The Beauty of Self Leveling Concrete

Self leveling concrete is an amazing product. The beauty of self leverers is that you can control the height of your floor. They can also be stained and sealed. Mapei makes a self leveling product that can level smooth as glass with almost zero shrinkage. Other companies are working on similar products.

During the past week I filmed the installation of Mapei self leveling concrete in a new restaurant. It was the only flooring solution that would work.

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One of the issues was that there was little thought about the floor until late in the project. This happens a lot. Flooring should be the first consideration in every project then design and build from there, not the other way around.

The Beauty of Self Leveling Concrete

All the moldings were already in and painted. Tile had been installed in the kitchen leaving a height issue where it meets the main floor. Entrance door had been installed leaving little height for flooring below the door. All the doorways had a height issue at the transition.

The self leveling concrete solved all the height issues. The self leveler was poured thin, slightly more than 1/4 inch. A gauge rake is used to pull the concrete to the exact height. The gauge rake has feet that can be adjusted to the exact height you need.

It's amazing to watch. The self leveling concrete is very wet and flows to an even flat surface. Then a "Smoother" is used to flatten out even more. The Smoother is a tool that has flat edge on a pole that is pulled over the surface.

The floor looked awesome when complete. It took 3 people about 90 minutes to resurface 1200 square feet. When complete you could see a perfect transition at all the doorways, entrance door could swing open freely, transition to tile in kitchen was perfect.

The next day dark brown Acetone concrete dyes were sprayed randomly on the floor. Then a diluted brown concrete acid stain was sprayed over the entire floor and left on for 1 hour. Then they rinsed the acid stain to stop the chemical reaction with the concrete and to remove any residue.

The final step in the coloring process was application of diluted brown water based concrete dyes over the entire floor. The process was a combination of spraying then evening out the dye with a thick microfiber mop.

The next day the self leveling concrete was sealed with 2 coats of a solvent based concrete sealer.

The last step which brought it all together was application of a high solids floor finish. Once the second coat was applied the floor came alive.

The final result was a highly functional, decorative, low maintenance floor. One very unique feature is the importance of wall color and lighting. The floor picked up reds from the awning outside. Copper panels reflected a copper color onto the floor. This is a feature that is not achieved from other flooring products and is critical when working with decorative concrete.

There were imperfections as with all decorative concrete floors. But generally the floor was a thing of beauty. Any imperfections would not be evident since 80% over the floor would be covered with tables and chairs.

The Beauty of Self Leveling Concrete

An Overview of Zumba Choreography

Zumba as you may know, is a very popular dance aerobic workout.

The most common question from instructors is... "what are the basics of Zumba choreography." With so many different dances such as Samba, Merengue, Salsa, belly dancing, Reggaeton, Flamenco, as well as hip-hop, it can be a rather daunting task to choreograph a 45 minute dance workout.

Salsa Dancing

Surprising to say that one of the advantages of this type of dance aerobic training is that it provides you with two major benefits.

An Overview of Zumba Choreography

One, is that you can burn between 500 to 1000 calories and second it'll provide you with a fantastic cardio workout.

Here Are Some Easy Steps to Follow When Designing a Zumba Fitness Workout.

1. Of course, include a warm-up as part of the workout. Add in a few stretches and toning movements. This should be the first 5 to 10 minutes of the class. The objective here is to try to utilize all the major muscle groups during this phase.

2. At this point, you want to introduce some slow dance rhythms for approximately the next five minutes. Perhaps utilizing some basic moves from samba. Incorporate backward and forward motions to get the heart going. This is a good format to follow when creating choreography for your Zumba exercise workout

3. For the next five minutes you may want to include some songs that are similar to merengue style. If you're not familiar with merengue, it is composed of three basic movements. Forward, side to side and backwards. You can easily incorporate these variations into the aerobic dance class.

4. In the next 5 minutes choose some songs, from say salsa moves. This is a faster beat and will begin to get the class pumping.

5. Now it's time to get the class really moving. Throw in some hip-hop, a few belly dancing moves and perhaps some Reggaeton, as you choreograph your Zuumba workout. By utilizing a variety of dance moves with the Latin dance it keeps things interesting and exciting for the participants.

Here Are Some Additional Tips, Tricks and Techniques to Keep in Mind As You Choreograph Your Zumba Dance Workout:

Some websites have some excellent videos that illustrate how to choreograph the Zumba workout. Invest a little time and watch some of the top instructors doing their thing.

Make sure that you start out with at least a 5 to 10 minute warm-up. At the end, always include a warm down. This is essential to avoid an injury. Make sure that the dance aerobic sneakers or shoes you're wearing don't have any grips on them. You don't want to be tripping in class. Always bring a bottle of water to the workout. And, make sure to bring a towel, you'll be sweating quite a bit.

An Overview of Zumba Choreography

Simple Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Easily

Whiter teeth can really improve your appearance. You can confidently talk to anybody knowing that you are carrying a set of healthy, white teeth. There are numerous ways to whiten teeth and this article will discuss some of the useful yet easy ways on how to do that.

Looking back at old times, there are no available toothpastes with formulation of fluoride to whiten teeth. There are no whitening products that are being applied. But we can observe that people at early times also have white teeth. Here are some interesting things they do to keep their teeth healthy:

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• Mashed strawberries or sage leaf were applied and massaged on teeth's surface.

Simple Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Easily

• Toasts (usually burnt) are often applied on teeth. The mixture of ground burnt bits, some powder and flavored oil are used as toothpaste then.

• Food particles left in between tooth are often rinsed only by gargling water.

• Cotton soaked in baking soda and lemon juice mixture is wiped to the teeth.

• Baking soda mixed with hydrogen peroxide is the most expensive whitening product then.

Nowadays, there is an emergence of clinically approved teeth whitening products and processes. The procedures are claimed to be fast and effective but also quite expensive. Teeth whitening can be complicated in some ways and can have drastic effects not only to your gums and teeth but to your personality as well.

Before giving in to some advertisements and clinical measures which promise crystal clear smile, you might want to try some home based and personal ways to whiten your teeth. These processes are not only safe and very inexpensive; they can also be done easily.

• The rule of the thumb is to brush your teeth after every meal. Brushing will prevent the formation of plaque that sets stains. Many people think that once a day brushing is enough but this isn't true. Healthy gums and teeth will be maintained by brushing your teeth regularly.

• Use toothpastes that carry the seal of approval from the American Dental Association. It will be better to use whitening toothpastes.

• Worn out toothbrush is a no-no! How can you have clean white teeth, if your brush can't do the job? Your teeth will not be brushed thoroughly with bristles that are worn out so change your toothbrush every two months.

• Floss once a day because food strips that are left in between your teeth can also stain them.

• Visit your dentist and have your teeth cleaned at least once a year. Teeth cleaning done by professional dentist can help maintain the natural color of your teeth.

• Avoid drinking red wine and coffee because these can stain your teeth quickly. Smoking on the other hand, can turn the color of your teeth to yellow. Drink milk and lots of water instead.

• Eating fruits and vegetables is also beneficial for the teeth. Raw vegetables are not only healthy but can also clean your teeth; so have them for your snack. Strawberries are loaded with Vitamin C which has bleaching elements. You can also use lemon peel to whiten your teeth; just massaged it over the surface of your teeth and rinse thoroughly.

Taking care of your teeth begins with the foods you take in your body. Healthy food equals healthy body and alongside; healthy bones and teeth. White teeth can be achieved not only by undergoing clinical treatments. Inexpensive, natural ways are also effective. Just be patient and observe your teeth grow whiter everyday!

Simple Ways to Whiten Your Teeth Easily

Zumba Workout Shoes - 3 Best Tips When Selecting Your Dancing Shoes

If you're not familiar with Zumba you may be asking yourself... what the heck are Zumba workout shoes?

In this article you will discover not only one of the best sneakers to wear to a aerobic class but, you also find out what type to avoid.

Dancing

So, what are Zumba dance shoes?

Zumba Workout Shoes - 3 Best Tips When Selecting Your Dancing Shoes

If you're at all familiar with the latest fad in aerobic cardio training then you must of heard about Zoomba (that's how it sometimes spelled) however, if you're not then let me briefly bring you up-to-date.

Zumba (another typical misspelling) is an aerobic fitness work out that was created by choreographer, celebrity trainer and fitness instructor... Alberto Beto Perez.

This was sometime in the 1990s. The work out routine incorporated music from Latin and international styles. However, the thing that was evident right from the beginning is that this was and is a fun exercise session.

Today, this dancing type work out has flourished. There are currently more than 50,000 licensed instructors in over 75 nations.

Furthermore, it is one of the few programs that is recognized by some of the top fitness educators in the country today.

But enough of the history lesson.

The reason it's important for you to get the right kind of sneakers or footwear for your dance fitness work out is because this is a unique cardio exercise session. Regular sneakers just won't do.

Why you might ask?

Well, you would think that you could use your regular sneakers or dance footwear -- but you would be wrong. Dance shoes will not provide enough support and comfort for an hour-long workout.

Sneakers on the other hand, have grips on the bottom and will trip you up and may cause you to fall in class.

Therefore, it is best to buy a shoe or sneaker specifically designed for this type of cardio training. And your dance exercise footwear has to be flexible and lightweight.

And, they have to have good shock absorption. Because of some of the movements in this type of dance workout you'll be jumping, twisting, and moving all around.

What Are the Best Zumba Shoes?

Here are the top 3 tips to use when selecting your aerobic dance workout footwear.

Look for Flexibility

A flexible shoe or sneaker is a must-have when you're looking for good or shoes for Zumba. They need to be not too firm and they should be able to adjust to some of the exciting movements involved in this type of workout. Rigid shoes are a no-no.

Insoles

Spend a few extra bucks and pick yourself up a pair of dance insoles. You will not believe how comfortable this will make your feet and consequently you will get more enjoyment out of your aerobic workout.

Comfortable

Adding the insole helps a great deal however, you don't want shoes or sneakers that are way too tight don't fit or hurt you. Remember, the key to this type of workout is consistency.

You don't want to start it and then quit because of the wrong shoe selection.

There are many shoes that are designed for this type of cardio workout. Many of the brand-name companies such as Nike, Adidas, Ryka and others produce excellent shoes or sneakers at affordable prices.

However, let me warn you, don't let the fact that you don't have the perfect shoes stopped you from your Zumba workout. The main thing is for you to get started and to begin reshaping your body.

Zumba Workout Shoes - 3 Best Tips When Selecting Your Dancing Shoes

Life of Women in the Victorian Era

The Victorian era was a period of wide extremes - characterized by industrial reforms, cultural transformations, scientific progress, gracious living and grinding poverty and wars. The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, when Queen Victoria reigned, although many historians believe that the Reform act of 1832 signifies the inception of the Victorian era.

The life of women in Victorian era was generally centered on family commitments. Women were seen as temples of love and purity- and so, could not be used for physical exertion or pleasurable sex. The only role of women in the Victorian era was to get married and look after the homely chores. The young ladies were groomed thoroughly to get married and had to be innocent, virtuous, biddable, and dutiful. The young women were mainly educated in accomplishments like French, drawing, painting, singing, dancing - everything which helped them to get a perfect suitor!

Dancing

Few women stayed back in the bed, past the daybreak. They ran the house, made meals for their husbands and children, made clothes for everyone, and grew everything that the family ate. The women were also supposed to take care of someone who was sick. Moreover, mental illness and alcoholism also added to women's burdens. The women were also responsible for sewing, knitting and painting the clothes. The gentlewomen made sure that the home was a place of solace and comfort for the husband and children, free from all the hassles or burdens of outside work. They were supposed to be the sunbeam in the house by making others happy.

Life of Women in the Victorian Era

The woman of the "high or elite class" enjoyed all the amenities and favors that one could think of. Dancing was a preferred pastime among most of the upper-class women and men. The unmarried women generally spend a great deal of time chatting with their friends. The high class women did very little or almost no home chores. The ladies did not do things themselves but told others what to do. They were just supposed to marry and raise children!

The women of lower class worked in the factories, garment industries, laundries or various other jobs to support themselves. Another employment for "Lower" working class women was the domestic service. It was a tough job as the domestic servants were supposed to work seven days a week and twelve hours a day! A large percentage of women also worked as nurses in hospitals and were employed in offices during the later part of the century. Some women also entered into professions such as medicine, law, and journalism. However, this revolution took place mostly in the later part of the twentieth century.

Well, above is the description of the life of a Victorian woman. Unlike the women of today, they were not given freedom to choose their life- they had no choice but to accept whatever was placed before them!

Life of Women in the Victorian Era

Irish Mob

The FBI fell into controversy when its Boston office was largely infiltrated through corrupt federal agent John J. Connolly. Whitey Bulger was able to use his status as a government informant against his rivals that didn't become public knowledge as late as mid to late 1990s, which was the background of 2006 movie The Departed and also the book, Black Mass.

Some of the Irish mob gangs like 'The Westies' were quite notorious for causing mayhem on the streets of New York's Hell's Kitchen district. 'The Winter Hill Gang' from Boston's Northend led by Howie Winter was also quite dreaded. Whitey Bulger, one of the most dangerous mobsters to walk the streets of Boston, not only infiltrated the ranks of FBI, but is still at large and on the FBI's most wanted list. Jimmy Coonan the infamous leader of 'The Westies' as a teenager became legendary for having as a teenager stood at the top of a tenement building and fired indiscriminately at rival gang leader Mickey Spillane and his men. They were among the most feared criminal Irish men in America.

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Origin of Irish Mob
When Irish immigrants arrived in American cities, they were neither quite welcomed nor did the cities have an infrastructure to take care of them. They fell back on tribal cohesiveness that had governed their rural communities in Ireland. That's how they addressed their problem which partly took care of their survival needs. While the Irish new comers did not have status, they compensated the lack of it through the numbers that worked to their advantage. This allowed them to focus their power on a political level, almost exclusively through Democratic Party. The resulting political organizations were America's first political machines - organizations that used tight community organization to take power over local government and then used government patronage to maintain their power.

Irish Mob

Irish Dominance in Building Trades
The Tammany machine in New York was the prototype of this style of politics. Bosses Tweed and Croker oversaw tightly controlled organizations that offered favors - food, clothing, social services - in exchange for votes. Once in power, they exchanged jobs for kick backs. The patronage jobs were largely in law enforcement and construction, which contributed to Irish dominance in building trades. It was during this period that the stereotype of Irish police officer became popular. The machine organizations were undeniably corrupt, but they did provide the services to the immigrant communities that they would not have had otherwise.

Irish Mob - an alternative path
While some immigrants responded to their tough conditions by becoming cops, others chose an alternative path. The Irish mob sought to make money from the chaos of the United States' fast growing cities. The Irish relied on old tradition of family and community loyalty as well as a tradition of rural terrorism. Irish mobsters organized gambling, prostitution and protection rackets in urban immigrant communities.

The Irish mob families never achieved great success but they did manage to survive well into the twentieth century. The Irish mob operated alongside the Mafia in several cities, notably Boston and Chicago. Many of them were active rumrunners during Prohibition.

The progressive gentrification of the Irish immigrant community, however, tended to undercut the appeal of crime. As more and more Irish families moved into the middle class, the gangsters lost the support network and opportunities offered by an insular immigrant community. Once second and third generation Irish-Americans found that they could go to college and become professionals, the power of the mob began to die out

Irish Mob

Dance Fitness Shoes - Choosing a Shoe For Zumba Class

One of the most frequently asked questions I get as a Zumba instructor is regarding the type of shoe to wear. Zumba is a cardio exercise class that combines both dancing and fitness moves. A regular dance shoe will not have the shock absorption for the impact of exercise, and an athletic shoe that is strictly for training may not have the lightness and movement capabilities needed for dancing.

The answer is to get a dance-fitness or dance-aerobic shoe. With the increased popularity in dance-fitness classes such as cardio salsa, hip-hop fitness and Zumba, the shoe manufacturers have come out with a great assortment of aerobic type training shoes geared to the dance-fitness enthusiast. These shoes have multi-directional support and very little tread on the sole. They are lightweight and make it easy to pivot and glide across the floor.

Salsa Dancing

When choosing the right shoes for your feet, read the reviews or descriptions online. If you have a wide foot, narrow foot, or high arch, for example, there may be a brand of shoe that is better suited for you. Nike and Ryka brands have a popular selection of dance aerobic shoes to choose from.

Dance Fitness Shoes - Choosing a Shoe For Zumba Class

Adding a well-cushioned insert to the shoe will make it much more comfortable. Take out the insert that the shoe comes with and place in one that is designed specifically for cross training or aerobics. Replacing the inserts often will extend the life of the shoe itself.

Athletic shoes should be replaced every 3 to 6 months, depending on how much mileage you put on them. When you feel your knees and legs begin to ache after exercise it could mean that it is time to get a new pair of shoes.

In summary, the best shoe for a dance-fitness class is one that is lightweight, supportive and has little tread on the sole. Find one specifically made for dance-fitness or dance aerobics. When you are wearing the right shoes you will have a better exercise experience, you will stick to your exercising and you will have more fun.

Dance Fitness Shoes - Choosing a Shoe For Zumba Class