The Properties of Copper

This is the Rachiele Learning Center, so I suppose I should have some brilliant information to pass on. I think I will talk about copper. Copper is a metal that I know quite a bit about, but feel much like a novice in comparison to what secrets lie inside that marvelous metal. Here are some things that I have learned over the years.
1. It is difficult to get copper to turn green. Funny, huh? Most people assume copper will turn green in a sink after a while. That simply is not the case. I have had copper sinks in my home for almost 10 years, no green! In fact, part of the roof on my house is copper – no green!

2. Copper is good for your health. Our bodies depend on copper for neurological activity, for creating our own internal heat, and for communication between and among cells. Copper is the catalyst that helps certain foods make hemoglobin in our blood. The presence of copper is also necessary for the function of critical enzymes in our metabolism. In fact, a deficiency in copper is one factor leading to an increased risk of high cholesterol and coronary heart disease.

3. Copper and the H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu) Researchers placed 2 million plaque forming units of Influenza A (H1N1) on coupons of C11000 copper (common, pure copper sheet metal) and on S30400 (common stainless steel) at room temperature and then came back periodically to determine the survival rates of the samples. On the stainless steel, the pathogen declined to 1 million after six hours and to 500,000 after 24 hours. Meanwhile, the copper surface achieved a reduction to 500,000 after only one hour and inactivated all but 500 — a 99.99% reduction — after just six hours. Hmmm, no wonder none of us have had the flu here!

Holiday Season, time for family and friends

Hello folks,

I always look forward to this time of the year. It is time to see relatives that I only see once or twice a year. It is time to leave the warmth of Florida and head up North to the arctic weather of Upstate New York. (I just got a chill) I hope your holiday brings good health and time for family and friends.

I thought I would take this time for you to get to know me a bit better. Some of you have mentioned that you feel you know me a bit from my YouTube videos on our website.

First and foremost, I am a thinker. I try, thanks to people like Melissa (who works with me) to be empathetic. I also try to think things through before I go forward. That way, I can potentially see the ramifications of my actions in advance, allowing me to make adjustments.

Secondly, I am a straight shooter. I say what is on my mind and feel that I am often not so politically correct. That being said, I base my words and actions on truth (as I see it). We all have different perspectives, therefore there is room for error and I try to have an open mind about that.

My passions are many. My friends often tell me that they are amazed at all the things I do. I am a musician and play in a rock and roll band. Yes, I am trying to relive my youth. I also love to cook, but have little time for that these days. I also love to travel. My wife and I have managed to visit some wonderful places over the past few years. One of our favorites is the Grove Park Inn, in Asheville, NC. If you are ever in the area, this historic retreat is a must stay. They have a wonderful underground spa with swimming pools, waterfalls and a great massage! Make sure you have reservations well in advance. I suppose my companies are among my biggest passions. I love to come to the office every morning. Best yet, I get to talk to customers about sinks. That is truly my daily passion. I feel so good after speaking with someone who has called in for a double bowl sink and then orders a single bowl sink – then calls after they have used it and tells us that they would never go back to a double bowl sink again.

Lastly, I am fortunate! I am surrounded with loving and caring family and friends. What a blessing!
Merry Christmas and happy holidays!