The Center for Environmental Studies

Refining Strategies to Deliver Energy Efficiency and Green Technology Innovation

2009-01-30T03:05:00.000-08:00

Author: Jennifer Lee

By Jennifer Lee April 2006

While concerns are increasing over how long global oil supplies will match consumer needs, the pathway is widening for companies offering technological and environmental solutions. With increasing support from a Federal level and individual States increasing their incentives for energy saving products, companies already establishing themselves in this sector are also in a position to expand their product lines and reach into new areas being promoted at a government level. SunPower Corporation (NASDAQ: SPWR), Alchemy Enterprises Ltd. (OTCBB: ACHM), Encore Clean Energy Inc. (OTCBB: ECLNE) and Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) discuss their vision on technology, innovation and market drivers in the changing energy sector.

On a recent visit to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, President Bush spoke about the country's potential to become less dependent on non-renewable sources. During his presentation he clarified: ""What I'm talking about is a comprehensive strategy. In other words, we're not relying upon one aspect of renewable energy to help this country become less dependent. We're talking about a variety of fronts."" As we see states moving to increase their energy saving incentives, offering rebates to consumers who opt to purchase energy wise products, the reach of these state policies can be felt across many sectors.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Secretary Samuel W. Bodman made the announcement on April 3rd that, ""$140.3 million in weatherization program grants (will be designated) to 31 states and the Navajo Nation to make energy efficiency improvements in homes of low-income families."" The Department conferred that, ""weatherization can reduce an average home's energy costs by $358 annually.""

Such a future for world supplies of oil present hybrid and fuel cell manufacturing companies with an entry point into the market. As these opportunities continue to present themselves, the changing shape of transportation design and delivery should follow a pattern of competition among global leaders already entering into this realm.

Innovation and Expansion As the market grows, we are seeing companies such as Honda Motor Co. Ltd. (NYSE: HMC) expanding their range of services, with the launch of a compact household cogeneration unit, which combines ""the world's smallest natural gas engine-with an efficiency configured, compact, lightweight power generation system employing Honda's unique sine-wave inverter technology to create a compact unit suitable for residential use, boasting an energy efficiency of 85%."" According to the company, the use of this unit in combination with a heating system which uses ""recovered exhaust heat is expected to result in approximately 30% reduction in CO2 emissions.""

Honda supplies these units to Climate Energy LLC, headquartered in Boston Massachusetts. According to a release issued by the Climate Energy, the Micro-CHP System is, ""conveniently configured to replace existing space heating furnaces and boilers in new and existing homes. The concept is simple: electric power is produced as a by-product of the normal supply of heat to the home. The result can be dramatic; lower electric bills will be experienced by homeowners, while ultimately lowering the nation's overall energy use and pollutant emissions.""

World Oil Supplies Taking a look at the future of fuel supplies available to meet global demand is a pressing topic for investors and consumers alike. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) recently released a report in February entitled, ""Peaking of World Oil Production: Impacts, Mitigation & Risk Management,"" authored by Robert L. Hirsch, Roger Bezdek and Robert Wendling. Under a section dealing with the topic of current oil resources, it states that ""because oil prices have been relatively high for the past decade, oil companies have conducted extensive exploration over that period, but their results have been disappointing. If recent trends hold, there is little reason to expect that exploration success will dramatically improve in the future.""

The solution to the current oil dilemma presents a challenge for enterprise, in such a respect that fuel efficient vehicles must be made affordable and practical for end users. Speaking at a scheduled talk entitled, ""National Security: High Mileage Vehicles and Alternative Fuels"" at a renewable energy and fuels convention in Las Vegas April 11th this year, Roger Duncan of Austin Energy, spoke about the state's Plug-in Partners National Campaign. The initiative involves the use of plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs) which are, ""outfitted with a battery pack sufficient to power the vehicle from 20 to 60 miles on battery charge alone. Considering that half the cars on America's roads are driven 25 miles a day or less, a plug-in with a 25-mile range battery could eliminate gasoline use in the daily commute of millions of Americans."" DaimlerChrysler is already making a Sprinter Van prototype which has an 'all-electric' range of 20 miles.

Panelists at this talk tended to agree that bigger batteries needed to be allocated to hybrid vehicles in order to make them more efficient and useful in the fight against oil dependency. Speaking on the energy front overall, a report issued by Pricewaterhouse Coopers entitled, ""The Big Leap: Utilities Global Survey 2006,""

Gradually, the solutions for today's current energy dilemmas are being introduced on a scalable level. Making renewable energy affordable, convenient and accessible continue to be the challenges associated with opening the way forward in this market. Since the introduction of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, the impact is gradually being felt, but the emphasis could continue to be left with the end users, who are suggested to be the primary market drivers for this sector.

Three factors which continue to affect levels of investment in this sector are regulatory uncertainty, oil shortages and the growing demand to boost US security and lessen the dependence on foreign oil reserves. As regulations change per state on a continual basis, the market will evolve to meet the demands of government, but end users must be able and informed about the options they can afford. As US security becomes a heightened issue however, this industry may get the added boost and incentive it needs to bridge the gap between capital investment, product manufacture and end user purchasing. Full article: http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/Articles/Renewables_Market.a sp Disclaimer

Jennifer Lee Jennifer Lee has a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. She holds a publishing certificate from Simon Fraser University and has worked at both Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where she began her career as an editorial intern. She has worked as an editor in countries such as Zimbabwe and South Africa, producing books, newsletters and editing various quarterly magazines on a variety of international development related topics. In South Africa, she worked to help produce a bi-weekly newsletter for the Institute for Security Studies on crime and corruption headlines which appeared in all national and provincial papers. Prior to working in southern Africa, she wrote articles for DMR Consulting Group, on mergers and acquisitions taking place in the market during 2001. She now produces a quarterly publication at the University of British Columbia.

InvestorIdeas.com Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, InvestorIdeas is not affiliated or compensated by the companies mentioned in this article. Catherine Lacoursiere is a freelance writer. Nothing in the articles should be construed as an offer or solicitation or recommendation to buy or sell any specific products or securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results.

About the author: Jennifer Lee has a degree in English Literature from the University of British Columbia. She holds a publishing certificate from Simon Fraser University and has worked at both Vancouver and Western Living magazines, where she began her career as an editorial intern. She now produces a quarterly publication at the University of British Columbia.

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Get Ready for Summer!

2009-01-29T03:06:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Ah, summer! Long hot, lazy days, picnics in the sun, afternoons at the beach, barbecues in the backyard.

Bug bites. Sunburn. Poison ivy. Indigestion.

Better get ready - summer's coming, and so are all the little annoyances associated with it. Taking a few precautions and putting together a first aid kit of

natural remedies will help you get through the season with a minimum of problems.

Combining light-colored clothing with a strong SPF lotion will help you avoid sunburn. Even with the right clothes and a good lotion, however, you still need to pay attention to the length of time you stay in the sun; SPF lotion only lasts for a certain amount of time. In case you do end up with a sunburn, applying a combination of aloe and lavender oils will soothe your skin and help heal the burn. Calamine lotion is great for poison ivy and poison oak. For insect bites, cuts, scrapes, and splinters, an effective remedy is Quret salve, a popular potion since 1918. And for upset stomach and motion sickness, stock a supply of Ginger Chimes, a chewy candy that's a great assist to digestion.

If you're prepared with a few simple remedies, you and your family should be able to enjoy the summer weather and avoid the hassles commonly associated with the season.

About the author: Aldene Fredenburg is a freelance writer living in southwestern New Hampshire. She has written numerous articles for the Internet and for local and regional publications. She can be reached at amfredenburg@yahoo.com.

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Bad Breath Remedies

2009-01-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Michelle Oberton

Bad breath, also known as Halitosis in medical terminology, is an unpleasant odor that exits the mouth while breathing. This occurrence can be both embarrassing and troubling to many who suffer from the airborne nuisance. There are different types of bad breath, which occur for different reasons and therefore require different treatments.

Temporary bad breath is commonly caused by a dry mouth, poor oral hygiene, certain types of food and/or smoking. Any one or a combination of these can result in bad breath. Another common type of temporary bad breath is known as morning breath, which occurs first thing in the morning as an individual opens his/her eyes. Chronic bad breath is often caused by certain medical conditions, medications and/or oral buildup.

The determination of bad breath is often made by the person who suffers from it. A dryness or pasty feeling in the mouth and/or an unpleasant taste are both symptoms of bad breath. The best way for a quick, and temporary, relief is to drink a glass of water. This will restore moisture in the mouth and will help to provide some fast results.

The treatment for bad breath may include regular dental visits and proper cleaning, brushing 2 to 3 times daily or after every meal, regular flossing, a change in food consumption and/or diet regimen. In addition, many bad breath sufferers find that brushing the tongue will help to rid the mouth of bacteria that could later lead to a foul odor. Unfortunately for many who suffer from chronic bad breath due to an illness or necessary medication, the only plan of action against bad breath is to mask the problem as effectively as possible. A mouthrinse, chewing gum or breath freshener may help to reduce the noticeability of bad breath.

Anyone who suffers from bad breath may wish to carry a packet of chewing gum, breath mints and/or breath spray for quick relief. In the event that it isn't always possible to brush after every meal, such as often the case when dining at work or with colleagues, these items will help to mask any odor until the individual is able to properly cleanse their mouth.

The information contained in this article is to be used for reference only. It is not to be used in place of, or in conjunction with, professional medical advice. Anyone who suffers from bad breath that cannot be eliminated with the above methods, or whose condition seems to worsen, should consult a physician for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

About the author: To find out more about bad breath , please visit our website at www.best-bad-breath-cure.info . It contains tons of free bad breath articles, resources and tips.

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Sustainable Forestry Practices Adopted by Many Lumber Companies in the U.S.

2009-01-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

There's arguably nothing more visually pleasing than the smooth, natural beauty of a piece of finely crafted furniture, or the simple elegance of a beautifully finished hardw ood floor . But for many years, concerns have been raised about harvesting old-growth hardwood forests for use in the furniture and building industries.

Back in the nineties, home improvement giant Home Depot was under fire for offering wood and wood products harvested using destructive lumbering practices, and even offering exotic woods taken by clear-cutting methods from endangered tropical rain forests.

To everyone's astonishment, Home Deport listened; and today they are proud to claim that 85 percent of the wood they sell comes from sustainable forestry practices. They are an amazing example of what can happen when a major corporation chooses to adopt a responsible attitude toward the environment.

Meanwhile, many smaller companies began their business with a commitment to sustainable forestry practices, and continue their dedication to environmentally sound timber harvesting today. For instance, Morse Hardwoods, a company specializing in flooring and millwork crafted from both soft- and hardwoods, uses selective cutting to ensure the continued growth of forests, and plans each cut it makes before it cuts the harvested timber to maximize the yield from every log and to minimize waste. Morse and other small timber companies in the U.S. have led the way to sustainable practices.

As the public becomes more aware of the importance of forest sustainability and chooses products manufactured from wood harvested in environmentally sound ways, the demand for these products will increase, and the sustainable forestry movement will continue to grow - which is good news for the environment.

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Upscale Goes Green: Homeowners Focus Increasingly on Sustainable Energy, Renewable Building Materials

2009-01-26T03:05:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

A quiet revolution is going on in the real estate sector. Many successful professionals are putting considerable money into building their own dream homes, and many of those professionals are choosing to build according to green principles.

Perhaps the first decision these new homeowners face is how to heat and cool their homes. Before even considering what sort of heating and cooling system they will choose, they need to decide on a design and materials for the exterior structure. Alternative building methods including rammed earth, straw bale, and flying concrete construction feature thick walls, often over a foot thick, which conserve heat in the winter and keep the home cool in the summer. Some homeowners are even opting for subterranean dwellings, using the natural insulating quality of the earth to lessen their need for additional heating. Even when opting for conventional wood structures, homeowners are choosing the latest insulation materials, which offer optimal heat conservation with little to no outgassing of toxic fumes.

Energy-conserving heating systems, some of which create radiant heat from hot water pumped through pipes beneath the floors, save on energy; passive solar construction - homes with south-facing exposure and large windows - allows the sun to warm the home. Solar panels provide electricity for lights and electrical appliances, and gray water systems recycle used water for additional use in the home. Some homeowners in colder climates opt for wood- or wood-pellet-burning furnaces rather than the conventional oil furnace, installing modern furnaces designed to minimize emissions.

Green-building homeowners and more and more developers opt for natural and sometimes manmade materials created from renewable resources, materials which do not expose residents to health risks. Vinyl, which is infamous for outgassing toxic fumes, is rejected in favor of safer materials; hardwood flooring, much of it harvested from old-growth forests, is replaced with materials like bamboo, and cork, two renewable materials providing two very different, attractive looks in flooring.

Those not in the position to design and build their own home still have the option of ""greening"" an existing home, using a wealth of safe, nontoxic natural materials. Conventional plywood, which is manufactured using urea formaldehyde, can be replaced with a number of new, safer materials, including ""Plyboo,"" created from bamboo. Kiln-fired clay tiles, wood from sustainable forests, natural, safe interior and exterior paints, and a host of other materials help create a clean, healthy home environment.

Building and renovating green currently costs more than using conventional materials; some green builders estimate the difference at about 15 percent. However, recently wood prices have soared, and increasing transportation costs due to the rising cost of gasoline and diesel has impacted the price of building materials, so the difference in cost between conventional and green building may well even out. As it stands now, increasing numbers of prospective homeowners are willing to pay a premium for a home made of attractive, sustainable, and healthy building materials.

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Connect with Nature in New Hampshire's State Parks

2009-01-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Enjoy an amazing range of activities while experiencing the dynamic the natural beauty of New Hampshire in any of the state's many spectacular, well maintained parks.

New Hampshire has eleven major and numerous smaller state parks, camgrounds, and historical sites, each of which offers a unique mix of attractions. From Pisgah Park in the southwestern corner of the state to Deer Mountain Campground near the Canadian border, the state parks and campgrounds offer a unique blend of experiences.

Hike into the wilderness on any of the many marked trails, choosing an easy hike on mostly level ground or a venture into the most rugged terrain of the White Mountains. Or choose among a variety of water activities, including swimming, kayaking, canoeing, or sailing. If you're interested in motorized boating, check the regulations for each park first; some parks allow motorboats, while others do not, or restrict their use to certain areas of the park.

Entry to some of the state parks is free, while others require a fee. And if you're planning to use camping facilities or a cooking area like one of the many outdoor fireplaces, you will need a reservation. Also be aware that once you make a reservation you need to pay the fee in advance, prior to using the facilities. Reservations not paid for within seven days are cancelled.

Space is limited in some of these parks, and the demand is great, so plan your vacation ahead of time, and make your reservations early!

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Screensavers - Live Flowers On Your Screen

2009-01-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: CDMohatta

Most of you must know about screensavers. A screensaver was normally used to save the screen against prolonged non-use. You can set the time after which the screensaver appears on your screen and protect your screen. Now they are not required for this purpose. But you can still enjoy them whenever you want and relax.

Most of the screensavers are made either with static wallpapers appearing one after other or three-dimensional designs. The latest innovation is live video. In this kind of screensaver, video shots of live objects are taken, edited and made into a revolving film. The film is then given effects and converted to flash. This flash movie, when added to installer, becomes a screensaver.

Now you can view live flowers dancing in the garden on your desktop. With innovation in technology and artistry, the quality of the shot gets enhanced when converted in flash. Installing and uninstalling such screensavers is simple. A click of mouse does that. Download few screensavers with live flowers on your machines and watch them whenever you are getting bored or tired. Live music accompanies the screensaver adding to the relaxing power.

You can view some of the screensavers and downlod from here -

Free Flowers Screensavers and

Flowers Screensavers . Chose colors that you love. You can also choose flower screensavers with romantic or inspirational text. Bring the beauty of flowers to your desktops and relax with the soothing sight and music.

About the author: CDMohatta writes content for animated screensavers . The designs include -

flower screensavers and

love screensavers .

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Why The Frogs No Longer Sing - A Case Study On The Survival Of A Freshwater Lake.

2009-01-23T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Peter Lim

I was disturbed to read today that the frogs from the Tasek Chini were no longer singing. They have practically disappeared. This may not seemed strange to you, in fact, you may not have any idea where Tasek Chini is . After all, it ""was"" a beautiful large mass of freshwater lake in the tropical forests of Malaysia. It ""was"" because it now no longer is beautiful as it was, with pollution levels reportedly 56 times higher than is considered healthy, and worse, this is right inside the tropical jungle.

The frogs are not the only ones disappearing. The fishes, cobras, pythons are also diminishing in numbers. Weeds called the ""Cat's Tail"" have proliferated, snuffing out important sunlight that would allow organisms to grow.

This is worrying enough for some concrete action to be taken to revive the ecosystem. In retrospect, how can action be taken to protect the environment, or a delicate ecosystem such as Tasek Chini, or any other lake in the world?

Here at Tasek Chini I read about the Sustainable Development Network or SUSDEN which is running the Save Tasik Chini Campaign since August 2004, and these are remedial steps taken by the authorities and the Non Government organisations in concert to step the decline:

1. Collect and remove fallen trees and weeds that choke the lake 2. reduce the pollution that comes from newly developed training camps for National Service that have been built near the lake 3. reduce the industrial pollution from nearby oil palm estates that bring fertilisers and pesticides into the lake 4. stop illegal logging activities near the lake 5. disallow opening of land within the forest near the lake 6. introducing programs to empower the aborigines called Jakun living in the surrounding areas of the lakes so that they continue to live there with their traditional resources that are linked to biodiversity conservation.

Most important of all is education to children on the importance of the lake and introduce them to the lifestyle of the aborgines living off the land surrounding the lake. These aborigines lived in harmony with the animals, plants and environment and they ensure the survival of the lake.

Now if you do have a lake in your area where you are living, ensure that the frogs stll sing. Frogs are a good barometer of the environment. Frogs are declining due to habitat destruction, contamination, predation and genetic pollution. Will the frogs sing again at Tasek Cini? We do not know yet, but there is one thing we do know. Irregardless of where we are, if we save the frogs, we may be able to save our lives too.

About the author: Peter Lim is a Certified Financial Planner who loves the outdoors. Now, where it is not possible to go to enjoy the great outdoors and the lakes everyday, we can still enjoy the fresh air and scenery right in front of our own homes during summer with our patio chairs. Learn how you can do so from http://www.patio-chairs.revenuemonitor.biz

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Sleeping Cool for Summer

2009-01-22T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Summer's coming, and so are long, hot summer nights. And with utility bills going up along with the price of fossil fuels, it might be a good idea to find ways to combat the heat without flipping the switch on that energy-hogging air conditioner.

Using opaque shades and / or curtains to block light from coming into the house during the day can cut the inside temperature substantially. Minimizing the amount of cooking, especially avoiding using the oven, helps as well. After the sun goes down and the outside temperature drops, it's easy to lower the inside temperature by setting up two fans on opposite ends of a room or the home, placing one to draw the cool outside air into the home, the other facing out to pull the warmer inside air to the outdoors. If you have a two-story house, placing a fan on the first floor in front of a door or window, facing in, will pull in the cooler air, while a second fan facing out in front of a window on the second floor will pull the hot air up through the house and out, eventually cooling both floors. Once the indoor living area is cool, it's okay to shut and lock doors and windows at night for safety's sake.

In terms of clothing, opt for woven cotton, either a nightgown or

pajamas , rather than polyester - loose fitting rather than tight. The same with sheets: A one-hundred-percent woven cotton sheet set will be much cooler than polyester or other manmade materials. Don't forget to drink plenty of liquids, including such summer treats as iced tea and lemonade.

A few easy measures can keep you comfortable this summer, and may allow you to avoid using that expensive air conditioner in all but the hottest weather. Good for your comfort, and great for your pocketbook!

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Post-Katrina Wetlands Restoration May Slow Down Powerful Storms

2009-01-21T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Aldene Fredenburg

Since Hurricane Katrina hit Louisiana, Mississippi, and part of Alabama at the end of August of 2005, global warming and the destruction of wetlands have shared in the blame for the devastation of the Gulf Coast. An increase in the temperature of the waters of the Gulf of Mexico is believed to have fueled the storm, substantially increasing its intensity, while the disappearance of wetlands - one U.S. Congresswoman estimated that fully 95 percent of U.S. coastal wetlands have been destroyed by development - has eliminated swamplands which have traditionally acted as a buffer for hurricanes.

Hurricanes travel swiftly over open waters, gathering intensity as they absorb energy from the warm waters of tropical and subtropical waters. As they hit land, however, the hurricanes quickly lose energy as the friction of the land serves to break up the storm and slow down the winds. Swamps and estuaries, with their thick vegetation and dense, almost spongy quality, actually act as a cushion, absorbing tremendous amounts of kinetic energy from the storm as it passes. (Think of a baseball thrown against a hard wall as opposed to a soft, thick pillow - the baseball will bounce off a wall retaining a lot of its energy, but will lose its motion and its kinetic energy entirely in the soft give of the pillow.)

NOAA (the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) recently rewarded a multimillion-dollar contract aimed at restoring 1400 acres of wetlands in Louisiana's Lafourche County. The aim is to restore a substantial portion of the wetlands in that area, which has been impacted negatively by construction, natural erosion, and subsidence (sinking of the land because of oil extraction and other human demands on the environment). The largest wetlands restoration project in the U.S. to date, it is just the beginning of a much larger restoration project proposed for the region. The hope is that these restored marshes will ameliorate the impact of the increasingly powerful hurricanes originating in the Atlantic.

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The Union of Self-Sufficiency and a Conventional Life

2009-01-20T03:06:00.000-08:00

Author: Murad Ali

Most of the self-sufficiency articles, websites and books talk about the need to reject all of conventional life and the convenience that comes along with it. Unless you desire to drag yourself out into the wilderness, eat berries all day, and waste all of that college education you will forced to find an alternative. There are lots of people, like me, who want to simplify their lives and still enjoy some of the things that made society so wonderful. The ultimate goal is to reduce your expenses/increase profits, produce most of what you consume and help to improve the environment.

Reducing expenses and increasing income is something that people have strived for all of their lives. With self-sufficiency you can do both although you probably wont get rich without years of saving and investing. A traditional house typically costs the owner more money than it will earn a person after appreciation. When we compare the worth of having a roof over our head (true worth)and the cost of a house in the city we have seriously overpaid. However, houses in a rural setting are generally less than their counterparts in the city. For example, I can buy a 3 bedroom house on a typical lot for the same price that I can buy the same house with 20 acres out in the country. The benefit is that the 20 acres can produce an income which I cannot get inside the city.

Not only can you produce an income on the twenty acres but you can reduce your grocery bill to almost nothing. The food will be better for you and more fresh. From the seedling to the kitchen pot you can be sure that nothing was added that is unhealthy for your body. The satisfaction that comes from knowing you can produce your own food and survive even during a great depression is a wonderful feeling. If a disaster is not in your future there is a good possibility that your property will be worth much more in the future than it is today. Everyday products like cheese, milk, vegetables, bread, meat, etc. can all be made with a small household farm.

One of the most important aspects of self-sufficiency is the ""connection"" man makes with nature. Unlike the mono-crop farmers who pour tons of fertilizer on the soil and reduce its lush qualities to desert the self-sufficient farmer is likely to engage in raised bed farming, organic farming, diversified crops and experimentation as a means to increase his/her yield. Scientists have come around in the past decade to agreeing that organic farming is the only way to grow sustainable for years. There is no contamination, little soil erosion, and no damage to the soil in small organic operations.

Self-sufficiency can be a healthy balance to a busy city life. It allows for a well-rounded perspective, protection from poverty, returns on investment and in many cases a second career. Many of us do not desire to give up all of the modern conveniences yet and still enjoy the benefits of living in modern society. By living simply and investing in land we are often able to decrease our expenses and increase our investments. This principle follows suit with widely available financial advice and furthers a person's understanding of his/her world.

About the author: Murad Ali is the two-time author of ""A Call to Greatness"" and an ""American Mecca"". He is developing an heirloom farm, is the editor of the Muslim Times, and a doctoral student. For further articles written by Murad Ali please visit http://www.muradenterprises.org

Alaska Drilling. Is it Necessary?

2009-01-19T03:05:00.000-08:00

Author: Murad Ali

Alaska Drilling. Is it Necessary?

Drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) has become a controversial issue when Republicans included the measure in a major defense bill. According to Democrats and moderate Republicans the piece of legislation was embedded in a major defense bill that couldn't be turned down. The total bill passed 306 voting for it and 106 against (House Approves drilling, 2005).

The new defense bill will hopefully reduce the federal deficit by 40 billion over the next 5 years (House Approves drilling, 2005). In addition to deficit reduction some of the money will go for military supplies, helping hurricane victims and subsidizing heat to those in poverty. Republicans feel that the measures are necessary if the White House fiscal obligations will again be on track.

In 1987 a report directed to Congress indicated that there were 26 major oil fields in Alaska (Adams, 1995). These oil fields could potentially supply 10 billion barrels pumped at 365 million barrels a year (Cowen & Doggett, 2005). It would take over 27 years to remove all of the oil.

Even though, without doubt, that the oil revenues would help the economy and the local Alaskan population the necessity of protecting one of the U.S.'s largest natural reserves remains unresolved. Native peoples who are strapped for cash and rising oil prices which damper the nation's economy are pitted against environmentalists who want to protect the multitudes of endangered species.

Since humans love to consume and make little effort to conserve natural resources there must be a balance against damaging natural preserves further in an attempt to furnish people's needs and protecting unspoiled land. By keeping the area relatively untouched businesses and governments will be forced to upgrade their fuel efficiency reducing the nation's dependence on natural resources. By opening the ANWR to only a small amount of oil mining instead of the full array of oil companies proposed by the government we can help push the nation into a stronger economic future that is less dependent than competing nations.

About the author: Murad is a two time published author on business and reform. For more articles like this one please visit http://www.muradenterprises.org

Shining Some Light on Solar Energy

2009-01-18T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Jim Fritz

Without a doubt, solar energy is the way of the future. Solar energy production is an extremely simple process to understand. A solar, or photovoltaic, cell collects energy from the Sun. A solar cell is a semiconductor device that is constructed using photovoltaic materials. It contains no liquids or chemicals, and no moving parts. Solar cells convert sunlight into electricity.

A solar panel generally consists of a series of individual cells, which are supported by a module that allows the cells to work in unison. The energy that is captured by the panel is stored in a battery. Solar panels generate direct current (DC) energy. Many solar energy systems have inverters in them which allow direct current (DC) electricity to be converted to alternating current (AC). Most consumer products such as appliances and electronics operate on AC current.

Unless you have a vast expanse of land to house an array of solar panels, it is unlikely that you will be able to power your entire home with solar energy. However, it is possible to power a single room in your house with a small array of panels fixed to the roof of your house. Multiply the wattage of each individual electrical device by the number of hours you expect to use them each day. That combined number will be your benchmark, or the bare minimum your system must be able to generate.

There are a number of options available to consumers that are considering converting to solar energy. A basic system that can be used to power a computer and a few other small items can be purchased for approximately $1000.00. Naturally, the price will increase with the production capacity of your system. In most regions, the price of an installed system will cost somewhere in the area of $10.00-$12.00 per watt.

Solar energy is one of a few truly renewable resources that can be used in energy and power generation. Every hour of every day, the Sun blankets our planet with enough energy to sustain our global energy needs for a year. As the technology behind photovoltaic energy advances, consumers will be unable to resist the urge to convert.

A lot of resources are being put into the development of solar energy technology. Most of the major oil and energy companies have entire divisions committed to solar energy. Researchers and engineers are spending countless hours trying to develop the technology today that will vastly improve conditions in the world tomorrow. It is no secret that we cannot continue down the path we are on. Fossil fuels are no longer a feasible option for energy production. The future is solar. The future is now.

About the author: Jim Fritz is a contributing writer to thesolarguide.com - a brilliant online resource for information about Solar Energy ,

Solar Panels ,

Solar Consumer Goods and more.

sell sino-nsh insulation oil recycling,filter,purifier,filtration,purification,regeneration,tr eatment,restoration,reclaiming,recovery plant

2009-01-17T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Anemone Tang

VFD--Double-Stage High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier Application VFD series is mainly used to improve the properties of insulation oil. It can remove trace water, gas, particulate matters etc. from the insulating oil effectively and rapidly so as to boost performance of transformers, circuit breakers, mutual inductors, cable and capacitors which has insulation system. VFD series specialize in purifying branded oil, insulating oil of high voltage and super high voltage transformer. Additionally, it is suitable for treating low viscosity lubrication oil.

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About the author: http://sinonsh11.ec51.com/ Sino-NSH Oil Purifier Manufacture Co., Ltd is a high-tech Company which is engaged in researching, developing and manufacturing lubrication purification equipment. Its parent company, Sino-NSH High-Tech Company, was established in 1992. NSH is located at Chongqing China where the third biggest river of the world, Yangtse, passes through it. The transportation is very convenient.

Saving the Endangered New Zealand Brown Teal - What's happening out in the field

2009-01-16T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Kevin Evans

Mimiwhangata, Northland from Emma Neill

* As at 07-Nov-05, 31 birds (14 ad F; 7 ad M; 6 juv F; 2 juv M; 2 unk sex juv) are fitted with transmitters. * Juveniles: 10 juveniles of the 2005 season have been radio-tagged so far, with more broods coming of age over the next two months. * Deaths: no deaths of the radio-tagged sample have occurred since the end of June 2005. * Breeding season: 25 breeding attempts recorded from 23 pairs, of those attempts, one nest was preyed on.

Okiwi, Great Barrier Island from Joanna Sim As at the beginning of November there are 54 birds fitted with transmitters (26AF, 12AM, 12JF, 4JM). Of these, 16 are missing which are a combination of suspected transmitter or battery failure and possible movement out of the basin. An aerial flight is planned soon to search specifically for these birds. James Fraser has been out recently to attach transmitters to juveniles and is also scheduled to come out for another transmitter attachment trip later this month to boost the numbers.

Two pateke with transmitters have died since July. Both birds died during the day but at this stage it is unclear what killed them. A duckling was seen in the claws of a pukeko in Okupu (further down the island) that had been decapitated - all birds have been sent off to Massey to ascertain cause of death. In addition 3 more un-transmittered birds have been found run over, one on Mabeys Road and two on Aotea Road.

At present there are no monitored females sitting on nests. Since July, there have been 7 failed breeding attempts, 2 unknowns and 6 successful nesters of which all still have broods. They range from 3 - 12 weeks old.

Monthly counts have been undertaken with increasing numbers at all sites recorded so far as post breeding females and juveniles move to these areas.

Craig has caught 25 cats for the months August - October & is continuing to survey & control for rabbits & pukekos.

Port Charles from Jason Roxburgh, Lettecia Williams, & Rebekah Caldwell

Predator Control: Since the last Roundup, the trapping has caught: * Kill traps: 2 Cats * Live traps: 1 Possum, 3 rats, 1 Banded Rail (in a cage trap) and... 14 Hedgehogs!

Monitoring: Since the May 19 release there have been 12 deaths of monitored birds (9 x 2005 released birds, and 2 x 2004 released birds). Of the 2005 released monitored birds there were: * 3 vehicle deaths * 5 predation deaths * 1 unknown death (found buried in creek) This means there are now 31 (78%) of the monitored 2005 release birds still alive. In late October we removed transmitters from 2 released birds due to transmitter attachment problems. Apart from that we've had no further transmitter or harness failures, so know the whereabouts of all the monitored birds

Breeding Season: There are a lot of almost fledged Pateke around, and several of the broods Rebekah has been following will fledge 100% of the ducklings hatched. Three nights spent out with James Fraser and dog Percy netted 34 birds. Twenty of these were fledglings, all of which were large enough to take leg bands, but only nine were large enough to take transmitters. This is part of a shift in our monitoring toward following ducklings through to their first breeding. Vehicle Deaths: A hazing fence has been erected to stop Pateke crossing the road from the release site into one of their favored feeding paddocks, forcing them to either fly over, or use the culvert under the road (see attached photos). This has meant there have been no vehicle deaths on that stretch of road since the fence was erected. Negotiations continue with the District Council to replace the two culverts under Carey Rd.

Rebekah and Lettecia continue to advocate strongly with residents and visitors about Pateke, especially asking people slow down and be careful while driving. As mentioned above, we continue to have vehicle related deaths, though the numbers are reducing around Port Charles.

TiriTiri Matangi from Barbara Walter

It is hectic here so many visitors so it is great that they get to see Jemima and Ossie at the Wharf Dam. We were on leave when the last round up was done. April time nearly all of our dams were dry and apart from Jemima and Ossie at the Wharf Dam and Finn at Lighthouse Valley Dam most of our ducks disappeared One of our males, Ralph from the N.E. Bay Dam was sighted Gulf Harbour Golf Course Dam. As the dams filled our teal were all seen again (this is of our monitered pairs) including Ralph seen at Gulf Harbour. Wharf Dam Jemima and Ossie 31.8.05. 3 ducklings which disappeared 4 days later. They take them up to Wattle Valley at nighttime instead of taking them a short distance to the short grass area. She is now sitting again. Lighthouse Valley Dam Finn and Britannia 19.9.05 she appeared near the Bunkhouse Dam a long way from the L. H.Valley Dam, with 2 ducklings. Finn was on the dam with another female.Two days later she was back with Finn on the L.H.Valley Dam but no ducklings. Fishermans Bay Dam Daisy and Ruan Nil happening. Daisy getting older ?Ten years old. N.E. Bay Dam Connie and Ralph Connie sitting at present, due ? 24. 11. 05. Bush 21.Dam Rose and sometimes Ralph! Nil happening she is also ?Ten years old Bunkhouse Dam Finn and 2other females! So we have Finn and Ralph sharing their favours! We have had 2 other males on the Bunkhouse Dam but Finn chased them away.

Brown Teal Conservation Trust from Neil Hayes

A pretty satisfactory breeding season so far, with two broods reared - one of five and one of seven. Five hatched and reared by our old pair and seven hatched and reared by our new pair, in their first season - this pair having been flock-mated in the BTCT's new aviary. This is the aviary built with financial assistance from the Pacific Development and Conservation Trust. The BTCT is hopeful that Massey University will soon find a student to work on the brown teal diet research programme in 2006. Sue Moore has already done much work in this area and further applied research into brown teal diet will provide vital additional information at specific key sites - and information necessary for survival of the species - and for the critical evaluation of proposed release sites for captive reared birds.

Fund raising to assist this research is ongoing and we take this opportunity to thank all members and supporters who have contributed to the research fund.

Our good friend, Janet Marshall - New Zealand's leading waterfowl artist - has generously offered to paint brown teal, especially for the BTCT to use as a fund-raising exercise. Initial thinking is that we should produce a BTCT promotional greetings card from the painting and then to either auction or tender the original. This is a magnanimous gesture and we are extremely grateful to Janet. We will keep you informed of developments.

Karori Wildlife Sanctuary from Neil Anderson

Late August saw 2 new clutches on the Taylor Wetland and lower lake but survival has been low with only 3 of 7 and 1 of 5 respectively, coming through.

In October 2 clutches appeared on the top dam and with one of these at least survival has been once again low with only 1 of 5 still around. This is however something of an achievement for this pair who are notoriously poor parents having lost every member of their previous 2 clutches. The other hatch was 6 from a previously very successful pair adjacent to the creeks at the south end of the dam. The female and ducklings have not been seen for a while however but the indications are that she may have taken them back up into the creeks where her previous clutch was raised. The male meanwhile has stayed on the dam having paired up with a new young female.

Elsewhere, our most successful pair on the top dam would appear to be nesting once again as are the lower lake south end pair whose juvenile has recently fledged. A new young pair has formed at the north end of the lower lake and may well have started breeding. If this is the case this will signify a distinct new territory which will bring the number on the lakes and wetlands up to 6, a likely maximum carrying capacity for these areas. We have recently picked up another pair at the south end of the valley which contains some excellent habitat but as yet have been unable to identify them.

Other individual birds continue to come and go in the regularly monitored areas of lakes and wetlands with some birds not being seen for many months at a time, there being plenty of opportunity to secret themselves away from view. The 3 juveniles fitted with transmitters continue to be picked up although only one is regularly seen in person.

We have recently begun to reduce the amount of supplementary feeding provided in our main breeding territories and it will be interesting to note any alteration in productivity or visibility.

About the author: Kevin Evans is the New Zealand Brown Teal Captive Managment Coordinator / National Brown Teal Recovery Group member , webmaster and owner of www.brownteal.com for news, information and resources about this critically endangered species with less than 1000 left in the world.

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2009-01-15T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Anemone Tang

L¬¬¬V -- Lubrication Oil Purifier Application LV series oil purifier are suitable especially for purifying and restoring hydraulic oil, machine oil, coolant oil and various other lubrication oil. The most breakdown of machinery which has lubrication oil system results from contaminated lubrication in which has water, gas, impurities etc. LV series can rapidly remove water, gas, particulate matters and impurities from lubrication oil and improve properties of lubricating oil so as to greatly extend lifetime of machinery which has lubrication system.

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2009-01-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Axiu Chen

Sino-NSH Oil Purifier Manufacture Co., Ltd is a high-tech Company which is engaged in researching, developing and manufacturing lubrication purification equipment. Its parent company, Sino-NSH High-Tech Company, was established in 1992. NSH is located at Chongqing China where the third biggest river of the world, Yangtse, passes through it. The transportation is very convenient. NSH regards technical innovation and satisfying service as its philosophy. Taking advantage of Human resources capital and absorbing domestic and foreign advanced purification technology, NSH is committed in making purification equipments. NSH passed the approval of the ISO 9001 quality system and become the main manufacture base of purification machine in China NSH oil purification equipment series are extensively used in the fields of electric power, petroleum, natural gas, mechanical manufacture, steel, metallurgy, railway, aviation etc. which consume lubrication oil. It's the principal products covering more than 100 kinds of products in 7 series and can meet different needs of customers. For special demands of customers, we offer particular solutions. NSH products are not only able to low customers' cost and security risk effectively, but also solve the problem of which the waste oil contaminates environment. Nowadays, the company's sales network covers all the provinces of China and exports to more than ten countries. NSH products are very popular in domestic market and foreign market based on High quality, advanced technology and excellent service. We think that the development of NSH is derived from talent of human; the survival of NSH is based on products quality; the innovation is the power of NSH's success; the management is the source of NSH's achievement. Our vision is to be a first class company in the world; we will work hard to pursue it step by step.

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Embracing Clean Energy Solutions

2009-01-12T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Anne-Marie Fleming

Embracing Clean Energy Solutions

By Ann-Marie Fleming, December 2005

As the nation works towards meeting the growing energy demands while maintaining security, energy independence and environmental protection, many industry participants are turning towards cleaner sources of energy. Some are looking at better ways of utilizing existing supplies of power producing material like coal and natural gas and others are embracing alternatives such as renewable energy technology. While the future landscape for the energy industry has yet to be determined it appears that a diversified portfolio of cleaner and safer means for the production of electricity is a realistic expectation.

The Drive towards Clean Energy: There are many factors that can be attributed to the energy industry's movement towards cleaner energy. The environment has long suffered and society is less willing to allow its harm to continue. Higher energy prices due to growing demand and constrained supply has fueled the debate for alternative solutions and security efforts to reduce the nation's reliance on foreign sources of energy has become a priority. These themes have become intertwined throughout government initiatives and consumer sentiment. As described by Jamie Wimberly, CEO of the Distributed Energy Financial Group LLC and Founder of the Distributed Energy Stock Index (DESI), ""For the next three to five years, the major drivers toward the pursuit for cleaner sources of energy as an end unto itself would include, in this order: government policies and regulation, corporate strategies and customer preferences. For most customers, however, concerns over high prices and the reliability of supply are the drivers to seek alternative sources of energy or solutions. Fortunately, this is a virtuous circle. New energy technologies which match those needs are generally more efficient and thus cleaner, which will make it even easier for a customer to make a decision to change. More customer acceptance, in turn, will drive economies of scale and scope to make the new, cleaner energy technologies even more competitive over time. But it is going to take awhile.""

Alternative Energy: Over the years, as innovation has led to practical alternatives for energy production, a diverse set of technologies has arisen in the renewable energy arena. Energy Conversion Devices, Inc. (ECD Ovonics) is a developer of alternative energy solutions that includes a diversified selection of solar, fuel cell, battery and hydrogen innovations. ECD's Stanford Ovshinsky, President, Chief Technology Officer and Co-Founder describes the Company's technology portfolio as being able to provide the complete energy loop. ""We generate electrical energy with our thin-film photovoltaic products. We store electrical energy in our NiMH battery products. We distribute hydrogen through our Ovonic metal hydride storage materials technology. We use hydrogen to power a wide range of stationary and mobile devices through our Ovonic metal hydride fuel cell technology or as a fuel source for internal combustions engines. Hydrogen-powered products produce no pollution and no global climate changing CO2 emissions. Additionally, hydrogen is practically limitless. We can and must reduce our dependence on oil to reduce the potential for energy-related wars, inflation, and economic instability,"" explains Ovshinsky.

Natural Gas:

Over the years natural gas has become a prominent source of energy in large part due to the fact that it burns much cleaner than other fossil fuels and has lower emissions than traditional coal or oil. While natural gas is a much cleaner source of energy, a key challenge for this industry has been the reduction of harmful effects that are associated with the escape of methane, a form of greenhouse gas. Technology has enabled participants in this industry to control its impact on the environment through innovations in detection and analysis to more accurately identify natural gas reserves, reducing the number of drilling required. Improvements in storage and transportation pipelines have also helped to reduce the amount of natural gas leaks. ""The development of extremely efficient, combined-cycle turbine (CCT) technology has been a breakthrough for natural gas electric generation, which some energy analysts see as an important stepping-stone away from coal. The latest CCTs can convert about 60% of natural gas' heating value into electric energy, nearly twice what a typical coal boiler can do. Gas burns cleaner than coal, too,"" states Hammerschlag.

Petrol Oil and Gas, Inc., a Coal Bed Methane (CBM) producer, utilizes progressive technology to address the environmental concerns associated with CBM dewatering and carbon dioxide issues. Paul Branagan, Petrol's CEO explains, ""Petrol transports water produced from our CBM fields through underground pipelines and safely re-injects that water into our salt water disposal wells. Our operations area located in rural southeast Kansas and Petrol tries to minimize our impact on the farmers and ranchers fields by handling our water disposal in this manner. It essentially eliminates the need for tank batteries, trucking and handling which ultimately reduces the risks of spills, environmental hazards and cleanup. Although carbon dioxide production is relatively small, averaging between 1-8% of the produced gases we recently added a processing plant to strip carbon monoxide from our natural gas stream, reducing it below 1%. This process increases the heat content of the sales gas as well as reducing any potential hazards to the interstate pipeline.""

Clean Coal:

In President George Bush's Energy Policy cleaner sources of domestic energy is a key focus to try and take advantage of local supply in a manner that does not compromise the environment as the nation works towards energy independence. ""This bill will allow America to make cleaner and more productive use of our domestic energy resources, including coal, and nuclear power, and oil and natural gas. By using these reliable sources to supply more of our energy, we'll reduce our reliance on energy from foreign countries, and that will help this economy grow so people can work. Coal is America's most abundant energy resource. It accounts for more than one-half of our electricity production. The challenge is to develop ways to take advantage of our coal resources while keeping our air clean,"" stated the President.

The United States congress has funded over $1.3 billion in research towards making existing coal plants cleaner and to help in the building of future clean coal plants.

American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest electric utilities in the United States has 70% of its fuel portfolio in coal; however they are actively pursuing clean coal production to utilize domestic supplies with less environmental impact. AEP's Melissa McHenry, Corporate Media Relations describes, ""There is increasing public support for environmental improvements in using coal for energy generation. We (AEP) believe that it is very important to be on the forefront of demonstrating technology and improving technology that will enable us to continue to use domestic reserves of coal, which are very important for the energy security of the country, to generate electricity.""

AEP have been conducting environmental retrofits as well as pursuing new Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) plants. The IGCC process according to McHenry, entails approximately a 20% cost premium over conventional coal-fired plants, but efficiency advantages and a long term view on removing all types of pollutants outweigh the initial cost differential. While research-scale IGCC plants have been around for more than a decade, until recently there was no one willing to move forward with a commercial project. ""In the past, you could purchase the plans for building an IGGC plant, but all of the risk of construction and hoping it would work was on you. Now GE and Bechtel have formed a consortium and other companies such as Shell have stepped up to build plants and guarantee their operation. That is critically important when you are building a regulated plant.""

Manufacturing:

In China, coal dominates energy production, but is also a key driver of the steel industry. The use of coal across multiple markets is often associated with environmental destruction, but the Chinese Government's increasing focus on reducing the impact that their economic and population growth has on the environment has led to cleaner manufacturing processes. This focus has inspired companies producing the materials to pursue methods that support this progressive consciousness.

Puda Coal Inc., a leading supplier of China's premium grade coking coal for the steel making industry, uses skimping technology from Germany to produce clean coking coal. Puda's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Zhao Ming explains, ""Clean coking coal is a 'must have' raw material for coke production, and high quality coke is a 'must have' raw material for steel production. Clean coking coal not only guarantees the quality of the steel product, but also reduces the industrial waste from steel production. It is very environmental friendly. Producing high quality coke will generate a low coke-over gas helping to reduce the harmful effects of air pollution.""

Puda is working to take advantage of the nation's movement towards more environmentally conscious production helping firms within the steel industry reduce waste and establish a clean steel process through the use of their clean coking coal. ""The Chinese government just came out with a new policy system whereby all firms that do not meet the environmental requirements will either be closed, have operations stopped or ownership changed. As for the steel industry, in order to meet the environmental requirement, they need to start working on the beginning phase of the whole production process. Therefore, clean coking coal, produced by Puda, is becoming a very popular raw material among all steel manufacturers, resulting in the overwhelming market demand for Puda's high quality clean coking coal. We will have quintupled our current capacity by early 2006 just to keep pace with this demand, from 500,000 metric tons annually to 2.7 million metric tons. Our company is showing very energetic growth and great future potential,"" states Ming.

Looking Forward:

It appears that the energy industry, across it diverse production avenues, will continue to evolve and adapt. While the long term landscape is yet to be determined, the direction appears to be forward moving in terms of diversification and cleaner sources and generation of energy. ""I actually think the energy industry is going to go through some pretty tumultuous years over the next decade. Think about the challenges: very old and deteriorating energy infrastructure; supply constraints leading to a lot of price volatility; backward looking energy policies; security concerns; and customers who are demanding more, including more environmentally conscious production. To respond to these challenges, it is not a question of if the energy industry is going to change, but how it is going to change and how fast. New technologies, new business models and new government policies will absolutely be necessary. I find it interesting that the oil majors, with the luxury of a longer term perspective, are already placing their bets on a 'beyond petroleum' vision of the market in the future,"" states Wimberly.

Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp, http://www.renewableenergystocks.com/About/Disclaimer.asp ©Copyright InvestorIdeas 2005

About the author: Ann-Marie Fleming completed her MBA in the United States, where she attended Webster University. She also holds an Honors B.A from the University of Toronto. She has over fifteen years of experience within the financial industry to include retail banking and brokerage, investment banking, and mortgage brokerage within the United States and Canada, with a firm background in corporate research.

Snakeheads - A danger to our waterlife

2009-01-10T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: William Berg

Snakehead fish became famous when wild and breeding specimens of this Asian predator was found in the United States. The fact that the Snakehead fish can grow larger than one metre and is highly adapted to low-oxygen waters and seasonal droughts naturally made the newspapers print article after article about this huge vicious predator fish that can breathe oxygen from the air and travel vast distances on land. The Snakehead is however not a ferocious baby-eater or pet dog attacker. There is a more sensible reason behind the Snakehead bans that were eventually issued by many of the U.S. states. Since the Snakehead is a very capable predator that is not native to the U.S. fauna, it might severely disrupt the ecosystem in regions where it is introduced. It can for instance compete with American predators for food or pose a treat to already endangered species that it perceives as prey.

Snakeheads are also known as Channa fish since they belong to the family Channa. The family Channa contains a wide range of different Snakehead species, e.g. Channa nox (Night Snakehead ), Channa asiatica (Chinese Snakehead) and Channa amphibeus (Chel Snakehead). Their native habitats are found in Asia and Africa. Another name for Snakehead fish is Frankenfish. It is possible to keep Snakeheads in aquariums, but you should always find out how large the Snakehead species that you are interested in will grow before you buy it. Snakeheads grow very fast and some species will grow larger than one meter, which makes them unsuitable for most hobbyist aquariums. It is believed that the wild and breeding Snakeheads that were found in the United States originated from Snakeheads that had been released by their owners when the Snakeheads grew to large for their aquarium or when they required more food than the aquarists was willing to pay for. In Asia, the Snakehead is a very popular food fish and another rumor tells the story about the Asian immigrant that imported a Snakehead to the United States to prepare a traditional Asian remedy for his sick sister. The sister did however recover before the fish reached him, and he deicide to spare its life and release it into the wild.

The Snakehead craze began in 2002 when a fisherman caught a Snakehead in Crofton. He practiced catch and release, but since he didn't recognize the fish he had caught he photographed it before he put it back into the water. He brought the photo to a government office in Annapolis, Maryland where it was identified as a Northern Snakehead - Channa argus. The Crofton pond was examined and it didn't take long before another adult Snakehead was found. One moth later, six immature Channa argus was discovered in the same pond, which proved that the Snakeheads liked the Maryland environment well enough not only to survive, but to form breathing populations as well. Biologists determined that it was very unlikely that the immature Snakeheads were aquarium breed, since they were no larger than 5 centimeters (2 inches). During July 2002, more than 100 small and immature Snakeheads were removed from the Crofton pond.

The Maryland authorities launched a two-step process that they hoped would eradicate the Snakeheads from the Maryland fauna. Two potent herbicides were introduced to the Crofton pond, and the decaying plant material soon caused the oxygen levels to drop significantly. During the second part of the eradication process, piscicide aiming directly at the fish were used and large amounts of dead fish were removed from the waters. Since Snakeheads can breathe oxygen from the air and wiggle their way over land, the whole region around the Crofton pond was observed but not escaping Snakeheads were spotted. Biologists were afraid that Snakeheads would manage to escape to a nearby river - the Little Patuxent River that is located only 23 meters (75 feet) from the Crofton pond. The Little Patuxent River was explored, but no Snakeheads were found. After a few weeks, the water quality in the Crofton pond returned to normal.

Since this first discovery in Maryland, more Snakeheads have however been found in several American states. In Asia, Snakeheads inhabit quagmires, slow moving waters and densely grown puddles and ponds where they feed chiefly on fish, crustaceans and insects. Similar habitats with suitable prey exist in many parts of the United States, and the Snakehead could therefore become a permanent part of the fauna and cause severe disruption or the ecosystems. Wild Snakeheads have already been found in California, Florida, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Maine and Hawaii. In Florida and California, the populations were established and breeding.

About the author: Read more about Snakeheads Aka Frankenfish or about other predatory fish such as Predat ory catfish

Avoiding a Fate like Mars for Earth: Life on Planet in Imminent Danger

2009-01-09T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Raymond Samuels, University of Toronto

Ignoring Global Warming risks precipitating a Global Pan-Famine/Starvation from Africa, right into Europe, the United States, and Canada, unless in can be stopped and reversed in a very timely manner. Such a milieu would occur with soaring temperatures, destoying the oceans, with corresponding record drought conditions in agricultural lands, threatening the food supply internationally.

There are apparently some people who think that the current ""Greenhouse Effect"" will simply lead to an ""evolutionary"" change in the global climate, so that climatic areas in the northern hemisphere like Canada, Scandinavia, Russia, Alaska in the U.S., and Antarctica in the southern hemisphere will become like one big tropical resort area like Tahiti, Cuba, or Jamaica. Soon everyone will be enjoying glorious sunshine, and sipping exotic tropical drinks in Nova Scotia, Baffin Island in the Canadian Arctic, or around the Arctic waters of Siberia, according to people with this apparent view. These people profess a dislike for the cold, and they therefore welcome any change that might eventually get rid of their abhored winter blaaaaahs.

Unfortunately for these people, such a view is not supported by critical scientific evidence, beyond ""scientific infomercials"" and propaganda pieces that have been sponsored by various well-financed Big Business interests. Indeed, it has been the job of the largely corporate owned mass-media in Canada, and elsewhere, to channel viewers, readers, and listeners into responses which will complement the elite pursuit of insatiable commercial profit. This corporate owned mass-media does not want to draw public attention to the dire fate which awaits the public, if 'the Economy' is not rejuvenated in a manner that minimizes social and environmental costs.

The large scale 'owners of capital' have structured the prevailing capitalistic economy to principally serve their interests in the pursuit of money, status, and power for themselves. Like heroine or ""crack"" cocaine drug addicts, 'capitalistocrats' have become so addicted to the pursuit of a self-absorbing materialistic lifestyle predicted on money, status, and power, they would much rather apparently destroy our planet, and all life along with it, than to change their ways of drug-like abuse. Indeed, the mass-media in the prevailing capitalistocratic systems of Canada, the United States, United Kingdom, continental Europe, and elsewhere, are no less corrupt than the politicians which they are supposedly ""holding accountable"".

The mass-media has apparently covered-up the fate that awaits humanity, and the rest of our planet, if there is not an immediate substantive response to the Global Warming threat beyond the relatively superficial responses associated with the extremely slow responses to fulfilling the relatively superficial Kyoto Protocol. Indeed, failure to redress Global Warming with great alacrity, will not mythically result in northern hemispheres being turned into extensions of ""tropical paradises"".

The cold air masses that hover over the Arctic and Antarctic climatic areas of the planet are absolutely vital to moderating the temperatures of planet Earth. Global Warming by the irresponsible activities of greed driven private enterprises under American led ""global capitalism"", are destroying these vital climatic areas at an alarming rates. As a human species, we have already witnessed deadly heat waves and humidity. The accompanying worsening cancer causing ultra violet (UV) rays due to rapid accompanying ozone depletion is already creating experiences which almost feel like a form of radiation poisoning. Further accompanying weather cataclysms including more devastating hurricanes like Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in late Summer 2005, and other such ''weather events"" are only a relatively small tip of the iceberg so-to-speak.

The ""hellish"" summer of 2005 internationally has poignantly showed relative to the comparatively milder Summer 2004, that changes due to the abusive activities by human beings on the planet can be sudden, and extremely drastic. The current quantuum advancing devastating destructive impacts of American-led ""global capitalism"" are threatening to precipitate a catastrophic global drought in vital agricultural areas internationally that the world has never ever seen; due to unending rising temperatures, that will make the traditional temperature characteristics of the tropics today (that have benefited from Arctic and Antarctic moderation) seem like comparative ice boxes. Worsening ""hellish"" summers will lead into hellish other parts of the year also, with the prospective disappearance of the Arctic and Antarctic climatic areas. The inevitable result of such allowed phenomenon will be an ensuing Global Famine that so far, the world has also never seen spreading from the United States and Canada, into Europe and the rest of the World.

The rising temperatures of the oceans would eventually completely destroy all vital air (oxygen) producing plankton. A global crisis in agricultural production would be further accompanied by the cascading rapid dying out of all species in the ocean. The oceans would become dead polluted waters (the Gulf of Mexico has already been basically destroyed, with other parts of the ocean following pursuit).

In such a milieu of Global Famine, the world would be taken over by various warring military camps threatening each other with nuclear annihilation, and privately-run ""terrorist"" organizations trying to forcibly acquire what little of the Earth is left, for the exclusive use of elites, criminal syndicates, and gangs, leaving ""masses"" to perish in a milieu of spiralling global starvation, and poverty in a climate of socio-economic chaos and societal upheaval. Indeed, the mass-media has hypocritically ignored the extent to which 'capitalism' is actually the root cause of growing apparent ""terrorism"" as more and more people are turning to violent political extremism, in the face of environmental destruction, related oppression, and overall declines in quality-of-living.

Having destroyed the air-producing ocean life, and rainforests under a greed driven ethos of capitalism, soon even the Global Air Supply would become threatened with the overall rapid decay of vital ecosystems. Global Warming promises the convert the whole Earth not into a tropical paradise, but rather into a giant coffin, where all life on the planet will miserably perish. The Earth will eventually become very similar to Mars sooner than you think, unless the whole economic system can rejuvenated from its self-destructive path of Global Warming and accompanying pollution including ozone depletion. The human race will simply become a footnote for other possible space exploring advanced species in the universe to study in their future scientific missions of archaeological discovery, unless humanity changes from its current overall destructive ways.

People in their communities can either choose to play Ninetendo games, and worry about various other materialistic lifestyle considerations in ""blissful ignorance"", in the image of the elites who prevail over self-destructive capitalistocracies, or alternatively, people can choose to rally their governments for vitally needed social change. 'Sober' members of the diverse public must either become actively engaged in redressing the shortcomings of the prevailing economic system, or face the dire consequences of their jaded attitudes. Members of the diverse public who are concerned about their immediate quality-of-survival cannot afford to be complacent. These members of the diverse public must use what little that remains of destroyed democratic systems (that have been taken-over by the substantive operation of 'capitalistocracy') to challenge corrupted government leaders.

Government leaders have allowed themselves to be seduced and ""bought-out"" by self-serving greed-driven interests, that operate against the vital affirmation of the quality-of-living interests of the diverse public that these leaders were supposedly elected to serve; and against the interests of quality-of-living seeking human beings internationally. So far, these government leaders have chosen to substantively ignore capitalistocractic activities that precipitate Global Warming, and accompanying pollution and worsening poverty which are being executed by ""generous donors"" to their political campaigns, that prop-up their political power. People must either turn away en masse, from the norms of the prevailing capitalism that has corrupted the integrity of democratic systems, or face certain Mars-like global self-destruction.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS:

The Kyoto Protocol Is Not Enough!, Part I:

Replace Capitalistocracy including the GDP Index Toward a New Political Economy of Social Justice and Environmental Protection

by Raymond Samuels II, ed.. ISBN: 1894839978, 2005

The Kyoto Protocol Is Not Enough!, Part II:

Replace Capitalistocracy including the GDP Index Toward a New Political Economy of Social Justice and Environmental Protection

by Raymond Samuels II, ed., ISBN: 1894934342, 2005

internet site reference: http://www.agoracosmoplitan.com

About the author: Raymond Samuels has a professional background as an academic lecturer; and is the author/co-author/editor of diverse books.

Managing Hazardous Household Waste - Your Roles and Responsibilities

2009-01-08T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority

It is no secret that the quantity of household waste produced is increasing year after year at an alarming rate and governments are under pressure to expand existing landfills or build new ones to accommodate the waste that is being produced.

What is Hazardous Household Waste?

Household waste is leftover from household goods or products. Hazardous household waste are household products which contain chemicals that has the potential to affect plants, the health of humans and animals and are detrimental to the environment when handled improperly

Improper management of household waste has the potential to be very detrimental to the environment, people and animals . What many of us may not realise is that many of those common household products contain corrosive, toxic or flammable chemicals, that can be hazardous to the environment if not handled or managed properly.

Hazardous household waste should not be disposed of in the same way as regular waste. For example, a gasoline can buried in the ground can affect rivers and find its way into drinking water. The hydrocarbons in motor oils or pesticides have the potential to bio-accumulate in fresh water fishes and can find its way in the food chain. Burning of hazardous waste leads to the release of toxic chemicals and fumes in the air. Once released into the environment these chemicals are dispersed over large areas, thereby affecting the health of persons over a wider area.

Some of these chemicals remain in the systems of plants and animals for a long time and may enter the food chain when the affected plants and animals are consumed.

Bioaccumulation of hazardous compounds in the systems of plants, animals and humans has the potential to affect their reproductive lives, growth, impair the function of various organs such as the liver and kidneys, affect the functioning of the central nervous systems and immune systems of human and animals and some have been listed as known carcinogens.

How Can You Tell a Product is Hazardous?

Read the labels of products. In most countries labels are required for all products. These should provide information on the constituents of the products, including symbols and words to indicate the hazard to animals, humans and the environment if mishandled.

How To Tell If Products Are Hazardous?

Always read the label of products in your household and make it a habit of reading the labels of product before making the decision to purchase them.

What Can You Do to Manage Hazardous Waste?

Purchase Environmentally Friendly Products - Experts agree that, the best way to control waste is to not produce it in the first place. You can start by avoiding the purchase of products that contain chemicals that are harmful to humans, animals and the environment. Purchase those products that are biodegradable or friendly to the environment.

Safe Product Storage - Ensure that hazardous products are stored in a safe place, that their containers are not damaged, do not have any leaks to reduce the risk of contaminating water sources, land, humans, animals, plants and the environment. Ensure that corrosive products like acids are stored in separate areas from other hazardous products.

Check products frequently to ensure that there are no leaks and broken lids or bulging sides.

Always store products in their original containers to avoid unintentional usage.

Ensure that these products are stored in a place where children and animal have no access to them.

Disposal of Products - Disposal of products should always be the last resort. Why? Because there are no safe ways of disposing hazardous waste. You can avoid the dilemma of hazardous waste disposal by either selecting biodegradable products, recycling the product, giving the excess products to friends, neighbours or family or purchasing smaller volumes of the product.

If however disposal is inevitable then you should dispose of the waste in the manner prescribed on the label.

Although there are laws to regulate the handling and use of large quantities of hazardous waste the existence of laws to regulate the typical small quantities generated at the household is non existent. For this reason the responsibility for the

management of hazardous waste falls squarely on the shoulders of the hazardous waste generators.

Protection of the environment can only happen when you play a role in finding creative ways to re-use, recycle or reduce waste. This is essential if we are to safeguard the environment and health of future generations. Remember that Waste Management is Your Business, My Business, Our Business .

About the author: The Saint Lucia Solid Waste Management Authority is the organisation responsible for implementing laws and guidelines for waste management in St. Lucia.

supply Sino-NSH TF Turbine Oil Purification/oil purifier/oil reclaim plant/oil recovery/waste managment

2009-01-07T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Axiu Chen

TF (oil purifier,oil purification,oil filtration,oil filter,oil treatment,oil recycling,oil regeneration,oil filtering, oil reclaim plant,oil recovery,waste managment,oil disposal,oil reclamation.oil restoration )series is particularly suitable for purifying turbine lubricating oil. It also applys to treat hydraulic, coolant oil and other lubrication in which contain large of water, vapor, impurities, sludge, dielectric and colloid. It can eliminate them effectively and efficiently. TF series will result in the improvement of the properties of turbine oil, other lubrication and extend the maintenance period of turbine or other equipment which has lubrication system and keep them operate in good condition.

About the author: Address? NanQiaoSi, JiangBei District, Chongqing P.R.C

Tel?0086?23?67310918?67310955? 67310956?

Fax?0086?23?67310956

Zip code?400021

E?mail? sinonsh6@163.com , sinonsh6@hotmail.com

supply Sino-NSH LV Lubrication Oil Purification/oil purifier/oil disposal/oil reclamation/oil restoration

2009-01-06T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Axiu Chen

LV series oil purifier(oil purifier,oil purification,oil filtration,oil filter,oil treatment,oil recycling,oil regeneration,oil filtering, oil reclaim plant,oil recovery,waste managment,oil disposal,oil reclamation.oil restoration )are suitable especially for purifying and restoring hydraulic oil, machine oil, coolant oil and various other lubrication oil. The most breakdown of machinery which has lubrication oil system results from contaminated lubrication in which has water, gas, impurities etc. LV series can rapidly remove water, gas, particulate matters and impurities from lubrication oil and improve properties of lubricating oil so as to greatly extend lifetime of machinery which has lubrication system.

About the author: Address? NanQiaoSi, JiangBei District, Chongqing P.R.C

Tel?0086?23?67310918?67310955? 67310956?

Fax?0086?23?67310956

Zip code?400021

E?mail? sinonsh6@163.com , sinonsh6@hotmail.com

supply Sino-NSH VFD Double-Stage High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier/oil purification/oil filtration/oil filter/oil treatment/oil recycling

2009-01-05T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Axiu Chen

VFD(oil purifier,oil purification,oil filtration,oil filter,oil treatment,oil recycling,oil regeneration,oil filtering, oil reclaim plant,oil recovery,waste managment,oil disposal,oil reclamation.oil restoration) series is mainly used to improve the properties of insulation oil. It can remove trace water, gas, particulate matters etc. from the insulating oil effectively and rapidly so as to boost performance of transformers, circuit breakers, mutual inductors, cable and capacitors which has insulation system. VFD series specialize in purifying branded oil, insulating oil of high voltage and super high voltage transformer. Additionally, it is suitable for treating low viscosity lubrication oil.

About the author: Address? NanQiaoSi, JiangBei District, Chongqing P.R.C

Tel?0086?23?67310918?67310955? 67310956?

Fax?0086?23?67310956

Email: sinonsh6@163.com sinonsh6@hotmail.com

NSH VFD Transformer oil Treatment /Oil Purifier/oil purification/oil filtration/oil recycling/oil reclamation

2009-01-04T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: sunnychen

VFD(oil Treatment, oil Filtration, oil Purification, oil Recycling, oil Filter, oil Restoration, oil Regeneration, oil Filtering, oil Reclamation) series is mainly used to improve the properties of insulation oil. It can remove trace water, gas, particulate matters etc. from the insulating oil effectively and rapidly so as to boost performance of transformers, circuit breakers, mutual inductors, cable and capacitors which has insulation system. VFD series specialize in purifying branded oil, insulating oil of high voltage and super high voltage transformer. Additionally, it is suitable for treating low viscosity lubrication oil. Product Catalogue Insulation Oil Series, VFD Double-Stage High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier, VFD-A Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Automation Purifier , VFD-R Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Regeneration Purifier, VFD-T Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier with Tester, Turbine Oil series TF Turbine Oil Purifier , TF-A Turbine Oil Automation Purifier, TF-R Turbine Oil Regeneration Purifier , Lubrication Oil series LV Lubrication Oil Purifier, LV-A Lubrication Oil Automation Purifier , LV-R Lubrication Oil Regeneration Purifier, Gas Engine Oil Regeneration System , GER Series

About the author: VFD(oil Treatment, oil Filtration, oil Purification, oil Recycling, oil Filter, oil Restoration, oil Regeneration, oil Filtering, oil Reclamation) series is mainly used to improve the properties of insulation oil. It can remove trace water, gas, particulate matters etc. from the insulating oil effectively and rapidly so as to boost performance of transformers, circuit breakers, mutual inductors, cable and capacitors which has insulation s

Saving Energy By Planting Nursery Stock

2009-01-03T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

In the past week there has been an increasing interest in landscape design for energy conservation. Rising fuel costs can be offset by landscaping. The primary goal is to control wind and sun. In Pa. the first line of defence for energy savings is protection from the cold winter winds by the use of landscaping. Research shows that properly designed screens and buffers can reduce the heating cost of a typical residence by as much as 30 percent. Landscaping For Winter Fuel Saving There have been studies that show that wind speeds around homes can be reduced by as much as 90%. The best design for windbreaks depends on the use and exact location of the site. However, in most of Pa. the prevailing winds are from the northeast, thus, the maximum protection should be concentrated in the north east. A single row of conifers with staggered spacings is the best for protection from both wind and blowing snow. The wind is deflected up and over the screen, creating a well protected zone. The area of maximum protection can extend outward several times the height of the trees. If space is at a premium, fewer plants will be helpful, but the use of conifers and other densely branched species is essential for maximum winter protection.arborvitae make an excellent choice for providing winter protection. Arborvitae are commonly used evergreens useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on the cultivar. Some reach 50', others only 3'. Even small Arborvitae can help breakup the wind and drifting snows of winter. Most prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should be avoided. A moist, well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. The ease in planting and maintaining this plant make it an ideal choice for planting around the house. Plant shrubs with wind direction in mind. Since south winds are generally warmer than northeast winds, it is considered sufficient to have moderate protection on the east and desirable to leave the south open or restricted to rows of shrubs and deciduous trees. More openness to the south allows solar gain in the winter and for summer ventilation house. The economic incentive of reduced heating costs is additional to known benefits of reduced snow clearing. While most homes have at least some naturally treed areas or planted screens protecting their yard, the full potential benefit from tree planting is far from being realized. Energy conservation is a growing concern. Current studies confirm what fuel oil dealers have known all along, homes with screens and buffers use considerably less fuel. The time to begin planning for an energy conscious future is now. Types of evergreens at Highland Hill Farm

There many trees and plants that can be used in windbreaks,hedges, screens. The White Pine is another special plant. It is fast growing and durable. Two foot trees can grow into a large fuel saving shelter belt quickly. We sometimes see 3' of growth per year when then conditions are correct. Its soft graceful blue needles can complement your backyard and give quick privacy. Besides it is one of least expensive plants and is not invasive....You can read more articles at http://www.seedlingrus.com

About the author: Farmer/Investor gives tips on saving money

Solar Cooling - Air-Conditioning From the Sun

2009-01-02T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Hans Dekker

At first glance, solar cooling looks like an oxymoron. However, the same energy that can provide heat in the wintertime can also provide cooling during the summer.

Several passive cooling systems have been developed and tested. At their simplest, they rely on a coolant that absorbs and dissipates heat from the house. This could be a pool of water on the rooftop which absorbs seat from the inside of the house as it evaporates on exposure to the sun.

More sophisticated passive solar cooling systems have a solar collector which is shaded during the daytime. A storage medium collects heat during the day and dissipates it at night by exposing the solar collector to the cool night air.

Since the solar collector must be shaded, a retractable awning or overhang extension can be installed. Since the system can be reversed in the winter months, it is important that the solar collector can be exposed to sunshine if needed.

Solar panels can also be used to operate traditional air conditioners. As it happens, the periods of intense heat correspond to the periods of peak electricity production from photovoltaic cells. As long as you have solar panels which generate sufficient to electricity, you can operate air conditioners at no cost.

Solar cooling that does not take advantage of high technology is another possibility. The Romans used a system of running water to cool down exterior walls of their houses. The heat of the sun causes the water to evaporate and dissipate the heat within the house. This kind of system can be used on walls or on rooftops.

Heating and cooling are two of the biggest expenses for most households. Using solar energy to reduce this expense makes sense financially as well as ecologically. The less dependent we are on fossil fuels for heating and cooling the cleaner the environment will be.

About the author:

Hans is author at

http://www.alternative-energy-guide.com/ the energy site for ""non techies""/p>

supply Sino-NSH GER Gas Engine Oil Regeneration/oil purifier/oil purification/oil filtration/oil recycling/oil treatment System

2008-12-31T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Axiu Chen

NSH GER Gas engine oil regeneration(oil purifier,oil purification,oil filtration,oil filter,oil treatment,oil recycling,oil regeneration,oil filtering, oil reclaim plant,oil recovery,waste managment,oil disposal,oil reclamation.oil restoration) System is particularly suitable to regenerate internal-combustion engine oil including diesel engine oil, gasoline engine oil and internal-combustion engine oils. GER series can effectively remove colloid, oxid, acid, pitch, particles, impurities, water, gas in the oil. Specially, GER can restore the color of used internal-combustion engine oil and remove the scent rapidly.

About the author: Address? NanQiaoSi, JiangBei District, Chongqing P.R.C

Tel?0086?23?67310918?67310955? 67310956?

Fax?0086?23?67310956

Zip code?400021

E?mail? sinonsh6@163.com , sinonsh6@hotmail.com

Allergies and Tree Selection

2008-12-29T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Allergies and Selecting Trees

Many people wonder why it is so common today to have allergies. It seems that many more people today than 50 years ago are suffering. I know of a school that can not have peanut butter present because one child could suffer life a threatening reaction if exposed to peanut butter. Could our trees that we are planting also be a cause?

54.3% of Americans have allergic reactions severe enough to be mesured by the skin patch test to at one of the ""top ten"" allergens!

LIST PUT HERE: There have been changes in our urban and rural tree planting to adjust for such plant diseases as the Dutch Elm Disease. Our elm trees which were very common in the landscape have all but disappeared. From a possible 150 million or so trees in 1900 at the turn of the 20th century, the number fell to about half in a 1930's census totalling 76 million, mostly in the cities of the esatern states. A second outbreak following the end of the Second World War in 1945 further reduced the elm tree total to less than 20 million today. This includes all the new elm trees which were planted as replacements too.

This tree had little air born pollen because this tree is mostly pollinated by insects. (Elms have both male and female flowers present on each tree.) Thus elms can cause less allergy problems for people. Since 1949 our USDA, through its yearbook, has recommended trees which are males because they are less messy. No acorns and no fruit but alas more pollen. So what is recommended as suitable for urban plantings does effect the total amount of pollen in the air. Selections should be made with pollen production in mind. Trees with high pollen production should be kept out of urban planting if possible. This is even more important in high density urban areas such as schools, nursing homes, hospitals, and as street trees in downtown areas. Trees with high pollen production should never be near fresh air ducts for buildings. Municipalities should incorporate pollen production of trees into land use regulations. Lists of trees that are allowed in land use plans should reflect good health factors for our communities. Think of all the law suits that could be derived as a result of poor planning.

Best Trees to Plant Female Ash Trees Female Red Maple Trees Female Red Locust Trees Double Flowering Cherry Trees

Good Trees to Plant Flowering Pears and Plums Pines and Spruces Dogwoods

Poor Trees to Plant Male Ash Trees Male Mullberry Trees Male Red Maple Male Junipers Red Oak Trees

See more articles by B Hirst at the farm web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com

About the author: A Nurseryman/Tree Farmer who tells it like it is, including anecdotes and allegory, history and facts, with humor too!!!

NSH GER Gas Engine Oil Filter/Restoration/Regeneration/reclamation plant

2008-12-28T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: sunnychen

NSH GER Gas engine oil (oil Treatment, oil Filtration, oil Purification, oil Recycling, oil Filter, oil Restoration, oil Regeneration, oil Filtering, oil Reclamation) System is particularly suitable to regenerate internal-combustion engine oil including diesel engine oil, gasoline engine oil and internal-combustion engine oils. GER series can effectively remove colloid, oxid, acid, pitch, particles, impurities, water, gas in the oil. Specially, GER can restore the color of used internal-combustion engine oil and remove the scent rapidly. Product Catalogue Insulation Oil Series, VFD Double-Stage High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier, VFD-A Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Automation Purifier , VFD-R Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Regeneration Purifier, VFD-T Double-Stage Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier with Tester, Turbine Oil series TF Turbine Oil Purifier , TF-A Turbine Oil Automation Purifier, TF-R Turbine Oil Regeneration Purifier , Lubrication Oil series LV Lubrication Oil Purifier, LV-A Lubrication Oil Automation Purifier , LV-R Lubrication Oil Regeneration Purifier, Gas Engine Oil Regeneration System , GER Series

About the author: Noneoil treatment , oil regeneration, oil restoration, oil filtering, oil filter, oil purifier ,oil filtration, oil purification , oil recycling, oil reclamation, oil purifying, oil disposal

Arborvitae

2008-12-26T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Arborvitae are commonly used evergreen shrubs or trees useful in urban areas where low maintenance and durability is needed. Many cultivars with forms such as being globed in shape, columnar, or narrow pyramidal, tend to be near buildings, doors, and walkways. Other forms which are larger are used for screens and buffers that are planted in rows. The form of arborvitae is small, medium, or large depending on the cultivar. Some reach 50', others only 3'. Most prefer full sun to partial sun. Planting in dense shade conditions should be avoided. A moist , well drained, loamy soil in full sunlight are ideal conditions for growing healthy arborvitae. These plants will tolerate rocky, clay, urban conditions of heat drought and pollution. The most important pest we have is bagworms which must be controlled to prevent complete defoliation. Some cultivars have multiple leaders which also prove to be a detraction for the plant. Pruning out multiple leaders in some cultivars is a simple remeady. Our most popular Arborvitae is the Emerald Green arborvitae. Many people prefer to spell them Arbor Vitae . It is a bright light green color and narrow in shape. It makes a distinctive and impressive natural fence. It is easy to grow ,plant, and keep in shape.

The Hetz Midget arborvitae is a dwarf globe variety. This is a good choice for along walkways and gardens. This is a tough plant that is easy to install and not going to cost a lot. It will maintain its color in the winter and will withstand snow loads well. We carry these plants in 2 and 3 gal. pots. The prices on these dwarfs vary from $15 to $30 depending on size and quanity ordered.

Another small arborvitae that we grow in pots is the Rheingold arborvitae. This is a small globe shaped plant that has a golden green cast to it in the summer and a bronze winter color. We also have the American Arborvita known as ""Tiny Tim"".This arborvita grows in zone 2 - 7. Its is a needled evergreen in the Cupressaceae Family. It will grow in height from a half a foot to 1 foot tall. Its spread will be about 1 to 1.5 feet. This is a plant that requires little work. Selecting quality arborvitae for the home landscape : When you get to the nursery or garden center where you will buy your arborvitae, pick out the healthiest, most robust plants that have no evidence of disease or insect damage. The potting medium should be moist, but not wet, and the roots should well dispersed in the medium. Arborvitae that have roots growing from the drainage holes or circling the top of the pot are less desirable. Many people choose to buy arbs from a mail order company, which is perfectly acceptable. However, realize that most woody plants purchased from mail order catalogs will be shipped dormant and bare root, that is, without any soil attached to the root system. Such plants may be smaller in size because of the expense of shipping. It is important to plant such material immediately upon arrival. Generally it is best to purchase one-year-old material from mail order companies since this material is more vigorous and will transplant better. The larger material that is offered is often composed of the less vigorous plants held over from previous years. Most large sized arbs are balled and burlaped. Don't buy any arbs bare rooted over 3' tall. Any plant larger should be balled and burlaped.

You can see other articles written by Bill Hirst about trees, plants, and shrubs at http://www.zone5trees.com

http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter

http://zone5trees.com/Hedges

http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html

http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html

About the author: Long time grower of Arborvitae

Growing Occidentalis -American Arborvitae in Newtown Pa

2008-12-25T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Newtown Pa. is located in an area with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the American Arborvitae is one of our favorites. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the American Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 1.5 feet per year. Site requirements for the American Arborvitae is sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs protection from wind . Its texture is fine with its form conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 30 to 40' in height to 6 to 12 feet in width. The leaf is green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter but can tend to bronze alittle in the winter. The American Arborvitae flowers/fruit are .5"" erect female cones. The American Arborvitae has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has red bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These arborvitae should outlive even your children.

About the author: Bill Has been raising and selling trees for 45 years near Doylestown Pa. and has two web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation oil recycling, oil filter,oil purifier, oil filtering, oil purification, oil regeneration plant

2008-12-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Anemone Tang

VFD-Double-Stage High-Efficiency Vacuum Insulation Oil Purifier Application VFD series is mainly used to improve the properties of insulation oil. It can remove trace water, gas, particulate matters etc. from the insulating oil effectively and rapidly so as to boost performance of transformers, circuit breakers, mutual inductors, cable and capacitors which has insulation system. VFD series specialize in purifying branded oil, insulating oil of high voltage and super high voltage transformer. Additionally, it is suitable for treating low viscosity lubrication oil.

About the author: Brief Introduction Sino-NSH Oil Purifier Manufacture Co., Ltd is a high-tech Company which is engaged in researching, developing and manufacturing lubrication purification equipment. Its parent company, Sino-NSH High-Tech Company, was established in 1992. NSH is located at Chongqing China where the third biggest river of the world, Yangtse, passes through it. The transportation is very convenient. Product Catalogue Insulation Oil Series VFD

Making Use Of Compost

2008-12-23T03:06:00.000-08:00

Author: James Monahan

Compost is a mixture of decaying organic matter used to improve soil structure, and provide nutrients.

Examples of compost are a mixture of leaves, twigs, branches, grass clippings, yard waste and manure. Anything that was once alive will naturally crumble and will become easy to use for composting.

Composting is a great way to trim down wastes, get wet garbage out of the can and make use out of it, have a free product for your garden and nurture the earth.

A compost pile consists of a large number of microorganisms. These microorganisms process the mixtures and produce compost. To make sure your compost is full of nutrients, there should be two vital parts involved. Nitrogen-rich materials and carbon-rich materials help you produce composts instantly.

There are a variety of materials that could be used for your compost mixture. Coffee filters, coffee grounds and teabags will not be wasted and thrown into the garbage. Leaves, plant branches, grass trimmings, vegetable and fruit scraps would be placed to use in the mixture of your compost.

Dead animals, pet manure and diseased plants are materials that cannot be placed into your mixture because it may cause infection. Bread grains, meat and fish parts, dairy and oily products would not decompose by itself in any way you try.

Composts could be used for maintenance of plants, gardens and lawns, but it is not an alternate for fertilizers. Compost maintains nutrients in the ground which plants make use of; it loosens clay soils and preserves water in sandy soils. There are several uses for compost. These are the following:

1. Composts could be used for soil improvement. Because composts contain nutrients, it serves as sustenance for the plants. By mixing compost into your garden once a year, it would enhance the growth of your plants.

2. Composts could be used as a potting mixture. By transferring the plants into a container, these may serve as supplement to the soil.

3. Composts could be used as mulch. Mulch mixed with compost could help with water maintenance in the soil and could lead to prevention of slugs and snails. Mulch also preserve soil heat and keeps it from escaping, which would eventually look after root systems.

4. Composts could be used as decoration. In gardening and anything relating to soil, these mixtures could serve as a top dressing over your lawn.

There are a number of easy ways to produce composts.

First is the open air composting. To keep the mixture of piles organized and out of reach from animals and children, place the compost mixture in bins and water it occasionally to produce moisture.

The mixture would decompose by itself and the only thing you would do is harvest it once or twice a year, depending on the decomposing process.

For an area where decomposing odor is restricted, closed air composting is right for you. Closed bins which are made of wood, metal or old fences could be used.

Simply place the mixture inside the bin and check to see if the water and mixture is equally distributed. Add more water if the mixture dries out. Add dry mixture if the compost becomes damp. Harvesting of compost may be once or twice a year.

The most effortless method in recycling organic mixtures at home is grass cycling. By leaving all the leaves and cut grass on the lawn, it would decompose by itself in time.

Start to make use of garbage. Make your own home-made composts while preserving the earth.

About the author: James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of CompostZone.com and writes expert articles about compost .

The Pros and Cons In The Work Of A Cultivator

2008-12-18T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: James Monahan

A cultivator is a person who is involved in the cultivation and supervision of a land, whether he may own the land or not.

They play a vital role to the development of agriculture all throughout the world. Since agriculture is one of the most important of all existing industries, these cultivators provide the world with the most basic necessity which is food.

If these all of the world's cultivators decided to stop plowing their crop, majority of the world's population would be stuck of panic and a world-wide hunger would occur. In the end, their country and the world depends mostly upon their services.

There are many benefits and disadvantages on working as a cultivator.

Since the beginning of time, the cultivator does their own tilling of the soil, planting and after a while, harvesting of the crops.

Many of the traditional cultivators still use this process. But, because of recent scientific discoveries on agriculture, studies on soil, high-tech machinery, and modern fertilizers, the cultivators' job becomes more stress-free.

Because of these up to date discoveries, further learning on machineries and knowledge on their soil and fertilizers should be taken into consideration for all cultivators. They have to know how to take care of the machines to be able to go to work instantly.

The efforts of a cultivator may be very disappointing when the forces of nature are beyond the cultivators' control. Because agriculture depends on the weather conditions, extreme rain, sunshine, or frost may cause the entire crops of the farmer to get ruined. The total year-round work wasted with a few days of weather calamity.

Other factors like plant diseases and insect pests are another factor for the downfall of a cultivators' work. These factors could be dealt with the advice of experts from the government which updates these cultivators on what to do.

For the cultivator to start his own farm, a considerable amount of money is needed for the business capital. Not anybody could afford buying a large area to be planted on, so the farmers resort to taking care of other landlord's farm.

Plus, the market of the products is unstable depending on the location of your farm. If the transportation costs exceed the returns he gets from his harvest, the work is not worth it.

A farmer is independent in his work. The cultivators' boss is his own. He has the control of his daily routine, whether he prefers heavy or light work for the day. He will decide the modernization of his own land if it needs innovations.

He could try anything he likes on his farm. If he has studied on a modern variety of tomatoes, he could experiment on his own and grab success or fall on his own mistake. His farm is always a work on progress.

The best advantage of all cultivators is his work cannot be studied on books and research alone. The more experience one farmer has on the field, the knowledgeable he becomes on the end product of his crop.

But, it wouldn't harm the farmer to study about new technologies that could help raise his profession into a new level. This would make his job a lot easier and a better opportunity for market.

Many professions and trades are available in the competitive working force. But one trade stands out, which is agriculture, because nothing can replace food than food itself. The cultivator, who produces the world's food, is a worker whom the world couldn't manage without.

About the author: James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of CultivatorBase.com and writes expert articles about cultivator .

Global Reforestation Initiative by AgroMicron

2008-12-17T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: AgroMicron

Thanks to specially acquired clone samples AgroMicron will now be able to completely regenerate an entire forest in some regions in seven to ten years. Which means the global deforestation problem might no longer be a problem.

The name given to this project is the AgroMicron Paulownia Project, which originated due to the fact that Paulownia tree is one of the most resourced tree's in Asia. The Paulownia tree is one of China's most important traditional trees and is widely planted to supply village needs for wood it is also know as Pouton on in China, Kiri in Japan and Golden Cedar in Australia.

Thanks to the quick growth rate and size of the Paulownia it made the perfect donor for AgroMicron's needs of 15 pristine clones. The process of getting to these 15 was a long and difficult one, which started with 840 clones and with the help of the Chinese Academy of Forestry this was brought down to 32 and that was when the final cut was made.

Currently 14 of the clones are maintained in tissue for multiplication and commercial supply while the last clone AgroMicron wouldn't say what they where testing with it, maybe some super tree or maybe they are looking at how to get the 7 year growth cycle down to 4 or maybe even just 3 years which would mean an very quick end to all the fears of deforestation and the negative effectives this has on the environment.

So what is a company like AgroMicron spearheading such a project with virtually no possibility of a commercial gain, well that was the question I proposed to Mr. Gary Lloyd, Senior Corporate Advisor to AgroMicron, his reply shocked me. He stated ""while AgroMicron is about making profits, its more focused on making good, we know we can make money from anything we do or sell but the hard part in business is actually benefiting others"" he went on to explain why the Global Reforestation Initiative was important to AgroMicron ""with all the projects and people we come into contact with we saw that we could easily collaborate these minds together and work collectively on one project that would benefit everyone and the Global Reforestation Initiative does just that.""

Now I've never seen a Paulownia tree, but by the sounds of things we'll be seeing a lot more of them and hopefully in the not to distant future. For the time being AgroMicon will continue to research and work with their clones and you can bet on a follow up story in the coming months. In the mean time to learn more on the Global Reforestation Initiative underway at AgroMicron you can visit http://www.agromicron.com/Global-Reforestation-Initiative/ and for more corporate information on AgroMicron you can visit their homepage at http://www.agromicron.com

About the author: AgroMicron is helping the world by revitalization of damaged eco-systems as a result of excessive deforestation.

Is That a Fungal Disease?

2008-12-16T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: John Williams

Fungal infections, also known as mycoses are not common in the normally healthy person. However, thanks to AIDS, and stress, the immune system of much of the population has been compromised. When the immune system has been compromised, fungal infections are given the chance to attack, successfully. What are some examples of fungal infections?

Ringworm, or tinea, is an example of an infection of the skin. Diseases that are fungal and attack the skin are known as superficial infections. Diseases that fall into this range are located on the skin, hair and nails. Athlete's Foot is one of the most common superficial fungal infections. Thanks to the rise in youth sports programs, the incidences of superficial fungal infections have seen an increase.

Another form of fungal infection occurs in the dermis, or subcutaneous tissue directly underneath the skin. These types of infection are rare, and are mostly found in the Americas, South Africa and Australia. The disease is known to invade through insect bites or scratches from fish spine.

Systemic fungal diseases are much more serious, and can be potentially life threatening. Their entry into the body occurs through the lungs, intestines, or through intravenous lines. The fungal diseases that enter through the lungs are most often airborne spores, and containment is often impossible. These diseases belong to the pathogenic fungi, and can result in death.

There are over 100 species of fungi that are dangerous to man, and can infect the human host. Not all of them are life-threatening, and many that pose a problem in the sick, are not at all successful with healthy individuals. Nail fungus, athlete's foot, and yeast infections, while not life-threatening are annoying conditions that need treatment. With a yeast infection, there is the possibility of further mutation of the yeast, into a fungal state, and the resulting condition is very serious. The fungus at that point begins to invade the entire body.

Your best line of defense in treating a fungal infection is to treat it until it is completely gone. The fungal infection that is almost gone is just another opportunity for renewed growth.

About the author: John Williams writes all about fungus and related issues.

Lube Oil Purifier, oil filter, oil recycling, oil filtration, oil purification, oil filtering, oil regeneration, oil treatment, oil recovery plant

2008-12-15T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Anemone Tang

LV -- Lubrication Oil Purifier Application LV series oil purifier are suitable especially for purifying and restoring hydraulic oil, machine oil, coolant oil and various other lubrication oil. The most breakdown of machinery which has lubrication oil system results from contaminated lubrication in which has water, gas, impurities etc. LV series can rapidly remove water, gas, particulate matters and impurities from lubrication oil and improve properties of lubricating oil so as to greatly extend lifetime of machinery which has lubrication system.

About the author: Sino-NSH Oil Purifier Manufacture Co., Ltd is a high-tech Company which is engaged in researching, developing and manufacturing lubrication purification equipment. Its parent company, Sino-NSH High-Tech Company, was established in 1992. NSH is located at Chongqing China where the third biggest river of the world, Yangtse, passes through it. The transportation is very convenient. Product Catalogue Insulation Oil Series VFD Double-Stage High

Insights into China and India's Water and Renewable Energy Market

2008-12-14T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Fei Wang

Insights into China and India's Water and Renewable Energy Market

Depletion of Natural Resources and Energy Demands Show Increasing Need for Renewables and Water Filtration

By Fei Wang www.China-AsiaStocks.com and www.IndiaStockMarket.com January 2006

China and India's aggressive economic growth over the past two decades have provided significant increases in the standard of living for hundreds of millions of residents. This increase has also produced environmental disasters: deforestation, flooding, water pollution and land degradation continue to worsen. There has been a dramatic increase in the demand for natural resources of all kinds, especially water and energy in both these countries, which creates opportunities for foreign investors involved in the water and renewable energy sectors. However, due to the differences in the composition of natural resources, population structure, and political environment, opportunities and challenges vary between countries. How do these differences affect doing business in those two countries? Which country has bigger potential for growth in these two industries?

Water Treatment

- Background

High density population in both countries, along with a move toward urbanization and industrialization, has placed significant pressure on their infrastructure and its natural resources. According to the report from World Water Forum, in China 60 million people are having difficulty getting access to water, almost three times that number drink contaminated water daily. 400 out of a total of 668 Chinese cities are having water shortage problems, only 30% of which have had some wastewater treatment. India's water quality is the second worst in the world. According to India Asia News Portal, only 40% to 50% of the Indian population has enough supply of water. The publics have to get their own water from wells (see picture 1).

- Water Industry Opportunities

Many experts believe, after the oil and natural gas market exploded that water will be the next oil for the following 20 to 30 years representing a considerable opportunity for growth in this arena. China is planning to build 200 to 400 more power plants, but there is not enough water to fuel these plants. Opportunities clearly exist. According to a recent economic survey, nations in the Middle East will need to invest an estimated $73 billion in water desalination plants during the next three decades in order to meet rising demand for domestic, industrial and agricultural water.

This trend has already appeared in the US stock market. Many water sector stocks are showing a very strong growth trend. The American Stock Exchange(R) (Amex(R)) announced on Aug 11th that it has begun publishing the Palisades Water Index (Ticker Symbol: ZWI); a new index comprised of publicly traded companies engaged in the global water industry. The index was created by a venture between Hydrogen Ventures, LLC and WaterTech Capital.

When it comes to the China and India water market, Steve Hoffmann, President of WaterTech Capital said: ""Between India and China, China has, at least at this point in time, better natural water resources than India because water systems in China are fairly extensive. India on the other hand, does have a variety of surface water to draw upon, but a lot of their surface water availability comes in the form of monsoons, and many of them are lost during flooding. Therefore, relatively speaking, between China and India, at this point, India is more water stressed than China. Current situation with China is they are spending an enormous amount of money on water infrastructure, creating visibility from Olympics and other publicity. I think also their economic situation puts them in a better position right now than India. Fairly, the water industry around the world thinks China is an enormous market. ""

Renewable Energy in High Demand

- Background

Continued inflow of foreign investment and the improved standard of living of both Chinese and Indian people have inadvertently pushed up demand for energy. During the first half this year, China produced 1.128 trillion KW electricity, while consumption equaled 1.148 trillion KW, a shortage of 0.02 trillion KW. According to a recent report by Jean Ku and Debra Lew from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Shi Pengfei of the China Hydropower Planning General Institute and William Wallace of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), more than two-thirds of its provinces suffered blackouts last year due to a shortage of generators, problematic coal and transport links, and water shortages.

- Opportunities in Renewable Energy

Renewable energies, especially wind and solar, represent viable solutions to the power shortage problems. ""Strengthening the development and use of renewable energies is a must for us to address the increasingly serious energy and environmental issues,"" China president Hu Jingtao said in a statement, ""China attaches great importance to...renewable energy and takes it as one of the most important instruments for promoting social and economic development,"" (quoted from The Wall Street Journal http://online.wsj.com/article/SB113140558502290495.html).

- Solar Energy

China's production and application of solar energy heaters is leading the world. A total of 52 mln square meters have been applied in 2003, representing 40 percent of the total amount of the world. Debra Lew, Senior Project Leader at NREL explains, ""China is the largest solar water heating market in the world. The technology is already used extensively, but there is great potential for them to expand use in the residential, commercial and industrial sectors. Solar photovoltaics (PV) used to produce electricity is also already widely used in China, especially in rural areas to provide electricity. The government recently installed nearly 20 MW to electrify all townships that were previously unelectrified. Megawatt-scale projects in urban areas are also being installed.."" Lew also stated ""Solar is also doing well in India. India also has a large rural population that is remote and difficult to electrify with conventional grid extension. Solar has been used in India as well to provide electricity to those remote areas.""

China is Shell's (NYSE: RDS-A) largest solar market in the Asia Pacific region today. In the last 10 years they have installed more than 7 MWp of solar power in more than 50 projects. According to Shell Solar Media Relations Officer Alexandra Wright, ""Shell Solar looks at a variety of matters when deciding to pursue renewable projects (in China and India market), including of course traditional business drivers such as critical mass and regulatory regimes. Solar opportunities are encouraging in both countries as we are looking to bring energy to individual households, and investigating the potential for a system that would power entire villages. Shell is now in the second phase of the Xinjiang project which will power around 75 villages in China.""

XsunX, Inc., (OTCBB: XSNX), a company focused on Building Integrated Photovoltaics, anticipates a significant need for alternative energy generation technology in developing countries such as China and India. Tom Djokovich, CEO of XsunX, Inc stated, ""For XsunX, China with about 20% of the worlds population and India with about 17% represent one of the more compelling opportunities for sustained growth in the utilization of solar energy production. Additionally these two developing countries are experiencing a significant increase in the demand for electrical power. At the same time the developed and developing parts of the world are competing for a finite amount of fossil fuels to power growing demands. This has not gone unnoticed by the governments of China and India. India's government is preparing to embark on the development of major national programs to promote the development of solar energy systems in centralized and decentralized applications. While China has enacted a renewable energy law designed to promote, among other things, the wide scale use of PV technologies in the design of buildings.""

""In these developing nations the practicality and cost benefits of deploying solar technologies in lieu of building mass centralized fossil fuel powered generation plants, transmission, and distribution systems can and should be viewed as an investment in long term national energy security. At XsunX we are working to complete the development of semi-transparent PV thin films for use in glass building facades. The use of our Power Glass® films as a building integrated PV technology could find opportunities in China and India as these developing nations work to leverage a myriad of technologies in building energy security and independence,"" concluded Mr. Djokovich.

Suntech power Co. Ltd, a Chinese based solar power company has also Identified opportunities for renewable energy in Asia. The Company went public on December 14th this year through an IPO becoming a shining light of solar energy stocks. Suntech Power rose 34 percent to $21.10 in their U.S. market debut on Wednesday, a day after pricing at the top of a recently raised forecast (forecast range raised from $11-$13 to $13 - $15 on Tuesday).

- Wind Energy

""Wind power has huge potential to address some of those (power shortage) problems"", said Lew, ""India currently is out- competing China in terms of wind power because of their aggressive policies. With an estimated potential wind power capacity of 250 gigawatts onshore and 750 gigawatts offshore, China has world-class wind resource. But their installed capacity of wind power was only 764 MW (see table 1) at the end of 2004, far less than India, which actually has a much more moderate wind resource. India leads the Asia market with an installed wind capacity of 4200 MW. ""

The critical factor that has led to this difference, according to Lew, is the government policy. ""Driving the development has been the policy not the renewable energy resource. India's wind resources are not as strong, but the government has been developing its wind market much more aggressively, with aggressive policies and financial incentives. However, China is catching up; especially with the new renewable energy law that comes effective January 2006. They (Chinese) have set very aggressive targets for renewable energy to meet as a certain percentage of power supply (10% of its power, with 20 GW of wind, and 1 GW of solar by 2020. And in the recent Beijing International Renewable Energy Conference the government announced a new target of 15% RE by 2020 with no announcement of specific breakdown). In the new law, China is going to institute a 0.25RMB/kWh subsidy for wind energy which should help drive development,"" described.

Table 1 Quoted from: Fuelling China's Development through Wind Power

GE Energy is very optimistic about both China and India's markets. Beijing Guotou Energy Conservation Company has selected GE Energy as the turbine supplier for two new wind farms in Hebei and Xinjiang provinces of China, announced GE at Power-Gen Asia 2005. ""China has a vast wind resource and an increasing need for electricity,"" stated Robert Gleitz, General Manager of GE Energy's wind segment in their news release. GE Energy has also supplied steam turbine generators to all major power utilities in India, which accounts for 10% of India's installed thermal power generation capacity. ""India offers very exciting opportunities for the wind industry. With an untapped wind power potential estimated at 45,000 megawatts, and strong interest in adding renewable energy capacity, the country can be a cornerstone for wind energy development across Asia,"" states Gleitz.

Water and Renewable Energy Market's Future

Hoffmann believes that China's water industry potentially has a brighter future than India's. He explains:"" I definitely think China has greater opportunities to mitigate their situation for a number of reasons: as developing countries, both India and China are very rural, although China I think they have a greater urbanization rate than India at this point. In China, a lot of income potentials are in the major cities and more people move into cities. This is creating a fair amount of necessity on the part of China at least to really evoke some large centralized treatment and I think given that the Olympics will be there in 2008, they are certainly more visible and they will be quicker dealing with their water situation than India may. Also, you can see a fair amount of capital flow into China. A lot of global water players (such as GE) are actively courting China to partner in large centralized water treatment facilities. So I think they are getting a flow of funds that you can say will help them develop faster. Most importantly, from table 2, you can see, based upon the United Nation's Population growth statistic, over the period 1990 to 2025, India will surpass China relative to water stress. This is primarily depends on current population growth, because India right now has higher population growth rate than China. The future of both countries will be primarily dependent upon their future population growth. If both countries can moderate their population growth, they will certainly be in a better position from a water stress point of view. ""

Table 2: Quoted from WaterTech Capital

When it comes to which market will have brighter future in renewable energy sector, Lew said, "" (In terms of natural resources), China definitely has better wind resources, and very excellent solar resources in the north and west, but there isn't a lot of demand out there, so it is hard to say how useful it is."" However, in terms of government policy, ""India really got a jump on the policy side, and this has attracted international wind companies who manufacture turbines and blades there. India's wind market is one of the top in the world now. On the other hand, China's new law and new subsidy in 2006 will be a huge boon to wind to China, ""explained Lew.

Fei Wang

Fei Wang holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce from University of British Columbia Sauder Business School, with double major in Finance and Marketing. She has experience in investment banking and advertising in Canada, China and Korea, with a firm academic background. Full ttp://www.China-AsiaStocks.com/Articles/China_India_Wate r.asp Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp ©Copyright InvestorIdeas 2006

About the author: Fei Wang holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce from University of British Columbia Sauder Business School, with double major in Finance and Marketing. She has experience in investment banking and advertising in Canada, China and Korea, with a firm academic background.

Floribunda Roses - All You Need To Know

2008-12-13T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Mike Singh

Floribunda roses are some of the most amazing out there because of the large, dense amounts of buds that are produced. These roses will have simultaneously occurring blooms in each truss. They are less perfect looking roses but are so dense in their production that they can truly make a statement in virtually any landscape especially when planted together.

Here are some facts to know about the Floribunda roses.

What's The Difference? Few of these roses are scented and their shape is not always of the perfect rose. But, they make up for this quality when you take into consideration the all summer long blooming of rich colors and beautifully dense foliage that they provide.

Easy To Grow? Although the Floribunda rose is a rose, which tend to be difficult plants to grow, they are less of a problem to many. They are more tolerant to conditions and the environment and also continue to produce blooms over and over again. They are easier to grow only because they can take more punishment, so to speak.

Where Can I Plant Them? Floribunda roses can be planted in any open but not vulnerable location. They enjoy the sun and varieties are available for different amounts of sunlight as well. They can and should be planted as bare roots from the months of November to March in most climates. This is much less expensive as well.

Trim Those Roots! Before you plant them, make sure to prune back the roots to allow for new root growth to take place. This can make a large difference in the quality of these roses.

Feed Them? When they begin to grow in the spring, you'll want to feed them with a rose fertilizer that can be commonly found. Do this monthly until the end of summer months.

Which Ones Do I Go With? There are several varieties of the Floribunda rose. You can choose those that you enjoy and that will prosper in your environment. Some good choices include Rob Roy which is very deep red in color, Glenfiddisch which is a golden amber color with large flowers, and the Ballindallock Castle which is a salmon/coral color of blooms.

About the author: Mike Singh is the successful publisher of rose gardening sites. He provides more articles about

how to prune roses and

rose disease on his sites.

Great Ocean Conveyor to Circulate Water of the World

2008-12-12T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: James Hunt

Although it may not seem like it at times, the ocean is constantly in motion both above and below the water. Underneath the surface of the water there are currents and waves that are caused by the winds on the surface of the sea. The earth's gravity also has a say in the swell and the tide of the ocean as it pulls it back and forth in a grand lunar dance. Deep below that surface of the ocean is another type of motion that is called the Great Ocean Conveyor, or the thermohaline circulation. Not many people know about the Conveyor but it is very much alive and moving in the oceans of the world.

The Great Ocean Conveyor doesn't move very fast but it does incorporate enough water to fill the Amazon River at least one hundred times. The movement of the Great Ocean Conveyor has been recorded at 10cm each second and the amount of water that moves each second equals approximately thirty million cubic meters. With so much movement happening below the ocean why don't we notice it from above? The water at the surface of the ocean is greatly heated by the sun at the earth's equator. As this water flows upward to the higher latitudes this heat is slowly released into the earth's atmosphere. When this once warm water starts to cool down it becomes thicker and heavier, causing it to drift towards the bottom of the ocean. It is this water deep in the ocean that circulates around and around, emerging at the surface of the ocean, somewhere in the world, many years later. The Great Ocean Conveyor continues to move water around until it rises and becomes warmer. Cold ocean water from the northern end of the planet sinks down and becomes part of the Great Ocean Conveyor, only to emerge years later in a warmer climate. It is the Great Ocean Conveyor that keeps the water of the world circulating and mixing, keeping the earth healthy.

About the author: James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.conveyors-guide.com

Brass: One of the Biggest Misnomers in History

2008-12-11T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: James Monahan

Aside from home ornaments and jewelries, you have probably heard the term brass on brass bands. Do you know why a brass band is called a ""brass band""?

Some people may actually believe that brass bands are called as such because the instruments the musicians use are made of brass.

By definition, a brass band is a group of musicians who plays brass instruments along with percussion instruments. Brass instruments are technically defined as instruments whose tones are produced by vibrating the lips through a resonator. Examples of such brass instruments are the trumpet and the horn.

According to music scholars, the term ""brass instruments"" is a misnomer. Not all brass instruments are made of brass. Some brass instruments are actually made of wood like the cornett. Some other woodwind instruments, on the other hand, are made of brass but are not exactly categorized under the brass instrument family. An example of this brass woodwind instrument is the saxophone.

Therefore, brass bands are not called ""brass bands"" because the instruments the musicians use are made of brass. The word ""brass"" in the term brass band actually refers to the type of sound an instrument makes.

But what exactly is ""brass""?

Brass is an alloy or a combination of copper and zinc. Usually, brass contains more than fifty percent of copper but it is generally harder compared to copper. It is a malleable and ductile alloy that can be hammered into leaves or strips and designed according to one's desire. These characteristics make brass a prevalent option for decorating wares.

Brass has a yellowish color which makes it look so much like gold. Because of this, brass has been used as a cheap substitute for gold and the term ""brassy"" used to refer to denote one being tasteless and showy.

There are different categories of brass depending on its zinc and copper ratio. Alpha brasses contain less than thirty-five percent zinc and are best utilized when they are cold.

Alpha-beta brass is 35%-45% zinc and is commonly used while it is hot.

Beta brasses have 45%-50% zinc content. It can only be used while hot and is preferred by metalworkers to use for casting. Beta brasses are also harder and stronger compared to other types of brass.

Brass that contains more than 50% percent zinc is called white brass and is usually too brittle to use.

Calamine brass is a combination of calamine (a zinc ore) and copper. It is a specialized type of brass because it uses a different type of zinc (calamine) instead of the usual metallic zinc used to create brass.

Another particular type of alpha brass is a brass that contains 75% zinc and 25% copper. It is called Prince's metal or Prince Rupert's metal named after Prince Rupert of the Rhine who was a commander of the Royalist cavalry during the English civil war.

Brass has been used all through out history in different fields - may it be in art, or in trade and commerce. In ancient times, Romans used brass to make coins, decorate their jewelry and to adorn their armor.

After the middle ages, the use of brass increased as craftsmen incorporated it in making clocks, plates, chandeliers and other household items. A particular town called Dinant (currently called Belgium) was the most profuse creators of brassware during those times. They created large brass dishes and exported these wares into the Netherlands.

The Islamic East was also known for creating brass wares and braziers. Evidences of their craftsmanship can be found in Venice where 15th century well-wrought bowls, dishes, and candlesticks were shipped there by Eastern merchants.

Brass was also particularly popular in 18th century colonial homes in North America. Brass chandeliers made in England and the Netherlands in the 17th century are quite prevalent adornments in these colonial houses. In addition to this, brass drawers incorporated into furniture were considered to be well-liked during that era.

Although brass has survived the time and enjoyed its popularity during those ages, brass is considered as a modern alloy. It was only utilized up until the 16th century. In ancient times, people use the word ""brass"" as a term to refer to any alloy mixed with copper. The brass that ancient people used to refer to was probably bronze, an alloy of copper and tin. Nowadays, people already have a clear distinction between brass and bronze.

Aside from being a popular material all through out history, brass has also undergone different ""misrepresentations"" when it comes to its name. But even if it is less regarded than gold, brass has stood the test of time and has proven to be a material of high class.

About the author: James Monahan is the owner and senior editor of BrassLinks.com

Hollly Trees and Shrubs For Solebury Pa.

2008-12-10T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

American Holly Trees Hollies are very diverse. Holly plants can be successfully grown in all fifty states of the United States. There are hundreds of species of holly trees and shrubs. Holly plants come in all sizes, ranging from spreading dwarf holly shrubs to tall holly trees. Their shapes vary from rounded to pyramidal to columnar. There are many uses of hollies in the landscape. Holly are attractive in foundation plantings or as borders for garden areas. Holly trees and the taller holly shrubs have long been used as privacy screen hedges to screen out traffic or neighbors, or as accent plants on a lawn. In Solebury Pa., hollies tend to be eaten by deer. This is a major problem. Some Varieties such as Dragon Lady have sharp spines that repell deer.

Most hollies are evergreen, with deep green color making them attractive in the landscape. On our nursery we usually have 20 plus varieties available. You can see our web site at http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com

About the author: Bill Has been raising and selling trees for 45 years near Doylestown Pa. and has two web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

The ABC's of Birch Tree Plantings For Bucks County

2008-12-09T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Where ever you go in Bucks County you see Birch Trees. These trees do well in most areas of Bucks County because the soil and moisture conditions here are favorable to this plant. River Birch Trees are fairly easy to plant because they are fairly rugged and durable. Yet to plant or transplant them you do need to follow some basic guidelines. Two of the best cultivars or River Birch trees are Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches. We have been growing River Birch Trees for a number of years and offer these suggestions for planting in and around Quakertown Pa..

All people handling Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches seedlings and small trees need to help with the life support of your plants. Seedlings are like fish out of water and need care which is often overlooked between the time the seedlings are lifted and transplanted. Improper care means higher mortality. Do not try and reinvent the wheel. You must protect seedling from moisture and temperature extremes, as well as physical damage. Seedlings are living and should be handled carefully. For a higher survival rate, treat trees carefully and plant them immediately. I like to have a backup plan for planting if the weather turns bad. I will sometimes switch from lining out the seedlings to potting them up if I realize that the soil conditions will not be right for an extended lenght of time. If planting must be delayed a few days, keep the plants in a cold, protected place with air circulation between the trees. Keep the Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches trees out of the rain and wind. To check if the trees need water, feel the media at the roots.. If it isn't damp, water the trees and allow the excess water to drain. In cool, damp weather, the biggest threat to these trees is from mold. Try to keep out of soil seedlings moist by either restricting water loss with a water vapor barrier or by wetting the roots at regular intervals. While handling or planting try to reduce temperature and air movement around the seedlings. Windy days can dry out seedlings so consider waiting for calmer weather. Once your soil conditions are correct OUR FREE USE PLANTERS will make planting a snap so its will be worth waiting for good planting conditions.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Tangled roots Planting too shallow Planting too deep Air pockets Turned up roots (this is called J rooting) Planting trees that are not tolerant of wet soils in poorly drained areas Planting over rocks, septic tanks and leach fields, on sand mounds

CARE OF TREES FOLLOWING PLANTING Check periodically to be sure that brush, grass and other vegetation is kept under control by mowing, mulching, spraying or a combination of these treatments. Always obtain advice from a licensed pest control advisor before using chemicals. You ag extension agency may offer courses in application of chemicals. Monitoring the appearance of your trees will help you to detect signs of insects, diseases or other problems. Apperances also help sell your product. Look for foliage turning yellow, new foliage drooping or other signs of poor health. It is easier to take successful corrective action if the problem is detected early.

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You can see other articles written by Bill Hirst about trees, plants, and shrubs at http://www.zone5trees.com http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter http://zone5trees.com/Hedges http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html com

About the author: Bill has been growing birch trees and other plants in Pennsylvania for over 25 years. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.huntingrelics.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

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The Oil Depot Explosion That Rocked My Home And Brought Me Inner Peace

2008-12-08T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Annett Tate

On Sunday morning, 11th December I got up early. I like sitting down to write when the house is still quiet, before day light glides over the hills and the silence of the night is chased away by the hectic activities of the day. There is something delightfully creative about those early hours for me and I was keen to finish another instalment of a piece I am writing called '7 Steps to Inner Peace and Personal Power in 2006'.

Although my daughter was staying at a friend's house at the other end of the country, through habit I sneaked quietly into the dark bathroom to get my dressing gown. Suddenly an unfamiliar, pink-coloured flicker lighted my way. I was startled for a moment; except for my sleeping dog I was alone in the house. Where could this eery glow come from? As I returned to the bedroom and looked out of the window, there was the loudest thunder roar I had ever heard, followed a split second later by a wave that shook the house as it sped right through, sweeping away the last trace of mellow sleepiness and leaving me stunned.

Some kind of explosion. The railway station, I thought - or maybe a large gas boiler in one of the shops or restaurants in the nearby town. And then I remembered the huge oil storage depot just 4 miles away and turned on the TV. It didn't take long for my suspicion to be confirmed as reports started to arrive with pictures of sky-high flames and huge volumes of deadly black smoke being thrown into the air. Now, we have the largest peace time incident of this kind in the UK, just a deep breath away.

And I was about to write about inner peace and personal power. How ironic. For a moment, my inner peace was diminished by thoughts of my own vulnerability and mortality; of concern for how it affected people who were even closer and ultimately the environmental impact this catastrophe would have.

But then came the determination to get my balance back and walk the talk and I asked myself, what are the conditions for true inner peace? How can anyone have personal power, when really we are mere pawns of the power of chance, of nature, of the whim of politicians and of the commercial interests of the high and mighty? How can we sleep at night and be happy by day if our lives can be changed with one spectacular blow of fate?

The answer I gave myself was the one that every spiritual leader, every guru or compassionate priest would have given me. It's the same answer that has come up to so many of my questions throughout the years of my own conscious journey to inner peace. The same simple truth that underlies all personal power and builds the foundation for inner peace, no matter what the external circumstances are.

True inner peace comes from within - from the power of our own minds. Viktor Frankl, the psychotherapist and author who survived the horrors of Nazi concentration camps by using the only thing he had left, his inner resources, put it like this:

'Everything can be taken from a man but one thing; the last of the human freedoms - to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances; to choose one's own way.'

When something shakes our world to the core and throws us off course, even if we may think we don't, we still have the power of choice. We can choose how to react. The personal power that comes from this realisation is immense.

Wherever you look, you will see people who made the choice to let a crisis empower them rather than crush their confidence and break their spirit. People like the family of the murder victim Anthony Walker, who forgave the young men who so cruelly took their son and are not haunted by the poisonous power of hate, people who have courageously built a new life after the floods in New Orleans rather than wallow in self-pity and blame.

Those are the people who chose to take the path of inner peace and personal power. They are who I chose to use as my inspiration this morning, as I continued my writing under the ever-growing toxic black cloud.

I wish you inner peace and hope you find it easy to make that choice today. Greetings

About the author: Annett Tate helps people achieve ultimate wellness and health. She teaches Emotional Freedom in her EFT seminars and shares her thoughts, inspiration and advice at Stress2Bliss.com

The Dangers of Pesticides

2008-12-07T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: L A Parmley

DDT (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloro-ethane) is one pesticide that has been unquestionably labeled hazardous to our health. It has been linked to cancer and is actually banned from all use in America now.

DDT was widely used in the 1960's. It's all-time peak came in 1963 when 61 million pounds of DDT were sprayed across the U.S. The first major opposition to the spraying of DDT came with Rachel Carson's well-known book, ""Silent Spring"" in 1962. By 1968, many states had decided to ban the use of the pesticide. By 1972, the government had banned all use of it in the U.S.

Today, the U.S. does not produce or supply DDT. Other regions of the world like Africa, Central and South America still spray DDT and compounds derived from it to help control diseases spread by insects, such as malaria. Since some of our food is imported from countries still using the pesticide, the FDA monitors imported foods for traces of DDT and other hazardous substances. Just what's so bad about DDT?

If a farmer sprays DDT on his crops, eventually, a rodent eats one of the DDT covered plants. The DDT is then stored in the fatty tissues of the rodent. Maybe a bird catches and eats the rodent. The DDT comes with the package and is stored in the fat of the bird.

The same bird also eats a fish from a nearby creek; one that contains runoff from the farmer's crops, and unfortunately DDT. Now all the DDT from the fish is also stored within the bird. The bird is caught and eaten by a female human. All the DDT from the plant, the rodent, bird and fish is stored in her fatty tissue. The woman has a baby and one of the mother's first gifts to it is a portion of her DDT. Throughout the son or daughter's life, even more DDT will accumulate as he or she continues to ingest contaminated foods. Since it is a carcinogen, the individual may have a greater chance of developing cancer.

Remember, DDT is extremely persistent so even though we don't spray it now, it was sprayed all over the country for about three decades and is definitely still around.

DDT is not the only pesticide that causes problems. Several others are made from compounds that are derived from it and are known to be carcinogic as well. Examples of these are malathion and diazinon. Both are highly toxic. Fortunately, they break down very quickly in the environment to form nontoxic compounds. Carbamates are another group of pesticides which are presumably not-carcinogenic, but still pose dangers to our health.

About the author: Please take the time to review more cancer prevention articles at... Cancer Prevention Report.com Our health is our most precious asset.

Rose Diseases - All You Need To Know

2008-12-06T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Mike Singh

Roses are beautiful plants that many people enjoy growing in their gardens. But, there are some very common types of diseases that face roses no matter what type they are and no matter where they are grown. Identifying these diseases is essential. And, it is also important to do whatever is possible to prevent them from attacking and virtually killing the roses.

Some Rose Diseases You Will Experience

Powdery Mildew is one of the many types that may affect your plants. This condition looks like a white powder that is on the leaves, stems and the buds of your roses. To prevent this from happening, avoid planting roses in shaded areas especially in those areas that dry out slowly in the morning hours. Make sure that the rose has breathing room by keeping surrounding plants pruned.

The Black Spot. Often, you will find black spots on the edges of the leaves and on the stem of your roses. This is a fungus that can do much damage to your precious plant. Leaves will fall off and the plant can become almost bare. Some varieties of roses are less likely to have this happen to them. Make sure that fall leaves have been removed from the locations. Also, water the plants without splashing water on the leaves. Sunny locations can also help the plant to dry out without causing the fungus to grow.

What's The Color? Rust discoloration can happen to your plants. At least, the color of rust will begin to appear. It can happen to older leaves first and then spread throughout the entire plant. To prevent this condition from striking your roses, keep the leaves dry. When watering, go for the ground around the plant not necessarily the leaves. Water during the day time when there is time for the leaves to dry. Allow for proper air circulation around the plant by keeping surrounding plants pruned properly.

All of these conditions can strike a rose plant. These diseases are in most cases preventable. And, should your rose be affected you can take the necessary steps to repair the conditions and also prevent future outbreaks. The important point to remember is that rose diseases are common but preventable.

About the author: Mike Singh is a successful webmaster and publisher of a rose gardening sites. He provides more information about rose types and

rose floribunda on his sites.

Starting A Group For Sealife Preservation

2008-12-05T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: James Monahan

Because humans are losing too much of the natural, it is time to change the way people think about preservation. Stop thinking about what it would benefit the human race if this sea life is protected. To preserve the sea life, you should know the value of nature and all of its aspects without thinking of your own interests.

Since people have been brought up to the belief that every living thing has the birthright to exist in this environment, sea life should be preserved. And this will start as soon as you give a little extra effort for this cause.

Are you ready to participate in achieving a better conservation of the sea environmental life? Are you ready to spread information and educate other people about the dangers and harm humans cause the sea life?

Since majority of the oceans have been devastated by development and industry in the past century, it is never too late to start now. By following these 6 simple steps, you could make a change.

1. Learn to manage skills. Because two minds is better than one, recruit people that would support you in your preservation of sea life. Each person has a unique skill that could be made of use. Learn to use these skills for the common good.

2.Learn to make finances out of nothing. Because non-profitable programs do not have funds to get money from, learn to collect these funds on your own. After receiving the money, be able to manage it and circulate the finances for programs and other events.

3. Learn to plan strategically. Although your group is working for a cause, it wouldn't harm you to plan the preservation of sea life in an organized manner. The vital key in supporting your program is by maintaining the sufficient financial matters and by producing a long-term plan for your group.

4. Learn to inform correctly. For people to be aware on the conditions of the coral reef, the endangered species of the sea life, the laws regarding fishing, and many other issues on the preservation of sea life, be ready to educate the people.

Research and educate the people about the basics of sea life conservation and simple techniques that minimize harm to fish when engaging in catch-and-release angling.

To lessen uninformed people, educate them on the correct disposal of wastes on seas, keeping the seawater pollution-free, and exercise ethical behavior in using aquatic resources. Be a role model and this may even cause people to start aiding for the preservation of sea life. 5. Learn to handle markets. To be able to catch your target attention, learn to deal with great advertising. Produce fliers, banners and posters that would attract people to read and be interested.

Organize and implement a seminar on the dangers the sea life is currently experiencing due to human's waste. Make a fund-raising to support other organizations which specifies on sea life preservation.

6. Learn to weigh impacts. After analyzing which programs about sea life preservation you would include and after education people with fliers, posters and much needed information, you must learn to weigh for impacts. You must be sensitive enough to know whether or not your program is having an effect on the environment or on the people.

Don't hesitate to act for a change. Anyone could help preserve the sea life. You could save the planet.

About the author: James Monahan is the owner and Senior Editor of SealifeSearch.com and writes expert articles about sealife .

Home Interior Design Styles: Wabi Sabi, Shabby Chic, and Design Psychology

2008-12-04T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Jeanette Joy Fisher

Wabi Sabi, an ancient Chinese philosophy adapted by the Japanese and practiced by many Westerners today, presents an alternative way of living more than a way of decorating your home. However, you can adapt your interior and landscape design using Wabi Sabi principles for happiness.

""Wabi Sabi"" (pronounced ""wah-bee sah-bee"") was formalized as the Zen Buddhism tea ceremony evolved. Zen Buddhism originated in India, traveled through China in the 6th Century, and to Japan in the 12th century. The ancient wisdom of Wabi Sabi practitioners helps today's busy home makers with interesting interior design ideas. Wabi Sabi interior design followers learn to relax, take time appreciate the beauty and simplicity of natural design, and to know that their home doesn't need perfection to bring joy, which compares to our research findings in residential Design Psychology.

Before you relate Wabi Sabi to Shabby Chic style, understand that the Wabi Sabi way of life starts with simplicity, whereas Shabby Chic interiors often fill spaces with a lot of interesting finds, which can end up with too much to care for and eye clutter, according to Design Psychology principles. This lesson of too much design detail, which stops the eye and makes you feel overwhelmed, became apparent to us when we moved from our expansive Victorian home into a smaller house and had to choose the more important furnishings from the treasures discovered over ten years of collecting, both in antique and thrift stores.

If you want to makeover your home for joyous living, consider Wabi Sabi restraints along with Design Psychology principles:

Simplify your life and home design. When you choose the best from your treasures, keep those accessories that support positive memories, regardless of monetary value.

Take pleasure from natural beauty. Choose design details with colors, patterns, and textures similar to those found in nature, which feel harmonious to people because they connect us to the earth.

Appreciate your home and furnishings, no matter how imperfect. When you love your home, this love shines throughout and makes it easier for you to clean and maintain. Your positive attitude brings you encouragement to find beauty all around, inspiring fresh ideas for home makeover projects.

Wabi Sabi beliefs include the principles of incomplete and impermanent designs, which parallel the Design Psychology principle that your home needs to grow and change, to support your changing lifestyle and emotional needs.

In contrast to Wabi Sabi's use of modest and humble furnishings, Design Psychology appreciates the inherent beauty in all things. Enjoy the fruits of your hard work and don't feel guilty when mixing the humble with quality showpieces. I love my Italian Millifiore glass lamps sitting next to my Mexican Rose rock.

Like any good design theory, Wabi Sabi finds beauty in the unconventional. Your originality in design makes your home unique. Design Psychology practice avoids the use of furniture ""groups"" and prefers unique, individual pieces offering comfort. If you were tempted by a furniture set, such as matching sofa, love seat, and the three matching tables, don't worry; just know that additional pieces don't need to match perfectly and that blending styles and finishes makes unconventional, unique spaces.

Design Psychology supports fearless home makeovers, bold with colors to lend emotional support yet restrained, without overly-filled rooms, to provide backgrounds for people and harmonious living.

Similar to the Wabi Sabi tea ceremony, practice daily rituals in your home. Create a home to celebrate life, one full of tranquility and beauty. Choose your home interior design style to best support your happiness.

About the author: Jeanette Fisher, author of interior design books, has researched the effects of environment on emotions for over 15 years. She teaches Design Psychology and real estate investing. Free Design Psychology ebooks

http://www.JoytotheHome.com/

Hydroponics - Cultivation of Plants in Water

2008-12-03T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: James Hunt

Hydroponics is defined as the cultivation of plants in water. However, research as been conducted to show that many other things play a role besides for just the water therefore the definition has been broadened to read the cultivation of plants without the use of soil.

Due to the lack of fertile farmland and soil as well as the lack of a large water supply, plant growers are using hydroponics as way of growing their plants. There are some plant grower's such as home gardeners who use hydroponics on a small scale to grow such things as vegetables all year round and to grow plants that can survive in smaller places. On a larger scale, greenhouses and nurseries grow their plants in soulless bark-based growing mix.

There are many advantages of using hydroponics. One the most annoying things about growing plants through the use of soil is the presence of weeds. Most gardeners will tell you that this is what they hate most. Through the use of hydroponics, there will be no weeds to remove. Also, there will be no soil-born pests and diseases to fight against, as they will be eliminated completely.

It has been found that plants grown through the use of hydroponics are healthier and more vigorous due to the fact that all of the necessary growth elements are readily available. This allows the plants to mature faster. Hydroponics gardens use less space since the roots do not have to spread out in search for food and water. Those people who use hydroponics say the greatest advantage to using this system of plant growth is that you have the ability to control everything. You control the environment and it can even be set up on a timer. Automation as it is called, provides flexibility to the gardener as one can be gone for long periods of time without having to worry about watering the plants.

About the author: James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.hydroponics-centra l.info

How do Oil Spills Happen

2008-12-02T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: James Hunt

When we hear about an oil spill that has occurred in some part of the world we may be unaware of just how much oil has been spilled into either the water or on land. When we are talking about an oil spill, we are talking about a huge amount of oil that can do serious damage to the environment in which it was spilled.

How do Oil Spills happen?

Oil spills into rivers; bays and oceans are caused by accidents that usually involve tankers, barges, or refineries. Usually the oil is being transported to another part of the world for various reasons. People who by some form or another make mistakes or are being careless in what they are doing cause the spills themselves. Oil spills are not always caused by human mistake however; sometime machinery can break down which cause oil to spill out into the surrounding environment.

What happens when oil spills occur?

If an oil spill occurs in the ocean, the oil itself will float in salt water. It has been found that if the oil spill occurs in fresh water there is a good chance that the oil will float on top of the water as well. Believe it or not this is a good thing. This means that the oil is confined to the surface of the water, which makes containing the spill a little easier. The problem is that in water the oil will spread out quickly over the surface of the water. The more time the oil is left in the water the more it will spread out to cover a wider surface area, which can have a negative impact on the rate at which it can be contained and corrected.

When oil spills occur in the ocean there is always a chance that the marine life as well as birds and other animals will be negatively affected. Some oil spills have a greater impact on the wildlife then others, but no spill is good. Birds and other animals that are covered in fur, the oil itself actually destroys or breaks down the insulating ability of the fur. For birds, if the fur is covered in oil, the water-repelling abilities of the fur are affected. This exposed the animals to the harsh elements of the environments in which they live. There have been many animals killed as a result of oil spills in the oceans around the world.

Who takes care of Oils Spills?

When an oil spill occurs, who takes care of the problem? There are various, local and federal agencies that can be called upon to take care of oil spills. No matter who is called to take care of the spill the methods employed to clean up the spill are the same. Some agencies will be better equipped to clean up bigger spills whereas local agencies and organizations can handle the smaller, less dangerous spills. It is a criminal offence not to report an oil spill and failure to do so can result in jail time.

About the author: James Hunt has spent 15 years as a professional writer and researcher covering stories that cover a whole spectrum of interest. Read more at www.oil-spills-central. info

A Tree for Dummies - The River Birch

2008-12-01T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

River Birsch Trees are fairly easy to plant because they are fairly rugged and durable. Yet to plant or transplant them you do need to follow some basic guidelines. Two of the best cultivars or River Birch trees are Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches. The river birh has good reistance to the Bronze Birch Borer.

All people handling seedlings and small trees need to help with the life support of your plants. Seedlings are like fish out of water and need care which is often overlooked between the time the seedlings are lifted and transplanted. Improper care means higher mortality. Do not try and reinvent the wheel. You must protect seedling from moisture and temperature extremes, as well as physical damage. Seedlings are living and should be handled carefully. For a higher survival rate, treat trees carefully and plant them immediately. I like to have a backup plan for planting if the weather turns bad. I will sometimes switch from lining out the seedlings to potting them up if I realize that the soil conditions will not be right for an extended lenght of time. If planting must be delayed a few days, keep the plants in a cold, protected place with air circulation between the trees. Keep the trees out of the rain and wind. To check if the trees need water, feel the media at the roots.. If it isn't damp, water the trees and allow the excess water to drain. In cool, damp weather, the biggest threat to these trees is from mold. Try to keep out of soil seedlings moist by either restricting water loss with a water vapor barrier or by wetting the roots at regular intervals. While handling or planting try to reduce temperature and air movement around the seedlings. Windy days can dry out seedlings so consider waiting for calmer weather. Once your soil conditions are correct OUR FREE USE PLANTERS will make planting a snap so its will be worth waiting for good planting conditions.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com/RiverBirchTrees.html and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: Bill has been growing trees and plants on his Doylestown Pa. nursery fcor 25 years. He has grown thousands of these tyrees and finds the River Birch an EZ to plant tree.

Unusual Uses of Backyard Plants and Trees

2008-11-30T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Unusual Uses of Backyard Trees and Plants

Highland Hill Farm just doesn't sell and install ""landscaping beauty."" We're providing you with food and raw materials! Why not raise plants that have uses other because they look good? Of course you already know that you can use the wood from your trees instead of going to a lumber yard or home supplies center. You've learned about the historical use of the Viburnum's straight branches for making arrow shafts. Then, the hardwood trees you have planted can provide fruits or nuts.

But did you know you can rub the powder found on the bark of a Quaking Aspen tree on your skin and it works as mosquito repellent. You see, mosquito repellent actually works not because the mosquitoes are driven away by the offensive smell, but because there are chemical compounds whose odor blocks the mosquito's sensory receptors effectively hiding us. So, you can be invisible to mosquitoes by buying mosquito repellent with ""DEET,"" an organic hydrocarbon molecule, or use the powder from the bark of your Quaking Aspen tree, an organic molecule from a whole 'nuther source.

Edible Wild plants. Yes you can safely eat the following:

The leaves of the Quaking Aspen also make a tasty tea which will cure minor headaches. The Quaking aspen leaves contain salicylic acid, the active ingredient of (acetylsalicylic) aspirin. Silver Birch trees' bark makes a tea which has long been considered as medicinal as chicken soup.

Arborvitae , the ""lifegiving tree,"" obviously has made a superbly beneficial tea for centuries. The leaves and bark both are boiled in water to yield Vitamin C along with the tannins, etc. and prevent or cure scurvy. Maybe you don't like orange juice, or more likely, have been given a dietary restriction for citrus fruit. Just have some tea from a Thuja Occidentalis, the Eastern Cedar, or Eastern White Cedar, also called Northern White Cedar, boy oh boy, the Arborvitae sure has alot of names! Anyway, you can check on the value of Arborvitae Tea; Just get a time machine, go back to 1536 near Quebec, and ask the explorer Jacques Cartier and his men. Burdock is edible. (But it tastes very bitter)

From the popular dogwood tree, you can eat the berries. NOT the plant, bark, or leaves, but the Dogwood's fruit, the berries, are edible (sad note, you will likely find the berries taste almost as bitter as burdock plant). The inside bark of a cottonwood tree tastes pretty fair. The white inside part of a cattail tastes very good. It's like a mild cucumber. Watercress is sold as a delicacy in restaurants. It has a strong flavor, tasting rather spicy like radishes) Poplar bark is tolerable. Anise is truly delicious if you like black licorice. Dandelion leaves make a great salad, the roots can be roasted and then ground to make a kind of coffee or tea drink with boiled water, or you can even make dandelion wine. Any kind of mint can be grown alongside your shrubs and flowers. Be sure you harvest it often or some species of mint will become ""an invasive"" and take over your whole yard.

Wild rose hips can be rather expensive to buy, but are high in Vitamin C, an ingredient in many teas. Just don't eat the flowers or plant stems. Thistle is more like a weed, a real weed, but if you'll scrape the thorns off (duh!) you can eat the leaf or the inside of the blossom as salad greens. Berries. whether strawberries, raspberries, chokecherries (can seem like too much pit to be worth it), currants (Tart tasting), serviceberries, gooseberries (green, ""stripy"" and very TART!), purple elderberries (red ones are poisonous), cranberries, and best of all, blueberries are just about the best example of what we can eat that grows wild. Don't eat sumac berries, they are poisonous!

Prickly Pear Cactus is indeed a succulent. Scrape off the skin, boil the inside, and you'll see why it is botanically classified as ""succulent."" Clover can be eaten as a salad green. You can even eat the four-leafed ones for extra folic acid to go with your good luck. Did you know it has been claimed an apple can be more helpful for waking up in the morning than a cup of coffee, or the more caffeine-rich orange-colored teas? A morning or two, try an apple fresh-picked from your own apple tree and see if you feel the lift.

Our use plant links http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter http://zone5trees.com/Hedges http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html http://seedlingsrus.com/GrowingRhodies.html

About the author: Bill raises and sells trees and plants on his 250 acres of farms in the area of Doylestown in central Bucks county, PA with close to 45 years of total experience.

Uncommon Common Gorilla Facts

2008-11-29T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Ba Kiwanuka

Gorilla Facts

* Gorillas possess 98% of the same nuclear DNA as humans

* There's a greater degree of difference between gorilla & chimp DNA in contrast to gorilla & human DNA

* Gorillas are the biggest primate (note humans are primates)

* Gorillas, chimpanzees and humans are classified under the same family--Hominidae

* Gorillas and chimps used to be classified under the family Pongidae--Now only the orangutan remains in the Pongidae family

* There're two species of gorilla: Western Gorilla and Eastern Gorilla

* The largest subspecies of gorilla is the Grauer's gorilla (eastern lowland gorilla)

* A group of gorillas is called a troop

* A silverback gorilla is so-called because of the greyish/silver patch he gains on his back when he attains maturity

* Eastern gorillas tend to have blacker hair than their Western counterparts who tend to be browner

* Gorillas have hair not fur

* Mountain gorillas have longer hair, larger jaws and teeth, smaller noses and shorter arms than other gorillas

* Gorilla arms are longer than their legs and in the western gorilla, the male's arm span extends 7-9 feet; A greater length than the gorilla is tall

* Not a single one of the gorillas in zoos around the world is a mountain gorilla--they are all lowland (western) gorillas

* The gorillas you see in movies are usually western gorillas, that's why they look so different from the one's seen on safari

* Mountain gorillas tend to die in captivity

* Most gorillas seen on safari are habituated mountain gorillas (bwindi subspecies too)

* Gorillas are mainly folivorous though they may supplement their diet with insects and small animals

* Gorillas live to approx. 35-40yrs in the wild and about 50 years in captivity

* Male gorilla heights average between 5.6 -6.0 feet (1.7 - 1.8 meters)

* Male gorillas weigh between 300 - 500 lbs (136 -227 kgs)

* Female gorillas are significantly smaller. Height: usually no more than 5ft (1.5 meters) Weight 150-200 lbs (68-91kgs)

* Gorillas are naturally found only in Africa

* Western gorillas are found in the West-Central African region (Cameroon, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Central African Republic, Equatorial Guinea and south-eastern Nigeria).

* Eastern gorillas live in the East-Central African region (Uganda, Rwanda and Congo)

* An adult male eats up to 40 pounds of food a day

* Dian Fossey was the foremost person responsible for alerting the public at large to the plight of the mountain gorilla

* Gorillas like other primates are now known to use tools--even wild gorillas have been observed using tools

* December 22, 1956 was the date of the first registered gorilla birth in captivity at Columbus Zoo in Ohio

* Until the late 1970s, thousands of gorillas were slaughtered in order to capture young gorillas destined for zoos

* By the end of 1991, 53% of all gorillas in zoos were born in captivity

* To date more than 760 gorillas reside in over 140 zoos

About the author: Ba Kiwanuka http://www.gorillahub.com

Plant a Sugar Maple or the Green Giant Arborvitae?

2008-11-28T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

The Sugar Maple is an outstanding shade tree that has reliable fall color. The Sugar Maples are found througout the eastern states and are prized shade trees. Sugar Maples are also known as Rock Maples because the wood is so hard. Where the trees are found in open areas they can easily grow to 80 feet tall by 40 feet wide. This tree likes rich deep soils with moisture and good drainage. Clay soils prevent good root penetration and thus affect the trees performance. Sugar Maples roots should be protected from heavy equipment which can compact the soil causing the plant decline. For these reasons in urban areas this tree is not the best choice even though it is widly planted there. This tree is often planted where there is new construction and the trees commonly are hard to establish without some noticeable plant decline on transplanting.

On the other hand you could consider the Green Giant Arborvitae.

Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, Yardley Pa. is located in an area with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the Green Giant is our favorite. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the Green Giant Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year. Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs protection from wind .It is easier to establish than a Sugar Maple in the urban envirement. Its texture is fine with its form conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to 80' in height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5"" erect female cones. The Green Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These arborvitae should outlive even your children.

About the author: Bill Has been raising and selling trees for 45 years near Doylestown Pa. and has two web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

A Hardy Tree - The River Birch

2008-11-27T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: B hirst

River Birch Trees are fairly easy to plant because they are fairly rugged and durable. Yet to plant or transplant them you do need to follow some basic guidelines. Two of the best cultivars or River Birch trees are Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: River Birch Trees are fairly easy to plant because they are fairly rugged and durable. Yet to plant or transplant them you do need to follow some basic guidelines. Two of the best cultivars or River Birch trees are Dura Heat and Heritage River Birches. Bill has been growing these on his 250+ acre farm located in Doylestown Pa for many years.

EZ Trees to Plant

2008-11-26T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: Bill HIrst

Whenever someone asks me for suggestions on EZ to plant trees and shrubs, I always begin with Arborvitae.

We have thousands of arbs and always have hundreds ready for you to pickup. From 2' to 15' we have inventory balled and burlaped. Don't worry about driving long distances to get to us. We are easy to get to near Phila., on a major road, Rt. 313 in Fountainville Pa.. We want to move our stock and will make sure that you go home a happy camper. If you are coming from a long distance, we will give away free inventory that is surplus to our needs. One of our fields is being converted into ball and soccer fields and work will begin Nov. 25 2005. Stock in this field will go cheap. We will stay open til the last dog dies or we sell out. I think we have more stock than what we possibly can sell. You can see our web sites at:

http://www.seedlingsrus.com

http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

http;//www.zone5trees.com

About the author: Bill Has been growing trees on his 250 acre farm in Doylestown for 25 years. He does does not grow difficult to grow trees because he does not want head ache plants hiself.

Living a Life of Balance - An Introduction to Ayurvedic Medicine

2008-11-25T03:06:00.000-08:00

Author: Aruna Bakhru M.D.

Excerpted from Dr. Aruna Bakhru's upcoming book entitled ""The Guru Principle""

Ayurveda is an ancient and holistic system of medicine, which originated in India more than five thousand years ago. The word Ayu means life (span) and Veda means knowledge i.e. knowledge of life or the science of life. One of the basic tenets of Ayurveda is that life is meant to be lived in balance and in harmony with nature. Illness happens when we move away from a life of balance to excesses or deficiencies of any kind, whether it is the way we eat, sleep, work, exercise, think or feel. Ayurveda believes that one has to live in harmony with the seasons, the time of day, the place you live etc.

According to Ayurveda, people are divided into different body types and if you follow the diet, purification routines, exercises, etc. specific for your body type you can correct many of the problems you may be suffering from. Ayurveda places a great deal of emphasis on the mind. According to Ayurveda many of our physical problems and imbalances are first created in the mind. Unlike western medicine, which has divorced the mind from the body, Ayurveda says they are seamlessly connected and each affects the other. The place where the mind and the body connect is the place where matter interfaces with energy.

The three Doshas of Ayurveda: According to Ayurveda, the doshas lie at the place where the mind connects with the body. If the mind and the body are not coordinated, an imbalance is created in the Doshas. There are three Doshas and they are as follows: 1. Vata corresponds to Air. 2. Pitta corresponds to fire. 3. Kapha corresponds to water.

Each and every person has all the three doshas or principles to varying degrees, but usually one or other is dominant. i.e. if you are a Vata type then the Vata principle is dominant. This is important because your body type governs how you should live and what you should eat to maintain a life of balance.

Vata Dosha: Corresponds to air, ether. Function is movement, breathing, and circulation. Emotions are fear, anxiety, and pain. Seat of Vata is in the colon, pelvis etc. The Vata constitution is thin, tall or too short, bony joints, thin eyelashes, sunken eyes, bent nose, variable appetite, tends to constipation, poor sleep, creative, restless, alert, poor willpower and tolerance. Cold hands and feet.

Pitta Dosha Corresponds to fire and water. Function is metabolism, digestion, absorption and assimilation. Emotions are anger, hatred and jealousy. Seat of Pitta is stomach, small intestine and blood. Pitta Constitution is medium build, premature graying, medium sleep, warm hands and feet, short tempered, intelligent and ambitious.

Kapha Dosha Corresponds to water and the earth. Function is that of cementing material of the body, connective tissue, joint lubrication, and memory retention. Emotions are greed, attachment, envy, forgiveness, calmness and maternal emotions. Seat of Kapha is chest, sinuses, ears, nose, throat area, joints etc. Kapha constitution is solid build, slow, deliberate, good strength and endurance, prolonged sleep, obese, calm, forgiving, loving, greedy and possessive. They are slow to grasp information but once they do they retain it i.e. good memory retention.

According to Ayurveda, the imbalance or disease may originate in the mind in the form of some negative emotion, which affects the doshas, and in turn the body or, it may originate in the body and then affect the mind. Diet and environment are the key causes here affecting the doshas, which in turn can affect the mind. We saw earlier that Vata is connected to fear and anxiety, Pitta to hate and jealousy and Kapha to greed and possessiveness.

Western medical science has not recognized the importance of the relationship between the immune system and the gut. Only now are some people beginning to recognize and label the ""leaky gut syndrome"" as being the cause of many diseases. Ayurveda recognized this connection five thousand years ago when it talked about disease being caused by accumulation of toxins or ""ama"" as a result of impairment of the ""Agni"" (the process of digestion and assimilation). If the agni does not function properly, then the ama accumulates in the intestines and leaks into the circulation and subsequently accumulates in other parts of the body clogging them, impairing their resistance and immunity and causing disease of that organ.

Imbalanced emotions also cause disease by impairing the agni and therefore the immune system. In the Bhagwad Gita, the Lord tells Arjuna that He Himself has become the digestive fire or Agni in the human body, serving to illustrate the importance of agni. I.e. it is the Lord's energy, which is powering the digestive system and thus all the metabolic processes and also strengthening the immune system. Disrespect of your digestive fire by eating the wrong foods or an imbalanced lifestyle is disrespecting the Lord within you and inviting disease.

The Ayurvedic physician usually performs a detailed history and physical examination. The examination includes but is not limited to pulse diagnosis, examination of the tongue, facial diagnosis including the lines and wrinkles of your face, your lips, eyes. Examination of the nails and hair, examination of the urine, feces, sweat etc. examination of the mind and emotions. He may also check your astrological chart as this may predict disease proneness. Modern medicine treats the body as though it is a machine with various parts and each part is treated by a different specialist. The problem with a machine is that you can repair it with spare parts. The human body on the other hand functions as a whole. An Ayurvedic physician tries to assist the body in its attempt to repair itself.

Treatment in Ayurveda consists of: Panchakarma (purification or cleansing of the body), herbs, yoga, mantras, gemstones, color therapy, sound therapy using classical ragas, dietary manipulation to balance the doshas, fasting, meditation etc. Treatment is individualized to the person and not the disease. Whereas in allopathic medicine, two patients with arthritis will usually get the same treatment, its not so in Ayurveda.

Panchakarma is employed to eliminate toxins from the body. Massages using oil and herbs, enemas, nasal purgation and induced vomiting are some of the methods used. I remember as a child being taken by my parents for treatment to a local Ayurveda center and the doctors there would make me drink tons of water then come up from behind and press my upper abdomen and all the water would come out. Although disconcerting at first, I did feel really cleaned out afterwards. However, do not try this at home. It can only be done under the supervision of an Ayurvedic physician. Oil or water enemas are used depending on the imbalance present. I would not recommend getting treatment from someone who has taken a two month crash course in Ayurveda. These people can do more harm than good. The idea behind panchakarma is to open the channels and begin getting rid of the accumulated toxins. It can be very effective in getting rid of the chemicals that we are polluting our bodies (and our planet) with, in our so-called modern society.

In Ayurveda, the underlying philosophy is a reverence for all life. Therefore herbs are grown, cultivated and harvested with respect, reverence and purity in mind with the result that the healing effects of such herbs are powerful and in tune with nature. Remember the four sheaths that cover the soul. According to Ayurveda each sheath can be healed with different methods. The physical body can be healed by a vata, pitta or kapha pacifying diet, herbal treatment and yogic exercises. The astral body by the use of herbs, pranayama, color, sound, gemstones magnets (and homeopathy works at this level also). Mantras and meditation reach the causal body.

About the author: Dr.Bakhru is Board Certified in Internal Medicine. She has been listed in the millennium edition of Marquis Who's Who in America, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare and Who's Who in the World.

Visit her website at http://www.thece nterforenergymedicine.com

911 Faqs And Questions

2008-11-24T03:04:00.000-08:00

Author: frank vanderlugt

The number 911 has been in the news quite frequently in the last couple of years.

911 is the emergency number dialed by people when they need fire, police or ambulance assistance in a hurry. In the year 911 the Lower Seine area was ceded to the Norse invaders under Hrolf Ranger as the Duchy of Normandy (treaty of St Claire sur Epte).

Anastasius III became Pope from 911-913. The Danes started the towv of Drogheda in Ireland. 9 11 also stands for the horrendous attack by terrorists on New York City and the Pentagon in which thousands of people were murdered.

Here are some pertinent questions that to this day still have not been answered: Why did the FBI stop their investigation in Mid 1996 of two of Osama bin Laden's relatives in Washington and a Muslim organisation, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth? Was it because they had orders from higher up to stop any investigations related to the Bin Laden Family?

Why did George W.Bush give the order to stop inquiries into the terrorist connections of the Bin Laden family based in the US and abroad in early 2001?

Why did the US Government allow all the Bin Laden Family members to fly out of the US while all other air-Traffic was grounded? Was it because the Bin Laden family has been funding the Bush family politically for a long time?

When was the last time George H.W. Bush traveled to the Middle East on behalf of the privately owned Carlyle Group, one of the largest defense contractors in the U.S. and what was the purpose of that meeting?

If we knew that there was a terrorist attack going on, which we did, and we suddenly have two trade towers in New York being obviously hit by terrorist activity, and we also knew of commercial airliners changing course from Boston to Los Angeles, then where was the response of the defense establishment once we saw the diversion of the aircraft headed west from Dulles turning around 180 degrees and, likewise, in the aircraft taking off from Newark and, in flight, turning 180 degrees?

Answer: Commenting from CNN on the timeline, 9:03 is the correct time that the United Airlines flight crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center; 9:43 is the time that American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. And 10:10 a.m. is the time that United Airlines flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Discrepancies between Joint Chiefs of Staff investigations and findings of the 9/11 commission: There was a highly classified United States Special Operations Command program under the command of the U.S. Special Operations Command.

It was created as a result of a directive from the Joint Chiefs' of Staff in early October 1999 by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hugh Shelton ,to develop an Information Operations Campaign Plan against transnational terrorism, ""specifically al-Qaida.""

According to statements by Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and confirmed by four others, Able Danger had identified the September 11, 2001 attack leader Mohamed Atta , and three of the 9/11 plot's 19 hijackers, as possible members of an al Qaeda cell linked to the '93 World Trade Center Attacks. The group used all information legally collected under the rule of law. Primarily consisting of classified information, all publicly obtained information was approved after a legal review of SOCOM lawyers.

The early identification of the four hijackers by Able Danger appears to contradict the official conclusion of the 9/11 Commission,that American intelligence agencies had not identified Atta as a terrorist prior to the attack. This has resulted in a political controversy that has begun to damage the credibility of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.

About the author:

More information can be found at

http://www.911-faqs.info

How to Plant The Eastern White Pine Tree

2008-11-23T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Planting White Pine Trees A Hardy and Durable Tree White pines. Whenever I think of white pines, I remember hunting when I was a kid and standing near trees that were giants. Now every pine tree I plant, I can invision those days in the deep woods and those grand trees and hope someone else will have that same enjoyment. These trees will help you too in establish a desired vision to your landscape.

Beyond their size, white pines also fill important ecological niches. They grow across broad ranges of forest and urban conditions, finding much of North America to their liking.

White Pine trees need protection from deer, disease, insects, and competing weeds and shrubs. The better your weed control the better your trees will grow. When seedlings are planted, it best to plant them with large spacings to allow more light to the plant. If these trees are planted in shade, they tend to be more open. White pines are used around new construction because they perform in a wide range of soil conditions. If you have compacted soil from new construction, we suggest smaller trees of 3-5' height.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter

http://zone5trees.com/Hedges

http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html

http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html

About the author: Bill grows and sells white pines on his 250 acre nursery located in Doylestown Pa. 25 miles north of Philadelphia. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

Why We Grow River Birch Trees

2008-11-22T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site; http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: Bill grws trees and shrubs on his 250 acre Doylestown Pa. farm and raises many cultivars of river birch trees His web site is httP://www.seedlingsrus.com

Why We Like To Grow River Birch Trees

2008-11-21T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site; http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: Bill Has been growing River Birch Trees foe 25 years at his Doylestown Pa. Farm. His web site http://www.seedlingsrus has more articles on growing nursery stock and trees.

Eastern White Pine Trees Are EZ to Grow

2008-11-20T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Planting White Pine Trees an EZ to Grow Tree White pines. Whenever I think of white pines, I remember hunting when I was a kid and standing near trees that were giants. Now every pine tree I plant, I can invision those days in the deep woods and those grand trees and hope someone else will have that same enjoyment. These trees will help you too in establish a desired vision to your landscape.

Beyond their size, white pines also fill important ecological niches. They grow across broad ranges of forest and urban conditions, finding much of North America to their liking. Whites pine transplant well which makes the a snap for beginners to transplant. Follow a few simple guidelines and your planting success will be high.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter

http://zone5trees.com/Hedges

http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html

http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html

About the author: Bill has been growing Eastern White Pine Trees for 35 years. His web sites are http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

We Like Growing Dura Heat and Heritage River Birch Trees

2008-11-19T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

HOW TO PLANT

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site; http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: Bill likes to grow easy and durable trees. That is why he recommends the Dura Heat and the Heritage River Birch trees. His 250 acre tree farm is in Doylestown Pa. and his web sites are http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

Biodiversity in Ecuador

2008-11-18T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Martijn van Vreeden

Ecuador is a rich country when it comes to biodiversity. Even though Ecuador is only the size of the state of Nevada, its biodiversity exceeds the one from the United States in total. According to the World Resource Institute Ecuador is one of the few countries on earth categorized as ""megadiverse,"" owing to the variety of its ecosystems and species.

Within three hours, you can drive in Ecuador from arctic tundra to sweltering beaches, from a temperate pine forest to a tropical wet forest, from a desert landscape to wetlands filled with mangroves. Ecuador is also the most ethnically diversified country in Latin America, a home to large Arab, Asian, Caucasian, African, and Jewish populations. In the Native Indian population, one can find tribes living in very primitive conditions, from those who were recently head shrinkers to the most entrepreneurial otavalenos, known around the globe for the quality of their textiles.

According to the Natura Foundation , an environmental non governmental organization (NGO), approximately 50 percent of Ecuador is suffering from various degrees of soil erosion, and deforestation is 45 percent in the lowlands, 48 percent in the highlands, and 8 percent in the Amazon basin. Thousands of acres of forest disappear daily, despite laws that prohibit the cutting down of trees and the exportation of wood. It has been calculated that deforestation amounts to 680,000 acres per year (approximately 2,000 per day), and in less that forty years not a single forest will remain.

We can certainly say that biodiversity in Ecuador is decreasing rapidly. Several aspects of the society are to blame. Mainly the lack of enforcement of laws and the corruption by the government seem to have a great affect on the preservation of the countries most valuable treasure. The lack of insight in small communities who own large parts of natural habitat of animals is also a threat. Preservation of the biological diversity can be achieved by educating these communities and stimulating ecotourism, or sustainable development.

About the author: Article by: Martijn van Vreeden

Martijn has been working in Ecuador with non profit organisations for several years. He has extensive experience working with small indigenous communities on sustainable development projects. He is currentlly active for Ecotrackers Foundation , developing projects to protect the biological and cultural diversity of Ecuador.

Pinus Strobus - Grownig White Pines In Doylestown Pa

2008-11-17T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Planting White Pine Trees (Pinus Strobus) In the Doylestown Pa. Area. Planting this tree is simple if you understand the basics of this tree. This article is intended to help you learn to plant this landscape tree. White pines. Whenever I think of white pines, I remember hunting when I was a kid and standing near trees that were giants. Now every pine tree I plant, I can invision those days in the deep woods and those grand trees and hope someone else will have that same enjoyment. These trees will help you too in establish a desired vision to your landscape.

Beyond their size, white pines also fill important ecological niches. They grow across broad ranges of forest and urban conditions, finding much of North America to their liking.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html

http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter

http://zone5trees.com/Hedges

http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html

http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html

About the author: Bill has been growing trees and plants in Pennsylvania for over 25 years. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com http://www.huntingrelics.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

Planting Red Oak Trees

2008-11-16T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Planting Red Oak Trees Red Oak Trees. Whenever I think of Red Oak Trees, I remember hunting when I was a kid and standing near trees that were giants. Now every Red Oak tree I plant, I can invision those days in the deep woods and those grand trees and hope someone else will have that same enjoyment. These trees will help you too in establish a desired vision to your landscape.

Beyond their size, Red Oak Trees also fill important ecological niches. They grow across broad ranges of forest and urban conditions, finding much of North America to their liking.

Red Oak Trees need protection from deer, disease, insects, and competing weeds and shrubs. The better your weed control the better your trees will grow. When seedlings are planted, it best to plant them with large spacings to allow more light to the plant. If these trees are planted in shade, they tend to be more open. Red Oak Trees are used around new construction because they perform in a wide range of soil conditions. Threse trees can take wetter soils than most trees and are many time found in native areas near creek or river banks.If you have compacted soil from new construction, we suggest smaller trees of 3-5' height.

HOW TO PLANT

Ideal planting days are cool and cloudy with little or no wind. If possible, avoid planting on warm, windy days. The soil should be moist not wet. Care in planting is more important than speed. Make sure the roots are never allowed to become dry. Bare root seedlings should be carried in a waterproof bag or bucket with plenty of moist material packed around the roots to keep them damp. Ideally, bare root boxes should be kept refrigerated or packed in ice or snow. Don't freeze the trees. Competition from weeds, grass, brush or other trees is very detrimental to survival and growth of seedlings. Choose areas free from this competition or clear at least a three-foot square bare spot before planting. Seedlings should not be planted under the crown of existing trees, or closer than 6 feet to existing brush. Avoid areas near walnut trees. Brush aside loose organic material such as leaves, grass, etc., from the planting spot to expose mineral soil. If organic matter gets into the planting hole, it can decompose and leave air spaces. Roots will dry out when they grow into these spaces. Open up the hole, making sure the hole is deep enough for the roots to be fully extended. If roots are curled or bunched up, the tree will not be able to take up water correctly, will often weaken and die, or may blow down later due to poor root structure. Take a tree out of your planting bag or bucket only after a hole is ready. When exposed, the fine roots can dry out in as little as 30 seconds. Seedling shoots and roots lose water to air, roots require more protecting.Unlike leaves ,they do not have stomata (closeable openings on the surface of the leaves) or any waxy coatings to help reduce water loss. If the roots apear dry they are probably dead. Now I know you are thinking,""I will place them in a buckect of water and store them there until planting"". This will not work. Submerge plants for no longer that a couple of minutes. Placing them in water cuts them off from oxygen. Remember to remove the container before planting a containerized tree. A helpful hint to all those new gardeners just starting is to remember to always plant green side up. Hold the seedling in place in the hole, making sure the roots are straight, fully extended and that the tree is neither too shallow or too deep in the hole. Fill hole, allowing soil to fall in around the roots. Tamp with hands or with your heel. Don't crush the roots by jumping up and down around the seedling like there is a snake curled up around the seedling. It is delicate. Fill with more soil, if necessary, and tamp. Tamping is important. If soil is not firmly packed around the roots, there will be air pockets that can dry out the roots, and the seedlings may be weakly anchored. It is far easier to plant the tree strait up then have the tree leaning and have to adjust the tree later. (Addition of fertilizer and plant vitamins at the time of planting is not generally necessary.) Take your time in planting. Proper spacing will help you grow a more valuable crop. I have tried to get more production from a limited area by over planting and then thinning, but I always have had trouble in harvesting .... digging is slower and poor quality usually results for a portion of the crop. Avoid these tree planting errors:

Over watering is a common problem in irrigated plantations. You probably won't need to water more frequently than every 7-10 days. Give your trees a thorough, deep soak and then let the soil dry out before the next watering. This encourages the roots to grow down in search of water. Frequent, shallow watering encourages root growth near the surface and the trees are more dependent on irrigation and are less windfirm. Animals can be a major cause of damage to young trees. Porcupines, gophers, mice, rabbits, deer and cattle are the most frequent source of damage. In many states you may have to call your game commission and get their recomendations on legal methods to protect your crop. In our state, you can get help from the Pa. Game Commission to kill deer that are a threat to your seedlings or obtain a free fence to keep deer away from your seedlings. Over the years we have lost more trees to mice than any other animal. Put rat baits out on a regular basis. Over the years we have lost more seedlings and plants to mice than any other culprit including deer and rabbitts combined. You an see more articles about the care of trees plants and nursery stock at our web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com other links are:

http://seedlingsrus.com/DeerDamageControl

http://seedlingsrus.com/Soils

http://seedlingsrus.com/PlantingTips.html

http://www.zone5trees.com/GrowingGrasses.html

About the author: Bill Has been planting trees on his 250 ac. tree farm for 25 years. The farm is located in Doylestown Pa. 25 miles north of Philadelphia in Bucks County.

Dallas Contracting Co., Inc. Completes Demolition of Former Dry Cleaners in Northern New Jersey

2008-11-15T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM

South Plainfield, New Jersey, January 2006 - Dallas Contracting Co., Inc., a specialized contractor providing demolition services, equipment salvage, wrecking, onsite concrete crushing and used/surplus equipment sales to various industries recently completed the demolition of a former dry cleaners in Northern New Jersey.

The site was formerly a dry cleaners and consisted of two attached buildings that comprised a total footprint of over 20,000 square feet. Dallas Contracting Co., Inc.'s (Dallas Contracting) scope included the total demolition of the buildings, removal of first floor slabs and the onsite crushing of all concrete and masonry materials.

The salvage of several pieces of equipment was conducted prior to any demolition. Dallas Contracting was able to salvage and sell used electrical equipment including breakers, motor starters, etc. as well as a small air compressor.

The building interiors were then gutted of all furniture and debris. This was accomplished utilizing a skid steer and several laborers.

Once the building interiors had been gutted back to the structural frame, total demolition commenced utilizing a Komatsu PC-300 Excavator mounted with a grapple attachment. Materials were separated into debris, recyclables and metals. Debris disposed properly offsite, metals were sent offsite for recycling and concrete, masonry and brick were crushed onsite.

Concrete, brick, masonry and asphalt were crushed onsite into 1 ½ inch or smaller material using Dallas's Eagle Crusher Company, Inc. UltraMax 1000-15CV Plant. Dallas Contracting has owned this unit for over four year and was extremely pleased with its production on this project. Crushed materials were utilized to backfill the basement area.

The project was completed in about 2 weeks without incident or injury.

Dallas Contracting Co., Inc. (website http://dallascontracting.com) is a demolition and concrete crushing contractor based in New Jersey. We have been in business for over 25 years, are financially sound (D&B Rating of 3A2, and are bondable. Our work is completed professionally by an OSHA trained workforce. We provide the following services: Demolition, Industrial Demolition, Building Demolition, Concrete Crushing and Recycling, Asphalt Crushing, Remediation, Rigging, Brownfield Redevelopment, Surplus and Used Equipment Sales, Interior Demolition, Equipment Removals, Dismantlement, Environmental Services, Investment Recovery, Wrecking, Razing, Equipment Salvage and Scrap Metal Recycling,

Contact:

Dallas Contracting Co., Inc. 1260 New Market Avenue South Plainfield, New Jersey 07080 P: (908) 668-0600 F: (908) 668-0601 Contact: Damon Kozul, PE, CHMM Email: dkozul@dallascontracting.com Website http://www.dallascontracting.com

About the author: Operations Manager

A Real Fast Growing Tree - the Green Giant Arborvitae

2008-11-14T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Green Giant Arborvitae

The original Green Giant got its name not from ancient lore, but from unusually extra large, hence ""giant,"" green peas. These ""Green Giant Peas"" were introduced by the Minnesota Valley Canning Company in 1925, in contrast to their previously marketed LeSueur baby peas, early-picked in June. Founded in 1903, this pea company was located in the valley of the Minnesota River, the Dakota Sioux name for ""cloudy water,"" just southwest of Minneapolis and St. Paul, the state capital. This is where there's a ""confluence"" with the even cloudier and muddier Mississippi River giving the whole area, including the surrounding towns like LeSueur, the title of ""the Minnesota Valley."" Lesueur is the name of the original explorer of the area, a Frenchmen of the early 1700's. By 1950, the ""Jolly Green Giant"" was so popular, such an ""icon"" as we say today, with a cartoon character created, etc., he became the basis of the company's new name. So that is where Green Giant comes from, modern marketing, not ancient lore..

The Green Giant Arborvitae is more properly named by tree scientists the ""Thuja Plicata,"" with the other common historic names being, ""giant cedar,"" also ""western cedar,"" and ""red cedar."" There's only one other Arborvitae specie in all of North America, the ""eastern cedar,"" or ""white cedar,"" with ""Thuja Occidentalis,"" as the tree scientist's Latin name, the botanist's name. This short tree is actually what we usually think of when the ""genus"" juniper is mentioned.

Funny that the eastern cedar was given the Latin name for ""west"" which is ""occidental."" You see? As I have observed before, what's in a name? Highland Hill Farm is not located in a town called Highland Hills, or, on Highland Hill Road, etc. Scottish Highland Hills cows that we grazed on our first property provided our company with a distinctive name when we sold our first trees in 1978.

Green Giant Arborvitae ranges naturally all across the United States from Massachusetts, southwesterly to Texas and New Mexico, through northern Arizona, up the Sierra Nevada Mountains to the state of Washington, and British Columbia beyond.

What does arborvitae mean anyway? Now that we know about the derivation of ""Green Giant,"" here's how the Latin name Arborvitae, or ""tree of life,"" came about. As the first explorers of Canada were mapping the St. Lawrence River in 1536, the tree was used for medicine which saved their leader and most of the men too. Jacques Cartier explored the islands off eastern Canada, and then sailed westward where he entered the St. Lawrence River and found Quebec and a Royal Mountain (Mont Real, which is now called ""Montreal""). Cartier was searching for the passage to China so many other explorers would also fail to find. Cartier and his men had to spend a long winter inside a little fort, away from the any sun, where they subsisted on meat, fish, and bread, eating no fruits or vegetables. As scurvy was killing most all of them, a friendly Huron Indian gave Cartier's crew tea made from the needles and bark of a tree which looked like the white cedars of Europe. So Cartier took some trees back to France with him, these Thuja Occidentalis Eastern White Cedars, naming them ""Arborvitae,"" the tree of life. How about that?

Arborvitae are native to the pacific northwest where they grow to 200 feet tall, usually 50 to 70 feet is the common height, even including here in Bucks county. Arborvitae do best in wet forests and swamps. The Green Giant appearance is due to this specie's wide 15-25 foot wide base, the slightly tapering conical shape, and the dense branches and leaves casting great dark shadows. The Arborvitae grows in zones 6 to 8, environments with temperatures that get as low as 10 degrees below 0 Fahrenheit, such as in Missouri or Pennsylvania, to environments where winter temperatures get only as low as 20 degrees above 0 Fahrenheit, such as mid-Texas and northern Florida.

Green Giant Arborvitae have pretty, yet surprisingly tiny yellow flowers. The ""pine cones,"" the fruit actually, of the tree, follow the budding of the flowers and are also surprisingly small compared to the size of a mature tree, being no more than a half-inch in size. There are no problems with tree litter understandably, and so few animals are attracted to the Green Giant Arborvitae, perhaps because of this description.

The Green Giant Arborvitae is recommended for growing as a hedge or privacy buffer along a property line, or driveway. Thuja Plicata, Western Red Cedars are ideal ""windrow"" trees. In a row, they'll truly diminish the wind. The Green Giant Arborvitae is justifiably considered wind resistant considering the windswept mountains of the Pacific northwest. The wood itself is weak, but it is very light. Green Giant Arborvitae do have better deer resistance than most arborvitae. These trees have been planted in high deer population areas. On our farm in Doylestown we have lots of deer and do have damage the Emerald Green Arborvitae. The Green Giants are eaten by deer only an occasionally, a nibble here and there. Based on our own observations over the years we feel that the Green Giants will only be eaten by deer if there is no other feed available.

Now that you know all about 'em, Highland Hill Farm has at least 50 or more Green Giant Arborvitae in our nursery ready for pickup at any time. They will range from 1.5' to 12' and be balled and burlapped or potted. We also have field liners and seedling Green Giant available. There are many more varieties of arborvitae available which we have in stock. If we don't stock the variety you want we will find it for you if possible. See Bills other web sites at http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http:www.zone5trees.com

About the author: Bill raises Green Giant Arborvitae on his 250 acre farm in Fountainville Pa. This farm is in the heart of Bucks County near Doylestown. He usually has samples on display at his nursery that you are welcome to visit. His web site is http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Gorilla Classification

2008-11-13T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Ba Kiwanuka

Gorilla Classification

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Subphylum: Vertebrata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Primates

Family: Hominidae

Genus: Gorilla

Species: WESTERN GORILLA | EASTERN GORILLA

Subspecies :

Western Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)

Cross River Gorilla (Gorilla gorilla diehli)

Eastern Lowland Gorilla (Gorilla beringei graueri)

Mountain Gorilla (Gorilla beringei beringei)

Bwindi Gorilla (Gorilla beringei ?)*

Scientific classification of living organisms is known as Linnaean Taxonomy, named for the person who developed it, Carolus Linnaeus. This form of classification designates living organisms into a descending hierarchical structure, starting with kingdoms at the top. It should however be noted that many modern biologists consider Domains to be a classification above Kingdoms. As seen from the outline above, Kingdoms are divided into phylum (phyla is the plural form) which in turn are broken down into subphyla, then into classes and so on and so forth.

Basic concept on how species are named.

A species' name is binomial (two words in the name). The first word is the generic name and always starts with a Capital letter. The second word is the specific name and always begins with a small letter. If there's a third word in the name this refers to the sub-species of that particular species. So for example Gorilla beringei graueri , Gorilla refers to the genus, beringei refers to the species and graueri refers to the sub-species.

THE LONG WINDING ROAD TO MODERN DAY GORILLA CLASSIFICATION

Gorillas were originally designated the scientific name Troglodytes gorilla by Thomas Savage in 1847. However the genus Troglodytes had already been described for the chimpanzee. And the plot thickens yet; fifty or so years later someone made the astute observation that the genus Troglodytes couldn't properly belong to the chimpanzee because prior to being ascribed to the chimpanzee, it had actually been allocated to a bird. The wren!

Evidently taxonomy back then was not an exact science. It was not uncommon for species to be named on the basis of a whim. In the case of gorilla classification, quite often the individual who published the description was ignorant (or at best had a very vague idea) of the geography of Africa, never mind accurately pin-pointing the place-of-origin of a specimen.

In 1852 the gorilla was eventually designated the genus Gorilla by Isidore Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire. After that the process of gorilla taxonomy hummed along more smoothly. That said, it should be pointed out that even today there're still some issues of contention; though most experts recognize two species with corresponding two sub-species apiece, there still some who contend that there is only one true gorilla species and four subspecies.

Tip : Gorilla gorilla = Western Species | Gorilla beringei = Eastern Species

_____________________________

* The question mark reflects the current contention on whether this is a true subspecies or merely a mountain gorilla variation (as it was considered until fairly recently).

About the author: Ba Kiwanuka http://www.gorillahub.com

Prepare Young Plants Before Planting

2008-11-12T03:05:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

All seedlings need to be ""hardened off,"" before planting.

Hardening off plants just means introducing them gradually to the harsh outdoor environment. The best method to harden plants is to move them outdoors on a mild day. Hopefully on a mild and cloudy one. Leave the plants in partial shade protected from wind. Allow the plants more and more direct light and wind each day.

Your seedlings are young plants and somewhat fragile, but they will thus become accustomed to their new home and better take direct sunlight. After merely a week the plants should be ready to take the rigors of being transplanted.

See other articles by Bill at: http://seedlingsrus.com/Arborvitae.html http://seedlingsrus.com/FreeFencing.html http://seedlingsrus.com/Winter http://zone5trees.com/Hedges http://zone5trees.com/PlantingInstructions.html http://zone5trees.com/ProfitsGrowingTrees.html http://seedlingsrus.com/GrowingRhodies.html

About the author: Bill has been raising and selling all kinds of plants for over 25 years on his 250 acres of farms near Doylestown, Pennsylvania.

The Wonderful World of Hemp

2008-11-11T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Taylor H

You've just returned from a wonderful picnic in the park. You start to unpack and you notice that your brand new tote bag has a tear in it. A month later, when the tear becomes a hole, you'll have to throw it (and the bundle of cash you paid for it) away . That sporty new day pack you bought isn't looking so great either. Recently, it has become mildewed, discolored and abraded. Will it's fate be any different? In a world of tears, rips and holes, what is one to do? The answer for your troubles is ages old. It actually dates back to 450 BC when the Scythians and Thracians made linens out of hemp. Hemp has been used to make sails and rigging since the 15th century. Levi Strauss made jeans for the miners of the Sierra out of hemp fibers. The Declaration of Independence was drafted on hemp paper. So what happened to this wonderful product?

Since 1950, the American government has classified all grades of hemp as marijuana which has prevented its production in the United States. The type used for marijuana has a high THC (the chemical that creates euphoria ) content and is bred to have many leaves and buds. Industrial grades have a tenth to a fiftieth the amount of THC and contain high levels of CBD which counteract the effect of THC as well a being designed to have longer stalks and fewer leaves. However, true Hemp (cannabis sativa) fibers are several times stronger than cotton since the fibers of hemp run the length of the stalk which can be as long as 15 feet. Cotton fibers tend to be only a few inches long. This is why hemp bags are much more resistant to tears and abrasions than cotton bags. Everyone knows how durable and strong canvas is. The word canvas originates from the word cannabis because the earliest canvas sails were made from hemp.

These qualities also make articles made from hemp more resistant to soiling, mildew, shrinkage and sun damage. These are important qualities when deciding what to carry your most important items in. Laptop computers, items from a shopping trip down main street or provisions for a long hiking trip are all things we feel are essential to protect when traveling. Messenger bags, tote bags and saddle bag day packs made from hemp fibers are great choices for these activities. The icing on the cake is that these bags are very environmentally friendly. Hemp is the premier sustainable textile. Sustainable refers to a resource that is not able to be depleted by its very nature or the method of harvesting used. Hemp does not require chemicals to remove the lignin (the glue which holds the plant cells together) for bleaching. An acre of hemp can produce three times as much fiber than an acre of cotton and cotton requires 25% of the worlds use of pesticide, where hemp is naturally resistant to pests. Carrying a hemp bag, you will have the knowledge that not only are you sporting the strongest and most durable article you could choose to protect your valuables, you will also be doing your part to protect the earth, which is arguably the most valuable thing you can protect.

About the author: Taylor H researches and reviews products, social situations, real estate and various other issues and items. For more information on hemp products, visit http://www.artisangear.com.

Burning Bush!

2008-11-10T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

the Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

Actually a colorful fall foliage selection as the name implies, a deciduous shrub specie from the Tree Family Celastraceae, the ""Staff-Tree Family,"" it is NOT the description of A PROTEST action against our President.

'hope the title didn't mislead you, 'cause if it did, you'll STILL learn about a marvelous shrub. Burning Bush, a non-native species brought from China and Korea since the 1860's, has escaped from ornamental plantings into urban and rural areas. It travels widely by way of its seed. This hardy plant is found in forests and brushy areas. Burning Bushes will grow well even in SHADE, with very little sun.

It is happily, not a murderous invasive species, killing absolutely every other plant around it like Crown Vetch, but this ""invasive"" WILL cause anything below it to starve for almost any light. It's more than just a ""traveling plant.""

Burning Bush is also known as the Winged Euonymous, Winged Wahoo, Winged Spindle Tree, all for the cork-like tabs along its branches and stems, as well as being called the Japanese Spincle Tree, and of course, the Cork Bush. That's a lot of names.

This vase-shaped shrub has great red fall foliage which glows for weeks in early to mid-autumn, hence, its name, Burning Bush. Hedges can be sheared or globes created for decorative landscape plantings, topiaries (sculpted bush art), Burning Bushes are good for all.

Hedges from Burning Bushes can be very dense giving good screening of wind, any sun, and create privacy, even during the winter. If left unpruned, the compact form of Burning Bush will grow to about 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide. The winged form will grow to about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. In our area, the Burning Bush propagates naturally in shaded areas. We obtain some of our stock from seedlings we gather at a small farm cemetery on our property. Burning Bush even regrows after transplanting from the empty holes where roots are exposed!

Burning Bush is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions: Fertile to sterile, organic to clay, acidic to alkaline, rocky to sandy, this plant proves its strength. It does NOT like any wet soils, it is important to note, but it does do well in very dry soils. Burning Bush has small fibrous roots near the surface and responds well to root pruning. Balling and burlapping this shrub for transplanting does little damage, for Burning Bushes can take abuse and recover quickly.

IF YOU HAVE A ""BROWN THUMB,"" THIS IS A PLANT FOR YOU.

You can see more of Bill's planting tips and articles at http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com and his first website, www.highlandhillfarm.com

About the author: For the past 26 years, Bill has been raising and marketing trees and plants on his 250 acres of farms near Doylestown, Pennsylvania, 25 miles north of Philadelphia.

His websites are: http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

A Selection Of Native Trees and Plants for PA.

2008-11-09T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Native Trees Tolerant of Wet Soils

This is a special group of trees. These trees are able to grow in soils that retain water for weeks on end sometimes. Trees which like ""wet feet"" will grow in soggy, squishy, soil that is barely describable as not actual mud. Really.

I have compiled this list to help you find suitable trees for the northeast. This is not a complete list, but one with common EZ-to-plant nursery stock suitable for Pennsylvania.

Red and Silver Maple (Acer rubrum, A. saccarinum)

River Birch trees are a natural for wet areas!!!! (Betula nigra) Catalpa spp.

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) Sycamores (Platanus spp.)

Native shrubs tolerant of wet soils: Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Sparkleberry holly A great berry producer!!!

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) Pussy willow (Salix discolor)

Willow Trees Trees for wet areas!!!!

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)

Spicebush my long time favorite!!

Black Chokeberry produces great berry crops for the birds!!

You can see more plants and planting information at my website http://www.seedlingsrus.com

About the author: Bill has been growing trees and plants for 25 years on his Doylestown Pa. farm 25 miles north of Philadelphia. Bill's web site is http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Recycling Resolutions

2008-11-08T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Dawn Burden Bates

Happy New Year! It's not too late to make your recycling resolutions.

The holidays are finally over and we can all hopefully begin slowing down and getting our lives back to normal.

If your home is like mine, the holidays left you with a huge mess. Empty boxes and torn wrapping paper litter the floor after the kids excitedly open their gifts. It's so tempting to gather it all up and through it in the outside garbage bin. But this is a great opportunity to not only recycle, but to reuse. Almost all of the wrapping paper and boxes can be recycled, so consider keeping your contribution out of the landfill. And for the reuse possibilities...they are practically endless. I'm pretty sure that most of the ribbons I use have been used for several years. And many of the boxes that hold the gifts are great to use for packaging gifts next year. Do you realize that many stores now CHARGE you for a gift box? Sheesh, I'll save mine for next year, thank you. Not to mention the gift bags. I LOVE getting my gifts in those pretty little bags. Especially since I know I will be using it for someone else's gift somewhere down the road. Do you know how much those things cost? They are outrageous. No way would I throw them away. They are too valuable.

Now what are we to do with the tree? If you use an artificial tree, it's a pretty easy decision. You fold it up and store it for next year. Simple. And if you are lucky enough to live in a warm environment and purchased a live tree including the root ball, you can get to work planting it in your yard to enjoy for years to come. But what about cut trees? Most communities offer some sort of Christmas tree recycling. The lucky ones have curbside pickup to recycle their trees. The rest of us need to decide what to do. What convinces me to haul the tree to the recycling facility is a couple of things. I was willing to haul it home after I purchased it, so I can just as easily take it to be recycled.

Some communities use the old trees to shred and cover pathways and trails through parks. This helps to repair and reduce the damage we create as we enjoy our hikes.

Some communities turn the old trees into mulch and then provide it to the public for free! What a deal. Spring is just right around the corner, by the way.

So that pretty much covers what we can do to reduce our holiday effect on the environment. Now it's a new year and we can begin thinking about getting a fresh start. Some resolutions to consider:

- Resolve to begin recycling if you don't already. You can start small. This site provides a wealth of information about getting your recycling efforts off the ground.

- If you already recycle, step it up a notch. If your curbside recycling service doesn't accept a particular item (like glass or cardboard), resolve to begin taking that item to the drop off facility in your area.

- Resolve to purchase more products packaged with post consumer recycled materials. The higher the percentage listed on the package, the better.

- Resolve to purchase more items made from recycled materials. Paper towels, toilet paper, napkins, and many other paper products fall into this category.

- Resolve to purchase more items in bulk, thus reducing packaging waste.

- Resolve to create at least one creative craft using something you might otherwise throw away. This is fun, gets your creative juices flowing, can reduce stress, and is a great way to spend some quality time with your family.

About the author: Dawn Bates is a busy wife, mother, environmentalist, and webmaster to the highly informative recycling website, A Recycling Revolution. For both basic and extensive information on recycling, composting, reusing, and reducing, visit http://www.recycling-revolution.com/. Sign up for Dawn's recycling newsletter, Trash Talk, and gain access to freebies like downloadable recycling stickers and recycling cheat sheets.

What to Look for in Landscape Maintenance Service

2008-11-07T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: stephen cox

When you are in search of a landscape service for your home, there are quite a few things that you should keep in mind. After all, not all landscape services are created equal. Care for your yard should be something that you take seriously. After all, it provides enjoyment, beauty, and can even save you money on energy and food costs. If you decide to hire a landscape service, make sure you get the right one for you.

Different homeowners have different needs for their landscapes. Not everyone is looking for a landscape service that does everything. Some people simply want someone who will mow the lawn and fertilize it on occasion. Others want perfect yards with topiary shrubs and weed-free flowerbeds. If all you are looking for is basic lawn mowing and maybe some leaf raking and debris clean up, then the neighborhood kid who mows lawns is probably landscape service enough for you. And that is just fine. It helps a young kid learn the value of working for her or his money, and you have an easier time of caring for your lawn. If you like to have a nice yard, but do not want to do anything with it yourself, then a more full-service operation is probably what you need in the way of landscape maintenance.

When choosing who will take care of your landscape maintenance needs, the first thing you should do is seek out a reputable company. A reputable company is one that has reliable references, and one that has a satisfied customer base. If you notice a certain company taking care of the landscape surrounding a house in your neighborhood, go ask your neighbor about the company. That will allow you to find out from someone you are acquainted with whether or not the service is a good one.

Another thing to look for in a landscape maintenance service is the equipment. Does it look to be in good shape? You want a company that takes good care of its equipment; that shows that they are more likely to take good care of your yard. Additionally, you want to make sure they are using the right equipment. Find out what they plan to use to perform various tasks in your yard. Even if you are not doing the yard work yourself, you should have at least a basic understanding of what your yard needs. That way you will be able to tell if you are being hoodwinked.

Do not necessarily go with the cheapest service. You can find out if various services offer to care for your yard for a week at a time to see how each service does. The cheapest may not always be the best deal. If you are habitually dissatisfied with the cheaper work, that may affect you in ways that make it worth it to pay an extra $20 per month for landscape maintenance that is of higher quality. Shop around and compare the work done by various companies. Then hire the best company that you can afford for your budget. You may not be able to afford the absolute best town, but you should hire the best that fits into your landscape budget. Get price quotes in writing so that when you decide to go with one company, and they hike your cost, you have a written quote to back you up.

Find a company that cares about customer service. Make sure you find out what their policy is on redoing work that does not meet your satisfaction. You want to be sure that your specifications are met. Make sure that your landscaping maintenance service is willing to fix mistakes and that they are willing to do a little extra pruning if they missed a few branches. Companies that do not care about customer service will probably not do a good job on your yard. You should look for a service that takes pride in its work. If the company says it specializes in lawn care (creating a greener, lusher, healthier lawn) and offers fertilization services, make sure that you choose a company that offers a guarantee. You do not want one of their employees to over-fertilize the lawn and then leave you paying the bill for a dead lawn that needs to be replaced.

About the author: Webmaster@

You Will Not Get A Bang Out Of This Hunt

2008-11-06T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Each year ten of thousands of meteorites hit the earth. They are worth big dollars to the finders. This is your chance to find one. You also will be able to say that you have entered the Twilight Zone, or better known as The Flying X Meteorite Hunting Ranch of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico.

Did you ever go on a strange vacation? Well this one is out of this world. When you come to Truth or Consequences to see the new space station that will launch tourists into space, do a little walking to find space junk...meteorites on our ranch. Hunting for meteorites does not have to be a bone chilling adventure to the Antarctic where the temperature is 50 below zero F and 50 mile per hour winds. Meteors enter the earth atmosphere everywhere. They impact everywhere. The trick in finding them is to look where they have had a good chance of impacting or where they have been concentrated by natural forces of the earth and HAVE NOT BEEN DESTROYED BY WEATHERING. This means deserts are a good place to search for meteorites. Deserts can change over the centuries. But deserts don't alway have major weathering. Thus if you want to find meteorites you may want to come to our Truth or Consequences Ranch. It is located in New Mexico adjacent to the Chihuahuan Desert. There are trillions and trillions of terrestrial rocks for each meteorite that could be in this area. Metal detectors are used by many professional meteorite hunters around the world. Metal detectors can easily distinguish between ferrous and non ferrous rocks. Since not all meteorites are ferrous only the ferrous meteorites will be found by the metal detector. Modern metal detectors can balance out dominant background rocks. This inhances the detector to find the meteorites. Metal detectors creat a constant hum. The volume and pitch of this hum increases as the detector passes over the metallic object. There are hot rocks which produces a signal but is a false positive. Thus detecting requires concentration and you will see lots and lots of hot rocks. You must also keep a visual eye for other interesting rocks which can be meteorites. It seems that the best way to find meteorites from this area is to use a combination of metal detecting and good old-fashioned shoe-leather foot searching. The weather is not hard to predict for the Truth or Consequences area. Don't bother to bring a rain coat, it only rains 10"" per year. The winters are mild as it is Southern New Mexico. It could get to 10F, but not for many days of the year. A clear sky with a gentle breeze is the norm.

You can see Bill's web site for unusual travellers at http://www.huntingrelics.com

About the author: Bill's 4000 acre ranch is North Americas largest Meteorite Hunting Ranch. He also has other unusual hunting and outback adventures for you to experience. See his web site at http://www.huntingrelics

Tips About the White Pine Tree

2008-11-05T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: B Hirst

Planting White Pine Trees White pines. Whenever I think of white pines, I remember hunting when I was a kid and standing near trees that were giants. Now every pine tree I plant, I can invision those days in the deep woods and those grand trees and hope someone else will have that same enjoyment. These trees will help you too in establish a desired vision to your landscape.

Beyond their size, white pines also fill important ecological niches. They grow across broad ranges of forest and urban conditions, finding much of North America to their liking.

Growing anything under white pines and spruces is tough and it is not the acid issue. The conifers produce such a fine mass of roots close to the soil surface that anything else trying to grow in that area has to compete for water and nutrients. Thus other plants often tend not to do very well in this envirement. You will need to provide good moisture and fertilizty during the establishment period to get them off to a good start. Root pruning of the white pine can help but don't cut out an area larger than 5% of the root zone at a time.

About the author: Bill has been growing and selling White Pines along with many other trees for over 25 years at his Doylestown, PA farms.

His websites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

Doomsday Stories

2008-11-04T03:07:00.001-08:00

Author: Joel Turtel

The human race is heading for ecological disaster because of its increasing and all-pervasive assaults on our air, water, and land. Pollution is everywhere. Our industrial civilization is heading toward environmental collapse, and mankind's fate hangs in the balance.

Does this scare you out of your wits? It's intended to do just that. This scenario from a second-rate horror movie is passed off as scientific fact by a new breed of doomsday prophet, the radical environmentalist. Read and take heed--the end is near. Here is an example of a typical environmentalist scare story:

""The present course of environmental degradation, if unchecked, threatens the survival of civilized man. Yet the evidence is overwhelming that the way in which we now live on the earth is driving its thin, life-supporting skin, and ourselves with it, to destruction."" Environmentalists' doomsday predictions would be comical, if it wasn't for the fact that these scare stories have frightened local, state, and federal legislators into creating a massive, poisonous layer of regulations. Environmental regulations violate our property rights, restrict our personal liberties, threaten our standard of living, and throw thousands of Americans out of work.

Environmentalists concoct end-of-the-world scenarios all the time. These predictions are calculated to scare us, and usually turn out to be pure fantasy, exaggerations, or deliberate distortions of the facts.

The mother of all doomsday stories, of course, is global warming. For over thirty years, environmentalists have scared us with this one. It seems that car exhausts, forest clearing, power plants, and other industrial activities increase carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere. Increased carbon dioxide will allegedly create a barrier in the atmosphere that traps the Earth's heat, creating a ""greenhouse effect"" As a result, the Earth's temperature will rise, causing glaciers to melt, seas to rise, worldwide flooding, and calamity to the human race.

As expected, there are many reputable scientists who think this theory is nonsense. Other scientists have their own theories that totally contradict global warming.

""Kenneth E.F. Watt, professor of environmental studies at the University of California at Davis, theorized that an excess of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere should lead to global cooling, not warming. Watt argued that carbon dioxide will heat tropical oceans, leading to additional evaporation. This will produce denser and more widespread clouds at high elevations, which will decrease the amount of sunlight that penetrates the atmosphere. Some scientists believe that the Earth is warming, but attribute the change to causes other than carbon dioxide production. Frederick Seitz, past president of the National Academy of Sciences, suggested that solar activity may have caused global warming, and Reid Bryson, director of the Institute of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, believes that dust and smoke are the primary causes of climate change.""

There are also many scientists who question whether the Earth has gotten warmer over the last hundred years.

""Temperature measurements may be biased by the effects of urbanization; weather stations are located in urban areas, where heat-absorbing buildings and pavement can raise the readings one to two degrees above the surrounding atmosphere. After correcting for the ""urban"" effect, a study by the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration concluded that there was no statistically significant evidence of warming in the United States [italics added]. Andrew R. Solow, a statistician at Woods Hole, pointed out that because monitoring stations tend to be located on land rather than oceans and more are in the Northern than in the Southern Hemisphere, temperature readouts are not really global at all. Ten years of weather satellite data have also shown no evidence of global warming.""

There's little valid evidence of global warming. Instead, there's solid evidence that the Earth has not been warming. Since 1978, a temperature-measuring satellite called Tiros II has been orbiting the Earth 24-hours a day. Guess what? The satellite's measurements showed no significant increase or decrease in the Earth's temperature. Scientific temperature measurements from Tiros II show no global warming trend in the last fifteen years. In other words, global warming is a myth.

Many eminent scientists agree that global warming and other environmental scare stories are just unproven theories. Prior to the Earth Summit meeting in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992, scientists from around the world issued the Heidelberg Appeal. In the Appeal, scientists asked government leaders at the summit to be careful. They asked the leaders not to make serious environmental decisions based on pseudoscientific arguments or false and non-relevant data. More than 250 scientists, including 27 Nobel prize winners, issued the Appeal on June 1, 1992. Today, 2,300 scientists from 79 countries, including 65 Nobel prize winners, have signed the Appeal.

Former governor of Washington state and former chairwoman of the Atomic Energy Commission, Dr. Dixy Lee Ray, also thought that global warming is nonsense. In her wonderful 1993 book, ""Environmental Overkill: Whatever Happened To Common Sense?,"" she said that it was unlikely that carbon dioxide would cause any significant changes in worldwide temperatures. Jeffrey Salmon is executive director of the Washington-based George C. Marshall Institute. In the July 1993 issue of Commentary, he flatly stated that he found no valid scientific evidence to prove that manmade gases are causing the Earth to warm from a greenhouse effect.

In short, we are being conned. Government takes billions of tax dollars out of our pocket to enforce massive environmental regulations that, in most cases, protect you from nothing. I could describe many other eco-scare stories, but I think I've made my point. These doomsday prophesies are either distortions or exaggerations of unproven facts. Unfortunately, radical environmentalists and the liberal media spout this eco-nonsense so often that we start to believe them. That's the problem and the danger. Panicked, gullible Congressmen believe the scare stories and then pass environmental regulations that strangle our economy and destroy our property rights.

It is time that we see these environmental scare stories for what they are -- a tactic by left-leaning environmental radicals to destroy the thing they hate most. What they hate most is our liberty, property rights, and the free-market that can make life for human beings on this planet a joy instead of a brutal struggle for existence.

About the author: Joel Turtel is the author of ""Public Schools, Public Menace: How Public Schools Lie To Parents and Betray Our Children."" Website: www.mykidsdeservebetter.com, Email: lbooksusa@aol.com, Article Copyrighted © 2005 by Joel Turtel. NOTE: You may post this Article on another website only if you set up a hyperlink to Joel Turtel's email address and website URL, www.mykidsdeservebetter.com

Our Best Arborvita

2008-11-03T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Our farm, Highland Hill Farm, is located in solid clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in clay. An arborvita, the Green Giant is our favorite. Here is why.

The hardiness zone for the Green Giant Arborvita is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year. Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs protection from wind . Its texture is fine with its form conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to 80' in height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5"" erect female cones. The Green Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red bark when young. This arborvita does not tolerate salt spray. This arborvita should outlive even your children.

About the author: Bill has been growing the green giant arborvita for many years on his Doylestown Pa farm. His web sites are http://www.zone5trees.com and http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Fast Growth for Water Treatment Technologies due to World-wide Water Shortage

2008-11-02T03:04:00.001-08:00

Author: Fei Wang

Fast Growth for Water Treatment Technologies due to World-wide Water Shortage

Clorox, Hendrx, ITT, and Siemens Identify Opportunities in Point of Use Systems and Waste Water Treatment

Fei Wang, www.Water-Stocks.com January 2006 Water is a booming business. According to an English publication Global Water Intelligence, worldwide annual industry revenues are estimated at $420 billion, with the United States accounting for around $100 billion. This number is expected to grow as water becomes scarcer and markets begin to mature. Two of the fastest growing segments are: point of use/point of entry (POU/POE) systems and waste water treatment. How do companies involved in this arena see their future? In addition, over the past several years, the industry has undergone considerable consolidation and acquisition, a trend that is believed to continue. How will this impact the development of the water market?

Water Shortage Of a population of roughly 6.1 billion, more than 1 billion lack access to potable water. This situation is expected to get much worse in the future. Countries and firms are actively looking for alternative solutions to address this problem. Point of use/point of entry systems and waste water recycling are two of the most popular solutions.

Point of Use/ Point of Entry Systems:

Figure 1: Quoted from www.epa.gov/ord Both POU and POE devices purify water coming from the distribution system to a home or facility. POU purifies water to a desired level at the tap to which it is connected, while POE is one single device which purifies all the water coming into the building.

As water prices increase, people start to pay more attention to the quality of the water they are getting. Therefore, with more publicity and awareness on the issue, POU/POE, which is said to be a cheaper way to insure the quality of water than other alternatives (e.g. bottled water), starts to attract more and more attention from both industrial and residential users.

Hendrx Corp (OTCBB: HDRX), a manufacturer of water purification technology, is addressing the water quality issue by providing highly purified drinking water for both residential and industrial markets. Hendrx CEO Robert De Costa said, ""We at Hendrx believe strongly that POU systems will gain in significance providing pure drinking water for the future. The water / sewage infrastructure worldwide is in need of massive repair and there simply is not enough money to properly fix these systems. In the United States alone we're talking about hundreds of Billions of dollars and this estimate goes up dramatically every year. We're also learning that currently used water treatment methods like chlorination may not be as safe as we once thought. Any time you introduce an additive or cleanser to the water we drink, there's the possibility of short term and long term complications. Today's consumer is becoming increasingly health conscious and they know that proper hydration is a major factor in maintaining a health life style. For all of these reasons we think that micro-water systems, POU systems will play an ever increasing roll in the supply of personal drinking water.

Hendrx is in a unique position since we are the leading manufacturer of Atmospheric Water Generators (AWGs). These devices collect pure water from the naturally occurring moisture in the atmosphere. Once you get an AWG, the only thing you need is the proper temperature, humidity and power to run the machine. Although atmospheric water devices will not work everywhere, we're very positive about the future of AWGs in many regions of the globe.""

Brita water filtration system is a POU product as well. According to the Clorox Company (NYSE: CLX), Brita® water-filtration systems remove 98% of the lead from tap water. In addition, Brita systems reduce chlorine (both taste and odor).

Neil D. Berlant, First Vice President and Managing Director for The Water Group, The Seidler Companies, comments,"" One of the major difficulties, in addressing water quality, is that even when water utilities do a terrific job in purifying it, once it leaves the central treatment facility, it conceivably passes through dilapidated pipe systems, and it might take up harmful chemicals along the way, so the water you get at home could be considerately different than the water leaving the central treatment facility. The only effective means of assuring good quality water when you use it will be to treat it at the point at which it will be used. Also, it is much cheaper to treat water at the point of use versus, the cost of repairing the pipes and infrastructure to guarantee the water quality from the central treatment plant. ""

Steve Maxwell, Managing Director at TechKNOWLEDGEy Strategic Group has a similar opinion, ""Some people in the industry argue that we concentrate too heavily, and spend too much, at the centralized treatment plant. Some argue that perhaps it makes more sense to distribute water from a central plant with lower quality to later be treated to the level needed at home or at the tap, instead of treating 100% of all the distributed water to a high degree of purity at central facility,; after all, we only drink 0.5 to 1% of the water. From a broader economic point of view, it might be cheaper to treat the water at the point of use. The big drawback is that this would require a rebuilding of the whole water infrastructure, but it might be cheaper in the long term."" To Read the Full Market Overview Click Here: http://www.Water-Stocks.com/Water-Stocks/Articles/Market.asp Water Market Future Potential

Both experts think the water industry is very promising. Maxwell states, ""Generally speaking, I think we have a business that will continue to grow and offer great potential for firms into the very long term future. From a global point of view, we have a growing demand for water with a fixed supply, but we have a rapidly growing population and rapidly expanding economy. Meanwhile, we have the issue of poor water management practices. So all of these combine to suggest that water resource and availability of drinking water in the future is going to be a bigger and bigger challenge and problem. Firms that are involved in this kind of business solving these problems have very bright future. So it is a very good industry to be involved in long term. Most sectors of this industry do not offer spectacular growth or profitability, but I think there is a very sustainable basis for long-term growth and profitability.

Similar opinion is expressed by Berlant, ""I think water will be increasingly precious, I think the need and desire of customers for water treatment, and desire to have better quality water is just at the emerging stages. And I think the economics and pricing are going to make this an extraordinary market. It has been an excellent place to be for a long period of time. Although up until recently, it has been largely an invisible area. People never thought about water particularly. It is the most important element in our life. Partially because it has been so inexpensive, that's why people don't think about it that much.""

Fei Wang

Fei Wang holds an Honors Bachelor of Commerce from University of British Columbia Sauder Business School, with double major in Finance and Marketing. She has experience in investment banking and advertising in Canada, China and Korea, with a firm academic background. Disclaimer: www.InvestorIdeas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp ©Copyright InvestorIdeas 2006

An Abundance of Plastic Bags!

2008-11-01T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: Catherine Pulsifer

Every time you go to a store you receive plastic bags. Every time you buy bread you end up with a plastic bag. Over the run of a year it is amazing how many plastic bags you can end up with! Below are some suggestions for recycling and reusing these bags:

- Another way to use up those plastic grocery bags is to use them as paint-tray liners when you're redecorating indoors. No need to buy the expensive liners---this way you just use & toss it out when you're done painting. Gone are the days of messy cleanups!

- If we are going to the store for only a few items, we take along a cloth or canvas bag, thereby reducing the need for plastic grocery bags.

- Many grocery stores in our area have bins for you to put your bags in so they can be recycled. We take our bags and put them in the recycle bin.

- For small garbage tins, rather than buying garbage bags we use the plastic grocery bags to line our smaller garbage tins.

- We have made our dog, Sheema, a pillow to lay on, we used the plastic grocery bags to stuff the pillow, makes a great cushion for her!

- We make our own bread and rolls, so we save the store bought bread bags and use them to put our bread and rolls in...much cheaper than buying bags!

- We always keep plastic grocery bags in our trunk. They are handy for wet clothes when we go to the ocean and also are great to have if Sheema (our dog) decides to use someone else's property to do her thing, make a great glove for picking up you know what!

- When we travel, we always have plastic grocery bags with us to put our dirty clothes in.

- When mailing gifts, we use the plastic grocery bags as stuffing around the gift, helps prevent damage to the gift.

- Over the past year we did a lot of renovations to our home. When painting, we would wrap our paint brush in a plastic grocery bag. The next day when we were ready to continue painting, the brush would be soft and ready to use.

- The library is always looking for plastic bags. We always take some with us to carry our books. What we don't use we leave there for others to use.

Help the environment by recycling and reusing your plastic bags.

About the author: Catherine Pulsifer is one of the editors of Stress Relief by a Simple Life where you will find stories, thoughts, poems and inspirational quotes on simplicity, frugal living, free craft projects, stress and more. http://www.stresslesscountry.com

You Will Believe In This Plant

2008-10-31T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: B Hirst

Why We Like the Green Giant Arborvita(e) So Much

Our farm, Highland Hill Farm, is located in solid clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in dense, heavy, rather impermeable, NOT well-drained soils. One of the arborvitae, the Green Giant, the Western Redcedar Tree, or botanically, the Thuja Plicata, is our favorite. Here is why we like this plant:

The hardiness zone the Green Giant Arborvita tolerates is from zone 5 to zone 8. That's where extreme cold temperatures get down to a temperate level of about 15 or 20 degrees in the winter (Zone 8), but also as low as a frigid level of 15 or 20 degrees BELOW zero (zone 5). Green giants are evergreens, being cedars. Their rapid growth rates can in ideal conditions reach 3 feet per year. Site requirements for the Green Giant Arborvita are sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil preferred (but still does well in clay), and protection from wind, at lest when young.

The Green Giant is a beautiful tree. It has an aesthetically fine form. It's conical, being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 feet to 80 feet in height in southeastyern Pennsylvania. The width at the base of the cone is usually about 15 feet to 20 feet. The leaves are rich green making graceful foliage.

Green Giants make a superb privacy screen. They keep their foliage color year 'round, great for brightening bleak gray winter days with snow on the ground. The cinnamon bright red bark when young turn rich russet brown with time crating a strong contrast with the needle leaves.

Green Giants' flowers, their fruit are pretty little light brown half-inch female cones. (Just so you know, Green giants are females, so its okay to call the cones pretty.) The Green Giant is also a wonderful shade tree, casting a dark, dense shade. The wood is strong too, once the tree is beyond its youth.

This is an arborvita that should outlive even your grandchildren. There are Green Giants out west documented to be over 300 years old. Just don't plant these too close to the ocean, or roads in areas where there's a lot of salt used for snow removal. If you get over 100 inches of snowfall and more per year, no roadside Arborvita planting where salt is used, PLEASE. The greatest soldier of ancient Greece in the Trojan war had his one little weak spot, what proved to be a fatal flaw, and the ""Achilles Heel"" for Green Giant Arborvitae is hypersensitivity to salt.

http://www.zone5trees.com , http://www.highlandhillfarm and http://www.seedlingsrus.com

About the author: Bill has been growing all kinds of Arborvitae on his 250 acres of farms near Doylestown,Pennsylvania, for almost 30 years. His web sites are http://www.zone5trees.com , http://www.highlandhillfarm and http://www.seedlingsrus.com

Plants Suggested For Clay Soils

2008-10-30T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: B hirst

We are located in Doylestown Pa. and are surrounded with heavy clay soils. The soils in our area will not support plants that can't tolerate wet feet. Thus our nursery does not offer plants such as Firs . We do have some spots that will grow firs where the topsoil is deepest and well drained. Over the years we have tried to modify soils using compost and drain tiles. Yet long term nature wins out. The home owner will want to plant species that are not found naturally in their area so the home owner will want to modify their soils. On a small scale this is possible. The use of mounds , the addition of sand, compost and drain tiles is effective in modifing clay to make growing clay intolerant plants possible. Usually large amounts of sand and compost is needed. But be aware that building up the soil in one area can make more problems in adjacent areas. We also suggest that if you don't see a plant growing in your area, only purchase seedlings or inexpensive container plants to try in your landscape before spending large amounts of money on large plants only to find out they are not hardy in your soils.

The following list is suggested plants that do better in clay soils. Norway maple (Acer platanoides) Silver maple (Acer saccharinum) European alder (Alnus glutinosa) River birch (Betula nigra) we have Heritage and Common River birches Honey locust (Gleditsia triacanthos var. inermis) Apple, crabapple (Malus) Norway spruce (Picea abies) Austrian pine (Pinus nigra) Eastern White Pine (pinus strobus) Pear (Pyrus) Bur oak (Quercus macrocarpa) Willow (Salix) only on large properties, away from everything especially in septic fields Linden (Tilia) Shrubs Black chokecherry (Aronia melanocarpa) Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) Russian olive (Elaeagnus angustifolia) Burning bush (Euonymus alatus) Forsythia (Forsythia) Honeysuckle (Lonicera) Potentilla (Potentilla fruticosa) Willow (Salix) weeping and corkscrew Elderberry (Sambucus) Lilac (Syringa) French, Korean , Common, Micheal Dodge White cedar (Thuja occidentalis) We only have afew large ones but thousands of seedlings We raise over 10 types ofViburnums on our farms from seedlings to 5' shrubs. If you have poor soils due to compacting from construction, try viburnums. Being rugged and hardy, they perform where other plants fail.American Cranberry Bush ,Korean Spice,Blackhaw ,ArrowwoodViburnum ,Chicago Luster,Dawn,Summer Snowflake, Shasta,Erie,Tea,Judd,Korean Spice, Praque,and Siebold.

About the author: Bill has been planting in clay soils all his life. In fact he would not know how to plant in sand for it would be alien to him. He gives simple tips on what plants to use in areas that have lots of clay. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com His home farm is in Doylestown Pa.

Burning Bushes Do Well In Plumstead Township, PA

2008-10-29T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: William James

Burning Bush (Euonymus alatus)

A deciduous shrub from the Staff-Tree Family (Celastraceae)

The burning bush grows well in most areas of Plumstead Township,Bucks County Pa. Burning Bush, a non-native species from China and Korea, has escaped from the ornamental plantings into urban and rural areas. It travels by way of its seed. This plant is found in forests and brushy areas. This vase-shaped shrub has great red fall foliage, which glows for weeks in early to mid-autumn. Burning Bushes can be sheared into hedges or globes in landscape plantings. Hedges from burning bushes can be very dense giving good screening even in the winter. If left unpruned, the compact form of Burning Bush will grow to about 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and the winged form will grow to about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. In our area it propagates naturally in shaded areas. We obtain some of our stock from seedlings we gather from a small farm cemetery on our property. It even regrows after transplanting from the empty holes where roots are exposed. Burning Bush is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Fertile to sterile, organic to clay, acidic to alkaline, rocky to sandy this plant proves its strenght. It does not like wet soils, but does well in dry soils. Its small fiberous roots are near the surface and responds well to root pruning. Balling and burlapping this shrub does little damage for the plant can take abuse and recover quickly. If you have a brown thumb, then this plant is for you. You can see more of Bill's planting tips and articles at http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com

About the author: Bill has been raising and selling trees and plants on his 250 acres of nurseries in central Bucks County, right by Doylestown, PA, 25 miles north of Philadelphia since 1977.

Amongst his websites: http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

A Great Plant for Quakertown - the Burning Bush

2008-10-28T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: William James

A deciduous shrub from the Staff-Tree Family (Celastraceae)

The burning bush grows well in most areas of Bucks County in southeastern Pennyslavania.

Burning Bush is a non-native species from China and Korea that has escaped from the original ornamental plantings into other urban and rural areas. It travels by way of its seed. This plant is found in forests and brushy areas. This vase-shaped shrub has great red fall foliage, which glows for weeks in early to mid-autumn, hence, the name Burning Bush.

Burning Bushes can be sheared into hedges or globes in landscape plantings. Hedges from burning bushes can be very dense giving good screening even in the winter. If left unpruned, the compact form of Burning Bush will grow to about 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and the winged form will grow to about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide.

In our area it propagates naturally in shaded areas. We obtain some of our stock from seedlings we gather from a small farm cemetery on our property. It even regrows after transplanting from the empty holes where roots are exposed. Burning Bush is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Fertile to sterile, organic to clay, acidic to alkaline, rocky to sandy this plant proves its strenght. It does not like wet soils, but does well in dry soils. The small fiberous roots of the Burning Bush are near the surface and respond well to root pruning. ""Balling and burlapping"" this shrub does little damage, for the plant can take abuse and recover quickly. If you have a brown thumb, this plant is for you.

You can see more of Bill's planting tips and articles at http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com

About the author: William has been raising trees and plants on his 250 acre of farms in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, about 25 miles north of Philadelphia for the past 26 years. Two of his websites are http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

Plants We like for the Clay Soils of New Hope Pa.

2008-10-27T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Like our farm, Highland Hill Farm, New Hope Pa. is located in an eara with lots of clay. We therefore like plants that grow well in clay. Arborvitae, in particular the Green Giant is our favorite. Here is why. The hardiness zone for the Green Giant Arborvitae is from zones 5 to 8. Its evergreen with rapid growth rates that in ideal conditions can be up to 3 feet per year. Site requirements for the green giant is sun to partial shade, moist well drained soil but does well in clay, and needs protection from wind . Its texture is fine with its form conical being narrow to broadly pyramidal, reaching from 50 to 80' in height to 15 to 20 feet in width. The leaf is rich green graceful foliage. It keeps its foliage color in the winter. The Green Giants flowers/fruit are .5"" erect female cones. The Green Giant has strong wood, casts dense shade, and has cinnamon red bark when young. Arborvitae do not tolerate salt spray. These arborvitae should outlive even your children.

About the author: Bill Has been raising and selling trees for 45 years near Doylestown Pa. and has two web sites http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

The Only Meteorite Hunting Ranch New Mexico

2008-10-26T03:05:00.001-07:00

Author: B Hirst

You can see Bill's web site for unusual travellers at http://www.huntingrelics.com

Native Trees and Plants For Hatboro, PA

2008-10-25T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: William James

Native trees tolerant of wet soils are special group of trees. These trees are able to be in soils that retain water for sometimes weeks on end. I have compiled this list to help you find suitable trees for the north east. This is not a complete list but one of common EZ to plant nursery stock, but these plants should do well in most of Hatboro Pa. Area.

Red and silver maple (Acer rubrum, A. saccarinum)

River Birch Trees a tree for wet areas!!!! (Betula nigra) Catalpa spp.

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) Sycamores (Platanus spp.)

Native shrubs tolerant of wet soils: Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Sparkleberry holly A great berry producer!!!

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) Pussy willow (Salix discolor)

Willow Trees Trees for wet areas!!!!

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)

Spicebush my long time favorite!!

Black Chokeberry produces great berry crops for the birds!!

You can see more plant info at my web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com

About the author: Bill grew up near the Delaware river in PA and NJ, raising and selling trees and plants for 45 year already. His Doylestown, PA tree farm nurseries total 250 acres for 25 years.

His websites include: http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

911 more facts and questions

2008-10-24T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: J Shipper

The number 911 has been in the news quite frequently in the last couple of years.

Anastasius III became Pope from 911-913.

The Danes started the towv of Drogheda in Ireland.

9 11 also stands for the horrendous attack by terrorists on New York City and the Pentagon in which thousands of people were murdered.

Here are some pertinent questions that to this day still have not been answered:

Why did the FBI stop their investigation in Mid 1996 of two of Osama bin Laden's relatives in Washington and a Muslim organisation, the World Assembly of Muslim Youth?

Was it because they had orders from higher up to stop any investigations related to the Bin Laden Family?

Why did George W.Bush give the order to stop inquiries into the terrorist connections of the Bin Laden family based in the US and abroad in early 2001?

Why did none of the 19 hijackers appear on the passenger lists involved in the 4 hijjacked planes? Can you explain, why none of the indestructible Black Boxes have been found at any of the crash centers? When was the last time George H.W. Bush travelled to the Middle East on behalf of the privately owned Carlyle Group, one of the largest defense contractors in the U.S. and what was the purpose of that meeting? If we knew that there was a terrorist attack going on, which we did, and we suddenly have two trade towers in New York being obviously hit by terrorist activity, and we also knew of commercial airliners changing course from Boston to Los Angeles, then where was the response of the defense establishment once we saw the diversion of the aircraft headed west from Dulles turning around 180 degrees and, likewise, in the aircraft taking off from Newark and, in flight, turning 180 degrees?

Answer:

Commenting from CNN on the timeline, 9:03 is the correct time that the United Airlines flight crashed into the south tower of the World Trade Center; 9:43 is the time that American Airlines flight 77 crashed into the Pentagon. And 10:10 a.m. is the time that United Airlines flight 93 crashed in Somerset County, Pennsylvania.

Discrepancies between Joint Chiefs of Staff investigations and findings of the 9/11 commission:

There was a highly classified United States Special Operations Command program under the command of the U.S. Special Operations Command .It was created as a result of a directive from the Joint Chiefs' of Staff in early October 1999 by the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Hugh Shelton ,to develop an Information Operations Campaign Plan against transnational terrorism, ""specifically al-Qaida."" According to statements by Lt. Col. Anthony Shaffer and confirmed by four others, Able Danger had identified the September 11, 2001 attack leader Mohamed Atta , and three of the 9/11 plot's 19 hijackers, as possible members of an al Qaeda cell linked to the '93 World Trade Center Attacks.

The group used all information legally collected under the rule of law. Primarily consisting of classified information, all publicly obtained information was approved after a legal review of SOCOM lawyers. The early identification of the four hijackers by Able Danger appears to contradict the official conclusion of the 9/11 Commission,that American intelligence agencies had not identified Atta as a terrorist prior to the attack. This has resulted in a political controversy that has begun to damage the credibility of the bipartisan 9/11 Commission.

About the author: J Shipper is very interested in politics and the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on America.

More information can be found at http://www.911-faqs.info

Plants and Trees Native to Franconia Township, PA

2008-10-23T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: Bill Hirst

Red and silver maple (Acer rubrum, A. saccarinum)

River Birch Trees a tree for wet areas!!!! (Betula nigra) Catalpa spp.

Ash (Fraxinus spp.) Cottonwood (Populus deltoides) Swamp white oak (Quercus bicolor) Sycamores (Platanus spp.)

Native shrubs tolerant of wet soils: Red osier dogwood (Cornus sericea) Leatherwood (Dirca palustris) Winterberry (Ilex verticillata) Sparkleberry holly A great berry producer!!!

Inkberry (Ilex glabra) Pussy willow (Salix discolor)

Willow Trees Trees for wet areas!!!!

Shrubby cinquefoil (Potentilla fruticosa)

Spicebush my long time favorite!!

Black Chokeberry produces great berry crops for the birds!!

You can see more plant info at my web site http://www.seedlingsrus.com

About the author: Bill grew up in Pa and NJ and has been raising trees and plants on his Doylestown Pa. tree farm for over 25 years. His web sites include http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com

A Great Plant For Sellersville - the Burning Bush

2008-10-22T03:04:00.001-07:00

Author: William James

A deciduous shrub from the Staff-Tree Family (Celastraceae)

The burning bush grows well in most areas of Sellersville , Bucks County Pa. Burning Bush, a non-native species from China and Korea, has escaped from the ornamental plantings into urban and rural areas. It travels by way of its seed. This plant is found in forests and brushy areas. This vase-shaped shrub has great red fall foliage, which glows for weeks in early to mid-autumn. Burning Bushes can be sheared into hedges or globes in landscape plantings. Hedges from burning bushes can be very dense giving good screening even in the winter. If left unpruned, the compact form of Burning Bush will grow to about 12 feet tall and 15 feet wide, and the winged form will grow to about 15 feet tall and 20 feet wide. In our area it propagates naturally in shaded areas. We obtain some of our stock from seedlings we gather from a small farm cemetery on our property. It even regrows after transplanting from the empty holes where roots are exposed. Burning Bush is adaptable to a variety of soil conditions. Fertile to sterile, organic to clay, acidic to alkaline, rocky to sandy this plant proves its strenght. It does not like wet soils, but does well in dry soils. Its small fiberous roots are near the surface and responds well to root pruning. Balling and burlapping this shrub does little damage for the plant can take abuse and recover quickly. If you have a brown thumb, then this plant is for you. You can see more of Bill's planting tips and articles at http://www.seedlingsrus.com or http://www.zone5trees.com

About the author: Bill has been raising trees and plants on his 250 acres of farms in Doylestown Pa. 25 miles north of Philadelphia for the past 26 years. His web sites are http://www.seedlingsrus.com and http://www.zone5trees.com