What is Soft Water?

Soft water is basically free of dissolved calcium or magnesium. Only a small percentage of homes are supplied with naturally soft water. However, since naturally soft water usually has not been neutralized by passing through mineral layers in the ground, it can be quite corrosive.

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Softening water mechanically, such as with a home water softener, does not make it corrosive, however. Since calcium and magnesium are not present in soft water, no adverse reaction with soaps and detergents is allowed to occur.

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The result is the virtual elimination of soap scum and the corresponding reduction in time spent cleaning. Hair and skin is allowed to "breathe" more readily.

And the School of Consumer & Family Sciences at Purdue University conducted a study which proved that the life of clothing and household textiles was prolonged up to 15 percent when they were washed in conditioned water.

Soap usage can be significantly reduced with soft water. Since the water is already soft, the cleaning agents do not have any hardness minerals to react with and overcome and lather more readily and work more effectively.

In fact, a large proportion of the ingredients in most soaps and detergents consist of chemical "water softeners" added to stop the reaction between the detergent and the hardness minerals present in most water (the reaction that forms a sticky residue or soap curd).

Since such chemicals are not necessary for cleaning with soft water, less soap is required. Soft water households usually experience considerable savings on laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, bath soap, hand soap, shampoo and many other cleaning products.

Since soft water contains no scale forming minerals, it leaves the inside of plumbing and water-using appliances free of solidified rock.

Appliances operate more efficiently and last longer when using soft water, and of course soft water does not cause any of those unpleasant hard water stains.

What is Soft Water?

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Epoxy Technical Hierarchy

I have been in the industrial floor coatings manufacturing, and application business for over 24 years. Over the past two decades I have witnessed a company that specializes in formulating floor coatings using a 100% solids resin based epoxy to be used in resurfacing industrial, commercial and residential concrete floors with an advanced "work time" epoxy formula that can be applied just like "Floor Paint".

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Floor Paint & Floor Coating-An Image Rich Technical Analysis for Concrete Floor Protection

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Since the inception of Epoxy Resin in 1936 by Dr. Pierre Castan of Switzerland and Dr. S.O. Greenlee of the United States, there have been thousands of combinations of Epoxy formulations for many different industries. Here are some of the leading industries that currently use Epoxy: Floor Paints and coatings, adhesives, industrial tooling and composites, electrical systems and electronics, consumer and marine applications, aerospace applications, art, and wind and energy applications. This article will be focusing on the floor paints and coatings industry, and what the best product is for its application. Although there are many choices one can make when deciding which type of Epoxy to apply, one must understand that there is a clear and definite technical hierarchy. Below is a chart that ranks Epoxy for effectiveness.

Epoxy's Technical Hierarchy

#1 100% Solids Resin based Epoxy 1 to 20 mils Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) No solvents/no V.O.C. 2 Component with a 2 to 1 mix Ratio

#2 Solvent Base Epoxy High Build 2 to 4 mils Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) 40 to 55% vol. solids with 45 to 60% Solvents Shrinkage and Evaporation 2 Component with a 1 to 1 ratio

#3 Solvent Base Epoxy Low Build 1 to 2 Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) 30 to 40% volume solids with 60 to 70% Solvents Shrinkage and Evaporation 2 Component with a 1 to 1 ratio mix ratio

#4 Water Base Epoxy 1 to 1.5 mils Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) 30 to 40% vs. with 60 to 70% Shrinkage and Evaporation 2 component with a 1 to 1 mix ratio and or 1 component

#5 Water borne Epoxy Same as #4 Same as #4 Same as #4

#6 Modified Epoxy sealer 1 to 2 mils Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) 5% Epoxy additive with approx. 30% of other active ingredients and fillers. 30 to 40% vs. with 60 to 70% Shrinkage and Evaporation 1 component moisture cured product

#7 Oil Base Acrylic Enamel (Porch and Deck Paint) 1 to 1.5 mils Dry Film Thickness (D.F.T.) 30 to 40% vs. with 60 to 70% Solvents Shrinkage and Evaporation 1 component moisture cured product

#8 Moisture cured Polyurethane Sealers Same as # 6 Same as # 6 1 component moisture cured product

#9 Acid Stains No mil rating of thickness Penetrating Sealer with concrete to chemical color reaction properties upon contact 1 component moisture cured product

#10 Water Base Stain No mil rating of thickness Penetrating water based stain sealer 1 component moisture cured product

#11 Standard Sealers: Applications for concrete patio's, sidewalks, driveways, brick pavers and stampings. NA NA 1 Component

Advantages

100% Solids Epoxy (Resin base, Industrial Grade) epoxy floor paint floor coating is far superior to all other concrete floor paints, floor sealers and floor stains available today. 100% Solids Epoxy was developed as a "High performance protective floor coating" to protect concrete floor surfaces from high traffic volume of hilos (tires/steel forks )constant wear and tear to the concrete floors surface.

Along with wear and tear to concrete floor surfaces, mechanical machines and equipment also leak oils and fluids. Without proper concrete floor protection, such as the recommended 100% Solids Epoxy, these oils and fluids will be absorbed through the concrete and into the soil beneath, resulting in contamination and potential deterioration to the floor surface. Consequently, these oils and fluids in the soil can potentially lead to environmental concerns in the future.

Concrete surfaces are very porous and soft compared to the 100% Solids Epoxy floor paint. That being said, imagine the concrete surface acting as a big "sponge" that holds and retains water, fluids, dirt, oil, grease, dust, mold and other substances that absorb into a porous surface. Unprotected concrete floor surfaces will yield a decreased life span. 100% Solids Epoxy is a permanent solution to the problems listed above. The following are other very important advantages when using 100% Solids Epoxy floor paint:

Surface restoration and repair Increased light reflectivity Resists hot tire marks Chemical resistant Abrasion resistant Industrial grade Easy to clean Slip resistant Salt resistant Oil resistant Self leveling High gloss Aesthetics

CONCRETE SURFACE PREPARATION

Concrete Floor surface preparation For New or Old Concrete Floor surfaces must be clean contaminate free and profiled (etched) for proper bonding/adhesion of 100% solids epoxy floor paint & floor coating.

NEW CONCRETE FLOORS:

Contaminate free concrete floors must be mechanically surface profiled by either a diamond grinder or a shot blaster or chemically etched with a recommended 4 to 1 part ratio acid base or "Inorganic Acid" concrete cleaner and etcher.

OLD CONCRETE FLOORS:

(1). Oil soaked, dirty, greasy, spalled, or cracked concrete floors must be degreased cleaned by a heavy concentrated degreaser followed by rinse bath. Repeat until satisfied.

(2). Fill all cracks with recommended cementitious cracker filler and/or any non-silicone base epoxy, polyurethane joint sealant that is paintable.

(3). Profile surface by recommended Mechanical method or chemical etch method.

100% Solids Epoxy Resin Base Industrial Grade is the only choice for concrete floor protection to paint your garage, shop, and basement or for any indoor concrete floor surface that you desire.

See below: List of all other products available for concrete floors in today's market, starting with the best product at the top of the list which is (100% Solids Epoxy) followed by their rating of performance levels from wear and tear to mil thickness and chemical resistance.

EPOXY GUARD- 2 PARTS EPOXY PRODUCT DESCRIPTION TECHNICAL

Epoxy Guard Floor Coating is a two-component epoxy resin, containing no solvents or coal tar. Epoxy Guard Epoxy Resin is designed for use in both interior and exterior (if top coated) applications. BASIC USES Epoxy Guard is recommended for several basic applications:

As a base resin used as a coating, to encapsulate wear resistant aggregates and as a lock coat. As an overlay with aggregate, to provide traction and wear resistance to concrete floors. Filled with silica sand, aluminum oxide or other suitable wear resistant filler.

LIMITATIONS

Epoxy Guard should be installed above 40F.

PACKAGING

Available in 3 Gallon, and 5 Gallon (Kit / units).

STANDARD COLORS

Light Gray Tan Dark Gray

INSTALLATION

Shot blasting must be employed to provide a sound, clean substrate. In areas where shot blasting is not feasible, consult the manufacturer for other methods of surface preparation such as concrete acid etching / cleaning. Apply Epoxy Guard Resin to a dry surface.

Coating System: Parts A and B should be mixed separately before combining. When combined mix thoroughly with a low speed motor and "Jiffy" paddle, always scrape the container sides and paddle blades. Do not aerate the mix.

Mix ratio: 2 Part A to 1 Part B by Volume.

Property Test Method Test Results Weight per Gallon

10.1 lbs/gal. Hardness (Shore D) ASTM D2240 70-80

Viscosity @ 77F(24C) ASTM D2196 2000-5000 cps

Cure Time @ 75F(24C) ASTM C920 12-24 hours

Abrasion Resistance ASTM D4060 Tabor 1000 rev CS17 Wheel, 1000 g Loss 0.08 grams

Weathering Resistance ASTM G53-83 Yellowing

Tensile Strength ASTM D412 5800 psi

Ultimate Elongation ASTM D412 15.00%

Tear Resistance ASTM D1004 180 pli

% Yield 99.00%

Port Life @ ASTM C603 45 minutes

Shelf Life @ 77F(25C) (2 years in sealed containers)

Chemical Resistance Unaffected by gasoline, oils, and coolants

Concrete Overlay:

Use as a slurry coat to add strength and wear resistance. Mix Parts A & B, then add fine silica sand, aluminum oxide or other suitable filler. The amount added will dictate the resulting density and surface texture. Epoxy Resin can be left as cured, or it can be top coated with a urethane to enhance the color and wear resistance.

EPOXY PRO APPLICATION PROCESS

After completing the pre surface cleaning it's as easy as 1, 2, 3.

MIXING

Pre-mix the Part A resin thoroughly. Pour Part A and then Part B into the 6-gallon bucket (Ratio:2 parts A to 1 part B by volume). Begin mixing for no less than 3 minutes using a drill motor and the included mixing wand.

APPLICATION

Trim all the edges using the included 2 inch trim brush. Squeegee and back roll 3 to 5 foot sections until the surface area is complete.

DECORATIVE FLECK

Epoxy Technical Hierarchy

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Ways to Raise Your Vibration

There are many ways to raise your emotional state or vibration. Here we are discussing few which may help you.

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1. You Must Follow Your Nose
Some of essential oils sometimes do shift you emotional state of mind very fast simply by getting a deep whiff. These may be found easily in health food or some spiritual shops. You may test and then buy those fragrances which pip you up.

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2. Stress on Gratitude & Appreciation
Gratitude greatly affects the mood. You just need to focus on something for which you are immensely grateful in life and you will immediately notice your rise by several levels on scale. Appreciation is even easier. You can just simply walk around your house and have a look at things and then feel appreciation for them all. More simple when you are driving around, just have a look at your surroundings, people and appreciate them all.

3. Make it a Habit to listen to the Music
Music is like a fragmented and can give you an immediate lift. You just need to choose a kind of music which gives you lift and takes you to an elevated state.

4. Just Reach Out & Touch Someone
You will find it amazing how nice you feel when you just put attention to somebody else from self. So, you just need to call someone, may be your relative or friend and feel the bond!

6. Get Busy by Playing With Your Pet
Cats can be quite entertaining and can keep you off tension for the duration of time you spend with them. Similarly dogs can really be fun. Make your day by taking out your dog for that nice walk or just play with him for some time.

7. Go for a Walk in Nature
You need to venture out in this little paradise. You will appreciate the nature in ways you have never seen it earlier. Sunshine, exercise, these are all great raisers of your vibration.

8. To Relax Always Do Something You Really Enjoy Doing
For me, it's playing organ. I get immersed in this very soon. I really feel de-stressed when I do something which I love doing.

Ways to Raise Your Vibration

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Health Benefits of Using Salt Free Water Softeners

Heart diseases and other heart related problems are on a steady uphill climb on hospital statistics. In the US alone, it is the most common cause of heart attack and even death. To counter these effects, conscious efforts are made to significantly reduce sugar intake among people. This however is made difficult by the fact that salt is the most common food ingredient used and doing away with it will greatly affect the taste of the food we eat.

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Salt contents are usually very high on junk foods, processed foods, and those sold at the fast foods and restaurants. Only about a quarter of our salt consumption we get at home. So if you are looking to cut down on your salt consumption and start living a healthy life, start at home. The food you eat, and the water you drink.

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Most homes nowadays are using water filtration to alleviate problems caused by hard water. Hard water is the term used to describe water from the community water reservoir which is being distributed to each household in the area. Since more effort is given to kill bacteria and germs and other harmful substances in the water by using chlorine, less attention is given on the levels of calcium and magnesium in the water content. Most often than not, these substances do not create health problems, these however causes increased maintenance expenditures at home as they are the primary cause of calcium crystal deposits clogging the plumbing system of the house, and even soap scum that takes a lot of effort to clean up add to that the potential slipping hazard it could bring in the bathroom and kitchen floors.

Water softening systems are always a welcome addition to the household; they eliminate the effects of this hard water by removing calcium and magnesium and replacing them with sodium and potassium. But then again, salt is the common name of sodium chloride, the very result of using water softeners. If you are currently using water softeners and is looking to maximize the benefits that you can get out of it, you might want to try using salt free water softeners. Replacing your current softener with a salt free one, will only take a few minutes; this is usually done by replacing sodium as the main ingredient with potassium that equally as effective with lesser known side effects.

The best salt free water softeners can completely eliminate salt content from the water you drink. This will give a major boost to your conscious effort to lessen salt in your diet. By drinking salt free water, you will be one step farther from the risk of developing hypertension and other heart diseases.

Check out the salt free water softener reviews and see how well it has affected others, and how widely used it became. Millions of users worldwide are happy with the benefits they get from salt free water softeners, and so can you. Salt free water softener systems are the way to go. Have one installed at home and experience the benefits only soft and salt free water can bring.

Health Benefits of Using Salt Free Water Softeners

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Candle Making Soy Wax Manufacturers

Candles had been made from tallow for centuries. Beeswax candles were also available, but the beeswax was much more expensive. Paraffin wax was patented in 1876. It wasn't until the late 20th century, however, that wax was made from soybean oil.

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At present, there are a limited number of soy wax primary manufacturers. This article will focus on two: SoyaWax International, Inc., and Elevance Renewable Sciences, Inc.

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Michael Richardson, patent-holder for the process of making soy wax, runs a company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa called SoyaWax International. It sells two soybean wax blends:

The first, Phytowax C-1, has a melting point of 130 F (54.4 C); it is formulated to adhere to the sides of containers. The second product, Phytowax PV-1, shrinks just enough so that it can be easily removed from votive molds. Its melting point is 155 F (68.3 C).

Cargill, who purchased the intellectual rights to Richardson's patent, started a company called Elevance Renewable Sciences, which is headquartered in Bolingbrook, Illinois. They sell soybean wax and soybean wax blends using the brandname "Nature Wax." Elevance sell their waxes both domestically and internationally. In the following list of products, add "BK" suffix after the product number would indicate that the product is supplied as a "block;" adding a "CT" suffix would indicate cut or flaked product:

13C2000 NatureWax C-1 Container Wax (25054) is a soy blend which is to be used for container candles. It has a melting point of 124-130 F (51.1-54.4 C) This product is available internationally.

13C1120 NatureWax C-3 also has a melting point of 124-130 F (51.1-54.4 C) This mix of hydrogenated vegetable glycerides with alpha-monoglycerides and sorbitan tristearate is formulated to be used in container candles and as a softener for pillar candles. This product is also available for international delivery.

Elevance sells five soy base stocks with different melting points. These are formulated for container candles and can also be used as a softener for pillar candles.

13C1040- NatureWax 97MP Soy Base Stock; its melting point is 97 F (36.1 C)

13C1400 - NatureWax S-113 Soy Base Stock; its melting point is 113 F (45 C)

13C1510 - NatureWax S-118 Soy Base Stock; its melting point is 118 F (47.8 C)

13C1590 - NatureWax S-128 Soy Base Stock; its melting point is 128 F (53.3 C)

13C1090 - NatureWax S-130 Soy Base Stock; its melting point is 130 F (54.4 C)

Elevance sells three base stocks which can be used as hardeners or as fragrance stabilizers, though their main intended use is for coating boxes. All three have melting points of 155 F (68.3 C)

12C1020 - NatureWax 155 MP Soy Base Stock

12C1420 - NatureWax X-155 Base Stock blend

12C1430 - NatureWax X-155 Base Stock 155 MP w/ MS (soy blend with Dimethylpolysiloxane)

Elevance also supplies Palm and Soy/Cotton base stocks.

This article has focused on two of the primary manufacturing companies of soybean wax. There are a variety of other soy wax manufacturing companies who do not do primary manufacturing. That is they do not extract the oil from the soybean. Instead they would start with soybean wax as a raw material to make their own wax blends.

Candle Making Soy Wax Manufacturers

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Epoxy Garage Floor Paint Is a Home Mechanic's Best Friend

For home mechanics that use their garage as a regular work space, epoxy garage floor paint is a great investment to keep their environment safe, clean, and easy to function in. With epoxy floor paint, a simple day's work can translate into years of high-performance flooring, adding value to your property while protecting your concrete surface at the same time.

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In terms of safety, by choosing light colored epoxy paint, the shiny surface of a finished garage floor will provide up to 300 percent more reflectivity than regular flooring. This means a brighter work area, and the ability to light the area without having to resort to high powered, energy draining industrial lighting. In addition, the fleck that comes in an epoxy floor kit provides a non-skid surface for workers as they move between projects, ensuring that no slips or falls will occur on a wet floor.

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For cleanliness, epoxy garage floor paints are second to none, as their solid, non-porous surface deflects staining and spillage from even the toughest liquids. From oils and paints, to any car-related fluids, most clean-ups will take only the swipe of a cloth to make the surface as good as new. In addition, regarding regular upkeep and maintenance, these epoxy floors are also easy to care for, needing only a regular mopping or sweeping to keep grit and dirt from wearing against the finish.

Lastly, when looking for a high-performance space that will be easy to function in, epoxy garage floor paint outshines its competitors because of its no-fuss application process and exceptional durability. After the floor finish has dried for the recommended amount of time after application, home mechanics can get started right away enjoying their pristine new work environment secure in the knowledge that their garage floor will be able to withstand the wear and tear of regular use. They can then continue to work with confidence, focusing on their projects instead of on protecting their floors from unanticipated damage and staining.

Epoxy Garage Floor Paint Is a Home Mechanic's Best Friend

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The Overload Principle For Fitness - How Hard Should You Work Out?

The Principle of Overload asserts that you must gradually and systematically increase your fitness training load. Overloading causes changes within your muscles as a direct result of the type of training you perform. Because your body gets used to working out at a particular level, you must progressively increase your work load in order to continue to improve.

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To apply the Principle of Overload to fitness programs, you can adjust some combination of intensity (how hard), frequency (how often), duration (how long), recovery (how much rest), and volume (total work) to achieve your desired results. It is most important that you gradually increase your work load with a regimen of training activities that targets your goals.

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Training at an intensity that varies between 60%-100% of your maximum effort is a guideline for how hard to work. Planned training cycles that include light, moderate, and heavy periods offer variation within an adequate range of intensity. Periodically testing your maximum efforts provides a basis for how much and in which ways you should increase training loads.

For cardio workouts, how hard you work is based on your maximum predicted heart rate. The Karvonen formula or a calculator can estimate your target heart rate zone in beats per minute. As your body adapts to training at any particular level, you will have to work harder to stay within the zone. You can pick up your pace, increase distance or time, or decrease rest time between training bouts in order to continue to make gains.

For strength, lift weights at 60-100% of your single maximum repetition (1 RM) for specific lifts (e.g., squat, bench press). However, if you are not conditioned, testing 1 RM is not advisable nor is it feasible for all exercises. One RM calculators offer a safer way to estimate the weight you can lift for a single repetition.

Another method to progressively overload for strength is to perform 10-15 repetitions of an exercise. Increase the weight load when you can complete 15 reps using good form through the full of motion. Do not increase weight loads more than 10% per week.

What happens if you do not work hard enough? You will make limited gains, progress more slowly, or simply maintain your fitness level.

What happens if you work too hard? Your progress can be compromised if your training intensity is too high. It is not necessary to work out until you are exhausted every day. In time, you could experience the effects of overtraining.

The Recovery Principle and the Variation Principle work in concert with the Overload Principle. To allow adequate recovery time, train 5-6 days per week for endurance and 3-4 days per week for strength. To prevent overtraining and to experience more rapid improvements, vary your workouts during each phase of training within a range that targets your goals.

How does the saying, No pain, no gain apply? Learn to distinguish between the "pain" of working hard and the "pain" of injuries. Overloading will result in normal training effects. Muscles will burn or become sore and stiff. You can continue to work through these effects of training. But you should work around muscle strains, joint sprains, and other structural injuries to allow them to heal.

The Overload Principle is a useful training tool, but your body's response to your total training load supersedes general training guidelines. You can make good training decisions by listening to your body and trusting your instincts about how to apply training principles.

Sources:

Fleck, S.J. & Kraemer, W.J. (1996). Periodization breakthrough! Ronkonkoma, NY: Advanced Research Press.

Hoeger, W.W.K & Hoeger, S.A. (2006). Principles and labs for fitness and wellness. (8th ed.). Belmont, CA: Thompson Wadsworth.

Martens, R. (2004). Successful coaching (3rd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics.

McArdle, W.D., Katch, F.I., & Katch, V.L. (2000). Essentials of exercise physiology (2nd ed.). Baltimore: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins.

Powers, S.K., Dodd, S.L., & Noland, V.J. (2006). Total fitness and wellness (4th ed.). San Francisco: Pearson Education.

The Overload Principle For Fitness - How Hard Should You Work Out?

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