Jaclo Luxury Outdoor Shower Collection

JACLO, a decorative plumbing products manufacturer, known for their decadent shower systems, including the Dream Light Rain Canopy and illuminated Lumiere showerhead, has introduced a luxury outdoor shower collection.

The Arch Column and AquaBambu shower columns are perfect complements to modern pools.

Both can be outfitted with a mixing valve for hot water use, are available in polished or matte stainless steel and can be fitted with a port/valve to drain, which is ideal for cold climates to protect against freezing.

The Arch Column features two spray functions, which can be operated from side-mounted controls. Spray functions include an adjustable angle rain tile showerhead and foot wash outlet.

The AquaBambu shower column features a round, waterfall spray as well as a foot wash outlet.

These sleek shower columns can easily be added to your existing pool deck without having to trench for plumbing lines. An external water inlet can be used with a garden pipe or external water connection.

January 21, 2009

Can Compact Fluorescent Bulbs Make You Sick?

Concerns over health risks from Electromagnetic Field (EMF) sources is not new. Scientists have been studying EMFs since 1985.

We are surrounded by sources of EMF daily. They include power lines, computers, fax machines, video monitors and cell phones.

For years, some people have reported health problems they attribute to exposure to EMF. Their condition is referred to as “electromagnetic hypersensitivity” or EHS.

According to a World Health Organization (WHO) study EHS symptoms commonly include dermatological symptoms (redness, tingling) ad well as neurasthanic and vegetative (fatigue, concentration difficulties, dizziness, heart palpitations and digestive disturbances).

While the WHO states EHS is characterized by a variety of non-specific symptoms that vary from individual to individual, many believe it is related to Sick Building Syndrome (SBS)

Recently, the Globe investigated CFLs and “Dirty Electricity” stating that there is a link between CFLs and migraines.

Watch Globe TV Video

Here’s an excerpt from an Austrailian government report that refutes health claims tied to CFLs.

“While light sources with a detectable flicker can trigger migraines in susceptible individuals, CFLs ‘flicker’ at a rate well above that detectable by the human brain and so should not affect migraine sufferers,”

From what I’ve read, these reports remind me of the granite Radon scare recently in the news and on this blog. Is this really the LED industry trying to get consumers over the high price objection with fear? I’ll keep watching this and let you know if there are any updates.

January 19, 2009May 26, 2019

How to Select Wine

If you are at the wine store and want to purchase something to put in your new wine cooler what do you do when all you have to go by is the label?

The Wall Street Journal recently wrote a wonder guide on what a wine label can tell you.

I find the follow tips to be very helpful.

Vintage: Most stores stock wine that is meant to be drunk right away. So if you see a 5 year old Pinot Grigio you should move on to the next bin.

Alcohol Content: Look for wines with an alcohol content of 14% or less. Wines with higher alcohol content tend to be unbalanced.

Cute Critters: Inexpensive wines with cute animals should also be avoided – especially if the critter has a long story. There are some exceptions to this rule such as Stag’s Leap or Iron Horse.

Estate Bottled: It’s generally a good sign when the people who made the wine also had a hand in growing the grapes on their own land.

Phone Number: A highly personal winery will print their phone number on the label with an invitation to call. Be mindful that you may have to search some very fine print to find it.

Other Details: If the winery adds extra information such as harvest date or when the wine was disgorged then you know that they are trying to communicate with the consumer.

January 18, 2009