Squat Toilet Tips

One of the biggest shocks when it comes to traveling in China is the feral state of their squat toilets. Not only do you have to get used to doing your business in the squatting position but you also need to remember not to flush your toilet paper away!

I first discovered the wonders of the dreaded Squat Toilet in my younger years living in Malaysia, and although it was not the best experience, it was still an experience for me to learn from.

* Always carry around toilet paper, hygiene wipes or tissue paper (some public toilets will sell packets of tissue at the door)
* Always have 20sen ready so you can pay to gain entry into the smelly public toilets
* Bring a friend, Malaysian toilets are notorious for having bad things happen to helpless women on their own
* If you are wearing pants or jeans, it is a necessity to roll them up prior to entering
* Expect to be greeted with wet, dirty floors
* If you get a seated toilet, be aware that many Malaysians will still squat on those seats
* Beware of your neighbours. The person next door may decide that the cubical needed a quick rinse... or at least, that's what I hope that water was....
* High heels/stiletto shoes are not advisable unless you are experienced

Prior to China I had always believed that I had already experienced the worst that I could experience (in regards to squat toilets), there could be no way in this lifetime that people could live in a country with public toilets worse than Malaysia. I was, of course, completely naive and obviously not using my head.

The worst public toilet I've ever encountered was in China's rural region. The good thing is that the toilets aren't difficult to locate, you just need to follow your nose. There are however, a lot of bad things to note about rural public toilets.

1. The stench is enough to make you faint
2. There is no toilet paper
3. There is no toilet flush (their flush is actually someone throwing water down the trench at the end of the day)
4. There is no toilet seat (no western toilet!)
5. There is no toilet hole (no squat toilet!)
6. There is no toilet door
7. There is a waist-high toilet wall dividing each 'cubical'
8. There is a foot deep little trench to do your business
9. There is a waste-basket for used toilet paper and sanitary products (if you're unlucky, you might not even have this)
10. There might be someone's #2 waiting to greet you
11. There will likely be many naked bottoms and other bits to greet you

China sure knows how to bring their people together.

Here are some things you may want to consider in preparation for the worst toilet experience in China (and some other countries)

* Never travel without toilet paper, hygiene wipes or tissue paper
* Some nice public toilets have a toilet roll near the entrance
* A face mask doused in perfume/cologne may help with your trip to the toilet
* Always look for a 4 or 5 star hotel, or a newly built hotel to use their lobby toilet
* An umbrella is a useful tool to hide your ass from fellow toilet users if there is no door
* Always use the toilet at hotels even if you don't need to, you never know when your next toilet break is or how much worse the toilet may be.
* If you are lucky enough to get a squat toilet, face away from the hole (I was never sure why but a friend told me that #2 will go straight down that way. But I've still encountered evidence of people facing the wrong direction and #2 was obviously not flushed away)
* Never flush the toilet paper down as you will clog the pipe! (more on this later)

No matter how many times I use those squat toilets and how often I hear how hygienic it is compared to western toilets, I will always prefer western toilets! The fact is, not everyone knows how to use a squat toilet properly and I know there is a larger percentage of people who miss when it comes to squatting.

Now on to the importance of NOT flushing the toilet paper down the pipes!

I never really followed this advice until I stayed in the Beijing student dorms when I studied there. As a result of not obeying the rules, I had to go without a toilet for up to 24hrs on several occasions. The toilet actually clogged up a couple of times even though I didn't flush toilet paper!

It's not a proven fact but rumour has it that the waste from the top floor dorm rooms drain down to ground floor, so you will likely have more clogged-toilet problems at the lower level dorms. I know for a fact that some of my friends staying on the ground floor of the dorm building had the worst smelling toilets even after they had bleached the whole room...

Just Don't Do It!

Don't flush toilet paper down those pipes!! Think about the poor Chinese people whose job is to unclog the mess you make, and just be grateful that the toilet can even flush!

Greener Bathroom For a Greener World

Giving your home a green makeover isn't as hard as it sounds, and a great place to start is in one of the smallest rooms in your house - the bathroom. This small space packs a big punch when it comes to the use of natural resources and chemical pollutants. A few small steps can make a big impact, so read on ...

Hardware: The single most important thing that you can do to make your bathroom greener is to install a low-flow shower head and limit your showers to no more than 10 minutes. Showers use less water than baths, but they are still the single largest cause of water use in the home. There are many low-flow shower heads that are easy to find and just as strong as regular shower heads and can reduce water usage by up to 50%. In addition to saving water, by using a low-flow shower head you will also reduce your energy use, as it takes less energy to heat the water flowing.

If you have the opportunity or need to replace your toilet, purchase a low-flow or dual-flow option toilet, which allows you to select how much flushing is necessary. Given the hundreds of gallons of water that we literally flush down the toilet

Cleaners: Many hazardous chemicals are found in people's bathrooms. These chemicals are found in common bathroom cleaners like soap scum remover, toilet cleaner, and window and glass cleaners, and are dangerous if you have children or pets in the house. They can also harm your septic system and filter through wastewater treatment plants to the ocean. Surprised? Every year, scientists find more household chemicals in the ocean. These chemicals affect the ocean ecosystem and thus the health of the millions of plants and animals who live there.

Common cleaners also create ecological impacts when they are made, and their plastic packaging can remain on Earth for hundreds of years.

Instead, opt for one of the ecological cleaners that get rid of your soap scum without harming the environment. Look for labels like: non-toxic and biodegradable, no chlorine, no petroleum-based solvents, no glycol ethers, and not tested on animals.

Paper Products: The most commonly used paper product in the bathroom is, of course, toilet tissue. This innocuous-seeming product actually has many problems. First, toilet tissue made from virgin trees (i.e. not recycled content) means that we are cutting down forests for the sake of our toilets. Second, most toilet tissue is treated with chemicals and dyes that are not safe for our septic systems, nor good for the ecosystems that are downstream from our toilets.

Finally, creating toilet tissue uses a lot of water and energy. If every U.S. household replaced on 12-pack of 400-sheet virgin-fiber bathroom tissue with 100% recycled tissue, we would save 1.7 billion gallons of water.

Look for toilet tissue that is made, at least partially, of recycled content. Also seek tissue that is whitened without chlorine bleach, is free of dyes, inks and fragrances.

Towels: There are two great fiber alternatives that are much better on the environment and don't cost much more than standard cotton products. Organically-grown cotton means that growing the cotton does not require chemicals and insecticides that impact the ecosystem.

A good alternative to cotton is, surprisingly, bamboo. Bamboo fibers make fibers that are incredibly soft and silky. In fact, many people choose bamboo towels based on touch alone, without even realizing they are choosing a sustainable fabric. Bamboo is a fast-growing plant that grows without pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals. It does not destroy natural forests or take an undue toll on the Earth, thus making it an excellent option for eco-conscious consumers.

Personal Care: All those toiletries that fill your shower, cabinets and drawers can take a serious toll on the environment. The chemicals used in most cosmetics and toiletries range from toxic to dangerous, and everything in between. Some major things to look out for include shampoos and conditioners containing petroleum products, hair dyes with carcinogenic coal tar, deodorants containing aluminum, hairsprays and hair gels containing petroleum derivatives, formaldehyde, phthalates and synthetic fragrance.

It is also a good idea to seek products not tested on animals. This approach allows you to avoid harming animals for the sake of beauty while also making it a little easier to shop, since many products with the Humane Cosmetics Standard (HCS) label also meet the above criteria.

Copyright (c) 2008 Virginia Ginsburg

Hard Water Removal And Benefits Of Soft Water

Hard water removal is the key to enjoying the benefits of soft water - better taste, no smell and no stains. Hard water can be a lot more problematic than you think. It can cause buildup of material (called scale) inside your pipes and appliances.

When scale gets severe, it can block your water supply and cause appliances like dishwashers and washing machines to fail. Scale also builds up in shower faucets, forcing you to open the holes up again and again. It reduces the effectiveness of soaps and detergents, meaning that you and your clothing don't get as clean.

Water softeners treat hard water with various methods and produce soft water. Soft water can give relief to eczema sufferers, help you clean your clothes and skin more effectively, and tastes better, too. You will use as much as seventy-five percent less detergent, and get a better lather. Soft water doesn't smell, or leave stains on tubs and clothes. It also tastes a lot better.

If you want to save money by not calling repairmen, having to have your pipes flushed, and replacing appliances, you will enjoy the benefits of soft water. You'll also have shinier, bouncier hair when it's not weighed down by mineral deposits.

Your dishwasher will really get dishes clean, eliminating spotty glass, streaky pots, and murky silverware. Likewise, the tap will never again become clogged. Soap scum is a thing of the past, since it's caused by soap combining with the minerals in hard water.

Soft water improves the efficiency of water based heating systems and hot water systems. Only a millimeter and a half of scale in your pipes can cause a 12% reduction in heating efficiency. There's a big time savings, too. You won't have to clean things over and over again to remove the mineral deposits left by the very water you're using.

No matter what problems you're having with hard water - soap scum, expensive repairs, unsightly spotting on dishware, flat or limp hair and itchy skin, or smell and discoloration - water softeners can fix them. Installing a water softener is simple in most cases, but if you're concerned, be sure to call in a plumber to do the job.

Most houses will do fine with a small water softener, unless they use a great deal of water every day.

For anyone who's tired of all the problems hard water causes, relief is just around the corner. Install a home water softener, or try a portable model, and experience all the benefits of soft water you've been waiting for.

Family Camping Vacations Near Denver

Colorado has over 8 million acres of public land and some of the most beautiful scenery that this great country has to offer. Whether you are visiting a national park, national monument, wilderness area, national forest or one of the 41 state parks, Colorado has much to offer. Family camping vacations offer some of the most memorable experiences for both parents and children, and will fit most any family's budget. Here are some great places to camp near Denver.

Chatfield State Park
Located 23 miles southwest of Denver, Chatfield State Park is nestled next to the foothills. It has 197 campsites all with electrical hookups and many with water and sewer hookups. All of the campsites are within walking distance to the lake. Camp, fish, boat, bike, hike or ride a horse while staying here. Facilities include flush toilets, showers and laundry facilities.

Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Located near Golden, Colorado and only 30 miles west of Denver, this park consists of over 12,000 acres of dense forest and stunning peaks. There are two campgrounds, stocked fishing ponds, and over 35 miles of hiking trails. Mountain bikes and horses are permitted on multiple-use trails. Both tent sites and sites with electrical hookups are available here.

Mueller State Park
This park is located near the town of Divide and is approximately 100 miles southwest of Denver. Pets are welcome at Mueller State Park, which offers some of the finest wildlife viewing opportunities around. Campers can choose from 132 campsites and the campground can accommodate motor homes, tents and trailers. All sites have electrical hookups and there are modern restrooms nearby, with coin operated showers and coin laundry service. The park consists of around 5,000 acres with over 50 miles of hiking trails and some of the most beautiful scenery that Colorado has to offer.

Rocky Mountain National Park
Located about 2 hours northwest of Denver in Estes Park, this park covers an enormous area. Elevations range from 8,000 to 14,259 feet and offer breathtaking scenery. There are five drive-in campgrounds with a total of 573 campsites, along with an additional 200 backcountry campsites for backpackers. The 359 miles of trails throughout the park provide incredible opportunities for hikers and horseback riders. When considering a camping vacation to Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park is a "must see" location.

Obviously, with all the public lands that Colorado has to offer, this list covers only a few. However, if you are looking for some great camping opportunities near Denver it is hard to go wrong with any of these choices. Some of my fondest memories growing up were camping with my family, and there are some great times just waiting for you and your family. Start planning your trip today - have fun and stay safe!

How to Unclog a Toilet Without Calling a Plumber

Toilets are one of the things those of us in modern society tend to take for granted, until they don't work. Since most of us have eliminated the outhouse as an option (no pun intended), when our toilets don't work things can get ugly in a hurry. The good news is that unclogging a clogged toilet is something anyone can learn to do.

There are a lot of different shapes and styles of toilets but, with a few exceptions, they all work about the same. Water is released from the tank (many commercial toilets use a special valve instead of a tank) into the bowl to flush the waste into your drainage piping. Basically pretty simple, right?

The two main problems that happen with toilets are the toilet running (the water not shutting off after flushing) and the toilet bowl plugged (not draining or stopped up). While a running toilet wastes water and can be annoying, if you have a toilet bowl plugged it's a little more urgent. On a scale of 1 to 10, maybe a 12! In fact, one Google search term study calls most people's #1 plumbing problem a plugged toilet.

Anyone can learn how to unclog a toilet. It just takes a little patience and the right tools. The first thing you need to fix a plugged toilet is a toilet plunger. These are a little different from a sink plunger, which is looks sort of like a rubber bowl on a stick.

A toilet plunger is designed specifically to direct the force into the waste outlet of the plugged toilet bowl. The business end of a toilet plunger looks sort of like a ball with an opening to fit into the waste outlet of the toilet. One type that is very effective has an accordion like design and is all plastic, including the handle.

The way a toilet plunger works is by filling up with water and then pushing that water through the stopped up drain. When unclogging a clogged toilet, the idea is to plunge up and down a couple of times so the plunger fills with water and then jam the open end, sometimes called a force cone, into the waste outlet in the plugged toilet and start plunging. You may have to pump the plunger up and down several times to clear the blockage.

When you are learning how to unclog a toilet you may need to be fairly aggressive with the plunger. The key is to force the water in the plunger through the waste outlet of the toilet, dislodging the blockage in the process. If you don't splash a little out of the bowl you probably aren't plunging hard enough. Ever wonder why plumbers charge so much?

This will usually be all you need to do to fix a plugged toilet. Sometimes, however, a plunger just won't do the trick. If you've plunged a while with no success you might need to try another approach. It's time to pull out the closet auger.

A closet auger is a special tool that can be used to clear an especially stubborn plugged toilet. A closet auger has a short drain cable, or snake, inside a metal tube that is bent on the end to aim the cable into the waste outlet of a toilet bowl. The cable is just long enough to get through the toilet and is connected to a handle the same length. You can get one of these at your local hardware store for as little as $10.

The way to use a closet auger is to pull the handle all the way out, insert the business end into the outlet of the toilet bowl that's plugged and crank it down into the bowl, making sure the cable goes into the drain. When the bowl drains, flush the toilet while you're pulling the cable back to help clean the cable. It's a good idea to flush some toilet paper through a couple of times before you put your auger away just to be sure.

With the growing focus on water conservation more and more communities are requiring toilets that use less water per flush. In spite of the best efforts of the toilet manufacturers to increase performance, this is likely to continue to make our most common plumbing problem a plugged toilet. So you might as well go ahead now and learn how to unclog a toilet yourself. You'll be glad you did.

Conserving Water in the Bathroom

Making a Faucet Change

One of the best things you can do to improve the water efficiency of your bathroom is to make a few changes to your faucet. In fact, the EPA estimates that approximately 15% of the water used in a home is used through its faucets. In the United States, this means that over a trillion gallons of water pass through faucets.

Although Federal law requires new faucets to have a flow rate of no more than 2.2 gallons per minute, the reality is that most older faucets have a flow rate of 3 to 7 gallons per minute and most bathroom faucets only need to have a flow rate of 0.75 to 1.5 gallons per minute in order to get the job done right.

Installing aerators and laminar flow devices are two great ways to reduce the flow rate of your bathroom faucets - and these handy little devices cost only $2 to $30. Aerators add air to the water stream coming from your faucet, which reduces its volume while keeping the flow rate the same. The downside is that the flow of the water can vary with the line pressure. Laminar flow devices, on the other hand, produce several parallel streams of water and are able to provide a constant rate of 1.5 to 2.2 gallons per minute.

Looking to the Shower

You can also improve the water efficiency of your bathroom by making some changes to the showerheads. Current Federal regulations require showerheads to have a flow rate of 2.5 gallons per minute or less. You can check the flow rate of your current showerhead by placing a gallon bucket beneath your shower. If it takes less than 24 seconds for the bucket to collect a gallon of water when your shower is turned on full blast, you have a flow rate of more than 2.5 gallons per minute. The good news is that changing out a showerhead is an easy job and you can purchase some great showerheads for less than $100. Yet, with this investment, you can easily save $40 or more per year in water saved.

Turning to the Toilet

The toilet can also be a major water waster. Simply replacing a toilet with a 5 gallon per flush rate with one with a rate of 1 to 1.6 gallons per flush can reduce your total water usage by as much as 25%. So, if you live in an older home with a less efficient toilet, you should seriously consider replacing it with a high-efficiency model.

If your toilet is in good working condition and you don't want to shell out the money for a new unit, you can always conserve water via displacement. You may have heard of people placing bricks in their toilet tanks to reduce the volume of water used per flush. While this is an excellent way to conserve water it introduces some debris into the system which could damage your toilet over the long run. A better alternative might be to fill one or more plastic bottles with sand or water and place them in your toilet's tank. Make sure you position them away from any moving parts so it doesn't prevent your toilet from functioning properly.

RV Holding Tanks

Rule #1: Think before you panic!

A recent call I made on a customer reinforces the adage that one should
first, think things through with rv holding tank problems before hitting the panic button. This individual recently purchased a used 5th wheel and was living in it. One of the first things he told me was that he had experience with RV's...but I am not so sure.

Once he had possession of the 5th wheel and was living in it, he discovered
his black tank dump valve was stuck open. He thought this was better than
having it stuck shut, but that is not true either.

Any experienced rv'er with a motorhome, travel trailer, or 5th wheel knows the
black tank should only be used with the dump valve CLOSED so that liquids and solids are together.

If there are no liquids in the black rv holding tank this obviously leaves only solids which eventually will lead to black tank flush problems. I was there to replace his black tank dump valve and once
I was into the job I discovered I didn't have the correct dump valve to complete the job
therefore, I left everything as I had found it...valve open as he had been using it. By mid afternoon he called the office with what he thought was a problem, of course caused by no one else than "yours truly".

I called him for the specifics of his problem and this is what he told me. "My toilets plugged so you must have done something to cause this." I responded that I left the black tank valve "open" just as I had found it. I then calmly asked him this question : Are you telling me you filled your black rv holding tank since I left you? (He was assuming his tank must be full) After being presented with this question and pondering over it, he knew this likely was not the case. All he knew was that his toilet was plugged. (Yuk!)

I called on him later in the day and found the toilet full to the brim. I turned
the water off, flushed the toilet and to his chagrin it flushed normally. How
about that, I thought!

Rule #2: Toilets with angled pipe to the black tank require lots of water to properly flush.

I have also learned this the hard way with our Holiday Rambler 5th wheel. Angled
pipes from the toilet to the holding tank plug easily but the good news is its
easy to diagnose. Here's some pointers :

- if you notice any change in the flushing action of the water in the bowl when flushing you, know you either have a partial obstruction in the pipe under the toilet OR your tank is full.
"It's one or the other." (A total or partial obstruction will cause the water to bubble up rather than immediately flush as normal)

- once an abnormality is noticed in flushing you should first verify the fill level of the tank. (This is not always as easy as checking the black tank monitor because they rarely perform accurately)

- After either dumping the tank or verifying it is not full, flush the toilet, hold it open and let it fill at least half way with water.Yes this is scary but you are probably in this situation anyway after ignoring the warning signs, I have just listed.Now with ample water in the bowl use a plunger and attempt to clear the plugged pipe.

Normally this procedure will be successful (if the tank is not full). If it is not successful and the tank is not full most likely this problem has been developing and growing worse with time in an rv that is not used on a regular basis, and guess what? This blockage has had time to sit and dry out...only exacerbating the problem. Your option now is to let it sit and add an environmentally safe substance that will hopefully break down the blockage. If time is of the essence someone (like me) is going to have to try to ream the blockage out or the last resort, tear things apart.

The moral of the story is as this report started out. Think before you panic. My customer
could have saved himself an unnecessary service call because it was highly unlikely
that his tank was full. Had he thought this out he could have determined he most likely
only had a blockage and he could have attempted to clear it out.

RV holding tank problems can be exasperating.. but think before you leap. In most cases, things probably are not as bad as you may think.

Water-A Pillar of Health

Water is a basic pillar of health. It is involved in every function of our body. When we drink water, we are keeping our five vital organs hydrated and ready for action: the brain, heart, lungs liver and kidneys. As a result, these organs will work properly and the other organs can work properly as well and we can lead a healthier life.

When we don't drink enough water, our body suffers. Many health problems can be reduced simply by drinking good water. If your joints hurt and have arthritis, it might be that all you need to do is drink more water. You see, the cartilage in your joints is made of 80% water and it might just be that they aren't hydrated enough. If you have high blood pressure, maybe your body is sending you a signal that you need more water because your blood vessels are being constricted. Dr. Colbert says that many of his patients have lowered their blood pressure simply by drinking enough water. So you have digestive problems? Water keeps the digestive juices supplied and helps your body create all the acid it needs to kill the H. Plyori bacteria that causes ulcers, and improves digestion. So, maybe all you need to do to make your digestive system run smoother is drink more water.

HOW MUCH water should we have?

Here is a simple formula that Dr. Don Colbert, author of The Seven Pillars of Health, gives us: Just divide your weight in pounds by two. That is how much water you should drink every day. So, if you are 120 pounds, you should have 60 oz of water; if you weigh 200 pounds, you should have 100 oz. However, that doesn't mean you have to drink it all. When you eat lots of fruits and veggies, you also are supplying your body with fluids since they are made of mostly of water. Depending on how many fruits and vegetables you eat a day, you might be able to add up to a half quart or even a quart of the daily fluid you need.

Is it possible to drink TOO MUCH water?

The answer is "yes". My brother and sister-in-law told me there was girl on TV that was doing some sort of contest with her friends to see who could drink the most water before having to go to the bathroom. Well, this girl who won the contest lost her life! Can you imagine? So much for more water is better!

The reason for her death was probably that her body was depleted of potassium and electrolyte levels because she had drunk too much water. When we drink excessive amounts of water, we can get a condition called psychogenic polydipsia, which causes potassium and electrolyte levels to become dangerously low. This may lead to your death. We don't usually drink TOO MUCH water, but I just want to make you aware of the consequences if you do that since some people always think that more is better when MODERATION is always the key.

WHEN should we drink the water?

Well, contrary to normal belief, it should NOT be mostly at meal times. At this time you should only have 4-8 ounces and make sure it is room temperature. Any drink that is extremely cold or has ice in it makes it harder for your body to digest your food.

Dr. Colbert suggests in his book "The Seven Pillars of Health" that we should drink most our fluids two hours after meals and up to 30 minutes before meals. You don't have to get all your fluids from water either. Like I said earlier, eating lots of fruits and veggies can count to up to one quart of fluid, so that means if you need to 4 quarts of fluid a day, you can make it only 3 quarts of just plain water or tea, or other drinks that are not highly sugared or have filled with caffeine. Coffee counts, as long as you don't have more than 2 cups a day.

Is all water equal?

No, it is not. There is better water than others. It used to be that here in the U.S. we could drink tap water and it was good for us. Unfortunately, that is not the case anymore. There are many contaminants in it that municipal treatments can neither detect nor remove from the water supply, even though the EPA does check the water daily.

Not only are there chemicals and microbes in tap water, but, unfortunately that things they put in it to help "purify" the water is dangerous to us. Some cities put in chlorine to kill microorganisms; however, chlorinated water has been linked to birth defects and spina bifida. Chlorinated water can also destroy nutrients that our body needs: vitamins A, B, C and E, and fatty acids. This water also causes chronic skin diseases like acne, psoriasis and eczema. When you take a shower in chlorinated water, it causes your hair to be brittle and your skin to dry out.

Another thing is added to tap water is fluoride, even though fluoride is proven toxic. Dr. Charles Gordon, past president of the American Medical Association, says "fluoride is a corrosive poison that will produce serious effects on a long range basis."

One more element that I want to talk about that is added to the water is aluminum. Aluminum is linked to Alzheimer's disease.

In order to remove chemicals from tap water, it is important to purchase a good filtration system that will do that. Tap water is good to water your lawn and flush the toilet, but it is not good to drink it. The best water filters are alkaline water filters. Your body thrives on an alkaline environment since it is able to detoxify a lot more efficiently than in an acidic environment.

Certain bottled waters are also alkaline, but not all of them are. Make sure that when you drink bottled water you buy one that is alkaline like Evamor, Abita and Arrowhead. Dr. Colbert says that the best bottled water is called Penta Water and you can get in a health store near you.

So, keep the water coming, but don't drink too much! Use the simple formula to calculate how much you should have and aim towards that amount. Make sure you eat lots of fruits and veggies too - those count towards your daily "water" intake =)

Live healthy! Drink water instead of soda, diet soda, juice and milk. It's the best thing to quench your thirst =) But make sure you drink most of your water between meals, not at meal times.

Where Does All Our Tax Money Go?

Tax time is coming around again. I'm reminded because I just placed my order for the 2007 version of TurboTax, which is a software application that guides me through federal and Pennsylvania tax return preparation. The damn tax code has become so complex, you really need either a good accountant or a tax package to get it right.

Taxes are everywhere, on everything. Federal income tax, Social Security, Medicare, federal death tax, Medicaid, state income tax, state sales tax, state death tax ... let me catch my breath. Certain cities or counties get you for an income tax or a wage tax or maybe even a sales tax. Then there are the smaller but still irritating levies like federal and state gasoline taxes, the state automobile registration tax, the hotel room occupancy tax (talk about taxation without representation!) and the federal telephone taxes (check out your phone bill for the beloved Federal Subscriber Line Charge and the smaller, but still irritating Federal Universal Service Fee). And if you have a small business, well, I won't get into that.

They tax you when you earn, they tax you when you buy and they tax you when you die. Whatever you do, the Taxman has his hand in your pocket. If they could figure out how to do it, they'd tax you for bodily functions. Maybe a little meter on the toilet. Two cents per flush. Wireless, of course.

And think about the skillions of hours that are wasted on tax planning, preparation and collection. Tax attorneys, tax accountants, tax return software, IRS employees, state and local tax collectors, they are all working day and night on our taxes. While you're sleeping innocently in your bed, an IRS computer is selecting you for an audit. And if you are in a hotel, you're paying tax to sleep while that IRS computer is humming away. Your federal government at work.

I read somewhere that the top half of earners pay 96% of federal income taxes while the lower half pays 4%. The principle that a person with a larger income should pay more in taxes is fair, but 96% seems a bit extreme. Every citizen with a decent income, it seems to me, should pay something in taxes. Even if it's only a couple of bucks withheld from each paycheck, at least you're holding up your end as best you can.

My personal choice would be for a flat income tax. No tax on the first twenty five grand, then 15% on everything after that. Or something similar. Allow a few deductibles such as spouse and children, mortgage and medical. Keep it really simple, so that a normal person could file their return without screaming. That's right, tax prep would become the no scream zone. Maybe even no cursing ... okay, I lost my head. Anyway, I enjoy cursing at my return.

It's interesting that our government has too much money and yet not enough. A duality that would interest a quantum mechanics researcher. Here's the issue: the government needs more money to fund entitlements such as Social Security and Medicare, but a big tax increase might plunge the economy into recession. And recessions are not good for incumbent politicians.

The simple truth is that people should be allowed to keep the bulk of the money they earn. They know what they need better than a government bureaucrat. Plus, the more an entrepreneur can keep, the more likely she is to invest her money in a small business, and that's what drives the economy. JFK knew that and so did Reagen and Bush 43.

Entitlements are out of control. Already Medicare has more money going out in benefits than tax payments coming in. Social Security is still in the black, but economists predict 2017 as the date it goes into the red. To fund these deficits, the government has to increase its borrowing, raise taxes or divert funds from other programs. These are not good alternatives, so why don't we actually try to fix these creaky old programs. To put it bluntly, they suck. No rational young person would invest his money in Social Security if he had a choice. Let's fix the damn thing! Unfortunately, it's not going to happen. Here's a bold prediction - they'll eventually put together a bipartisan, blue ribbon, lip smacking panel of old pols and they'll recommend ... hold your breath ... raising Social Security taxes.

Let's face it, we fifty plus citizens are pretty demanding. We coughed up money supporting prior generations, so we want our fair share of the benefits when we get older. Without these entitlements, many baby boomers will have a tough retirement. If you can afford to retire.

But let's be fair and look at it from the point of the twenty something working stiff. The ratio of retired persons to workers is getting worse year by year. A young guy or gal has forty or fifty years of ever increasing Social Security taxes to pay. They are not happy and I don't blame them. Especially if the benefits are cut back or the retirement age raised to, let's say, 112. I'm all for working with these youngsters so that we can cut them a fair deal. Just as long as you don't touch MY retirement benefits.

So how do we reduce taxes? The government has to find a way to fund Social Security, Medicare and other entitlements. That's the bulk of the federal budget. We certainly need the Defense and State departments and, to some degree, the regulatory agencies. That doesn't leave too much to cut, but there are a few items that make no sense.

Take agriculture subsidies. Why the frack do we pay farmers to NOT grow food? (Love the sound of the word frack - got it from Battlestar Galactica)These subsidies go into the pockets of big, rich agriculture corporations. It's not 1930, with Oakies starving on their little farms. Agriculture is Big Business, just like Insurance, Computers or Finance. Should we pay Microsoft to not develop software? No wisecracks, please, I'm just trying to make a point.

Then there are the natural disasters, like Katrina. I'm all for emergency aid, but the government went way overboard. I read that more than 80 billion dollars has already been committed. Now if you choose to live below sea level or on the coastline, okay, you can take a chance, but don't expect the taxpayer to rebuild your home if a flood washes it away. At least buy fracking flood insurance. It's cheap (government subsidized, of course). Can you believe they are rebuilding New Orleans without improving the levies! Who pays when it floods again? Spell it t-a-x-p-a-y-e-r-s.

So we have to find a way to reduce the cost of providing necessary services, while eliminating the handouts. There's no solution unless entitlement programs are restructured, and I'll discuss this in future posts.

Camping on Catalina Island

Preparing for a Catalina Island camping trip requires some careful planning and packing, as you won't have your car or RV with you.

Since the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy owns most of Catalina, the natural beauty is well preserved, so you are in for a real treat.

There are five campgrounds on the island, not counting the boat-in campsites. Most people arrive by ferry or private boat, so you want to pack enough, but not too much.

A permit is required by all campers, which can be obtained at the Two Harbors Visitor Services or Avalon's Island Plaza. When arriving at the island, you must check in with them before going to your campground.

For Catalina Island camping reservations, call 310-510-8368. You may also be able to rent camping gear such as tents, sleeping bags and pads. All the campgrounds charge $12 per adult per night and $6 per child. They also all have a 10-day maximum stay limit. Unfortunately for campers who love to bring their dogs along, no pets are allowed.

HERMIT GULCH CAMPGROUND

Located 1 1/2 miles from the boat landing on Avalon Canyon Road, you can hike in or take a taxi from Avalon. It is set on a grassy field with trees, inland near Wrigley Memorial and Botanical Garden.

This campground has 54 tent sites. You'll find flush toilets, showers, picnic tables, BBQs and a small store. Propane, charcoal, firewood and ice is available for sale from the rangers.

TWO HARBORS CAMPGROUND

This campground is located in Two Harbors on a bluff above the beach. You can either hike 1/4 mile uphill from Two Harbors or take the Safari Bus. There are 43 tent sites and 3 group sites. Several of the sites are sheltered, which is a blessing during the hot summer days. There are chemical toilets, cold showers, a snack bar and a coin laundry. Activities include snorkeling and biking.

LITTLE HARBOR CAMPGROUND

A third campground is the Little Harbor Campground. Located 7 miles east of Two Harbors and 16 miles west of Avalon, you can get there by hiking (for the studly), or take the Safari Bus from Two Harbors or Avalon.

This campground has 17 tent sites, of which 8 are group sites. They have chemical toilets, cold showers, picnic tables, a BBQ and a fire ring. You can snorkel and swim at two sandy beaches.

If you prefer, you can arrange in advance with Visitor Services to have your gear transported from Two Harbors for a fee.

BLACKJACK CAMPGROUND

Another of the campgrounds on Catalina Island is the Blackjack Campground. It is located near Mt. Orizaba, which is the highest peak on the island. It is inland, set amongst the trees. Located 9 miles west of Avalon and 11 1/2 miles east of Two Harbors off Old Stage Road, you can access it by a 1 1/2 mile hike to the campground. To get to the trailhead, hike in or take the Safari Bus or Airport Shuttle from Avalon. You can check in at either Avalon's Island Plaza or Two Harbors Guest Services.

This campground has 11 primitive tent sites, along with chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables.

PARSON'S LANDING CAMPGROUND

This campground is found between Land's End and Arrow Point. Located 7 miles west of Two Harbors, you must hike in or come by kayak to get there.

It has 8 primitive tent sites, chemical toilets, BBQ, fire ring and picnic tables. There is no water so you must bring your own. They may include water and firewood in the fee, so double-check this when you make your reservation. It faces the beach, which is nice, but it is advisable to bring your own shade

BOAT-IN CAMPSITES

A unique way to experience Catalina Island camping is by boat or kayak. There are nine named boat-in camping areas in all, covering a total of 17 campsites.

All are situated around the northeast shore of Avalon. They are primitive sites with no water, toilets or moorings. You must pack out your trash and bring your own portable toilets and water. No fires are allowed. A ranger will check you in and then checks on each site daily. Kayak rentals are available in Avalon. For more information, call 310-510-7265.

If you love to camp by the beach, try getting away from the hustle and bustle and crowds of the mainland by camping on Catalina Island.

Kidney Stones Cure - Why You May Need More Than Water to Flush Your Kidney Stones

Did you know that water is usually the best kidney stones cure? However, millions of people will need more than water to flush their kidney stones. Are you one of them?

It is true that kidney stones are typically caused by a lack of water or hydration. And because most diseases can be cured naturally, kidney stones are often the first disease to be treated with a natural remedy... water. However, many people are finding it difficult to wait weeks to months to pass their kidney stone(s).

If this describes you, here are some other options besides water. In fact, there are over 20 things you could be doing to help your body pass kidney stones.

Kidney Stone Natural Remedies

As a natural health expert, it is always fun hearing how people first were introduced to natural remedies. And did you know that most people jump on the natural health bandwagon after treating kidney stones at home? Why?

Because kidney stones are one of the simplest diseases to cure naturally. In fact, many traditional doctors are now recommending simple remedies before any medication or surgery is recommended.

But you do not have to go to a doctor and spend $200 to get advice that most health experts know. Here are 5 kidney stone secrets which will save you hundreds of dollars and will flush your pain down the toilet.

Pass Kidney Stones with these Tips

1. I have to mention it because it is extremely important! But you should continue to drink plenty of water while suffering from this disease. Most experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces of water. If I weighed 200 lbs., I would drink 100 ounces of water per day.

2. Most kidney stones are made out of calcium. Ironically, low calcium levels in your body can lead to calcium-based kidney stones. You should be sure to supplement a quality calcium supplement daily.

3. Your diet is also extremely critical! Make sure you are getting enough water soluble fiber in your diet. Great sources of this fiber are fruits and vegetables. Make sure you get three of each every day.

4. You should also eliminate high sugar foods from your diet. High sugar intake is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Eating sugar free foods is a great way to help your body pass kidney stones naturally and also prevent them.

5. Finally, we also recommend a diet using phosphoric acid. Many nurses and some doctors are now recommending a diet involving phosphoric acid because it can actually work be dissolving calcium based kidney stones. And because kidney stones are almost 90% calcium, this remedy has been extremely successful. You can find this remedy at Kidney Stone Cure website.

A Kidney Stone Cure that Works in 24 Hours

Choosing a Toilet for Your Bathroom Remodel

Toilets can be found in many shapes styles and colors. Vitreous china or porcelain is the standard material and very durable, and easy to clean. The more sleek the base, and the fewer the crevices, the easier it will be to maintain a clean appearance.

White is the most common choice and a very good one. White will not go out of style any time soon. Toilets are also available in colors if that is your preference, but it will raise the price.

Toilets come with the tank and the base as one unit, or you can get a model with the base and tank as separate units. Choosing a one piece unit will save money. This is heavier to move around and place, but two people can handle the job with a fair amount of ease.

Smaller scaled toilets are available for very small bathrooms, and there are also space saving cornet models.

Low-flush toilets

If you are remodeling and replacing a toilet, quite probably your old toilet is a water hog.

Federal law requires new toilets be manufactured to use much less water. This may be an adjustment for you, but can result in a substantial savings on your water bill.

Older toilets may use between 5 and 7 gallons of water for each flush. Multiply this times the number of flushes in a given day and you have a lot of needless water usage.

Gravity toilets

The standby gravity toilet has been improved and requires less water for flushing. Steeper and narrower bowl have been implemented to achieve this. Consumers are reported to be much more satisfied with the 1.6 gallon toilet than the 1 gallon unit which often takes two flushes to clear the bowl.

Pressure-assisted toilets

These toilets use the water pressure in the line to compress air which in turn works with a small amount of water to flush the bowl.

A more recent design version uses a small pump to push water through the toilet. With this model you can adjust the amount of water per flush to either 1 gallon or 1.6 gallons. The price tag for both of these is considerably more than the gravity operated toilet.

If you are not comfortable asking your friends with these new model toilets how they feel about the functioning and flushing abilities, the site below offers more information and a reference link where you can get user reviews.