fireater

Funny, no one has talked about the "ideal" material for counter tops. Over the years, several famous chefs have been asked about the best material for counters. Never has granite been among the chosen materials. All have demanded different materials for different areas. Julia Child had 4 materials: stainless or soapstone for sink and surrounds for toughness and easy cleaning, tile next to stove for hot pans, marble for pastry preparation area, and butcher block for the island. Granite looks best in magazines and in kitchens where no actual cooking is done. I'll take soapstone and butcher block for my kitchen.

I like 2Paul's idea. In the west, we have fire hazard and cool nights. Has anyone used slate/stone/etc as a deck to 1. look great, 2. be fire-proof, and 3. give heat back to evening deck users after soaking it up all day?

My wife bought me a titanium framing hammer for Christmas. I don't do much framing, but I've discovered that I keep using the hammer, because it feels so good. I think that there will be a family of these hammers over time.