Archive for April, 2010
Things You Probably Never Knew About Granite Stone
There are many misconceptions floating around out there about granite stone. Here are some things you probably never knew about this multiuse and versatile building material. You will find that granite stone is in many ways the ideal material to use in your home.
Does granite stone require lots of extra effort and maintenance?
There are many misconceptions floating around about granite stone. One of these is that granite stone is actually quite hard to maintain, that it will require a lot of regular cleaning to keep it looking good and in excellent shape. Fortunately, this is not true. Most granite stone requires only casual and routine cleaning. Use mild soap and water to clean granite stone. At least once a year, you should strive to apply a penetrating sealant in order to protect the luster of granite stone.
This will only take about 15 minutes, depending on how large the area is. In general, you can expect to spend less time cleaning your granite stone floors than you normally would to wash the dishes or scour your bathroom sink.
Does heat ruin granite stone?
Another misconception regarding granite stone is that it lacks resistance to heat. Many people still believe that heat is likely to crack and chip a granite stone floor. Fortunately for granite stone floor lovers, this is not true. In fact, granite is very heat resistant. Your new granite stone floor will be able to resist the high heat of pans and hot pots without incurring any serious damage. Although a falling heavy object may very well cause your granite stone to chip, high heat will not affect your new granite stone floor or countertop.
Does granite stone have tiny pores that like to harbor bacteria?
Another misconception in circulation about granite stone is that it is a haven for bacteria. Bacteria are simply unavoidable no matter what kind of surface you are working with. Many people have expressed concern about the fissures and tiny pores that are a part of the granite stone’s natural structure. It is certainly true that bacteria can live on the top of granite stone surface, but it can also live on the top of any kind of surface. If you are concerned about bacteria on your granite stone, simply use an anti-bacterial soap to wash your granite stone floor or countertop.
Are light colored granites less hard than dark colored granites?
Many people have touted darker granite as the harder type of granite. It is true that some granite stones are harder than others, but they cannot be separated solely by color. There are many varieties of granite stone, and each type has its own performance property. In fact, the hardest type of granite stone is quartz, which is nearly translucent and lighter in color.
Can I really afford granite stone?
One of the greatest misconceptions about granite stone is that it is an expensive building material. Although it is not the cheapest building material, it is certainly competitively priced. Granite stone continues to remain unmatched in its natural durability, beauty and comfort.
Car Travel During Pregnancy
You are pregnant and you are cautious. This does not mean a road trip with your family is out of the question. As long as you have clearance from your doctor, you should be okay to enjoy yourself. Still, it is advisable to remember that traveling during pregnancy does present with its own share of challenges.
If you arm yourself with a few tricks in advance of hitting the open road, you are likely to have a much easier time of it. Some of the things to keep in mind before heading out include:
Consider your route carefully – It is a very good idea to map out a route that affords a lot of rest stops and stretching breaks. While frequent restroom breaks might not be required, it is better to err on the side of caution. Plus, it is very easy to get cramped up and uncomfortable if you do not stop frequently to stretch. Try to avoid long stretches of highway that are barren of gas stations, hotels or restaurants.
Learn to use the seatbelt right – It is much safer to travel with this on rather than off.
To wear it correctly during pregnancy, put the lap belt under the baby belly. Going without a seatbelt, even during pregnancy, is illegal in most areas.
Bring snacks and water – It is a good idea to stay well fueled and hydrated during a road trip, especially during pregnancy. Having healthy snacks along can help you resist the urge to stop at fast-food places. This, of course, is always better for the baby. When you do stop for meals, try to choose wisely. Too much junk food on a road trip can make you feel terrible, no matter your condition.
Dress correctly – Long road trips call for comfortable clothes. This is especially so if you are pregnant.
Wear comfortable shoes, pants and a loose-fitting shirt.
Avoid sitting too close to the air bags – Unless you absolutely have to in order to drive, scoot your seat back from the air bags as much as you can. Air bags provide built-in safety, but you do need more clearance from them when you are pregnant.
Bring medical information along – It is not a bad idea to have your medical information along with you just in case. Your current prenatal record and insurance card can come in handy if an emergency does arise.
Pace yourself – Traveling while you are pregnant can be a big challenge. Do not expect to make it halfway across the country in a day. Build in time for plenty of rest stops and pace the trip accordingly. This will take stress off you and help you enjoy the ride a whole lot more.
Bring pillows – It is a good idea to have travel pillows along for the ride. You can use these to slightly elevate your feet while you are riding as a passenger. You can also use them to lessen lower back pain if this has become an issue.
Traveling during pregnancy is generally just fine to do. If you plan on going by car, prepare in advance to make the journey more enjoyable.
Most expensive hotel suite?
Article by Ruth Johnson
Are you a VIP? Are you visiting Geneva? Have you been to Geneva before? It is likely that you will be familiar with, or at least have heard about the Hotel President Wilson.
Not a VIP? Just an IP (important person) or even a P (person)? Never been to Geneva? Then you may not know that the Hotel President WIlson is one of the most luxurious hotels in the world, offering a ‘world of unique privileges’ . And you may not know that a nights stay in the hotels infamous penthouse is likely to cost double of the average salary.
Geneva is the second largest city in Switzerland behind Zurich. The main industries are banking, non-governmental administration, technology, and tourism. Geneva is known for being one of the most beautiful and cultured cities in the world. It combines the splendors of nature with a rich palette of historic and architectural offerings including many art galleries and museums. Geneva is the 4th most expensive city in the world, so it is no wonder that it contains one of the worlds most expensive hotels.
Situated just 8 km from the Geneva International Airport, The Hotel President Wilson is known throughout the world. Located in the heart of Geneva, close to the main international organisations, the banking districts and the luxury stores, this remarkable hotel boasts outstanding service, state-of-the art technology opulent suites, and spectacular views of Geneva – everything you could ever need.
Each of the 228 rooms are finished in an elegant yet contemporary style, equipped only with the very best of everything from the bed linen to the bath tubs. The hotel is an amalgamation of refinement and luxury, close to all modern conveniences and a stones throw from the airport.
The hotel room of all hotel rooms would have to be the Royal Penthouse Suite. The 8th floor Royal Penthouse suite is known for being one of the most luxurious (and most expensive) suites in the world. Guests to the penthouse wont be disappointed. The bullet proof windows and doors (yes bullet proof), 12 roomed (12 bathroomed) penthouse can be yours for (reportedly) ,000 a night. Guests to the penthouse expecting the very latest and greatest in-room entertainment certainly won’t be disappointed by the suite’s (and hotels) state-of-the-art in-room technology . The 2,917 square-ft penthouse has pretty much everything you could want from a hotel room (or a family home). Just some of the delights of the penthouse include a pool table, swimming pool, piano (Steinway no less), a fitness centre, private elevator, BeoVision 103″ flat screen (yes 103 inches – one of the worlds largest televisions), and private terrace. The hotel also offers a quality service and security for all of its guests which includes a helicopter-evacuation service. If that was’t enough to persuade you, then the panoramic views of Lake Geneva will certainly do that.
Described as one of the most beautiful hotels in the world, the Hotel Presidential Wilson chose Quadriga’s Sensiq guest communications portal to deliver the state-of the-art technology, complementing & reinforcing the hotel’s luxurious reputation, providing an unparalleled guest experience. The hotel wanted to offer its VIP guests an information and entertainment content system which in line with the quality of the hotel. Additionally the system allows the hotel to promote its services and facilities directly to guests in their rooms, including their restaurants, bars, lounges, leisure facilities and spa.
The owner and chairman at Hotel President Wilson, Charles Tamman, said: “As part of my ongoing quest for higher excellence, we have recently completed a multi-million euro transformation of the hotel. Thanks to our work with Quadriga and Bang & Olufsen, the Hotel President Wilson is without a doubt a unique place and each visit is an unforgettable experience. It is one of the finest and most state-of-the-art hotels in Geneva.”.