During World War II the use of radars became wide spread after Britain sold the technology to America in 1941. A device for jamming radars called the magnetron was used more and more and ultimately lead to the allies control of the skies over Europe. The control over the skies though was paramount in the final allied victory, but also meant that the allied air forces could blanket bomb German cities.

The technology lives on in a far more practical domestic use! “The microwave oven”. So how can there be salvation from this ? The main power unit for microwave ovens is the magnetron and is one of the most efficient and energy saving ways to cook food.Magnetrons produce short wave microwaves, which creates the power behind microwave ovens. Panasonic have come up with inverter technology that replaces some of the power units with a circuit board and reduces weight whilst increasing capacity of there next generation of microwaves.

This low use of energy not only saves money, but also contributes to saving the planet. Global warming is a reality and in the next twenty years could be catastrophic. By using less power while cooking we can all contribute to slowing the effects of global warming and leave the future secure for generations to come. Getting more from your microwave is sometimes difficult as some foods do not brown, but there are some great combination microwaves with browning devices and a large array of foods produced specifically for microwaves. So from War there really can be salvation.

Brought to you by Ross of everythingmicrowaves.com/ everythingmicrowaves.com/

Crown molding, or cornice, is probably the most important architectural accent used to detail any interior space. Most interior designers today would agree that every room can be improved with the use of crown molding. Crown molding smooths the transition from the wall to the ceiling and does a wonderful job of defining the architectural style of a room. Crown molding is also used to finish cabinets, built-ins, and fireplaces.

Crown moldings have been around as long as the use of plastered ceilings has been. They usually reflected the type or intended use of the room. For example, reception rooms were often decorated with more ornate moldings, while plainer crown molding was often installed in the more functional areas of the home, such as the kitchen. The size and style of crown molding used may vary widely, from a simple cove in a farmhouse kitchen to a large built-up cornice in a grand entry.

Crown molding will enhance the look of any room and is not that difficult to install. Installing larger, more complex moldings will require a little extra care to match the pattern at joints and corners. You can also build up larger crown moldings by using a number of smaller moldings. Used this way, custom crown molding profiles can be created to suit your tastes. Built up crown molding can also be used to help hide some of the variations in the ceiling and walls.

Follow these simple and easy to understand instructions to enhance the look and feel of any room in your home. Remember, safety is so important when attempting any project. Always follow approved safety practices. Use hearing and eye protection. When you need to use a dust mask or respirator, be sure to use the right one for the job.

GAF Materials, creators of GAF roof shingles, was founded in 1886 and has grown to be North America’s largest commercial and residential roofing manufacturer after approaching $2 billion in sales. Among the many recognitions that GAF roof shingles have received include three straight years as being selected for Life Magazine’s “Dream House.” Among the recognitions given by Home Builders include #1 in shingle and ridge vent quality, #1 for innovation for shingles and ridge ventilation and #1 shingle brand used. There are many brands of GAF roof shingles to choose from.

Grand Timberline GAF Roof Shingles

Grand Timberline GAF roof shingles are offered at a fraction of the cost of regular wood shakes. They are 33% thicker and up to 50% larger, feature highly contrasted color blends, which results in a dimensional look. Their super heavyweight construction provides for ultimate durability while the custom specified, Micro Weave core provides excellent protection. These shingles feature a Class A fire and wind rating from Underwriters Laboratories. Algae protection combined with a lifetime limited transferable warranty round out the features of these shingles.

Camelot GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles are sold at a more affordable price than slate or wood shakes. They feature super heavyweight PLUS construction, which features up to a 60% increase in thickness compared with many other premium asphalt shingles. They also feature the Micro Weave core for added protection, Class A fire and wind ratings from Underwriters Laboratories and Algae protection. A special double row of Dura Grip adhesive secures each shingle and it warranted to withstand winds up to 110mph.

Sentinel GAF Roof Shingles

These are the basic GAF shingles, which currently protect over one million homes throughout the nation. They feature a strong Micro Weave core for durability and Dura Grip adhesive to secure each shingle. The Sentinel shingles offer a 20 year limited transferable warranty.

Royal Sovereign GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles are among the most preferred fiberglass strip shingle in their class. Features include an extra-strong Micro Weave core for durability and a 25 year limited transferable warranty. These shingles can be installed over an existing roof and they feature Dura Grip adhesive seals for each shingle.

Marquis WeatherMax GAF Roof Shingles

These popular 3-tab shingles provide all-weather performance. Their super heavyweight design and Micro Weave core assist the shingles to resist tearing while protecting against harsh winter weather temperatures. These shingles are said to withstand winds up to 80mph and feature a Class A fire and wind rating.

Jumbo Royal Sovereign GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles combine 3-tab design with an extra large design. A special row of Dura Grip adhesive seals will help the shingles to withstand winds up to a warranted 110 mph. They feature a Class A fire and wind rating and a 25 year limited transferable warranty.

Grand Slate GAF Roof Shingles

These shingles combine the authentic look of slate with a lifetime limited warranty. They feature extra thick tabs at a fraction of the cost of expensive slate. Their super heavyweight PLUS construction allows for ultimate durability while their high performance Micro Weave core provides protection. A Class A fire rating and algae protection are among the benefits of the GrandSlate shingles, which also feature a double row of Dura Grip adhesive seals and the ability to withstand warranted 110 mph winds.

Slateline GAF Roof Shingles

These extra large shingles feature a 110 mph limited wind warranty and have the appearance of slate. Their Class A fire and wind rating combined with their heavyweight design round out the specs on these affordable alternatives to authentic slate shingles. In addition, double rows of Dura Grip adhesive seals are present on each shingle, along with algae protection and a 40 year limited transferable warranty.

Timberline 30 GAF Roof Shingles

These fiberglass asphalt shingles feature a Shadow Accent effect with Dura Grip adhesive seals. A 30 year limited transferable warranty is also available.

Timberline Select 40 GAF Roof Shingles

The Timberline Select 40 shingles feature the Shadow Accent effect and a classic wood shake appearance. A heavyweight design with Micro Weave core and a Class A fire and wind rating round out the features.

Timberline Ultra GAF Roof Shingles

These are the premiere shingles in the Timberline Series. These are 25% thicker and heavier and feature a rich textured look. They have a Class A fire and wind rating with a super heavyweight design and Dura Grip adhesive seals, which help these shingles hold up against a warranted 110 mph wind.

Grand Sequoia GAF Roof Shingles

These patented, extra large shingles feature a Class A fire and wind rating with a super heavyweight design. A Micro Weave core and algae protection round out the features.

Country Mansion GAF Roof Shingles

A lifetime limited warranty combine with a distinctive appearance and versatile color palette in Country Mansion shingles. Their super heavyweight PLUS construction, Micro Weave core and Class A fire and wind rating are among the other benefits to this product. Algae protection and double row of Dura Grip on each shingle round out it’s features.

Grand Canyon GAF Roof Shingles

A subtle shadow effect compliment the sophisticated design of Grand Canyon shingles. The shingle tabs are 20% thicker and have a super heavyweight PLUS design, natural color palette and high performance. They have a Class A fire and wind rating, Dura Grip adhesive seals on each shingle and a lifetime limited warranty.

Country Estates GAF Roof Shingles

A lifetime limited warranty, strikingly bold design, subtle color palette and super heavyweight PLUS construction are just a few of the benefits to Country Estates shingles. Rounding out the features are a Micro Weave core, Class A fire and wind rating and algae protection with double rows of Dura Grip adhesive seals on each shingle.

As

Too much clutter or you don’t have enough furniture to fill a large space can really give off the wrong impression. Stylish benches and trunks can provide the look desired for every home or office. Make a statement by adding a beautiful high-end bench or trunk to any home or office. There is an array of styles that will add character and class to any room. Brighten a dull corner indoors or add personality outdoors. Make use of every room of the home. Entryways, dens, dining areas, bedrooms and living spaces all need pieces to make them stand out. Outdoor benches can even add life to an ordinary breezeway or outdoor sitting area. The possibilities are endless.

Upholstered benches come in a variety of colors and fabrics that can suit any need. Leather benches are also available and can provide the sophistication desired for the den or office. Ottoman benches can be used traditionally as a comfy footrest or displayed as decorative coffee table. Keep each room presentable by adding a storage bench. Storage pieces are available as ottomans or benches. Store magazines or extra blankets for less clutter. Enhance the home by adding an elegant entrance, vanity, or bed bench. Old world style meets modern design with the classic wrought iron pieces that also can be a part of any home. Express personality with floral, contemporary or leopard prints. There are designs to emanate any taste.

There are wooden, plastic, and concrete benches to fit every need. Turn an ordinary lawn into a spectacular showcase with outdoor benches. Tree benches, park benches, and garden benches are just a few of the wonderful pieces that can create an eye-catching view. Enjoy a peaceful evening outdoors with a porch glide bench or picnic bench. Let the kids enjoy their lunch outdoors with benches sized just for their needs. Disguise those gardening tools and hose in an attractive outdoor storage bench. Set a statement in stone with a personalized bench for the outdoor garden. Find comfort with fashionable seat cushions for the outdoor benches. No worries with unexpected weather. The cushions are water repellent and fade resistant for longevity and convenience.

Trunks are another innovative way to add style to the home or office. Trunks can be useful to store personal items or to incorporate a lavish look to any area of the home. Place in the entrance hall, den, living area, or bedroom for a distinguished look. Store those bulky sweaters or other winter items that take up too much room in the closet. Smaller scale trunks can also be used as an end table, night stand, or footrest. Place candles or decorative vases on top of the piece to create flare to an ordinary room. These stylish benches or trunks are designed to fit any personality or individual need. Classic pieces can add a world of difference to drab and lifeless rooms. Whether it is a storage trunk or decorative addition to the home or office, practical pieces such as these are the way to go.

Jennifer Akre, owner of numerous indoor and outdoor home decor sites, shares valuable product information on benches and trunks, giving the online consumer help finding ideas on simplybenches.com/information.html outdoor benches and simplybenches.com/garden-benches-information.html garden benches. Learn how to decorate with style - Click today: Shop simplybenches.com/park-benches-information.html park benches.

Getting Inspiration For Your Backyard Designs

It’s not so difficult to come up with professional looking results when it comes to landscaping: you too can have a yard that looks like a garden designer waltzed in to give it a complete makeover. The inspiration should really come from within: you can do it if you give your design a bit of thought and are not afraid of getting to work yourself.

Planning The Design

As with most design projects the first step of a successful landscape scheme comes from careful planning. A great piece of advice is to start your project with a pen and paper before you go anywhere near a spade! This will allow you to visualize the space you have to work with. You should always spend as much time as needed just thinking your ideas through. You should also keep in mind that there may be some existing features in your backyard such as building structures or trees that you will not be able to move, so take them into account in the planning stage.

Look Around For Inspiration

There are plenty of places that you can check out for landscaping ideas so if you are not too sure how to go about looking for inspiration you can start browsing the gardening press or take a stroll around the aisles of your local garden center. Wherever you go for a drive or a simple walk in the neighborhood, keep an eye out for interesting ideas in other people’s properties: this can also help you get a better idea of how things will look once your once garden is done.

Picking Suitable Plants And Features

The actual space that you are working with dictates what you should or shouldn’t use. For instance, how is the garden oriented, what area receives the most sun and whether there may be any water draining problems inherent to the plot. Once you are fully aware of the conditions you can make an informed choice when it comes to selecting the right plants for the space.

Using Artificial Materials

There is a vast array of man-made materials at your disposal to build walls and delimit the various areas of your design. This is also true of using artificial materials to add break up an otherwise flat extent, or make a feature out of existing bumps. Things you can use for this purpose are only limited by what you can get your hands on to and your imagination: you may want to consider rail sleepers, timber of even boulders for this. Being creative needs not be costly!

Keeping Your Backyard Looking Neat

You should always ensure that you have the kit and know-how to keep your new design looking neat and tidy at all times. A bit of careful maintenance will go a long way. For instance make sure that your plants and flowers are kept in the best possible shape with adequate feeding and watering. If you have used rocks and stones you should likewise keep them looking their best in the long run with regular cleaning.

You too can have a great looking garden by using a bit of imagination, and large amount of elbow grease. Your efforts will be repaid with long-lasting results!

Andrew Caxton is the editor and journalist of many information websites like lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com, who has written more articles and newsletters on lawn care. You can find more information and resources on lawn-mowers-and-garden-tractors.com/landscaping.html landscaping at his website.

Among many manufacturers, the Harmonics brand of laminate flooring is worth considering for those who are looking for a floor cover that’s easy to install and maintain. Many homeowners want to have a floor covering that looks as good as real wood or stone but costs only half the price.

Since its first appearance on the market, Harmonics laminate flooring has steadily grown in popularity. This is primarily due to the ease of installing the laminates and of caring for the flooring as well.

Laminate flooring has four layers - the base and top layers are coated with a synthetic moisture-repelling sealant. One middle layer accounts for the stability of the laminate. The other middle layer is a photograph of hardwood, tile, or stone surface - this creates a faux-material effect on the laminate.

Harmonics laminate flooring does not only offer unique and beautiful designs; they are durable and last much longer than most other kinds of flooring available today. The laminates can be purchased in a wide variety of patterns and colors.

Harmonics has also made it simple for customers to install the flooring by themselves. Laminate flooring can be directly installed over the original floor. If you have carpets though, you need to take them out before starting to lay out the new flooring. However, if you are not sure about installing your new laminate flooring, you can hire a flooring contractor to install the laminate for you.

You can browse the Internet to search for online stores that sell Harmonics laminate flooring. Many websites allow you to compare prices with other brands of laminate floors. However, if you want to know the real look and feel of the material, it’s best to visit your local floor covering supplier. You can ask for advice from them, or get a sample of different laminate flooring brands. This will help you compare the different brands with each other before you decide to purchase.

Ernest Jarquio is a dedicated family man hopelessly addicted to do-it-yourself projects. For more information, visit his website, where he discusses various subjects such as flooring2roof.com/harmonics-laminate-flooring.html Harmonics laminate flooring, flooring2roof.com/ discounted laminate flooring and flooring2roof.com/laminate-flooring.html Balterio laminate flooring. Read various articles on the different aspects of hardwood, bamboo, laminate, tile and vinyl flooring.

If you have a green thumb, then you are probably thinking about doing some DIY gardening. Whether it’s preparing the perfectly landscaped lawn or growing some vegetables, gardening is a fun and easy way to produce something plentiful with a little hard work.

Even though most gardening projects can be done by anyone, there are several factors to consider before moving ahead with a DIY gardening venture. Many people suffer from allergies every day and in every season, but allergy sufferers are especially affected during the spring and summer months. As such, before beginning a DIY gardening project, take a moment to consider whether or not you have allergies. If you do, how severe are they? Working outside for prolonged periods of time and/or doing extended lawn work can reek havoc on allergies.

While on the subject of allergies, it is important to know whether or not you are allergic to bees before going ahead with a DIY gardening project. If you are going to be working around the yard or the garden, you will need to be especially mindful of these nuisance insects that could end up causing you a real problem if you are allergic.

Another important aspect of DIY gardening is dressing for your environment. It’s probably a good idea to wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. This will help to prevent mosquito bites, which could be a health concern during certain locations and times of the year. You will also want to wear protective gloves on your hand and be especially careful of what you touch. If you reach into an area that isn’t completely visible because of weeds or shrubbery, there is always the possibility of a snake or spider. Both can cause harmful effects, so be careful when reaching into the grass or when working outdoors.

In addition to the above considerations, deciding whether or not DIY gardening is right for you will also depend on the project itself. If you are working on the landscape, planting flowers or simply planting a few seeds for a garden, you may not have a problem in completing the task yourself. But, if you are having a tree removed from your property, having the entire lawn replanted or have a very large area that needs cared for, DIY gardening may not be possible. There is nothing wrong with enlisting a little help along the way, especially if a professional landscaping business is nearby.

Find all types of addyoursite.org/home-family/home-improvement/ home improvement contractors who specialize at installing carpet, doors, siding, roofing and much more. If you are a home improvement contractor or an author of home improvement articles, addyoursite.org/home-family/home-improvement/ add your site or articles today.

As with most things around the house, stoves need a little bit of tender loving care in order to serve you well throughout its life. Below are the main parts of your stove that you would need to check in order for your stove to work efficiently:

Fire Grate: This is the part on the bed of your stove that the fuel sits on. If it is a Multi Fuel Stove ensure that the grate can be riddled easily enough. If the grate does not move or is restricted in its movement remove the grate when cool and check for distortion and cracks. Please note that these do occasionally wear out and the normal reason behind this is often due to the ashpan not being cleaned regulary enough. Remove the ash daily as the ash can catch fire and will put direct heat onto the bar which will reduce the life of the grate.

Fire Bricks: are the concrete looking bricks that you normally find in side the stove on the inside walls and at the back of the stove. The job of the fire bricks are to protect the cast or steel shell from damage by the direct heat produced. From time to time the bricks can crack or start to crumble in places. If the crack is very small you can normally cover the crack in fire cement just to seal the crack but this should only be a short term fix and you should look to replace the fire bricks as soon as possible to avoid damaging your stove.

Stove Throat plate: This is the steel plate at the top of the stove that normally rests on top of the Fire Bricks. This is designed to stop all the heat going directly up the chimney and reflects the heat back into the stove. Over time these can sometimes warp slightly if the stove is run frequently at a high heat. If this gets too warped it could cause problems when sweeping the chimney or trying to remove fire bricks.

Ashpan: This is what catches the ash in a Multi Fuel Stove. Ensure that there are no holes in the ash pan to avoid having hot ash falling out. this should be emptied regualrly as to protect the Fire Grate and the Ashpan itself as continued heat could cause damage.

Stove Rope Seal: This is the heat resistant roap that goes around the door or the stove and the inside of the glass. the road will wear out over time and will need to be replaced. you will normally know when the rope needs replacing as there may be air getting into the stove making it burn less effeciently or there may be smoke seeping out of the door or glass. The rope will also go very flat and hard and crispy over time and this is another sign of wear and tear.

Heat Resistant Glass: The glass can get brittle over time and can crack if knocked. Occassionly the glass will become soo brittle because of the heat it will crack with the slightest touch. This is normal and can happen after a period of time. Try not to over tighten the glass screws on the in side of the door as these could make the glass crack once heated.

The above mentioned are the main things that can have an effect on the way the stove works. It is recommended that you check the above items regularly. This will ensure that your stove looks after you through out the cold winter months, year after year.

woodburnerwarehouse.co.uk Woodburner Warehouse is a specialist site offering a wide selection of wood burning stoves, Multi fuel stoves and Gas stoves at extremely competitive prices. We are confident that we will find the right stove for your heating needs. We also offer a great range of contemporary StovesContempory stoves and also Double Sided stoves.

We also provide

So you are considering the purchase of a Security Alarm System for your home or business. For some, the on-going monthly expense associated with Alarm System Monitoring is one of the major factors taken into consideration when choosing a vendor.

With monitoring fees ranging anywhere from $ 25.00 to well over $ 40.00 per month, what are you getting for your money? Let’s take a closer look at the monitoring services offered by most alarm companies.

In its simplest form, a Burglar Alarm System utilizes a control panel, an arming station and a combination of perimeter and interior protection to provide a deterrent shield to protect your most valuable assets. When an unauthorized entry is detected by a perimeter or interior sensor the system will initiate an alarm.

Similar to a facsimile machine, every Security Alarm Panel that is capable of being monitored uses an industry standard Digital Communication Format. The panel uses this digital language to communicate with an Alarm Receiver at the Central Monitoring Facility using standard or cellular telephone lines.

If an alarm occurs at your premises, the alarm panel will immediately utilize your telephone line to send a digital signal to the Central Station. A unique account number is programmed into your alarm panel to allow it to identify itself to the Alarm Receiver.

The Alarm Panel will transmit the account number and a 3 or 4 digit event code to the Alarm Receiver. The Alarm Receiver will interpret the digital signals and immediately pass the information along to a large network of computers which are manned 24×7 by Central Station Operators.

The Central Station Operator is provided with the call list information that you have provided to the alarm company during the registration process. The Central Station Operator that receives the alarm signals immediately tries to verify that the alarm is real.

Depending on the type of alarm, the Central Station Operator will first call the premises to try and contact the alarm user. If the user answers the phone, they are asked to provide a unique pass-code that identifies them as an authorized user. If they can provide the correct pass-code, the alarm is logged, but authorities are not dispatched.

If no one answers the phone, or if the person answering the phone cannot provide the correct password, the authorities are dispatched to the scene immediately. After the authorities are dispatched, the Central Station Operator will attempt to reach a call list of individuals who can meet the authorities at the site to let them in to investigate the cause of the alarm.

There are a couple of circumstances, where the Central Station Operator will not call your premises and try to verify the alarm. The special circumstances include Fire Alarms and Panic Alarms.

A fire can quickly get out of control and completely consume your home or business in a matter of minutes. Therefore, if your Fire Alarm is going off, the 1st order of business for the Operator is to dispatch the Fire Department. You cannot call and ask the dispatcher stop the Fire Department. Once the trucks roll, they will not stop.

If your panic alarm goes off, be forewarned, the police department takes panic alarms very seriously. No one from the central station will call your house to try and verify the alarm. Usually a 911 dispatcher will call your house after there is a large posse of Police Officers outside your door. Don’t be surprised if you are asked to come out with your hands up and you find several guns in your face.

Now, that is what you can expect from your $ 29.00 monthly fee, although many Central Stations will charge more for “optional” services such as Code Changes, Opening & Closing Reports, Alarm System Partitioning and Fire, Panic or Medical Alarm Monitoring Services.

Before you make that purchasing decision, have each alarm company that you are getting bids from outline exactly which monitoring services are included in the base price and which services are optional. Then you can factor in the monthly monitoring and management fees into any purchasing decision.

Roy Stephenson is a Security Consultant with over 21 Years Experience Designing and Installing High End Integrated Security Systems. He is currently the VP of Marketing at Security-Kits.Com www.Security-Kits.Com and EZWatchstore.com www.EZWatchstore.com

Decks and Patios don’t count towards square footage in your home, but they sure do go a long way towards making a home feel larger, more inviting, and fun. Decks and patios can be wonderful places to entertain friends and family, or they can be secluded quiet spots for you to get away from the hustle of everyday life. Whichever you choose… the key to having great decks and patios is to decorate them with a theme.

One popular deck or patio theme is the outdoor barbecue. Now technically this is a function of the area, but using a touch of decorating flair, you can make it into an overall theme too. For instance, putting rustic furniture on your patio or deck would give it a country or western BBQ theme. This works wonderfully when you have a firepit-style barbecue grill, or an outdoor fireplace. If your preference is upscale and classy, and your barbecue equipment is the shiny, fancy, large cookstation-style, try setting up a bistro theme instead.

If you have kids of course, it helps to go with a fun theme instead. A beach theme is an excellent example here: Colorful beach chairs and sun umbrellas set the tone wonderfully. You can even use ropes, sails, nets, and lifeguard floats to hang from the sides of your fun deck, and post flags from different Caribbean or Mediterranean countries on the corners of the deck. Keeping a chest inside of beach paraphernalia - floats, leis, sunglasses, and even a pirate’s eye patch will keep your children entertained as you try to prepare dinner.

A country theme is also wonderful for decks and patios. Try using old barrels as both tables and chairs for this theme. To make the chairs: Cut part of the barrel to leave a curved “back”, then nail the top into place as a seat. You can even put checkered chair cushions on these to enhance them further. And of course, small decorating touches such as old soda bottles, signs, tools, and flowers help enhance and round out the overall look.

Whatever theme you decide to use on your deck, the essentials are a table and chairs with some extra seating and side tables. If your deck is too small for that, you can simply purchase a couple of Adirondack chairs and side tables to match. Your parties may be smaller, but you can always put a picnic table in the yard to seat more people. Choose your own theme; a deck is a place where you can put your favorite random items to good use. So from Coca-Cola to country to classic, create your own deck decorations and spend the rest of the summer enjoying your friends on your jazzy new deck.

© 2005, Kathy Burns-Millyard. Want more decorating tips, ideas and advice? Please Visit DIYHomeDecorating.com DIYHomeDecorating.com where you’ll find articles about a variety of diyhomedecorating.com/Decorating-Styles/ home decorating styles, indoor and diyhomedecorating.com/Outdoor-Decorating/ outdoor decorating ideas, decorating photos and much more!