The National Academy of Sciences report that the water that millions of Americans drink to quench their thirst, is making them sick. Its hard to believe that the water that flows through our tap over much of America, is contaminated. Though the density and levels of contamination may vary from place to place.

As per the analysis by The Environmental Working Group, there are around 300 pollutants present in the water that we drink. Water that is provided to our houses contain large amounts of chemicals like arsenic, or some deadly radioactive substances like Uranium. Various other contaminants like fuel additives, illegal and prescription drugs are also present in the water supply. Even dangerous bacteria, mostly found in sewage, can be present in our drinking water.

There have been many confirmed outbreaks of waterborne diseases like Cholera, Typhoid and other gastrointestinal diseases, that not only make Americans sick but few of them die due to severe health complications. As per the research, even bottled water can no longer be considered to be safe, as 40% of bottled water is filled from tap water somewhere. One can no longer ignore the fact that protecting our lives is in our own hands. For more information, view this guide from the National Academy of Sciences.

The only way to protect ourselves is to filter our drinking water. One gets confused regarding the selection of water filters, as there are various types and varieties of water filters available in the market.

Trust me! its really difficult to decide which one to buy? Many questions come to our mind like which one is the right one for my home? or whether water will be safe enough to drink? or whether all the contamination will be removed or not after filtering? That’s where friendsofwater.com come to our rescue.

Friendsofwater.com is a family run website and an online store as well. They provide us various information on several water related issues like the risks related to drinking contaminated water, precautions one need to take regarding our health and several tips to lookout for signs and symptoms of various waterborne diseases. The best part about them is they also send health care professionals to our homes, who help us understand issues regarding health, identifying symptoms of various waterborne diseases and various precautions, one needs to take. They help us recognize the need for filtering water and keeping diseases at bay.

The people at friendsofwater.com offer a variety of water filters, such as the fluoride water filters, for you to choose. One can select the most suitable, from the wide variety range.

Created to inspire and support architects and designers, each studio showcases the versatility and functionality of Corian® in three-dimensional applications using the latest design technologies. Both studios will feature designer exhibits.

“The studios will highlight Corian® as a multi-dimensional design material that has reinvented itself for over 40 years to provide sustainable, inventive and modern designs that are bringing homes and offices into the 21st century,” said Thomas F. Schuler, vice president and general manager — DuPont Building Innovations. “They give us a direct link to our customers so we can continue to provide innovative products that are relevant and readily available. These studios give us the opportunity to showcase that offering.”

DuPont, surface solutions provider Evans & Paul and marketing distributor Dolan & Traynor recently unveiled the DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio in New York City as an interactive workshop.

Architects and designers can make one-on-one appointments at the New York-based DuPont™ Corian® Design Studio through www.designstudio.corian.com.

DuPont™ Corian® is a material that can be thermoformed into custom shapes and contours, sandblasted, routed, carved, laser-etched and backlit, making it ideal for a wide range of residential and commercial applications. It is a nonporous, high-performing and easy-to-maintain solid surface that can be fabricated into virtually seamless surfaces.

With proper cleaning, DuPont™ Corian® does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. It meets all of the 18 preferred characteristics outlined in the 2006 Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities as the ideal healthcare surface to help facilitate improved infection control. Nontoxic and nonallergenic to humans, DuPont™ Corian® also has received NSF/ANSI 51 Certification for food contact and Class ™ (A) fire rating.

In commercial environments, DuPont™ Zodiaq® quartz surface can be used in a variety of applications including conference tables, work stations and service countertops; restroom vanities and partitions; hot and cold buffets; as well as backsplashes, wainscoting and wall cladding. Zodiaq® is nonporous and when properly cleaned does not promote the growth of mold, mildew or bacteria. More information on the entire DuPont Surfaces portfolio is available at surfaces.dupont.com.

DuPont is a science-based products and services company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture and food; building and construction; communications; and transportation.

The DuPont Oval, DuPont™, Corian® and Zodiaq® are registered trademarks or trademarks of DuPont or its affiliates. Only DuPont makes DuPont™ Corian® solid surfaces and Zodiaq® quartz surfaces.

Dror for Target features a variety of products, including comforters, quilts, sheets and tapestries in elegant shades of brown, raspberry, plum and aqua with textures and patterns that are destined for mixing and matching. The decorative accessories selection includes removable wall decals, a clock, lamps, a side table and a nesting bookcase. Stationery items include file folders, sketchbook and mini composition books that are emblazoned with modern graphics. Many products collapse, fold away or serve multiple functions, making them ideal for city dwellers, college students or anyone looking to maximize space on a tight budget.

“Target continues to provide smart living storage solutions that add graphic appeal to the home,” said Gina Sprenger, senior vice president of Merchandising, Target. “The Dror for Target collection is another example of how Target delivers on our brand promise, Expect More. Pay Less.”

Benshetrit established his multidisciplinary design practice, Dror, in 2002 with the intent of “bringing poetry to function.” Benshetrit is known for creating functional objects that are enhanced by an artist’s eye. His designs are intuitive, easy to use and imbued with a lighthearted spirit that brings an element of joy to everyday tasks.

“I design all of my work to evoke emotion and inspire well being,” said Benshetrit. “Not only are these products wonderfully practical, they’re engineered to create a spark of energy in the lives of their owners.”
 
The collection ranges in price from $0.99 for mini composition books to $89.99 for the nesting bookshelf. Benshetrit’s goal in creating this collection for Target is to help guests organize more with less by emphasizing the concepts of utility and multi-function. The products work in a variety of room settings, from home offices to bedrooms, and many perform more than one task. Bookcases can be stacked and grouped for unlimited storage options, and each four-shelf unit can disassemble into a compact bundle for easy transport. And textured and patterned quilts and throw pillows are double-sided, providing twice the decorating power.

Visit the new Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com) to discover a wide assortment of highly recognized and popular home and living brands (over 2,000 brands and growing everyday). A sampling of the well-known, international brands you’ll find include: Calvin Klein, Vera Wang, Le Creuset, Versace, Viking Range and Laura Ashley, as well as more recently launched lines such as DwellStudio, Perry Ellis Bedding and Blissliving Home. It all adds up to a comprehensive online destination, filled with over 200,000 top branded products for every room in the home — from bedding and bath to dining and decor and much, much more.

But top brands and a huge product selection is just the start. New categories have been added too, including pet products; a large selection of high quality nursery bedding, accessories and baby gear, such as CoCaLo; a variety of travel accessories and luggage for any occasion. Be sure to check the site daily for its ever changing “Deal of the Day” and Clearance Center that promise deals like you’ve never seen before. With a focus on pricing its products for today’s cost-conscious, quality-driven consumer, the new Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com) prides itself on its leading staple of brands offering products at every price point.

The new Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com) is built on an innovative, technologically-advanced e-commerce platform that enhances the online shopping experience based on real-time consumer demand. The website changes automatically by the day and even by hour based on what customers are buying. New brands and products are added constantly while the existing inventory is continually remerchandized to meet the consumer demand and desires.

The new Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com) builds on the enormous customer following that started 34 years ago with a single store in West Orange, New Jersey. Recognized as one of the top two home retailers in North America, something that very few home textiles and housewares brands have achieved, the new Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com) offers consumers the ultimate shopping experience that includes new and noteworthy retail partnerships, from brands that have been trusted for decades to leading brands in contemporary home furnishings, accessories and much more.

About Linens ‘N Things (www.lnt.com)

The first Linens ‘N Things store opened in 1975 in West Orange, New Jersey, offering high-end linens at discount prices. The company grew to become the second largest specialty retailer of home furnishings and decorative accessories with 589 stores across North America. Now part of the Gordon Brothers Brands and Hilco Consumer Capital portfolio of retail brands, the new Linens ‘N Things hits home with consumers as a popular e-commerce website, featuring top brands, new categories, hot deals, and the ultimate shopping sensation. Poised to become the modern standard in retailing, the new Linens ‘N Things caters to the demands and desires of today’s consumer.

The Thom Filicia Home Collection(TM) is a proud collaboration with industry leaders in their categories. They are:

* Furniture – Vanguard (Fall 2009)
* Textiles – Kravet (Spring & Fall 2009)
* Lighting – Visual Comfort (Fall 2009)
* Area Rugs – Safavieh (Spring 2009)
* Hospitality Carpet – Shaw Hospitality Group (Fall 2009)
* Consumer Appliances – Amana (specialty refrigerators inspired by Thom Summer 2009)

“For many years I have designed custom furnishings for my private clients. It’s always been important to me that I reflect those clients’ unique personalities in my designs. I am now thrilled to offer consumers across the country that same opportunity,” said Filicia. “The Thom Filicia Home Collection(TM) empowers people to confidently express themselves through fun, classic, comfortable and bold furnishings. One of the most important parts of developing this collection was to create pieces for the way people live and entertain now. The result is pure, evocative design that is both essential and highly practical.”

The new home collection captures Thom Filicia’s classic simplicity and injects an unexpected, modern flair. With a fresh yet timeless approach to design, the collection balances elements in unique and beautiful ways. Refined details mix with raw edges, industrial plays against organic, and materials, textures and palettes are used in unexpected ways.

“In selecting our partners for the Thom Filicia Home Collection(TM),” said Marc Szafran, President of Filicia’s design company, “it was very important that each of them had an environmentally sensitive approach to manufacturing and quality of materials wherever possible to ensure long lasting sustainable products. These collections are routed in the values that formed Thom’s childhood, growing up in upstate New York surrounded with the beauty of nature and its connection to organic objects and materials. The Thom Filicia Home Collection(TM) combines Thom’s love for nature with his respect for the environment and talent for design.”

About Thom Filicia:

Thom Filicia is one of the nation’s foremost interior designers. He became a household name as the design expert member of the Fab Five quartet on Bravo’s hit show Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, and currently hosts the wildly popular Dress My Nest on the Style Network. Filicia owns a successful, New York-based interior design firm, Thom Filicia, Inc., which specializes in residential, commercial, and hospitality projects. Thom is also the author of Thom Filicia Style, his first book, which was released in fall 2008.

About Vanguard:

Vanguard is a leader in the home furniture market. The company employs over 500 people and occupies over 400,000 square feet of manufacturing space. Nearly all shareholders of the company are employees or grandchildren, therefore possible future employees. There truly is a family atmosphere at Vanguard, even for those that are not actually family. We work in teams from the shop floor to the office, and respect and integrity are words everyone lives by. We understand that a good reputation is easy to lose, both personally and professionally, so we strive to be good corporate citizens. It is important to us to know that our partners find us to be easy to work with, dependable, and that the products we sell are a good investment.

About Kravet:

Kravet is a fourth-generation family business, offering the widest range of fabrics and furnishings in the home decorative industry. The company began by supplying traditional and transitional fabrics to the interior design trade in 1918. Nearly a century later, its wide array of luxury fabrics, trimmings, furniture, carpets and lighting eases the lives and engages the creativity of designers the world over.

About Safavieh:

Safavieh is a leading manufacturer and importer of fine decorative rugs, offering the industry’s most comprehensive range of designs crafted by skilled artisans in weaving centers across the globe. Established in 1914, Safavieh is a fourth-generation family business which began by supplying antique rugs and historical reproductions. Upon opening its flagship New York City showroom in 1978, the company quickly became a preferred source for the world’s most renowned interior designers, pioneering with them the new category of fashion-forward contemporary rugs. Almost a century later, Safavieh continues to innovate with diverse and targeted area rug programs for the most respected retailers in the US and abroad. Through research and technology, Safavieh’s mission is to beautify the homes of consumers in every budget category with award-winning rug collections of the highest quality, value and impeccable style.

About Visual Comfort & Co:

Since 1987, Visual Comfort & Co. has been a leading producer of quality designer lighting. They offer architectural and portable lighting for every application, including task, table, and floor lamps, wall and ceiling fixtures, and outdoor lighting. Visual Comfort is the premier American resource for signature designer lighting. For over twenty years we have produced lighting with some of the most influential names in design. We will continue to partner with noteworthy talents moving forward, to enrich our extensive and creative selection of products.

About Shaw Hospitality Group:

Shaw Hospitality Group, a division of Shaw Industries, a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., is the world’s largest carpet manufacturer and a leading floor covering provider. Headquartered in Dalton, Ga., the company manufactures and distributes carpeting, rugs, hardwood, laminate and ceramic tile for residential and commercial applications worldwide. Shaw Hospitality Group provides flooring products specified in the hospitality industry. A recognized leader in environmental stewardship, Shaw has implemented hundreds of sustainability initiatives and cradle to cradle design solutions, collectively termed the Shaw Green Edge. For more information, visit www.shawhospitalitygroup.com

About Amana:

Established in 1934, Amana has a history of designing innovative cooking, dish, laundry and refrigeration household appliances. With its introduction of the original countertop microwave in 1967, Amana was put on the map as a brand dedicated to bringing convenience to consumers’ lives. Amana brand is part of the Whirlpool Corporation, the world’s leading manufacturer and marketer of major home appliances, with annual sales of approximately $19 billion, more than 73,000 employees, and 69 manufacturing and technology research centers around the world. For more information on Amana brand appliances, visit www.amana.com.

“In addition to being the product that started it all for KitchenAid, the stand mixer remains the standard for everything we create,” notes Debbie O’Connor, senior manager of brand experience for KitchenAid. “We’ve never lost sight of the brand’s original guiding principle that everything carrying the KitchenAid name should make time spent in the kitchen more enjoyable.”

According to O’Connor, the KitchenAid brand name was born when wives of company executives were asked for help in naming the stand mixer and one replied, “I don’t care what you call it, I know it’s the best kitchen aid I’ve ever had.”

Also as part of its anniversary celebration, KitchenAid, through its publisher Publications International, Ltd., has released a new cookbook, KitchenAid Best Loved Recipes that includes many recipes for the stand mixer. These include everything from making bread dough with the mixer’s dough hook and homemade sausage with its optional sausage stuffer attachment to creating homemade lasagna noodles with an available pasta maker attachment set. Currently available at major retailers nationwide, the book was created to “give cooks the sense of accomplishment that comes from cooking from scratch at home,” said O’Connor.

The 90th anniversary Candy Apple Red Artisan Series stand mixer, available in the summer at a suggested retail price of $399, will feature a glass bowl with a pour spout and measurement markings. Stainless steel bowls will also be available to fit the new mixers. The Artisan Series stand mixer features a tilt-head design for easy bowl access and can accommodate eight to nine cups of flour. A 10-speed slide control ranges from a very slow stir to a fast whip. Its 67-point planetary mixing action spirals to 67 different touch points within the bowl for quick, complete mixing and the highest beater-to-bowl coverage in the industry. Every model includes three basic accessories: a flat beater for mixing batters, making pie dough or mashing potatoes; a dough hook for kneading everything from soft dough to stiff pizza dough; and a wire whip for beating egg whites and whipping cream.

By using any of more than a dozen optional attachments, the powerful motor of this kitchen workhorse can be tapped for everything from grinding grain and meat to kneading dough, slicing vegetables, rolling and cutting pasta, and even making ice cream. Optional attachments for the stand mixer include a slicer and shredder, fruit and vegetable strainer, food grinder, grain mill, citrus juicer and sausage stuffer; a pasta roller and a ravioli maker; several pasta cutters (including fettuccine, spaghetti, angel hair and wide noodle); and an ice cream maker. Prices on individual attachments range from a suggested retail price of $34.99 to $159.99. Special attachment sets, including a pasta kit and a gourmet specialty attachment pack, also are available.

Since the introduction of its legendary stand mixer in 1919 and first dishwasher in 1949, KitchenAid has built on the legacy of these icons to create a complete line of products designed for cooks. Celebrating its 90th anniversary in 2009, the KitchenAid brand now offers virtually every essential for the well-equipped kitchen with a collection that includes everything from countertop appliances to cookware, ranges to refrigerators, and whisks to wine cellars. To learn why chefs choose KitchenAid for their homes more than any other brand*, visit www.KitchenAid.com.

ShopSmart Poll:
* Only 7% of Women Hate Cleaning Their Homes;
* Spend Five Hours per Week Cleaning

According to a new poll featured in the May 2009 issue of ShopSmart, from the publisher of Consumer Reports, women spend an average of five hours per week cleaning their homes. Surprisingly, only seven percent said that they hate cleaning their home, while 25% said that they love cleaning or find it relaxing.

The poll also found that vacuuming is by far the preferred cleaning task for women (41%), while cleaning the shower or tub (26%) and toilets (25%) were the tasks disliked the most.

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Conducted by the Consumer Reports National Research Center, the household cleaning habits poll is part of ShopSmart’s feature on making cleaning easier and saving consumers’ money, which includes a list of the best household cleaners; a roundup of cleaners to avoid; cleaning safety advice; top reader tips; and a guide to tackling the toughest jobs.

“We were surprised to find that women actually like to clean their homes, some even finding it relaxing!” said Lisa Lee Freeman, editor-in-chief of ShopSmart. “Our guide will help make cleaning easier and cheaper by showing women which key items they need to purchase and the ones to avoid.”

BEST Household Cleaners

All-Purpose — Ammonia is an inexpensive good all-around cleaner.

Bathroom — Comet Scratch Free Disinfectant with Bleach is the top rated shower scum buster.

Windows — Windex No Drip works on indoor and outdoor grime.

Dishes — Dawn Direct Foam got the best results in dirty-plate tests.

Metal & Floors — For the best results, pick a product designed for the particular surface.

What NOT to Buy
Antibacterial cleaners — Overuse can result in antibiotic-resistant bacteria.

Drain cleaners — These can damage skin, eyes, lungs and septic tanks, use a Master Plunger instead.

Furniture polish — New furniture is sealed at the factory, making polish unnecessary.

Toilet-bowl cleaners — All-purpose cleaner gets the job done instead.

Oven cleaners — Chemicals are corrosive; use nonabrasive nylon scrubbing pads and baking soda, add salt for tough stains.

Who Does the Dirty Work?
Eighty-three percent of married* women said they do the majority of the cleaning in their household. However, 56% indicated that their spouse or significant other also helps with the cleaning.
Thirty-seven percent of married* women said that they have arguments about cleaning the house.
Over a quarter of women (26%) said that the amount of cleaning their spouse is doing is declining.

What are you Purchasing?
On average, women typically use five products to clean their homes.
Over one-third (37%) of women are purchasing more environmentally friendly cleaning products than last year, while 13% admit they are buying less.

Coming Clean
Thirty-six percent have made areas off-limits to guests because the rooms weren’t clean.
Three quarters (75%) of respondents said their home is as clean or cleaner than the one they grew up in.
* Married includes single, but living as married.

ShopSmart’s Nine Cleaning Tools For Getting At Every Crevice

• Feather duster for cleaning knickknacks, photo frames, and other lightweight objects.
• White cotton gloves for cleaning chandeliers and between the slats of Venetian blinds.
• Disposable Swiffer cloths for cleaning dust magnets like computer and TV screens, all kinds of hard surfaces like tabletops and floors, and even car dashboards. Keep one in your car and do a quick swipe when you’re at a stoplight.
• Scrub brush with a handle for miscellaneous cleaning tasks.
• Microfiber cloth for catching and holding dust.
• Cotton swabs to get into tiny crevices in plastic bath mats, silver, and other small, hard-to-reach spots.
• Tile grout brushes with a single row of stiff bristles for scrubbing between ceramic tiles. Toothbrushes also do the job.
• Lint-free dust cloths made of 100 percent cotton for cleaning easily scratched items; other fabrics used as rags can create lint and are abrasive.
• Lambswool Dusters or dust mops for wiping large surfaces, even walls, to pick up dust and cobwebs. The head can be removed and washed. Or save a few bucks and make a dust mop by wrapping an old cotton rag around the end of a broomstick.

ShopSmart Brand Loyalty Poll Methodology
The Consumer Reports National Research Center conducted a telephone survey of a nationally representative probability sample of telephone households. 1,008 interviews were completed among women aged 18+. Interviewing took place over December 18-21, 2008. The margin of error is +/- 3.2% points at a 95% confidence level.

About ShopSmart magazine:
Launched in Fall 2006 by Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, ShopSmart draws upon Consumer Reports’ celebrated tradition of accepting no advertisements and providing unbiased product reviews. The magazine features product reviews, shopping tips on how to get the most out of products and “best of the best” lists. ShopSmart is ideal for busy shoppers who place a premium on time. ShopSmart has a newsstand price of $4.99 and is available nationwide at major retailers including Barnes & Noble, Wal-Mart, Borders, Kroger, Safeway and Publix.

The Weber Smokey Mountain smoker in a new, larger 22-1/2″ version.
The new Weber Q 140 electric grill for those living in homes with charcoal or gas grill restrictions
The Weber One-Touch Gold charcoal grill, now in a new, larger 26.75″ size.
The Weber Genesis EP-320 in the new “Brick Red,” adds a splash of color in any outdoor room.
The new Weber Summit luxury gas grill with Tuck-Away Rotisserie System plus Sear Station technology.

With its new electric grill plus extended lines of smokers and gas and charcoal grills, Weber’s 2009 product line will appeal to all grilling and barbecue enthusiasts–no matter where they live or how they cook outdoors.

New to the Weber Line-Up

An outdoor electric grill worthy of Weber’s best-to-market manufacturing standards, the new Weber(R) Q(R) 140 electric grill is particularly for grilling enthusiasts with gas or charcoal restrictions-such as those who live in condos, apartments, mobile homes, and town homes. The Weber Q 140 has 189 square inches of total cooking area, a stainless steel cooking grate, infinite heat control settings, and a six-foot grounded cord. This Underwriters Laboratories-Listed (UL(R)), outdoor-only electric grill cooks food as close to a small gas grill as one can get. The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) is $279.

As outdoor smoker ownership and “low and slow” barbecuing becomes more popular (according to the annual Weber GrillWatch Survey(TM), smoker ownership among American grill owners has gone from 12 to 17 percent in just three years), Weber will introduce an extra-large version of its famously popular 18.5-inch Weber(R) Smokey Mountain Cooker(TM) smoker with a 22.5-inch model. “It has 50 percent more cooking area than our 18.5-inch model, which our smoking enthusiasts have been asking for,” says Mike Kempster Sr., Weber executive vice president. “People who are fans of what they lovingly refer to as the ‘Bullet’ wanted the capacity to cook more barbecue-particularly as many of them participate in barbecue competitions or typically smoke a large amount of meat for family, friends, and neighbors.” The new 22.5-inch smoker (with 726 square inches of cooking area) and the updated 18.5-inch smoker (with 481 square inches) also feature a new lid-mounted temperature gauge and a no-rust aluminum door with a new spring-loaded latch for easy access to the charcoal / wood chunks or chips chamber and the porcelain-enameled water pan. The MSRP prices are $349 for the 18.5-inch and $499 for the 22.5-inch.

As charcoal grilling continues to be on the rise-and Weber is easily the world’s dominant market leader in this category–the company will add a larger version to its classic kettle line-up with the Weber(R) One-Touch(R) Gold 26.75-inch charcoal grill. This expanded size model has 508 square inches of cooking area compared to the best-selling Weber One-Touch Gold 22.5-inch kettle grill’s 363 square inches. “Weber actually introduced the 26.75-inch charcoal grill back in the early 1960s and then phased it out almost 10 years ago. But with the recent rise in charcoal use and our consumers asking for larger charcoal grilling surfaces, it was time to bring it back,” said Kempster. Enhanced features include a stainless steel cooking grate, Tuck-Away(TM) lid holder, built-in thermometer, and two Char-Basket(TM) charcoal holders. MSRP: $349.

Those wanting to add a luxurious splash of color to their outdoor space or don’t want the hassle of keeping a stainless steel grill clean will appreciate all the colors offered in the Weber(R) Genesis(R) “EP” gas grill series. While the Genesis is also available in stainless steel (“S” models), Weber has added two more colors for 2009 with a bold “Brick Red” and a stainless steel color-like “Steel Gray.” Other colors include black, copper, and green. The Genesis “EP” series grill features a porcelain-enameled shroud (porcelain enamel is one of Weber’s core competencies which is used for its long-lasting charcoal grills and smokers); three stainless steel burners and stainless steel Flavorizer(R) bars; 637 square inches of cooking area; and 7 mm-diameter stainless steel cooking grates. The Genesis EP models will be available at five-star and specialty retailers. The MSRP prices are $899 for the Genesis(R) EP-310(TM) LP gas grill and $949 for the Genesis(R) EP-320(TM) LP gas grill (which also has a 12,000 BTU-per-hour input flush-mounted side burner). The natural gas models are an additional $20.

Rotisseries have become almost standard on high-end grills, and now most of the Weber(R) Summit(R) gas grills feature an inventive new Tuck-Away(TM) Rotisserie System with a hidden, heavy-duty electric motor that’s easily flipped up from the grill’s left-hand side table. The motor can be stored back inside the side table when not in use to give grillers more working space.

There’s a strong added feature to the Summit models that have the new Tuck-Away rotisserie system: The grills’ enclosed carts have special storage area for the included separate spit and fork when they aren’t in use. “No more looking for the rotisserie motor that may be in a kitchen cabinet or for the spit that may be in the garage behind the mower,” said Kempster. “Now all the parts are where they should be, in one place in the grill cart, ready for convenient and immediate use.”

Weber’s Redesigned Grills

As the industry’s finest entry-level, full-size gas grill, the Weber(R) Spirit(R) series has been updated with a sleeker design for 2009. The three models-the Spirit(R) E-210(TM), E-310(TM) and E-320(TM)-now have completely enclosed carts so that the LP tank is hidden inside. The Spirit E-210 (with two stainless steel burners, 458 square inches of cooking area, and 26,000 BTUs) and Spirit E-310 (with three stainless steel burners, 536 square inches of cooking area, and 36,000 BTUs) also have a stainless steel work surface. The Spirit E-320 has a 12,000 BTU-per-hour input, flush-mounted side burner. MSRPs for the LP grills are $499 (E-210), $599 (E-310), and $649 (E-320). Natural gas models for the E-210 and E-310 are an additional $20; the E-320 doesn’t come in a natural gas model.

While retailer decisions of when they carry or display outdoor grilling products vary, Weber has begun shipping its new products and expects to see them in stores by spring 2009.

Weber-Stephen Products Co., headquartered in Palatine, Ill., is the world’s premier manufacturer of charcoal and gas grills, grilling accessories and other outdoor room products. In 1952, founder George Stephen sparked a backyard revolution with his invention of the Weber(R) kettle. More than 50 years later, the family-owned company remains the industry leader with its Weber(R), Weber(R) Q(TM), and Ducane(R) brands. As a leading exporter of grills, Weber brand products are sold worldwide at select home centers, hardware stores, department stores, patio stores, and other retail outlets. Weber has the strongest consumer outreach program in the industry with its Weber Grill-Line(SM) (1-800-GRILL-OUT(R)) and a content-rich website with grilling tips, techniques, and original Weber recipes at www.weber.com(R). The Weber Grill-Line and Weber Customer Service are closed on Christmas.

Craft-Art, a company who believes that service is as important as the quality of its products, has selected Artisan Group to expand its national network of strategic partners and to exclusively distribute Heritage Wood Countertops. The new partnership with Artisan Group furthers Craft-Art’s national distribution network, making it easy and convenient for customers to order quality, custom wood countertops for their home or business.

“We chose Artisan Group as the sole distributor of Heritage Wood Countertops because of their outstanding reputation for customer service and because they are innovative leaders in the countertop industry,” said Dan Coats, Vice President of Corporate Accounts and Strategic Partnerships for Craft-Art. The Artisan Group members use the latest and most accurate fabrication tools and techniques, and the fact that the group consists of more than 50 members spread across the United States and Canada creates an ideal distribution network for the Heritage Wood Countertop line.

“Partnering with Artisan Group will offer customers the utmost in quality, custom wood countertops and exceptional customer service,” commented Coats. “We are extremely excited to be able to join forces with this leading group of fabricators.”

Lately wood countertops have begun to regain popularity as more and more people are choosing wood countertops to enhance the beauty and to bring a more contemporary, yet warm look to their modern kitchens and baths. Solid wood is now becoming one of the most sought-after materials for kitchen countertops, especially because it has many inherent properties that most other materials do not. When properly treated, solid wood surfaces are waterproof, heat-resistant, stain-resistant, sanitary, food-safe and low-maintenance.

The Heritage Wood line includes extensive choices from the world’s finest domestic, exotic and reclaimed woods. To locate a Heritage Wood Countertop dealer near you, visit http://www.artisan-collection.com.

About Craft-Art

Founded in 1998, Craft-Art provides the highest quality wood countertops available in the industry. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia in a 33,000-square-foot facility, Craft-Art has a talented staff of craftsmen and technicians who take great pride in creating the most beautiful and durable wood countertops made anywhere. The company has a national network of dealers creating easy access for customers across the United States. More information about Craft-Art and its products can be found at http://www.craft-art.com.

About Artisan Group

Artisan Group(TM) is the premier network of countertop fabricators in North America. Its extensive network allows the organization to offer the world’s best granite, marble and wood from the best sources around the globe. Utilizing the most technically advanced, automated shops in the industry, highly skilled craftsmen ensure that each and every installation meets exacting standards. http://www.artisan-collection.com

FINISH(R), the #1 recommended brand by more dishwasher manufacturers, announced today the launch of FINISH(R) Quantum(TM), an innovative automatic dishwashing detergent. FINISH Quantum features a multi-chamber system that is pre-measured and wrapper free, so consumers simply need to drop it in the detergent cup and go. This new technology is the latest innovation from FINISH, the new name for Electrasol(R).

FINISH Quantum features new technology which keeps three powerful active ingredients separated so they can operate at maximum power and release when needed in the dishwashing cycle. Powerful enzymes soften burnt-on food, such as lasagne, so that no stuck-on food remains. POWERMAX(TM) Bleach removes stains, such as tea and coffee, while POWERBALL(R) with JET-DRY(R) Gel provides amazing shine.

“FINISH Quantum is designed for consumers who want brilliantly clean and shiny dishes every time they wash,” said Ceci Carmichael, chef and former host of Food Network’s Calling All Cooks and Good Food Fast. “In these economic times, it’s both time and cost-efficient to make sure your dishes are clean the first time around. Rewashing can add dollars onto your energy and water bills; not to mention the time you lose.”

By using the right dishwashing product and following these simple tips, consumers can save on water, energy and dishwashing product, while still getting perfect results the first time they wash.

Don’t Wash by Hand: It is more expensive to wash dishes by hand than to properly run them in a dishwasher. Also, a dishwasher’s water temperature generally reaches over 120º, which is best for removing grease and stuck-on food.
Run Tap Water First: For sparkling clean dishes, run your kitchen’s hot water tap before starting the dishwasher to make sure the water entering the machine has reached its highest temperature.
Scrape, Don’t Rinse: Scrape your dishes because the enzymes in your detergent that soften burnt-on food need to cling to protein/starch, such as egg and oatmeal, in order to work properly.
Load Properly: Cups, glasses and less soiled items should be placed on the top rack. Generally, larger and dirtier items are best on the bottom rack.
Select the Right Detergent: Detergent is typically made with two main ingredients, bleach and enzymes. Bleach and enzymes lessen the effectiveness of each other but FINISH Quantum’s technology keeps them separated and releases them when needed in the dishwashing cycle for a superior clean.
Avoid Wet Dishes: The #1 complaint concerning dishwashers is that dishes do not come out dry. Use a drying agent in your dishwasher’s rinse aid dispenser, such as JET-DRY TURBO DRY(TM), to solve that problem and unload the dishwasher faster.
To learn more, visit www.FinishDishwashing.com. There, consumers can also enter for a chance to win one of 21 prizes in the “FINISH QUANTUM EVERYDAY PERFECTION” sweepstakes. Prizes include beautiful diamond jewelry, the latest KitchenAid(R) Superba(R) EQ Series dishwasher, which delivers 25% better results* versus leading premium competitors, and a one (1) year supply of FINISH QUANTUM and JET-DRY TURBO DRY. For official rules and entry details, visit www.FinishDishwashing.com.

FINISH Quantum is available now at retailers nationwide. Twelve-capsule packs retail for a suggested price of $4.99. Get 25% more inside specially-marked boxes for a limited time. (Note: all pricing decisions are at the sole discretion of the retailer.)

About FINISH/Reckitt Benckiser

Reckitt Benckiser is a world leader in household, health and personal care. It is a FTSE top 15 company and since 2000 net revenues have doubled and the market cap has quadrupled. Today it is the global No 1 or No 2 in the majority of its fast-growing categories, driven by an exceptional rate of innovation – near 40% of revenue comes from innovations launched in the prior 3 years. It has a strong portfolio led by 17 global powerbrands which are: FINISH, Lysol, Dettol, Vanish, Woolite, Calgon, Airwick, Harpic, Bang, Mortein, Veet, Nurofen, Clearasil, Strepsils Gaviscon, Mucinex and French’s, and they account for over two thirds of its net revenue. Reckitt Benckiser people are at the heart of the company’s success. They have an intense drive for progress and action and a desire to outperform wherever they focus, including in CSR where the Company has the most ambitious corporate responsibility programme in the industry through its Carbon 20 initiative. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the Company employs 23,000 people worldwide, with operations in over 60 countries and sales in nearly 200 countries.

For more information visit RECKITTBENCKISER.COM

Sweepstakes Rules and Regulations

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Purchasing a product will not improve your chances of winning. Open only to legal residents of the 50 US or DC, age 18 or older at the time of entry. For Official Rules and entry details, including odds and prize descriptions, visit www.FinishDishwashing.com. Void where prohibited. Sweepstakes ends June 7, 2009. Sponsor: Reckitt Benckiser Inc., 399 Interpace Parkway, Parsippany, New Jersey 07054.

*Combined wash and dry results of leading premium brands highest MSRP models without heated dry.