Saturday 30 May 2009

Toilet Training: Every Woman's Nightmare

When I was a teenager, we used to take our annual holidays in Italy and my mum insisted my father drive non-stop through France rather than risk another horrifying encounter with a French pissoir. I don't know if you have ever tried to hold your bladder in for four hours in a car travelling at speeds in excess of 120 miles an hour, but it may explain why my mother had the thigh muscles of an Olympic athlete. Those of you who have never been to France may think my mother was a bit picky, but then you've probably never had to squat over a smelly hole in the ground whilst clinging for dear life to two rusty, iron chains in a damp cellar, illuminated by a single light bulb dangling from the ceiling that had last been changed during the German occupation forty years earlier, while a cadaverous male attendant reeking of garlic politely enquires if you would like another sheet of newspaper.

Toilets may have improved a bit since then (though not in France), but taking a pee is still fraught with more unseen dangers for us girls than exploring the uncharted rain forests of the Amazon.

The first thing my mother taught me was to grab a handful of toilet paper and wipe the seat. Then, she'd carefully lay strips of toilet paper to cover the seat. Lesson two was learning to assume 'The position'. This required carefully balancing over the toilet in a squatting position without actually letting any of your flesh make contact with the toilet seat. The flaw in this strategy was that by the time I was ready to pee, my thigh muscles had given up the struggle, I'd overbalance, land heavily on the seat and the trickle of wetness down the inside of my leg meant we'd have to go home to change my knickers.

That was a long time ago. Even now, in my forties, 'The Position' is excruciatingly difficult to maintain for more than thirty seconds, especially when one's bladder is bursting.

If that wasn't bad enough, when you have to visit a public toilet, you usually find a line of anxious women have got there before you, which makes you think you must have taken a wrong turning and stumbled across a half-price sale of M&S underwear. So, you wait, trying not to look as if you're squeezing your legs together and smile politely at all the other women, who are also trying not to cross their legs and smiling through clenched teeth.

As you get closer to your goal, you start checking for feet under cubicle doors. Naturally every one is occupied. Finally, a door opens and you dash in, nearly knocking down the woman leaving the cubicle. You get in to find the door won't latch. It doesn't matter; you have long arms and tell yourself: 'I'll just keep one hand against it.' At this point you would hang your handbag on the coat hook if there was one—but there isn't—so you hang it around your neck whilst glancing furtively about to make sure no one saw you commit such a dreadful faux pas. You could put it on floor, but given that the floors in public toilets are invariably wet, you might just as well pee in it yourself.

Finally, you yank down your knickers, and assume the dreaded 'Position'.

Ahhhh, relief. More relief. But then your thighs begin to shake, not helped by the fact that your left arm is stretched to its fullest extent trying to keep the door shut. You'd love to sit down but you didn't have time to wipe the seat or lay toilet paper down, so you hold 'The Position' as a quake that would register an eight on the Richter scale travels through your aching thighs. To take your mind off the pain, you reach for what you now discover is an empty toilet paper dispenser. In your mind, you can hear your mother's voice saying: "Darling, if you'd cleaned the seat first, you would have KNOWN there was no toilet paper!"

Your thigh muscles are seconds away from snapping like old knicker elastic. You remember the tiny tissue that you blew your nose on yesterday—the one that's in your handbag, which you cannot unzip because you only have one free hand. So you take your hand off the door and scrabble about in your bag until you find a ball of paper that would barely cover a gnat's arse. You smooth it out and fluff it up, but it is still only slightly larger than your thumbnail. At this point someone pushes open the door because you've taken your hand away to open your bag. The door hits your handbag, which thumps you in the chest and you and your bag topple backward against the toilet cistern—which is disconcertingly wet.

"Occupied!" you scream, as you slam the door shut, dropping your precious, tiny, crumpled tissue on the wet floor and parking your naked bum directly on the odious toilet seat. You recoil instantly, knowing only too well the damage is done. Your bare bottom has made contact with every imaginable germ on the planet because YOU never laid down toilet paper on the filthy seat—not that there was any, even if you had bothered to look. You may even have contracted a sexually transmitted disease—or worse, been impregnated by some adventurous sperm that escaped from the disgusting slut who sat on the seat before you, and has been patiently biding its time waiting for its next victim.

You know that your mother would be utterly ashamed of you if she knew, because you're certain that her bare bottom never touched a public toilet seat in her life. By this time, the automatic sensor on the back of the toilet is so confused that it flushes, sending up a stream of water to rival Niagara Falls that sucks everything down with such force that you grab onto the toilet paper dispenser for fear of having your bottom dragged off to Australia.

At that point, you give up. Your skirt is soaked by the splashing water, your blouse is sticking to your back, there's pee running down your legs and your expensive Aubade knickers look like the cat's been sleeping in them. You're exhausted. You try to wipe yourself with a crumpled bus ticket you found in your pocket, and slink out inconspicuously to the washbasins, but not before laddering your tights on the broken door latch which you now discover has a bloody great nail sticking out of it.

You can't work out how to operate the taps with the automatic sensors, so you wash your hands with liquid soap (most of which ends up on your blouse) and dry them under the hot air blower because, of course, there are no paper towels in the dispensers. Have you ever tried drying liquid soap with hot air? Ten minutes later you stumble out and shuffle past the queue of waiting women, still cross-legged and, at this point, you no longer care that your manic grimace is met with disapproving stares.

Just when you thought things couldn't possibly get any worse, one kind soul at the very end of the queue points out that you are trailing a piece of toilet paper on your shoe as long as the river Nile! (Where was it when you NEEDED it??) You rip the paper from your shoe, shove it in the woman's hand and tell her cattily, "Here—you might need this."

As you leave the house of horrors, you spot your husband loitering impatiently outside, having long since entered, used and left the men's toilets and read a copy of Gone with the Wind whist waiting for you.
The icing on the cake will be when he asks: "What took you so long, darling, and why is your skirt tucked into the back of your knickers?" Silently you curse the bitch who pointed out the toilet paper stuck to your shoe, but omitted to mention that your bum has been on display to every pervert in the place.

Male readers will now know not only why women take so long to powder their noses, but also why we always go to the toilet in pairs. It's so the other woman can hold the door shut and pass you the toilet paper under the door.

Elizabeth Goodchilde is a freelance writer, TV script writer and lifestyle consultant from Hampshire, in England. Elizabeth's work has been published extensively both online and in print. She is married with two gorgeous children and several pedigree cats. She is also an infrequent contributor to one of the UK's most highly regarded satire and humor ezines, http://www.utterpants.co.uk for whom she writes under several different pseudonyms. She can be contacted via utterpants or directly at: lizziegoodchilde@yahoo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Goodchilde

Wednesday 27 May 2009

Portable Camping Toilet – A Hunter's Sanctuary

The portable camping toilet is making waves in the world of camping. Fishermen, hunters and camping enthusiasts are making the choice to go it alone when it comes to their camp toilet requirements. What is driving people to take along their own personal portable camping toilet on their trip?

For me I began to entertain the thought of purchasing a personal camping toilet after having my fill of unsanitary campsite restrooms. I had endured this undesirable side of camping for too long. A fellow camper brought me up to speed on a new kind of portable camping toilets taking the camping world by storm. After researching the variety of camping toilets available I narrowed the field and ordered my now prized portable camping toilet. It arrived in the mail in just a few days and boy was I excited.

Wow my fellow camper was right and I am so grateful he pointed me towards this amazing range of portable camping toilets . My wife and I were so pleased with the model we chose and couldn’t wait to break it in, next time we went camping of course. It’s not like I unpacked it set it up at home just to try it out or anything, anyway moving on…

This portable camping toilet of ours is great it fits conveniently in the boot of the car leaving plenty of room for luggage. We cannot believe that now wherever we roam no matter how far into the wilderness we have a toilet at our disposal. It even flushes.

The portable camping toilet we selected is lightweight, is easy to store and transport and is a fully functioning toilet. It is really one of the best purchases we have made with regards to camping. We also bought a camp toilet tent which is specifically designed to function as a place for your portable camping toilet. It provides a personal outhouse no matter where we are located. Now we have a clean and sanitary private sanctuary no matter where in the great outdoors we go…Awsome.

Portable Camping Toilet Who Needs It?

This amazing little contraption could be useful in a variety of ways such as for camping, hiking, on your boat, in RV's, even as an emergency back-up at home. People who frequent festivals or any off the beaten track places like secluded beach spots can now travel with peace of mind knowing they always have somewhere to go. No more picking out a tree to make your own or disgusting campsite amenities. Camping is all about appreciating nature but our days of roughing it are well and truly over. If ever there is a time when you appreciate a little home comfort it is that time…

For people who may be concerned about the environment and how it may be impacted by these new camping toilets fear not. They are used with green earth friendly cleaning products.Just one more reason to take your camping to the next level of luxury and get yourself a portable camping toilet.

By: Simon Paul jr

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Tuesday 26 May 2009

Modern Camping Toilet Solutions

Some people are put off the thought of camping trips by one major aspect: the toilets. There's no getting away from the fact that toilet facilities are often severely lacking.

Many campsites will provide a toilet block with associated showers. Unfortunately these are not always up to the required standards. This really is bad news as poor quality toilet facilities can quickly wreck an otherwise pleasant trip or holiday.

A number of manufacturers have looked to introduce camping toilet solutions to help with the situation. The general idea is that you take your own portable toilet with you. By doing so, you can ensure that you don't have to worry about the conditions that you'll find.

So how do these products compare and are they worth spending your money on?

At the most basic end of the range, there are a number of retailers selling toilets that consist of little more than a bucket. What is there to say about them? They're obviously very cheap but they're not particularly pleasant to use.

If you're already worried about camping toilet conditions then they are unlikely to help.

At the opposite end of the spectrum are the toilets that make use of chemicals. These tend to be considerably more expensive and are often very bulky.

This is an important consideration, especially if you're short on space when you come to load up your car. You'll also need to be careful when dealing with the chemicals, particularly around children.

BioToi camping toilets are another alternative. They are strong and yet fold up, which is perfect for transporting. In essence, they are a truly portable camping toilet.

An added bonus is the fact that they don't make use of chemicals. So are they the perfect solution? They may not suit everyone but they are undoubtedly one of the better camping toilet solutions currently available.

As you can see, there is a range of options. You don't need to put up with poor quality camping toilet facilities.

By: Keith Barrett

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Sunday 24 May 2009

10 Ways to Make Toilet Training Fun & Exciting

Blue & Yellow Make Green - Put a few drops of blue food coloring in the toilet and show your child that the color turns green when he or she pees!

Potty Targets - Purchase or make toilet targets to teach your child to aim. Cheerio’s are a cheap alternative and work just as well.

Musical Potty Chair - Musical chairs, such as the Tinkle Toonz, play a tune when your child uses the potty!

Potty Training Doll - Anatomically correct drink & wet dolls, such as the Corolle or Aquini dolls, help make potty training fun and easy. These dolls can be used with Dr. Phil’s Potty Training Method.

Potty Training Watch - Make potty time reminders fun and exciting with the VibraLite potty training watch. The VibraLite watch can be set to vibrate every 30 minutes as a fun reminder that it’s time to sit on the potty!

Books, Videos, & DVDs - Potty training bedtime stories, videos and DVDs are a fun and educational way to introduce toilet training to your child.

Charts & Stickers - Potty training charts and stickers are great motivational tools. Start by giving stickers for sitting on the potty. After a while, give stickers only when your child uses the potty. Finally, offer a small toy as a reward for 3 accident free days.

Fun Potty Training Pants - Potty training pants and liners come in fantastic colors and usually feature your child’s superhero. Let your child his or her training pants or underwear.

Phone Call From Superhero - Reward your child for using the potty with a phone call from his or her superhero. Enlist friends or neighbors to play the part.

Copyright 2004 ZIP Baby. All Rights Reserved.

About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty training store, visit the Potty Training Polls and Survey's.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Henderson

Thursday 21 May 2009

Toilet Terrors And Other Potty Training Fears

Potty training fears, often called toilet terrors, are common among toddlers and small children. Look at things from your child’s perspective. He is giving up the security of a diaper for a big, cold thing with a giant hole that might swallow him. Up until this point, your child has been able to go in his diaper. He didn’t have to control himself until a potty was available. He could go anytime and anywhere, knowing that someone would always be there to change his diaper. The idea of having to go to a specific location means he will have to stop what he’s doing to use the potty. To top it all off, he looses the warmth of his diaper and must now go potty naked where other people might be watching!

Common potty training concerns and solutions:

Fear of Making a Mistake – Your child is just beginning to control his bodily functions. He won’t be perfect at it, and might worry that he will be punished for accidents. Throughout the potty training process, assure your child that you are there for him and he can come to you if he’s afraid or worried about something. When accidents happen, don’t make a big deal out of them. Simply clean up and tell him that you know he is trying. Potty training is often a good time to build a trust between you and your child that will last throughout your lives.

Fear of Automatically Flushing Public Toilets – More and more public restrooms switch to automatically flushing toilets. Children who are at the later stages of potty training (transitioned from the potty chair to the toilet) are often fearful of the public toilet flushing while they are seated. These fears can be alleviated with a simple, inexpensive device called the Flush Stopper.

Fear of Falling In – The fear of falling in the toilet is common when your child has mastered the small potty-chair and transitions to the toilet. You can help alleviate this fear by purchasing a potty seat that either fits on the toilet or attaches to the toilet such as the Flip-N-Flush or PRIMO's Ducka. The potty seats will decrease the size of the toilet hole and help your child feel more secure. The Flip-N-Flush is especially useful because it flips down for your child’s use and flips up so that other family members can easily access the regular toilet seat.

Your child’s fears need to be addressed as real and serious fears. If your child knows that you understand and are trying to help, he will feel more relaxed and comfortable while potty training.

About The Author
Danna Henderson started ZIP Baby in order to provide parents with comprehensive potty training information as well as a large selection of potty training products. For more information about potty training, or to browse the potty training store, visit the Potty Training Forum Message Board.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Danna_Henderson

Wednesday 20 May 2009

Easy Toilet Repair

Why is the water running in my toilet? There are three simple reasons why the water is still running through my toilet.

1.) The water level in the toilet tank is too high.
2.) The chain in the toilet tank is too short, too long or is corroded and kinking up.
3.) The rubber flapper is worn out and needs to be replaced.

Lowering the water level. Locate the hollow tube inside the tank. Is water running over the top of it? If yes, we need to lower the water level within the tank. The main apparatus of the toilet has a float on it which rises up and down with the level of water in the tank. There is a rod (plastic or metal) that runs alongside the float. Turn this rod with a standard screwdriver to lower the float. The float, when raised by the water, turns off the water. You want the water level to be within 1 inch from the top of the hollow tube.

Adjusting the chain. There is a chain which joins the flushing handle to the rubber flapper located inside the water tank at the bottom. If the chain is too long it can get caught under the flapper, keeping it from closing which allows the water to continue to flow. If the chain is too short, again it will keep the flapper from closing. Use a long nose or needle nose pliers to lengthen or shorten the chain. Allow about ½ inch of wiggle play left and right in the chain. This will allow enough slack for the flapper to operate correctly. Sometimes this chain becomes corroded, in which case it needs to be replaced. Use the long nose pliers to remove the chain and replace with a new one.

The rubber flapper. If the water is still running, inspect the flapper for deformations or cracks. If this is the case, it needs to be replaced. Using your long nose pliers to remove the flapper, take it to the hardware store and purchase one exactly like it, install it, hook up the chain according to the above specs.

Benefits: Some simple adjustments will save water and money on your monthly expenses.
Cost: These easy to do it yourself adjustments cost little to nothing.
Tools needed: A screw driver and a long nose/needle nose pliers.

By: Jackie Scott

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Monday 18 May 2009

Job Quest Down The Toilet? This Quick Fix Could Save Your Bacon!

If you're disappointed in your job quest success, you're not alone. People go into the job market with a set of expectations . . . especially about how long it should take to find a good job. And most people seriously underestimate the time it takes to be a success.

So they get understandably nervous. Then the pressure of being unemployed or campaigning too long gets intense. And job seekers start to take seriously unhelpful actions. For example, they resort to mass resume mailings or desperate postings on job websites like Monster or Hot Jobs. Or they start making useless phone calls hoping against hope that they'll run into someone who will want them.

If this sounds like you, it's not a very pleasant position to be in. The fact is that there are plenty of great job opportunities out there for you. Your success is actually just around the corner. Your problem is that you're going about finding it the wrong way. You need a new blueprint!

First, some kind of random, shotgun approach is a waste of time. In the old days (20th Century) you could count on the numbers eventually working for you. No more. Today's savvy job quest blueprint has to include an alternative approach like "targeting."

Very simply, targeting means you aim your search at a specific company or organization that"s compatible with your interests, capabilities and skills whether or not there's a job opening.

Second, you do the research to find the right person within the company who typically you would report to.

Finally, you plan the best kind of approach to get yourself in front of that person without requiring him/her to see you as a job candidate.

How hard is that?

Actually it takes a lot less time than mass mailing all those resume and waiting for the phone to ring. With this new success blueprint you have a workable strategy that you can repeat until you find a job that.s right for you instead just trying to fit into someone else's idea of a job.

Without a clear target or set of targets, the average resume-pushing job seekers have condemned themselves to an endless cycle of disappointment.

The reasons are very simple. A hiring decision-maker will have an interest in you only if you're perceived as a candidate who's taken the time to learn something about the organization and it goals. And then can come forward with ideas or a proposal that specifically shows the contribution you can make to the bottom-line or what you can do to make their job easier. How can shot-gunning your resume do that?

Does your current blueprint allow you to approach the job market this way? I'm afraid you'll be stuck in resume limbo until it does!

The good news is that there are now fabulous blueprints available. They contain proven alternative job search strategies already formulated and ready for you to implement. Follow a powerful step-by-step blueprint and you can be entertaining good job offers in as little as 14 days. And that's how you can turn your job quest from a disaster into an early success!

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/job-quest-down-the-toilet-this-quick-fix-could-save-your-bacon-319271.html

Sunday 17 May 2009

Are You Flushing Your Money Down The Toilet...Literally?

Many of you are probably aware that The American Medical
Association has officially declared that all adults should be taking
food supplements. Taking a multivitamin/mineral and an
antioxidant every day is now doctor-recommended.

Like most people, you probably buy your multi-vitamin from your
local drug store or GNC. You’ve looked at the label to see what’s
in those little pills and, assuming it passes the test, you purchase it.

What if you knew that the money you were spending on vitamins
was literally being flushed down the toilet? Would you continue
to spend your hard-earned cash on something that was doing
absolutely nothing for you?

Millions of Americans are trying to lead healthier lives by taking
vitamin and mineral supplements. The problem is that MOST
vitamin supplements have less than a 20% absorption rate. The
remaining 80% is going down the toilet…that is why you don’t
FEEL any different when you take your vitamins.

In Salt Lake City, for instance, over 150 gallons of undigested
vitamin and mineral pills show up in their filters every month.
In Tacoma, Washington 25,000 pounds of undigested vitamin
and mineral pills (some with their brand names still legible) are
pulled out of the sewers every 6 weeks!

What is the solution, you ask? Scientists have developed a way
to increase your body’s absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Your body naturally absorbs the sugar fructose (a fruit sugar) so,
they bound the vitamins and minerals to the fructose. This is
called fructose compounding and it increases your body’s
absorption rate to 98%.

Imagine taking a vitamin every day and reaping the benefits of
balanced nutrition. The key is in taking a supplement that your body can
USE.

What can you do about it? Do some research on companies that
use this patented delivery system. There are a few reputable
companies that sell vitamins your body can use. Some are more
expensive than others, so look around. They can be found in liquid
or pill form (both work equally well with this delivery system).

Switching to a vitamin that you can actually use can have
tremendous effects on your energy level and sense of well-being.
If you are already spending your money on a supplement to
improve your health, why not try one that can make a difference!

Jennifer Smith is a dentist and also works from home with a wellness company to promote health and safety in homes across North America. To receive free information on how to improve your family’s health and safety, send a request via email to smith_jendr@yahoo.ca.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Smith

Saturday 16 May 2009

Kidney Stone Remedies -- Flush Your Kidney Stone Down the Toilet

The formation of kidney stone is typically caused by a lack of water in the body. As most diseases can be treated naturally, kidney stone is often the first disease to be cured with natural therapy, and water is one of the most commonly used traditional kidney stone remedies. Because most patients are suffering from severe pain, many of them find it difficult to wait weeks to months to pass their kidney stones.

If this explains your situation, there are at least 20 options of kidney stone remedies you could be doing besides using water to help you pass your kidney stones.

Today, many traditional doctors will recommend simple natural remedies before suggesting any medical treatment or surgery. In fact, kidney stones are one of the simplest diseases which can be cured effectively with natural remedies. There are many people who have successfully treated kidney stones naturally have jumped on the natural health bandwagon.

You do not really need to spend $200 to consult a doctor for advice that most health experts know. Here are five kidney stone remedies which can help you flush your pain down the toilet.

1. Drink plenty of water: While suffering from kidney stones disease, it is extremely critical that you continue to drink plenty of water. As a guideline, most experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. If your weight is 150lbs., you would drink at least 75 ounces of water in a day.

2. Daily calcium supplement: Be sure to add to your daily diet with quality calcium supplement. Most kidney stones are made out of calcium, and shortage of calcium in your body can lead to calcium-based kidney stones.

3. Sufficient water based fiber: Make sure you have sufficient water soluble fiber in your daily diet. Foods that are rich in this sort of fiber are vegetables and fruits. Three of each everyday will be a great size.

4. Stop eating food with high sugar: The risk of having kidney stones will increase with high intake of sugar. Eating sugar free foods can prevent kidney stones formation and help your body pass kidney stones naturally.

5. Phosphoric acid intake: Today most health expects and doctors are recommending a diet with phosphoric acid as it can actually help to dissolve calcium-based kidney stones. This remedy is very successful because almost 90% of the kidney stones are made out of calcium.

These tips will definitely help you get started in passing your kidney stones! But you will want to have a comprehensive kidney stone remedies such as Complete Kidney Stone Removal Remedy Report.

Here is the full report of kidney stone remedies.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/kidney-stone-remedies-flush-your-kidney-stone-down-the-toilet-899610.html

Wednesday 13 May 2009

Bathroom Accessories and Toilet Brush Caddies

Toilet brush caddies make up nice bathroom accessories. The caddies are idea, since if you just leave the toilet brush lying in the floor it dirties up your room. In addition, if you do not clean brushes after using them in the toilet, it can build up residue and leave a foul smell. As you can see, toilet brush caddies are nice necessities.

How to choose toilet brush caddies?
Musa, Chateau, Home, Outline, Wind, and Freestanding make a nice selection of toilet brush caddies. If you are searching to accomplish organic embellishments, you may like the crystal glass selections. The glass wear is sometimes structured with pure brass and wood wenges. Musa just created the latest wall-mounting caddies. You will find the latest chrome polish styles and the satin nickels.

How do I choose a caddy to match my bathroom? The caddies made by Musa, i.e. most designs are crafted to fit any modern bathroom. The items are shipped from foreign legions, i.e. Italy. The items are basic, yet it will bring a classy style to your modern bathroom.

The toilet caddies come with accessories. Few companies sell with the item, wood wenges trims, tumblers, soap dish, and other holders. Most items sold by Musa are made of purely cut brass. Clear crystal glass is gorgeous and will fit any room. I mentioned that the caddies are designed for most modern bathrooms, yet the item will match nearly any style in Victorian rooms, regal baths, country style, and more. You may not want to choose the item to install in child baths, unless the children are older.How do I choose other bathroom items that go with the caddy?
You have a list of items to select, including the glass corner and vanity shelves, tissue holders, robe hooks, towel bars, soap dish, tumblers, and so on.

How do I choose items designed by Chateau?
I am not partial to silver, yet Chateau made the latest brush caddies that attracts the eye. The latest brush caddy is polished in both chrome and brass. You will find a variety of matching hooks as well, which include polished brass, chrome, combo, and the brush nickel. If you choose the combination of gold and chrome, try mixing it with the chrome and brass polished hooks.

You can also mix the brass/chrome caddies with towel bars, designer mirrors, robe hooks, glass holders, and more. The item comes from Sweden, which the country's crafters has proven faithful in designing elegant bathroom accessories.

If you intend to purchase the chrome/brass caddies, you may want to purchase a gold bath tissue holder, and a vanity glass shelf. The combination will make your guest think you are living high on the hog. If you do not like the glass vanities, then consider the decor mirrors that light up and mount on your wall. Freestanding has a nice selection of brush caddies also. The gold are nice, yet in images it stands out loudly. I am a gold fan, i.e. I like gold tones, shades, colors, etc, yet the color in this instance is a bit disturbing to the eye. In this instance, you may want to consider the Oil Rub Bronze-Plate designed with steel. As I look at the image, I feel that the brush caddy would look nice in an antique atmosphere.

I love the wind so I had to check out the images designed by Wind Collections. The brush caddies are nice if you like chrome with spurts of gold. One of the bathroom accessories you want to consider with this series is the shower corner baskets.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/bathroom-accessories-and-toilet-brush-caddies-88921.html

Monday 11 May 2009

Over Toilet Storage - Save Space in Your Small Bathroom or Dorm

We all have one. It's that bathroom that's just not quite large enough, or doesn't have quite enough storage space for the linens and the other necessities of a bathroom. But there is usually more space available than meets the eye at first glance.

A traditional linen cabinet is wonderful if you have it, but if you don't, look at the options. You can get a corner linen cabinet to fit in the corner, which will take up significantly less space, and the styles and finishes are quite attractive. But it does still have some small footprint that takes up floor space.

Another area that is often overlooked is the area above the toilet. While many bathrooms have a linen cabinet over the toilet already, most small bathrooms don't. You can always install one of these yourself, but that can be fairly complicated and sometimes expensive.

One other great alternative is to use a spacesaver design that has a cabinet that basically straddles the commode. While you can find many of these that are simple open shelves, you don't need to be limited to only those designs. You can find many of these that are very attractive. Not only open shelves, but there are some with doors to cover the linens or other necessities. There are some with just a shelf or two, while others feature multiple shelves or even some drawers.

The styles include simple metal units, to ornate country designs. Wood finishes such as oak, maple, or even cherry are common.

If you have a student headed to college that will be sharing a bathroom with another student or three, this can be a great way to free up room in the common bath. Dorms never seem to have quite enough room, but this can help.

A small bathroom can be a problem, but with a little creative thought you can find great places to attractively store your linens and necessities.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/furniture-articles/over-toilet-storage-save-space-in-your-small-bathroom-or-dorm-476736.html

Sunday 10 May 2009

Dual Flush Toilets: Once, Twice, Thrice the Savings

Dual flush toilets are a wonderful way of easily reducing your water consumption in your home. Using the latest technology they can save you over seven liters per flush and also provide you with an attractive and effective toilet.

Nowadays, we must ensure we keep an eye on the quantity of water we use. Water used to be a commodity that was plentiful in supply, but now there are not only countries around the world with water shortages, but there are a number of States in this country which have a serious water shortage and have to impose restrictions particularly duting summer.

The toilet is a primary water-user in the home. If you have an old-fashioned toilet, you may be surprised to find out that for every flush you could be using more than thirteen liters of water. Multiply that by each use of the toilet each day and then you will understand just how much water your household uses. Then you can use your calculator to figure out how much water is being used by all the houses in your street and you'll begin to catch a glimpse of the amount of water being consumed by your local community, and throughout your State.

A simple solution to this was initially made in Australia, where lack of rain is common and water is often in short supply. The dual flush toilet is now not only used in Australia, but is common throughout Asia, Europe and much of the developed world. In a few of the countries, it's been made law that for homes newly built, dual flush toilets must be installed. The reason is because such toilets can save up to 67% in water consumption.

In the US, the technology is just starting to become widespread, though it is definitely available. There is very little reason not to use them other than their installation is better done by a professional plumber, as they are more complicated than a traditional toilet. Due to their marked development in other parts of the glove, you will discover that they utilize more advanced technology and thus use as tiny as three ltrs. per 1/2 flush and 6 ltrs. per whole flush. These come in a variety of aesthetic types, designed to suit any bathroom. And they are simple to utilize, you only have to press the 1/2 or 'whole' button and you will discover that they're a very cost-effective and water-saving regular toilet alternative.

You can complement this technology by choosing a fast re-filling mechanism, so that you are not only re-filling less water because you are using less with the dual flush technology, but the water will re-fill in virtually no time at all. This will especially help those with a large family or a lot of people living in your house.

However, if you do not want to replace your old, attractive toilet tank with a chain, that looks so good in your bathroom, probably located alongside your old-fashioned long bath, you could still save water by filling the tank with a plastic bottle or two so that not as much water can refill the tank. This way, even though you aren't using the advantage of new technology, you are significantly reducing your water consumption which will save you money and be good for the environment.

About the Author

Scott Rodgers is a plumber who has recently begun writing articles for both a plumbing and non-plumbing audience. To view more of plumbing articles, visit http://eLocalPlumbers.com

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Can you Get Aids From a Dirty Toilet Seat?

Myth #1: AIDS can be contratced from a dirty toilet seat in a public restroom.
Fact: You cannot get HIV virus, or other STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), from a toilet seat. So, there is no need to rush home every two hours if you plan to go on a shopping spree!

Myth #2: If I swim in the same pool as someone who has AIDS, I risk contracting the disease too.
Fact: The worst thing that can happen to you after a swim at the public pool is probably getting rashes as a result of the not-so-clean pool water.

Myth #3: I can get HIV through kissing an infected person.
Fact: It's not likely that you will get HIV by kissing an infected person. BUT, the virus can be transmitted if you have an open cut or sore in your mouth (which you can get after brushing or flossing). Although the chance of contracting HIV through kissing is very slim in reality. It is always better to be safe than sorry.

Myth #4: The HIV will spread to me if an AIDS patient happens to cough or sneeze in front of me.
Fact: The HIV virus is not airborne, meaning, it does not spread by coughs or sneezes. You can't simply "catch it" like a cold or flu.

Myth #5:I can be infected if an AIDS patient touches me.
Fact: You won't get HIV through everyday contact with infected people at school, work, home or anywhere! The virus cannot be passed on by ordinary physical contact such as touching and holding hands.

Myth #6:I can get AIDS from a mosquito bite.
Fact:When it comes to mosquito bites, you only have to worry about dengue fever. The AIDS virus does not live in mosquitoes, and it is not transmitted through a mosquito's salivary glands like other diseases such as malaria and yellow fever.

Myth #7: I can get AIDS through a blood donation
Fact: It's true that if you receive blood from an infected person, you are very much at risk of contracting AIDS. But you won't get infected by giving blood. The needles used for blood donation are sterile and discarded immediately after one use.

Myth #8: Tattooing and body piercing will not lead to AIDS.
Fact: The risk of HIV transmission exists if instruments contaminated with blood are not sterilised or disinfected properly upon re-use. The good news, however, is that reputed tattooists and body-piercers in Singapore discard the needles after one use.

So, in conclusion... There are four fluids that can carry and transmit HIV: blood, semen, vaginal fluids and breast milk. HIV can be transmitted only through contact with these body fluids of an infected person. Stop worrying about the myths you hear. You won't contract HIV from clothes, phones, or toilet seats! Also, things like spoons, cups or other objects used by an infected person do not spread the virus. You should be pretty safe as long as you refrain from having sexual intercourse and sharing of needles or syringes with an infected person.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/can-you-get-aids-from-a-dirty-toilet-seat-150178.html

Friday 8 May 2009

Repairing a Leaky Toilet Without a Plumber

A leaky toilet can lead to other major issues such as it can damage the flooring and sub flooring. More severe problems can also damage ceilings and framings below. Leaks can be caused at flush valve or fill valve. However, sometimes, it may also be caused due to hairline tank cracks at those locations.

These are very severe problems, and in these cases, you may need to replace the tank or possibly even the entire toilet. We have tried to explore a few possible reasons for the leaks, and the procedure to fix it. In order to find out the reasons for the leaks, first tighten all the connections.
Dry everything with a towel and then carefully examine the source of the leaks. Once you have determined the source, you can proceed and fix it using the following steps.

Loose Nuts under Tanks
Tools Required:
Flathead screwdriver
Adjustable wrench

Procedure
1. Using the flathead screwdriver, hold the bolt steady.
2. At the same time, tighten the nuts on the underside of the tank by using the adjustable wrench.
3. Check if the water still leaks. If no, that is great. If yes, follow the steps below.
4. Holding the bolt steady (as in step one) using the adjustable wrench, remove the nuts, and change the washer with a proper-size new washer for the bolt.

If Water is Leaking at the Fill Valve
Tools Required:
Wrench

Procedure
1. Turn off the water supply to the toilet.
2. Drain the tank by flushing it
3. Using a wrench, disconnect the supply-tube coupling nut.
4. Remove the mounting nut of the fill valve.
5. Lift out the fill valve
6. Clean its gasket and washer
7. Carefully examine if it is damaged or dried out. If so, you have no other option but to replace it.
8. Hold the valve vertical, and carefully position it in the center of the hole.
9. Tighten the mounting nut. Make sure not to over-tighten it, as it can crack the porcelain.
10. Reconnect the supply tube
11. Turn on the water supply to the toilet
12. If the problem persists, tighten the mounting nut a little more.

If Water is Leaking at the Flush Valve
Tools
Large standard screwdriver
Socket Wrench
Spud Wrench
Soapy sponge

Procedure
1. Follow the steps 1-3 as discussed above
2. Remove the mounting bolts of the tanks. For this, you can use a large standard screwdriver on the bolt, and a socket wrench on the nut.
3. Put the tank upside down.
4. Pull or twist off the rubber spud washer.
5. Unscrew the large locking nut from the flush valve using a spud wrench.
6. Put the tank aside. However, make sure that you place it on a bath mat or similar padding. This way, you can protect both the flooring and the tank.
7. Remove the flush valve.
8. Take out the beveled cone washer from the flush valve.
9. If they are in poor condition, replace them. If no, just use a soapy sponge and clean them.
10. Reinstall the tank, as discussed above. However, make sure that when you tighten the bolt, you have somebody to hold it level and plumb.
11. Remember, the beveled side of the cone washer must face the inside of the tank, while the beveled side of the spud washer must face the bowl.

Hence, follow the above simple steps and you can do it yourself. However, make sure that you have the necessary plumbing tools available to you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/repairing-a-leaky-toilet-without-a-plumber-78996.html

Thursday 7 May 2009

How to Choose Bathroom Toilet Holder Accessories

Installing toilet holders is not the issue; rather you want to decide which holder is suitable for your bathroom. On the market, you have a wide selection of products to choose from, which makes it more difficult than installing.

How to choose toilet holders?
Toilet holders include the Austin collections, which go well with selected towel bars, rings, robe hooks, vanity glass shelves and more. The Austin collections give you a hint of Southern and Western appeal. If you have a motif bath, the holders will look great in your bathroom. Dustin collections offer you the option of choosing the chrome polished, nickel satin, and so on. The toilet holders blend with modern bathrooms. If you go online, you will find a few selected items, which the manufacturers are offering 22% discount. The holders go well with towel bars/ rings and robe hooks of the same quality.

MUSA has created one of the latest holders, which include the dual roll holders, chrome polished and the satin nickel series. The holders were imported from classic designers in Italy. Holders created by MUSA goes well with modern designs. The bathroom accessories comprise rods made of brass. You have substantial diameter, i.e. around 16-mm, which enables you to add a soap dish. The dual soap dishes can be added as well. The holders also support shelves, and other holders, such as the tumblers. If you like crystal, you may enjoy adding a transparent crystal shelf. The shelves are 10-mm thick.

You can also add woods, such as the wedged textures. The accessories include the pure brass brush holders as well. Adding the water-clear crystals is nice, since it will enhance your bathroom by adding elegance and style.

How do I choose matching accessories?
Consider viewing the latest commode brush holders, or the corner shelves made of glass. You may also want to consider the vanity shelves, robe hooks, towel bars, tumblers, and a variety of soap dishes.

What are tumblers?
Tumblers are glass and toothbrush holders. You have a choice of woods and glass.

How do I choose toilet holders for antique environments?
Go to the antique selection. Recently, I viewed the latest bronze burn and brass, which is polished to the shine. You will find a variety to fit your old-fashion bathroom by visiting the Internet.

How do I choose antique bathroom necessities to match the holder?
If you visit the Internet, you will find antique holders, which below you will have a list of accessories to select from. Web owners often post coordinated designs to fit your needs. You have choices of vanity glass shelves, robe hooks, towel bars/rings and so on.

How do I choose items for a regal bathroom?
If you have a regal bathroom, you may enjoy the series designed by Aranjeuz. The holders are made of chrome, gold, nickel, etc, which all products are polished. German crafters engineer this particular group of items. Unlike many other holders, this particular group allows you to choose a wider selection of bathroom accessories to match. For instance, you can choose showerheads, Roman Bathtub Collections. You also have a wide array of Bathroom Faucets to choose from, as well as wall mounts.

How to install bath fixtures?
The fixtures would look good mounted to marble walls, tiled walls, drywall, granite walls, etc. How you install the holders is simple. You merely drill a hole to the desired location. Install your anchor lock, because if you just screw it in it will chip away. The anchor lock spreads out, swells and secures it self.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/how-to-choose-bathroom-toilet-holder-accessories-89208.html

Wednesday 6 May 2009

How Do I Toilet Train My Autistic Child

Toilet training your autistic child can be very frustrating and can make you feel almost desperate at times.

There are many factors you need to consider when deciding on the right time to start toilet training with your autistic/ asperger child.

Concentrate on one behavior at a time; you will find it very difficult to attempt to alter two sets of behavior issue at a time.

Ideally, everyone working with your child should begin the toilet training at the same time….And will follow an agreed approach.

The first sign that a child might be ready to start toilet training is when they start to become aware of needing to go to the toilet.

You may notice some changes in their behavior patterns, appearing distracted or fidgeting when they are wet or have soiled themselves. Or maybe they have started to tell you when they need changing.

Once you have made the decision that it is the right time to begin toilet training or potty training your autistic child, you will need to begin getting all the necessary equipment and aids in place.

A lot of parents use social stories as an aid to toilet training; these short descriptive pieces of text will act as a pictorial guide for your child.

Autism social stories can be used for many situations-giving your child clear clues as to what is expected of them when potty training, or indeed in any situation. After careful observation of your child you can determine which situations they are finding difficult.

These would be good areas to introduce social stories.

Potty training an autistic child is never going to be easy, but it can be made easier….

To obtain autism social stories for potty training your autistic child, or social stories for going to the bathroom plus many more visit us today, www.autismsocialstories.com/hygiene

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/learning-disabilities-articles/how-do-i-toilet-train-my-autistic-child-535733.html

Tuesday 5 May 2009

If you Gotta Go, Use an Eco-toilet

Have you ever come across the inconvenient problem of needing to go to the bathroom out in the woods or during camping? Who hasn’t?? It’s a problem faced by all, even for those of you who don’t camp. But anyway, without getting into gross details, there is a solution available for those who don’t feel like going out into the woods and digging a hole in the ground. That solution my friends, is a portable, ecologically friendly toilet.

Environmentally friendly toilets, ecologically friendly toilets, or even eco-toilets for short, are innovative inventions that make doing your business easy, clean and friendly to the environment. As mentioned before these toilets are usually portable and are ideal for camping trips. Some companies even boast that you can use them for other outdoor activities where a bathroom wouldn’t be readily available, such as hunting or fishing, and that you can even use them in emergency situations or disaster preparedness.

The thing that separates eco-toilets from the regular household toilet other than the fact that it’s portable is that you use a biodegradable bag to dispense your, business in. Since the bags are designed to be biodegradable, they are in turn perfectly acceptable to use for composting. If you do decide to use these biodegradable bags for composting, you should definitely keep in mind that whatever waste you may have in these bags will take as many as 40 days to decompose fully to a humus state only if they are placed in a controlled composting environment. If you are a novice to composting, then I wouldn’t recommend that you try this until you’ve done more research and are confident enough in what you are doing.

Whether the toilet will be used during camping, outdoor activities or even during emergency situations, it’s always nice to know that there is an alternative to digging a hole in the ground and squatting to do your dirty work. This much more environmentally conscious alternative reduces water consumption, usually comes with biodegradable bags, is portable and easy to use, what more could you ask for? Sorry folks, toilet paper not included.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/gardening-articles/if-you-gotta-go-use-an-ecotoilet-165534.html

Sunday 3 May 2009

The "toilet Stoppages" Of Life

Have you ever experienced a toilet in your home being stopped up? If anything else goes into the toilet, flushing it will simply overflow a lot of messy stuff all over and require extensive cleanup. A stopped up toilet is something that simply cannot be ignored however. It requires action to avoid creating a worse problem. You can't just keep on using a stopped up toilet and not taking the time to get it unblocked. If you ignore the problem, the stink soon becomes quite repulsive. One way or another, you must stop what you're doing and unstop the toilet. How is this a metaphor in life?

There are times in life when you're making great progress on your goals, gaining momentum, developing direction and suddenly find a major blockage. There's nothing you can do but deal with it. No amount of complaining, crying, protesting, whining or ignoring the blockage will change the fact. You must stop what you are doing and deal with it. You could try ignoring it. You could pretend it's not blocked and keep using it. You could even leave it for someone else to fix...and live with the stink. If you want to solve the problem and get right back to making progress, you will have to take the actions that get your life unblocked.

When you come to a serious blockage in your life, how can you resolve it as quickly as possible?

1.) Decide that you will "just handle it". Don't leave it for someone else. Don't ignore the problem. Don't get angry or depressed and make things worse by going on and on about the problem. Decide that you will do what it takes to resolve the blockage in your life as quickly as you are able.

2.) Sometimes, the blockage might require thought or planning to resolve. Take the time needed, but don't stall. Just dealing with problems is the best way not to lose momentum.

3.) If you don't have the tools or experience, you may need to consult an expert to find out what you need to do to unblock the stoppage. Most times, you wouldn't want to pay a plumber to do something that would take you a few minutes to do yourself. Getting advice from someone experienced in dealing with the same sorts of blockage problems will build your confidence in dealing with it yourself.

4.) Frequently, the best way to deal with these kinds of issues is immediate response. If you let a blockage stop you, inertia will likely set in and your stopping might become prolonged or permanent. What can you do immediately to resolve the issue? Do you know what to do or is some research required? Do you need to get guidance or advice in how to proceed? Go get it.

Are you ready, willing and able to get right up and take action? Make the time to do it and go ahead. Do you have unresolved fears or questions as to effective action to be taken? Get guidance from someone who has solved the same problem in their own life.

5.) Whatever you do, don't ignore the problem. It is likely that doing so will only lead to a nasty mess on the floor, or a big stinking unresolved problem to be dealt with later. Make sure that you handle the problem as quickly as possible. Every life has unexpected "toilet stoppages" in it. Don't let it be an excuse to stop making progress. Don't choose to ignore it and end up with a stinking mess or overflowing sewage. Just deal with it!

By: Suzi Elton

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Saturday 2 May 2009

Life Insurance To Protect Against Toilet Humour

When taking out life insurance, many people think of the obvious risks. Cancer, heart disease and accidents are the main concerns, although thankfully these won't happen to the majority of us.

But have you ever considered life insurance to cover dying of laughter? Have you ever considered the possibilities of dying on the toilet? It happens.

There are many deaths reputed to be attributable to laughter. As far back as 207 BC a Greek philosopher by the name of Chrysippus was apparently watching his drunken donkey trying to eat figs when he laughed himself to death.

More recently, a 50 year old bricklayer died after 25 continuous minutes of laughing while watching an episode of the Goodies on TV. His death was put down to heart failure, brought on by the excessive strains of laughing too much.

Dying of laughter itself is not possible. It is thought that it only possible if choking or heart failure occur at the same time. Thankfully, this is not very likely as, according to health experts, patients with heart disease will laugh less than anybody else.

This is due to the stress levels. Endothelial cells form a protective lining in our blood vessels and stress impairs the production of these cells. A weak endothelium can lead to hardened arteries, quite literally, hardening the heart.

It has been surmised that it is possible to suffocate during excessive laughter. During laughter, the epiglottis constricts the larynx. This restricts our ability to breath but the automatic breathing response will take over before it's too late.

Laughter has, in fact, been found to be a great medicine. So much so that laughter therapy is now a recognised practice. It reduces the stress hormones and our bodies natural produce killer cells to ward off all types of diseases and virus's.

In fact, laughter is a good all-over workout. Blood pressure is lowered, there is an increase in vascular blood flow and more oxygen reaches the blood stream. Diaphragm, abdominal, respiratory, facial, leg and back muscles are given such a work out that laughing 100 times is the equivalent of 10 minutes on a rowing machine or 15 minutes on an exercise bike.

The dangers of a negative lifestyle are well documented. The emotions of a negative person can cause biochemical changes that affect our health adversely.

Surely, if laughter is this good for you there should be a clause in life insurance policies to reflect it? There is a section asking about regular exercise. If a gym membership lowers the premiums for life insurance then shouldn't a sunny disposition do the same? Is laughing at the cost of life insurance enough?

There's also the other hidden danger in life that is not mentioned on life insurance policies and that's the risk of dying on the toilet. It is widely believed, though not proven, that Elvis Presley died whilst on the toilet and he is not the only famous person to have this eulogy.

From slipping on a wet bathroom floor, pulling down a high mounted old-fashioned toilet system, pinching injuries from broken toilet seats to broken hips from slipping off a dodgy toilet seat, toilet injuries are common place but death?

It really is physically possible to die from going to the toilet. This is apparently due to a drop in blood pressure due to the parasympathetic nervous system during bowel movements. However, it is expected that there will already be a circulatory problem before the event.

So, when taking out that life insurance policy, check the small print and ensure you are covered for every day events such as going to the toilet and laughing.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/insurance-articles/life-insurance-to-protect-against-toilet-humour-288525.html