Floor Preparations for Natural Stone Tile

By Jim Slate

Slate and Artstone - Natural flooring materials such as slate, granite, limestone, and even marble, are becoming very popular in architectural installations. This is part of an overall design trend in which we are bringing the real world of nature back into our modern lives, by using materials which are taken from the earth.

With some materials you can install the tile right over existing flooring if it is sturdy enough. However with natural stone this can be risky, as even the slightest defect in the underlayment can hurt a tile project. Therefore the old floor will have to be removed. This will be easier with some materials such as vinyl, and harder with others such as ceramic and stone.

When installing natural stone the most important thing you have to pay attention to is the quality of the underlayment you are installing on. Underlayment refers to the layer which is placed between the subfloor and whatever surface flooring you choose. When removing old tiles, be very careful not to damage this layer with knives or scrapers. When finished with removal, be sure to repair this surface by sanding or using leveling compound.

Often when removing old tiles, it is easier and desirable to simply remove the old underlayment and replace it. This is often done when removing natural stone, ceramic, or other materials which are difficult to pull up without damaging the underlayment.

Stone tile requires an underlayment which is resistant to changes due to temperature and moisture. Plywood is alright for installing ceramic tile in a dry room, but for natural stone you will want to put something such as cement board down to ensure the quality of the installation.

Before installing check the surface of your underlayment carefully to ensure that it is perfectly smooth and free from defect. Be on the lookout for irregularities, water damage, or weak joists. If there are rises or dips in the surface, a leveling compound can be applied to fill them in. Imperfections at this level can result in tiled floors which are uneven, or where tiles stick out crookedly and break when stepped on. Even if a problem doesn't arise immediately after installation, a poor underpayment can lead to maintenance problems down the line.

Once you have a smooth, durable, level surface to work on, you can start developing design ideas. It is always a good idea to take careful measurements and layout your stone flooring on graph paper before actually grouting the tile. If necessary, do a dry run where you actually place the tiles on the floor with spacer, before actually installing. - 29291

About the Author:

This article was written on behalf of PebbleZ.com - the rustic natural stone tile and stone decor store. They offer over 200 products, each crafted from one of your choice of several types of all natural one of a kind mountain born stone.

Animal Summer Camp

By Lonnie Lorenz

At Swift Nature Camp, in Northern Wisconsin, children play outside while learning about Nature and Science. Here are some helpful hints we do at Summer Camp that you can try at home,

Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.

Being in nature is a regular part of our Science Summer Camp at Swift Nature Camp. Yet it is so important that we are intentional so we do not overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.

Please read these simple programs that can be done while walking through the woods. You may need supplies but it will take only a few minutes to get them.

One you feel you have a feel for these activities invite your children's friends to come along, I'm sure they too will enjoy being away from their scheduled lives and enjoy the peace of nature,

Look Down Supplies: Yarn and scissors Ahead of time: Cut the yarn into 15-inch pieces, have one for every two campers. Assignment: Move off the trail, and make a square on the ground with the yarn. Study what you find within the square. What lives there? What is the soil like? What grows there? Use a stick and dig into the ground a little. What do you see? Conversation: What did you find in the square or circle that surprised you?

Life is Full of Decay Supplies: Several magnifying lenses, flashlight Ahead of time: know that you can find some rotten logs. Assignment: Find a downed tree in the woods. Examine what is growing on the log, such as moss or mushrooms. Look for any insects living in or on the log. Shine the flashlight inside the log. Is there evidence of any creatures, such as raccoons, opossum or snakes inside? Examine the bark to see what is happening to it. Turn the log over to see what is happening underneath. How is the forest recycling itself? Use the magnifying glass to look closely at anything that interests you. Conversation: What additional changes would you see next summer?

Take A Wildflower Hike Supplies: Wildflower field guide Ahead of time: Try to do a little research what might be blooming in your area. Assignment: Stop at any wildflower, observe it, and try to figure out how it grows, how it produces seeds, and what type of soil it grows in. Use the field guide to identify the flower. If you have extra time even draw it in nature. Conversation: How are the flowers alike? How are they different?

Swift Nature Camp is an overnight summer camp that prides itself in helping children become better stewards of the planet. We hope these nature projects helped give you something new and different next time you are walking through the park. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities have them join us next summer.

If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. - 29291

About the Author:

About the authors: Jeff and Lonnie Lorenz are the directors of Swift Nature Camp, a non-competitive, traditional overnight Animal Summer Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy nature & animals along with traditional camping activities. As a Summer Kids Camp Swift specializes in programs for the First Time Campers as well as Adventure Teen Camp programs

Reishi Hot Water Extract vs. Alcohol Extract

By Dr. Markho Rafael

Medicinal mushrooms have been immensely popular in Asia for millennia. Today, Americans are waking up to these powerful nutraceuticals. In the wake of this new awareness follow issues of product quality claims made by competing brands.

All species of medicinal mushrooms appear haunted by this issue. Particularly so, it seems, is red reishi (Ganoderma lucidum), the oldest medicinal mushroom in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note, however, that the information in this article applies generally to all medicinal mushroom species.

The first and perhaps obvious caution is to stay away from cheap mass-produced brands of medicinal mushrooms that may only contain dried and pulverized mushrooms, in which case the medicinal compounds are still inaccessible behind the mushrooms' cell walls.

There are many real therapeutic brands on the market, though. But even among them, there are significant differences. They all claim to be the best, naturally, because they all want to sell their particular brand. So let's sift the data, get the facts straight, and clear up misleading information that is out there.

There are primarily three ways to extract the medicinal compounds from red reishi. Each method pulls out different compounds, all of which have been proven by scientific research to be therapeutically important.

1. Water Extraction, Hot (polysaccharides and more)

2. Alcohol/Ethanol Extraction (triterpenoids, etc.)

3. Fermented (arabinoxylanes, etc.)

The water soluble compounds, primarily polysaccharides, are powerful anti-tumor agents, immune enhancers and strong antioxidants. [1]

Through alcohol extraction, we get triterpenoids, a large group of lipids with many sub-groups. Research shows triterpenoids help regulate clotting, blood pressure and cholesterol. More importantly, they are the anti-inflammatory compounds that are the reason why reishi often gets recommended for arthritis, asthma and allergies. [1]

And then there are the new and unique medicinal compounds that get created when reishi is fermented. These "secondary metabolites" have their own therapeutic properties, different from the first two groups, including anti-tumor, immune support and blood-sugar balance. [2]

This article is not meant to recommend any particular brand so none will be mentioned by name. But the author does know of two reishi companies (Japanese and American) that both claim only hot water extract of reishi is effective and that alcohol extracts are of no use.

Naturally, the reason they say so is because they want to sell their own brand. However, those statements are scientifically untrue. Hot water and alcohol extractions both contain critical compounds.

When looking for the best reishi extract, find one that uses at least the first two extraction methods in combination: Hot Water and Alcohol Extraction. Even better may be a brand that includes all three methods listed.

As a last point, when you look for the best reishi extract, one thing to look at is the form it comes in. For example, any reishi extract that fully dissolves in a water-based liquid such as coffee probably only contains hot water extracted reishi. So while reishi/ganoderma coffee certainly makes for a superbly delicious and healthy cup loaded with polysaccharides, it won't include the important anti-inflammatory triterpenoids.

On the other hand, alcohol tinctures can actually contain both water soluble polysaccharides and alcohol soluble triterpenoids. The way you know is that the polysaccharides will fall out of solution because of the alcohol, and will make the tincture cloudy. That's alright though; you just need to shake before you take. Capsules and tablets may be one or the other or both. The only way to know is ask the manufacturer or read their information.

[1] Boh B, Berovic M, Zhang J, Zhi-Bin L. "Ganoderma lucidum and its pharmaceutically active compounds." Biotechnol Annu Rev. 2007;13:265-301.

[2] Tang YJ, Zhang W, Zhong JJ. "Performance analyses of a pH-shift and DOT-shift integrated fed-batch fermentation process for the production of ganoderic acid and Ganoderma polysaccharides by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum." Bioresour Technol. 2009 Mar;100(5):1852-9. - 29291

About the Author:

Dr. Rafael has worked with natural health since the early 90's, currently focusing on medicinal mushrooms. He partners with Davida Sara on red reishi extract and cordyceps extract plus the newly popular mesima mushroom and many more.

Learn Fly Fishing As A Metaphor For Life

By Kent Tomlinson

If you are looking for a truly rewarding hobby, you should learn fly fishing. It takes persistence and dexterity to learn fly fishing, but it is a worthwhile pursuit. You will find yourself constantly practicing your cast, looking for that combination of grace, strength and accuracy that will guarantee that you place your lure exactly where you want it every time. As you learn fly fishing, you learn to apply diligence to achieve your goals.

When you learn fly fishing, you are really learning patience. There are going to many days when that trophy catch is just within reach, but sneaks away from you. Likewise, there will be days when you barely get a nibble. On these days, you learn fly fishing and determination.

The impatient fly fisherman will constantly be switching their casts, lures, and location to the point of distraction.

The true fly fisherman stands strong even surrounded by the prospect of frustration and loss. He or she awaits that day when everything comes together and that truly beautiful catch is made. When you learn fly fishing, you learn how to wait out your opportunity and pounce on it when it is finally offered to you.

Fly fishing is often done in remote areas where getting to the site is a test of will and stamina. Communing with nature in a secluded setting is one of the great rewards of the sport. You have to be organized when traveling to such locales. It takes preparation and attention to detail in order to learn fly fishing.

A successful fly fisherman knows about their surroundings. He or she has studied this stream and is familiar with the best spots to test its waters to find a catch. The experienced fly fisherman has spent a lot of time with their equipment and knows precisely what to use and when to use it. Fly fishing requires in-depth knowledge of nature, the water, the fish, and the equipment necessary to make that perfect cast and catch that perfect catch. Fly fishermen prepare themselves mentally and physically for that single rewarding moment, when it all cones together.

When you learn fly fishing, you learn about yourself. You find out if you have the patience, determination, persistence, ability, talent, knowledge, and desire to apply yourself fully to an outcome that is in no way related to instant gratification. Fly fishing is a dance between you and nature and before you can really learn fly fishing, you have to take the time to practice the steps.

If you apply yourself, learn in detail, and practice consistently, you will probably learn fly fishing and come to be successful at it. However, if you do not apply patience, knowledge, determination, and persistence to the task, you will never learn fly fishing and you will have missed out on a unique opportunity.

It is this methodology in trying to learn fly fishing that you need to apply to life. Fly fishing is a metaphor for life. If you can apply all of the traits of a successful fly fisherman to life, you will be able to enjoy its unique opportunities as well. - 29291

About the Author:

Kent Tomlinson is always looking forward to warm weather, when he can just lay on the beach with nothing to do. Kent has written a site containing articles on personalized beach towels, as well as custom beach towels.

Playing With Your Kids

By Lonnie Lorenz

Swift Nature Camp is a Wisconsin Science Summer Camp for boys and girls ages 6-15. Our focus is to blend traditional summer camp activities with an appreciation for nature, animals and the environment. Here are some helpful activities we do at camp, try these next time you head for the park.

Experts tell us the first step in becoming an environmentalist is noticing what nature offers. Such observation often leads to a desire and commitment to conserve and protect the natural world.

Taking treks through the woods is a regular part of Science Summer Camp. However, many times staff and campers merely walk along the trail without really noticing what is around them. They overlook the sounds, sights, textures and diversity of the ecosystem.

So when you take your kids out in nature, try these things. Simple supplies are needed, so it will take only a few minutes to collect them. Or you can plan and keep them on the side ready to go.

Groups can stop along the way and do the activities together, or small groups can be assigned particular activities during the entire hike. Campers can choose one or more of the following activities:

Make a Rubbing
Supplies: Paper, crayons or charcoal
Ahead of time: It is best to have experience at this before you help others.
Assignment: Search for trees, rocks and logs that have a variety of textures. Put the paper over the surface of the tree, rock or log, hold the charcoal or crayon at an angle, and rub over the paper so that the unique pattern is transferred to the paper.
Conversation: What did you discover by doing these rubbings?

Changes Everywhere
Supplies: Clipboard and writing utensils
Ahead of time: think or research how things would be different if the land was developed
Assignment: Stop along the trail and look into the woods. Imagine that the land had sold this plot of land to a developer to build. How would that development changethings? What effect would it have on the habitat and food supplies of the animals living there? What would happen to the soil if the trees were cut down? How would the plants in the woods change? How would the threat of erosion increase?
Conversation: How have ecosystems near your home been destroyed? What changes have happened to the land?

Look a Tree
Supplies: Blindfolds
|Ahead of time: look for a place on the trail where there is a variety of trees.
Assignment: Find a partner and decide who will be blindfolded first. The sighted partner will lead his/her partner to a tree. The blindfolded child will explore the tree by touch and smell. Then the sighted partner leads his/her partner away from the tree. Once the blindfold is removed, that camper tries to locate the tree. Switch places and repeat.
Conversation: What have you learned about trees that you didn't know before?

Swift Nature Camp hopes this information give you few a simple projects we do at our camp out in Nature. If you child is interested in these sorts of activities Please look at our website and see if we might be part of your summer plans,

If this is your first time thinking about Summer Camp look at Summer Camp Advice a free website that helps parents find the right camp for their child. - 29291

About the Author:

Swift Nature Camp is a non-competitive, coed traditional overnight Summer Youth Camp. Boys and Girls Ages 6-15 enjoy Nature & Animals along with traditional camping activities. Summer Camp Wisconsin

Have An Active Vacation In Iceland

By Isabella Olsen

There are a wide variety of tours available in Iceland. Some of these cover large areas of the country, while others focus on smaller areas. You can have traditional trips as well as unique tours. If you choose nature tours you will see unforgettable landscapes, fresh lava fields, powerful waterfalls and grand ice caps. If this is not enough, there are day tours, as well as weekend and holiday tours with emphasis on hiking.

The uninhabited interior of Iceland can be visited only in July and August. There are winter tours, but these need special organization. Apart this, winter in Iceland is something you will never forget: you can go ice fishing, take glacier tours on snowmobile or practice your skiing skills.

Iceland is the best destination for an active tourist. There are plenty of opportunities for an adventurous vacation cross the island: hiking, fishing, swimming, horseback riding, glacier tours, whale watching or bot tours.

Glacier tours are one of the favorite options of tourists visiting Iceland. Glacier tours are made either on snowmobiles, or super jeeps. However, those who like hiking will not be disappointed: more than a half of Iceland is over 400 m above sea level, and a great part of the island is covered by lava, glaciers or sand. There are few marked walking paths, but despite this, hiking is very popular.

Water sports enthusiasts will be pleased to hear that they can choose between kayaking or rafting on inland rivers, glacial waters and wild shores. Swimming is also popular, and because of the natural hot springs, indoor and outdoor swimming pools can be found on every corner. Water temperature is usually 29 degrees Celsius, but one can choose jacuzzis, saunas, solariums and hot spots with temperature between 36 to 44 degrees Celsius.

Fishing is also great in Iceland: salmon and trout are particularly popular. Those who are interested in salmon fishing should schedule their trip from June to mid September, and they must know permits have to be arranged in advance. Trout season is from April/May until late September/October, and tourists can have their permits on the spot. In the winter, ice fishing is popular, and those who are seeking for more extreme adventure, can go sea angling. The season for sea angling begins in late May and ends at the end of August. At the end of the season, tournaments are organized all across Iceland.

There are also various sizes and species of whales in the North Atlantic. Whale watching is another big hit with the tourists, and one can choose from quite a few whale watching ports all around the coastline.

Bird watchers can also feel in heaven. There is no larger birdcliff than Ltrabjarg in the West Fjords. There can be found a wide variety of cliff nesting species, and the largest razorbill colony in the world lives here. The Westman Islands have many kinds of seabirds and here is the largest puffin population in Iceland. - 29291

About the Author:

Isabella is a travel writer who has toured major destinations worldwide. Isabelle lives in Nerja Spain and runs a car hire website. To book your cheap car hire Iceland or learn more about car hire deals worldwide, visit Zencarhire.com.

Discovering The Most Effective Natural Tinnitus Cure That Works For You

By Henry Spiller

What exactly is tinnitus? well, tinnitus is defined by a ringing in the ear that, for the most part, only the sufferer can hear. There may be other sounds heard besides a ringing, such as a humming or ticking sound, and this may comes and go at intervals or stick around for good. For any sufferer it is an extremely irritating and life affecting problem that can cause problems such as sleep deprivation and a lack of concentration. The problem, however, is that despite the prevalence of this problem, there is no real cure as of yet to get rid of it because there are so many potential causes. However, you may be able to find a natural tinnitus cure that will treat the problem and reduce the symptoms you are suffering from.

As said, there is no true cure for tinnitus. It really depends on what has caused it as to whether you will be able to get rid of it or not. For example, if the problem has been caused by a simple build up of wax which is impacting on the ear drum then this can be sorted out by your doctor or even yourself at home. However, often tinnitus will be due to a more serious underlying medical condition in which case you will only be able to get rid of the tinnitus by curing the more serious issue.

Because there are so many causes there is no real cure, however finding a natural tinnitus cure is possible once you have discovered the cause. For most people, the condition will be as a result of a range of different things that are not too serious. For other it can be as a result of a serious underlying condition. One of the normal reason why people start to see the symptoms of tinnitus is because of their lifestyle. You need to avoid a life that contains excessive drinking and smoking and other such habits.

Another natural tinnitus cure for you to consider would be making sure that you are not exposed to loud sounds too often. You should make sure that you have ear muffs and ear plugs with you at all times in order to ensure that you can block your ears off from these damaging noises.

You can also look to listen to relaxing music to hide the ringing in your ears. A lot of people find that they don't notice the ringing during the day but do when they go to bed which can cause them to lose sleep. It is therefore a good idea to have some soft music playing in the back ground or perhaps some natural sounds such as sounds of the rainforest or whale song.

Another thing that tends to exacerbate the issue is stress. Therefore you should try to reduce your levels of stress by adopting relaxation techniques and performing relaxing activities such as yoga.

It is also a good idea to help to improve the circulation around the ears by massaging them or by massaging and applying a hot compress around your neck before you go to bed.

Finding a natural tinnitus cure is, therefore, something that may take a little bit of trial and error.. Depending on what has caused the problem, you may find that some things don't work and some things do. - 29291

About the Author:

If you are tired of having that ringing in your ears, then you should look for a natural tinnitus cure. The tinnitus miracle review has given tons of popularity as many say it works.