She was beaten in her own home, all because of a power washer.

Heather Hernandez says she was alone at her home on SW Murray Boulevard in Beaverton Sunday night when three men pulled into her driveway and tried to steal the power washer in her yard.

When she confronted them, she says one of the men slammed her head into the side of the house repeatedly.

She screamed for help and they took off.

“He didn't just push me away. He took me by my hair and shoved my face over and over into the brick wall over there. I mean, he broke my face,” Hernandez said.

“They knew what they were doing. She says they backed up with the truck already open and a guy sitting back there. I'm pretty upset. I'd love to get my hands on them myself,” Heather Hernandez's husband, Roger, said.

Deputies need help finding the three suspects. They say the one who beat Heather has red hair and a red beard. They drove off in an older model, dark colored Ford Explorer.

If you know anything, contact the Washington County Sheriff's Office.

Copyright 2012 KPTV (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.

Article Sources: KPTV – FOX 12Deputies: Woman attacked by 3 suspected burglars

Tom Roth of St. Louis, a Ph.D. student in computer science, received the NSF Energy Research Consortium’s FREEDM System Center Graduate Fellowship for the 2012-2013 academic year. The fellowship provides $5,000 in funding for Roth’s studies.

Michael Catanzaro of St. Louis, a junior in computer science, received a $4,000 award from the FREEDM Undergraduate Research Scholars Program to support his research.

FREEDM stands for Future Renewable Electric Energy Delivery and Management. The FREEDM center, established in 2008, involves seven U.S. and European universities working together to transform the nation’s power grid into a distributed system – an Internet for energy – that will speed renewable electric-energy technologies into homes and businesses across the U.S. Missouri S&T is part of the effort, which is led by the FREEDM Systems Center at North Carolina State University.

Both Roth and Catanzaro are involved in developing methods that would allow homes connected to the future smart grid to schedule energy usage to conserve power or run appliances during off-peak hours. For example, a home connected to the smart grid could decide that the refrigerator compressor turns on only after the washer has completed its spin cycle, says Dr. Bruce McMillin, a professor of computer science at Missouri S&T.

Under McMillin’s direction, Roth and Catanzaro are developing the sophisticated scheduling algorithms that would make the smart grid work. Roth is also focusing on security issues associated with the system, and Catanzaro is looking at “plug-and-play” implementation that would allow the grid to recognize appliances plugged in to the network the same way a computer recognizes a USB device when it is plugged in.

The FREEDM Systems Center Graduate Fellowship is designed to help increase the number of outstanding and underrepresented Ph.D. students in the FREEDM Systems Center. The Undergraduate Research Scholars Program is designed to immerse undergraduate student researchers in the culture and programs of the center.

As part of the FREEDM Systems ERC, Missouri S&T’s computer science department plays a major role in the development of distributed grid intelligence.

Missouri S&T’s participation in the FREEDM effort is led by Dr. Mariesa Crow, the Fred W. Finley Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Missouri S&T and director of the university’s Energy Research and Development Center.

Article Sources: S&T students win awards for ‘smart’ grid research

Common Types of Pressure Washer Nozzles

One of the most important accessory of your pressure washer is the pressure nozzles. It plays an essential part in making pressure washers effective and essential cleaning equipment. The versatility of the pressure washers depend for the type of nozzle you will employ. They are responsible in controlling the spray coming from the unit. It can be used for thick mud, dirt, greases, paint, wall sidings, fence, metal, carwash and many more. There are several nozzles that are out today available in the market but each has their particular specific purpose. Do not forget that each nozzle has its own purposes. The compatibility towards the pressure washers and nozzles depends on the power capacity with the equipment. Before cleaning together with your pressure washer, check which kind of nozzle fits exactly for your cleaning job. Whenever they your work easier and safer. 0 spray nozzle or red tip nozzle A nozzle which causes pencil-like stream of water which may handle even the highest level of pressure. This spray angle is perfect for heavy-duty task and larger spaces that produces the highest force of pressure washer stream that concentrates the lake on a very small area. It’s normally used on construction sites as well as other cleaning applications that cope with concretes. 15 spray or yellow tip nozzle A sort of nozzle that is often called the chiseling tips given it creates a 15 degree fan spray pattern. You can use it as a scraper to peel from the lime paint, mold, or mildew. Make use of this type of nozzle for tough cleaning task and witnessed the way it removes easily and see it like a new. 25 spray or green tip nozzle This type of nozzle that is powerful for surfaces. Celebrate a 25 degree fan pattern the impeccable type of washing tip. This nozzle spray moves just like a magic broom for sweeping dirt about the driveways, pathways, pool side, roofs, or vegetation on flat surfaces. It’s a good preparation process for surfaces that needs repainting. This green tip pressure washer nozzle can handle common types of cleaning application since it has the perfect balance between power and coverage. 40 spray white tip nozzle The widest angle sprayer that produces 40 degrees. To cleaning light-sensitive items and fragile things like glasses, windows, cars, bikes or furniture for your garden. It produces wider dispersion of water spray perfect for these products. They are also very preferable to clean delicate items. In addition to those nozzles there are also specialized nozzles which are made specifically for a certain type of cleaning jobs. Other pressure washer has nozzles and accessories within the product like Michelin. Be sure you pick the right nozzles for your pressure washer cleaning jobs properly and attached it securely from your high pressure stream water it gives. If you are planning to buy new accessories and pressure washer parts, click on sydneytols.com.au. See their wide and finished product items that will fit the bill. parts washer filter

Article Sources: Hoytalphamax.com » Blog Archive » Common Types of Power washer Nozzles

Vibrant, snappy, lucky, cheerful, romantic — how can one color do so much?

But red means more than love, fire or "stop."

"Red is powerful," said Mary Ann Downey, a designer in Sacramento, Calif. "It makes people feel warm and loved. Also, it incites good appetites, and people look good around red, particularly at night."

Red can make itself at home year-round. It's become a favorite of decorators and product designers. Your whole home can be red, from appliances to wallpaper. But like chocolate, red may be best in moderation.

"Red is a classic color," said Rachel Skafidas, Dutch Boy Paints color-and-design specialist. "You are always going to see it around. What makes it look new is the colors that you pair it with, and how warm or cool it is."

Ask any hair colorist: Making the right red is an art. Same goes with paint. Add a bit of blue; red cools. More yellow brings more heat.

Today's red — after years of the country seeing red ink in tough economic times — also reflects new optimism and an upbeat attitude.

"The reds that you will see out there are warming up with more of a yellow undertone; very passionate and energizing," Skafidas said.

Dutch Boy offers about 160 reds, including nine new shades this year. Among the introductions is a throwback: Rocket Red. Said Skafidas, "This is a classic red with a warmer undertone that is great for a pop of color or bringing back that nostalgic feeling of the past."

Dutch Boy's best-selling reds also reflect an iconic feel: Crimson Sky, Red Wagon and Victory Red.

Shoppers have many more red products from which to choose. For example, a laundry room brings new meaning to "power wash" with a red Whirlpool washer and dryer. An all-red kitchen fires up mealtime with a retro-red Smeg refrigerator, a red Bertazzoni range and a red KitchenAid mixer. A romantic bedroom overflows with red linens.

No wonder interior designers hear more requests for red.

"It transcends styles and time periods and goes well with a variety of other colors," said Deborah Wecselman, a Florida designer with a national following. "It's a unique and different color you don't see every day and can brighten up and work with any room. There is nothing like walking into a room and seeing a bright red rug or piece of artwork with red tones paired with something patterned, such as a zebra couch."

"I love red!" said Downey, who has done all-red rooms. "Often, designers attract people who share common interests, and I always think red means an adventurous spirit even if it's a 'closeted' one."

Although she's drawn to many shades, Downey uses the right red for the right room.

"It really depends upon the room, level of formality and type of room," she said. "It's a wonderful entertainment color — good in dining, living rooms and kitchens."

Kerrie Kelly of Sacramento, author of "Home Decor: A Sunset Design Guide" (Sunset Books, 2009), also works a lot with red.

"I adore red!" Kelly said. "When red has an undertone of blue, it can create an intriguing dining or office space. With more of an orange undertone, it creates a sense of playfulness in a space, which is perfect for children's or outdoor areas."

Kelly offered some examples of red's many moods. A bachelor pad wrapped in red becomes the perfect backdrop for contemporary art and menswear fabrics, such as a charcoal pinstripe on wingback chairs. For a jewelry designer's office, two-tone red wall covering created a feminine feel when contrasted against black bookcases and paired with an animal-print rug.

Gold River, Calif., designer Cheryl Deagon also uses different reds to create different moods.

"I do love working with the blue-reds like wine and burgundy that bring romance and elegance to a space," she said. "I also love working with the warm reds like tomato and burnt orange that are friendly and vibrant. It all depends on the look and feel that the client is looking for that will determine how much and which shade of red will be incorporated into a room."

It's possible to have too much red, Deagon noted. "It depends a lot on the lighting. A room with a lot of light — or a lot of white — can handle more red. In a darker room, red stands out more."

Deagon, whose company Arranging Places specializes in room makeovers, tries to work with what clients already own.

Deagon offered this example of red success: The homeowner wanted a family room that was friendly and inviting with a modern look. They chose a red couch and brown chairs that have the same clean lines. All red furniture would have been too much in the room; the brown gave it a modern flair and kept the red from becoming too dominant.

"We painted the walls a lovely shade of yellow to brighten the room and add softness," she added. "The pictures and pillows pulled the reds, yellows and browns together with a touch of silver for elegance. The result is a bright, friendly and welcoming space that the homeowner loves being in."

The Asian art of feng shui — which harmonizes living spaces with positive energy flow — uses the power of red, Deagon noted. "People want a red front door in feng shui. Red brings prosperity and good luck into your home."

But red can also overwhelm its surroundings.

"I (worked on) one home with a room where there was too much red," Deagon said. "That room was a little too vibrant. I toned it down with darker wood tones and brought in some blues for balance.

"On the other hand, a room full of neutrals needs a lift. That's when you bring in red accents, such as pillows, a vase or an accent wall."

It doesn't take a lot of red to make a big difference, Kelly noted, citing another example. "Adding red cushions to a more neutral-toned banquette cheerfully greets homeowners each morning while creating a leisurely space for breakfast, reviewing emails and reading the paper."

Red in many hues can be layered. Instead of five pillows in one red, choose five complementary shades.

Said Downey: "The best way to use red is with several shades in one area. Pick your favorite red and then add tones on either side. You get to provide rich impact this way without an assault to the senses."

One red accent can form the backbone of a whole room.

"I'm working on a San Francisco home, designing a living room around a beautiful red- and cream-colored Aubusson silk rug," said Sacramento designer Shiree Segerstrom. "I particularly like using red as an accent color with olive or sage green or even a pale greenish blue."

Wecselman found eye-catching red leather chairs, then designed a dining room to match. "I made the chairs the central theme of the room and then worked around that," she said. "They definitely add pops of color and draw attention."

Even a little red can do a lot.

"If you don't know where to start when it comes to incorporating red into your home, start by introducing small pieces such as a vase or throw pillow," Kelly said. "Once you see the extra life it brings to your space, you'll be more confident to use it going forward."

Added Wecselman: "Don't be afraid to use it. (Red) can add romance, excitement and surprise to any room."

Contact Debbie Arrington at .

Distributed by Scripps Howard News Service.

This will make you see red

We talked to several red-loving designers and color experts about working with that powerful color year-round. Here's their advice:

Start with a favorite red. Lipstick, tomato, brick, scarlet, rose, burgundy, vermilion — there are so many different shades of red, it's hard to choose just one.

"Raspberry is great with most everything," said Sacramento, Calif., designer Mary Ann Downey. "I personally love the warm reds, just past fire-engine red. Tomato can work really well with other colors, too."

Sacramento designer Kerrie Kelly, author of "Home Decor: A Sunset Design Guide" (Sunset Books, 2009), gets specific. "Ralph Lauren's Barn Red has been a tried-and-true color for me," she said. "I have used it in dining rooms and library spaces. Its warm base envelops a room, stimulating conversation and energy."

Sacramento designer Shiree Segerstrom's current favorite: oxblood. It's dark, romantic and passionate.

What goes with red: More than you'd think. It depends on the shade. Most reds are not just red but a mix with either blue or yellow-orange tones. It's those undertones that determine what fits.

"Green is the natural complement to red on the color wheel," noted Rachel Skafidas, Dutch Boy Paints color-and-design specialist. "However, you can virtually pair any color family with red. The tricky part is making sure the values and intensities of the colors pair well."

The classic combination: Red, white and black.

"Red with white looks crisp, clean, vibrant," Gold River, Calif., designer Cheryl Deagon said. "Bright red goes wonderful with white or black. If you're looking for a contemporary look, silver or black is an excellent choice with red."

But don't stop there. "Yellows, greens, browns, beiges, white and black all go great with red," Deagon added.

Consider pairing red with creams, taupes, acid greens, purple, yellow and orange, suggested Downey.

Pairing red with wood or metal: Red works with a wide range of woods and metal finishes. Again, watch those undertones.

Consider red-toned wood such as cinnamon wood, mahogany or rosewood, said Deborah Wecselman, a Florida-based interior designer with a national reputation. "Even dark wood looks stunning with red."

"Mahoganys have historical roots with red walls, but the selection of red needs to be thoughtful, as some reds can clash with a reddish wood," Downey said. "I love striated charcoal wood finishes with red. Try red with bear browns, ebony and neutral wood tones. Walnut is good, too."

What about metal fixtures? "Gun-metal metallics and silverleaf are fabulous metals with red," Downey said. "Warm polished nickels and soft golds work, too."

Said Deagon, "I especially love the darker finishes with red; the walnut and espresso finishes."

What doesn't work with red: Watch those orange and yellow undertones; they can clash.

"It doesn't work well with rusty-colored woods that have an orange cast," Segerstrom said.

"I'd stay away from polished golds," Downey added.

Ways to use more red: Start small and simple, then let the red flow. It can begin with a bouquet of red roses or a classic red vase. Pillows are easy; toss some red on the couch, chair, bed or floor.

Downey offers more suggestions. "You can paint an accent wall; paint a small accent piece of furniture as a curiosity; recover dining-room-chair seats; add red knobs to cabinets.

"Red glass accessories are beautiful and red leather-bound books are rich," she added. "You might start a collection of red plates to mount on a wall, or look for old red Asian lacquer trays, perhaps a chest. Or invest in red cloth napkins with napkin rings."

Article Sources: Red all about it! Choose red hues to enliven space

Just a little TLC can help you save a ship load of unnecessary wasted some time and a ship load of money. So take time to go how old is my washer ? through this informative guide to take full advantage of your power washer.

It’s this type of faster way when utilizing high power washer for cleaning of your property yearly. You should use exactly the same washer to wash your patio, front yard, carpark area, flooring, roofing and deck. The tool itself might be useful however it all is dependent how it been how to buy a washer and dryer used and which kind of pressure energy you select. Some high power washer might not appropriate for use at home due to the fact its pressure excessive which could spoilt the surfaces you are attempting to wash.

The Campbell Hausfeld PW4070 power washer is combined having a plastic high-pressure hose having a 1/4-inch diameter. The hose measures 50 ft lengthy. Therefore, you will not have to slowly move the whole machine around when you really need to wash different areas.

Direct Drive ?this kind of drive works having a shaft directly connected in the motor towards the pump. The benefit of by using this setup is the fact that because the pump is directly attached to the motor, the pump has the capacity to attain the same Revoltions per minute the motor makes. Using this setup enables for any smaller sized power washer design because the unit has couple of moving parts. However, because the setup requires the pump to show in the same Revoltions per minute the motor does, certain parts from the pump are exposed to more deterioration.

Pressure washing machines comes in many types and designs. One major differentiation lies inside the water temperature used some use cold water, lg washer parts diagram some warm water plus some steam, while some have three choices for cleaning. For very persistent grease or stains, steam pressure washing machines are the most useful. They’re simply more efficient as in comparison to cold or hot water pressure cleaning.

Only a brief take a look at downtown Toronto will disclose a town that may truly boast a contemporary appearance. Which means that you are able to rely on towering highrises, both residential and industrial, which boast the always-popular quantity of gleaming home windows. Actually it appears to become a general rule among tall structures the more home windows that have established yourself, the greater visually pleasing your building is both from inside and also the outdoors (it has been true in the medieval age range of cathedrals by way of present).how old is my washer ?

Tags: campbell hausfeld, high pressure hose, inch diameter, power washer, pressure energy, pressure washing, ship load, steam pressure

Article Sources: how old is my washer ?Advantages Of Employing Washer Repair Experts

VACAVILLE — Vacaville firefighter Louis Jones knew he wasn’t seeing things when he responded Thursday morning to a call at a mobile home — and saw items that had been stolen from him last week.

A home on Bishop Drive that Jones had been preparing to rent out was burglarized overnight last week. A 4-wheel dirt bike, washer and dryer, tools, lawn mower, wood chipper, power tools, hand tools and personal items were stolen.

When he arrived at the mobile home on Sunset Drive for a medical call Thursday, he noticed another missing item that looked familiar — a plastic, bright yellow wedge used to stabilize cars during extractions was being used as a doorstop on the gate to the home.

“I recognized it right away,” Jones said. “I became suspicious right away.”

His suspicions were confirmed when he went inside the home and saw the missing Whirlpool washer and dryer he intended to leave to the new tenants of his rental home.

Being a firefighter and medical responder, he kept his cool, he said. The man in the mobile home was transported to VacaValley Hospital.

“We took care of our business and left,” Jones said.

As Jones and the other responders were leaving, they encountered 47-year-old Ricky Mankini, who also lived at the mobile home park, according to Vacaville police Officer Debi Lopez.

“We didn’t confront him,” Jones said. “I called the police.”

Vacaville police contacted Mankini at the hospital, where he was visiting his housemate, Jones said. A search of Mankini’s vehicle revealed more stolen items and Mankini was arrested for possession of stolen property and booked into the Solano County jail, Lopez said.

Jones returned to the mobile home where he identified his property.

“The only thing we recovered was the washer and dryer, a lawn mower, some paint, hinges, paint brushes and keepsakes — beer steins with firefighting related artwork,” Jones said.

The recovered property is worth about $2,300, Lopez said.

“Ninety percent of the stuff is still missing,” Jones said. He estimates it’s worth between $8,000 and $10,000.

But Jones, a firefighter for 20 years — 10 of them with the Vacaville department — kept his perspective about the stolen property.

“It’s just stuff,” he said. “It’s not like it’s a life or death situation.”

Copyright © 2012 by Bay City News, Inc. republication, re-transmission or reuse without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited.

Article Sources: Vacaville firefighter responding to call finds stolen items — from his own home