Advantages of Wearing a Leather Motorcycle Jacket

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Leather motorcycle jackets are popular outfit among bikers. Top fashion designers advise stylish people to wear dark jeans and black leather motorcycle jacket. This enhances their look while they are driving on road. The reason behind its popularity is not just style, there are several advantages associated in wearing such jackets.

Benefits of wearing leather motorcycle jackets

1. Leather is a thick material and hence these jackets can sustain shocks when a biker falls off from his motorcycle during accidents. Since the material is flexible it will also help you to move freely and have a better control of your two-wheeler.

2. When you are riding your two-wheeler on a road you must wear something that has sufficient ventilation. This will make you feel comfortable while you drive. These jackets are specially designed with superior ventilation system so that there is sufficient air flow inside the outfit.

3. If you are riding on a highway, you need to wear something that will make you visible from a long distance. These leather motorcycle jackets come in striking colors that can make a driver noticeable from far away. Some of these jackets are designed with special bands which shine when light falls on it.

4. When you ride a motorcycle, the outfit you wear is constantly exposed to sunlight. Hence, your outfit should be made with a material that cannot be damaged by sunlight or rain. Leather jackets have the feature of staying unaffected in all weather conditions. Hence, you can readily put it without the fear of losing its classy texture.

The leather for making these outfits comes from different sources like cow, elk, bull, deer etc. The raw skin of these animals needs to be treated with sealant to give a smooth texture. Many companies selling these outfits at cheap price don’t perform this chemical processing. Hence, always select a good store when you want to buy a leather motorcycle jacket.

When you buy leather jacket from a reputed store you can see a wide range of styles in it. Some people want to make their jacket look unique. They have the option of making designs like name and symbols at the back. A good store uses advanced techniques to make such prints so that the printed design stays on the jacket for a long time even after daily use.

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Source by Orson Dixon

Laptops Usage Problems

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Modern day Laptops operate on very fast microprocessors that generate a lot of heat. This heat mainly escapes out of the bottom of the laptop but ventilation efficiency is reduced when the laptop is placed on a solid surface or on your lap and the ventilation holes get plugged. A hot laptop is less trustworthy and an overheated system is likely to fail.

Laptops work best at temperatures ranging from 95-104°F (35-40°!). When temperatures rise and reach between 104-122°F (40-50°!), there is twice the risk of a hard drive crash! Hard disk drives can overheat and crash, causing you to lose precious data!

Not only is a hot laptop unpleasant to use in your lap but also the heat from some laptops can be enough to cause superficial skin burns, right through your clothing! As reported in the Lancet medical journal a healthy 50-year old scientist, fully dressed in trousers and underpants, burned his genital area after placing his laptop on his lap for an hour. While using the laptop he did feel the temperature and a burning feeling on his lap and thighs. Two days later he had blisters that burst and developed into infected wounds.

Besides being uncomfortable to use, laptops can even reduce the fertility in case of males. Researchers have concluded that working with a laptop placed on the thighs raises the skin temperature significantly. This further exposes the groin area to higher temperatures. It is a known fact that long-term exposure to heat has a harmful effect on male fertility, as the testis are located externally. The sitting position required to balance a laptop can raise scrotum temperature by as much as 2.1 degrees Celsius. Heat from the laptop itself can raise the temperature by another 0.7 C, bringing the potential total increase to 2.8 C. European fertility studies, meanwhile, have shown that in general, an increase in scrotum temperature by 1 C can reduce sperm count by as much as 40 percent. A common practical solution to this problem is to place the laptop on a table or desk.

Thriving sales of laptops have also led to a surge in the number of computer users with back and muscle problems, experts have warned.

Not sitting in a chair with the computer at the right height is taking a toll and children as young as 12 are being diagnosed with nerve injuries caused by slouching over screens. Many others are at danger of damage to their spines, necks and shoulders because of poor posture when using laptops.

The problem is being magnified by falling prices and the ever-increasing availability of wireless technology, which makes portable computers more attractive. As such, Laptop sales are rising by leaps and bounds. Moreover, laptops not subject to the same health and safety regulations as desktop computers making them more prone to incorrect usage.

A common problem is perching a laptop on the legs so users stare down at the screen and put strain on their necks, spines and legs.

Back and neck pain is caused by using a laptop on the move, such as on a train. Resting wrists against the edge of a laptop cab easily induce hand and arm pain similar to repetitive strain injury. It stops the nerves and tendons moving as they normally would, and this can cause nerve injury.

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Source by Zulekha Alam

Five Secrets to Preventing Your Crawl Space Pipes From Freezing

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Your crawl space needs to be your main focus when freezing weather comes knocking. Keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures can save your water pipes from freezing and bursting. Plumbing problems from freezing pipes can cost you thousands of dollars and the inconvenience of being without water until they are fixed.

The following are five secrets to keeping your crawl space above freezing temperatures and your pipes intact during the cold winter months:

  1. Prepare for the Cold Weather – Benjamin Franklin once said that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is as true today as it was when Franklin made the quote. Take the time to inspect your crawl space and look for any leaks from your pipes. If you see any leaks, get them fixed before it leads to bigger problems. Check your crawl space doors to make sure they are correctly working for maximum ventilation. Replace them if needed. A crawl space with high humidity and moisture can lead to structural and plumbing problems. A small investment for as little as $99 can potentially save you thousands of dollars.
  2. Open Your Cabinets – Believe or not, your bathroom and kitchen cabinets with plumbing on the outside walls of your house can help or hinder you with the process of protecting your pipes during cold spells. Take the time to open your cabinet doors and let the heat from your home help keep the pipes warm. Every little bit helps!
  3. Keep the Drip Going! – Keep a slow drip going in your faucets so that this will hinder your pipes freezing. Water in motion is harder to freeze than water standing still.
  4. Insulate Your Pipes – Make sure your pipes have the right insulation for the winter time. Over time, the insulation may have worn off your pipes exposing them to the elements. Inspect and replace any insulation that is worn or missing.
  5. Crawl Space Covers Are the Key – Inspect your crawl space access for structural damage that can lead to cold air getting into your crawl space and causing potential problems. Replace them if needed, and if you don’t have one, I would suggest you buy one. For under ten dollars, it will be one of the best investments to help keep your home and pipes safe.

So, go into this winter knowing your pipes are protected from the elements. Following the five secrets to keeping your plumbing safe and you will save thousands in repair bills and gain peace of mind.

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Source by William Sykes

Toxic Mold and Weight Gain

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The most common toxic mold health problems involve the respiratory system. A person who has accidentally breathed in spores from ordinary mold may experience coughing, wheezing, a running nose, fever, headaches, and fatigue. He may also acquire a rash plus a mild irritation of the eyes.

Someone who has been exposed to toxic mold, however, may have more serious complaints. It’s not unlikely that a person could suffer from memory loss, mood disorders, and damage to the nervous system in cases of long-term exposure.

There are even reports linking toxic mold to weight gain and weight loss problems, and now scientists may be able to present the factors supporting the unusual link.

How toxic mold affects the digestive system

When spores of the toxic mold enter our body, they immediately act on healthy cells and destroy them. And because the respiratory system, through which mold spores pass, is related to the digestive system, it’s highly possible that toxic mold spores can find their way into the digestive tract.

Mold can destroy the lining of our stomachs and prevents the healthy functioning of the system, interfering with various digestive processes and weakening the organs.

The immediate results of this infection is diarrhea and vomiting, as our bodies instinctively try to eject the harmful toxin. But there have also been cases of people suddenly gaining or losing weight after exposure to toxic mold.

Ever heard of the toxic or sick building syndrome?

The sick building syndrome (SBS) has been defined as a collection of symptoms related to a person’s residence or workplace. Its cause has been attributed to poor ventilation systems (which includes flaws in airconditioning and heating) in both old and new buildings.

When a building is poorly ventilated, noxious fumes and toxins from contaminants cannot escape. Instead, they are trapped inside the building, multiplying and moving around from one room to another.

There are a host of reasons for the sick building syndrome. Aside from poor ventilation, it may also be due to the presence of poisonous volatile compounds, a lack of sufficient air filtration, and of course, molds.

Weight gain and toxic mold infection

Exposure to toxic mold brings about not just health problems with the respiratory system but can also cause psychological issues. This is not surprising because the nervous system is also affected by this deadly toxic mold.

Mood swings and depression have been reported and these may be the reasons why people resort to binge-eating or to starving themselves. Thus, regardless weight gain or weight loss, you should never eliminate toxic mold as one of the probable causes.

And to make sure that the symptoms won’t get worse or recur, the place where the mold originates should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected.

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Source by Gerard K. Lawson

The Many Benefits of the HVAC System

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Although it is extremely important and beneficial, many people have never actually heard of an HVAC system. Then there are those who have heard of it, but they aren’t familiar with its capabilities. If you find yourself in either of these categories, here are a few examples of this system’s capabilities. You won’t necessarily know everything there is to know about the unit, but at least you will have some basic knowledge.

First, one thing that might help you become more familiar with this term is if you get a breakdown of what each letter stands for. HVAC is actually short for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. In other words, this system has the ability to provide all three of those services.

So, let’s start with the first category of heat. Every building, whether it’s a residential home, business or warehouse needs heat every once in awhile. Some need it more than others, depending on their location. This includes places like Colorado, New York, and even Montana, which are places that have been known to have harsh, snowy winters. Without the proper amount of heat, people in areas like these would be miserable during the winter months.

Just imagine being at home in the middle of winter, in a place like Colorado without an HVAC system. It’s snowing outside and the temperature is in the mid-teens. You have a fireplace, but it is only capable of heating the room that it’s in. So, the rest of the house is forced to succumb to the harsh, freezing temperatures. The good news is that, the heating unit is available. Therefore, no one has to live in those types of conditions. This also goes for business offices, warehouses, and any other building for that matter.

Along with providing heat, this unit also provides cool air, which is just as important. Most times, the cooler air is needed during the summer time. However, some places are warmer for a good portion of the year. This includes places in the South that are more subtropical, like New Orleans. The humidity doesn’t make things any better. So, being able to stay cool is extremely important.

Lastly, HVAC units also provide buildings with ventilation. Some people underestimate the importance of having proper ventilation. Not only can it retain the heat or cool air, as needed, it can also work as a filter. Because of the filter it provides, harmful chemicals and toxins are removed or prevented from infiltrating the building.

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Source by Antoinette Ayana

Backpacking: Tent Features

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When considering buying a backpacking tent today it can be overwhelming with all the choices that are available. To complicate matters there are features that may give you a headache trying to figure out which is better. So today my aim is to give you some clarification on features to aid you in your choice. Let’s begin by looking at whether you need a three or four season tent.

The three season tent is good for summer, spring, fall, and is the normal choice for these seasons. However, if backpacking year-round and in the snow is your desire then a four season tent will be necessary. Next decide whether you want a freestanding or non-freestanding tent. The difference in these two is that the free-standing tent can stand on its own and does not need to be staked down. The free-standing tent is also easier to set up and move around if necessary. However, if windy conditions exist it is recommended that you stake your tent down so it does not blow away. Another advantage of the freestanding-tent is when it comes time to break down camp. You can point your tent opening toward the ground, shake and all the loose debris will fall right out of your tent.

Next you would determine whether you would like a single or double wall tent. In looking at a double wall tent you will find that it consists of a body and fly to cover it. Advantages of the double wall is they are usually less expensive, better ventilation, and drier in the wet conditions. In comparison the single wall tent does not have the luxury of an inner body. The benefits are easier set up and lighter to carry. However, the down fall to the single wall tent is poor ventilation which can cause a buildup of condensation which can become a problem. Finally, we turn our attention to the design of these walls and floor of the tent.

On the two wall tents a portion of the inner body is made out of mesh. This is the reason that the circulation is so much better. You can find a partial or substantial amount of mesh on your tent body. If you enjoy gazing at the stars then all you have to do is pull back your fly and experience it from the comforts of your tent. If it is rainy then pull the fly back over for full protection from the weather. It is worth mentioning that you can have a no-see-um mesh for your tent. Very small two-winged flies found all over the world are known as biting midges, this includes no-see-um, sand flies, and other tiny bugs. This mesh was made to keep them out and has approximately six hundred holes per inch. Now in regards to the floor of your tent make sure that the seam is factory sealed and waterproofed. In fact you should make sure of this for all the seams of your tent. Another floor to check out is called a bath tub floor. There is no seam on this floor because the floor is one piece, carries up a few inches on the side wall and is attached there. Last important tip, do your homework before shopping. Anything you are not sure of can be found on the internet. I hope this has given you some insight on the selection of a backpacking tent.

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Source by Louis J Comeau

Characteristics Of Casement Windows

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Casement windows are typically characterised by a window with one or more hinges, attached to a frame. Before the advent of sash windows, they were the most common type of windows used in households. Casements were once the most widely purchased style of windows, before sash windows became commonplace. They traditionally consisted of framed glass panes that were fixed in place by strips of lead and the window could be opened outwards.

Useful Properties

Whole Opening

Casements can be opened much further than any other type, since the entire window can be swung open. This can be compared to the following types of windows.

Double-hung style: the whole window cannot be opened only the upper or lower half can be open at any one time.

Sliding: only one side of the window can be opened with this type of window.

Fixed: these windows cannot be opened at all.

Casement windows are a popular choice, especially if the size of the window opening is important.

Harder for Break-ins/More difficult for Break-ins

Casement windows feature a hook shaped, embedded casement lock which is very inaccessible to someone outside and thus makes the window very difficult to break into.

In comparison the double-hung style of window can be opened quite easily by lifting the sash using a long object such as a pry bar.

Maximum Ventilation

The fact that the entire window can be opened allows for maximum ventilation. Furthermore, wind which blows sideways along the property wall will find it difficult to penetrate, thus creating a lack of ventilation. Since casements have an opening sash they can essentially direct the wind into the house which can be especially useful if you have any windows directly facing another building with very little space in between.

Opening & Closing

Casements are easy to open and close due to their single leaver or tandem latches, and they can even be enhanced by fitting automatic openers.

Disadvantages

Unsafe

The large window opening can be dangerous at high levels, since the gap is typically sufficient for small person or child to crawl out of and therefore poses a risk for families with young children.

Incompatibility with Air Conditioning

Casements typically do not cater well for air-conditioning units since they open outwards, especially when compared to other types such as sliding windows.

Size Limitations

Casements are designed to open outwards which means the opening needs to be strong enough to support the window. This places limits on how large a casement can be without placing unnecessary strain on the window opening.

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Source by Emma D Clark

Choosing the Right HVAC System For Your Project

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HVAC stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning. These systems provide the indoor climate control for both residential and commercial buildings. When it comes tothis, one size does not fit all. As a matter of fact HVAC systems can be quite complex. Determining the right type of system for your home or building is extremely important for the system to heat and cool effectively and to be energy efficient as well.

HVAC systems come in many types and applications. They are classified as either central or local. The central air conditioning and heating system provides the necessary heating and cooling and ventilation from a central location in the building such as from a boiler or furnace. It works by circulating heated water or steam through piping or ductwork to achieve heating and cooling.

Central air conditioning units use a compressor and a condenser unit that uses a refrigerant or coolant such as Freon. The refrigerant is circulated through copper tubing. The refrigerant absorbs the heat, turns to vapor, travels to the compressor, and moves to the outdoor coil where the heat is forced out. Then the refrigerant passes through a device where it is converted to a low pressure, low temperature liquid and returned to the indoor coil. The cool air is then circulated through the ductwork to provide cooling for the structure.

Local HVAC systems are devices that provide heating and cooling to immediate areas or rooms. They do not circulate throughout entire structures. Local HVAC systems may include wood or pellet stoves, window air conditioners, and space heaters. Electric baseboards are also considered to be local HVAC systems if the unit is installed into a single area.

Determining which HVAC system is right for you and your needs should be determined by an HVAC professional in order for you to get the maximum benefits from the system. A qualified and certified HVAC contractor will determine the type unit that is best for you and will install the unit in the proper place so that it will meet your cooling and heating requirements.

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Source by George Chappell

Pimp Your Attic: Creative Ways to Transform Your Attic

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In most houses, the attic’s role is a storage room for old and broken things. In it we keep the unused appliances and old furniture. Little did we know that we can still make use of this extra room and transform it to a place for music, games and relaxation. Read along and find creative ways on how you can pimp your attic.

If you consider transforming your attic, then you must also consider its accessibility. The way to reach the attic should be safe and comfortable. This means that if you have to conserve space, use stairs that can be folded up the ceiling. If you’re planning to make the attic a bedroom or a room for games, you should install a fixed stairs that is safe and comfortable to climb to.

The first thing to put in consideration when you want to dress up your attic is the ventilation. With great ventilation, attic will look and feel good. In planning for the windows, you have to consider both air and natural light. Since the attic is a high place, it is easier to have these two factors together. Attics have slanting roof making it hard to put side windows. Having dormers are advised for attics where the roof and the floor directly meets. If they still have a distance of five feet in between, then you can simply install small windows. Skylights will also give life to the attic.

Turning the attic to a storage room is a bit difficult because of the unleveled walls and corners. Hence, if you want to make it a storage area, have cabinets and horizontal shelves to cover the walls and use the space. Simply ensure that the store-room is not too big. Since attics’ floor is not that high from its ceiling, the cabinets may leave small space for one to stand under it. One of the creative ways to deal with it is placing a small stool under it.

Once you are done with the basic elements, you are now ready to decorate the attic. You can have blinds in the windows and different shades for skylights. Use lighting that will light up the room nicely. You can also paint the walls white or off-white to make it look spacious.

When making the attic as game room, place things inside the room that are necessary. If you want it to be a place for relaxation, have a nice recliner and scented candles. You can also have a professional install a drainage system for the attic so that you can have a bath tub and mini pool in it.

These are just some of the many ways to pimp your attic. Explore your creativity and transform your attic into a comfortable room.

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Source by Marco Riley

Know the Signs of Botulism

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Botulism is a rare but very dangerous form of food poisoning caused by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum. As the Clostridium bacteria grow, they emit a powerful neurotoxin, or nerve toxin. This neurotoxin attacks the victim’s central nervous system, starting in the muscles of the eyes and the face. The first symptoms may be blurred vision, dry mouth and problems swallowing. The victim may complain of double vision and dizziness, and the eyelids may droop. The victim may also experience muscle weakness, and speech may be slurred. Babies and very young children will appear lethargic, flaccid, and be constipated. All of these symptoms reflect the process of the progressive muscle paralysis.

If treatment is not started, the paralysis progresses to the throat and chest, and then to arms and legs, the abdominal muscles and the muscles that regulate breathing. When the neurotoxin affects the diaphragm and other muscles of the chest, breathing is interfered with, and if the patient is not treated aggressively, he or she may die from asphyxiation.

One of the difficulties in treating botulism is up front. Botulism can be diagnosed by symptoms, but to rule out other possible diseases or sources of neurotoxins, a lab test must be done that requires injecting a sample of the patient’s blood or stool into a mouse; it takes 48 hours to determine whether the bacteria are growing in the mouse. If botulism is suspected, and diagnosis is prompt, treatment may focus on removing any remaining contaminated food by inducing vomiting or initiating enemas. Treatment also will involve an antitoxin, a substance that interferes with the action of the botulin toxin in the bloodstream. Antitoxin treatment can prevent the disease from progressing, but the patient may continue to experience the disabling symptoms for months. If the disorder has progressed to involvement of the respiratory muscles, the patient may require a ventilator to assist with breathing.

Spores of Clostridium bacteria are widely distributed in soil, both in the wild and in farmland, in lake and stream beds, and in animals, in the intestinal tracts of mammals and fish, and in the gills of crabs and shellfish. Despite its prevalence, Clostridium botulinum becomes a threat only when conditions are ripe for the spores to grow and produce their potent neurotoxin. Failure to bring food to sufficient temperature to kill spores, contaminated canning or preserving equipment, and uneviscerated fish (their guts left in when they’re canned) have all been implicated in botulism outbreaks

Many episodes of botulism result from home canning, especially of green beans, in which temperatures were not sufficiently high to kill all the spores. Sausage, baby foods, and canned foods such as smoked salmon spread, chili and beef stew have all been identified as the source of botulism poisoning. Any can that looks swollen is suspect and should not be used.

If you or a loved one have suffered the serious effects of botulism poisoning, and you believe that an improperly prepared food was the source of the poisoning, you should meet as soon as possible with an experienced food poisoning lawyer to see whether you have a claim. You should act as soon as possible, before evidence that could identify the source of the food is lost or destroyed.

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Source by Frederick Schenk