a microphone.

This section includes things about me, and things I have done to enhance my style.

You may get some ideas, or perhaps you have a style all of your own that you are happy with. Either way you might learn something.

“The Art of Illusion”

There is an art to creating an illusion in the room, one that will draw in and sustain a crowd. It is your job to provide an environment that did not exist prior to your arrival.

The way you dress, the music you play, and how well you work a room and motivate people, are integral parts of the whole. If you miss doing one of these things well, you may survive. However, if you miss more than one of these things, you may not.

What you wear sets the tone in the room. If you are in jeans and a T-shirt, your crowd will wear jeans and T-shirts too.

If you wear trendy clothes, tails, or pink gym shoes and a bow tie, you will set a better tone and people will respond to that. You will also inform people that you are an entertainer and they will prepare to be entertained.

My former manager, J.R., insisted that I always dress like a star. If I was getting off of a tour bus at a gas station, I was required to be picture perfect. His motto was, “If you look like a star and act like a star, you are a star.” He was right about this. People treat you like a star if you dress like one.

Obviously, if you are doing a private function you need to ask what the theme will be or what dress is required. You will look very out of place at a formal function if you are wearing a cowboy hat and jeans. Likewise, you will feel out of place if you are wearing tails and the guests are wearing cut-offs.

Another detail you might pay attention to is the lighting. I do not advise a lot of bright lights. The room needs ambiance and ‘mood.’ Bright lights make people want to hide.

Dimmed or diluted (ambient) lighting helps people to relax. It also makes people feel like they look younger (wrinkles are obscured) and this makes them feel better.

People who feel good about themselves are more likely to stick around all night.

Make sure all of the tables and chairs are neatly arranged. You may think this is not your job, and perhaps it isn’t. But you want to do everything in your power to make the room as presentable and inviting as possible.

You will often see me pushing in bar stools. This is something J.R. taught me to do years ago. I detested doing it at first, but later I realized that an untidy room is a reflection on me.

Periodically during the evening, you should also help pick up empty beverage bottles and glasses. Not only does it look bad when these are sitting around, it slows the drinking process.

People are more likely to order another beverage if they are unaware of how many they have already consumed.

Remember that your job is to fill the cash drawer. This is why your club owner is having the promotion.

Do not worry if you are a KJ who goes solo and you are too busy to handle all of these extraneous jobs at once. You will gradually become comfortable and skilled enough to multi-task.

Regarding “in-between” music, keep the beats per minute above 120. Keeping the BPM’s high will cause a subconscious assault on the central nervous system of your patrons, causing them to become more exited, more thirsty, and less bored.

To determine what the BPM’s are in a particular song, use a stopwatch. Play the song and count the beats for one minute. If you count 112 BPMs, the song is no doubt a slow one.

If you can, flash the stage lights off and on during dance sets. This will produce another assault on the central nervous system.

If you happen to sustain a high level of BPMs with both in-between music and Karaoke songs, you may have to “dump the dance floor.”

Although it is rare (because there is almost always a barrage of slow Karaoke songs), there are times when you have an overly excited crowd. Good for you, you are doing your job!

However, it may become necessary to slow down, and calm down your patrons. Take the time to drop in a slow song and dump the fast dancers off of the dance floor. Fights can be avoided through use of this technique. People will also take this opportunity to order a drink.

Let me express that I am not advocating getting every individual in the bar as drunk as possible. However, there are reasons that your club owner owns this business, and you should know how to enhance it.

For more information, or to order my book, go to: karaokekrazy.org

Source by Robin St. James

Inspired living based on Victorian perspectives is quite possible! Install decorative tiles on the ceiling and let the walls be wainscoted. Tall ceilings and metal installations would not really be necessary. Use metal tiles to bring radiance to the walls like in the bathroom and kitchen backsplash, the living and dining room.

As far back as the Civil War, pressed metal square tiles came into vogue. Instead of heavy plaster, these strong and light fireproof tiles were cheaper. They remained popular in geometric shapes through many decades until the Great Depression when plain white drywall ceilings spread.

Pressed tin is getting fancied again in old Victorian residences because of style and presence. Lofts look attractive in metal tiles and exposed brick along with timber. We recommend tiles be not used on the ceiling though.

If you desire the vintage look in the home, read on to discover a few ideas with metallic tiles to liven up the surroundings.

Get down to it in the kitchen

Install the Castle Metals for the old copper look. Build an elegant sink or stove backsplash Victorian style. If you wish for a nontraditional look, go for Metal Signatures combined with plain tiles on the backsplash. Copy the 1930s look with the Metallica series for an Art Deco backsplash.

Check out:

Village Bend in Olive 6 x 6, 4-1/4 x 4-1/4 with 1 x 8 Torello

Metal Signatures in Aged Iron Trellis Deco 4-1/4 x 4-1/4

Chateau Ogee Liner 1-1/2 x 12 and Trellis Liner 3 x 12

Why not copy the tin ceiling look and install it on the floor? Study some old pictures and lay several motifs in the floor center with a border of plain tiles. I could be the reverse arrangement on the kitchen countertop.

It is time for the dining room makeover

While some people wish for white dining rooms, metal tiles Victorian style will turn it cozy but dark. Coordinate the colors esthetically while exotic carpets and dark wooden colors would be great. Metal embossed tiles will bring decorative touches like wainscoting on the lower wall. Lighting like antique chandeliers would work fine in a gray color scheme.

A bathroom to cherish

Bring a serious note with metal tiles in the frame of the shower space and on the shower backsplash. Other options are artistic strips with pewter and bronze tiles horizontally, and a border with embossed tiles enclosing a plain tiled center.

Do you fancy Aged Bronze Jardin floor/wall border, corners of Tumbled Natural Stone in Sand and Antalya Dark field tile on the floor?

Renovate the wet bar scene

Perhaps a brushed stainless steel hexagon mosaic tile backsplash would work just fine. The brushed stainless steel would contrast well with the light wood cabinets, white walls, and beige carpets. Wet bar backsplashes would also benefit from Metal Signatures Aged Iron Tumbled Stone, using the same tiles on the floor. Match it with the white cabinets, stainless steel appliances, refrigerator, and stools.

Metal tiles never really went out of style, dating to Victorian times. Enjoy the eternal quality for decades to come.

Source by Paul Toomey

Food allergies are due to IgE antibodies made for specific foods that an individual has for some reason developed because their body has misinterpreted the food(s) as a foreign invading protein. The presence of IgE antibody to the specific food a person is allergic to results in an immediate immune reaction of the body to the food when it is eaten. The IgE antibody binds its specific food protein and initiates reactions in the body that include the release of chemicals such as histamine that may result in symptoms of itching, swelling, wheezing or difficulty breathing, rash or hives, and if severe, shock resulting in death if not reversed. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur but are less common.

Testing for the presence of allergy to a food or foods can be done by blood test or skin testing or both. One of the most common blood tests is the RAST test that looks for the presence of the specific IgE antibodies to common food allergens and other foods based on a history suggesting that a particular food is suspect. Skin testing is done by injecting or applying extracts of the common and any suspect food(s) to pricked or scratched skin and looking for diagnostic “hive” like reactions at the site of the suspect food. The most common food allergens are peanut, cow’s milk, wheat, corn, soy, shellfish, eggs, tree nuts, chocolate, pork, tomato, and citrus.

The terms food intolerance and sensitivity are commonly used interchangeably. They refer to a group of food reactions that occur that are not IgE antibody caused. In more general terms they refer to any adverse or unpleasant reaction that occurs after a food is eaten.

Food reactions that are not allergic in cause may have a variety of causes. A particular food may not be tolerated because it is not digested adequately due to an enzyme deficiency. Lactase, the enzyme that digests milk sugar or lactose, is present on the surface of the intestine lining cells. Lactase deficiency can be inherited or acquired. It commonly occurs whenever the intestine lining is damaged. Because the lactase enzymes are on the outer most surface of the intestine they are more vulnerable to injury. For example, after intestinal flu or in untreated Celiac disease, lactose intolerance is common. Other sugar enzymes can be deficient or the intestine can be simply overwhelmed by too large a sugar load at one time. A classic example is “the Big Gulp” syndrome when someone drinks a giant cola beverage then experiences the “gut ache” from the tremendous amount of fructose. Large amounts cannot be handled by the intestine and that results in bloating, urgency and terrible diarrhea.

Deficiency of digestive enzymes released into the intestine can result in poor digestion of foods. For example, when the pancreas gland is damaged (pancreatitis) chronically, usually from chronic alcohol abuse, or is congenitally underdeveloped or malfunctioning (e.g. cystic fibrosis). The pancreatic enzyme deficiency that occurs results in malabsorption, especially for fats, that cause symptoms of diarrhea and weight loss. Abnormal bacteria types and levels in the gut, also known as dysbiosis, and abnormal excess levels of “bad” bacteria or presence of bacteria in upper small intestine where little or no bacteria normally occur (bacterial overgrowth) can interfere with digestion, absorption or cause fermentation of food resulting in symptoms of abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and diarrhea.

Some foods and food additives have a direct toxic effect on the gastrointestinal tract. Additives such as MSG and sulfites can cause symptoms, including flushing and diarrhea or the “Chinese restaurant” or “salad bar” syndromes.

All foods contain proteins known as lectins. Some of these proteins are highly resistant to digestion and are toxic to the human intestine especially if they are not pre-treated by soaking, cooking well, or removing toxic portions. For example, inadequately soaked and cooked kidney beans will cause a food poisoning like illness. There are several foods that have lectins that are poorly tolerated by many humans and are lethal to insects and pests. One researcher, Loren Cordain PhD., author of the Paleo Diet, has published extensive research on how the human intestine is not “evolved” to tolerate many of the foods we now eat but did not eat in the ancient “hunter-gatherer” times resulting in many of the illness seen in modern societies and the rising epidemic of autoimmune diseases. Several of the “modern” foods that were not part of the ancient diet but constitute much our diet now have well recognized toxic or poorly tolerated proteins known as lectins. Examples include wheat germ agglutinin (WGA), casein (cow’s milk protein), peanut agglutinin (PNA), soyabean agglutinin (SBA) and tomato lectin (TL) that have been shown in animal studies to be toxic to the human gut. There are a few published studies and little active research on the role of dietary lectins in health and disease.

When the reaction is an immune toxicity reaction to a food protein intestinal damage commonly results, frequently referred to as “leaky gut” because of the symptoms of malabsorption or the entry of toxic food proteins and/or bacterial products into the blood stream resulting in a variety of adverse health effects. This reaction may result in autoimmunity, the body attacking itself within the gut or distant organs or tissues. The reaction may be aided by abnormal bacteria types and/or levels in the gut (dysbiosis). The symptoms commonly develop over time and flare in just hours to up to three days after eating the offending food and continue as the food is eaten.

Because the protein in the food is usually the cause and such proteins may be hidden in other foods, especially processed foods, and the toxicity is more of a delayed and cumulative immune reaction, it is very difficult for the person suffering from this to identify the specific food as the cause. For example gluten (the protein in wheat) and casein (the protein in cow’s milk) are in many foods and toxic to many individuals. Over time people sensitive to such food proteins typically become more ill and may develop enough intestinal injury that blood tests for other types of antibodies, IgG and/or IgA, to the food or specific food proteins, may be detectable in the blood, stool or saliva.

Delayed immune response to proteins in the food (wheat, cow’s milk) resulting in bowel injury, gastrointestinal and non-gastrointestinal symptoms and increased autoimmune conditions is most well recognized in Celiac disease. It is an autoimmune disease resulting from ingestion of gluten in wheat or products made from wheat flour (or gluten like proteins in barley and rye). It used to be considered a disease of children and rare, especially in the United States. However, blood test screening studies have documented that it is present in approximately 1 in 133 to 1 in100 people worldwide though most of those affected are undiagnosed and untreated. It is diagnosed by positive screening blood tests and confirmed by a characteristic abnormal small intestine on biopsy followed by relief of symptoms and return of the intestine to normal after a gluten-free diet. Untreated it is associated with higher rates of cancer especially lymphoma, osteoporosis, anemia, and other complications of malabsorption resulting in shortened life expectancy. It is treated with a life-long gluten free-diet. Lesser degrees of gluten intolerance or sensitivity may not be severe enough to cause abnormal or diagnostic blood tests and intestinal biopsies but result in symptoms that improve or resolve with a gluten-free diet and may be detected by elevated stool or saliva antibody tests.

Though injury to the intestine tissue may be seen visually as abnormal appearing tissue during endoscopic procedures such findings are non-specific for the cause. The tissue frequently appears normal and therefore many times is not sampled by biopsy, though under the microscope injury may be seen, though not specific for cause or food. If the physician is either not suspecting food intolerance or doesn’t routinely biopsy normal appearing intestinal tissue looking for signs of food intolerance, the injury may not be discovered.

The immune based food intolerances are commonly associated with many symptoms that can be both gastrointestinal and outside the gut and may include bloating, gas, diarrhea (and sometimes constipation), abdominal pain, nausea, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pains, skin rashes, weight loss or gain, anemia or nutritional deficiencies, irritability, depression, mental fogginess, and nerve pain (neuropathy). These symptoms may be misdiagnosed or mislabeled as irritable bowel syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, reflux, ulcer, and fibromyalgia, etc. without another thought by patient or physician that food intolerance may be the cause and specific food elimination may be the cure. The common food allergens also are the most common causes of food intolerance reactions.

Generally, most physician are aware of common food allergy symptoms and how and when to test. However, several studies have confirmed most people’s experience that the majority of primary care physicians are unaware of the common symptoms of Celiac disease, that blood tests exist for screening antibodies and the high risk genes, and that it is common and may be diagnosed in adults. This is why the diagnosis is delayed on average over 11 years in most adults, after many of them have irreversible complications such as osteoporosis, cancer, or another autoimmune disease. The awareness and acceptance of non-Celiac gluten sensitivity and other food protein intolerances in the medical community is even worse.

Therefore, food intolerance or sensitivity is commonly missed and untreated. Many patients are forced to self-diagnose by discovery of the link of their symptoms to specific foods serendipitously, often as a result of an elimination diet, recommendation of an alternative practitioner or friend/relative, or search for help on the internet or multiple physicians for help. Hopefully, by reading this article you now better understand food allergies and intolerances, why they are often missed and that they are a common cause of many symptoms, not just intestinal, that usually improve if not resolve once the offending food or foods are eliminated from your diet.

Source by Dr. Scot Lewey

Now some men may be six feet tall, own a platinum card, retain a drivers license, able to die for our country, and saddle up to the bar stool legally; but it does not guarantee that they are and adult. These are owls and crows with degrees. Or Monkeys with wigs. Then others are more like Pinocchio falling from addiction, to abuse, and prison.

In some cases, they are not even adolescent yet. But still boys waiting for the maturity of puberty to come on.

My advice to you women who are dating them, jump ship!

If you stay with them, here is the fairy Tale to save them that has been in the movie AI and saving nemo. But maybe after this story you will not.

Pinocchio

Now Geppetto wanted a son. But he was not ready yet to raise one because his temper was great. He was not taught enough by his own parents example to be a fine parent. But he made a son anyway.

Now like father like son, Pinocchio was a rascal like his old man. Which made things worse for him. For every time Pinocchio got in trouble, it reminded Geppetto of the shame and trouble he brought his own father. This only made him more angry at Pinocchio. Once out in public, Geppetto was seen thrashing Pinocchio. Which he was sent to prison for.

During this time Pinocchio raised himself. He took to doing everything he wanted to. Jumping through brooks, through dales, and fields. Always watching out for the police who was after him originally on the day they arrested Geppetto.

One day Pinocchio returns home to find a Cricket talking to him. This Cricket has lived in the house for a hundred years. He warns Pinocchio if he does not learn to earn a keep by hand and mind he would turn into an ass. So Pinocchio throws a hammer at him and kills him.

This Cricket was a minute version of Merlin. The old sage that lives in our mind. Also these can be external real people who speak outward of what we know we should be doing. It is like the angel on the shoulder who gets knocked off for the promises of fun and easy pursuits by the devil on the other. But they are both our friends who come to us in our youth. Like Merlin advising Arthur before he pulls the sword of adulthood and direction from the stone, the Cricket had came to teach this boy how to be a good King of his own life.

This begins the long arduous road to redemption for Pinocchio. He becomes like many believing that the devils path of denial and ease will bring him to heaven. But the devil will be his friend. Like his father, Pinocchio will find himself in prison in time too.

So Pinocchio with no trade or eduction finds himself hungry in his house alone. Except for a single egg in the corner. He cracks it open to cook an omelet. But a Chick flies out and thanks him for his help and flies away.

The egg is the symbol of the soul, and his is cracked. The chick, like at easter, is the resurrection of our redemption into better people. Which is far from coming for our little Pinocchio. This is the first of many bird references within the story. Alchemy which is the spiritual practice of turning the lead of your soul into gold is referred by many as the Secret language of Birds.

Giving up for the night, Pinocchio falls asleep with his feet on the foot warmer he hoped to cook the omelet on. Being made out of wood, he woke in the morning to find his feet burned off. The feet is the symbol of parental foundation, which he has none.

Geppetto is released from Prison that morning to find his son alone in the house. Geppetto has no key to get in and calls to Pinocchio. But Pinocchio can not make it to the door. He is reluctant to let the father back in. But Geppetto makes his way in through the window and is feeling great guilt over leaving Pinocchio to raise himself he ignores his son refusal to let him in and promises to make him new feet. He also gives Pinocchio his only three pears and starves himself. Pinocchio eats them all without sharing any.

Pinocchio is so grateful for the pears that he promises to go to school and become a good boy. So Geppetto sells his only coat, being an old thin man cost him much, so Pinocchio can buy an ABC book. But before Pinocchio can buy such a book, he spends his money on a puppet show.

At the puppet show the puppets treat him like a brother. But the puppet master finds him and wants to use him as firewood to cook his meal on. Pinocchio talks his way out of it, but the puppet master calls for Harlequin to be placed on the fire instead. But Pinocchio pleads for his new found brothers life and saves him. For his kindness, the Puppet master gives Pinocchio five gold coins for his poor father without a coat.

Pinocchio means well. He has shown compassion for his brother, but society is a mean mistress. Far worse than any lover nature pretended to be with her storms and famines. For society is filled with cats and foxes waiting to prey on your desires and weaknesses.

Pinocchio is enticed by a fox missing its paw and a blind cat. Enticed in believing that beyond the Town of Simple Simons lay a field. A field that is so magical it is called the field of Wonders. That if anyone was to place a gold coin buried within it, it would sow thousands in its place by morning.

A bird tries to warn Pinocchio about this bluff, but he is snatched out of mid air by this blind cat and eaten for his troubles. Instinct is overcome by greed.

So Pinocchio journeys on with his new found friends a short distance to this field. The devil promised a short cut, but as Pinocchio finds that the devil’s short cut always makes one weary. So our group falls to an inn for the night.

The Fox who could not think of eating more than a cracker eats an ox. Where the cat who says he ate before his journey tonight falls to eating the herd the ox came from. But Pinocchio who is lost in his dreams loses his hunger. The group adjourns for the night.

Pinocchio awakes in the middle of the night to get his friends to continue onto the field. But they are gone leaving the tab and a message to meet them under the a tree in that field. Pinocchio’s first gold coin is lost.

On the way he meets with the cricket once more. Like Merlin, Gandolf, and ,soon you will find out, Dumbledor have all returned from the dead to advise us. The voice we ignored telling us the right thing to do has never left. It may be the voice of your dead Grand parent. Only occasionally we allow it to sneak in to advise us to ignore our ego and do what is right. But it makes no promises and calls for work. The cricket warns Pinocchio once again that wealth only comes from the work of mind and hand. But it falls on wooden ears.

At the tree Pinocchio is confronted with assassins who try to steal his money. Pinocchio places it in his mouth and bites off one of their hands when they try to steal it. These assassins were the cat and fox in disguise. So they capture Pinocchio and hang him by his neck on a grand oak. Expecting to find him dead in the morning with his mouth open and the coins littered on the ground.

The hanged man in the tarot cards which is taken from the myth of Odin who had given himself to himself on a tree for nine nights to gain illumination. It is the act of dying to oneself that brings on a new job, the end of a habit, or the courage to leave our abusive spouse. It is the act of killing misses Smith just to become Joan. The act of quitting the job to become Frank. It is sacrifice of what is killing us no more faster than cigarette do.

An old axiom is, if you want to boil a frog you must turn up the heat slowly. Most of what is in life that kills us comes on this slow and is easy to be denied.

But a fairy that denied him access to her home when he was running from the assassins has pity for him now. She sends a falcon to free him and return him to he house. This is the woman who can only fall in love with the bad boy. Some one she can save. This urge tends to be grown in a child when a parent does not act like one and falls abuse to the world or the other parent. So the child becomes the adult to soon in vain attempts to save the parent. In hopes the parent will love and save them. When they find themselves incapable of saving the parent, they try to save the world.

But they are not all sweetness and light, for just like their parent they have a hyde side. Every victim needs a slayer and the king is twin to the fool. Tables turn quick in this world.

An owl, a crow, and the cricket returns to doctor our near dead Pinocchio. The Owl and Crow are the air bags of wealth and position young boys in our society must admire to become. But Pinocchio knows truth, if education and work make you like them, he wants nothing of it. But Cricket abuses him ones more for his sins.

Being half dead the Fairy tries to give him medicine. This medicine is trying to point out Pinocchio’s faults so he can change his life. But he will not hear any of it without the sugar of the sweat tongue. In praising him to do better, Pinocchio never hears his faults until two black rabbits come into the room carrying a coffin.

How many times does one come near to prison, death, or suicide before he changes his ways. He is scared straight. But it becomes too much for the youth to continue without the constant fear of death in his mind. So relapse is imminent for these people.

Always two steps forward, three steps back. The abuser in the codependency relationship is always sorry the day after and treats his partner like a god or queen for a couple of weeks until society pulls the rug out from him again. And back into the abuse of his or her partner.

Now The Blue Fairy wants to save his father and Pinocchio and has sent for Geppetto to move in. The woman in this relationship does not only see her mate but also her father in him she wants to save.

So she asks Pinocchio about his money. Like Irish women in Ireland during the thirties, they knew their men would spend the dole in the bar if they did not go with them. So she asks where is the money? He says he lost it and his nose grows. Only to have woodpeckers whittle it down when he confesses.

On a side note. I knew a woman who went from codependent relationship to another. She had a lie detector test to tell if you had been drinking. She would get more than your nose to grow and check the salt content in your semen. Saltier, the more you were drinking.

But on the way to Geppetto, he meets the cat and fox again. They convince him to go with them to the field to bury the coins once more. But Pinocchio ignores his instinct again when he sees the cat missing a paw. Oh well.

Now they walk through Simple Simon Town. A town like an crack alley. Filled with animals who gave everything they owned for an instant fix in this world. Hairless dogs, featherless peacocks, and sheared sheep. The only ones who rode in fine cadillacs was the foxes, crows, and vultures who fed on these people. The pimps, dealers, bosses, bad parents, and politicians. On past the town they go to the Field of Wonders where Pinocchio buries his money.

He returns in the morning to find a parrot laughing at him for believing the cat and fox. So he runs back to the town to report the robbery, but it is himself in turn he is sent to jail. Like Father, like son. Swearing he did nothing wrong for he was only an accomplis to his own down fall. To be Continued……

Source by Christopher Jon Luke Dowgin

The mere mention of bearings may put a great many into a panic state, convinced they know nothing of this high-tech, mechanical device that is instrumental in the functioning of many pieces of equipment and machinery.

These same people may also be surprised to learn that while bearings do play a pivotal role in the functioning of large pieces of equipment that they are relatively simply designed. They are also found in a great deal of ordinary everyday items.

Bearings are not nearly the scary creatures many believe them. They actually serve very useful functions in everyday life as they are essential parts in a great many thing that’s used daily with very little thought being given to the mechanics of the item.

Bearings also boast a strength that greatly surpasses most anything like them in the industry today, making them a vital necessity in a great deal of machines and devices.

Bearings come in a variety of types for a range of uses. For example, many automobiles have wheel bearings, which nearly everyone is familiar with. However they also have a great deal of other types of bearings that are vital in the smooth operation of the vehicle. From the transmission, steering and even the air conditioning a vehicle relies on bearings for a great deal of its operations.

There are also a great deal of household items that also contain bearings. Items such as blenders, ceiling fans and skateboards all use different types of bearings to make sure they run smoothly and the proper bearing used for the type of operation they are responsible for.

Other items in the home, such as bar stools and drawer slides also use a bearing type mechanism to run as that’s intended. These bearing may not seem as advanced as those used in a car but they are bearings, the same. Any type of household item that features a pivotal point or rotates most likely has some sort of bearing.

Toys are another item that could not get the full use from if it were not for bearings. Children thoroughly enjoy toys with moving parts as the toy version of an item often mimics the live version.

Toy trains, trucks and almost anything with a mechanically moving part as operated with the use of a bearing. These bearing need very little in the way of upkeep to appeal to the use of them in items typically used by children.

Electronics also have a use for bearings. DVD players, CD players and computers, basically anything that spins a disk, uses a bearing to rotate the disk.

Household appliances such as the washer and dryer, air conditioner and even fans are all driven by bearing that keep them operating smoothly as they carry out their daily jobs and tasks.

Nearly anything that has moving parts has some type of bearing in it. The sheer number of bearing that a person could meet in their daily life is a true testament to the importance they plays operation of a number of items or devices.

They are critical for nearly every company or business that relies on anything from a computer to heavy equipment to carry out their business practices.

Many do not even give a second thought as the how bearings affect their lives. From the cars that are driven to the seats being sat at and now even vital household chores all rely on the power of a bearing.

Available in a wide variety from wheel bearings to roller bearings of cylinder bearings all types get used for a variety of applications. These bearings are vital as they carry out some of the most necessary functions of the equipment or devices. Without them the world would certainly be a different place.

Source by Sam Iskander

There are numerous gas catering equipment products in the hospitality industry and the demand for gas kitchen equipment is on the increase as people are looking for ways to save on exorbitant electricity costs. Unfortunately, in South Africa load shedding has become a common occurrence and the restaurant industry is more often subjected to electricity load shedding that equates to losses. It is essential for a restaurant to be operational despite electricity outages in their area. Anvil has recognized this gap in the market, thus they have manufactured a range of gas powered catering equipment. This range includes reliable and quality gas fryers for the commercial kitchen.

Anvil Gas Fryers are quickly becoming the French fries fryers of choice amongst restaurants, take away outlets, and cafes. They are suitable for small to medium sized restaurants and caterers as it offers a medium to large volume of French fries. This kitchen equipment is thermostatically controlled and can be lit manually with a pilot flame. From a safety perspective, it has a built-in safety thermostat protection and a flame failure safety cut off valve.

The Anvil 20L Fryer (Gas) is the largest one in the range at 70 kilograms with a 20 litre oil capacity and twin basket operation. It has a large surge area tank design and a 40 millimeter drain valve with extension tube. It is able to produce approximately 40 kilograms of French fries per hour.

The Anvil Single Pan Fryer (Gas) is a smaller unit at 11 kilograms with an 8 litre oil capacity. It produces approximately 4 kilograms of French fries per hour. It has a stainless steel construction and an automatic electric piezzo starter. This fryer is easy to clean with a fully welded oil tank that is fitted with a safety interlocked drain valve. It has an adjustable temperature of between 66 degrees Celsius and 200 degrees Celsius.

The Anvil Double Pan Fryer (Gas) is a medium sized unit at 21 kilograms and an oil capacity of two 8 litres. It produces approximately 8 kilograms of French fries per hour. The remainder of the features are similar to the Single Pan Fryer. The single and double pan versions each have a flame failure safety device.

The Anvil Gas Fryer is an integral piece of catering equipment for any food establishment that serves French fries all day. This range of gas fryers is safety approved by the LPG Association of SA. It is gas powered and is not dependent on electricity which means that you can continue producing French fries during power outages.

Source by Stana Peete